Aims. To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) after tibial plateau fracture (TPF) compared to preinjury and population matched values, and what aspects of treatment were most important to patients. Methods. We undertook a retrospective, case-control study of 67 patients at mean 3.5 years (SD 1.3; 1.3 to 6.1) after TPF (47 patients underwent fixation, and 20 nonoperative management). Patients completed EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, Lower Limb Function Scale (LEFS), and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) for current and recalled prefracture status. Propensity score matching for age, sex, and deprivation in a 1:5 ratio was performed using patient level data from the Health Survey for England to obtain a control group for HRQoL comparison. The primary outcome was the difference in actual (TPF cohort) and expected (matched control) EQ-5D-3L score after TPF. Results. TPF patients had a significantly worse EQ-5D-3L utility (mean difference (MD) 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.16; p < 0.001) following their injury compared to matched controls, and had a significant deterioration (MD 0.140, 95% CI 0 to 0.309; p < 0.001) relative to their preoperative status. TPF patients had significantly greater pre-fracture EQ-5D-3L scores compared to controls (p = 0.003), specifically in mobility and pain/discomfort domains. A decline in EQ-5D-3L greater than the minimal important change of 0.105 was present in 36/67 TPF patients (53.7%). Following TPF, OKS (MD -7; interquartile range (IQR) -1 to -15) and LEFS (MD -10; IQR -2 to -26) declined significantly (p < 0.001) from pre-fracture levels. Of the 12 elements of fracture care assessed, the most important to patients were getting back to their own home, having a stable knee, and returning to normal function. Conclusion. TPFs in older adults were associated with a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL compared to preinjury level and age, sex, and deprivation matched controls for both undisplaced fractures managed nonoperatively and displaced or unstable fractures managed with internal fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):273–282

Introduction. Undisplaced femoral neck fractures have been given little attention in the literature. By using data from the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register, this study investigates risk for reoperation and the clinical results, including pain, patient satisfaction, and quality of life, after undisplaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. Material and Methods. Data on 4,468 patients over 70 years of age with undisplaced femoral neck fractures operated with internal fixation (IF) were compared to 10,289 patients with displaced femoral neck fractures treated with IF (n = 3,389) or bipolar hemiarthroplasty (n = 6,900). The evaluation was based on number of reported reoperations and patients' assessment (visual analogue scales concerning pain (0–100) and patient satisfaction (0–100), and quality of life (EQ-5D)) four and twelve months postoperatively. The patients were followed for 0–1 year. The Cox multiple regression model was used to construct adjusted survival curves. Subanalyses were performed on undisplaced femoral neck fractures to investigate different risk factors for reoperation. Results. The survival rate of implants after one year was 89% after screw fixation for undisplaced fractures, 79% after screw fixation for displaced fractures, and 97% after hemiarthroplasty for displaced fractures (Kaplan Meier). Adjusted for age, sex, ASA-classification, and cognitive function the displaced fractures operated with internal fixation had higher risk of reoperation compared to the undisplaced fractures operated with internal fixation (RR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.69–2.17; p<0.001). The displaced fractures operated with hemiarthroplasty had a lower risk of reoperation compared to the undisplaced fractures (RR 0.32, 95%CI: 0.27–0.38; p<0.001). Patients treated with IF for undisplaced fractures were more satisfied, had less pain, and higher quality of life compared to patients treated with IF after displaced fractures (p<0.05). The patients treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty for displaced fractures had, however, the least pain, were most satisfied, and reported the highest quality of life. Discussion and Conclusion. The clinical outcome after undisplaced femoral neck fractures treated with screw fixation was better than the results of screw fixation for displaced fractures, but poorer than the clinical results for patients with displaced femoral neck fractures operated with a bipolar hemiarthroplasty. However, the differences in clinical outcome were smaller than what is considered to be of clinical importance. One year postoperatively screw osteosynthesis of undisplaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients still seems to be a good alternative

