Searching for the ‘winner’ hip fracture patient: the effect of modifiable and non-modifiable factors on clinical outcomes following hip fracture surgery

Background: Various factors, other than the quality of surgery, may influence clinical outcomes of hip fracture patients. We aimed to evaluate the relative impact of several factors on functional outcome, quality of life, re-fracture and mortality rates following surgery for hip fractures. Methods: We studied 498 (62.2%) women and 302 (37.8%) men with a mean age of 81.3 years (range, 60–95) with hip fractures (femoral neck and pertrochanteric). The mean follow-up was 74 months (range 58–96). Various patient-related and surgery-related parameters were recorded and correlated to both objective and subjective mobility, functional recovery and quality of life scales. Mortality and re-fracture rates were also evaluated. Results: Using multiple regression analysis, age >80 years ( p = 0.000; 95% CI, 1.077–1.143) and ASA score III and IV ( p = 0.000; 95% CI, 2.088–3.396) (both non-modifiable factors) both proved to be independent (s.s.) factors affecting mortality rates. Age <80 years ( p = 0.000; 95% CI, 0.932–0.974), surgery delay less (modifiable factor) than 48 hours ( p = 0.046; 95% CI, 0.869–0.999), low dementia CDR index ( p = 0.005; 95% CI, 0.471–0.891) (non-modifiable factor), and osteoporosis medical treatment (modifiable factor) ( p = 0.006; 95% CI, 0.494–0.891) were shown to be independent (s.s.) factors affecting HOOS-symptoms. Osteoporosis medical treatment used proved to be an independent (s.s.) factor affecting HOOS-daily activities ( p = 0.049; 95% CI, 0.563–1.000) and quality of life (E-Qol-5D) ( p = 0.036; 95% CI, 0.737–1.325). Conclusions: A hip fracture patient aged <80 years old, with an ASA I-II, with low dementia CDR index and on osteoporosis medication has a better chance of an improved outcome (winner patient).