Investigators will conduct a prospective, observational cohort study to determine the
prevalence of frailty in the geriatric population of Georgia, focusing on men and women
aged 65 years and older undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. All participants will
provide written, informed consent to participate in the study.
Frailty will be assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale preoperatively, at discharge,
three months, and one year postoperatively. Baseline cognitive function will be evaluated
using the Mini-Cog test, while the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) will
enable cognitive screening and the detection of pre-existing cognitive disorders.
Postoperative neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) will also be assessed with TICS at one
month, three months, and one year postoperatively through telephone follow-ups.
Delirium will be evaluated preoperatively and twice daily during the patient's hospital
stay using the Three-Minute Diagnostic Interview for Confusion Assessment. If patients
require intensive care postoperatively, the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (ICU
CAM) will also be administered twice daily.
Depression will be measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) preoperatively and
postoperatively at discharge, and again at one month, three months, and one year. Anxiety
will be assessed using a visual analogue scale at baseline, discharge, one month, three
months, and one year. The Trail Making Test A and B will be administered preoperatively
and at discharge. Pain levels will be measured during each assessment using the Numerical
Rating Scale (NRS).
Disability and the ability to perform daily living activities (ADLs) will be evaluated at
baseline, three months, and one year postoperatively using the WHO Disability Assessment
Schedule (WHODAS).
Additionally, investigators will collect demographic and clinical information, including
education level, comorbidities, alcohol use, lifestyle factors, and body mass index
(BMI). Laboratory tests will also be conducted to explore potential mechanisms underlying
postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PND), such as albumin, HbA1c, triglycerides,
electrolytes, creatinine, Vitamin D, and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
All assessments and tests originally in English will be translated into Georgian and
validated for the Georgian population before being administered to patients in the
hospital.