Detection of Health Conditions in Elderly Patients with a Hip Fracture. Importance of Collaboration between Orthopedic and Geriatric Specialists

Purpose To assess the benefits of a Geriatric Consultant Team (GCT) to detect health conditions in elderly patients hospitalized for a hip fracture. Materials and methods This was a prospective controlled study that compared two groups: patients under the care of a GCT and those not under the care of a GCT. Results A total of 449 patients were studied; mean age 83 years; 80% women. The GCT detected more incidents in clinical records (5.4 compared to 3.3), and more previous geriatric syndromes (2 compared to 0.4). During hospitalization the GCT detected a higher rate of complications (2.1 compared to 0.4) and more geriatric syndromes (3.6 compared to 0.5). Significant differences were seen in the following conditions: anemia, malnutrition, constipation, delirium, osteoporosis, bedsores, dementia, sensory deficits and incontinence. Some of the data collected suggested that there might have been non-detected health conditions in the control group. Conclusions The GCT reviewed patients daily, which resulted in a more complete assessment and a reduction in the probability of under-diagnosing significant clinical conditions. More effective patient care is achieved when Geriatric and Orthopedic Specialists work together.