Gender differences in functioning after hip fracture

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is a significant health problem for men and women; between 25 and 30 percent of all hip fractures are sustained by men. Relatively little is known about gender differences in functional outcomes after hip fracture. The purpose of the current study is to compare post-hip fracture functional recovery of men and women.

METHODS

A sample of 674 patients age 65 or older were recruited as part of the Baltimore Hip Studies and were followed longitudinally for 1 year following fracture. Information on prefracture status and hospital course of treatment was collected as well as functional data at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 months postfracture. Data were analyzed longitudinally using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs).

RESULTS

Men in the study were generally younger and suffered greater comorbidity at time of fracture. Men further suffered higher mortality in the year following fracture. Among survivors, little difference between men and women was seen in patterns of recovery of function following fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip fracture is not a problem affecting just women. Recovery following fracture for men is probably no better than that for women, even after mortality differentially eliminates the frailest male participants. However, psychosocial factors, greater comorbidity, and higher rates of certain complications among men may require adjustments to interventions designed to restore function. Further research into the consequences of hip fracture for men and women is needed.

A transepiphyseal fracture of the proximal femur combined with a fracture of the mid-shaft of ipsilateral femur in a child: a case report and literature review

The paper describes a rare fracture of proximal femur, classified by Delbet (Am J Surg 6:793-797, 1929) as type I (transepiphyseal type) combined with a fracture of the midshaft of ipsilateral femur in a 2-year-old child. Immediate operation with open reduction and internal fixation was successful. During the postoperative course, avascular necrosis (AVN) of capital femoral epiphysis was seen by bone scan. Applying an abduction orthosis used for the treatment of Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease, collapse of capital epiphysis was prevented. Although, a minimal area of AVN and coxa vara remained, no clinical complaints were recorded at the midterm follow-up. While reviewing the relevant literature, the type-I fractures need to be subclassified into two types for appropriate treatment and/or prediction of outcomes based on their anatomic location of the separated femoral capital epiphysis. In type Ia, femoral capital epiphysis is minimally displaced and within the acetabulum and in type Ib it is widely displaced and lying outside the capsule. Our case is a first case of a type Ib fracture of the proximal femur combined with a fracture of the midshaft of ipsilateral femur. Since the complication rate and the prognosis differed between two subclasses, type-Ib fractures need immediate surgical intervention, our case was prevented from massive AVN. And to prevent the collapse of femoral head following AVN, a major complication of the fracture of proximal femur in child, abduction orthosis is recommended as a choice of treatment.

Case reports: concurrent bilateral nontraumatic fractures of the clavicle

The differential diagnosis of a fractured clavicle includes acute traumatic fracture, stress fracture, pathologic fracture secondary to radiation exposure, neoplasm, infection, or metabolic bone disease, and fracture-like conditions such as infection and bony dysplasias. An appropriate workup should identify most of these underlying conditions. We report a case of concurrent bilateral nontraumatic fractures of the clavicle occurring in a healthy young man in the absence of repetitive trauma. Workup revealed no underlying explanation for the fractures. To our knowledge, this has not been reported. Our case suggests the differential diagnosis of a fractured clavicle should be expanded to include idiopathic nontraumatic fractures.

Calcium phosphate cement for augmentation did not improve results after internal fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures: a randomized study of 118 patients

BACKGROUND

We wanted to evaluate whether augmentation with calcium phosphate cement can improve clinical and functional outcome following internal fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures.

PATIENTS

118 patients aged 60-98 years (95 women) were included. All patients were physically active and ambulatory before the fracture. Patients were randomized to treatment with closed reduction and fixation with two cannulated screws alone (controls: 60 patients) or screws combined with injection of calcium phosphate for augmentation around the screw threads and at the fracture site (augmented: 58 patients). All patients were allowed free weight bearing. Clinical and radiographic examinations were done by a physiotherapist directly after surgery, at 1 and 6 weeks, and at 6, 12 and 24 months.

RESULTS

24 patients, 14 augmented and 10 controls, died during the follow-up. There was 1 deep infection (augmented). Another 34 patients were reoperated with a total arthroplasty (20 in the augmented group and 14 controls) due to loss of reduction, nonunion or avascular necrosis (p = 0.1). There was no difference in pain or muscle strength between groups. Some activities of daily living (ADLs) were slightly better in the augmented patients during the first weeks, while there were no differences between groups later on.

