|
Citation
|
Hill AM, Ross-Adjie G, McPhail SM, Jacques A, Bulsara M, Cranfield A, Etherton-Beer C, Raja Azlan N, Powell SJ, Hardisty G, Monterosso L. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
|
Abstract
|
BACKGROUND: Hip replacement surgery improves health-related quality of life, however it has been suggested that falls rates increase after hospital discharge. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and associated risk factors for falls in older adults in the 12 months after undergoing elective total hip replacement surgery.
METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted. Participants were adults aged 60 years or older who underwent primary elective total hip replacement surgery in a private tertiary hospital in Perth, Australia. Baseline data collected immediately prior to discharge included use of walking aids, medications, and functional level of independence (using Katz and Lawton scales). Falls data were collected for 12 months using calendars and monthly phone calls. Data were analysed using logistic and negative binomial regression modelling.
RESULTS: Participants' [(n=167), 54.4% female] mean age was 71.2 (+6.9) years. There were 51 (31%) participants who used a walking aid prior to surgery. There were 140 falls reported over 12 months by 67 (42%) participants, of which 90 (64.3%) were injurious (n=9 fractures). The fall rate was 2.6 per 1000 patient days. Age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.01 - 1.20)] and hospital length of stay (AOR 1.24, 95% CI (1.00 - 1.54)].were significantly associated with sustaining multiple falls.
CONCLUSIONS: Over 40% of older adults fell in the 12 months after elective hip replacement surgery although the cohort had low fall risk prior to surgery. Rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery should consider fall prevention.
Language: en |