Lay summary
Delirium (acute confusion) is a serious, costly, and potentially fatal disorder that is commonly observed in elderly people after hip fracture repair. Delirium is associated with much higher complication rates, risk of death and longer hospital stay compared to those who do not get delirium. Both the initial trauma (the hip fracture itself) and surgical stress response can induce an inflammatory response in the brain that is thought to lead to problems with thinking and, ultimately, delirium. Medications that suppress inflammation may reduce the risk of developing delirium after surgery, but there have been no clinical studies to confirm this. This feasibility study will address a number of important issues to determine whether a large randomised controlled trial can be conducted examining the effects of Dexamethasone, a strong anti-inflammatory medication, on delirium after hip fracture repair. If successful, this may significantly improve postoperative outcomes and help to maintain independent living.