Are the etiologies of cervical and trochanteric hip fractures different?

Postoperative outcomes in patients operated for extra- and intracapsular hip fractures - a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are among the most common and serious injuries in older adults. There has been a perception that extracapsular hip fractures have worse outcome than intracapsular hip fractures. We aimed to examine postoperative outcomes in patients operated for extra- and intracapsular hip fractures.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of data from two randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of orthogeriatric care. Bivariate analyses were conducted, comparing patients with extracapsular fracture to patients with intracapsular fracture. Mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), new nursing home admissions, operative data and measures of functional and cognitive performance were assessed as endpoints.

RESULTS

The primary analysis included 711 patients; 283 patients had an extracapsular fracture and 428 an intracapsular fracture. At four months follow-up, the intracapsular fracture group had significantly better Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (5.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.007), personal Activities of Daily Living (p-ADL) (17.0 vs. 16.0, p = 0.007) and instrumental ADL (i-ADL) (32.5 vs. 28.0, p = 0.049). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with an extracapsular fracture had worse mobility and ADL levels four months postoperatively, but there were no clinically relevant differences at 12 months postoperatively.

The Impact of Lesser Trochanter Displacement on Hip Flexor Strength Recovery in Patients With Trochanteric Fracture

INTRODUCTION

Trochanteric fractures (TFs) are common in older individuals and are expected to increase with Japan's aging population. These fractures often result in poor long-term outcomes, such as decreased independent walking and reduced hospital discharge rates. A significant aspect of TF involves displacement of the lesser trochanter (LT), which can weaken hip flexor muscles and potentially affect the recovery of activities of daily living (ADLs), including walking. Previous research has shown conflicting results regarding the effect of lesser trochanteric displacement on hip function and walking ability. This study aimed to determine whether displacement of the LT affects the recovery of hip flexor strength and walking ability at discharge in patients with TF.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 29 patients with TF admitted to a rehabilitation hospital between April 2023 and June 2024. The patients were classified into two groups: the LT displacement and the non-LT (NLT) displacement groups. Muscle strength (hip flexion, abduction, and knee extension) was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Walking ability assessments included gait speed, timed up-and-go test (TUG), 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), and functional ambulation category (FAC). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Hasegawa Dementia Rating Scale-Revised (HDS-R). Statistical analyses included repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for muscle strength comparisons over time, with adjustments for violations of sphericity using the Greenhouse-Geisser correction.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the LT and NLT groups in terms of demographic characteristics such as age, sex, or cognitive function. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in hip flexor strength on the injured side between the groups, with the LT group showing persistent weakness until discharge. Significant improvements were noted in hip abduction and knee extension strength on the injured side, although no group differences were observed. Post-hoc analysis indicated significant strength improvements over time, particularly between admission and discharge, for most muscle groups, except for hip flexor strength in the LT group.

CONCLUSION

Lesser trochanteric displacement in patients with TF resulted in a specific decline in hip flexor strength on the injured side, which persisted until discharge. However, no significant impact on walking ability was observed, likely because of compensatory mechanisms involving other muscles.

Factors influencing hip fracture surgery after two days of hospitalization using a national administrative database

Globally, hip fractures represent a significant and growing public health concern, particularly as the elderly population increases. The timing for surgery following hospitalization for hip fractures is a crucial indicator of acute quality care following recommended surgical guidelines of within two days to minimize complications and mortality. However, factors influencing delayed surgery and its outcomes remain debated. This study, used a national administrative database in South Korea, aimed to examine surgery performed within two days of hospitalization and investigate factors affecting delayed surgical interventions and associated outcomes. Of the hip fracture patients analyzed, 40.6% underwent surgery within two days of hospitalization. Factors associated with delayed surgery included: male patients (OR 1.190; 95% CI 1.022 ~ 1.385), medical aid beneficiary (OR 1.385; 95% CI 1.120 ~ 1.713), higher comorbidity index (OR 1.365; 95% CI 1.163 ~ 1.603, OR 1.612, 95% CI 1.327 ~ 1.958), weekends admission (OR 2.384; 95% CI 2.804 ~ 2.729), admission via outpatient department (OR 1.298, 95% CI 1.071 ~ 1.574). ORIF (OR 0.823, 95% CI 0.691 ~ 0.980) was associated with a significantly low risk of late surgery. While early surgery did not significantly impact in-hospital mortality or complications, it was associated with short and postoperative lengths of stay. This study underscores the need for prompt surgical intervention, particularly in high-risk patient populations, as well as highlights the importance of further research to elucidate the relationship between the timing of surgery and postoperative outcomes.

Development and Validation of Two-Step Prediction Models for Postoperative Bedridden Status in Geriatric Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures

Patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures are at an elevated risk of becoming bedridden compared with those with intraarticular hip fractures. Accurate risk assessments can help clinicians select postoperative rehabilitation strategies to mitigate the risk of bedridden status. This study aimed to develop a two-step prediction model to predict bedridden status at 3 months postoperatively: one model (first step) for prediction at the time of admission to help dictate postoperative rehabilitation plans; and another (second step) for prediction at the time before discharge to determine appropriate discharge destinations and home rehabilitation programs. Three-hundred and eighty-four patients were retrospectively reviewed and divided into a development group (n = 291) and external validation group (n = 93). We developed a two-step prediction model to predict the three-month bedridden status of patients with intertrochanteric fractures from the development group. The first (preoperative) model incorporated four simple predictors: age, dementia, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA), and pre-fracture ambulatory status. The second (predischarge) model used an additional predictor, ambulation status before discharge. Model performances were evaluated using the external validation group. The preoperative model performances were area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.72 (95%CI 0.61-0.83) and calibration slope = 1.22 (0.40-2.23). The predischarge model performances were AUC = 0.83 (0.74-0.92) and calibration slope = 0.89 (0.51-1.35). A decision curve analysis (DCA) showed a positive net benefit across a threshold probability between 10% and 35%, with a higher positive net benefit for the predischarge model. Our prediction models demonstrated good discrimination, calibration, and net benefit gains. Using readily available predictors for prognostic prediction can assist clinicians in planning individualized postoperative rehabilitation programs, home-based rehabilitation programs, and determining appropriate discharge destinations, especially in environments with limited resources.

Distinctive Geometrical Traits of Proximal Femur Fractures-Original Article and Review of Literature

Background and Objectives: The incidence of proximal femoral fractures is escalating rapidly, generating a significant challenge for healthcare systems globally and, carrying serious social and economic implications. The primarily object of this study was to discover potential distinguishing factors between fractures occurring in the femoral neck and trochanteric region. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of the radiographic images of 70 people over 65 years of age who were admitted to the orthopedic department with hip fracture and who fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Neck Length (NL), Offset Lenth (OL), Hip Axis Length (HAL), Neck Shaft Angle (NSA), Wiberg Angle (WA), Acetabular Angle (AA), Femoral Neck Diameter (FND), Femoral Head Diameter (FHD), Femoral Shaft Diameter (FSD), Femoral Canal Diameter (FCD) and Tonnis classification were recorded. For the comparison of the categorical variables, Pearson's χ2 criterion was used, while Student's t-test was applied for the comparison of means of quantitative variables across fracture types. Results: There were no statistically significant variances observed while comparing the selected geometric parameters of the proximal femur with the type of fracture. This finding was reaffirmed in relation to age, gender, and Tonnis classification. However, a moderate correlation was noted, revealing comparatively reduced values of HAL, FHD, and FND in women as opposed to men. Conclusions: The inability of our research to establish the differentiative geometric factors between femoral neck and trochanteric fractures underscores the need for further investigations, which would take into consideration the intrinsic characteristics of the proximal femur.

Relationship between site-specific bone mineral density in the proximal femur and instability of proximal femoral fractures: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Proximal femoral fractures can occur in patients with osteoporosis. However, the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur and fracture type and instability remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between the site-specific BMD of the proximal femur and the instability of proximal femoral fracture.

HYPOTHESIS

The instability of proximal femoral fractures is related to the site-specific BMD of the proximal femur.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), the BMD on the non-fractured side was retrospectively examined in 252 women who underwent surgery for proximal femoral fracture at our hospital. The BMD was measured at three sites: the femoral neck (neck), trochanter (trochanter), and intertrochanteric region (inter). The BMD at several sites was compared between the femoral neck and trochanteric fractures. Femoral neck fractures were classified into the displaced and non-displaced types, and trochanteric fractures were classified into stable and unstable types. A comparative analysis was conducted for each proximal femur site and fracture type.

RESULTS

Both total and site-specific BMDs were lower in trochanteric fractures than in femoral neck fractures. No difference was observed between BMD and displaced or non-displaced femoral neck fractures. However, the BMD of the intertrochanteric region was lower in unstable trochanteric fractures (0.57±0.12g/cm2) than in stable trochanteric fractures (0.61±0.11g/cm2) [p<0.05].

DISCUSSION

Several factors, including the patient's age and the bone component of each region, may influence the lower BMD in trochanteric fractures. In trochanteric fractures, the site-specific BMD of the proximal femur may predict the type of fracture and the degree of instability, especially in those with low BMD at the intertrochanteric site. The study findings suggest that a decrease in the BMD of the intertrochanteric region of femoral trochanteric fractures, which is thought to be involved in instability, is associated with fracture type instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective study.

