Early outcomes after hip fracture surgery in COVID-19 patients in New York City

COVID-19 and Mortality in the Global Surgical Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

To date, no systematic review or meta-analysis has comprehensively estimated the risk of mortality by surgery type on an international scale. We aim to delineate the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 who undergo surgery.

METHODS

PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, OVID, the World Health Organization Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease, and Corona-Central databases were searched from December 2019 through January 2022. Studies providing data on mortality in patients undergoing surgery were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines for abstracting data were followed and performed independently by two reviewers. The main outcome was mortality in patients with COVID-19.

RESULTS

Of a total of 4023 studies identified, 46 studies with 80,015 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 67 y; 57% were male. Surgery types included general (14.9%), orthopedic (23.4%), vascular (6.4%), thoracic (10.6%), and urologic (8.5%). Patients undergoing surgery with COVID-19 elicited a nine-fold increased risk of mortality (relative risk [RR] 8.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.96-16.32) over those without COVID-19. In low-income and middle-income countries (RR: 16.04, 95% CI: 4.59-56.12), the mortality risk was twice as high compared to high-income countries (RR: 7.50, 95% CI: 4.30-13.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality risk in surgical patients with COVID-19 compared to those without is increased almost 10-fold. The risk was highest in low-income and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries, suggesting a disproportionate effect of the pandemic on resource-constrained regions.

Postoperative Outcomes After Emergency Surgery in COVID-19 Patients: An Ambispective Matched Cohort Study

Purpose There is limited data from the Indian subcontinent regarding the surgical outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. In this observational study, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes after emergency surgery in COVID-19 patients compared to concurrent age and gender-matched controls. We also sought to analyze the possible predictors of postoperative mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods This matched cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in central India, between 1st July 2021 and 30th June 2022. COVID-19-positive patients undergoing emergency surgery under anesthesia were recruited as cases. Age and gender-matched COVID-19-negative patients undergoing a similar nature of surgery in the same period served as concurrent controls. The cases and controls were compared for the 30-day mortality and perioperative complications. Results The COVID-19-positive surgical cohort had a 12.3 times greater 30-day postoperative overall mortality risk as compared to a matched cohort of patients with a negative COVID-19 test. A positive COVID-19 status was associated with more postoperative complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, shock, and persistent hyperglycemia. On analysis of predictors of mortality, the presence of preoperative dyspnea, ARDS, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) Class IIIE/IVE, increase in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, Quick SOFA>1, higher creatinine, bilirubin, and lower albumin were observed to be associated with increased mortality. Conclusions Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients undergoing emergency surgery is significantly associated with higher postoperative complications and increased 30-day postoperative mortality.

A multi-institutional study of short-term mortality in COVID-positive patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: is survival better than expected?

PURPOSE

Early reports of 30-day mortality in COVID-positive patients with hip fracture were often over 30% and were higher than historical rates of 10% in pre-COVID studies. We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study to determine whether the incidence of 30-day mortality and complications in COVID-positive patients undergoing hip fracture surgery is as high as initially reported.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed at 11 level I trauma centers from January 1, 2020 to May 1, 2022. Patients 50 years or older undergoing hip fracture surgery with a positive COVID test at the time of surgery were included. The primary outcome measurements were the incidence of 30-day mortality and complications. Post-operative outcomes were reported using proportions with 95% confidence interval (C.I.).

RESULTS

Forty patients with a median age of 71.5 years (interquartile range, 50-87 years) met the criteria. Within 30-days, four patients (10%; 95% C.I. 3-24%) died, four developed pneumonia, three developed thromboembolism, and three remained intubated post-operatively. Increased age was a statistically significant predictor of 30-day mortality (p = 0.01), with all deaths occurring in patients over 80 years.

CONCLUSION

In this multi-institutional analysis of COVID-positive patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, 30-day mortality was 10%. The 95% C.I. did not include 30%, suggesting that survival may be better than initially reported. While COVID-positive patients with hip fractures have high short-term mortality, the clinical situation may not be as dire as initially described, which may reflect initial publication bias, selection bias introduced by testing, or other issues.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III.

Venous thromboembolism and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with hip fractures suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures represent 1 of the most common injuries in older adults. They are associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Additionally, current research suggests that SARS-COV-2 infection may worsen the prognosis of the hip fracture patients who undergo hip fixation. The aims of the present study were: (1) to determine the rate of specific adverse events including VTE (venous thromboembolism) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with hip fracture and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection undergoing surgery; and (2) to examine if the aforementioned population is at increased risk for VTE and MACEs, when compared to SARS-CoV-2 free patients with hip fracture.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google scholar and medRxiv were searched from March 2020 to January 2021 for English language studies with patients suffering from hip fractures and SARS-COV-2 -CoV-2. 2 researchers were involved in the data extraction and the quality assessment of the studies respectively.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded a total of 1256 articles of which 14 were included in the systematic review and 7 in the meta-analysis respectively. The estimated pooled rate for VTE and MACE were 4.3% and 6.3% respectively. Patients with hip fracture and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection who undergo surgery are at increased risk for VTE, when compared to SARS-CoV-2 free patients (odds ratio 2.8 [95% CI, 1.1-7.1]). These patients are also at increased risk for MACE postoperatively as indicated by the odds ratio 2.4 (95% CI, 1.0-5.8). The quality of the studies was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is a lack of high-quality data it seems that patients with hip fractures and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection are facing a 2.8 and 2.4 times increased risk for VTE and MACE.

