2002, Number 6
Institutional costs and difficulties in the attention of patients with osteoporosis fractures
Cruz GI, Cisneros DF, Salazar PR, Tejeida LA
Full text
Language: Spanish
References: 8
Page: 292-295
PDF size: 41.88 Kb.
ABSTRACT
One hundred and ten women with more than 50 years were evaluated which presented one or more recent fractures in bones with osteoporosis. The bony quality was evaluated by the radiographic appearance and direct observation during surgery. The lesion mechanisms were studied being most of them of low energy and in more than 50% inside the house. In the antecedents they refer 42 previous fractures in 32 patients (27%). The most affected region was the hip with 57 fractures of the 129 fractures suffered by the 110 patients, followed by the forearm, hand and knee, with 13 cases each one. The handling of the fractures was surgical in 92% of the hips with an average hospitalization of 9 days (4 to 40), with an average cost calculated in $31,500.00 Mexican pesos ($3,333.00 USD). Of the forearm fractures and hand 20% were managed by manipulation and 80% with surgical treatment, at an average cost of $19,500.00 Mexican pesos; the fractures of the knee required surgical treatment in all 13 cases, with an average cost of hospitalization of $39,500.00 Mexican pesos ($4,180.00 USD). Although the number of cases with lesions of high energy was low (7 cases) the presence of multiple lesions in elderly patients and with osteoporosis limits the possibilities of success, in spite of having material and human resources. It should be noticed that we did not have an individualized cost of the implants placed in the fractures, not being able to settle down considerations in this respect. The presence of previous fractures should be considered a factor of risk by the bony vulnerability.REFERENCES