Microbiology of surgical site infection in closed upper limb fractures: Data from a prospective trauma registry.

The current study aims to determine the rate of surgical site infection, causal microorganism, and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in operated upper limb closed fractures at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Cases presenting between June 2015 to October 2019, were selected from a single-centre, longitudinal, prospective orthopaedic trauma registry. Infection rate, causal microorganism, and antibiotic sensitivity pattern were determined up to six months after surgery. From among a total of 376 closed fractures, 12 encountered surgical site infection with some having late onset, giving an infection rate of 3% which is 1% higher than the international benchmark. Microorganism culture was performed on 5 (42%) patients out of which 2 (40%) were positive. Frequently used prophylactic antibiotics were first generation Cephalosporin and Co-amoxiclav in 9 (75%) patients, but all other patients required other antibiotic categories. Five patients required implant removal with antibiotic coverage. K-wire insertion required prolonged antibiotic treatment. Most of the cultures were negative in spite of the presence of infection.

Comparison of distally based sural artery and supramalleolar flap for coverage of dorsum of foot and ankle defects; a cross-sectional study of 53 patients.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue defects over the foot and ankle region are most challenging in reconstructive surgery. Sural artery and supramalleolar flaps have been commonly used for the reconstruction of non-weight-bearing surfaces of the foot. This article aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome comparisons between a sural artery and Supramalleolar flap in the reconstruction of extensive defects of foot and ankle only. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2020, a retrospective analysis of 53 fasciocutaneous flaps (27 sural and 26 Supramalleolar) used for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of foot and ankle were reviewed in this study. The parameters included were demographics data, causes, site and size of the defect, flap size, hospital stay, complications, and outcomes in a pre-structured proforma. The clinical outcome was assessed by a Self-Designed Tool based on flap survival, coverage of defect, weight-bearing status, functional activities of daily living, and cosmetic appearance. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 25. RESULTS: Among 53 flaps, the major cause of the defect was Trauma (60.4%). The maximum flap size harvested was 25*10 for sural and 20*8 cm for supramalleolar. Complications were seen in 8 (15%) cases in both flaps. Flap tip necrosis and venous congestion were seen in 4 cases. 2 each in Supramalleolar whereas 1 partial necrosis, 1 venous congestion, and 2 infections were seen in the sural artery flap. The flap survival rate in both flaps was 96.2%. Based on the self-designed Tool, flaps were graded Excellent in 43, Good in 8, and Fair in 2 cases. There was no case of Poor in both flaps. CONCLUSION: Compared with the sural artery flap, the lateral supramalleolar flap demonstrated higher rates of functional outcomes although flap tip necrosis was higher in Supramalleolar.

Lateral supramalleolar flap: Is it based on perforator of peroneal / anterior tibial artery; A cross-sectional study at tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND: To determine the anatomical basis of supramalleolar flap; retrograde versus antegrade and its clinical outcome based on the vascular pattern. METHODS: This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Patients who underwent coverage of soft tissue defects around the foot and ankle with supramalleolar flaps were included. Data collection was through medical records including demographic parameters, mechanism of injury, per-operative findings of perforator origin, and patient interviewing for final assessment. Patients with peripheral vascular disease, unavailability of skin, and radiation injuries were excluded. All analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0. RESULTS: 49 patients were included in the study from May 1999 to December 2020. The male to female ratio was 37:12. The cause of soft tissue defects was trauma in 9 (38.7%) followed by Infection in 16 (32.6%) and Blast injury in 5 cases (10.2%). The maximum flap size harvested was 20 × 8 cm. In 19 cases the peroneal artery perforator was absent and the flap was based on the perforator of an anterolateral malleolar branch (antegrade) while the remaining 30 flaps were based on the perforator of the peroneal artery (retrograde). Overall, the flap survival rate was 98%; as 1 case had partial necrosis and required skin grafting. However, there were 9 minor complications. In 8 patients, the flap was rotated as a 'delay flap' . All patients had satisfactory functional outcomes without significant morbidity of the donor site. CONCLUSION: The lateral supramalleolar flap provided coverage to almost all regions of the foot and ankle with a cosmetically acceptable donor and recipient site. There were no problems with shoe wear, as only 2 patients required defatting for cosmetic reasons. Microvascular expertise was required for a predictable outcome.

