PhD defence Maud Agnes Maria Vesseur

Keywords: Orthogeriatrics, Periprosthetic femoral fractures, Orthopaedic trauma 

"Bridging geriatrics and trauma care: Optimizing in-hospital care for the orthogeriatric patient"

In her thesis, Maud Vesseur explains how hospitals can improve care for vulnerable elderly patients with a fracture near the stem of a hip implant. These patients often face multiple health issues and are at greater risk of complications and death. 

The research shows that factors such as advanced age, additional health problems, and the type of hip implant affect the risk of this fracture and also determine the likelihood of complications or death after a reoperation. Additionally, Vesseur uncovered differences in how patients are allowed to load their hip after reoperation. Early mobilisation appears safe and can enhance recovery, but clear guidelines are still lacking. 

Finally, Vesseur developed a simple predictive model to help doctors better assess the risk of death after operation. The model supports a multidisciplinary approach and shared decision-making about the best treatment option. 

The key conclusion is that care for these vulnerable patients can improve through patient-centred treatment, timely risk recognition, and intensive collaboration among healthcare providers.

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