Aims. A high rate of suicide has been reported in patients who sustain fractures, but the association remains uncertain in the context of other factors. The aim of this study was to examine the association between fractures and the risk of suicide in this contextual setting. Patients and Methods. We performed a case-control study of patients aged 40 years or older who died by suicide between 2000 and 2011. We included patients’ demographics, physical and mental health problems, and socioeconomic factors. We performed conditional logistic regression to evaluate the associations between fractures and the risk of suicide. Results. We included a total of 34 794 patients who died by suicide and 139 176 control patients. We found that fractures as a homogenous group (adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43 to 1.53), and specifically pelvic (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.68 to 2.47) and spinal fractures (aOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.43 to 1.64), were associated with a higher risk of suicide. In addition, we found that patients who had a lower income, had never married, had lower levels of educational attainment, or had coexistent physical and mental conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis-related disorders had a higher risk of suicide. Conclusion. Fractures, specifically those of the hip and spine, were associated with an increased risk of suicide. The findings suggest that greater clinical attention should be given to this risk in patients with fractures, especially for those with additional risk factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:780–6

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on vehicles have been a significant feature of recent conflicts. The Dynamic Response Index (DRI), developed for predicting spinal injury in aircraft ejection, has been adopted for testing vehicles in underbelly blast. Recent papers suggest that DRI is not accurate in blast conditions. We suggest that the distribution of blast and ejection injuries is different. A literature review identified the distribution of spinal fractures in aircraft ejection incidents. A Joint Theatre Trauma Registry search identified victims of mounted IED blast with spinal fractures. The distribution of injuries in the two groups was compared using the Kruskall Wallis test. 329 fractures were identified in ejector seat incidents; 1% cervical, 84% thoracic and 16% lumbar. 245 fractures were identified in victims of mounted blast; 16% cervical, 34% thoracic and 50% lumbar. There was no significant similarity between the two (p=1). There was no statistically significant difference between the distribution of fractures in blast survivors versus fatalities. The difference between blast and ejection injury patterns suggests that injury prediction models for ejection should not be extrapolated to blast mechanisms and that new models need to be developed

Introduction. This is the first study to illustrate spinal fracture distribution and the impact of different injury mechanisms on the spinal column during contemporary warfare. Methods Retrospective analysis of Computed Tomography (CT) spinal images entered onto the Centre for Defence Imaging (CDI) database, 2005-2009. Isolated spinous and transverse process fractures were excluded to allow focus on cases with implications for immediate management and prospective disability burden. Fractures were classified by anatomical level and stability with validated systems. Clinical data regarding mechanism of injury and associated non-spinal injuries for each patient was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher's Exact test. Results 57 cases (128 fractures) were analysed. Ballistic (79%) and non-ballistic (21%) mechanisms contribute to vertebral fracture and spinal instability at all regions of the spinal column. There is a low incidence of cervical spine fracture, with these injuries predominantly occurring due to gunshot wounding. There is a high incidence of lumbar spine fractures which are significantly more likely to be caused by explosive devices than gunshot wounds (p<0.05). 66% of thoracolumbar spine fractures caused by explosive devices were unstable, the majority being of a burst configuration. Associated non-spinal injuries occurred in 60% of patients. There is a strong relationship between spinal injuries caused by explosive devices and lower limb fractures Conclusion Explosive devices account for significant injury to both combatants and civilians in current conflict. Injuries to the spine by explosions account for greater numbers, associated morbidity and increasing complexity than other means of injury

Introduction. Short-segment posterior instrumentation for spine fractures is threatened by unacceptable failure rates. Two important design objectives of pedicle screws, bending and pullout strength, may conflict with each other. Hypothesis. Multiobjective optimization study with artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA). Materials & Methods. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) methods were applied to investigate the optimal designs of pedicle screws with an outer diameter of 7 mm using a multiobjective approach for these two objectives. Based on the FE results on an L25 orthogonal array, two objective functions were developed by an ANN algorithm. Then, the trade-off solutions known as Pareto optima were explored by a GA. The optimal design was validated by mechanical tests. Results. The knee solutions of the Pareto fronts had simultaneous high bending and pullout strength ranging from 92 to 94 percent of their maxima. The corresponding range of the design parameters was 3.8 to 4.06 mm for inner diameter and 3.21 to 3.3 mm for pitch; 0 mm for beginning position of conical angle, 0.4 mm for proximal root radius, 5 degrees for proximal half angle, and 0.1 mm for thread width. The optimal design was well validated by mechanical tests, comparing with commercially available pedicle screws. Discussion & Conclusions. The optimal design of pedicle screws obtained could achieve an ideal with high mechanical performance in both bending and pullout tests

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to predict the mortality, and the extent and time of neurological recovery from the time of the onset of symptoms and MRI grade, in patients with the cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES). This has not previously been investigated.

