The prognostic factors for functional recovery in elders with hip fracture

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to identify the factors that may have an impact on functional recovery in elder subjects with hip fracture. A prospective study design examined the impact of pain, negative emotions, and social support on functional outcome in a sample of 70 elderly subjects at two hospitals in a United States Midwestern metropolitan area. Data were collected at discharge and at 2 months following discharge, using the Verbal Descriptor Scale, depression and anxiety subscales on the Profile of Mood States, a modified Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, and a modified Functional Status Index. Subjects who had less pain with movement (r = 0.29, P = 0.016), less anxiety (r = 0.31, P = 0.023), greater network size (r = −0.27, P = 0.045), more instrumental support (r = –0.28, P = 0.042) achieved better functional recovery. Pain, negative emotions, social support, age and mental status explained 56% of the variance in functional outcome.