What Are the Determinants of Mortality After Cemented Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients?

Background

Primary hemiarthroplasty is proposed for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with the advantages of early mobilization, acceptable functional results, and lower failure rates. The 1-year mortality rates demonstrated high variance in the literature, whereas, the factors related to 1-year mortality were not widely investigated. The main purpose of the present study was to determine predictive factors related to 1-year mortality after primary cemented calcar-replacement bipolar hemiarthroplasty performed for unstable intertrochanteric fracture.

What Are the Patterns of Injury and Displacement Seen in Lateral Compression Pelvic Fractures?

Background  

Lateral compression (LC)-type pelvic fractures encompass a wide spectrum of injuries. Current classification systems are poorly suited to help guide treatment and do not adequately describe the wide range of injuries seen in clinical practice.     

Are Antiresorptive Drugs Effective Against Fractures in Patients with Diabetes?

We studied whether the reduction in bone turnover by use of antiresorptive drugs is detrimental in patients with diabetes who already have low bone turnover due to hyperglycemia in a nationwide cohort study from Denmark. All users of antiresorptive drugs against osteoporosis between 1996 and 2006 (n = 103,562) were the exposed group, with three age- and gender-matched controls from the general population (n = 310,683). Patients on bisphosphonates and raloxifene had a higher risk of hip, spine, and forearm fractures. However, no difference was observed in the antifracture efficacy between patients with diabetes and nondiabetic controls or between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Too few were users of strontium to allow analysis for this compound. The excess risk of fractures among patients treated with bisphosphonates or raloxifene compared to nonexposed controls was due to the higher a priori risk of fractures among patients treated for osteoporosis. Diabetes does not seem to affect the fracture-preventive potential of bisphosphonates or raloxifene. The low-turnover state of diabetes thus does not seem to be a hindrance to the effect of these drugs against osteoporosis. Therefore, patients with diabetes should receive treatment for osteoporosis in the same way as nondiabetic patients.     

What Is the Quality of Surgical Care for Patients with Hip Fractures at Critical Access Hospitals?

BackgroundCritical access hospitals (CAHs) play an important role in providing access to care for many patients in rural communities. Prior studies have shown that these facilities are able to provide timely and quality care for patients who undergo various elective and emergency general surgical procedures. However, little is known about the quality and reimbursement of surgical care for patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at CAHs compared with non-CAH facilities.Questions/purposesAre there any differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, mortality, and Medicare payments between patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at CAHs and those undergoing surgery at non-CAHs?MethodsThe 2005 to 2014 Medicare 100% Standard Analytical Files were queried using ICD-9 procedure codes to identify Medicare-eligible beneficiaries undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (79.15, 79.35, and 78.55), hemiarthroplasty (81.52), and THA (81.51) for isolated closed hip fractures. This database was selected because the claims capture inpatient diagnoses, procedures, charged amounts and paid claims, as well as hospital-level information of the care, of Medicare patients across the nation. Patients with concurrent fixation of an upper extremity, lower extremity, and/or polytrauma were excluded from the study to ensure an isolated cohort of hip fractures was captured. The study cohort was divided into two groups based on where the surgery took place: CAHs and non-CAHs. A 1:1 propensity score match, adjusting for baseline demographics (age, gender, Census Bureau-designated region, and Elixhauser comorbidity index), clinical characteristics (fixation type and time to surgery), and hospital characteristics (whether the hospital was located in a rural ZIP code, the average annual procedure volume of the operating facility, hospital bed size, hospital ownership and teaching status), was used to control for the presence of baseline differences in patients presenting at CAHs and those presenting at non-CAHs. A total of 1,467,482 patients with hip fractures were included, 29,058 of whom underwent surgery in a CAH. After propensity score matching, each cohort (CAH and non-CAH) contained 29,058 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess for differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, and mortality between the two matched cohorts. As funding policies of CAHs are regulated by Medicare, an evaluation of costs-of-care (by using Medicare payments as a proxy) was conducted. Generalized linear regression modeling was used to assess the 90-day Medicare payments among patients undergoing surgery in a CAH, while controlling for differences in baseline demographics and clinical characteristics.ResultsPatients undergoing surgery for hip fractures were less likely to experience many serious complications at a critical access hospital (CAH) than at a non-CAH. In particular, after controlling for patient demographics, hospital-level factors and procedural characteristics, patients treated at a CAH were less likely to experience: myocardial infarction (3% (916 of 29,058) versus 4% (1126 of 29,058); OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.74 to 0.88]; p < 0.001), sepsis (3% (765 of 29,058) versus 4% (1084 of 29,058); OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.63 to 0.78]; p < 0.001), acute renal failure (6% (1605 of 29,058) versus 8% (2353 of 29,058); OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.61 to 0.69]; p < 0.001), and Clostridium difficile infections (1% (367 of 29,058) versus 2% (473 of 29,058); OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.88]; p < 0.001) than undergoing surgery in a non-CAH. CAHs also had lower rates of all-cause 90-day readmissions (18% (5133 of 29,058) versus 20% (5931 of 29,058); OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.79 to 0.86]; p < 0.001) and 90-day mortality (4% (1273 of 29,058) versus 5% (1437 of 29,058); OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.82 to 0.95]; p = 0.001) than non-CAHs. Further, CAHs also had risk-adjusted lower 90-day Medicare payments than non-CAHs (USD 800, standard error 89; p < 0.001).ConclusionPatients who received hip fracture surgical care at CAHs had a lower risk of major medical and surgical complications than those who had surgery at non-CAHs, even though Medicare reimbursements were lower as well. Although there may be some degree of patient selection at CAHs, these facilities appear to provide high-value care to rural communities. These findings provide evidence for policymakers evaluating the impact of the CAH program and allocating funding resources, as well as for community members seeking emergent care at local CAH facilities.Level of EvidenceLevel III, therapeutic study.     

