Management for A Depressive Patient with Femoral Neck Fracture by Electroconvulsive Therapy during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for refractory major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. The most common adverse medical events are transient retrograde amnesia, falls and pneumonia. Hip fractures, associated with high-energy trauma by convulsions, were occasionally reported in western countries, in the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict COVID-19 regulations influenced the course and further investigation of the treatment of post-ECT complications. A 33-year-old man, previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder, had a history of nine successful sessions of ECT treatment for depression five years ago. He was hospitalized again for 12 sessions of ECT for recurrent depression. Unfortunately, an ECT-induced right hip-neck fracture was noted after the ninth session of ECT, in March 2021. After receiving close reduction and internal fixation of the right femoral neck fracture, with three screws, his original daily function was restored. His treatment was regularly followed up at the outpatient clinic for 20 months; he achieved partial remission with three combined antidepressants. This case of ECT-induced right hip-neck fracture informed psychiatric staff to be aware of this rare adverse complication and ensure its appropriate management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of SARS-CoV­2 infections on inpatient mortality of geriatric patients after proximal femoral fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: The medical challenges caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV­2) pose a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a SARS-CoV­2 infections or disease progression on inpatient mortality of geriatric patients after proximal femoral fracture surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in all patients with a proximal femoral fracture surgically treated in an urban regional trauma center from 01/01/2020 to 01/31/2021. According to PCR test results detecting SARS-CoV­2, the patients were divided into two groups (SARS-CoV­2 positive vs. SARS-CoV­2 negative). Patient data, disease progression data, and treatment-related information were evaluated for all patients. Statistical data analysis was performed using unpaired Student's t test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: A total of 311 patients (women: 70.4%, age: 82.0 ± 11.0 years) were included in this study. Of these 3.9% (12/311) had a positive test result for SARS-CoV­2. Significantly more deceased patients were found in the group tested positive for SARS-CoV­2 (SARS-CoV­2 positive: 41.7%, SARS-CoV­2 negative: 5.4%, p < 0.001). In addition, the number of proximal femoral fracture associated deaths correlated with the number of positive test results performed in the Clinic. The length of stay of SARS-CoV­2 COVID-19 survivors tended to be greater than in those who were tested negative (SARS-CoV­2 COVID-19 positive: 15.6 ± 13.1 days, SARS-CoV­2 COVID-19 negative: 11.5 ± 6.5 days, p = 0.683). Furthermore, a significant difference in age was found in SARS-CoV­2 survivors and SARS-CoV­2 decedents (deceased: 95.5 ± 7.5 years, alive: 83.5 ± 7.3 years, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: The study was conducted before the introduction of SARS-CoV­2 vaccination. The results therefore refer to immune naive (unvaccinated) patients. In our study, more than 40% of all patients with proximal femoral fractures who tested positive for SARS-CoV­2 died during hospitalization. An additional, critical factor in this respect was the age of the infected patients. Nonetheless, a positive correlation was demonstrated between the mortality rate and the number of positive SARS-CoV­2 detections. Regarding the greater length of stay of patients tested positive for SARS-CoV­2, the limited transfer options (further rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility) of the infected ones can be considered as causal. Particularly the vulnerable older patients are increasingly endangered by a combination of proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV­2.

