Successful Rehabilitation After Surgical Repair of Hip Fracture Has Been Associated With Handgrip Strength But Not With Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients 65 Yrs of Age and Above.

OBJECTIVE

The identification of factors associated with successful rehabilitation after hip fractures enables more successful planning of the rehabilitation process and discharge from the hospital. Orthostatic hypotension and handgrip strength have been evaluated in previous studies as potential predictors of rehabilitation outcomes, with inconsistent results.

DESIGN

A retrospective study of patients 65 yrs of age and above who underwent rehabilitation after surgical repair of hip fracture in the geriatric department between July 2020 and October 2023. Handgrip strength was measured during the first 3 days of hospitalization using a digital dynamometer. Orthostatic hypotension was measured a week after admission to the ward by the tilt table test. Successful rehabilitation was defined as a Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score Revised above 50%.

RESULTS

Data were collected for 253 patients. The mean age was 80.5 ± 7.7 and 32.4% were males. The mean handgrip strength was 17.2 ± 6.6 kg. Orthostatic hypotension was diagnosed in 32.8%. One hundred ninety-three patients (76.3%) reached the goal of Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score Revised ≥ 50 at the end of the rehabilitation. In a logistic regression analysis, handgrip strength, cognitive state, and sex were associated with successful rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring handgrip strength, but not orthostatic hypotension, can predict successful rehabilitation.