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Background: Surgical treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures is an advanced intervention with a high risk of subsequent complications. These patients are often polytrauma patients with multiple injuries in several organ systems. The optimal timing for the definitive surgery of these fractures has been debated. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the influence of timing of definitive surgery on the rate of unplanned reoperations. Secondary aims included its influence on the occurrence of adverse events and mortality. Methods: All patients from 18 years with a surgically treated pelvic or acetabular fracture operated at the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden during 2010 to 2019 were identified and included. Data was collected through review of medical records and radiographs. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with unplanned reoperations and other adverse events. Results: A total of 419 patients with definitive surgical treatment within 1 month of a pelvic (n = 191, 46%) or an acetabular (n = 228, 54%) fracture were included. The majority of the patients were males (n = 298, 71%) and the mean (SD, range) age was 53.3 (19, 18–94) years. A total of 194 (46%) patients had their surgery within 72 h (early surgery group), and 225 (54%) later than 72 h (late surgery group) after the injury. 95 patients (23%) had an unplanned reoperation. There was no difference in the reoperation rate between early (n = 44, 23%) and late (n = 51, 23%) surgery group (p = 1.0). A total of 148 patients (35%) had any kind of adverse event not requiring reoperation. The rate was 32% (n = 62) in the early, and 38% (n = 86) in the late surgery group (p = 0.2). When adjusting for relevant factors in regression analyses, no associations were found that increased the risk for reoperation or other adverse events. The 30-day mortality was 2.1% (n = 4) for the early and 2.2% (n = 5) for the late surgery group (p = 1.0). The 1-year mortality was 4.1% (n = 8) for the early and 7.6% (n = 17) for the late surgery group (p = 0.2). Conclusions: Early (within 72 h) definitive surgery of patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures seems safe with regard to risk for reoperation, other adverse events and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Surgical treatment of pelvic fractures is an advanced intervention associated with multiple complications. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the rate of unplanned reoperations after pelvic fracture surgery. Secondary aims included occurrence of other adverse events and mortality. Methods: All adult patients ≥ 18 years with surgically treated pelvic fracture operated at the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden between 2010 and 2019 were identified and retrospectively included. Data were collected through review of medical records and radiographs. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with unplanned reoperations and other adverse events. Results: A total of 194 patients were included with mean age (± SD, range) 45.4 (16, 18–83) years. 62% were males (n = 121) and the median (IQR) follow-up time was 1890 (1791) days (4.9 years). Forty-eight patients (25%) had an unplanned reoperation, with infection being the most common cause of reoperation (n = 18, 9.3%). Seventy-eight (40%) patients had an adverse event not requiring reoperation and the most common event was nerve injury (n = 34, 18%). Concomitant abdominal injury was identified as a risk factor for an adverse event (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.9, p < 0.01). 30-day mortality was 1.5% and 1-year mortality 6.2%. Conclusion: The rate of unplanned reoperation after pelvic fracture surgery was high, as was the rate of other adverse events not requiring surgery. No identified risk factor was found to predict further surgery, but concomitant abdominal injury was a risk factor for other adverse events. Mortality was low at both 30 days and 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) after distal radius fracture (DRF) surgery have not previously been studied as the primary outcome in a large population with comparative data for different surgical methods. The aims of this study were 1) to compare SSI rates between plate fixation, percutaneous pinning and external fixation, and 2) to study factors associated with SSI.Methods: We performed a nation-wide cohort study linking data from the Swedish national patient register (NPR) with the Swedish prescribed drug register (SPDR). We included all patients ≥18 years with a registration of a surgically treated DRF in the NPR between 2006 and 2013. The primary outcome was a registration in the SPDR of a dispensed prescription of peroral Flucloxacillin and/or Clindamycin within the first 8 weeks following surgery, which was used as a proxy for an SSI. The SSI rates for the three main surgical methods were calculated. Logistic regression was used to study the association between surgical method and the primary outcome, adjusted for potential confounders including age, sex, fracture type (closed/open), and a dispensed prescription of Flucloxacillin and/or Clindamycin 0-8 weeks prior to DRF surgery. A classification tree analysis was performed to study which factors were associated with SSI.Results: A total of 31,807 patients with a surgically treated DRF were included. The proportion of patients with an SSI was 5% (n = 1110/21,348) among patients treated with plate fixation, 12% (n = 754/6198) among patients treated with percutaneous pinning, and 28% (n = 1180/4261) among patients treated with external fixation. After adjustment for potential confounders, the surgical method most strongly associated with SSI was external fixation (aOR 6.9 (95% CI 6.2-7.5, p < 0.001)), followed by percutaneous pinning (aOR 2.7 (95% CI 2.4-3.0, p < 0.001)) (reference: plate fixation). The classification tree analysis showed that surgical method, fracture type (closed/open), age and sex were factors associated with SSI.Conclusions: The SSI rate was highest after external fixation and lowest after plate fixation. The results may be useful for estimation of SSI burdens after DRF surgery on a population basis. For the physician, they may be useful for  estimating the likelihood of SSI in individual patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most studies on acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) and its treatment contain only a small number of patients, and due to selection criteria, older patients and those with comorbidities are typically excluded. Therefore, little is known about true complication rates in an unselected population reflecting the situation in an ordinary orthopedic department. Method: Patient files of 639 consecutive Achilles tendon repairs in 631 patients with AATR between February 1998 and December 2005 were reviewed, and all complications from the day of surgery until December 2011 were identified using the hospital's patient records and the Swedish national registry. Results: Twenty-five (3.9%) re-operations were done, out of which 22 were due to a re-rupture. Fifty-one (8.6%) cases were of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), no difference between patients given versus patients not given thromboprophylaxis. Nineteen (3.0%) cases were of surgical site infection (SSI), all of which resolved upon oral antibiotics. Conclusions: Surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture was associated with a low risk for re-operations, but the risk for deep vein thrombosis was considerable, despite the use of prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contained vascular injuries (CVI) of spleen include pseudoaneurysms (PSA) and arterio-venous fistulae (AV-fistulae), and their reported prevalence varies. Our purpose was to assess the prevalence of early splenic CVI seen on admission CT in patients with splenic trauma admitted to a single level 1 trauma center in 2013–2021, and its detection in different CT protocols. A retrospective, single-center longitudinal cohort study. Nine-year data (2013–2021) of all patients with suspected or manifest abdominal trauma were retrieved. All patients, > 15 years with an ICD code for splenic trauma (S36.0XX) were included. CT and angiographic examinations were identified. Reports and images were reviewed. Splenic CVI CT criterion was a focal collection of vascular contrast that decreases in attenuation with delayed imaging. Number of CVIs and treatment was based on medical records and/or available angioembolization data. Of 2805 patients with abdominal trauma, 313 patients (313/2805; 11.2%) fulfilled the study entry criteria. 256 patients (256/313; 81.8%) had a CT examination. Sixteen patients had splenectomy before CT, and the final study group included 240 patients (240/313; 76.7%). Median New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was 27 and 87.5% of patients had NISS > 15. Splenic CVI was found in 20 patients, which yields a prevalence of 8.3% (20/240; 95% CI 5.2–12.6%). In those cases with both late arterial and venous phase images available, CVI was seen in 14.5% of cases (18/124, 95% CI 8.6–22.0%). None of the patients with CVI died within 30 days of the injury. The prevalence of early splenic CVI in patients with a splenic trauma was 8.3–14.5% (95% CI 5.2–22.0%). Our data suggests that both arterial and venous phase are needed for CT diagnosis. The 30-day outcome in terms of mortality was good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Transfemoral amputation (TFA) is associated with a high postoperative mortality though it is unclear whether diabetes is associated with an increased mortality or not. The aim was to examine mortality at 1 week and 1 year after first-ever TFA with special reference to diabetes.Methods: We included 162 first-ever TFAs from 1996 to 2012. Mortality data were collected with the use of the Swedish personal identification number.Results: The median age was 85 years. Diabetes mellitus were present in 19% (n = 30) of the patients and 67% (n = 109) had cardiovascular disease. Mortality was significantly higher for patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes at 1 week (30% vs. 8%, p = 0.001) and at 1 year (80% vs. 57%, p = 0.02). This difference was significant in multivariable analysis.Conclusions: We conclude that postoperative mortality was high. The high mortality rate emphasizes the need for early and adequate evaluation of every patient́s overall condition and whether amputation is beneficial or not. Although further studies are needed to analyze the specific causes of early death in amputees and we suggest close monitoring of blood-sugar in patients with diabetes and early treatment of infections and cardiac events in all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose — Patients in Sweden are insured against avoidable patient injuries. Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) resulting from intraoperative contamination are regarded as compensable by the Swedish public insurance system. According to the Patient Injury Act, healthcare personnel must inform patients about any injury resulting from treatment and the possibility of filing a claim. To analyze any under-reporting of claims and their outcome, we investigated patients’ claims of PJI in a nationwide setting Patients and methods — The national cohort of PJI after primary total hip replacement, initially operated between 2005 and 2008, was established through cross-matching of registers and review of individual medical records. We analyzed 441 PJIs and the number of filed patients’ claims, with regards to incidence, outcome, and any national, sex-linked or socioeconomic differences. Results — We identified 329/441 (75%) patients with PJIs as non-claimants. 96% of the filed claims were accepted. 64 (57%) of claimants sustained permanent disability. 2 factors were found to statistically significantly reduce the odds of filing claims: patient’s age above 73 years and fracture as indication for surgery. There were no significant national, sex-linked, or socioeconomic differences. Interpretation — The incidence of patients’ claims of PJI is low but claims are usually accepted when filed. Healthcare personnel should increase their knowledge of the Patient Injury Act to inform patients about possibilities of eligible compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a four-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial involving 120 elderly patients with an acute displaced femoral neck fracture who were randomized to treatment with either a bipolar hemiarthroplasty or a total hip arthroplasty. The difference in hip function (as indicated by the Harris hip score) in favor of the total hip arthroplasty group that was previously reported at one year persisted and seemed to increase with time (mean score, 87 compared with 78 at twenty-four months [p < 0.001] and 89 compared with 75 at forty-eight months [p < 0.001]). The health-related quality of life (as indicated by the EuroQol [EQ-5D(index)] score) was better in the total hip arthroplasty group at the time of each follow-up, but the difference was significant only at forty-eight months (p < 0.039). These results confirm the better results in terms of hip function and quality of life after total hip arthroplasty as compared with hemiarthroplasty in elderly, lucid patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report on the cumulative incidence and the outcome of surgically-treated postoperative PPFs in patients with femoral neck fractures treated with a THA or HA using an Exeter stem. Methods: A consecutive series of patients operated during 1998-2010 due to a non-pathological femoral neck fracture using an Exeter stem were included in this cohort study. Patients were followed until 2012, or death, in order to obtain information about reoperations due to postoperative PPFs, and subsequent re-operations after surgery due to PPFs. In addition to local audit data the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's registry was used to identify patients who had been re-operated upon elsewhere in Sweden. Results: A total of 2,757 patients (median age 82 years, 2,019 females) were identified and included in the study. Of these patients, 63 (2.3 %) sustained a postoperative PPF that was treated surgically. The majority of the Vancouver B1 ( n = 21/23) and C ( n = 14/14) fractures were treated using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), whereas most of the B2 ( n = 16/25) fractures and the only B3 fracture were treated with stem revision. Three (4.8 %) patients were subsequently re-operated upon due to fracture-related complications, all B2 fractures, and were treated with ORIF ( n = 2) or stem revision ( n = 1). Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of surgically treated PPFs was considerable among patients with Exeter stems operated due to a femoral neck fracture. The re-operation rate due to fracture-related complications was highest among patients with B2 fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Acetabular fractures are injuries often surgically treated, but the surgical intervention is associated with a high risk of subsequent complications. The primary aim of this study was to explore the rate of reoperations and to identify potential risk factors for reoperation. Secondary aims were other adverse events and mortality. Methods: Patients ≥ 18 years with a surgically treated acetabular fracture at a single trauma center in Sweden between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively included. Data were collected through review of medical records and radiographs. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with reoperations and other adverse events. Results: A total of 229 patients with a surgically treated acetabular fracture were included, mean age (± SD, range) 60 (19, 19–94) years. The majority of the patients were males (n = 180, 79%), and the median (IQR) follow-up time was 1779 (1906) days (4.9 years). 47 patients (21%) underwent a reoperation. THA as surgical method was associated with a lower reoperation rate compared to ORIF (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, p < 0.01). 72 patients (31%) sustained an adverse event not requiring reoperation, and admittance to ICU was associated with an increased risk (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.7, p = 0.02). 30-day mortality was 3.1% and 1-year mortality 5.7%. Conclusion: The complication rate after acetabular fracture surgery was high, and surgical treatment with primary THA was associated with a reduced risk for reoperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Hip arthroplasty is an option for elderly patients with osteoporosis for the treatment of failure after fixation of trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures, either as a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or as a hemiarthroplasty (HA). We analyzed the reoperation rate and risk factors for reoperation in a consecutive series of patients. Methods All patients (n = 88) operated from 1999 to 2006 with a THA (n = 63) or an HA (n = 25) due to failure of fixation of a trochanteric fracture (n = 63) or subtrochanteric fracture (n = 25) were included. Background data were collected from the patient records. A search was performed in the national registry of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare in order to find information on all reoperations. The follow-up time was 5-11 years. Results The reoperation rate was 16% (14/88 hips). A periprosthetic fracture occurred in 6 patients, a deep prosthetic infection in 5 patients, and a dislocation of the prosthesis in 3 patients. Standard-length femoral stems had an increased risk of reoperation (11/47) compared to long stems (3/41) (HR = 4, 95% CI: 1.0-13; p = 0.06). Interpretation The high reoperation rate reflects the complexity of the surgery. Using long femoral stems that bridge previous holes and defects may be one way to reduce the risk for reoperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hip replacement using a hemiarthroplasty (HA) is a common surgical procedure in elderly patients with fractures of the femoral neck. Data from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register suggest that there is a higher risk for revision surgery with the bipolar HA compared with the unipolar HA. Purpose: In this study we analysed the reoperation and the dislocation rates for Exeter HAs in patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture, comparing the unipolar and bipolar prosthetic designs. Additionally, we compared the outcome for HAs performed as a primary intervention with those performed secondary to failed internal fixation. Methods: We studied 830 consecutive Exeter HAs (427 unipolar and 403 bipolar) performed either as a primary operation for a displaced fracture of the femoral neck or as a secondary procedure after failed internal fixation of a fracture of the femoral neck. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with reoperation and prosthetic dislocation. Age, gender, the surgeon's experience, indication for surgery (primary or secondary) and type of HA (unipolar or bipolar) were tested as independent variables in the model. Results: The prosthetic design (uni- or bipolar) had no influence on the risk for reoperation or dislocation, nor had the age, gender or the surgeon's experience. The secondary HAs were associated with a significantly increased risk for reoperation (HR 2.6, CI 1.5-4.5) or dislocation (HR 3.3, CI 1.4-7.3) compared to the primary HAs. We found no difference in the risk for reoperation or dislocation when comparing Exeter unipolar and bipolar HAs, but special attention is called for to reduce the risk of prosthesis dislocation and reoperation after a secondary HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femoral neck fractures with a vertical orientation have been associated with an increased risk for failure as they are both axial and rotational unstable and experience increased shear forces compared to the conventional and more horizontally oriented femoral neck fractures. The purpose of this study was to analyse outcome and risk factors for reoperation of these uncommon fractures. Methods: A cohort study with a consecutive series of 137 hips suffering from a vertical hip fracture, treated with one method: a sliding hips screw with plate and an antirotation screw. Median follow-up time was 4.8 years. Reoperation data was validated against the National Board of Health and Welfare's national registry using the unique Swedish personal identification number. Results: The total reoperation rate was 18%. After multivariable Logistic regression analysis adjusting for possible confounding factors there was an increased risk for reoperation for displaced fractures (22%) compared to undisplaced fractures (3%), and for fractures with poor implant position (38%) compared to fractures with adequate implant position (15%). Conclusions: The reoperation rate was high, and special attention should be given to achieve an appropriate position of the implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a four-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial involving 120 elderly patients with an acute displaced femoral neck fracture who were randomized to treatment with either a bipolar hemiarthroplasty or a total hip arthroplasty. The difference in hip function (as indicated by the Harris hip score) in favor of the total hip arthroplasty group that was previously reported at one year persisted and seemed to increase with time (mean score, 87 compared with 78 at twenty-four months [p < 0.001] and 89 compared with 75 at forty-eight months [p < 0.001]). The health-related quality of life (as indicated by the EuroQol [EQ∙5Dindex] score) was better in the total hip arthroplasty group at the time of each follow- up, but the difference was significant only at forty-eight months (p < 0.039). These results confirm the better results in terms of hip function and quality of life after total hip arthroplasty as compared with hemiarthroplasty in elderly, lucid patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to prevent hip arthroplasty dislocations, information regarding the direction of the dislocation is important for accurate implant positioning and for optimising the postoperative regimens in relation to the surgical approach used. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the surgical approach on the direction of the dislocation in patients treated by a hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) after a femoral neck fracture. Fracture patients have a high risk for dislocations, and this issue has not been previously studied in a selected group of patients with a femoral neck fracture. We analysed the radiographs of the primary dislocation in 74 patients who had sustained a dislocation of their HA ( n = 42) or THA ( n = 32). In 42 patients an anterolateral (AL) surgical approach was used and in 32 a posterolateral (PL). The surgical approach significantly influenced the direction of dislocation in patients treated with HA ( p < 0.001), while no such correlation was found after THA ( p = 0.388). For THA patients there was a correlation between the mean angle of anteversion of the acetabular component and the direction of dislocation when comparing patients with anterior and posterior dislocations ( p = 0.027). These results suggest that the surgical approach of a HA has an influence on the direction of dislocation, in contrast to THA where the position of the acetabular component seems to be of importance for the direction of dislocation in patients with femoral neck fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A primary arthroplasty constitutes a standard procedure in the treatment of patients with displaced fractures of the femoral neck. Although dislocation of the prosthesis remains a significant clinical problem, there are no previous reports on its influence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We analysed how a dislocation of the hip arthroplasty influenced the patients’ HRQoL. In total 319 consecutive patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck treated with a primary arthroplasty were included in a prospective cohort study. We used a mixed-effects model regression analysis to evaluate factors of importance for HRQoL (EQ-5Dindex score) during the first 12 months following surgery. A dislocation of the arthroplasty occurred in 21 of the 319 patients (7%), 8 of whom had a single dislocation and 13 recurrent dislocations. At 4 months, the EQ-5Dindex score displayed a significantly worse outcome for patients with recurrent dislocations compared to patients with no dislocation ( P = 0.001), and a trend towards a worse outcome for patients with a single dislocation ( P = 0.08). At 12 months, the mean EQ-5Dindex score of patients with recurrent dislocations was still substantially lower ( P = 0.001), while the EQ-5Dindex score for patients with a single dislocation had returned to a level similar to that of patients with no dislocation. Our analysis of the EQ-5D dimensions indicates that the difference was mainly due to perceived difficulties in self-care and usual activities and increased problems with anxiety/depression. A recurrent dislocation of the hip arthroplasty in the treatment of patients with femoral neck fractures seems to result in a persisting deterioration in the HRQoL, while patients with a single dislocation seem to experience only a temporary deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Total hip replacement is increasingly used in active, relatively healthy elderly patients with fractures of the femoral neck. Dislocation of the prosthesis is a severe complication, and there is still controversy regarding the optimal surgical approach and its influence on stability. We analyzed factors influencing the stability of the total hip replacement, paying special attention to the surgical approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 713 consecutive hips in a series of 698 patients (573 females) who had undergone a primary total hip replacement (n = 311) for a non-pathological, displaced femoral neck fracture (Garden III or IV) or a secondary total hip replacement (n = 402) due to a fracture-healing complication after a femoral neck fracture. We used Cox regression to evaluate factors associated with prosthetic dislocation after the operation. Age, sex, indication for surgery, the surgeon's experience, femoral head size, and surgical approach were tested as independent factors in the model. RESULTS: The overall dislocation rate was 6%. The anterolateral surgical approach was associated with a lower risk of dislocation than the posterolateral approach with or without posterior repair (2%, 12%, and 14%, respectively (p < 0.001)). The posterolateral approach was the only factor associated with a significantly increased risk of dislocation, with a hazards ratio (HR) of 6 (2-14) for the posterolateral approach with posterior repair and of 6 (2-16) without posterior repair. INTERPRETATION: In order to minimize the risk of dislocation, we recommend the use of the anterolateral approach for total hip replacement in patients with femoral neck fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Total hip replacement is increasingly used in active, relatively healthy elderly patients with fractures of the femoral neck. Dislocation of the prosthesis is a severe complication, and there is still controversy regarding the optimal surgical approach and its influence on stability. We analyzed factors influencing the stability of the total hip replacement, paying special attention to the surgical approach. Patients and methods We included 713 consecutive hips in a series of 698 patients (573 females) who had undergone a primary total hip replacement (n = 311) for a non-pathological, displaced femoral neck fracture (Garden III or IV) or a secondary total hip replacement (n = 402) due to a fracture-healing complication after a femoral neck fracture. We used Cox regression to evaluate factors associated with prosthetic dislocation after the operation. Age, sex, indication for surgery, the surgeon's experience, femoral head size, and surgical approach were tested as independent factors in the model. Results The overall dislocation rate was 6%. The anterolateral surgical approach was associated with a lower risk of dislocation than the posterolateral approach with or without posterior repair (2%, 12%, and 14%, respectively (p < 0.001)). The posterolateral approach was the only factor associated with a significantly increased risk of dislocation, with a hazards ratio (HR) of 6 (2-14) for the posterolateral approach with posterior repair and of 6 (2-16) without posterior repair. Interpretation In order to minimize the risk of dislocation, we recommend the use of the anterolateral approach for total hip replacement in patients with femoral neck fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Hip replacement using a hemiarthroplasty is a common surgical procedure in elderly patients with fractures of the femoral neck. The optimal surgical approach regarding the risk of dislocation is controversial. We analyzed factors influencing the stability of the hemiarthroplasty, with special regard to the surgical approach. Patients and methods We studied 720 consecutive patients on whom 739 hemiarthroplasties were performed between 1996 and 2003, either as a primary operation for a displaced fracture of the femoral neck or as a secondary procedure after failed internal fixation of a fracture of the femoral neck. Logistic regression analyses were performed in order to evaluate factors associated with prosthetic dislocation. Results The multivariate regression analysis showed that the posterolateral approach was the only factor associated with a significantly increased risk of dislocation: OR 3.9 (CI: 1.6-10) for the posterolateral approach with posterior repair and OR 6.9 (CI: 2.6-19) for the posterolateral