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Oldest patients, those with dementia found less likely to return to pre-fracture function
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Researchers of this observational study found patients who were older, had dementia or higher Charlson comorbidity scores were less likely to return to independence regarding activities of daily living after hip fracture.
Researchers identified 733 patients from the Health and Retirement Study who had sustained hip fractures and were 65 years of age or older. The primary functional outcomes included activities of daily living (ADL) dependency, mobility and stair-climbing. Investigators assessed baseline characteristics correlated with a return to ADL independence, walking 1 block and climbing a flight of stairs.
Results showed 315 patients (31%) returned to pre-fracture ADL function, 34% of patients returned to pre-fracture mobility and 41% returned to pre-fracture climbing. Investigators noted 36% of those who were ADL independent prior to the fracture returned to independence, 27% survived but needed assistance with ADLs and 37% died.
According to researchers, patients who were 85 years old or older, had dementia or had a Charlson comorbidity score of greater than 2 had decreased odds of returning to ADL independence. Similar results were seen between those who could walk a block and those who could climb a flight of stairs prior to the fracture. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Tang reports funding from the National Institute on Aging and the Veterans Affairs. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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