Aims. Femoral periprosthetic fractures are rising in incidence. Their management is complex and carries a high associated mortality. Unlike native hip fractures, there are no guidelines advising on time to theatre in this group. We aim to determine whether delaying surgical intervention influences
Aims. Within the UK, around 70,000 patients suffer neck of femur (NOF) fractures annually. Patients presenting with this injury are often frail, leading to increased
Aims. Posterior column plating through the single anterior approach reduces the
Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the early postoperative mortality and
Aims. Current levels of hip fracture
Aims. Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term
Our aim was to determine the effect of delay to surgery on the time to discharge, in-hospital death, the presence of major and minor medical complications and the incidence of pressure sores in patients with a fracture of the hip. All patients admitted to Vancouver General Hospital with this injury between 1998 and 2001 inclusive were identified from our trauma registry. A review of the case notes was performed to determine the delay in time from admission to surgery, age, gender, type of fracture and medical comorbidities. A time-to-event analysis was performed for length of stay. Additionally, a Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the effect of delay to surgery on the length of stay while controlling for other pertinent confounding factors. Using logistical regression we determined the effect of delay to surgery on in-hospital death, medical complications and the presence of pressure sores, while controlling for confounding factors. Delay to surgery (p = 0.0255), comorbidity (p <
0.0001), age (p <
0.0001) and type of fracture (p = 0.0004) were all significant in the Cox proportional hazards model for increased time to discharge. Delay to surgery was not a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality. However, a delay of more than 24 hours was a significant predictor of a minor medical complication (odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05 to 2.22), while a delay of more than 48 hours was associated with an increased risk of a major medical complication (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.34), a minor medical complication (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.72) and of pressure sores (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.40). Patients with a fracture of the hip should have surgery early to lessen the time to acute-care hospital discharge and to minimise the risk of complications.
Several studies have reported the rate of post-operative
mortality after the surgical treatment of a fracture of the hip,
but few data are available regarding the delayed
Aims. Ankle fractures are common injuries and the third most common fragility fracture. In all, 40% of ankle fractures in the frail are open and represent a complex clinical scenario, with
Aims. Musculoskeletal infection is a devastating complication in both trauma and elective orthopaedic surgeries that can result in significant
Aims. Hip fractures are associated with high
Aims. Acetabular fractures in older adults lead to a high risk of mortality and
Aims. Complex displaced osteoporotic acetabular fractures in the elderly are associated with high levels of
Aims. The primary aim of this study was to develop a reliable, effective radiological score to assess the healing of humeral shaft fractures, the Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU). The secondary aim was to assess whether the six-week RUSHU was predictive of nonunion at six months after the injury. Patients and Methods. Initially, 20 patients with radiographs six weeks following a humeral shaft fracture were selected at random from a trauma database and scored by three observers, based on the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures system. After refinement of the RUSHU criteria, a second group of 60 patients with radiographs six weeks after injury, 40 with fractures that united and 20 with fractures that developed nonunion, were scored by two blinded observers. Results. After refinement, the interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 0.87), indicating substantial agreement. At six weeks after injury, patients whose fractures united had a significantly higher median score than those who developed nonunion (10 vs 7; p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve determined that a RUSHU cut-off of < 8 was predictive of nonunion (area under the curve = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.94). The sensitivity was 75% and specificity 80% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 65% and a negative predictive value of 86%. Patients with a RUSHU < 8 (n = 23) were more likely to develop nonunion than those with a RUSHU ≥ 8 (n = 37, odds ratio 12.0, 95% CI 3.4 to 42.9). Based on a PPV of 65%, if all patients with a RUSHU < 8 underwent fixation, the number of procedures needed to avoid one nonunion would be 1.5. Conclusion. The RUSHU is reliable and effective in identifying patients at risk of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture at six weeks after injury. This tool requires external validation but could potentially reduce the
The aims of this study were to assess quality of life after hip fractures, to characterize respondents to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and to describe the recovery trajectory of hip fracture patients. Data on 35,206 hip fractures (2014 to 2018; 67.2% female) in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register were linked to data from the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway. PROMs data were collected using the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) scoring instrument and living patients were invited to respond at four, 12, and 36 months post fracture. Multiple imputation procedures were performed as a model to substitute missing PROM data. Differences in response rates between categories of covariates were analyzed using chi-squared test statistics. The association between patient and socioeconomic characteristics and the reported EQ-5D-3L scores was analyzed using linear regression.Aims
Methods
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. 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.Aims
Methods
Aims. The primary aim of this study was to establish the cost-effectiveness of the early fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Patients and Methods. A cost analysis was conducted within a randomized controlled trial comparing conservative management (n = 92) versus early plate fixation (n = 86) of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to express the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The Six-Dimension Short-Form Health Survey (SF-6D) score was used as the preference-based health index to calculate the cost per QALY at 12 months after the injury. Results. The mean 12-month SF-6D was 0.9522 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9355 to 0.9689) following conservative management and 0.9607 (95% CI 0.9447 to 0.9767) following fixation, giving an advantage for fixation of 0.0085, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.46). The mean cost per patient was £1322.69 for conservative management and £5405.32 for early fixation. This gave an ICER of £480 309.41 per QALY. For a threshold of £20 000 per QALY, the benefit of fixation would need to be present for 24 years to be cost-effective compared with conservative treatment. Linear regression analysis identified nonunion as the only factor to adversely influence the SF-6D at 12 months (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Routine plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures is not cost-effective. Nonunion following conservative management has an increased
The purpose of this study was to determine the weightbearing practice of operatively managed fragility fractures in the setting of publically funded health services in the UK and Ireland. The Fragility Fracture Postoperative Mobilisation (FFPOM) multicentre audit included all patients aged 60 years and older undergoing surgery for a fragility fracture of the lower limb between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2019, and 1 February 2021 and 14 March 2021. Fractures arising from high-energy transfer trauma, patients with multiple injuries, and those associated with metastatic deposits or infection were excluded. We analyzed this patient cohort to determine adherence to the British Orthopaedic Association Standard, “all surgery in the frail patient should be performed to allow full weight-bearing for activities required for daily livingAims
Methods
