Total Hip Arthroplasty in Chile Is Characterized By Low Utilization Rates and Disparity in Access.

Background: Disparity in access to total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an internationally recognized phenomenon influenced by social and geographical factors. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) employs the utilization rates of THA to evaluate and compare healthcare utilization by its 37 country members, including Chile. Purpose: We sought to describe THA utilization rates in the elderly Chilean population and to compare it with data from other OECD countries. In addition, we sought to identify whether sociodemographic variables influence access to THA in Chile. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of THA cases performed in Chile between 2016 and 2018 in patients aged 65 years and older in a large database regulated by the Ministry of Health; 8970 patients were included. Mean utilization rates (MURs) of THA within Chile's 346 administrative-territorial divisions (called communes) were calculated. We analyzed associations between the communal MUR and poverty, rurality, insurance type, and geographical health administration dependency. Results: The national MUR of THA in the elderly population in Chile was 144/100,000 for the period studied. The median communal MUR was 107 (interquartile range [IQR]: 66-153). A lower MUR of THA was observed in communes with higher poverty levels, higher rurality, and a lower rates of private insurance. After negative binomial regression analysis, only rurality rate and geographical healthcare service dependency were associated with MUR. Conclusions: This retrospective database study suggests that the utilization of THA in Chile is unequal and well below the average of other OECD countries. Higher rates of rurality and administrative healthcare dependence (a geographical/administrative factor) were associated with disparities in access to THA within Chile.

Protrusio acetabular en artroplastía total de cadera: diez tácticas para un buen resultado quirúrgico / Total hip arthroplasty in protrusio acetabuli: ten tips to improve surgical outcomes

Los pacientes candidatos a artroplastía total de cadera con protrusio acetabular asociada generan distintos desafíos en los equipos quirúrgicos. Múltiples estrategias han sido utilizadas a lo largo de los años para optimizar los resultados. Mediante una revisión de la evidencia actualizada disponible, proponemos diez tácticas a realizar en el manejo de estos pacientes que pueden mejorar y hacer predecible el tratamiento de un paciente con protrusio acetabular al que se le realiza una artroplastía total de cadera. Nivel de Evidencia V.

Patients with acetabular protrusio and osteoarthritis are a challenge for the surgical team. Many strategies have been developed to anticipate, plan and optimize the surgical results of these patients. Based on the current available clinical evidence, we propose ten tips to improve the surgical management of hip arthroplasty patients with protrusio acetabuli. Level of Evidence V.

Hip fractures in the elderly Chilean population: a projection for 2030.

Using national databases, we projected the magnitude of hip fractures among the elderly Chilean population by 2030. Hip fractures will increase by 27.5% from 2018 to 9862 cases (95% CI = 8760 to 10,965). The most substantial growth is expected to occur in patients older than 80 years of age. INTRODUCTION: There is scarce information regarding the magnitude of hip fractures that will be observed in Latin American countries in the near future. The aim of this study is to project the volume of hip fractures in the elderly Chilean population by the year 2030. METHODS: The database of the Chilean Department of Statistics and Health Information, which includes all hospital discharges within Chile, was employed to evaluate the volume of hip fractures observed from 2012 to 2018 in the elderly population (≥ 65 years old). The annual incidence was determined by combining the volume of fractures with census data. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the projected volume of hip fractures for 2030. RESULTS: For 2030, hip fractures among the elderly population are projected to grow 27.5% (R2 = 0.92) to 9862 cases (95% CI = 8760 to 10,965). In the group from 65 to 79 years old, hip fractures are expected to grow 21.6% (R2 = 0.87) to 3046 cases (95% CI = 2686 to 3405). In patients ≥ 80 years of age, hip fractures are expected to grow 30.1% (R2 = 0.9) to 6817 cases (95% CI = 5889 to 7744). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial growth in the volume of hip fractures is expected for the next decade among the elderly Chilean population, especially in patients ≥ 80 years of age. A national healthcare strategy should consider efforts to mitigate the impact of the future burden related to patients' care.

High prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in elderly hip fracture patients with delayed hospital admission.

PURPOSE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication in hip fracture patients, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Research has focused on postoperative DVT, with scant reports on preoperative prevalence. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of preoperative DVT in patients accessing medical care ≥ 48 h after a hip fracture. METHODS: We included elderly patients admitted ≥ 48 h after sustaining a hip fracture, between September 2015 and October 2017. Patients with a previous episode of DVT, undergoing anticoagulation therapy, with pathologic fractures or undergoing cancer treatment were excluded. Of 273 patients, 59 were admitted at least 48 h after the fracture. DVT screening by Doppler ultrasound of both lower extremities was carried upon hospital admission. We recorded age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index and ASA score, fracture type, time since injury, time from admission to surgery and total length of hospital stay. RESULTS: We studied 41 patients, 79 (± 10.34) years old. The delay from injury to admission was 120 h (48-696 h). Seven patients (17.1%) had a DVT upon admission. There were no significant differences between patients with and without DVT, regarding time from admission to surgery or the total length of the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DVT in patients admitted ≥ 48 h after a hip fracture was 17.1%. The diagnosis and management of DVT did not increase time to surgery or hospital stay. Our results suggest routine screening for DVT in patients consulting emergency services ≥ 48 h after injury.

[Management of hip fractures in the elderly. A national survey among Chilean orthopaedic surgeons]. / Controversias en el manejo de la fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor. Encuesta nacional a Traumatólogos especialistas en cirugía de cadera.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages, patients exposed to osteoporotic fractures increase, especially hip fracture, which is the most severe and costly. AIM: To characterize surgical practices in the management of hip fractures in older patients through a nationwide survey of specialized hip surgeons dedicated to the care of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey composed of 32 questions was formulated, including demographic factors, preoperative evaluation, definitive treatment, and postoperative management. It was sent to 140 specialists. 84 of them replied (61%), and 71 answers were included. RESULTS: Eighty six percent of respondents agreed that orthogeriatric management is fundamental in the outcome of these patients, but only 73% had the collaboration of an internist or a geriatrician. Although 97% considered 72 hours or less the ideal time to perform surgery, only 52% of the respondents declared performing surgery within that timeframe, with differences between private and public system. Regarding surgical treatment, 94-98% of femoral neck fractures are treated with an arthroplasty and 98-99% of per-subtrochanteric fractures are treated with internal fixation and osteosynthesis. Osteoporosis treatment is only carried out by 51% of the respondents and with significant variation. CONCLUSIONS: This survey shows that there is agreement in surgical practice between specialists treating these patients, but clear differences in preoperative optimization, treatment timeframe, and post fracture medical treatment.

The influence of the CT scan in the evaluation and treatment of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The management of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs) has evolved, with emphasis in radiographic features such as posterior displacement. However, the role of advanced imaging in this scenario is still not well defined. Therefore, our objective is to assess the impact of a computed tomography scan (CT) on interobserver agreement (IA) of fracture classification, posterior tilt measurement, and treatment decisions in nondisplaced FNF in elderly patients. METHODS: Eleven patients with a nondisplaced (Garden 1-2) FNF were assessed by six hip surgeons. On a first stage, fracture classification, posterior tilt, and treatment plan (fixation/arthroplasty) were determined only with clinical information and X-rays. On a second stage, a CT was added. The kappa coefficient ( κ) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine IA. RESULTS: IA for Garden classification was only slight in X-rays and with the addition of a CT, with a κ = 0.13 (0-0.28) and 0.18 (0.03-0.33), respectively. Conversely, posterior tilt measurement agreement was excellent in both schemes, with an ICC = 0.92 (0.83-0.98) and 0.92 (0.82-0.98). The IA for the proposed treatment was slight with X-rays ( κ = 0.44; 0.29-0.6), but moderate with the addition of a CT scan ( κ = 0.67; 0.52-0.82). Changes in surgical decision where made in 14 of 66 evaluations with an OR = 1.4 (0.62-3.2) for choosing an arthroplasty if a CT was used. CONCLUSION: IA for fracture classification and posterior tilt evaluation in nondisplaced FNF was not altered by the usage of a CT. There is improvement in treatment agreement when a CT scan is added to conventional imaging, with changes in treatment in 21% of cases.

