Mid-term results of the treatment of complex acetabular fractures with combined acute fixation and total hip replacement in the older patient.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of acetabular fractures in older patients is increasing. The management of these patients is evolving due to the recognition of risks associated with prolonged immobility with conservative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing fixation and total hip replacement (THR) for displaced acetabular fractures undergoing single operation with acetabular fixation and THR were identified. Outcomes were assessed using radiographs, clinical notes, Oxford Hip Score and EuroQol-5L. RESULTS: 77 patients were identified with 51 completing outcome scores. Mean age 68 years at time of injury. Mean follow-up 5 (2-12) years, OHS 40, EQ-5D 0.78. Revision surgery performed in 7 patients (9%). DISCUSSION: Acute fixation combined with THR for acetabular fractures in the elderly patient, offers good functional outcomes and a low complication rate in the mid-term.

Anterior Approach for Fixation of Acetabular Fractures Using Anatomically Designed Plates: Accuracy of Reduction and Early Functional Outcomes With a Minimum of 1-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of a new plate system using anterior approaches in the management of acetabular fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective case-note review. SETTING: Pelvic and acetabular tertiary center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: A consecutive series of acetabular fractures treated using only anterior approach and anatomical plates, at one tertiary specialist unit, were reviewed. The fracture patterns, incisions used, intraoperative and postoperative complications, reduction achieved (measured on postoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans), and early postoperative results (minimum 1-year follow-up) were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Postoperative reduction (measured by postoperative plain radiographs and computed tomography). RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (mean age, 57 years) underwent reconstruction with the anatomical plates using anterior approaches. Associated both columns and anterior column posterior hemitransverse represented most of the patients (85%). The fracture pattern was complex with quadrilateral plate involvement in 79% of cases. Overall, anatomic reduction was seen in 82% on plain radiographs and CT scan evaluation. Increasing age was a statistically significant variable in obtaining anatomical reduction with an age cutoff value of 70 years ( P 0.012). Associated both column fractures were associated with a lower incidence of anatomical reduction ( P = 0.038). Complication rates were comparable with the literature. 22 patients (71%) were symptom free, with 20 patients (62.5%) having excellent radiographic outcomes at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that using approach-specific instruments and anatomical plates through anterior approaches in a specialized unit led to anatomical reconstruction in 82% with patients demonstrating satisfactory early radiological and functional outcomes at 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Incidence of DVT and PE after surgical reconstruction for pelvic and acetabular fractures: Does routine duplex scanning affect management?

BACKGROUND: Prevention and detection of thromboembolism with pelvic and acetabular fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate a protocol using LMWH prophylaxis and duplex screening both pre-operatively (if there is a delay > 72 h to surgery) and post-operatively at day 5-7. We assessed the incidence of thromboembolism and associated risk factors. METHODS: A total of 255 consecutive patients who underwent pelvic and/or acetabular reconstruction in a major trauma and tertiary referral centre between January 2013 and December 2015 were studied. Forty-three patients were excluded due to non-adherence to protocol leaving 212 patients included in the study. RESULTS: Patients were of mean age 49 years (15-94) and mean ISS 24.5 (4-66). Pre-operative screening detected two patients with asymptomatic above-knee DVT who then underwent pre-operative IVC filter insertion. Post-operative screening detected seven patients (3%) with lower limb DVTs (3 proximal and 4 below knee). The three patients with proximal DVTs were fully anticoagulated and did not develop symptomatic PE. Six patients (2.8%) developed post-operative PE, four of which were symptomatic and confirmed by CT angiography. Seven patients (3%) died in the post-operative period due to non-VTE-related causes. The overall rate of VTE was 6%, including DVT 4% and PE 2.8%. PE was associated with administration of tranexamic acid in ED (p > 0.03) and total amount of blood transfused during admission (p > 0.001). VTE was not associated with age, injury type, ISS, delay to surgery or associated injuries. CONCLUSION: A protocol-based approach to VTE prophylaxis and screening in trauma patients with pelvic and/or acetabular reconstruction resulted in no VTE-related mortality. Pre- and post-operative screening for DVT changed the management in five patients, with none developing PE. Patients requiring more aggressive resuscitation had a higher rate of PE. The VTE rate was lower than previously reported.

