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The Targon Femoral Neck Hip Screw has been designed to improve the fixation of intracapsular hip fractures. Fracture healing complications after internal fixation occur in approximately 30–40% of displaced fractures and 5–10% of undisplaced fractures. The new implant consists of a small plate with six locking screw ports. The two distal holes are used to fix the plate to the lateral cortex of the femur. Three of four screws are passes through the proximal holes and across the fracture site. These 6.5mm screws are dynamic to allow for collapse of the fracture across the femoral neck. A jig is used to aid insertion of the device with minimal surgical exposure of the femur.

For the first 200 patients treated with this implant at the first centre to use this implant, the mean age of the patients was 77 years (range 39–103), 58% were female. The mean length of surgery was 46 minutes and the mean length of anaesthesia 59 minutes. The median length of institutional stay till discharge home was 9 days (mean 13 days, range 3–107). Four telescoping screws were used in 55% of patients, three in 44% and two in 1% of patients.

Follow-up of patients at present is a minimum of six months. For the 74 undisplaced fractures there has been one case of non-union and one case of avascular necrosis. For the 121 displaced fractures (Garden III and IV) there have been eleven cases of fracture non-union, six cases of avascular necrosis and two cases of plate detachment from the femur treated by repeat fixation. In addition there was one deep wound sepsis treated by removal of the implant and girdlestone arthroplasty. For the four basal fractures treated there has been one case of plate detachment from the femur.

Observation of those fractures that have healed shows there has been between 0 to 22mm of collapse at the fracture site which occurs along the line of the femoral neck. There has been no tilting of the fracture into varus as occurs with a parallel screw method.

The results to date show an incidence of fracture healing complications is about a third that which is to be expected with a parallel screw method. This new implant may be a significant advance in the treatment of this difficult and common fracture.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 135 - 135
1 May 2011
Parker M Spurrier E
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To determine if any notable differences between a cemented Thompson stem hemiarthroplasty and a cemented Exeter stem hemiarthroplasty (ETS), 200 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture were randomised between the two prosthesis. Surviving patients were followed-up for one year by a nurse blinded to the treatment allocation. The mean age of patients was 84 years and 13% were male.

There were no differences between groups for the length of surgery, need for blood transfusion or hospital stay. Implant related complications were three minor operative fractures of the femur in each group. Two patients in the Thompson group had dislocation of the prosthesis requiring revision surgery and one further patient in the Thompson group had late acetabular wear requiring conversion to a total hip replacement. One further patient in the Thompson group had cement retained in the acetabulum. In total therefore only three patients, all in the Thompson group, which required revision surgery. Easy of surgery was assessed subjectively by the surgeon and reported to be easier for the ETS group (p=0.0002). During follow-up there was no significant difference in the degree of residual pain between groups.

Conclusions are that the cemented Exeter stem hemiarthroplasty has some advantages over the traditional cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty.


400 patients with a trochanteric hip fracture were randomised to fixation with either a 220mm long Targon PF (proximal femoral) nail or a Sliding Hip Screw. All surgery was undertaken or supervised by one surgeon. All patients were followed up for a minimum of one year by a blinded observer.

The mean age was 82 years (range 27 to 104 years), 20% were male. Mean length of surgery was slightly increased for the nail (44 versus 49 minutes, p=0.002). Fluoroscopic screening time was increased in the nail group (0.3 versus 0.6 minutes, p< 0.0001). Intra-operative complications were more common with the nailing. There was no difference in blood transfusion requirement between groups. Postoperatively there was no difference in the occurrence of medical complications or mortality.

Deep wound infection requiring removal of the implant occurred in one case in the SHS group. In addition there were two cases of cut-out, three of plate detachment from the femur and one non-union in the SHS group, requiring secondary surgery. There were only once compilations in the nailed a case of cut-out which required secondary surgery. At follow-up there was no difference in pain scores between groups but there was a tendency to improved mobility in the nailed group (p=0.004).

