The dynamic locking blade plate: seven-year follow-up results of 389 patients with a femoral neck fracture.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients with a femoral neck fracture (FNF), treated with the Dynamic Locking Blade Plate (DLBP). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of a multicentre cohort of patients with FNFs was conducted, regarding the long-term incidence of revision surgery after DLBP. Implant failure was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Secondary outcomes were the indication for revision surgery, complications, time to revision surgery, rate of elective removal of the implant, potential predictors for revision surgery and mortality. RESULTS: Median follow-up of 389 included patients was 98 months; 20.6% underwent revision surgery; 28.8% after treatment of a displaced FNF (dFNF) and 10.0% with a undisplaced FNF (uFNF). 5.7% (n = 22) of the patients had operation related complications and 32.9% (n = 128) deceased during follow-up. Median time to revision surgery was 13 (dFNF) and 18 months (uFNF). 15.7% of the DLBPs were electively removed. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, female gender (hazard ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.7) and a TAD > 25 mm (hazard ratio 2.9, 95% CI 1.7-5) were significant predictors for revision surgery in patients with dFNF. CONCLUSION: This study is the first long-term follow-up study on the outcome of the DLBP. The DLBP demonstrated positive long-term results in the treatment of FNF.

Clinical implications of additional posterior fractures in combined anterior-posterior pelvic ring fractures in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES: Historically, pelvic ring fractures (PRF) are considered to occur predominantly in the anterior ring and therfore to be mechanically stable. Combined anterior and posterior (A + P) PRF are expected to be less mechanically stable and therefore to be associated with higher levels of pain and reduced mobility compared to isolated anterior fractures. The current study investigates the clinical relevance of combined A + P PRF in elderly patients. METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted in patients >70 years of age with anterior PRF after low-energy trauma diagnosed on conventional radiographs. All patients underwent an additional CT-scan. Patients were divided into two groups; isolated anterior or combined A + P fractures. Patients were treated conservatively with adequate analgesia for at least one week. If patients could not be mobilised after conservative treatment, surgical fixation was performed. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, dependence on walking aids and Activities of Daily Living scores (ADL) were measured at 2-4 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months after fracture. RESULTS: 102 patients (age 81.1 ± 7.6 years) were included. Isolated anterior fractures were diagnosed in 25 (24.5%) and A + P fractures in 77 (75.5%) patients. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Most patients were successfully treated conservatively and 5 (4.9%) underwent percutaneous trans-iliac, trans-sacral screw fixation after failure of conservative treatment. At 2-4 weeks post trauma, patients with A + P fractures had similar median pain scores (3 (range 0-8) vs. 5 (0-10), p = 0.19) and ADL scores (85 (25-100) vs. 78.6 (5-100), p = 0.67), but were more dependent on walking aids (92.8% vs. 72.2%; p = 0.02) compared to patients with isolated anterior fractures. There were no significant differences at 3 months. At one year follow-up the median NRS pain and ADL scores for both fracture groups were 0 and 100, respectively. Mortality was 10.8%, and additional loss to follow-up was 17.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of elderly patients with PRF have combined A + P fractures. The clinical implications of additional posterior pelvic ring fractures in elderly patients appears to be limited.

Managing patient expectations about recovery after a distal radius fracture based on patient reported outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: PROMs are increasingly used by clinicians to evaluate recovery after distal radius fractures, but can also be used as benchmark data to help patients managing their expectations about recovery after DRF. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to determine the general course of patient-reported functional recovery and complaints during 1 year after a DRF, depending on fracture type and age. The study aimed to determine the general course of patient-reported functional recovery and complaints during one year after a DRF, depending on fracture type and age. METHODS: Retrospectively analyzed PROMs of 326 patients with DRF from a prospective cohort at baseline and at 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks included PRWHE questionnaire for measuring functional outcome, VAS for pain during movement, and items of the DASH for measuring complaints (tingling, weakness, stiffness) and limitations in work and daily activities. The effect of age and fracture type on outcomes were assessed using repeated measures analysis. RESULTS: PRWHE scores after one year were on average 5.4 points higher compared to the patients' pre-fracture scores. Patients with type B DRF had significantly better function and less pain than those with types A or C at every time point. After six months, more than 80% of the patients reported mild or no pain. Tingling, weakness or stiffness were reported by 55-60% of the overall cohort after six weeks, while 10-15% had persisting complaints at one year. Older patients reported worse function and more pain, complaints and limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Functional recovery after a DRF is predictable in time with functional outcome scores after one-year follow-up that are similar to pre-fracture values. Some outcomes after DRF differ between age and fracture type groups.

