Abstract:

The Hutt Hospital Physiotherapy Department undertook this pilot study to review their current rehabilitation programmes. The purpose of the study was to formulate a profile of the over-65s who had fractured their femoral neck. In a six month period 53 patients were admitted to the Hutt Hospital with a femoral fracture. After surgery and then four months later, the surviving 42 were interviewed to determine what changes had occurred in mobility, lifestyle, and housing. At the ftour month follow-up interview all patients experienced an overall lack of confidence and a restriction of lifestyle due to their decreased mobility. All the 21 patients residing in their own homes after four months required extra assistance and support to complete their daily activities. A combination of medical complications and restricted mobility necessitated eight patients to enter or change Rest Homes. At the same stage. 33 relied on a walking aid compared to 16 before the fracture.