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Background: Hip fracture is common and morbid in elderly patients. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is also very common in these subjects undergoing surgery with an incidence which exceeds 40% in some reports. To date, the evidence is ambiguous as to whether anesthetic technique may affect the patients' outcome as far as postoperative cognitive function is concerned.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of general and subarachnoid (spinal) anesthesia on the development of POCD up to 30 days after surgery in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Methods Subjects over 65 years with hip fracture undergoing surgery were recruited for this study. They were enrolled and randomized to receive either general anesthesia (GA group) or subarachnoid (spinal) anesthesia (S group). Cognitive function was assessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests undertaken preoperatively and at 30 days postoperatively. The incidence of delirium was examined during the same period and their functional status, in terms of activities of daily living was also recorded.Results: A total of seventy patients, 33 men and 37 females, mean age of 76 years were analyzed. Thirty-three patients received general anesthesia (GA group) and 37 subarachnoid (spinal) anesthesia (S group). The two groups of patients were similar with respect to baseline characteristics, comorbidities and perioperative data. The results of neuropsychological testing showed that there were no significant differences between the groups in eight out of ten neurocognitive tests at baseline and 30 days after surgery. There was a statistically significant decline of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale score in S group compared with group GA on the 30th postoperative day (p = 0.043). A significant decline was also present in Color-Word Task test in S group compared with group GA at baseline (p = 0.014) and 30 days postoperatively (p = 0.003). Postoperative delirium was present in four patients (12%) for the GA group, and in 10 patients (27%) for the group receiving subarachnoid anesthesia.Conclusion: We concluded that the choice of anesthesia modality does not appear to influence the emergence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although early surgery for elderly patients with hip fracture is recommended in existing clinical guidelines, the results of previous studies are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes of early and delayed surgery for elderly patients with hip fracture.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study using a national inpatient database in Japan, patients aged 65 years or older who underwent surgery for hip fracture between July 2010 and March 2014 were included. Early surgery was defined as surgery on the day or the next day of admission. Assessed outcomes included death within 30 days and hospital-acquired pneumonia.Results: In this cohort, 47,073 (22.5%) patients underwent surgery for hip fractures within two days of admission (early surgery group) and 161,805 (77.5%) underwent surgery for hip fractures thereafter (delayed surgery group). Early surgery was significantly associated with lower odds for hospital-acquired pneumonia (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.69) and pressure ulcers (odds ratio, 0.56, 95%CI: 0.33-0.96, p = 0.035), but was not associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-1.86) or pulmonary embolism (odds ratio, 1.62, 95%CI: 0.58-4.52, p = 0.357).Conclusions: These results support current guidelines, which recommend early surgery for elderly hip fractures patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aim to assess post-operative CRP serum values in a cohort of patients who underwent surgical treatment for neck of femur fracture (NOF#), and whether CRP is a valid tool for the assessment of these patients post-operatively.Study Design and Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out on all NOF#'s admitted for surgical fixation between August 2015 and July 2016 in a district general hospital. Primary analysis included serum CRP levels until day 7 post-operatively, with secondary analysis of any documented evidence of post-operative complications (medical and surgical) within 30 days post-operatively.Results: A total of 365 patients were surgically treated for NOF#'s over the study period. CRP serum levels peaked over the first two days post-operatively to median (IQ range) of 226 mg/L (158-299 mg/L), decreasing to 67 mg/L (45.5-104 mg/L) by day 7 post-operatively. 