Aims. Patients with A1 and A2 trochanteric hip fractures represent a substantial proportion of trauma caseload, and national guidelines recommend that sliding hip screws (SHS) should be used for these injuries. Despite this, intramedullary nails (IMNs) are routinely implanted in many hospitals, at extra cost and with unproven patient outcome benefit. We have used data from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) to examine the use of SHS and IMN for A1 and A2 hip fractures at a national level, and to define the cost implications of management decisions that run counter to national guidelines. Methods. We used the NHFD to identify all operations for fixation of trochanteric fractures in England and Wales between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021. A uniform price band from each of three hip fracture implant manufacturers was used to set cost implications alongside variation in implant use. Results. We identified 18,156 A1 and A2 trochanteric hip fractures in 162 centres. Of these, 13,483 (74.3%) underwent SHS fixation, 2,352 (13.0%) were managed with short IMN, and 2,321 (12.8%) were managed with long IMN. Total cost of IMN added up to £1.89 million in 2021, and the clinical justification for this is unclear since rates of IMN use varied from 0% to 97% in different centres. Conclusion. Most trochanteric hip fractures are managed with SHS, in keeping with national guidelines. There is considerable variance between hospitals for implant choice, despite the lack of evidence for clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of more expensive nailing systems. This suggests either a lack of awareness of national guidelines or a choice not to follow them. We encourage provider units to reassess their practice if outwith the national norm. Funding bodies should examine implant use closely in this population to prevent resource waste at a time of considerable health austerity. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):741–745

There is currently no information regarding long-term outcomes following total hip replacement (THR) for hip fracture in patients selected in accordance with national guidelines. We define the long-term outcomes and compare these to short-term outcomes in the same previously reported cohort. We prospectively identified patients who underwent THR for a displaced hip fracture over a 3-year period from 2007–2010. These patients were followed up at 10 years using the Oxford hip score(OHS), the Short-form 12(SF-12) questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire. These outcomes were compared to the short-term outcomes previously assessed at 2 years. We identified 128 patients. Mean follow up was 10.4 years. 60 patients(48%) died by the time of review and 5 patients(4%) developed dementia and were unable to respond. 3 patients were untraceable. This left a study group of 60 patients with a mean age of 81.2. Patients reported excellent outcomes at 10 year follow up and, when compared with short-term outcomes, there was no statistically significant change in levels of satisfaction, OHS, or SF-12. The rates of dislocation(2%), deep infection(2%) and revision(3%) were comparable to those in the literature for elective THR. Mortality in the hip fracture group at 10 years is lower than that of elective registry data. Long-term outcomes for THR after hip fracture in selected patients are excellent and the early proven benefits are sustained. Our data validates the selection process of national guidelines and confirms low complication rates. THR is a safe and highly effective treatment for fit elderly patients with displaced hip fractures

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe variation in hip fracture treatment in Norway expressed as adherence to international and national evidence-based treatment guidelines, to study factors influencing deviation from guidelines, and to analyze consequences of non-adherence. Methods. International and national guidelines were identified and treatment recommendations extracted. All 43 hospitals routinely treating hip fractures in Norway were characterized. From the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register (NHFR), hip fracture patients aged > 65 years and operated in the period January 2014 to December 2018 for fractures with conclusive treatment guidelines were included (n = 29,613: femoral neck fractures (n = 21,325), stable trochanteric fractures (n = 5,546), inter- and subtrochanteric fractures (n = 2,742)). Adherence to treatment recommendations and a composite indicator of best practice were analyzed. Patient survival and reoperations were evaluated for each recommendation. Results. Median age of the patients was 84 (IQR 77 to 89) years and 69% (20,427/29,613) were women. Overall, 79% (23,390/29,613) were treated within 48 hours, and 80% (23,635/29,613) by a surgeon with more than three years’ experience. Adherence to guidelines varied substantially but was markedly better in 2018 than in 2014. Having a dedicated hip fracture unit (OR 1.06, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.11) and a hospital hip fracture programme (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27) increased the probability of treatment according to best practice. Surgery after 48 hours increased one-year mortality significantly (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.22; p = 0.001). Alternative treatment to arthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs) increased mortality after 30 days (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.62)) and one year (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.72), and also increased the number of reoperations (OR 4.61, 95% CI 3.73 to 5.71). An uncemented stem increased the risk of reoperation significantly (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.48; p = 0.030). Conclusion. Our study demonstrates a substantial variation between hospitals in adherence to evidence-based guidelines for treatment of hip fractures in Norway. Non-adherence can be ascribed to in-hospital factors. Poor adherence has significant negative consequences for patients in the form of increased mortality rates at 30 and 365 days post-treatment and in reoperation rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-10:644–653

