Under pressure: symptomatic pulmonary hypertension is a predictor of poor outcome following hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in noncardiac surgery and elective surgery. This population of patients has a low physiological reserve and is prone to cardiac arrest as a result. This study aims to identify the impact that PHTN has on outcomes among geriatric hip fracture patients. METHODS: A 3:1 propensity-score-matched retrospective case (PHTN)-control (no PHTN [N]) study of hip fracture patients from 2014 to 2022 was performed. Patients were matched utilizing propensity score matching of a validated geriatric trauma risk assessment tool (STTGMA). All patients were reviewed for hospital quality measures and outcomes. Comparative univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted between the two matched cohorts. A sub-analysis compared patients across PHTN severity levels (mild, moderate, severe) based on pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASP) as measured by transthoracic echocardiogram. RESULTS: PHTN patients (n = 67) experienced a higher rate of inpatient, 30-day, and 1-year mortality, major complications, and 90-day readmissions as compared to the N cohort (n = 201). PHTN patients with a PASP > 60 experienced a significantly higher rate of major complications, need for ICU, longer admission length, and worse 1-year functional outcomes. Pulmonary hypertension was found to be independently associated with a 3.5 × higher rate of 30-day mortality (p = 0.016), 2.7 × higher rate of 1-year mortality (p = 0.008), 2.5 × higher rate of a major inpatient complication (p = 0.028), and 1.2 × higher rate of 90-day readmission (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Patients who had a prior diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension before sustaining their hip fracture experienced significantly worse inpatient and post-discharge outcomes. Those with a PASP > 60 mmHg had worse outcomes within the PHTN cohort. Providers must recognize these at-risk patients at the time of arrival to adjust care planning accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head 3 Years Following Fracture Fixation of a 4-Part Proximal Humerus Fracture: A Case Report.

Introduction: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the humeral head is defined as "avascular" when the death of bone is due to a disrupted blood supply. It is a known complication following proximal humeral fractures and can lead to poor long-term outcomes and even additional revision surgeries. Case Report: Patient AP developed symptomatic ON, 3 years following repair of a 4-part valgus impacted proximal humerus fracture. The point of interest in this case is the length of time from injury at which she developed symptomatic ON. Following surgical repair, she was seen at standard intervals, 6 weeks, 3-, 6-, and 12- month follow-ups and demonstrated an excellent recovery. By the 1 year follow-up appointment, she had obtained a range of motion in her left shoulder of 170° forward elevation and 60° in external rotation. At this point, she was able to discontinue physical therapy and was radiographically and clinically healed. However, 2 years after, she began experiencing sudden onset of pain with shoulder ROM and progressive limitation. She was diagnosed with an ON of her proximal humerus. The patient was prescribed a 3-month course of corticosteroid, 3 months following her operation for a gynecological-related issue. However, with strong progress being made 9 months after this prescription, and problems occurring over 2 years after taking the medication, it is unclear whether the ON was related to her fracture pattern or developed as a result of the corticosteroid usage or a combination of the 2 due to a "double hit." Conclusion: This case review points out the potential need for continued monitoring even after radiographic and clinical healing is achieved in these injuries.

Regional anesthesia is safe for use in intramedullary nailing of low-energy tibial shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent general or regional anesthesia for intramedullary (IM) nailing of tibial shaft fractures (TSFs). METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed on a consecutive series of low-energy TSF patients who presented to a single academic medical center and a level 1 trauma center who underwent operative repair with a reamed IM nail. Collected information included demographics, injury information, anesthesia type (general or regional i.e. peripheral nerve block), intra-operative opiate consumption (converted to morphine milliequivalents [MME], and post-operative pain visual-analog scale [VAS] pain scores. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the type of anesthesia received and univariate analysis was performed to compare the 3 groups. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were included, with an average age of 44.47±16.0 years. There were 38 (50 %) who were administered general anesthesia and 38 (50 %) who were administered regional anesthesia in the form of a peripheral nerve block. There were no differences between the groups with respect to demographics, medical co-morbidities, rate of open fractures or AO/OTA fracture classification. Regional anesthesia patients received less intra-operative MME than general anesthesia patients (17.57±10.6, 28.96±13.8, p < 0.001). Patients who received regional anesthesia also spent less time in the operating room, received less MME on post-operative day 1, and ambulated further on post-operative day 1, however none of these differences were statistically significant. There were no cases of missed post-operative compartment syndrome or complications related to the administration of the peripheral nerve block. CONCLUSIONS: Regional anesthesia in TSF surgery received less intra-operative opioid requirements, without any untoward effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Lag Screw Exchange for Impinging Lateral Hardware Following Intramedullary Nailing of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures - A Case Series Demonstrating Efficacy.

