Preo frailty predicts FOF in elderly ortho regression analyse.

BACKGROUND

Given that preoperative frailty elevates the risk of falls and other complications following orthopedic surgery, this study aimed to determine its association with patients' postoperative fear of falling (FOF).

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected from 140 elderly patients who underwent orthopedic surgery at three tertiary medical centers in southwest China between May and December 2022. Preoperative frailty was assessed using the FRAIL Scale, while postoperative FOF was assessed using the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale. Pearson correlation was used to explore potential associations of pre-operative frailty to postoperative fear of falling in elderly orthopedic patients. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the association between preoperative frailty and postoperative FOF. Subsequently, multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of postoperative FOF.

RESULTS

The results revealed a high prevalence of postoperative FOF. Of the 140 patients, 69 (49.29%) were frail preoperatively, and 119 (85%) reported postoperative FOF. The mean fall efficacy score was 3.35 (±3.41), with the outdoor activity subscore being significantly lower than the indoor activity subscore.A positive correlation was found between preoperative frailty and FOF. Multiple linear regression identified frailty, living alone, malnutrition, and postoperative use of a walking aid as independent factors associated with FOF.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the high prevalence of both preoperative frailty and postoperative fear of falling (FOF) among elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, as well as a positive correlation between the two. Therefore, medical staff should assess patients' frailty status as early as possible before surgery and implement targeted fall-prevention strategies to ensure high-quality rehabilitation.