Weight bearing orders after hip fracture surgery: A quality assurance project

SummaryHip fractures are common injuries that occur primarily in the elderly. For many, it means a loss of their prior level of mobility, or the permanent loss of the ability to live independently. The mortality rate is high; approximately 30% at one year [SIGN: Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, 2002. Prevention and Management of Hip Fracture in Older People: A National Clinical Guideline. SIGN Executive: Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh]. Although many aspects of care for the hip fracture patient is evidence based, there is still uncertainty regarding weight bearing status after surgical fixation. This paper outlines a quality assurance project that was conducted in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to review local practice regarding weight bearing orders after hip fracture fixation, primarily with the use of screws or nails, and compare that to what is suggested in the literature.