Controversias en el manejo de la fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor. Encuesta nacional a Traumatólogos especialistas en cirugía de cadera / Management of hip fractures in the elderly. A national survey among Chilean orthopaedic surgeons

Background: As the population ages, patients exposed to osteoporotic fractures increase, especially hip fracture, which is the most severe and costly. Aim: To characterize surgical practices in the management of hip fractures in older patients through a nationwide survey of specialized hip surgeons dedicated to the care of these patients. Material and Methods: A survey composed of 32 questions was formulated, including demographic factors, preoperative evaluation, definitive treatment, and postoperative management. It was sent to 140 specialists. 84 of them replied (61%), and 71 answers were included. Results: Eighty six percent of respondents agreed that orthogeriatric management is fundamental in the outcome of these patients, but only 73% had the collaboration of an internist or a geriatrician. Although 97% considered 72 hours or less the ideal time to perform surgery, only 52% of the respondents declared performing surgery within that timeframe, with differences between private and public system. Regarding surgical treatment, 94-98% of femoral neck fractures are treated with an arthroplasty and 98-99% of per-subtrochanteric fractures are treated with internal fixation and osteosynthesis. Osteoporosis treatment is only carried out by 51% of the respondents and with significant variation. Conclusions: This survey shows that there is agreement in surgical practice between specialists treating these patients, but clear differences in preoperative optimization, treatment timeframe, and post fracture medical treatment.

A prevalence study of thoracic scoliosis in Chilean patients aged 10-20 years using chest radiographs as a screening tool.

To determine the prevalence of thoracic scoliosis in patients 10-20 years old using radiographs as a screening tool, we studied 783 patients who obtained chest radiographs for nonspinal reasons. We measured thoracic curvature in coronal and sagittal planes; we determined whether age, sex, and sagittal curvature predicted the coronal curvature. The prevalence of scoliosis was 9.3%: 7.0% had curvatures 10°-20°; 1.0% had curvatures 20°-30°; and 1.3% had curvatures of at least 30°. Females (13%) presented larger prevalence of scoliosis than males (4.8%) (P<0.01), also with a larger proportion of larger curvatures. Sex and thoracic kyphosis were independent predictors of the coronal curvature, age was not.

Optimización perioperatoria del paciente anciano con fractura osteoporótica de cadera / Perioperative care of older patients with hip fractures

The number of osteoporotic fractures is increasing along with population aging. Most patients with these type of fractures are older than 65 years, with multiple chronic conditions and different degrees of disability. Hip fracture is the most relevant osteoporotic fracture due to its frequency, costs, severity and complications. Multidisciplinary management is of the utmost importance to obtain good therapeutic results. We herein review the management of this fracture. Orthogeriatric joint management should be incorporated in fragility fracture treatment. We contribute with general recommendations for the perioperative management, which can be homologated for the management of older patients with other type of fragility fractures.

[Perioperative care of older patients with hip fractures]. / Optimización perioperatoria del paciente anciano con fractura osteoporótica de cadera.

The number of osteoporotic fractures is increasing along with population aging. Most patients with these type of fractures are older than 65 years, with multiple chronic conditions and different degrees of disability. Hip fracture is the most relevant osteoporotic fracture due to its frequency, costs, severity and complications. Multidisciplinary management is of the utmost importance to obtain good therapeutic results. We herein review the management of this fracture. Orthogeriatric joint management should be incorporated in fragility fracture treatment. We contribute with general recommendations for the perioperative management, which can be homologated for the management of older patients with other type of fragility fractures.