Fracture-related infections (FRIs) are a devastating complication of fracture management. However, the impact of FRIs on mental health remains understudied. The aim of this study was a longitudinal evaluation of patients’ psychological state, and expectations for recovery comparing patients with recurrent FRI to those with primary FRI. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at a level 1 trauma centre from January 2020 to December 2022. In total, 56 patients treated for FRI were enrolled. The ICD-10 symptom rating (ISR) and an expectation questionnaire were assessed at five timepoints: preoperatively, one month postoperatively, and at three, six, and 12 months.Aims
Methods
Proximal femur fractures treatment can involve anterograde nailing with a single or double cephalic screw. An undesirable failure for this fixation is screw cut-out. In a single-screw nail, a tip-apex distance (TAD) greater than 25 mm has been associated with an increased risk of cut-out. The aim of the study was to examine the role of TAD as a risk factor in a cephalic double-screw nail. A retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients treated for intertrochanteric femur fracture with a double proximal screw nail (Endovis BA2; EBA2) from January to September 2021. The analyzed variables were age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, fracture type, side, time of surgery, quality of reduction, pre-existing therapy with bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, screw placement in two different views, and TAD. The last follow-up was at 12 months. Logistic regression was used to study the potential factors of screw cut-out, and receiver operating characteristic curve to identify the threshold value.Aims
Methods
Prior to the availability of vaccines, mortality for hip fracture patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection was three times higher than pre-pandemic rates. The primary aim of this study was to determine the 30-day mortality rate of hip fracture patients in the post-vaccine era. A multicentre observational study was carried out at 19 NHS Trusts in England. The study period for the data collection was 1 February 2021 until 28 February 2022, with mortality tracing until 28 March 2022. Data collection included demographic details, data points to calculate the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, COVID-19 status, 30-day mortality, and vaccination status.Aims
Methods
Despite limited clinical scientific backing, an additional trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) has been advocated when treating unstable trochanteric fractures with a sliding hip screw (SHS). We aimed to explore whether the TSP would result in less post operative fracture motion, compared to SHS alone. Overall, 31 patients with AO/OTA 31-A2 trochanteric fractures were randomized to either a SHS alone or a SHS with an additional TSP. To compare postoperative fracture motion, radiostereometric analysis (RSA) was performed before and after weightbearing, and then at four, eight, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. With the “after weightbearing” images as baseline, we calculated translations and rotations, including shortening and medialization of the femoral shaft.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between additional rehabilitation at the weekend, and in-hospital mortality and complications in patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Japan using a nationwide multicentre database from April 2010 to March 2018, including 572,181 patients who had received hip fracture surgery. Propensity score matching was performed to compare patients who received additional weekend rehabilitation at the weekend in addition to rehabilitation on weekdays after the surgery (plus-weekends group), as well as those who did not receive additional rehabilitation at the weekend but did receive weekday rehabilitation (weekdays-only group). After the propensity score matching of 259,168 cases, in-hospital mortality as the primary outcome and systemic and surgical complications as the secondary outcomes were compared between the two groups.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to perform the first population-based description of the epidemiological and health economic burden of fracture-related infection (FRI). This is a retrospective cohort study of operatively managed orthopaedic trauma patients from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016, performed in Queensland, Australia. Record linkage was used to develop a person-centric, population-based dataset incorporating routinely collected administrative, clinical, and health economic information. The FRI group consisted of patients with International Classification of Disease 10th Revision diagnosis codes for deep infection associated with an implanted device within two years following surgery, while all others were deemed not infected. Demographic and clinical variables, as well as healthcare utilization costs, were compared.Aims
Methods
The use of multimodal non-opioid analgesia in hip fractures, specifically acetaminophen combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has been increasing. However, the effectiveness and safety of this approach remain unclear. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes among patients with hip fractures who preoperatively received either acetaminophen combined with NSAIDs, NSAIDs alone, or acetaminophen alone. This nationwide retrospective cohort study used data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We included patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent surgery for hip fractures and received acetaminophen combined with NSAIDs (combination group), NSAIDs alone (NSAIDs group), or acetaminophen alone (acetaminophen group) preoperatively, between April 2010 and March 2022. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and complications. Secondary outcomes were opioid use postoperatively; readmission within 90 days, one year, and two years; and total hospitalization costs. We used propensity score overlap weighting models, with the acetaminophen group as the reference group.Aims
Methods
To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compares three treatments for acetabular fractures in older patients: surgical fixation, surgical fixation and hip arthroplasty (fix-and-replace), and non-surgical treatment. Patients were recruited from seven UK NHS centres and randomized to a three-arm pilot trial if aged older than 60 years and had a displaced acetabular fracture. Feasibility outcomes included patients’ willingness to participate, clinicians’ capability to recruit, and dropout rates. The primary clinical outcome measure was the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) at six months. Secondary outcomes were Oxford Hip Score, Disability Rating Index, blood loss, and radiological and mobility assessments.Aims
Methods
Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) following hip arthroplasty are complex injuries. This study evaluates patient demographic characteristics, management, outcomes, and risk factors associated with PPF subtypes over a decade. Using a multicentre collaborative study design, independent of registry data, we identified adults from 29 centres with PPFs around the hip between January 2010 and December 2019. Radiographs were assessed for the Unified Classification System (UCS) grade. Patient and injury characteristics, management, and outcomes were compared between UCS grades. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to estimate relative risk ratios (RRR) of variables on UCS grade.Aims
Methods
Factors associated with high mortality rates in geriatric hip fracture patients are frequently unmodifiable. Time to surgery, however, might be a modifiable factor of interest to optimize clinical outcomes after hip fracture surgery. This study aims to determine the influence of postponement of surgery due to non-medical reasons on clinical outcomes in acute hip fracture surgery. This observational cohort study enrolled consecutively admitted patients with a proximal femoral fracture, for which surgery was performed between 1 January 2018 and 11 January 2021 in two level II trauma teaching hospitals. Patients with medical indications to postpone surgery were excluded. A total of 1,803 patients were included, of whom 1,428 had surgery < 24 hours and 375 had surgery ≥ 24 hours after admission.Aims
Methods
The primary aim was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of routine operative fixation for all patients with humeral shaft fractures. The secondary aim was to estimate the health economic implications of using a Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU) of < 8 to facilitate selective fixation for patients at risk of nonunion. From 2008 to 2017, 215 patients (mean age 57 yrs (17 to 18), 61% female (n = 130/215)) with a nonoperatively managed humeral diaphyseal fracture were retrospectively identified. Union was achieved in 77% (n = 165/215) after initial nonoperative management, with 23% (n = 50/215) uniting after surgery for nonunion. The EuroQol five-dimension three-level health index (EQ-5D-3L) was obtained via postal survey. Multiple regression was used to determine the independent influence of patient, injury, and management factors upon the EQ-5D-3L. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of < £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was considered cost-effective.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to describe the management and associated outcomes of patients sustaining a femoral hip periprosthetic fracture (PPF) in the UK population. This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study including adult patients who presented to 27 NHS hospitals with 539 new PPFs between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. Data collected included: management strategy (operative and nonoperative), length of stay, discharge destination, and details of post-treatment outcomes (reoperation, readmission, and 30-day and 12-month mortality). Descriptive analysis by fracture type was performed, and predictors of PPF management and outcomes were assessed using mixed-effects logistic regression.Aims
