Trends and Complications of Hip Fracture Fixation Among Early Career Orthopaedic Surgeons: An Analysis of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II Oral Examination Database

Abstract

Background: Hip fractures are a major public health concern with a high mortality rate. Numerous risk factors for hip fracture have been identified, and efforts made to reduce complications and improve outcomes. This study aimed to assess recent trends in postoperative complications amongst early-career orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed surgical cases submitted to the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) for the Part II Oral Examination from 2013 to 2022. The database includes patient demographics and medical and surgical complications. Current Procedural Terminology codes reflecting operative fixation for hip fracture were selected. Data was split into two cohorts: 2013-2016 and 2017-2020. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant differences between cohorts. Results: 49,418 cases were analyzed. Compared to 2013-2016, 2017-2020 had a reduction in the overall medical complication rate (−1.49%, P = 0.0005), saw slight increases in congestive heart failure (+0.18%, P = 0.049), renal failure (+0.37%, P = 0.004), hypotension (+0.41%, P = 0.0007), and hypoxia (+0.41%, P = 0.0016). Minor decreases in myocardial infarction (−0.18%, P = 0.047) and pneumonia (−0.34%, P = 0.021) were noted. No differences occurred in confusion/delirium, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and mortality. There were no significant differences in overall surgical complications. The 90-day readmission rate increased with time (+1.17%, P < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression identified a decrease in the likelihood of overall medical complications (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.92 [0.89, 0.96]; P < 0.0001). Decreases were noted for the likelihood of myocardial infarction (OR: 0.81 [0.68, 0.98]; P = 0.031), pneumonia (OR: 0.87 [0.78, 0.97]; P = 0.013), fracture (OR: 0.80 [0.69, 0.92]; P = 0.002), and recurrent/persistent/uncontrolled pain (OR: 0.72 [0.56, 0.92]; P = 0.008). The likelihood of renal failure (OR: 1.18 [1.04, 1.34]; P = 0.009) and readmission increased (OR: 1.14 [1.07, 1.20]; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study found little change in postoperative complication patterns over the past decade. These findings suggest that more efforts are needed to improve hip fracture care and outcomes.