Few studies have examined the socio-economic impact of complications requiring surgery following initial surgical management of proximal femoral fractures. Our hypothesis was that there would be a significant difference in the cost, mortality rate and ultimate discharge location in patients requiring further surgery after their index procedure for a proximal femoral fracture compared to a matched control group.

This was a retrospective matched cohort study of all proximal femoral fractures presenting to the John Radcliffe Hospital over a five year period. Data had been collected prospectively in a standard manner. The total cost of treatment for each patient was calculated by separating the treatment costs into its components. Mortality data was retrieved from the Office of National Statistics and data were analysed using SPSS statistics software, with a p value of less than 0.05 considered significant.

There were 2360 proximal femoral fractures in 2257 patients. Of this group, 144 (6.1%) required further surgical intervention due to a complication of the primary procedure. Mean age at time of fracture was 82.59 years; 81.6% women. Mean cost of treatment in those cases with complications was £18,731 compared to £8,575 for uncomplicated cases (p=0.00) with a mean length of stay of 62.8 days and 32.7 days respectively (p=0.00). Mortality probability of cases was significantly higher than the control group with a mean survival of 209 days versus 496 days for controls (p= 0.035) and patients with complications were statistically less likely to return to their own home (p< 0.01).

The socio-economic impact of complications following treatment of proximal femoral fractures is important in this current economic climate. Greater awareness and understanding are warranted. Recognition of potential risk factors for complications may allow earlier detection of potential cases and thereby reduce their number and in turn the socioeconomic cost.

Background

Deciding how to allocate scarce surgical resources is a worldwide issue. These decisions are difficult when considering procedures aimed primarily at improving functional quality of life, such as lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR) surgery, and procedures perceived as life preserving which also have impacts on physical function, such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Comparing functional outcomes of these two procedures may provide further evidence to guide resource allocation decisions.

Functional Ultrasound Elastography (FUSE) of Tendo Achilles is an ultrasound technique utilising controlled, measurable movement of the foot to non-invasively evaluate TA elastic and load-deformation properties. The study purpose is to assess Achilles tendons, paratenon and bursa mechanical properties in healthy volunteers and establish a clinical outcome tool for TA treatment.

We studied 40 Achilles tendons in healthy volunteers using our novel Elastography method, which we developed in the University of Oxford. US scan device (Z.one, Zonare Medical System Inc., USA, 8.5 MHz) with and without the Oxford isometric dynamic foot and ankle mover were used. Tendon insertion, midportion and musculotendinous junction were examined during lateral movement and axial compression/decompression modes. B mode and elasticity images were derived from the raw ultrasound radio frequency data. The anatomical structures mechanical properties were evaluated by a semi-quantitative score of different colours representing stiff tissue (blue) to more soft tissue (green, yellow, red).

The Achilles tendons showed mainly a hard structured pattern on sonoelastography. Compression/decompression modes are best used to demonstrate axial softening, while longitudinal displacement is best used to assess load transfer. The average strain along the tendon was 2% (range 0-6%). The overall correlation (?) between real-time sonoelastography and ultrasound findings was < 0.3. However, the correlation (?) between FUSE UEI and US findings was 1.0

Our findings show that FUSE seems to be a sensitive method for assessment of TA mechanical properties. The B mode and elasticity images must be viewed simultaneously. Elasticity and stiffness measurement may offer an invaluable tool to guide TA rupture and tendonopathy treatment and rehabilitation protocol.