Ambulation Distance Within 72 Hours after Surgical Management Is a Predictor of 90-Day Ambulatory Capacity in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture

INTRODUCTION

The inability to mobilize after surgical intervention for hip fractures in the elderly is established as a risk factor for greater morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have evaluated the association between the timing and distance of ambulation in the postoperative acute care phase with postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between ambulatory distance in the acute postoperative setting and ambulatory capacity at 3 months.

METHODS

Patients aged 65 and older who were ambulatory at baseline and underwent surgical intervention for hip fractures from 2014 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Consistent with previous literature, patients were divided into two groups: those who were able to ambulate 5 feet within 72 hours after surgical fixation (early ambulatory) and those who were not (minimally ambulatory).

RESULTS

One hundred seventy patients (84 early ambulatory and 86 minimally ambulatory) were available for analysis. Using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model, variables found to be statistically significant predictors of ambulatory status at 3 months were the ability to ambulate five feet in 72 hours (P < 0.0001), ambulatory distance at discharge (P = 0.012), and time from presentation to surgery (P = 0.039). Patients who were able to ambulate 5 feet within 72 hours had 9 times the odds of being independent ambulators rather than a lower ambulatory class (cane, walker, and nonambulatory). Pertrochanteric fractures were less likely than femoral neck fractures to independently ambulate at 3 months (17.2% vs. 42.3%; P = 0.0006).

DISCUSSION

Ambulating 5 feet within 72 hours after hip fracture surgery is associated with an increased likelihood of independent ambulation at 3 months postoperatively. This simple and clear goal may be used to help enhance postoperative mobility and independence while providing a metric to guide therapy and help counsel patients and families.

How proximal femur fracture patients aged 65 and older fare in survival and cause of death 5+ years after surgery: A long-term follow-up

Although the incidence of proximal femur fractures (PFFs) is increasing, few detailed reports on associated long-term outcomes and causes of death exist. We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes and causes of death ≥5 years after surgical treatment of PFFs. This retrospective study included 123 patients (18 males, 105 females) with PFFs treated at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. Cases (median age: 90 [range, 65-106] years) comprised 38 femoral neck fractures (FNFs) and 85 intertrochanteric fractures (IFs). Surgical procedures included bipolar head arthroplasty (n = 35), screw fixation (n = 3), and internal fixation with nails (n = 85). The mean post-surgical follow-up time was 58.9 (range, 1-106) months. Surveyed items included survival (1 vs 5 years; sex; age, >90 vs <90 years; IF vs FNF), comorbidities, waiting time after the injury (died vs survived), operative time (proximal femoral nail antirotations [PFNA] vs FNF, died vs Survived), blood loss (PFNA vs FNF; died vs survived), and cause of death (IF vs FNF; <1 vs >1 year). Among all patients, 83.7% had comorbidities (IF, 90.5%; FNF, 81.5%). Among patients who died and survived, 89.1% and 80.5% had comorbidities, respectively. The most common comorbidities were cardiac (n = 22), renal (n = 10), brain (n = 8), and pulmonary (n = 4) diseases. Overall survival (OS) rates at 1 and 5 years were 88.9% and 66.7%, respectively. Male/female OS rates were 88.8%/88.3% and 66.6%/66.6% (P = .89) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. OS rates for the <90/≥90 age groups were 90.1%/76.7% and 75.3%/53.4 (P < .01) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. The 1- and 5-year OS (IF/FNF) rates were 85.7%/88.8% and 60%/81.5%, respectively; patients with IFs had significantly lower OS than those with FNFs at both timepoints (P = .015). There was a marked difference in the operative time between died (43.5 ± 24.0: mean ± S.D.) and survived (60 ± 24.4: mean ± S.D.) patients. The main causes of death were senility (n = 10), aspiration pneumonia (n = 9), bronchopneumonia (n = 6), worsening heart failure (n = 5), acute myocardial infarction (n = 4), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 4). Overall, 30.4% of the cases were related to comorbidities and related causes (e.g., hypertension-related ruptured large abdominal aneurysm). Managing comorbidities may improve long-term postoperative outcomes of PFF treatment.

Does a relationship between type of hip fracture and osteoarthritis exist?

Background/Aim: Many factors have been associated with the etiology of falls and hip fractures in the elderly. However, only a few studies have examined the relationship between osteoarthritis and hip fractures, which are common in this age group. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) and the type of hip fracture. Methods: Patients who underwent surgery in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department between January 2017 and December 2021 were eligible to participate in this retrospective cohort study. Patients who were 60 years and older with a hip fracture and adequate medical records and radiographs of bilateral hip and knee joints met the inclusion criteria. Data concerning patient co-morbidities, type of hip fracture, whether they had OA in their hip and knee joints, and the severity of their OA were assessed. The severity of the osteoarthritis presence was categorized with using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) classification. To categorize the patients, three groups were identified: (1) femoral neck, (2) trochanteric, and (3) subtrochanteric fracture groups. The presence and severity status of OA in the hip and knee joints and co-morbidity data were compared between the groups. Results: Three-hundred forty-one patients with a M/F ratio of 148/193 are included in this study. Femoral neck fractures occurred in 142 (41.6%), trochanteric fractures in 147 (43.1%), and subtrochanteric fractures in 52 (15.2%) patients. The mean age of the cohort was 76.72 (10.165); The mean age of the patients in the trochanteric group was higher than in the subtrochanteric group (P = 0.001). No effect of any existing co-morbidities on fracture type was observed. The overall prevalence of OA in the cohort that was observed in the hip joint was 34.3% with 33.7% in males and 35.3% in females. These rates were 66.6%, 53.4%, and 76.7% in the knee joint, respectively. No difference could be observed between hip OA presence and any type of hip fracture group (P = 0.833 for right hip, P = 0.865 for left hip). Similar rates of moderate and severe hip OA were found in the femoral neck and trochanteric fracture groups. However, the frequency of moderate hip OA was lower and the frequency of severe hip OA was higher in subtrochanteric fracture group compared to other groups (P = 0.164 for right hip, P = 0.241 for left hip. Knee OA was observed to be more common in the trochanteric fracture group (P = 0.003 for the right knee, P = 0.002 for left knee) and also, the rate of severe OA was higher in the trochanteric fracture group compared to other groups (P = 0.013 for right knee, P = 0.006 for the left knee). Conclusion: In contrast to OA presence in the hip, knee OA presence and severity can be significant risk factors for occurrence of trochanteric type fractures in the elderly.

No Difference in Conversion Rate to Hip Arthroplasty After Intramedullary Nail or Sliding Hip Screw for Extracapsular Hip Fractures: An Observational Cohort Study of 19,604 Individuals

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of intramedullary nails (IMNs) compared with sliding hip screws (SHSs) in extracapsular hip fractures (AO/OTA 31-A1, 31-A2, 31-A3) has been questioned because of a higher complication rate, although the outcome might have improved through more recent implant designs and the learning curve. This study aimed to investigate if there is a difference with regard to the cumulative incidence of conversion to arthroplasty or any reoperation during the first 5 years after IMN or SHS fixation of extracapsular hip fractures.

METHODS

In this nationwide, observational cohort study, individuals who were ≥60 years of age and were registered in the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) from 2012 to 2018 due to extracapsular fracture and were primarily treated with an IMN or SHS were followed in the SFR and the Swedish Arthroplasty Register (SAR) for a minimum of 1 year. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of conversion to arthroplasty (conversion rate). The secondary outcome was the cumulative incidence of all reoperations (reoperation rate). Both were calculated in a competing risk analysis during the first 5 years.

RESULTS

We included 19,604 individuals (70% women), with a median age of 85 years (range, 60 to 107 years). The 31-A2 fracture was most prevalent (52%), followed by the 31-A1 fracture (28%). No significant differences were seen in the 1-year conversion rate after IMN or SHS use (1.0% compared with 0.9% in the 31-A1 fractures, 1.7% compared with 1.3% in the 31-A2 fractures, and 1.3% compared with 1.5% in the 31-A3 fractures) or in the 1-year reoperation rate (1.9% compared with 1.9% in the type-A1 fractures, 3.4% compared with 2.5% in the type-A2 fractures, and 4.0% compared with 5.2% in the type-A3 fractures). Only in 31-A2 fractures were more reoperations seen after IMN use at 2 and 5 years (p < 0.05). The crude 1-year-mortality was 26.4% (5,178 of 19,604), without significant differences between implants.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering conversion arthroplasty, IMNs and SHSs performed equally well in general. IMN use was associated with more reoperations than SHS use in 31-A2 fractures at 2 years. However, from a clinical perspective, the differences between the implants were small, in particular when considering the competing risk of dying.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Phenotype of Bone Turnover in Patients with Fragility Hip Fracture: Experience in a Fracture Liaison Service Population

Background: Hip fragility fractures are becoming one of the main health care problems in countries with an aging population. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the usefulness of bone turnover markers in patients with a hip fracture. Methods: In a cohort of 363 patients (84.1 ± 9.2 years) with hip fractures we measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), bone alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen β carboxy telopeptide (βCTX), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). We recorded patients’ Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and previous history of fragility fractures. Results: Vitamin D and PTH levels were inversely correlated (r = −024; p < 0.001). The prevalence of 25OHD deficiency was 57.8%, the PTH levels greater than 65 pg/mL was in 47.0 %, and in those who had βCTX values the upper limit was 61.8%. Moreover, 62% of patients with a fragility hip fracture had a history of a previous fracture. The 25OHD serum levels were inversely associated with CCI and a previous fragility fracture. On the contrary, PTH and βCTX serum levels showed a positive significant correlation with CCI and previous fragility fractures. Conclusion: This study confirmed the usefulness of a bone turnover markers assessment, along with the comorbidities and history of previous fragility fractures in order to better identify the risk of hip fracture.