116 patients had documented post-operative complications within 30 daysof operation. CRP levels in patients with and without complications showed no statistical significance in day-1, day-2 and day-3 post-operatively. However, a significant difference was demonstrated on day-4 (p = 0.017), day-5 (p = 0.003), day-6 (p = 0.02) and day-7 (p = 0.031).Conclusions: During the first three days of the postoperative period we cannot recommend routine CRP serum blood test monitoring in NOF# patients, as it is not diagnostic in the acute inflammatory phase for medical or surgical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The psoas minor partially inserted to the superior pelvic brim. And the plate used to fix the acetabular fracture has always been positioned at the pelvic brim after reduction through the Stoppa approach. However, there are few studies depicting the clinical significance of the psoas minor. The purpose of this paper was to explore the relationship between the insertion of the psoas minor tendon at the pelvic brim (IPMTPB) and screw placement through the Stoppa approach.Materials and Methods: Fifteen cadavers were dissected for adequate exposure to IPMTPB in our study. However, not all specimens had a psoas minor. For the specimens with IPMTPB, the posterior and anterior edges were used as the first and second entry points, dividing the area from the sacroiliac joint to the pubic symphysis into three zones (d1, d2 and d3). The average proportion of each zone was obtained after measurement the three zones, to locate the two entry points for the specimens without a psoas minor. From the longitudinal Stoppa incision, the first wire was inserted horizontally, and the second wire was placed vertical to the bone surface. Fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) were conducted to examine the relationship between the wires and the acetabulum.Results: There was a psoas minor in sixteen hemipelvises (53.33%). After measurement and calculation, we determined that the average proportions of zones d1, d2, and d3 were 28.03%, 29.14%, and 42.83%, respectively. For all specimens, the wires were successfully inserted, and the trajectories of the wires were outside the hip joint cavity.Conclusions: IPMTPB could be used as an anatomic landmark of safe zones for screw placement through the Stoppa approach. For cases without a psoas minor, the zones for extra-articular screw placement could be determined through the measurements in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Russel-Taylor type 2B fractures compromised the trochanteric region and medial buttress of proximal femur. This fracture pattern limits the choice of implants and raises the risk of adverse outcomes. We aimed to (i) determine the outcome of Russel-Taylor type 2B fractures treated using reverse less invasive stabilization system plates (LISS-DF) and to (ii) learn what factors affected outcomes after osteosynthesis with reverse LISS plates.Design: A retrospective study SETTING: The study was conducted at a Level III trauma center in Taiwan.Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients presenting with a Russel-Taylor type 2B fracture were enrolled. All cases were treated with reverse LISS plates. A Modified Radiographic Union Scale for Femur (RUSF), Radiographic parameters, functional scores, and complications were assessed.Results: Union occurred in 21 cases at an average of 18.8 weeks. The average immediate postoperative neck-shaft angle was 130° (range: 122-135°) compared with 139° (range: 135-141°, p=0.05) on the contralateral side. Two cases had complications of proximal screws cutting out and two cases had broken implants. Finally, all 4 cases required repeated surgeries (16%). Malunion occurred in 4 patients and early mechanical failure (proximal screws cut out) occurred in 2. There was a significant difference in the purchase index of the proximal screws between cases with redisplacement and those without (26.4mm and 98.6mm, p=0.01).Conclusions: The use of reverse LISS plate appeared to be an alternative procedure for the specific pattern in the present study. We recommend using this reverse locking plate to treat unstable proximal femoral fractures with meticulous techniques of placing plates. Adequate purchase of the proximal locking screws might decrease the risks of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze prospectively the influence of the timing of surgery on morbidity and mortality, and to assess whether the early surgery within 2 days admission may be a reliably healthcare quality indicator.Methods: Prospective observational study of 628 patients age 60 or older who had been co-managed between surgeons and internists. Based on the literature, many potential factors influencing outcomes were collected to control confounding regard to surgery delay, complications and mortality. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to assess effects on the delay and mortality, respectively.Results: Mean Charlson index was 2.3, and 284 patients had at least 3 comorbidities. Mean timing of surgery was 3.6 days (range 0-20). 418 patients were fit for surgery, of which 180 underwent surgery within 2 days. Delay for surgery more than 2 days was significantly associated with ASA >2, Charlson >2 and anticoagulant therapy. Medical complications were not significantly associated with delayed surgery more than 2 days. Mortality rate was 0.9% in-hospital, 3.4 at 1 month, 7.0% at 3 months, and 13.6% at 12 months. There were no significant differences in in-hospital, 3-month or 1-year mortality between patients operated within 2 days and those operated at 3-4 days, but delayed more than 4 days was associated with higher 1-year mortality. Likewise, patients readmitted within 30 days had higher in-hospital mortality. Excluding unfit for surgery patients at admission, there was no significant difference in 3-month or 1-year mortality between patients operated within 2 days and those with delayed surgery.Conclusions: Delaying surgery up to 4 days was not associated with higher morbidity or mortality rates. We recommend concentrating more on preoperative optimizing the condition of patient with sufficient medical treatment rather than being bound by a universal timing of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ambulance organisations in Sweden have introduced prehospital fast track care (PFTC) for patients with suspected hip fracture. This means that the ambulance nurse starts the pre-operative procedure otherwise implemented at the accident & emergency ward (A&E) and transports the patient directly to the radiology department instead of A&E. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is transported directly to the orthopaedic ward. No previous randomised, controlled studies have analysed PFTC to describe its possible advantages. The aim of this study is to examine whether PFTC has any impact on outcomes such as time to surgery, length of stay, post-operative complications and mortality.Methods: The design of this study is a prehospital randomised, controlled study, powered to include 400 patients. The patients were randomised into PFTC or the traditional care pathway (A&E group).Results: Time from arrival to start for X-ray was faster for PFTC (mean, 28 vs. 145 min; p<0.001), but the groups did not differ with regard to time from start of X-ray to start of surgery (mean 18.40 h in both groups). No significant differences between the groups were observed with regard to: time from arrival to start of surgery (p=0.07); proportion operated within 24h (79% PFTC, 75% A&E; p=0.34); length of stay (p=0.34); post-operative complications (p=0.75); and 4 month mortality (18% PFTC, 15% A&E p=0.58).Conclusion: PFTC improved time to X-ray and admission to a ward, as expected, but did not significantly affect time to start of surgery, length of stay, post-operative complications or mortality. These outcomes were probably affected by other factors at the hospital. Patients with either possible life-threatening conditions or life-threatening conditions prehospital were excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) secondary to proximal femur fracture, acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most important complications. We have detected an increased risk of PJI in chronic institutionalized patients (CIPs), and a higher number of early postoperative infections are caused by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), not covered by the current prophylaxis (cefazolin in noninstitutionalized patients (NIPs) and cotrimoxazole in CIPs). We sought to compare infection characteristics between NIPs and CIPs, analyzing predisposing factors, causative pathogens, and antibiotic prophylaxis-related microbiological characteristics. We performed a retrospective review of our prospective institutional database to identify all patients consecutively admitted for HHA to treat proximal femur fracture at our centre between 2011 and 2013. PJI was diagnosed in 21 of 381 (5.51%) patients, with 10 of 105 (9.52%) in the CIP group and 11 of 276 (3.99%) in the NIP group, and statistical significance was achieved. GNB accounted for PJI in 14 (66.67%) patients. We detected a single case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in the NIP group. We confirm a higher risk of acute PJI among institutionalized patients, commonly caused by Gram-negative microorganisms, which are not covered by the current prophylaxis. New prophylactic strategies should be investigated in order to reduce this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-operative digital templating allows the surgeon to foresee any anatomical anomalies which may lead to intra-operative problems, and anticipate appropriate instruments and implants required during surgery. Although its role is well-established in successful elective total hip arthroplasty, little work has been done on its use in hip hemiarthroplasty in neck of femur fractures. We describe our initial experience of digital templating in 40 consecutive patients who have undergone cemented hip hemiarthroplasty, assessing templating accuracy between templated implant sizes to actual implant sizes. 81% of implanted heads were templated to within two head sizes, and 89% of implanted stems were templated to within two sizes. Although there was a moderately strong correlation of 0.52 between templated and actual head sizes, this correlation was not demonstrated in femoral stem sizes. Mean leg length discrepancy was -2.5mm (S.D. 8.5), and the mean difference in femoral offset between the operated and non-operated hip was -1mm (S.D. 4.4). Digital templating is a useful adjunct to the surgeon in pre-operative planning of hip hemiarthroplasty in the restoration of leg length and femoral offset. However, its accuracy is inferior to that of elective total hip arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intracapsular hip fractures (ICHF) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality and pose a great economic burden on the health care systems. Appropriate surgical treatment requires balancing optimal outcomes with the cost of treatment to the health care system. While in elderly patients with displaced ICHF arthroplasty became the standard of care, the internal fixation method for conserving the femoral head in younger patients or in nondisplaced ICHF is still in debate. We compared a dynamic locking plate with the standard cancellous cannulated screws (CCS) for treatment of nondisplaced ICHF.Methods: All patients treated with internal fixation for nondisplaced ICHF between July 2009 and December 2012 at our level one trauma center were included in this