INTERPRETATION

Due to a trend towards more reoperations in the augmented group, and only a temporary clinical improvement during the early rehabilitation, augmentation as we used it cannot be recommended.

[Proximal humerus fractures analysis of treatment and rehabilitation outcomes]

The authors make evaluation of functional outcomes proximal humerus fractures depending on applied method using Constant-Murley score in own modification. The clinical material of 1980-2004 years were 93 cases, 41 male (44.1%) and 52 female (55.9%) aged between 28-81 years. The operative treatment was employed in 52 cases (45.1%), nonoperativ in 18 cases (19.4%) and functional treatment using direct traction by olecranion in 33 cases (35.5%). Obtained outcomes based on Constant-Murley score in own modification notice limitation range of motion injured joint, reduction of muscle streught in shoulder rim and decrease of physical activity independently used method of treatment.

[The problematic nature of fractures in the geriatric patient]

Fractures in the elderly patient require specialized management encompassing a complex care-providing concept that involves particular expertise, specific instruments, interdisciplinary cooperation and comprehensive aftercare. This latter aspect needs to be extended to include the provision of care in the patient's home. Surgical correction of a fracture alone can no longer be considered sufficient management.

Resorbable cement for the augmentation of internally-fixed unstable trochanteric fractures

We undertook a multicentre, prospective study of a series of 112 unstable trochanteric fractures in order to evaluate if internal fixation with a sliding screw device combined with augmentation using a calcium phosphate degradable cement (Norian SRS) could improve the clinical, functional and radiological outcome when compared with fractures treated with a sliding screw device alone. Pain, activities of daily living, health status (SF-36), the strength of the hip abductor muscles and radiological outcome were analysed.

Six weeks after surgery, the patients in the augmented group had significantly lower global and functional pain scores (p < 0.003), less pain after walking 50 feet (p < 0.01), and a better return to the activities of daily living (p < 0.05). At follow-up at six weeks and six months, those in the augmented group showed a significant improvement compared with the control group in the SF-36 score. No other significant differences were found between the groups. We conclude that augmentation with calcium phosphate cement in unstable trochanteric fractures provides a modest reduction in pain and a slight improvement in the quality of life during the course of healing when compared with conventional fixation with a sliding screw device alone.

Internal fixation versus hemiarthroplasty for displaced fractures of the femoral neck in elderly patients with severe cognitive impairment

We studied 60 patients with an acute displaced fracture of the femoral neck and with a mean age of 84 years. They were randomly allocated to treatment by either internal fixation with cannulated screws or hemiarthroplasty using an uncemented Austin Moore prosthesis. All patients had severe cognitive impairment, but all were able to walk independently before the fracture. They were reviewed at four, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Outcome assessments included complications, revision surgery, the status of activities of daily living (ADL), hip function according to the Charnley score and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) according to the Euroqol (EQ-5D) (proxy report). General complications and the rate of mortality at two years (42%) did not differ between the groups. The rate of hip complications was 30% in the internal fixation group and 23% in the hemiarthroplasty group; this was not significant. There was a trend towards an increased number of re-operated patients in the internal fixation group compared with the hemiarthroplasty group, 33% and 13%, respectively (p = 0.067), but the total number of surgical procedures which were required did not differ between the groups. Of the survivors at two years, 54% were totally dependent in ADL functions and 60% were bedridden or wheelchair-bound regardless of the surgical procedure. There was a trend towards decreased mobility in the hemiarthroplasty group (p = 0.066). All patients had a very low HRQOL even before the fracture. The EQ-5D(index) score was significantly worse in the hemiarthroplasty group compared with the internal fixation group at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). In our opinion, there is little to recommend hemiarthroplasty with an uncemented Austin Moore prosthesis compared with internal fixation, in patients with severe cognitive dysfunction.

The standard Gamma nail or the Medoff sliding plate for unstable trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. A randomised, controlled trial

