Introduction. More than 60% of patients presenting with a hip fracture have significant medical co-morbidities and a one year mortality rate between 14% and 47%. The rating scale for the American Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) is a reliable predictor of both surgical risk and mortality with ASA 4 patients having 100% mortality at one year.1,2. Aims. Our aim was to establish a mortality rate for fractured neck of femur patients at three months and twelve months, and to ascertain the mortality of patients with an ASA 4 grading. Ultimately, should we be operating on this high risk cohort of patients'. We also chose to analyse our current practice in the management of displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures in patients 90 years of age and over. Methods. Over 300 patients with a fractured neck of femur were identified between the 1st January 2007 and the 1st January 2008. A retrospective case note review of 151 patients was performed in conjunction with the NHS mortality database to establish whether each patient was alive or deceased. Our findings were compared to the standards set which included an overall mortality of 20% at three months, 30% at twelve months and 100% mortality for ASA 4 patients at twelve months. Results. Five patients were excluded from the study as one patient had incomplete data and four patients died prior to intended surgery. Only one of these patients had an ASA 4 grading. 146 patients were included and 23 patients (15.7%) were ASA 4. The overall mortality was 16% at three months and 23% at twelve months which was within the limits of the standards set. ASA 4 patients had a mortality of 57% at three months and 65% at twelve months which compared favourably with the limited literature available. There were 11 patients who were 90 years of age and over with intracapsular neck of femur fractures. Three of these patients were treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty and were all alive at twelve months. Conclusions. Our study demonstrates a much better mortality rate in the ASA 4 patients than the limited literature available would suggest. We believe that ASA 4 patients should continue to be offered surgical intervention and that this data provides us with information to allow the patient and family to reach an informed decision with regard to their treatment. Intracapsular neck of femur fractures in patients 90 years of age and over can be treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty provided they are deemed fit

Our unit historically performed total hip replacement (THR) through either posterior or anterolateral approaches. In November 2020 a group of 5 consultants transitioned to utilising the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA). Appropriate training was undertaken and cases were performed as dual consultant procedures with intraoperative radiography or robotic assistance. Outcomes were collated prospectively. These included basic demographics, intraoperative details, complication rates and Oxford Hip Scores. A total of 48 patients underwent DAA THR over 1 year. Mean age was 67 and ASA 2. Over this time period 140 posterior approach and 137 anterolateral approach THR's were performed with available data. Propensity score matching was performed on a 1:1 basis using BMI, Age, Sex and ASA as covariates to generate a matched cohort group of conventional approach THR (n=37). Length of stay was significantly reduced at 1.95 days (p<0.001) with DAA compared to Anterolateral and Posterior approach. There was no significant difference with length of surgery, blood loss, Infection, dislocation and periprosthetic fracture rate. There was no significant difference in Oxford Hip Score between any approach at 3 months or 1 year. The transition to this approach has not made a negative impact despite its associated steep learning curve, and has improved efficiency in elective surgery. From our experience we would suggest those changing to this approach receive appropriate training in a high-volume centre, and perform cases as dual consultant procedures

The aims were: (1) assess the influence of COVID-19 on mortality in hip fracture; (2) identify predictors of COVID-19 status, and (3) investigate whether social lockdown influenced the epidemiology of hip fracture. A multicentre retrospective study was conducted of all patients presenting to six hospitals with hip fracture over a 46-day period (23 days pre-/post-lockdown). Demographics, residence, place of injury, presentation blood tests, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, operation, ASA grade, anaesthetic, length of stay, COVID-19 status, and 30-day mortality were recorded. Of 317 patients with hip fracture 27 (8.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test; only 7 (26%) had symptoms on admission. COVID-19-positive patients had significantly lower 30-day survival compared to those without COVID-19 (67% versus 92%, p<0.001). COVID-19 was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality adjusting for: (1) age, sex, residence (HR 2.93, p=0.008); (2) Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (HR 3.52, p=0.001), and (3) ASA (HR 3.45, p=0.004). Platelet count predicted subsequent COVID-19 status; a value <217 ×109/L was 68% specific and sensitive (95% CI 58 to 77, p=0.002). A similar number of patients presented with hip fracture pre-lockdown (n=160) and post-lockdown (n=157); there was no significant difference in demographics, place of injury, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, ASA, or management. COVID-19 was independently associated with an increased 30-day mortality in hip fracture. Most patients with COVID-19 lacked suggestive symptoms at presentation. Platelet count was an indicator of risk of COVID-19 infection. These findings have urgent implications for the delivery of hip fracture services

