A pre-hospital team is called to a 75-year-old male who has had a mechanical fall at home. He has bilateral hip pain and is unable to stand. Both legs...

Question

A pre-hospital team is called to a 75-year-old male who has had a mechanical fall at home. He has bilateral hip pain and is unable to stand. Both legs appear shortened and externally rotated. His blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg and heart rate is 105 bpm. He is alert. What specific management concern applies to bilateral neck of femur fractures?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral femoral fractures represent a significant blood loss (up to 1500 mL per fracture, total 3000 mL) - the patient is likely in Class II-III haemorrhagic shock from occult blood loss into the thigh compartments

Answer

Only one hip fracture requires IV access

Answer

The patient should walk with assistance to the ambulance

Answer

Blood transfusion is never needed for hip fractures

Answer

Bilateral hip fractures are benign injuries with minimal blood loss

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Bilateral Hip Fracture Blood Loss