Aims. Blood transfusion and postoperative anaemia are complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that are associated with substantial healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. There are few data from large datasets on the risk factors for these complications. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of TKA patients from a single tertiary care institution from February 2016 to December 2020. There were a total of 14,901 patients in this cohort with a mean age of 67.9 years (SD 9.2), and 5,575 patients (37.4%) were male. Outcomes included perioperative blood transfusion and postoperative anaemia, defined a priori as haemoglobin level < 10 g/dl measured on the first day postoperatively. In order to establish a preoperative haemoglobin cutoff, we investigated a preoperative haemoglobin level that would limit transfusion likelihood to ≤ 1% (13 g/dl) and postoperative anaemia likelihood to 4.1%. Risk factors were assessed through multivariable Poisson regression modelling with robust error variance. Results. In multivariable analyses, each gram of tranexamic acid reduced transfusion likelihood by 39% (adjusted risk ratio (ARR) 0.61 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 0.78)). Risk factors associated with an increased risk of transfusion included operating time (ARR 2.07 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.77)) and drain use (ARR 1.73 (95% CI 1.34 to 2.24)). Conclusion. In this study, we found that increased tranexamic acid dosing, decreased operating time, and decreased drain use may reduce transfusions following TKA. We also established a single preoperative haemoglobin cutoff of 13 g/dl that could help minimize transfusions and reduce postoperative complete blood counts. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1086–1093

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine perioperative blood transfusion practice, and associations with clinical outcomes, in a national cohort of hip fracture patients. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using linked data from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service between May 2016 and December 2020. All patients aged ≥ 50 years admitted to a Scottish hospital with a hip fracture were included. Assessment of the factors independently associated with red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) during admission was performed, alongside determination of the association between RBCT and hip fracture outcomes. Results. A total of 23,266 individual patient records from 18 hospitals were included. The overall rate of blood transfusion during admission was 28.7% (n = 6,685). There was inter-hospital variation in transfusion rate, ranging from 16.6% to 37.4%. Independent perioperative factors significantly associated with RBCT included older age (90 to 94 years, odds ratio (OR) 3.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.28 to 4.04); p < 0.001), intramedullary fixation (OR 7.15 (95% CI 6.50 to 7.86); p < 0.001), and sliding hip screw constructs (OR 2.34 (95% CI 2.19 to 2.50); p < 0.001). Blood transfusion during admission was significantly associated with higher rates of 30-day mortality (OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.53); p < 0.001) and 60-day mortality (OR 1.54 (95% CI 1.43 to 1.67); p < 0.001), as well as delays to postoperative mobilization, higher likelihood of not returning to their home, and longer length of stay. Conclusion. Blood transfusion after hip fracture was common, although practice varied nationally. RBCT is associated with adverse outcomes, which is most likely a reflection of perioperative anaemia, rather than any causal effect. Use of RBCT does not appear to reverse this effect, highlighting the importance of perioperative blood loss reduction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1266–1272

BACKGROUND. Theatre-listed trauma patients routinely require two ‘group and save’ blood-bank samples, in case they need perioperative transfusion. The Welsh Blood Service (WBS) need patients to have one recorded sample from any time in the last 10 years. A second sample, to permit cross-matching and blood issuing, must be within 7 days of transfusion (or within 48 hours if the patient is pregnant, or has been transfused within the last 3 months). The approximate cost of processing a sample is £15.00. AIM. To investigate whether routine pretransfusion blood sampling for trauma admissions exceeds requirements. METHODS. Electronic records were used to collect pretransfusion sampling data for all adult non-elective trauma patients listed for theatre under a trauma and orthopaedics consultant between 1/1/2023-31/1/2023. Data were collected on unnecessary samples, rejected samples and total excess samples. RESULTS. 113 patients (mean age[±SD] 64.09[±19.96]) underwent 132 procedures. On average, unnecessary sampling occurred at a rate of 0.48 samples per operation, equating to a cost of £945.00/month. Samples were rejected by the laboratory at a rate of 0.25 samples per operation. Common reasons for rejection were ‘patient date of birth discrepancy’ (between sample and request form), ‘patient address discrepancy’ and ‘signature discrepancy’. Overall, total excessive sampling occurred at a rate of 0.60 samples per operation. CONCLUSION. Nearly half of trauma patients undergo unnecessary blood testing in anticipation of potential perioperative transfusion. This has implications for sustainability, financial cost and patient welfare. This signals poor understanding of WBS requirements and is an area that requires improvement

