Mortality and complications after hip fracture in elderly patients comparing general and regional anesthesia in a nationwide study

Among 96,289 elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery, regional anaesthesia (RA) was associated with lower 30-day mortality compared to general anaesthesia (GA).

• Postoperative mortality rates were 2.24% for RA and 2.55% for GA, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0047).
• The incidence of postoperative delirium requiring medication was 20.27% in the RA group compared to 22.77% in the GA group (p<0.0001).
• Patients receiving RA had a lower rate of intensive care unit admissions (22.1% vs 31.47%, p<0.0001).
• Ventilator care was required for 1.73% of patients in the RA group versus 4.72% in the GA group, also showing a significant difference (p<0.0001).

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