Comorbidities, Preoperative Preparation Duration and Treatment Outcomes in Hip Fracture Patients

Introduction. Hip fractures in the elderly pose a major public health challenge, particularly due to the frequent presence of comorbidities which can pro- long the preoperative preparation and increase intra- operative and postoperative risks.Aim. This study aimed to assess whether the comorbidity burden changes preoperative preparation duration and evaluate its mediating effect through additional diagnostic tests and anesthesiological risk assessment.Methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 71 patients with hip fractures admitted to the University Hospital Sveti Duh over one year. Demographic data, ASA classification, comorbidity types, and the number of additional diagnostic procedures were analysed. Statistical methods included the Mann-Whitney U test, multiple linear regression, and Sobel’s test to evaluate mediation effects.Results. Urological, neurological, and endocrine comorbidities significantly prolonged preoperative preparation (p<0.05). The number of additional diagnostic tests was the strongest predictor of preparation duration (p<0.001) and mediated the relation- ship between comorbidity burden and preoperative delay. Higher ASA classification scores were linked to longer preoperative preparation times and more required tests.Conclusion. Comorbidities in hip fracture patients have prolonged the preoperative planning, with specific conditions leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased diagnostic demands. Optimising chronic disease management before trauma occurrence may help reduce preoperative delays and improve surgical outcomes.