Abstract
Femoral neck fractures are a major source of disability in the elderly. Rehabilitation is fundamental to recover pre-fracture functionality. We conducted an observational cohort study with the aim of comparing the efficacy of rehabilitation programs in different therapeutic settings. We included elderly patients who had undergone surgical stabilization of a hip fracture. The participants were divided into 3 groups: group 1, outpatient rehabilitation; group 2, inpatient rehabilitation; group 3, home-based rehabilitation. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at three months, and at six months after fracture. Our outcome measures were the Barthel Index (BI), Functional Ambulation Categories, passive and active range of motion of hip flexion and abduction, and muscle strength in hip flexion, abduction, and knee extension. At six months, all three groups showed an average statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all outcome measures compared to the baseline. Considering the between-group analysis, final BI was significantly higher in outpatient than inpatient-treated patients (p = 0.018), but no statistical difference was found between outpatient and home-based patients. Our findings suggest that rehabilitation leads to significant functional recovery after hip fracture in elderly patients. Both outpatient and home-based rehabilitation seem to be reasonable options for hip fracture rehabilitation.
Highlights
Hip fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures, affecting about 18% of women and 6% of men worldwide [1], and are a major concern for the healthcare system and society
In Europe, osteoporotic fractures are the fourth leading cause of morbidity associated with chronic disease, contributing annually to over 2.6 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which is more than hypertensive heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis
From a total of 52 patients assessed for eligibility, seven patients did not start rehabilitation treatment, eight patients dropped out of the study, and three patients died during the follow-up
Summary
Hip fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures, affecting about 18% of women and 6% of men worldwide [1], and are a major concern for the healthcare system and society. They might lead to functional impairment and loss of independence in activities of daily living (ADL) [2,3,4,5,6]. Fragility fractures are a serious obstacle to healthy aging, compromising quality of life in affected patients. We still lack proper osteoporosis screening programs, for males [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
