Achieving satisfactory functional outcomes in conservatively treated proximal humerus fractures: relationship between shoulder range of motion and patient-reported clinical outcome scores.

Background: Proximal humerus fractures are common osteoporotic fractures. Postinjury outcome measures include objective clinician-measured range of motion (ROM) and subjective patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), but the relationship between both has not been established. This study aimed to determine the relationship between shoulder ROM and PROMs and establish which ROMs correlated most with PROMs. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients with acute proximal humerus fractures. Surgical intervention, open or pathological fractures, neurovascular compromise, polytrauma, or delayed presentations were excluded. Correlation and regression analyses between active ROM and PROMs (Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand [QuickDASH] and Oxford Shoulder Score [OSS]) at 1-year postinjury were explored. ROM cutoffs predicting satisfactory PROM scores were established. Results: Fifty-five patients were recruited. Moderate correlations were observed between PROMs and flexion, extension, and abduction, but not internal and external rotation. Multivariate analysis showed significant relationships between PROMs and flexion [QuickDASH: adjusted coefficient (AC): -0.135, P = .013, OSS: AC: 0.072, P = .002], abduction [QuickDASH: AC: -0.115, P = .021, OSS: AC: 0.059, P = .005], and extension [QuickDASH: AC: -0.304, P = .020] adjusting for age, gender, Neer classification, injury on dominant side, and employment. Achieving 130° flexion, 59° extension, and 124° abduction were correlated with satisfactory OSS/QuickDASH scores, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, holistic assessment of outcomes with both subjective and objective outcomes are necessary, as shoulder flexion, extension, and abduction are only moderately correlated with PROMs. Attaining 130° flexion, 59° extension, and 124° abduction corresponded with satisfactory functional outcomes measured by OSS/QuickDASH and can guide rehabilitation.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the Geriatric Fracture Center (GFC) concept: a prospective multicentre cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric Fracture Centers (GFCs) are dedicated treatment units where care is tailored towards elderly patients who have suffered fragility fractures. The primary objective of this economic analysis was to determine the cost-utility of GFCs compared with usual care centres. METHODS: The primary analysis was a cost-utility analysis that measured the cost per incremental quality-adjusted life-year gained from treatment of hip fracture in GFCs compared with treatment in usual care centres from the societal perspective over a 1-year time horizon. The secondary analysis was a cost-utility analysis from a societal perspective over a lifetime time horizon. We evaluated these outcomes using a cost-utility analysis using data from a large multicentre prospective cohort study comparing GFCs versus usual care centres that took place in Austria, Spain, the USA, the Netherlands, Thailand and Singapore. RESULTS: GFCs may be cost-effective in the long term, while providing a more comprehensive care plan. Patients in usual care centre group were slightly older and had fewer comorbidities. For the 1-year analysis, the costs per patient were slightly lower in the GFC group (-$646.42), while the quality-adjusted life-years were higher in the usual care centre group (+0.034). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $18 863.34 (US$/quality-adjusted life-year). The lifetime horizon analysis found that the costs per patient were lower in the GFC group (-$7210.35), while the quality-adjusted life-years were higher in the usual care centre group (+0.02). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $320 678.77 (US$/quality-adjusted life-year). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis found that GFCs were associated with lower costs compared with usual care centres. The cost-savings were greater when the lifetime time horizon was considered. This comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis, using data from an international prospective cohort study, found that GFC may be cost-effective in the long term, while providing a more comprehensive care plan. A greater number of major adverse events were reported at GFC, nevertheless a lower mortality rate associated with these adverse events at GFC. Due to the minor utility benefits, which may be a result of greater adverse event detection within the GFC group and much greater costs of usual care centres, the GFC may be cost-effective due to the large cost-savings it demonstrated over the lifetime time horizon, while potentially identifying and treating adverse events more effectively. These findings suggest that the GFC may be a cost-effective option over the lifetime of a geriatric patient with hip fracture, although future research is needed to further validate these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic, level 2. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02297581.

Does the Schatzker III Tibial Plateau Fracture Exist?

