Virtual Trauma Meetings at the Grand Academy of Lagado - 89 Year Old Female, Extracapsular Hip Fracture

Description

In this virtual trauma meeting led by Sally Rankin, discussions focus on the case of an 89-year-old woman who experienced a left neck of femur fracture after a fall at home. Jonathan French details the patient's background, highlighting her early-stage Alzheimer's dementia, hypertension, and independence despite a history of multiple falls. The patient's clinical observations are stable, and her ECG shows normal sinus rhythm. The meeting delves into the complexities of her case, particularly the implications of her unexplained fall and the importance of involving ortho-geriatricians in her care.



Further examinations reveal her hemoglobin levels are stable, indicating no anemia, as discussed with Henry Burnard. The conversation shifts towards mental assessments, establishing her cognitive function through an abbreviated mental test score (AMTS), which is critical in distinguishing between established dementia and potential postoperative delirium. The meeting transitions into a detailed anatomical discussion regarding the different types of hip fractures, specifically focusing on extra capsular and intra capsular fractures, and the significance of preserving blood supply to the femoral head.



The practitioners emphasize the surgical approaches available for treating her fracture, debating between fixing it with an intramedullary nail or a sliding hip screw. A comparison of their benefits and mechanical advantages leads to an understanding that fixing the fracture is the primary goal. The session concludes with an open invitation for further questions and suggestions regarding additional programs, reinforcing the commitment to education and collaborative learning.

Specialties