Indications for surgical fixation of low-energy pelvic ring fractures in elderly: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: There are no generally accepted criteria for when and how to fixate osteoporotic pelvic ring fractures in elderly. This systemic review aims to summarize the currently available literature regarding the indications and methods for surgical fixation of fragility fractures of the pelvic ring in elderly patients after low-energy trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Pubmed and Embase databases were searched using the key words pelvic fractures, geriatric, fragility, osteoporosis, and surgical fixation, and their synonyms. Extracted data including the indication, method of operative fixation, and post-operative outcomes (pain levels, mobility, complications and mortality) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The studies were too heterogeneous to perform a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eleven cohort studies (3 comparative and 8 noncomparative) were included. The methodological quality was poor to moderate; the studies were heterogeneous regarding study design and reported outcomes. In all included studies operative treatment for all fracture types was preceded by a period of conservative treatment comprising physiotherapy-guided full weight-bearing. Time to surgery differed widely. For posterior ring fixation, the majority of the included studies used minimally invasive surgery with trans-iliosacral screws. Five studies described a form of additional fixation of the anterior pelvic ring but did not report the indications. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of low-energy pelvic ring fractures in elderly is commonly performed after a period of conservative treatment, with persistent pain as the most frequent indication for fixation. Fracture classification based on stability seems to be of secondary importance. Timing for surgical fixation of the pelvic ring fracture in elderly patients remains diverse. Large well-designed comparative prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to provide clearly substantiated guidelines.

What makes fixation of femoral neck fractures fail? A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review aims to provide an overview of predictors for failure of treatment of displaced femoral neck fracture (dFNF) with internal fixation and quantify their risk of fixation failure in a meta-analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMCare were searched for original studies published from January 2000, including adult patients with an internally fixated dFNF, that reported data on predictors for fixation failure defined as revision surgery due to non-union, avascular femoral head necrosis or cut-out of implant. RevMan version 5 software was used to pool univariable Odds Ratio's (OR) for predictors of fixation failure by means of a random effects model. RESULTS: This review included 16 articles (15 articles cohort studies and one randomised trial). Twenty-four predictors for fixation failure were identified and analysed, 16 of which were evaluated in just one study. Data of 7 predictors were pooled in a meta-analysis. Female sex (OR 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-2.52), smoking (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.68-7.91), age >50 years (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.68-7.91), inadequate fracture reduction (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.62-3.22), fixation with cannulated screws (CS) or pins compared to fixed angle devices (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.03-4.54) were identified as significant predictors for fixation failure. CONCLUSION: This study can help surgeons to choose the preferred treatment for patients with a dFNF and substantiate future algorithms and guidelines for treatment of FNF.

Rates and risk factors of complications associated with operative treatment of pelvic fractures.

