Six-month Mortality and Functional Outcomes after Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Introduction: Elderly adults who sustain a neck of the femur fracture suffer from a disabling and sometimes deadly injury that impairs function and has a high morbidity and mortality rate; they are expected to have a shorter life expectancy. The total mortality rate of 1 year following a fracture ranges from 14% to 36%. The impact of predicted risk variables and concomitant conditions on mortality rates among older individuals with hip fractures is still up for debate. This study evaluates 6-month mortality and functional outcomes following hemiarthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Ours is a prospective cohort analysis undertaken at our hospital from June 2021 to December 2022 over 18 months. Baseline demographics, surgical details, complications, and Harris Hip Scores (HHSs) were analyzed. Mortality and functional outcomes were assessed via clinical reviews and telephone follow-ups. Results: Out of 58 patients, 38 (65.5%) were females with a mean age of 72.3 ± 17.68 years, ranging from 60 to 100 years. Slip and fall from a standing height was the cause of injury in more than 90% of the patients. Dislocation and superficial infection were observed in 4 (7%) and 3 (5%) cases, respectively. The mortality rate is 19% (11/58) (95% confidence interval: 10.3–31.1%) at 6 months. The 6-month mortality rate was 19% (11/58). Female sex ( P = 0.001), comorbidities ( P = 0.006), cemented fixation ( P = 0.001), and postoperative complications ( P = 0.030) significantly predicted mortality. Age, surgical delays, and hospital stay were nonsignificant. Functional outcomes were poor in 51.7% (mean HHS: 72.4 ± 11.3). Conclusion: For elderly individuals, a hip fracture is associated with significant mortality and functional decline. Preventive strategies, timely surgery, multidisciplinary perioperative care, and optimization of modifiable risk factors are essential to improve outcomes. Following hip fractures, older patients require a thorough evaluation of the avoidable risk factors linked to mortality. The therapy of these patients should incorporate a multidisciplinary approach within the quality assurance procedure.