Aims. The primary aim was to assess the independent influence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on 30-day mortality for patients with a hip fracture. The secondary aims were to determine whether: 1) there were clinical predictors of COVID-19 status; and 2) whether social lockdown influenced the incidence and epidemiology of hip fractures. Methods. A national multicentre retrospective study was conducted of all patients presenting to six trauma centres or units with a hip fracture over a 46-day period (23 days pre- and 23 days post-lockdown). Patient demographics, type of residence, place of injury, presentation blood tests, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, anaesthetic, length of stay, COVID-19 status, and 30-day mortality were recorded. Results. Of 317 patients with acute hip fracture, 27 (8.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test. Only seven (26%) had suggestive symptoms on admission. COVID-19-positive patients had a significantly lower 30-day survival compared to those without COVID-19 (64.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 45.7 to 83.3 vs 91.7%, 95% CI 88.2 to 94.8; p < 0.001). COVID-19 was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality risk adjusting for: 1) age, sex, type of residence (hazard ratio (HR) 2.93; p = 0.008); 2) Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (HR 3.52; p = 0.001); and 3) ASA (HR 3.45; p = 0.004). Presentation platelet count predicted subsequent COVID-19 status; a value of < 217 × 10. 9. /l was associated with 68% area under the curve (95% CI 58 to 77; p = 0.002) and a sensitivity and specificity of 63%. A similar number of patients presented with hip fracture in the 23 days pre-lockdown (n = 160) and 23 days post-lockdown (n = 157) with no significant (all p ≥ 0.130) difference in patient demographics, residence, place of injury, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, ASA, or management. Conclusion. COVID-19 was independently associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate for patients with a hip fracture. Notably, most patients with hip fracture and COVID-19 lacked suggestive symptoms at presentation. Platelet count was an indicator of risk of COVID-19 infection. These findings have implications for the management of hip fractures, in particular the need for COVID-19 testing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1219–1228

Aim of this study was to identify reoperation rates in patients with short oblique and transverse fractures around a well fixed cemented polished taper slip stem and to determine any associations with treatment failure. Retrospective cohort study of 31 patients with AO transverse or short oblique Vancouver B1 PFFs around THA (total hip arthroplasty) cemented taper slip stems: 12 male (39%); mean age 74±11.9 (range 44–91); mean BMI 28.5±1.4 (range 16–48); and median ASA 3. Patient journeys were assessed, re-interventions reviewed. The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Time from primary THA to fracture was 11.3±7.8yrs (0.5–26yrs). Primary surgical management was fixation in 27/31 and rTHA (revision total hip arthroplasty) in 4/31. 10 of 31 (32%) patients required reoperation, 9 within 2 years of fracture: 1 following rTHA and 8 following ORIF. The commonest mode of failure was non-union (n=6). No significant associations with reoperation requirement were identified. Kaplan-Meier free from reoperation was 67.4% (49.8–85.0 95% CI) at 2 years and this was unaffected by initial management with ORIF or rTHA (Log rank 0.898). Of those reoperated, 6/10 required multiple reoperations to obtain either bony union or a stable revision construct and 13% ultimately required proximal femoral endoprostheses. The relative risk of 1 year mortality was 1.6 (0.25 to 10.1 95%CI) among patients who required reoperation compared to those who did not. These are difficult fractures to manage, should not be underestimated and patients should be counselled that there is a 30% risk of reoperation and 20% of requiring multiple reoperations

