• R A Marottoli, L F Berkman, L Leo-Summers, and L M Cooney.
• Research and Development Section, West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CT.
• Am J Public Health. 1994 Nov 1; 84 (11): 1807-12.

ObjectivesHip fractures can have devastating effects on the lives of older individuals. We determined the frequency of occurrence of hip fracture and the baseline factors predicting death and institutionalization at 6 months after hip fracture.MethodsA representative cohort of 2812 individuals aged 65 years and older was followed prospectively for 6 years. Hip fractures were identified, and the occurrence of death and institutionalization within 6 months of the fracture was determined. Prefracture information on physical and mental function, social support, and demographic features and in-hospital data on comorbid diagnoses, fracture site, and complications were analyzed to determine predictors of death and institutionalization after hip fracture.ResultsOf 120 individuals suffering a hip fracture, 22 (18%) died within 6 months and 35 (29%) were institutionalized at 6 months. The predictors of death in multiple logistic regression included fracture site, a high number of comorbid conditions, a high number of complications, and poor baseline mental status. The primary predictor of institutionalization was poor baseline mental status.ConclusionsThe frequency of death, institutionalization, and loss of function after hip fracture should prompt a reevaluation of the current approach to this problem.

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