SP1-35 Predictors of change in joint function after hip or wrist fractures due to falls in elderly people

Introduction Falls with hip or wrist fractures in elderly people are common situations. The goal of this study was to determine the joint function and which clinical and social factors predict change after those fractures, measured by the short-WOMAC or QuickDASH questionnaires. Methods Patients older than 65 years who attended the emergency room (ER) of seven acute hospitals with a hip or wrist fracture due to a fortuity fall were recruited. Patients fulfilled the QuickDASH or short WOMAC specific questionnaires at the time of the fall, as how they were before the fall, and 6 months later, and some other questions on sociodemographic issues. Clinical parameters from the ER and admission to the hospital were also recorded. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed, considering the changes on the QuickDASH or short WOMAC specific questionnaires as dependent variables. Results Preliminary analysis of our data (recruitment: 343 hip; 412 wrist fracture patients) showed an important decline in both specific questionnaires (hip-limitation domain of short-WOMAC-26.2; wrist-QuickDASH:20.3) at 6 months after the fracture. Older patients and lower socioeconomic status were those with greater worsening on WOMAC limitation domain on hip fracture, after adjusting by baseline scores. On wrist fractures, patients receiving rehabilitation and those who did not receive social support had greater worsening on QuickDASH scores. Conclusion Specific changes in the function of the joint affected were determined by the socioeconomic level on hip fractures while in wrist fractures the presence of social support provided benefit for these patients.