Comparing Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Displaced Neck of Femur Fractures in Elderly Patients Utilizing Dual Mobility Cups and Conventional Implants: A Single Center Retrospective Study of 129 Patients.

Introduction: Studies comparing the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with conventional implants and hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures (DFNF) have reported better patient satisfaction scores and outcomes in the former, but also significant dislocation rates (6.9-13%).The total hip arthroplasty with dual mobility cup (THA-DMC) design is mechanically proven to increase the hip range of motion and jump distance to dislocation relative to conventional implants. Despite its potential benefit, clinical studies analyzing the use of THA-DMC in the treatment of DFNF in comparison to conventional THA within the Asian population are still limited. Our study aims to compare the rate of complications and functional outcomes between the 2 implants in the treatment of DFNF. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a single tertiary care institution. From January 2015 to May 2020, data from 129 consecutive patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and underwent either a THA or THA-DMC for DFNF were collected and divided into 2 groups. All patients received a standardized post-operative treatment and follow-up regime. Both groups of patients were assessed for post-operative complications such as dislocation, peri-prosthetic fractures, surgical site infections, medical complications. Their functional outcomes as well as patient-reported outcome scores were also assessed via the SF-36 score and Oxford hip score questionnaires at 6 months and 1 year. Results: A total of 42 patients with dual mobility implants and 87 patients with conventional implants were recruited. There was no dislocation in the THA-DMC group while there were 4 cases (4/87, 4.6%) of dislocation in the THA group. Regarding post-operative function, both groups had comparable functional outcomes. There were no statistically significant differences between the patient-reported outcome scores (Oxford hip score and SF-36) at 6 months and 1 year. Conclusion: We report promising short-term outcomes utilizing dual mobility implants in total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of DFNFs.

A Novel Technique for Supplementing Transosseous Suture Repair of Inferior Pole Patella Fractures with a Tension Band.

INTRODUCTION: The transosseous suture fixation is a recognised surgical technique for inferior pole patella fractures. However, post-operative range of motion (ROM) is typically restricted to reduce complications of fracture displacement. We present a novel modified surgical technique using a supplemental Ethibond figure-of-eight stitch to reinforce the transosseous suture repair and studied its outcomes. We performed a retrospective study looking at outcomes of patients with displaced inferior pole patella fractures who underwent modified suture fixation from 2010 to 2018. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE: In the modified suture fixation technique, after the standard transosseous repair was performed, the remnant Ethibond suture was placed in a figure-of-eight tension band fashion anteriorly across the patella. Immediate post-operative ROM was allowed if the fixation was stable. The patients were assessed up to 6 months post-surgery to monitor for fracture displacement/gap and for bony union. CASE SERIES: We analysed the results of 14 patients who underwent modified suture repair. All patients were allowed immediate post-operative ROM. Only 1 fixation failure (7%) was noted at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Complication rates were low with the modified technique even when patients were allowed immediate post-operative mobilisation. This shows greater confidence in the stability of the fixation and represents a viable technique for early mobilisation post-fixation of inferior pole patella fractures.

Early post-surgical recurrence of metastatic vertebral neuro-endocrine tumour treated effectively with chemo-radiotherapy.

Spinal metastasis of neuro-endocrine tumours (NETs) usually arise from a primary in the lung. We encountered such a patient with NET metastasis to T6 vertebra causing severe cord compression. Considering the neurological status, immediate decompression surgery along with T3-T8 posterior stabilization was done. Early recurrence of the tumour causing near total obliteration of the spinal canal leading to significant neurological compromise was noted within one month of surgery. A second surgery at this stage was avoided due to the risk involved and concurrent chemo-radiotherapy was initiated. The tumour was sensitive to chemo-radiotherapy and rapid resolution was noted on subsequent follow-up visits. With appropriate rehabilitation, patient regained full power to become ambulant with support. This case report highlights a rare, early and aggressive recurrence of metastatic vertebral NET following index surgery which was effectively managed with chemo-radiotherapy.

Catheter-related complications and survival among incident hemodialysis patients in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION:: Hemodialysis is the main modality of renal replacement therapy in Singapore. However, a majority of the patients in Singapore are initiated on hemodialysis via a catheter. This study examines the complication rates and factors predicting catheter-related bloodstream infections and mortality rates in patients who were initiated on hemodialysis at our institution. METHODS:: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of incident hemodialysis patients who were initiated on renal replacement therapy between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. Catheter-related bloodstream infection risk factors, organisms, and associated mortality were analyzed. RESULTS:: The catheter-related bloodstream infection and exit site infection incidence rates were 0.75 and 0.50 per 1000 catheter days, respectively. The mean duration to first catheter-related bloodstream infection episode was 182.47 ± 144.04 catheter days. Prolonged catheter duration was found to be a risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection. Compared to patients initiated on dialysis via arteriovenous fistula, initiation of dialysis via catheter is strongly associated with increased mortality (6.0% vs 14.5%; p = 0.02). In particular, the presence of diabetes mellitus and development of catheter-related bloodstream infection was associated with increased mortality ( p = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). In addition, patients who began hemodialysis before being seen by a nephrologist were associated with decreased mortality (3.4% vs 13.0%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION:: In conclusion, prolonged duration of catheter insertion is found to be a risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients, and its development is associated with increased mortality. Early referral to a nephrologist and creation of arteriovenous fistula in pre-end-stage renal disease patients are pivotal in improving the outcomes of patients.

Outcomes of arteriovenous fistula creation, effect of preoperative vein mapping and predictors of fistula success in incident haemodialysis patients: A single-centre experience.

AIM: Vascular access in haemodialysis is critical for effective therapy. We aim to evaluate the outcomes of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in incident haemodialysis patients, impact of preoperative vein mapping and predictors of successful AVF maturation in our centre. METHODS: Data of End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients initiated on haemodialysis from January 2010 to December 2012 in our centre were retrospectively obtained from electronic medical records and clinical notes. Demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, perioperative details were collected, and patients were followed up until 1 January 2014. RESULTS: A total of 708 patients (median age 64, IQR 55-72) were included with mean duration of follow up of 2.3 ± 1.2 years, with access of AVF and arteriovenous graft (AVG) in 694 (98%) and 14 (2%) patients respectively. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. Successful AVF maturation was achieved in 542 patients (78%), with 1-year cumulative patency rate of 74%. Multivariate analysis revealed male gender, upper arm AVF and good postoperative thrill and pulse as predictors of successful AVF maturation. Preoperative vein mapping was performed in 42.5% (295/694) of patients, with mean vein diameter of 2.44 ± 0.82 mm. Maturation rates with and without vein mapping were 72.2% and 82.4%, respectively, (P = 0.001). In patients with vein diameters of <2 mm and ≥2 mm, there was no statistically significant difference in maturation rates (71.3% vs. 72.6%; P = 0.887) and median maturation time (66 vs. 78 days; P = 0.73). CONCLUSION: Arteriovenous fistula can be successfully created in most incident haemodialysis patients. Routine vein mapping is not necessary if veins are suitable on physical examination alone, and vein sizes of <2 mm on ultrasound is not associated with lower AVF maturation rate.