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Background and purpose Treatment of hip fracture patients is controversial. We implemented a new operative and supervision algorithm (the Hvidovre algorithm) for surgical treatment of all hip fractures, primarily based on own previously published results. Methods 2,000 consecutive patients over 50 years of age who were admitted and operated on because of a hip fracture were prospectively included. 1,000 of these patients were included after implementation of the algorithm. Demographic parameters, hospital treatment, and reoperations within the first postoperative year were assessed from patient records. Results 931 of 1,000 operative procedures were performed according to the algorithm, as compared to only 726 of 1,000 prior to its introduction (p < 0.001). After implementation of the algorithm, junior registrars still performed half of the operations, but unsupervised procedures declined from 192 of 1,000 to 105 of 1,000 (p < 0.001). The rate of reoperations declined from 18% to 12% (p < 0.001 in a multiple Cox regression analysis), with a decline of 24% to 18% for intracapsular fractures and a decline of 13% to 7% for extracapsular fractures. The proportion of bed-days caused by reoperations was reduced from 24% of total hospitalization before the algorithm was introduced to 18% after it was introduced. Interpretation It is possible to implement an algorithm for treatment of all hip fracture patients in a large teaching hospital. In our case, the Hvidovre algorithm both raised the rate of supervision and reduced the rate of reoperations. The reduced reoperation rate saved many hospital bed-days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is a 5- to 8-fold increased risk of mortality during the first 3 months after a hip fracture. Several risk factors are known. We studied the predictive value (for mortality) of routine blood tests taken on admission. Methods 792 hip fracture patients were included prospectively; blood tests were taken on admission. Follow-up data on mortality were obtained from the civil registration system. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they had survived at least 90 days after the hip fracture. To estimate which laboratory tests could be used to predict outcome, we used receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves. Results 3-month mortality could be predicted with 69% accuracy from the level of plasma creatinine in standard admission blood tests. The mortality in patients with elevated levels of creatinine was almost 3-fold that of the patients with normal creatinine. Mortality was also associated with age, low blood hemoglobin, high plasma potassium, and low plasma albumin levels. Interpretation Our findings could be of use in identifying patients who might benefit from increased attention perioperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Trabecular metal has shown promising results in experimental studies of bone ingrowth. Several clinical studies support these results. However, until now, no randomized clinical radiostereometric analysis (RSA) studies have been published. In this randomized RSA trial, we compared a new acetabular cup with a surface made of tantalum trabecular metal and a cup with a titanium fiber-mesh surface. Patients and methods Between 2004 and 2006, we operated 60 patients with noninflammatory hip arthritis. The patients were randomized to receive either an uncemented cup with a titanium fiber-mesh surface (Trilogy cup) or a cup with a trabecular tantalum surface (Monoblock cup). After 2 years, 50 patients had completed the study. The primary endpoint was cup migration within the first 2 years after surgery; the secondary endpoints were change in bone mineral density and Harris hip score at 3 months. Results Both cup types showed excellent fixation. RSA revealed minimal translation and rotation at 2 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the cup types with regard to translation. However, less rotation along the transverse axis was seen in the trabecular metal cups than in the fiber mesh cups: mean --0.01ºº (95% CI: --0.11 to 0.12) for trabecular metal cups and --0.60ºº (--0.72 to --0.48) for fiber-mesh cups (p == 0.04). The degree of periprosthetic bone loss was similar between the cup types in any of the regions of interest at 2 years of follow-up. 3 months postoperatively, we found a similar increase in Harris hip score in both groups: from around 50 to over 90. Interpretation We found promising early results concerning fixation of trabecular metal components to the acetabular host bone. However, we recommend a longer observation period to evaluate the outcome of this new cup design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose In recent years, intramedullary nails (INs) for the treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures have gained prominence relative to conventional, sliding hip screws (SHSs). There is little empirical background for this development, however. A previous series of ours suggested that the use of SHS was not adequate in situations with fragile or fractured lateral femoral walls, where it often led to lack of healing in a maximally telescoped position. We hypothesized that INs would be the superior implant in these specific circumstances. Methods We retrospectively examined 311 consecutive patients treated in our department between 2002 and 2008, with either an IN (n == 158) or an SHS (n == 153) mounted on a 4-hole side-plate, for an AO/OTA type 31A1--2 pertrochanteric fracture with a detached greater trochanter. The status of the lesser trochanter was assessed preoperatively and the integrity of the lateral femoral wall, fracture reduction, and position of the implants were assessed postoperatively. Reoperations due to technical failure were recorded for one year postoperatively. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the groups were similar regarding demographic and biomechanical parameters. The lateral femoral wall was more frequently fractured during SHS implantation (42 patients) than in the IN group (9 patients) (p < 0.001). 6 (4%) of the 158 patients operated with IN had to be reoperated, as compared to 22 (14%) in the SHS group of 153 patients (p == 0.001). Interpretation IN had a lower reoperation rate than SHS in these pertrochanteric hip fractures with a detached greater trochanter. IN left more lateral femoral walls intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose The reported outcomes of hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) vary. The frequency of this procedure in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden is low. We therefore determined the outcome of HRA in the NARA database, which is common to all 3 countries, and compared it to the outcome of conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods The risk of non-septic revision within 2 years was analyzed in 1,638 HRAs and compared to that for 172,554 conventional total hip arthroplasties (THAs), using Cox regression models. We calculated relative risk (RR) of revision and 95% confidence interval. Results HRA had an almost 3-fold increased revision risk compared to THA (RR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.9-3.7). The difference was even greater when HRA was compared to the THA subgroup of cemented THAs (RR = 3.8, CI: 2.7-5.3). For men below 50 years of age, this difference was less pronounced (HRA vs. THA: RR = 1.9, CI: 1.0-3.9; HRA vs. cemented THA: RR = 2.4, CI: 1.1-5.3), but it was even more pronounced in women of the same age group (HRA vs. THA: RR = 4.7, CI: 2.6-8.5; HRA vs. cemented THA: RR = 7.4, CI: 3.7-15). Within the HRA group, risk of non-septic revision was reduced in hospitals performing ≥ 70 HRAs annually (RR = 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.7) and with use of Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) rather than the other designs as a group (RR = 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.7). Risk of early revision was also reduced in males (RR = 0.5, CI: 0.2-0.9). The femoral head diameter alone had no statistically significant influence on the early revision rate, but it eliminated the significance of male sex in a combined analysis. Interpretation In general, our results do not support continued use of hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Men had a lower early revision rate, which was still higher than observed for all-cemented hips. Further follow-up is necessary to determine whether HRA might be useful as an alternative in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose The possibility of comparing results and of pooling the data has been limited for the Nordic arthroplasty registries, because of different registration systems and questionnaires. We have established a common Nordic database, in order to compare demographics and the results of total hip replacement surgery between countries. In addition, we plan to study results in patient groups in which the numbers are too small to be studied in the individual countries. Material and methods Primary total hip replacements (THRs) from 1995-2006 were selected for the study. Denmark, Sweden, and Norway contributed data. A common code set was made and Cox multiple regression, with adjustment for age, sex, and diagnosis was used to calculate prosthesis survival with any revision as endpoint. Results 280,201 operations were included (69,242 from Denmark, 140,821 from Sweden, and 70,138 from Norway). Females accounted for 60% of the patients in Denmark and Sweden, and 70% in Norway. Childhood disease was the cause of 3.1%, 1.8%, and 8.7% of the operations in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, respectively. Resurfacing of hips accounted for 0.5% or less in all countries. The posterior approach was used in 91% of cases in Denmark, 60% in Sweden, and 24% in Norway. Cemented THRs were used in 46% of patients in Denmark, in 89% of patients in Sweden, and in 79% of patients in Norway. Of the 280,201 primary THRs, 9,596 (3.4%) had been revised. 10-year survival was 92% (95% CI: 91.6-92.4) in Denmark, 94% (95% CI: 93.6-94.1) in Sweden, and 93% (95% CI: 92.3-93.0) in Norway. In Denmark, 34% of the revisions were due to dislocation, as compared to 23% in Sweden and Norway. Replacement of only cup or liner constituted 44% of the revisions in Denmark, 29% in Sweden, and 33% in Norway. Interpretation This unique common Nordic collaboration has shown differences between the countries concerning demographics, prosthesis fixation, and survival. The large number of patients in this database significantly widens our horizons for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Childhood hip disorders including acetabular dysplasia, congenital hip dislocation, epiphysiolysis, and morbus Calve-Legg-Perthes are well-established risk factors for the development of early osteoarthritis of the hip. These patients have an increased risk of undergoing a total hip arthroplasty (THA) operation early in their life. However, there are very few data on implant survival in such patients. Methods We used data from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry to identify patients who had been treated with a primary THA in Denmark between 1995 and 2005. Implant survival during early and late postoperative follow-up (< 6 months and>6 months, respectively) was