Frequency of angular malalignment after intramedullary nailing for femur shaft fractures - A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of angular malalignment of femur in patients undergoing Intra Medullary nailing for femur shaft fracture by measuring axis on immediate postoperative plain radiographs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Section of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from 1st January 2019 till 30th June 2019. All patients between the ages of 15 to 80 years who underwent IM nailing for femur shaft fractures were included. Angulation was measured on immediate post-operative X-ray films and an angle of ≥5° on AP and/or lateral views was defined as malalignment. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 39.9 ± 16.5 years. Majority of the patients,49 (75.4) were males and road traffic accidents were found to be the most common mechanism of injury. Malalignment after surgery was encountered in 6(9.2%) patients. Proximal femur fractures were noted to be significantly associated with malalignment with a p-value of 0.014. CONCLUSIONS: This shows that frequency rate of malalignment after IM nail for femoral shaft fractures in a developing country like Pakistan is comparable to internationally reported literature and proximal femur fracture is a risk factor for malalignment.

Functional and radiological outcomes of atypical femur fractures among elderly in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional and radiological outcomes in a unique class of fractures i.e. atypical femur fractures and to assess the effects of osteoblastic agents in healing. METHODS: It is a retrospective observational study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All patients with atypical femur fractures who were surgically managed with intramedullary nailing from January, 2013 to June, 2017 and with a follow-up till December 2019, were included in the study. Radiological outcomes were expressed as mean healing time and functional outcomes were recorded as mean Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) score. RESULTS: A total of twenty-four patients were included in this study. Mean age of patients was 65.8 ± 8 years. Mean healing time was 10 ±3.2 months post operatively. Two patients underwent redo procedures. No other complications like paresthesia or weakness was observed in any patients. All the patients reported a good score on SMFA ranging from 19% to 31%. CONCLUSION: Intra-medullary nailing shows a promising result in treatment of atypical femur fractures. Use of post-operative osteoblastic supplements showed statistically significant results with early healing time (p=0.008 [95% CI]).

Outcome of percutaneous screw fixation of posterior pelvic ring injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of percutaneous fixation for unstable pelvic ring injury. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at orthopaedics section of Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from July 2015 to December 2018. Data was retrieved from trauma registry from July 2015 till December 2018, including all patients who underwent percutaneous fixation for pelvic ring injury. Majeed pelvic score was used to determine the functional outcome. RESULTS: A total number of 30 patients were included, 27(90.0%) adults, and 3(10.0%) paediatrics patients. There were 21(70.0%) males and 9(30.0%)females. . Mean age of patients was 37.1±16.1 years. Post op mean Majeed functional pelvic Score was 85.8. Of the 30 patients, 18 (60.0%) had Excellent, 10 (33.3%) good and 02(6.7%) fair scoring. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous fixation of posterior ring injuries has excellent functional outcome, with minimal blood loss and no soft tissue striping..

Functional outcomes and complications of total hip arthroplasty with dual mobility cup : an audit.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional outcomes in total hip arthroplasty with a dual mobility cup, performed in our hospital. METHODS: After receiving an exemption from the Ethics review committee of the hospital, data collection for audit was started in January 2019. Records from July 2016 to June 2018 were included. All patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with dual mobility prosthesis without any age limit were included. A proforma was prepared to collect the required information. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS v. 21. RESULTS: Two hundred and ten patients were included, 114 females and 96 males. Of the total, 188 patients underwent unilateral surgery while 22 had bilateral hip arthroplasty. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.91±3.9 days. . Mean pre-op Harris score was 33.7±7.6 and the post-op mean score was 75.9± 5.34. Eighty-three (39.5 %) patients had the neck of femur fracture, 31(14.8%) had osteoarthritis while 28(13.3%) had avascular necrosis. Post-surgery complications included, wound infection, surgical site haematoma, NSTEMI, and only one patient reported dislocation after use of dual mobility cup. CONCLUSIONS: The dislocation rate which was the prime concern, has been reduced with the use of dual mobility implant in total hip arthroplasty patients.

Hip replacement for femur neck fracture in the elderly, effects of delayed surgical intervention on morbidity and mortality, a retrospective comparative study.

