Ambulation on hip fracture postoperative day 1: a marker for better outcomes following hip fracture surgery in patients 55 years or older

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate if early postoperative ambulation metrics affect hospital quality measures and 1-year outcomes in operative hip fracture patients. Methods: A consecutive series of hip fracture patients OTA/AO 31A, 31B, 32A-C who underwent operative treatment were reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Chart review was performed to determine participation with physical therapy PT and ambulation distance on postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, and 5. POD1 ambulators and non-ambulators were statistically compared. Outcome correlates of postoperative ambulation distance were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression. Results: 1044 patients were identified with 546 (52.3%) able to ambulate on POD1. Those able to ambulate on POD1 were significantly younger (78.4 ± 10.9 vs. 82.1 ± 10.4, p 55 years is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital complications and mortality. Every effort should be made address this modifiable risk factor and mobilise patients on POD1 to improve patient outcomes.