Hip fracture is a common serious injury that occurs mainly in older people. Overall, one-year mortality after hip fracture is high, at around 30%, though only one-third of that is directly attributable to the fracture. For health service and social work professionals, hip fracture is uniquely challenging. Firstly, because it occurs in older people and is commonest in those with previous frailty and dependency, and with pre-existing medical problems.
Secondly, because of an accidental fall, most commonly at home, marks the beginning of a complex journey of care. The aim of this guideline is to ensure that older people with a hip fracture receive optimal management. Pre-hospital management: Transfer to the hospital from the site of the injury should be undertaken as quickly as possible. If necessary, pain relief should be given as quickly as possible using intravenous opiate analgesia,…