These results suggest that with improved designs and surgical technique, the newer versions of short nails for proximal femoral fractures may not suffer from the complications of the earlier short intramedullary nails. Intramedullary fixation can result in a lower re-operation rate (3.5% versus 0.5%) and improved mobility in comparison to the sliding hip screw.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 22 - 23
1 Jan 2011
Loizou C Parker M
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There is continuing debate regarding the merits of internal fixation versus arthroplasty for intracapsular hip fractures. For displaced fractures there is a higher risk of fracture healing complications but many of the studies reporting on this are now from some years ago using surgical methods that are now outdated. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) related to age, gender, displacement and operation delay for a large series of patients with intra-capsular fractures treated with internal fixation using contemporary methods.

We prospectively studied 1023 patients, 988 fractures were internally fixed with three cannulated screws and 35 with a sliding hip screw. The average length of radiographic follow-up for those patients who survived to one year was 337 days (range 25 to 3521 days). The average age of the patients was 75.4 years (range 16–100); 243 (23.8%) were male. The overall incidence of AVN was 6.6%. AVN was less common (p=0.0004) for undisplaced fractures than for displaced fractures (21 of 528 [4.0%] vs 47 of 495 [9.5%]) and in men than women (p=0.03) who had a displaced fracture (7 of 143 [4.9%] vs 40 of 352 [11.4%]). The incidence of AVN for those aged less than 60 years and who sustained a displaced fracture was 20.6%, compared to 12.5% for those aged 60–80 years and 2.5% for those aged more than 80 years (p< 0.0001). We found no association between the incidence of AVN and operation delay.

Our study showed an increased risk of AVN with younger age and in females with a displaced fracture. This is in contrast to the decreased incidence of non-union seen with younger age. Knowledge of the predicted incidence of fracture healing complications should help surgeons make a more balanced decision between internal fixation and arthroplasty for this condition.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 33 - 33
1 Jan 2011
Parker M
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The Targon Femoral Neck Hip Screw has been designed to improve the fixation of intracapsular hip fractures. The new implant consists of a small plate with six locking screw ports. The two distal holes are used to fix the plate to the lateral cortex of the femur. Three of four 6.5mm cancellous screws are passes through the proximal holes and across the fracture site. The proximal screws are dynamic to allow for collapse of the fracture across the femoral neck. A jig is used to aid insertion of the device with minimal surgical exposure of the femur.

For the first 91 patients treated with this implant, the mean age of the patients was 75 years (range 46–103). The mean length of surgery was 45 minutes. The median length of hospital stay till discharge home was 8 days). For the 43 undisplaced fractures there has been one case of non-union and one case of avascular necrosis. For the 48 displaced fractures (Garden III and IV) there have been five cases of fracture non-union and one case of plate detachment from the femur treated by repeat fixation. In addition there was one deep wound sepsis treated by removal of the implant and girdlestone arthroplasty.

Observation of those fractures that have healed shows there has been between 4 to 18mm of collapse at the fracture site which occurs along the line of the femoral neck. There has been no tilting of the fracture into varus as occurs with a parallel screw method.

The results to date show an incidence of fracture non-union that is about a third that which is to be expected with a parallel screw method. This new implant may be a significant advance in the treatment of this difficult and common fracture.


The Sliding Hip Screw (SHS) is currently the treatment of choice for all trochanteric hip fractures. An alternative treatment is the short femoral nail. Earlier designs of these nails were associated with an increased fracture healing complication rate in comparison to the sliding hip screw. The new designs of nails (third generation nails) may however be as good as or even superior to sliding hip screw fixation.

We conducted a large randomised trial to compare the Targon Proximal Femoral Nail with the Sliding Hip Screw. Patients with trochanteric hip fractures as per the AO classification (A1–A3) were randomised to either implant. All surgery was supervised by one surgeon. All patients were followed up for a minimum of one year months by a blinded observer.

