THE MORTALITY AND SOCIAL PROGNOSIS OF HIP-FRACTURES - A PROSPECTIVE MULTIFACTORIAL STUDY

A prospective 5-year study was carried out of 143 patients with trocha nteric fractures treated by Ender nailing. A detailed proforma was use d for multifactorial analysis in order to identify the prognostic indi cators of social function and quality of life of the patients. Their m ean age was 81 years and the female: male ratio 7:1. The mortality rat e 6 months after injury was 23%, and at the end of 5 years 45.5%. The patients surviving the first 6 months had the same life expectancy as the general population. Dementia, associated disease, medical complica tions, total dependency and age were the most significant predictors o f mortality. These factors, with pressure sores and poor rehabilitatio n, were also significant in determining the prognosis of social functi on. Deterioration of health status was seen in 36% during the first 6 months after injury and 40% showed deterioration of their social condi tion within this period Later, most survivors recovered and were resto red to their previous state. Postoperative geriatric care is essential to achieve this aim.