We define the medium-term outcomes following total hip replacement (THR) for hip fracture. There is currently no information regarding longer term clinical and patient reported outcomes in this group of patients selected in accordance with national guidelines. We prospectively identified patients who underwent THR for a displaced hip fracture over a three year period between 2007 and 2010. These patients were followed up at 5 years using the Oxford hip score, Short-form 12(SF-12) questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire. We identified 128 patients. Mean follow up was at 5.4 years with a mean age of 76.5 years. 21 patients (16%) had died, 12 patients (9%) had developed dementia and 3 patients had no contact details, leaving a study group of 92 patients. 74 patients(80%) responded. Patients reported excellent functional outcomes and satisfaction at 5 years (mean Oxford Hip Score 40.3; SF-12 Physical Health Composite Score 44.0; SF-12 Mental Health Composite Score 46.2; mean satisfaction 90%). The rates of dislocation (2%), deep infection (2%) and revision (3%) were comparable to those quoted for elective THR. When compared with 2 year follow up, there was no statistically significant change in outcome. Medium-term outcomes for THR after hip fracture are excellent and the early proven benefits of this surgery are sustained. Mortality rates are equivalent to elective THR registry data and significantly lower than overall mortality rates following hip fracture. Our data validates the selection process detailed in national guidelines and confirms the low complication rate. THR is a safe and highly effective treatment for fit elderly patients with displaced hip fractures

National guidelines encourage the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) to treat intracapsular neck of femur fractures. There have been no population based studies appraising the surgical outcomes for this indication across an entire population. This study aims to calculate the complication rates for THA when performed for a fractured neck of femur and compare them to THA performed for primary osteoarthritis in the same population. The Scottish Arthroplasty Project identified all THAs performed in Scotland for neck of femur fracture and osteoarthritis between 1st of January 2009 and 31st December 2014. Dislocation, periprosthetic infection and revision rates at 1 year were calculated. The rate of dislocation, periprosthetic infection and revision at 1 year were all significantly increased among the fracture neck of femur cohort. In total 44046 THAs were performed, 38316 for OA and 2715 for a neck of femur fracture. 2.1% of patients (n=57) who underwent a THA for a neck of femur fracture suffered a dislocation in the 1st year postoperatively, compared to 0.9% (n=337) when the THA was performed for osteoarthritis. Relative Risk of dislocation: 2.4 (95% C.I. 1.8077–3.1252, p value <0.0001). Relative Risk of infection: 1.5 (95% C.I. 1.0496–2.0200, p value 0.0245) Relative Risk of revision: 1.5 (95% C.I. 1.0308–2.1268, p value 0.0336). This is the first time a dislocation rate for THA performed for a neck of femur fracture has been calculated for an entire population. As the number of THAs for neck of femur fracture increases this dislocation rate will have clinical implications

National guidelines recommend that trauma centres have a designated consultant for managing metastatic bone disease (MBD). No such system exists in Scotland. We compared MBD cases in a trauma hospital to a national bone tumour centre to characterise differences in management and outcome. Consecutive patients with metastatic proximal femoral lesions referred to a trauma unit and a national sarcoma centre were compared over a seven-year period (minimum follow-up one year). From Jan 2010-Dec 2016, 195 patients were referred to the trauma unit and 68 to the tumour centre. The trauma unit tended to see older patients (mean 72 vs. 65 years, p<0001) with cancers of poorer prognosis (e.g. 31% 61/195 vs. 13% 9/68 lung primary, p<0.001). Both units had similar operative rates but patients referred to the tumour centre were more likely to have endoprosthetic reconstruction (EPR 44% tumour vs. 3% trauma centre, p<0.001). Patients with an EPR survived longer than those with other types of fixation (81% 17/21 vs. 31% 35/112 one-year survival, p<0.001). Patients undergoing EPR were more likely to have an isolated metastasis (62% 13/21 vs. 17% 4/24, p<0.001). One patient from each centre had a revision for failed metalwork. There was a difference in caseload referred to both units, with the tumour centre seeing younger patients with a better prognosis. Patients suitable for endoprostheses were more likely to have isolated metastatic disease and a longer survival after surgery. An MBD pathway is required to ensure such patients are identified and referred for specialist management where appropriate