study. Patients treated with Targon FN (Aesculap) implants and CCS (Synthes) were compared. Charts were reviewed for demographics, intraoperative data and peri/post operative complications retrospectively. Radiographical analysis, pain (VAS), quality of life (SF12) and function (MHHS) data were prospectively gathered.Results: One hundred and fifteen non-displaced ICHFs were treated with internal fixation, 81 with CCS and 34 with Targon FN implant; the mean follow-up was 19 and 28 months, respectively. Group fracture characteristics (Garden/Powel classification), and demographics, excluding age, were not significantly different. Post-operative revision rates of the Targon FN and CCS groups, perioperative complications were not statistically different (p>0.05). Quality of life (SF-12), function (Modified Harris Hip Score) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were not statistical different.Conclusions: Complication rates and clinical outcomes for the treatment of nondisplaced ICHF with Targon FN and SCC showed no significant differences. Based on this evidence in consideration of the substantial cost differential between the Targon FN and SCC we suggest SCC for treatment of nondisplaced ICHF.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to test whether older red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion results in an increased risk of postoperative delirium (POD) and various in-hospital postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.Materials and Methods: Patients (≥65 years) who underwent hip fracture surgery were enrolled, 179 patients were divided into two groups according to the storage time of the RBCs. The shorter storage time of RBCs transfusion group comprised patients who received RBCs ≤14 days old and the longer storage time of RBCs transfusion group comprised patients who received RBCs >14 days old. The blood samples were collected before anaesthesia induction, 4 and 24 h after RBCs transfusion for the determination of proinflammatory mediators, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase activity.Results: There was no difference in the baseline characteristics, the incidence of POD, and the in-hospital postoperative complications between the shorter storage time of RBCs transfusion group and the longer storage time of RBCs transfusion groups (P>0.05). Compared with the shorter storage time of RBCs transfusion group, the longer storage time of RBCs transfusion caused significantly longer duration of POD (P<0.05). There were significantly increased plasma levels of IL-8 and malondialdehyde at 24 h and IL-1β at 4 h after RBCs transfusion in the POD group compared with the non-POD group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Transfusion of the longer storage RBCs is not associated with a higher incidence of POD or in-hospital postoperative complications, but with longer duration of POD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures have unique mechanical characteristics and are often treated with intramedullary implants. We compared the outcomes of the reconstruction trochanteric antegrade nail (TAN) with the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). Between July 2008 and February 2014, we reviewed all patients with reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures treated at our hospital. Patients with pathological fractures and those who were treated with other than TAN and PFNA nailing systems were excluded. Preoperative assessment included the Abbreviated mental test score (AMT), the ASA grade, pre-injury mobility and place of residence. Postoperative outcome measures included the type of implant used, time to fracture union, failures of fixation and revision surgeries. Fifty-eight patients were included and divided into two groups based on the treatment: 22 patients treated with TAN and 36 patients treated with PFNA systems. The two groups were well matched with regards to demographics and fracture type. The overall union rate was similar in both groups but the time to union was shorter in the TAN group. There were 8 implant failures in the PFNA (22.2%) group compare to none in the TAN group. Implant failure was associated with the severity of fracture (AO 31.A3.3) but was not related to fracture malreduction or screw position (Tip-apex-distance). Our study suggests that the use of reconstruction system with two screws such as TAN may be more suitable implant for reverse oblique intertrochanteric hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common nosocomial infections after surgery. However, clinical guidance on how to handle any suspicious clusters of SSI in orthopaedic surgery is missing. We report on problem analysis and solution finding following the observation of an increased rate of SSI in trauma implant surgery. Setting: Trauma unit of a university hospital. Methods: Over a 2-year observation period, all patients (n =370) following surgical stabilisation of proximal femur fractures in a trauma unit of a university hospital were consecutively followed using a standardised case report form. First, a retrospective cohort of 217 patients was collected for whom an increased SSI rate was detected. Based on risk analysis, new standard perioperative procedures were developed and implemented. The impact was evaluated in a prospective cohort of 153 comparable patients. Uni- and multivariable analysis of factors associated with the risk for SSI was