Risk of Falls among Patients who Underwent Surgery for Proximal Femur Fracture One Year after Surgery

Abstract

Introduction Falls in the elderly population are a public health problem, becoming more relevant after a proximal femur fracture (PFF). The “timed up and go” (TUG) test has been linked to the risk of falls and is used in various geriatric societies.

Objective To evaluate the risk of falls in patients with PFF after one year of surgery.

Materials and Methods An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out on patients operated by PFF between January 2017 and May 2020. Patients aged 60 to 85 years, with one year or more since their surgery, were included. Individuals with severe and progressive neurological diseases, BMI > 40, advanced cognitive impairment, and with diseases or mechanical factors that could hinder proper evaluation or rehabilitation were excluded. Patients were summoned and underwent clinical, nutritional and radiological evaluations. Subsequently, the quadriceps strength of the lower extremities was measured and the vertical acceleration and TUG tests were applied. The results were analyzed using statistical models, hypothesis tests and machine learning models.

Results In the machine learning models, the variables of greatest importance for classifying patients as low or medium-high risk of falls were the quadriceps strength on the operated side, quadriceps strength on the contralateral side, and vertical acceleration. On the other hand, in linear regression models, BMI and vertical acceleration had a significant positive and negative effect, respectively.

Conclusion Quadriceps extensor strength, vertical acceleration and BMI are related to the risk of falls. This work shows us accessible and low-cost elements to identify these risk factors and focus the resources for their prevention.

Keyword

risk of falls - proximal femur fracture - quadriceps extensor strength - timed up and go

Publication History

Received: 12 April 2023

Accepted: 14 August 2023

Article published online:
30 October 2023

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