BACKGROUND. From 1995 the cost of litigation to the National Health Service (NHS) from surgical procedures has been over 1.3 billion GBP. Spinal patients can present diagnostic challenges and the consequences of delayed diagnosis and surgical complications can be devastating. As a consequence these patients represent a high risk when surgeons seek to indemnify themselves. We therefore, aim to highlight the litigation patterns for these injuries within the United Kingdom. METHOD. Data was obtained from the NHS Litigation Authority from 2002 to 2010 which was analysed. RESULTS. Of the 236 claims, 144 were related to trauma or acute diagnostic issues and 92 from elective surgery. The total financial burden to the NHS came to 60.5 million GBP/72.5 million Euros. Of this sum 42.8 million GBP/51.3 million Euros were paid in damages, and the remaining 29% in legal costs. The financial costs were on average similar for trauma and elective cases. The most frequent cause of successful litigation for trauma were, missed fractures (41.7%), missed cauda equina (23.6%) and spinal infection (11.8%). The emergency department (43.8%), orthopaedic surgery (28.5%) and Medicine (13.9) bore the brunt of the claims. For elective surgery, Spinal Damage(19.8%), failure in Post-Operative Care (15.4%), Infection (11%) and Wrong Level Surgery, Cauda Equina and Surgical Failure at 9.9%. were likely to result in a successful claim, and the litigation burden was felt by the orthopaedic(60.4%), Neurosurgery(18.7%) and other surgical disciplines (11%). CONCLUSION. Acute spinal fractures, cord compression and infection should be considered in patients in the emergency department setting, with appropriate examination and investigations for uncertainty. A lack of awareness of at risk cases increases the likelihood of a pay-out and sums involved. For elective spinal surgery, a failure in the consenting process and the technical skill of the surgeon are likely to result in a pay-out. A failure to identify post-operative complications such as infection and thromboembolism are also indefensible. Protecting patients intra-operatively and maintaining high technical expertise and vigilance post-operative in an adequately consented patient may decrease litigation rates

Background. Though less common than in females, osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures are not uncommon in males. Our primary objectives were (1) to compare the rates of osteoporosis and osteopenia in adult Brazilian males versus females, 55 years old and over and presenting for bone mineral densitometry (BMD); and (2) to compare males and females as to past osteoporosis screening and management. Methods. From our clinic population, we prospectively surveyed 343 males and 493 females, all at least 55 years of age, who had presented for BMD testing, to identify baseline demographic and clinical characteristics; risk factors for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures; overall osteoporosis and 10-year fracture risk; and evidence of prior assessment for and/or management/prevention of osteoporosis. Final osteoporosis risk was determined using the results of BMD testing and the FRAX® tool. Gender comparisons were performed using Pearson 2 analysis for nominal and ordinal variables, Student's t-tests for normally-distributed continuous variables, and Mann-Whitney U tests for non-normally-distributed continuous variables, with all tests 2-tailed and p=0.05 set as the threshold for statistical significance. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of prior hormonal treatment and BMD. Results. There were no differences in the rates of prior fracture, spinal fracture or long-bone fracture between the sexes, though women were more likely to have osteoporosis of the spine and femur, and had higher estimated risks of future osteoporotic fracture (all p < 0.001). Women also were significantly more likely to have received treatment for their osteoporosis (7.9 vs. 3.1%, p=0.004) and to have had prior BMD testing (80.7 vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001). Ten-year probabilities of hip fracture were 4.8% in males and 5.2% in females; and for a major osteoporotic fracture 5.6% and 24.3%., respectively (both p < 0.001). Age, gender and spinal osteoporosis predicted prior hormonal treatment; but gender was the only predictor of prior BMD, with males 95% less likely to have undergone prior testing than females. Conclusions. Despite similar past fracture rates, and lower but still appreciable future fracture risk, far fewer males than females had received prior screening or management of their osteoporosis

