Early Mobilization after Hip Fracture Surgery and Its Relationship with Hospital Stay

Objective: To evaluate the association between early mobilization following hip fracture surgery and short-term outcomes, including 30-day mortality, discharge timing, and discharge destination.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Ireland, from January to December 2023. Patients aged ≥60 years who underwent hip fracture surgery were included. Early mobilization was defined as any assisted ambulation during the first postoperative day. Data on demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification, fracture type, surgical procedure, pre-fracture ambulation, and discharge outcomes were collected. Associations with early mobilization, discharge within 30 days, and 30-day mortality were analyzed using Chi-square tests and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Statistical significance was set at p-value ≤ 0.05.Results: Of 266 patients, 218 (82%) were mobilized early. Early mobilization was significantly associated with lower 30-day mortality (p-value < 0.001), greater likelihood of discharge within 30 days (p-value = 0.002), and higher rates of discharge to home (p-value = 0.010). ASA classification was a strong predictor of early mobiliza-tion, discharge timing, and mortality (all p-values < 0.05). Patients with independent pre-fracture ambulation were more likely to be mobilized early and discharged sooner. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significant-ly improved survival in mobilized patients (log-rank p-value < 0.001).Conclusion: Early mobilization following hip fracture surgery is associated with improved survival and earlier discharge. ASA status and pre-fracture functional ability are key predictors of these outcomes.Keywords: Early Ambulation, Hip Fractures, Length of Stay, Mortality, Postoperative Care.