COVID-19 hip fracture outcomes: The role of Ct values and D-dimer levels?

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused high mortality rates in hip fracture patients, but data for Asian patients are lacking. Whilst Cycle threshold (Ct) values and D-dimer have been reported as predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients, their prognostic roles in those with concomitant hip fracture remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to i) assess the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 hip fractures patients in the Chinese population, ii) identify risk factors of mortality and complications, and iii) determine the prognostic roles of Ct values and D-dimer levels.

Methodology

This cohort study was conducted during the 5th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inclusion criteria were 1) hip fracture 2) ​≥ ​60 years old 3) low-energy trauma. Outcomes were 90-day all-cause mortality, complications, length of stay, discharge destination and mobility status. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for mortality and complications. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients with Ct ​< ​30 and Ct ​> ​30, comparing their outcomes of operations performed within 48 ​h vs beyond 48 ​h.

Results

159 hip fracture patients were included, 42 patients were COVID-19 positive. COVID-19 group had significantly higher 90-day mortality rates (21.4% vs 9.4%), complication rates (45.2% vs 28.2%) and longer length of stay (17.06 vs 10.84 nights). COVID-19 was an independent risk factor for mortality and complications. Amongst the COVID-19 group, risk factors for poor outcomes were advanced age, steroids use, conservative treatment and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3. Conservative treatment was associated with higher mortality (OR ​= ​16.00; p ​= ​0.025) in COVID-19 hip fracture patients. There was no significant difference between Ct values ​< ​30 and >30 regarding mortality and complication rate. D-dimer and timing to operation did not affect outcomes.

Conclusions

Patients with concomitant COVID-19 and hip fracture are at high risk of mortality and complications. Ct values and D-dimer levels have no prognostic roles for hip fracture outcomes. Early operative treatment is recommended as soon as patients are medically fit.

Risk factors for hypoxaemia following hip fracture surgery in elderly patients who recovered from COVID-19: a multicentre retrospective study

Objectives

To explore the risk factors associated with postoperative hypoxaemia in elderly patients who have recovered from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and underwent hip fracture surgery in the short term.

Design

Multicentre retrospective study.

Setting

The study was performed in three first 3A-grade hospitals in China.

Participants

A sequential sampling method was applied to select study participants. Medical records of 392 patients aged ≥65 years who had recovered from COVID-19 and underwent hip fracture surgery at three hospitals in China between 1 November, 2022, and 15 February, 2023, were reviewed.

Interventions

Patients were assigned to hypoxaemia or non-hypoxaemia groups, according to whether hypoxaemia occurred after surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for postoperative hypoxaemia.

Results

The incidence of postoperative hypoxaemia was 38.01%. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, presence of expectoration symptoms, preoperative hypoxaemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary inflammation, time between recovery from COVID-19 and surgery, anaesthetic mode, surgical procedure, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative infusion, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with BMI ≥28.0 kg/m², expectoration symptoms, presence of preoperative hypoxaemia, ASA classification III, time between recovery from COVID-19 and surgery ≤2 weeks, and general anaesthesia were potential risk factors for postoperative hypoxaemia.

Conclusion

Obesity, expectoration symptoms, preoperative hypoxaemia, ASA classification III, time between recovery from COVID-19 and surgery ≤2 weeks, and general anaesthesia were potential risk factors for postoperative hypoxaemia in elderly patients who recovered from COVID-19 and underwent hip fracture surgery in the short term.

The challenge of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19: A rapid review of literature

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics of asymptomatic carriers reported in the literature, and to review the strategies used for diagnosis and control.

METHODS

Systematic literature review approach. As inclusion criteria, all studies published between January 1 and June 26, 2020, conducted in humans, that reported people who remained asymptomatic of COVID-19. Descriptors were adapted to the interfaces of eight bibliographic databases were configured: PubMed, Ovid, SciELO, Ebsco, Scopus, LILACS, Epistemonikos and Embase.

RESULTS

About 45% of the articles reported adult population, thirteen reported mixed population (adult and pediatric). 3 525 asymptomatic people were reported, with an average of 37,1 years [0.5-82 years]. Although the effectiveness of the control and prevention measures was not reported, the identification, isolation and follow-up of contacts stands out as a potential effective mechanism to prevent the transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of this information could be relevant to guide evidence-based public health policies and the protection of populations and the improvement of health care that contributes to stopping this pandemic.