Methods
Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, to establish whether differences arise in clinical outcomes between autologous and synthetic bone grafts in the operative management of tibial plateau fractures. A structured search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the online archives of Bone & Joint Publishing, and CENTRAL databases from inception until 28 July 2021 was performed. Randomized, controlled, clinical trials that compared autologous and synthetic bone grafts in tibial plateau fractures were included. Preclinical studies, clinical studies in paediatric patients, pathological fractures, fracture nonunion, or chondral defects were excluded. Outcome data were assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) framework and synthesized in random-effect meta-analysis. The Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidance was followed throughout.Aims
Methods
This study estimated trends in incidence of open fractures and the adherence to clinical standards for open fracture care in England. Longitudinal data collected by the Trauma Audit and Research Network were used to identify 38,347 patients with open fractures, and a subgroup of 12,170 with severe open fractures of the tibia, between 2008 and 2019 in England. Incidence rates per 100,000 person-years and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Clinical care was compared with the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and National Major Trauma Centre audit standards.Aims
Methods
Objectives. To determine the
Deep surgical site infection (SSI) is common after lower limb fracture. We compared the diagnosis of deep SSI using alternative methods of data collection and examined the agreement of clinical photography and in-person clinical assessment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria after lower limb fracture surgery. Data from two large, UK-based multicentre randomized controlled major trauma trials investigating SSI and wound healing after surgical repair of open lower limb fractures that could not be primarily closed (UK WOLLF), and surgical incisions for fractures that were primarily closed (UK WHiST), were examined. Trial interventions were standard wound care management and negative pressure wound therapy after initial surgical debridement. Wound outcomes were collected from 30 days to six weeks. We compared the level of agreement between wound photography and clinical assessment of CDC-defined SSI. We are also assessed the level of agreement between blinded independent assessors of the photographs.Aims
Methods
Deep surgical site infection (SSI) remains an unsolved problem after hip fracture. Debridement, antibiotic, and implant retention (DAIR) has become a mainstream treatment in elective periprosthetic joint infection; however, evidence for DAIR after infected hip hemiarthroplaty is limited. Patients who underwent a hemiarthroplasty between March 2007 and August 2018 were reviewed. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify and adjust for risk factors for SSI, and to identify factors predicting a successful DAIR at one year.Aims
Methods
Aims. Flail chest from a blunt injury to the thorax is associated with
significant
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hospital-level service characteristics on hip fracture outcomes and quality of care processes measures. This was a retrospective analysis of publicly available audit data obtained from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) 2018 benchmark summary and Facilities Survey. Data extraction was performed using a dedicated proforma to identify relevant hospital-level care process and outcome variables for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was adjusted 30-day mortality rate. A random forest-based multivariate imputation by chained equation (MICE) algorithm was used for missing value imputation. Univariable analysis for each hospital level factor was performed using a combination of Tobit regression, Siegal non-parametric linear regression, and Mann-Whitney U test analyses, dependent on the data type. In all analyses, a p-value < 0.05 denoted statistical significance.Aims
Methods
Objectives. Deep bone and joint infections (DBJI) are directly intertwined with health, demographic change towards an elderly population, and wellbeing. The elderly human population is more prone to acquire infections, and the consequences such as pain, reduced quality of life,
A total of 20 patients with a depressed fracture
of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker II or III) who would undergo open
reduction and internal fixation were randomised to have the metaphyseal
void in the bone filled with either porous titanium granules or
autograft bone. Radiographs were undertaken within one week, after
six weeks, three months, six months, and after 12 months. The primary outcome measure was recurrent depression of the joint
surface: a secondary outcome was the duration of surgery. The risk of recurrent depression of the joint surface was lower
(p <
0.001) and the operating time less (p <
0.002) when titanium
granules were used. The indication is that it is therefore beneficial to use porous
titanium granules than autograft bone to fill the void created by
reducing a depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. There
is no donor site
The impact of concomitant injuries in patients with proximal femoral fractures has rarely been studied. To date, the few studies published have been mostly single-centre research focusing on the influence of upper limb fractures. A retrospective cohort analysis was, therefore, conducted to identify the impact and distribution of concomitant injuries in patients with proximal femoral fractures. A retrospective, multicentre registry-based study was undertaken. Between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019, data for 24,919 patients from 100 hospitals were collected in the Registry for Geriatric Trauma. This information was queried and patient groups with and without concomitant injury were compared using linear and logistic regression models. In addition, we analyzed the influence of the different types of additional injuries.Aims
Methods
It is imperative to understand the risks of operating on urgent cases during the COVID-19 (SARS-Cov-2 virus) pandemic for clinical decision-making and medical resource planning. The primary aim was to determine the mortality risk and associated variables when operating on urgent cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective was to assess differences in the outcome of patients treated between sites treating COVID-19 and a separate surgical site. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Secondary measures included complications of surgery, COVID-19 infection, and length of stay. Multiple variables were assessed for their contribution to the 30-day mortality. In total, 433 patients were included with a mean age of 65 years; 45% were male, and 90% were Caucasian.Aims
Methods
Paediatric fractures are common and can cause
significant
The primary aim of this study was to identify independent predictors associated with nonunion and delayed union of tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. The secondary aim was to assess the Radiological Union Scale for Tibial fractures (RUST) score as an early predictor of tibial fracture nonunion. A consecutive series of 647 patients who underwent intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphyseal fractures were identified from a trauma database. Demographic data, comorbidities, smoking status, alcohol consumption, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid use were documented. Details regarding mechanism of injury, fracture classification, complications, and further surgery were recorded. Nonunion was defined as the requirement for revision surgery to achieve union. Delayed union was defined as a RUST score < 10 at six months postoperatively.Aims
Methods