Acetabular fractures present a challenge. Anatomical reduction can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, in elderly patients with complex fracture patterns and osteoporotic bone stock, “fix and replace” has become an option in the management of these injuries. This involves ORIF of the acetabulum to enable insertion of a press fit cup and subsequent cemented femoral stem at the index surgery. A Retrospective analysis of all operatively managed acetabular fractures by a regional Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma service (01/01/2018-30/05/2023) STATA used for analysis. 34 patients undergoing “fix and replace” surgery. Of the 133 patients managed with ORIF, 21 subsequently required Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Mean follow up was 2.7 years versus 5.1. There was no statistical significance between the two groups with regards to BMI or sex. Mean age in the “fix and replace” group was 68 compared to 48 in the ORIF and subsequent THA group. This reached statistical significance between the two groups (p=0.001).ASA and Charlson Comorbidity Index (3 and 3 in “fix and replace” and 2 and 1.2 in ORIF to THA group) and Charlson Comorbidity Index both were statistically significantly different (p=0.006 and p=0.027, respectively). High energy mechanism of injury accounted for 56% of the “fix and replace” group compared to 48% in the ORIF to THA. 74% of “fix and replace” were associated fractures compared to 53% of ORIF to THA. Wait to surgery was 3 days for “fix and replace” while 186 days was the mean wait time from listing to THA for the ORIF to THA group. Complication rate was 41% versus 43% in the two groups. 14% in the ORIF to THA group developed PJI versus 6% in “fix and replace”. Fix and replace allows early mobilisation in frailer, elderly patients. Our results show fewer returns to theatre and less PJI in patients having arthroplasty as part of “fix and replace” than subsequent to Open reduction internal fixation

This international multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to assess: 1) prevalence of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients, 2) effect on mortality, and 3) clinical factors associated mortality among COVID-19-positive patients. A collaboration among 112 centres in 14 nations collected data on all patients with a hip fracture between 1st March-31st May 2020. Patient, injury and surgical factors were recorded, and outcome measures included admission duration, COVID-19 and 30-day mortality status. There were 7090 patients and 651 (9.2%) were COVID-19-positive. COVID-19 was independently associated with male sex (p=0.001), residential care (p<0.001), inpatient fall (p=0.003), cancer (p=0.009), ASA grade 4–5 (p=0.008; p<0.001), and longer admission (p<0.001). Patients with COVID-19 had a significantly lower chance of 30-day survival versus those without (72.7% versus 92.6%, p<0.001), and COVID-19 was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality risk (p<0.001). Increasing age (p=0.028), male sex (p<0.001), renal (p=0.017) and pulmonary disease (p=0·039) were independently associated with higher 30-day mortality risk in patients with COVID-19 when adjusting for confounders. The prevalence of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients was 9% and was independently associated with a three-fold increased 30-day mortality risk. Clinical factors associated with mortality among COVID-19-positive hip fracture patients were identified for the first time. This is the largest study, and the only global cohort, reporting on the effect of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients. The findings provide a benchmark against which to determine vaccine efficacy in this vulnerable population and are especially important in the context of incomplete vaccination programmes and the emergence of vaccine-resistant strains

Limb reconstruction requires high levels of patient compliance and impacts heavily on social circumstances. The epidemiology and socioeconomic description of trauma patients has been well documented, however no study has assessed the epidemiology of limb reconstruction patients. The aim of this project is to describe patients attending Limb Reconstruction Services (LRS) in order to highlight and address the social implications of their care. All LRS cases under a single surgeon in a district general hospital were included from 2010 – 2016. Demographics, ASA grade, smoking status, mental health status and employment status were collated. Postcode was converted into an Index of Multiple Deprivation score using GeoConvert® software. Patient socioeconomic status was then ranked into national deprivation score quintiles (quintile 1 is most affluent, quintile 5 is most deprived). Deprivation scores were adjusted by census data and analysed with Student's T-test. The distance from the patient's residence to the hospital was generated through AA route planner®. Patient attendance at clinic and elective or emergency admissions was also assessed. Patient outcomes were not part of this research. There were 53 patients, of which 66% (n=35) were male, with a mean age of 45 years (range 21–89 years). Most patients were smokers (55%, n=29), 83% (n=42) were ASA 1 or 2 (there were no ASA 4 patients). The majority of indications were for acute trauma (49%), chronic complications of trauma (32%), congenital deformity (15%) and salvage fusion (4%). Mental health issues affected 23% (n=12) of cases and 57% of working-aged patients were unemployed. Mental health patients had a higher rate of trauma as an indication than the rest of the cohort (93% vs. 76%). Deprivation quintiles identified that LRS patients were more deprived (63% in quintiles 4 and 5 vs. 12% of 1 and 2), but this failed to reach statistical significance (p=0.9359). The mean distance from residence to hospital was 12 miles (range 0.35–105 miles, median 7 miles). The patients derived from a large region made up of 12 local authorities. There was a mean of 17 individual LRS clinic attendances per patient (range: 3–42). Cumulative distance travelled for each patient during LRS treatment was a mean of 495 miles (range 28 – 2008 miles). The total distance travelled for all 53 patients was over 26,000 miles. The results largely mirror the findings of trauma demographic and socioeconomic epidemiology, due to the majority of LRS indications being post-traumatic in this series. The high rates of unemployment and mental health problems may be a risk factor for requiring LRS management, or may be a product of the treatment. Clinicians may want to consider a social care strategy alongside their surgical strategy and fully utilise their broader MDT to address the social inequalities in these patients. This strategy should include a mental health assessment, smoking cessation therapy, sign-posted support for employment circumstances and a plan for travel to the hospital. The utilisation and cost of ambulance services was not possible with this methodology. Further work should prospectively assess the changes in housing circumstances, community healthcare needs and whether there was a return to employment and independent ambulation at the end of treatment