PURPOSE: Post-operative complications following fixation of pelvic fractures can lead to mortality and increased morbidity. Available literature regarding complications is heterogeneous and knowledge on risk factors is limited. This study aims to identify the most common post-operative complications and their possible risk factors following pelvic fracture surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in two level-1 trauma centers in the Netherlands between January 2015 and January 2021. Included patients were all adult patients (≥ 18 years) with an operatively treated pelvic fracture (pelvic ring and/or acetabular fractures). Post-operative complications included surgical site infections (SSI), material-related complications, neurological complications, malunion/non-union and performed reoperations. A forward stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify any risk factors associated with these complications. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 55 (24%) of the 233 included patients. SSI's were most common, occurring in 34 (15%) patients. Duration of surgery (odds ratio 1.01 per minute, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.01) and obesity (odds ratio 1.10 per BMI point, 95% confidence interval 1.29-7.52) were independent risk factors for development of SSI. Less common post-operative complications were material-related complications (8%) and neurological damage (5%). CONCLUSION: Limiting operation time by using less invasive and less time-consuming surgical approaches may reduce the risk of SSI. More awareness and post-operative screening for early signs of SSI is mandatory, especially in obese patients. Future research should include large prospective patient cohorts to determine risk factors for other post-operative complications associated with pelvic fracture surgery.

Trends in data quality and quality indicators 5 years after implementation of the Dutch Hip Fracture Audit.

PURPOSE: The Dutch Hip Fracture Audit (DHFA), a nationwide hip fracture registry in the Netherlands, registers hip fracture patients and aims to improve quality of care since 2016. This study shows trends in the data quality during the first 5 years of data acquisition within the DHFA, as well as trends over time for designated quality indicators (QI). METHODS: All patients registered in the DHFA between 1-1-2016 and 31-12-2020 were included. Data quality-registry case coverage and data completeness-and baseline characteristics are reported. Five QI are analysed: Time to surgery < 48 h, assessment for osteoporosis, orthogeriatric co-management, registration of functional outcomes at three months, 30-day mortality. The independent association between QI results and report year was tested using mixed-effects logistic models and in the case of 30-day mortality adjusted for casemix. RESULTS: In 2020, the case capture of the DHFA comprised 85% of the Dutch hip fracture patients, 66/68 hospitals participated. The average of missing clinical values was 7.5% in 2016 and 3.2% in 2020. The 3 months follow-up completeness was 36.2% (2016) and 46.8% (2020). The QI 'time to surgery' was consistently high, assessment for osteoporosis remained low, orthogeriatric co-management scores increased without significance, registration of functional outcomes improved significantly and 30-day mortality rates remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: The DHFA has successfully been implemented in the past five years. Trends show improvement on data quality. Analysis of several QI indicate points of attention. Future perspectives include lowering the burden of registration, whilst improving (registration of) hip fracture patients outcomes.

The presence of cardiotropic viral genomes is not increased in atrial tissue of atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND: Infections with potentially cardiotropic viruses are associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether direct viral infection of the atria is involved in the pathogenesis of AF is unclear. We have therefore analysed the presence of cardiotropic viral genomes in AF patients. METHODS: Samples of left atrial tissue were obtained from 50 AF patients (paroxysmal, n = 20; long-standing persistent/permanent, n = 30) during cardiac surgery and from autopsied control patients (n = 14). Herein, the presence of PVB19, EBV, CMV, HHV­6, adenovirus and enterovirus genomes was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The densities of CD45+ and CD3+ cells and fibrosis in the atria were quantified by (immuno)histochemistry. RESULTS: Of the tested viruses only the PVB19 genome was detected in the atria of 10% of patients, paroxysmal AF (2 of 20) and long-standing persistent/permanent AF (3 of 30). Conversely, in 50% of controls (7 of 14) PVB19 genome was found. No significant association was found between PVB19 and CD45+ and CD3+ cells, or between the presence of PVB19 and fibrosis, in either control or AF patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of viral genomes is not increased in the atria of AF patients. These results do not support an important role for viral infection of the atria in the pathogenesis of AF.

The additional value of weight-bearing and gravity stress ankle radiographs in determining stability of isolated type B ankle fractures.

