ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the demography and health in a hip fracture population, and predictors of outcome one year after the fractures occurred. Physical, mental and social functioning in 109 patients who were referred from home with hip fractures were assessed retrospectively; during the hospital stay, at discharge, and after 4 and 12 months. Mobility, Katz' ADL-index and a short-version of MMSE were used in assessing their physical and mental conditions. No essential changes were found in either demography or health. The most significant predictors of outcome were age, prefracture mobility and post-fracture mental status. The proportion of patients suffering from acute confusion was considerable. The result was a higher risk of mortality, institutionalisation and poor physical outcome. It is important to pay more attention to the prevention and treatment of cases involving acute confusion.