Background: This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of lag screw exchange for painful lateral soft tissue impingement in patients initially treated with cephalomedullary nailing (CMN) for an intertrochanteric hip fracture. Methods: Ten patients initially treated with CMN for unstable intertrochanteric fractures presenting with persistent pain and radiographic evidence of lag screw lateral migration were treated with exchange of original screw with shorter lag screw buried in the lateral cortex to prevent impingement. Patients were evaluated for resolution of pain and achievement of pre-fracture ambulatory status at 6 months post-operatively. Results: Average age was 71.5 years (range: 62-88). Average length of follow-up was 24.9 months. All patients were female, with an average Charlson Comorbidity Index of 1.0 (0-3) and average Body Mass Index of 22.2 (16.0-31.1). Five of ten patients (50.0%) were treated with a cortisone injection in the trochanteric bursa prior to screw exchange with temporary pain relief. Five (50.0%) patients presented with limited range of hip motion. Five (50.0%) had history of prior or current bisphosphonate use. Average lag screw prominence was noted to be 12.2mm (7.9-17.6mm) on radiographic evaluation. Screw exchange was performed at an average of 18.6 months (5.4-44.9 months) following the index procedure. Average operating time of the screw exchange procedure was 45.3 minutes (34-69 minutes) and blood loss was <50mL in all cases. Replacement lag screws were an average of 16.0mm (10-25mm) shorter than the initial screw. All patients achieved complete or significant resolution of lateral thigh pain, and nine (90%) returned to pre-fracture ambulatory status by eight weeks after screw exchange. All patients remained pain free at six months after screw exchange. Conclusion: Lag screw exchange is a efficacious method to address the mechanical irritation of laterally protruding lag screws following IT hip fracture, while also prophylaxing against subsequent femoral neck fractures. Level of Evidence: IV.

Quadriceps muscle quality and quantity following tibial plateau fracture repair.

PURPOSE: To investigate the qualitative and quantitative changes seen in quadriceps muscles [QM] following tibial plateau fracture and surgery. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with an isolated tibial plateau fracture presenting to a single academic center were enrolled and prospectively followed. Bilateral knee MRIs were performed preoperatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively to assess quantity and quality of the quadriceps muscles. All patients underwent tibial plateau operative repair and were made non-weight-bearing for 10 weeks postoperatively then advanced to weight-bearing as tolerated. Functional status assessed via the short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA); knee range of motion [ROM]; vastus medialis oblique [VMO] and vastus lateralis [VL] muscle quantity (axial width, cross sectional area [CSA] and volume) on injured and contralateral limb; VMO, sartorius, semi-membranous and biceps femoris [BF] muscle quality (fat and water content, and proton density fat fraction). All muscle quantitative and qualitative measurements were compared across all time points. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the final analysis, 6 males and 4 females, with average age of 43.62 ± 16.3 years. While the VMO and VL axial width and CSA were significantly decreased at 3 months preoperatively, this was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between any QM quantitative measurements at any time points. There was no difference in fat content, water content or PDFF at any time point for the VMO, sartorius, semi-membranous and BF muscles. Regression analysis also showed no association between 12-month SMFA scores and knee ROM with VMO/VL CSA at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: QM quantity and quality do not significantly change at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively following tibial plateau fracture surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II.

Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures: The Association Between Obesity and Perioperative, Clinical, and Radiographic Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between obesity and treatment approaches, perioperative factors, and clinical and radiographic outcomes following subtrochanteric fracture fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort. SETTING: Academic Medical Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients operatively treated for an AO/OTA 32Axa, 32Bxa, or 32Cxa subtrochanteric femur fracture. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Injury characteristics, perioperative parameters, fixation information, postoperative complications, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. Univariate analyses were conducted between the obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and the nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) cohorts. Regression analyses were performed to assess BMI as a continuous variable. RESULTS: Of 230 operatively treated subtrochanteric fracture patients identified, 49 (21%) were obese and 181 (79%) were nonobese. The average age of the obese cohort was 69.6 ± 17.2 years, with 16 (33%) male and 33 (77%) female. The average age of the nonobese cohort was 71.8 ± 19.2 years, with 60 (33%) male and 121 (77%) female. Aside from BMI, there were no significant differences in demographics between the obese and nonobese (age [P = 0.465], sex [P = 0.948], American Society of Anesthesiology Score [P = 0.739]). Both cohorts demonstrated similar injury characteristics including mechanism of injury, atypical fracture type, and AO/OTA fracture pattern (32A, 32B, 32C). Obese patients underwent more open reduction procedures (59% open obese, 11% open nonobese, P < 0.001), a finding further quantified by a 24% increased likelihood of open reduction for every 1 unit increase in BMI (OR: 1.2, 95% CI, 1.2-1.3, P < 0.001). There was no difference in average nail diameter, 1 versus 2-screw nail design, or number of locking screws placed. The obese cohort was operated more frequently on a fracture table (P < 0.001) when compared with the nonobese cohort that was operated more frequently on a flat table (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences (P > 0.050) in postoperative complications, mortality/readmission rates, hospital quality measures, fixation failure, or time to bone healing. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of subtrochanteric fractures in obese patients is associated with a higher likelihood of surgeons opting for open fracture reduction and the use of different operating room table types, but no difference was observed in postoperative complications, mortality or readmission rates, or healing timeline when compared with nonobese patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcomes in Arthroplasty Procedures Performed for Femoral Neck Fractures Does Approach Affect Outcome?

BACKGROUND: The surgical approach used for arthroplasty in the setting of hip fracture has traditionally been decided based on surgeon preference. This study analyzed the ef-fect of the surgical approach on hospital quality measures, complications, and mortality in patients treated with hip arthroplasty for fracture fixation. METHODS: A cohort of consecutive acute hip fracture pa-tients who were 60 years of age or older and who underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) at one academic medical center between January 2014 and January 2018 was included. Patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), surgery details, complications, ambulation at dis-charge, discharge location, readmission, and mortality were recorded. Two cohorts were included based on the surgical approach: the anterior-based cohort included the direct an-terior and anterolateral approaches and the posterior-based cohort included direct lateral and posterior approaches. RESULTS: Two hundred five patients were included: 146 underwent HA (81 anterior-based and 65 posterior-based) and 79 underwent THA (37 anterior-based and 42 posterior-based). The mean age of the HA and THA cohorts was 84.1 ± 7.5 and 73.7 ± 8.0 years, respectively. There was no dif-ference in LOS, time to surgery, or surgical time between the two cohorts for HA and THA. There were no differences in perioperative complications, including dislocation, ob-served based on surgical approach. No difference was found between readmission rates and mortality. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of hip fracture arthroplasty patients, there was no difference observed in hospital quality measures, readmission, or mortality in patients based on sur-gical approach. These results are in contrast with literature in elective arthroplasty patients supporting the use of an anterior approach for potential improved short-term outcomes.

Relative contribution of the nail and plate to a nail-plate construct for comminuted distal femoral fractures.