The impact of confinement on orthopaedic and trauma surgical activity

Introduction: Le 16 mars 2020, devant l'état d'urgence sanitaire décrété en France, le gouvernement a imposé des mesures de confinement dont l'impact sur l'activité de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique reste à démontrer. L'hypothèse de cette étude était que le confinement a diminué l'activité chirurgicale orthopédique et traumatologique. L'objectif principal était d'évaluer l'activité chirurgicale d'orthopédie et de traumatologie en période de confinement et de la comparer à l'activité hors confinement. Matériels & méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective, monocentrique, observationnelle et comparative d'une cohorte continue de patients inclus pendant la période de confinement du 16 mars au 11 mai 2020. Cette cohorte a été comparée à un groupe de patients inclus de manière rétrospective sur la même période hors confinement l'année précédente du 16 mars au 11 mai 2019. Le critère de jugement principal était le taux d'incidence de l'activité chirurgicale en 2020 versus 2019 sur une période identique. Le critère secondaire était l'analyse des traumatismes recensés. Résultats: Le nombre de patients opérés était significativement diminué en période de confinement: 194 patients inclus en 2020 soit une incidence de 57 pour 100 000 habitants contre 772 patients inclus en 2019 soit une incidence de 227 pour 100 000 habitants;p < 0,001. L'activité chirurgicale d'orthopédie programmée passait d'un taux d'incidence de 147 en 2019 à 5 en 2020 pour 100 000 habitants (p < 0,001). L'activité chirurgicale de traumatologie passait d'un taux d'incidence de 80 en 2019 à 50 en 2020 pour 100 000 habitants (p: NS). Nous retrouvions une augmentation significative des patients de plus de 65 ans pendant le confinement, 70% contre 61% en 2019;p = 0,04. Le taux de fractures du col du fémur était significativement augmenté pendant le confinement, 48,5% contre 39,3% en 2019;p = 0,03. La chirurgie dégénérative était significativement diminuée pendant le confinement (p < 0,001). Discussion: Cette étude montre que l'activité chirurgicale d'orthopédie et de traumatologie a été significativement diminué par le confinement, avec une différence d'incidence de 170 pour 100 000 habitants, confirmant ainsi l'hypothèse des auteurs. Cette diminution est due à la fois à l'arrêt de l'orthopédie programmée et à la diminution de 40% du nombre de patients traumatisés. En période de confinement, le pourcentage de patients âgés de plus de 65 ans victime d'une fracture a significativement augmenté. Conclusion: Le confinement a eu un impact significatif sur l'activité de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique. Niveau de preuve: III;comparative et rétrospective. © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS

Avascular Necrosis of the Hip: A Post COVID-19 Sequela.

A 60-year-old African American male presented to the hospital with seven months of progressively worsening left anterior hip pain with no known trauma. Two months after the pain onset, he underwent an x-ray of the pelvis with the lateral left hip, revealing dystrophic soft tissue calcification adjacent to the superolateral left acetabulum. Pain at this time was attributed to presumed sciatica vs arthritis. The patient underwent multimodal treatment for his pain without relief. In the month prior to the presentation, the patient also developed right hip pain. He then underwent a bilateral hip x-ray, revealing left femoral neck lucency suspicious for a nondisplaced fracture. CT pelvis was ordered at this time for further evaluation and demonstrated bilateral subcapital hip fractures. He was subsequently discharged from the emergency department with pending laboratory work and plans for close outpatient orthopedic surgery follow-up. The following day, the patient was instructed to return to the hospital due to an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 39 mm/hr and C-reactive protein of 41.6 mg/L. Subsequent MRI pelvis revealed bilateral subcapital femoral neck fractures with avascular necrosis (AVN) requiring surgical intervention with bilateral hip arthroplasty. Our patient underwent an extensive workup with no evidence of traditional risk factors for osteonecrosis, osteopenia, or other bone diseases. A pertinent finding in the patient's history was an admission for severe SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection 10 months prior. 'Long COVID' is a complex illness that has been shown to affect intravascular blood flow, and likely contributed to the development of bilateral hip AVN in our patient. Given this novel presentation, it is crucial that AVN be considered early in evaluating anterior hip pain for patients with a history of COVID-19 infection in order to avoid severe consequences such as femoral neck fractures.

No Excess Mortality in Geriatric Patients With Femoral Neck Fractures Due to Shorter Intensive Care Caused by COVID-19.

Background Since March 2020, increasing numbers of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infections have been registered. The first and the second waves necessitated the extensive restructuring of hospital infrastructure with prioritization of intensive care capacity. Elective surgeries in all surgical disciplines were postponed to preserve intensive care capacity for COVID-19 patients. However, emergency care for trauma patients had to be maintained. Especially, geriatric patients with hip fractures often require intensive care. This study sought to investigate the possible excess mortality of geriatric patients with femoral neck fractures due to shorter intensive care unit stays because of COVID-19. Material and methods All patients over the age of 70 between March 2019 and February 2020 who underwent surgical treatment for femoral neck fractures were included. This cohort (group 1) was compared with all patients over 70 who received surgical treatment for hip fractures during the period of the pandemic between March 2020 and February 2021 with attention to potential excess mortality due to low intensive care capacity (group 2). Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, surgical modality, ICU stay, complications, and mortality were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 356 patients with 178 in each cohort with a mean age of 82.7 in group 1 and 84.8 in group 2 (p<0.05) were included. No significant difference was seen in sex and ASA scores. During the pandemic, patients with hip fractures had a significantly shorter stay in ICU (0.4 ± 0.9 vs 1.2 ± 2.8 days; p<0.05), shorter time to surgery (29.9 ± 8.2 vs 16.8 ± 5.3 h; p<0.05) and operations were significantly more often performed out-of-hour (4 pm-12 am 47.8% vs 56.7%; 12 am-8 am 7.9% vs 13.5%, p<0.05). Interestingly, mortality was lower during the pandemic, but the difference did not reach significance (6.7% vs 12.4%, p=0.102). Conclusion During the pandemic, ICU capacity was reserved for COVID patients. Due to a change in the law of the Joint Federal Committee with effect from January 1, 2021, all patients with proximal femur fractures had to be operated on within the first 24 hours, which is why a significantly shorter time to surgery was observed during the pandemic period. As a consequence, a lower mortality rate was observed, although no significance could be reached.