GOAL: The aim of this study is to investigate whether weight-bearing and gravity stress radiographs have additional value in predicting concomitant deep deltoid ligamentous (DDL) injury in case of isolated Weber type B fibular fractures. This may help to make the clinically relevant distinction between unstable fractures and fractures that can be treated conservatively. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 90 patients with an isolated type B ankle fracture, without a medial or posterior fracture, and a medial clear space (MCS) < 6 mm on the regular mortise (RM) view were included. In all patients, an additional gravity stress (GS) view and an MRI scan were performed. Furthermore, in 51 patients, an additional weight-bearing (WB) radiograph was performed. The MCS and superior clear space (SCS) measurements of these radiographs were compared with MRI findings to measure sensitivity and specificity in excluding deep deltoid ligament (DDL) rupture. RESULTS: The mean MCS on the RM view was 3.32 mm (1.73-5.93) compared to 4.75 mm (2.33-10.40) on the GS view and 3.18 mm (1.93-6.9) on the WB radiograph. MRI showed a high-grade or complete deltoid ligament tear in 25 (28%) patients. Using an MCS cut-off value of ≥ SCS + 2 mm, the RM view showed 0% sensitivity and 97% specificity in diagnosing a DDL rupture. Both the GS view (with MCS ≥ SCS + 3 mm as cut-off value) and the WB radiograph (with cut-off value MCS ≥ SCS + 2 mm) showed 6% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSION: The gravity stress and weight-bearing radiograph can accurately exclude DDL injury. They might have extra value in addition to the conventional mortise view in assessing the stability of isolated type B ankle fractures. This helps in deciding whether patients should be selected for operative or safe conservative treatment.

The value of radiologic diagnostics in evaluating deltoid integrity in isolated type B ankle fractures: a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Excluding deep deltoid ligament (DDL) rupture in isolated type B ankle fractures is crucial in the decision-making process for surgical or conservative treatment. There is no consensus about the most accurate radiologic diagnostic test to determine medial injury. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature concerning radiologic diagnostics that evaluate medial injury in adult patients with isolated type B ankle fractures. METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, COCHRANE Library, and Emcare were searched to identify studies published from January 1990 to December 2020 concerning sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests that evaluate medial injury in patients with an isolated type B ankle fracture. For inclusion, comparison to a reference test was required to provide results in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and preferably positive predictive value and negative predictive value RESULTS: This review included 8 studies. Ultrasound showed the highest sensitivity of 100% and a specificity between 90 and 100% for detecting DDL rupture. Gravity stress radiographs showed a sensitivity of 71-100% and a specificity between 88 and 92%. The mortise, external rotation stress test, and MRI had lower sensitivity and specificity values, between 65 and 88%. CONCLUSION: The most accurate and available methods for diagnosing deltoid integrity seem to be the ultrasound and the GS radiograph. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this review.

Fibular displacement does not predict instability in type B ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the wide prevalence of ankle fractures, no consensus exists on the most accurate radiologic diagnostic tool to indicate medial ligament injury in isolated type B distal fibular fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of the fibular fracture displacement in predicting medial clear space widening on the gravity stress radiographs, as a parameter of fracture instability. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 192 patients with an isolated type B fibular fracture, for which a regular mortise and gravity stress radiograph were made in our hospital between January 2014 and December 2019. On the regular mortise and lateral radiographs, the medial clear space (MCS), superior clear space (SCS), anteroposterior and lateral fibular displacement were measured. On the gravity stress radiograph, the MCS and SCS were measured. Instability was defined as MCS ≥ SCS + 3.0 mm on the gravity stress radiograph. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the predictive value of the fibular displacement. RESULTS: Of the 192 included patients, 55 (29%) patients had instable ankle fractures. In predicting instability, fibular displacement demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.60-0.77) and a correlation coefficient of 0.41 with MCS. CONCLUSION: Fibular displacement on regular mortise view is a poor predictor of instability in type B fibular fractures. It should not be advised to use the fracture displacement as parameter for medial injury and thus for operative treatment.

