Abstract
Background
Distal femoral fractures are 10 times less common than hip fractures. 12-month mortality has been reported as 25–30% but there is no longer-term data. In Northumbria hip fractures have a 5-year mortality of 68%.
Objectives
To analyse 5-year mortality in distal femur fractures in the Northumbrian NHS trust, and identify risk factors for mortality. To compare the results to literature standards and Northumbrian hip fracture data.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included patients admitted with distal femur fractures (AO type 3.3), including periprosthetic fractures, between 01/01/05 and 31/12/07. Patient information, which included age, gender, co-morbidities and date of death, was collected through hospital coding and analysis of notes. Co-morbidity data was only available for 53 patients. Mortality rates were calculated, and stratified according to age, gender and co-morbidities. The results were analysed using backwards-multivariate linear regression to determine the significance.
Results
83 patients (74 female) were identified and the population had a mean age of 80 years (range 60–102). The overall 5-year mortality was 72%. Mortality increased with age and being female may be a risk factor. Dementia and COPD were the only statistically significant predictors of mortality.
Conclusions
This study shows a 5-year mortality of 72% in patients over 60 with distal femur fractures. 1-year mortality rates (20%) are lower than the defined literature standards, showing the trust is performing well. 5-year mortality was higher than that of hip fractures in Northumbria, highlighting the vulnerability of this patient group.
