Fracture Evaluation Management & Understanding Research (FEMUR): A prospective global cohort study

The femur is the largest bone in the body and femur fractures are common after injuries, globally. Femur fractures are psychologically traumatic for patients, causing severe pain and disability or death if not well managed. Multiple types of femur fracture exist, with some types being associated with high mortality rates and disability than others. However, evidence also suggest that for any given type of femur fracture, outcomes vary dramatically dependent on the geographical location of the patient. Patient age, sex, delays prior to receiving management, duration of surgery, preoperative physiological state, and management received also influence outcomes.

Evidence on outcomes after femur fracture and comparisons between management strategy and geographical regions is useful for raising awareness of disparities in quality of care and for health system planning. This evidence is currently lacking from the global literature.

The aim of this study is to understand the management provided for different types of femur fractures that are admitted to hospitals globally, and the outcomes for patients with these fractures.

1. To audit mortality, morbidity, and mobility outcomes 30 days after admission with femur fractures globally

2. To describe the management of femur fractures in hospitals globally

In comparing outcomes by management received, facility type, and global location, we will provide data to inform health system planning and utility for global advocacy.

This is a prospective, multicentre, cohort study conducted by the FEMUR Collaborative. The Collaborative consists of an international central team, national leads, hospital leads, and data collection teams. National and hospital leads will be purposely recruited through personal invitations to colleagues, orthopedic professional associations and informal networks, the rural doctor’s association, and social media. The central team will provide support to national and hospital leads through monthly webinars and WhatsApp group chats.