Aims

This study aimed to compare mortality in trochanteric AO/OTA A1 and A2 fractures treated with an intramedullary nail (IMN) or sliding hip screw (SHS). The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality, with secondary endpoints at 0 to 1, 2 to 7, 8 to 30, 90, and 365 days.

Introduction. Femoral neck fractures are an increasingly common injury in the elderly. Frequently these patients present taking Clopidogrel, an irreversible inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Although this is associated with an increased risk of intra-operative bleeding and also an increased risk of spinal haematoma where regional anaesthesia is employed, the recent SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network) guidelines recommend that surgery should not be delayed. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients admitted with femoral neck fractures between April 2008 and October 2009. Patients on Clopidogrel were identified and data including ASA grade, time to operation, medical co-morbidities, and post-admission complications were recorded. Comparative information from the National Hip Fracture Database was used. Results. 405 patients were included. 27 patients were taking Clopidogrel on admission and they were mainly ASA 3 or 4. Mean time to theatre was 8 days. Post-admission medical complications occurred in 7 patients (25.9%). A further 4 patients (14.8%) died, 3 of them postoperatively. From the study population a control group of 72 ASA 3 and 4 patients was further studied. The mean time to operation was 2.3 days. Post-admission medical complications occurred in 13 patients (18%) and 8 patients (11%) died postoperatively. In 2009 the national mean time to operation was 2.19 days with an associated mortality rate of 8.67%. Discussion and Conclusion. Patients receiving Clopidogrel have complex medical co-morbidities and a higher anaesthetic risk. Delaying operative management might be contributing to the increased rate of mortality and morbidity. In accordance with the SIGN guidelines we recommend early operative intervention in these high risk patients

Aims

Factors associated with high mortality rates in geriatric hip fracture patients are frequently unmodifiable. Time to surgery, however, might be a modifiable factor of interest to optimize clinical outcomes after hip fracture surgery. This study aims to determine the influence of postponement of surgery due to non-medical reasons on clinical outcomes in acute hip fracture surgery.

Aims

This study aimed to describe practice variation in the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for older patients with femoral neck fracture and to determine the association between patient, surgeon, and institution factors and treatment with THA.

Introduction. Analysing the results of angular stable osteosynthesis in large groups of patients can give us an indication of the possibilities and limitations of both angular stable nailing and plating. Material and Methods. Fractures have been classified using the AO-classification system. To judge vascularisation of the head fragment we use the criteria as described by Hertel. We considered fracture reduction as adequate when the CCD-angle could be restored, with a maximum of 10° varus or valgus malalignment and a maximal persistent tuberosity displacement equal to or less than 3 mm in any direction. An independent investigator collects information on reoperations based on: patient interview, hospital data and contact with the operating surgeon if the revision took place elsewhere. Reoperation is defined as any secondary surgical procedure after the initial open reduction and fixation. Results. In the period between December 2001 and June 2006 383 patients have been treated for proximal humerus fracture using one of the above described implants. There were 70 reoperations (i.e. 22,6%) of which 31 hardware removals. In C-type fractures there were significantly more reoperations than in B-type fractures (p<0,0001). Although statistically not significant (p = 0,053) there was a lower reoperation rate in A-type fractures than in C-type fractures. Neither gender nor ASA classification did have any influence on reoperation rate (p = 1 for both gender and ASA 3 or more versus less than 3). Avascularity of the head (p<0,001) and quality of reduction (p<0,0001) did have a significant influence on reoperation rate. Based upon these observations and on the fact that secondary surgery in the friable ASA 3+ patient does put this patient at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, we developed a scoring system to differentiate indications for osteosynthesis from those of primary arthroplasty