The mean age was 82 years, range 27 to 104 years), 20% were male. Length of surgery was slightly increased for the nail (44 versus 49 minutes, p=0.002). Fluoroscopic screening time was increased in the nail group (0.3 versus 0.6 minutes, p< 0.0001). Intra-operative complications were more common with the nailing. There was no difference in blood transfusion requirement between groups. Postoperatively there was no difference in the occurrence of medical complications or mortality. Deep wound infection requiring removal of the implant occurred in one case in the SHS group. In addition there were two cases of cut-out, three of plate detachment from the femur and one non-union in the SHS group, requiring secondary surgery. There was only one compilation in the nailed a case of cut-out which required secondary surgery. At follow-up no difference in pain scores but there was a tendency to improved mobility in the nailed group (p=0.004).

These results suggest that with improved designs and surgical technique, the newer versions of short nails for proximal femoral fractures may not suffer from the complications of the earlier short intramedullary nails. Intramedullary fixation can result in a lower re-operation rate (3.5% versus 0.5%) and improved mobility in comparison to the sliding hip screw.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_IV | Pages 548 - 549
1 Oct 2010
Haleem S Clifton R Gaskin J Khanna A Parker M
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Introduction: Fractures of the neck of femurs in amputees have been reported sporadically in literature. We reviewed a series of 19 amputees who presented with a fracture neck of femur to analyse their mobility and pain scores at the end of one year and compared them with other patients presenting with the same condition.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed prospectively collected data for fractures of the proximal femur on all patients with amputations of the lower limb. Details on admission of all consecutive admission to one hospital were recorded from 1989 onwards including age, sex, type of amputation, fracture type, mechanism of injury, peri-operative mobility and rehabilitative status up to 1 year post operatively.

Results: Nineteen (19) patients with 22 amputations, sustaining 20 fractures of the neck of femurs were treated among approximately 6500 neck of femur fractures in our hip fracture database. Of these 7 were male and 12 were female. The mean age was 79 years with a range of 50–89 years. 17 patients had undergone below knee amputations (BKA) and 5 above knee amputations (AKA). Thirteen patients came from their own homes with thirteen patients being mobile pre-operatively while 6 were bed bound. All patients were alert and scored well on mental test scores. Intracapsular fractures were the most common type with AO Screw fixation being the most common operative management. Hospital stay was an average of 7 days with a range of 1–90 days. Thirteen of our cohort of patients survived more than a year after the fracture operation. Post operative mobility scoring revealed that most of our patients returned to their preoperative mobility level except for those that did not survive for the first year.

Discussion: Fractures of the neck of femurs have an increasing incidence in an expanding aging population with nearly 60000 fractures treated in the United Kingdom every year. Amputees suffer from accelerated bone density loss and are at an increased risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the hip. The future prospect with an increasing population of amputees with fracture neck of femurs must be addressed so that appropriate management plans can be implemented to allow such patients to return to full mobility and active lifestyle. This also decreases other co-morbidities such as pressure sores and infection.

Approximately one third of our patients survived between 1 to 4 years and another third survived between 5 to 10 years with one patient surviving over 10 years with nearly returning to their pre-injury status. We suggest that satisfactory post operative function is achievable with either internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty.

We conclude that these fractures should be treated with the same urgency and expertise as similar fractures in non-amputees as long term survival and good quality of life can be expected.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_IV | Pages 497 - 497
1 Oct 2010
Mcnamara I Parker M Prevost T Sharma A
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Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality of patients following hip fracture. It is not known preoperatively which patients are at greater risk of developing VTE complications following their surgery. This study reports the incidence of VTE following neck of femur fracture, the timing of the diagnosis of VTE and any risk factors associated with VTE development.

Materials and Methods: We analysed the prospectively recorded complications of patients that presented with a neck of femur fracture. Those patients that developed VTE were compared to those with no complications and their risk factors compared.

