Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate if early postoperative ambulation metrics affect hospital quality measures and 1-year outcomes in operative hip fracture patients.
Methods: A consecutive series of hip fracture patients [OTA/AO 31A, 31B, 32A-C] who underwent operative treatment were reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Chart review was performed to determine participation with physical therapy [PT] and ambulation distance on postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, and 5. POD1 ambulators and non-ambulators were statistically compared. Outcome correlates of postoperative ambulation distance were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression.
Results: 1044 patients were identified with 546 (52.3%) able to ambulate on POD1. Those able to ambulate on POD1 were significantly younger (78.4 ± 10.9 vs. 82.1 ± 10.4, p < 0.001), had fewer co-morbidities (CCI 1.22 ± 1.60 vs. 1.73 ± 1.82, p < 0.001), and were more likely to be preoperative community ambulators (82.2% vs. 68.3%, p < 0.001). Patients unable to ambulate on POD1 had significantly higher rate of inpatient mortality (2.8% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.004), 1-year mortality (14.6% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001), and a longer length of stay (7.94 ± 4.73 vs. 6.43 ± 4.02 days, p < 0.001). Non-ambulators more often required the intensive care unit postoperatively (18.7% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001), and had increased rates of major complications (15.5% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001). Patients with OTA 31B or 32A fractures were 1.63 times more likely to ambulate on POD1 while patients with an assistive device at baseline were 0.51 times less likely to ambulate on POD1. Increasing postoperative ambulation distance correlated with shorter length of stay (p < 0.001 for POD1, 3, and 5) and every foot walked was associated with 0.57% decreased odds of a hospital complication (p = 0.0353).
Conclusions: Failure to ambulate on POD1 following hip fracture surgery in >55 years is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital complications and mortality. Every effort should be made address this modifiable risk factor and mobilise patients on POD1 to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords: Ambulation; hip fracture; hospital complications; physical therapy.