Rate of venous thromboembolism after surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures

Pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery: Is it a real threat?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare but devastating complication of shoulder surgery. Apart from increased morbidity and mortality rates, it may significantly impair postoperative recovery and functional outcome. Its frequency accounts for up to 5.7% of all shoulder surgery procedures with a higher occurrence in women and patients older than 70 years. It is most commonly associated with thrombophilia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, hypertension, and a history of malignancy. PE usually occurs secondary to upper or lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, in rare cases, the source of the thrombi cannot be determined. Prophylaxis for PE following shoulder surgery remains a topic of debate, and the standard of care does not routinely require prophylactic medication for DVT prophylaxis. Early ambulation and elastic stockings are important preventative measures for DVT of the lower extremity and medical agents such as aspirin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and vitamin K antagonists are indicated for high-risk patients, long-lasting operations, or concomitant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The most common symptoms of PE include chest pain and shortness of breath, but PE can also be asymptomatic in patients with intrinsic tolerance of hypoxia. Patients with DVT may also present with swelling and pain of the respective extremity. The treatment of PE includes inpatient or outpatient anticoagulant therapy if the patient is hemodynamically unstable or stable, respectively. Hemodynamic instability may require transfer to the intensive care unit, and cardiovascular arrest can be implicated in fatal events. An important issue for patients with PE in the postoperative period after shoulder surgery is residual stiffness due to a delay in rehabilitation and a prolonged hospital stay. Early physiotherapy and range-of-motion exercises do not adversely affect the prognosis of PE and are highly recommended to preserve shoulder mobility and function.

Beyond the fractures: A comprehensive Comparative analysis of Affordable and Accessible laboratory parameters and their coefficients for prediction and Swift confirmation of pulmonary embolism in high-risk orthopedic patients

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) poses a significant challenge in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in high-risk patient populations such as those hospitalized for orthopedic reasons. This study explores the predictive and diagnostic potential of laboratory parameters in identifying PE among orthopedic patients.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether selected (inexpensive and readily available) laboratory parameters and their coefficients can be used to diagnose pulmonary embolism and whether they are applicable in predicting its occurrence.

Material and methods

Selected laboratory parameters were determined twice in 276 hospitalized orthopedic patients with suspected PE: PLT, MPV, NEU, LYM, D-dimer, troponin I, age-adjusted D-dimer and their coefficients. Depending on the angio-CT results, patients were divided into groups. Selected popular laboratory coefficients were calculated and statistically analyzed. Optimal cutoff points were determined for the above laboratory tests and ROC curves were plotted.

Results

D-dimer/troponin I [p = 0.008], D-dimer [p = 0.001], age-adjusted D-dimer [p = 0.007], NLR/D-dimer [p = 0.005] and PLR [p = 0.021] are statistically significant predictors of PE. D-dimer/troponin I [p < 0.001], troponin I [p = 0.005] and age-adjusted D-dimer [p = 0.001] correlated with the diagnosis of PE after the onset of clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

In the context of orthopedic patients, cost-effective laboratory parameters, particularly the D-dimer/troponin I ratio and age-adjusted D-dimer, exhibit considerable potential in predicting and diagnosing PE. These findings suggest that combining readily available laboratory tests with clinical observation can offer a viable and cost-effective diagnostic alternative, especially in resource-constrained settings. Further studies with larger and diverse patient populations are recommended to validate these results.

Venous thromboembolism following surgical management of proximal humerus fractures: a systematic review

Background

Currently, there is limited information on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the incidence of VTE, DVT, and PE following surgery for PHFs.

Methods

A comprehensive search of several databases was performed from inception to May 27, 2022. Studies were screened and evaluated by 2 reviewers independently utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Only original, English studies that evaluated the incidences of VTE following surgical management of PHFs were included. Surgical procedures consisted of shoulder arthroplasty (SA) including both hemiarthroplasty (Hemi) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in addition to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). A pooled incidence for postoperative DVT, PE, and overall VTE was reported.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 18,238 patients. The overall DVT, PE, and VTE rates were 0.14%, 0.59%, and 0.7%, respectively. VTE was more frequently reported after SA than ORIF, (1.27% vs. 0.53%, respectively). Among SA patients, a higher rate of DVT was seen with RSA (1.2%) with the lowest DVT rate was observed for ORIF with 0.03%.