Introduction. Managing open tibial fractures according to national guidelines is a primary focus for major trauma centres, however pressures of capacity and expertise limit the capability to achieve all of these standards for every patient. Debate remains over the impact of particular aspects of guidance, especially in relation to the timing of surgical interventions. Evaluation of these tenants of care predominantly hinge on trends derived from low level scientific evidence, mainly due to the difficulty in completing high level studies. The aim of this study is to assess the complication rates and the associations with difficulties in achieving the national guidance standards. Methods. Retrospective analysis of the 2015/2016 cohort of 3B open tibial fractures treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Data collected, through the use of the patient electronic records, cross referenced against hospital coding and trauma injury database, included patient demographics, injury details, clinical interventions, surgical management, complications and time to bony union. Results. During the studied period, 40 patients were identified with 3B open tibial fractures. 2 patients died during the period of management, 3 patients were lost to follow up. Median time to definitive soft tissue coverage was achieved at 5 days post injury, definitive fixation at 6 days post injury. 25% of the cohort breached the 7 day maximum recommended limit. Overall complication rate was greater than 50%, with deep infection rate of 11% and non-union rate of 9%. Median time to union was 9 months. Conclusions. Missed opportunities to provide optimal patient care for severe lower limb open fractures are contributing to the high complication rates for these injuries. In order to aim for improvements in clinical outcomes, considered multispecialty clinical decision making needs to be coupled with institutional support and resources to adequately provide care for this injury cohort

Care of complex and open fractures may provide better results if undertaken in larger units, typically Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) or Orthoplastic units. Some ‘complex injuries’ may still be admitted to units lacking specialist services potentially delaying definitive treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse the referral pattern for acute inpatient transfer in an adult limb reconstruction unit for one calendar year. Prospectively collected data from an electronic database for 2016 was reviewed. All records were evaluated for, diagnosis, time from injury to referral, nature of initial treatment, time to transfer, details of definitive surgery, and time to repatriation. There were 91 formal electronic referrals, 84 of which considered appropriate for inpatient transfer. 74 were for fresh complex fractures, including 22 pilon fractures and 23 bicondylar tibial fractures. Median delay to request transfers for acute trauma was 3 days (0d-19d), delay from referral to transfer was 8.5 days (1d-31d) and delay from date of injury to definitive surgery was 13 days (1d-52d). 9 patients with Grade 3 open fractures and had primary debridement at the referring institution with a median delay to definitive orthoplastic surgery of 9 days (5d-20d). Only 17 of 61 per-articular fractures had spanning external fixation at the referring institution. Delay to repatriation was 8 days (0d–72d). This study demonstrates organisational failures in acute orthopaedic care: open fractures not being primarily treated in orthoplastic centres or MTCs, delays in transfers due to bed-blocks, and significant delays in repatriation. It also demonstrates scope for improvement in clinical practice, and in particular, the need to reinforce the advantages of spanning external fixation of periarticular fractures. Our data serves to highlight continuing problems in delivery of acute fracture care, despite widely publicised recent national guidelines