Introduction. Total femur implantation is a rare and challenging procedure in final revision surgery of hip and knee arthroplasties. Reports of this operation technique are even rare in literature. In this study we retrospectively analyse our patients with total femur implants. Material and Methods. Between October 2002 and February 2009 we implanted 27 total femurs in hip and knee revision surgery cases. We used the modular prosthesis system–Megasystem C® by Waldemar Link–in all cases. Our 22 female and 5 male patients had a mean age of 76 years (range 45–88). Indications for the procedure were loosening of megaprosthesis of the hip in 12 cases; 2 with massive distal migration, 1 with penetration into the knee joint and 1 after two step revision procedure. In 13 cases a periprosthetic indicated a total femur implanatation due to massive bone loss; 1 breakage of a long femoral stem, 5 fracture of osteosynthesis materials, 3 after prosthesis revisions and 1 pseudoarhrosis of femur and tibia after knee arthroplasty. We analysed perioperative complications, clinical status and result and further revision within follow up time. Results. We were able to examine 16 patients at follow up time. Eight patients were lost to follow up and 2 have been died; 1 after fulminant pulmonal embolia after operation and 1 four years postoperatively. One total femur had to be exchanged due to infection after 1 year. Perioperative complications occurred as follows: 1 massive blood transfusion, 1 peroneal palsy, 1 ulcus ventriculis bleeding, 1 thrombosis of vena suclavia and vena jugularis, 1 sigmaresection due to diverticulosis, 1 luxations of the hip, and 2 wound necrosis. In 3 caese a revision operation swas performed; 1multiple luxtion of the hip and due to infection of the total femur implant. The range of motion of the hip was 85 degrees (range 30–90) and knee 92 degrees (range 30–110). In nearly all cases we found a lengthening of the revised limb. The general outcome of the patients was. Ten patient were very satisfied, 2 statisfied and 2 fair due to pain persistence. Two patient were mobile with one crutch, 3 used two crutches and one was able to walk with a rollator. One patient was unable to walk due to diplegia after spine fracture. Conclusion. Total femur procedure in final revision arthroplasty has a high potential of perioperative risks but has shown good clinical and mobility results in our patient group. With the Megasystem C® by Link we had a save and good performance while operation of this difficult patient group

Aims

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between transverse process (TP) fractures of the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae and biomechanical and haemodynamic stability in patients with a pelvic ring injury, since previous data are inconsistent.

Fractures in patients aged ≥ 65 years constitute an increasing burden on health and social care and are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. There is little accurate information about the epidemiology of fractures in the elderly. We have analysed prospectively collected data on 4786 in- and out-patients who presented with a fracture over two one-year periods. Analysis shows that there are six patterns of the incidence of fractures in patients aged ≥ 65 years. In males six types of fracture increase in incidence after the age of 65 years and 11 types increase in females aged over 65 years. Five types of fracture decrease in incidence after the age of 65 years. Multiple fractures increase in incidence in both males and females aged ≥ 65 years, as do fractures related to falls.

Analysis of the incidence of fractures, together with life expectancy, shows that the probability of males and females aged ≥ 65 years having a fracture during the rest of their life is 18.5% and 52.0%, respectively. The equivalent figures for males and females aged ≥ 80 years are 13.3% and 34.8%, respectively.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:366–72.

We have reviewed our experience in managing 11 patients who sustained an indirect sternal fracture in combination with an upper thoracic spinal injury between 2003 and 2006. These fractures have previously been described as ‘associated’ fractures, but since the upper thorax is an anatomical entity composed of the upper thoracic spine, ribs and sternum joined together, we feel that the term ‘fractures of the upper transthoracic cage’ is a better description. These injuries are a challenge because they are unusual and easily overlooked. They require a systematic clinical and radiological examination to identify both lesions. This high-energy trauma gives severe devastating concomitant injuries and CT with contrast and reconstruction is essential after resuscitation to confirm the presence of all the lesions. The injury level occurs principally at T4–T5 and at the manubriosternal joint. These unstable fractures need early posterior stabilisation and fusion or, if treated conservatively, a very close follow-up.

Epidemiological studies enhance clinical practice in a number of ways. However, there are many methodological difficulties that need to be addressed in designing a study aimed at the collection and analysis of data concerning fractures and other injuries. Most can be managed and errors minimised if careful attention is given to the design and implementation of the research.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:863–7.

A total of 11 patients with combined traumatic injuries of the brachial plexus and spinal cord were reviewed retrospectively. Brachial plexus paralysis in such dual injuries tends to be diagnosed and treated late and the prognosis is usually poor. The associated injuries, which were all on the same side as the plexus lesion, were to the head (nine cases), shoulder girdle (five), thorax (nine) and upper limb (seven). These other injuries were responsible for the delayed diagnosis of brachial plexus paralysis and the poor prognosis was probably because of the delay in starting treatment and the severity of the associated injuries. When such injuries are detected in patients with spinal cord trauma, it is important to consider the possibility of involvement of the brachial plexus.

