Rehabilitation after a hip fracture. Special needs of the elderly

Hip fractures are one of the most common and potentially devastating injuries in the geriatric population. The incidence, morbidity, and health care costs associated with hip fracture among older persons are well recognized. Because of the complex health care needs of the elderly, rehabilitation after a hip fracture can present a challenge at a time when the nursing workforce and health care funding are declining. Aggressive rehabilitation focusing on continuity of care and attention to the cognitive as well as physiologic status results in effective and cost-effective rehabilitation.