undertaken. Results: The intervention bundle resulted in a significant reduction of an initially increased SSI incidence of 6.9 (down) to 2.0% (p =0.029). Multivariable analysis revealed four risk factors significantly associated with a higher risk of SSI caused by different bacteria: duration of surgery (p =0.002), hemiarthroplasty (p =0.002), haematoma (p =0.004) and the presence of two operating room staff members (p <0.001 and 0.035). Conclusions: A standardised prospective SSI protocol and detection system offering the simultaneous use of data should guarantee every institution immediate alarm registration to avoid comparable problem situations. Detailed interdisciplinary analysis followed by the implementation of coherent interventions, based on a best-evidence structured bundle approach, may adequately resolve similar critical incidence episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several authors have identified on admission haemoglobin level as the most useful predictor of transfusion risk in patients with a hip fracture. A low postoperative haemoglobin unexplained by perioperative blood loss is not uncommon in these patients. The drop in haemoglobin after re-hydration prior to surgery should depend not only on the degree of dehydration but also on the amount of blood lost in the fracture. We could find no study in the English literature estimating the magnitude of this fall in haemoglobin after re-hydration prior to surgery. We conducted a prospective study to estimate the magnitude of fall in haemoglobin after re-hydration prior to surgery by repeating the full blood count after at least 12h of preoperative fluid resuscitation in 127 patients with hip fracture (75 consecutive at one centre and 52 consecutive at another). The average preoperative drop in haemoglobin was 2.23gram/decilitre (g/dL) (p-value=0.00) in subtrochanteric fractures, 1.1g/dL (p-value=0.001) in intertrochanteric fractures and 0.7g/dL (p-value=0.02) in intracapsular fractures. Fifteen patients with a haemoglobin level >9g/dL on admission were found to have a haemoglobin level <9g/dL on repeat test and were prevented from going to theatre without arrangements for perioperative transfusion during this study. Their predicted average postoperative haemoglobin without perioperative blood transfusion was calculated to be 6.5g/dL. The on admission haemoglobin level was found to be falsely reassuring and could lead to a very low postoperative haemoglobin level. This could prove to be dangerous for many patients especially if remains undetected for several hours. We recommend that all patients with subtrochanteric fractures, and all patients with intertrochanteric or intracapsular fractures with a haemoglobin of less than 12g/dL on admission have a repeat haemoglobin level performed prior to their surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Internal fixation is one of the main options for treating displaced intracapsular hip fractures. However, controversy remains over which osteosynthesis is the best choice. Using a simulated displaced intracapsular hip fracture model, we compared the mechanical stability of three types of osteosynthesis: the sliding hip screw (SHS), three cannulated screws and the Targon® FN. We also assessed whether bone mineral density (BMD) influenced the stability of the fixation. Methods: Unstable/displaced intracapsular hip fractures were induced in a total of 12 pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver femora. Each fracture was fixed at random on the left or right side with an SHS or three cannulated screws (six bone pairs; study 1), or with an SHS or the Targon® FN implant (six bone pairs; study 2). All femoral heads were exposed to cyclic combined axial and torque loads until failure. The failure mechanism, the maximal load-to-failure and the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) values of the femoral heads were determined and their relationships were analysed. Results: There was no significant difference in the maximal load-to-failure between the SHS and the three cannulated screws. The load-to-failure was significantly higher for the Targon® FN than for the SHS. There was a high correlation between the bone mineral densities (BMDs) of the femoral heads and maximal load-to-failure in the Targon® FN group only. Interpretation: Basing the implant choice on preimplantation BMD measurements does not ensure the best biomechanical outcome. We found that the combination of a fixed-angle device and multiple sliding neck screws (Targon® FN) enhances the mechanical strength of reconstructions in unstable/displaced intracapsular hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 146 patients were identified from a prospective database of all hip fractures over a 10-year period at a United Kingdom teaching hospital. The financial costs were calculated and analysed and then compared with the money recovered through the tariff produced by Payment by Results. A total of 62% of the study group were female; mean age of 79 years; mean length of stay of 39 days. Fractures occurred around total hip replacement (THR) in 63 cases, revision THR in 27 cases and hemiarthroplasty in 56 cases. Fixation of the fracture was performed in 61 cases, revision arthroplasty in 62 cases and 23 were treated non-operatively. The mean cost of treatment was £23,469 per patient (range £615–£223,000; median £18,031). Ward costs were responsible