Frailty index predicts adverse short- and long-term outcomes in older adults with rib fractures

Background

Older adults with rib fractures pose an increasing clinical and financial burden on healthcare. Identifying and addressing the increased risk of adverse outcomes has been a key objective in geriatric co-management of surgical patients. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment-based Frailty Index (FI-CGA) is a useful predictor of complications and mortality in older adults, but its value in rib fracture management remains unclear. This study investigates the association between FI-CGA and short- and long-term outcomes of older adults with rib fractures.

Methods

Rib fracture patients ≥65 years, with a FI-CGA score available, were retrospectively identified from a single level-I trauma center between 2018 and 2022. FI-CGA scores were categorized as pre-frail (<0.20), mild frailty (0.20–0.29), moderate frailty (0.30–0.39), and severe frailty (≥0.40). Outcome measures included mortality up to two years, length of stay (LOS), complications, and 30-day readmission.

Results

288 patients were included for analysis (57 pre-frail; 66 mildly frail; 61 moderately frail; 104 severely frail). Compared to the pre-frail group, only severely frail patients were at higher risk of 90-day (OR 5.71 [CI 1.29 – 52.67]) and 1-year mortality (OR 6.66 [CI 2.18 – 27.37]), while 2-year mortality was higher in mild (OR 3.77 [CI 1.30 – 12.57]), moderate (OR 4.28 [CI 1.46 – 14.51]) and severe (OR 6.42 [CI 2.43 – 20.11]) frailty groups. Hospital (p=0.183) and ICU LOS (p=0.131) was similar across groups. Severely frail patients were at risk of pneumonia (OR 3.50 [CI 0.95 – 19.48]) and delirium (OR 4.16 [CI 1.33 – 17.40]), while other complications were similar between groups (p=0.679). Adjusted proportional hazard ratios for mortality were significantly higher for moderate frailty (HR 1.99 [CI 1.02 – 3.89]) and severe frailty (HR 2.66 [CI 1.10 – 3.73]). FI-CGA was also a significant predictor if used per 0.01 point (HR 1.03 [CI 1.01 – 1.04)]) and per 0.1 point (HR 1.29 [CI 1.12 – 1.47]).

Conclusion

FI-CGA can identify vulnerable rib fracture patients at risk of in-hospital complications, and short- and long-term mortality. Continuous FI-CGA scores provide a granular and individualized risk assessment. In severely frail patients with rib fractures, FI-CGA may assist in aligning treatment with individual patients’ needs and goals of care.