Non-operative management
Non-operative management has been studied in 7 papers since 2021: 7 observational studies in people; 1 in the past year. The newest paper, Apr 11, 2026: “Comparing clinical outcomes and mortality rates of patients who sustained hip fractures managed non-operatively versus operatively over a 5-year period across the Republic of Ireland”.
7 papers study it6 findingsUpdated
“Mortality at 30 days was significantly higher in hip fracture patients managed non-operatively (21% versus 4%; p < 0.001).”
None of its findings points the other way.
- 4 independent labs in 2 countries
- Humans7
What is Non-operative management linked with?
3Studies link Non-operative management with 3 measures, most often mortality (4 studies), malunion (1) and non-union (1).
Mortality
upin humans4OR 4.7
4 studies
Mortality
upin humans4OR 4.7
Non-operative management is associated with mortality in humans (21% versus 4%).
“Mortality at 30 days was significantly higher in hip fracture patients managed non-operatively (21% versus 4%; p < 0.001).”
Humanship fracture30 daysn = 15,427
Irish journal of medical science
Non-operative management raises the risk of mortality in humans (OR 4.7, 38.3% vs. 12.1%).
“One-year mortality was also higher in the non-operative group (38.3 % vs. 12.1 %, p < 0.001).”
Humanstibial shaft fractures (AO42)n = 171
Injury
Non-operative management is associated with mortality in humans (41% vs 7%).
“There was a higher 12-month mortality rate in the non-operative group compared to the operative group (41% vs 7%, P = <0.001).”
Humans12 months
Age and ageing
Non-operative management is associated with mortality in humans (74% (37/50)).
“74% (37/50) of the patients in whom operative risk was thought to outweigh benefit died within the 30 days of admission”
Humansin patients managed non-operatively due to patient frailty/medically unwell30 daysn = 50
Outcomes for non-operatively managed fracture neck of femur patients: A single-institution study
Injury
Malunion
upin humans1
1 study
Malunion
upin humans1
Non-operative management raises the risk of malunion in humans (27.7% vs. 4.6%).
“malunion rates (27.7 % vs. 4.6 %, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the non-operative group.”
Humanstibial shaft fractures (AO42)n = 171
Injury
Non-union
upin humans1
1 study
Non-union
upin humans1
Non-operative management raises the risk of non-union in humans (21.7% vs. 6.3%).
“Non-union (21.7 % vs. 6.3 %, p < 0.001) and malunion rates (27.7 % vs. 4.6 %, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the non-operative group.”
Humanstibial shaft fractures (AO42)n = 171
Injury