The aim of this study was to quantify the stability of fracture-implant complex in fractures after fixation. A total of 15 patients with an undisplaced fracture of the femoral neck, treated with either a dynamic hip screw or three cannulated hip screws, and 16 patients with an AO31-A2 trochanteric fracture treated with a dynamic hip screw or a Gamma Nail, were included. Radiostereometric analysis was used at six weeks, four months and 12 months post-operatively to evaluate shortening and rotation. Migration could be assessed in ten patients with a fracture of the femoral neck and seven with a trochanteric fracture. By four months post-operatively, a mean shortening of 5.4 mm (-0.04 to 16.1) had occurred in the fracture of the femoral neck group and 5.0 mm (-0.13 to 12.9) in the trochanteric fracture group. A wide range of rotation occurred in both types of fracture. Right-sided trochanteric fractures seem more rotationally stable than left-sided fractures. This prospective study shows that migration at the fracture site occurs continuously during the first four post-operative months, after which stabilisation occurs. This information may allow the early recognition of patients at risk of failure of fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:391–7

A consecutive series of 320 patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip treated with a dynamic locking plate (Targon Femoral Neck (TFN)) were reviewed. All surviving patients were followed for a minimum of two years. During the follow-up period 109 patients died. There were 112 undisplaced fractures, of which three (2.7%) developed nonunion or re-displacement and five (4.5%) developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Revision to an arthroplasty was required for five patients (4.5%). A further six patients (5.4%) had elective removal of the plate and screws. There were 208 displaced fractures, of which 32 (15.4%) developed nonunion or re-displacement and 23 (11.1%) developed avascular necrosis. A further four patients (1.9%) developed a secondary fracture around the TFN. Revision to a hip replacement was required for 43 patients (20.7%) patients and a further seven (3.3%) had elective removal of the plate and screws. It is suggested that the stronger distal fixation combined with rotational stability may lead to a reduced incidence of complications related to the healing of the fracture when compared with other contemporary fixation devices but this needs to be confirmed in further studies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1402–5

Introduction and aim. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head remains a major post-operative complication of the surgical fixation of femoral neck fractures (#NOF). In order to reduce the incidence of AVN following this type of fracture, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has stated that fixation must occur within 6 hours. However, there is a paucity of information concerning whether time to fixation influences the development of AVN. The aim of the present study was to assess whether time to fixation affects the development of AVN in patients aged under 60 who had sustained a fracture (#)NOF. Methods. We looked retrospectively at 101 patients (61 female, 40 male aged under 60 (mean age 47 years) who were admitted to a multi-tertiary centre having sustained an intracapsular #NOF. The underlying co morbidity of the patient sample was varied, as was the mechanism of trauma, though in the majority of cases the cause was a simple fall. The time delay (TD) between the time of injury and the time of operation for each patient was determined. Results. 72 patients sustained an intracapsular displaced fracture and 29 an intracapsular undisplaced fracture. Of these, 33 patients were treated with a dynamic hip screw (DHS), 10 received a DHS plus a cannulated screw, and 54 were treated with cannulated screws only. We looked at time to fixation(TD) as follows: Group A-less than 6 hours (7 patients), Group B-6 to 12 hours (16 patients), Group C-12 to 18 hours (15 patients), Group D-18 to 24 hours (18 patients), Group E −24 to 48 hours (26 patients) and Group F- more than 48 hours(15 patients). Out of 97 patients, 15 (15.46%) developed AVN. Of these, 13 were patients who had sustained an intracapsular displaced fracture, two had sustained an undisplaced fracture. Of the intracapsular displaced fractures patients, the time to fixation varied from 3 hours to 26 hours post-trauma. Of note, twelve of these patients received a cannulated screw and only one was treated with a DHS. The two patients with an undisplaced intracapsular fracture underwent fixation at 13 and 24 hours respectively. The method of fixation was a cannulated screw. Conclusion. Current NICE guidelines state that intracapsular #NOF must be fixed within 6 hours in order to prevent AVN of femoral head. In our sample, 15.46% of patients developed AVN post-fixation. Crucially, 2 patients out of the 7 patients (28.57%) developed AVN despite undergoing fixation within 6 hours. Interestingly, we have observed that fracture fixation with a cannulated screw has a greater propensity to develop AVN despite time to fixation, since 15.46% of patients treated in this manner developed AVN. Taken together, method of fixation rather than time to fixation appears to be a key factor in the incidence of AVN in our patient group

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the three-year follow-up for a series of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip, who were randomized to be treated with either a cemented polished tapered hemiarthroplasty or an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated hemiarthroplasty.