Infection after surgery increases treatment costs and is associated with increased mortality. Hip fracture patients have historically had high rates of methicillin-resistant A total of 13,503 patients who presented with a hip fracture over 17 years formed the study population. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for MRSA and SSI. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling adjusted for temporal trends in rates of MRSA. Kaplan-Meier estimators were generated to assess for changes in mortality.Aims
Methods
Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are advocated by recent British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOASTs) to efficiently manage injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of this national study is to assess the impact of these standards on patient satisfaction and clinical outcome amid the pandemic. The secondary aims are to determine the impact of the pandemic on the demographic details of injuries presenting to the VFC, and to compare outcomes and satisfaction when the BOAST guidelines were first introduced with a subsequent period when local practice would be familiar with these guidelines. This is a national cross-sectional cohort study comprising centres with VFC services across the UK. All consecutive adult patients assessed in VFC in a two-week period pre-lockdown (6 May 2019 to 19 May 2019) and in the same two-week period at the peak of the first lockdown (4 May 2020 to 17 May 2020), and a randomly selected sample during the ‘second wave’ (October 2020) will be eligible for the study. Data comprising local VFC practice, patient and injury characteristics, unplanned re-attendances, and complications will be collected by local investigators for all time periods. A telephone questionnaire will be used to determine patient satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes for patients who were discharged following VFC assessment without face-to-face consultation.Aims
Methods
Pin-site infection remains a significant problem for patients treated by external fixation. A randomized trial was undertaken to compare the weekly use of alcoholic chlorhexidine (CHX) for pin-site care with an emollient skin preparation in patients with a tibial fracture treated with a circular frame. Patients were randomized to use either 0.5% CHX or Dermol (DML) 500 emollient pin-site care. A skin biopsy was taken from the tibia during surgery to measure the dermal and epidermal thickness and capillary, macrophage, and T-cell counts per high-powered field. The pH and hydration of the skin were measured preoperatively, at follow-up, and if pin-site infection occurred. Pin-site infection was defined using a validated clinical system.Aims
Methods
Echocardiography is commonly used in hip fracture patients to evaluate perioperative cardiac risk. However, echocardiography that delays surgical repair may be harmful. The objective of this study was to compare surgical wait times, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and healthcare costs for similar hip fracture patients evaluated with and without preoperative echocardiograms. A population-based, matched cohort study of all hip fracture patients (aged over 45 years) in Ontario, Canada between 2009 and 2014 was conducted. The primary exposure was preoperative echocardiography (occurring between hospital admission and surgery). Mortality rates, surgical wait times, postoperative LOS, and medical costs (expressed as 2013$ CAN) up to one year postoperatively were assessed after propensity-score matching.Aims
Methods
The aims of this study were to investigate the mortality following a proximal humeral fracture. Data from a large population-based fracture register were used to quantify 30-day, 90-day, and one-year mortality rates after a proximal humeral fracture. Associations between the risk of mortality and the type of fracture and its treatment were assessed, and mortality rates were compared between patients who sustained a fracture and the general population. All patients with a proximal humeral fracture recorded in the Swedish Fracture Register between 2011 and 2017 were included in the study. Those who died during follow-up were identified via linkage with the Swedish Tax Agency population register. Age- and sex-adjusted controls were retrieved from Statistics Sweden and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated.Aims
Methods
Aims. Fractures of the distal femur are an important cause of
In the management of a pelvic fracture prompt recognition of an unstable fracture pattern is important in reducing mortality and
Aims. This study identifies early risk factors for symptomatic nonunion
of displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle that aid identification
of an at risk group who may benefit from surgery. . Methods . We performed a retrospective study of 88 patients aged between
16 and 60 years that were managed non-operatively. . Results . The rate of symptomatic nonunion requiring surgery was 14% (n
= 13). Smoking (odds ratio (OR) 40.76, 95% confidence intervals
(CI) 1.38 to 120.30) and the six week Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder
and Hand (DASH) score (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22, for each point
increase) were independent predictors of nonunion. A six week DASH score
of 35 or more was identified as a threshold value to predict nonunion
using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Smoking
and the threshold value in the DASH and were additive risk factors
for nonunion, when neither were present the risk of nonunion was
2%, if one or the other were present the nonunion rate was between 17%
to 20%, and if both were present the rate increased to 44%. Discussion. Patients with either of these risk factors, which include approximately
half of all patients sustaining displaced midshaft fractures of
the clavicle, are at an increased risk of developing a symptomatic
non-union. Take home message: Smoking and failure of functional return at
six weeks are significant predictors of nonunion of the midshaft
of the clavicle. Such patients warrant further investigation as
to whether they would benefit from early surgical fixation in order
to avoid the
To describe a new objective classification for open fractures of the lower limb and to correlate the classification with patient-centred outcomes. The proposed classification was investigated within a cohort of adults with open fractures of the lower limb who were recruited as part of two large clinical trials within the UK Major Trauma Network. The classification was correlated with patient-reported Disability Rating Index (DRI) and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) health-related quality of life in the year after injury, and with deep infection at 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of a deep surgical site infection.Aims
Methods
Limited access surgery is thought to reduce post-operative
Nonunion of the tibia associated with bone loss, previous infection, obliteration of the intramedullary canal or located in the distal metaphysis poses a challenge to the surgeon and significant
Hospital case volume is shown to be associated with postoperative outcomes in various types of surgery. However, conflicting results of volume-outcome relationship have been reported in hip fracture surgery. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between hospital case volume and postoperative outcomes in patients who had hip fracture surgery. We hypothesized that higher case volume would be associated with lower risk of in-hospital and one-year mortality after hip fracture surgery. Data for all patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture from January 2008 to December 2016 were extracted from the Korean National Healthcare Insurance Service database. According to mean annual case volume of surgery for hip fracture, hospitals were classified into very low (< 30 cases/year), low (30 to 50 cases/year), intermediate (50 to 100 cases/year), high (100 to 150 cases/year), or very high (> 150 cases/year) groups. The association between hospital case volume and in-hospital mortality or one-year mortality was assessed using the logistic regression model to adjust for age, sex, type of fracture, type of anaesthesia, transfusion, comorbidities, and year of surgery.Aims
Methods
A new anterior intrapelvic approach for the surgical
management of displaced acetabular fractures involving predominantly
the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate is described. In
order to establish five ‘windows’ for instrumentation, the extraperitoneal
space is entered along the lateral border of the rectus abdominis
muscle. This is the so-called ‘Pararectus’ approach. The feasibility
of safe dissection and optimal instrumentation of the pelvis was
assessed in five cadavers (ten hemipelves) before implementation
in a series of 20 patients with a mean age of 59 years (17 to 90),
of whom 17 were male. The clinical evaluation was undertaken between
December 2009 and December 2010. The quality of reduction was assessed
with post-operative CT scans and the occurrence of intra-operative
complications was noted. In cadavers, sufficient extraperitoneal
access and safe instrumentation of the pelvis were accomplished.
