Abstract
Globally, hip fractures represent a significant and growing public health concern, particularly as the elderly population increases. The timing for surgery following hospitalization for hip fractures is a crucial indicator of acute quality care following recommended surgical guidelines of within two days to minimize complications and mortality. However, factors influencing delayed surgery and its outcomes remain debated. This study, used a national administrative database in South Korea, aimed to examine surgery performed within two days of hospitalization and investigate factors affecting delayed surgical interventions and associated outcomes. Of the hip fracture patients analyzed, 40.6% underwent surgery within two days of hospitalization. Factors associated with delayed surgery included: male patients (OR 1.190; 95% CI 1.022 ~ 1.385), medical aid beneficiary (OR 1.385; 95% CI 1.120 ~ 1.713), higher comorbidity index (OR 1.365; 95% CI 1.163 ~ 1.603, OR 1.612, 95% CI 1.327 ~ 1.958), weekends admission (OR 2.384; 95% CI 2.804 ~ 2.729), admission via outpatient department (OR 1.298, 95% CI 1.071 ~ 1.574). ORIF (OR 0.823, 95% CI 0.691 ~ 0.980) was associated with a significantly low risk of late surgery. While early surgery did not significantly impact in-hospital mortality or complications, it was associated with short and postoperative lengths of stay. This study underscores the need for prompt surgical intervention, particularly in high-risk patient populations, as well as highlights the importance of further research to elucidate the relationship between the timing of surgery and postoperative outcomes.