The effect of osteoporosis and its treatment on fracture healing a systematic review of animal and clinical studies.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone structure. Its treatment is directed at the processes of bone formation or resorption, that are of utmost importance in fracture healing. We provide a comprehensive review of the literature aiming to summarize and clarify the effects of osteoporosis and its treatment on fracture healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase (OVID version). In vivo animal and human studies on long bone fractures were included. A total of 93 articles were included for this review; 23 studies on the effect of osteoporosis (18 animal and 5 clinical studies) and 70 studies on the effect of osteoporosis treatment (41 animal, 26 clinical studies and 3 meta-analyses) on fracture healing. RESULTS: In animal fracture models osteoporosis was associated with decreased callus formation and bone growth, bone mineral density, biomechanical strength and delayed cellular and differentiation processes during fracture healing. Two large databases identified osteoporosis as a risk factor for non-union whereas three other studies did not. One of those three studies however found a prolonged healing time in patients with osteoporosis. Anti-osteoporosis medication showed inconsistent effects on fracture healing in both non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic animal models. Only the parathyroid hormone and anti-resorption medication were related to improved fracture healing and delayed remodelling respectively. Clinical studies performed in predominantly hip and distal radius fracture patients showed no effect of bisphosphonates on fracture healing. Parathyroid hormone reduced time to union in several clinical trials performed in mainly hip fracture patients, but this did not result in decreased delayed or non-union rates. CONCLUSION: Evidence that substantiates the negative influence of osteoporosis on fracture healing is predominantly from animal studies and to a lesser extent from clinical studies, since convincing clinical evidence lacks. Bisphosphonates and parathyroid hormone may be used during fracture healing, since no clear negative effect has been shown. Parathyroid hormone might even decrease time to fracture union, without decreasing union rate.

Reduction of routine use of radiography in patients with ankle fractures leads to lower costs and has no impact on clinical outcome: an economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a reduction in the number of routine radiographs in the follow-up of patients with ankle fractures. METHODS: We performed an economic evaluation alongside the multicentre, randomised WARRIOR trial. Participants were randomised to a reduced imaging follow-up protocol (i.e. radiographs at week 6 and 12 follow-up obtained on clinical indication) or usual care (i.e. routine radiography at weeks 6 and 12). The Olerud & Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) was used to assess ankle function and the EQ-5D-3L was used to estimate Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). Costs and resource use were assessed using self-reported questionnaires and medical records, and analysed from a societal perspective. Multiple imputation was used for missing data, and data were analysed using seemingly unrelated regression analysis and bootstrapping. RESULTS: In total, 246 patients had data available for analysis (reduced imaging = 118; usual care = 128). Fewer radiographs were obtained in the reduced imaging group (median = 4) compared with the usual-care group (median = 5). Functional outcome was comparable in both groups. The difference in QALYs was - 0.008 (95% CI:-0.06 to 0.04) and the difference in OMAS was 0.73 (95% CI:-5.29 to 6.76). Imaging costs were lower in the reduced imaging group (-€48; 95% CI:- €72 to -€25). All other cost categories did not statistically differ between the groups. The probability of the reduced imaging protocol being cost-effectiveness was 0.45 at a wiliness-to-pay of €20,000 per QALY. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the number of routine follow-up radiographs has a low probability of being cost-effective compared with usual care. Functional outcome, health-related quality of life and societal costs were comparable in both groups, whereas imaging costs were marginally lower in the reduced imaging group. Given this, adherence to a reduced imaging follow-up protocol for those with routine ankle fractures can be followed without sacrificing quality of care, and may result in reduced costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on 26-05-2014 in the Netherlands Trial Registry, with reference number NL4477 ( www.trialregister.nl/trial/4477 ).

