Any person, 16 years and over, who has a suspected hip fracture following an injury.
This protocol is intended to be used by registered and enrolled nurses within their scope of practice and as outlined in The Use of Emergency Care Assessment and Treatment Protocols (PD2024_011). Sections marked triangle or diamond indicate the need for additional prerequisite education prior to use. Check the medication table for dose adjustments and links to relevant reference texts.
If patient meets major trauma criteria, refer to local trauma guidelines and switch to major trauma protocol.
Consider compartment syndrome: disproportionate pain, pallor, pulselessness, paraesthesia, paralysis, pressure and poikilothermia.
History prompts, signs and symptoms
These are not exhaustive lists. Maintain an open mind and be aware of cognitive bias.
History prompts
- Presenting complaint
- Mechanism of injury, e.g. fall, direct impact or limb giving way
- Time of injury
- Preceding events, e.g. syncope, chest pain or dizziness
- Ability to weight bear
- Pain assessment – PQRST
- Pre-hospital treatment
- Past admissions, including osteoporosis
- Current medications
- Known allergies
Signs and symptoms
- Obvious deformity to hip
- Leg shortening or rotation on injured side
- Point tenderness over bone
- Loss of motor or sensory function
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Decreased mobility
Red flags
Recognise: identify indicators of actual or potential clinical severity and risk of deterioration.
Respond: carefully consider alternative ECAT protocol. Escalate as per clinical reasoning and local CERS protocol, and continue treatment.
Historical
- Bleeding disorder
- Dementia
- On anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
Clinical
- Delirium
- Pain level exceeding what would be expected despite analgesia
- External signs of haemorrhage
- Neurovascular compromise
- Gross limb deformity, including dislocation
- Intoxicated patients, drugs and/or alcohol
- Open fracture
- Compartment syndrome – disproportionate pain, pallor, pulselessness, paraesthesia, paralysis, pressure and poikilothermia
Remember adult at risk: patient or carer concern, frailty, multiple comorbidities or unplanned return.
Clinical assessment and specified intervention (A to G)
If the patient has any Yellow or Red Zone observations or additional criteria (as per the relevant NSW Standard Emergency Observation Chart), refer and escalate as per local CERS protocol and continue treatment.
Position
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
General appearance/first impressions | Position of comfort |
Airway
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
Patency of airway | Maintain airway patency Consider airway opening manoeuvres and positioning |
Breathing
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
Respiratory rate and effort Auscultate chest (breath sounds) Oxygen saturation (SpO2) | Assist ventilation, as clinically indicated Consider oxygen if dyspnoeic, titrate oxygen to maintain SpO2 over 93% Patients at risk of hypercapnia, maintain SpO2 at 88–92% |
Circulation
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
External haemorrhage | Control external bleeding using direct pressure |
Perfusion (capillary refill, skin warmth and colour) Pulse Blood pressure Cardiac rhythm | Assess circulation Attach cardiac monitor and complete 12 lead ECG if BP/HR are within the Yellow or Red Zones, or where clinically relevant, e.g. irregular pulse, palpitations, syncope, shock, respiratory compromise, cardiac history or clinical concern |
IVC and/or pathology | Insert IV cannula, if trained If unable to obtain IV access, consider intraosseous, if trained |
Signs of shock: tachycardia and CRT 3 seconds and over and/or abnormal skin perfusion and/or hypotension | If signs of shock present and/or SBP less than 90 mmHg, give 250 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% IV/intraosseous bolus Repeat every 10 minutes (up to 1000 mL) until SBP over 90 mmHg or signs of shock have resolved |
Disability
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
ACVPU | If ACVPU shows reduced level of consciousness, continue to GCS, pupillary response and limb strength |
GCS, pupillary response and limb strength | Obtain baseline and repeat assessment, as clinically indicated |
Pain | Assess pain. If indicated, give early analgesia as per analgesia section then resume A to G assessment |
Exposure
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
Temperature | Measure temperature |
Skin inspection, including posterior surfaces | Hourly neurovascular observations of the affected limbs Include assessment of sensation, motor function and perfusion, i.e. pulses, colour, temperature, swelling and capillary refill Compare limbs Assess for other injuries |
Fluids
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
Hydration status: last ate, drank, bowels opened, passed urine or vomited | Commence fluid balance chart, as required |
NBM | Consider clear fluids or NBM based on red flags and clinical severity |
Nausea and/or vomiting | If present, see nausea and/or vomiting section |
Glucose
Assessment | Intervention |
---|---|
BGL |
Measure BGL If BGL less than 4 mmol/L with NO decrease in level of consciousness (Yellow Zone criteria):
If BGL less than 4 mmol/L WITH a decrease in level of consciousness (Red Zone criteria) OR the patient is unable to tolerate oral intake:
If the patient is unconscious or peri-arrest:
Once stabilised, give patient long-acting carbohydrate and continue to check BGL hourly, or as clinically indicated |
Repeat and document assessment and observations to monitor responses to interventions, identify developing trends and clinical deterioration. Escalate care as required according to the local CERS protocol.
