Evaluation of 238 consecutive patients with the extended data set of the Standardised Audit for Hip Fractures in Europe (SAHFE)

PURPOSE

The aim of this paper is to introduce the extended data set inquiries of the Standardised Audit of Hip Fractures in Europe (SAHFE) and to report our experiences of its use.

METHOD

The extended SAHFE data set was applied to 238 consecutive patients (mean age 78.4 (50 - 102) years, 52 males, 186 females) aged over 50 years with non-pathological fractures of the hip. The extended data set contains 95 questions concerning the patient's abilities prior fall and at follow-up, detailed background factors, concomitant diseases, additional details of the injury, treatment, fracture type and reduction and complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine percent of the fractures occurred at home and 38% in a hospital. Thirteen percent of the cervical fractures were non-displaced (Garden 1 & 2) and half of the trochanteric fractures intertrochanteric two-part fractures (A11 - A13). The mean Garden alignment index evaluated from antero-posterior roentgenograms changed from the preoperative 144 degrees to the postoperative 168 degrees and that from lateral projections from 144 degrees to 171 degrees , respectively. Most of the patients (89%) had associated diseases, especially cardiovascular conditions. The patients' functioning was significantly impaired at four months compared with the preoperative situation according to the ADL score. The need for social support and assistance had increased, respectively. A total of 63% of the surgeries were delayed for more than 24 hours. Low molecular weight heparin was given to every patient for thromboembolic prophylaxis and 92% received antibiotic prophylaxis. Urinary tract (21%) and chest infections (7%) were the most common complications. The deep infection rate was 2.5%.

CONCLUSION

The extended SAHFE data set is useful and makes it possible to study in more detail the background and outcome factors of hip fractures in a standardized manner.