Background: The Schatzker classification system for tibial plateau fractures is one of the most commonly used systems. However, there has been controversy if a Schatzker III type fracture truly exists by their original definition. We aimed to correlate the radiographic and CT images of type III fractures, describe the additional propagating fracture patterns and determine if these fractures do exist by their original description. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort observational study included patients with tibial plateau fractures across five trauma centers over 9 years were identified. All X-rays and CT scans were assessed. Two independent fellowship trained, Orthopaedic trauma surgeons reviewed all knee X-rays and classified them according to the Schatzker system. The CTs were subsequently reviewed and the fractures were reclassified based on CT findings. Results: 569 Tibial plateau fractures in 566 patients were analyzed. All X-ray classified Schatzker III fractures were reclassified to a Schatzker II type after review of CT scans by both assessors independently as there were always at least two or more fracture lines propagating from the depressed fragment to the lateral cortex in all cases. The interobserver variability as assessed by the kappa correlation coefficient (κ) for X-rays and CT-based classifications were κ = 0.274 and κ = 0.906, respectively. The majority of cases had two lateral cortical breaks (83.8%). In addition, the depression occurred mostly in the anterolateral and posterolateral positions (60.3%) of the lateral tibial plateau. Conclusion: This study did not support the existence of true Schatzker Type III fractures.

Social determinants of outcomes in nonoperatively treated proximal humerus fractures.

Background: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are common fractures especially in the elderly, with most fractures being managed nonoperatively. Traditional biomedical factors such as radiological alignment have not been able to meaningfully predict comfort and capability after PHFs. Conversely, recent literature has increasingly recognized the role of psychological factors in determining comfort and capability after PHFs. Nonetheless, less is known about the impact of social factors. Additional study of these potentially modifiable social factors as targets for enhancing recovery from injury is merited. Among people recovering from a nonoperatively- treated proximal humerus fracture (PHF) we studied the social factors associated with patient-reported outcomes at 6 months and 1 year. Methods: One hundred seventy-one patients who received nonoperative management of a PHF completed baseline measures of sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, race, employment status, household income, educational level, presence of domestic workers, housing type, and smoking status). Six and 12 months after fracture, participants completed the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and EuroQol-5-Dimensions (EQ5D) measures of comfort and capability. The relationship between capability and social factors was assessed using linear regression modelling, accounting for potential confounding from age, fracture severity assessed using Neer classification, premorbid comorbidities measured by Charlson Comorbidity Index, and premorbid functional status measured by Parker Mobility Index and Barthel Index. Results: Lower capability (higher QuickDASH scores) 6 months and 1 year after fracture were associated with being unemployed (coef: -5.02 [95% CI: -9.96 to -0.07]; P = .047) and having domestic workers at home (coef: 8.63 [95% CI: 1.39 to 15.86]; P = .020), but not with Neer classification. Both greater shoulder discomfort and magnitude of incapability (lower OSS scores) and worse general quality of life (lower EQ5D scores) were associated with having domestic workers (coef: -4.07 [95% CI: -6.62 to -1.53]; P = .002 and coef: -0.18 [95% CI: -0.29 to -0.07]; P = .001 respectively) or living in an assisted care facility (coef: -14.82 [95% CI: -22.24 to -7.39]; P < .001 and coef: -0.59 [95% CI: -0.90 to -0.29] P < .001). Conclusions: The finding that people recovering from PHF experience less incapability in proportion to their social independence (employment, absence of a caregiver such as domestic workers at home and living outside care facilities) emphasizes the important associations of social factors to musculoskeletal health, and the utility of accounting for social factors in the development and assessment of care strategies.

The Evolution of Olecranon Fractures and Its Fixation Strategies.

