30-day mortality in patients after hip fracture surgery: A comparison of the Charlson Comorbidity Index score and ASA score used in two prediction models

Validation of the Charlson Comorbidity Index for the prediction of 30-day and 1-year mortality among patients who underwent hip fracture surgery

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to validate the original Charlson Comorbidity Index (1987) (CCI) and adjusted CCI (2011) as a prediction model for 30-day and 1-year mortality after hip fracture surgery. The secondary aim of this study was to verify each variable of the CCI as a factor associated with 30-day and 1-year mortality.

METHODS

A prospective database of two-level II trauma teaching hospitals in the Netherlands was used. The original CCI from 1987 and the adjusted CCI were calculated based on medical history. To validate the original CCI and the adjusted CCI, the CCI was plotted against the observed 30-day and 1-year mortality, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 3523 patients were included in this cohort study. The mean of the original CCI in this cohort was 5.1 (SD ± 2.0) and 4.6 (SD ± 1.9) for the adjusted CCI. The AUCs of the prediction models were 0.674 and 0.696 for 30-day mortality for the original and adjusted CCIs, respectively. The AUCs for 1-year mortality were 0.705 and 0.717 for the original and adjusted CCIs, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher original and adjusted CCI is associated with a higher mortality rate. The AUC was relatively low for 30-day and 1-year mortality for both the original and adjusted CCIs compared to other prediction models for hip fracture patients in our cohort. The CCI is not recommended for the prediction of 30-day and 1-year mortality in hip fracture patients.

Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography does not lead to decreased postoperative mortality but with increased time to surgery and length of stay in Chinese geriatric hip fracture patients

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of preoperative TTE on postoperative short-term mortality, surgery delay, as well as other economic and clinical outcomes in Chinese geriatric hip fracture patients.

METHODS

This retrospective, matched-cohort study enrolled geriatric hip fracture patients (≥ 60 years) who underwent surgical interventions at our center between 2015 and 2020. The primary exposure was inpatient preoperative TTE. Demographic and clinical data that were reported as risk factors for postoperative mortality were retrieved from the medical data center as the covariates. The primary clinical outcomes were all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and 1 year. Time from hospital presentation to surgery, length of stay (LOS), inpatient cost, frequency of cardiology consultation and coronary angiography (CAG) were also assessed. The propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in a ratio of 1:1.

RESULTS

447 patients were identified and 216 of them received a preoperative TTE (48.3%). After successfully matching 390 patients (87.2%), patients receiving TTE showed significantly higher 30-day mortality (6.6% vs 2.0%, P = 0.044). But no significant difference was found in 90-day, 180-day, and 365-day mortality as well as the 1-year accumulated survival rate. Receipt of TTE was also associated with significant increases in LOS (13.6 days vs 11.4 days, P = 0.017), waiting time for surgery (5.9 days vs 4.3 days, P < 0.001), and lower proportion of receiving surgery within 48 h (7.2% vs. 26.2%, P < 0.001). According to the multivariable logistic analysis, only ejection fraction (30 days, 90 days), aorta diameter (30 days, 90 days, 180 days, 365 days), left ventricular posterior wall diameter (90 days, 180 days, 365 days), aortic valve velocity (90 days) and mitral valve A-peak (90 days, 180 days) were association with postoperative mortality among the 17 parameters in the TTE reports. Besides, TTE has no influence on the frequency of preoperative cardiology consultation.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative TTE does not lead to decreased postoperative mortality but with increased time to surgery and length of stay in Chinese geriatric hip fracture patients. The predictive ability of TTE parameters is limited for postoperative mortality.

The Clinical Frailty Scale is a Strong Predictor of 1-Year Mortality in Surgically Managed Hip Periprosthetic Fracture: An Analysis From a High-Volume Institution

BACKGROUND

Hip periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) after primary total hip arthroplasty are increasing with the number of primary implants and aging population. Mortality has been reported up to 34% at 1-year. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and 1-year mortality, complication rate, and length of stay (LOS) in surgically managed hip PPFs.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from January 2008 to January 2021. A total of 282 surgically managed hip PPFs were identified. Mean age was 79 years (range, 42 to 106). Preoperative scores were analyzed through linear regression to identify significant association with mortality, complication and LOS. Receiver operating characteristic curve and Area Under the Curve (AUC) were generated to evaluate the quality of the models and the discriminatory ability of each clinical score. Significance was considered at P values < .05.

RESULTS

Mortality was 7.8% at 3-months and 15.7% at 1-year. Complication rate requiring surgery was 19.5% and mean LOS was 8.9 ± 7 days. The CFS was significantly associated with 3-month (odds ratio 2.23, P < .001) and 1-year mortality (odds ratio 2.01, P < .001). The receiver operating characteristic curve test for 1-year mortality showed a greater AUC for the CFS when compared with American Society for Anesthesiologists score and age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (AUC 0.80 versus 0.68 versus 0.72, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is a syndrome with increased risk of mortality after surgically managed PPF. The CFS can be easily assessed at the time of admission and could be considered as a strong and reliable predictor of 1-year mortality with a greater AUC than the conventionally used American Society for Anesthesiologists score.

