AB077. SOH23ABS_081. Rates of readmission following surgical repair of hip fractures in University Hospital Limerick

Background: This audit aimed to examine the readmission rates of patients presenting with an acute hip fracture in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) in 2021.

Methods: All patients who presented with a hip fracture to UHL between 1/1/2021 and 31/12/2021 were identified on the patient database maintained by orthopaedic staff. Patients who were re-admitted within 3 months of discharge were identified on the imaging software, National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS). The charts of these patients were examined to determine the reason for readmission. This data was collated and subsequently analysed.

Results: A total of 325 patients with acute hip fractures underwent total hip replacement in UHL (229 female, 96 male) in 2021. A total of 26 patients (8%) were readmitted within 3 months of discharge. The reasons for admission are summarised as follows: lower limb swelling deep vein thrombosis [DVT: n=1, query deep vein thrombosis, subsequently ruled out (DVT-ve): n=4]; readmission under oncology (n=3); coronavirus disease (COVID) (n=2); acute confusion no cause identified (n=2); cholecystitis (n=1); abdominal sepsis (n=1); abdominal abscess (n=1); faecal impaction (n=1); pulmonary embolism (n=1); emphysema (n=1); pneumonia (n=1); metal implant failure (n=1); contralateral hip fracture (n=1); carotid artery occlusion (n=1); worsening of hypertension (HTN) (n=1); and urinary tract infection (UTI) (n=1).

Conclusions: The readmission rate at 3 months for patients following hip replacement surgery in UHL was 8% (26/325). The majority of patients were admitted for isolated medical or surgical causes.

Keywords: Hip fracture; total hip replacement; readmission; complications; orthopaedics