Rehabilitation after a hip fracture. Special needs of the elderly.

The increased number of hip fractures in the elderly occurring in the United States, especially in those classified as the oldest (those age 85 and older), are expanding at epidemic proportions. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the rise in the number of falls and hip fractures. The interdisciplinary team must collaborate with acute health care professionals to best manage medical and surgical aspects of care along with functional and psychosocial issues. This article gives detailed nursing interventions and explains the role of the rehabilitation team in treatment and patient recovery.