Hip Fracture - Quality Statement 4: Surgery for Stable Intertrochanteric Fractures

Resources Quality Statements Advisory Committee About

Surgery for Stable Intertrochanteric Fractures

Patients diagnosed with a stable intertrochanteric fracture are treated surgically with sliding hip screws.

Background

Stable fractures of the upper femur can be repaired with either a sliding hip screw or intramedullary nail. The two implants are similarly effective, but sliding hip screws are less expensive than intramedullary nails and are associated with reduced blood loss during surgery.

What This Quality Statement Means

For Patients

Your surgeon should explain which type of surgery is most appropriate for your type of hip fracture.

For Clinicians

If your patient has a stable intertrochanteric fracture, use a sliding hip screw whenever possible.

For Health Services

Ensure that surgeons have access to all resources necessary to perform appropriately selected procedures.

Quality Indicators

Process Indicator

Percentage of patients diagnosed with a stable intertrochanteric hip fracture who receive sliding hip screws during surgical intervention

Denominator: total number of adults diagnosed with a stable intertrochanteric hip fracture who undergo surgery
Numerator: number of people in the denominator who receive sliding hip screws
Data sources: Discharge Abstract Database, local data collection

Evidence to Improve Care