An assessment of the feasibility of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans in older people who have recovered from and older people who never had delirium after hip fracture surgery

Postoperative delirium, an acute sate of confusion occurs with higher frequency in older people. Hip fracture surgery is a procedure associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium.

In the study the feasibility of achieving structure and functional connectivity imaging of the brain, using magnetic resonance imaging, in older people who are recovering from hip fracture surgery will be assessed.

People who have recovered from post operative delirium and people who did not have postoperative delirium will be included.

Inclusion Criteria:Age

• Age ≥ 65 years
• Cognitively intact
• primary admission for hip fracture surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment
• Less than moderate level of activities of daily living
• History of neurosurgery/significant head trauma
• Acutely unwell/moribund
• Presence of neurological diseases including overt stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, intracranial tumours and other significant neurologic disorders.
• Postural or movement disorders likely to impede MRI scan
• Contraindications to MRI
• Complex fractures/multiple injuries

Older people recovering from hip fracture surgery

Incidental findings in participants who give consent for sharing of these with their physician, will be communicated to the general practitioner for further action if required.