Bilateral acetabular fractures: Mechanism, fracture patterns and associated injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular fractures are uncommon and their management is often reserved for specialist pelvic and acetabular surgeons. Bilateral acetabular fractures are a particularly rare subgroup. We report the incidence, fracture pattern, mechanism of injury and outcome of patients presenting to a tertiary trauma centre with traumatic bilateral acetabular fractures. METHOD: Bilateral acetabular fractures were identified from a prospective database of acetabular fractures presenting to one institution over a six-year period. Patient notes and imaging studies were reviewed to identify demographics, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, fracture pattern and management. Timing of operative management was explored. Patient outcomes were collected in the form of radiographs and Oxford Hip Scores at a minimum of one-year post injury. RESULTS: Eight patients with bilateral acetabular fracture were identified from a database which contained records of 519 patients with acetabular fractures (incidence of 1.5% amongst patients with acetabular fractures). Motor vehicle accidents were the most common mechanism. Four acetabular fracture patterns were observed within the cohort. Radiographic union occurred in all cases and Oxford Hip Scores are suggestive of moderate to well functioning hip joints. Fractures were treated as single or staged procedures. CONCLUSION: Bilateral acetabular fractures are very rare due to the unique degree and pattern of force required to fracture both acetabula. They are associated with 4 main fracture patterns and present with Injury Severity Scores that averaged 25 (severe). They are typically observed in young males with road traffic collision being the most common mechanism of injury.

Does Routine Postoperative Computerized Tomography After Acetabular Fracture Fixation Affect Management?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The use of routine postoperative computerized tomography (CT) scan after acetabular fracture reconstruction remains controversial. CT scan may provide more accurate detail regarding metalwork position, retained intra-articular fragments, and quality of reduction but does expose the patient to additional radiation dosage and incurs increased cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate a protocol of routine postoperative CT scan for all acetabular fractures after surgical fixation and assess the effect this has on patient management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The perioperative fluoroscopic images and postoperative plain radiographs of 122 patients who underwent surgical stabilization of a displaced acetabular fracture were reviewed and categorized into 3 groups: (1) safe, when there was no suspicion of metalwork malposition or intra-articular fragments; (2) inconclusive, when it was not possible to exclude malposition; or (3) definite malposition or intra-articular penetration of implants. The findings were compared with postoperative CT scans. The quality of reduction of the acetabular fracture was graded on plain radiographs using the Matta criteria and compared with the CT scan using a standardized technique. RESULTS: Fractures that were categorized as safe on plain radiographs were confirmed to have no metalwork malposition on CT scan in 94% of the cases, with the other 6% having insignificant findings that did not require revision surgery. When plain radiographs were inconclusive (n = 17), 4 patients had metalwork malposition documented on CT scan and 2 of these required revision surgery. There was an increased risk of implant malposition with use of spring plates for posterior wall stabilization. There was significant variation between the quality of reduction when assessed with plain radiographs as compared with CT scans (P < 0.001). In 42% of the patients who were thought to have anatomic reduction on plain radiographic assessment, the reduction was either imperfect or poor based on CT assessment. CONCLUSIONS: CT scans were more accurate than plain radiographs in detecting metalwork malposition and in assessing quality of reduction of the acetabular fracture. The use of postoperative CT scans may be restricted to a group of fractures that have inconclusive or definite malpositioning of implants on perioperative or postoperative radiographs, especially with use of spring pates or to those patients in whom quality of reduction needs more accurate assessment for quality assurance or prognostic reasons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Diagnostic -Investigating a diagnostic test.

Routine Postoperative Computed Tomography Scans After Pelvic Fracture Fixation: A Necessity or a Luxury?

