Predictability of Surgical Apgar Score for postoperative outcomes in hip fractures: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the utility and validation of the Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) in predicting postoperative complications of hip fractures. Methods: This prospective observational study included patients who received operations for hip fractures from 1st March 2017 to 30th June 2018 at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College. Patients were followed at the outpatient department, and complications and mortality were recorded through phone calls. The predictability of SAS for postoperative complications was assessed. Results: SAS≤4 was found as a significant predictor for postoperative pulmonary (P=0.008) and cardiac complications (P=0.042) as well as blood transfusion required to optimize postoperative hemoglobin (P=0.03) in the patients with hip fractures. Conclusions: SAS provides reliable feedback information about patients' postoperative risk during the surgery. Hip fracture patients with scores≤4 should be monitored for major complications both during the hospital admission and after the discharge.

Keywords

• hip fractures; surgical apgar score; postoperative outcomes