Emergency department prediction model for 30-day mortality after hip fracture: the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) cohort

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to design and validate a predictive model for 30-day mortality in a cohort of patients from the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) with variables collected at the Emergency Department.

METHODS

Retrospective study of a prospective database of hip fracture patients ⩾75 years old between 1 January 2017 and 30 September 2019. Patient characteristics, type of fracture and osteoprotective medication were collected at the Emergency Department. Univariate analysis compared the results between patients alive and deceased 30 days after hospital discharge. The variables associated with 30-day mortality in the regression analysis were age >85 years, male sex, indoors pre-fracture mobility, dementia, ASA score >3, pathological fracture, and vitamin D intake. A score scale was created with these variables. Discriminative performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration was assessed by applying Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and predicted-to-observed mortality was compared.

RESULTS

A total of 29,875 hip fracture cases were included in the study. The 30-day mortality of the overall cohort was 7.7%. A scale of 0-9 points was created, with a cut-off point of 4 points for the determination of patients at high risk of mortality. The AUC was 0.886. RNFC score presented good level of calibration (p = 0.139). The predicted-to-observed ratio was 1.09.

CONCLUSIONS

The RNFC predictive model with variables collected at the Emergency Department showed an excellent predictive capacity for 30-day mortality in patients after hip fracture.

Complication rates after direct anterior vs posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty in elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND

Dislocation rates after hemiarthroplasty reportedly vary from 1% to 17%. This serious complication is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Approaches to this surgery are still debated, with no consensus regarding the superiority of any single approach.

AIM

To compare early postoperative complications after implementing the direct anterior and posterior approaches (PL) for hip hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures.

METHODS

This is a comparative, retrospective, single-center cohort study conducted at a university hospital. Between March 2008 and December 2018, 273 patients (a total of 280 hips) underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasties (n = 280) for displaced femoral neck fractures using either the PL (n = 171) or the minimally invasive direct anterior approach (DAA) (n = 109). The choice of approach was related to the surgeons' practices; the implant types were similar and unrelated to the approach. Dislocation rates and other complications were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 6 mo.

RESULTS

Both treatment groups had similarly aged patients (mean age: 82 years), sex ratios, patient body mass indexes, and patient comorbidities. Surgical data (surgery delay time, operative time, and blood loss volume) did not differ significantly between the groups. The 30 d mortality rate was higher in the PL group (9.9%) than in the DAA group (3.7%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.052). Among the one-month survivors, a significantly higher rate of dislocation was observed in the PL group (14/154; 9.1%) than in the DAA group (0/105; 0%) (P = 0.002). Of the 14 patients with dislocation, 8 underwent revision surgery for recurrent instability (posterior group), and one of them had 2 additional procedures due to a deep infection. The rate of other complications (e.g., perioperative and early postoperative periprosthetic fractures and infection-related complications) did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the DAA to bipolar hemiarthroplasty for patients with femoral neck fractures is associated with a lower dislocation rate (< 1%) than the PL.

Improved outcomes for spinal versus general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery: a retrospective cohort study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of consensus in the literature as to whether anesthetic modality influences perioperative complications in hip fracture surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of spinal anesthesia compared with general anesthesia on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent hip fracture surgery using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP).

METHODS

We used the ACS NSQIP to identify patients aged 50 and older who received either spinal or general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery from 2016 to 2019. Propensity-score matching was performed to control for clinically relevant covariates. The primary outcome of interest was the combined incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) or death within 30 days. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, hospital length of stay and operative time.

RESULTS

Among the 40 527 patients aged 50 and over who received either spinal or general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery from 2016 to 2019, 7358 spinal anesthesia cases were matched to general anesthesia cases. General anesthesia was associated with a higher incidence of combined 30-day stroke, MI or death compared with spinal anesthesia (OR 1.219 (95% CI 1.076 to 1.381); p=0.002). General anesthesia was also associated with a higher frequency of 30-day mortality (OR 1.276 (95% CI 1.099 to 1.481); p=0.001) and longer operative time (64.73 vs 60.28 min; p<0.001). Spinal anesthesia had a longer average hospital length of stay (6.29 vs 5.73 days; p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our propensity-matched analysis suggests that spinal anesthesia as compared with general anesthesia is associated with lower postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Improving preoperative prediction of surgery duration

BACKGROUND

Operating rooms (ORs) are one of the costliest units in a hospital, therefore the cumulative consequences of any kind of inefficiency in OR management lead to a significant loss of revenue for the hospital, staff dissatisfaction, and patient care disruption. One of the possible solutions to improving OR efficiency is knowing a reliable estimate of the duration of operations. The literature suggests that the current methods used in hospitals, e.g., a surgeon's estimate for the given surgery or taking the average of only five previous records of the same procedure, have room for improvement.

