Predictors of recovering ambulation after hip fracture inpatient rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Despite progress in surgery and care, hip fracture (HF) remains a catastrophic event, burdened with high risk of mortality and disability. This study aims at identifying predictors of recovering ambulation after intensive inpatient rehabilitation within the Tuscany Region HF rehabilitation pathway. METHODS: All HF patients referred from acute care to the two Massa-Carrara Rehabilitation facilities January 2015–June 2017 were enrolled. Comorbidity Total Score (CIRS) defined high- or low-care setting referral. Recovery of ambulation, with or without aid, (assessed by SAHFE) was the primary outcome. Personal data, comorbidity, cognitive (MMSe) and pre-fracture function (mRANKIN) were recorded on admission. Outcomes included hospital readmission, length of stay (LOS) and home discharge. Urinary catheter, bedsores, disability (modified Barthel Index-mBI), communication disability (CDS), trunk control (TCT), pain (NRS), and ambulation were recorded (admission-discharge). RESULTS: Of 352 patients enrolled (age 83.9 ± 7.1; 80% women), 1 died and 6 were readmitted to acute-care hospital; 97% patients referred to high-care, and 64% referred to low-care, presented moderate-high comorbidity on admission. Median LOS was 22 days; 95% patients were discharged back home; daily functional gain (mBIscore/LOS) was 1.3 ± 0.7. Patients who recovered ambulation on discharge were 84%. Older age, higher comorbidity, bladder catheter, impaired trunk control, worse cognitive and functional status on admission, and pre-fracture disability were associated to poor outcome, but only higher comorbidity and impaired communication on admission predicted failure to recover ambulation on discharge. CONCLUSION: In HF patients entitled to intensive inpatient rehabilitation, moderate-high comorbidity and impaired communication are frequent findings and predict rehabilitation failure.