Upper extremity fractures in the elderly: consequences on utilization of rehabilitation care.

Background And Aims: While hip fractures represent the most dramatic consequence of osteoporosis, fractures of the humerus, forearm and wrist account for one-third of the total incidence of fractures due to osteoporosis in the older population. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate rehabilitation care utilization and associated factors in elderly individuals with upper limb fracture.

Methods: Over two years, 667 patients 65 years of age or older were studied, who presented to the emergency department either from their private homes or nursing homes with an upper extremity fracture.

Hip fracture surgery: is the pre-operative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score a predictor of functional outcome?

Background And Aims: Many studies have identified specific demographic, social, health or life-style pre-operative indicators of long-term outcome among older hip fracture patients who underwent surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of peri- and intra-operative factors, and more specifically of the pre-operative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score on functional outcome in these patients.

Methods: A questionnaire designed to assess pre-fracture functional and health status was administered to surgically treated hip fracture patients.

Prognosis of functional recovery 1 year after hip fracture: typical patient profiles through cluster analysis.

Background: Many investigators have identified distinct medical, demographic and psychosocial prefracture conditions that influence the functional outcome of patients surgically treated for a fracture of the hip. However, to design efficient intervention care programs addressing the needs of these patients, at optimal economic and social costs, more information is required on the typical combinations of prognostic determinants actually encountered.

Methods: Data on specific descriptors of the prefracture status and on mobility and functioning 1 year after surgical intervention were collected by interview from 253 consecutive patients hospitalized for a fracture of the proximal femur.