Aims. Low haemoglobin (Hb) at admission has been identified as a risk factor for mortality for elderly patients with hip fractures in some studies. However, this remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the association between Hb level at admission and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery. Patients and Methods. All consecutive patients (prospective database) admitted with hip fracture operated in a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We collected patient characteristics, time to surgery, duration and type of surgery, comorbidities, Hb at admission, nadir of Hb after surgery, the use and amount of red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion products, postoperative complications, and death. The main outcome measures were mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery. Results. We included 829 patients; the mean age was 81 years (. sd. 11). Mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year was 5.7%, 12.3%, 18.1%, and 23.5%, respectively. The highest mortality was observed in patients aged over 80 years (162/557, 29%) and in male patients (85/267, 32%). Survival at 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery was significantly lower in patients with a Hb level below 120 g/l at admission. In multivariate analysis, Hb level below 120 g/l at admission was found to be an independent factor associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.31); p = 0.001), along with age (aHR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.06); p < 0.001), male sex (aHR 2.19 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.96); p < 0.001), and need for RBC transfusions (aHR 1.10 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.19); p = 0.01). Conclusion. Our results suggest that low Hb at admission along with age and RBC transfusions is significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality after hip fracture surgery, independently of comorbidity confounders. Further studies should be performed to understand how preoperative Hb could be taken into account in perioperative management. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1122–1128

Introduction. Neck of femur (NOF) fractures are one of the predominant reasons for hospital admissions in patients >65 year. These fractures are associated with a poor outcome; end to independent living in 60% of patients and a 6 month mortality of 30%. Previous studies have shown show elements of under/mal-nutrition on admission. In addition, their nutritional status shows some deterioration thereafter. The aim of this present study is to examine if the nutritional status of patients with NOF fracture admitted at our institution is associated with a larger post-operative haemoglobin drop. This is compared to an independent living age matched control group from the same geographical area. Methods. A retrospective audit of pathology results for three hundred fracture patients (n = 300) and one hundred age matched home living group pre-assessed of total hip replacement (n = 100). Total serum protein, albumin, total lymphocyte count levels were determined at the time of admission to assess nutritional status. Pre/post-operative haemoglobin, resultant haemoglobin drop, and 6 month mortality was assessed in NOF fracture patients. The nutritional parameters were correlated with the haemoglobin levels and mortality. Results. Fracture patients were found to be malnourished on hospital admission. 10% showed a total serum protein level of <60g/L, 21% showed an albumin level of <35 g/L and 66% had on a total lymphocyte count of <1,200 cells/ml. When compared to an age matched home living group, fracture patients had a significantly (p = <0.0001) lower protein (67.4 vs 74.5), albumin (38.8 vs 43.9) and total lymphocyte counts (1173.3 vs 1840.8). Pre/post-operative haemoglobin showed a positive correlation with albumin and protein levels (p = <0.01). Haemoglobin drop post-operatively showed a negative correlation with albumin and protein levels (p = <0.01). 6 month mortality was correlated with albumin, protein, and total lymphocyte count levels. Discussion. This study confirms that patients admitted with NOF fractures are malnourished on admission. In addition, we report that not only pre-operative haemoglobin is correlated to the malnourishment but also the post-operative haemoglobin drop is correlated to albumin/protein levels on admission. This leads us to hypothesise that these malnourished patients have a higher bleeding tendency. Thus, we propose that malnourishment can be identified by the orthopaedic team using relatively inexpensive laboratory tests such as albumin, protein and total lymphocyte count. Thereafter, appropriate measures should be instituted to prepare for intra/post-operative bleeding and higher need for blood transfusion

