Abstract. Background. Elderly patients with degenerative lumbar disease are increasingly undergoing posterior lumbar decompression without instrumented stabilisation. There is a paucity of studies examining clinical outcomes, morbidity & mortality associated with this procedure in this population. Methods. A retrospective analysis of aged 80–100 years who underwent posterior lumbar decompression without instrumented stabilisation at University Hospitals of Derby &Burton between 2016–2020. Results. Total 167 eligible patients, 163 octogenarians & 4 nonagenarians. Mean age was 82.78 ± 3.07 years. Mean length of hospital stay 4.79 ± 10.92 days. 76% were pain free at 3months following decompression. The average Charleston co-morbidity index (CCI) was 4.87. No association found with CCI in predicting mortality (ODD ratio 0.916, CI95%). 17patients suffered complications; dural tear (0.017%), post-op paralysis (0.017%), SSI(0.01%), and 0.001% of hospital acquired pneumonia, delirium, TIA, urinary retention, ileus, anaemia. High BMI (35+) was associated with increased incidence of complication (CI 95%, p<0.002). There was significant social drift following discharge as 147 patients went home and 4 patients to rehabilitation facility (p<0.001FE test). The mean operative time was 91.408±41.17 mins and mean anaesthetic time was 36.8±16.06 mins. Prolonged operative time was not associated with increased mortality.2year revision decompression rate was 0.011%. Conclusion. Posterior lumbar decompression without instrumented stablisation in elderly is safe & associated with low mortality with 99.5%survival at 1 year. It significantly improves PROMs & has extremely low revision rate. Incidence of post-op complication is <0.05% and 54% of patients get discharged within 72hours of surgery. Careful selection & optimising patients with high BMI would reduced perioperative morbidity and mortality

Aims. Using the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) data, this study aimed to identify patient, fracture, and management factors associated with survival, mobility and residential status at 120 days. This will allow future interventions to target modifiable risk factors to improve the overall care of patients with hip fractures. Methods. All NZ patients from 2018 – 2020 were included. Baseline demographics, management factors, and outcomes were recorded. Key outcomes were change in walking status, residential status and survival at 120 days. Univariate analysis was performed to compare differences in demographics, surgical and management factors for the key variables. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with outcomes. Results. Data from 9432 patients were analysed. The average age was 82.8 years (SD 9.8). 70.3% were females. 39.5% of patients were cognitively impaired on admission, 71.4% were from their own residence. At 120 days post injury, 10.9% (1029) had died 1029 (10.9%), 15.3% (1034) had a decrease in their residential status, 44.9% (2966) had a reduction in walking ability. On multivariate analysis; older age (RR1.1/yr, p<0.001), male sex (RR1.7, P<0.001), cognitive impairment (RR2.2, p<0.001) and ASA>3 (RR3.7, p=0.015) were risk factors for death. Similarly, increasing age (RR1.1 per year, p<0.001), cognitive impairment (RR1.2, p=0.04) and ASA>3 (RR2.9, p=0.047) were significant risk factors for worsening residential status. Decreasing mobility was associated with extracapsular fractures (RR1.4, p=0.01). After adjustment for demographics, ASA and fracture type, performing total hip arthroplasty was preventative for both worsening residential status (RR0.23, p<0.001) and decreasing walking ability (RR 0.21, p<0.001). There was no significant survival, functional or revision differences for other fixation types. Conclusion. There is a significant decline in walking ability post hip fracture which may be a key contributor to long-term morbidity. The benefits of THA in preserving mobility and independence should be further investigated. Additional discharge planning and multi-disciplinary team input are likely required for high-risk patients of older age, with cognitive impairment and extracapsular fractures