Preoperative and perioperative factors are related to the early postoperative Barthel Index score in patients with trochanteric fracture

Previous studies have shown that preoperative factors predict the postoperative Barthel Index score in patients with trochanteric fractures, while there is less evidence on the effects of perioperative factors on the prediction. This study aimed to assess the effects of preoperative and perioperative factors on the early postoperative Barthel Index score in patients with trochanteric fractures. Consecutive 288 patients aged ≥60 years with trochanteric fractures who could independently walk before injury were included. Patients were grouped according to the Barthel Index score measured after 2 weeks of surgery; the cut-off value was 20 points. Two logistic regression models were created to assess the effects of preoperative (model 1: dementia, walking ability before injury, and nutrition status) and perioperative (model 2: independent variables in model 1, reduction quality, and basic mobility function) factors on the Barthel Index score. Sensitivity and specificity were used to assess the predicative accuracy of the models. Poor preoperative (model 1: χ2 = 34.626, P < 0.01) and perioperative (model 2: χ2 = 43.956, P < 0.01) characteristics were significantly related to lower Barthel Index score. Sensitivity and specificity were similar between the models (model 1: 83.3% and 38.9% and model 2: 82.2% and 42.6%, respectively). Both preoperative and perioperative factors were significantly related to the early postoperative Barthel Index score after trochanteric fracture. However, only minimal increase in predictive accuracy was observed when perioperative predictors were analyzed along with preoperative factors. Both baseline characteristics and basic postoperative mobility should be considered when treating patients with trochanteric fractures.

Impaired bone quality in the superolateral femoral neck occurs independent of hip geometry and bone mineral density

Skeletal adaptation is substantially influenced by mechanical loads. Osteocytes and their lacuno-canalicular network have been identified as a key player in load sensation and bone quality regulation. In the femoral neck, one of the most common fracture sites, a complex loading pattern with lower habitual loading in the superolateral neck and higher compressive stresses in the inferomedial neck is present. Variations in the femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA), i.e., coxa vara or coxa valga, provide the opportunity to examine the influence of loading patterns on bone quality. We obtained femoral neck specimens of 28 osteoarthritic human subjects with coxa vara, coxa norma and coxa valga during total hip arthroplasty. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed preoperatively by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Cortical and trabecular microstructure and three-dimensional osteocyte lacunar characteristics were assessed in the superolateral and inferomedial neck using ex vivo high resolution micro-computed tomography. Additionally, BMD distribution and osteocyte lacunar characteristics were analyzed by quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI). All groups presented thicker inferomedial than superolateral cortices. Furthermore, the superolateral site exhibited a lower osteocyte lacunar density along with lower lacunar sphericity than the inferomedial site, independent of NSA. Importantly, BMD and corresponding T-scores correlated with microstructural parameters at the inferomedial but not superolateral neck. In conclusion, we provide micromorphological evidence for fracture vulnerability of the superolateral neck, which is independent of NSA and BMD. The presented bone qualitative data provide an explanation why DXA may be insufficient to predict a substantial proportion of femoral neck fractures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The femoral neck, one of the most common fracture sites, is subject to a complex loading pattern. Site-specific differences (i.e., superolateral vs. inferomedial) in bone quality influence fracture risk, but it is unclear how this relates to hip geometry and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in vivo. Here, we examine femoral neck specimens using a variety of high-resolution imaging techniques and demonstrate impaired bone quality in the superolateral compared to the inferomedial neck. Specifically, we found impaired cortical and trabecular microarchitecture, mineralization, and osteocyte properties, regardless of neck-shaft angle. Since BMD correlated with bone quality of the inferomedial but not the superolateral neck, our results illustrate why bone densitometry may not predict a substantial proportion of femoral neck fractures.

Decennial trends in hip fractures over 20 years in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is among the most common injuries in elderly people. We aimed to investigate the decennial trends in hip fractures in patients ≥65 years of age.

METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed to all hospitals with a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in Yamagata Prefecture to collect data on hip fractures occurring in 1996, 2006 and 2016.

RESULTS

The response rate was 100%. The total numbers of hip fractures in 1996, 2006 and 2016 were 665, 1169 and 1,728, respectively (crude incidence: 258, 373 and 494 per 100,000 person-year, respectively). Injuries frequently occurred in the early morning and daytime morning in 1996. In contrast, they frequently occurred in activity times (e.g., morning and afternoon) in 2006 and 2016. Among the patients, 80-90% were injured by simple falls, and 70-80% were injured indoors. The incidence of trochanteric fractures was approximately 1.8-1.9 times greater than incidence of neck fractures in all years. Especially, trochanteric fractures in females of ≥90 years of age markedly increased. The rate of surgical treatment was the same in 1996 and 2006, but was lower in 2016. In 1996, the percentage of independent walkers at discharge and 1 year later was almost the same. In 2006 and 2016, the rate of independent walkers was low at discharge, but increased 1 year later. The rate of discharge to home decreased gradually. The combined percentage of patients discharged to home and to rehabilitation institutions in 2006 and the percentage of patients who entered the regional referral clinical pathway in 2016 were both approximately 70%, with no marked changes observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip fractures, especially trochanteric fractures in super-aged females, increased. Discharge to home decreased, and the use of the regional referral clinical pathway was widespread. Ambulation ability was reduced at discharge, but improved after 1 year.

Biomechanical comparison of lag screw and non-spiral blade fixation of a novel femoral trochanteric nail in an osteoporotic bone model

There is no consensus regarding the advantages of the lag screw type over the blade type for treating femoral trochanteric fractures. We aimed to investigate whether non-spiral blade (Conventional-Blade, Fid-Blade) nails provide better biomechanical fixation than lag screws in a severe osteoporotic bone model. Different severities of osteoporotic cancellous bone were modelled using polyurethane foam blocks of three densities (0.24, 0.16, and 0.08 g/cm³). Three torsional tests were performed using each component for each density of the polyurethane block, and the maximum torque was recorded; subsequently, the energy required to achieve 30° rotation was calculated. Using a push-in test, the maximum force was recorded, and the energy required to achieve 4-mm displacement was calculated. For 0.08-g/cm³ density, the peak torques to achieve 30° rotation, energy required to achieve 30° rotation, peak force to achieve 4-mm displacement, and energy required to achieve 4-mm displacement were significantly greater for Conventional-Blade and Fid-Blade than those for Lag Screw. The fixation stability of the blade-type Magnum nail component is better than that of the lag screw type under any test condition. The blade-type nail component may have better fixation stability than the lag screw type in a severe osteoporotic bone model.

Secular trends of incidence and hospitalization cost of hip fracture in Tangshan, China

We investigated the secular trends of the incidence and hospitalization cost of hip fracture in Tangshan, China. The incidence of hip fracture and the hospitalization cost were both increasing during the observation period.

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to determine sex-, age-, and fracture type-specific incidence and annual changes in hip fractures in Tangshan, China, between 2007 and 2018.

METHODS

We analyzed annual hip fracture incidence using urban hospital data during 2007-2018 and calculated incidence rate/100,000 person years in each age group and sex. We assessed annual changes in incidence among people aged >60 years using linear-by-linear association tests and evaluated hospitalization costs with the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

During the study period, we observed an increasing proportion of hip fractures in people >60 years old from 14.2 to 22.79%. Crude hip fracture incidence increased markedly from 140.87 to 306.56/100,000 in women (p < 0.01) and from 124.83 to 167.19/100,000 in men (p < 0.01) in the age group >60 years. Type-specific analysis indicated significantly increased trends in incidence of cervical and trochanteric fractures among women and cervical fracture among men (p < 0.01). In people aged 36-60 years, the trend of hip fracture increased significantly in both sexes. The total and cervical-to-trochanteric ratio in men increased, with significant upward trends (p < 0.01). The proportion of cervical fracture was higher than that for trochanteric fracture in women, with stable levels from 2007 to 2018. Hospitalization costs for cervical and trochanteric fractures increased by 51.91% and 53.20%, respectively, during 2011-2018.

CONCLUSION

Tangshan will have an increasing burden on health care resources attributable to a considerable rise in hip fracture incidence and the older population. Further investigation of risk factors and subsequent implementation of effective measures to prevent hip fracture are needed.

Clinical prediction model for postoperative ambulatory ability outcomes in patients with trochanteric fractures

INTRODUCTION

Regaining independent ambulatory ability is one of the primary goals of treatment in patients with trochanteric fractures. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the discriminative accuracy of a clinical prediction model for ambulatory ability outcomes 3 months after surgery for trochanteric fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 346 patients treated with intramedullary nailing for trochanteric fractures who had independent ambulatory ability before their injury. Multiple regression models with preoperative and postoperative factors were used to predict ambulatory ability outcomes at 3 months. A clinical prediction model (CPM) was created based on a decision tree developed using a chi-square automatic interaction detector technique.