The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical contributions of the nail and the plate individually to a complete nail-plate construct in the setting of comminuted distal femur fractures. For this biomechanical study, comminuted extra-articular distal femur fractures were created in 24 synthetic osteoporotic femur models. These were then split into three groups: the nail-only group, the plate-only group, and the nail-plate group. After fixation, each specimen underwent sequential axial and torsional loading, and axial and torsional stiffness were calculated and compared. The addition of a nail to a plate-only construct increased axial stiffness by 19.7% and torsional stiffness by 59.4%. The plate-only group and nail-plate group both demonstrated significantly greater axial and torsional stiffness than the nail-only group at all levels of axial and torsional load. (p < 0.001) At 1000 and 2000 N of cyclic loading, the nail-plate group demonstrated significantly greater axial stiffness than the plate-only group (p ≤ 0.018). The nail-plate group demonstrated greater torsional stiffness than the plate-only groups at all levels of torsional loading (p < 0.001). In osteoporotic comminuted distal femur fracture models, most of the axial stiffness in a nail-plate construct comes from the plate. While the combination of the two constructs is not fully additive, the plate contributes the majority of the axial and torsional stiffness in a nail-plate construct. The supplementation of the plate with a nail primarily helps to increase resistance to rotational forces. Level of Evidence: III.

Psychiatric Diagnosis Does Not Influence Management or Resolution of Confirmed Fracture-Related Infection.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if the presence of a standing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, psychiatric diagnosis is associated with worse outcomes for patients who develop a confirmed fracture-related infection (FRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included patients had open or closed fractures managed with internal fixation and had confirmed FRIs. Baseline demographics, injury information, and outcomes were collected via chart review. All patients who had a diagnosis of psychiatric illness, which included depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia, were identified. Patients with and without a psychiatric diagnosis were statistically compared. RESULTS: Two hundred eleven patients were diagnosed with a confirmed FRI. Fifty-seven (27.0%) patients had a diagnosis of a psychiatric illness at the time of FRI diagnosis. Patients with a psychiatric diagnosis had a higher rate of smoking (56% vs 40%, P=.039) and drug use (39% vs 19%, P=.004) and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (2.35±1.33 vs 1.96±1.22, P=.038); however, there were no other demographic differences. Clinical outcomes also did not differ between the groups, as patients with an FRI and a psychiatric diagnosis had a similar time to FRI diagnosis, similar confirmatory FRI characteristics, and a similar rate of reoperation. Furthermore, there was no difference between patients with FRI with and without a psychiatric diagnosis regarding rate of infection resolution (89% vs 88%, P=.718) or time to final follow-up (20.13±24.93 vs 18.11±21.81 months, P=.270). CONCLUSION: The presence of a psychiatric diagnosis does not affect clinical outcomes in the patient population with FRI. This is the first study exploring the impact of psychiatric illness on patient outcomes after a confirmed FRI diagnosis. [Orthopedics. 202x;4x(x):xx-xx.].

"Off-Hour" Surgical Start Times Do Not Influence Surgical Precision and Outcomes in Middle-aged Patients and Patients 65 Years and Older With Hip Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies show the "off-hour" effect impacts outcomes after surgery in non-orthopedic settings. This study assessed if the off-hour effect impacts surgical precision and outcomes in middle-aged patients and patients 65 years and older with hip fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All operative patients in an academic medical center's institutional review board-approved hip fracture registry were reviewed for demographics, hospital quality measures, operative details, radiographic parameters, and outcomes. Patients were grouped into standard (7 am to 4:59 pm) and off-hour (5 pm to 6:59 am) cohorts depending on surgical start time and comparative analyses were conducted. Two subanalyses were conducted: one comparing the quality of reduction for patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures and another comparing the rates of inpatient transfusion and postoperative dislocation for patients treated with arthroplasty. RESULTS: A total of 2334 patients underwent operative treatment. The off-hour cohort had hospital quality measures and outcomes similar to the standard cohort, including length of stay, rates of inpatient complication, mortality, and readmission. Sub-analysis of 814 intertrochanteric hip fractures demonstrated similar tip-apex distance, residual calcar step-off, and post-fixation neck-shaft angle, while subanalysis of 713 patients undergoing arthroplasty showed similar rates of transfusion and dislocation between cohorts. CONCLUSION: The time of day patients undergo hip fracture repair does not affect surgical outcomes or hospital quality measures. These results highlight the need for standardized hip protocols and treatment pathways to provide equitable care at all hours of the day. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):185-191.].

