2023, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B

Introduction: Hip fracture represents around 1/4 of the geriatric fractures. Over 90% of hip and femur fracture patients are older than 65 years and have pre-existing medical co-morbidities. Postoperative Delirium (POD) is one of the common complications in elders (incidence 5.1%-52.5%) affecting quality of life and may prolong hospital stay. Oh YK et al investigated incidence and risk factors for POD in geriatric patients and assessed delirium using Confusion Assessment Method and Mini Mental State examination.

Methods: This was a prospective study design; to evaluate preoperative and intra-operative risk factors for delirium in 145 elder patients (age > 60yrs) following elective hip/femur surgery in tertiary care hospital, primarily focusing on incidence of POD and investigated independent association of risk factors with POD. Confusion Assessment Method was used for assessing POD.

Results: The incidence of POD due to preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative risk factors was 26, 25.28 and 48.5 respectively.

Conclusion: The incidence of delirium increases post operatively, the incidence being 40 in our study. Age > 70years, abnormal serum sodium and potassium and diabetes mellitus were found as preoperative risk factors; general anesthesia and increased duration of surgery for intra-operative risk factors; VAS score >6 and analgesic usage for postoperative risk factors for development of POD. We suggest that Confusion Assessment Method can be used for assessing POD in elder patients pre and postoperatively.