Factors Associated with Walking Aid Selection in Patients with Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) significantly impair gait and function in older adults.
• Understanding factors influencing walking aid use post-discharge is crucial for rehabilitation.
• Current knowledge on predictors of walking aid necessity after VCFs is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between physical function and walking aid use in patients with VCFs at discharge.
• To identify factors differentiating independent ambulation from walking aid use.
• To explore differences between cane and walker users.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 143 VCF patients at discharge.
• Classification into independent ambulation, cane, or walker groups.
• Assessment of pain, cognition, grip strength, chair stand test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI).
• Logistic regression and ROC analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores at discharge were significantly associated with walking aid use (OR 0.85).
• Pain (OR 1.43) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) (OR 0.40) differentiated cane from walker users.
• An optimal BBS cutoff score of 48.5 was identified for predicting walking aid use.

Conclusions:

• BBS effectively distinguishes between independent ambulation and walking aid use post-VCF.
• Pain and SMI are key factors influencing the choice between canes and walkers.
• Findings support informed clinical decisions regarding walking aid prescription for VCF patients.