RESULTS

Three months after surgery, 263 (76.0%) and 83 (24.0%) patients regained and lost independent ambulatory ability, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the Barthel index (BI) total score at 2 weeks predicted the ambulatory ability outcome at 3 months with good discriminative accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.819; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.769, 0.868], cut-off value: 22.5; sensitivity: 69.5%; specificity: 82.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative factors (residence before injury, diagnosis of dementia, and serum albumin at admission) and postoperative factors (BI total score at 2 weeks) predicted ambulatory ability outcomes at 3 months (AUROC: 0.710; 95%CI: [0.636, 0.783]; sensitivity: 91.3%; specificity: 41.8%). The CPM with the BI total score at 2 weeks (≤10; 10<, ≤50; >50 points) and dementia status (present; absent) had a moderate discriminative accuracy (AUROC: 0.676; 95%CI: [0.600, 0.752]; sensitivity: 94.7%; specificity: 40.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a CPM with moderate accuracy to predict ambulatory ability outcomes in patients 3 months after surgery for trochanteric fractures. Our results demonstrate the importance of the BI score measured soon after surgery and dementia status for the prediction of postoperative ambulation.

A cross-sectional analysis of the association between sleep duration and osteoporosis risk in adults using 2005-2010 NHANES

Controversy remains regarding the relationship between bone health and sleep. In the literature, the effect of sleep on bone density in the clinical setting varies depending on the definition of normal sleep duration, sleep quality, selected population, and diagnostic tools for bone density. The aim of this study was to examine the association between bone mineral density (BMD)assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and sleep duration/quality in the defined adult population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (a national household survey) within a 6-year period (2005–2010) and explore age differences. The basic variables, metabolic diseases, and bone density in the femoral neck as determined through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, were segregated, and analyzed according to different sleep durations (1–4, 5–6,7–8, and > 9 h/day) and sleep quality using multinomial regression models. A total of 12,793 subjects were analyzed. Our results reveal that women aged > 50 years with sleep duration < 5 h/day had a 7.35 (CI 3.438–15.715) odds of osteoporosis than those in other groups. This analysis is based on a nationally representative sample using survey and inspection data and clarifies the relationship between bone density and the effect of the combination of sleep quality and duration.

Incidence of and risk factors for hip fracture in Nagasaki, Japan from 2005 to 2014

The annual incidence of new hip fractures increased from 2005 to 2014 in Nagasaki and females were much more affected. High-risk factors were identified as age ≥ 80 years, winter, indoors, living room, Monday, and early morning. Seven days after admission, most patients remained hospitalized and had been treated surgically.

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures are major osteoporotic fractures that reduce quality of life. In Japan, the incidence of hip fractures increased steadily from 1986 to 2014 and the number of hip fractures could be 7.3-21.3 million by 2050. This study aimed to determine the incidence of hip fractures from 2005 to 2014 in Nagasaki Prefecture and to analyze the characteristics of and risk factors for hip fracture.

METHODS

Hip fractures that occurred in Nagasaki Prefecture between 2005 and 2014 were analyzed using emergency transportation records. Fracture type, age, sex, location in which fracture occurred, and risk factors for hip fracture were clarified.

RESULTS

The total number of new hip fractures among individuals ≥ 35 years old was 17,395 (mean age, 82.6 years old) and the annual incidence per 100,000 population increased from 147.9 in 2005 to 235.0 in 2014. Females (79.6%) were much more commonly affected than males (20.4%) and cervical fractures were more common than trochanteric fractures in all age groups. Hip fracture tended to be associated with age ≥ 80 years, winter rather than summer, indoors rather than outdoors, and living room rather than the bathroom or toilet. Other high-risk factors were Monday as day of the week, and early morning as the time of day. Seven days after admission, 97.3% of patients were hospitalized and 78.1% of hip fractures had been treated surgically.

CONCLUSION

Information on actual situations and valid preventive measures relevant to hip fracture are urgently needed.

Gender and Age Differences in Hip Fracture Types among Elderly: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives: To investigate the differences in distribution of intracapsular and extracapsular hip fractures among genders and age groups treated surgically. Materials and methods: This is a nine-year retrospective cohort study. The type of hip fractures, age, and sex-related as well as overall incidence among 2 430 patients aged over 65, surgically treated at the "Venizeleio" General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, were explored and evaluated. Outcomes: Women suffered hip fractures 2.9 times more often than men. The majority of patients hospitalized with hip fracture were above 75 years of age (62.3% in females and 59.3% in males). The proportion of extracapsular and intracapsular fractures were 59.6% and 40.4% in men and 62.7% and 37.2% in women, respectively. Extracapsular-intertrochanteric fractures were found to increase dramatically with age in women (from 52.3% in patients younger than 75 to 58.8% in those older than 75; p-value=0.007), while in men they slightly increased with age (57.7% in patients older than 75, compared to 55.7% in those less than 75; p-value=0.62). Conclusion: The pattern of hip fractures was found to differ between genders and age groups in the present patients' population. Most likely, these findings reflect differences in the nature and rate of bone loss, and frequency of falling events between males and females. It has become evident that the two main hip fracture types (extracapsular and intracapsular) are distinct clinical entities. Hence, they should be addressed independently in terms of underlying causes and prevention strategies.

Prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture in postmenopausal women through patient-specific FE analyses and machine learning

A great challenge in osteoporosis clinical assessment is identifying patients at higher risk of hip fracture. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the current gold-standard, but its classification accuracy is limited to 65%. DXA-based Finite Element (FE) models have been developed to predict the mechanical failure of the bone. Yet, their contribution has been modest. In this study, supervised machine learning (ML) is applied in conjunction with clinical and computationally driven mechanical attributes. Through this multi-technique approach, we aimed to obtain a predictive model that outperforms BMD and other clinical data alone, as well as to identify the best-learned ML classifier within a group of suitable algorithms. A total number of 137 postmenopausal women (81.4 ± 6.95 years) were included in the study and separated into a fracture group (n = 89) and a control group (n = 48). A semi-automatic and patient-specific DXA-based FE model was used to generate mechanical attributes, describing the geometry, the impact force, bone structure and mechanical response of the bone after a sideways-fall. After preprocessing the whole dataset, 19 attributes were selected as predictors. Support Vector Machine (SVM) with radial basis function (RBF), Logistic Regression, Shallow Neural Networks and Random Forest were tested through a comprehensive validation procedure to compare their predictive performance. Clinical attributes were used alone in another experimental setup for the sake of comparison. SVM was confirmed to generate the best-learned algorithm for both experimental setups, including 19 attributes and only clinical attributes. The first, generated the best-learned model and outperformed BMD by 14pp. The results suggests that this approach could be easily integrated for effective prediction of hip fracture without interrupting the actual clinical workflow.

Does hip morphology correlate with proximal femoral fracture type?

PURPOSE

To determine if boney morphology influences the anatomic location of hip fractures in elderly patients.

METHODS

All patients with hip fractures between 2008 and 2012 who had hip radiographs taken prior to the fracture were reviewed. Fractures were classified as intracapsular or extracapsular and hip morphology was measured on the pre-fracture x-rays. Hip morphology was determined by alpha angle, lateral central edge angle, acetabular index, neck-shaft angle, hip axis length, femoral neck diameter, Tönnis classification for hip osteoarthritis (OA) and the presence of a crossover sign.

RESULTS

148 subjects (78.4% female, age 83.5 years) with proximal femur fractures were included. 44 patients (29.7%) had intracapsular fractures and 104 (70.3%) had extracapsular fractures. 48% of patients had previous hip fractures on the contralateral side and 74.6% had the same type of fracture bilaterally. The rates of bilateral intracapsular and extracapsular fractures were similar (33.7% vs. 40.9% respectively, p = 0.39). Extracapsular fractures had a statically significant higher neck-shaft angle, a shorter hip axis length, a narrower femoral neck diameter and a higher grade of Tönnis classification of OA (p = 0.04, 0.046, 0.03, 0.02 respectively). Acetabular coverage and the proximal femoral head-neck junction, which were evaluated by lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA), acetabular index and the presence of a crossover sign, did not correlate with fracture type. The alpha angle > 40° had a statistically significant higher likelihood for extracapsular fractures (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Acetabular coverage and proximal femoral head-neck junction morphology, were found to partially correlate with the location of hip fractures and do not fully elucidate fracture type susceptibility.

The Association between High Body Mass Index and Early Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Proximal Femur Fractures

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the proximal femur constitute daily work in orthopedic trauma surgery. With the continuous increase of obesity in the general population, surgeons face several known technical challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of high body mass index (BMI) in patients with proximal femur fractures with intra- and postoperative adverse events, as well as with functional outcomes after successful surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, 950 patients who sustained a fracture of the proximal femur (femoral neck fracture or trochanteric fracture) and underwent surgical treatment at our level I trauma center between 2003 and 2015 were included. Patient-specific data were obtained in regard to demographics, comorbidities, and fracture morphology. In-hospital postoperative complications (i.e., need for revision surgery, wound site infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, necessary transfusion, and deep-vein thrombosis) were analyzed, along with the length of hospitalization and overall mortality rate. Functional outcome was assessed using the Barthel index and the patient's ability to walk on crutches. Mortality rate and need for revision surgery were assessed over a two-year time period. Any adverse event was correlated to one of the four WHO's BMI groups.