for 80.3%, theatre costs 5.7%, implants 6.7% and investigations 7.3%. The difference in cost was statistically significant when further surgery was required (p =0.01) and length of stay was greater than 30 days (p <0.0001), and when compared with the money recovered by the Trust (mean £3702; p <0.0001). These results reveal the significant economic impact of treating this group of patients at specialist centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: In recent years, the concept of minimally invasive surgery has invaded the orthopaedic field and literature on the subject is spawning. Mini-incision surgery for total hip arthroplasty has been studied without a clear consensus on the efficacy, safety and advantage of that technique. To our knowledge, the efficacy and safety of mini-incisions in hip fracture surgery has not been studied in a randomised fashion. Methods: This study is a prospective clinically randomised trial whose primary objective was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a single posterior mini-incision approach compared to a standard posterior approach for endoprosthesis in acute femoral neck fractures. The mini-incision was defined as less than 8cm. 25 patients in the mini-incision surgery (MIS) group and 31 patients in the standard incision group (STD) were available for analysis. The following validated disease-specific outcome instruments were used: the Lower Extremity Measurement (LEM) and the Time Up and Go (TUG). Secondary endpoints of pain, function, and quality of life were assessed by the components of the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF-36. Radiographic outcomes were also evaluated as well as the rates of all reported complications and adverse events during the 2 years follow-up. Results: There was no significant difference for operative time, blood losses, 72h postoperative haemoglobin as well as the need for transfusion therapy between the two groups. Also, there was no difference between the groups for postoperative morphine use and pain evaluation with the Visual Analog Scale. The functional assessment using LEM and TUG did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference between mini- and standard incision. However, the HHS and the physical function component of the SF-36 were statistically better at 2 years in favour of the standard incision group. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, we cannot recommend the use of a minimally invasive approach over a standard approach in the implantation of a cemented endoprosthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a prospective randomised trial, 455 patients presenting to one hospital with a displaced intracapsular fracture were randomised to either closed reduction and internal fixation with three cancellous screws or replacement with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty. Follow-up of surviving patients was for between 9 and 15 years to determine the long-term outcome for the two treatment methods. 93% of patients died during this follow-up period. There was no difference in mortality between the two procedures. The need for revision surgery to the hip was increased for those treated by internal fixation (93% versus 62% implant survival rate; hazard ratio: 0.14, 95% CI 0.08–0.24). 91% of revision''s operations occurred within 2 years from injury. There was no difference in the degree of residual pain between groups neither was there any difference in the number of patients requiring institutional care. These results demonstrate that both treatment methods produce comparable final outcomes but internal fixation is associated with an increased re-operation rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objective: To investigate the influence of the performing surgeon''s experience and degree of supervision on re-operation rate among patients admitted with a proximal femoral fracture (PFF). Methods: Prospective study of 600 consecutive patients with proximal femoral fracture in our multimodal rehabilitation programme, between 2002 and 2004. Re-operation rate was assessed 6 months postoperatively. Surgeons were grouped as unsupervised junior registrars versus experienced surgeons operating or supervising. Fractures were stratified as technically undemanding or demanding. Results: Unsupervised junior registrars operated on 23% (137/600) of all and 15% (56/365) of technically demanding proximal femoral fractures. The latter had a higher re-operation rate within 6 months, compared with the rate when more experienced surgeons were present. In logistic regression analysis combining age, gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, New Mobility Score, time to surgery and type of implant, surgery by unsupervised junior registrars was still a significant independent risk factor for re-operation in technically demanding proximal femoral fractures. Conclusion: Unsupervised junior registrars should not operate on technically demanding proximal femoral fractures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this retrospective study, we looked at the difference in 1 year mortality between two groups of patients who were operated for fracture of the hip. Patients and methods: In cohort 1, 72% of the patients underwent surgery on the same day of admission, 15% of the patients were operated on the next day, the remaining 13% of the patients waited more than 1 day for surgery. The mean