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. Methods. We identified all periprosthetic fractures around a hip or knee arthroplasty from our prospectively collated database between 2012 and 2021. Patients were categorized into early or delayed intervention based on time from admission to surgery (early = ≤ 36 hours, delayed > 36 hours). Patient demographics, existing implants, Unified Classification System fracture subtype, acute medical issues on admission, preoperative haemoglobin, blood transfusion requirement, and length of hospital stay were identified for all patients. Complication and mortality rates were compared between groups. Results. A total of 365 patients were identified: 140 in the early and 225 in the delayed intervention group. Mortality rate was 4.1% at 30 days and 19.2% at one year. There was some indication that those who had surgery within 36 hours had a higher mortality rate, but this did not reach statistical significance at 30 days (p = 0.078) or one year (p = 0.051). Univariate analysis demonstrated that age, preoperative haemoglobin, acute medical issue on admission, and the presence of postoperative complications influenced 30-day and one-year mortality. Using a multivariate model, age and preoperative haemoglobin were independently predictive factors for one-year mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.071; p < 0.001 and OR 0.980; p = 0.020). There was no association between timing of surgery and postoperative complications. Postoperative complications were more likely with increasing age (OR 1.032; p = 0.001) and revision arthroplasty compared to internal fixation (OR 0.481; p = 0.001). Conclusion. While early intervention may be preferable to reduce prolonged immobilization, there is no evidence that delaying surgery beyond 36 hours increases mortality or complications in patients with a femoral periprosthetic fracture. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(6):452–456

Aims. Frailty greatly increases the risk of adverse outcome of trauma in older people. Frailty detection tools appear to be unsuitable for use in traumatically injured older patients. We therefore aimed to develop a method for detecting frailty in older people sustaining trauma using routinely collected clinical data. Methods. We analyzed prospectively collected registry data from 2,108 patients aged ≥ 65 years who were admitted to a single major trauma centre over five years (1 October 2015 to 31 July 2020). We divided the sample equally into two, creating derivation and validation samples. In the derivation sample, we performed univariate analyses followed by multivariate regression, starting with 27 clinical variables in the registry to predict Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS; range 1 to 9) scores. Bland-Altman analyses were performed in the validation cohort to evaluate any biases between the Nottingham Trauma Frailty Index (NTFI) and the CFS. Results. In the derivation cohort, five of the 27 variables were strongly predictive of the CFS (regression coefficient B = 6.383 (95% confidence interval 5.03 to 7.74), p < 0.001): age, Abbreviated Mental Test score, admission haemoglobin concentration (g/l), pre-admission mobility (needs assistance or not), and mechanism of injury (falls from standing height). In the validation cohort, there was strong agreement between the NTFI and the CFS (mean difference 0.02) with no apparent systematic bias. Conclusion. We have developed a clinically applicable tool using easily and routinely measured physiological and functional parameters, which clinicians and researchers can use to guide patient care and to stratify the analysis of quality improvement and research projects. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):412–418

Aims. The Peri-Implant and PeriProsthetic Survival AnalysiS (PIPPAS) study aimed to investigate the risk factors for one-year mortality of femoral peri-implant fractures (FPIFs). Methods. This prospective, multicentre, observational study involved 440 FPIF patients with a minimum one-year follow-up. Data on demographics, clinical features, fracture characteristics, management, and mortality rates were collected and analyzed using both univariate and multivariate analyses. FPIF patients were elderly (median age 87 years (IQR 81 to 92)), mostly female (82.5%, n = 363), and frail: median clinical frailty scale 6 (IQR 4 to 7), median Pfeiffer 4 (1 to 7), median age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 6 (IQR 5 to 7), and 58.9% (n = 250) were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade III. Results. Overall, 90.5% (n = 398) of the patients were treated surgically, 57.0% (n = 227) retained the implant, and 88.7% (n = 353) managed with fixation. Mortality rates were 8.2% (n = 3.6) in-hospital, 11.4% (n = 50) at 30 days, 21.1% (n = 93) at six months, and 21.6% (n = 95) at 12 months. Medical complications, mainly delirium, were common in the acute setting (52.7%, n = 215). The nonunion rate was 4.1% (n = 18). Mortality risk factors in the univariate analysis were age, living at a nursing home, no walking outdoors, frailty variables, fractures in the distal epiphysis, fractures around a proximal nail, discharge to a healthcare facility, and no osteoporotic treatment at discharge. Protective factors against mortality in the univariate analysis were surgical treatment by an experienced surgeon, management without an arthroplasty, allowing full weightbearing, mobilization in the first 48 hours postoperatively, and geriatric involvement. Risk factors for mortality in the multivariate analysis were cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer’s questionnaire) (hazard ratio (HR) 1.14 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.23), p = 0.002), age-adjusted CCI (HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.30), p = 0.001), and antiaggregant or anticoagulant medication at admission (HR 2.00 (95% CI 1.19 to 3.38), p = 0.009). Haemoglobin level at admission was protective against mortality (HR 0.85 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.97), p = 0.018). Conclusion. Mortality in FPIFs occurs mainly within the first six months of follow-up. Early co-management and clinical optimization, particularly targeting frail older patients, is crucial in reducing mortality following these fractures. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;6(1):43–52

