The prognostic value of quality of life parameters in patients recovering from osteoporotic fractures of the proximal femur.

Background. Improving the quality of life is the aim of treatment in elderly patients with hip fracture. Different outcomes are often achieved using similar therapy methods. On the basis of own observations we tested the hypothesis that different parameters of quality of life (QOL) before hip fracture can be important prognostic factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between selected QOL parameters and mortality after osteoporotic hip fracture at 2- and 12-month follow-up. Material and methods. We examined 55 patients ranging in age from 48 to 92 years (mean age 77 years) with hip fracture resulting from falls, who were treated in our surgery department. All patients answered a questionnaire constructed especially for this research. The patients were examined three times: first during hospitalization after surgery, the second time within 8 weeks, and the last time at follow-up one year after surgery. Results. 63% of those patients who died within 2 months lived alone, in comparison to 37% of patients living together with their families. 63% of the patients who needed continuous care died within the 8-week observation period. During this same time no patients who had been independent before hip fracture died. The one-year mortality rate among patients who did not leave their home before and after the fracture was 100%. A lack of social activity was associated with 82% mortality within 12 months. Conclusions. Quality of life parameters are important predictive factors for mortality in patients after hip fracture. High subjective quality of life assessment predicts better chances of recovery.