Hip Fractures Among Elderly Women: Longitudinal Comparison of Physiological Function Changes and Health Care Utilization

Abstract

In spite of worse physiological and IADL impairments, once the women recovered from hip fracture surgery, they did not necessarily use more health care resources than non-hip fracture patients. To prevent functional deterioration, interventions need to focus on knee strength and mobility training.

Effects of a Multicomponent Home-Based Physical Rehabilitation Program on Mobility Recovery After Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Our findings are in line with those of earlier studies showing that with the standard rehabilitation practice the vast majority of older hip fracture patients do not recover their pre-fracture level of mobility and functional capacity (Young, Fried & Kuo 2010). Hip fracture patients often also suffer from comorbidities, have a sedentary lifestyle and functional impairments, all of which underlie the complexity of their situation.…”

“…Seven months after hip fracture, muscle strength was still less than half that of age-matched controls (Sherrington & Lord 1998). Both the hip fracture itself and resultant surgery decrease lower extremity muscle strength (Young, Fried & Kuo 2010), especially in the fractured leg, resulting in asymmetrical muscle strength deficit , Kneiss et al 2012. Lower extremity asymmetrical muscle strength or muscle power deficit refers to the difference between the dominant and non-dominant leg.…”

“…Most hip fracture patients have difficulties in regaining their pre-fracture level of physical capacity and mobility ability (Alley et al 2011, Rogmark & Johnell 2005, Young, Fried & Kuo 2010, especially with advancing age . For example, according to as long as a year after a hip fracture only less than one fifth (18%) of their participants had recovered to their prefracture level in bed rise, walking ten feet, chair rise, walking one block and negotiating stairs.…”

“…Mobility recovery after hip fracture is challenging, and most patients do not regain their pre-fracture physical capacity or mobility ability , Young, Fried & Kuo 2010. Adequate mobility is required not only for participation in society but also to prevent more serious complications such as a second hip fracture or institutionalization and early mortality (Abrahamsen et al 2009, Gill et al 2013a, Leibson et al 2002.…”

“…Hip fracture decreases lower extremity muscle strength, especially in the fractured leg, which leads to asymmetrical muscle strength and power deficit (Kneiss et al 2012, Young, Fried & Kuo 2010. Impaired muscle strength is further associated with musculoskeletal pain, poor balance, walking limitations and poor mobility (Herrick et al 2004.…”