Focused assessment
Complete musculoskeletal focused assessment.
Consider a secondary survey.
Precautions and notes
- A hip fracture is a major injury in an older person and is associated with significant morbidity, loss of function and mortality.
- Sub-optimal management can result in avoidable complications, prolonged hospitalisation and poorer patient outcomes.
- Timely care and management, including pain management, imaging and specialist review are essential.
Interventions and diagnostics
Specific treatment
- Consider an indwelling catheter for patients with pain inhibiting movement or confirmed fracture.
- Activate local hospital hip fracture pathway where applicable.
Open wounds
- Consider minor wounds protocol.
Pressure area care
- Calculate Waterlow score.
- Early consideration should be given to organising a pressure-relieving mattress.
Cognitive assessment and delirium screen
- Delirium screen and cognitive assessment as per local policy.
Analgesia
Select pain score:
Pain score 1–3 (mild)
Give paracetamol 1000 mg orally once only
and/or ibuprofen 400 mg orally once only
Pain score 4–6 (moderate)
Give:
oxycodone (immediate release):
- 16–65 years: 5 mg orally and, if required, repeat once after 30 minutes, maximum dose 10 mg
- 65 years and over: 2.5 mg orally and, if required, repeat once after 30 minutes, maximum dose 5 mg
and/or paracetamol 1000 mg orally once only
and/or ibuprofen 400 mg orally once only
Pain score 7–10 (severe)
Give one of:
Fentanyl intranasal
- 16–65 years: 50 microg intranasally and, if required, repeat once after 5 minutes, maximum dose 100 microg. Dose to be divided between nostrils
- 65 years and over: 25 microg intranasally and, if required, repeat once after 5 minutes, maximum dose 50 microg. Dose to be divided between nostrils
Note: ensure an extra 0.1 mL is drawn up for the first dose to account for the dead space in the mucosal atomiser device
Fentanyl IV
- 16–65 years: 50 microg IV and, if required, repeat once after 5 minutes, maximum dose 100 microg
- 65 years and over: 25 microg IV and, if required, repeat once after 5 minutes, maximum dose 50 microg
Morphine IV
- 16–65 years: 5 mg IV and, if required, repeat once after 5 minutes, maximum dose 10 mg
- 65 years and over: 2.5 mg IV and, if required, repeat once after 5 minutes, maximum dose 5 mg
Morphine IM
- 16–65 years: 5 mg IM and, if required, repeat once after 60 minutes, maximum dose 10 mg
- 65 years and over: 2.5 mg IM and, if required, repeat once after 60 minutes, maximum dose 5 mg
Methoxyflurane
- Using a 3 mL self-administered device, instruct the patient to inhale through the mouthpiece and take a couple of gentle breaths to get used to the fruity smell and taste; then take 6–8 deep breaths once only
and/or paracetamol 1000 mg orally once only
and/or ibuprofen 400 mg orally once only
If pain does not improve with medication, escalate as per local CERS protocol.
Nausea and/or vomiting
If nausea and/or vomiting is present, give:
- metoclopramide 10 mg orally or IV/IM once only (over 20 years only)
- or ondansetron 4 mg orally or IV/IM. If symptoms persist after 60 minutes, repeat once, maximum dose 8 mg
- or prochlorperazine 5 mg orally once only or 12.5 mg IV/IM once only
Choice of antiemetic should be determined by cause of symptoms.
Radiology
- Hip x-ray, pelvis x-ray, CXR
Pathology
- FBC, UEC, coags, group and hold
- Urinalysis: mid-stream (preferred), clean catch or catheter urine. If positive for nitrites and/or leucocytes send for MC&S. Keep sample refrigerated if transport delayed
- Temp less than 35°C, or 38.5°C and over: take two sets of blood cultures from two separate sites
Medications
The shaded sections in this protocol are only to be used by registered nurses who have completed the required education.
Drag the table right to view more columns or turn your phone to landscape
Drug | Dose | Route | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
Fentanyl H, R | 16–65 years: 65 years and over: | IV/intranasal | Pain score 7–10 Repeat once if required after 5 minutes to maximum dose |
1 mg | IM | Once only | |
200 mL | IV infusion over 15 minutes | Once only | |
Glucose 40% gel | 15 g | Buccal | Repeat after 15 minutes if required |
50 mL | Slow IV injection | Once only | |
Ibuprofen H, R | 400 mg | Oral | Pain score 1–10
Once only |
3 mL via self–administered device | Inhalation | Pain score 7–10 Once only | |
Over 20 years: | Oral/IV/IM | Once only | |
Morphine H, R | 16–65 years:
65 years and over: | Pain score 7–10 | |
IV | Repeat once if required after 5 minutes | ||
IM | Repeat once if required after 60 minutes | ||
4 mg Maximum dose 8 mg | Oral/IV/IM | Repeat once if required after 60 minutes | |
16–65 years:
65 years and over: | Oral | Pain score 4–6 Repeat once if required after 30 minutes to maximum dose | |
Oxygen | 2–15 L/min, device dependent | Inhalation | Continuous |
1000 mg | Oral | Pain score 1–10 Once only | |
5 mg | Oral | Once only | |
OR | |||
12.5 mg | IV/IM | Once only | |
250 mL Maximum dose 1000 mL | IV/intraosseous | Bolus Repeat every 10 minutes (up to 1000 mL) until SBP over 90 mmHg or signs of shock have resolved |
Medications with contraindications or requiring dose adjustment are marked:
- H for patients with known hepatic impairment
- R for patients with known renal impairment.
Escalate to medical or nurse practitioner.
References
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Musculoskeletal assessment upper and lower limb. Sydney: NSW Health; 2017 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/286918/05_CIN_Musculoskeletal_Assessment_of_Limbs_notes.pdf
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Hip fracture care. Sydney: NSW Health; 2019 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/statewide-programs/lbvc/hip-fracture-care
- Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) Steering Group. Australian and New Zealand guideline for hip fracture care: Improving outcomes in hip fracture management of adults. Sydney: Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry Steering Group; 2014 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://anzhfr.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/1164/2021/12/ANZ-Guideline-for-Hip-Fracture-Care.pdf
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Hip fracture care clinical care standard. Sydney: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care; 2016 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated/Hip-Fracture-Care-Clinical-Care-Standard_tagged.pdf
- Beasley R, Chien J, Douglas J, et al. Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand oxygen guidelines for acute oxygen use in adults: 'Swimming between the flags'. Respirology. 2015 Nov;20(8):1182-91. DOI: 10.1111/resp.12620
- Blomberg J. Orthobullets: femoral neck fractures. Orthobullets; 2023 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://www.orthobullets.com/trauma/1037/femoral-neck-fractures
- Brukner P, Khan K. Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine 5th Edition. Australia: McGraw Hill; 2017.
- Cohen P, Golden R. Long bone fracture. BMJ Best Practice: BMJ Publishng Group; 2022 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/386
- MIMS Australia. Clinical Resources. Australia: MIMS Australia Pty Ltd; 2022 [cited 2 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://www.mimsonline.com.au.acs.hcn.com.au/Search/Search.aspx
- NSW Emergency Care Institute. Hip and pelvis injuries: Neck of femur. Sydney: Agency for Clinical Innovation; 2017 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/networks/eci/clinical/clinical-tools/orthopaedic-and-musculoskeletal/hip-and-pelvis-injuries#nof
- NSW Emergency Care Institute. Delirium and management of behaviourally disturbed older patients. Sydney: Agency for Clinical Innovation; 2017 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/networks/eci/clinical/clinical-tools/aged-care/delirium-and-management-of-behaviourally-disturbed-older-patients
- NSW Emergency Care Institute. Procedures: Anaesthesia - Fascia iliaca block Sydney: Agency for Clinical Innovation; 2018 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/api/eci/procedure/554382
- NSW Health. Australian Medicines Handbook. Australia: Australian Government, NSW; 2022 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://amhonline.amh.net.au.acs.hcn.com.au/
- Riemen AH, Hutchison JD. The multidisciplinary management of hip fractures in older patients. Orthop Trauma. 2016;30(2):117-22. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4921687/
- Therapeutic Guidelines. Antiemetic drugs in adults. Australia: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2022 [cited 15 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au.acs.hcn.com.au/topicTeaser?guidelinePage=Gastrointestinal&etgAccess=true#
- Ullman A. What are the effects of peripheral nerve blocks in people with hip fracture?: Cochrane Library; 2019 [cited 17 Feb 2023]. Available from: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cca/doi/10.1002/cca.1731/full
Evidence informed |
Information was drawn from evidence-based guidelines and a review of latest available research. For more information, see the development process. |
Collaboration |
This protocol was developed by the ECAT Working Group, led by the Agency for Clinical Innovation. The group involved expert medical, nursing and allied health representatives from local health districts across NSW. Consensus was reached on all recommendations included within this protocol. |
Currency | Due for review: Jan 2026. Based on a regular review cycle. |
Feedback | Email ACI-ECIs@health.nsw.gov.au |
Accessed from the Emergency Care Institute website at https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/ecat/adult/hip-fracture