Traumatic Proximal Femoral Fractures during COVID-19 Pandemic in the US: An ACS NSQIP® Analysis

In order to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the treatment and outcomes in patients with proximal femoral fracture’s (PFF), we analyzed a national US sample. This is a retrospective review of American College of Surgery’s (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) for patients with proximal femoral fractures. A total of 26,830 and 26,300 patients sustaining PFF and undergoing surgical treatment were sampled during 2019 and 2020, respectively. On multivariable logistic regression, patients were less likely to have ‘presence of non-healing wound’ (p < 0.001), functional status ‘independent’ (p = 0.012), undergo surgical procedures of ‘hemiarthroplasty’(p = 0.002) and ‘ORIF IT, Peritroch, Subtroch with plates and screws’ (p < 0.001) and to be ‘alive at 30-days post-op’ (p = 0.001) in 2020 as compared to 2019. Patients were more likely to have a case status ‘emergent’, ‘loss of ≥10% body weight’, discharge destination of ‘home’ (p < 0.001 for each) or ‘leaving against medical advice’ (p = 0.026), postoperative ‘acute renal failure (ARF)’ (p = 0.011), ‘myocardial infarction (MI)’ (p = 0.006), ‘pulmonary embolism (PE)’ (p = 0.047), and ‘deep venous thrombosis (DVT)’ (p = 0.049) in 2020 as compared to 2019. Patients sustaining PFF and undergoing surgical treatment during pandemic year 2020 differed significantly in preoperative characteristics and 30-day postoperative complications when compared to patients from the previous year.

Survivorship of total shoulder arthroplasty vs. hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of avascular necrosis at greater than 10-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is a debilitating pathology that can be managed with an array of treatments depending on disease staging. Humeral head arthroplasty for AVN has demonstrated good short-term improvements in pain and range of motion, but the published long-term outcomes data are limited. The objective of this study was to report long-term survivorship and outcomes for patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for the treatment of AVN of the humeral head.

METHODS

The practice of one fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon was queried for the surgical treatment of AVN of the humeral head via appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision, codes. Sixteen shoulders that met inclusion criteria were identified. Demographics included the radiographic stage, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and body mass index. The primary endpoint was survivorship of the implant. Secondary endpoints were range of motion in forward elevation, internal and external rotation, visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score, and the Simple Shoulder Test score.

RESULTS

Of the 16 shoulders included in the study, 10 underwent HA and 6 underwent TSA. The TSA cohort was significantly older (mean 60.5 vs. 44.2, P = .005), with a higher mean ASA score (mean 3.0 vs. 2.13, P = .02) than the HA group. The 10-year survivorship rates were 88.9% for HA and 80% for TSA with no significant difference between groups. Survivorship data were available for a mean 13.0 ± 5.6 years' follow-up in the HA group and 13.8 ± 4.8 years in the TSA group. When compared to one another, the results between HA and TSA only differed in internal rotation, which was statistically significantly improved in the TSA group compared with HA (2.3 ± 2.6 compared with -3.0 ± 5.0, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

The survivorship of both TSA and HA for the treatment of AVN was at least 80% at 10 years. Secondary endpoints, such as range of motion, pain, and shoulder function, improved significantly postoperatively in each cohort and were similar between the 2 groups, except for internal rotation, which had improved significantly more in the TSA group than in HA. Both TSA and HA are viable options for the treatment of AVN, each with durable long-term survival.

Management of hip fracture in COVID-19 infected patients

Given that the global population of elderly individuals is expanding and the difficulty of recovery, hip fractures will be a huge challenge and a critical health issue for all of humanity. Although people have spent more time at home during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hip fractures show no sign of abating. Extensive studies have shown that patients with hip fracture and COVID-19 have a multifold increase in mortality compared to those uninfected and a more complex clinical condition. At present, no detailed research has systematically analyzed the relationship between these two conditions and proposed a comprehensive solution. This article aims to systematically review the impact of COVID-19 on hip fracture and provide practical suggestions. We found that hip fracture patients with COVID-19 have higher mortality rates and more complicated clinical outcomes. Indirectly, COVID-19 prevents hip fracture patients from receiving regular medical treatment. With regard to the problems we encounter, we provide clinical recommendations based on existing research evidence and a clinical flowchart for the management of hip fracture patients who are COVID-19 positive. Our study will help clinicians adequately prepare in advance when dealing with such patients and optimize treatment decisions.

Survivorship Analysis in Asymptomatic COVID-19+ Hip Fracture Patients: Is There an Increase in Mortality?

Purpose

Mortality rates following hip fracture surgery have been well-studied. This study was conducted to examine mortality rates in asymptomatic patients presenting for treatment of acute hip fractures with concurrent positive COVID-19(+) tests compared to those with negative COVID-19(–) tests.

Materials and Methods

A total of 149 consecutive patients undergoing hip fracture surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic at two academic medical centers were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups for comparative analysis: one group included asymptomatic patients with COVID-19+ tests versus COVID-19– tests. The primary outcome was mortality at 30-days and 90-days.

Results

COVID-19+ patients had a higher mortality rate than COVID-19– patients at 30-days (26.7% vs 6.0%, P=0.005) and 90-days (41.7% vs 17.2%, P=0.046) and trended towards an increased length of hospital stay (10.1±6.2 vs 6.8±3.8 days, P=0.06). COVID-19+ patients had more pre-existing respiratory disease (46.7% vs 11.2%, P=0.0002). Results of a Cox regression analysis showed an increased risk of mortality at 30-days and 90-days from COVID-19+ status alone without an increased risk of death in patients with pre-existing chronic respiratory disease.

