ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Sep 2020
Time to surgery and transfer-associated mortality for hip fractures in Western Australia.
Transfer time for patients with fractured hips is a significant problem in Australia. Current guidelines support operative management of hip fractures within 48 h with delays to surgery resulting in worse outcomes. The aim of study is to evaluate transfer times and delays and their effect on outcomes. ⋯ Increased time to surgery was associated with increased mortality rates. Transfer delays from a peripheral hospital had a significant bearing on time to surgery. Transfer, regardless of time to surgery, is associated with increased mortality. Early transfer to a referral hospital or bypass of the peripheral hospital is recommended.