Omitting Routine Radiography of Traumatic Ankle Fractures After Initial 2-Week Follow-up Does Not Affect Outcomes: The WARRIOR Trial: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The clinical consequences of routine follow-up radiographs for patients with ankle fracture are unclear, and their usefulness is disputed. The purpose of the present study was to determine if routine radiographs made at weeks 6 and 12 can be omitted without compromising clinical outcomes. METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial with a noninferiority design included 246 patients with an ankle fracture, 153 (62%) of whom received operative treatment. At 6 and 12 weeks of follow-up, patients in the routine-care group (n = 128) received routine radiographs whereas patients in the reduced-imaging group (n = 118) did not. The primary outcome was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes were the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) foot and ankle questionnaire, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as measured with the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L) and Short Form-36 (SF-36), complications, pain, health perception, self-perceived recovery, the number of radiographs, and the indications for radiographs to be made. The outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks of follow-up. Data were analyzed with use of mixed models. RESULTS: Reduced imaging was noninferior compared with routine care in terms of OMAS scores (difference [ß], -0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.2 to 4.4). AAOS scores, HRQoL, pain, health perception, and self-perceived recovery did not differ between groups. Patients in the reduced-imaging group received a median of 4 radiographs, whereas those in the routine-care group received a median of 5 radiographs (p < 0.05). The rates of complications were similar (27.1% [32 of 118] in the reduced-imaging group, compared with 22.7% [29 of 128] in the routine-care group, p = 0.42). The types of complications were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a reduced-imaging protocol following an ankle fracture has no measurable negative effects on functional outcome, pain, and complication rates during the first year of follow-up. The number of follow-up radiographs can be reduced by implementing this protocol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does osteoporosis affect the healing of subcapital humerus and distal radius fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Animal models indicate that osteoporosis may negatively influence the fracture healing process, but clinical studies on this topic are scarce. In this study we investigated the effect of osteoporosis on fracture healing in patients with an upper extremity fracture. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients aged 50 years or older, with a fracture of the proximal humerus or the distal radius treated in the period June 2012 to July 2015 and a DEXA scan within a year after fracture. The incidence of delayed-union and non-union were compared between patients with or without osteoporosis (BMD T score ≤ -2.5SD). A secondary analysis was performed with a more pragmatically definition; BMD T score ≤ -2.5SD or a proximal humerus fracture with a T-score between -2.5SD and -1.0SD. RESULTS: Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 133/455 patients (29.2%). A total of 461 fractures (distal radius n = 311 and proximal humerus n = 150) were treated. Radiological delayed- or non-union was described in 11/461 cases (2.4%); all proximal humerus fractures of which 6 cases (1.3%) were clinically manifest. The incidence of delayed- or non-union in fracture treatment did not differ between patients with osteoporosis (5/137 fractures) and the patients without osteoporosis (6/324 fractures) (p = 0.27). In the second analysis a significantly higher incidence was found in patients with osteoporosis (10/214 fractures vs 1/247 fractures p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that osteoporosis does not significantly influence the progress of fracture healing in distal radius and proximal humerus fractures, although there seems to be a tendency towards a negative effect.

Study protocol for the DEFENDD trial: an RCT on the Dynamic Locking Blade Plate (DLBP) versus the Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) for displaced femoral neck fractures in patients 65 years and younger.

BACKGROUND: The Dynamic Locking Blade Plate (DLBP) was recently introduced for fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF) and has been well received. Although the results of this implant in young patients are promising, the DLBP has not yet been compared to a standard device such as the Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS). The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcome and costs of displaced FNF treated with internal fixation by means of either the DLBP or the DHS in patients up to 65 years of age. We hypothesize that the DLBP is superior compared to the DHS in terms of revision surgery rate, union rate, incidence of avascular necrosis and implant related failure. METHODS: The DEFENDD (DisplacEd Femoral Neck fractures Dlbp versus Dhs) trial is a multicentre randomized controlled trial that will include 266 patients of 18-65 years with a displaced FNF. Patients will be randomized to receive either a DLBP or a DHS with a 1:1 allocation using a random block size, stratified for centre. Clinical follow up will last 1 year and questionnaires will be obtained up to 2 years. The main outcome parameter is the incidence of revision surgery within 1 year, due to either non-union, avascular necrosis (AVN) or cut out of the implant. Secondary study parameters are the incidence of avascular necrosis, non-union, (implant related) complications, functional outcome, elective removal of the implant and health-related quality of life and costs. DISCUSSION: The outcome of the DEFENDD trial will provide high-level evidence of which implant is favourable for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young patients (≤65 years). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register, NL7300 Registration date 25-09-2018.

