OPTIMIZING POSTOPERATIVE FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY IN GERIATRIC TIBIAL FRACTURES: THE ROLE OF ENHANCED RECOVERY AND PREDICTIVE TRAUMA CARE IN SPORTS REHABILITATION

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) combined with Predictive Trauma Care (PTC) on postoperative functional recovery in geriatric patients with tibial fractures. Methods: A total of 259 geriatric patients with tibial fractures undergoing surgery from March 2022 to June 2024 were enrolled. Patients were divided into four groups: Control group (n=64) receiving routine care, ERAS group (n=65), PTC group (n=65), and a combined ERAS+PTC group (n=65). Postoperative assessments included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Hamilton Depression (HAMD) and Anxiety (HAMA) scales, Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74), and functional scores (Lysholm, Tinetti, and Hospital for Special Surgery [HSS] scales). Clinical efficacy was compared across groups. Results: The combined ERAS+PTC group showed significantly greater pain reduction at 6h, 24h, 48h, 7d, and 14d post-surgery compared to the control group (P<0.05). Depression and anxiety scores (HAMA and HAMD) were lower in the combined group at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively compared to other groups (P<0.05). Quality of life scores (GQOLI-74) were highest in the combined group, surpassing both the ERAS and PTC groups (P<0.05). Functional recovery scores (Lysholm, Tinetti, and HSS) were also significantly better in the combined group (P<0.05). Overall clinical outcomes were superior in the combined ERAS+PTC group compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Combining ERAS and PTC significantly enhances pain relief, psychological well-being, quality of life, and functional recovery in geriatric tibial fracture patients compared to individual care models. This integrated approach offers a promising strategy for improving postoperative outcomes.