Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. Between December 2017 and December 2019, 60 patients were recruited (median age 77.4 years, range 63.3 to 88.5) (39/21 M/F ratio). At final nine-month follow-up, 4/60 (7%) had withdrawn, 4/60 (7%) had died, and one had been lost to follow-up; a 98% response rate (50/51) was achieved for the EQ-5D questionnaire. Four deaths were recorded during the three-year trial period: three in the non-surgical treatment group and one in the fix-and-replace group. Conclusion. This study has shown a full-scale RCT to be feasible, but will need international recruitment. The Acetabular Fractures in older patients Intervention Trial (AceFIT) has informed the design of a multinational RCT sample size of 1,474 or 1,974 patients for a minimal clinically important difference of 0.06 on EQ-5D, with a power of 0.8 or 0.9, and loss to follow-up of 20%. This observed patient cohort comprises a medically complex group requiring multidisciplinary care; surgeon, anaesthetist, and ortho-geriatrician input is needed to optimize recovery and rehabilitation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):401–411

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. A total of 337 patients tested positive for COVID-19. The overall 30-day mortality in these patients was 7.7%: 5.5% in vaccinated patients and 21.7% in unvaccinated patients. There was no significant difference between post-vaccine mortality compared with pre-pandemic 2019 controls (7.7% vs 5.0%; p = 0.068). Independent risk factors for mortality included unvaccinated status, Abbreviated Mental Test Score ≤ 6, male sex, age > 80 years, and time to theatre > 36 hours, in decreasing order of effect size. Conclusion. The vaccination programme has reduced 30-day mortality rates in hip fracture patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection to a level similar to pre-pandemic. Mortality for unvaccinated patients remained high. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1362–1368

Aims. 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. Methods. All hip fracture patients aged 18 to 60 years admitted to a single centre over a 15-year period were used to identify the study group. Fracture pattern (undisplaced intracapsular, displaced intracapsular, and extracapsular) and type of operation (multiple cannulated hip screws, angular stable fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and total hip replacement) were recorded. The primary outcome measures were the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and EQ-visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Preinjury scores were recorded by patient recall and postinjury scores were collected at a mean of 57 months (9 to 118) postinjury. Ethics approval was obtained prior to study commencement. Results. A total of 72 patients were included. There was a significant difference in pre- and post-injury OHS (mean 9.8 point reduction (38 to -20; p < 0.001)), EQ-5D (mean 0.208 reduction in index (0.897 to -0.630; p < 0.001)), and VAS , and VAS (mean 11.6 point reduction (70 to -55; p < 0.001)) Fracture pattern had a significant influence on OHS (p < 0.001) with extracapsular fractures showing the least favourable long-term outcome. Fixation type also impacted significantly on OHS (p = 0.011) with the worst outcomes in patients treated by hemiarthroplasty or angular stable fixation. Conclusion. There is a significant reduction in function and quality of life following injury, with all three patient-reported outcome measures used, indicating that this is a substantial injury in younger patients. Treatment with hemiarthroplasty or angular stable devices in this cohort were associated with a less favourable hip score outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):766–771

Aims. We assessed the value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in the prediction of adverse outcome after hip fracture. Methods. Of 1,577 consecutive patients aged > 65 years with a fragility hip fracture admitted to one institution, for whom there were complete data, 1,255 (72%) were studied. Clinicians assigned CFS scores on admission. Audit personnel routinely prospectively completed the Standardised Audit of Hip Fracture in Europe form, including the following outcomes: 30-day survival; in-hospital complications; length of acute hospital stay; and new institutionalization. The relationship between the CFS scores and outcomes was examined graphically and the visual interpretations were tested statistically. The predictive values of the CFS and Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) to predict 30-day mortality were compared using receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Results. Significant non-linear associations between CFS and outcomes were observed. Risk of death within 30 days rose linearly for CFS 1 to 5, but plateaued for CFS > 5. The incidence of complications and length of stay rose linearly for CFS 1 to 4, but plateaued for CFS > 4. In contrast, the risk of new institutionalization rose linearly for CFS 1 to 8. The AUCs for 30-day mortality for the CFS and NHFS were very similar: CFS AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.69) and NHFS AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.69). Conclusion. Use of the CFS may provide useful information on outcomes for fitter patients presenting with hip fracture, but completion of the CFS by the admitting orthopaedic team does not appear successful in distinguishing between higher CFS categories, which define patients with frailty. This makes a strong case for the role of the orthogeriatrician in the early assessment of these patients. Further work is needed to understand why patients assessed as being of mild, moderate, and severe frailty do not result in different outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):980–986