We studied 217 patients with an unstable trochanteric or subtrochanteric fracture who had been randomly allocated to treatment by either internal fixation with a standard Gamma nail (SGN) or a Medoff sliding plate (MSP, biaxial dynamisation mode). Their mean age was 84 years (65 to 99) and they were reviewed at four and 12 months after surgery. Assessments of outcome included general complications, technical failures, revision surgery, activities of daily living (ADL), hip function (Charnley score) and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL, EQ-5D). The rate of technical failure in patients with unstable trochanteric fractures was 6.5% (6/93) (including intra-operative femoral fractures) in the SGN group and 5.2% (5/96) in the MSP group. In patients with subtrochanteric fractures, there were no failures in the SGN group (n = 16) and two in the MSP group (n = 12). In the SGN group, there were intra-operative femoral fractures in 2.8% (3/109) and no post-operative fractures. There was a reduced need for revision surgery in the SGN group compared with the MSP group (8.3%; 9/108; p = 0.072). The SGN group also showed a lower incidence of severe general complications (p < 0.05) and a trend towards a lower incidence of wound infections (p = 0.05). There were no differences between the groups regarding the outcome of ADL, hip function or the HRQOL. The reduction in the HRQOL (EQ-5D(index) score) was significant in both groups compared with that before the fracture (p < 0.005). Our findings indicate that the SGN showed good results in both trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. The limited number of intra-operative femoral fractures did not influence the outcome or the need for revision surgery. Moreover, the SGN group had a reduced number of serious general complications and wound infections compared with the MSP group. The MSP in the biaxial dynamisation mode had a low rate of failure in trochanteric fractures but an unacceptably high rate when used in the biaxial dynamisation mode in subtrochanteric fractures. The negative influence of an unstable trochanteric or subtrochanteric fracture on the quality of life was significant regardless of the surgical method.

Pertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with a dynamic hip screw or a proximal femoral nail. A randomised study comparing post-operative rehabilitation

We treated 108 patients with a pertrochanteric femoral fracture using either the dynamic hip screw or the proximal femoral nail in this prospective, randomised series. We compared walking ability before fracture, intra-operative variables and return to their residence. Patients treated with the proximal femoral nail (n = 42) had regained their pre-operative walking ability significantly (p = 0.04) more often by the four-month review than those treated with the dynamic hip screw (n = 41). Peri-operative or immediate post-operative measures of outcome did not differ between the groups, with the exception of operation time. The dynamic hip screw allowed a significantly greater compression of the fracture during the four-month follow-up, but consolidation of the fracture was comparable between the two groups. Two major losses of reduction were observed in each group, resulting in a total of four revision operations. Our results suggest that the use of the proximal femoral nail may allow a faster post-operative restoration of walking ability, when compared with the dynamic hip screw.

Posterior instrumentation for thoracolumbar fractures

Thoracolumbar fractures are relatively common injuries. Numerous classification systems have been developed to characterize these fractures and their prognostic and therapeutic implications. Recent emphasis on short, rigid fixation has influenced surgical management. Most compression and stable burst fractures should be treated nonsurgically. Neurologically intact patients with unstable burst fractures that have >25 degrees of kyphosis, >50% loss of vertebral height, or >40% canal compromise often can be treated with short, rigid posterior fusions. Patients with unstable burst fractures and neurologic deficits require direct or indirect decompression. Posterior stabilization can be effective with Chance fractures and flexion-distraction injuries that have marked kyphosis, and in translational or shear injuries. Advances in understanding both biomechanics and types of fixation have influenced the development of reliable systems that can effectively stabilize these fractures and permit early mobilization.

Femoral head fractures: diagnosis, management, and complications

Femoral head fractures occur with a reported incidence of 6%-16% after hip dislocation. Even the largest series have evaluated only a few dozen patients, often collecting experience from multiple centers. This article provides the clinician with current information to guide the diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon condition.

Fractures of the navicular

Generally, large or significantly displaced intra-articular navicular fractures are treated best by surgical intervention. Open reduction and internal fixation of these injuries allow anatomic restoration of adjacent joint surfaces and preservation of length and stability along the medial column of the foot; intervention must not disrupt the already tenuous blood Supply of the tarsal navicular because of the associated risks of avascular necrosis and nonunion. The unique morphology and vital role of the navicular as a cornerstone of the talonavicular joint require every effort to maintain the congruity and motion of this joint to avoid later fusion. The likelihood for successful reduction decreases with increasing grades of injury. The naviculo-cuneiform joint, alternatively, requires stability for proper foot function and can be fused, if necessary, to improve fixation or enhance vascularity to the navicular. External fixation, bone grafting (often and early), and limited peritarsal fusion also have evolved into useful aids, under certain circumstances, to facilitate the goals of navicular fracture management. Early postoperative range of motion, prolonged protected weight bearing, and aggressive patient counseling as to the severity and long-term implications of these injuries also are paramount to success. Caution also must be exercised in managing navicular dislocations because of the potential long-term complications of redislocation or painful flatfoot deformity if alignment is not maintained. Navicular fracture care remains a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon; successful surgical intervention continues to hinge upon a careful balance between an operative exposure that is limited enough to avoid further devascularization but extensive enough to permit anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation.