Conclusion

Factors including time to surgery, age, preexisting comorbidities, and postoperative ambulatory status have been proven to affect mortality and complications in hip fracture patients; however, a positive COVID-19 test result adds another variable to this process. Implementation of protocols that will promote prompt orthogeriatric assessments, expedite patient transfer, limit operating room traffic, and optimize anesthesia time can preserve the standard of care in this unique patient population.

Postoperative mortality in the COVID-positive hip fracture patient, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The extent to which concomitant COVID-19 infection increases short-term mortality following hip fracture is not fully understood. A systemic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 positive hip fracture patients (CPHFPs) undergoing surgery was conducted to explore the association of COVID-19 with short-term mortality.

Methods

Review of the literature identified reports of short-term 30-day postoperative mortality in CPHFPs. For studies including a contemporary control group of COVID-19 negative patients, odds ratios of the association between COVID-19 infection and short-term mortality were calculated. Short-term mortality and the association between COVID-19 infection and short-term mortality were meta-analyzed and stratified by hospital screening type using random effects models.

Results

Seventeen reports were identified. The short-term mortality in CPHFPs was 34% (95% C.I., 30–39%). Short-term mortality differed slightly across studies that screened all patients, 30% (95% C.I., 22–39%), compared to studies that conditionally screened patients, 36% (95% C.I., 31–42%), (P = 0.22). The association between COVID-19 infection and short-term mortality produced an odds ratio of 7.16 (95% C.I., 4.99–10.27), and this was lower for studies that screened all patients, 4.08 (95% C.I., 2.31–7.22), compared to studies that conditionally screened patients, 8.32 (95% C.I., 5.68–12.18), (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

CPHFPs have a short-term mortality rate of 34%. The odds ratio of short-term mortality was significantly higher in studies that screened patients conditionally than in studies that screened all hip fracture patients. This suggests mortality prognostication should consider how COVID-19 infection was identified as asymptomatic patients may fare slightly better.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00590-022-03228-9.

Short-Term Hip Fracture Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction  Despite many significant changes as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and reductions in overall trauma workload, patients with fragility hip fractures continued to present to hospital. As we plan for ongoing service provision during future waves of the pandemic, valuable lessons can be learned from patients that have been treated surgically during the “first wave.”

Methods  All patients admitted to our center (a busy District General Hospital in London, United Kingdom) with a hip fracture during a 13-week period representing the initial rise (“United Kingdom first wave”) in COVID-19 cases, from February 17 ^th to May 17 ^th , 2020 (study group) were compared with hip fracture patients from the equivalent 13-week period in February to May 2019 (control group). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and additional information was collected in terms of length of stay (LOS), SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing, and cause of death.

Results  During the COVID-19 study period, 69 patients were admitted with a hip fracture, compared with 70 patients in the control group ( p  = 0.949). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the two groups (5.8 vs. 7.1%, p  = 0.747). Mean LOS was shorter in the COVID-19 period compared with the control group (11.6 vs. 19.6 days, p <0.001, effect size 0.572).

Forty-six patients (66.7%) had a SARS-CoV-2 antigen swab test, as testing was not available in the early period, and 10 patients (14.5%) tested positive. None of the patients, who presented before the antigen testing was available, had clinical suspicion of COVID-19 retrospectively. Two “COVID-19 positive” patients (20%) died within 30 days of admission.

Conclusion  We report reassuring short-term results demonstrating no statistically significant difference in the 30-day mortality rate of hip fracture patients admitted during the United Kingdom's first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the equivalent period in the previous year. Hip fracture incidence remained stable, and LOS was reduced, likely due to recent departmental changes as well as a drive to discharge patients quickly during the pandemic. We agree with existing reports that elderly hip fracture patients with COVID-19 have a higher risk of perioperative mortality, however, our results suggest that overall mortality for the whole hip fracture population was similar to the previous year, in which deaths were more commonly attributed to respiratory infections associated with other pathogens. Further work may be needed to evaluate the outcomes during subsequent waves of the pandemic as mutations in the virus and conditions may affect outcomes.

Hip Fracture Trends and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly changed the landscape of health care, particularly in the New York City area. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to both the novel coronavirus and the effects of a fracture. The goal of this study was to compare trends and outcomes of hip fracture patients during the pandemic. This was a retrospective chart review of hip fracture patients from a suburban academic hospital on Long Island, New York, who presented from March 1 to May 30, 2020. Patient COVID-19 status, demographics, and hospital outcome measures were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using heteroscedastic t tests for quantitative variables and chi-square tests for qualitative variables. There were 82 patients in the 2020 cohort and 111 in the 2019 control group, representing a 29.9% decrease in cases. The 2020 cohort presented to the hospital an average of 2.77 days after injury compared with 1.15 days for the 2019 control group (P=.0976). Patients in the 2020 cohort were more likely to be discharged home than to rehabilitation (P<.0001) and tended to be discharged with oral anticoagulation (P=.0809). There was no increase in 1-, 3-, or 6-month complications or mortality. During the pandemic, fewer patients were admitted with hip fractures, and the time from injury to presentation doubled. Patients were significantly less likely to be discharged to rehabilitation and more were discharged with oral anticoagulants. Overall, there was no increase in complications, and these data indicate that the authors were successfully able to provide high-quality care to hip fracture patients during the pandemic. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(5):293-298.].

