IMPACT OF AGE ON EARLY MORTALITY AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES AFTER EMERGENCY HIP ARTHROPLASTY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Introduction: The increasing elderly population has led to a rising number of emergency hip fractures requiring surgical treatment. Evidence regarding early mortality and intensive care outcomes across different elderly age groups remains limited. This study aimed to assess the effect of age on early clinical outcomes in elderly patients undergoing emergency hip arthroplasty. Materials and Method: This retrospective observational cohort study included 599 patients aged 65–95 years who underwent emergency hip arthroplasty between January 1, 2021, and May 15, 2025. Patients were categorized into three age groups: 65–74 years, 75–84 years, and 85–95 years. Demographic data, comorbidities, perioperative variables, laboratory and arterial blood gas parameters, mortality outcomes, and lengths of hospital and intensive care unit stay were analyzed and compared between groups. Results: In-hospital and intensive care unit mortality increased significantly from the 65–74 to the 75–84 age group, with no further increase observed in patients aged 85–95 years. Postoperative intensive care unit admission rates increased with age. Hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay were similar across age groups. Admission laboratory and arterial blood gas parameters were comparable, except for serum albumin levels, which declined significantly with age. Conclusion: Although age was associated with increased early mortality and higher intensive care unit admission rates, very advanced age was not linked to additional increases in early mortality. Keywords: Hip Fractures; Arthroplasty; Aged; Mortality; Intensive Care Units.