Introduction: Olecranon fractures are a common fracture of the upper extremity. The primary aim was to investigate the evolution of olecranon fractures and fixation method over a period of 12 years. The secondary aim was to compare complication rates of Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and Plate Fixation (PF). Materials and Methods: Retrospective Study for all patients with surgically treated olecranon fractures from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2016 from a tertiary trauma center. Records review for demographic, injury characteristics, radiographic classification and configuration, implant choices and complications. Results grouped into three 4-year intervals, analyzed comparatively to establish significant trends over 12 years. Results: 262 patients were identified. Demographically, increasing mean age (48.7 to 58.9 years old, p value 0.004) and higher ASA scores (7.1% ASA 3 to 21.0% ASA 3 p value 0.001). Later fractures were more oblique (fracture angle 86.1-100.0 degrees, p value 0.001) and comminuted (Schatzker D type 10.4-30.0%, p value 0.025, single fracture line 94.0-66.0%, p value 0.001). Implant choice, sharp increase in PF compared to TBW (PF 16.0% to PF 80.2%, p value 0.001). Complication-wise, TBW had higher rates of symptomatic implant, implant and bony failures and implant removal. Conclusion: Demographic and fracture characteristic trends suggest that olecranon fractures are exhibiting fragility fracture characteristics (older age, higher ASA scores, more unstable, oblique and comminuted olecranon fractures). Having a high index of suspicion would alert surgeons to consider use of advanced imaging, utilize appropriate fixation techniques and manage the underlying osteoporosis for secondary fracture prevention. Despite this, trends suggest a potential overutilization of PF particularly for stable fracture patterns and the necessary precaution should be exercised.

Effectiveness of anabolic steroids in improving outcomes for post-operative hip fracture patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Post-operative elderly hip fracture patients require significant rehabilitation. Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid used to promote muscle growth. This study aims to examine the effect of nandrolone in improving rehabilitation and quality of life in elderly female patients with hip fractures undergoing hemiarthroplasty. Methods: This is a double-blinded prospective randomized-controlled-trial consisting of female patients above the age of 65 with an isolated neck of femur fracture planned for a hip hemiarthroplasty. Participants were randomized into two arms of the study - 50 mg intramuscular nandrolone vs normal saline placebo administered on post-operative day 0, and weeks 2, 6 and 12. The participants were followed up across a 1-year period following the surgery. Clinical outcomes such as time taken to achieve rehabilitation milestones, distance of ambulation and thigh muscle girth, and functional scoring with SF-36 questionnaire were recorded at intervals of 2, 6 and 12 weeks, 6 months and 1 year following the surgery. Results: There were a total of 23 subjects with 11 in the steroid group and 12 in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in demographics and injury patterns between both groups. There was no significant difference for time taken to achieve various rehabilitation milestones and distance of ambulation. SF-36 scores on discharge and at 1-year follow-up mark were comparable. There was no difference in the complication rate between both groups. Conclusion: Intra-muscular Nandrolone after hip surgery in elderly female patients does not result in short to mid-term improved rehabilitation or functional outcomes. Nandrolone did not result in increased short-term complications after hip surgery. Level of evidence: I.

Are Intertrochanteric Fractures Evolving? Trends in the Elderly Population over a 10-Year Period.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary devices for the fixation of intertrochanteric fractures are increasing in usage and popularity. This reflects either a shift in adoption of new technology or intertrochanteric fractures becoming more complex or unstable. This trend was observed in our institution, hence we set out to investigate if this was concordant with an associated change in the demographics of the patients or in the morphology of the intertrochanteric fracture pattern over a 10-year period. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional comparison undertaken for the first 100 consecutive elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures admitted to our tertiary institution over 3 yearly intervals, in each of the years 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013. Fractures were radiologically classified via the Evans and AO classifications. Patient demographics such as age, ethnicity, and comorbidities and surgical data including time, type of fixation, time to surgery, and length of stay were collected via case note reviews to identify possible trends. RESULTS: The overall mean age was 80.5 years, with no statistically significant trend among age, sex, ethnicity, and comorbidities over the 10-year period. The main finding was a rise in the proportion of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The proportion of such fractures was 30% in 2004, 42% in 2007, 47% in 2010, and 62% in 2013 (p < 0.001). Patients admitted for intertrochanteric fractures also experienced a shorter hospital length of stay and an increasing trend towards early fracture fixation (p < 0.001), with a greater usage of intramedullary nails in the treatment of such fractures (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients have evolved into more complex fractures over the past ten years, despite there being no change in the age of the patients over the same duration. This increasing proportion of unstable intertrochanteric fractures has brought about a greater tendency to fix these fractures with intramedullary implants.