Results: A total of 5300 patients were analysed. The incidence of VTE was 2% despite thromboprophylaxis. The significant risk factors for VTE were poor pre operative mobility (p< 0.01), those preoperatively living in their own home (p< 0.01), low mental test score (p< 0.01), high postoperative haemoglobin (p< 0.03), intertrochanteric fractures and fixation with a dynamic hip screw (p< 0.01).

Conclusions: This is the largest group of patients to be prospectively analysed for risk factors for developing VTE following surgery for neck of femur fractures. There were a number of groups that were at a significantly higher risk of developing VTE than others. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of these groups in the management of these vulnerable patients.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_IV | Pages 554 - 554
1 Oct 2010
McNamara I Parker M Pryor G
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To determine the optimum choice of treatment for the displaced intracapsular fracture in the elderly, 455 patients aged over 70 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture were entered into a prospective randomised trial. Treatment was either an uncemented Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty or reduction and internal fixation with three AO cancellous screws. Analysis of pre-operative characteristics of patients showed there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Follow-up of surviving patients was continued for between seven to 15 years to determine the long-term outcome for the two treatment Methods: 90% of patients died during this follow-up period.

Regarding short term outcomes, internal fixation resulted in a reduced mean operative time, operative blood loss and transfusion requirements.

There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay or incidence of general post-operative complications. There was no difference in either the short term or long-term mortality between the two procedures. The need for revision surgery to the hip was increased for those treated by internal fixation (7% versus 38% implant revision rate). There was no difference in the degree of residual pain between groups neither was there any difference in the number of patients requiring institutional care. There was a tendency to slightly better mobility for those treated by internal fixation although the Results: were not statistically significant. These results demonstrate that both treatment methods produce comparable final outcomes but internal fixation is associated with an increased re-operation rate.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_IV | Pages 556 - 556
1 Oct 2010
Parker M
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A hip fracture may lead to anaemia after surgery due to blood loss from the fracture site and operative blood loss. The value of iron supplementation for this group of patients remains controversial. A randomised trial was undertaken for 300 patients who had a haemoglobin of less than 110g/l after surgery. Patients were randomised to take either ferrous sulphate, (200mg twice daily for four weeks) or had no iron therapy. Patients were followed up to one year after surgery.

The mean age of patients was 82 years. 19% were male. The mean difference between admission haemoglobin and the haemoglobin taken 6 weeks after discharge was 7.3g/l in the iron supplementation group and 8.3g/l in the group that did not receive iron supplementation (p value 0.5). There was also no statistically significant difference between groups for hospital stay (19 versus 21 days) or mortality. 18% of those allocated to iron therapy reported side effects from the medication.

This study indicates that routine oral iron supplementation for anaemia after hip fracture surgery is not appropriate.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 303 - 303
1 May 2010
Khan S Haleem S Khanna A Parker M
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Background: Numerous researchers have documented posterior comminution to confer an increased incidence of non-union and avascular necrosis after internal fixation of both displaced and undisplaced intracpasular hip fractures. This prospective study of 1247 patients questions this association and shows that comminution does not cause a statistically significant increase in these complications of fracture healing.

Methods: Twelve hundred and forty-seven patients with 1247 intracapsular hip fractures (568 undisplaced and 679 displaced fractures) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. All these had preoperative radiographs, which were evaluated for posterior comminution. All of them were followed up post-operatively for clinical and radiographic evidence of non-union and avascular necrosis. The incidence of complications in comminuted versus non-comminuted fractures was calculated in both undisplaced and displaced groups. These rates were then compared for statistical significance (p value =0.05).

Results: The undisplaced cases (n=568) comprised 557 non-comminuted and 11 comminuted fractures. The complication rates were 10.9% and 18.2% respectively. The difference was not significant, with a p value of 0.38. Displaced fractures (n=679) consisted of 588 non-comminuted and 91 comminuted cases. In this group, complication rates were 33% and 35% respectively, with a p value of 0.82.

Conclusions: For the 1247 patients studied, there was no association between the observation of comminution of the fracture on the pre-operative x-rays and the later development of fracture healing complications.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 299 - 299
1 May 2010
Haleem S Khan S Parker M
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A neck of femur fracture is known to be a high risk factor for the development of pressure sores with an associated morbidity, mortality and cost. We have attempted to identify risk factors in these patients for the development of pressure sores by analysing prospectively collected data of 4654 consecutive patients (1003 males/3473 females). 3.8% developed pressure sores in the sacral, buttock or heel areas.

Patients factors that increased the risk of pressure sores were increased age (82.1 years versus 76.6 years), lower mental test score (4.65 versus 5.76), diabetes mellitus (pressure sore incidence 10.4%), higher ASA score (3.0 versus 2.7) and lower admission haemoglobin concentration (120gms versus 124gms). Those patients with an extracapsular fracture were more likely to develop pressure sores compared to patients with an intracapsular fracture (4.5% versus 3.1%). Being male was not a risk factor.

While the time interval between fall and admission was not significant, the time interval between admission and surgery was found to be an extremely significant risk factor. A fall in blood pressure during surgery (5.6%) was found to increase risk. Patients who underwent a dynamic hip screw were more likely to develop pressure sores (incidence 4.7%). Patients with an intracapsular fracture treated with internal fixation were less likely to develop pressure sores in comparison to those fractures treated with a hemiarthroplasty or a sliding hip screw (2.0% versus 4.7 versus 4.4%). No relationship was seen related to length of surgery or type of anaesthesia. Our incidence of pressure sores is lower than previously reported (30%). Whilst determining factors that increase the risk of pressure sores may not be sufficiently reliable to be used for the individual patient, taking appropriate preventative measures can reduce the incidence, particularly with reference to (optimising the patient pre-operatively and) reducing delays to surgery.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 299 - 299
1 May 2010
Haleem S Ali S Parker M
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It is unclear which length of thread may be most advantageous for the internal fixation of an intracapsular fracture with cancellous screws. We have compared the 16mm versus the 32mm threads on cancellous screws within a randomised trial for 432 patients. All fractures were fixed with three screws and patients followed-up for a minimum of one year from injury.

The characteristics of the patients in the two groups was similar with a mean age of 76 years. 23% were male. The most common complication encountered was non-union of the fracture which for undisplaced fractures occurred in 7/107(6.5%) of short threaded screws versus 11/133(8.3%) of long threaded screws. For displaced fractures the figures were 29/104(27.9%) versus 24/89(27.0%). Other complications for the short versus long threaded group were avascular necrosis (two cases versus five cases) and fracture below the implant (two cases in each group). Elective removal of the screws for discomfort was undertaken in five and three cases respectively. None of these differences between groups was statistically significant. In summary there is no difference in fracture healing complications related to the length of the screw threads.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 303 - 303
1 May 2010
Khanna A Khanna A Khan S Parker M
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Hip fractures are one of the leading causes of morbidity in the elderly population. A large reduction in morbidity can be achieved if these individuals can have definitive treatment rapidly. However, this is not always achievable to a multi factorial host of contributing factors. Therefore, to enable us to understand some aspect of why these delays, if any occur, the following study was undertaken.

The purpose of the study is to relate the place at which the patient fell, to the time of day for admission to casualty. This will enable us to ascertain whether there is a relationship between the location of injury and the time taken to admission into hospital; if there is such a correlation, then it will enable us to identify factors which will expedite an individuals attendance to hospital.

Designs: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 5273 consecutive admission to one centre with a confirmed proximal femoral fracture from January 1989 to November 2006.