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. Of 317 patients with acute hip fracture, 27 (8.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test. Only seven (26%) had suggestive symptoms on admission. COVID-19-positive patients had a significantly lower 30-day survival compared to those without COVID-19 (64.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 45.7 to 83.3 vs 91.7%, 95% CI 88.2 to 94.8; p < 0.001). COVID-19 was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality risk adjusting for: 1) age, sex, type of residence (hazard ratio (HR) 2.93; p = 0.008); 2) Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (HR 3.52; p = 0.001); and 3) ASA (HR 3.45; p = 0.004). Presentation platelet count predicted subsequent COVID-19 status; a value of < 217 × 10. 9. /l was associated with 68% area under the curve (95% CI 58 to 77; p = 0.002) and a sensitivity and specificity of 63%. A similar number of patients presented with hip fracture in the 23 days pre-lockdown (n = 160) and 23 days post-lockdown (n = 157) with no significant (all p ≥ 0.130) difference in patient demographics, residence, place of injury, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, ASA, or management. Conclusion. COVID-19 was independently associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate for patients with a hip fracture. Notably, most patients with hip fracture and COVID-19 lacked suggestive symptoms at presentation. Platelet count was an indicator of risk of COVID-19 infection. These findings have implications for the management of hip fractures, in particular the need for COVID-19 testing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1219–1228

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a salvage procedure using a 95° angled blade plate for failed osteosynthesis of atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures associated with the long-term use of bisphosphonates. These were compared with those for failed osteosynthesis of subtrochanteric fractures not associated with bisphosphonate treatment. Patients and Methods. Between October 2008 and July 2016, 14 patients with failed osteosynthesis of an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture were treated with a blade plate (atypical group). Their mean age was 67.8 years (60 to 74); all were female. During the same period, 21 patients with failed osteosynthesis of a typical subtrochanteric fracture underwent restabilization using a blade plate (typical group). Outcome variables included the time of union, postoperative complications, Harris Hip Score, and Sanders functional rating scale. Results. In the atypical group, union was achieved in 12 patients (85.7%) at a mean of 8.4 months (4 to 12). The mean follow-up was 31.2 months (12 to 92) The plate broke in one patient requiring further stabilization with a longer plate and strut-allograft. Another patient with failure of fixation and varus angulation at the fracture site declined further surgery. In the typical group, union was achieved in 18 patients (85.7%) at a mean of 7.9 months (4 to 12). There was no difference in the mean Harris Hip Score between the two groups (83.1 points vs 86.8 points; p = 0.522) at the time of final follow-up. Sanders functional rating scores were good or excellent in 78.6% of the atypical group and in 81.0% of the typical group. Conclusion. The 95° angled blade plate was shown to be an effective fixation modality for nonunion of atypical subtrochanteric fractures with a high rate of union and functional improvement, comparable to those after fractures not associated with bisphosphonate treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1511–17

Aims

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.

Aims

Frailty greatly increases the risk of adverse outcome of trauma in older people. Frailty detection tools appear to be unsuitable for use in traumatically injured older patients. We therefore aimed to develop a method for detecting frailty in older people sustaining trauma using routinely collected clinical data.

Aims

Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term morbidity. Our prospective cohort study sought to understand the recovery trajectory of this injury over five years.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fracture displacement and survivorship of the native hip joint without conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to determine predictors for conversion to THA in patients treated nonoperatively for acetabular fractures.

Aims. Complex displaced osteoporotic acetabular fractures in the elderly are associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Surgical options include either open reduction and internal fixation alone, or combined with total hip arthroplasty (THA). There remains a cohort of severely comorbid patients who are deemed unfit for extensive surgical reconstruction and are treated conservatively. We describe the results of a coned hemipelvis reconstruction and THA inserted via a posterior approach to the hip as the primary treatment for this severely high-risk cohort. Methods. We have prospectively monitored a series of 22 cases (21 patients) with a mean follow-up of 32 months (13 to 59). Results. The mean patient age was 79 years (67 to 87), and the mean ASA score was 3.3 (3 to 5). Three patients had high-energy injuries and 18 had low-energy injuries. All cases were associated fractures (Letournel classification: anterior column posterior hemitransverse, n = 13; associated both column, n = 6; transverse posterior wall, n = 3) with medialization of the femoral head. Mean operative time was 93 minutes (61 to 135). There have been no revisions to date. Of the 21 patients, 20 were full weight-bearing on day 1 postoperatively. Mean length of hospital stay was 12 days (5 to 27). Preoperative mobility status was maintained in 13 patients. At one year, mean Merle d’Aubigné score was 13.1 (10 to 18), mean Oxford Hip Score was 38.5 (24 to 44), mean EuroQol five-dimension five-level (EQ-5D-5L) health score was 68 (30 to 92), and mean EQ-5D-5L index score was 0.68 (0.335 to 0.837); data from 14 patients. Mortality was 9.5% (2/21) at one year. There have been no thromboembolic events, deep infections, or revisions. Conclusion. The coned hemipelvis reconstruction bypasses the fracture, creating an immediately stable construct that allows immediate full weight-bearing. The posterior approach minimizes the operative time and physiological insult in this vulnerable patient population. Early results suggest this to be a safe addition to current surgical options, targeted at the most medically frail elderly patient with a complex displaced acetabular fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):155–161

Aims

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.

Aims. To evaluate the outcomes of cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) following a fracture of the acetabulum, with evaluation of risk factors and comparison with a patient group with no history of fracture. . Patients and Methods. Between 1992 and 2016, 49 patients (33 male) with mean age of 57 years (25 to 87) underwent cemented THA at a mean of 6.5 years (0.1 to 25) following acetabular fracture. A total of 38 had undergone surgical fixation and 11 had been treated non-operatively; 13 patients died at a mean of 10.2 years after THA (0.6 to 19). Patients were assessed pre-operatively, at one year and at final follow-up (mean 9.1 years, 0.5 to 23) using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Implant survivorship was assessed. An age and gender-matched cohort of THAs performed for non-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) or avascular necrosis (AVN) (n = 98) were used to compare complications and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Results. The mean time from fracture to THA was significantly shorter for patients with AVN (2.2 years) or protrusio (2.2 years) than those with post-traumatic OA (9.4 years) or infection (8.0 years) (p = 0.03). Nine contained and four uncontained defects were managed with autograft (n = 11), bulk allograft (n = 1), or trabecular metal augment (n = 1). Initial fracture management (open reduction and internal fixation or non-operative), timing of THA (> /< one year), and age (> /< 55 years) had no significant effect on OHS or ten-year survival. Six THAs were revised at mean of 12 years (5 to 23) with ten-year all-cause survival of 92% (95% confidence interval 80.8 to 100). THA complication rates (all complications, heterotopic ossification, leg length discrepancy > 10 mm) were significantly higher following acetabular fracture compared with atraumatic OA/AVN and OHSs were inferior: one-year OHS (35.7 versus 40.2, p = 0.026); and final follow-up OHS (33.6 versus 40.9, p = 0.008). . Conclusion . Cemented THA is a reasonable option for the sequelae of acetabular fracture. Higher complication rates and poorer PROMs, compared with patients undergoing THA for atraumatic causes, reflects the complex nature of these cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1399–1408