METHODS

We used over 4 years of elective surgery records (n = 52,171) from one of the major metropolitan hospitals in Australia. We developed robust Machine Learning (ML) approaches to provide a more accurate prediction of operation duration, especially in the absence of surgeon's estimation. Individual patient characteristics and historic surgery information attributed to medical records were used to train predictive models. A wide range of algorithms such as Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Random Forest (RF) were tested for predicting operation duration.

RESULTS

The results show that the XGBoost model provided statistically significantly less error than other compared ML models. The XGBoost model also reduced the total absolute error by 6854 min (i.e., about 114 h) compared to the current hospital methods.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate the potential of using ML methods for reaching a more accurate estimation of operation duration compared to current methods used in the hospital. In addition, using a set of realistic features in the ML models that are available at the point of OR scheduling enabled the potential deployment of the proposed approach.

Risk scoring models for patients with proximal femur fractures: Qualitative systematic review assessing 30-day mortality and ease of use

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are a common orthopaedic injury affecting a particularly frail and vulnerable patient cohort. They are at risk of many complications, including prolonged length of stay and mortality. Efforts to identify those at high risk may be beneficial. Over 25 risk prediction models are published for patients with hip fractures.

AIM

The primary aim of this study was to assess the performance of predictor scores in predicting 30-day mortality. The secondary aim was to assess the ease of use of these systems.

METHODS

A qualitative systematic review was performed. A search was conducted on online databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane, DARE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science.. The terms fragility hip fractures and risk prediction models were utilised while performing the search. These were then expanded using Boolean operators and similar terms. Search results were imported to Covidence. Primary observational studies using one or more hip fracture mortality prediction models and 30-day mortality as an outcome were included. Systematic reviews and studies on specific patient groups defined other medical conditions (e.g. COVID positive or dialysis patients) were excluded.

RESULTS

3,101 studies were screened following duplicate removal. 34 papers were included in the review, in which 23 scoring systems were reported. Six of these were pre-operative and reported in multiple studies. Most demonstrated appropriate fit and fair discrimination. Five of the six pre-operative scoring systems examined, displayed appropriate ease of use, allowing risk calculation at the time of admission.

CONCLUSION

Nottingham Hip Fracture Score remains the most extensive reported scoring system and performs fair overall with AUROCs of 0.64-0.80 and good fit in calibration across all studies. However, new systems utilise many similar predictors. There is a need for the standardisation of publications on scoring systems to allow further systematic review and meta-analyses.

Clinical data or scoring system for predicting mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture: A prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Hip fracture in elderly individuals is frequent and is related to a high rate of mortality. Finding the best predictor of death will help to develop better patient care. Aim - To analyze the reliability of the clinical data and assessment scores to predict mortality in acute hip fracture in elderly patients.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Prospective data were collected from all patients > 65 years with acute hip fracture from May to October 2020. The clinical data collected were age, sex, comorbidities, medication, type of fracture and presence of delirium. The assessment scores were ASA, Lee, ACP and Charlson.

RESULTS

The statistically significant results were age > 80 years (OR 1.121 IC95% [1.028-1.221] p = 0.0101) and number of medications (OR5.991 95% CI [2.422-14.823] p <0.001). Three scores showed a correlation with mortality: ASA score (p = 0.017), Lee score (p = 0.024) and ACP score (p = 0.013). The Charlson Comorbidity Index did not correlate with mortality (p = 0.172).

CONCLUSION

To stratify the risk of death, both clinical data and scores should be used. The best clinical indicators are age and number of medications, and the scores are ASA, Lee and ACP.

The role of depression in the association between physiotherapy frequency and duration and outcomes after hip fracture surgery: secondary analysis of the physiotherapy hip fracture sprint audit

PURPOSE

It is not known whether the association between the frequency and duration of physiotherapy and patient outcomes varies for those with and without depression. This study aims to evaluate whether the associations between the frequency and duration of physiotherapy after hip fracture surgery and discharge home, surviving at 30 days post-admission, and being readmitted 30 days post discharge vary by depression diagnosis.

METHODS

Data were from 5005 adults aged 60 and over included in the UK Physiotherapy Hip Fracture Sprint Audit who had undergone surgery for a nonpathological first hip fracture. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for the associations between physiotherapy frequency and duration and outcomes.

RESULTS

Physiotherapy frequency and duration were comparable between patients with and without depression (42.1% and 44.6%). The average adjusted odds for a 30-min increase in physiotherapy duration for those with and without depression for discharge home were 1.05 (95% CI 0.85-1.29) vs 1.16 (95% CI 1.05-1.28, interaction p = 0.36), for 30-day survival were 1.26 (95% CI 1.06-1.50) vs 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.17, interaction p = 0.45) and for readmission were 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.98) vs 0.97 (95% CI 0.93-1.00, interaction p = 0.09). None of the interaction tests reached formal significance, but the readmission models were close (p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest physiotherapy duration may be negatively associated with readmission in those with depression but not those without depression, while no clear difference in the other outcomes was noted.