In the patients, there was a statistically significant improvement
in the reduction of the fracture (pre- versus post-operative:
mean step-off 3.3 mm (. sd. 2.6) vs 0.1 mm
(. sd. 0.3), p <
0.001; and mean gap 11.5 mm (. sd. 6.5) vs 0.8 mm
(. sd. 1.3), p <
0.001). Lesions to the peritoneum were
noted in two patients and minor vascular damage was noted in a further
two patients. Multi-directional screw placement and various plate
configurations were feasible in cadavers without significant retraction
of soft tissues. In the treatment of acetabular fractures predominantly involving
the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate, the Pararectus
approach allowed anatomical restoration with minimal
A total of 30 patients with lateral compression fractures of the pelvis with intra-articular extension into the anterior column were followed for a mean of 4.2 years (2 to 6), using the validated functional outcome tools of the musculoskeletal function assessment and the short-form health survey (SF-36). The functional outcome was compared with that of a series of patients who had sustained type-B1 and type-C pelvic fractures. The lateral-compression group included 20 men and ten women with a mean age of 42.7 years (13 to 84) at the time of injury. Functional deficits were noted for the mental component summary score (p = 0.008) and in the social function domain (p <
0.05) of the SF-36. There was no evidence of degenerative arthritis in the lateral-compression group. However, they had high functional
The primary aim was to assess the independent influence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on 30-day mortality for patients with a hip fracture. The secondary aims were to determine whether: 1) there were clinical predictors of COVID-19 status; and 2) whether social lockdown influenced the incidence and epidemiology of hip fractures. A national multicentre retrospective study was conducted of all patients presenting to six trauma centres or units with a hip fracture over a 46-day period (23 days pre- and 23 days post-lockdown). Patient demographics, type of residence, place of injury, presentation blood tests, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, anaesthetic, length of stay, COVID-19 status, and 30-day mortality were recorded.Aims
Methods
Tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries about the knee that have the potential to affect patients’ long-term function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a musculoskeletal focus to assess the long-term outcome, as compared to a short-term outcome baseline, of tibial plateau fractures treated using modern techniques. In total, 102 patients who sustained a displaced tibial plateau fracture and underwent operative repair by one of three orthopaedic traumatologists at a large, academic medical centre and had a minimum of five-year follow-up were identified. Breakdown of patients by Schatzker classification is as follows: two (1.9%) Schatzker I, 54 (50.9%) Schatzker II, two (1.9%) Schatzker III, 13 (12.3%) Schatzker IV, nine (8.5%) Schatzker V, and 26 (24.5%) Schatzker VI. Follow-up data obtained included: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and knee range of movement (ROM). Data at latest follow-up were then compared to 12-month data using a paired Aims
Methods
Fractures in patients aged ≥ 65 years constitute
an increasing burden on health and social care and are associated with
a high
To compare the cost-utility of standard dressing with incisional negative-pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) in adults with closed surgical wounds associated with major trauma to the lower limbs. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted from the UK NHS and personal social services (PSS) perspective based on data collected from the Wound Healing in Surgery for Trauma (WHiST) multicentre randomized clinical trial. Health resource utilization was collected over a six-month post-randomization period using trial case report forms and participant-completed questionnaires. Cost-utility was reported in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of cost-effectiveness estimates while uncertainty was handled using confidence ellipses and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.Aims
Methods
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).
Despite the increase in numbers of the extreme elderly, little data is available regarding their outcome after surgery for fracture of the hip. We performed a prospective study of 50 patients aged 95 years and over who underwent this procedure. Outcome measures included
The aim of this study was to explore whether time to surgery affects functional outcome in displaced proximal humeral fractures A total of 250 patients presenting within three weeks of sustaining a displaced proximal humeral fracture involving the surgical neck were recruited at 32 acute NHS hospitals in the United Kingdom between September 2008 and April 2011. Of the 125 participants, 109 received surgery (fracture fixation or humeral head replacement) as per randomization. Data were included for 101 and 67 participants at six-month and five-year follow-up, respectively. Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) collected at six, 12, and 24 months and at three, four, and five years following randomization was plotted against time to surgery. Long-term recovery was explored by plotting six-month scores against five-year scores and agreement was illustrated with a Bland-Altman plot.Aims
Methods
Prospective data on 6905 consecutive hip fracture
patients at a district general hospital were analysed to identify the
risk factors for the development of deep infection post-operatively.
The main outcome measure was infection beneath the fascia lata. A total of 50 patients (0.7%) had deep infection. Operations
by consultants or a specialist hip fracture surgeon had half the
rate of deep infection compared with junior grades (p = 0.01). Increased
duration of anaesthesia was significantly associated with deep infection
(p = 0.01). The method of fracture fixation was also significant. Intracapsular
fractures treated with a hemiarthroplasty had seven times the rate
of deep infection compared with those treated by internal fixation
(p = 0.001). Extracapsular fractures treated with an extramedullary
device had a deep infection rate of 0.78% compared with 0% for those
treated with intramedullary devices (p = 0.02). The management of hip fracture patients by a specialist hip fracture
surgeon using appropriate fixation could significantly reduce the
rate of deep infection and associated
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. The World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE) is a multicentre, prospective cohort of hip fracture patients in NHS hospitals in England and Wales. Patients aged 60 years and older who received operative treatment for a hip fracture were eligible for inclusion in WHiTE. The prescription of bone protection medications was recorded from participants’ discharge summaries, and participant-reported use of bone protection medications was recorded at 120 days following surgery.Aims
Patients and Methods
Revision operations after fracture of the hip are costly, in both monetary and personal terms. We have assessed whether these costs applied equally to all complications after the primary procedure. We studied 3154 consecutive patients with fracture of the hip and analysed the complications and financial implications related to reoperation within one year of injury. The results showed that revision surgery is not always associated with a significant increase in
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. At 17 centres, an expert surgeon reviewed a randomly selected subset of cases from their centre with regard to fracture classification using the AO system and type of operation performed. Agreement for these variables was then compared with the data collected during conduct of the World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE) cohort study. Both types of surgery and fracture classification were collapsed to identify the level of detail of reporting that achieved meaningful agreement. In the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD), the types of operation and fracture classification were explored to identify the proportion of “highly improbable” combinations.Aims
Patients and Methods
The primary aim of this study was to determine if delayed clavicular fixation results in a greater risk of operative complications and revision surgery. A retrospective case series was undertaken of all displaced clavicular fractures that underwent plate fixation over a ten-year period (2007 to 2017). Patient demographics, time to surgery, complications, and mode of failure were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors contributing towards operative complications. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine if a potential ‘safe window’ exists from injury to delayed surgery. Propensity score matching was used to construct a case control study for comparison of risk.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of anterior knee pain after antegrade tibial nailing using suprapatellar and infrapatellar surgical approaches A total of 95 patients with a tibial fracture requiring an intramedullary nail were randomized to treatment using a supra- or infrapatellar approach. Anterior knee pain was assessed at four and six months, and one year postoperatively, using the Aberdeen Weightbearing Test – Knee (AWT-K) score and a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain. The AWT-K is an objective patient-reported outcome measure that uses weight transmitted through the knee when kneeling as a surrogate for anterior knee pain.Aims
Patients and Methods
Low haemoglobin (Hb) at admission has been identified as a risk factor for mortality for elderly patients with hip fractures in some studies. However, this remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the association between Hb level at admission and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery. All consecutive patients (prospective database) admitted with hip fracture operated in a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We collected patient characteristics, time to surgery, duration and type of surgery, comorbidities, Hb at admission, nadir of Hb after surgery, the use and amount of red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion products, postoperative complications, and death. The main outcome measures were mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery.Aims
Patients and Methods
Limb salvage after loss of bone and soft tissue may require many operations to obtain soft-tissue cover and bony continuity. We describe a fibula-flexor hallucis longus osteomuscular flap which can provide both soft tissue and bone in a single stage. The flap is based on the peroneal vessels and is covered by a split-thickness skin graft. We report the results in five patients with an average bone defect of 8.3 cm and soft-tissue and skin loss. All regained a normal gait on the donor side; four had clinical and radiological union with excellent soft-tissue cover, but one required later amputation due to diffuse coagulopathy. The flap provides free vascularised bone with muscle cover. It has a dependable, long pedicle with minimal
We reviewed 78 femoral and tibial nonunions treated between January 1992 and December 2003. Of these, we classified 41 in 40 patients as complex cases because of infection (22), bone loss (6) or failed previous surgery (13). The complex cases were all treated with Ilizarov frames. At a mean time of 14.1 months (4 to 38), 39 had healed successfully. Using the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov scoring system we obtained 17 excellent, 14 good, four fair and six poor bone results. The functional results were excellent in 14 patients, good in 14, fair in two and poor in two. A total of six patients were lost to follow-up and two had amputations so were not evaluated for final functional assessment. All but two patients were very satisfied with the results. The average cost of treatment to the treating hospital was approximately £30 000 per patient. We suggest that early referral to a tertiary centre could reduce the
The aim of this study was to determine the trajectory of recovery following fixation of tibial plateau fractures up to five-year follow-up, including simple (Schatzker I-IV) Patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for tibial plateau fractures were enrolled into a prospective database. Functional outcome, using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary (SF-36 PCS), was collected at baseline, six months, one year, and five years. The trajectory of recovery for complex fractures (Schatzker V and VI) was compared with simple fractures (Schatzker I to IV). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated between timepoints. In all, 182 patients were enrolled: 136 (74.7%) in simple and 46 (25.3%) in complex. There were 103 female patients and 79 male patients with a mean age of 45.8 years (15 to 86).Aims
Patients and Methods
Claims for personal injury after whiplash injury cost the economy of the United Kingdom more than £3 billion per year, yet only very few patients have radiologically demonstrable pathology. Those sustaining fractures of the cervical spine have been subjected to greater force and may reasonably be expected to have worse symptoms than those with whiplash injuries. Using the neck disability index as the outcome measure, we compared pain and functional disability in four groups of patients who had suffered injury to the cervical spine. After a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, patients who had sustained fractures of the cervical spine had significantly lower levels of pain and disability than those who had received whiplash injuries and were pursuing compensation (p <
0.01), but had similar levels to those whiplash sufferers who had settled litigation or had never sought compensation. Functional recovery after neck injury was unrelated to the physical insult. The increased
The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of postoperatively restricted weight-bearing and its association with outcome in patients who undergo surgery for a fracture of the hip. Patient aged > 60 years undergoing surgery for a hip fracture were identified in the 2016 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Hip Fracture Targeted Procedure Dataset. Analysis of the effect of restricted weight-bearing on adverse events, delirium, infection, transfusion, length of stay, return to the operating theatre, readmission and mortality within 30 days postoperatively were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding demographic, comorbid and procedural characteristics.Aims
Patients and Methods
Many authors have reported a shorter treatment time when using trifocal bone transport (TFT) rather than bifocal bone transport (BFT) in the management of long segmental tibial bone defects. However, the difference in the incidence of additional procedures, the true complications, and the final results have not been investigated. A total of 86 consecutive patients with a long tibial bone defect (≥ 8 cm), who were treated between January 2008 and January 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 45 were treated by BFT and 41 by TFT. The median age of the 45 patients in the BFT group was 43 years (interquartile range (IQR) 23 to 54).Aims
Patients and Methods
We aimed to determine the effect of dementia and Parkinson’s
disease on one, three and 12-month mortality following surgery for
fracture of the hip in elderly patients from an Asian population. Using a random sample of patients taken from the Taiwan National
Health Insurance Research Database, this retrospective cohort study
analyzed the data on 6626 elderly patients who sustained a fracture
of the hip between 1997 and 2012 who had ICD-9 codes within the
general range of hip fracture (820.xx). We used Cox regression to estimate
the risk of death associated with dementia, Parkinson’s disease
or both, adjusting for demographic, clinical, treatment, and provider
factors.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the type of operation used to treat a trochanteric fracture of the hip and 30-day mortality. Data on 82 990 patients from the National Hip Fracture Database were analyzed using generalized linear models with incremental case-mix adjustment for patient, non-surgical and surgical characteristics, and socioeconomic factors.Aims
Patients and Methods
This study describes and compares the operative management and outcomes in a consecutive case series of patients with dislocated hemiarthroplasties of the hip, and compares outcomes with those of patients not sustaining a dislocation. Of 3326 consecutive patients treated with hemiarthroplasty for fractured neck of femur, 46 (1.4%) sustained dislocations. Of the 46 dislocations, there were 37 female patients (80.4%) and nine male patients (19.6%) with a mean age of 83.8 years (66 to 100). Operative intervention for each, and subsequent dislocations, were recorded. The following outcome measures were recorded: dislocation; mortality up to one-year post-injury; additional surgery; residential status; mobility; and pain score at one year.Aims
Patients and Methods
We aimed to characterise the effect of expeditious hip fracture
surgery in elderly patients within 24 hours of admission on short-term
post-operative outcomes. Patients age 65 or older that underwent surgery for closed femoral
neck and intertrochanteric hip fractures were identified from the
American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement
Program between 2011 and 2014. Multivariable propensity-adjusted
logistic regressions were performed to determine associations between early
surgery within 24 hours and post-operative complications, controlling
for selection bias in patients undergoing early surgery based on
observable characteristics.Aims
Patients and Methods
This study reviews the use of a titanium mesh cage (TMC) as an
adjunct to intramedullary nail or plate reconstruction of an extra-articular
segmental long bone defect. A total of 17 patients (aged 17 to 61 years) treated for a segmental
long bone defect by nail or plate fixation and an adjunctive TMC
were included. The bone defects treated were in the tibia (nine),
femur (six), radius (one), and humerus (one). The mean length of
the segmental bone defect was 8.4 cm (2.2 to 13); the mean length
of the titanium mesh cage was 8.3 cm (2.6 to 13). The clinical and
radiological records of the patients were analyzed retrospectively.Aims
Patients and Methods
Fractures of the hip are common, often occurring
in frail elderly patients, but also in younger fit healthy patients following
trauma. They have a significant associated mortality and major social
and financial implications to patients and health care providers.
Many guidelines are available for the management of these patients,
mostly recommending early surgery for the best outcomes. As a result,
healthcare authorities now put pressure on surgical teams to ‘fast
track’ patients with a fracture of the hip, often misquoting the
available literature, which in itself can be confusing and even
conflicting. This paper has been written following an extensive review of
the available literature. An attempt is made to clarify what is
meant by early surgery (expeditious Cite this article:
Fracture clinics are often characterised by the referral of large
numbers of unselected patients with minor injuries not requiring
investigation or intervention, long waiting times and recurrent
unnecessary reviews. Our experience had been of an unsustainable
system and we implemented a ‘Trauma Triage Clinic’ (TTC) in order
to rationalise and regulate access to our fracture service. The
British Orthopaedic Association’s guidelines have required a prospective evaluation
of this change of practice, and we report our experience and results. We review the management of all 12 069 patients referred to our
service in the calendar year 2014, with a minimum of one year follow-up
during the calendar year 2015. Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this double-blind prospective randomised controlled
trial was to assess whether low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)
accelerated or enhanced the rate of bone healing in adult patients
undergoing distraction osteogenesis. A total of 62 adult patients undergoing limb lengthening or bone
transport by distraction osteogenesis were randomised to treatment
with either an active (n = 32) or a placebo (n = 30) ultrasound
device. A standardised corticotomy was performed in the proximal
tibial metaphysis and a circular Ilizarov frame was used in all
patients. The rate of distraction was also standardised. The primary
outcome measure was the time to removal of the frame after adjusting
for the length of distraction in days/cm for both the per protocol
(PP) and the intention-to-treat (ITT) groups. The assessor was blinded
to the form of treatment. A secondary outcome was to identify covariates affecting
the time to removal of the frame.Aims
Patients and Methods
We reviewed all patients who sustained a fracture of the hip
and were treated in Northern Ireland over a period of 15 years to
identify trends in incidence, the demographics of the patients,
the rates of mortality, the configuration of the fracture and the
choice of implant. Since 01 January 2001 data about every fracture of the hip sustained
in an adult have been collected centrally in Northern Ireland. All
adults with such a fracture between 2000 and 2015 were included
in the study. Temporal changes in their demographics, the mode of
treatment, and outcomes including mortality were analysed.Aims
Patients and Methods
Surgical site infection can be a devastating complication of
hemiarthroplasty of the hip, when performed in elderly patients
with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck. It results in a prolonged
stay in hospital, a poor outcome and increased costs. Many studies
have identified risk and prognostic factors for deep infection.
However, most have combined the rates of infection following total
hip arthroplasty and internal fixation as well as hemiarthroplasty, despite
the fact that they are different entities. The aim of this study
was to clarify the risk and prognostic factors causing deep infection
after hemiarthroplasty alone. Data were extracted from a prospective hip fracture database
and completed by retrospective review of the hospital records. A
total of 916 patients undergoing a hemiarthroplasty in two level
II trauma teaching hospitals between 01 January 2011 and
01 May 2016 were included. We analysed the potential peri-operative
risk factors with univariable and multivariable logistic regression
analysis.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the clinical level of evidence of commercially available demineralised bone matrix (DBM) products for their use in trauma and orthopaedic related surgery. A total of 17 DBM products were used as search terms in two available databases: Embase and PubMed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses statement. All articles that reported the clinical use of a DBM-product in trauma and orthopaedic related surgery were included.Objectives
Methods
Our aim was to analyse the long-term functional outcome of two
forms of surgical treatment for active patients aged >
70 years
with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. Patients
were randomised to be treated with either a hemiarthroplasty or
a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The outcome five years post-operatively
for this cohort has previously been reported. We present the outcome
at 12 years post-operatively. Initially 252 patients with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to
95.6) were included, of whom 205 (81%) were women. A total of 137
were treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty and 115 with a cemented
THA. At long-term follow-up we analysed the modified Harris Hip
Score (HHS), post-operative complications and intra-operative data
of the patients who were still alive.Aims
Patients and Methods
We aimed to determine whether there is evidence of improved patient
outcomes in Major Trauma Centres following the regionalisation of
trauma care in England. An observational study was undertaken using the Trauma Audit
and Research Network (TARN), Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and
national death registrations. The outcome measures were indicators
of the quality of trauma care, such as treatment by a senior doctor
and clinical outcomes, such as mortality in hospital.Aims
Patients and Methods
Bisphosphonates are widely used as first-line treatment for primary and secondary prevention of fragility fractures. Whilst they have proved effective in this role, there is growing concern over their long-term use, with much evidence linking bisphosphonate-related suppression of bone remodelling to an increased risk of atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur (AFFs). The objective of this article is to review this evidence, while presenting the current available strategies for the management of AFFs. We present an evaluation of current literature relating to the pathogenesis and treatment of AFFs in the context of bisphosphonate use.Objectives
Methods
We present an audit comparing our level I major trauma centre’s
data for a cohort of patients with hip fractures in the National
Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) with locally held data on these patients. A total of 2036 records for episodes between July 2009 and June
2014 were reviewed. Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the failure
of exchange nailing in nonunion of tibial diaphyseal fractures. A cohort of 102 tibial diaphyseal nonunions in 101 patients with
a mean age of 36.9 years (15 to 74) were treated between January
1992 and December 2012 by exchange nailing. Of which 33 (32%) were
initially open injuries. The median time from primary fixation to
exchange nailing was 6.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 4.3 to
9.8 months). The main outcome measures were union, number of secondary fixation
procedures required to achieve union and time to union. Univariate analysis and multiple regression were used to identify
risk factors for failure to achieve union. Aims
Patients and Methods
A successful outcome following treatment of nonunion requires the correct identification of all of the underlying cause(s) and addressing them appropriately. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and frequency of causative factors in a consecutive cohort of nonunion patients in order to optimise the management strategy for individual patients presenting with nonunion. Causes of the nonunion were divided into four categories: mechanical; infection; dead bone with a gap; and host. Prospective and retrospective data of 100 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for long bone fracture nonunion were analysed.Objectives
Methods
To determine whether there is any difference in infection rate
at 90 days between trauma operations performed in laminar flow and
plenum ventilation, and whether infection risk is altered following
the installation of laminar flow (LF). We assessed the impact of plenum ventilation (PV) and LF on the
rate of infection for patients undergoing orthopaedic trauma operations.