To What Degree Do Pain-coping Strategies Affect Joint Stiffness and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Hand Fractures?

Background

Patients with hand fractures often have pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints of the hand, which may lead them to protect their hands, resulting in more stiffness and in delayed recovery. However, the effects of pain-coping strategies and catastrophization (the tendency to expect the worst to occur when pain is present, an approach that can be thought of as the opposite of “coping”) on functional recovery after hand fractures have not been investigated in depth.

Questions/purposes

Are preoperative catastrophization and anxiety in patients with hand fractures associated with (1) decreased grip strength; (2) decreased range of motion; and (3) increased disability at 3 and 6 months after surgical treatment for a hand fracture? Secondarily, we asked if there are other patient and injury factors that are associated with these outcomes at 3 and 6 months.

Methods

A total of 93 patients with surgically treated hand fractures were enrolled in this prospective study. Preoperative assessments measured coping strategies evaluated by measuring catastrophic thinking with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and pain anxiety with the Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, grip strength, total active range of motion, and disability (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score) were assessed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify patient demographic, injury, and coping skills factors that accounted for outcomes of strength, motion, and disability.

Results

Decreased grip strength was associated with catastrophic thinking (beta = −1.29 [95% confidence interval, −1.67 to −0.89], partial R² = 11%, p < 0.001) and anxiety (beta = −0.83 [−1.16 to −0.50], partial R² = 7%, p = 0.007) at 3 months, but by 6 months, only anxiety (beta = −0.74 [−1.04 to −0.44], partial R² = 7%, p = 0.010) remained an important factor. Decreased total active range of motion was associated with pain catastrophizing (beta = −0.63 [−0.90 to −0.36], partial R² = 6 %, p = 0.024) and anxiety (beta = −0.28 [−0.42 to −0.14], partial R² = 3%, p = 0.035) at 3 months but not at 6 months. Similarly, increased disability was associated with pain catastrophizing (beta = 1.09 [1.39–0.79], partial R² = 12%, p < 0.001) and anxiety (beta = 0.93 [1.21–0.65], partial R² = 11%, p = 0.001) at 3 months; these factors failed to be associated for 6-month outcomes.

Conclusions

Preoperative poor coping skills as measured by high catastrophization and anxiety were associated with a weaker grip strength, decreased range of motion, and increased disability after surgical treatment for a hand fracture at 3 months. However, poor coping skills did not show persistent effects beyond 6 months. More research may be needed to show interventions to improve coping skills will enhance treatment outcome in patients after acute hand fractures.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic study.     

What is the Incidence of Suicide in Patients with Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer?

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® - Patients with cancer in the United States are estimated to have a suicide incidence that is approximately twice that of the general population....     

What are Gastric Banding Patients Eating One?Year Post-Surgery?

Background

There is a paucity of evidence-based dietary management guidelines for patients post-laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, including no consensus recommendations for macronutrient intake. We examined the macronutrient intake across a multi-centre cohort of post-bariatric surgery patients and compared these intakes to post-bariatric surgery and population-based dietary guidelines.

Methods

Two hundred and fifteen patients from three bariatric surgery centres in Melbourne, Australia were invited to complete a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire 12?months post-operatively.

Results

Energy intakes of the 52 participants ranged from 1,140 to 13,200?kJ/day, with an average of 4,890?kJ/day (±2,360?kJ/day). Many patients did not meet minimum population recommendations for macronutrients. The average fibre intake was only 14?g/day (compared to the recommendations of 25?g for women and 30?g for men). The average diet 1?year post-operatively was 36?% total fat compared to the recommendations of 20?C25?%, with 14?% of intake from saturated fat.

Conclusions

Patients' dietary intakes vary significantly 1?year post-laparoscopic adjustable band surgery, with many patients not meeting recommendations. These results suggest that patients decrease their total energy intake; however, eating habits may not improve as they consume a diet high in saturated fat. It is recommended that all patients receive dietary education about diet quality post-laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery to assist them in improving their diet quality as well as quantity for optimal health and weight loss. Specific international guidelines for nutrient intakes for people undergoing bariatric surgery are needed.     

Today’s Role of External Fixation in Unstable and Complex Pelvic Fractures

Introduction:   

The treatment of pelvic fractures has undergone a change over the past few years. As there seems to be a trend away from external towards internal fixation, the goal of this study was to investigate whether the use of an external fixator is still a standard procedure for the initial as well as — if necessary — for the definitive treatment of complex and unstable pelvic injuries.     

Mortality and Revision Surgery Are Increased in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease and Fractures of the Femoral Neck

Background

Patients with Parkinson’s disease are at increased risk for falls and associated hip fractures as a result of tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. The available literature is limited and conflicting regarding the optimal surgical treatment and risk for postoperative complications and mortality in this unique patient population.

Questions/purposes

We asked: (1) Is there a difference in mortality after surgical treatment of hip fractures in patients with Parkinson’s disease compared with similar patients with hip fractures without Parkinson’s disease? (2) Does Parkinson’s disease lead to a higher rate of reoperation after operative treatment of femoral neck fractures? (3) Does Parkinson’s disease lead to a higher rate of dislocation after hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures, and (4) does the operative approach affect dislocation rates?

Methods

In this case-controlled study, we retrospectively reviewed 141 patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and a fracture of the femoral neck. Each patient with Parkinson’s disease was matched with two control patients (n = 282) without Parkinson’s disease stratified by age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and fracture type (nondisplaced/displaced). Clinical outcomes included mortality after surgical intervention, rate of reoperation, dislocation events after hemiarthroplasty, and the rate of failure after internal fixation for nondisplaced fractures.

Results

The median survival time of the patients with Parkinson’s disease after fracture was 31 months (95% CI, 25–37 months) compared with 45 months (95% CI, 39–50 months) in our control group (p = 0.007). The rate of reoperation for displaced and nondisplaced fractures was higher in the Parkinson’s disease group compared with the control group (11% versus 4%; p = 0.005). Failure of fixation for patients treated with internal fixation of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures was significantly higher in the Parkinson’s disease group compared with our control group (22% versus 5%; p = 0.01). Dislocation rates after hemiarthroplasty were significantly higher in the Parkinson’s disease group compared with the control group (8% versus 1%; p = 0.003). Patients treated with a hemiarthroplasty through an anterolateral approach had a significantly lower dislocation rate compared with those treated with a posterior approach (2% versus 15%; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Parkinson’s disease is an independent predictor of mortality after femoral neck fracture and is associated with an increased rate of dislocation, revision surgery, and failure of internal fixation. Although patients with Parkinson’s disease with a nondisplaced or valgus impacted femoral neck fracture may be treated with internal fixation, they are at significantly higher risk of failure of fixation compared with patients without Parkinson’s disease. Use of a hemiarthroplasty through an anterolateral approach may reduce the likelihood of requiring a revision operation.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.     

What Risks are Associated with Primary THA in Recipients of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation?

Introduction

As patients who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are at increased risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) and subsequent degenerative arthritis, THA may be considered in some of these patients, particularly as overall patient survival improves for patients undergoing stem-cell transplants. Patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation theoretically are at increased risk of experiencing complications, infection, and poorer implant survivorship owing to the high prevalence of comorbid conditions, immunosuppressive therapy regimens including corticosteroids, and often low circulating hematopoietic cell lines; however, there is a paucity of studies elucidating these risks.

Questions/Purposes

We asked: (1) What is the overall mortality of patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who have undergone THA? (2) What is the complication rate for these patients? (3) What are the revision and reoperation rates and implant survivorship for these patients?

Patients and Methods

Between 1999 and 2013, we performed 42 THAs in 36 patients who underwent stem-cell transplants. Other than those who died, all were available for followup at a minimum of 2 years; of the patients whose procedures were done more than 10 years ago and who are not known to have died, two (5%) had not been seen in the last 5 years and so are considered lost to followup. All patients underwent thorough evaluation by the transplant team before arthroplasty; general contraindications included active medical comorbidities or evidence of unstable end-organ damage, active rejection, and critically low circulating hematopoietic cell lines. Underlying primary diseases leading to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation included lymphoma (14/42; 33%), plasma cell disorders (10/42; 24%), leukemia (9/42; 21%), and amyloidosis (3/42; 7%). Complications, reoperations, revisions, and implant and patient survivorship, were recorded from chart review and data from the institutional total joint registry. Mean followup was 5 years (range, 2–15 years).

Results

Patient survivorship free of mortality was 91% (95% CI, 81%–100%) and 82% (95% CI, 68%–96%) at 2 and 5 years, respectively. Complications occurred in four of 42 THAs (10%); these complications included an intraoperative fracture and a venous thromboembolism. Revisions occurred in two of 42 (5%) THAs; there were no reoperations. Implant survivorship free of component revision for any reason or implant removal accounting for death as a competing risk was 93% (95% CI, 83%–100%) at 5 years.

Conclusion

With appropriate medical evaluation and comanagement by transplant specialists, carefully selected patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplants may undergo elective primary THA, although complications do occur in this relatively fragile patient population. Although implant survivorship was modest at 93% at 5 years, there was not a high risk of revision for infection. Improved outcomes for these patients may be expected as their medical management advances and additional comparative studies may clarify other important patient factors.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.

     

Is the Quality of Life Better in Patients with Colostomy than Patients with Fecal Incontience?

Background A colostomy offers definitive treatment for individuals with fecal incontinence (FI). Patients and physicians remain apprehensive regarding this option because the quality of life (QOL) with a colostomy is presumably worse than living with FI. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the QOL of colostomy patients to patients with FI. Methods A cross-sectional postal survey of patients with FI or an end colostomy was undertaken. QOL measures used included the Short Form 36 General Quality of Life Assessment (SF-36) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life score (FIQOL). Results The colostomy group included 39 patients and the FI group included 71 patients. The average FI score for FI group was 12 ± 4.9 (0 = complete continence, 20 = severe incontinence). In the colostomy group the average colostomy function score was 12.9 ± 3.8 (7 = good function, 35 = poor function). Analysis of the SF-36 revealed higher social function score in the colostomy group compared to the FI group. Analysis of the FIQOL revealed higher scores in the coping, embarrassment, lifestyle scales, and depression scales in the colostomy group compared to the FI group. Conclusion A colostomy is a viable option for patients who suffer from FI and offers a definitive cure with improved QOL.