Comorbidity and risk of infection among patients with hip fracture: a Danish population-based cohort study

Impact of comorbidity on infection risk among hip fracture patients is unclear. We found high incidence of infection. Comorbidity was an important risk factor for infection up to 1 year after surgery. Results indicates a need for additional investment in pre- and postoperative programs that assist patients with high comorbidity.

PURPOSE

Comorbidity level and incidence of infection have increased among older patients with hip fracture. The impact of comorbidity on infection risk is unclear. We conducted a cohort study examining the absolute and relative risks of infection in relation to comorbidity level among hip fracture patients.

METHODS

Utilizing Danish population-based medical registries, we identified 92,600 patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing hip fracture surgery between 2004 and 2018. Comorbidity was categorized by Charlson comorbidity index scores (CCI): none (CCI = 0), moderate (CCI = 1-2), or severe (CCI ≥ 3). Primary outcome was any hospital-treated infection. Secondary outcomes were hospital-treated pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, reoperation due to surgical-site infection (SSI), and a composite of any hospital- or community-treated infection. We calculated cumulative incidence and hazard ratios (aHRs) adjusted for age, sex, and surgery year, including 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Prevalence of moderate and severe comorbidity was 40% and 19%, respectively. Incidence of any hospital-treated infection increased with comorbidity level within 0-30 days (none 13% vs. severe 20%) and 0-365 days (none 22% vs. 37% severe). Patients with moderate and severe comorbidity, compared to no comorbidity, had aHRs of 1.3 (CI: 1.3-1.4) and 1.6 (CI: 1.5-1.7) within 0-30 days, and 1.4 (CI: 1.4-1.5) and 1.9 (CI: 1.9-2.0) within 0-365, respectively. Highest incidence was observed for any hospital- or community-treated infection (severe 72%) within 0-365 days. Highest aHR was observed for sepsis within 0-365 days (severe vs. none: 2.7 (CI: 2.4-2.9)).

CONCLUSION

Comorbidity is an important risk factor for infection up to 1 year after hip fracture surgery.

Incidence and predictors of postoperative acute kidney injury in older adults with hip fractures

OBJECTIVES

Main Purpose: To clarify the incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) after hip fracture surgery; Secondary Purpose: To investigate the impact of AKI on the length of stay (LOS) and mortality of patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data from 644 hip fracture patients at Peking University First Hospital from 2015 to 2021, and divided the patients into AKI and Non-AKI groups according to whether AKI occurred after surgery. Logistic regression was used to clarify the risk factors for AKI, draw ROC curves, and analyze the odds ratio (OR) for LOS and death at 30 days, 3 months, and 1 year for patients with AKI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AKI after hip fracture was 12.1%. Age, BMI, and postoperative brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were risk factors for AKI after hip fracture surgery. The risk of AKI in underweight patients, overweight patients and obese patients was 2.24, 1.89, and 2.58 times. Compared to patients with BNP levels <800 pg/ml, the risk of AKI was 22.34-fold for postoperative BNP levels>1500 pg/ml. The risk of a one-grade increase in LOS was 2.84 times higher in the AKI group and the mortality of patients with AKI were higher.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of AKI after hip fracture surgery was 12.1%. Advanced age, low BMI, and postoperative high level BNP were risk factors for AKI. Surgeons need to pay more attention to patients with older age, low BMI and high postoperative BNP levels in order to proactively prevent the development of postoperative AKI.

The Rising Problem of Hip Fractures in Geriatric Patients-Analysis of Surgical Influences on the Outcome

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures in geriatric patients often have a poor outcome in terms of mortality, mobility as well as independence. Different surgical influence factors are known that improve the outcome.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, 281 patients of a geriatric trauma unit were analyzed prospectively. Demographic factors, as well as data regarding the trauma mechanism and perioperative treatment, were recorded. The nutritional status was also analyzed. The follow-up was set to 120 days.

RESULTS

The key conclusion of this study is that a high ASA classification, the use of anticoagulatory medicine and malnutrition are significantly associated with higher mortality together with worse independence (p < 0.05). There is no significant difference in outcome concerning the time to surgery within the first 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition seems to be an important risk factor for an adverse outcome of geriatric patients and therefore warrants a focus in multidisciplinary treatment. The risk factor ASA cannot be improved during the pre-surgery phase, but requires intensified care by a multidisciplinary team specialized in orthogeriatrics.

The prediction of early mortality following hip fracture surgery in patients aged 90 years and older: the Almelo Hip Fracture Score 90 (AHFS90)

The AHFS90 was developed for the prediction of early mortality in patients ≥ 90 years undergoing hip fracture surgery. The AHFS90 has a good accuracy and in most risk categories a good calibration. In our study population, the AHFS90 yielded a maximum prediction of early mortality of 64.5%.

PURPOSE

Identifying hip fracture patients with a high risk of early mortality after surgery could help make treatment decisions and information about the prognosis. This study aims to develop and validate a risk score for predicting early mortality in patients ≥ 90 years undergoing hip fracture surgery (AHFS90).