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus regarding the postoperative radiology imaging protocol after pelvic fracture surgery. Some institutes routinely scan all patients after their surgery, others do not. The aim of this study was to assess the value of routine use of computed tomography (CT) scans after pelvic fracture surgery and to determine the sensitivity of conventional plain radiographs and intraoperative fluoroscopy in detecting metalwork malposition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The radiographs and clinical notes of patients undergoing pelvic fracture surgery in the period between January 2010 and December 2015 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 2 main groups: group A-patients whose fixation entailed the use of a sacroiliac (SI) screws and group B-patients whose fixation did not require an SI screw. Furthermore, the patients were classified according to the position of metalwork in their postoperative plain radiographs and perioperative fluoroscopy into 3 groups: (1) Safe: When there was no suspicion of metalwork malposition. (2) Suspicious: When there was some suspicion of malposition but radiographs were inconclusive. (3) Definite: When plain imaging showed a definite malposition. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-eight patients were included in this study (161 in group A and 37 in group B). In group A, 148 (92%) were classified as safe, 10 were suspicious (6%), and 3 (2%) showed definite malposition. Of the fractures that were believed to be safe on plain radiographs, 78% were confirmed to be safe on CT scans, whereas 22% showed malpositioned metalwork, and 7 patients (4%) required a revision surgery. Plain radiographs showed a sensitivity of 27% in detecting metalwork malposition and a specificity of 99%. Increasing the number of screws significantly increased the risk of malposition and reoperation (P = 0.006 and 0.002 respectively). The plain images of group B were all classified as safe. The CT scans detected 2 cases with long metalwork protruding into the soft tissues, none of which required a revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Perioperative fluoroscopy and plain postoperative radiographs have a low sensitivity in detecting the metalwork malposition after pelvic fracture surgery. We recommend the use of routine postoperative CT scans in patients whose fixation entails the use of SI screws. In this series, routine scanning of patients who did not have SI screws added no significant clinical value. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Diagnostic. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The value of 'binder-off' imaging to identify occult and unexpected pelvic ring injuries.

AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of 'binder-off' plain pelvic radiographs in the assessment of pelvic ring injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients requiring operative intervention at our tertiary referral pelvic unit/major trauma centre for high-energy pelvic injuries between April 2012 and December 2014 were retrospectively identified. Pre-operative pelvic imaging with and without pelvic binder was reviewed with respect to fracture pattern and pelvic stability. The frequency with which the imaging without pelvic binder changed the opinion of the pelvic stability and need for operative intervention, when compared with the computed tomography (CT) scans and anteroposterior (AP) radiographs with the binder on, was assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent (71 of 97) of patients had initial imaging with a pelvic binder in situ. Of these, 76% (54 of 71) went on to have 'binder-off' imaging. Seven percent (4 of 54) of patients had unexpected unstable pelvic ring injuries identified on 'binder-off' imaging that were not identified on CT imaging in binder. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma CT imaging of the pelvis with a pelvic binder in place is inadequate at excluding unstable pelvic ring injuries, and, based on the original findings in this paper, we recommend additional plain film 'binder-off' radiographs, when there is any clinical concern.

The modified ilioinguinal and anterior intrapelvic approaches for acetabular fracture fixation: indications, quality of reduction, and early outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, the anterior surgical approach of choice for acetabular reconstruction was ilioinguinal. There has been an increasing usage of the midline "Stoppa" or "anterior intrapelvic approach." The aim is to report the techniques, early results (minimum 1 year), and complications of anterior approaches for acetabular reconstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective case-note review. SETTING: Pelvic and acetabular tertiary center. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of acetabular fractures treated at 1 tertiary specialist unit were retrospectively reviewed. The fracture patterns, incisions used, intraoperative and postoperative complications, reduction achieved (measured on postoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans), and early postoperative results (minimum 1-year follow-up), were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Postoperative reduction (measured by postoperative plain radiographs and computed tomography). RESULTS: Of 160 consecutive patients who underwent acetabular reconstruction, 56 (mean age, 44 years) underwent reconstruction using only anterior approaches (mean of 7 days after injury). Iatrogenic complications, postoperative infection, arthritis, and avascular necrosis rates are comparable with the literature. Overall, anatomic reduction was seen in 71% of cases and concentric reconstruction of the dome in over 90%. Thirty-six of the 56 patients (64%) were symptom-free at the latest follow-up and 34 (61%) had returned to work. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported suggest the use of dual approaches using the lateral 2 windows, and/or a midline anterior intrapelvic approach in anterior acetabular reconstructions has a relatively low complication rate and can lead to anatomic reconstructions in 71%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The use of blood cell salvage in acetabular fracture internal fixation surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the routine use of intraoperative blood cell salvage in acetabular fracture internal fixation reduces the need for allogenic blood transfusion, is cost effective, and whether it is influenced by the acetabular fracture pattern. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary pelvic and acetabular reconstructive center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing internal fixation for acetabular fractures. RESULTS: Eighty consecutive patients were reviewed, comprising 26 elementary fracture (EF) and 54 associated fracture (AF) types. The mean volume of autologous blood transfused was 484 mL. The mean volume of 561 mL of autologous blood transfused in patients with AF types was significantly greater than the mean volume of 325 mL transfused in the EF group (P = 0.007). Additional allogenic blood transfusion was required in 5 (19%) patients with EFs and 15 (28%) patients with AFs (P = 0.418). The mean cost of the blood cell salvage and additional blood products in our study was $223 (£135) for all fracture types ($174/£105 for EF and $246/£149 for AF).When treating AF types, the mean cost of using blood cell salvage was $246 (£149) as compared with the mean predicted cost of not using blood cell salvage and transfusing the equivalent of 1.7 units of allogenic blood instead, which was $463 (£281). These distributions are significantly different (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of blood cell salvage for internal fixation surgery for acetabular fracture is cost effective, particularly when treating AF types, and its routine use is advocated to limit the need for allogenic blood transfusion.