Conclusions

Symptomatic VTEs following surgical treatment of PHFs, are rare, yet still relevant as a worrisome postoperative complication. Among the various procedures, VTE was the most frequently reported after SA when compared to ORIF, with RSA having the highest VTE rate.

Is Routine Screening Using Duplex Ultrasonography for Deep Vein Thrombosis Necessary after Shoulder Arthroplasty?

The aims of this study were to examine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after shoulder arthroplasty in Korean patients. A total of 265 patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty were included. The mean age of the patients was 74.6 years, and there were 195 females and 70 males. Clinical data including patient demographics, blood tests, and previous and current medical history were investigated. For screening of DVT, duplex ultrasonography of the operative arm was performed 2 to 5 days after surgery. Of the 265 patients, 10 patients (3.8%) were diagnosed with DVT using postoperative duplex ultrasonography. There were no cases of pulmonary embolism. There were no significant differences between the DVT and no DVT groups regarding all clinical data, except for the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), which was significantly higher in the DVT group than in the no DVT group (5.0 vs. 4.1; p = 0.029). All patients had asymptomatic DVT that showed complete resolution after administration of antithrombotic agents or close observation without medications. The overall incidence of DVT was 3.8% during a period of 3 months after shoulder arthroplasty in Korean patients, and most cases were asymptomatic. Routine screening for DVT using duplex ultrasonography after shoulder arthroplasty may not be necessary except in patients with high CCI.

Preoperative coagulation biomarkers associate with survival and pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of non-spinal skeletal metastases

BACKGROUND

Thrombotic complications are synergistic and associated with orthopedic procedures, trauma, and malignancy. Because cancer enhances coagulation activity and vice versa, we assessed preoperative biomarkers for survival and complications after treatment of pathologic fractures in non-spinal skeletal metastases.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Our study population comprised 113 actual or impending pathologic fractures in 100 patients admitted to two referral centers. Laboratory variables were collected retrospectively from patient records and analyzed related to incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and mortality (Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses and biomarker quartiles).

RESULTS

Preoperative coagulation variables were high without exceptions. PE occurred in 12 patients at 36 post-operative days at incidence of 11% in the lower and 13% in the upper extremity fractures. Patients with fibrinogen exceeding 5 g/l (log-rank 0.022) developed PE earlier (5 to 15 days postoperatively) than others. Also, mean patient survival with normal fibrinogen range (2-4 g/l) was 34 months, whereas it halved upon elevated fibrinogen (log-rank p = 0.009). Survival in patients with FVIII levels under 326 IU/dl (Q3) was 22 months, but only 7 months if FVIII exceeded 326 IU/dl (log-rank p = 0.002). Combined elevated fibrinogen and FVIII predicted survival: for patients with levels below threshold limits was 22 months versus only 7 months when both variables exceeded the ranges (log-rank p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis to control confounders supported an independent role of fibrinogen and FVIII for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has established fibrinogen and FVIII as potential preoperative contributors of survival and complications after treatment of metastatic fractures. These results highlight the need for novel anticoagulation and thromboprophylaxis strategies among these patients.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism following fractures isolated to the foot and ankle fracture

OBJECTIVE

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an uncommon, but potentially morbid, complication following foot and ankle fractures. Current standard is to not administer thromboprophylaxis to patients with such injuries. Nonetheless, patient and fracture factors might affect this risk/benefit consideration. The goal of this study was to determine what patients are most at risk.