Increased Comorbidity Burden Among Hip Fracture Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City

Background

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic had a devastating effect on New York City in the spring of 2020. Several global reports suggested worse early outcomes among COVID-positive patients with hip fractures. However, there is limited data comparing baseline comorbidities among patients treated during the pandemic relative to those treated in non-pandemic conditions.

Materials and Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed at two Level 1 Trauma centers and one orthopedic specialty hospital to assess demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes among 67 hip fracture patients treated (OTA/AO 31, 32.1) during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City (March 20, 2020 to April 24, 2020), including 9 who were diagnosed with COVID-19. These patients were compared to a cohort of 76 hip fracture patients treated 1 year prior (March 20, 2019 to April 24, 2019). Baseline demographics, comorbidities, treatment characteristics, and respiratory symptomatology were evaluated. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality.

Results

Relative to patients treated in 2019, patients with hip fractures during the pandemic had worse Charlson Comorbidity Indices (median 5.0 vs 6.0, P = .03) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores (mean 2.4 vs 2.7, P = .04). Patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have decreased ambulatory status (P<.01) and a smoking history (P = .04). Patients in 2020 had longer inpatient stays (median 5 vs 7 days, P = .01), and were more likely to be discharged home (61% vs 9%, P<.01). Inpatient mortality was significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (12% vs 0%, P = .002).

Conclusions

Patients with hip fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic had worse comorbidity profiles and decreased functional status compared to patients treated the year prior. This information may be relevant in negotiations regarding reimbursement for cost of care of hip fracture patients with COVID-19, as these patients may require more expensive care.

Management of proximal femur fractures in the elderly: current concepts and treatment options

As one of the leading causes of elderly patients’ hospitalisation, proximal femur fractures (PFFs) will present an increasing socioeconomic problem in the near future. This is a result of the demographic change that is expressed by the increasing proportion of elderly people in society. Peri-operative management must be handled attentively to avoid complications and decrease mortality rates. To deal with the exceptional needs of the elderly, the development of orthogeriatric centres to support orthogeriatric co-management is mandatory. Adequate pain medication, balanced fluid management, delirium prevention and the operative treatment choice based on comorbidities, individual demands and biological rather than chronological age, all deserve particular attention to improve patients’ outcomes. The operative management of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures favours intramedullary nailing. For femoral neck fractures, the Garden classification is used to differentiate between non-displaced and displaced fractures. Osteosynthesis is suitable for biologically young patients with non-dislocated fractures, whereas total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty are the main options for biologically old patients and displaced fractures. In bedridden patients, osteosynthesis might be an option to establish transferability from bed to chair and the restroom. Postoperatively, the patients benefit from early mobilisation and early geriatric care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged time until surgery and thus an increased rate of complications took a toll on frail patients with PFFs. This review aims to offer surgical guidelines for the treatment of PFFs in the elderly with a focus on pitfalls and challenges particularly relevant to frail patients.

Hip Fractures in the Elderly During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latin-American Perspective With a Minimum 90-Day Follow-Up

Introduction:

Hip fracture patients have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the sub acute effects of a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection and the outcomes in highly exposed developing countries are still unknown. Our objective is to describe the morbidity and mortality of elderly patients admitted for a hip fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, with a minimum 90-day follow-up. Also, to elucidate predictors for mortality and to compare mortality results with the pre-pandemic era.

Material and Methods:

Multicentric retrospective review of patients admitted for a fragility hip fracture in 3 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the same time in 2019. All clinical information and images were recorded, and patients were followed for a minimum of 90-days. Morbidity and mortality were the primary outcomes. Uni/multivariable models were performed to elucidate predictors for mortality utilizing the Weibull’s regression.

Results:

Three hundred ninety-one cases were included. From the 2020 cohort (162 patients), 24 (15%) had a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fourteen patients (58%) tested positive after admission. The COVID-19(+) group had a higher risk of in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality (p < 0.001). They also had a prolonged hospital stay and presented with more complications and readmissions (p < 0.05). Only COVID-19(+) status and older age were independent predictors for mortality with a HR = 6.5 (p = < 0.001) and 1.09 (p = 0.001), respectively. The 2020 cohort had twice the risk of mortality with a HR = 2.04 (p = 0.002) compared to the 2019 cohort. However, comparing only the COVID-19 (-) patients, there was no difference in mortality risk, with a HR = 1.30 (p = 0.343).

Discussion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected healthcare systems and elderly patients.

Conclusions:

Hip fracture patients with a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 virus infection were associated with increased morbidity and mortality throughout the first 3 months. COVID-19 status and older age were significant predictors for mortality. Efforts should be directed into nosocomial infection reduction and prompt surgical management.

