Background: The standard diagnostic approach in patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism starts with D-dimer and perfusion-ventilation lung scanning. If the resulting scan is not diagnostic, pulmonary angiography will perform.

Aims: This study evaluates the effectiveness of D-dimer as a screening tool for Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and to determine the accuracy and potential clinical utility of VQ scan in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in orthopaedic trauma patient.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 757 consecutive trauma admissions involving lower extremity and spinal injuries over 12 months and identified 20 patients with symptoms mimicking PE, without typical clinical symptoms, which underwent rotten investigations for PE (ABG, Blood test, D dimer, Chest X-ray and VQ scan).

Plasma D-dimer levels were measured as a prerequisite test in all patients before undergoing VQ scan to confirm the absence of PE. All patients had either mechanical, such as foot pumps, or chemical DVT prophylaxis.

Results: The mean age was 65 (ranging from 45–88) years, there were 11 female and 9 male. D-dimer levels in the postoperative or post traumatic period were elevated. Mean value was 3.63 (sd=2.72, range 0.60–14.34), Comparing D-dimer levels between those treated operatively (14 patients) and those treated conservatively (6 patients) we found that both groups displayed the same trend; however levels were higher following surgery.

The classical triad of dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain and haemoptysis occurred in only 2 patients. Signs of DVT were present in 3 patients. The electrocardiographs were normal in only 4 patients, though changes particularly suggestive of PE (S1Q3T3, Right bundle branch block or right heart strains) were absent in all of the patients. Chest X-ray changes were of limited value. None showed any of the supposedly characteristic changes.

All of the patients had a VQ scan were started on chemical treatment for PE and non of them had definite PE, 12 the patients had probable PE Those patient with probable scan were not subsequently given anticoagulants owing to their medical conditions

Conclusion: The D-dimer level is never normal (< 0.5mg/l), following total trauma, and so cannot exclude a DVT or PE. The level it raises to is indistinguishable form that seen in the population with a PE and so cannot identify those patients in whom further investigation is warranted. VQ scan is not a definitive diagnosis we should rely more and more on a CT Angiography scan for the diagnosis of PE in this group of patients. This should be organised by medical team, especially with shortening of training time, to avoid wasting of resources and time which are of paramount. Requesting a D-dimer test in this population wastes time and resources and is of no benefit

Aims: To compare the results of resurfacing hip arthroplasty with conventional total hip replacement and to find out any differences in complication rates, discharge patterns and the resulting financial implications.

Trial Design: Retrospective analysis comparing resurfacing hip arthroplasties to conventional total hip replacements in patients who were 65 years old or younger at the time of operation. Criteria for comparison were blood loss, post operative complications (including the need for blood transfusion), revision of arthroplasty and the length of hospital stay.

Materials and Methods: All patients who had resurfacing arthroplasty in our hospital were included in the study (77 patients), and a similar group who had total hip replacements in the same time period were randomly selected for comparison. Case notes, computer records as well as X-rays were used to identify postoperative complications, especially DVT’s ,PE’s, neuro-vascular injuries, infection, fractured neck of femur and the need for revision of an arthroplasty. A detailed analysis of all revision arthroplasties including the causes, failure pattern of implant and the type of revision hip arthroplasty used and its cost implication was made. We also compared the pre and post-operative haemoglobin and units of blood transfused, if any. A comparison was also made of discharge pattern of these two groups of patients. A student t-test was performed to observe any difference in these two group.

Results:

Resurface hip arthroplasty Group: Average age 52.1 years; pre-operative Hb 14.22gm/dl; postoperative Hb.10.95gm/dl; average blood loss 3.28 gm/dl; Total hips revised 12; Average length of stay 8.53 days.

Conclusions: 1.There were no appreciable differences between these two group as far as the usual complications, blood loss and length of stay are concerned. 2. There was appreciable difference in revision rate, which has significant cost implication for health authority and patients