Periprosthetic fracture following arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture: is a cemented stem protective?

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) carry significant morbidity following arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture (FNF). This study assessed fracture complications following arthroplasty for FNF and the effect of cement fixation of the femoral component on intraoperative and post-operative PFF. METHODS: Between February 2014 and September 2021, 740 patients with a FNF who underwent arthroplasty were analyzed for demographics, surgical management, use of cement for fixation of the femoral component, and subsequent PFF. Variables were compared with Mann-Whitney or Chi-square as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess independent risk factors associated with intraoperative or post-operative PFF. RESULTS: There were 163 THAs (41% cemented) and 577 HAs (95% cemented). There were 28 PFFs (3.8%): 18 post-operative and 10 intraoperative. Fewer post-operative PFFs occurred with cemented stems (1.63% vs. 6.30%, p = 0.002). Mean time from surgery to presentation with post-operative PFF was 14 months (0-45 months). Mean follow-up time was 10.3 months (range: 0-75.7 months). In multivariate regression, use of cement and THA was independently associated with decreased post-operative PFF (cement: OR 0.112, 95% CI 0.036-0.352, p < 0.001 and THA: OR 0.249, 95% CI 0.064-0.961, p = 0.044). More intraoperative fractures occurred during THA (3.68% vs. 0.69%, p = 0.004) and non-cemented procedures (5.51% vs. 0.49%, p < 0.001). In multivariate regression, use of cement was protective against intraoperative fracture (OR 0.100, CI 0.017-0.571, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a FNF treated with arthroplasty, cementing the femoral component is associated with a lower risk of intraoperative and post-operative PFF. Choice of procedure may be based on patient factors and surgeon preference.

Orthopedic Training in the United States A Continuously Evolving Process.

Orthopedic surgery in the United States has gone through many changes over the past few centuries. Starting with a small sect of subspecialized surgeons, advances in technology and surgical skills have paralleled the growth of the specialty. To keep up with demand, the training of orthopedic surgeons has undergone many iterations. From apprenticeships to the current residency model, the field has always adapted to ensure the constant production of well-trained surgeons to take care of the growing orthopedic needs in the population. In order to guarantee this, many regulatory committees have been formed over the years to help guide the regulation and certification of orthopedic training programs. With current day residents facing new challenges, the specialty continues to adapt the way it trains its future.

The Evolution of the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures How We Got to Now.

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in adults and historically have frequently led to significant disability. Originally described over 5,000 years ago, until recently these fractures were almost exclusively treated by closed methods. Since the introduction of osteosynthesis in 1907, followed by the founding of the AO in 1958, and more recently the development of the volar locked plate in the early 2000s, over the past century the surgical treatment of these fractures has evolved greatly. While technological advancements have changed management for specific fracture patterns, closed treatment still has an important role and is definitive for many patients. The following review provides a historical perspective for current treatment strategies as well as an overview of the important factors that must be considered when treating patients with these injuries.

