Predictors of mortality and institutionalization after hip fracture: the New Haven EPESE cohort. Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly.

OBJECTIVES

Hip fractures can have devastating effects on the lives of older individuals. We determined the frequency of occurrence of hip fracture and the baseline factors predicting death and institutionalization at 6 months after hip fracture.

METHODS

A representative cohort of 2812 individuals aged 65 years and older was followed prospectively for 6 years. Hip fractures were identified, and the occurrence of death and institutionalization within 6 months of the fracture was determined. Prefracture information on physical and mental function, social support, and demographic features and in-hospital data on comorbid diagnoses, fracture site, and complications were analyzed to determine predictors of death and institutionalization after hip fracture.

RESULTS

Of 120 individuals suffering a hip fracture, 22 (18%) died within 6 months and 35 (29%) were institutionalized at 6 months. The predictors of death in multiple logistic regression included fracture site, a high number of comorbid conditions, a high number of complications, and poor baseline mental status. The primary predictor of institutionalization was poor baseline mental status.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of death, institutionalization, and loss of function after hip fracture should prompt a reevaluation of the current approach to this problem.