Integrated hip fracture care pathway (IHFCP): reducing complications and improving outcomes.

Introduction: Hip fractures in elderly people are increasing. A five-year Integrated Hip Fracture Care Pathway (IHFCP) was implemented at our hospital for seamlessly integrating care for these patients from admission to post discharge. We aimed to evaluate how IHFCP improved process and outcome measures in these patients. Methods: A study was conducted over a five-year period on patients with acute fragility hip fracture who were managed on IHFCP. The evaluation utilised a descriptive design, with outcomes analysed separately for each of the five years of the programme. First-year results were treated as baseline. Results: The main improvements in process and outcome measures over five years, when compared to baseline, were: (a) increase in surgeries performed within 48 hours of admission from 32.5% to 80.1%; (b) reduced non-operated patients from 19.6% to 11.9%; (c) reduced average length of stay at acute hospital among surgically (from 14.0 ± 12.3 days to 9.9 ± 1.0 days) and conservatively managed patients (from 19.1 ± 22.9 to 11.0 ± 2.5 days); (d) reduced 30-day readmission rate from 3.2% to 1.6%; and (e) improved Modified Functional Assessment Classification of VI to VII at six months from 48.0% to 78.2%. Conclusion: The IHFCP is a standardised care path that can reduce time to surgery, average length of stay and readmission rates. It is distinct from other orthogeriatric care models, with its ability to provide optimal care coordination, early transfer to community hospitals and post-discharge day rehabilitation services. Consequently, it helped to optimise patients' functional status and improved their overall outcome.

Levels of burnout and its association with resilience and coping mechanisms among orthopaedic surgery residents: a single institution experience from Singapore.

Introduction: Burnout has implications for surgeon wellbeing and patient care. We aimed to: (a) describe burnout levels among orthopaedic surgery residents in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I) accredited programme; and (b) determine associations between burnout levels and resident characteristics, resilience and coping mechanisms. Methods: This is a grant-funded, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that included 44 orthopaedic surgery residents. Burnout was measured using Maslach Burnout Inventory and resilience was determined using the Short Grit Scale. Coping mechanisms were determined using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced scale. Results: 20 (45.5%) residents fulfilled the criteria for burnout. High levels of emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalisation (DP) correlated with stressors, such as inadequate sleep (EE: r = 0.43, P <0.01; DP: r = 0.33, P <0.05), conflict between family and work (EE: r = 0.40, P <0.01; DP: r = 0.40, P <0.01), financial pressure (DP: r = 0.46, P <0.01), and conflict with residents (EE: r = 0.35, P <0.05; DP: r = 0.34, P <0.05) and faculty (EE: r = 0.44, P <0.01; DP: r = 0.35, P<0.05). Severe burnout was associated with lower grit scores (p <0.05). Coping mechanisms, such as planning and positive reframing, were protective while behavioural disengagement and substance use may increase burnout risk. Conclusion: Burnout was high in our ACGME-I accredited programme. Stressors associated with higher burnout included feeling of inadequate sleep, poor work-life balance, poor relationships with fellow residents/faculty and financial pressures. Residents should be educated on protective coping mechanisms and regular screening to detect burnout should be performed.

