We implemented an exhaustive operative and supervision algorithm for surgical treatment of hip fractures primarily based on own previously published literature. The purpose was to improve supervision and reduce the rate of reoperations. 2000 consecutive unselected patients above 50 years admitted with a hip fracture were included, 1000 of these prospectively after implementation of the algorithm. Demographic parameters, hospital treatment and reoperations within the first postoperative year were assessed from patient records. The algorithm dictated the surgical treatment based on three objective patient parameters: age, new mobility score and fracture classification on pre-operative anterior-posterior and axial radiographs. Intra capsular fractures were treated with two parallel implants, a sliding hip screw, an arthroplasty or resection of the femoral head. Extra capsular fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw or an intramedullary nail. Supervision of junior registrars was mandatory for the prosthesis and intramedullary nail procedures.Introduction
Materials and methods
After implementing the guideline, the rate of unsupervised junior registrars performing operations declined from 20% (188/938) to 6% (21/336, p<
0.001 X2). The rate of reoperations declined from 15% (139/938) to 10% (35/336, p=0.044 X2, p=0.043 log.reg.), with a 20% (85/436) to 13% (23/174) decline for intracapsulary and an 11% (54/502) to 7% (12/162) decline for extracapsulary fractures.
All deceased were checked in the danish patient registration system for revision. 113 patients with 128 THR were operated with the Spotorno CLS stem, and 431 patients with 465 THR with the Mller straight stem. 270 patients with 297 THR were assessed radiographically and according to a modified Harris Hip Score (ROM was not used). Some were due to age or other illnes not able to attend the examination. If possible they were interviewed by telephone. The median age was 69,4 (range 18,3 – 88,1) for all, for the Spotorno CLS group 55 years (range 18–72) and for the Mller group 72 years (41–88). Male/female ratio: 0,56. Average follow-up was 13 years (range 9,1 -15.1). The primary diagnosis was osteoarthritis 538 hips, RA 10, fracture sequelae 15, congenital dislocation 14, others contributed with 16 hips. The survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
After 13 years the survival rate for the cups was 96.8% including reoperations for polyethylene wear, for the femoral Mueller stem 90.7% and for Spotorno CLS 96.1 %