Our aim in this pilot study was to evaluate the fixation of, the bone remodelling around, and the clinical outcome after surgery of a new, uncemented, fully hydroxyapatite-coated, collared and tapered femoral component, designed specifically for elderly patients with a fracture of the femoral neck. We enrolled 50 patients, of at least 70 years of age, with an acute displaced fracture of the femoral neck in this prospective single-series study. They received a total hip replacement using the new component and were followed up regularly for two years. Fixation was evaluated by radiostereometric analysis and bone remodelling by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Hip function and the health-related quality of life were assessed using the Harris hip score and the EuroQol-5D. Up to six weeks post-operatively there was a mean subsidence of 0.2 mm (−2.1 to +0.5) and a retroversion of a mean of 1.2° (−8.2° to +1.5°). No component migrated after three months. The patients had a continuous loss of peri-prosthetic bone which amounted to a mean of 16% (−49% to +10%) at two years. The mean Harris hip score was 82 (51 to 100) after two years. The two-year results from this pilot study indicate that this new, uncemented femoral component can be used for elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures of the femoral neck

We evaluated the outcome of treatment of nonunion of an intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in young patients using two cannulated screws and a vascularised bone graft. A total of 32 patients (15 women and 17 men, with a mean age of 36.5 years; 20 to 50) with failed internal fixation of an intracapsular fracture were included in the study. Following removal of the primary fixation, two cannulated compression screws were inserted with a vascularised iliac crest bone graft based on the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. At a mean follow-up of 6.8 years (4 to 10), union was achieved in 27 hips (84%). A total of five patients with a mean age of 40.5 years (35 to 50) had a persistent nonunion and underwent total hip arthroplasty as also did two patients whose fracture united but who developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head two years post-operatively. Statistical analysis showed that younger patients achieved earlier and more reliable union (p < 0.001). The functional outcome, as assessed by the Harris Hip score, was better in patients aged < 45 years compared with those aged > 45 years (p < 0.001). . These findings suggest that further fixation using two cannulated compression screws and a vascularised iliac crest bone graft is an effective salvage treatment in patients aged <  45 years, in whom osteosynthesis of a displaced intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck has failed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:988–91

Aims

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.

Aims

Acetabular fractures in older adults lead to a high risk of mortality and morbidity. However, only limited data have been published documenting functional outcomes in such patients. The aims of this study were to describe outcomes in patients aged 60 years and older with operatively managed acetabular fractures, and to establish predictors of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims

Patients who sustain neck of femur fractures are at high risk of malnutrition. Our intention was to assess to what extent malnutrition was associated with worse patient outcomes.

Early total hip replacement (THR) for acetabular fractures offers accelerated rehabilitation, but a high risk of heterotopic ossification (HO) has been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of HO, its associated risk factors and functional impact. A total of 40 patients with acetabular fractures treated with a THR weres retrospectively reviewed. The incidence and severity of HO were evaluated using the modified Brooker classification, and the functional outcome assessed. The overall incidence of HO was 38% (n = 15), with nine severe grade III cases. Patients who underwent surgery early after injury had a fourfold increased chance of developing HO. The mean blood loss and operating time were more than twice that of those whose surgery was delayed (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). In those undergoing early THR, the incidence of grade III HO was eight times higher than in those in whom THR was delayed (p = 0.01). Only three of the seven patients with severe HO showed good or excellent Harris hip scores compared with eight of nine with class 0, I or II HO (p = 0.049). Associated musculoskeletal injuries, high-energy trauma and head injuries were associated with the development of grade III HO. The incidence of HO was significantly higher in patients with a displaced acetabular fracture undergoing THR early compared with those undergoing THR later and this had an adverse effect on the functional outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:95–100

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 morbidity and a 30-day mortality rate of 6.1%. COVID-19 infection has a broad spectrum of clinical presentations with the elderly, and those with pre-existing comorbidities are at a higher risk of severe respiratory compromise and death. Further increased risk has been observed in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on the complication and mortality rates of NOF fracture patients.

