Impact of concomitant upper-extremity injuries in patients with hip fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Combined hip and upper-extremity fractures raise clinical concerns because upper-extremity fractures may hinder early mobilization, thereby affecting rehabilitation and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of combined upper-extremity and hip fractures on rehabilitation and mortality.

Materials and methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published before March 20, 2022, that evaluated the impact of concomitant upper-extremity injuries in geriatric patients with hip fractures. The pooled analysis identified differences in the (1) length of hospital stay, (2) discharge destination, and (3) mortality rates between the isolated and combined hip fracture groups.

Results: A total of 217,233 patients with isolated hip fractures (n = 203,816) and combined hip and upper-extremity fractures (n = 13,417) from 12 studies were analyzed. The average length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the combined upper-extremity fracture group than in the isolated hip fracture group (mean difference = 1.67 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-2.70; P = 0.002). Patients in the combined upper limb fracture group were less likely to be discharged directly home (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64; 95% CI 0.52-0.80; P < 0.001) and showed significantly higher 30-day mortality (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.32-1.58; P < 0.001). The mortality rate after 30 days was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions: Concomitant upper-extremity fractures have debilitating effects on rehabilitation and early mortality in geriatric patients with hip fractures. Therefore, more focus should be placed on the early ambulation of patients with hip fractures and simultaneous upper limb fractures to promote rehabilitation and alleviate the public health burden.

Level of evidence: III meta-analysis.

Keywords: Concomitant fracture; Hip; Mortality; Rehabilitation; Upper extremity.