Aims. To assess the safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in a large cohort of patients aged over 65 years who have sustained a hip fracture, with a focus on transfusion rates, mortality, and thromboembolic events. Methods. This is a consecutive cohort study with prospectively collected registry data. Patients with a hip fracture in the Region of Southern Denmark were included over a two-year time period (2015 to 2017) with the first year constituting a control group. In the second year, perioperative TXA was introduced as an intervention. Outcome was transfusion frequency, 30-day and 90-day mortality, and thromboembolic events. The latter was defined as any diagnosis or death due to arterial or venous thrombosis. The results are presented as relative risk (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. A total of 3,097 patients were included: 1,558 in the control group and 1,539 in the TXA group.31% (n = 477) of patients had transfusions in the control group compared to 27% (n = 405) in the TXA group yielding an adjusted RR of 0.83 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.91). TXA was not associated with increased 30-day mortality with an adjusted HR of 1.10 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.39) compared to the control group as well as no association with increased risk of 90-day mortality with a per protocol adjusted HR of 1.24 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.66). TXA was associated with a lower risk of thromboembolic events after 30 days (RR 0.63 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.93)) and 90 days (RR 0.72 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.99)). A subanalysis on haemoglobin demonstrated a median 17.7 g/L (interquartile range (IQR) 11.3 to 27.3) decrease in the control group compared to 17.7 g/L (IQR 9.7 to 25.8) in the per protocol TXA group (p = 0.060 on group level difference). Conclusion. TXA use in patients with a hip fracture, was not associated with an increased risk of mortality but was associated with lower transfusion rate and reduced thromboembolic events. Thus, we conclude that it is safe to use TXA in this patient group. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):449–455

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that a single dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) would reduce blood loss and transfusion rates in elderly patients undergoing surgery for a subcapital or intertrochanteric (IT) fracture of the hip. Methods. In this single-centre, randomized controlled trial, elderly patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture, either hemiarthroplasty for a subcapital fracture or intramedullary nailing for an IT fracture, were screened for inclusion. Patients were randomly allocated to a study group using a sealed envelope. The TXA group consisted of 77 patients, (35 with a subcapital fracture and 42 with an IT fracture), and the control group consisted of 88 patients (29 with a subcapital fracture and 59 with an IT fracture). One dose of 15 mg/kg of intravenous (IV) TXA diluted in 100 ml normal saline (NS,) or one dose of IV placebo 100 ml NS were administered before the incision was made. The haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured before surgery and daily until the fourth postoperative day. The primary outcomes were the total blood loss and the rate of transfusion from the time of surgery to the fourth postoperative day. Results. Homogeneity with respect to baseline characteristics was ensured between groups. The mean total blood loss was significantly lower in patients who received TXA (902.4 ml (-279.9 to 2,156.9) vs 1,226.3 ml (-269.7 to 3,429.7); p = 0.003), while the likelihood of requiring a transfusion of at least one unit of red blood cells was reduced by 22%. Subgroup analysis showed that these differences were larger in patients who had an IT fracture compared with those who had a subcapital fracture. Conclusion. Elderly patients who undergo intramedullary nailing for an IT fracture can benefit from a single dose of 15 mg/kg TXA before the onset of surgery. A similar tendency was identified in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty for a subcapital fracture but not to a statistically significant level. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):442–448

Our aim was to determine the total blood loss associated with surgery for fracture of the hip and to identify risk factors for increased blood loss. We prospectively studied 546 patients with hip fracture. The total blood loss was calculated on the basis of the haemoglobin difference, the number of transfusions and the estimated blood volume. The hidden blood loss, in excess of that observed during surgery, varied from 547 ml (screws/ pins) to 1473 ml (intramedullary hip nail and screw) and was significantly associated with medical complications and increased hospital stay. The type of surgery, treatment with aspirin, intra-operative hypotension and gastro-intestinal bleeding or ulceration were all independent predictors of blood loss. We conclude that total blood loss after surgery for hip fracture is much greater than that observed intra-operatively. Frequent post-operative measurements of haemoglobin are necessary to avoid anaemia

Tranexamic Acid (TXA) is widely used to decrease bleeding by its antifibrinolytic mechanism. Its use is widespread within orthopaedic surgery, with level one evidence for its efficacy in total hip and knee replacement surgery; significantly reducing transfusion rates without increased thromboembolic disease. There is limited evidence for its use during hip fracture surgery, and we therefore sought to investigate its effects with a prospective cohort study. We recorded intra-operative blood loss, pre and post-operative haemoglobin and creatinine levels, post-operative complications and mortality in all hip fracture patients over a six month period. During this time, we introduced one gram of TXA into our standardised hip fracture theatre checklist. It was subsequently given to all patients unless contra-indicated. A total of 99 patients were included. 90-day mortality in the control group was 16%, there was no mortality in the TXA group (p<0.05). 14 patients required a transfusion in the control group and 3 in the TXA group (19% vs 11% transfusion rate, 0.36 units RCC vs 0.22 per patient respectively) Mean blood loss was 338 vs 235mls, Haemoglobin drop 23 vs 18g/dl control and TXA groups respectively. We have demonstrated a significantly lower mortality rate with TXA. We have also shown lower rates of transfusion, blood loss and recorded haemoglobin drop with the use of TXA. We intend to continue this study to demonstrate this significantly, and fully clarify the safety profile of TXA in this frail cohort of patients

Primary total hip replacement (THR) surgery is a common procedure. Benchmarking studies in the last decade has shown that those patients have a substantial risk for blood transfusions. The orthopaedic department at Drammen Hospital had implemented a multimodal primary THR care pathway with a focus on minimising surgical trauma and negative trauma response. Neither blood salvage, autologuos blood predonation or erythropoietin has been used. We had reviewed 399 consecutive unselected cases with a mean age of 67 years (range 31–94). We performed a statistic analysis of pre- and postoperative haemoglobin level (g/l). A gender neutral 125 was used as cut point for anaemia. Preoperative haemoglobin level, mean 136 (SD 1.33), and postoperative haemoglobin, mean 113 (SD 1.41), showed an almost perfect Gaussian distribution. Eleven patients received 26 units of allogeneic blood in the first eight postoperative days. There had been a violation of transfusion policy in six of the eleven transfused patients. Mortality during the first 90 postoperative days was zero and 4 patients was readmitted due to cardiac disease during the first 90 postoperative days. All those readmitted due to cardiac disease had an haemoglobin level above 100 at discharge. By combining the Gaussian distribution of the postoperative haemoglobin level and a restrictive transfusion trigger (80 g/l), we calculated a two percent probability of transfusion. For the anaemic patients the calculated probability of transfusion were five percent. Applying a multimodal care pathway in primary THR almost abolish the need for blood transfusion without any preconditioning of anaemic patients. This study supports that an restrictive transfusion trigger are safe in an unselected total hip replacement patient population

Background. In the literature are different data about the allogenic blood transfusion rate after total knee replacement. The common intention in orthopedic surgery is to reduce the requirement for allogenic blood transfusions by optimizing the blood management. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of the mechanical autotransfusion system OrthoPAT® to reduce the postoperative allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) rate. Method. According to the preliminary performed power analysis we did a prospective controlled study including 151 patients which were randomized in a group A (OrthoPAT® for intra- and postoperative blood salvage and retransfusion, n=76 patients) and a control group B (no retransfusion system was used, n=75 patients). All patients had a primary osteoarthritis of the knee and were operated on without use of a tourniquet. We implanted in all patients a cemented posterior stabilized total knee prosthesis design. In group A the autotransfusion system was used for 6 hours (intra- and postoperatively) and the collected blood was retransfused. The retransfused blood was anticoagulated, filtered and centrifuged to separate waste products. Red cells were washed with saline and reconcentrated to a high hematocrit. The preoperative data for cardiopathy, angiopathy, preoperative anemia or anticoagulant treatment showed no significant differences for group A and B. Because of missing data we finally were able to use the results of 140 patients: 70 group A and 70 in group B. The indications for a blood transfusion were influenced by the clinical symptoms of anemia, the hemoglobin value (hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dl) and the anamnesis of cardiovascular diseases. Evaluation was done with the medical history and the pre-/postoperative hemoglobin values and postoperative need of allogenic blood transfusion. Results. The two groups showed no significant differences relating to the demographic data or the medical history. 23 patients (33 %) of the retransfusion group who in mean received 281 ml of salvaged blood needed allogenic blood transfusion compared with 23 patients (33 %) of the control group B (p=0,999). The hemoglobin values of group A versus the control group showed after the donation of the salvaged blood a tendency to a higher hemoglobin value (p=0,062) but no longer at the third and fifth day postoperative. Conclusions. In this clinical observation the use of the autotransfusion system does not reduce the postoperative allogenic blood transfusion rate. At the third and fifth day postoperatively no significant differences of the hemoglobin values could be stated comparing group A with group B

There is comprehensive data addressing the 6 to 18-month survival in patients with pathological neck of femur (NOF) fractures due to bony metastases. However, little is known about early mortality in this group. The aim was to quantify 30 and 90-day mortality in patients with pathological NOF lesions/fractures and identify biochemical markers associated with early death. Orthopaedic trauma lists over one year were used to identify patients with a pathological NOF fracture/lesion. 33 patients had a metastatic NOF fracture/lesion and were compared to a control group of age and gender-matched non-pathological NOF fractures. Time from referral to surgery was higher in patients with a pathological fracture compared to a pathological lesion (average 7.4 and 0.6 days, p<0.05). 30 and 90-day mortality was higher in the metastatic group compared to controls (15% 5/33 vs 9% 3/33 p<0.05, and 42% 14/33 vs 12% 4/33 p<0.01, respectively). Patients with early mortality had lower average sodium (135 vs 138, p<0.05), creatinine (48 vs 62, p<0.05) and APTT (27 vs 32, p<0.05). They had a higher average WCC (11.3 vs 7, p<0.05) and CRP (55 vs 18, p<0.01). Metastatic patients with early mortality had lower albumin (20 vs 30, p<0.01) and haemoglobin (102 vs 121, p<0.01), which were higher in the control NOF group with early mortality (albumin 28 and haemoglobin 118 respectively, p<0.05). Patients with pathological NOF lesions have multiple biochemical abnormalities associated with early mortality. A prospective study is proposed to assess whether correction of these abnormalities can improve survival in this group

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of the perioperative erythropoietin administration, as an alternative to homologous banked blood transfusions, in total hip arthroplasty. Material and Methods. In a prospective randomized, controlled study, 101 patients who underwent unilateral total hip replacement, during the period 2004–2009, were evaluated. In all these patients, the same surgical team applied the same surgical technique (hybrid THA) and they followed the same rehabilitation program. In 50 patients (group A or study group) we administered 40,000 units of erythropoietin subcutaneously one day before the operation followed by 40,000 units (sc) every 3 days in a total scheme of 4 doses. All these patients received intraoperatively one unit of homologous blood transfusion (1 unit/patient) and additional blood transfusions postoperatively when required. A control group of 51 patients (group B) received intraoperatively one or two units of homologous blood transfusion (1.35 units/patient), according to the volume of blood collected in the suction device and to the anaesthesiologists estimation, and also additional blood transfusions postoperatively when required. The admission of banked blood transfusion was determined by the haemoglobin value (< 9mg/dl) and/or clinical signs (blood pressure, pulse etc.). The values of haemoglobin, haematocrit and platelets were recorded preoperatively and the 1st, 5th, and 15th day postoperatively. Results. 15 patients of group A required postoperatively 15 units of homologous blood (total amount for group A 65 banked blood units 1.3 units/patient). 20 patients of group B required additional 26 banked blood units postoperatively (totally 95 banked blood units, or 1.86 units/patient). In the group A (study group), the total homologous blood requirements were reduced by 30%, the postoperative blood requirements were reduced by 42% and the number of patients that required additional blood transfusion was reduced by 25%. There was no significant difference in the postoperative haematocrit and haemoglobin values between the two groups. Conclusions. The perioperative use of erythropoietin reduces effectively the total demands of homologous banked blood transfusion in total hip arthroplasty

Early mortality in patients with hip fractures due to bony metastases is unknown. The aim was to quantify 30 and 90-day mortality in patients with metastatic hip fractures and identify markers associated with early death. Consecutive patients referred to orthopaedics with a metastatic proximal femoral fracture/impending fracture over a six-year period were compared to a matched control group of non-malignant hip fractures. Minimum follow-up was 1 year and data was analysed using the student´s t-test (significance p<0.05). From Jan 2010-Dec 2015, 163 patients were referred with metastatic proximal femoral lesions. 90-day mortality was three times higher than controls (44% 71/163 vs. 12% 4/33, p<0.01). Mean time from referral to surgery was longer in impending versus completed fractures (11 and 4 days respectively, p<0.05). Multiple biochemical markers were associated with early mortality in the metastatic group. Patients who died early were more likely to demonstrate low haemoglobin and albumin, and high c-reactive protein, platelets, urea, alkaline phosphatase and calcium (p<0.05). Several biochemical markers associated with early mortality reached clinical and statistical significance. These markers were combined into a score out of 7 and indicated a higher early mortality in metastatic patients compared to controls. Patients with a score of 5–6/7 were 31 times more likely to die within 90 days versus controls. This scoring system could be utilised to predict early mortality and guide management. The average delay to surgery of 4 days (completed) and 11 days (impending fractures) identifies a window to intervene and correct these abnormalities to improve survival

Background. Thromboembolic disease is a common complication of total hip replacement (THR). The administration of postoperative anticoagulants is therefore highly recommended. The purpose of this study was to compare rivaroxaban with fondaparinux with regards to their safety and effectiveness for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) after THR. Methods. We conducted an independent prospective study comparing VTE prevention strategies in two successive series of patients (Groups A and B) undergoing elective unilateral THR. Group A (n=253) received fondaparinux daily 2.5 mg for 10 days, followed by tinzaparin 4500 IU daily for one month. Group B (n=229) received 10 mg rivaroxaban daily for 40 days without platelet monitoring. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon under general anesthesia using an active blood transfusion-sparing plan. In the absence of contraindications, patients received intra-operative administration of tranexamic acid to reduce postoperative bleeding. Preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels were recorded at regular intervals. Bleeding events were documented. The bleeding index was calculated by adding the number of red blood cell units and the difference in the hemoglobin level (in g/dL) between the first morning after the day of surgery and the seventh postoperative day (POD 7). After 5 to 10 days, all patients underwent bilateral lower-extremity duplex ultrasonography to screen for deep venous thrombi. Any clinical symptoms of pulmonary embolism were evaluated with spiral computed tomography lung scans. Clinical evaluation to look for evidence of deep venous thrombi and pulmonary emboli was performed at eight weeks postoperatively. Results. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable. The rate of major bleeding events, proximal deep venous thrombi, and pulmonary emboli was nil in each group. The incidence of blood transfusion was 0.8% in Group A (2 of 253 hips) and 0.4% (1 of 229 hips) in Group B (p=1.0). The bleeding index analysis excluded 8 hips for which the hemoglobin value at POD 7 was not measured. The bleeding index was 1.03 (standard deviation, 0.88) in Group A and 0.8 (standard deviation, 0.80) in Group B (p<0.001). The incidence of bleeding index >2 was 10.5% (27 of 247 hips) in Group A and 3% (7 of 227 hips) in Group B (p<0.001). Discussion. We compared two series of patients treated with THR undertaken with postoperative anticoagulation to prevent VTE. The high level of success these anticoagulant treatments had at preventing VTE in our series could be attributed at least partially to the combination of an active blood-sparing transfusion plan with the use of anticoagulant molecules reported in the literature to be quite potent. Conclusions. This prospective study comparing two anticoagulant regimens in patients treated with THR did not detect any difference with regards to the efficacy of the treatments, although there was significantly less bleeding index in patients who received rivaroxaban

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.

Purpose. To evaluate the long term results of the use of a postoperative autologous blood reinfusion system in total knee arthroplasty. Material and method. In a prospective study, 176 patients who underwent unilateral total knee replacement, during the period 2004–2008, were evaluated (study group or group A). In all these patients a reinfusion system of unwashed blood salvaged was applied, while supplementary homologous blood transfusion was performed when required. The admission of banked blood transfusion determined by haemoglobin value (<9mg/dL) and/or clinical signs (blood pressure, pulses, etc). The value of haemoglobin, haematocrite and platelets recorded preoperatively and the 1st, 5th and 15th day after operation. Results were compared with the material of our previous prospective randomized controlled study (control groups B and C), where in 60 patients, between the years 2002–2004, the effectiveness of postoperative autologous blood reinfusion had been proved. Results. 19 patients of group A required postoperatively 23 units of homologous blood (total study group requirements23 blood units or 0.13 units per patient) while in group B required 1.5 units/patient and in group C 0.3 units/patient. In the study group the total homologous blood requirements reduced by 91% compared with group B (patients without autotransfusion system applied) and by 47% compared with group C (patients with autotransfusion system applied). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative values of Hb and Ht between the groups. None of the patients developed any adverse reactions after reinfusion. The cost of blood management was reduced in study group by 76%. Conclusions. The use of an autotransfusion system postoperatively minimizes practically the demands for homologous banked blood transfusion in total knee arthroplasty

Aims

To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compares three treatments for acetabular fractures in older patients: surgical fixation, surgical fixation and hip arthroplasty (fix-and-replace), and non-surgical treatment.