The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome after a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in active patients aged over 70 years without osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip, randomised to receive either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip replacement (THR). We studied 252 patients of whom 47 (19%) were men, with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6). They were randomly allocated to be treated with either a cemented hemiarthroplasty (137 patients) or cemented THR (115 patients). At one- and five-year follow-up no differences were observed in the modified Harris hip score, revision rate of the prosthesis, local and general complications, or mortality. The intra-operative blood loss was lower in the hemiarthroplasty group (7% > 500 ml) than in the THR group (26% > 500 ml) and the duration of surgery was longer in the THR group (28% > 1.5 hours versus 12% > 1.5 hours). There were no dislocations of any bipolar hemiarthroplasty and eight dislocations of a THR during follow-up. Because of a higher intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001), an increased duration of the operation (p < 0.001) and a higher number of early and late dislocations (p = 0.002), we do not recommend THR as the treatment of choice in patients aged ≥ 70 years with a fracture of the femoral neck in the absence of advanced radiological osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip

Aims

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.

We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare external fixation of trochanteric fractures of the femur with the more costly option of the sliding hip screw. Patients in both groups were matched for age (mean 67 years, 50 to 100) and gender. We excluded all pathological fractures, patients presenting at more than one week, fractures with subtrochanteric extension or reverse obliquity, multiple fractures or any bone and joint disease interfering with rehabilitation. The interval between injury and operation, the duration of surgery, the amount of blood loss, the length of hospital stay and the cost of treatment were all significantly higher in the sliding hip screw group (p < 0.05). The time to union, range of movement, mean Harris hip scores and Western Ontario and McMaster University knee scores were comparable at six months. The number of patients showing shortening or malrotation was too small to show a significant difference between the groups. Pin-track infection occurred in 18 patients (60%) treated with external fixation, whereas there was a single case of wound infection (3.3%) in the sliding hip screw group

The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) was developed to assess the risk of death following a fracture of the hip, based on pre-operative patient characteristics. We performed an independent validation of the NHFS, assessed the degree of geographical variation that exists between different units within the United Kingdom and attempted to define a NHFS level that is associated with high risk of mortality. The NHFS was calculated retrospectively for consecutive patients presenting with a fracture of the hip to two hospitals in England. The observed 30-day mortality for each NHFS cohort was compared with that predicted by the NHFS using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. The distribution of NHFS in the observed group was compared with data from other hospitals in the United Kingdom. The proportion of patients identified as high risk and the mortality within the high risk group were assessed for groups defined using different thresholds for the NHFS. In all 1079 hip fractures were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 83 years (60 to 105), 284 (26%) male. Overall 30-day mortality was 7.3%. The NHFS was a significant predictor of 30-day mortality. Statistically significant differences in the distribution of the NHFS were present between different units in England (p < 0.001). A NHFS ≥ 6 appears to be an appropriate cut-point to identify patients at high risk of mortality following a fracture of the hip. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;96-B:100–3

A total of 63 women who had an operation for a fracture of the hip was randomly allocated to one year of treatment either with anabolic steroids, vitamin D and calcium (anabolic group) or with calcium only (control group). The thigh muscle volume was measured by quantitative CT. The bone mineral density of the hip, femur and tibia was assessed by quantitative CT and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and of the heel by quantitative ultrasound. Quantitative CT showed that the anabolic group did not lose muscle volume during the first 12 months whereas the control group did (p< 0.01). There was less bone loss in the proximal tibia in the anabolic group than in the control group. The speed of gait and the Harris hip score were significantly better in the anabolic group after six and 12 months. Anabolic steroids, even in this moderate dose, given in combination with vitamin D and calcium had a beneficial effect on muscle volume, bone mineral density and clinical function in this group of elderly women

Aims

The aim of this study was to record the incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA), the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) after surgery for a fracture of the acetabulum, in our centre.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes in patients with a displaced fracture of the hip who were treated with a cemented or a cementless femoral stem.

Aims

This study aimed to compare the change in health-related quality of life of patients receiving a traditional cemented monoblock Thompson hemiarthroplasty compared with a modern cemented modular polished-taper stemmed hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular hip fractures.

