Abstract Background Hip fractures in older adults are associated with substantial morbidity, functional decline, and mortality. Patients who experience a first fragility fracture are at high risk of subsequent fractures, with repeated events further exacerbating functional impairment and survival outcomes. Second contralateral hip fractures, while clinically important, remain under-characterized in terms of timing, long-term functional impact, and mortality. Objectives To investigate the incidence, timing, survival, mobility, and daily activity outcomes of second contralateral hip fractures using a matched pair analysis, and to situate these findings within the broader context of repeated fragility fractures. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single Level I trauma center, including all patients treated operatively for hip fractures (AO 31A1–A3, 31B) between January 2016 and June 2020. Patients with a second contralateral hip fracture were matched 1:1 with patients with a single fracture based on age, sex, fracture type, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Demographic data, functional status (Barthel Index, Parker Mobility Score), walking aid use, living situation, and mortality were assessed at admission, discharge, and follow-up (minimum 3 years, maximum 7 years). Statistical analysis included paired tests and survival analysis. Results Of 1,933 patients, 148 (7.6%) sustained a second contralateral hip fracture. Mean time to second fracture was 2.2 years, with 40% occurring within the first postoperative year. Time to death after the second fracture was significantly shorter (1.06 vs. 1.95 years, p < 0.001). Whilst one year mortality rate was significantly lower for the cohort of patients with a single hip fracture (18% vs. 33%, p < 0.03), the significance disappeared the longer the follow up time (2- year mortality: 37.9% vs. 48%; p < 0.098; 3- year mortality: 51.6% vs. 52.2%, p < 0.474). Patients with second fractures demonstrated significantly lower Barthel Index (66.7 vs. 77, p=0.019) and Parker Mobility Score (5.39 vs. 6.84, p=0.06) at follow-up, indicating reduced independence and mobility. Discharge to rehabilitation after the first fracture was associated with higher risk of subsequent fracture (58.1% vs. 49.3%, p=0.035). Conclusion Second contralateral hip fractures are underrecognized events that significantly reduce long-term mobility, independence, and survival time post-fracture. Most occur within the first two years after the initial fracture, highlighting a critical window for targeted monitoring, fall prevention, and optimized osteoporosis management. Early identification of high-risk patients, especially those discharged to rehabilitation, is essential to mitigate functional decline and mortality.
Blattner et al. (Thu,) studied this question.