Extended patient waiting lists for assessment and treatment are widely reported for planned elective joint replacement surgery. The development of regionally based Elective Orthopaedic Centres, separate from units that provide acute, urgent or trauma care has been suggested as one solution to provide protected capacity and patient pathways. These centres will adopt protocolised care to allow high volume activity and increased day-case care. We report the plan to establish a new elective orthopaedic centre serving a population of 2.4 million people. A census conducted in 2022 identified that 15000 patients were awaiting joint replacement surgery with predictions for further increases in waiting times. The principle of care will be to offer routine primary arthroplasty surgery for low risk (ASA 1 and 2) patients at a new regional centre. Pre-operative assessment and preparation will be undertaken digitally, virtually and/or in person at local centres close to the where patients live. This requires new and integrated pathways and ways of working. Predicting which patients will require perioperative transfusion of blood products is an important safety and quality consideration for new pathways. We reviewed all cases of hip and knee arthroplasty surgery conducted at our centre over a 12-month period and identified pre-operative patient related predictive factors to allow us to predict the need for the perioperative transfusion of blood products. We examined patient sex, age, pre-operative haemaglobin and platelet count, use of anti-coagulants, weight and body mass index to allow us to construct the Imperial blood transfusion tool. We have used the results of our study and the transfusion tool to propose the patient pathway for the new regional elective orthopaedic centre which we present

Aims. Orthopaedic surgeries are complex, frequently performed procedures associated with significant haemorrhage and perioperative blood transfusion. Given refinements in surgical techniques and changes to transfusion practices, we aim to describe contemporary transfusion practices in orthopaedic surgery in order to inform perioperative planning and blood banking requirements. Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery at four Canadian hospitals between 2014 and 2016. We studied all patients admitted to hospital for nonarthroscopic joint surgeries, amputations, and fracture surgeries. For each surgery and surgical subgroup, we characterized the proportion of patients who received red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, the mean/median number of RBC units transfused, and exposure to platelets and plasma. Results. Of the 14,584 included patients, the most commonly performed surgeries were knee arthroplasty (24.8%), hip arthroplasty (24.6%), and hip fracture surgery (17.4%). A total of 10.3% of patients received RBC transfusion; the proportion of patients receiving RBC transfusions varied widely based on the surgical subgroup (0.0% to 33.1%). Primary knee arthroplasty and hip arthroplasty, the two most common surgeries, were associated with in-hospital transfusion frequencies of 2.8% and 4.5%, respectively. RBC transfusion occurred in 25.0% of hip fracture surgeries, accounting for the greatest total number of RBC units transfused in our cohort (38.0% of all transfused RBC units). Platelet and plasma transfusions were uncommon. Conclusion. Orthopaedic surgeries were associated with variable rates of transfusion. The rate of RBC transfusion is highly dependent on the surgery type. Identifying surgeries with the highest transfusion rates, and further evaluation of factors that contribute to transfusion in identified at-risk populations, can serve to inform perioperative planning and blood bank requirements, and facilitate pre-emptive transfusion mitigation strategies. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):850–857

