Enhancing independence in the older hip fracture patient.
No doubt all experienced clinicians have observed cases in which a hip fracture dramatically diminished the independence and quality of life of an elderly person. This difficult problem requires a concentrated, multidisciplinary effort. More than 800 patients have now been treated using our interdisciplinary approach. A recent review of the data shows that results in this larger group compare favorably with those in the followup group described in this article. We believe that our approach shows promise as a model for the future. Further, comparisons with current practices may lead in some situations to significant improvements in hip fracture rehabilitation. Primary care physicians play a key role in this process of review and modification and in contributing to the overall restorative effort.
Zuckerman
J D
JD
Geriatric Hip Fracture Program, Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, New York.
Fabian
D R
DR
Aharanoff
G
G
Koval
K J
KJ
Frankel
V H
VH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000592:standards; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards