Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is an increasingly prevalent complication of lower limb arthroplasty (LLA). Even a transient decrease in kidney function has been shown to be associated with increased mortality and development of subsequent Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). We set out to determine which perioperative factors are associated with AKI development at our institution through a retrospective cohort methodology. Patients who underwent primary elective LLA from 01/10/16 to 31/09/17 were included, with relevant perioperative data collected from electronic patient records. AKI was classified according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Overall 6.6% of 686 patients developed an AKI post-operatively. These individuals had a significantly longer length of stay (Median 7 days vs 5 days for no AKI [p<0.001]). Independent predictors of AKI on multivariate regression analysis included: Diabetes (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.20; p=0.008) CKD (OR 5.07, 95% CI 2.60 to 9.86; p=<0.001) and male sex (OR female sex 0.33, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.63; p=0.001). A model including any of these three risk factors predicted 82.2% of patients with an AKI. The overall AKI rate for this model was 11.2% compared to 2.3% for those without any of the three criteria. Only 11% of patients had IV fluid continued beyond the recovery room. AKI is a significant problem in LLA. Knowledge of associated risk factors will allow for targeted interventions to decrease AKI incidence. Continuation of IV fluids until the first post-operative morning for high risk individuals may be a simple method of reducing AKI

Aims. There is increasing evidence to support the use of topical antibiotics to prevent surgical site infections. Although previous research suggests a minimal nephrotoxic risk with a single dose of vancomycin powder, fracture patients often require multiple procedures and receive additional doses of topical antibiotics. We aimed to determine if cumulative doses of intrawound vancomycin or tobramycin powder for infection prophylaxis increased the risk of drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) among fracture patients. Methods. This cohort study was a secondary analysis of single-centre Program of Randomized Trials to Evaluate Pre-operative Antiseptic Skin Solutions in Orthopaedic Trauma (PREP-IT) trial data. We included patients with a surgically treated appendicular fracture. The primary outcome was drug-induced AKI. The odds of AKI per gram of vancomycin or tobramycin powder were calculated using Bayesian regression models, which adjusted for measured confounders and accounted for the interactive effects of vancomycin and tobramycin. Results. Of the 782 included patients (mean age 48 years (SD 20); 59% male), 83% (n = 648) received at least one vancomycin dose (cumulative range 1 to 12 g). Overall, 45% of the sample received at least one tobramycin dose (cumulative range 1.2 to 9.6 g). Drug-induced AKI occurred in ten patients (1.2%). No association was found between the cumulative dose of vancomycin and drug-induced AKI (odds ratio (OR) 1.08 (95% credible interval (CrI) 0.52 to 2.14)). Additional doses of tobramycin were associated with a three-fold increase in the adjusted odds of drug-induced AKI (OR 3.66 (95% CrI 1.71 to 8.49)). Specifically, the risk of drug-induced AKI rose substantially after 4.8 g of tobramycin powder (7.5% (95% CrI 1.0 to 35.3)). Conclusion. Cumulative doses of vancomycin were not associated with an increased risk of drug-induced AKI among fracture patients. While the risk of drug-induced AKI remains less than 4% with three or fewer 1.2 g tobramycin doses, the estimated risk increases substantially to 8% after four cumulative doses. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(4):284–290

ERAS (Enhanced recovery after surgery) programs have been widely adopted in elective orthopaedic practice. Early discontinuation of Intravenous (IV) fluids in order to promote mobilisation and subsequent discharge is a key feature of such programs. However concerns have been raised regarding whether such an approach results in an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). We set out to determine the incidence of AKI in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty treated as part of an ERAS program where IV fluids are removed before leaving the recovery room. Investigate whether there is a difference in incidence between patients with a pre-operative eGFR ≥ 60 or < 60 (ml/min/1.73m2). In addition to whether patients who sustain an AKI have a longer post-operative hospital stay. The pre and post-operative blood results of patients undergoing elective total hip and total knee replacements were retrospectively analysed to determine whether they had suffered an AKI during admission. The patient's notes were reviewed for other known causes of peri-operative AKI and the length of their hospital stay. The overall Incidence of AKI was 9.4%. There was a significant association found between pre-operative eGFR and development of an AKI p = 0.002. The incidence of AKI was 5.8% in patients with a pre-operative eGFR ≥ 60 vs 33.3% in those with an eGFR < 60. The development of an AKI was associated with a longer hospital stay p = 0.042. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days for those who suffered an AKI vs 5 days for those who did not. Patients undergoing elective lower limb arthroplasty with a pre-operative eGFR < 60 treated as part of an ERAS program where fluids are discontinued before leaving the recovery room are at high risk of developing an AKI. Further studies are required to ascertain whether a longer duration of IV fluids is effective in reducing the incidence of AKI in this group

Aims. Within the UK, around 70,000 patients suffer neck of femur (NOF) fractures annually. Patients presenting with this injury are often frail, leading to increased morbidity and a 30-day mortality rate of 6.1%. COVID-19 infection has a broad spectrum of clinical presentations with the elderly, and those with pre-existing comorbidities are at a higher risk of severe respiratory compromise and death. Further increased risk has been observed in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on the complication and mortality rates of NOF fracture patients. Methods. All NOF fracture patients presenting between March 2020 and May 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two subgroup: those with or without clinical and/or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. Data were collected on patient demographics, pattern of injury, complications, length of stay, and mortality. Results. Overall, 132 patients were included. Of these, 34.8% (n = 46) were diagnosed with COVID-19. Bacterial pneumonia was observed at a significantly higher rate in those patients with COVID-19 (56.5% vs 15.1%; p =< 0.000). Non respiratory complications such as acute kidney injury (30.4% vs 9.3%; p =0.002) and urinary tract infection (10.9% vs 3.5%; p =0.126) were also more common in those patients with COVID-19. Length of stay was increased by a median of 21.5 days in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (p < 0.000). 30-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 (37.0%) when compared to those without (10.5%; p <0.000). Conclusion. This study has shown that patients with a neck of femur fracture have a high rate of mortality and complications such as bacterial pneumonia and acute kidney injury when diagnosed with COVID-19 within the perioperative period. We have demonstrated the high risk of in hospital transmission of COVID-19 and the association between the infection and an increased length of stay for the patients affected. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-11:669–675

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The use of multimodal non-opioid analgesia in hip fractures, specifically acetaminophen combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has been increasing. However, the effectiveness and safety of this approach remain unclear. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes among patients with hip fractures who preoperatively received either acetaminophen combined with NSAIDs, NSAIDs alone, or acetaminophen alone.

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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.

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We assessed the value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in the prediction of adverse outcome after hip fracture.

SIGN guidelines advise the use of flucloxacillin and gentamicin instead of cefuroxime as antibiotic prophylaxis for elective hip and knee arthroplasty. It is our impression that this change in practice has been associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). During a twelve month period we examined the incidence of AKI sequentially in four groups of patients: cefuroxime prophylaxis (n = 46); high dose flucloxacillin (5-8g) with single shot gentamicin (n = 50); low dose flucloxacillin (1-4 g) with single shot gentamicin (n = 45); and finally cefuroxime again (n = 52). There were no statistically significant differences by chi-square tests for age, gender, operation (hip or knee), ASA, anaesthesia, baseline serum creatinine, hypertension, diabetes or pre-operative medication. The proportion of patients in each antibiotic group with any form of AKI by RIFLE criteria was: cefuroxime group 1 (9%), high dose flucloxacillin (52%), low dose flucloxacillin (22%), cefuroxime 2 (14%) (p < 0.0001 by chi-square test). Odds ratios (OR) for AKI derived from a multivariate logistic regression model and assigning an OR of 1 to cefuroxime group 1 was: high dose flucloxacillin 14.5 (95% CI, 4.2, 50.2); low dose flucloxacillin 3.0 (0.8-10.9) and cefuroxime group 2 1.9 (0.5, 7.4). Three patients in the high dose flucloxacillin group required temporary haemodialysis. We have shown a strong association between high dose prophylactic flucloxacillin and subsequent development of AKI. We have no reason to believe that this was confounded by any of the co-variates we measured

Aim. Bone metastases of the upper limb are a frequent complication of primary tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment and functional results of patients with prosthetic reconstruction of the proximal humerus. Method. Between 1975 and 2007, 67 patients were treated by resection of humeral metastasis and reconstruction with prosthesis. Cemented modular prostheses of the proximal humerus were implanted in 59 cases (all MRS Bioimpianti® prostheses), uncemented prostheses in 2 (HMRS® Stryker), 4 elbow Coonrad-Morrey prostheses (in 2 cases with bone allograft), 1 elbow custom-made cemented and 1 intercalary prosthesis (Osteobridge Merete®). Sites of primary tumors: kidney (23), lung (13), bone and unknow (7 each), liver and breast (3 each), bladder, endometrium, thyroid, soft tissues and nervous tissues (2 each), ovarium (1). Complications were evaluated and univariate analysis with actuarial Kaplan-Meier curves of implant survival was performed. Functional results were assessed with the MSTS system. Results. At mean follow-up 27 months oncologic outcome showed 7 patients NED (mean time 7 yrs.), 57 DOD, 3 lost to follow-up. Complications were deep infection (2 cases, 3%) and loosening (1 case, 1.5%) causing failure requiring revision. Functional results were good or excellent in 93% of patients, with average score of 71%. Conclusion. Resection of metastatic lesion is indicated: 1) for patients with solitary metastases and long free interval from treatment of primary cancer, 2) for patients with meta-epiphyseal metastases not amenable to durable internal fixation even in presence multiple metastases. Indications of resections are increasing, due to prolonged survival with newer medical treatments. Different reconstructive techniques are available, depending on type of resection and soft tissues removal. Cemented prostheses are mostly used, since cemented fixation is not affected by radiotherapy. Although prognosis was poor, prosthetic reconstructions of the humerus provided satisfactory results

In a randomized study of 60 patients allergic reactions are evaluated in three joint prosthesis groups, a resurfacing arthroplasty (ReCap), a non-cemented, large metal-on-metal head (Bimetric Magnum) and a non-cemented, alumina ceramic-on-ceramic bearing in a titanium shell (Bimetric C2a). The inclusion criteria were osteoarthritis, ASA I–II, MRI-scan without caput necrosis, DXA-scan without osteoporosis. The exclusion criteria were short neck (<2cm.), large cysts (>1cm.), medical treatment affecting the bone metabolism, severe deformity of the femoral head, impaired kidney function and inability to co-operate. Blood samples were drawn prior to and 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after surgery; two tubes from which plasma was prepared, and two tubes for serum. From the last included 20 patients in each group was also taken blood one and three years after surgery for an in vitro lymphocyte assay for scoring of possible hypersensitivity to prosthesis metals. The isolated lymphocytes were subjected to measurement of proliferation and expression of CD69 by flow cytometry and measurement of the Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) by ELISA. Plasma concentrations of the cytokines IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-15, interferon-and osteoprotegerin were determined by multiplex-immunoassay. Serum concentrations of chromium and cobalt were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The serum concentrations of chromium and cobalt were lowest in patients with the C2a implant and highest with Magnum, some of these differences were significant at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. No patient had a very high serum metal concentration. The values of the variables measured in the in vitro lymphocyte assay mainly changed in the expected direction depending on the concentration of the same metal in the serum sample drawn at the same time, but no significant correlation was seen. One patient had uncertain symptoms of metal hypersensitivity and relatively high serum metal concentrations 3 years after arthroplasty with a Magnum prosthesis and was assessed extraordinarily, and elicited the marginally highest MIF responses in the lymphocyte assay. A strong correlation was found between the plasma concentrations of most cytokines, but the cytokine concentrations were not correlated to contemporary metal concentrations

Aim. Aim of this study was to review surgical treatment of femural metastases, comparing nailing versus resection and prosthetic reconstruction. Method. Between 1975 and 2008 110 patients were surgically treated for metastatic disease of the femur. Prostheses were implanted in 57 cases (16 HMRS® Stryker, 38 MRP® Bioimpianti, 2 Osteobridge® and 1 GMRS®). In 53 patients femoral nailing was performed with different types of locked nails (32 Gamma, 14 Grosse-Kempft and 6 T2-Stryker®). Sites of primary tumor were breast (33 cases), kidney (18), lung (17), undifferentiated carcinoma (14), g.i. (8), bladder and prostate (5 each), endometrium and thyroid (3 each), skin (2), pheochromocytoma and pancreas (1 each). Indications to nails were given in patients with femoral metastasis and poor prognosis: multiple metastases, short free interval, unfavourable histotype, poor general conditions. Resection and prosthesis was preferred for patients with solitary metastasis, long free interval, favourable histotype, good general conditions or in whenever the extent of the lesion was not amenable to a durable internal fixation. Complications were analysed. Univariate analysis by Kaplan-Meier curves of implant and oncological survival was performed. Functional results were assessed with MSTS system. Results. Outcome showed: 23 AWD at mean 52 months, 57 DWD at mean 9 months, 30 lost to follow up. Survival in patients treated with femoral nailing was about 10% at 5 years versus 20% for patients treated with resection. Patients with resections had a better survival curve at 2 years. Complications were: infections (4/110, 3.7%), aseptic loosening (1/110, 1%). Statistical analysis showed a significantly better survival for patients resected versus those treated by internal fixation (p=0.0214). Multivariate analysis indicated that pathologic fracture is the only significant adverse prognostic factor (p=0.006). Conclusion. Internal fixation is indicated in patients with multiple metastases and poor prognosis. When expected survival is longer and there is a solitary metastasis a resection is preferable. Indications of resections are progressively increasing due to newer medical treatment giving longer survival to metastatic patients

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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.

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Complex displaced osteoporotic acetabular fractures in the elderly are associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Surgical options include either open reduction and internal fixation alone, or combined with total hip arthroplasty (THA). There remains a cohort of severely comorbid patients who are deemed unfit for extensive surgical reconstruction and are treated conservatively. We describe the results of a coned hemipelvis reconstruction and THA inserted via a posterior approach to the hip as the primary treatment for this severely high-risk cohort.

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The aim of this study was to explore whether time to surgery affects functional outcome in displaced proximal humeral fractures

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Surgical site infection can be a devastating complication of hemiarthroplasty of the hip, when performed in elderly patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck. It results in a prolonged stay in hospital, a poor outcome and increased costs. Many studies have identified risk and prognostic factors for deep infection. However, most have combined the rates of infection following total hip arthroplasty and internal fixation as well as hemiarthroplasty, despite the fact that they are different entities. The aim of this study was to clarify the risk and prognostic factors causing deep infection after hemiarthroplasty alone.

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Compartment syndrome results from increased intra-compartmental pressure (ICP) causing local tissue ischaemia and cell death, but the systemic effects are not well described. We hypothesised that compartment syndrome would have a profound effect not only on the affected limb, but also on remote organs.

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While use of large national clinical databases for orthopaedic trauma research has increased dramatically, there has been little study of the differences in populations contained therein. In this study we aimed to compare populations of patients with femoral shaft fractures across three commonly used national databases, specifically with regard to age and comorbidities.

There have been many advances in the resuscitation and early management of patients with severe injuries during the last decade. These have come about as a result of the reorganisation of civilian trauma services in countries such as Germany, Australia and the United States, where the development of trauma systems has allowed a concentration of expertise and research. The continuing conflicts in the Middle East have also generated a significant increase in expertise in the management of severe injuries, and soldiers now survive injuries that would have been fatal in previous wars. This military experience is being translated into civilian practice.

The aim of this paper is to give orthopaedic surgeons a practical, evidence-based guide to the current management of patients with severe, multiple injuries. It must be emphasised that this depends upon the expertise, experience and facilities available within the local health-care system, and that the proposed guidelines will inevitably have to be adapted to suit the local resources.

The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome after a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in active patients aged over 70 years without osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip, randomised to receive either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip replacement (THR). We studied 252 patients of whom 47 (19%) were men, with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6). They were randomly allocated to be treated with either a cemented hemiarthroplasty (137 patients) or cemented THR (115 patients). At one- and five-year follow-up no differences were observed in the modified Harris hip score, revision rate of the prosthesis, local and general complications, or mortality. The intra-operative blood loss was lower in the hemiarthroplasty group (7% > 500 ml) than in the THR group (26% > 500 ml) and the duration of surgery was longer in the THR group (28% > 1.5 hours versus 12% > 1.5 hours). There were no dislocations of any bipolar hemiarthroplasty and eight dislocations of a THR during follow-up.

Because of a higher intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001), an increased duration of the operation (p < 0.001) and a higher number of early and late dislocations (p = 0.002), we do not recommend THR as the treatment of choice in patients aged ≥ 70 years with a fracture of the femoral neck in the absence of advanced radiological osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip.

Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal femur may be required to treat primary bone tumours or destructive metastases either with impending or established pathological fracture. Modular prostheses are available off the shelf and can be adapted to most reconstructive situations for this purpose. We have assessed the clinical and functional outcome of using the METS (Stanmore Implants Worldwide) modular tumour prosthesis to reconstruct the proximal femur in 100 consecutive patients between 2001 and 2006. We compared the results with the published series for patients managed with modular and custom-made endoprosthetic replacements for the same conditions.

There were 52 males and 48 females with a mean age of 56.3 years (16 to 84) and a mean follow-up of 24.6 months (0 to 60). In 65 patients the procedure was undertaken for metastases, in 25 for a primary bone tumour, and in ten for other malignant conditions. A total of 46 patients presented with a pathological fracture, and 19 presented with failed fixation of a previous pathological fracture. The overall patient survival was 63.6% at one year and 23.1% at five years, and was significantly better for patients with a primary bone tumour than for those with metastatic tumour (82.3% vs 53.3%, respectively at one year (p = 0.003)). There were six early dislocations of which five could be treated by closed reduction. No patient needed revision surgery for dislocation. Revision surgery was required by six (6%) patients, five for pain caused by acetabular wear and one for tumour progression. Amputation was needed in four patients for local recurrence or infection.

The estimated five-year implant survival with revision as the endpoint was 90.7%. The mean Toronto Extremity Salvage score was 61% (51% to 95%). The implant survival and complications resulting from the use of the modular system were comparable to the published series of both custom-made and other modular proximal femoral implants.

We conclude that at intermediate follow-up the modular tumour prosthesis for proximal femur replacement provides versatility, a low incidence of implant-related complications and acceptable function for patients with metastatic tumours, pathological fractures and failed fixation of the proximal femur. It also functions as well as a custom-made endoprosthetic replacement.