Management of Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are a frequent cause of acute hospitalization in the elderly population. As the population continues to age, the incidence is expected to increase. Because many hip fracture patients suffer from multiple medical comorbidities, hospitalists increasingly play a critical role in their care. Management of hip fracture patients requires knowledge of multiple consultative medicine topics, including preoperative cardiac and pulmonary risk stratification and reduction strategies, venous thromboembolism prevention, and diagnosis and management of common postoperative complications. Open lines of communication between the hospitalist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist are also essential to optimize patient care.

To provide hospitalists with best practices to optimally manage hip fracture patients in the perioperative period.

This activity is designed for hospitalists. No prerequisites required.

After completing the module, the participant should be able to:

1. Summarize the epidemiology of hip fractures and the role of the hospitalist.
2. Elucidate the optimal timing for surgical repair of a hip fracture to improve patient outcomes.
3. Perform an appropriate, evidence-based preoperative medical evaluation for patients undergoing hip fracture repair.
4. Recognize the importance and reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism in hip fracture patients.
5. Appreciate common postoperative medical complications associated with hip fracture surgery and apply risk reduction strategies.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

Accreditation Statement: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide CME for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Release date: December 1, 2008. Expiration date: December 1, 2012.

Estimated time to complete activity: 2 hours

Full Disclosure Policy Affecting CME Activities: As a provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), it is the policy of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to require the disclosure of the existence of any relevant financial interest or any other relationship a faculty member or a sponsor has with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in an educational presentation. The presenting faculty reported the following:

^*Clinical Instructor, Director, Preoperative Clinic and General Medicine Consult Service, Division of General Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Conflict of Interest: Dr Grant reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

Off-Label Product Discussion: All faculty have indicated that they have not referenced unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices.

Disclaimer: The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty and other experts whose input is included in this program are their own. This enduring material is produced for educational purposes only. Use of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine name implies review of educational format design and approach. Please review the complete prescribing information of specific drugs or combination of drugs, including indications, contraindications, warnings and adverse effects before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.

Address correspondence to: Paul J. Grant, MD, Clinical Instructor, Director, Preoperative Clinic and General Medicine Consult Service, Division of General Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, 3119 Taubman Center, Box 5376, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. E-mail: paulgran@med.umich.edu.

Click here to download the references for this educational activity.

The following is an interactive educational module designed to help you gauge your basic knowledge of the topic and then direct you to areas you may need to focus on. It consists of 3 sections: an unaccredited pre-test, a study activity, and a CME post-test. All 3 sections must be completed to receive CME credit.

Supported by an educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.