METHODS

Patients ≥ 90 years, surgically treated for a hip fracture, were included. A selection of possible predictors for mortality was made. Missing data were subjected to multiple imputations using chained equations. Logistic regression was performed to develop the AHFS90, which was internally and externally validated. Calibration was assessed using a calibration plot and comparing observed and predicted risks.

RESULTS

One hundred and two of the 922 patients (11.1%) died ≤ 30 days following hip fracture surgery. The AHFS90 includes age, gender, dementia, living in a nursing home, ASA score, and hemoglobin level as predictors for early mortality. The AHFS90 had good accuracy (area under the curve 0.72 for geographic cross validation). Predicted risks correspond with observed risks of early mortality in four risk categories. In two risk categories, the AHFS90 overestimates the risk. In one risk category, no mortality was observed; therefore, no analysis was possible. The AHFS90 had a maximal prediction of early mortality of 64.5% in this study population.

CONCLUSION

The AHFS90 accurately predicts early mortality after hip fracture surgery in patients ≥ 90 years of age. Predicted risks correspond to observed risks in most risk categories. In our study population, the AHFS90 yielded a maximum prediction of early mortality of 64.5%.

Crosswalk between Charlson Comorbidity Index and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Score for Geriatric Trauma Assessment

The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) grade better risk stratifies geriatric trauma patients, but it is only reported in patients scheduled for surgery. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), however, is available for all patients. This study aims to create a crosswalk from the CCI to ASA-PS. Geriatric trauma cases, aged 55 years and older with both ASA-PS and CCI values (N = 4223), were used for the analysis. We assessed the relationship between CCI and ASA-PS, adjusting for age, sex, marital status, and body mass index. We reported the predicted probabilities and the receiver operating characteristics. A CCI of zero was highly predictive of ASA-PS grade 1 or 2, and a CCI of 1 or higher was highly predictive of ASA-PS grade 3 or 4. Additionally, while a CCI of 3 predicted ASA-PS grade 4, a CCI of 4 and higher exhibited greater accuracy in predicting ASA-PS grade 4. We created a formula that may accurately situate a geriatric trauma patient in the appropriate ASA-PS grade after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, and body mass index. In conclusion, ASA-PS grades can be predicted from CCI, and this may aid in generating more predictive trauma models.

Blood-Transfusion Risk Factors after Intramedullary Nailing for Extracapsular Femoral Neck Fracture in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

Extracapsular femoral neck fractures (eFNF) are the third most common type of fracture in traumatology. Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is one of the most frequently used ortho-pedic treatments for eFNF. Blood loss is one of the main complications of this treatment. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the perioperative risk factors that lead to blood transfusion in frail patients with eFNF who undergo IMN.

METHODS

From July 2020 to December 2020, 170 eFNF-affected patients who were treated with IMN were enrolled and divided into two groups according to blood transfusion: NBT (71 patients who did not need a blood transfusion), and BT (72 patients who needed blood transfusion). Gender, age, BMI, pre-operative hemoglobin levels, in-ternational normalized ratio (INR) level, number of blood units transfused, length of hospital stay, surgery duration, type of anesthesia, pre-operative ASA score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and mortality rate were assessed.

RESULTS

Cohorts differed only for pre-operatively Hb and surgery time (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients who have a lower preoperative Hb level and longer surgery time have a high blood-transfusion risk and should be closely followed peri-operatively.

Patients From Distressed Communities Who Undergo Surgery for Hip Fragility Fractures Are Less Likely to Have Advanced Care Planning Documents in Their Electronic Medical Record

BACKGROUND

Advanced care planning documents provide a patient's healthcare team and loved ones with guidance on patients' treatment preferences when they are unable to advocate for themselves. A substantial proportion of patients will die within a few months of experiencing a hip fracture, but despite the importance of such documents, patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture seldom have discussions documented in the medical records regarding end-of-life care during their surgical admission. To the best of our knowledge, the proportion of patients older than 65 years treated with surgery for hip fractures who have advanced care planning documents in their electronic medical record (EMR) has not been explored, neither has the association between socioeconomic status and the presence of those documents in the EMR. Determining this information can help to identify opportunities to promote advanced care planning.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What percentage of patients older than 65 years who undergo hip fracture surgery have completed advanced care planning documents uploaded in the EMR before or during their surgical hospitalization, or at any timepoint (before admission, during admission, and after admission)? (2) Are patients from distressed communities less likely to have advanced care planning documents in the EMR than patients from wealthier communities, after controlling for economic well-being as measured by the Distressed Communities Index? (3) What percentage of patients older than 65 years with hip fractures who died during their hospitalization for hip fracture surgery had advanced care planning documents uploaded in the EMR?

