Functional results after treatment of hip fracture: a multicentre, prospective study in 215 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To find out which factors influence outcome after a fractured hip, so that the optimum treatment may be chosen for each patient.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
3 teaching and 2 rural hospitals, The Netherlands.


METHODS
215 patients aged 55-102 years (median 82) who presented with a fractured hip during 1994.


METHODS
Interviews shortly after the injury and 4 and 12 months later, study of radiographs, and evaluation of casenotes.


METHODS
Mobility and functional recovery.


RESULTS
38 patients had died by the 4-month follow up, at which time 64/177 (36%) had regained the level of mobility that they had before the injury. At 12 months the figure was 58/148 (39%). The corresponding figures for functional recovery were 52/177 (29%) and 36/148 (24%). Factors that militated against recovery were increasing age, coexisting diseases, general complications and local complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The chance of a patient with a hip fracture making any further recovery after 4 months is minimal. Local complications are the most important risk factor.
Koot
V C
VC
Julius Center for Patient Oriented Research, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Peeters
P H
PH
de Jong
J R
JR
Clevers
G J
GJ
van der Werken
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000401:mortality / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors