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Function after hip fracture linked to pre-fracture status
Pre-fracture ambulatory ability was not achieved in 57% of patients after hip fracture, regardless of fracture type or the surgical intervention used, according to study results.
Researchers performed a prospective multicenter observational study of 552 patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture. Investigators evaluated patients based on activities of daily living (ADLs), ambulatory ability and the need for walking aids. At 4-months and 1-year postoperatively, investigators conducted phone interviews to collect follow-up data. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine factors correlated with ADLs, ambulatory ability and the need for walking aids.
Findings showed ambulatory ability and ADL index scores significantly decreased in patients at the 4-month and 1-year follow-up visits compared with pre-fracture status; however, there was an increase in the need for walking aids. Between the 4-month and 1-year follow-up visits, patients significantly recovered ambulatory ability. Investigators noted 57% of patients regained pre-fracture functional status after 1 year. However, 59 patients (13.2%) who could ambulate prior to fracture were unable to walk 1 year after fracture.
The most important factor correlated with ambulatory ability, the need for walking aids and ADLs was pre-fracture status. Negative predictors noted were comorbidities, poor cognitive status and non-weight-bearing status. Investigators also found better cognitive status was a predictor of ambulation at 1 year. According to researchers, functional outcomes were not associated with fracture pattern or the specific surgical treatment used. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.