Hip fracture is one of the most common injuries in the elderly population. Delay in operating on patients with hip fracture is associated with greater mortality and morbidity. A retrospective review of medical charts of patients who underwent primary total hip replacement (THR) for neck of femur fractures at our tertiary care level 1 trauma was carried out. Data was collected from the patients' charts and analysed for 30-day mortality and morbidity. A total of 96 patients were included in the study. Out of the 36 patients in the delayed THR group, mortality within 30 days was observed in 4 (11.1%) patients while none was noted in the early THR group. The difference was statistically significant with a P-value of 0.008. With regards to post-operative complications, significantly higher percentage of patients were noted to have developed electrolyte imbalances (P = 0.003), postoperative psychosis (P = 0.02), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (P = 0.02) in the delayed THR group compared to the early THR group. Delay in surgery for neck of femur fracture is associated with increased 30-day mortality and postoperative complications.

Total knee replacement: A comparison of the subvastus and medial parapatellar approaches.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to compare the subvastus method to the usual medial parapatellar technique for total knee replacement in patients with osteoarthritis who present to a tertiary care centre, based on quadriceps function recovery in days after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed case notes of 76 patients with osteoarthritis who had total knee replacements in a tertiary care hospital over the course of a year from August 2019 to August 2020. We divided them into two groups: group A received TKR via the subvastus approach, and group B received TKR via the medial parapatellar approach. Preoperative quadriceps strength, BMI, and baseline demographics were all recorded from their initial pre-operative workup case notes. Starting on the first postoperative day, patients recorded first unassisted straight leg raise (SLR) was kept as the main determinant for muscle function. The data were evaluated to determine the quadriceps muscle function post TKR. RESULTS: When compared to the medial parapatellar approach, the quadriceps muscle function returns sooner with the subvastus technique. Patients in their sixties showed the highest improvement. Preoperative quadriceps strength has a major impact on muscle recovery after surgery. CONCLUSION: The subvastus method to total knee replacement is linked to a faster recovery of quadriceps muscle strength, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and postoperative therapy.

Does more testing in routine preoperative evaluation benefit the orthopedic patient? Case control study from a resource-constrained setting.

BACKGROUND: Routine preoperative tests in healthy patients not only cause extra anxiety, but may delay treatment without influencing surgical plan. This has worse impact in resource-constrained settings where fee for service rather than health insurance is the usual norm. Investigators aim to determine if "routine" pre-operative tests are justified in healthy orthopedic patients. METHODS: We conducted a non-commercialized, non-funded matched case control study in tertiary care university hospital and a level-1 trauma centre for healthy patients (ASA-1&2) admitted from January 2014-December 2016 for elective orthopedic intermediate and major procedures. Cases (patient who had a change in his/her surgical plan after admission) and controls were selected independently of the exposure of interest then matched randomly to cases on age, gender and procedure type. Primary exposure was the routine preoperative lab tests, as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologist, which included 13 blood tests. Analysis was done using Principle Component Analysis and Conditional logistic regression at univariate and multivariable levels reporting matched adjusted Odds Ratios. The data was reported in line with STROCSS criteria. RESULTS: Overall, 7610 preoperative tests were done for 670 patients with 62% men among cases and 53% men among controls with mean age of 49.9 ± 22.5 years and 41.1 ± 23.0 years, respectively. There were 1076 (14%) abnormal result that influenced surgical plan in 0.96% cases only. Matched adjusted OR with 95% confidence interval of primary exposure was insignificant. CONCLUSION: Routine preoperative tests were superfluous and did not influence the surgical plan when adjusted for other variables in the model as well as after matching on potential confounders. This study would be amongst first steps to move towards an evidence based surgical practice for preoperative evaluation.

Exploring the determinants of delayed diagnosis of breast cancer in the female population of Punjab (Pakistan).

Breast Cancer (BC) is a major health issue in women all over the world. Delayed diagnosis of BC is preventable and has major effects on the patients' prognosis and survival. To explore the reasons of delayed diagnosis of BC in women in Punjab, Pakistan, a qualitative phenomenological study was conducted at the Jinnah Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Females diagnosed more than four months after the appearance of symptoms of BC were recruited using purposive sampling until data saturation. Data collected through in-depth interviews of 15 participants using an interview guide was tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis framework method. Personal/psychological, Sociocultural, and Health care system related factors were the main themes that emerged from the data. Lack of knowledge, religious beliefs, use of Alternative medicine, socioeconomic status, cultural myths, and distant hospitals were the most influential determinants. Delay in diagnosis is a very significant problem in women with breast cancer and is linked with multiple determinants. However, educating women for recognition of symptoms and reinforcement to pursue earlier medical consultation will be helpful in reducing delay in breast cancer diagnosis.

Functional outcomes of modified Bristow procedure in recurrent shoulder dislocation.

