Geriatric Inpatient Fracture Service (GIFTS)

Overview

The Geriatric Inpatient Fracture Service (GIFTS) at Massachusetts General Hospital brings together a team from geriatric medicine and orthopedic trauma along with experts in nursing, anesthesia, physical therapy, endocrinology, and nutrition.

We provide comprehensive care tailored to the needs of older adults, starting with a full assessment to guide treatment. Our goals are to shorten the time to surgery and hospital stay, ensure timely bone health assessment and treatment, and keep patients and families well-informed every step of the way.

We also focus on helping patients avoid the physical decline that can sometimes follow surgery so they can participate more fully in rehabilitation and maintain their independence and quality of life.

What to Expect

When you arrive at the Emergency Department, our GIFTS clinician collaborates with the Orthopedic Trauma Service to assess your condition and develop the best possible care plan for you and your family. You will be admitted to the orthopedic trauma service and receive daily visits from both the geriatric clinician and the orthopedic team.

Broken bones that happen when you fall from a standing position are often due to osteoporosis. After your fracture is repaired, it is essential to check your bone health to help prevent future fractures. The GIFTS team will guide you through a comprehensive bone health assessment, working closely with endocrinology experts to create a treatment and prevention plan based on your needs.

Following surgery, you will have a physical therapy evaluation to create a rehabilitation plan. If needed, you may also receive additional support from nutritionists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.

International Geriatric Fracture Society Certification

In May 2025, the International Geriatric Fracture Society recognized GIFTS and the Orthopedic Trauma Center as a premier site for geriatric fracture care through their CORE Certification Program.

This distinction reflects our commitment to excellence in geriatric fracture care, achieved through years of dedicated interprofessional collaboration among geriatrics, orthopedic trauma, anesthesiology, nursing, physical therapy, and other essential services.

By meeting and exceeding key quality metrics—including reduced time to surgery, lower readmission rates, and enhanced osteoporosis management—we continue to set the standard for patient-centered care for older adults with hip fractures.

Patient Resource

Geriatric Fracture Guide
A guide to help you understand geriatric bone fracture repair at Mass General.

Nurse Practitioners

Shelley Karparis, CNP

Haley Redstone, NP