https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2026.15786
35 | Impact of gender on early medical complications and mortality after hip fracture in elderly patients
G. Grillini1, L. Luppi2, A. Breschi2, V. Rochira2, M. Bertolotti2, C. Mussi2, E. Martini2 | 1Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio-Emilia; 2Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio-Emilia, Modena.
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Published: 11 June 2026
Introduction. Hip fractures are associated with high morbidity and mortality in older adults. While gender disparities are suggested in the literature, specific differences in early medical complications and mortality remain a subject of investigation.
Objectives. To analyze gender impact on comorbidities, complications, and 3-month mortality in orthogeriatric patients.
Materials and Methods. Observational study on 382 consecutive patients (mean age 84.7 ± 7.8 years; 75.4% women) admitted to the Orthogeriatric Unit of Baggiovara Civil Hospital between January 1st and December 30th, 2024. All patients underwent a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Clinical, biochemical, and functional variables were analyzed. Multivariate analysis (logistic regression) was performed to identify predictors of 3-month mortality.
Results. Men had a significantly higher comorbidity burden (CIRS-com: 4.35 vs 3.72; p=0.002). Women showed poorer nutritional status (MNA: 9.2 vs 10.3; p=0.001). Surprisingly, no significant gender differences were observed in terms of sarcopenia (SARC-F: 4.92 vs 5.31; p=0.223). During hospitalization, men experienced significantly higher rates of delirium (43.5% vs 27.0%; p=0.003), perioperative infections (44% vs 31.6%; p=0.031), and thromboembolic events (DVT 4.3% vs 0.4%; p=0.004). Three-month mortality was significantly higher in men (11.4% vs 2.2%; p=0.029). In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, frailty, delirium, and comorbidities, male sex emerged as the best independent predictor of 3-month mortality (OR 5.27; p=0.083).
Conclusions. Male sex is associated with a five-fold increased risk of medium-term mortality and higher post-operative complications, highlighting the need for early prevention and intensive follow-up in this population.
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