Is fixation failure after plate fixation of the symphysis pubis clinically important?

BACKGROUND: Plate fixation is a recognized treatment for pelvic ring injuries involving disruption of the pubic symphysis. Although fixation failure is well known, it is unclear whether early or late fixation failure is clinically important. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore determined (1) the incidence and mode of failure of anterior plate fixation for traumatic pubic symphysis disruption; (2) whether failure of fixation was associated with the types of pelvic ring injury or pelvic fixation used; (3) the complications, including the requirement for reoperation or hardware removal; and (4) whether radiographic followup of greater than 1 year alters subsequent management. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 148 of 178 (83%) patients with traumatic symphysis pubis diastasis treated by plate fixation between 1994 and 2008. Routine radiographic review, pelvic fracture classification, method of fixation, incidence of fixation failure, timing and mode of failure, and the complications were recorded after a minimum followup of 12 months (mean, 45 months; range, 1-14 years). RESULTS: Hardware breakage occurred in 63 patients (43%), of which 61 were asymptomatic. Breakage was not related to type of plate, fracture classification, or posterior pelvic fixation. Five patients (3%) required revision surgery for failure of fixation or symptomatic instability of the symphysis pubis, and seven patients (5%) had removal of hardware for other reasons, including late deep infection in three (2%). Routine radiographic screening as part of annual followup after 1 year did not alter management. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest the high rate of late fixation failure after plate fixation of the symphysis pubis is not clinically important.

High rates of sexual and urinary dysfunction after surgically treated displaced pelvic ring injuries.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic ring injuries may be associated with genitourinary injury (GUI) and result in urinary or sexual dysfunction. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined (1) incidence of new sexual and urinary dysfunction after surgically treated pelvic ring injuries, (2) association of sexual or urinary dysfunction to fracture type and GUI, and (3) incidence and association between new sexual and urinary dysfunction in male and female patients without GUI. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 151 patients by postal questionnaire after pelvic reconstruction. Presence, type, and severity of new sexual dysfunction and urinary dysfunction were related to GUI and type of pelvic fracture using the Young and Burgess classification. Minimum followup was 1 year (median, 5 years; range, 1-12 years). RESULTS: New sexual dysfunction occurred in 61 of 143 (43%) and urinary dysfunction in 61 of 150 (41%) responding patients. Neither new sexual nor urinary dysfunction was associated with sex or GUI. In patients with no GUI, new sexual dysfunction was associated with chronologic age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04/year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07) and pelvic fracture type. Lateral compression injury was less likely to result in new sexual or urinary dysfunction compared with AP type (sexual OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.67-4.47; urinary OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.15-7.66) and vertical shear type (sexual OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.02-6.64; urinary OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.81-11.73). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest new sexual and urinary dysfunction occur at relatively high rates after pelvic fracture in patients with or without GUI. We recommend early assessment and referral for specialist treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The influence of outside temperature and season on the incidence of hip fractures in patients over the age of 65.

BACKGROUND: It is often assumed that hip fractures occur more commonly in winter, but the evidence is conflicting. It is important to clarify this issue to aid planning of health resources and understanding of the aetiology of these fractures in the elderly. AIM: To determine whether the incidence of fractures altered with the daily temperature, seasons or months of the year. METHOD: Over a five-year period we studied 818 patients, over the age of 65, who presented to one district general hospital with a fracture of the proximal femur. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the incidence of fractures with different temperatures, changes of temperature, season or month of the year. Also, there was no significant difference in the characteristics of patients (age, sex, pre-injury mobility, residence, functional and mental scores) presenting in different seasons or temperature ranges. Patients presenting in winter months had a significantly longer inpatient stay, which may have been due to the strain on the social services over this time. CONCLUSION: Other factors must be analysed when considering the aetiology of hip fractures in the elderly. There may be no extra demand on surgical facilities or other acute resources to treat hip fractures during the winter months in southern England.