assessed for patients treated with a primary THA due to childhood hip disorders, and compared with implant survival for THA patients with primary osteoarthritis. Results 56,087 THA procedures included 53,694 (96%) hips with primary osteoarthritis, 890 (1.6%) with acetabular dysplasia, 565 (1.0%) with congenital hip dislocation, 267 (0.5%) with epiphysiolysis, and 404 (0.7%) hips with morbus Calve-Legg-Perthes Patients with acetabular dysplasia had an increased risk of revision during the 0-6-month postoperative period compared to patients with primary osteoarthritis (adjusted relative risk (RR)=1.9 (95% CI: 1.2-3.1)). These revisions were mainly performed due to dislocation of the THA, providing an adjusted RR of revision due to dislocation of 2.8 (95% CI: 1.6-4.9) compared to patients operated due to primary osteoarthritis. We found no statistically significant differences in risk of revision for the other childhood hip disorder groups during the early postoperative phase. In addition, we found no substantial differences in revision risk during later follow-up (0.5-12 years) for any of the childhood hip disorders compared to patients with primary osteoarthritis. Interpretation We found an encouraging rate of long-term implant survival for patients with childhood hip disorders. The major concern is the increased risk of revision because of dislocation in the first 6 postoperative months for patients with acetabular dysplasia. However, the advent of alternative bearings and the use of large-diameter femoral heads may improve the outcome after primary THA in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We examined incidence rates (IR) of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in Denmark according to county and type of hospital, and investigated possible factors associated with any variations. Methods Through the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry, we identified all cases of primary THAs (n = 37,144) and revisions (n = 6,446) between 1996 and 2002. Unadjusted and age- and gender-standardized, hospital type- and county-specific IRs were calculated. Using multiple regression analysis, we examined possible factors associated with the variations. Results Over the study period, age- and sex-standardized IRs of primary THAs for university and other hospitals increased by 10% and 40%, respectively. IRs of revisions increased for other hospitals by 33%, but decreased for university hospitals by 30%. Unadjusted IRs varied among counties (n = 15), which remained despite age- and gender-standardization. The IR ratio was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3-1.6) when comparing the counties with the highest and lowest IRs. No association was found between IRs of THA and the number of orthopedic surgeons per 100,000 inhabitants, proportion of patients with primary arthrosis, preoperative Harris Hip Score, hospital costs, the counties' Gross Domestic Product, or population density. Interpretation Substantial regional differences in the IRs of THA procedures were found. We found no associations between IRs and a range of patient- and healthcare system-related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The annual number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) has increased in Denmark over the past 15 years. There is, however, limited detailed data available on the incidence of THAs. Methods We calculated the incidence rates (IR) of primary THA and revision in Denmark between 1996 and 2002 and estimated the demands for primary THA in Denmark until 2020. We used data from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry, a nationwide and popula-tion-based clinical database, to identify patients who had undergone primary THA (n = 37 144) or revision arthroplasties (n = 6 446). Age and sex-specific data on the Danish population were obtained from the StatBank Denmark. All IRs were standardized according to two standards, i.e. the Danish population in 1996 and the European standard population (18 age groups). The future demands for primary THA were estimated using the age and sex-specific incidence of primary THA for 2002 as a reference, and taking into account the expected changes in the age distribution of the population and the trend in IRs seen in Denmark between 1996 and 2002. Results The annual overall standardized IRs of primary THAs and revisions increased from 101 (95% confidence interval (CI): 97.6–104) to 134 (CI: 131–138) and from 19.2 (CI: 17.9–20.5) to 21.1 (CI: 19.8–22.4) per 100 000 inhabitants from 1996 to 2002, respectively (IRs adjusted to the Danish population in 1996). The IRs of primary THAs and revisions increased by 30% and 10% during this period. The relative increase in IRs of primary THAs was found to be similar in both women and men. The increase was higher among patients aged 50–59 years, however. Furthermore, a decrease in IRs was seen in patients who underwent primary THA due to rheumatoid arthritis. IRs of primary THAs have been estimated to increase by 22% in 2020 compared with 2002, based only on the expected changes in the age distribution of the population. However, assuming that the annual age and sex-independent increase in the IRs seen in the period 1996–2002 will continue, the IR of primary THA is estimated to increase by as much as 210% in 2020. Interpretation The overall annual standardized IRs of primary THAs and revisions in Denmark increased during the period from 1996 to 2002. Moreover, the demands for THA procedures in the coming decades may exceed the current capacity due to the ageing population and a continued age and sex-independent increase in surgical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]