No difference in clinical and hospital quality outcomes in treatment of reverse obliquity intertrochanteric Hip fractures (AO/OTA 31.A3) based on Cephalomedullary nail length.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following reverse obliquity (RO) intertrochanteric hip fractures based on the use of short cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) compared to long CMNs for fixation. METHODS: An IRB-approved prospectively collected hip fracture registry at an urban academic medical center was queried for all AO/OTA 31A3.1-3 reverse obliquity intertrochanteric (RO) fractures. One hundred and seventy patients with age > 55 years old and minimum 6-month follow-up were identified for analysis. Data was collected for patient demographics, injury details, intraoperative radiographic parameters, perioperative physiologic parameters, hospital quality measures, and outcomes including radiographic time to healing, need for reoperation, nonunion, and mortality. Comparative analyses were conducted between cohorts. Additional multivariable binary logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate for factors independently associated with short and long nail usage. RESULTS: The mean age of the entire cohort was 80.91±10.09 years: 103 patients had a long CMN implanted, and 67 patients had a short CMN implanted. There were no demographic differences or differences in radiographic time to healing, rates of mortality, readmission, nonunion, and need for reoperation. Univariable analysis revealed that short CMN had lower intraoperative blood loss (111.19±83.97 mL vs 176.72±161.45 mL, p = 0.002), decreased need for transfusion (37% vs. 55 %, p = 0.022), and shorter procedures (118.67±57.87 min vs. 148.95±77.83 min, p = 0.002. Multivariable analysis revealed that short nail usage was associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss, decreased need for transfusion, and shorter operative times. CONCLUSION: Nail length does not affect healing or hospital quality outcomes in the treatment of RO hip fractures. The use of short CMNs for these fractures did correlate with lower intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and need for blood transfusion, with non-inferior outcomes and similar hospital quality measures when compared to long CMNs.

Clinical and Radiographic Healing of Nonoperative and Operative Treatment of Jones Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Significant heterogeneity in the classification and treatment of zone 3 proximal fifth metatarsal base fractures ("true Jones fractures") exists. This study compared time to clinical and radiographic healing between patients treated operatively and nonoperatively. We hypothesized that patients treated nonoperatively may demonstrate a greater time to clinical healing. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a large, urban, academic medical center with "Jones" fractures between December 2012 and April 2022. Jones fractures were defined as fifth metatarsal base fractures occurring in the proximal metadiaphyseal region, distal to the articulation of the fourth and fifth metatarsals on the oblique radiographic view. Clinical healing was the time point at which the patient had returned to their baseline ambulatory status with no tenderness to palpation. Radiographic healing was the presence of bridging callus across at least 3 cortices. RESULTS: A total of 2450 patients presented with fifth metatarsal fractures, and 166 fractures (6.8%) were true Jones fractures. Among patients with Jones fractures, 120 patients with 121 Jones fractures followed up at our institution and were included in the analysis (mean age 46.5 ± 18.5 years). Ninety-nine fractures (81.8%) were treated nonoperatively and 22 fractures (18.2%) operatively. There were no differences between nonoperative and operative groups in time to clinical healing (12.7 ± 7.1 vs 12.8 ± 4.8 weeks, P = .931) or radiographic healing (13.2 ± 8.1 vs 11.7 ± 5.9 weeks, P = .331). Overall healing rate was 96% for the nonoperative group compared with 96.2% for the operative group. CONCLUSION: In this study, nonoperative and operative treatment of true Jones fractures were associated with equivalent clinical and radiographic healing. The rate of delayed union in true Jones fractures was lower than previously described, and there was no difference in delayed union rate between nonoperative and operative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Bone Health Evaluations and Secondary Fragility Fractures in Hip Fracture Patients.

Purpose: This study sought to examine the utilization of bone health evaluations in geriatric hip fracture patients and identify risk factors for the development of future fragility fractures. Materials and Methods: A consecutive series of patients ≥55 years who underwent surgical management of a hip fracture between September 2015 and July 2019 were identified. Chart review was performed to evaluate post-injury follow-up, performance of a bone health evaluation, and use of osteoporosis-related diagnostic and pharmacologic treatment. Results: A total of 832 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 81.2±9.9 years. Approximately 21% of patients underwent a comprehensive bone health evaluation. Of this cohort, 64.7% were started on pharmacologic therapy, and 73 patients underwent bone mineral density testing. Following discharge from the hospital, 70.3% of the patients followed-up on an outpatient basis with 95.7% seeing orthopedic surgery for post-fracture care. Overall, 102 patients (12.3%) sustained additional fragility fractures within two years, and 31 of these patients (3.7%) sustained a second hip fracture. There was no difference in the rate of second hip fractures or other additional fragility fractures based on the use of osteoporosis medications. Conclusion: Management of osteoporosis in geriatric hip fracture patients could be improved. Outpatient follow-up post-hip fracture is almost 70%, yet a minority of patients were started on osteoporosis medications and many sustained additional fragility fractures. The findings of this study indicate that orthopedic surgeons have an opportunity to lead the charge in treatment of osteoporosis in the post-fracture setting.

