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Updated: Jan 26, 2026
Method and Instrumented Fixture for Femoral Fracture Testing in a Sideways Fall-on-the-Hip Position
Published on: August 17, 2017
Timeline of functional recovery after hip fracture in seniors aged 65 and older: a prospective observational analysis
K Fischer1,2, M Trombik1,2, G Freystätter1,2,3
1Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, Geriatric Clinic, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, RAE B1, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
We investigated the timeline of functional recovery after hip fracture over 12 months in adults age ≥ 65 years using objective lower extremity function tests and subjective physical functioning. Objective functional recovery was largely complete in the first 6 months, whereas subjective recovery improved up to 9 months after hip fracture.
Introduction:
Hip fractures are a major cause of loss of function among seniors. We assessed the timeline of objective and subjective functional recovery after hip fracture.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective observational secondary analysis of a 1-year clinical trial on vitamin D and home exercise treatment and complications after hip fracture among 173 patients age ≥ 65 years (mean age 84 years; 79.2% women; 77.4% community-dwelling) conducted from January 2005 through December 2007. Lower extremity function (Timed Up and Go test (TUG), knee extensor and flexor strength) and grip strength was assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Subjective physical functioning was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire also at 3 and 9 months follow-up. Multivariable-adjusted repeated-measures models were used to assess the timeline of functional recovery in the total population and in subgroups of patients.
Results:
Lower extremity function including TUG (- 61.1%), knee extensor (+ 17.6%), and knee flexor (+ 11.6%) strength improved significantly in the first 6 months (P < 0.001). However, between 6 and 12 months, there was no further significant improvement for any of the functional tests. Grip strength decreased from baseline to 6 months (- 7.9%; P < 0.001) and from 6 to 12 months (- 10.8%; P < 0.001). Subjective physical functioning improved from 3 to 9 months (+ 15.2%, P < 0.001), but no longer thereafter.
Conclusions:
Functional recovery after hip fracture may be largely complete in the first 6 months for objective functional tests, whereas may extend up to 9 months for subjective recovery, with oldest-old, female, institutionalized, and cognitively impaired patients recovering most poorly.
Clinical Trials Registry (Original Trial):
NCT00133640.
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