The value of a prognostic scoring system in the rehabilitation of elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures

AIM: To evaluate a prognostic scoring system for elderly patients with hip fractures, which can, on admission, predict on the basis of pre-injury prognostic factors the possible length of stay in hospital, progress of rehabilitation, level of self-caring and rehousing needs at discharge. METHODS: A prognostic scoring system, developed on the basis of pre-injury level of independence in activities of daily living (ADL) (Katz), medical comorbidities and Pfeiffer's mental scoring system was used (Svensson O et al. J Bone Joint Surg 1996; B78: 115-8). The study was conducted on a cohort of 63 patients prospectively recruited from consecutive admissions. RESULTS: Ninety percent of the patients (without comorbidities and mental score > 7; group 3/3) who were independently mobile pre-injury remained independently mobile at discharge (CI 95% 0.79-0.97). Pre-injury score was found to be significantly related to the level of ADL at 2 weeks after operation and at discharge from hospital (CI 95% 0.69-0.9). There was a pattern in duration of hospital stay in different groups (score 3/3 = 22 days, 2/3 = 31 days and 1/3 = 33 days). A pattern of community placement and housing after discharge was noticed in relation to the pre-injury score. CONCLUSION: 3/3 score groups are most likely to achieve independence with mobility and ADL on the acute orthopaedic ward and to be discharged directly to their pre-injury homes. They also were the least likely group to need rehabilitation in a dedicated orthogeriatric rehabilitation unit. 2/3 score groups are most likely to benefit from rehabilitation in a dedicated orthogeriatric rehabilitation unit. 1/3 and 0/3 score groups are least likely to benefit from rehabilitation in a dedicated orthogeriatric unit, in terms of achieving independence with mobility and ADL. They were also the most likely group to need long-term high dependency residential care. Early liaison with social and community services is essential for effective and timely planning of discharge.