Abstract. Introduction. Minimising postoperative complications and mortality in COVID-19 patients who were undergoing trauma and orthopaedic surgeries is an international priority. Aim was to develop a predictive nomogram for 30-day morbidity/mortality of COVID-19 infection in patients who underwent orthopaedic and trauma surgery during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK in 2020 compared to a similar period in 2019. Secondary objective was to compare between patients with positive PCR test and those with negative test. Methods. Retrospective multi-center study including 50 hospitals. Patients with suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection who had underwent orthopaedic or trauma surgery for any indication during the 2020 pandemic were enrolled in the study (2525 patients). We analysed cases performed on orthopaedic and trauma operative lists in 2019 for comparison (4417). Multivariable Logistic Regression analysis was performed to assess the possible predictors of a fatal outcome. A nomogram was developed with the possible predictors and total point were calculated. Results. Of the 2525 patients admitted for suspicion of COVID-19, 658 patients had negative preoperative test, 151 with positive test and 1716 with unknown preoperative COVID-19 status. Preoperative COVID-19 status, sex, ASA grade, urgency and indication of surgery, use of torniquet, grade of operating surgeon and some comorbidities were independent risk factors associated with 30-day complications/mortality. The 2020 nomogram model exhibited moderate prediction ability. In contrast, the prediction ability of total points of 2019 nomogram model was excellent. Conclusions. Nomograms can be used by orthopaedic and trauma surgeons as a practical and effective tool in postoperative complications and mortality risk estimation

Introduction. The aim of this study is to report the 30 day COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality of patients assessed as SARS-CoV-2 negative who underwent emergency or urgent orthopaedic surgery in the NHS during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method. A retrospective, single centre, observational cohort study of all patients undergoing surgery between 17 March 2020 and 3May 2020 was performed. Outcomes were stratified by British Orthopaedic Association COVID-19 Patient Risk Assessment Tool. Patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive at the time of surgery were excluded. Results. Overall, 96 patients assessed as negative for SARS-CoV-2 at the time of surgery underwent 100 emergency or urgent orthopaedic procedures during the study period. Within 30 days of surgery 9.4% of patients (n = 9) were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive by nasopharyngeal swab. The overall 30 day mortality rate across the whole cohort of patients during this period was 3% (n = 3). Of those testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 66% (n = 6) developed significant COVID-19 related complications and there was a 33% 30-day mortality rate (n = 3). Overall, the 30-day mortality in patients classified as BOA low or medium risk (n = 69) was 0%, whereas in those classified as high or very high risk (n = 27) it was 11.1%. Conclusion. Orthopaedic surgery in SARS-CoV-2 negative patients who transition to positive within 30 days of surgery carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. In lower risk groups, the overall risk of becoming SARS-CoV-2 positive, and subsequently developing a significant postoperative related complication, was low even during the peak of the pandemic. In addition to ensuring patients are SARS-CoV-2 negative at the time of surgery it is important that the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 is minimized through their recovery. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:474–480

Malnutrition is considered a risk factor for postoperative complications in total hip and knee arthroplasty, though prospective studies investigating this assumption are lacking. The aim of this study was to prospectively analyse the 90-day postoperative complications, postoperative length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates of patients undergoing primary total hip and total kneearthroplasty using albumin, total lymphocyte count (TLC) and transferrin as serum markers of potential malnutrition.

603 primary hip and 823 primary knee arthroplasties over a 3-year period from a single centre wereprospectively analysed. BMI, demographic and comorbidity data were recorded. Complications werecategorised as surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis andpulmonary embolus), implant related (such as dislocation), and non-implant related (such aspneumonia). Outcomes were compared between groups, with malnutrition defined as serumalbumin <3.5g/dL, transferrin <200 mg/dL, or TLC <1,500 cells/mm³.

Potential malnutrition was present in 9.3% of the study population. This group experienced a longeraverage LOS at 6.5 days compared to the normal albumin group at 5.0 days (p=0.003). Surgical siteinfection rate was higher in the malnourished group (12.5 vs 7.8%, p=0.02). There was no differencebetween the two groups in implant related complications (0.8 vs 1.0%, p=0.95) medicalcomplications (7.8 vs 13.3%, p=0.17), rate of venous thromboembolism (2.3 vs 2.7%) or 90-dayreadmission rate (14.1 vs 17.0%, p=0.56). TLC and transferrin were not predictive of any of theprimary outcomes measured (p<0.05). Pacific Island (p<0.001), Indian (p=0.02) and Asian (p=0.02) patients had lower albumin than NZ European.

This study demonstrates an association between low albumin levels and increased postoperativeLOS and surgical site infection in total joint arthroplasty, providing rationale for consideration ofpreoperative nutritional screening and optimisation.

