The Prevalence of Frailty in Patients Admitted to Hospital with Vertebral Fragility Fractures

Abstract

In the first study, frailty was identified in 70.8% of vertebral fracture patients using PRISMA-7 tool; 66.7% with the GFI; and 33.3% with the EFS. A further 20.8% were considered vulnerable to frailty on the EFS. Almost 30% were considered frail on all the three scales. Three quarters had a timed-up-and-go of >20seconds. Median Barthel Index was 18 (range 6-20); and the median abbreviated mental test was 9 (range 2-10), which suggests a cohort that is mostly independent with personal activities of daily living with good levels of cognition. In the second study, compared to patients with hip fracture, patients with vertebral fractures were younger; more likely to be living independently; less likely to have fallen in the last year; were taking more medication; and had equal number of co-morbidities as patients with hip fractures Conclusion: Frailty is prevalent in those admitted to hospital with a vertebral fragility fracture. Treatment of their acute fracture will need to include addressing their frailty issues.