Atrial inflammation in different atrial fibrillation subtypes and its relation with clinical risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation of the atria is an important factor in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the extent of atrial inflammation relates with clinical risk factors of AF, however, is largely unknown. This we have studied comparing patients with paroxysmal and long-standing persistent/permanent AF. METHODS: Left atrial tissue was obtained from 50 AF patients (paroxysmal = 20, long-standing persistent/permanent = 30) that underwent a left atrial ablation procedure either or not in combination with coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery. Herein, the numbers of CD45+ and CD3+ inflammatory cells were quantified and correlated with the AF risk factors age, gender, diabetes, and blood CRP levels. RESULTS: The numbers of CD45+ and CD3+ cells were significantly higher in the adipose tissue of the atria compared with the myocardium in all AF patients but did not differ between AF subtypes. The numbers of CD45+ and CD3+ cells did not relate significantly to gender or diabetes in any of the AF subtypes. However, the inflammatory infiltrates as well as CK-MB and CRP blood levels increased significantly with increasing age in long-standing persistent/permanent AF and a moderate positive correlation was found between the extent of atrial inflammation and the CRP blood levels in both AF subtypes. CONCLUSION: The extent of left atrial inflammation in AF patients was not related to the AF risk factors, diabetes and gender, but was associated with increasing age in patients with long-standing persistent/permanent AF. This may be indicative for a role of inflammation in the progression to long-standing persistent/permanent AF with increasing age.

Omitting Routine Radiography of Traumatic Distal Radial Fractures After Initial 2-Week Follow-up Does Not Affect Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Routine radiography in the follow-up of distal radial fractures is common practice, although its usefulness is disputed. The aim of this study was to determine whether the number of radiographs in the follow-up period can be reduced without resulting in worse patient outcomes. METHODS: In this multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial with a non-inferiority design, patients ≥18 years old with a distal radial fracture could participate. They were randomized between a regimen with routine radiographs at 6 and 12 weeks of follow-up (usual care) and a regimen without routine radiographs at those time points (reduced imaging). Randomization was performed using an online registration and randomization program. The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Secondary outcomes included the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) score, health-related quality of life, pain, and complications. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year of follow-up. Data were analyzed using mixed models. Neither the patients nor the health-care providers were blinded. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-six patients were randomized, and 326 of them were ultimately included in the analysis. The DASH scores were comparable between the usual-care group (n = 166) and the reduced-imaging group (n = 160) at all time points as well as overall. The adjusted regression coefficient for the DASH scores was 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.8 to 4.8). There was also no difference between the groups with respect to the overall PRWHE score (adjusted regression coefficient, 1.4 [95% CI = -2.4 to 5.2]), quality of life as measured with the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) (-0.02 [95% CI = -0.05 to 0.01]), pain at rest as measured with a visual analog scale (VAS) (0.1 [95% CI = -0.2 to 0.5]), or pain when moving (0.3 [95% CI = -0.1 to 0.8]). The complication rate was similar in the reduced imaging group (11.3%) and the usual-care group (11.4%). Fewer radiographs were made for the participants in the reduced-imaging group (median, 3 versus 4; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that omitting routine radiography after the initial 2 weeks of follow-up for patients with a distal radial fracture does not affect patient-reported outcomes or the risk of complications compared with usual care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hemangioma of the Atherosclerotic Changed Aortic Valve.

The incidence of heart valve hemangioma is very low and is mostly observed in the mitral and tricuspid valve. In 2006, two cases of aortic valve hemangioma were reported for the first time, including one with calcifying aortic valve stenosis. We now present a case of aortic valve hemangioma in a patient suffering from aortic valve insufficiency combined with atherosclerotic thickening.