This trial aims to assess the effectiveness of quality improvement collaboratives as a technique to introduce large-scale change and improve outcomes for patients undergoing primary elective total hip or total knee arthroplasty. 41 NHS Trusts that did not have; a preoperative anaemia screening and optimisation pathways, or a methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA) decolonisation pathway, in place were randomised to one of two parallel collaboratives in a two arm, cluster randomised controlled trial. Each collaborative focussed on implementing one of these two preoperative pathways. Collaboratives took place from May 2018 to November 2019. 27 Trusts completed the trial. Outcome data were collected for procedures between November 2018 and November 2019. Co-primary outcomes were perioperative blood transfusion (within 7 days of surgery) and deep surgical site infections (SSI) caused by MSSA (within 90 days) for the anaemia and MSSA arms respectively. Secondary outcomes include deep and superficial SSIs (any organism), length of stay, critical care admissions, and readmissions. Process measures include the proportion of patients receiving each preoperative initiative. 19,254 procedures from 27 Trusts are included. Process measures show both preoperative pathways were implemented to a high degree (75.3% compliance in MSSA arm; 61.2% anaemia arm), indicating that QICs can facilitate change in the NHS. However, there were no improvements in blood transfusions (2.9% v 2.3% adjusted-OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.52–2.75, p=0.67), MSSA deep SSIs (0.13% v 0.14% adjusted-OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.42–2.46, p=0.98), or any secondary outcome. Whilst no significant improvement in patient outcomes were seen, this trial shows quality improvement collaboratives can successfully support the implementation of new preoperative pathways in planned surgery in the NHS

Objective: To examine the impact of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on preoperative haemoglobin levels and perioperative transfusion rates in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: We examined the pre-operative haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) of a consecutive series of 81 patients, looking at the relationship between the pre-operative use of Aspirin/NSAIDs on preoperative Hb, postoperative Hb deficit and the perioperative transfusion rate. A single surgeon performed all procedures using an LCS TKR (Depuy, Leeds UK). A standardised transfusion protocol was used. Results: The patients were grouped according to their pre-operative use of aspirin or a NSAID, singly or in combination. The patient groups are as shown in the table below. All groups were comparable for age, BMI and ASA grade. Results show a significantly higher transfusion rate (p=0.048) in the group of patients who received a combination of aspirin and a NSAID compared to the other groups. The patients on aspirin or a NSAID alone also had an increased transfusion rate but the increase was not statistically significant (p=0.12 and p=0.07 respectively). Conclusion: The use of both aspirin and an NSAID in combination leads to a lower preoperative Hb and an increased post-operative transfusion requirement following total knee arthroplasty

Purpose of the study: Earlier studies have demonstrated that the use of synthetic alpha-erythropoeitin can reduce the need for perioperative transfusions in orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of administering synthetic beta erythropoeitin (betaEPO) on the preoperative serum haemoglobin level in patients scheduled for total hip replacement (THR). Material and Methods: Three groups of patients were studied. In the EPO group (15 patients) the haemoglobin level 30 days before surgery was 13 g/dl. If there were no contraindications, patients in this group were given a subcutaneous injection of betaEPO (Néorecormon. ®. 30,000 units in prefilled syringes) four times (days -21, -14, -7, -1). In group C the haemoglobin level was greater than 13 g/dl and no betaEPO was administered. In the third group (control group), 42 patients had a serum haemoglobin level less than 13 g/dl but were not given betaEPO. The patients were not randomised. The serum haemoglobin level was measured the day before surgery (day -1), the day after surgery (day +1), and the fifth postoperative day (day +5). Data collected were body mass index (BMI), operative time, and number of blood transfusions (cell-saver, auto-, allo-transfusion). Total red cell loss was calculated thanks to a standardized method. P< 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The three groups were comparable preoperatively for age, gender and BMI and operatively for operative time and blood loss. Haemoglobin level was significantly higher in group C and EPO at day -1 and day +1 compared with the control group. Increase in haemoglobin level was 2.76 g/dl in the EPO group versus 0.05 and 0.04 in group C and controls (p< 0.001). Significantly fewer patients were transfused in group EPO (7%) and group C (12%) compared with controls (60%, p< 0.001). Similarly fewer packed cell units transfused was required in groups C and EPO versus the controls. The duration of the hospital stay was shorter in group C than in group EPO, which in turn was shorter than for the control group (p=0.02). Discusssion and conclusion: A low haemoglobin level preoperatively is a risk factor for perioperative transfusion in patients undergoing THR. Preoperative administration of beta EPO, by increasing the haemoglobin level just before surgery, significantly reduces the need for blood transfusions and thus reduces the risk of complications related to such transfusions. This method can also avoid the use of autotransfusions which can favour pre and postoperative anaemia. Broader indications in orthopaedic surgery or in traumatology for the use of EPO should be implemented in order to reduce the number of operated patients requiring transfusion

Aims

This study aimed to assess the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with combined intravenous (IV) and topical antibiotic therapy in patients undergoing treatment for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), utilizing the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria for classification.