METHODS

The M53Ortho Pearldiver database was used to identify patients with fractures isolated to the foot and ankle that were treated non-operatively or operatively. Patients with pilon, other appendicular fractures remote from the foot and ankle, and other traumatic injuries were excluded. The 90-day occurrence of VTE was identified based on codes for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Characteristics of those patients who did and did not have VTEs were compared using chi-square analyses. Multivariate logistical regression was then performed to determined factors independently associated with VTE. Finally, timing of VTE relative to fracture was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 298,886 patients with isolated foot or ankle fractures were identified, of which 1,661 (0.56%) had VTE in the 90 days following fracture. In terms of timing, 27.3% occurred in the first week, and 49.8% occurred in the first three weeks. Independent risk factors for VTE included (in decreasing order):prior VTE (odd ratio [OR] = 25.44), factor V Leiden (OR = 24.34), active cancer (OR = 1.84), specific fracture relative to metatarsal fracture (multiple fractures [OR: 1.51], ankle fracture [OR = 1.51], and calcaneus fracture [OR = 1.24]), surgical treatment (OR = 1.41), male sex (OR = 1.19), greater Elixhauser index (OR = 1.05), and increasing age (OR:1.05 per decade) (p<0.05 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that, although only 0.56% of isolated foot and ankle fractures had a VTE within ninety days. Defined risk factors, such as Factor V Leiden, prior VTE, surgical treatment, active cancer, specific fracture patterns, and surgical treatment significantly affected the odds of their occurrence.

Incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of venous thromboembolism in shoulder arthroplasty-a systematic review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty (SA) through systematic review.

METHODS

A search of studies was conducted using the databases for PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library according to the guidelines for PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses). Quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS).

RESULTS

Nine studies (12,566 shoulders) were finally eligible and the mean MINORS score was 13.2 (ranges, 9-18). The overall incidence of VTE was 0.81% (78/9681) including 0.54% (52/9681) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 0.33% (42/12,566) for pulmonary embolism (PE). There were no significant differences in the incidences according to the type of arthroplasty. DVT was detected at an average of 18.8 days after index surgery, and PE was detected at an average of 12.7 days after index surgery. The risk factors for VTE included age older than 70 years, higher BMI, raised Charlson Comorbidity Index, history of DVT, asthma, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, lower haemoglobin level, use of general endotracheal anaesthesia without interscalene nerve block, traumatic indication, longer operative time, and revision SA. The mortality rate was 4.1% (2/49) for VTE and 8.3% (2/24) for PE.

CONCLUSION

Despite the fact that the overall incidence of VTE following SA was as low as 0.81%, shoulder surgeons should consider the potential for this serious complication in high-risk patients. Further well-designed large-scale studies are necessary to clarify the consensus for VTE after SA including risk factors, treatment, and prophylaxis.

The Surgical Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients—An Analysis of the Long-Term Course of Locked Plate Fixation and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Based on Health Insurance Data

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study is to compare mortality, the frequency of major adverse events, and complication rates after the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures with locked plate fixation (LPF) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in elderly patients.

METHODS

Health insurance data from patients aged 65 and above over the period January 2010 to September 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The median follow-up duration after locked plate fixation (40 419 patients) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (13 552 patients) was 52 months. Hazard ratios adapted to the patients' risk profiles were determined with the aid of multivariate Cox regression models. The p-values were adjusted with the Bonferroni- Holm method.

RESULTS

After adaptation to the patients' risk profiles, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was found to be associated with statistically significantly lower mortality (HR: 0.92; 95% confidence interval: [0.88; 0.95]; p <0.001) and fewer major adverse events (HR: 0.92 [0.89; 0.95]; p <0.001) than locked plate fixation. Eight years after surgery, the risk of surgical complications was twice as high for LPF (12.2% [11.9; 12.7]; HR for RTSA versus LPF: 0.5 [0.46; 0.55]; p <0.001 for both), with 3.8% [3.6; 4.0] of the patients receiving a secondary RTSA. Surgical complications were more common (p <0.05) in patients carrying a diagnosis of osteoporosis, obesity, alcohol abuse, chronic polyarthritis, or frozen shoulder.

CONCLUSION

The long-term findings accord with clinical short-term findings from other studies and support the current trend toward more liberal use of inverse shoulder endoprosthesis in elderly patients.