Factors influencing period from surgery to discharge in patients with femoral trochanteric fractures

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing the period from surgery to discharge in patients with femoral trochanteric fractures. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty patients with femoral trochanteric fractures were investigated retrospectively. Based on the mean period from surgery to discharge (85.6 ± 26.6 days), the patients were divided into two groups: an under-85-day group (range, 29–78 days) and an over-85-day group (87–128 days). Age, gender, fracture type, presence of lesser trochanteric displacement, discharge destination, and walking ability were investigated. The relationship between these factors and the period from surgery to discharge was analyzed with logistic regression analysis. [Results] Age and lesser trochanteric displacement were significantly higher in the over-85-day group, and walking ability before fracture and at discharge were significantly lower in the over-85-day group. Logistic regression analysis showed that lesser trochanteric displacement and age were predictors of the length from surgery to discharge. Lesser trochanteric displacement were observed in 87.5% of these. Immediate displacement after surgery occurred in 57.8% of lesser trochanteric fractures, while 26.3% displaced 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. [Conclusion] This study revealed that lesser trochanteric displacement, higher age, and lower walking ability before fracture and at discharge were associated with longer hospitalizations in patients with femoral trochanteric fractures. Lesser trochanteric displacement were observed in 87.5% of lesser trochanteric fractures. These displacements occurred within 3 weeks after surgery in 84.1% of cases.