Level of evidence:

Level III

Mortality escalates in patients of proximal femoral fractures with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies on 4255 patients

BACKGROUND

Concerns have been raised about the escalated mortality in patients of proximal femoral fractures (PPFs) with COVID-19. A meta-analysis to evaluate the mortality in patients with PPFs managed during the current COVID-19 pandemic was conducted.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies were conducted with a search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases using appropriate keywords from January 01, 2020 to January 29, 2021.

RESULTS

35 relevant studies reporting 4255 patients with hip fracture in the current ongoing pandemic, out of which 692 patients were COVID-19 positive. Twenty studies reported mortality and other relevant statistics on hip fracture patients with and without COVID-19 (4123 hip fracture patients in the year 2020-21, out of which 560 had or were suspected of having COVID -19). A meta-analysis of mortality statistics in patients with and without COVID revealed increased odds of mortality among COVID patients [odds ratio (OR) 6.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) [5.09, 7.83] and meta-analysis on the subgroup of surgically treated patients also showed markedly increased mortality risk among those with COVID-19 (OR) 5.99, 95% CI [3.88,9.24].

CONCLUSION

The mortality risk is markedly increased in hip fracture with concomitant COVID-19 as compared to those without it. This increased risk persisted in those managed surgically. It could be due to the inflammation induced by the fracture or surgery for fracture fixation, further exacerbating inflammation, leading to cytokine storm. It is imperative that such patients are informed regarding increased mortality risk during the consent and shared decision-making process.

COVID-19 among patients with orthopedic surgery: our experience from the Middle East

Background

We report our experiences with COVID-19 in one of the largest referral orthopedic centers in the Middle East and aimed to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of these patients.

Methods

During February 20 and April 20, 2020, patients who underwent orthopedic surgery and healthcare staff who were in contact with these patients were screened for COVID-19. To identify patients who were in the incubation period of COVID-19 during their hospital stay, all patients were tested again for COVID-19 4 weeks after discharge.

Results

Overall, 1244 patients underwent orthopedic surgery (1123 emergency and 121 elective) during the study period. Overall, 17 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during hospital admission and seven after discharge. Among the total 24 patients with COVID-19, 15 were (62.5%) males with a mean (SD) age of 47.0±1.6 years old. Emergency surgeries were performed in 20 (83.3%) patients, and elective surgery was done in the remaining 4 patients which included one case of posterior spinal fusion, spondylolisthesis, acromioclavicular joint dislocation, and one case of leg necrosis. A considerable number of infections occurred in patients with intertrochanteric fractures (n=7, 29.2%), followed by pelvic fractures (n=2, 8.3%), humerus fractures (n=2, 8.3%), and tibial plateau fractures (n=2, 8.3%). Fever (n=11, 45.8%) and cough (n=10, 37.5%) were the most common symptoms among patients. Laboratory examinations showed leukopenia in 2 patients (8.3%) and lymphopenia in 4 (16.7%) patients. One patient with a history of cancer died 2 weeks after discharge due to myocardial infarction.

Among hospital staff, 26 individuals contracted COVID-19 during the study period, which included 13 (50%) males. Physicians were the most commonly infected group (n = 11), followed by operation room technicians (n = 5), nurses (n = 4), and paramedics (n = 4).

Conclusions

Patients who undergo surgical treatment for orthopedic problems, particularly lower limb fractures with limited ambulation, are at a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 infections, although they may not be at higher risks for death compared to the general population. Orthopedic surgeons in particular and other hospital staff who are in close contact with these patients must be adequately trained and given appropriate personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Perioperative mortality and morbidity of hip fractures among COVID-19 infected and non-infected patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Hip fractures among elderly patients are surgical emergencies. During COVID-19 pandemic time, many such patients could not be operated at early time because of the limitation of the medical resources, the risk of infection and redirection of medical attention to a severe infective health problem.

METHODS

A search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) with the keywords "COVID", "COVID-19″, "SARS-COV-2", "Corona", "pandemic", "hip fracture", "trochanteric fracture" and "neck femur fracture" revealed 64 studies evaluating treatment of hip fracture in elderly patients during COVID-19 pandemic time. The 30-day mortality rate, inpatient mortality rate, critical care/special care need, readmission rate and complications rate in both groups were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Review Manager (RevMan) V.5.3.

RESULTS

After screening, 7 studies were identified that described the mortality and morbidity in hip fractures in both COVID-19 infected (COVID-19 +) and non-infected (COVID-19 -) patients. There were significantly increased risks of 30-day mortality (32.23% COVID-19 + death vs. 8.85% COVID-19 - death) and inpatient mortality (29.33% vs. 2.62%) among COVID-19 + patients with odds ratio (OR) of 4.84 (95% CI: 3.13-7.47, p < 0.00001) and 15.12 (95% CI: 6.12-37.37, p < 0.00001), respectively. The COVID-19 + patients needed more critical care admission (OR = 5.08, 95% CI: 1.49-17.30, p < 0.009) and they remain admitted for a longer time in hospital (MD = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.74-5.45, p = 0.0001); but there was no difference in readmission rate between these 2 groups. The risks of overall complications (OR = 17.22), development of pneumonia (OR = 22.25), and acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute respiratory failure (OR = 32.96) were significantly high among COVID-19 + patients compared to COVID-19 - patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There are increased risks of the 30-day mortality, inpatient mortality and critical care admission among hip fracture patients who are COVID-19 +. The chances of developing pneumonia and acute respiratory failure are more in COVID-19 + patients than in COVID-19 ‒ patients.