Mini-incision total hip arthroplasty seeks to eliminate some complications of traditional extensile exposure and also facilitates more rapid post-operative rehabilitation. Posterior approach has been associated with increased risk of posterior dislocation. Thus, a modified mini-incision lateral approach of Hardinge was described not only to overcome this problem by preserving the posterior capsule, but also allows adequate access for orientation of the implant. The author has modified the Hardinge approach by a V-shaped incision where the apex is centered over the tip of the greater trochanter with the one limb extending proximally along the fibers of the gluteus medius muscle and the distal limb extending across the proximal part of vastus lateralis. This innovative surgical approach is described in this article. Conclusion. Larger incisions and surgical approaches have been associated with larger blood loss, greater need for perioperative transfusion, use of more postoperative analgesics, a longer hospital stay, and a slower recovery. In this modified approach, the gluteus medius is left intact. The postoperative strength of the abductors of the operated side was the same as that on the non-operated side and functionally, the direct lateral approach was a safe alternative to other approaches in decreasing the trendelenburg gait and incidence of heterotrophic ossification

Background. Conflicting results about the impact of blood transfusions on outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been reported. We hypothesized that transfusions would be associated with greater readmission and complication rates after primary TKA. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the 100% 2008 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review database, and identified primary THA patients by ICD9 codes and excluded fractures/ER admissions to select for elective cases. Patients who received a perioperative blood transfusion (6,951 patients) were compared to a control group who did not receive transfusion (332,762 patients). Descriptive statistics of age, sex, race, diagnosis for surgery, Elixhauser comorbidities, mortality (inpatient, 30, 60, and 90 days and 2 years), readmissions (30, 60, and 90 days), complications (medical and surgical at 30 and 90 days), and revision at 2 years were assessed for both groups. Continuous variables were compared with Student's T-test and categorical variables with chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association of transfusion with readmissions, complications, and revisions. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.01. Results. Patients who received a transfusion were older (mean 74.4 vs. 72.6, p<0.0001), more likely to be male (75% vs. 66%, p<0.0001), and had a higher Elixhauser comorbidity count (2.0 vs. 1.85, p<0.0001). Transfused patients had significantly greater readmission rates at 30-days (8.2% vs 5.7%, p<0.0001), 60-days (11.7% vs 8.2%, p<0.0001), and 90-days (14.4% vs 10.4%, p<0.0001). Their overall complication rates at 30 days (2.1% vs 1.4%, p<0.0001) and 90 days (3.2% vs 2.1%, p<0.0001) were greater mainly due to greater surgical complications at 30 days (1.4% vs 0.9%, p<0.0001) and 90 days (2.1% vs 1.3%, p<0.0001). Patients who received a transfusion had significantly higher mortality rates at 2-years (2.2% vs. 1.4%, p<0.0001). Two years after discharge, transfused patients had no difference in revision rates (2.4% vs 2.4%, p=0.8805). Multivariate regression found that transfusion was the third most important factor for surgical complications at 30-days (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.0) and an independent risk factor for readmissions at 60-days (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.5). At 2-years, transfusion was independently associated with mortality (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.7), but not revision (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.3). Conclusion. Primary TKA patients who were transfused had an independently higher risk for surgical complications and readmissions at 30 and 90 days, and mortality within 2 years. Transfusion, however, did not impact revision rates. A restrictive transfusion threshold should be considered for patients undergoing TKA