approach without posterior repair. Age, sex, indication for surgery, the surgeon's experience, and type of HA had no statistically significant effect on the dislocation rate. Interpretation Compared to the anterolateral approach, the posterolateral approach was associated with a significantly increased risk of dislocation in patients with femoral neck fractures treated with HA. A posterior repair appears to reduce the rate of dislocation, although not to the same low level as in patients operated using the anterolateral approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talon cusp is an uncommon dental anomaly in which an accessory cusp-like structure projects from the cingulum area or cemento-enamel junction of the maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth. This anomalous cusp resembles an eagle's talon. It occurs in both the primary and the permanent dentition. A comprehensive literature review shows that only 37?cases of talon cusps have been reported in the primary dentition, of which only 4?cases report this anomaly on the primary maxillary lateral incisor. Though labial/facial talon cusps have been reported in the permanent dentition, no case of a labial talon has been reported in the primary dentition. We report two females with cleft lip and palate with facial talon cusps on the primary lateral incisor and believe that these are the first cases to be reported. Clinical considerations and debate on the etiology of this anomaly are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recurrent dislocation in total hip replacement is difficult to treat and causes severe morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 12 patients suffering dislocations were reoperated with a socket wall addition device (anti-luxation ring) for the Lubinus SPII prosthesis, and were followed up after a mean of 4.5 (1-9) years with regard to redislocation, function and radiographic loosening. RESULTS: 1 of the patients suffered a redislocation after almost 7 years of use. There was no loosening during the follow-up time. A Harris hip score of 87 (60-100), a health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) index of 0.8 (0.6-1.0) and total range of motion of 145 degrees (125-165) indicate that the patients had a level of function comparable to that of age-matched hip surgery patients with no complications. INTERPRETATION: The anti-luxation ring shows promising mid-term results and seems to provide an alternative to more extensive revision surgery for selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recurrent dislocation in total hip replacement is difficult to treat and causes severe morbidity. Patients and methods 12 patients suffering dislocations were reoperated with a socket wall addition device (anti-luxation ring) for the Lubinus SPII prosthesis, and were followed up after a mean of 4.5 (1–9) years with regard to redislocation, function and radiographic loos-ening. Results 1 of the patients suffered a redislocation after almost 7 years of use. There was no loosening during the follow-up time. A Harris hip score of 87 (60–100), a health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) index of 0.8 (0.6–1.0) and total range of motion of 145° (125–165) indicate that the patients had a level of function comparable to that of age-matched hip surgery patients with no com-plications. Interpretation The anti-luxation ring shows promising mid-term results and seems to provide an alternative to more extensive revision surgery for selected patients. ? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise-induced shifts in signal intensity (SI) of magnetic resonance (MR) images were examined to assess indirectly muscle use in closed- and open-chain knee extensor exercises. Eight men performed five sets of 8-12 repetitions in the leg press (LP) and the seated knee extension (KE) exercises at 50, 75 and 100%, respectively of the 5 x 10 repetition maximum (RM) load. Prior to exercise and after each load setting, images of the thigh were obtained. The increase in SI (Delta SI) of the quadriceps at 100% load was greater (P < 0.05) after KE (32.1 +/- 9.0%) than after LP (21.9 +/- 9.2%). Regardless of load, the four individual muscles of the quadriceps showed similar changes in SI after LP. The three vastii muscles showed comparable increases in SI after KE. M. rectus femoris showed greater (P < 0.05) Delta SI than the vastii muscles at 100%. Neither exercise produced increase in SI of mm. semimembranosus, semitendinosus, gracilis or biceps femoris. Mm. adductor magnus and longus showed increased (13.3 +/- 6.5%; P < 0.05) SI after LP, but not after KE, at 100% load. The present data also infer greater involvement of the quadriceps muscle in the open-chain knee extension than in the closed-chain leg press exercise. The results of the current investigation also indicate similar over-all use among the three vastii muscles in LP and KE, but differential m. rectus femoris use between the two exercises. This report extends the merits of the MR imaging technique as an aid to study individual muscle involvement in a particular exercise task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise-induced shifts in signal intensity (SI) of magnetic resonance (MR) images were examined to assess indirectly muscle use in closed- and open-chain knee extensor exercises. Eight men performed five sets of 8–12 repetitions in the leg press (LP) and the seated knee extension (KE) exercises at 50, 75 and 100%, respectively of the 5×10 repetition maximum (RM) load. Prior to exercise and after each load setting, images of the thigh were obtained. The increase in SI (Δ SI) of the quadriceps at 100% load was greater ( P<0.05) after KE (32.1±9.0%) than after LP (21.9±9.2%). Regardless of load, the four individual muscles of the quadriceps showed similar changes in SI after LP. The three vastii muscles showed comparable increases in SI after KE. M. rectus femoris showed greater ( P<0.05) Δ SI than the vastii muscles at 100%. Neither exercise produced increase in SI of mm. semimembranosus, semitendinosus, gracilis or biceps femoris. Mm. adductor magnus and longus showed increased (13.3±6.5%; P<0.05) SI after LP, but not after KE, at 100% load. The present data also infer greater involvement of the quadriceps muscle in the open-chain knee extension than in the closed-chain leg press exercise. The results of the current investigation also indicate similar over-all use among the three vastii muscles in LP and KE, but differential m. rectus femoris use between the two exercises. This report extends the merits of the MR imaging technique as an aid to study individual muscle involvement in a particular exercise task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A change in the method of surgical repair of cleft palate initiated this study of 64 patients with various degree of clefts of the secondary palate. Study casts were obtained at different ages. Certain measurements were taken and compared with those made in a previous investigation of similar patients operated on by the so-called “push-back” technique. Growth in the width of the maxillary dental arch and occlusion had improved, but there were significant differences only for the patients with velar clefts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose -- Trauma causes over 4 million annual deaths globally and accounts for over 10% of the global burden of disease. Trauma patients often sustain multiple injuries in multiple organ systems. We aimed to investigate the proportion and distribution of musculoskeletal injuries in adult trauma patients. Patients and methods -- This is a register-based study using data from the national Swedish trauma register (SweTrau) collected in 2015-2019. By categorizing Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) codes into different injury types, we provide a detailed description of the types of musculoskeletal injuries that occurred in trauma patients. Results -- 51,335 cases were identified in the register. After exclusion of 7,696 cases that did not have any trauma diagnosis (AIS codes) registered from the trauma and 6,373 patients aged < 18, a total of 37,266 patients were included in the study. 15,246 (41%) had sustained musculoskeletal injury. Of the patients with musculoskeletal injuries, 7,733 (51%) had more than 1 such injury. Spine injuries were the most common injury location (n = 7,083 patients, 19%) followed by lower extremity injuries (n = 5,943 patients, 16%) and upper extremity injuries (n = 6,273 patients, 17%). Fractures were the dominating injury type with 30,755 (87%) of injuries being a fracture. Conclusion -- 41% of the trauma patients had at least 1 musculoskeletal injury. A spine injury was the most common injury location. Fractures was the dominating injury type constituting 87% of all injuries. We also found that half the patients (51%) with spine or extremity injuries had ≥ 2 such injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All the developed machine learning models outperformed TRISS in predicting 30-day mortality among severely injured trauma patients. • The eXtreme Gradient Boosting model was the most successful predictive model. • Head injuries were a risk factor for mortality. • The average Respiratory rate did not differ much between the surviving and mortality groups. Given the huge impact of trauma on hospital systems around the world, several attempts have been made to develop predictive models for the outcomes of trauma victims. The most used, and in many studies most accurate predictive model, is the "Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score" (TRISS). Although it has proven to be fairly accurate and is widely used, it has faced criticism for its inability to classify more complex cases. In this study, we aimed to develop machine learning models that better than TRISS could predict mortality among severely injured trauma patients, something that has not been studied using data from a nationwide register before. Patient data was collected from the