Aims

The aims of this study were to assess quality of life after hip fractures, to characterize respondents to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and to describe the recovery trajectory of hip fracture patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fracture displacement and survivorship of the native hip joint without conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to determine predictors for conversion to THA in patients treated nonoperatively for acetabular fractures.

Aims

To determine if patient ethnicity among patients with a hip fracture influences the type of fracture, surgical care, and outcome.

Introduction. Unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures (AO 31A2) continue to be a challenge, as non-locking implants have shown a considerable rate of loss of reduction. Intramedullary fixation has been recommended, although screw cut-out has been identified as problematic. This study was performed to ascertain whether treatments with the established proximal femoral nail (PFN) and the newer PFNA with blade design (proximal femoral nail antirotation) have advantages over the use of the Percutaneous Compression Plate (PCCP, developed by Gotfried). Methods. Cohort study. Between March 2003 and March 2008, 134 patients with unstable fractures were treated with a PCCP, (n=44, 78.3 yrs, ASA 2.8), a PFN (n=50, 77.2 yrs, ASA 2.8), or a PFNA (n=40, 75.8 yrs, ASA 2.6). The patients (31 PCCP, 33 PFN, 30 PFNA) were then reexamined clinically and radiologically after approximately 21 months. Results. The PCCP was found to require less implantation time than the PFN and the PFNA (60 vs. 80 vs. 84 min, p<0.001) and less radiation exposition time (PCCP 139 vs. PFN 283 vs. PFNA 188 seconds, p<0.001). The rate of reoperations due to wound infections and hematomas amounted to 2% for the PCCP, 4% for the PFN, and 5% for the PFNA (p=0.799). Due to mechanical complications, 9% of patients implanted with a PCCP, 13% of those implanted with a PFN, and 5% of those implanted with a PFNA had to be reoperated (p=0.353). The cut-out rate was 2% after implantation of the PCCP, 4% after the PFN, and 5% after implantation of the PFNA (p=0.799). In one case, the shaft was fractured intraoperatively (PFNA). The tip-apex distance for the lower femoral neck screw (PCCP 22mm vs. PFN 30mm vs. PFNA 30mm, p<0.001), stress-related varisation of the collodiaphyseal (CCD) angle (4° for all implants), impaction (PCCP 5mm vs. PFN 5mm vs. PFNA 6mm, p=0.662) and femoral shortening (PCCP 3mm vs. PFN 3mm vs. PFNA 4mm, p=0.876) were not determinants of the postoperative function. On the basis of their scores according to Merle d'Aubigné and Harris, there was no variation in the results of the follow-up examinations. Conclusions. The use of the PCCP for the treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures presents a minimally invasive method of implantation, as well as a promising therapy option with regards to operation time, radiologic examination time, and rate of complications. Processes of impaction due to stress are seldom observed. No benefits could be established in an intramedullary treatment with the PFN or the PFNA; thus, it appears that the higher cost of these implants is avoidable

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the three-year follow-up for a series of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip, who were randomized to be treated with either a cemented polished tapered hemiarthroplasty or an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated hemiarthroplasty.

Aims

Femoral periprosthetic fractures are rising in incidence. Their management is complex and carries a high associated mortality. Unlike native hip fractures, there are no guidelines advising on time to theatre in this group. We aim to determine whether delaying surgical intervention influences morbidity or mortality in femoral periprosthetic fractures.

Aims

Surgery is often delayed in patients who sustain a hip fracture and are treated with a total hip arthroplasty (THA), in order to await appropriate surgical expertise. There are established links between delay and poorer outcomes in all patients with a hip fracture, but there is little information about the impact of delay in the less frail patients who undergo THA. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of delayed surgery on outcomes in these patients.