This study aims to assess prospectively whether measurement of perioperative Troponin T is a useful predictor of potential morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery for fractured neck of femur. All patients aged 65 years and over presenting with a fractured neck of femur over a 4-month period were initially included. Exclusion criteria were renal failure, polymyositis and conservative fracture management. Troponin T levels were measured on admission, day 1 and 2 post-surgery. According to local protocol, a level of >0.03ng/mL was considered to be raised. Outcome measures adverse were cardiorespiratory events (myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, unstable angina, major arrhythmias requiring treatment and pulmonary embolism), death and length of inpatient stay. 108 patients were recruited after application of the exclusion criteria. 42 (38.9%) showed a rise in Troponin T >0.03ng/mL in at least one sample. Of these, 25 (59.5%) sustained at least outcome complication, as opposed to 7 (10.6%) from the group with no Troponin T rise (p<0.001). The mean length of stay was 25.7 days for patients with elevated Troponin T levels, compared with 18.3 days in the normal group (p<0.012). There were 9 deaths in the raised Troponin group (21.4%), and 5 (7.6%) in the group with no rise (p<0.05). The principal causes of early death after hip fracture surgery are cardiac failure and myocardial infarction. Troponin T is a sensitive enzymatic marker of myocardial injury. The association between raised Troponin and hip fractures has not previously been made. In our series, 38.9% showed a perioperative Troponin rise. This was significantly associated with increased morbidity, mortality and longer hospitalisation. Many hip fracture patients appear to be having silent cardiorespiratory events, contributing significantly to perioperative morbidity. We recommend measurement of Troponin levels in all such patients to identify this risk and initiate appropriate treatment

Background:. Morbidity of any surgical procedure is undefined. Major surgeries and minor surgeries have different morbidities but the morbidity after any surgical procedure is neither quantified nor defined in literature. Minimally invasive surgeries have evolved in all surgical branches and are known to have less morbidity after the surgery. There is no score or index to assess early recovery after any surgical procedure. Aim:. The objective of the study was to develop a scoring method to assess early post operative recovery of TKR patients. Materials and methods:. 50 consecutive total knee replacement patients were evaluated and scored at day 0, day 1, day2 and day3 post operatively. All the patients were operated upon by a single senior surgeon using minimally invasive approach. The scoring of the index consist of a questionnaire with 10 different questions regarding the general well being of the patient, wound condition, physical abilities and few other important parameters. The scores were judged from 0 to 3. Total score ranges from 0 to 30. The higher the score, the higher is the morbidity of the patient. Results:. The patients showed that the general morbidity decreases in great values from postoperative period to 24 h and 48 h after the surgery. Conclusion:. The morbidity index is a very reliable and precious way of assessing post operative condition of the patient in both surgeon's aspect and patient's aspect of view. Since there is no scoring method for early post operative assessment, this morbidity index may be important to measure the early surgical outcome of different surgeries

INTRODUCTION. Shoulder arthroplasty (SA) is an effective procedure for managing patients with shoulder pain secondary to degenerative joint disease or end stage arthritis that has failed conservative treatment. Insurance status has been shown to be an indicator of patient morbidity and mortality. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the effect of patient insurance status on outcomes following shoulder replacement surgery. METHODS. Data was obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2004 and 2011. Analysis included patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty procedures determined by ICD-9 procedure codes. Patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed and stratified by insurance type. The primary outcome was medical and surgical complications occurring during the same hospitalization with secondary analysis of mortality. Pearson's chi¬squared test and multivariate regression were performed. RESULTS. A data inquiry identified 103,290 patients (68,578 Medicare, 27,159 private insurance, 3,544 Medicaid/uninsured, 4,009 Other) undergoing partial, total and reverse total shoulder replacements. The total number of complications was 17,810 (17.24%), and the top three complications included acute cardiac events (8,165), urinary tract infections (3,154), and pneumonia (1,635). The highest complication rate was observed in the Medicare population (20.3%), followed by the Medicaid/uninsured (16.9%), other (11.1%), and the privately-insured cohort (10.5%). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that having Medicare insurance, white race, increasing age, higher comorbidity, and urgent or emergent admissions was associated with medical complications. Black patients, increasing age and comorbities was associated with surgical complications. Overall mortality was 0.20% and was more common in total shoulder arthroplasty and surgeries done on emergent or urgent admissions. DISCUSSION. This data reveals that patients with Medicare, Medicaid or no insurance were more likely to have medical complications, most commonly cardiac complications, UTIs and pneumonia. Primary insurance payer status can be considered as an independent risk factor during preoperative risk stratification and planning