Determiners of pressure ulcers formation – analyses from hospital information system

Introductions: Pressure ulcers (PUs) represents an undesirable complication during hospitalization. Aim: Retrospective data analysis to verify the prevalence of PUs since 2015 (since the mandatory registration of the PUs an adverse event) by principal diagnosis, type of surgery and length of hospital stay in the period 2015–2021. Sample and methods: Retrospective analysis of data from the hospital information system (HIS), at 0.05 level of significance (T-Test) with the variables: age, number of pressure ulcers, principal diagnosis, operation, length of hospitalization and prevalence of COVID-19 to length of hospitalization. Results: A total of 2,350 PU cases in 1,539 patients (1.52 PUs/patient) were registered in the HIS, and 930 (40%) patients were admitted to hospital with PUs. The most common locations of PUs were: heel (33%), sacrum 6% less, buttocks (17%). Between 2015 and 2021;17,247 patients were operated on, of whom 289 had a Pus. The most common principal diagnosis in the occurrence of PUS was femoral neck fracture (14.35%) and neurological (9.09%) or oncological disease (12.03%). The incidence of PUs was surprising in patients with ileal conditions (11.57%). COVID-19 was found in 163 patients in 2020 and 2021, six of whom had PUs and prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion: It is important to view the health status of people with chronic wounds and PUs in a comprehensive manner and to develop an individualized care plan to improve patients‘ lives and chances of recovery.

Femoral neck fracture surgery: Should it be delayed?

Femoral neck fracture is a national health care issue in western countries due to the increase number of aged patients in the whole population. Mortality increases when the operative delay is higher than 24 hours in patients without associated morbidity. Patients with co-morbidities have to be evaluated using specific scores. Preoperative check up have to be planned in order to improve patient’ condition without compromising the time for surgery. Relatives have to be questioned about preoperative patient’ autonomy and quality of life. A recent Sars-Cov-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. Operative delay depends on the severity of the disease. Anti-platelets and anticoagulants may also delay surgery. The choice of regional vs. general anaesthesia has no documented effect on mortality.

Fracture de l’extrémité supérieure du fémur : quand faut-il opérer ?

Résumé La prise en charge des fractures du col du fémur est un sujet de santé publique qui concerne une population âgée à prédominance féminine. La mortalité augmente lorsque le délai de prise en charge est supérieur à 24heures chez les patients sans co-morbidités. Les patients souffrant de co-morbidités peuvent être identifiés avec des scores spécifiques et doivent faire l’objet d’une évaluation préopératoire. Les bilans préopératoires doivent faire l’objet de pragmatisme mais des actions correctrices peuvent être nécessaires avant la chirurgie. L’entourage doit être associé à l’appréciation de l’autonomie préopératoire. L’infection concomitante par la COVID-19 augmente fortement la mortalité et le délai opératoire dépend de la sévérité de la maladie. La prise d’un traitement anticoagulant ou antiplaquettaire peut également retarder l’intervention. La technique d’anesthésie a finalement peu d’impact sur la mortalité et la récupération fonctionnelle. Summary Femoral neck fracture is a national health care issue in western countries due to the increase number of aged patients in the whole population. Mortality increases when the operative delay is higher than 24hours in patients without associated morbidity. Patients with co-morbidities have to be evaluated using specific scores. Preoperative check up have to be planned in order to improve patient’ condition without compromising the time for surgery. Relatives have to be questioned about preoperative patient’ autonomy and quality of life. A recent Sars-Cov-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. Operative delay depends on the severity of the disease. Anti-platelets and anticoagulants may also delay surgery. The choice of regional vs. general anaesthesia has no documented effect on mortality.