RESULTS

The cohort included 80 (8.4%) underweight patients, 570 (60.0%) normal weight patients, 241 (25.4%) overweight patients, and 59 (6.2%) obese patients. We found more femoral neck fractures (506, or 53%) than trochanteric fractures (444, or 47%). In bivariate analysis, no significant difference was found in regard to overall mortality or postoperative complications. Hospitalization time (LOS) differed between the underweight (12.3 ± 4.8 days), normal (13.6 ± 7.8 days), overweight (14.2 ± 11.7 days), and obese patients (16.0 ± 9.7 days) (p = 0.040). Operation time increased stepwise with increasing BMI: underweight = 85.3 ± 42.9 min; normal weight = 90.2 ± 38.2 min; overweight = 99.9 ± 39.9 min; obese = 117.2 ± 61.5 min (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found by analyzing functional outcomes. However, patients with intermediate BMI levels (18.5-30 kg/m2) tended to achieve the best results, as represented by a higher Barthel index score and the patient's ability to walk on crutches.

CONCLUSION

Increased BMI in patients with proximal femur fractures is associated with both longer operation time and length of hospitalization (LOS). Postoperative mobilization and functional outcomes appear to follow a reversed J-curve distribution (with overweight patients showing the best functional results), whereas both obese and underweight patients have associated poorer function.

Risk for hip fracture before and after total knee replacement in Sweden

We studied the risk for hip fracture before and after total knee replacement (TKR) in the entire population in Sweden. Women and men had a low risk for hip fracture before TKR but an increased risk the first year after TKR.

PURPOSE

It is known that osteoarthritis is associated with high bone mass. We therefore studied the risk of hip fracture before and after total knee replacement (TKR), risk of different hip fracture types, and risk subdivided in genders and age groups.

METHODS

We followed the total Swedish population born between 1902 and 1952 (n = 4,258,934) during the period 1987-2002 and identified all patients with TKR due to primary OA (n = 39,291), and all patients with hip fracture (n = 195,860) in the Swedish National Inpatient Register. The risk time analyses were based on Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

The hazard ratio (HR) for hip fracture the last year before TKR was 0.86 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.00) and the first year after 1.26 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.42) compared to individuals without TKR. The HR for femoral neck fracture 0-10 years after TKR was 0.95 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.01) and for trochanteric fracture was 1.13 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.21). The HR for hip fracture in the age group 50-74 was 1.28 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.43) and in the age group 75-90 years was 0.99 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.04) 0-10 years after TKR, compared to individuals without TKR.

CONCLUSION

Individuals had a low risk for hip fracture before TKR but an increased risk the first year after TKR. The risk in individuals below age 75 years and for trochanteric fractures was increased after TKR. Possible explanations include changed knee kinematics after a TKR, physical activity level, fall risk, and other unknown factors.

Differences in Bone Mineral Density and Hip Geometry in Trochanteric and Cervical Hip Fractures in Elderly Chinese Patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and hip geometry in trochanteric and cervical hip fractures in elderly Chinese patients.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 196 hip fracture patients aged over 50 years was recruited from November 2013 to October 2015, including 109 cases of cervical fractures (36 males and 73 females) and 87 cases of trochanteric fractures (34 males and 53 females). All patients were evaluated through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and baseline characteristics, BMD and structural parameters were collected and reviewed.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in age, height, and body mass index between patients with each type of fracture, and patients with trochanteric fractures were older than those with cervical fractures, especially in women. The BMD in trochanteric fractures was markedly lower than in cervical fractures in all five sites of the hip by an approximate reduction of 10%, in both men and women. The cross-sectional area, cross-sectional moment of inertia, and the cortical thickness in the cervical fracture group were significantly higher than in the trochanteric fracture group. However, the buckling ratio of both the femoral neck and trochanteric region were significantly lower in the cervical fracture group. Age (/10 years), cross-sectional moment of inertia in femoral neck and buckling ratio in trochanteric region were significant risk factors for trochanteric fractures compared with cervical fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with cervical hip fractures, patients with trochanteric fractures were older, had a lower BMD, and had less bone mechanical strength, especially in female patients. Age, femoral neck cross-sectional moment of inertia (FNCSMI), and trochanteric region buckling ratio (ITBR) were stronger risk factors for trochanteric hip fractures than for cervical fractures.

Age at hip fracture and life expectancy in Denmark - Secular trends over two decades

BACKGROUND

Recent improvements in the health of the oldest old coexist with a decline in hip fracture rates, in particular in women. We speculated that increased longevity with decreasing hip fracture rates would result in a delay in hip fracture. We conducted an analysis of time trends in the age at hip fracture, by type and gender, for the past two decades using national data.

STUDY POPULATION AND METHODS

We used data from the Danish Hospital Discharge Register (1996-2017) to analyse the age distribution of femoral neck (FN) and pertrochanteric fractures (PT), allowing only the first fracture at each of these two sites to contribute to the analysis in each calendar year. Demographics for the background population at risk including life expectancy tabulations, were also obtained.

RESULTS

The average age at FN fracture in women increased slowly but significantly by 0.035years - or 12.8 days - per calendar year [0.035, 95% CI (0.016; 0.054), p<0.001], resulting in an increase from 79.6 to 80.4 years. There were no significant changes in the age at FN fracture in men or the age at PT fracture in women and men. Further, increases in life expectancy were considerably faster than any change observed in the age at hip fracture. In 1996, the average age at FN or PT fracture exceeded the average life expectancy in both men and women whereas the opposite was the case from 2009 and onwards in men and 2015 and onwards in women.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a significant change in the demographics of hip fractures in Denmark over the past two decades. We observed a significant increase in the age at FN fracture in women but not in men, with no significant increase in the age at IT fracture and PT fracture. This developed much more slowly, however, than the increase in life expectancy in both sexes observed over the same period of time. Taken together, these changes resulted in a large decrease in the female to male incidence rate ratio from 2.6 and 2.5 (FN and PT, respectively) to 1.9 and 1.7.Additional effort is required to prevent hip fractures to ensure that the increasing life expectancy is matched by a similar increase in hip-fracture free life expectancy.

Secular Trends of Hip Fractures in Lebanon, 2006 to 2017: Implications for Clinical Practice and Public Health Policy in the Middle East Region

Country-specific hip fracture incidence rates (IRs) and longevity allow the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) to be adapted to individual countries. Secular trends can affect tool calibration. Data on hip fracture IRs in the Middle East is scarce, and long-term secular trend studies are nonexistent. Using the Ministry of Public Health hip fracture registry, we calculated age- and sex-specific hip fracture IRs in Lebanon, from 2006 to 2017, among individuals aged ≥50 years. We used Kendall's tau-b (τb) test to determine the correlation between time and hip fracture IRs, and calculated both the annual % change in IRs and the % change in IR compared to the baseline period (2006 to 2008). The registry recorded 6985 hip fractures, 74% at the femoral neck, 23% intertrochanteric, and 3% subtrochanteric. Men constituted 32% of the population, and were significantly younger than women (76.5 ± 11.0 years versus 77.7 ± 10.3 years; p < 0.001). Annual overall IRs, per 100,000, ranged from 126.6 in 2014 to 213.2 in 2017 in women, and 61.4 in 2015 to 111.7 in 2017 in men. The average women to men IR ratio was 1.8 (range, 1.5 to 2.1). IRs steadily increased with age, and IR ratios increased in parallel in both sexes, with a steeper and earlier rise (by 5 years) in women. Data showed a consistent decline in hip fracture IRs starting in 2006 in women, and in 2009 in men. There was a significant negative correlation between time (2006 to 2014) and hip fracture IRs in women (τb = -0.611, p = 0.022) but not in men (τb = -0.444, p = 0.095). The steady decrease in IRs reversed after 2015 in both sexes. This long-term data on secular trends in the Middle East is novel and consistent with worldwide changes in hip fracture rates. The impact of such changes on national FRAX-derived estimates is unclear, should be assessed, and may necessitate an update in the FRAX Lebanon calculator. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Recent trends in the incidence of hip fracture in Tottori Prefecture, Japan: changes over 32 years

The incidence rate of hip fracture in Tottori Prefecture tended to increase until 2018 in men, but it did not increase after 2010 in women. By type of fracture, the incidence rate of femoral neck fractures also increased over time in men, but no other changes were observed from 2010.

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to determine the sex-, age-, and fracture-type-specific incidence rates of hip fractures in Tottori Prefecture between 2007 and 2018 and to compare the results with our past results to identify changes over time.

METHODS

All hip fractures in people aged 35 years or older living in Tottori Prefecture were surveyed from 2007 to 2018 throughout the entire prefecture, and the age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated. The incidence rates from 1986 to 1988, 1992 to 1994, 1998 to 2000, and 2004 to 2006 previously reported were used for the analysis.

