Pennsylvania GeriatricS Society

Is it worth it?: Hip Fracture Replacement in a Person With Severe Dementia~On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society-Western Division hosted its annual Fall Program at the PNC Champion Club at Acrisure Stadium. This year’s event featured a thought-provoking debate on the complex decision of whether to perform hip fracture repair in a patient with advanced dementia. The program drew over 60 healthcare professionals, including internists, family practitioners, geriatricians, pharmacists, nurses, nursing home administrators, and social workers, who enjoyed the club’s welcoming setting for networking and camaraderie. Dr. James D. Tew, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, moderated the evening, introducing the case and panelists: Dr. Rollin Wright, Associate Professor of Medicine at Penn State Health, who presented the case; Dr. Allan Philp, Chief Medical Officer at AGH and Medical Director of Trauma/Acute Care Surgery; and Suzanne Colilla, DNP, Senior Nurse Practitioner with the University of Pittsburgh Physicians-Geriatric Medicine. Panelists offered compelling pro and con arguments on whether it was beneficial to proceed with surgery for a patient with severe dementia and a non-displaced periprosthetic femur fracture. A lively Q&A followed, with participants engaging in robust discussion about the ethical and medical considerations involved in such cases. Since its inception, the Society has awarded $93,000 to medical students Dr. James Tew, Dr.Rollin Wright, Dr. Suzanne Collila and Dr. Allan Philp At the debate’s conclusion, attendees voted on whether they would recommend surgery for Lettie, with results showing 76% against surgery and 24% in favor, underscoring the complexity of this critical decision. Key takeaways highlighted considerations in balancing patient quality of life with medical intervention. The Society extends heartfelt thanks to the planning committee—Dr. Rollin Wright, Dr. James Tew, Dr. Heather Sakely, and Dr. Alison O’Donnell—and to all PAGS-WD members and guests who contributed to the event’s success. Special thanks to our sponsors: Axon Medical Technologies, Dementia360, Home Matters Caregiving, Lilly, and Oasis Senior Advisors. A full gallery of photos from the 2024 Fall Program are available on the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society- Western Division website at www.pasgwd.org. For questions, please contact Haley Thon, Chapter Administrator, at 412-321-5030 x105 or hthon@acms.org.