Evaluation of Common Fractures of the Hip in the Elderly

Hip fractures in the geriatric population are a common injury encountered in the emergency department. The recommendations for preoperative medical workup and management of these patients have recently been evaluated. Although medical therapies have been designed in an attempt to decrease the rate of these fractures, attempts to medically manage osteoporosis has created a new “atypical” fracture pattern that must be recognized and managed appropriately. The current recommendations for preoperative medical evaluation and management of patients with hip fractures will be reviewed. In addition, the epidemic of new fractures created by long-term bisphosphonate use will be described, and the current recommendations for the management of these fractures detailed.