Controversy continues to surround the management of patients with an open fracture of the lower limb and an associated vascular injury (Gustilo type IIIC). This study reports our 15-year experience with these fractures and their outcome in 18 patients (15 male and three female). Their mean age was 30.7 years (8 to 54) and mean Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) at presentation was 6.9 (3 to 10). A total of 15 lower limbs were salvaged and three underwent amputation (two immediate and one delayed). Four patients underwent stabilisation of the fracture by external fixation and 12 with an internal device. A total of 11 patients had damage to multiple arteries and eight had a vein graft. Wound cover was achieved with a pedicled flap in three and a free flap in six. Seven patients developed a wound infection and four developed nonunion requiring further surgery. At a mean follow-up of five years (4.1 to 6.6) the mean visual analogue scale for pain was 64 (10 to 90). Depression and anxiety were common. Activities were limited mainly because of pain, and the MESS was a valid predictor of the functional outcome. Distal tibial fractures had an increased rate of nonunion when associated with posterior tibial artery damage, and seven patients (39%) were not able to return to their previous occupation.

Isolated fractures of the anterior column and anterior wall are a relatively rare subgroup of acetabular fractures. We report our experience of 30 consecutive cases treated over ten years. Open reduction and internal fixation through an ilioinguinal approach was performed for most of these cases (76.7%) and percutaneous techniques were used for the remainder. At a mean follow-up of four years (2 to 6), 26 were available for review. The radiological and functional outcomes were good or excellent in 23 of 30 patients (76.7%) and 22 of 26 patients (84.6%) according to Matta’s radiological criteria and the modified Merlé d’Aubigné score, respectively.

Complications of minor to moderate severity were seen in six of the 30 cases (20%) and none of the patients underwent secondary surgery or replacement of the hip.

We describe the results of 287 intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in 247 patients treated by minimally-invasive reduction and K-wire fixation between 1994 and 2003. There were 210 men (85%) and 37 women (15%). The most common cause of injury was a fall from a height in 237 patients (96%). Fracture classification was based on the method described by Sanders and Essex-Lopresti. All patients were operated on within 21 days of injury and 89% (220) within 48 hours. The reduction was graded as nearly anatomical (less than 2 mm residual articular displacement and satisfactory overall alignment) in 212 (73.9%) fractures.

There were 20 cases (7%) of superficial pin-track infection and five (1.7%) of deep infection. All healed at a mean of 6 weeks (3 to 19). Loss of reduction was observed in 13 fractures (4.5%) and a musculocutaneous flap was needed in three (1%).

The results were evaluated in 176 patients (205 fractures) with a mean age of 44.3 years (13 to 67), available for follow-up at a mean of 43.4 months (25 to 87) using the Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Assessment score. The mean score was 83.9 points (63 to 100). There were 29 (16.5%) excellent, 98 (55.7%) good, 26 (14.8%) fair and 23 (13%) poor results. A total of 130 patients (73.9%) were able to return to their original occupation at a mean of 5.6 months (3.2 to 12.5) after the injury.

Semi-open reduction and percutaneous fixation is an effective treatment for displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum.

The results of meta-analysis show a revision rate of 33% for internal fixation of displaced fractures of the femoral neck, mostly because of nonunion. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are highly prevalent in elderly patients. Bone density has been shown to correlate with the intrinsic stability of the fixation of the fracture in cadaver and retrospective studies. We aimed to confirm or refute this finding in a clinical setting.

We performed a prospective, multicentre study of 111 active patients over 60 years of age with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck which was eligible for internal fixation. The bone density of the femoral neck was measured pre-operatively by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The patients were divided into two groups namely, those with osteopenia (66%, mean T-score −1.6) and those with osteoporosis (34%, mean T-score −3.0). Age (p = 0.47), gender (p = 0.67), delay to surgery (p = 0.07), the angle of the fracture (p = 0.33) and the type of implant (p = 0.48) were similar in both groups.

Revision to arthroplasty was performed in 41% of osteopenic and 42% of osteoporotic patients (p = 0.87). Morbidity (p = 0.60) and mortality were similar in both groups (p = 0.65). Our findings show that the clinical outcome of internal fixation for displaced fractures of the femoral neck does not depend on bone density and that pre-operative DEXA is not useful.