Findings from a study published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine suggest low rates of recovery for older patients who sustain a hip fracture. The research team reviewed data on 733 hip fracture patients aged 65 years or older. 

At minimum 6-month follow-up, they found that 31 percent returned to pre-fracture activities of daily living (ADL) function, 34 percent to pre-fracture mobility function, and 41 percent to pre-fracture climbing function. In addition, of those who were ADL independent prior to fracture, 36 percent returned to independence, 27 percent survived but needed ADL assistance, and 37 percent died. The research team found that return to ADL independence was less likely for patients aged 85 years or older, who had dementia, and who had a Charlson comorbidity score >2. Learn more...