The glenohumeral joint is the most mobile in humans. Of all the joints 50% of dislocations involve the shoulder, mostly young males. When the first dislocation occurs in a patient under 20 years age the risk for recurrent instability increases to 90%. Many techniques are available to reduce and stabilise the glenohumeral joint; in cases of anterior dislocations one of which is the famous Bristow's procedure, originally described in 1954 by Laterjet. The purpose of this study is was to determine the Functional Outcomes of the modified Bristow procedure. This retrospective review was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from January 2000- December 2015, comprising patients who underwent the modified Bristow procedure. All patients recruited in the study underwent modified Bristow procedure. A total of 70 patients were included, which comprised of 61(87.1%) males and 9(12.9%) females with a mean age of 31.6±11.0 years The maximum number of shoulder dislocations occurred primarily due to road traffic accidents in 48 (68.57%) patients while the second highest cause in 13 (18.57) patients was due to playing sports. The mean number of dislocations before surgery were 3.50±0.5 whereas no patient had an episode of dislocation in the post-operative period. Two patients presented with subluxations but none required further surgical intervention. The Modified Bristow-Latarjet procedure is considered an effective surgical treatment for the recurrent glenohumeral instability of the joint.

Change in the spectrum of orthopedic trauma: Effects of COVID-19 pandemic in a developing nation during the upsurge; a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great impact on orthopedic surgery with a significant curtailment in elective surgeries which is the major bread and butter for orthopedic surgeons. It was also observed that the spectrum of orthopedic trauma injuries has shifted from more severe and frequent road traffic accidents (high energy trauma) to general, low energy house-hold injuries like low energy fractures in the elderly, pediatric fractures, house-hold sharp cut injuries and nail bed lacerations. The aim of this study is to appraise the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic surgical practice, both inpatient and outpatient facility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. We collected data of patients admitted from February 1, 2020 to 30th April 2020 in the orthopedic service line using non-probability consecutive sampling. This study population was divided into pre-COVID and COVID eras (6 weeks each). The data included patient demographic parameters like age, gender and site of injury, mechanism of injury, diagnosis and procedure performed and carrying out of COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test in the COVID-era. RESULTS: We observed that outpatient clinical volume decreased by 75% in COVID era. Fifty percent of surgical procedures decreased in COVID era as compared to pre-COVID era. Trauma procedures reduced by 40% in COVID era. Most common mechanism of injury was household injuries like low energy falls. A significant reduction in elective surgeries by 67% was observed in the COVID era. CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the spectrum of orthopedic injury. More household injuries have occurred and are anticipated due to the ongoing effects of lockdown.

Covid-19 pandemic: Economic burden on patients with musculoskeletal injuries in a tertiary care hospital of LMIC; retrospective cross sectional study.

Covid-19 has adversely impacted the health care organizations by over burdening with Covid patients and suspending the elective surgeries and clinics. Hospitalization during pandemic may increase health cost of patients for elective and emergency procedure due to extra cost of covid testing and isolation. A single center retrospective study was conducted to quantify losses due to postponement of elective surgeries and extra cost for procurement of PPEs. The secondary objective was to see the effect of Covid -19 on the total costs of inpatient care during Covid era. PATIENT AND METHOD: We included all the patients admitted in orthopedic section for operative intervention of fractures and elective procedures from January 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. We divided this period into two halves; the first half was from January first to March 15 named as PreCovid Era and second half was from March 16, to May 31, 2020, termed as Covid Era. The total number of trauma procedures and elective procedures were compared in both eras. We compared six procedures each from upper and lower limit for cost analysis and length of stay. We also analyzed the extra cost for procurement of PPEs. RESULTS: A total 625 patients were admitted during study period; 417 in precovid and 208 in covid era. There was 50% reduction in patients admissions during Covid era. There was no statistically significant difference in age and gender of both groups. A total of 840 (591in preCovid era and 251 in Covid era) procedures were performed on these 625 patients. Elective and emergency procedures were significantly reduced in Covid era. There was 55.7% drop in the collective revenue generated in covid era as compared to that of Precovid era. The average length of stay was decreased in Covid era. No statistically significance difference was found in inpatient hospital charges of both groups except for two procedures ankle and proximal humeral fractures; that was significantly reduced in Covid era. There was significantly increase in use of PPE in covid era. CONCLUSION: The financial income of our service decreased more than 55% due to postponement of elective work. The number of elective and procedures related to musculoskeletal trauma also decreased. The cost for inpatient care did not increase during covid era. There was significant reduction in inpatient hospital stay during covid era. The hospital management had to spent additional expenses on procurement of PPEs.