Meta-analysis and metaregression of risk factors associated with mortality in hip fracture patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Incidence of hip fractures has remained unchanged during the pandemic with overlapping vulnerabilities observed in patients with hip fractures and those infected with COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the independent impact of COVID-19 infection on the mortality of these patients. Healthcare databases were systematically searched over 2-weeks from 1st-14th November 2020 to identify eligible studies assessing the impact of COVID-19 on hip fracture patients. Meta-analysis of proportion was performed to obtain pooled values of prevalence, incidence and case fatality rate of hip fracture patients with COVID-19 infection. 30-day mortality, excess mortality and all-cause mortality were analysed using a mixed-effects model. 22 studies reporting 4015 patients were identified out of which 2651 (66%) were assessed during the pandemic. An excess mortality of 10% was seen for hip fractures treated during the pandemic (OR 2.00, p = 0.007), in comparison to the pre-pandemic controls (5%). Estimated mortality of COVID-19 positive hip fracture patients was four-fold (RR 4.59, p < 0.0001) and 30-day mortality was 38.0% (HR 4.73, p < 0.0001). The case fatality rate for COVID-19 positive patients was 34.74%. Between-study heterogeneity for the pooled analysis was minimal (I2 = 0.00) whereas, random effects metaregression identified subgroup heterogeneity for male gender (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.002), dementia (p = 0.001) and extracapsular fractures (p = 0.01) increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 positive patients.

Postoperative In-Hospital Morbidity and Mortality of Patients With COVID-19 Infection Compared With Patients Without COVID-19 Infection

This cohort study uses the Vizient Clinical Data Base to compare the postoperative in-hospital morbidity and mortality of surgical patients with COVID-19 infection with patients without COVID-19 infection.

30-Day Mortality Rate in Hip Fractures Among the Elderly with Coexistent COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Hip fractures in the elderly require a multi-disciplinary approach and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected substantially this high-risk population group. This present review was done to ascertain whether or not the pandemic has affected the 30-day mortality and outcomes of hip fracture in the elderly.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the coexistence of COVID-19 infection and hip fractures in the elderly increase the mortality rates?

METHODOLOGY

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using three databases (PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS) to compare the mortality rates between COVID-19 positive/suspect and COVID-19 negative patients. The secondary outcomes included comparison of in-hospital mortality, complication rate and length of hospital stay. Risk of bias assessment was done using the MINORS tool.

RESULTS

The present review included 20 studies. Primary outcome: A significantly higher 30 day mortality rate was seen in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients with an Odds ratio of 6.09 (95% CI 4.75-8.59, p < 0.00001). Secondary outcome: We observed significantly higher rates of inpatient mortality [OR 18.22, (95% CI 7.10-46.75], complication rate (OR 9.28, 95% CI 4.46-19.30), and length of hospital stay (MD: 4.96, 95% CI 2.86-7.05) in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients as compared to COVID-19 negative patients.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 has deteriorated the outcomes in elderly patients with hip fractures and associated with higher rates of mortality in the short term. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to contain this "pandemic within a pandemic" and improve the overall outcome to survival.

The impact of COVID-19 on the management and outcomes of patients with proximal femoral fractures: a multi-centre study of 580 patients

Background

On the 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Multiple new guidelines were proposed and existing models of social, domestic and hospital care altered. Most healthcare systems were largely unprepared for this, and the pandemic has tested their adaptability. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the demographics, presentation, clinical management and outcomes of patients with proximal femoral (hip) fractures comparing them to a similar cohort of patients admitted a year earlier.

Methods

This retrospective multi-centre cohort study compared all patients admitted with hip fractures between 1st March and 30th May 2019 (group PC: pre-COVID-19) with hip fracture patients admitted over the same time period during the pandemic in 2020 (group C: COVID-19). The data was obtained from the hospitals’ local and National Hip Fracture Databases. Mortality data was checked with the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Primary outcomes were time to theatre, in-patient length of stay and 30-day mortality.

Results

A total of 580 patients were included (304 group PC, 276 group C). Patient demographics including Charlson Comorbidity Index and Nottingham Hip Fracture Scores were broadly similar across the two cohorts. There was a significant reduction in the percentage of total hip replacements (11 to 5%, p = 0.006) in group C. There was an increase in conservative management (1 to 5%, p = 0.002) in group C. Time to theatre was significantly delayed in group C (43.7 h) vs group PC (34.6 h) (p ≤ 0.001). The overall length of hospital stay was significantly longer in group PC (16.6 days) vs group C (15 days) (p = 0.025). The 30-day mortality rate in group C was 9.8% compared to 8.2% in group PC (p = 0.746), but for COVID-19 (+) patients, it was significantly higher at 38.2% vs 5.8% in COVID-19 (−) patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This is one of the largest multi-centre comparative cohort study in the literature to date examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of hip fracture patients. Whilst mortality rates were similar in both groups, COVID-19-positive patients were almost seven times more likely to die, reflecting the seriousness of the COVID-19 infection and its sequelae in such elderly, vulnerable patients.