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Occult (clinical) injuries represent 15% of all scaphoid fractures, posing significant challenges to the clinician. MRI has been suggested as the gold standard for diagnosis, but remains expensive, time-consuming, and is in high demand. Conventional management with immobilization and serial radiography typically results in multiple follow-up attendances to clinic, radiation exposure, and delays return to work. Suboptimal management can result in significant disability and, frequently, litigation.

Background. The treatment of femoral neck fracture with internal fixation (IF) is recommended in younger patients and has compared to arthroplasty the advantage of retaining the femoral head. A big problem with osteosynthesis is though failure. Finding predictors for fixation failure is still an ongoing process and osteoporosis has been suggested as a predictor. Aim. To correlate bone mineral density (BMD) in regard to failure of IF in osteosynthesized femoral neck fractures. Material and method. In a health technology assessment study from 2005–2006 at Odense University Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, 175 patients with femoral neck fractures accepted DEXA - scanning of the hip and lumbar spine assessing BMD. Final follow-up were 01.08.2010 and 141 patients with IF comprised the final cohort. The cohort consisted of 105 females and 36 males with a mean (CI) age of 77,2 (75,4–79,0). Failure is defined as revision surgery or new fracture. Results. 69 patients had a t-score (total hip) below −2,5 SD as defined for osteoporosis. At 1 year the overall (dislocated) failure rate was 34,5 % (44,7 %), at 2 years 45,4 % (60,0 %) and at end of follow-up 49,6 % (62,8 %). In the cox regression analysis the following factors for failure were significant: dislocated fracture, osteosynthesis placement and prior fracture. There were no associations for total hip BMD, neck BMD, age, sex, quality of fracture reduction, walking disability, independent living, alcohol or smoking. A cox regression sub analysis of the undisplaced fractures showed significant result only for osteosynthesis placement. Conclusion. There is no association between BMD and failure of internal fixation in osteosynthesized femoral neck fractures

We report retrospective and prospective studies to identify the causes of fracture of the femoral neck associated with femoral shaft nailing on the same side. Of a total of 14 neck fractures in a series of 152 shaft nailings, eight were not visible on the initial pelvic radiographs. We used CT scans before and after operation, and fluoroscopy during the procedure in our prospective series, and reviewed abdominal CT scans retrospectively with the window set to bone level. Six of the eight undisplaced fractures were shown to have been present before operation, but two were iatrogenic. We recommend the preoperative use of CT scans of the femoral neck in high-risk patients such as those with associated fractures of the acetabulum, the distal femur or the patella. Early diagnosis will allow better general management and early fixation of the neck fracture

Introduction. Throughout the years treatment of patellar fractures have been held in much controversy and various treatment procedures have been described. In the literature, there are only a few studies that compare the results of the different treatment modalities. Materials & Methods. This study reviews our experience with patellar fractures and correlates results of different treatment modalities to grade of patellar comminution and to the length of follow-up. It consists of 114 patients (71 M, 43 F, 17–76 year old: mean- 43 years), followed for 2–9 years (mean- 3.5 years). Patients were treated by P.O.P. cast for undisplaced fractures (12 Pts), and by various surgical modalities for displaced or comminuted fractures such as O.R.I.F (53 Pts), partial patellectomy (37 Pts) and total patellectomy (12 Pts). Patients were evaluated by Lisholm functional score, by objective knee tests, and radiographically. Results. Correlation to treatment modalities showed that functional results were excellent and good in 86% of the patients following conservative treatment by P.O.P. cast, 77% treated by O.R.I.F., 75% treated by partial patellectomy and 78% treated by total patellectomy (objective results −79%, 72%, 72%, 66.66% respectively). No statistical differences were found between these groups. However, the correlation between these treatment modalities to grade of patellar comminution revealed that in two fragment fractures similar results were observed following partial patellectomy and O.R.I.F., whereas in patients with three or more fragment fractures, a significantly better outcome was observed after partial patellectomy (79% and 62% respectively). The patients with comminuted patellar fractures treated by partial patellectomy had also a better short and long-term outcome than with all other techniques. Conclusions. Based on this study it seems that O.R.I.F. remains as the first optimal treatment in simple two parts patellar fractures, where partial patellectomy should be considered as the treatment of choice in patients with patellar fractures of three or more fragments. Total patellectomy is the optional treatment in patients with comminuted fractures