Setting: Peterborough District Hospital

Results: Individuals who sustained an injury inside their own home living alone were more likely to suffer a delay in attendance to the hospital with a fracture (Median 8 hours), compared to individuals who live in there own home living with one or more individual (Median 3 hours) or those who fell indoors at other locations (Median 5 hours) or outside (Median 2 hours) were their falls were witnessed. Also it was noticed that patients living in there own homes fell during the early hours of the day, while patients who had a fall outside fell mainly during ‘working hours’ where as patients in hospital mainly had a fall during night time or mid day.

Conclusion: There is a quantifiable correlation demonstrated between place of injury and the delay in attendance to hospital.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 255 - 255
1 May 2009
Haleem S Heinert G Parker M
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A neck of femur fracture is known to be a high risk factor for the development of pressure sores with an associated morbidity, mortality and cost. We have attempted to identify risk factors in these patients for the development of pressure sores

We have analysed prospectively collected data of 4654 consecutive patients (1003 males/3473 females).

3.8% developed pressure sores in the sacral, buttock or heel areas. Patients factors that increased the risk of pressure sores were increased age (82.1 years versus 76.6 years), lower mental test score (5.7 versus 6.7), diabetes mellitus (pressure sore incidence 9.4%), higher ASA score (3.0 versus 2.7) and lower admission haemoglobin concentration (120gms versus 124gms). Those patients with an extracapsular fracture were more likely to develop pressure sores compared to patients with an intracapsular fracture (4.5% versus 3.1%). Being male was not a risk factor. Among surgical factors related to an increased risk was a fall in blood pressure during surgery (5.6%). Patients who underwent a dynamic hip screw were more likely to develop pressure sores (pressure sore incidence 4.7%). Patients with an intracapsular fracture treated with internal fixation were less likely to develop pressure sores in comparison to those fractures treated with a hemiarthroplasty or a sliding hip screw (2.0% versus 4.7 versus 4.4%). No relationship was seen related to length of surgery of type of anaesthesia.

Our study indicates that the current incidence of pressure sores is lower that that previously reported (30%). Whilst it is possible in a large population of patients to determine factors that increase the risk of pressure sores, these are not sufficiently reliable to be used for an individual patient.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 168 - 168
1 Mar 2009
Parker M Raghavan R Gurusamy K
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1133 patients with an intracapsular fractures of femoral neck treated by internal fixation were prospectively studied. All surviving patients were followed up for a minimum of one year from injury. The overall incidence of non-union was 229(20.2%) and the incidence of avascular necrosis was 61(5.4%). Fracture non-union was less common for undisplaced fracture in comparison to displaced fractures [48 out of 565(8.5%) versus 181 out of 568(31.9%)] and in males than females [45 out of 271(16.6%) versus 184 out of 862(21.3%)]. The incidence of non-union progressively increased with age from one out of 17(5.9%) in those aged below 40 years to 84 out of 337(24.9%) in those in their seventies. For those in their eighties the incidence of non-union began to fall, but if those patients who died within one year from injury were excluded, then the incidence was found to continue to increase. For avascular necrosis there was a falling incidence with age from 9 out of 68(13.2%) in those aged less than 50 years to 10 out of 388(2.6%) in those aged over 80 years.

The information from this large series of patients treated by contemporary methods enables to surgeon to use the three factors of age, sex and present of fracture displacement to predict the risk of non-union or avascular necrosis occurring.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 166 - 166
1 Mar 2009
Kalra S Thiruvengada M Khanna A Parker M
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In order to define the optimum timing of surgery for a hip fracture, we undertook a systematic review of all previously published studies on this topic. Data from the retrieved studies was extracted by two independent reviews and the methodology of each study assessed. In total, 43 studies involving 265137 patients were identified. Outcomes considered were mortality, post-operative complications, length of hospital stay and return of patients back home.

