Introduction
fracture
INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
Intertrochanteric fracture (ITF), also commonly known as one kind of hip fracture, is important causes of hospitalization in the elderly. The population aged over 70 years will double in the next three decades, leading to a great number of ITF globally [Despite the high prevalence and morbidity of POD, the exact pathophysiology is still not fully elucidated. Various mechanisms are proposed to understand POD, of which the most widely recognized one is the neuro-inflammatory mechanism [Corticosteroids, which are routinely used for the treatment of postoperative complications, are potent suppressors of inflammatory response. The effects of corticosteroids on reducing various inflammatory factors have been confirmed in those patients who underwent surgery [Therefore, we hypothesize that a single low dose of 10 mg dexamethasone intravenously administrated within 30 min before being sent to the operating room can reduce the incidence and severity of POD in geriatric ITF patients after internal fixation surgery.