Geriatric fracture centre vs usual care after proximal femur fracture in older patients: what are the benefits? Results of a large international prospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of treatment in geriatric fracture centres (GFC) on the incidence of major adverse events (MAEs) in patients with hip fractures compared with usual care centres (UCC). Secondary objectives included hospital-workflow and mobility-related outcomes. DESIGN: Cohort study recruiting patients between June 2015 and January 2017. Follow-up was 1 year. SETTING: International (six countries, three continents) multicentre study. PARTICIPANTS: 281 patients aged ≥70 with operatively treated proximal femur fractures. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment in UCCs (n=139) or GFCs (n=142), that is, interdisciplinary treatment including regular geriatric consultation and daily physiotherapy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was occurrence of prespecified MAEs, including delirium. Secondary outcomes included any other adverse events, time to surgery, time in acute ward, 1-year mortality, mobility, and quality of life. RESULTS: Patients treated in GFCs (n=142) had a mean age of 81.9 (SD, 6.6) years versus 83.9 (SD 6.9) years in patients (n=139) treated in UCCs (p=0.013) and a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 2.0 (SD, 2.1) versus 1.2 (SD, 1.5) in UCCs (p=0.001). More patients in GFCs (28.2%) experienced an MAE during the first year after surgery compared with UCCs (7.9%) with an OR of 4.56 (95% CI 2.23 to 9.34, p<0.001). Analysing individual MAEs, this was significant for pneumonia (GFC: 9.2%; UCC: 2.9%; OR, 3.40 (95% CI 1.08 to 10.70), p=0.027) and delirium (GFC: 11.3%; UCC: 2.2%, OR, 5.76 (95% CI 1.64 to 20.23), p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our study hypothesis, the rate of MAEs was higher in GFCs than in UCCs. Delirium was revealed as a main contributor. Most likely, this was based on improved detection rather than a truly elevated incidence, which we interpret as positive effect of geriatric comanagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02297581.

After hours surgery for elderly hip fracture patients: How safe is it?

INTRODUCTION: The recent focus on early surgery for hip fractures to reduce complications and improve morbidity, has led some resource-constrained institutions to perform after hours surgery in a bid to meet these timelines. However, there are concerns about the potential increase in complications and poorer outcomes in after hours surgery. This study aims to evaluate the safety of after hours hip fracture surgery and its related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of hip fracture patients admitted over a 2-year period to a tertiary centre with an established orthogeriatric co-managed hip fracture care pathway. Patients were divided into two groups based on their operating start time: (1) office hours surgery was defined as surgery conducted between 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 12 noon on Saturdays; and (2) after hours surgery was defined as surgery conducted between 5 pm to 8 am on weekdays, and between Saturday 12 noon to Monday 8 am, as well as those that were conducted on public holidays. Demographic data, comorbidities, fracture details, operative details and outcome measures (complications, mortality and functional scores) were collated. RESULTS: A total of 903 patients were surgically treated for per- and intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures. 76.7% (n = 693) of the patients underwent operation during office hours while 23.3% (n = 210) of the patients underwent after hours operation. 12.4% (n = 26) of the after hours group underwent surgery within 24 h of admission, compared with 6.8% (n = 47) in the office hours group (p = 0.009). We did not find any significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications, mortality and functional outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study did not show that after hours surgery increases complication rates in hip fracture surgery and had equivalent functional outcomes.

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.

The Influence of Demographic Factors on the Location of Bisphosphonate-related Atypical Femoral Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The location of bisphosphonate-related atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) is related to the femoral bow. Other factors that might also be related to the distribution of AFFs are not well studied. In this study, we attempt to define the demographic factors that influence the distribution AFFs in our local population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of all the patients diagnosed with AFFs treated in our institution between 2008 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and divided based on fracture location into subtrochanteric and mid-shaft groups. Demographic data were collected and compared between the two groups. Independent factors affecting the location of AFFs were identified via multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-nine AFFs in 71 patients were included. Thirty-two fractures occurred at the subtrochanteric region and 47 occurred at the mid-shaft. Age, bone density, anterior femoral bow and lateral femoral bow were significantly different between the two groups, whereas height, weight, body mass index, presence of prodromal symptoms, type and duration of bisphosphonates were not significantly different. Multivariate analysis showed anterior femoral bow was the only independent factor associated with the location of AFFs. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior femoral bow is the only factor that can predict the location of AFFs. In our population, other demographic factors were not found to be predictive.