Purpose. To compare the post-operative morbidity, of a novel vertical approach, with that of the standard transverse one, for procurement of Autologous bone graft from the iliac crest, for the purpose of cervical spine fusions. Methodology. Eighty patients undergoing procurement of bone graft from the iliac crest were prospectively randomised into two groups. The study group (36) underwent the procedure through a novel vertical approach, while the controls (44) had the standard transverse approach. Both groups were evaluated by a blinded observer at 1 month and 6 months post-operatively. The visual analogue pain score, (VAS), use of analgesics, disruption of cutaneous nerve function and local tenderness were recorded. Results. The mean VAS in the study group was 2.5 and 4.4 in the control group one month post-operatively. This was reduced to 2.9 in the control group and 1.8 in the study group six months later (p<0.05). The study group had a lower incidence of local numbness (33.3 %) compared to (72.7%) in the control group one month after surgery. Use of analgesia after 6 months was lower in the study group (11.1%), compared to 50% in the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regards to other parameters. Conclusion. The vertical approach to the iliac crest is associated with lower morbidity and is an effective alternative to the standard approach

Aim. To investigate anterior instrumented corrective fusion for thoracolumbar or lumbar scoliosis. Methods. A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs of 38 consecutively managed patients who underwent anterior spine surgery for thoracolumbar curves by a single surgeon between 2001 and 2011. The cohort consisted of 28 female and 10 male patients with idiopathic scoliosis as the commonest aetiology. Data collated and analysed included patient demographics, surgical factors, post-operative management and complications. In addition, radiographic analysis was performed on pre-operative and follow-up x-rays. Results. Thoracolumbar/lumbar curves were corrected from 70 to 27 degrees. The thoracic compensatory curve spontaneously corrected from 34 to 19 degrees. Sagittal imbalance of greater than 4 centimeters was found in 40 percent of patients preoperatively and in 16 percent post operatively (85 percent negative sagittal imbalance, 15 percent positive sagittal imbalance). Rotation according to the Nash-Moe method corrected by 1.13 of a grade. Average operative time was 194 minutes and estimated blood loss was 450 ml. The diaphragm was taken down in 36 of the 38 patients but no post-op ventilation was required. The average high care stay was 1.2 days. Average follow-up was 18 months. Good maintenance of correction was shown at most recent follow-up, with the mean thoracolumbar/lumbar curve measuring 29 degrees, and the mean compensatory thoracic curve measuring 21 degrees. There were no significant neurological or respiratory complications. Conclusion. Anterior corrective fusion for thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis is effective in both deformity correction and maintenance thereof. Spontaneous correction of the thoracic curve can be expected and thus limit the fusion to the lumbar curve. Despite the concerns of taking down the diaphragm, there is minimal morbidity. NO DISCLOSURES

Introduction. Nonagenarian patients with hip fractures present many challenges to the clinician, both in terms of their advanced age and medical co-morbidities with potential orthopaedic complications. Our aims were to assess outcome of hip fractures in a nonagenarian population with respect to pre-operative predictors of outcome, immediate and long-term morbidity, and survival rates. Methods. Nonagenarian patients with a hip fracture admitted between January 2000 and December 2003 were considered. Eighty-one patients were included, the majority being female (M: F 14: 67). Ages ranged from 90 to 98 years for female patients (mean 92.5 years, SD 2.2) compared to 90 to 95 years for male patients (mean 92.7 years, SD 2). Results. Delay to surgery was 1.25 days and the median ASA grade was III. The majority of patients had intertrochanteric fractures and methods of fixation involved internal fixation in 63% and hemiarthroplasty in the remaining 36% of the group deemed fit for surgery. The rate of complications during inpatient stay was 19% and there were eight inpatient post-operative mortalities due to medical complications. Mean survival post-hip fracture in our patient group was 474.7 days (median 372.5 days). Within forty days of surgery 25% of patients died, including our inpatient mortality of 10%. However, 50% of the patients were still alive 126 days post-operatively. Conclusion. Hip fractures must be given special attention in the nonagenarian population because of their advanced age and medical co-morbidities. Careful pre-operative assessment and medical maximisation combined with prompt surgical intervention yielded a good outcome and return to pre-injury status for most patients. Lower ASA grades, surgery within 48 hours, and increased pre-operative haemoglobin levels were all associated with favourable outcomes

