The ability to move comfortably and independently is essential to maintaining quality of life, especially as we age.
Unfortunately, hip fractures remain one of the most serious injuries affecting older adults, often leading to hospitalization, surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
Approximately 300,000 older Americans are hospitalized for hip fractures each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and those numbers are expected to rise as the population continues to age.
“Because hip fractures can significantly impact mobility, independence and overall health, timely treatment is critical,” said Andrew Merwin, MD, a board-certified orthopedic trauma surgeon with South Texas Health System (STHS) Clinics. “Depending on the severity of the injury and a patient's individual needs, treatment may range from surgical stabilization of the fracture to partial or total hip replacement. Advances in orthopedic medicine have helped improve outcomes, but successful recovery still depends on access to experienced specialists and high-quality care.”
For residents of the Rio Grande Valley, that care can be found at STHS.
For the sixth consecutive year, STHS McAllen and STHS Edinburg have earned a Five-Star Rating for Hip Fracture Treatment from Healthgrades, one of the nation's leading resources for evaluating hospital performance.
The recognition places both facilities among the top-performing hospitals in the country for orthopedic care and highlights STHS’ ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional patient outcomes.
"This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and compassion our physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals bring to every patient interaction," said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children's. "Receiving this recognition year after year demonstrates our commitment to clinical excellence and reinforces our mission to provide the highest quality care to the communities we serve."
The Healthgrades Five-Star Rating is awarded to hospitals that consistently achieve superior patient outcomes for specific procedures and conditions.
As part of its annual evaluation, Healthgrades analyzed risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide across more than 30 common conditions and procedures, identifying organizations that outperform their peers in key measures of quality and patient safety.
The distinction reinforces STHS’ longstanding focus on evidence-based care, advanced treatment options and continuous quality improvement efforts designed to help patients recover faster and return to their daily lives.
"Patients today have more information than ever before when making healthcare decisions, and quality measures play an increasingly important role in that process," said Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, STHS McAllen. "This recognition provides reassurance that when patients choose STHS McAllen or STHS Edinburg for hip fracture care, they are receiving treatment at facilities recognized nationally for achieving outstanding outcomes."
The award comes as nationwide variations in hospital performance continue to grow. According to Healthgrades' latest analysis, if all hospitals had performed at the level of Five-Star hospitals during the study period, an estimated 224,958 lives could have been saved and more than 141,000 complications could have been avoided.
By combining advanced orthopedic expertise, leading-edge technology and a patient-centered approach to care, STHS continues to help Valley residents regain mobility, restore independence and return to the activities that matter most.
“Healthgrades' specialty awards identify the nation's top-performing hospitals in key service areas, helping consumers find high-quality care tailored to their specific needs,” said Alana Biggers, MD, MPH, medical advisor, Healthgrades. “We're proud to recognize STHS McAllen and STHS Edinburg for their consistently superior outcomes in hip fracture treatment.”
To learn more about the advanced orthopedic services available through STHS, visit the STHS Edinburg website at www.southtexashealthsystemedinburg.com or the STHS McAllen website at www.southtexashealthsystemmcallen.com.
Individuals seeking specialized orthopedic care can connect with a physician through the STHS Find a Doctor program by calling (800) 879-1033 or visiting the STHS physician directory online at doctors.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