All NHS hospitals in England with a trauma theatre(s) were contacted
to identify the ventilation system which was used between April
2008 and March 2013 in the following categories: always LF, never
LF, installed LF during study period (subdivided: before, during
and after installation) and unknown. For each operation, age, gender,
comorbidity, socio-economic deprivation, number of previous trauma
operations and surgical site infection within 90 days (SSI90) were
extracted from England’s national hospital administrative Hospital
Episode Statistics database. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR)
were used to compare ventilation groups using hierarchical logistic
regression. Subanalysis was performed for hip hemiarthroplasties.Aims
Patients and Methods
In this retrospective observational cohort study,
we describe 17 patients out of 1775 treated for various fractures who
developed mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection after surgery.
The cohort comprised 15 men and two women with a mean age of 40
years (24 to 70). A total of ten fractures were open and seven were
closed. Of these, seven patients underwent intramedullary nailing
of a fracture of the long bone, seven had fractures fixed with plates,
two with Kirschner-wires and screws, and one had a hemiarthroplasty
of the hip with an Austin Moore prosthesis. All patients were followed-up
for two years. In all patients, the infection resolved, and in 14
the fractures united. Nonunion was seen in two patients one of whom
underwent two-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the other patient
was treated using excision arthoplasty. Another patient was treated
using two-stage THA. With only sporadic case reports in the literature,
MTB infection is rarely clinically suspected, even in underdeveloped
and developing countries, where pulmonary and other forms of TB
are endemic. In developed countries there is also an increased incidence
among immunocompromised patients. In this paper we discuss the pathogenesis
and incidence of MTB infection after surgical management of fractures
and suggest protocols for early diagnosis and management. Cite this article:
The PROximal Fracture of the Humerus: Evaluation by Randomisation (PROFHER) trial has recently demonstrated that surgery is non-superior to non-operative treatment in the management of displaced proximal humeral fractures. The objective of this study was to assess current surgical practice in the context of the PROFHER trial in terms of patient demographics, injury characteristics and the nature of the surgical treatment. A total of ten consecutive patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of a proximal humeral fracture from each of 11 United Kingdom hospitals were retrospectively identified over a 15 month period between January 2014 and March 2015. Data gathered for the 110 patients included patient demographics, injury characteristics, mode of surgical fixation, the grade of operating surgeon and the cost of the surgical implants.Objectives
Methods
This study compared the quality of reduction
and complication rate when using a standard ilioinguinal approach and
the new pararectus approach when treating acetabular fractures surgically.
All acetabular fractures that underwent fixation using either approach
between February 2005 and September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed
and the demographics of the patients, the surgical details and complications
were recorded. A total of 100 patients (69 men, 31 women; mean age 57 years,
18 to 93) who were consecutively treated were included for analysis.
The quality of reduction was assessed using standardised measurement
of the gaps and steps in the articular surface on pre- and post-operative
CT-scans. There were no significant differences in the demographics of
the patients, the surgical details or the complications between
the two approaches. A significantly better reduction of the gap,
however, was achieved with the pararectus approach (axial: p = 0.025,
coronal: p = 0.013, sagittal: p = 0.001). These data suggest that the pararectus approach is at least equal
to, or in the case of reduction of the articular gap, superior to
the ilioinguinal approach. This approach allows direct buttressing of the dome of the acetabulum
and the quadrilateral plate, which is particularly favourable in
geriatric fracture patterns. Cite this article:
The management of open lower limb fractures in the United Kingdom
has evolved over the last ten years with the introduction of major
trauma networks (MTNs), the publication of standards of care and
the wide acceptance of a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical approach
to management. The aims of this study were to report recent changes
in outcome of open tibial fractures following the implementation
of these changes. Data on all patients with an open tibial fracture presenting
to a major trauma centre between 2011 and 2012 were collected prospectively.
The treatment and outcomes of the 65 Gustilo Anderson Grade III
B tibial fractures were compared with historical data from the same
unit. Aims
Patients and Methods
This study aimed to determine the long-term functional,
clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with Schatzker IV
to VI fractures of the tibial plateau treated with an Ilizarov frame.
Clinical, functional and radiological assessment was carried out
at a minimum of one year post-operatively. A cohort of 105 patients
(62 men, 43 women) with a mean age of 49 years (15 to 87) and a
mean follow-up of 7.8 years (1 to 19) were reviewed. There were
18 type IV, 10 type V and 77 type VI fractures. All fractures united
with a mean time to union of 20.1 weeks (10.6 to 42.3). No patient
developed a deep infection. The median range of movement (ROM) of
the knee was 110o and the median Iowa score was 85. Our study demonstrates good long-term functional outcome with
no deep infection; spanning the knee had no detrimental effect on
the ROM or functional outcome. High-energy fractures of the tibial plateau may be treated effectively
with a fine wire Ilizarov fixator. Cite this article: