Short-Term Morbidity and Mortality after Distal Femur Open Reduction Internal Fixation in the Geriatric Population.

OBJECTIVE: Distal femur fractures remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for elderly patients. There is a lack of large population studies investigating short-term outcomes after distal femur c in elderly patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of and risk factors for various short-term outcomes after distal femur open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) in the geriatric population. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify all primary distal femur ORIF cases in patients 60+ years old between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020 using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 27511, 27513, and 27514. Demographic, medical, and surgical variables were extracted for all patients. Propensity score matching was used to match cases in the two age groups based on various demographic and medical comorbidity variables. Several 30-day outcome measures were compared between the 60-79-year-old and 80+-year-old groups both before and after matching. Subsequent multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for 30-day outcome measures in the matched cohort. RESULTS: A total of 2913 patients were included in the final cohort: 1711 patients in the 60-79-year-old group and 1202 patients in the 80+-year-old group. Most patients were female (n = 2385; 81.9%). Prior to matching, the older group had a higher incidence of 30-day mortality (1.9% vs. 6.2%), readmission (3.7% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.024), and non-home discharge (74.3% vs. 89.5%, p < 0.001). Additionally, the older group had a higher rate of blood loss requiring transfusion (30.9% vs. 42.3%, p < 0.001) and medical complications (10.4% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.001), including myocardial infarction (0.7% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001), pneumonia (2.7% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.008), and urinary tract infection (4.1% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.0188). After matching, the older group consistently had a higher incidence of mortality, non-home-discharge, blood loss requiring transfusion, and myocardial infarction. Various independent risk factors were identified for 30-day morbidity and mortality, including American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, body mass index (BMI) status, operative duration, and certain medical comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients undergoing distal femur ORIF are at significant risk for 30-day morbidity and mortality. After matching, octogenarians and older patients specifically are at increased risk for mortality, non-home discharge, and surgical complications compared to patients aged 60-79 years old. Multiple factors, such as BMI status, ASA classification, operative time, and certain medical comorbidities, are independently associated with poor 30-day outcomes.

Surgery Within 24 Hours Reduces Mortality and General Complication Rates in Patients Who Have Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures at the Hip.

BACKGROUND: In patients who have hip fractures, treatment within 24 hours reduces mortality and complication rates. A similar relationship can be assumed for patients who have hip periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFs) owing to the similar baseline characteristics of the patient populations. This monocentric retrospective study aimed to compare the complication and mortality rates in patients who had hip PPF treated within and after 24 hours. METHODS: In total, 350 consecutive patients who had hip PPF in a maximum-care arthroplasty and trauma center between 2006 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The cases were divided into 2 groups using a time to surgery (TTS) of 24 hours as the cutoff value. The primary outcome variables were operative and general complications as well as mortalities within 1 year. RESULTS: Overall, the mean TTS was 1.4 days, and the 1-year mortality was 14.6%. The TTS ≤ 24 hours (n = 166) and TTS > 24 hours (n = 184) groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics and comorbidities. Surgical complications were equally frequent in the 2 groups (16.3 versus 15.2%, P = .883). General complications occurred significantly more often in the late patient care group (11.4 versus 28.3%, P < .001). In addition, the 30-day mortality (0.6 versus 5.5%, P = .012), and 1-year mortality (8.3 versus 20.5%, P = .003) rates significantly increased in patients who had TTS > 24 hours. Cox regression analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 4.385 (P < .001) for the TTS > 24 hours group. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt treatment is required for patients who have hip PPF to reduce mortality and overall complications.

Geriatric Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Arthroplasty Are Associated with Lower Mortality but Greater Costs Compared with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation at 30 Days.

Distal femur fractures (DFFs) are common injuries with significant morbidity. Surgical options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and/or intramedullary devices or a distal femur endoprosthesis (distal femur replacement [DFR]). A paucity of studies exist that compare the two modalities. The present study utilized a 1:2 propensity score match to compare 30-day outcomes of geriatric patients with DFFs who underwent an ORIF or DFR. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2008 to 2019 were utilized to identify all patients who sustained a DFF and underwent either ORIF or DFR. This yielded 3,197 patients who underwent an ORIF versus 121 patients who underwent a DFR. A final sample of 363 patients (242 patients with ORIF vs. 121 with DFR) was obtained after a 1:2 propensity score match. Costs were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database using multiple regression analysis and validated with a 7:3 train-test algorithm. Independent samples t-tests and chi-square analysis were conducted to assess cost and outcome differences, respectively. Patients who received a DFR had higher transfusion rates than ORIF (p = 0.021) and higher mean inpatient hospital costs (p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis for patients 80 years of age or older revealed higher 30-day unplanned readmission (0 vs. 18.2%; p < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (0 vs. 18.2%; p < 0.001) rates for patients undergoing ORIF compared with DFR. The total number of DFR cases needed to prevent one ORIF-related 30-day mortality for DFR for patients 80 years of age was 6 (95% confidence interval: 3.02-19.9). The mean hospital costs associated with preventing one case of death within 30 days from operation by undergoing DFR compared with ORIF was $176,021.39. Our results demonstrate higher rates of transfusion and increased inpatient costs among the DFR cohort compared with ORIF. However, we demonstrate lower rates of mortality for patients 80 years and older who underwent DFR versus ORIF. Future studies randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate the results of this study.

Mortalidad a 30 días en pacientes con fractura de fémur proximal durante la pandemia COVID-19 en Vizcaya (País Vasco) / Thirty-day mortality in patients with a proximal femur fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic in Biscay (Basque Country)

Objetivos: Comparar la tasa de mortalidad a 30 días en pacientes con fractura de fémur proximal (FFP) y coinfección por SARS-CoV-2 vs. FFP sin coinfección. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo comparativo. Escenario: Tres hospitales universitarios en Vizcaya (País Vasco, España). Pacientes: Setenta y siete pacientes mayores de 65 años con FFP (AO 31-A y 31-B). Intervención: Entre el 9 de marzo y el 15 de abril de 2020. El grupo COVID-19 incluía pacientes con infección confirmada mediante el test PCR-RT. Medidas de resultados principales: Tasa de mortalidad a 30 días y factores de riesgo de mortalidad. Resultados: Diez de los 77 pacientes presentaron coinfección por SARS-CoV-2. La edad media fue de 85 años. Los pacientes infectados presentaban un IMC mayor (29,53 kg/m2) frente a los no infectados (24,09 kg/m2) (p = 0,001). No hubo diferencias significativas en el índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, la puntuación ASA, el uso de anticoagulantes o el deterioro cognitivo. Siete pacientes del grupo COVID-19 (7/10) desarrollaron neumonía (vírica), frente a un solo caso(1/67) de neumonía (bacteriana) en el grupo control (p < 0,001). La mortalidad a 30 días fue mayor (p = 0,03) en los pacientes con COVID-19 (40%) que en el grupo control (11,9%). La edad ≥ 91 años, la clase IV ASA y el IMC > 25 kg/m2 fueron predictores significativos de mortalidad a 30 días. Todas las muertes en el grupo COVID-19 ocurrieron intrahospitalariamente. Conclusiones: La infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con PFF resultó en tasas más altas de mortalidad temprana, siendo la neumonía por COVID-19 la principal causa directa de mortalidad. Nivel de evidencia: Estudio nivel III.(AU)

Objectives: Compare 30-day mortality rate following a proximal femur fracture (PFF) and SARS-CoV-2 infection versus a PFF and no SARS-CoV-2 infection. Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Three university hospitals in Biscay province (Basque Country, Spain). Patients: 77 patients over 65 years-old with PFF (AO 31-A and 31-B). Intervention: Study conducted between 9 March and 15 April 2020. The COVID-19 group included only patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed by a positive RT-PCR test. Main outcome measurements: 30-Day mortality rate and risk factors for mortality. Results: Of a total 77 patients, 10 were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mean age was 85 years. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection had higher BMI (29.53 kg/m2) compared to patients without infection (24.09 kg/m2) (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between both groups in terms of the Charlson Comorbidity Index, ASA score, use of oral anticoagulants or presence of cognitive impairment. Seven of the 10 patients in the COVID-19 group developed (viral) pneumonia, as compared to one single case (1/67) of (bacterial) pneumonia in the control group (p < 0.001). Thirty-days mortality was higher (p = 0.03) in COVID-19 patients (40%) than in those in the control group (11.9%). In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 91 years-old, ASA class IV and BMI > 25 kg/m2 were significant predictors of 30-day mortality. All deaths in the COVID-19 group occurred while the patients were hospitalized. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with a PFF was seen to result in higher rates of early mortality, with COVID-19-related pneumonia being the leading direct cause of mortality. Level of evidence: Level III study.(AU)

Thirty-day mortality in patients with a proximal femur fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic in Biscay (Basque Country) / Mortalidad a 30 días en pacientes con fractura de fémur proximal durante la pandemia COVID-19 en Vizcaya (País Vasco)

Objectives: Compare 30-day mortality rate following a proximal femur fracture (PFF) and SARS-CoV-2 infection versus a PFF and no SARS-CoV-2 infection. Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Three university hospitals in Biscay province (Basque Country, Spain). Patients: 77 patients over 65 years-old with PFF (AO 31-A and 31-B). Intervention: Study conducted between 9 March and 15 April 2020. The COVID-19 group included only patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed by a positive RT-PCR test. Main outcome measurements: 30-Day mortality rate and risk factors for mortality. Results: Of a total 77 patients, 10 were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mean age was 85 years. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection had higher BMI (29.53 kg/m2) compared to patients without infection (24.09 kg/m2) (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between both groups in terms of the Charlson Comorbidity Index, ASA score, use of oral anticoagulants or presence of cognitive impairment. Seven of the 10 patients in the COVID-19 group developed (viral) pneumonia, as compared to one single case (1/67) of (bacterial) pneumonia in the control group (p < 0.001). Thirty-days mortality was higher (p = 0.03) in COVID-19 patients (40%) than in those in the control group (11.9%). In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 91 years-old, ASA class IV and BMI > 25 kg/m2 were significant predictors of 30-day mortality. All deaths in the COVID-19 group occurred while the patients were hospitalized. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with a PFF was seen to result in higher rates of early mortality, with COVID-19-related pneumonia being the leading direct cause of mortality.(AU)

Objetivos: Comparar la tasa de mortalidad a 30 días en pacientes con fractura de fémur proximal (FFP) y coinfección por SARS-CoV-2 vs. FFP sin coinfección. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo comparativo. Escenario: Tres hospitales universitarios en Vizcaya (País Vasco, España). Pacientes: Setenta y siete pacientes mayores de 65 años con FFP (AO 31-A y 31-B). Intervención: Entre el 9 de marzo y el 15 de abril de 2020. El grupo COVID-19 incluía pacientes con infección confirmada mediante el test PCR-RT. Medidas de resultados principales: Tasa de mortalidad a 30 días y factores de riesgo de mortalidad. Resultados: Diez de los 77 pacientes presentaron coinfección por SARS-CoV-2. La edad media fue de 85 años. Los pacientes infectados presentaban un IMC mayor (29,53 kg/m2) frente a los no infectados (24,09 kg/m2) (p = 0,001). No hubo diferencias significativas en el índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, la puntuación ASA, el uso de anticoagulantes o el deterioro cognitivo. Siete pacientes del grupo COVID-19 (7/10) desarrollaron neumonía (vírica), frente a un solo caso(1/67) de neumonía (bacteriana) en el grupo control (p < 0,001). La mortalidad a 30 días fue mayor (p = 0,03) en los pacientes con COVID-19 (40%) que en el grupo control (11,9%). La edad ≥ 91 años, la clase IV ASA y el IMC > 25 kg/m2 fueron predictores significativos de mortalidad a 30 días. Todas las muertes en el grupo COVID-19 ocurrieron intrahospitalariamente. Conclusiones: La infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con PFF resultó en tasas más altas de mortalidad temprana, siendo la neumonía por COVID-19 la principal causa directa de mortalidad. Nivel de evidencia: Estudio nivel III.(AU)

Treatment of intertrochanteric femur fracture with closed external fixation in high-risk geriatric patients: can it be the most reliable method that reduces mortality to minimum compared to proximal femoral nail and hemiarthroplasty?

ABSTRACT: The optimal surgical treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures (ITF) to minimize the increased mortality in geriatric patients with high anesthetic risk was investigated by comparing closed external fixation (EF), a minimal invasive and biological osteosynthesis technique, proximal femoral nail (PFN) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) methods.Three different surgical methods were performed to 167 patients who were admitted to our clinic for ITF between 2014 and 2020 and considered at high risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists III - American Society of Anesthesiologists IV) by the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Department. Patients with multi-trauma, osteoarthritis, those with malignancies and developmental hip dysplasia were excluded from the study. Group I included patients who underwent closed reduction - external fixation (n = 46), Group II included patients who underwent partial arthroplasty (n = 77), and Group III included those who received PFN (n = 44). All fractures were classified according to the Modified Evans (Kyle) method and divided into 2 categories as type 1-2 (stable) and type 3-4 (unstable).The mean operation duration was 23 minutes and follow-up time was 14 months in Group 1, in which there was no in-hospital mortality. Five patients died due to non-operative reasons within 1 year. The mean operation duration and follow-up time in Group 2 were 40 minutes and 12 months, respectively. Six patients (7.8%) died during the operation or hospitalization, while 17 patients died due to comorbidities within 1 year. In Group 3, the mean operation duration and follow-up time were 40 minutes and 13 months, respectively. One patient died during the operation and 1 patient (n = 2, 4.5%), within 24 hours in the postoperative intensive care unit. Seven patients died due to comorbidities within 1 year. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean duration of operation, postoperative hospital stay, overall mortality and blood product transfusion amount were significantly lower in the EF group compared to other treatment methods.Closed EF is the most reliable surgical method that can minimize mortality in geriatric patients compared to other surgical options, due to the short duration of the operation, no evacuation of the fracture hematoma, early mobilization, lack of blood transfusion requirement, and early union.

Outcomes of Intramedullary Nail Fixation for Metastatic Disease: Impending and Pathologic Fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation has become a treatment mean for impending and pathologic femur fractures. Currently there continues to be a lack of data examining functional outcomes, complications, and survivorship of patients treated with IMNs for metastatic disease of the femur. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 183 IMNs placed for impending (n=145) or pathologic (n=38) metastatic fractures from 2010 to 2018. Functional outcomes and complications including blood transfusions, venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) and reoperations were studied. RESULTS: Patients with impending lesions were more likely to be ambulatory at final follow-up (pathologic: 82%, impending: 99%, p<0.0001) and reported greater musculoskeletal tumor society scores (p<0.0001). Likewise, pathologic fractures were associated with greater discharge to non-home locations (p<0.0001) and were more likely to require a postoperative transfusion (pathologic: 66%, impending: 22%, p=0.0001). However, there was no difference in the incidence of VTEs (p=1.00) or reoperations (p=0.69) between cohorts. Patients treated for impending fractures had improved overall survival at 1 year (54% vs. 26%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: IMN fixation was durable in impending and pathologic femoral fractures. Early identification of metastases remains critical as patients treated for impending lesions had greater functional outcomes, fewer complications and improved survivorship compared to patients treated for pathologic fractures.

Selected Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures around cemented polished femoral components can be safely treated with osteosynthesis.

AIMS: We aimed to compare the implant survival, complications, readmissions, and mortality of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) treated with internal fixation with that of B1 PFFs treated with internal fixation and B2 fractures treated with revision arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 112 PFFs, of which 47 (42%) B1 and 27 (24%) B2 PFFs were treated with internal fixation, whereas 38 (34%) B2 fractures underwent revision arthroplasty. Decision to perform internal fixation for B2 PFFs was based on specific radiological (polished femoral components, intact bone-cement interface) and clinical criteria (low-demand patient). Median follow-up was 36.4 months (24 to 60). Implant survival and mortality over time were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (measured with a modified Dindo-Clavien classification) and 90-day readmissions were additionally compared between groups. RESULTS: In all, nine (8.01%) surgical failures were detected. All failures occurred within the first 24 months following surgery. The 24-month implant survival was 95.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.13 to 100) for B1 fractures treated with internal fixation, 90% (95% CI 76.86 to 100) for B2 PFFs treated with osteosynthesis-only, and 85.8% (95% CI 74.24 to 97.36) for B2 fractures treated with revision THA, without significant differences between groups (p = 0.296). Readmissions and major adverse events including mortality were overall high, but similar between groups (p > 0.05). The two-year patient survival rate was 87.1% (95% CI 77.49 to 95.76), 66.7% (95% CI 48.86 to 84.53), and 84.2% (95% CI 72.63 to 95.76), for the B1 group, B2 osteosynthesis group, and B2 revision group, respectively (p = 0.102). CONCLUSION: Implant survival in Vancouver B2 PFFs treated with internal fixation was similar to that of B1 fractures treated with the same method and to B2 PFFs treated with revision arthroplasty. Low-demand, elderly patients with B2 fractures around well-cemented polished femoral components with an intact bone-cement interface can be safely treated with internal fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1222-1230.

Management of low periprosthetic distal femoral fractures.

AIMS: Debate continues regarding the optimum management of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs). This study aims to determine which operative treatment is associated with the lowest perioperative morbidity and mortality when treating low (Su type II and III) PDFFs comparing lateral locking plate fixation (LLP-ORIF) or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 60 consecutive unilateral (PDFFs) of Su types II (40/60) and III (20/60) in patients aged ≥ 60 years: 33 underwent LLP-ORIF (mean age 81.3 years (SD 10.5), BMI 26.7 (SD 5.5); 29/33 female); and 27 underwent DFA (mean age 78.8 years (SD 8.3); BMI 26.7 (SD 6.6); 19/27 female). The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications, calculated blood loss, transfusion requirements, functional mobility status, length of acute hospital stay, discharge destination and mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for reoperation after LLP-ORIF. RESULTS: Follow-up was at mean 3.8 years (1.0 to 10.4). One-year mortality was 13% (8/60). Reoperation was more common following LLP-ORIF: 7/33 versus 0/27 (p = 0.008). Five-year survival for reoperation was significantly better following DFA; 100% compared to 70.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51.8% to 89.8%, p = 0.006). There was no difference for the endpoint mechanical failure (including radiological loosening); ORIF 74.5% (56.3 to 92.7), and DFA 78.2% (52.3 to 100, p = 0.182). Reoperation following LLP-ORIF was independently associated with medial comminution; hazard ratio (HR) 10.7 (1.45 to 79.5, p = 0.020). Anatomical reduction was protective against reoperation; HR 0.11 (0.013 to 0.96, p = 0.046). When inadequately fixed fractures were excluded, there was no difference in five-year survival for either reoperation (p = 0.156) or mechanical failure (p = 0.453). CONCLUSION: Absolute reoperation rates are higher following LLP fixation of low PDFFs compared to DFA. Where LLP-ORIF was well performed with augmentation of medial comminution, there was no difference in survival compared to DFA. Though necessary in very low fractures, DFA should be used with caution in patients with greater life expectancies due to the risk of longer term aseptic loosening. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):635-643.

How deadly is a fracture distal to the hip in the elderly? An observational cohort study of 11,799 femoral fractures in the Swedish Fracture Register.

Background and purpose - Unlike hip fractures, diaphyseal and distal femoral fractures in elderly patients have not been widely studied. We investigated the demographics, comorbidities and mortality of patients with femoral fractures at any anatomical level with a focus on early mortality.Patients and methods - We analyzed 11,799 patients ≥ 65 years with a femoral fracture registered in the Swedish Fracture Register from 2011 to 2014. The cohort was matched with the National Patient Register to obtain data on comorbidities classified according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Generalized linear models were fitted to estimate the adjusted relative risk of mortality.Results - Mean age of the cohort was 83 years and 69% were women. Patients with distal femoral fractures had the lowest degree of comorbidity, with 9% having a CCI of ≥ 3 compared with 14% among those with proximal and 16% among those with diaphyseal fractures. Unadjusted 90-day mortalities were 13% (95% CI 9.4-16) after fractures in the distal, 13% (CI 10-16) in the diaphyseal, and 15% (CI 14-15) in the proximal segment. The adjusted relative risk for 90-day mortality was 1.1 (CI 0.86-1.4) for patients with distal and 0.97 (CI 0.76-1.2) for patients with diaphyseal femoral fractures when compared with patients with hip fractures.Interpretation - Elderly patients with femoral fractures distal to the hip may have similar adjusted early mortality risks to those with hip fractures. There is a need for larger, preferably prospective, studies investigating the effect of rapid pathways and geriatric co-management for patients with diaphyseal and distal femoral fractures.

High mortality following revision hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic femoral fracture.

AIMS: To determine mortality risk after first revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF), and to compare this to mortality risk after primary and first revision THA for other common indications. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of THAs recorded in the National Joint Registry between 2003 and 2015, linked to national mortality data. First revision THAs for PFF, infection, dislocation, and aseptic loosening were identified. We used a flexible parametric model to estimate the cumulative incidence function of death at 90 days, one year, and five years following first revision THA and primary THA, in the presence of further revision as a competing risk. Analysis covariates were age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. RESULTS: A total of 675,078 primary and 74,223 first revision THAs were included (of which 6,131 were performed for PFF). Following revision for PFF, mortality ranged from 9% at 90 days, 21% at one year, and 60% at five years in the highest risk group (males, ≥ 75 years, ASA ≥ 3) to 0.6%, 1.4%, and 5.5%, respectively, for the lowest risk group (females, < 75 years, ASA ≤ 2). Mortality was greater in all groups following first revision THA for PFF than for primary THA. Compared to mortality risk after first revision THA for infection, dislocation, or aseptic loosening, revision for PFF was associated with higher five-year mortality in all groups except males < 75 years with an ASA ≤ 2. CONCLUSION: Mortality risk after revision THA for PFF is high, reaching 60% at five years in the highest risk patient group. In comparison to other common indications for revision, PFF demonstrated the highest overall risk of mortality at five years. These estimates can be used in the surgical decision-making process and when counselling patients and carers regarding surgical risk. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1670-1674.

No rest for elderly femur fracture patients: early surgery and early ambulation decrease mortality.

BACKGROUND: Literature has shown a significant correlation between early treatment and mortality in femur fractures, but the influence of time to ambulation on mortality has not been studied. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate whether time to ambulation is correlated to femur fracture mortality independently from time to surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients older than 65 years admitted at a level I trauma center with proximal femoral fracture during a 1-year period were included. The following data were collected: age, gender, date and time of admission to emergency department, height, weight, body mass index, type and side of fracture, ASA score, date and time of surgery, surgical time, time to ambulation, length of hospitalization, death during hospitalization, and mortality at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The study sample comprises 516 patients. The mean age was 83.6 years; ASA score was 3-5 in 53% of patients; 42.7% presented with medial fracture; mean time between admission and surgery was 48.4 h; 22.7% of patients were not able to walk during the first 10 days after fracture; mean duration of hospitalization was 13 days; and mortality was 17% at 6 months and 25% at 1 year. Early surgery and walking ability at 10 days after trauma were independently and significantly associated with mortality at 6 months (p = 0.014 and 0.002, respectively) and at 1 year (0.027 and 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Early surgery in femur fracture became a priority in health systems, but early postoperative physiotherapy also plays a major role in prevention of mortality: independently from surgical timing, patients who did not walk again within 10 days from surgery showed mortality rates higher than those of patients who did. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Mortality Rates of Patients with Proximal Femoral Fracture in a Worldwide Pandemic: Preliminary Results of the Spanish HIP-COVID Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), in December 2019 in Wuhan, People's Republic of China, has developed into an unprecedented pandemic with enormous pressure on health-care providers around the world. A higher mortality rate has been described in older infected individuals. Patients with hip fracture are a particularly vulnerable population during this pandemic because older age is associated with a higher mortality rate. Our aim was to describe the early mortality rate and demographic variables in a hip fracture sample population in Spain during the coronavirus pandemic. METHODS: This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective, descriptive study. We collected data from 13 major hospitals in Spain from the beginning of the national state of alarm (declared on March 14, 2020, by the Spanish government) until the end of our study period on April 4, 2020. All patients who were ≥65 years of age, presented to the Emergency Department of the participating hospitals during this period with a diagnosis of proximal femoral fracture, and had a minimum follow-up of 10 days were included in the cohort. In addition to mortality, demographic and other potential prognostic variables were also collected. RESULTS: In this study, 136 patients with a hip fracture were included. Of these patients, 124 underwent a surgical procedure and 12 were managed nonoperatively. The total mortality rate was 9.6%. Sixty-two patients were tested for COVID-19, with 23 patients being positive. The mortality rate for these 23 patients was 30.4% (7 of 23 patients) at a mean follow-up of 14 days. The mortality rate was 10.3% (4 of 39) for patients who had been tested and had a negative result and 2.7% (2 of 74) for patients who had not been tested. Of the 12 patients who were managed nonoperatively, 8 (67%) died, whereas, of the 124 patients who were surgically treated, 5 (4%) died. Results differed among centers. CONCLUSIONS: There is a higher mortality rate in patients with a hip fracture and an associated positive test for COVID-19. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Orthogeriatric co-management for proximal femoral fractures. Can two additions make a big difference?

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral fractures are a major socioeconomic burden and they occur mainly in geriatric patients. High mortality and complication rates are reported. To reduce the mortality and morbidity of these patients, co-management with geriatricians has been recommended. Most previous studies have focused on relatively comprehensive care models. Models with only a few additions to the usual care have not been extensively evaluated. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included all patients aged ≥70 years (mean age: 84.5 ± 7.1 years, 70% women) with an isolated proximal femoral fracture treated surgically in our institution from May 2018 to October 2019. In the first 9 months, patients were treated with the usual care (control group, n = 103). In the second 9 months, patients were treated with our multidisciplinary care model (intervention group, n = 104), which included the usual care, plus: (1) one multidisciplinary ward round per week and (2) one "elective" operation slot per day reserved for proximal femoral fractures. Baseline characteristics and outcome measures of the hospital stay were extracted from electronic health records. A 3-month follow-up was conducted by phone. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). The hospital stay was shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (7.8 ± 4.3 vs. 9.1 ± 4.5; p = 0.022). The intervention reduced the waiting time for surgery by more than 10 h (intervention: 25.4 ± 24.5 vs. control: 35.8 ± 34.1 h; p = 0.013). A structured phone interview was not performed in 30.9% of the cases. The model reduced the overall dissatisfaction rate by more than half (12.9% vs. 32.4%; p = 0.008). On the other hand, the groups had similar perioperative complication rates (25% vs. 24.3%; p > 0.9999) and mortality (4.8% vs. 3.9%; p > 0.9999) and they remained similar at the 3-month follow-up (complications: 20.3% vs. 17.6% p = 0.831, mortality: 18.2% vs. 15.0% p = 0.573). CONCLUSION: We found that two additions to the usual proximal femoral fracture regimen could significantly improve the overall satisfaction rate, reduce the length of hospital stay and shorten the waiting time for surgery. In contrast to previous studies, we observed no significant improvements in complication or mortality rates. Further changes in the standard care might be needed for this purpose.

Serum albumin level predicts survival after surgical treatment of metastatic femur fractures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for metastatic pathological femur fractures is associated with high mortality. Correct estimation of prognosis helps in determining the palliative value of surgical treatment and informs surgical decision. This study evaluates the risk factors for mortality in these patients who were surgically treated. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 112 patients with surgical treatment of metastatic pathological femur fractures. Risk factors evaluated included age, ASA status, Charlson comorbidity index, preoperative serum albumin and haemoglobin, primary tumour site, presence of visceral metastases, presence of spinal metastases, time from diagnosis of cancer to occurrence of pathological fracture, type of surgical procedure performed, lesion and whether treatment was received for an actual or impending fracture. A Cox regression model was used to determine if these factors were independent significant factors for survival. RESULTS: Mortality at 2 years after surgical treatment of metastatic femoral fractures was 86%. Cox regression analysis of risk factors revealed that preoperative serum albumin and type primary tumour were independent risk factors for mortality. Presence of visceral metastases was strongly correlated to serum albumin levels. CONCLUSION: Preoperative serum albumin level and primary tumour site are independent risk factors of survival in patients treated for pathological femur fractures. Serum albumin level may be used as a prognostic tool to guide treatment in this cohort of patients with high mortality rates.

Treatment of Proximal Femoral Fragility Fractures in Patients with COVID-19 During the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: From February 20 to April 2020, the coronavirus SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV-2 spread in northern Italy, drastically challenging the care capacities of the national health care system. Unprepared for this emergency, hospitals have quickly reformulated paths of assistance in an effort to guarantee treatment for infected patients. Orthopaedic departments have been focused on elderly traumatology, especially the treatment of femoral neck fractures in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the orthopaedic management strategy for femoral fragility fractures in COVID-19-positive patients with the hypothesis that operative treatment may contribute to the overall stability of the patient. METHODS: Sixteen patients affected by proximal femoral fracture and a recent history of fever, shortness of breath, and desaturation were admitted to the emergency room. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) and oropharyngeal swabs confirmed that they were positive for COVID-19, requiring hospitalization and prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin. RESULTS: Three patients died before surgery because of severe respiratory insufficiency and multiple-organ-failure syndrome. Ten patients underwent surgery on the day after admission, whereas 3 patients had suspended their use of direct thrombin inhibitors and needed surgery to be delayed until the third day after admission. In all patients except 1, we noted an improvement in terms of O2 saturation and assisted respiration. In 9 patients, hemodynamic and respiratory stability was observed at an average of 7 days postoperatively. Four patients who underwent surgical treatment died of respiratory failure on the first day after surgery (1 patient), the third day after surgery (2 patients), or the seventh day after surgery (1 patient). CONCLUSIONS: We noted a stabilization of respiratory parameters in 12 COVID-19-positive patients who underwent surgery treatment of proximal femoral fractures. We believe that in elderly patients with COVID-19 who have proximal femoral fractures, surgery may contribute to the overall stability of the patient, seated mobilization, improvement in physiological ventilation, and general patient comfort in bed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Análisis de la mortalidad tras el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur distal / Analysis of mortality after surgical treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures

INTRODUCCIÓN: Está aumentando la incidencia de las fracturas periprotésicas de rodilla debido al incremento en el número de artroplastias totales de rodilla realizadas, junto al envejecimiento poblacional. Encontramos escasos estudios que analicen en nuestro medio la mortalidad a largo plazo tras la intervención quirúrgica. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la mortalidad y la supervivencia tras el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur distal en nuestro medio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo de una serie consecutiva de 97 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente en nuestro centro por fractura periprotésica de rodilla entre los años 2007 y 2015, con un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Se analizaron estadísticamente diversas variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y quirúrgicas. Se realizó una consulta al índice nacional de defunciones del Ministerio de Sanidad para el análisis de mortalidad y se analizó la supervivencia utilizando el método Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Revisamos un total de 97 pacientes con edad media de 75años, de los cuales 86 fueron mujeres y 11 fueron hombres. El 50,5% de los pacientes presentaban alguna comorbilidad. La demora media hasta la intervención fue de 3,1 días. Respecto al tratamiento, 45 pacientes fueron intervenidos mediante osteosíntesis con placa (49,5%), 40 de ellos con clavo intramedular (41,2%) y en 9 se realizó una revisión de la artroplastia (9,3%). Se registraron un total de 30 defunciones durante el seguimiento, con una mortalidad acumulada al año, a los 3años y a los 10 años del 7,2, del 17,5 y del 30,9%, respectivamente, aumentando progresivamente en mayores de 75 años. No hubo diferencias significativas en las tasas de mortalidad respecto al método de osteosíntesis. La principal complicación fue la seudoartrosis (6,2%). CONCLUSIONES: Las fracturas periprotésicas de rodilla se asocian a altas tasas de complicaciones y de mortalidad, siendo la edad del paciente y la propia lesión factores no modificables que pueden influir en la mortalidad tras la cirugía, mientras que otras variables, como el tipo de intervención o la demora quirúrgica, no mostraron diferencias en las tasas de mortalidad en nuestro estudio

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of the knee is increasing due to the increase in the number of total knee arthroplasties performed, together with population aging. We found few studies that analyze mortality in our setting after surgery. Our objective was to evaluate mortality and survival after surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective observational study of a consecutive series of 97 patients surgically treated in our centre for periprosthetic knee fracture between 2007-2015, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Diverse sociodemographic, clinical and surgical variables were analyzed. A consultation was made to the National Death Index of the Ministry of Health for the analysis of mortality and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 97 patients with an average age of 75 years, of which 86 were women and 11 were men. Of the patients, 50.5% of patients had some comorbidity. The average delay until the intervention was 3.1 days. With respect to the treatment, 45 patients were operated by osteosynthesis with plate (49.5%), 40 with intramedullary nail (41.2%) and 9 with revision of the arthroplasty (9.3%). A total of 30 deaths were recorded during the follow-up, with cumulative mortality in the first year, at 3 and at 10 years of 7.2%, 17.5% and 30.9%, respectively, progressively increasing in people over 75 years. There was no significant difference in mortality rates with the osteosynthesis method. The main complication was pseudoarthrosis (6.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic knee fractures are associated with high rates of complications and mortality. The patient's age and the lesion itself are non-modifiable factors that can influence mortality after surgery, while other variables such as the type of intervention or surgical delay did not show differences in mortality rates in our study

Analysis of mortality after surgical treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures. / Análisis de la mortalidad tras el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur distal.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of the knee is increasing due to the increase in the number of total knee arthroplasties performed, together with population aging. We found few studies that analyze mortality in our setting after surgery. Our objective was to evaluate mortality and survival after surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective observational study of a consecutive series of 97 patients surgically treated in our centre for periprosthetic knee fracture between 2007-2015, with a minimum follow-up of 12months. Diverse sociodemographic, clinical and surgical variables were analyzed. A consultation was made to the National Death Index of the Ministry of Health for the analysis of mortality and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 97 patients with an average age of 75years, of which 86 were women and 11 were men. Of the patients, 50.5% of patients had some comorbidity. The average delay until the intervention was 3.1days. With respect to the treatment, 45 patients were operated by osteosynthesis with plate (49.5%), 40 with intramedullary nail (41.2%) and 9 with revision of the arthroplasty (9.3%). A total of 30 deaths were recorded during the follow-up, with cumulative mortality in the first year, at 3 and at 10 years of 7.2%, 17.5% and 30.9%, respectively, progressively increasing in people over 75years. There was no significant difference in mortality rates with the osteosynthesis method. The main complication was pseudoarthrosis (6.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic knee fractures are associated with high rates of complications and mortality. The patient's age and the lesion itself are non-modifiable factors that can influence mortality after surgery, while other variables such as the type of intervention or surgical delay did not show differences in mortality rates in our study.

Epidemiology of femoral shaft fractures in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral shaft fractures are undoubtedly a common issue in orthopedic practice, which frequently requires surgical treatment. The clinical significance of such fractures is high, but the statistics of their occurrence was not covered in any comprehensive study in Polish medical literature. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to assess the incidence of femoral shaft fractures in the Polish population with particular reference to the mechanism of such events in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment of the total incidence and the incidence in individual age groups was performed basing on data concerning 2015-2018 obtained from the National Health Fund. Data regarding the mechanism of the event were obtained at the Pediatric Teaching Clinical Hospital, University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw. RESULTS: We assessed the total incidence at the level of 10.5 cases per 100 000 inhabitants yearly in Poland. A significant difference was noted in the incidence in individual age groups, particularly in the elderly. The incidence of femoral shaft fractures in patients older than 70 was twofold higher than in the general population. The paper also tackles the issue of mortality in patients with femoral shaft fractures, which reaches 16% annually. High-energy trauma was responsible for the majority of femoral shaft fractures in children with the dominant activity being trampoline jumping. At the same time, the incidence was comparable between boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results were discussed against statistics concerning other countries with the outcomes being rather similar. No significant differences were observed as regards the Polish population versus populations of other countries.