Aims

Our aim in this study was to describe the long-term survival of the native hip joint after open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced fracture of the acetabulum. We also present long-term clinical outcomes and risk factors associated with a poor outcome.

Aims

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.

Aims

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.

In the time since Letournel popularised the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures, more than 25 years ago, there have been many changes within the field, related to patients, surgical technique, implants and post-operative care. However, the long-term outcomes appear largely unchanged. Does this represent stasis or have the advances been mitigated by other negative factors? In this article we have attempted to document the recent changes within the surgery of patients with a fracture involving the acetabulum, outline contemporary management, and identify the major problem areas where further research is most needed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1125–31

Aims

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.

We performed a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the functional outcomes of the surgical management of acetabular fractures. A total of 69 articles met our inclusion criteria, revealing that eight generic outcome instruments were used, along with five specific instruments. The majority of studies reported outcomes using a version of the d’Aubigne and Postel score, which has not been validated for use in acetabular fracture. Few validated outcome measures were reported. No psychometric testing of outcome instruments was performed. The current assessment of outcomes in surgery for acetabular fractures lacks scientific rigour, and does not give reliable outcome data for either scientific comparison or patient counselling.

Take home message: The use of non-validated functional outcome measures is a major limitation of the current literature pertaining to surgical management of acetabular fractures; future studies should use validated outcome measures to ensure the legitimacy of the reported results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:690–5.

Aims

The aim of this study was to inform a definitive trial which could determine the clinical effectiveness of the X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System compared with the sliding hip screw for patients with complex pertrochanteric fragility fractures of the femur.

Hip fracture is a global public health problem. The National Hip Fracture Database provides a framework for service evaluation in this group of patients in the United Kingdom, but does not collect patient-reported outcome data and is unable to provide meaningful data about the recovery of quality of life.

We report one-year patient-reported outcomes of a prospective cohort of patients treated at a single major trauma centre in the United Kingdom who sustained a hip fracture between January 2012 and March 2014.

There was an initial marked decline in quality of life from baseline measured using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions score (EQ-5D). It was followed by a significant improvement to 120 days for all patients. Although their quality of life improved during the year after the fracture, it was still significantly lower than before injury irrespective of age group or cognitive impairment (mean reduction EQ-5D 0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 0.26). There was strong evidence that quality of life was lower for patients with cognitive impairment. There was a mean reduction in EQ-5D of 0.28 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.35) in patients <  80 years of age. This difference was consistent (and fixed) throughout follow-up. Quality of life does not improve significantly during recovery from hip fracture in patients over 80 years of age (p = 0.928). Secondary measures of function showed similar trends.

Hip fracture marks a step down in the quality of life of a patient: it accounts for approximately 0.22 disability adjusted life years in the first year after fracture. This is equivalent to serious neurological conditions for which extensive funding for research and treatment is made available.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:372–82.

Objectives

To study the measurement properties of a joint specific patient reported outcome measure, a measure of capability and a general health-related quality of life (HRQOL) tool in a large cohort of patients with a hip fracture.

The increasing prevalence of osteoporosis in an ageing population has contributed to older patients becoming the fastest-growing group presenting with acetabular fractures. We performed a systematic review of the literature involving a number of databases to identify studies that included the treatment outcome of acetabular fractures in patients aged > 55 years. An initial search identified 61 studies; after exclusion by two independent reviewers, 15 studies were considered to meet the inclusion criteria. All were case series. The mean Coleman score for methodological quality assessment was 37 (25 to 49). There were 415 fractures in 414 patients. Pooled analysis revealed a mean age of 71.8 years (55 to 96) and a mean follow-up of 47.3 months (1 to 210). In seven studies the results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were presented: this was combined with simultaneous hip replacement (THR) in four, and one study had a mixture of these strategies. The results of percutaneous fixation were presented in two studies, and a single study revealed the results of non-operative treatment.

