Key result
Postoperative medical complications were significantly associated with independent walking disability at 6 weeks after fragility hip fracture surgery (RR 2.04; 95% CI 1.37-3.02; P<0.001).
Why the study?
Up to one-third of patients with fragility hip fractures become totally dependent within a year, so identifying factors affecting ambulation is needed to optimize treatment plans and improve functional outcomes.
What are the prognostic factors associated with independent walking disability in the early postoperative period after fragility hip fractures?
Cohort (n=394)
What are the prognostic factors associated with independent walking disability in the early postoperative period after fragility hip fractures?
Relative Risk: 2.04 (95% CI 1.37–3.02)
p-value: p=<0.001
Age ≥80, pre-fracture gait aid use, multiple comorbidities, hypoalbuminemia, and postoperative medical complications are significant predictors of independent walking disability 6 weeks after fragility hip fracture surgery.
Postoperative complications may flag higher early walking disability risk after hip fracture; leaves open whether prevention improves mobility outcomes.
Introduction Up to one-third of patients with fragility hip fractures are totally dependent in the year following the injury which leads to later morbidity and mortality. Understanding the related factors that affect patients’ ambulation helps health care providers prepare for the treatment plans to improve their functional outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with independent walking disability in the early postoperative period after fragility hip fractures. Material and methods This retrospective cohort study involved 394 patients with fragility hip fractures with either intertrochanteric, subtrochanteric, or femoral neck fractures from January 2018 to June 2023. The related factors including preoperative demographics, perioperative, and postoperative factors, were collected and analyzed. The endpoint was the independent walking disability of patients at 6 weeks after surgery. Results 110 patients (27.9%) were disabled, whereas 284 patients (72.1%) could walk independently at postoperative 6 weeks. The multivariable risk ratio regression analysis showed that patients with age ≥80 years (RR 1.65; 95% CI 1.21-2.25; P = 0.001), pre-fracture walking with the gait aid (RR 2.03; 95% CI 1.53-2.69; P < 0.001), having ≥2 underlying comorbidities (RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.19-2.23; P = 0.002), preoperative hypoalbuminemia (RR 1.74; 95% CI 1.32-2.29; P < 0.001), and presence of the postoperative medical complication (RR 2.04; 95% CI 1.37-3.02; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with independent walking disability at the early postoperative period of 6 weeks. Conclusions Post-hip fracture surgery patients with the presence of postoperative medical complication have the highest risk of independent walking disability. Health care providers should concentrate on high-risk patients, correct the modifiable factors, and minimize any postoperative complications to improve functional recovery and decrease morbidity related to non-ambulation after fragility hip fractures.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Chanthanapodi et al. (2024) conducted a cohort in Fragility hip fractures (n=394). Postoperative medical complication vs. Absence of postoperative medical complication was evaluated on Independent walking disability at 6 weeks after surgery (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.37-3.02, p=<0.001). Postoperative medical complications were significantly associated with independent walking disability at 6 weeks after fragility hip fracture surgery (RR 2.04; 95% CI 1.37-3.02; P<0.001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: