Factors that influence recovery from hip fracture during hospitalization

Fracture of the hip is a major medical problem in the elderly. Of those elderly individuals who are hospitalized for repair of the fracture, only a few will recover and return home. Many will develop chronic disabilities and complications leading to prolonged hospitalization and recovery, and for some, death. This article reviews the literature and identifies positive and negative factors that influence the recovery of the elderly patient with a hip fracture. Nursing interventions to promote recovery are discussed.