Introduction. Tranexamic acid is an inhibitor of fibrinolysis that blocks the lysine-binding site of plasminogen to fibrin, and thereby decreases blood loss in patients undergoing surgery. Aims and objectives. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was done on 100 patients undergoing primary cemented Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty to determine the effect of tranexamic acid on intra- and postoperative blood losses and on the transfusions requirements. Material and Methods. 100 patients undergoing unilateral cemented total knee Arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were enrolled for the study. All total knee replacement was done under combined spinal epidural anaesthesia with the use of tourniquet. 100 patients were randomized to tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg) given as a bolus intravenous injection or placebo (normal saline) given intravenously, 15 minutes before the release of tourniquiet. The blood loss (at removal of the drain 24 hours after the operation) and the number of blood transfusions required were recorded. The patients were screened for deep venous thrombosis with bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging on the tenth postoperative day. The Hemoglobin level was measured preoperatively and on the 3rd postoperative day. The D-dimer levels were measured preoperatively and 24 hrs postoperatively. Results. Patients receiving tranexamic acid had a mean postoperative blood loss of 175 ml(range, 130–310ml) versus 330 ml (range, 210–460ml) (p value<0.05), and a total need for 3 blood transfusions versus 15. Only 3 out 50 patients in tranexamic acid group required blood transfusion whereas 12 out of 50 patients in the placebo group required transfusion. In the group receiving placebo the mean fall in hemoglobin was 2.1g/dl (range, 1.5–3.2) and in the group treated with tranexamic acid 1.3 g/dl (0.9–2) (p<0.05). At 24 hrs postoperatively, mean plasma D-dimer concentration in the Tranexamic group was half of that in the control group. No patient in either group had any evidence of deep vein thrombosis on bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging done on the tenth postoperative day. Conclusion. Tranexamic acid 15 mg/kg given as a single bolus dose reduces blood loss, and transfusion requirements in unilateral primary cemented total kneearthroplasty without any increased risk of thrombus formation

Introduction. Surgical treatment of spinal metastasis belongs to the standards of oncology. The risk of spinal cord compression represents an operative indication. Intraoperative bleeding may vary, depending on the extent of the surgical technique. Some primary tumors, such as the renal cell carcinoma, present a major risk for hemorrhage and preoperative embolisation is mandatory. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible benefit of embolisation in different types of primary tumors. Material and Methods. The charts of 93 patients (42 women, 51 men, mean age 60.5 years) who were operated for spinal metastasis, 30 cases with multiple levels, were reviewed. Surgical procedures were classified as: (1) thoracolumbar laminectomy and instrumentation, (2) thoracolumbar corpectomy or vertebrectomy, (3) cervical corpectomy. A preoperative microsphere embolisation was performed in 35 patients. The following parameters, describing blood loss, were evaluated: hemoglobin variation from beginning to end of surgery, blood volume in suction during the intervention, number transfused packed red blood cells units until day 5 after surgery. A Poisson model was used for statistical evaluation. Results. The origins of spinal metastasis were: 28 breast cancer (30.1%), 19 pulmonary carcinoma (20.4%), 16 renal cell carcinoma (17.2%), 30 other cancers (32.3%). An embolisation was always performed in metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. An embolisation was performed in 8 cases in breast, 3 in pulmonary and 9 in other cancers. In the breast cancer group, there was no difference between embolisation versus non-embolisation concerning intraoperative blood loss and transfusion (P=0.404). In the pulmonary group, no difference was found either, but the number of embolisation cases was limited. For other metastasis types, the embolisation had no significant influence (P=0.697). The type of surgical intervention (2) increased intraoperative bleeding significantly in all groups: breast (P=0.002), pulmonary (P=0007), others (P=0.001). The average intraoperative hemoglobin decrease was: 2.3 in renal, 2.5 in breast, 3.0 in pulmonary, 1.9 in other metastasis (P=0.692). Conclusion. Several studies have clearly shown that the preoperative embolisation of renal cell carcinoma is recommended because of their risk of hemorrhage. However, the benefits of this procedure have been less described for other metastatic vertebral lesions. For breast cancer and other carcinoma (mainly digestive and prostate), the results of this study do not indicate a clear benefit for patients who received an embolisation. The same tendency was observed for pulmonary metastasis. The extent of the operation (corpectomy or vertebrectomy) represents the main factor that influences intraoperative bleeding