Functional outcomes after surgery for spinal fractures: return to work and activity

OBJECT OF STUDY

The literature regarding surgical treatment's impact on patient function after spinal fracture is sparse. Some authors have speculated that operative injury--the dissection of paraspinous muscle tissue, damage to spinal motion segments, implantation of spinal devices--may impair functional recovery in spine trauma patients. Nonoperative care has produced satisfactory results in some hands, but results are difficult to reproduce, treatment is resource-intensive, and functional outcomes are poorly documented. This study reports return to work and functional recovery in a 5-year follow-up of severely injured patients treated with segmental spinal instrumentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy consecutive patients treated with Cotrel Dubousset instrumentation for unstable thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine fractures were followed-up. All had high-energy trauma and were admitted directly to a level 1 university trauma center; 38% were polytraumatized; and 56% had neurologic injuries. Indications for surgery included: (1) segmental instability; (2) incomplete or progressive neurologic injuries with residual spinal canal compromise; (3) concomitant injuries precluding cast treatment; and (4) polytrauma. Two patients died and six were lost to follow-up, leaving 62 (91%) for assessment at a mean 5-year follow-up (range 2-8 y). Clinical outcome has been reported. Functional recovery was assessed based on return to work, level of work, and level of daily activity.

RESULTS

Despite the severity of spinal and concomitant injuries, 70% of patients returned to full-time work and another 8% were considered capable: 54% to their previous level of employment without restrictions and 16% to full-time, but lighter, jobs. Twenty-two percent were working part-time or not at all, and 8% were unemployed despite unrestricted functional status. Work status correlated directly with neurologic impairment (P < 0.00005) and was not related to level of injury, hardware failure, extent of surgical dissection, or construct pattern. Of patients with limitations, 18% were limited by pain and 27% by neurologic injury.

CONCLUSION

Neurologic injury had a greater impact on functional outcome than any other variable. Patients limited by pain were more often impaired by residual radicular and neuropathic symptoms than by back pain. Impairment was not related to the extent of either the surgical incision or the instrumentation. Patients with persistent back pain generally had an identifiable and correctable mechanical problem-sagittal imbalance, pseudarthrosis, or persistent instability--as the underlying cause. Our series of trauma patients was predominantly young and male. Among this cohort, individual characteristics of occupation (often physical laborers and craftsmen) and judgment (criminal convictions and incarceration) may have restricted opportunities for re-employment in 40% of the entire study group.

Displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly: disposition and outcome after 3- to 6-year follow-up evaluation

This study evaluated the relationship of the disposition and outcome of patients with displaced femoral neck fractures with the type of surgical treatment. From 1993 to 1996, 186 patients with displaced femoral neck fractures who were 65 years of age or older were treated at one hospital. One hundred and twenty fractures were treated with reduction and internal fixation; 66 were treated with arthroplasty. The time interval from fracture to death and to repeat surgery was significantly less for the internal fixation group than for the arthroplasty group. The possibility of nursing home residence is increased in patients who were treated with reduction and internal fixation compared with patients who were treated with arthroplasty.

Surgical fixation of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in adults

We reviewed 15 adult patients with intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus treated over a period of 2 years. All patients underwent primary open reduction and internal fixation, which included 11 double plating procedures. The fractures were classified according to the AO/ASIF system. Patient outcome was assessed subjectively by scoring the patients' residual symptom of pain and their overall satisfaction of the treatment received. Objective assessment was performed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (range of motion, assessment of functional status, pain and stability of the joint). At a mean follow-up of 12.3 months, 7 patients were rated as excellent; 6, as good; one, as fair; and one, as poor. These cases had an average arc of flexion of 109.7 degrees. The sub-group of type C fractures without revision surgery had a mean flexion arc of 110.7 degrees (95-140 degrees ), with 100% Good to Excellent scores. Complications included two post-operative ulnar nerve neuropraxia, one wound infection, and one fracture fibrous non-union. Three patients required revision surgery which included a total elbow arthroplasty for implant failure, whilst four patients (including the patient with the subsequent arthroplasty) required joint mobilisation procedures for residual stiffness.

Biologische Osteosynthese – was bedeutet das für den Hausarzt?