METHODS

This was a retrospective, comparative study conducted at two geographically distinct hospitals: one urban Level I trauma center and one suburban Level II trauma center. Between 2017 and 2021, these two centers treated 850 patients for hip fractures. Among those patients, we included patients older than 65 years who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, intramedullary nailing, hemiarthroplasty, or THA for a fragility fracture of the proximal femur. Based on that, 83% (709 of 850) of patients were eligible; a further 6% (52 of 850) were excluded because they had codes other than ICD-9 820 or ICD-10 S72.0, and another 2% (17 of 850) had incomplete datasets, leaving 75% (640 of 850) for analysis here. Most patients with incomplete datasets were in the prosperous Distressed Communities Index category. Among patients included in this study, the average age was 82 years, 70% (448 of 640) were women, and regarding the Distressed Communities Index, 32% (203 of 640) were in the prosperous category, 25% (159 of 640) were in the comfortable category, 15% (99 of 640) were in the mid-tier category, 5% (31 of 640) were in the at-risk category, and 23% (145 of 640) were in the distressed category. The primary outcome included the presence of advanced care planning documents (advanced directives, healthcare power of attorney, or physician orders for life-sustaining treatment) in the EMR before surgery, during the surgical admission, or at any time. The Distressed Communities Index was used to indicate economic well-being, and patients were identified as being in one of five Distressed Communities Index categories (prosperous, comfortable, mid-tier, at-risk, and distressed) based on ZIP Code. An exploratory analysis was conducted to determine variables associated with the presence of advanced care planning documents in the EMR. A multivariate regression was then performed for patients who did or did not have advanced care planning documents in their medical record at any time. The results are presented as ORs with the associated 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Nine percent (55 of 640) of patients had advanced care planning documents in the EMR preoperatively or during their surgical admission, and 22% (142 of 640) of patients had them in the EMR at any time. After controlling for potential confounding variables such as age, laterality (left or right hip), hospital type, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, we found that patients in Distressed Communities Index categories other than prosperous had ORs lower than 0.7, with patients in the distressed category (OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2 to 0.7]; p < 0.01) and comfortable category (OR 0.5 [95% CI 0.3 to 0.9]; p = 0.01) having a substantially lower odds of having advanced care planning documents in their EMR. Patients aged 86 to 95 years (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.4]), those 96 years and older (OR 4.0 [95% CI 1.7 to 9.5]), and those with a higher ASA classification (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.1 to 2.3]) had a higher odds of having advanced care planning documents in the EMR at any time. Among 14 patients who experienced in-hospital mortality, two had advanced care planning documents uploaded into their EMR, whereas 12 of 14 who died in the hospital did not have advanced care planning documents uploaded into their EMR.

CONCLUSION

Orthopaedic surgeons should counsel patients regarding the risk for postoperative complications after fragility hip fracture surgery and engage in shared decision-making regarding advanced care planning documents with patients or, if the patients are unable, with their families. Additionally, implementing virtual education about advanced care planning documents and using easy-to-read forms may facilitate the completion of advanced care planning documents by patients older than 65 years, especially patients with low economic well-being. Limitations of this study include having a restricted number of patients in the at-risk and mid-tier Distressed Communities Index categories and a restricted number of patients identifying as non-White races/ethnicities. Future research should evaluate the effect of advanced care document presence in the EMR on end-of-life care intensity in patients treated for fragility hip fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Preoperative Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Increased One-Year Mortality in Chinese Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients - A Propensity Score Matching Study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency is a common comorbidity in geriatric hip fracture patients. However, there is still an ongoing debate regarding the influence of preoperative Vitamin D status on postoperative mortality in hip fracture patients.

METHODS

Elderly patients (≥60 years) who underwent surgical interventions for unilateral hip fracture from 2015 to 2020 in our center were included. We retrospectively retrieved the demographic data from the electronic medical database. Preoperative serum total 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D was set as the independent variable and patients were classified as the Vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/mL) and the control groups consequently. Clinical outcomes include all-cause mortality, walking ability, and major postoperative complications in the first postoperative year. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in a ratio of 1:1 in the two groups for further comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 210 patients were included and 121 patients (57.6%) were diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency. Patients in the Vitamin D deficiency group were much older and therefore preferred peripheral nerve block, and had significantly higher proportions of females, preoperative dementia, higher ASA grade, and lower baseline serum albumin level. Overall, 79 patients were identified in the Vitamin D deficiency and control groups after PSM, respectively. Patients diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency showed a significantly higher one-year mortality (21.5% vs 6.3%, P=0.011) and a much lower one-year independent walking rate (67.1% vs.84.8%, P=0.016) after the matching. Regarding the dataset before PSM and after PSM, the AUC for serum Vitamin D for predicting one-year mortality was 0.656 (P=0.006) and 0.695 (P=0.002), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our retrospective PSM-design study provides new evidence that Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a significantly higher mortality and poor walking ability in the first year after surgical intervention based on southern Chinese populations.

