Anatomical Evaluation of Proximal Femur Fractures in Trauma Patients Aged 65 or Older Admitted to the Emergency Department

Abstract

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to assess the association between classification systems for proximal femur fractures and mid-term mortality in elderly patients, focusing on their clinical and anatomical aspects. Materials and methods: Radiological images of patients aged 65 years and older who underwent surgical procedures for proximal femur fractures were reviewed. Various classification systems were applied, including Anatomical, Pipkin, Garden, Evans-Jensen, Seinsheimer, and AO/OTA classifications. Electronic hospital records provided patient data, and statistical analyses were performed. Results: The study included 298 patients, and the mean age was 81.7±7.3 years, and 63,1% were female. Median length of stay in hospital 7(1-63) days, 19.1% requiring intensive care, and a 13.8% mortality rate within 3 months. Patients were distributed based on anatomical classification, and the distribution of intracapsular and extracapsular fractures according to clinical classifications was detailed. The findings suggest that proximal femur fracture classification systems do not significantly influence mortality rates (p=0.787). Conclusion: Anatomical classification systems may be favored for their simplicity and potential to establish a common language among healthcare professionals. This study provides valuable insights into proximal femur fractures in elderly patients, informing clinical practice.