Clinical Review of Hip Fracture in Elderly Patient with Multiple Comorbidities
Overview
This case study documents the clinical presentation and assessment of a 78-year-old female patient admitted to the emergency department with a suspected hip fracture following a fall. The paper examines the patient's medical history, physical examination findings, and discusses potential complications associated with hip fractures in elderly patients with comorbidities.
What this case study covers
- Patient presentation and chief complaint of hip pain with inability to bear weight
- Medical history documenting hypertension, COPD, aortic stenosis, osteoporosis, and hyperlipidemia
- Physical examination findings including positive log roll test and assessment of neurovascular status
- Discussion of fracture complications and care plan considerations for elderly patients
Preview
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Patient: A 78-year-old woman who is admitted into the emergency department after slipping in her driveway.
Chief Complaint: The patient's main complaint is a pain in the right hip and inability for her to bear weight.
Medical History: Before she slipped on the driveway, she had never experienced any form of hip pain. She has been living with her daughter throughout and has never experienced any form of hip pain. She is reported to suffer from hypertension, COPD, aortic stenosis, osteoporosis, and hyperlipidemia.
Current Medication: She is currently on a low dose of aspirin, Advair, metoprolol, and pravastatin. Other medications the patient is taking are Advil, Vitamin D and calcium supplements, and daily stool softeners.
Physical Examination: The physical examination of the patient revealed a positive log roll test, and the patient experiences pain with 10/10 with range motion. Her right leg is flexed and shortened. The skin in the hip and thigh is intact, and the knee and ankle intact with a pain-free range of motion. The leg also has pleasant sensation and neurovascular entire, capillary refill, and pulses in the foot. The fractured history of the patient includes pelvic, ankle, and patella fractures in different incidents.
Discussion: Numerous complications are associated with fractures. They can lead to excessive internal bleeding as well as compromise the soft tissue. Other complications that may arise from the diagnosis are neurovascular injury, vascular damage, and permanent loss of mobility because of the patient's age.