Social aspects in patients following proximal femoral fractures

Between January 1989 and December 1990, a study was conducted on the social aspects of 123 patients admitted to the Singapore General Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic O, with proximal femoral fractures. Twenty-three patients passed away, leaving 100 patients for review at 2 years post-fracture. Of the 20 social functions evaluated, less than 60% improvement was observed in 6 lower limb dependent activities. Before fracture, 82 patients were independent and 83 were ambulating without aids. After fracture, improvement occurred progressively and reached a plateau at 1 year with 62 (75.6%) patients independent and 41 (49.4%) patients ambulating normally. All the patients stayed in their own home before fracture and 90 (90%) patients returned to their home after their discharge. Of the 59 patients who were unable to ambulate without aids, 21 had visual problems, 9 had cerebrovascular accident and 8 had both problems.