Long-term social prognosis after hip fractures

A long term follow-up study of 518 patients with hip fractures was undertaken 2.5 years after the operation. The total mortality was 35 per cent (180/518). The risk of social deterioration for patients admitted from home was 47 per cent (132/281). A statistical analysis showed this risk to be determined primarily by the age of the patient and secondarily by the placement of the patient on discharge from hospital. A thorough description of these factors is presented.