RESULTS

In men, the age-adjusted number of patients adjusted by demographic structure based on the mean incidence rate for each 3-year period from 1986 to 2018 showed an increase in incidence over time compared with the incidence for 1986-1988 (p < 0.001). In women, the incidence rose over time compared with the incidence for 1986-1988 until 2004-2006 (p < 0.001), and no further increase was observed from 2010. The age-specific incidence rates of neck fracture in men were higher in 2010-2012 and 2016-2018 compared with 2004-2006 (p < 0.001), but those in women showed no increase with time. Those of trochanteric fracture did not change over time in either men or women.

CONCLUSION

The hip fracture incidence rate in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, tended to increase until 2018 in men, but it did not increase after 2010 in women.

Mediating Effect of Muscle on the Relationship of Physical Activity and Bone

PURPOSE

This study analyzed prospective associations between distinct trajectories of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and late adolescent bone parameters and explored the mediating effects of lean soft tissue, a surrogate of muscle mass to associations.

METHODS

Physical activity was measured by accelerometry starting at age 5 yr and continuing at 8, 11, 13, 15, and 17 yr in approximately 524 participants from the Iowa Bone Development Study. Sex-specific group-based trajectory modeling was used to construct developmental trajectories of moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) from childhood to late adolescence. At age 17 yr, proximal femur bone mineral density (aBMD) was assessed by dual X-ray energy absorptiometry, and its distribution was calculated by aBMD ratios. Specific geometric measures of the proximal femur were assessed using hip structural analysis.

RESULTS

A significant portion of the total effect of MVPA from age 5 to 17 yr on bone parameters at age 17 yr was explained by an increase in leg lean soft tissue in both sexes. For males and females, indirect effects were observed on the total and all regional proximal femur aBMD, and on the ratio between the inferomedial and superolateral neck aBMD. The effect on the ratio between the trochanter and the total proximal femur was specific to females, whereas the effect on the hip axis length was specific to males. Direct effects of MVPA on aBMD were identified only in males.

CONCLUSIONS

Using robust mediation analysis, this is the first study addressing the indirect effect (through muscle) of PA across childhood and adolescence on proximal femur bone parameters. To improve bone health at the proximal femur, the results suggest PA interventions during growth that increase muscle mass, particularly in females.

The spatial differences in bone mineral density and hip structure between low-energy femoral neck and trochanteric fractures in elderly Chinese using quantitative computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and hip structure between femoral neck and trochanteric fractures in elderly Chinese individuals using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). A total of 625 Chinese patients (mean age 75.8 years) who sustained low-energy hip fractures (female: 293 femoral neck, 175 trochanteric; male: 82 femoral neck, 75 trochanteric) were recruited. Each patient underwent a hip QCT scan. The areal BMD (aBMD) of the contralateral normal hip was obtained using a computed tomography X-ray absorptiometry module. Using the bone investigation toolkit (BIT) module, the femoral neck was divided into four quadrants: supero-anterior (SA), infero-anterior (IA), infero-posterior (IP), and supero-posterior (SP). Estimated cortical thickness, cortical BMD, and trabecular BMD were measured in each quadrant. Using the hip structure analysis (HSA) function, several parameters were calculated. Stratified by sex, covariance analyses were applied to compare the femoral neck fractures group with trochanteric fractures group after adjustments for age, height, and weight. In women, trochanteric fractures exhibited lower trabecular BMD and estimated cortical thickness at three quadrants of the femoral neck (IA: P = 0.02, P < 0.01; IP: P < 0.01, P = 0.01; SP: P = 0.01, P < 0.01), and lower aBMD at the trochanter area (P < 0.01); femoral neck fractures exhibited lower cortical BMD and estimated cortical thickness at the SA quadrant (P = 0.04, P = 0.01). Differences in HSA parameters were not statistically significant. Among all parameters, the most valuable ones to discrimination of hip fracture type are estimated cortical thickness of the SA quadrant of femoral neck and the aBMD of the trochanter area. In men, only lower cortical BMD at the SP quadrant and aBMD at the trochanter were found in the trochanteric fractures (P = 0.02, P < 0.01). QCT outcomes indicate that spatial differences are helpful to explore the pathogenesis of different type of hip fractures. In women, trochanteric fractures are related to severer osteoporosis, whereas cortical fragility in the SA region of the femoral neck predominates in cases of femoral neck fractures. In men, trochanteric fractures are related to more bone loss of trochanter.

Femoral fracture type can be predicted from femoral structure: A finite element study validated by digital volume correlation experiments

Proximal femoral fractures can be categorized into two main types: Neck and intertrochanteric fractures accounting for 53% and 43% of all proximal femoral fractures, respectively. The possibility to predict the type of fracture a specific patient is predisposed to would allow drug and exercise therapies, hip protector design, and prophylactic surgery to be better targeted for this patient rendering fracture preventing strategies more effective. This study hypothesized that the type of fracture is closely related to the patient-specific femoral structure and predictable by finite element (FE) methods. Fourteen femora were DXA scanned, CT scanned, and mechanically tested to fracture. FE-predicted fracture patterns were compared to experimentally observed fracture patterns. Measurements of strain patterns to explain neck and intertrochanteric fracture patterns were performed using a digital volume correlation (DVC) technique and compared to FE-predicted strains and experimentally observed fracture patterns. Although loaded identically, the femora exhibited different fracture types (six neck and eight intertrochanteric fractures). CT-based FE models matched the experimental observations well (86%) demonstrating that the fracture type can be predicted. DVC-measured and FE-predicted strains showed obvious consistency. Neither DXA-based BMD nor any morphologic characteristics such as neck diameter, femoral neck length, or neck shaft angle were associated with fracture type. In conclusion, patient-specific femoral structure correlates with fracture type and FE analyses were able to predict these fracture types. Also, the demonstration of FE and DVC as metrics of the strains in bones may be of substantial clinical value, informing treatment strategies and device selection and design. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:993-1001, 2018.

Risk factors for trochanteric and femoral neck fracture

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The differences between the two main types of fracture of proximal end of the femur, trochanteric and cervical fractures, are still a subject of study, and could be the key to a better understanding of its pathophysiology and prevention. The aim of this study is to determine whether epidemiological differences in the distribution of risk factors associated with hip fracture exist between these two entities.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A descriptive cross-sectional study of 428 patients over the age of 65 admitted for trochanteric or cervical fractures in 2015, in which gender, age, previous diagnosis, external causes associated with fracture and place of the event were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 220 patients with a cervical fracture (51.4%) and 208 patients with a trochanteric fracture (48.6%). The average age was higher in the trochanteric fracture, observing a constant increase with age only in women with trochanteric fractures. Cervical fracture showed a significant association with cerebrovascular disease (p=0.039) and trochanteric fracture with accidental falls (p=0.047) and presence of 5-9 previous diseases (p=0.014). A regression analysis maintained this association in the case of a cerebrovascular disease (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1-6.4) and the presence of 5-9 diseases (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1-2.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Trochanteric fractures are associated with women patients of more advanced ages, 5-9 previous diseases and accidental falls. Cerebrovascular disease shows a higher prevalence in cervical fractures.

The influence of acetabular morphology on prediction of proximal femur fractures types in an elderly population

INTRODUCTION

The role of proximal femur morphology to the development of certain proximal femur fracture types both femoral neck and trochanteric fractures has been observed. However, the relavance of acetabular morphology to the development of proximal femur fractures is not extensively questioned. Therefore the aim of the study was to determine whether there is a correlation between acetabular morphology and pathogenesis of 2 different hip fracture types after low energy trauma.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes 60 cases (41 women, 19 men) with a proximal femoral fracture after a low energy trauma between July 2012 and December 2014. Acetabular depth and acetabular index were measured on pelvic radiographs. Neck shaft angle, hip axis length and cortical index were measured on pelvic computed tomography scans. All measurements were performed on the contralateral hip.

RESULTS

Mean age was 77.56 ± 8.99 years (range 61-92 years). No statistically significant difference was found with regard to neck shaft angle, acetabular depth or cortical index measurements between patients with femoral neck fracture and patients with trochanteric femoral fractures (p>0.05). Acetabular index measurement was higher (p = 0.001) and hip axis length measurement was lower (p = 0.001) in trochanteric fracture group as compared to femoral neck fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of trochanteric femur fractures is higher in patients with high acetabular index, whereas the rate of femoral neck fractures is higher in patients with increased hip axis length.

Survey of hip fractures in Japan: Recent trends in prevalence and treatment

BACKGROUND

A nationwide survey of hip fractures by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) from 1998 to 2008 found a drastic increase in incidence. The aims of this study were to elucidate the status of hip fractures from 2009 to 2014 and to survey the causes for delayed surgery.

METHODS

A tally of all hip fractures that occurred in patients from 2009 to 2014 was conducted in hospitals authorized by the JOA or in clinics with inpatient facilities of the Japanese Clinical Orthopaedic Association (JCOA). A survey of the causes for delay in surgery was conducted at 849 sites and 526 sites participated.

RESULTS

A total of 488,759 hip fractures were registered. Increases in incidence from 2009 to 2014 were prominent in the 90-94-year-old age group among women and the 85-89-year-old age group among men. More trochanteric fractures than neck fractures occurred; however, the neck/trochanter ratio increased over time. The mean duration of preoperative hospital stay was 4.8 and 4.5 days, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 40.5 and 36.8 days in 2009 and 2014, respectively. There were significant differences between patients who waited for surgery up to 3 days and those who waited longer than 3 days in date of hospitalization, fracture type, comorbidities, anticoagulant use, surgical procedure, type of physician who administered anesthesia, type of anesthesia, and operating room schedule. Physicians in charge of each patient who waited for surgery for more than 3 days most frequently cited difficulties in securing operating rooms as the cause for delayed surgery.