The ideal implant for Mayo 2A olecranon fractures? An economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The ideal implant for stable, noncomminuted olecranon fractures is controversial. Tension band wiring (TBW) is associated with lower cost but higher implant removal rates.On the other hand, plate fixation (PF) is purported to be biomechanically superior, with lower failure and implant removal rates, although associated with higher cost. The primary aim of this study is to look at the clinical outcomes for all Mayo 2A olecranon between PF and TBW. The secondary aim is to perform an economic evaluation of PF vs. TBW. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all surgically treated Mayo 2A olecranon fractures in a tertiary hospital from 2005-2016. Demographic data, medical history, range of motion, and complications were collected. All inpatient and outpatient costs in a 1-year period postsurgery including the index surgical procedure were collected via the hospital administrative cost database (normalized to 2014). RESULTS: A total of 147 cases were identified (94 TBW, 53 PF). PF was associated with higher mean age (P < .01), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P < .01), and higher proportion of hypertensives (P = .04). There was no difference in the range of motion achieved at 1 year for both groups. In terms of complications, TBW was associated with more symptomatic hardware (21.6% vs. 13.7%, P = .24) and implant failures (16.5% vs. none, P < .01), whereas the plate group had a higher wound complication (5.9% vs. none, P = .02) and infection rate (9.8% vs. 3.1%, P = .09). TBW had a higher implant removal rate of 30.9% compared with 22.7% for PF (P = .36). PF had a higher cost at all time points, from the index surgery ($10,313.64 vs. $5896.36, P < .01), 1-year cost excluding index surgery ($5069.61 vs. $3850.46, P = .46), and outpatient cost ($1667.80 vs. $1613.49, P = .27). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, we have demonstrated that TBW is the ideal implant for Mayo 2A olecranon fractures from both a clinical and economic standpoint, with comparable clinical results, potentially similar implant removal rates as PF's, and a lower cost over a 1-year period. In choosing the ideal implant, the surgeon must take into account, first, the local TBW and PF removal rate, which can vary significantly because of the patient's profile and beliefs, and second, the PF implant cost.

Outcomes after implementation of an open fracture clinical pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Open fractures are associated with high rates of complication, morbidity and high economic costs. To improve outcomes, an open extremity fracture clinical pathway that protocolized surgical management and encouraged multidisciplinary collaboration was implemented in our institution. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes before and after the implementation of the pathway. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective review of open tibial and femur fractures covering the 2 year periods before and after pathway implementation was conducted. Patient demographics, fracture location, fixation methods and Gustilo-Anderson classification type were recorded. Primary outcomes include complications of wound infection, implant infection, delayed/non-union and flap failure occurring in a 1 year follow-up period. Secondary outcomes include length of hospital stay, time from emergency department (ED) entrance to first wound debridement, time from ED to flap coverage and total number of operations required. RESULTS: A total of 43 pre-pathway and 46 post-pathway patients were included in this study. There was a significant reduction in length of hospital stay, a 37.5% decrease from a median of 11.2 to 7 days after pathway implementation. There was also a significant decrease in the number of fractures fixed with external fixators from 47 to 26%. No significant differences were found for the other secondary variables. In a subgroup analysis of type III fractures, there was a significant decrease in length of hospital stay as well as the number of operations required. Median length of hospital stay decreased by 46.7% from 15 to 8 days and total number of operations decreased by 50% from a median of four operations to two operations. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the implementation of an open extremity fracture clinical pathway significantly reduces the proportion of external fixation surgeries, length of hospital stay, and number of operations in patients with open tibial and femur fractures, without compromising complication rates.

Functional outcomes after surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures.

Tibial plateau fractures are significant because of its intra-articular nature. In this study, we aim to evaluate the functional outcomes of tibial plateau fractures after surgical treatment and to determine the rates of return to work and sports after recovery. This is a retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary-level institution. Forty-one patients with tibial plateau fractures were operatively treated during our study period. Patient information including injury mechanism, surgical treatment and associated injuries were documented. Pre-operative and post-operative radiographs were reviewed to confirm Schatzker type and adequacy of reduction. Follow up data for thirty-one patients was obtained nineteen to forty-two months post-surgery. All patients were administered functional outcome questionnaires using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) general health survey. Data regarding return to work and sports was also collected. Data analysis was done to determine the relationship between fracture type, adequacy of reduction and functional outcome. The average WOMAC score for patients with Schatzker I to III was 6.3 out of a maximum score of 96, significantly lower than the Schatzker IV to VI group, whose average score was 18.4 (p = 0.0012). The SF-36 score for the Schatzker I to III group was also significantly higher than the VI to VI group (p = 0.0031). 71% of patients reported partial to full return to work, while 65% of patients did not return to sports after injury. In conclusion, the functional outcome of operatively treated tibial plateau fractures is satisfactory, with poorer functional outcome being associated with higher energy fractures. (Schatzker IV to VI) Majority of patients were able to return to their pre-injury employment but only a small minority were able to return to sports.