With fixation of the fracture, the overall mean rate of conversion to THR was 23.1% (0% to 45.5%). The mean rate of non-fatal complications was 39.8% (0% to 64%), and the mean mortality rate was 19.1% (5% to 50%) at a mean of 64 months (95% confidence interval 59.4 to 68.6; range 12 to 143). Further data dealing with the classification of the fracture, the surgical approach used, operative time, blood loss, functional and radiological outcomes were also analysed.

This study highlights that, of the many forms of treatment available for this group of patients, there is a trend to higher complication rates and the need for further surgery compared with the results of the treatment of acetabular fractures in younger patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:157–63.

Fractures of the proximal femur are one of the greatest challenges facing the medical community, constituting a heavy socioeconomic burden worldwide. Controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment for patients with unstable trochanteric proximal femoral fractures. The recognised treatment alternatives are extramedullary fixation usually with a sliding hip screw and intramedullary fixation with a cephalomedullary nail. Current evidence suggests that best results and lowest complication rates occur using a sliding hip screw. Complications in these difficult fractures are relatively common regardless of type of treatment. We believe that a novel device, the X-Bolt dynamic plating system, may offer superior fixation over a sliding hip screw with lower reoperation risk and better function. We therefore propose to investigate the clinical effectiveness of the X-bolt dynamic plating system compared with standard sliding hip screw fixation within the framework of a the larger WHiTE (Warwick Hip Trauma Evaluation) Comprehensive Cohort Study.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:206–9.

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

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

Fractures of the proximal femur are one of the greatest challenges facing the medical community, constituting a heavy socioeconomic burden worldwide. The National Hip Fracture Audit currently provides a framework for service evaluation. This evaluation is based upon the assessment of process rather than assessment of patient-centred outcome and therefore it fails to provide meaningful data regarding the clinical effectiveness of treatments. This study aims to capture data from the cohort of patients who present with a fracture of the proximal femur at a single United Kingdom Major Trauma Centre. Patient-centred outcomes will be recorded and provide a baseline cohort within which to test the clinical effectiveness of experimental interventions.

In a randomised trial involving 598 patients with 600 trochanteric fractures of the hip, the fractures were treated with either a sliding hip screw (n = 300) or a Targon PF intramedullary nail (n = 300). The mean age of the patients was 82 years (26 to 104). All surviving patients were reviewed at one year with functional outcome assessed by a research nurse blinded to the treatment used. The intramedullary nail was found to have a slightly increased mean operative time (46 minutes (sd 12.3) versus 49 minutes (sd 12.7), p < 0.001) and an increased mean radiological screening time (0.3 minutes (sd 0.2) versus 0.5 minutes (sd 0.3), p <  0.001). Operative difficulties were more common with the intramedullary nail. There was no statistically significant difference between implants for wound healing complications (p = 1), or need for post-operative blood transfusion (p = 1), and medical complications were similarly distributed in both groups. There was a tendency to fewer revisions of fixation or conversion to an arthroplasty in the nail group, although the difference was not statistically significant (nine versus three cases, p = 0.14). The extent of shortening, loss of hip flexion, mortality and degree of residual pain were similar in both groups. The recovery of mobility was superior for those treated with the intramedullary nails (p = 0.01 at one year from injury).

In summary, both implants produced comparable results but there was a tendency to better return of mobility for those treated with the intramedullary nail.

We investigated whether patients who underwent internal fixation for an isolated acetabular fracture were able to return to their previous sporting activities.

We studied 52 consecutive patients with an isolated acetabular fracture who were operated on between January 2001 and December 2002. Their demographic details, fracture type, rehabilitation regime, outcome and complications were documented prospectively as was their level and frequency of participation in sport both before and after surgery. Quality of life was measured using the EuroQol-5D health outcome tool (EQ-5D).

There was a significant reduction in level of activity, frequency of participation in sport (both p < 0.001) and EQ-5D scores in patients of all age groups compared to a normal English population (p = 0.001). A total of 22 (42%) were able to return to their previous level of activities: 35 (67%) were able to take part in sport at some level. Of all the parameters analysed, the Matta radiological follow-up criteria were the single best predictor for resumption of sporting activity and frequency of participation.

