Episodic Cardiac Arrhythmia and Femoral Neck Fracture

Abstract

Consecutive patients (58) admitted to a hospital for fracture of the upper end of the femur were examined by continuous ECG monitoring for 22-24 h. More than 1/3 of the patients had occult, previously unknown episodic arrhythmias severe enough to cause dizzy spells and syncope. These patients more often had a history of dizziness and syncope and less frequently than patients without serious arrhythmias, could return to their homes at the time of discharge despite uncomplicated fracture treatment.