To Evaluate the Outcome of Neck of Femur Fracture Treated by Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in COVID-19-positive patients:- A Retrospective Study

Background: Orthopaedic trauma surgery focused mainly on femoral fragility fractures in the elderly, since the “lockdown” began on March 23, 2020 in our country. Proximal femur fractures carry a high mortality rate due the age and complications. Thus, orthopaedic surgeons face the daily dilemma of performing life-saving surgery on patients who, have severe respiratory compromise, have a higher risk of peri-operative death. The optimal surgical treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures is still debated. Hemiarthroplasty4 contributes to early ambulation and good functional recovery. Determining mortality and risk factors for adverse outcomes for patients with COVID-19 and a concurrent hip fracture is of great importance, as it can improve clinical pathways, perioperative management, and resource allocation. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 10 patients ≥60 years of age with a neck of femur fracture and COVID-19 who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty. Clinical characteristics and early postoperative outcomes were reported. Results: Seven out of the 10 COVID-positive hip fracture patients in our series were asymptomatic on admission with no clinical signs or symptoms of COVID-19 infection. One of the patient had cough and other 2 patients presented with hypoxia. 7 patients was given supplemental oxygen postoperatively which includes the patient presented with hypoxia. 7 patients required post op blood transfusion.None of the patients were put on mechanical ventilation. There was no case of surgical site infection.Average harris hip score was 80 with good outcome. The average length of inpatient stay was 15 days. Conclusions: Our study shows that neck of femur fracture patients who present with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty had a good functional outcome with few post op complications.

Posterior tilt in nondisplaced femoral neck fractures increases the risk of reoperations after osteosynthesis. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review on the effect of posterior tilt on reoperations, patient reported outcome measures (PROM) and functional outcome following osteosynthesis of undisplaced FNFs (uFNF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search string was developed with the aid of a scientific librarian and the search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL and Embase. The studies were screened independently by two authors using Covidence. Data were extracted by two authors and quality assessment was performed using Robins-I tool. The meta-analyses were performed in STATA IC 16 using Risk Ratio as the primary effect estimate. RESULTS: In total, 617 studies were screened and ten studies were included with a total of 3,131 patients. The mean age ranged from 68.3 to 85.0 years and the prevalence of posterior tilt ≥20° in the studies ranged from 4.5% to 27.6%. There were 10.3% reoperations when posterior tilt was <20° whereas there were 24.5% when posterior tilt was ≥20° The meta-analysis therefore demonstrated an overall risk ratio of 0.11 (95% confidence interval; 0.04-0.18). Only one study investigated functional outcome, using ADL as measurement, but found no significant difference. No studies investigated PROM. In general, the studies were assessed to be of poor quality mainly due possible bias and confounding. CONCLUSION: A posterior tilt ≥20° leads to a higher risk of reoperations in uFNF. Even though the studies were of poor quality, the results suggest that we should include the measurement of posterior tilt in national guidelines.

IMPACT-Scot report on COVID-19 and hip fractures.

AIMS: The primary aim was to assess the independent influence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on 30-day mortality for patients with a hip fracture. The secondary aims were to determine whether: 1) there were clinical predictors of COVID-19 status; and 2) whether social lockdown influenced the incidence and epidemiology of hip fractures. METHODS: A national multicentre retrospective study was conducted of all patients presenting to six trauma centres or units with a hip fracture over a 46-day period (23 days pre- and 23 days post-lockdown). Patient demographics, type of residence, place of injury, presentation blood tests, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, anaesthetic, length of stay, COVID-19 status, and 30-day mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Of 317 patients with acute hip fracture, 27 (8.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test. Only seven (26%) had suggestive symptoms on admission. COVID-19-positive patients had a significantly lower 30-day survival compared to those without COVID-19 (64.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 45.7 to 83.3 vs 91.7%, 95% CI 88.2 to 94.8; p < 0.001). COVID-19 was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality risk adjusting for: 1) age, sex, type of residence (hazard ratio (HR) 2.93; p = 0.008); 2) Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (HR 3.52; p = 0.001); and 3) ASA (HR 3.45; p = 0.004). Presentation platelet count predicted subsequent COVID-19 status; a value of < 217 × 109/l was associated with 68% area under the curve (95% CI 58 to 77; p = 0.002) and a sensitivity and specificity of 63%. A similar number of patients presented with hip fracture in the 23 days pre-lockdown (n = 160) and 23 days post-lockdown (n = 157) with no significant (all p ≥ 0.130) difference in patient demographics, residence, place of injury, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, ASA, or management. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was independently associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate for patients with a hip fracture. Notably, most patients with hip fracture and COVID-19 lacked suggestive symptoms at presentation. Platelet count was an indicator of risk of COVID-19 infection. These findings have implications for the management of hip fractures, in particular the need for COVID-19 testing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1219-1228.