We compared a new fixation system, the Targon Femoral Neck (TFN) hip screw, with the current standard treatment of cannulated screw fixation. This was a single-centre, participant-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Patients aged 65 years and over with either a displaced or undisplaced intracapsular fracture of the hip were eligible. The primary outcome was the risk of revision surgery within one year of fixation. A total of 174 participants were included in the trial. The absolute reduction in risk of revision was of 4.7% (95% CI 14.2 to 22.5) in favour of the TFN hip screw (chi-squared test, p = 0.741), which was less than the pre-specified level of minimum clinically important difference. There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcome measures. We found no evidence of a clinical difference in the risk of revision surgery between the TFN hip screw and cannulated screw fixation for patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:652–7

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We report the long-term outcomes of the UK Heel Fracture Trial (HeFT), a pragmatic, multicentre, two-arm, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

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This study sought to compare the rate of deep surgical site infection (SSI), as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition, after surgery for a fracture of the hip between patients treated with standard dressings and those treated with incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT). Secondary objectives included determining the rate of recruitment and willingness to participate in the trial.

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Hip fractures in patients < 60 years old currently account for only 3% to 4% of all hip fractures in England, but this proportion is increasing. Little is known about the longer-term patient-reported outcomes in this potentially more active population. The primary aim is to examine patient-reported outcomes following isolated hip fracture in patients aged < 60 years. The secondary aim is to determine an association between outcomes and different types of fracture pattern and/or treatment implants.

From 1988 to 1994 a consecutive series of 1000 fractures of the adult clavicle was treated in the Orthopaedic Trauma Clinic of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. In males, the annual incidence was highest under 20 years of age, decreasing in each subsequent cohort until the seventh decade. In females, the incidence was more constant, but relatively frequent in teenagers and the elderly. In young patients, fractures usually resulted from road-traffic accidents or sport and most were diaphyseal. Fractures in the outer fifth were produced by simple domestic falls and were more common in the elderly. A new classification was developed based on radiological review of the anatomical site and the extent of displacement, comminution and articular extension. There were satisfactory levels of inter- and intraobserver variation for reliability and reproducibility. Fractures of the medial fifth (type 1), undisplaced diaphyseal fractures (type 2A) and fractures of the outer fifth (type 3A) usually had a benign prognosis. The incidence of complications of union was higher in displaced diaphyseal (type 2B) and displaced outer-fifth (type 3B) fractures. In addition to displacement, the extent of comminution in type-2B fractures was a risk factor for delayed and nonunion

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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.

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This study explores data quality in operation type and fracture classification recorded as part of a large research study and a national audit with an independent review.

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The primary aim of this prognostic study was to identify baseline factors associated with physical health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients after a femoral neck fracture. The secondary aims were to identify baseline factors associated with mental HRQL, hip function, and health utility.

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This is a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the functional outcomes of plate fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of completely displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle in the active adult population.

We prospectively analysed the epidemiology of acetabular fractures over a period of 16 years in order to identify changes in their incidence or other demographic features. Our study cohort comprised a consecutive series of 351 patients with acetabular fractures admitted to a single institution between January 1988 and December 2003.

There was no significant change in the overall incidence of acetabular fractures, which remained at 3 patients/100 000/year. There was, however, a significant reduction in the number of men sustaining an acetabular fracture over the period (p < 0.02). The number of fractures resulting from falls from a height < 10 feet showed a significant increase (p < 0.002), but there was no change in those caused by motor-vehicle accidents. There was a significant reduction in the median Injury Severity score over the period which was associated with a significant decrease in mortality (p < 0.04) and a reduction in the length of hospital stay. The incidence of osteoarthritis noted during follow-up of operatively-treated fractures declined from 31% to 14%, reflecting improved results with increasing subspecialisation. Our findings suggest that there will be a continuing need for some orthopaedic surgeons to specialise in the management of these fractures. In addition, the reductions in the Injury Severity score and mortality may be associated with improved road and vehicle safety.