CONCLUSION

A drastic increase occurred in the number of patients with hip fractures with time in Japan. One problem in the treatment of hip fractures is the long waiting time from hospitalization to surgery resulting from difficulties in securing operating rooms.

Do we need orthogeriatrics in Poland? Changes in the age structure and location of hip fractures

Background

Patients with hip fractures present a great challenge for surgeons due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy as well as difficulty in communicating. These could be attributed to a recent trend in the aging patient population (80 years and older) as compared to the past. The aim of this study is to analyze age structure and location in male and female patients’ population with hip fracture over 50.

Materials and methods

Hospital records between 2005 and 2014 with ICD-10 codes S72,0, S72,1 and S72,2 were included in the analysis. All fractures occurred in citizen aged 50 years and over living in the district of Tarnowskie Góry and the city of Piekary Śląskie in Poland.

Results

Within the study period, 1258 hip fractures were registered. The mean age of the patients was higher every year, starting from 77.27 ± 9.52 in 2005 to 80.80 ± 9.65 years in 2014 (p < 0.01). The average age also increased in both gender groups from 73.85 ± 8.30 to 77.89 ± 9.52 years in male and from 78.14 ± 9.66 to 81.98 ± 9.49 years in female, respectively. The median age value was changed from 78.00 to 83.00 years in the total population. We noted a significant increase in female with trochanteric fracture; however, the level of neck fracture was almost the same. In men, crude rates for both trochanteric and cervical fractures slightly increased.

Conclusions

As the age of patients increases, fractures were shown to be more complicated. Given the scale of the phenomenon and its determinants, we emphatically conclude orthogeriatrics is needed in Poland.

Spatial Differences in the Distribution of Bone Between Femoral Neck and Trochanteric Fractures

There is little knowledge about the spatial distribution differences in volumetric bone mineral density and cortical bone structure at the proximal femur between femoral neck fractures and trochanteric fractures. In this case-control study, a total of 93 women with fragility hip fractures, 72 with femoral neck fractures (mean ± SD age: 70.6 ± 12.7 years) and 21 with trochanteric fractures (75.6 ± 9.3 years), and 50 control subjects (63.7 ± 7.0 years) were included for the comparisons. Differences in the spatial distributions of volumetric bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, cortical volumetric bone mineral density, and volumetric bone mineral density in a layer adjacent to the endosteal surface were investigated using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based statistical parametric mapping (SPM). We compared these spatial distributions between controls and both types of fracture, and between the two types of fracture. Using VBM, we found spatially heterogeneous volumetric bone mineral density differences between control subjects and subjects with hip fracture that varied by fracture type. Interestingly, femoral neck fracture subjects, but not subjects with trochanteric fracture, showed significantly lower volumetric bone mineral density in the superior aspect of the femoral neck compared with controls. Using surface-based SPM, we found that compared with controls, both fracture types showed thinner cortices in regions in agreement with the type of fracture. Most outcomes of cortical and endocortical volumetric bone mineral density comparisons were consistent with VBM results. Our results suggest: 1) that the spatial distribution of trabecular volumetric bone mineral density might play a significant role in hip fracture; 2) that focal cortical bone thinning might be more relevant in femoral neck fractures; and 3) that areas of reduced cortical and endocortical volumetric bone mineral density might be more relevant for trochanteric fractures in Chinese women. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Cortical thickness in the intertrochanteric region may be relevant to hip fracture type

Background

This study assessed the differences in femoral geometry and bone mineral density between femoral neck fragility fractures and trochanteric fractures.

Methods

One hundred and seventeen patients were divided into femoral neck and trochanteric fracture groups. There were 69 patients with femoral neck fractures, 20 men and 49 women with an average age of 75.1 ± 9.6 years and an average body mass index (BMI) value of 21.6 ± 4.1 kg/m². The trochanteric group consisted of 48 patients, 16 men and 32 women with an average age of 78.1 ± 9.1 years and an average BMI value of 21.5 ± 4.3 kg/m². All patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the contralateral hip; hip structural analysis (HSA) software was used to analyze the femoral geometry parameters, including hip axis length (HAL), neck-shaft angle (NSA), cross-sectional area (CSA), the cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), the buckling ratio (BR), and cortical thickness.

Results

The cortical thickness in the intertrochanteric region was reduced in the trochanteric fractures group compared to the femoral neck fracture group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in gender, age, height, weight, or BMI between the two groups. In addition, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in the CSA, CSMI, or BR of the femoral neck or the intertrochanteric region between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in femoral neck cortical thickness between the two groups.

Conclusions

Cortical thickness thinning in the intertrochanteric region may be one of the relevant factors causing different types of hip fractures, especially in elderly patients.

Association of 3D Geometric Measures Derived From Quantitative Computed Tomography With Hip Fracture Risk in Older Men

We investigated the associations of 3D geometric measures and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of the proximal femur assessed by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) with hip fracture risk among elderly men. This study was a prospective case-cohort design nested within the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) cohort. QCT scans of 230 men (65 with confirmed hip fractures) were evaluated with Mindways' QCTPRO-BIT software. Measures that are indicative of bone strength for the femoral neck (FN) and for the trochanteric region (TR) were defined. Bending strength measures were estimated by minimum section modulus, buckling strength by buckling ratio, and a local thinning index (LTI). Integral and trabecular vBMD measures were also derived. Areal BMD (aBMD) of the total proximal femur from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is presented for comparison. Associations of skeletal measures with incident hip fracture were estimated with hazard ratios (HR) per standard deviation and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) from Cox proportional hazard regression models with adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), site, and aBMD. Men with hip fractures were older than men without fracture (77.1 ± 6.0 years versus 73.3 ± 5.7 years, p < 0.01). Age, BMI, and site-adjusted HRs were significant for all measures except TR_LTI. Total femural BMD by DXA (HR = 4.9, 95% CI 2.5-9.9) and QCT (HR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.5-11.7) showed the strongest association followed by QCT FN integral vBMD (HR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.8-6.9). In models that additionally included aBMD, FN buckling ratio (HR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2) and trabecular vBMD of the TR (HR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.4) remained associated with hip fracture risk, independent of aBMD. QCT-derived 3D geometric indices of instability of the proximal femur were significantly associated with incident hip fractures, independent of DXA aBMD. Buckling of the FN is a relevant failure mode not entirely captured by DXA. Further research to study these relationships in women is warranted. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Hip Fracture Types in Canadian Men and Women Change Differently with Age: A Population-Level Analysis

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported a gender difference in the occurrence of hip fracture type with age in our local population. In the current report, we have explored this phenomenon in a Canadian population using five years of data from a national administrative database. We have compared community-dwelling and institutionalized individuals to determine if frailty is important and has a differential effect on the type of hip fracture experienced.

METHODS

Hospitalization records from 2005 to 2009, in which the most responsible diagnosis, that is the diagnosis causing the admission to hospital, was a hip fracture, were obtained from the Discharge Abstract Database of the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Hip fracture type was identified using the Canadian Classification of Health Interventions and the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA). Hip fracture proportions were calculated for the study period and stratified by age group and sex.

RESULTS

The relative proportion of intertrochanteric fractures in women rose from 35% in the youngest group (55-59 years) to 51% in the oldest group (84+ years; P < 0.0001). In men, the proportions remain relatively stable (47% and 44%, respectively). Community and institutionalized patients showed the same pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

The change in the proportion of the two hip fracture types that occur in women but not men may point to differences in the etiology and consequently the approaches to prevention for the two fracture types. Level of frailty did not seem to be important.

Mortality After Atypical Femoral Fractures: A Cohort Study

Although osteoporotic fracture rates can be reduced by bisphosphonates, prolonged therapy is associated with higher risk of atypical femoral fractures. Ordinary fragility fractures are linked to high mortality rates. We aimed to determine whether atypical femoral fractures also confer excess mortality. Radiographs were reviewed for all patients aged ≥55 years who had experienced a subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fracture in Sweden in 2008 to 2010. The fractures were classified as either atypical or ordinary. Data on medication use, coexisting conditions, and date of death were obtained from national registers. We estimated multivariable-adjusted relative risks of death after atypical femoral fractures compared with ordinary subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures and calculated age- and sex-standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for atypical and ordinary fractures compared with the population average. During a mean of 4 years of follow-up, 39 of 172 (23%) patients with an atypical fracture had died compared with 588 of 952 (62%) with an ordinary fracture, corresponding to a relative risk of 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.68). The lower risk was evident in both users and nonusers of bisphosphonates. No patient with atypical fracture died in the first year after fracture. Individuals with an ordinary fracture had a higher mortality risk than the general population (SMR = 1.82; 95% CI 1.69-1.99), but no excess risk was found in patients with atypical fracture (SMR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.65-1.26). We conclude that in contrast to ordinary subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures, atypical femoral fractures are not associated with excess mortality.