Die biologische Osteosynthese ist durch mehrere Faktoren gekennzeichnet: schonungsvolle Operationstechnik, Reduktion des Repositionszieles auf das funktionell Notwendige und Verwendung neuer Verankerungsprinzipien und Implantatdesigns, welche die Vitalität des Knochens wenig beeinflussen. Die Reposition einer Fraktur im Schaftbereich erfolgt meist indirekt, die Exposition der Frakturzone wird vermieden, und die Fragmente bleiben in ihrem Weichteilverbund integriert, so dass der natürliche Knochenheilungsprozess so wenig wie möglich gestört wird. In diesem Zusammenhang hat sich insbesondere die Technik der Plattenosteosynthese gewandelt. In Analogie zu einer Marknagel-Osteosynthese wird die Fraktur mit der Platte langstreckig überbrückt unter korrekter Einstellung von Länge, Achsen und Torsion des Knochens. Der chirurgische Zugang ist oft minimal und dient lediglich noch dem Einschieben des Implantates, die Inzisionslänge entspricht dabei eher dem Plattenquerschnitt als der Plattenlänge. Die mechanische Leistungsfähigkeit der Platte wird durch den Gebrauch langer Implantate und die Möglichkeit, neben Standardschrauben auch winkelstabile Schrauben einzusetzen, optimiert. Durch die Vergrößerung des mechanisch wirksamen Hebelarms der Platte nimmt die Belastung der Schrauben ab, was die Gefahr des Ausreissens von Schrauben oder eines Schraubenbruchs vermindert. Die Platte selbst erfährt bei gegebener Belastung eine geringere elastische Deformation und damit eine bessere Resistenz gegen einen Ermüdungsbruch. Die vorsichtige funktionelle Nachbehandlung bis zur radiologisch gesicherten Konsolidation des Knochens bleibt wichtiges Element des Behandlungserfolgs.

Bilateral simultaneous hip fractures secondary to an epileptic seizure

A 30-year-old man sustained bilateral simultaneous displaced subcapital fractures of neck of femur during an epileptic tonic-clonic seizure. After admission to the hospital approximately 18 hours later, internal fixation of the fractures with dynamic hip screw was undertaken. Post operatively, he was managed by early motion and weight bearing on the second day. Despite the severity of the fractures and delayed surgery, satisfactory union of the fractures was noted at 6 months when bone densitometry was normal. At 3 years follow up, there was no sign of avascular necrosis of the femoral heads.

Computed tomographic findings of the fractured mandibular condyle after open reduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term radiological results obtained with open reduction and fixation of unilateral mandibular condyle fractures in 10 patients. CT images taken at the end of the follow-up period (average of 22 months, range 7 to 33 months), were traced and digitized, and the position and morphology of the fractured condylar process was statistically compared with those of the contralateral non-fractured condylar process in the coronal, transverse and sagittal planes. Little difference was observed in the position or morphology of the condylar process in the operated and non-fractured joints. This study shows that it is possible to anatomically reduce fractured condyles, and thereby to avoid postoperative disadvantageous joint changes.

Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the acetabulum--local experience

INTRODUCTION

It is now widely accepted that open reduction and internal fixation of displaced acetabular fractures should be the standard of care. This paper reports a case series of acetabular fracture fixation performed at the Changi General Hospital by a single trauma surgeon.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of 15 consecutive cases of displaced acetabular fracture fixation between February 1996 and September 1999. Outcome was assessed radiologically and functionally with the use of a hip scoring system used by Matta.

RESULTS

The patients' age had a mean of 34.9 years. All fractures were a result of high energy trauma. The median duration to operation upon admission was eight days. The mean hospital stay was 24.9 days and the mean medical hospitalisation leave was 159 days. Bony union was achieved in all patients. Two patients (13.3%) had a residual displacement of 1 mm. Four patients (26.6%) had a residual displacement of 2 mm. Of these four patients with 2 mm displacement, two eventually developed osteoarthritis. Subsequently, one of the two with OA required revision to a total hip arthroplasty two years post fracture. Other complications include 1 (6%) wound infection and 2 (13%) deep vein thrombosis. There were no complications of heterotopic ossification or sciatic nerve injury. Functional scores with a minimum follow up of one year and a mean of 22.6 months follow-up were excellent in 13.3%, good in 66.7%, fair in 13.3% and poor in 6.7%.

CONCLUSION

The number of cases in this paper is insufficient to produce any statisticallly significant outcome predictors but accuracy of reduction is an important factor. A good to excellent result was attained in 80% of the patients which confirms that open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for displaced and acetabular fractures.