Covid-19, and Hip Fracture Mortality Rates in the Elderly at One Year: Impact and Implications

Both the presence of the corona virus (COVID-19), plus the widespread prevalence of hip fractures, are immense current major health concerns in most aging nations. This review examines whether there is any tangible impact on survival rates among older adults admitted to hospital in the past year (January 1, 2020-March 1, 2021) in the midst of the persistent COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically explores if more dedicated and focused preventive efforts are warranted in this regard, if indeed, a third wave of this infectious disease is on the horizon, and vaccines may not prove 100 percent effective, as is predicted by some. To address these questions, this present review examines pertinent literature sources published in the peer reviewed English language between January 1 2020 and March 1, 2021 concerning hip fractures relative to COVID-19 regardless of report type. The aim was to identify if specific interventions to offset the risk of incurring both COVID-19, as well as hip fractures are warranted at this time of widespread lock downs and service closures or delays. In particular, support for an enhanced focus on preventing both COVID-19 infections as well as hip fracture injuries was examined. Based on available data located in PUBMED and other electronic data bases, we conclude older adults who sustain a hip fracture, especially the modest percentage testing positive for COVID-19 are potentially at a higher risk for premature mortality than comparable cases with no infection. To avert any preventable excess suffering along with the immense social costs experienced by the both the affected individual, as well as society, heightened efforts to minimize COVID-19 infection risk, along with standard falls prevention approaches appear imperative especially among isolated older adults suffering from osteoporosis, poor nutrition, pain, cognitive challenges, and muscle weakness.

Keywords: COVID-19, falls, frailty, infection, hip fractures, intervention, morbidity, mortality, older adults, prevention, surgery.