Surgery for DDH is one of the common paediatric orthopaedics procedures in a tertiary care paediatrics hospital. There are no uniformly agreed guidelines about the pre-operative work up related to blood transfusion in DDH surgery. This leads to lack of uniformity in practice, sometimes causes cancellations of operations on the day of surgery (due to no cross matched blood available) and on other occasions wastage of the cross matched blood. The aims of our study were to know the incidence of perioperative blood transfusion in a series of DDH operations and to determine what types of operations/kids have more chances of needing a blood transfusion peri-operatively. We included all children who had surgery for DDH between April 2009 and October 2012 in our institution. We found out which of these children had blood transfusion peri-operatively and reviewed their notes to determine any trends in transfusion requirements. 165 children had operations for DDH during the study period. This included operations ranging from hip open reduction to Ganz osteotomy. 6 out of 165 (4%) were transfused blood. Children needing blood transfusion tended to be older and had multiple hip operations previously. Only 3 (2 during Ganz and 1 during bilateral hip reconstruction) of these 6 children needed intra-operative blood transfusion. None of the under 4 years old children needed intra-operative blood transfusion. We conclude that children for unilateral primary hip operations for DDH do not need pre operative blood cross match. A group and save is enough in these cases

To compare the effect of intraoperative red cell salvage on blood transfusion and cost in patients undergoing idiopathic scoliosis surgery. Retrospective. 37 patients (36 females, 1 male) underwent scoliosis surgery from February 2007 to October 2008. Intraoperative red cell salvage (Group 1) was used. They were compared with 28 patients (23 females, 5 males) operated from January 2005 to December 2006 without the use of cell salvage (Group 2). 36 patients in group 1 had posterior surgery and 1 had anterior surgery. In Group 2, 20 patients had posterior surgery, 7 anterior and 1 patient had anterior and posterior surgery. Both groups were comparable for age, number of levels fused, preoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit values. Amount of perioperative blood transfusion, costs. 14 patients (50%) in group 2 had blood transfusion whereas only 6 (16%) were transfused blood in group 1. Average blood loss in group 1 was 1076 mls (range 315-3000) and 1626mls (419-4275) in group 2. An average of 2 units of packed red blood cells per patient was processed by the cell salvage system. Postoperative haemoglobin, haematocrit and hospital stay were comparable in both groups. Cost analysis shows the use of cell salvage is cost beneficial by £116.60 per case. The use of red blood cell salvage reduces the amount of blood transfusion and is cost beneficial

Introduction. Prospective evaluation of fibrinogen levels preoperatively and postoperatively in patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and segmental spinal instrumentation (SSI) who received Amicar to decrease perioperative blood loss. Our previous randomized, double-blind (Amicar and control) study demonstrated a rise in fibrinogen levels on the first postoperative day in the Amicar group, but not in the control group. Fibrinogen levels were not measured on the remaining postoperative days. Methods. We analyzed fibrinogen levels preoperatively and on all postoperative days (4 or 5 days) until discharge in 51 consecutive patients with idiopathic scoliosis, who received Amicar and underwent a PSF and SSI. Results. There were 41 females and 10 males with a mean age at surgery of 14.2±1.8 years. Their mean hospitalization was 4.6±0.8 days. Their mean estimated intraoperative blood loss was 766±308ml and postoperative suction drainage 532±186ml for a total perioperative blood loss of 1297±311ml. The perioperative transfusion requirements were 0.5±0.6 units per patient. The preoperative fibrinogen was 255.5±58.3 mg/dl, and it rose steadily throughout the postoperative period to 680.9±111.9 mg/dl on the fifth postoperative day. There were no complications related to the use of Amicar. Conclusions. Fibrinogen levels rise steadily throughout the postoperative period. The significance of this increase is unknown. Was it due to the use of Amicar or just the effects of surgery itself? Further investigations will be necessary