The effect of traumatic head injuries on the outcome of middle-aged and geriatric orthopedic trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects of head injuries amongst the middle-aged and geriatric populations on hospital quality measures, costs, and outcomes in an orthopedic trauma setting. METHODS: Patients with head and orthopedic injuries aged >55 treated at an academic medical center from October 2014-April 2021 were reviewed for their Abbreviated Injury Score for Head and Neck (AIS-H), baseline demographics, injury characteristics, hospital quality measures and outcomes. Univariate comparative analyses were conducted across AIS-H groups with additional regression analyses controlling for confounding variables. All statistical analyses were conducted with a Bonferroni adjusted alpha. RESULTS: A total of 1,051 patients were included. The mean age was 74 years, and median AIS-H score was 2 (range 1-6). While outcomes worsened and costs increased as AIS-H scores increased, the most drastic (and clinically relevant) rise occurs between scores 2-3. Patients who sustained a head injury warranting an AIS-H score of 3 experienced a significantly higher rate of major complications, need for ICU admission, inpatient and 1-year mortality with longer lengths of stay and higher total costs despite no differences in demographics or injury characteristics. Regression analysis found a higher AIS-H score was independently associated with greater mortality risk. CONCLUSION: AIS-H scores >2 correlate with significantly worse outcomes and higher hospital costs. Concomitant head injuries impact both outcomes and direct variable costs for middle-aged and geriatric orthopedic trauma patients. Clinicians, hospitals, and payers should consider the significant effect of head injuries on the hospitalization of these patients.

Thigh compartment syndrome: Outcomes in an urban level 1 trauma center.

INTRODUCTION: Thigh compartment syndrome (TCS) is a rare surgical emergency associated with a high risk of morbidity with mortality rates as high as 47 %. There is sparse literature discussing the management as well as outcomes of these injuries. The purpose of this study is to review a consecutive series of patients presenting to a single urban Level 1 trauma center with TCS to identify injury characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes associated with this injury. METHODS: A trauma database was queried for all patients with a diagnosis of TCS at a single level 1 urban trauma center between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021. Demographic and injury variables collected included age, sex, BMI, mechanism of injury, and creatine phosphokinase levels (CPK). Hospital quality measures including time from admission to surgery, length of both hospital and ICU stay, complications, and cost of care were collected. Descriptive statistics are reported as median [interquartile range] or N (percent). RESULTS: There were 14 patients identified with a diagnosis of TCS. All were men with an average age 33.5 [23.5 - 38] years and an average BMI of 26 [22.9-28.1]. The most common cause of injury was blunt trauma (71.4 %), and the remaining 28.6 % were gunshot wound injuries. Within the cohort, 6 (42.9 %) patients sustained a femoral shaft fracture, and 4 (28.6 %) patients sustained a vascular injury. The median initial CPK of patients within this cohort was 3405 [1232-5339] and reached a peak of 5271 [3013-13,266]. The median time from admission to diagnosis was 6.8 [0-236.9] hours. The median time from admission to the operating room was 8.2 [0.6-236.9] hours, and the median number of operating room visits was 3 [2 - 6]. Five patients (35.7 %) wounds were closed with split thickness skin grafting. There were 12 (85.7 %) patients who required ICU care. The median ICU length of stay was 7.5 days [4-15]. The median hospital length of stay was 16.5 days [13.25-38.0]. The median total charges for a patient with thigh compartment syndrome was $129,159.00 [$24,768.00 - $587,152.00]. The median direct variable cost for these patients was $86,106.00 For comparison, the median direct variable cost for patients with femur fractures without TCS at this institution was $8,497.28 [$1,903.52-$21,893.13]. No patients required readmission within 60 days. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: TCS is a rare and life-threatening injury associated with significant morbidity. Despite rapid diagnosis and fasciotomy, the majority of the patients have prolonged hospital courses, ICU lengths of stay, and significant costs of treatment. Providers can reference the outcomes reported in this study when caring for TCS patients.

