Evaluation of the physical function and quality of life of elderly people with femoral neck fracture one year after the injury

As the world population ages, hip fractures in the elderly are rising, leading to decreased mobility, quality of life (QOL), and independence in daily activities.

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of femoral neck fractures on the physical function and QOL of elderly people one year after the injury.

This retrospective observational study was conducted on 77 elderly people over 65 years old referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital during 2020-2021. The necessary information was collected through the patient's file (sociodemographic and clinical data at the time of admission), a shortened form of the SF-36 questionnaire, and the Barthel questionnaire.

In the present study, women constituted 50.6% of the patients. The mean age of the patients was 78.78±9.54 years. The mean function scores of patients based on the Barthel Index and QOL score were 11.71±2.14 and 57.60±11.02, respectively. Nearly 60% of patients received the maximum QOL score and function score. According to the results of the multiple linear regression analysis, the average level of physical functions decreased significantly with an increase in patients’ age, and patients who had undergone physiotherapy had a significantly higher average level of function than those who had not undergone physiotherapy. Additionally, the results showed that an increase in patients’ age was associated with a significant decrease in their QOL, while patients who had undergone surgery had a QOL that was 6.19 times higher than those who had not undergone surgery (p<0.05).

The research findings suggest that function and QOL are significantly reduced after femoral fractures, especially in older patients. Effective care during hospitalization, post-surgery, and early mobilization through physiotherapy programs can greatly improve patients' QOL and functional outcomes.