Relationships Between Body Mass Index, Allogeneic Transfusion, and Surgical Site Infection After Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Surgery

BACKGROUND

Increased body mass index (BMI) is considered as an important factor that affects the need for total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) and the rate of perioperative complications. Previous investigations have not fully established the relationship of BMI and perioperative transfusion with surgical site infection (SSI) or the relationship of BMI and perioperative transfusion after TKA or THA.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to perform a retrospective cohort study involving 333,223 TKA and 41,157 THA cases between 2011 and 2018. Multivariable regression assessed the associations of BMI (5 standard categories) and transfusion with SSI. Odds ratio (OR) of SSI was calculated relative to a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m 2 ) after adjustment of potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Perioperative transfusion decreased significantly over time for both TKA and THA; however, SSI rates remained steady at just under 1% for TKA and 3% for THA. In TKA, a higher OR for SSI was associated only with a BMI of 40+ (OR, 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60-2.18) compared to a referent BMI. In THA, increased ORs of SSI were seen for all BMI levels above normal and were highest for a BMI 40+ (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 2.47-3.83). In TKA, ORs of transfusion decreased with increasing BMI and were lowest for a BMI 40+ (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.47-0.54). In THA, ORs of transfusion began to increase slightly in overweight patients, reaching an OR of 1.36 (95% CI, 1.21-1.54) for a BMI 40+.

CONCLUSIONS

SSI incidence remained unchanged despite continuous reductions in blood transfusion in TKA and THA patients over 8 years. In TKA, ORs for SSI increased, but ORs for transfusion decreased with increasing BMI above normal. Conversely, in THA, ORs for SSI and transfusion both increased for a BMI 40+, but only OR for transfusion increased in underweight patients. These findings suggest the importance of controlling obesity in reducing SSI following TKA and THA.

Timing and safety of hip fracture surgery in patients on direct-acting oral anticoagulants

Background

Many geriatric patients presenting for emergency hip fracture surgery are on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) most of which are not easily reversible. A safe policy was required to reduce delays to surgery. Prior to institution of our hospital's protocol in January 2021, most of these patients had surgery after 48 h following the last dose of DOAC due to concerns about increased perioperative blood loss.

Methods

This was a prospective closed loop audit of the protocol-surgery within 24 h from last dose of DOAC (if creatinine clearance >50 ml/min) with administration of 1-g of tranexamic acid at anesthesia induction. 131 eligible patients (DOAC, n = 22; no anticoagulation, n = 109) between January-June 2021 who had emergency hip fracture surgery were identified. Primary outcome measures were peri-operative blood loss, transfusion requirements and policy compliance. Secondary outcome measures were 30-day mortality, thrombotic complications and wound bleeding.

Results

Compliance with surgical timing and tranexamic acid administration were 55% and 81% respectively after the second audit cycle. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) in the DOAC group versus the non-anticoagulated control group was 500 ml and 330 ml respectively. The difference between these groups was statistically significant at an alpha level of 5% (P = 0.0115, 95% CI 38.48-299.16). The difference for intra-operative (RR 3.43; 95% CI 1.68-7.01) and post-operative blood transfusion (RR 2.10; 95% CI 1.23-3.58) for the 2 groups was also statistically significant. However, there was no case of massive blood transfusion in both groups. The DOAC group had a lower risk for 30-day mortality (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.09-5.46). There was no major thrombotic complication in the DOAC group.

Conclusion

This audit has shown that this protocol is safe although clinicians should anticipate some degree of increased intra-operative blood loss. We will recommend continuation of this policy with sustained safety monitoring in order to reduce delays to surgery.

Early initiation of physical therapy after geriatric hip fracture surgery is associated with shorter hospital length of stay and decreased thirty-day mortality

INTRODUCTION

While the importance of timely surgery and early mobilization are understood in geriatric fracture populations, the relationship between timing of initiation of physical therapy (PT) postoperatively on length of stay (LOS) and mortality has not been well delineated. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of PT initiated on postoperative day zero (POD0) on LOS and mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients aged 60 and over who underwent hip fracture surgery, including arthroplasty or internal fixation, between January 2017 and December 2019 at three affiliated academic hospitals were identified. Retrospective chart review and review of hospital charges were used to determine patient demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), surgery performed, timing of postoperative PT visits, LOS, and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 1,551 patients identified that met inclusion criteria, 83 (5.3%) received PT on POD0. Most patients (76.3%) received PT on postoperative day 1 (POD1), and 18.4% received first PT on postoperative day 2 or later (POD2+). Time from admission to surgery, CCI, sex, and BMI did not differ significantly between groups. The age difference between patients in the POD0 and the POD1/POD2+ groups was statistically significant with the mean age in the POD1/2+ group being 2.3 years older than the POD0 group (p=0.045). There was no difference in postoperative length of stay (PLOS) based on type of fixation. The average PLOS was 3.4 days in the POD0 PT group compared to 5.2 days in the POD1 group (p<0.0001) and 8.2 days in the POD2+ group (p<0.0001). The POD0/1 group had significantly lower mortality than the POD2+ group [3.7% vs. 9.8%, OR 0.354 (95% CI 0.217-0.575), p<0.0001].