External fixation about the elbow: Indications and long-term outcomes.

Background: Operative management is often required for fractures of the elbow, with treatment goals aiming to restore stability, reduction, and early range of motion. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for necessitating the application of an external fixator, and to compare range of motion and functional outcomes between patients who required an elbow external fixator to those who did not. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that patients who require an external fixator will have worse elbow range of motion and functional outcomes when compared to those who did not. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study of 391 patients who presented at a Level-I trauma center between March 2011 and January 2021 for operative management of a fracture/fracture-dislocation of the distal humerus (AO/OTA 13A-C) and/or proximal ulna and/or radius (AO/OTA 21A-C). A primary analysis was performed to determine risk factors for necessitating the application of an external fixator. A secondary analysis was performed comparing elbow range-of-motion and functional outcomes between cases and controls. Results: 391 patients were identified; 26 required external fixation (cases) and 365 did not (controls). Significant risk factors for necessitating placement of an external fixator included large BMI (OR = 1.087, 95 % CI = 1.007-1.173, p = 0.033), elbow dislocation (OR = 7.549, 95 % CI = 2.387-23.870, p = 0.001), open wound status (OR = 9.584, 95 % CI = 2.794-32.878, p < 0.001), and additional non-contiguous orthopaedic injury (OR = 9.225, 95 % CI = 2.219-38.360, p = 0.002). Elbow ROM was poorer in the external fixator group with regards to extension (-15°), flexion (+19.4°), and pronation (+14.3°) (p < 0.05). In addition, those who did not need external fixation had better functional scores (+20.4 points MEPI) (p < 0.05). Discussion: The use of external fixation about the elbow is associated with significantly worse initial injuries and results in poorer outcomes. These results can be used to inform the surgeon-patient discussion regarding treatment options and expected functional outcomes. Level of evidence: III.

Zone 2 Fifth Metatarsal Fractures Treated Nonoperatively Have Similar Time to Healing to Those Treated Operatively.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the rate of union and time to clinical and radiographic healing in Zone 2 proximal fifth metatarsal (MT) fractures and compare these outcomes between Zone 2 fractures treated operatively and nonoperatively. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level I Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients with fifth MT fractures who presented between December 2012 and April 2022 and confirmed to have Zone 2 fractures (defined as fractures entering the proximal 4-5 MT articulation on the oblique radiographic view) were included in the study analysis in either the operative or nonoperative cohort. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Nonunion, time to clinical healing by, and time to radiographic healing between operative and nonoperative treatment. RESULTS: Among the 499 included patients, 475 patients (95.2%) were initially treated nonoperatively and 24 patients (4.8%) were treated operatively. Both groups were similar in demographics. There was no difference in the proportion of patients with nonunions between groups (6.1% in the nonoperative group vs. 3.8% in the operative group, P = 1.000). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between groups with respect to the time to clinical healing (9.9 ± 8.3 weeks for the nonoperative group vs. 15.4 ± 15.0 weeks for the operative group, P = 0.117) or the time to radiographic healing (18.7 ± 12 weeks for the nonoperative group vs. 18.5 ± 16.6 weeks for the operative group, P = 0.970). CONCLUSIONS: Zone 2 fifth MT base fractures were successfully treated with nonoperative management. There was no evidence in this study that operative treatment leads to significantly faster clinical or radiographic healing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.