Total hip-joint arthroplasty is associated with a high rate of perioperative blood transfusion, which increases the risk of blood-borne disease, anaphylactic and haemolytic reactions. Devices are used which collect and allow the re-infusion of blood lost during surgery, with the aim of reducing allogenic blood transfusion requirements. The purpose of this study was to establish whether the use of a ‘cell-saver’ device reduces the risk of post-operative allogenic blood transfusion in total hip joint arthroplasty. All total hip arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon over a twelve month period were divided into two cohorts of patients; one which used an intra-operative cell saver device, the other which did not. Data was collected for patient demographics, pre-operative blood tests and blood loss, with the outcome measure as post-operative transfusion requirements. The total number of patients was 233; 166 primaries, 33 resurfacing & 20 revision arthroplasties: 14 excluded for insufficient data. Comparison of the two cohorts (intra-operative cell saver used vs. no cell-saver used), demonstrated no significant difference in the post operative blood transfusion requirements for patients undergoing primary total hip joint arthroplasty (n=166, 18.3% vs. 11.0%, p=0.08), Birmingham resurfacing arthroplasty (n=33, 5% vs. 7.7%, p=0.49), and revision arthroplasty (n=20, 28.6% vs. 50%, p=0.26). There were no significant differences demonstrated between the patient demographics of the two cohorts for any of the groups. In the cell-saver cohort, the average volume of blood re-transfused was 117mls per patient (range 0 – 400mls). Intra-operative use of cell-saver devices does not decrease post-operative transfusion requirements in primary hip arthroplasty. A larger size study is required to assess the outcome in resurfacing and revision hip arthroplasty surgery

Femoral shaft fractures are usually the result of high energy trauma and are often associated with poly-trauma. Inappropriate treatment results in prolonged morbidity and disability. The treatment of choice for fixation is an interlocking intramedullary nail inserted by closed technique. This study reviewed the perioperative difficulties associated with late nailing of femoral fractures at a busy trauma unit. Thirty four consecutive femoral nails were reviewed retrospectively. Delay to surgery, operative time and peri-operative morbidity was assessed. There were 27 males and 7 females. The average age was 30.5 years. Eleven patients were referred from a peripheral hospital. Motor vehicle collisions accounted for 22 fractures, and gun shot wounds for 7. There were 29 mid shaft injuries, 2 subtrochanteric and 3 distal femurs (Retrograde nails). Preoperative immobilization was by Thomas splint or skin traction. Six operations were done by a consultant, 17 by a senior registrar and 10 by a junior registrar. The average delay to theatre was 32 days (range 10–63). Nineteen femurs required open reduction. Open reduction resulted in increased operating time: 117 minutes versus 82 minutes for closed reduction. Nine patients required perioperative blood transfusion and 2 patients were admitted to high care post operatively. Leg length discrepancy post operatively ranged from 0 to 4cm. Early knee range of motion was limited. Delay to surgery was due to insufficient theatre availability, and delay in referral from peripheral hospitals. We found that the delay to surgery resulted in increased operative difficulty, operative time and perioperative morbidity. Late nailing of fractures requires meticulous preoperative planning by the entire theatre team, and careful, experienced surgical technique

Introduction: Several studies have established a relationship between the preoperative haemoglobin level and the need for postoperative blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to identify clinical factors associated with the need for perioperative blood transfusion in non-anaemic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 162 consecutive patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty in the period between January 2001 and April 2001 in our centres. A univariate analysis was performed to establish the relationship between all independent variables and the need for postoperative transfusion, with significant variables being included in a multivariate analysis. Results: Univariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between the need for postoperative blood transfusion and preoperative haemoglobin levels (p=0.001), weight (p=0.019), and age (p=0.018). Multivariate analysis identified a significant relationship only between the need for transfusion and the preoperative haemoglobin level (p=0.0001). Patients with a preoperative haemoglobin level of < 13g/dl had a 1.5 times greater risk of having a transfusion than did those with a haemoglobin level of 13–15g/dl and a 4 times greater risk of having a transfusion than did those with a haemoglobin level > 15 g/dl. Conclusion: The preoperative haemoglobin level of the patient was the only variable to independently predict the need for blood transfusion after arthroplasty. Patients with a haemoglobin level < 13.0g/dl were 4 times more likely to have a transfusion than those with a haemoglobin level > 15g/dl

Aims

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the direct anterior approach (DAA) is undertaken with the patient in the supine position, creating an opportunity to replace both hips under one anaesthetic. Few studies have reported simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA. The aim of this study was to characterize a cohort of patients selected for this technique by a single, high-volume arthroplasty surgeon and to investigate their early postoperative clinical outcomes.