Outcome of proximal femur replacement in failed internal fixation of hip fractures, a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Failure of hip implant surgeries can be caused by various factors. Failure of internal fixation results in pain and restricted ambulation. In management of an elderly patient with hip fractures, the aim is to ambulate patient. The purpose of our study is to assess the outcomes of proximal femur replacement in the management of failed hip surgeries for fractures of the proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 26 patients, who underwent proximal femur replacement for failed surgeries of hip fracture during the period from April 2011 to March 2018, was conducted. All patients who underwent proximal femur replacement for failed hip implants were enrolled into the study. RESULTS: Total patients were 26. The mean follow was (12-91 months). The mean Harris Hip score improved from 26 preoperative to 66.7(45-91). Three patients developed dislocations which were managed with closed reduction. Three patients died within one year of surgery, one patent died of sepsis from implant infection at four months after surgery, one patient died of Myocardial infarction. Three patients developed surgical site infection of which one has superficial surgical site infection which was managed with oral antibiotics, in other case developed deep surgical site infection and was managed with wound debridement and IV antibiotics for 6 weeks, in third wound debridement was done but patient died of sepsis. CONCLUSION: Proximal femur replacement with modular stem implant has advantages over conventional hip implant in patients undergoing surgery after failure of internal fixation.

Functional and clinical outcomes of open versus closed radius and ulna shaft fractures in adults: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare functional and clinical outcomes of open versus closed radius ulna shaft fractures in adults treated by internal fixation. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients presenting with traumatic radius and ulna shaft fractures to Aga Khan University and undergoing internal fixation between July 2015 to June 2019. Data was extracted from an ongoing orthopaedic trauma registry. Functional and clinical outcomes were assessed by Price et al. criteria at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Outcome scores of open versus closed fractures were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-nine adult patients with isolated radius and ulna shaft fracture were identified. Cause of injury was road traffic accident in 18 (62%) and fall in 11 (38%) patients. Seventeen (59%) were closed and 12 (41%) were open fractures. At 6week follow-up, better outcomes were observed in closed fracture group (p=0.01) with near-full range of motion and activity in 10(83%) patients as compared to 3(27%) in the open fracture group. No significant difference in outcomes was observed at 3 months and thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Earlier recovery of function at 6 weeks was observed in majority of patients in the closed fracture group. Our data shows that good-excellent functional and clinical results are achievable by internal fixation in both open as well as closed fractures of the shaft of radius and ulna in adults.

Comparison of bipolar hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty with dual mobility cup in the treatment of old active patients with displaced neck of femur fracture: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The standard treatment of displaced femoral neck fracture is arthroplasty. THA is reportedly superior to BHA in terms of hip pain, function and reoperation rate. On the other hand THA has a higher rate of dislocation. Total hip replacement with dual mobility cup increases the range of motion and reduces the chances of dislocation. The aim of this study is to compare the functional outcome, rate of dislocation, complications and mortality between BHA and THA with dual mobility cuff for the treatment of displaced neck of femur fracture. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is a non-commercialized retrospective cohort study conducted at our tertiary care level 1 trauma centre. Patients of age group 60 years and above who underwent hip arthroplasty (BHA or THA with dual mobility implant) between 2015 and 2017 for displaced neck of femur fracture with a complete follow up for one year were included. Both groups were assessed for postoperative surgical complications including dislocation, fracture, surgical site infection, and medical complications, one-year mortality and functional outcome were analysed via Harris Hip Score (HHS) at the latest follow up. RESULTS: Overall 104 patients were included in the study out of which 77 patients underwent BHA while 27 underwent THA with dual mobility cup. Baseline characteristics were found to be similar in both groups. Mean pre-op HHS for bipolar group was found to be 71.01 while for THA with dual mobility cup group it was 73.52 with the difference being statistically insignificant (P = 0.12). Mean post-op HHS for bipolar group was noted to be 68.82 whereas for THA with dual mobility cup group it was 76.81. The difference was found to be statistically significant with a P-value of <0.01. With regards to post-operative complications and one-year post-operative mortality, no significant difference was noted between both groups. CONCLUSION: In relatively young and active elderly patients with displaced neck of femur fracture, a THA with dual mobility cuff provides better hip functional outcome, does not increase mortality or morbidity as compared to BHA and can be considered as primary treatment modality.

