Bone Abstracts

Introduction: Hip fracture is a significant health problem with 25–30% occurring in men. Outcome differences between the genders have been documented, particularly mortality rates.

Aim: To prospectively investigate outcomes of elderly hip fracture patients regarding mortality, recovery of function, quality of life, incidence of osteoporosis, osteoporosis knowledge, medication adherence, nutritional status and fear of falling.

Methodology: A longitudinal study of hip fracture patients attending the study site between June 2008 and 2010. Participants were contacted 4 monthly for 15 months. Gender comparisons were made. Data analysed with SPSS.

Results: n=226.71%:29% female:male. Mean age 81 years female, 76 years male. Men higher ADL score pre-fracture (P=0.059), no difference at 15 months. Men more mobile at 11 and 15 months (P=0.003, P=0.006 respectively). Women had greater FOF (P=0.005) and increased risk of malnutrition at 3 months (P=0.007), no difference at 15 months. No significant difference noted in hospital stay, discharge destination, pain, QOL, fracture type, recovery in basic and instrumental ADLs or residency at 15 months. More women had low serum calcium (P=0.02) and vitamin D deficiency (P=0.005). Mortality significantly higher in men at 6 months (P=0.03).

Conclusion: Hip fracture is a problem affecting both genders. As with other studies, men were younger, less likely to live alone and significantly more likely to die within first 6 months. The increased recovery in mobility for men identified may be due the fittest men surviving to functional assessments at 15 months.