We analysed the morbidity, mortality and outcome of cervical spine injuries in patients over the age of 65 years in a retrospective review of 107 elderly patients admitted to our tertiary referral spinal injuries unit with cervical spine injuries between 1994 and 2002. The data were acquired by analysis of the national spinal unit database, hospital inpatient enquiry (HIPE) system, chart and radiographic review. Mean age was 74 years (range 66-93yrs). The male to female ratio was 2.1: 1(M=72, F=35). The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (1-9 years) and mean in-hospital stay was 10 days. The mechanism of injury was a fall in 75 and a road traffic accident (RTA) in the remaining 32 patients. The overall complication rate was 18.6% with an associated in-hospital mortality of 11.2%. Outcome was assessed using the Cervical Spine Outcomes Questionnaire (CSOQ) from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Functional outcome scores approached pre-morbid level in almost all patients. Functional disability was more marked in the patients with neurological deficit at the time of injury. Outcome of the injury is related to the increasing age, co-morbidity and the severity of the neurological deficit. Injuries of the cervical spine are a not infrequent occurrence in the elderly and occur with relatively minor trauma. Neck pain in the elderly patient should be thoroughly evaluated to exclude C2 injuries. Most patients can be managed in an orthosis but unstable injuries require rigid external immobilisation

Rivaroxaban is an oral anticoagulant which has the potential to replace subcutaneous Clexane in post operative prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism following knee replacement. Rivaroxaban has been shown to be at least equivalent to Enoxaparin in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with a similar rate of major bleeding. However, the morbidity associated with the new product has yet to be fully examined. Our own anecdotal evidence suggests that Rivaroxaban may be associated with poorer knee range of motion, and greater bruising and haemarthrosis. This pilot study aimed to compare these outcomes as well as knee pain and length of hospital stay in patients receiving Rivaroxaban and Enoxaparin following total knee replacement. A controlled before and after study with single blinding was performed. Patients in the ‘Before’ group were given Rivaroxaban (our current protocol). Patients treated in the “After’ group were subjected to our previous protocol (Enoxaparin). Patients were followed up to 6-weeks post surgery. Blinded assessors reviewed range of motion and wound outcomes using a photographic method. Swelling was measured using a standardized technique. Bleeding, pain and length of stay were prospectively recorded. Data analysis is due to be completed in April 2011. Complete results will be available after this time. Discussion: Rivaroxaban was introduced to lessen patient burden as oral administration is presumed to be more acceptable than self-injection of Enoxaparin. It is yet to be determined comprehensively whether the benefits of oral administration outweigh any associated risks. Surgeons must carefully consider the risks and benefits of their choice of venous thrombosis prophylaxis following total knee replacement

Objectives. To determine whether a delay to surgery (>36Hours) affects mortality rate, length of stay and post-operative complications following hip fracture surgery. Methods. Data collected by dedicated Audit staff using a proforma designed in accordance with the ‘Standardised Audit of Hip Fractures in Europe’ (SAHFE). A prospective Observational Study, all patients (n=7207) admitted and who underwent surgery during a 10-year period from May 1999 to May 2009 have been considered. Chi square tests and independent sample t tests were used for basic statistical analyses. Mortality data were analysed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis and cox regression analysis. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. The 30-day mortality was 9.5%. At 90 days, mortality was 18.9% and at 1 year it was 31.4%. In patients declared fit for surgery on admission (n=5665), 30-day mortality was 7.5% in those operated on without delay, rising to 10.3% at over 4 days delay (p=0.117). However, in those operated on after 5 days delay, 30-day mortality equalled 13.6% (p=0.009). Those declared fit for surgery on admission stayed a total 14.5 days if operated within 36 hours, rising to 16 days with over 36 hours delay (p< 0.001). An increase in the rate of urinary tract infection (3.9 vs. 5.9%, p< 0.001) was seen in patients delayed by over 36 hours. However, when considering all patients together, an increase in both urinary tract infection (3.9% vs. 6.1%, p< 0.001) and chest infections (7.9% vs. 11.3%, p< 0.001) was seen with over 36 hours delay to surgery. Conclusions. The 30-day mortality following hip fracture surgery is 9.5%. Patients admitted without co-morbidities have significantly increased mortality when surgery is delayed by over 5 days. A 36 hour delay to surgery significantly increases length of stay. Urinary tract infection was the only post-operative morbidity to rise with delay to surgery in fit patients

NICE technology appraisal guidance 157 suggests that the oral anticoagulation medication Dabigatran etexilate can be used for the primary prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE's) in adult patients who have undergone elective total hip or knee replacement surgery. The NICE guidance reports that 13.8% of patients receiving recommended doses of Dabigatran experienced adverse bleeding events. In the pivotal hip and knee VTE trial, wound secretion only accounted for 4.9% of patients treated with Dabigatran (cf 3.0% of patients treated with Enoxaparin). We report our wound secretion experience after Dabigatran use at Warwick Hospital from March 2009 to March 2010. Of the 788 lower-limb arthroplasties performed, 55 patients (6.9%) had oozing wounds after discharge (Mean=8 days, Range=1-39 days). This resulted in 226 extra home-visits by discharge nurses, 26 positive microbiology cultures and 5 confirmed wound infections needing antibiotic treatment and/or surgical intervention. Incidentally, there were also 2 known cases each of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus in this cohort. The number of complications was markedly increased from previous years when LMWH was the VTE prophylaxis used. This data suggests that the use of Dabigatran in Warwick Hospital may significantly increase surgical site morbidity and resource output after lower limb arthroplasty

NICE technology appraisal guidance 157 suggests that the oral anticoagulation medication Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa®, Boehringer Ingelheim) can be used for the primary prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE's) in adult patients who have undergone elective total hip (THR) or knee replacement (TKR) surgery. The NICE guidance and the Pradaxa® Summary of Product characteristics (SPC) report that 13.8% of patients receiving recommended doses of Dabigatran experience adverse bleeding events. In the manufacturer's pivotal clinical trials, wound secretion accounted for 4.9% of patients treated with Dabigatran as compared to 3.0% treated with Enoxaparin. The aim of this audit was to assess the impact of Dabigatran on wound complications at a UK district general hospital and to quantify the effect on the postoperative discharge home support services provided by the award-winning South Warwickshire Accelerated Transfer Team (SWATT). We report our experience of Dabigatran use at Warwick Hospital from March 2009 to March 2010. Of the 788 lower limb arthroplasties performed, 681 patients (81.0%) were accepted for SWATT follow-up. Fifty-five (8.6%) of patients accepted by SWATT showed increased wound secretion for greater than 5 days. This included 12.7% of THR and 5.5% of TKR patients. Increased wound secretion resulted in 226 extra home visits by SWATT, at an extra cost of £23,104 (7.5% increase in SWATT budget). Twenty-six of the 55 patients had positive microbial growth when wound secretions were swabbed. Five patients were admitted for management of wound infections. Incidentally, there were 2 reported cases of DVT and PE. These were not in the increased wound secretion patients. In summary, Dabigatran at Warwick Hospital was associated with a higher than predicted incidence of surgical site morbidity, increased resource output and increased postoperative discharge costs. As a consequence, Dabigatran use has been reduced and other oral anticoagulants are being trialled

Introduction

Hip arthroplasty is one of the most common procedures performed every year however complications do occur. Prior studies have examined the impact of insurance status on complications after TJA in small or focused cohorts. The purpose of our study was to utilize a large all-payer inpatient healthcare database to evaluate the effect of patient insurance status on complications following hip arthroplasty.

Introduction

Knee arthroplasty is one of the most common inpatient surgeries procedures performed every year however complications do occur. Prior studies have examined the impact of insurance status on complications after TJA in small or focused cohorts. The purpose of our study was to utilize a large all-payer inpatient healthcare database to evaluate the effect of patient insurance status on complications following knee arthroplasty.

Introduction

This study compares the incidence of post-operative complications (within 90 days) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).

Rugby union is the second commonest cause of sporting fracture in the UK. Yet little is known about patient outcome following such fractures.

All rugby union fractures sustained during 2007–2008 in the Lothian were prospectively recorded. Patients were contacted by telephone in February 2012 to ascertain their progress in returning to rugby.

There were 145 fractures in 143 patients, including 122 upper limb and 25 lower limb fractures. 117 fractures (81%) were followed at mean 50 months (range 44–56 months). 87% returned to rugby post injury, with 85% returning to rugby at the same level or higher. 77% returned by three months and 91% by six months. In upper limb fractures 86% returned by six months and 94% by six months. In lower limb fractures 42% returned by three months and 79% by six months. 32% had ongoing fracture related problems. 9% had impaired rugby ability secondary to fractures.

Most patients sustaining a fracture playing rugby union will return to rugby at a similar level. While one third of them will have persisting symptoms post-injury, for the majority this will not impair their rugby ability.