The aim was to determine the influence of COVID-19 on 30-day mortality in hip fracture. Secondary aims were to examine: (1) predictors of COVID-19 on presentation and later in the admission; (2) rate of hospital-acquired COVID-19; (3) predictive value of negative swabs on admission. A nationwide multicentre retrospective cohort study of all patients with hip fracture in all 17 Scottish hospitals in March-April. Demographics, blood results, COVID-19 status, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS), management, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day mortality were recorded. 78/833 (9.4%) patients had COVID-19 (65 swab-proven). 30-day survival with COVID-19 was lower than without (65.4% vs 91%; p<0.001). COVID-19 within 7 days of admission (likely community-acquired) was independently associated with male sex (OR 2.34, p=0.040, CI 1.04–5.25) and COVID-19 symptoms (OR 15.56, CI 6.61–36.60, p<0.001). COVID-19 within 7–30 days (probable hospital-acquired) was independently associated with male sex (OR 1.73, CI 1.05–2.87, p=0.032), NHFS □7 (OR 1.91, CI 1.09–3.34, p=0.024), pulmonary disease (OR 1.68, CI 1.00–2.81, p=0.049), ASA □3 (OR 2.37, CI 1.13–4.97, p=0.022) and LOS □9 days (OR 1.98, CI 1.18–3.31, p=0.009). 38/65 (58.5%) of COVID-19 cases were probably hospital-acquired. The false negative rate of swabs on admission was 0% in asymptomatic and 2.9% in symptomatic patients. COVID-19 was associated with a threefold-increased 30-day mortality. Nosocomial transmission may have accounted for half of all cases. Identification of risk factors for having COVID-19 on admission, or acquiring COVID-19 later, may guide patient pathways. LOS was the only modifiable risk factor, emphasising the importance of high-quality, timely care

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the rates, types, mechanisms and mortality of musculoskeletal trauma across Scotland. Data for all musculoskeletal trauma requiring operative treatment was collected prospectively from five orthopaedic units across Scotland during the initial lockdown period (23/03/2020-28/05/2020). This was compared with data for the same timeframe in 2018 and 2019. Data collected included all cases requiring surgery, injury type, mechanism of injury, and inpatient mortality. 1315 patients received operative treatment in 2020 compared to 1791 in 2019 and 1719 in 2018. The numbers of all injury types decreased, but the relative frequency of hip fractures increased(36.3% 2020 vs 30.2% 2019, p<0.0001 & 30.7% 2018, p<0.0001). Significant increases were seen in proportion of DIY-related injuries(3.1% 2020 vs 1.7% 2019, p=0.01 & 1.6% 2018, p<0.01) and injuries caused by falls(65.6% 2020 vs 62.6% 2019, p=0.08 & 61.9% 2018, p=0.05). Significant decreases were seen in proportion of RTCs(2.6% 2020 vs 5.4% 2019, p<0.0001 & 4.2% 2018, p=0.02) and occupational injuries(1.8% 2020 vs 3.0% 2019, p=0.03 & 2.3% 2018, p=0.01). A significant increase in proportion of self-harm injuries was seen(1.7% 2020 vs 1.1% 2019, p=0.19 & 0.5% 2018, p<0.0001). Mortality of trauma patients was significantly higher in 2020 (4.9%), than in 2019 (3.2%, p=0.02) and 2018 (2.6%, p<0.0001). In conclusion, lockdown has resulted in a marked reduction of musculoskeletal trauma requiring surgery in Scotland. There have been major changes in types and mechanisms of injury, and mortality of trauma patients has risen significantly

Debate surrounds the optimum operative treatment of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs) at the level of well fixed femoral components; lateral locking plate fixation (LLP-ORIF) or distal femoral replacement (DFR). To determine which attributed the least peri-operative morbidity and mortality we performed a retrospective cohort study of 60 consecutive unilateral PDFFs of Su types II (40/60) and III (20/60) in patients ≥60 years; 33 underwent LLP-ORIF and 27 underwent DFR. The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications and functional mobility status. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox multivariable regression analysis identified risk factors for reoperation after LLP-ORIF. Mean length of follow-up was 3.8 years (range 1.0–10.4). One-year mortality was 13% (8/60). Reoperation rate was significantly higher following LLP-ORIF: 7/33 vs 0/27, p=0.008. For the endpoint reoperation, five-year survival was better following DFR: 100% compared to 70.8% (51.8 to 89.8 95%CI) (p=0.006). For the endpoint mechanical failure (including radiographic loosening) there was no difference at 5 years: ORIF 74.5% (56.3 to 92.7); DFR 78.2% (52.3 to 100), p=0.182). Reoperation following LLP-ORIF was independently associated with medial comminution: HR 10.7 (1.45 to 79.5, p=0.020). Anatomic reduction was protective against reoperation: HR 0.11(0.013 to 0.96, p=0.046). When inadequately fixed fractures were excluded differences in survival were no longer significant: reoperation (p=0.156); mechanical failure (p=0.453). Reoperation rates are higher following LLP-ORIF of low PDFFs compared to DFR. Where adequate reduction, proximal fixation and augmentation of medial comminution is used there is no difference in survival between LLP-ORIF and DFR

Aims

To estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of adalimumab compared with standard care alone for the treatment of early-stage Dupuytren’s disease (DD) and the value of further research from an NHS perspective.