Objectives: Hip fractures can have devastating effects on the lives of older individuals. We determined the frequency of occurrence of hip fracture and the baseline factors predicting death and institutionalization at 6 months after hip fracture.
Methods: A representative cohort of 2812 individuals aged 65 years and older was followed prospectively for 6 years. Hip fractures were identified, and the occurrence of death and institutionalization within 6 months of the fracture was determined. Prefracture information on physical and mental function, social support, and demographic features and in-hospital data on comorbid diagnoses, fracture site, and complications were analyzed to determine predictors of death and institutionalization after hip fracture.
Results: Of 120 individuals suffering a hip fracture, 22 (18%) died within 6 months and 35 (29%) were institutionalized at 6 months. The predictors of death in multiple logistic regression included fracture site, a high number of comorbid conditions, a high number of complications, and poor baseline mental status. The primary predictor of institutionalization was poor baseline mental status.
Conclusions: The frequency of death, institutionalization, and loss of function after hip fracture should prompt a reevaluation of the current approach to this problem.