The importance of frailty in orthopaedics: definition, standardization, complications and guidance

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide frailty education that is relevant to the orthopaedic surgeon. An ageing population has led to an increase in the number of orthopaedic operations in patients living with frailty. Accumulating evidence suggests that a patient's outcome is better estimated by measuring their frailty score rather than their chronological age. If a patient lives with frailty, they are much more susceptible to complications and mortality. This article will explain how to identify frailty, what complications are associated with frailty and when, and what, interventions can be used to help reduce complications. It will also educate on current British Orthopaedic Association and Centre for Perioperative Guidelines for patients living with frailty, for both trauma and elective patients.