Intramedullary nailing of abnormally bowed atypical femoral shaft fractures: surgical technique.

The treatment of atypical femoral shaft fractures with abnormal bowing provides a unique challenge for surgeons. Whilst intramedullary fixation of atypical femoral shaft fractures affords both mechanical and biological benefits, the mismatch between standard intramedullary devices and the abnormal femoral bowing in these patients makes this method of fixation challenging for the surgeon. The purpose of this manuscript is to illustrate the evolution of our surgical technique through a series of four patients. The critical factors we identified include lateral positioning of the patient for reduction, the use of a piriformis-start nail, and an entry point that was anterior in the sagittal profile and lateral in the coronal profile. This technique was easily replicable, facilitated more anatomical reduction and aided in avoiding complications.

Hemiarthroplasty in the Hip Fracture Patient with Renal Impairment: To Cement or Not to Cement.

PURPOSE: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of complications when undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty. The primary aim is to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between cemented and uncemented stem loosening rates in patients with CKD who receive a hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures. The secondary aim is to determine the effect of increasing severity of renal disease on the rate of stem loosening in this CKD patient subset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients with CKD who underwent a hip hemiarthroplasty for a traumatic femoral-neck fracture between 2003 and 2013 was performed. Patients with a minimum of two-year follow-up were included; those with pathological fractures or loosening due to infection were excluded. The outcome measure was radiographic aseptic loosening of the stem, defined as progressive radiolucency of more than 2 mm, progressive subsidence or migration of the implant. RESULTS: One-hundred and nineteen cases were included in this study. Loosening occurred in 11 cases (9.24%). A comparison between cemented and uncemented groups revealed no difference in the rate of loosening (P=0.079). In all cases, worsening renal function did not increase the rate of loosening (P=0.311). The rate of loosening did not increase with worsening renal function in either the cemented (P=0.678) or uncemented groups (P=0.307). CONCLUSION: There is no difference in the rate of loosening between cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in the elderly with CKD. The rate of loosening did not increase with worsening renal function. All patients with renal impairment, not just those with end-stage renal failure, warrant close follow-up as early loosening can occur throughout the entire spectrum of renal disease.

Use of a biphasic cement bone substitute in the management of metaphyseal fractures.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the increase in utilisation of bone substitutes in the reconstruction of bone defects has been fuelled by donor site complications associated with autologous bone harvesting. However the ability of bone substitute to stimulate bone union while maintaining fracture reduction has been a topic of debate. Cerament Bone Void Filler (CBVF) is a novel biphasic and injectable ceramic bone substitute that has high compressive strength and the ability to promote cancellous bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This is a retrospective study to evaluate the surgical outcome of utilising CBVF in the treatment of depressed metaphyseal bone fractures over a two year period. The patients were followed up for at least six months after surgery and clinical parameters such as wound site complications were collated. Radiographic imaging was evaluated to determine loss of fracture reduction and rate of cement resorption. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with depressed metaphyseal fractures were enrolled, which included: (i) one proximal humerus fracture; (ii) three tibial plateau fractures; and (iii) nine calcaneal fractures. None of the patients showed significant collapse in fracture reduction after six months of follow up. Cement resorption was noted in one patient as early as three weeks after surgery. There were no cases of cement leak or wound site complications. CONCLUSION: Cerament Bone Void Filler (CBVF) is a promising bone graft substitute in the management of depressed metaphyseal bone fractures, with the ability to maintain fracture reduction despite cement resorption.