waiting time was 0.47 day. The percentage of patients who were operated on the same day of admission in cohort 2 was 18%. Sixty-nine percent of the patients had to wait 1 day before they were operated and 13% waited 2 days or more. The average waiting time was 1.01 days. The date of death for both the 166 patients in cohort 1 and the 197 patients in cohort 2, was obtained from the national mortality register and the 1 year mortality was calculated. These two groups of patients were from separate 12 month periods and the operations performed were either Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) or hemiarthroplasty. The two groups were comparable in gender, age distribution and the types of operations. Results: There was an increase of 10.1% (P<0.025, χ2, 1 d.f.; 95% CI 1.7–18.5) in the mortality of patients in cohort 2. The mortality data of the two cohorts was also analysed after dividing the patients into three groups according to their age. A statistically significant increase in mortality of 16.9% in patients over 80 years of age in cohort 2 was found. The difference in mortality was still statistically significant when only patients over 80 years of age and having a DHS operation were compared. Total mortality at 2 years after the operation was the same in the two cohorts. Mortality rate for patients in cohort 2 was less than that for cohort 1 patients during the second post-operative year. Conclusion: This study shows that survival at 1 year is better when patients who are medically fit for surgery are operated on the same day of admission. This survival advantage is more pronounced for patients who are over 80 years of age. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This retrospective study evaluates the results obtained in five Italian departments of traumatology in the treatment of peritrochanteric (pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric) fractures by the intramedullary hip screw (IMHS; Smith & Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN, USA) nail. One thousand two hundred and seventy-three patients were treated with the IMHS nail between March 1992 and February 2000.The results of these operations were evaluated clinically and radiological in 981 patients. The 90.3% of patients could walk unaided or with simple support. Because of the low complication rate requiring re-operation (postoperative shaft fractures, screw penetrated the acetabulum, cut out and non-union) (1.7%), we think that this device is an advance in the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The most widely used implant in unstable proximal femoral fractures is the dynamic hip screw (DHS). Intramedullary implants include the intramedullary hip screw (IHMS), gamma nail and proximal femoral nail (PFN). There have not yet been any randomised trials comparing the PFN and DHS. We report our experience of stabilising 60 consecutive proximal femoral fractures with the PFN.Fifty fractures were unstable trochanteric fractures, seven were subtrochanteric (32A), one segmental, and two were at the level of a DHS plate. The mean age was 79 years and there were 12 male and 48 female patients. Twenty-eight patients were graded as ASA 3 or 4. Two patients had multiple injuries, all fractures were closed and there were five pathological fractures. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 4 months. Within this period, there were 12 deaths due to cardiopulmonary complications. Of the remaining 48 patients, two were lost to follow-up and 39 had united by 4 months. The local complications were: four implant cut-outs, two high energy fractures below the implants and one implant failure at 7 months due to delayed union.We believe that the PFN is a good choice for stabilising subtrochanteric fractures. We also believe that the use of the PFN for unstable trochanteric fractures is very encouraging. A large, randomised controlled trial against the DHS would be helpful to clarify the relative risks and benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Despite advances in surgical and anaesthetic techniques the mortality after hip fracture has not significantly changed in the last 40 years. Pre-operative anaemia is a risk factor for peri-operative death. We speculate that a significant proportion of the blood loss related to hip fractures has occurred prior to surgery. Identifying patients at risk of pre-operative anaemia can facilitate appropriate medical optimisation. This study is unique in its attempt to quantify the blood loss associated with the initial hip injury. Methods: In a retrospective study all patients with both a diagnosis of hip fracture and an operative delay of >48h were assessed. The information collected included: fracture classification, serial haemoglobins and patient co-morbidities. The exclusion criteria included a pre-injury diagnosis of anaemia, anti-coagulation and gastrointestinal bleeds. Results: Between 2007/2008 sixty-eight intracapsular and fifty extracapsular hip fracture patients had serial haemoglobins and operative delays of >48h (mean 75h, range 48–270h). The mean lowest recorded haemoglobin prior to surgery for both extracapsular and intracapsular fractures were 95.0g/L (±SEM 2.2) and 108.5g/L (±SEM 2.2) respectively. This difference was statistically significant (Student''s t-test p <0.05). The mean haemoglobin drop in the extracapsular and intracapsular fracture groups was 20.2g/L (range 0–49g/L) and 