We performed a retrospective study of a departmental database to assess the efficacy of a new model of orthopaedic care on the outcome of patients with a fracture of the proximal femur. All 1578 patients admitted to a university teaching hospital with a fracture of the proximal femur between December 2007 and December 2009 were included. The allocation of Foundation doctors years 1 and 2 was restructured from individual teams covering several wards to pairs covering individual wards. No alterations were made in the numbers of doctors, their hours, out-of-hours cover, or any other aspect of standard patient care. Outcome measures comprised 30-day mortality and cause, complications and length of stay. Mortality was reduced from 11.7% to 7.6% (p = 0.007, Cox’s regression analysis); adjusted odds ratio was 1.559 (95% confidence interval 1.128 to 2.156). Reductions were seen in Clostridium difficile colitis (p = 0.017), deep wound infection (p = 0.043) and gastrointestinal haemorrhage (p = 0.033). There were no differences in any patient risk factors (except the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cause of death and length of stay before and after intervention. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, but may include improved efficiency and medical contact time.

These findings may have implications for all specialties caring for patients on several wards, and we believe they justify a prospective trial to further assess this effect.

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

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

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

We studied 60 patients with an acute displaced fracture of the femoral neck and with a mean age of 84 years. They were randomly allocated to treatment by either internal fixation with cannulated screws or hemiarthroplasty using an uncemented Austin Moore prosthesis. All patients had severe cognitive impairment, but all were able to walk independently before the fracture. They were reviewed at four, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Outcome assessments included complications, revision surgery, the status of activities of daily living (ADL), hip function according to the Charnley score and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) according to the Euroqol (EQ-5D) (proxy report).

General complications and the rate of mortality at two years (42%) did not differ between the groups. The rate of hip complications was 30% in the internal fixation group and 23% in the hemiarthroplasty group; this was not significant. There was a trend towards an increased number of re-operated patients in the internal fixation group compared with the hemiarthroplasty group, 33% and 13%, respectively (p = 0.067), but the total number of surgical procedures which were required did not differ between the groups. Of the survivors at two years, 54% were totally dependent in ADL functions and 60% were bedridden or wheelchair-bound regardless of the surgical procedure. There was a trend towards decreased mobility in the hemiarthroplasty group (p = 0.066). All patients had a very low HRQOL even before the fracture. The EQ-5D_index score was significantly worse in the hemiarthroplasty group compared with the internal fixation group at the final follow-up (p < 0.001).

In our opinion, there is little to recommend hemiarthroplasty with an uncemented Austin Moore prosthesis compared with internal fixation, in patients with severe cognitive dysfunction.

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 morbidity including greater emotional and psychological distress.

We describe a series of 20 patients with ununited fractures of the femoral neck following neglected trauma or failed primary internal fixation who were seen at a mean of 7.5 months (2 to 18) following injury. Open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture was performed in all patients, together with a myoperiosteal flap on the quadratus femoris muscle pedicle.

Union occurred at a mean of 4.9 months (2 to 10) in all patients. The mean follow-up was for 70 months (14 to 144). There was no further progression in six of seven patients with pre-operative radiological evidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. One patient had delayed collapse and flattening of the femoral head ten years after union of the fracture, but remained asymptomatic.

This study demonstrates the orthopaedic application of myoperiosteal grafting for inducing osteogenesis in a difficult clinical situation.

Osteoporosis and fragility fractures in men constitute a considerable burden in healthcare. We have reviewed 2035 men aged over 50 years with 2142 fractures to clarify the epidemiology of these injuries and their underlying risk factors. The prevalence of osteoporosis ranged between 17.5% in fractures of the ankle and 57.8% in those of the hip. The main risk factors associated with osteoporosis were smoking (47.4%), alcohol excess (36.2%), body mass index < 21 (12.8%) and a family history of osteoporosis (8.4%). Immobility, smoking, self-reported alcohol excess, a low body mass index, age ≥72 and loss in height were significantly more common among men with fractures of the hip than in those with fractures elsewhere.