Predictive factors of gait recovery after hip fracture: a scoping review

This scoping review aimed to identify predictive factors influencing gait recovery post-hip fracture surgery among adults aged 65 and older.

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases was conducted, focusing on studies assessing predictive factors of gait recovery within one month to one-year post-surgery. Two independent reviewers carried out study selection, quality assessment and data extraction using the Quality in Prognosis Studies Tool to gauge evidence levels.

About 10,627 articles were initially identified. After duplicates were removed, 7665 were screened based on title and abstract, then 796 based on full text; 138 articles were finally included.The review identified a total of 77 predictive factors. However, just under half (34) of these were supported by studies with a low risk of bias. Higher-level evidence-supported factors were age, pre-fracture independence in daily activities, cognitive impairment, delirium, orthogeriatric multidisciplinary co-management, specific surgical interventions, allowing weight-bearing, comorbidities, nutritional status, rehabilitation treatments and polypharmacy.

The identified factors influencing gait recovery include both non-modifiable factors [such as younger age, pre-fracture independence in activities of daily living, absence of cognitive impairment, fewer comorbidities and lower anaesthetic risk] and modifiable factors, including rehabilitation treatments, organisational factors, absence of delirium, orthogeriatric co-management, surgical factors such as implant type and unrestricted weight-bearing, better nutritional status and strength, and reduced polypharmacy. We believe the latter should be prioritised in managing patients with hip fractures to achieve optimal recovery.