Operated versus non-operated hip fractures in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital

A comparative study between 53 non-operated and 170 operated hip fractures was conducted in a geriatric rehabilitation hospital. The non-operated fractures were mainly of the trochanteric type. Time interval between the fracture and admission date to rehabilitation was shorter than I month for both groups. At the end of the rehabilitation treatment, 39.6% of the non-operated cases and 64.1% of the operated regained full walking independence. Fifteen per cent of the non-operated patients and 12.3% of the operated were able to walk with assistance, and 35% of non-operated cases versus 17.6% of operated cases remained unable to walk. Mortality rate was greater among the non-operated patients. Despite significant between-group difference in ambulatory capacity in favour of the operated group, the results support the view that a sustantial percentage of non-operated patients can regain ambulation. Extraneous factors to the fracture itself such as mental status and motivation probably play a role in successful rehabilitation of the latter.