national trauma register in Sweden, SweTrau. The studied period was from the 1st of January 2015 to 31st of December 2019. After feature selection and multiple imputation of missing data three machine learning (ML) methods (Random Forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and a Generalized Linear Model) were used to create predictive models. The ML models and TRISS were then tested on predictive ability for 30-day mortality. The ML models were well-calibrated and outperformed TRISS in all the tested measurements. Among the ML models, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting model performed best with an AUC of 0.91 (0.88–0.93). This study showed that all the developed ML-based prediction models were superior to TRISS for the prediction of trauma mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To validate the classification of surgically treated acetabular fractures in the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) and to investigate the intra- and interrater reliability of the Judet-Letournel / AO/OTA classification systems.Methods: Surgically treated acetabular fractures were randomly selected from the SFR (n = 132) and 124 fractures were classified independently by three experienced orthopedic pelvic surgeons at two different occasions. A gold standard classification was established for each case after these two sessions or, if necessary, after a discussion session. The gold standard classification was compared to the registered SFR classification to assess the validity of SFR data. Accuracy and intra- and interrater agreement were evaluated using Cohen´s kappa with interpretation according to Landis and Koch.Results: There was moderate agreement between the established gold standard classification and the SFR (kappa 0.43). The level of agreement differed between classification groups. The intrarater agreement was substantial to almost perfect and interrater agreement was moderate to substantial.Conclusions: The accuracy of acetabular fracture classifications in the SFR was moderate and comparable to previous validation studies from the SFR on other fracture types. As the accuracy differed between fracture groups, care should be taken when analyzing data from the SFR on specific acetabular fracture groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose — Fractures of the pelvis and femur are serious and potentially lethal injuries affecting primarily older, but also younger individuals. Long-term trends on incidence rates and mortality might diverge for these fractures, and few studies compare trends within a complete adult population. We investigated and compared incidence and mortality rates of pelvic, hip, femur shaft, and distal femur fractures in the Swedish adult population. Patients and methods — We analyzed data on all adult patients ≥ 18 years in Sweden with a pelvic, hip, femur shaft, or distal femur fracture, through the Swedish National Patient Register. The studied variables were fracture type, age, sex, and 1-year mortality. Results — While incidence rates for hip fracture decreased by 18% (from 280 to 229 per 105 person-years) from 2001 to 2016, incidence rates for pelvic fracture increased by 25% (from 64 to 80 per 105 person-years). Incidence rates for femur shaft and distal femur fracture remained stable at rates of 15 and 13 per 105 person-years respectively. 1-year mortality after hip fracture was 25%, i.e., higher than for pelvic, femur shaft, and distal femur fracture where mortality rates were 20–21%. Females had an almost 30% lower risk of death within 1 year after hip fracture compared with males. Interpretation — Trends on fracture incidence for pelvic and femur fractures diverged considerably in Sweden between 2001 and 2016. While incidence rates for femur fractures (hip, femur shaft, and distal femur) decreased or remained constant during the studied years, pelvic fracture incidence increased. Mortality rates were different between the fractures, with the highest mortality among patients with hip fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess if ultra-low-dose CT is a useful clinical alternative to digital radiographs in the evaluation of acute wrist and ankle fractures.Materials and Methods: An ultra-low-dose protocol was designed on a 256-slice multi-detector CT. Patients from the emergency department were evaluated prospectively. After initial digital radiographs, an ultra-low-dose CT was performed. Two readers independently analyzed the images. Also, the radiation dose, examination time, and time to preliminary report was compared between digital radiographs and CT.Results: In 207 extremities, digital radiography and ultra-low-dose CT detected 73 and 109 fractures, respectively (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for fracture detection with ultra-low-dose CT vs. digital radiography was 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4-3.0). CT detected additional fracture-related findings in 33 cases (15.9%) and confirmed or ruled out suspected fractures in 19 cases (9.2%). The mean effective dose was comparable between ultra-low-dose CT and digital radiography (0.59 ± 0.33 μSv, 95% CI 0.47-0.59 vs. 0.53 ± 0.43 μSv, 95% CI 0.54-0.64). The mean combined examination time plus time to preliminary report was shorter for ultra-low-dose CT compared to digital radiography (7.6 ± 2.5 min, 95% CI 7.1-8.1 vs. 9.8 ± 4.7 min, 95% CI 8.8-10.7) (p = 0.002). The recommended treatment changed in 34 (16.4%) extremities.Conclusions: Ultra-low-dose CT is a useful alternative to digital radiography for imaging the peripheral skeleton in the acute setting as it detects significantly more fractures and provides additional clinically important information, at a comparable radiation dose. It also provides faster combined examination and reporting times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective stakeholder engagement in health research is increasingly being recognised and promoted as an important pathway to closing the gap between knowledge production and its use in health systems. However, little is known about its process and impacts, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. This opinion piece draws on the stakeholder engagement experiences from a global health research programme on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) led by clinician researchers in Brazil, China, Georgia and North Macedonia, and presents the process, outcomes and lessons learned. Main body: Each country team was supported with an overarching engagement protocol and mentored to develop a tailored plan. Patient involvement in research was previously limited in all countries, requiring intensive efforts through personal communication, meetings, advisory groups and social media. Accredited training programmes were effective incentives for participation from healthcare providers; and aligning research findings with competing policy priorities enabled interest and dialogue with decision-makers. The COVID-19 pandemic severely limited possibilities for planned engagement, although remote methods were used where possible. Planned and persistent engagement contributed to shared knowledge and commitment to change, including raised patient and public awareness about COPD, improved skills and practice of healthcare providers, increased interest and support from clinical leaders, and dialogue for integrating COPD services into national policy and practice. Conclusion: Stakeholder engagement enabled relevant local actors to produce and utilise knowledge for small wins such as improving day-to-day practice and for long-term goals of equitable access to COPD care. For it to be successful and sustained, stakeholder engagement needs to be valued and integrated throughout the research and knowledge generation process, complete with dedicated resources, contextualised and flexible planning, and commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: After recent technical innovations of fracture surgery implants, treatment traditions are changing for distal radius fractures, the most common orthopaedic injury. The aim of this study was to determine if the choice of surgical method for treatment of distal radius fractures differ between healthcare regions in Sweden. Method: The study was based on all (n = 22 378) adult patients who were registered with a surgical procedure due to a distal radius fracture during 2010–2013 in Sweden. Consecutive data was collected from the Swedish National Patient Registry. Results: The proportions of use of surgical method varied among the 21 healthcare regions between 41% and 95% for internal fixation, between 2.3% and 44% for percutaneous fixation and between 0.6% and 19% for external fixation. Differences between regions were statistically significant in all but 6 comparisons when controlled for age and gender. Incidence rates of surgical treatment of a distal radius fracture varied between 4.2 and 9.2/10 000 person-years. Conclusion: We conclude that there is a large variation in operative management of distal radius fractures between Swedish healthcare regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: High-energy pelvic fractures are complex injuries often requiring surgical treatment. Different radiological methods exist to evaluate the reduction and healing process postoperatively but with certain limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate Computed Tomography Micromotion Analysis (CTMA) in a clinical setting for follow-up of surgically treated pelvic fracture patients. Methods: 10 patients surgically treated for a pelvic fracture were included and prospectively followed with Computed Tomography (CT) at 0, 6, 12 and 52 weeks postoperatively. CTMA was used to measure postoperative translation and rotation of the pelvic fracture during the 52 weeks follow-up. Clinical outcomes were collected through the questionnaires EQ-5D index score and Majeed score. Results: 10 patients were included with mean age (± SD, min–max) 52 (16, 31–80) years and 70% (n = 7) were males. The median (IQR, min–max) global translation from 0 to 52 weeks was 6.0 (4.6, 1.4–12.6) millimeters and median global rotation was 2.6 (2.4, 0.7–4.7) degrees. The general trend was a larger translation between 0 and 6 weeks postoperatively compared to 6–12 and 12–52 weeks. For the clinical outcomes, the general trend was that all patients started from high scores which decreased in the first postoperative follow-up and recovered to different extent during the study period. Conclusion: CTMA was successfully used in the follow-up of surgically treated pelvic fracture patients. Movement in the pelvic fractures after surgical fixation was largest between 0 and 6 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In 2019, smoking prevalence in North Macedonia was one of the world's highest at around 46% in adults. However, access to smoking cessation treatment is limited and no co-ordinated smoking cessation programmes are provided in primary care. Methods: We conducted a three parallel-armed randomised controlled trial (n = 1368) to investigate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lung age (LA) or exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) feedback combined with very brief advice (VBA) to prompt smoking cessation compared with VBA alone, delivered by GPs in primary care in North Macedonia. All participants who decided to attempt to quit smoking were advised about accessing smoking cessation medications and were also offered behavioural support as part of the "ACT" component of VBA. Participants were aged ≥ 35 years, smoked ≥ 10 cigarettes per day, were recruited from 31 GP practices regardless of motivation to quit and were randomised (1:1:1) using a sequence generated before the start of recruitment. The primary outcome was biochemically validated 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 4 weeks (wks). Participants and GPs were not blinded to allocation after randomisation, however outcome assessors were blind to treatment allocation. Results: There was no evidence of a difference in biochemically confirmed quitting between intervention and control at 4wks (VBA + LA RR 0.90 (97.5%CI: 0.35, 2.27); VBA + CO RR 1.04 (97.5%CI: 0.44, 2.44)), however the absolute number of quitters was small (VBA + LA 1.6%, VBA + CO 1.8%, VBA 1.8%). A similar lack of effect was observed at 12 and 26wks, apart from in the VBA + LA arm where the point estimate was significant but the confidence intervals were very wide. In both treatment arms, a larger proportion reported a reduction in cigarettes smoked per day at 4wks (VBA + LA 1.30 (1.10, 1.54); VBA + CO 1.23 (1.03, 1.49)) compared with VBA. The point estimates indicated a similar direction of effect at 12wks and 26wks, but differences were not statistically significant. Quantitative process measures indicated high fidelity to the intervention delivery protocols, but low uptake of behavioural and pharmacological support. VBA was the dominant intervention in the health economic analyses. Conclusion: Overall, there was no evidence that adding LA or CO to VBA increased quit rates. However, a small effect cannot be ruled out as the proportion quitting was low and therefore estimates were imprecise. There was some evidence that participants in the intervention arms were more likely to reduce the amount smoked, at least in the short term. More research is needed to find effective ways to support quitting in settings like North Macedonia where a strong smoking culture persists. Trial registration: The trial was registered at http://www.isrctn.com (ISRCTN54228638) on the 07/09/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Factors affecting mortality during the first year following high-energy pelvic fractures has not been reported previously. Nor has surgical complications leading to reoperations been reported in a cohort with only high-energy pelvic trauma patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to report and analyse factors affecting outcome, in terms of mortality and reoperations, up to 1 year after the injury in patients with a traumatic pelvic ring injury due to a high-energy trauma.Materials and methods: Data from the SweTrau (Swedish National Trauma Registry) on patients admitted to the Trauma Centre Karolinska in Stockholm, Sweden, were collected. Inclusion criteria were adults (age ≥ 18), trauma with a high-energy mechanism, alive on arrival, Swedish personal identification number, reported pelvic fracture on CT scan. Patient records and radiographies were reviewed. The study period was 2011-2015 with 1-year follow-up time. Univariate and regression analysis on factors affecting mortality was performed. Risk of reoperation was analysed using univariate and case-by-case analysis.Results: We included 385 cases with mean age 47.5 ± 20.6 years (38% females): 317 pelvic fractures, 48 acetabular fractures and 20 combined injuries. Thirty-day mortality was 8% (30/385), and 1-year mortality was 9% (36/385). The main cause of death at 1 year was traumatic brain injury (14/36) followed by high age (> 70) with extensive comorbidities (8/36). Intentional fall from high altitude (OR 6, CI 2-17), GCS < 8 (OR 12, CI 5-33) and age > 70 (OR 17, CI 6-51) were factors predicting mortality. Thirty patients (22%, 30/134) were further reoperated due to hardware-related (n = 18) or non-hardware-related complications (n = 12). Hardware-related complications included: mal-placed screws (n = 7), mal-placed plate (n = 1), implant failure (n = 6), or mechanical irritation from the implant (n = 4). Non-hardware-related reasons for reoperations were: infection (n = 10), skin necrosis (n = 1), or THR due to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (n = 1).Conclusion: Non-survivors in our study died mainly because of traumatic brain injury or high age with extensive comorbidities. Most of the mortalities occurred early. Intentional injuries and especially intentional falls from high altitude had high mortality rate. Reoperation frequency was high, and several of the hardware-related complications could potentially have been avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Presence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients has previously been related to high mortality. However, there are controversies on whether pelvic fractures are the underlying cause of death or if it is rather an indicator of injury severity. We aimed to assess whether the presence of pelvic fracture increased mortality among a cohort of trauma patients or if it was simply an indicator of severe injury.Material and Methods: Karolinska University Hospital is the largest trauma centre in Sweden. The hospital is linked to the Swedish National Trauma Registry, "SweTrau". Registry data was collected for the period January 2013 until December 2015 with a one year further follow-up regarding mortality. Patients in the pelvic fracture group were compared to the non-pelvic fracture group and regression analysis was performed adjusting for factors that could possibly affect mortality.Results: Univariable analysis showed that pelvic fracture was associated with an increased mortality, OR 2.4 (CI 1.3-3.4). Multivariable analysis showed that the presence of a pelvic fracture was not associated with an increased 30-day mortality (OR 0.5, CI 0.2-0.9), while factors as Shock (OR 7.1, CI 4.6-10.9), GCS < 9 (OR 6.2, CI 3.9-9.8), ISS > 15 (OR 12.4, CI 8.1-18.9), Age >60 (OR 3.2, CI 2.1-4,9) and ASA 3-4 (OR 4.7, CI 3.1-7.3) were associated with an increased 30-day mortality. Factors affecting 1-year mortality was analysed in the same way and the results were similar.Conclusion: Presence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients is not correlated to increased mortality when adjusted for Age, ISS, ASA, GCS and Shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has had an extensive influence on orthopaedic surgery practice and has been associated with an increased risk of mortality. There is limited evidence of how this pertains to acute orthopaedic surgery with inpatient care. Methods: A retrospective cohort study on traumatic fracture patients requiring inpatient care between February 25, 2020 and March 25, 2021 was conducted. Patients were grouped by perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 test from 7 days before to 7 days after orthopaedic surgery, and compared using linear regression and Cox proportional hazards model for primary outcome 30-day mortality and secondary outcome hospital length of stay. Results: In total, 5174 adults with a length of stay ≥ 48 h and an orthopaedic procedure due to a registered traumatic fracture were admitted from February 25, 2020 and discharged before March 26, 2021. Among the 5174 patients, 65% (3340/5174) were female, 22% (1146/5174) were 60–74 years and 56% (2897/5174) were 75 years or older. In total, 144 (3%) had a perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased 30-day mortality (aOR 4.19 [95% CI 2.67–6.43], p < 0.001). The median (IQR) length of stay after surgery was 13 days (IQR 6–21) for patients with, and 7 days (IQR 2–13) for patients without, perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection increased 30-day mortality risk and hospital length of stay for traumatic fracture patients requiring inpatient surgical care. Pre- and postoperative infection were both associated with similar increases in mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femoral neck fractures with a vertical orientation have been associated with an increased risk for failure as they are both axial and rotational unstable and experience increased shear forces compared to the conventional and more horizontally oriented femoral neck fractures. The purpose of this study was to analyse outcome and risk factors for reoperation of these uncommon fractures.Methods: A cohort study with a consecutive series of 137 hips suffering from a vertical hip fracture, treated with one method: a sliding hips screw with plate and an antirotation screw. Median follow-up time was 4.8 years. Reoperation data was validated against