Retrospective characterization of geriatric patients with fractures below the hip, and comparison of this patient population with geriatric hip fracture patients [abstract]

Abstract

Hip fractures are commonly responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. Many studies have discussed the management and outcomes of geriatric hip fracture patients. However, little attention has been given to the management of elderly patients with lower extremity fractures below the subtrochanteric region of the femur. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively characterize the population of geriatric-below-the-hip fracture patients and to compare this patient population to the geriatric hip fracture population at the University Hospital over the same period of time. The data collected on 142 patients included patient demographics, pre-fracture residential status, injury characteristics, hospitalization characteristics, discharge status and outcomes. Broad descriptive based statistical measures were used to assess the data and etect significance. Statistical analysis of this study's data is pending.