CONCLUSION

Earlier initiation of PT postoperatively is associated with significantly shorter total and postoperative LOS and initiation of PT before POD2 is associated with decreased 30-day mortality. Each day that initiation of PT is delayed is associated with a two- to three-day increase in LOS.

A New Random Forest Algorithm-Based Prediction Model of Post-operative Mortality in Geriatric Patients With Hip Fractures

Background

Post-operative mortality risk assessment for geriatric patients with hip fractures (HF) is a challenge for clinicians. Early identification of geriatric HF patients with a high risk of post-operative death is helpful for early intervention and improving clinical prognosis. However, a single significant risk factor of post-operative death cannot accurately predict the prognosis of geriatric HF patients. Therefore, our study aims to utilize a machine learning approach, random forest algorithm, to fabricate a prediction model for post-operative death of geriatric HF patients.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive geriatric HF patients who underwent treatment for surgery. The study cohort was divided into training and testing datasets at a 70:30 ratio. The random forest algorithm selected or excluded variables according to the feature importance. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) was utilized to compare feature selection results of random forest. The confirmed variables were used to create a simplified model instead of a full model with all variables. The prediction model was then verified in the training dataset and testing dataset. Additionally, a prediction model constructed by logistic regression was used as a control to evaluate the efficiency of the new prediction model.

Results

Feature selection by random forest algorithm and Lasso regression demonstrated that seven variables, including age, time from injury to surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), albumin, hemoglobin, history of malignancy, and perioperative blood transfusion, could be used to predict the 1-year post-operative mortality. The area under the curve (AUC) of the random forest algorithm-based prediction model in training and testing datasets were 1.000, and 0.813, respectively. While the prediction tool constructed by logistic regression in training and testing datasets were 0.895, and 0.797, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with logistic regression, the random forest algorithm-based prediction model exhibits better predictive ability for geriatric HF patients with a high risk of death within post-operative 1 year.

Charlson comorbidity index predicts the 10-year survivorship of the operatively treated hip fracture patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine how Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) predicts the 10-year survival of operatively treated hip fracture patients aged ≥ 65 years.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients who had a hip fracture and were operatively treated upon in the study period from 01 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 at the university hospital. The clinical patient data were obtained from the medical records, and CCI score was calculated. The CCI predicts the 10-year mortality for a patient who may have a range of 22 comorbid conditions. Cumulative survival and complications were evaluated in terms of gender.

RESULTS

A total of 241 hip fractures were studied; of these, 183/241 (76%) were females. A total of 32/241 (15%) complications were found, of which 26/241 (11%) were considered major. Overall, 213/241 (88%) patients died during the 10 years of follow-up. Cumulative survival estimates for females were 13% at 10 years (SE = 0.3, 95% CI 3.8-4.8), and for males, it was 12% at 10 years (SE = 0.5, 95% CI 2.8-4.6) (p = 0.33). CCI was significantly associated with mortality after the hip fracture as patients with CCI scores ≥ 4 were at a 3.1-8.5 times higher risk of death compared to patients with low CCI scores of 2-3 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Complications are common after operatively treated hip fracture. Advanced age, living in a care facility, ASA class 4 and high CCI score ≥ 4 were risk factors of mortality after the operatively treated hip fracture.

Association between General Anesthesia and the Occurrence of Cerebrovascular Accidents in Hip Fracture Patients

Background

General anesthesia is an important factor leading to postoperative complications, and cerebrovascular accidents take the first place in the causes of postoperative death. Therefore, it is extremely important to explore the correlation between general anesthesia and the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents in hip fracture patients.

Objective

To explore the association between general anesthesia and the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents in hip fracture patients.

Methods

The data of 240 hip fracture patients treated in our hospital from February 2017 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into the general anesthesia group (n = 120) and nongeneral anesthesia group (n = 120) according to whether or not they received general anesthesia, so as to compare their incidence rate of cerebrovascular accidents between the two groups, record their hemodynamic changes, and analyze the association between various risk factors under general anesthesia and the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents.

Results

No statistical differences in patients' general information such as age and gender between the two groups were observed (P > 0.05); compared with the nongeneral anesthesia group, the incidence rate of cerebrovascular accidents was significantly higher in the general anesthesia group (P < 0.001); between the two groups, the heart rates and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 15 min after anesthesia, at the time of skin incision, and 15 min before the end of surgery were significantly different (P < 0.05); according to the multiple logistic regression analysis, general anesthesia was a risk factor affecting the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents in hip fracture patients, and under general anesthesia, age ≥80 years, BMI ≥23 kg/m², types of anesthetic drugs ≥4, intraoperative blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, and intraoperative heart rate ≥80 bpm were also regarded as the risk factors.

Conclusion

General anesthesia is a risk factor affecting the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents in hip fracture patients, and under general anesthesia, age ≥80 years, BMI ≥23 kg/m², types of anesthetic drugs ≥4, intraoperative blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, and intraoperative heart rate ≥80 bpm will further increase the possibility of cerebrovascular accidents.