Primary Proximal femur replacement for unstable osteoporotic intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly: A retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures usually occur in old aged patients with osteoporotic bone. Management of hip fractures in old aged patient is aimed to ambulate patient immediately and to restore the pre-operative ambulation. Proximal femur replacement is an effective treatment option in elderly patient with osteoporotic bones. It allow immediate weight bearing and early return to preoperative ambulatory status and minimizes the chances of systemic complication associated with prolong bed rest associated with internal fixation. This study is aimed to review the outcome of the patients whom underwent proximal femur replacement as primary treatment for the patient with comminuted intertrochanteric and sub trochanteric fracture. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is a study conducted in our university hospital which is a tertiary-care level-1 trauma center. A retrospective analysis of 21 patients who underwent proximal femur replacement for comminuted intertrochanteric and sub trochanteric fracture, age more than 60 years during the period from April 2011 to March 2018 was conducted. Data collected included: age, gender, comorbidities, mechanism of injury, type of fracture, functional outcome (calculated via Harris Hip Score) and one year mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 74.05(range 64-91) years, out of which 13 (61.8%) were female and 8 (38.0%) were male. The mean follow up was 32.6(8-91 months).Immediate post-operative ambulation status was full weight bearing (FWB) in 17 patients (80.9%) of the patients while three patients (19.0%) had non-weight bearing (NWB) due to associated co-morbidities. The mean preoperative Harris Hip score was 68.0, while the mean postoperative Harris Hip score was 66.5 at last follow up. Post operatively one patient (4.7%) developed pulmonary embolism, one patient developed dislocation. One patent (4.7%) died of sepsis from implant infection at 8 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Primary Proximal femoral replacement in a viable option in old aged patients with poor bone quality who developed intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture. According to our study, with mortality rate comparable to that of primary fixation, yet with the added advantage of immediate post op ambulation and reduced incidences of decubitus ulcers, atelectasis and DVT.

Does surgical approach affect outcome after fixation of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus? Retrospective cohort study from a level-1 trauma centre in a metropolitan city.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures around the distal humerus fractures make up to 2% of all fractures. Complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures present as challenge to restore of painless, stable and mobile elbow joint. Surgical exposure to all critical structures is of paramount importance to achieve anatomic reduction. Conflict still persists regarding the choice of ideal approach. In this study we compare the effect of surgical approach triceps lifting vs olecranon osteotomy on the functional outcome after fixation of distal humerus fractures. METHODS: Non-funded, non-commercial, retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with closed distal humerus intra-articular fractures between 2010 and 2015 at our tertiary care level-1 trauma and university hospital. Patients >18 years of age with closed complex intra-articular distal humerus fracture were operated using one of the two surgical approaches, either triceps lifting approach (Group1) or with olecranon osteotomy (Group 2). Functional evaluation using quick DASH scores at 1 year of follow-up. Study is registered with ID:NCT03833414 and work has been reported in line with the STROCSS criteria. RESULTS: Out of 43 patients 16 were treated with triceps lifting approach and 27 with olecranon osteotomy. The difference between the mean quick DASH score for both groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.52) although higher for group 1. Complications were comparable for both groups but 2 patients suffered delayed union of osteotomy site in group 2. CONCLUSION: Triceps lifting approach can be used equally efficiently for exposure of these complex distal humerus injuries with no comprise in visibility of articular fragments.

Application of 3D printing in orthopaedic surgery. A new affordable horizon for cost-conscious care.

Application of three-dimensional (3D) printing facilities in orthopaedic surgery is getting popular in resourceconstrained countries. It is cost- and resource-efficient to assist in planning and increasing orthopaedic procedures efficienc y. Furthermore, it improves educational training and provides cheaper prosthesis and creation of customised implants for special cases. Moreover, 3D models of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data play a helpful rule for a more hands-on approach for the surgeon. Likeevidence-based medicine practice, researchers are exploring new areas of patient-specific instrumentation in the surgical field, searching for favourable and costeffective results. Three-dimensional printing has shown promising results for quick and cost-effective solutions in several fields. Many fields of application are dependent on various uses of 3D printing, but it has yet to be used widely in medicine and orthopaedics. The current literature review was planned to highlight the advantages of using 3D printing, its scope in surgical field with emphasis on orthopaedic surgery, and the limitations of its use in developing countries.