14.9g/L (range 0–59g/L) respectively. Conclusions: Hip fracture patients have a large drop in haemoglobin that is associated with the initial trauma rather than the operation. This highlights the need for anaesthetic and orthopaedic staff to be vigilant to the risk of pre-operative anaemia in this cohort of frail patients even when the initial haemoglobin is apparently normal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is unclear which length of thread may be most advantageous for the internal fixation of an intracapsular fracture with cancellous screws. We have compared the 16mm versus the 32mm threads on cancellous screws within a randomised trial for 432 patients. All fractures were fixed with three screws and patients followed-up for a minimum of one year from injury. The characteristics of the patients in the two groups were similar with a mean age of 76 years. 23% were male. The most common complication encountered was non-union of the fracture which for undisplaced fractures occurred in 7/107 (6.5%) of short threaded screws versus 11/133 (8.3%) of long threaded screws. For displaced fractures the figures were 29/104 (27.9%) versus 24/89 (27.0%). Other complications for the short versus long threaded group were avascular necrosis (two cases versus five cases) and fracture below the implant (two cases in each group). Elective removal of the screws for discomfort was undertaken in five and three cases, respectively. None of these differences between groups was statistically significant. In summary there is no difference in fracture healing complications related to the length of the screw threads. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Systems for collecting information about patient care are increasingly common in orthopaedic practice. Databases can allow various comparisons to be made over time. Significant decisions regarding service delivery and clinical practice may be made based on their results. We set out to determine the number of cases needed for comparison of 30-day mortality, inpatient wound infection rates and mean hospital length of stay, with a power of 80% for the demonstration of an effect at a significance level of p <0.05. We analysed 2 years of prospectively collected data on 1050 hip fracture patients admitted to a city teaching hospital. Detection of a 10% difference in 30-day mortality would require 14,065 patients in each arm of any comparison, demonstration of a 50% difference would require 643 patients in each arm; for wound infections, demonstration of a 10% difference in incidence would require 23,921 patients in each arm and 1127 patients for demonstration of a 50% difference; for length of stay, a difference of 10% would require 1479 patients and 6660 patients for a 50% difference. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the population sizes before comparisons are made on the basis of basic hip fracture outcome data. Our data also help illustrate the impact of sample size considerations when interpreting the results of performance monitoring. Many researchers will be used to the fact that rare outcomes such as inpatient mortality or wound infection require large sample sizes before differences can be reliably demonstrated between populations. This study gives actual figures that researchers could use when planning studies. Statistically meaningful analyses will only be possible with major multi-centre collaborations, as will be possible if hospital Trusts participate in the National Hip Fracture Database. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In hip fracture surgery, the exact choice of implant often remains somewhat unclear for the individual surgeon, but the growing literature consensus has enabled publication of evidence-based surgical treatment pathways. The aim of this article was to review author pathways and national guidelines for hip fracture surgery and discuss a method for future pathway/guideline implementation and evaluation.Methods: By a PubMed search in March 2015 six studies of surgical treatment pathways covering all types of proximal femoral fractures with publication after 1995 were identified. Also we searched the homepages of the national heath authorities and national orthopedic societies in West Europe and found 11 national or regional (in case of no national) guidelines including any type of proximal femoral fracture surgery.Results: Pathway consensus is outspread (internal fixation for un-displaced femoral neck fractures and prosthesis for displaced among the elderly; and sliding hip screw for stabile- and intramedullary nails for unstable- and sub-trochanteric fractures) but they are based on a variety of criteria and definitions - and often leave wide space for the individual surgeons' subjective judgement. Appearing neither exhaustive nor exclusive, most of the pathways seem difficult to evaluate scientifically, which might explain why only very few have been evaluated for compliance, reliability and complications after implementation in an actual clinical setting. We therefore introduce a model for step-wise pathway implementation including proper scientific evaluation.Conclusions: Surgical treatment pathways for proximal femoral fractures are available in literature and nationally with somewhat evidence based treatment consensus, but the scientific evaluation of the pathways them selves needs to be optimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]