Association between primary language and perioperative outcomes for geriatric hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to assess whether language affects patient time to surgery following hip fractures.

METHODS

Patients >55 years who underwent operative hip fracture repair between 2014 and 2021 were reviewed for demographics, language, hospital quality measures, and outcomes. Patients were split into English (E) or non-English (NE) cohorts based on their primary language.

RESULTS

A total of 1880 patients (1477 E, 403 NE) were included. The E cohort was younger, had lower body mass index, and lower American Society of Anesthesiology Score (P < .01). The E cohort had more White patients (P < .01), whereas the NE cohort had more Hispanic, Asian, and patients with unknown backgrounds (P < .01 for all). At baseline, the E cohort patients were more likely to be community ambulators (P < .01). There were no differences in time to surgery or length of stay (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Despite poorer baseline medical conditions, NE speaking patients received similar care to English speakers highlighting the importance of an effective standardized protocol with readily available translation services.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective cohort study.