the National Board of Health and Welfare's national registry using the unique Swedish personal identification number.Results: The total reoperation rate was 18%. After multivariable Logistic regression analysis adjusting for possible confounding factors there was an increased risk for reoperation for displaced fractures (22%) compared to undisplaced fractures (3%), and for fractures with poor implant position (38%) compared to fractures with adequate implant position (15%).Conclusions: The reoperation rate was high, and special attention should be given to achieve an appropriate position of the implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suspicion of chronic rejection [bronchiolithis obliterans syndrome (BOS)] is usually based on deteriorating forced expired volume in 1 s. It is however, desirable to develop more sensitive methods as increased anti-inflammatory therapy is thought to stop progression of the rejection. The aim of the present study was to develop quantitative tools based on ventilation scintigrams, to diagnose BOS. Sixteen double-lung-transplanted patients participated, six developing BOS and 10 who did not develop BOS. They were investigated with planar posterior–anterior99mTc-Technegas (Tetley Manufacturing Ltd, Sydney, Australia) ventilation scintigraphy at baseline, 6 months to 1 year post-transplantation, and at a follow-up examination 3–4-year post-transplant or in the BOS patients close to the time of the diagnosis. An automatic region of interest (ROI) was drawn on each lung in the scintigraphic image at baseline and also applied to the follow-up investigation. The area inside the ROI was subdivided into stripes 10·8 mm high and squares 10·8 × 10·8 mm wide. Corresponding stripes and squares in baseline and follow-up were analysed regarding differences in relative retention. The results show that the square analysis is superior. Applying chosen cut-off values for square element differences, 6/6 right and 5/6 left BOS lungs were identified and one left and one right lung of patients not developing BOS were misclassified. We conclude that the square element difference appears to be a promising method to diagnose BOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A respiratory bolt-on dimension for the EQ-5D-5L has recently been developed and valued by the general public. This study aimed to validate the EQ-5D-5L plus respiratory dimension (EQ-5D-5L+R) in a large group of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods: Validation was undertaken with data from the Birmingham COPD Cohort Study, a longitudinal UK study of COPD primary care patients. Data on the EQ-5D-5L+R were collected from 1008 responding participants during a follow-up questionnaire in 2017 and combined with (previously collected) data on patient and disease characteristics. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed on the EQ-5D-5L+R dimensions and utilities, in relation to COPD characteristics and compared with the EQ-5D-5L without respiratory dimension. Multivariate regression models were estimated to test whether regression coefficients of clinical characteristics differed between the EQ-5D-5L+R utility and the EQ-5D-5L utility.Results: Correlation coefficients for the EQ-5D-5L+R utility with COPD parameters were slightly higher than the EQ-5D-5L utility. Both instruments displayed discriminant validity but analyses in clinical subgroups of patients showed larger absolute differences in utilities for the EQ-5D-5L+R. In the multivariate analyses, only the coefficient for the COPD Assessment Test score was higher for the model using the EQ-5D-5L+R utility as outcome.Conclusions: This study showed that the addition of a respiratory domain to the EQ-5D-5L led to small improvements in the instrument's performance. Comparability of the EQ-5D across diseases, currently considered one of its strengths, would have to be traded off against a modest improvement in utility difference when adding the respiratory dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotational deformities following intramedullary (IM) nailing of tibia has a reported incidence of as high as 20%. Common techniques to measure deformities following IM nailing of tibia are either based on clinical assessment, plain X-rays or Computed Tomography (CT) comparing the treated leg with the uninjured contralateral side. All these techniques are based on examiners manual calculation inherently subject to bias. Following our previous rigorous motion analysis and symmetry studies on hemi pelvises, femurs and orthopaedic implants, we aimed to introduce a novel fully digital technique to measure rotational deformities in the lower legs. Following formal institutional approval from the Imperial College, CT images of 10 pairs of human lower legs were retrieved. Images were anonymized and uploaded to a research server. Three dimensional CT images of the lower legs were bilaterally reconstructed. CT-based motion analysis (CTMA) was used and the mirrored images of the left side were merged with the right side proximally as stationary and distally as moving objects. Discrepancies in translation and rotation were automatically calculated. Our study population had a mean age of 54 ± 20 years. There were six males and four females. We observed a greater variation in translation (mm) of Centre of Mass (COM) in sagittal plane (95% CI − 2.959–.292) which was also presented as rotational difference alongside the antero-posterior direction or Y axis (95% CI.370–1.035). In other word the right lower legs in our study were more likely to be in varus compared to the left side. However, there were no statistically significant differences in coronal or axial planes. Using our proposed fully digital technique we found that lower legs of the human adults were symmetrical in axial and coronal plane. We found sagittal plane differences which need further addressing in future using bigger sample size. Our novel recommended technique is fully digital and commercially available. This new technique can be useful in clinical practice addressing rotational deformities following orthopaedic surgical intervention. This new technique can substitute the previously introduced techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum are major injuries, often associated with hospitalization, reduced function and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Current data on nationwide incidence and treatment is sparse. Existing epidemiological studies are either single-centered or investigating only in-patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures in a nationwide register study including all adult patients in Sweden during 2001-2016.Methods: We used the Swedish National Patient Register to collect data on the entire Swedish population aged ≥18 years from 2001 to 2016. Variables included age, gender, fracture type and treatment.Results: We found a total of 87,308 pelvic and acetabular fractures (71% females) in Sweden during the 16-year study period and the incidence increased from 64 to 80 per 100,000 person-years from 2001 to 2016. The incidence of pelvic fractures increased from 58 to 73 per 100,000 person-years and the majority of the patients (74%) were female. The incidence of acetabular fracture increased from 8.7 to 11 per 100,000 person years and the majority of the patients (58%) were male. Only 2.0% of all patients with a pelvic fracture were treated surgically, as compared to 15% for acetabular fractures. The rate of surgical treatment was higher for males compared to females for both pelvic (4.4 and 1.2% respectively) and acetabular (19 and 10% respectively) fractures.Conclusion: The incidence of pelvic and acetabular fractures increased markedly in Sweden from 2001-2016. Pelvic fractures were more common among females and acetabular among males. The surgical rate was higher for acetabular compared to pelvic fractures. Major gender differences in treatment choices were found with higherproportion of men treated surgically for both fracture types, and in all age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of Volar Locking Plate (VLP) compared to External Fixation (EF) for unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures in a 3-year perspective. Methods: During 2009–2013, patients aged 50–74 years with an unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fracture were randomised to VLP or EF. Primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for VLP compared with EF. Data regarding health effects (Quality-adjusted life years, QALYs) was prospectively collected during the trial period until 3 years after surgery. Cost data was collected retrospectively for the same time period and included direct and indirect costs (production loss). Results: One hundred and thirteen patients (VLP n = 58, EF n = 55) had complete data until 3 years and were used in the analysis. At one year, the VLP group had a mean incremental cost of 878 euros and a gain of 0.020 QALYs compared with the EF group, rendering an ICER of 43 900 euros per QALY. At three years, the VLP group had a mean incremental cost of 1 082 euros and a negative incremental effect of -0.005 QALYs compared to the EF group, which means that VLP was dominated by EF. The probability that VLP was cost-effective compared to EF at three years, was lower than 50% independent of the willingness to pay per QALY. Conclusion: Three years after distal radius fracture surgery, VLP fixation resulted in higher costs and a smaller effect in QALYs compared to EF. Our results indicate that it is uncertain if VLP is a cost-effective treatment of unstable distal radius fractures compared to EF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pre-operative planning is widely used in orthopaedic surgery. In case of trauma with fracture or previous injury with malunion, the contralateral extremity is used as a surrogate for planning with an assumption of symmetry between sides. The aim of this study was to investigate femoral symmetricity in human adults. Methods: Ten randomly selected lower extremity computerized tomography (CT) images were analyzed for femur symmetry using 3D Trauma and CT motion analysis (CTMA). Mirrored images of the left femur were created using the right as a template. The 3D images from each side were merged, and translational and rotational differences reported. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between mirrored images of the left and right femurs. Differences in rotation and translation of bony segmentation showed a greater variation in internal and external rotation of the distal femur (CI − 0.7° to 4.9°) compared to varus/valgus (CI − 1.3° to 0.8°) or flexion/extension (CI − 0.5° to 0.6°), though none of these differences were significant. Conclusion: The left and right femurs of healthy adults are symmetrical. Pre-operative templating relying on the contralateral healthy femur is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Distal radius fractures are the most common of all fractures. Optimal treatment is still debated. Previous studies report substantial changes in treatment trends in recent decades. Few nation-wide studies on distal radius fracture epidemiology and treatment exist, none of which provide detailed data on patient and injury characteristics, fracture pattern and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, fracture classification, current treatment regimens and mortality of distal radius fractures in adults within the context of a large national register study.Methods: We performed a descriptive study using prospectively registered data from the Swedish fracture register. Included were all non-pathological distal radius fractures registered between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2017 in patients aged 18 years and above. Nominal variables were presented as proportions of all registered fractures.Results: A total of 23,394 distal radius fractures in 22,962 patients were identified. The mean age was 62.7 ± 17.6 years for all, 65.4 ± 16.0 for women and 53.6 ± 20.0 for men. A simple fall was the most common cause of injury (75%, n = 17,643/23,394). One third (33%, n = 7783/21,723) of all fractures occurred at the patients' residence. 65% (n = 15,178/23,394) of all fractures were classified as extra-articular AO-23-A, 12% (n = 2770/23,394) as partially intra-articular AO-23-B and 23% (n = 5446/23,394) as intra-articular AO-23-C. The primary treatment was non-surgical for 74% (n = 17,358/23,369) and surgical for 26% (n = 6011/23,369) of all fractures. Only 18% of the AO-23-A fractures were treated surgically, compared to 48% of the AO-23-C fractures. The most frequently used surgical method was plate fixation (82%, n = 4954/5972), followed by pin/wire fixation (8.2%, n = 490/5972), external fixation (4.8%, n = 289/5972) and other methods (4.0%, n = 239/5972). The overall 30-day mortality was 0.4% (n = 98/23,394) and the 1-year mortality 2.9% (n = 679/23,394).Conclusion: This nation-wide observational study provides comprehensive data on the epidemiology, fracture classification and current treatment regimens of distal radius fractures in a western European setting. The most common patient was an eldery woman who sustained a distal radius fracture through a simple fall in her own residence, and whose fracture was extra-articluar and treated non-surgically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition affecting millions of patients around the world, causing pain and disability and often resulting in joint replacement surgery. The aetiology of OA has long been attributed to mechanical wear mainly due to the increased prevalence of OA in load bearing joints among older patients. However, recent studies reveal a complex molecular disease causality in which inflammation, nutritional deficit and angiogenesis lead to the destruction of the joint structure. The aim of this study was to examine chemokine receptor expression in peripheral blood and bone marrow in OA patients. We devised a protocol for extracting healthy bone marrow from patients undergoing hip arthroplasty due to coxarthrosis. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of 18 chemokine receptors on CD4 and CD8 T cells from bone marrow and blood from 7 osteoarthritis patients and peripheral blood from 9 healthy controls. We found a significantly increased fraction of CCR2 expressing CD4 and CD8 T cell in peripheral blood compared to healthy controls. Also, there was a significant decrease in CXCR3 (Th1) (P < 0.01) expressing T cells in peripheral blood from OA patients. Finally, multivariate analysis was used to separate T cell profiles from healthy controls and OA patients and demonstrate that the divergence of chemokine receptor expression occurs in the mature T cell subsets. In conclusion, we find increased CCR2 expression in peripheral blood from OA patients that possibly may be targeted in future clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of a distal radial fracture are treated in a day-surgery setting and are given either general anesthesia (GA) or regional anesthesia (RA). The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the anesthesia method on patients' postoperative opioid consumption during the first 3 days following surgery.Methods: This was a single-center randomized clinical trial. A total of 88 patients aged 18 to 74 years who were undergoing day surgery for the treatment of a displaced distal radial fracture with volar-plate fixation were randomized to GA (n = 44) or RA with a supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade (n = 44). The primary outcome was total opioid equivalent consumption (OEC) during the first 3 postoperative days (72 hours). Secondary outcomes included OEC during days 1, 2, and 3, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain scores, maximum pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, perioperative time consumption (surgical, preoperative, and postoperative anesthesia care time), functional outcomes, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L) scores up to 6 months.Results: The total median OEC during the first 3 postoperative days was 85 mg (range, 0 to 218 mg) in the GA group and 60 mg (range, 3 to 150 mg) in the RA group (p = 0.1). The groups differed significantly in OEC and VAS for pain scores during the first 24 hours after surgery; the median OEC was higher in the GA group before discharge (p < 0.001), while it was higher in the RA group after discharge (p < 0.001). Patients in the GA group reported more pain immediately after surgery (median score, 6; width of interquartile range [IQR], 7) and at 2 hours postoperatively (median score, 2; width of IQR, 3) compared with patients in the RA group (median score, 0; width of IQR, 0 at both time points) (p < 0.001). Maximum pain occurred at a median of 1 hour (range, 1 hour to 22 hours) after the end of surgery in the GA group compared with a median of 11 hours (range, 1 hour to 24 hours) in the RA group (p < 0.001). The total median perioperative time consumption was 244 minutes (range, 114 to 389 minutes) in the GA group compared with 146 minutes (range, 74 to 390 minutes) in the RA group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in functional outcomes or PRWE or EQ-5D-3L scores at 6 months.Conclusions: The anesthesia method (GA vs. RA) significantly influenced the early patterns of postoperative pain and opioid consumption after surgical treatment of a distal radial fracture, but neither total OEC over the first 3 postoperative days nor longer-term outcomes differed between the groups.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The usage of volar locking plate fixation for distal radial fractures has increased in older patient populations, despite the fact that surgical treatment in the elderly population has not clearly been proven to be superior to nonoperative treatment. The purpose of the present study was to compare nonoperative treatment with volar locking plate fixation with regard to clinical outcome for elderly patients with dorsally displaced distal radial fractures.Methods: In this study, 140 patients were randomly allocated to nonoperative treatment with a plaster splint (n = 72) or volar locking plate fixation (n = 68). The outcome variables were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score, EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score, range of motion, grip strength, radiographic outcomes, and complications. Evaluation was performed at 3 and 12 months by unblinded observers.Results: At 3 months, 122 patients were evaluated, and at 12 months, 119 patients were evaluated. At 3 months, the volar locking plate group, compared with the nonoperative treatment group, had a better median PRWE score (10.3 compared with 35.5 points; p = 0.002), DASH score (14.4 compared with 29.2 points; p = 0.016), and grip strength (71.0% of the uninjured hand compared with 53.9%; p < 0.001). Significant differences in favor of the volar locking plate group remained at 12 months; compared with the nonoperative treatment group, the volar locking plate group had a better median PRWE score (7.5 points compared with 17.5 points; p = 0.014), DASH score (8.3 points compared with 19.9 points; p = 0.028), and grip strength (96.8% compared with 80.0%; p = 0.001). Radiographic measurements favored volar locking plate fixation at 3 and 12 months. Complication rates were similar, with 11% major complications in the nonoperative group compared with 14% major complications in the volar locking plate group (p = 0.606) and 11% minor complications in the nonoperative group compared with 20% minor complications in the volar locking plate group (p = 0.197).Conclusions: The PRWE scores, DASH scores, and grip strength were better for the volar locking plate group compared with the nonoperative group at 3 and 12 months. The complication rates were similar. Our results imply that there is a benefit for the elderly patient with an unstable dorsally displaced distal radial fracture to be treated with a volar locking plate.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]