British national guidelines recommend agents which antagonise factor Xa or warfarin as prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in lower limb arthroplasty. However, they discourage the use of aspirin prophylaxis. We conducted a prospective, multi-centre audit between two national centres, Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh to compare bleeding and VTE risk. Only Edinburgh routinely uses aspirin as VTE prophylaxis. The study comprises a number of cycles from 2013 to 2015. Consecutive groups of patients were identified prospectively using elective theatre data and information extracted from their case-notes on type of VTE prophylaxis, VTE occurrence, wound complications and length of hospital stay for a period of nine weeks post-operatively. 262 Edinburgh patients and 92 Dundee patients were included. Most Edinburgh patients were prescribed aspirin in hospital and on discharge (188/262, 71.8%), in line with local protocol. In Dundee, dalteparin was most commonly prescribed in hospital (68/92, 73.9%) and rivaroxaban on discharge (57/92, 62.0%). The Edinburgh group had a 1.5% incidence of pulmonary embolus (PE) and a 1% rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 2% had problems with wound haematoma and one patient (0.4%) required a transfusion; no wound washouts were required. In Dundee there was 0% PE, 2% DVT, 5% had problems with haematoma, 3% required transfusion and 2% required washout. There was no difference in length of hospital stay, with a mode of 4 days for both centres. Non-fatal PE was prevented in Dundee patients but possibly at the cost of greater incidence of wound complications

Aims

Understanding of open fracture management is skewed due to reliance on small-number lower limb, specialist unit reports and large, unfocused registry data collections. To address this, we carried out the Open Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study, and report the demographic details and the initial steps of care for patients admitted with open fractures in the UK.

Patients most at risk of osteoporosis are post-menopausal women. However, for many such women, presentation of osteoporosis is only made following their first fragility fracture. Often in the UK, osteoporosis investigation occurs following discharge, and any subsequent secondary prevention starts in the community. This may result in patients with osteoporosis not being investigated or not receiving correct prophylactic treatment. 143 post-menopausal women (av. age 77.7 years) starting secondary osteoporosis prophylaxis following fragility fractures requiring operative intervention were included in this retrospective study. Osteoporosis was defined by DEXA scan using the WHO criteria (122 hip fractures and 21 wrist fractures), following the UK's national guidelines for osteoporosis prophylaxis. Treatment was started following discussion and explanation of treatment with each patient, and either commenced by the surgical team during the acute hospital admission with the fracture, or in an out-patient setting within 6 weeks of the fracture by an orthopaedic specialist nurse. To check compliance, either the patient themselves or the patients' family physician was contacted. Results showed that 120 of the women (83.9%, 102 hip fractures, and 18 wrist fractures) were still compliant with secondary osteoporosis prophylaxis at an average follow-up of 200 days (5 hip fractures lost to follow-up, 0 wrist fractures). 12 women with hip fractures died (0 wrist fractures), and 6 women stopped taking their prophylaxis (3 hip fractures, 3 wrist fractures): 4 for medical reasons, and 2 for unknown reasons. No women sustained further fractures. Few studies have previously investigated compliance of osteoporosis secondary prevention, and our results compare favorably. We therefore recommend the prompt commencement of secondary prevention treatment by the orthopaedic surgical team following osteoporotic fractures

Aims

National hip fracture registries audit similar aspects of care but there is variation in the actual data collected; these differences restrict international comparison, benchmarking, and research. The Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) published a revised minimum common dataset (MCD) in 2022 to improve consistency and interoperability. Our aim was to assess compatibility of existing registries with the MCD.

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

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The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study was performed to provide clarity in open fracture management previously skewed by small, specialist centre studies and large, unfocused registry investigations. We report the current management metrics of open fractures across the UK.

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Hip fracture commonly affects the frailest patients, of whom many are care-dependent, with a disproportionate risk of contracting COVID-19. We examined the impact of COVID-19 infection on hip fracture mortality in England.

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The aim of this study was to explore current use of the Global Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) Minimum Common Dataset (MCD) within established national hip fracture registries, and to propose a revised MCD to enable international benchmarking for hip fracture care.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the potentially increased risk of dislocation in patients with neurological disease who sustain a femoral neck fracture, as it is unclear whether they should undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). A secondary aim was to investgate whether dual-mobility components confer a reduced risk of dislocation in these patients.

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The aim of this study was to investigate mortality and risk of intraoperative medical complications depending on delay to hip fracture surgery by using data from the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register (NHFR) and the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR).

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The aim of this study was to examine trends in the management of fractures of the distal radius in Ireland over a ten-year period, and to determine if there were any changes in response to the English Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT).

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Bone health assessment and the prescription of medication for secondary fracture prevention have become an integral part of the acute management of patients with hip fracture. However, there is little evidence regarding compliance with prescription guidelines and subsequent adherence to medication in this patient group.