There were no randomised trials on this topic. Six studies of 8535 patients have the most appropriate methodology, which was prospective collection of data with adjustment for confounding variables. These studies found no effect on mortality for any delays in surgery. One of these studies found fewer complications for those operated on early but this was not found in the other study to report on these outcomes. Two of these studies reported on hospital stay, which was reduced for those operated on early. Six studies of 229418 patients were retrospective reviews of patient administration databases with an attempt at adjusting for confounding factors. They reported a reduce mortality, hospital stay and complications for those operated on early. Thirty-one other studies of variable methodology reported similar findings of reduced complications with early surgery apart from one study of 399 patients, which reported an increased mortality and morbidity for those operated on within 24 hours of admission.

In conclusion those studies with more careful methodology were less likely to report a beneficial effect of early surgery, particularly in relation to mortality. But early surgery (within 48 hours of admission) does seem to reduce complications such as pressure sores and reduces hospital stay.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 25 - 25
1 Mar 2008
Chakravarty D Parker M Boyle A
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This study was conducted to find out whether blood transfusion was an independent risk factor for mortality and wound infections after hip fracture surgery.

A retrospective cohort study analysed prospectively collected data for 3571 hip fracture patients undergoing surgery over the last 15 years in one institution. Out of these 1068 patients underwent blood transfusion.

There were no significant differences in the mortality values at 30, 120 and 365 days and in the rates of infection (superficial and deep) in the two groups (transfused and non-transfused).

Conclusion: Blood transfusion does not significantly increase mortality or infection following hip fracture surgery.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 9 - 9
1 Mar 2008
Kendrew J Varley J Parker M
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One of the most common early complications after hemiarthroplasty is dislocation, with an incidence of 2 to 4%. After dislocation the mortality and morbidity are significantly increased to in excess of 50%.

It has been claimed that a bipolar hemiarthroplasty has a lower risk of dislocation than a unipolar implant. In addition it has been suggested that patients with either Parkinson’s disease or a previous stroke are at increased risk of dislocation. We investigated these claims by performing a comprehensive literature search of articles published in the last 40 years and data obtained from our own hip fracture database.

From the literature review, 133 reports involving 21,872 patients were retrieved. A further 1235 hip fractures treated by hemiarthroplasty were recorded from our database. 791 (3.4%) dislocations were recorded. Dislocation rate for unipolar prosthesis was higher than bipolar prosthesis (3.9% versus 2.5%). Dislocation rate for posterior surgical approach was higher than for anterior approach (5.1% versus 2.4%). Dislocation rate for cemented prosthesis was 3.6% versus 2.3% in un-cemented prosthesis. However, the effect of the type of implant becomes non-significant on adjusting for the use of cement and surgical approach. The incidence of open reduction after dislocation was increased with bipolar implants. Patients with Parkinson’s disease showed a highly statistically significant increase in dislocation rate (8.7% to 3.4%). The dislocation rate with respect to ipsilateral hemiplegia was 1.6%.

This study indicates there is no difference in the dislocation rate between a unipolar and bipolar prosthesis but if a bipolar prosthesis dislocates, there is an increased risk of failure to reduce the prosthesis by closed means. Patients with Parkinson’s disease are at an increased risk of dislocation but this is not the case for those with a hemiplegia. To minimise the risk of dislocation of a hemiarthroplasty, particularly in those patients with Parkinson’s disease, a unipolar hemiarthroplasty inserted via an antero-lateral approach is recommended.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 9 - 9
1 Mar 2008
Norrish A Rao J Parker M
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We report the results of a consecutive series of 500 patients treated with a follow-up range from 5–12 years.

Ten patients were lost to follow-up and 398 patients [81%] died. The mean age was 82 years, with 85% being women. Forty-six patients [9.2%] required a second operation of any type, with revision performed in 23 [4.6%]. Of the long-term survivors 66 [81%] had none or minimal pain, whilst 5 [6%] had reported constant pain in the hip.

This is the largest consecutive series, with the following follow-up, reported and for the frail elderly patient this prosthesis can still be recommended.