Comparison of morphological features in the femur between femoral neck fractures and femoral intertrochanteric fractures

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to make proximal femur fracture types more predictable by considering morphological features of an acetabulum as well as of a proximal femur in the Japanese population.

METHODS

A retrospective review of radiographs of the proximal femoral fractures was conducted in patients registered from 2010 to 2012, dividing into patients with femoral neck fractures; Group Neck (n = 101), and patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures; Group IT (n = 99). Intergroup comparison was conducted: age, sex, height, weight, the ratios of femoral intertrochanteric length (IT Length), femoral neck length (Neck Length), femoral neck width (Neck Width), lateral offset length (Offset) to femoral head diameter, neck-shaft angle (N-S angle), and center-edge angle of the acetabulum (C-E angle), adjusting for age. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted among these parameters.

RESULTS

The Group IT showed significantly older age than the Group Neck. Greater C-E angle in Group IT was observed in the patients in their 80s and 90s years of age. The Group Neck showed greater N-S angle only in the patients in their 80s years of age. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the impact of the age and the C-E angle on the fracture types was similar (odds ratio 1.08, 1.09, respectively, p < 0.01 both).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, N-S angle, and C-E angle could be independent predictors for determining the proximal femur fracture types.

The Trochanteric Localization is a Mediator of Slower Short-Term Functional Recovery in Overweight and Obese Elderly Women with Recent Hip Fracture: The BREAK Study

The hypothesis tested in this study, carried out on elderly Italian women with recent hip fracture, was to assess the extent to which the effect of a condition of being overweight/obese on short-term functional recovery as evaluated by the "time to permitted load" could be explained by a mediator variable (type of hip fracture). We studied 727 women aged 60 years or over with a recent low trauma surgically treated hip fracture and for whom an information on post-surgery complications and on the time to permitted load was available. To assess for mediation, the statistical analyses were carried out following the procedure described by Baron and Kenny. In this study, 46 % of women with hip fracture presented a time to permitted load of ≥ 10 days. The women with a post-surgery time to permitted load of ≥ 10 days showed a significantly higher proportion of trochanteric fracture localization (72.1 vs 42 %), of total overweight/obesity (46.5 vs 36.8 %) and of post-surgery complications (38.8 vs 18.8 %). The mediating effect of hip fracture localization on the association between overweight/obesity and the time of permitted load was demonstrated and confirmed in a multivariate logistic regression model. This study, carried out using a "mediator" statistical analysis, suggests that in elderly women with hip fracture being overweight/obese is associated with a slower short-term functional recovery as evaluated by the time to permitted load and that this association is mediated by the trochanteric localization of hip fracture.

Bilateral atypical femoral fractures: how much symmetry is there on imaging?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate bilateral atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and to compare imaging features of paired fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bilateral femoral imaging studies of 124 patients on bisphosphonate therapy with at least one AFF were retrospectively reviewed. Time between AFF diagnoses was determined. The following imaging features were evaluated for each AFF: fracture location, femoral angle, length of cortical thickening, medial spike location, fracture orientation, and comminution. Associations between imaging findings on pairs of bilateral AFFs were assessed with Spearman's correlation (rs) and the Kappa statistic (κ).

RESULTS

Bilateral AFFs were present in 78/124 (62.9%) cases (3 men, 75 women; mean age 67.3 years). Average time between contralateral AFF diagnoses was 10.3 months. Contralateral AFFs were diagnosed within 12 months of the index fracture in 60/78 (76.9%) cases and within 3 years in 69/78 (88.5%) cases. There was a strong correlation between bilateral AFF locations (rs = 0.65), with 58/76 (76.3%) occurring within a distance of <5 cm and 41/76 (53.9%) within a distance of ≤2.5 cm. Bilateral AFF pairs had moderately correlated femoral angles (rs = 0.42), and weakly correlated lengths of cortical thickening (rs = 0.28). There was substantial agreement for medial spike location (κ = 0.68) and fracture orientation (κ = 0.64), and moderate agreement for lack of comminution (κ = 0.42). All findings were independent of time between AFF diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with unilateral atypical femoral fractures are likely to be diagnosed with a contralateral AFF within the first year of presentation. Bilateral AFFs commonly have similar imaging features, including location along the femur.

Assessment of Hip Fracture Risk Using Cross-Section Strain Energy Determined by QCT-Based Finite Element Modeling

Accurate assessment of hip fracture risk is very important to prevent hip fracture and to monitor the effect of a treatment. A subject-specific QCT-based finite element model was constructed to assess hip fracture risk at the critical locations of femur during the single-leg stance and the sideways fall. The aim of this study was to improve the prediction of hip fracture risk by introducing a novel failure criterion to more accurately describe bone failure mechanism. Hip fracture risk index was defined using cross-section strain energy, which is able to integrate information of stresses, strains, and material properties affecting bone failure. It was found that the femoral neck and the intertrochanteric region have higher fracture risk than other parts of the femur, probably owing to the larger content of cancellous bone in these regions. The study results also suggested that women are more prone to hip fracture than men. The findings in this study have a good agreement with those clinical observations reported in the literature. The proposed hip fracture risk index based on strain energy has the potential of more accurate assessment of hip fracture risk. However, experimental validation should be conducted before its clinical applications.

Fragility Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients in Bhubaneswar, India (2012-2014): A Prospective Multicenter Study of 1031 Elderly Patients

Elderly patients with hip fracture constitute Single Largest Group of Emergency Orthopaedics Admissions. In 2050, 6.26 million hip fractures worldwide, approximately 50%, will occur in Asia. Only small number of reports on incidence of hip fractures in the Asian population exist. India lacks data registry for fragility hip fractures, therefore, the magnitude and standard of patient care are not known. A prospective multicenter study was conducted from January 2012 to April 2014 to describe population-based longitudinal trends, namely, age-specific incidence, fracture type, timing of presentation, kilometers traveled, timing of surgery, hospital stay, man hours lost, pressure ulcers, weight bearing, 30-day return, 3-month mortality, and so on, of fragility hip fractures. A total of 1031 patients were included with 59.7% females and 40.3% of male patients, with a female-male ratio of 1.5:1. Commonest mode: Falls 45%. 56.4% IT fractures. 66.2%patients operated, Operative/Conservative Ratio of 2.8:1. Patients travel a mean distance of 86.4 kilometers for quality treatment. Of the patients, 85.9 % presented late due to ignorance and misguiding quack practice. Incidence of delayed surgery was 69.3%. Persistent electrolytes imbalance and hyperglycemia normalized in 81.2% by second or third postoperative day. The man hours lost was 157.85 hours/person. Medical complications was more (90%) in patients who had delays in surgeries and presentation. Mortality rate was 6.2 %. Patients travel long for quality treatment, most of them are misguided, present late with significant complications and sufferings, and their pockets half drained depriving them off best treatment. Early presentation and operation have better prognosis and rehabilitation, facilitates early return to work, and independence. Increased pressure sores, infections, hospital stay, treatment cost, depression, and mortality are directly related to delays in surgeries and presentation. Estimated losses according to lost man hours may go up to 10 million dollars.

Biomechanical rationale for implant choices in femoral neck fracture fixation in the non-elderly

Femoral neck fractures represent a relatively uncommon injury in the non-elderly population often resulting from high-energy trauma. The cornerstone of their management is anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation of the femoral neck in an attempt to salvage the femoral head. Complications including avascular necrosis of the femoral head, non-union and post-traumatic osteoarthritis are not uncommon. The clinical outcomes of these patients can be improved with good pre-operative planning, optimization of surgical procedures and introduction of new improved implants and techniques. In the herein study, we attempt to describe the biomechanical properties of the hip and compare the performance of the most commonly used devices. Experimental evidence suggests that in Pauwels type III fracture patterns a cephalomedullary nail was significantly stronger in axial loading. Moreover, in unstable basicervical patterns cannulated screws (triangular configuration) demonstrated a lower ultimate load to failure, whereas in subcapital or transervical patterns both the cannulated screws (triangular configuration) and the sliding hip screw demonstrated no compromise in fixation strength. The fracture pattern appears to be the major determinant of the ideal type of implant to be selected. For a successful outcome each patient needs to be considered on an individual basis taking into account all patient and implant related factors.

Older male physicians have lower risk of trochanteric but not cervical hip fractures

Background: Osteoporosis is pathophysiologically related to trochanteric fractures, and this condition is more preventable by lifestyle modifications than cervical fractures. We investigated whether older physicians, who are health-conscious people, are at a lower risk of hip fractures because of fewer trochanteric fractures. Methods: Data regarding older (≥65 years) physicians (n= 4303) and matched non-medical persons (control) were retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance claims. All of the subjects were obtained from NHIRD with index dates from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2008. Cox proportional hazard and competing risk regression models were established to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of hip fracture associated with older physicians. Results: The incidence rates of trochanteric fractures were lower in older physicians than in controls (1.73 and 3.07 per 1000 person-years, respectively), whereas the rates of cervical fractures were similar between the two groups (2.45 and 2.12 per 1000 person-years, respectively). Older physicians yielded 46% lower hazard of trochanteric fractures than controls (adjusted HR 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.79); by contrast, hazards of cervical fractures were comparable between the two groups. The HRs estimated from the competing risk models remained unchanged. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that health risk awareness may pose a significant preventive effect on trochanteric hip fractures.