Geriatric hip fracture patients have a 14-fold higher 30-day mortality than their age matched peers. Up to 50% of these patients receive blood transfusion perioperatively. Both restrictive and liberal transfusion policies are controversial in this population. Aim: The longitudinal description of transfusion practice in geriatric hip fracture patients in a major trauma centre. An 8-year (2002–2009) retrospective study was performed on patients over the age of 65 undergoing hip fracture fixation. Yearly transfusion rate; the influence of transfusion on 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality and length of stay (LOS) was investigated. On admission haemoglobin (Hb), pre-transfusion Hb and post-transfusion Hb and their effect on transfusion requirement and mortality was also reviewed. The yearly changes in on-admission and pre-transfusion Hb were also examined. The influence of comorbidities, timing, procedure performed and operation duration on transfusion requirement and mortality was also studied. From the 3412 patients, 35% (1195) received transfusion during their hospital stay. There was no change in age, gender and co-morbidities during the study. Thirty-day mortality improved from 12.4% in 2002 to 7% in 2009. The transfusion rate showed a gradual decrease from the highest of 48.3% (2003) to 22.9% (2009) (Pearson correlation - R2 = −0.707, p=0.05). There was no change during the study period in on-admission and pre-transfusion Hb. The mortality for non-transfused and transfused patients was [9.6% vs. 10.3 % (30-day)], [17.2% vs. 18.4%(90-day)] and [27% vs. 30.5%(1-year), p=0.031]. LOS was 11±9 for non-transfused patients and 13±10 (p<0.001) for transfused patients. Patients with more comorbidities experienced a higher transfusion rate, (0 – 31%, 1 – 38%, 2 – 46%, 3 – 57%), (Pearson Chi-squared, p<0.001). The need for transfusion by different procedures in decreasing order was 47.6% intramedullary device, 44.0% DHS, 25.2% cemented hemiarthroplasty, 23.6% Austin-Moore, and 5.5% cannulated screws. The length of the operation increases the chance of transfusion (<1hrs, – 33%, 1–2hrs – 35%, 2–3hrs – 41%, >3 hours – 65%), (Pearson Chi-squared, p=0.010). Preoperative waiting time had no influence on transfusion frequency (<24hrs – 36%, 24–48hrs – 34%, 48–96hrs – 36%, >96hrs – 33%), (Pearson Chi-squared, p=0.823). The percentage of transfused geriatric hip fracture patients halved during the eight-year period without changes in demographics and co-morbidities. Perioperative transfusion of hip fracture patients is associated with higher 1-year mortality and increased LOS. A more restrictive transfusion practice has been safe and may be a factor in the improved 30-day mortality

Aims: To compare clinical results of three different þxation combinations used for the treatment of ipsilateral hip and femoral diaphysial fractures. Methods: Between March 1999 and May 2001, 17 patients with ipsilateral hip and femur diaphysis fractures treated either by using cannulated screws for hip and plate-screw osteosynthesis for diaphysis (GroupI, 5 patients), dynamic hip screw for hip and plate-screws for diaphysis (Group II, 4 patients) and cannulated screws for hip and retrograde intramedullary nailing for diaphysis (Group III, 8 patients). Mean follow up was 24,4 months (16–33). All data retrospectively reviewed and compared using SPSS 10,0 package. Results: Age, sex, Injury Severity Scores, additional traumas, causes of trauma, þrst hemoglobine levels and complications were not different for either three groups. However, Group III had much lower operation times, perioperative transfusion needs and healing times for the diaphysial fractures compared to Groups I and II. All varus angulations at hip fractures observed in Groups I and III. We did not observe any avascular necrosis of the femoral head at latest follow up in either groups. Conclusions: All above mentioned þxation combinations can be used for the treatment of this difþcult fracture combination. However, by using retrograde nailing for the diaphysis and cannulated screws for the hip fracture, one can decrease operation times, blood transfussion needs and time to full weight bearing without increasing complications. We propose that, retrograde nailing combined with percutaneous screws should be the choice of treatment with decreased soft tissue dissection, accelerated rehabilitation and possible increased rate of healing