Falls as One of the Atypical Presentations of COVID-19 in Older Population

Introduction:

Studies revealed COVID-19 atypical symptoms such as falls, delirium, confusion, dizziness, unusual fatigue in older patients. Falls in the older population and their consequences are one of the leading causes of disability; they significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to loss of independence and impaired social functioning. The aim of this study is to present the possible correlation between COVID-19 and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in particular the occurrence of fall-related injuries.

Significance:

This article highlights the importance of falls as one of the atypical symptoms of COVID-19 infection in older adults, which is not directly associated with infection and could be misinterpreted.

Methods:

The conducted meta-analysis is based on a review of the scientific literature available in English, French, Dutch, Polish in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, PEDro, GBL databases from December 1, 2019 to July 30, 2020, covering Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Reviews and Case Reports. The following keywords were taken into account: fall, (hip/pertrochanteric/proximal femur) fracture, aged and COVID-19. Twenty-seven references were accepted for final analysis.

Results:

It was found that symptoms such as falls observed in the older adults can be associated with COVID-19 infection. Falls and slips are also the most common mechanism for hip fracture during the pandemic outbreak.

Conclusions:

According to authors of this study, atypical presentations of COVID-19 should be considered when screening and testing the people at increased risk due to their age. However, further prospective studies are urgently needed to investigate the possible correlation between COVID-19 and falls in older adults.

Hip fracture care and mortality among patients treated in dedicated COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 circuits

Aim

What were the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and patient cohorting on the mortality and care provided for patients with hip fractures?

Findings

Mortality due to COVID-19 infection was higher before patient cohorting, and no nosocomial infections were detected after cohorting. Survival of patients treated in the COVID-19 circuit was similar to non-COVID-19 controls, in spite of longer surgical delay and length of stay.

Message

Separate circuits for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients allows adequate hip fracture care, without observing increased mortality when delaying surgery until stabilization among patients with severe respiratory illness.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00455-x.

Introduction

To analyze the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of fragility hip fracture care, comparing patients treated before cohorting and in separate COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 circuits with the corresponding months in 2018 and 2019.

Materials and methods

Retrospective single-center cohort study including 64 patients with fragility hip fractures treated during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1st–May 1st, 2020), compared to 172 patients treated in 2018 and 2019. Dedicated COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 circuits were established on March 14th. Patients treated before cohorting (17 patients), in COVID-19 (14 patients) and non-COVID-19 circuits (33 patients) were included.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar for 2018–19 and 2020. Patients in 2020 had a lower median surgical delay (50.5 vs. 91.3 h) and length of stay (9.0 vs. 14.0 days), while those with COVID-19, had longer surgical delays and length of stay (87.7 h and 15.0 days, respectively). Thirty-days mortality was higher among patients before cohorting, but similar in Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 pathways compared to 2018–19 (7.1% and 3.0% vs 5.2%, respectively). 23.5% of patients treated before circuiting suffered coronavirus infectious disease-19 disease after discharge. Following separation, no secondary cases of coronavirus infectious disease-19 were observed.

Conclusions

Separate circuits for patients with and without coronavirus infectious disease-19 provided adequate hip fracture care. We did not observe increased mortality rates among hip fracture patients with preoperatively confirmed or suspected coronavirus infectious disease-19, compared to negative cases and 2018–19. Delaying surgery among patients with severe respiratory illness until a favourable trend could be observed did not lead to increased mortality.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00455-x.

Thirty-day mortality of patients with hip fracture during COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic periods: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Timely intervention in hip fracture is essential to decrease the risks of perioperative morbidity and mortality. However, limitations of the resources, risk of disease transmission and redirection of medical attention to a more severe infective health problem during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period have affected the quality of care even in a surgical emergency.

AIM

To compare the 30-d mortality rate and complications of hip fracture patients treated during COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic times.

METHODS

The search of electronic databases on 1^st August 2020 revealed 45 studies related to mortality of hip fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic times. After careful screening, eight studies were eligible for quantitative and qualitative analysis of data.

RESULTS

The pooled data of eight studies (n = 1586) revealed no significant difference in 30-d mortality rate between the hip fracture patients treated during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods [9.63% vs 6.33%; odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95%CI, 0.33, 1.17; P = 0.14]. Even the 30-d mortality rate was not different between COVID-19 non-infected patients who were treated during the pandemic time, and all hip fracture patients treated during the pre-pandemic period (OR, 1.03; 95%CI, 0.61, 1.75; P = 0.91). A significant difference in mortality rate was observed between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative patients (OR, 6.99; 95%CI, 3.45, 14.16; P < 0.00001). There was no difference in the duration of hospital stay (OR, -1.52, 95%CI, -3.85, 0.81; P = 0.20), overall complications (OR, 1.62; P = 0.15) and incidence of pulmonary complications (OR, 1.46; P = 0.38) in these two-time frames. Nevertheless, the preoperative morbidity was more severe, and there was less use of general anesthesia during the pandemic time.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in 30-d mortality rate between hip fracture patients treated during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. However, the mortality risk was higher in COVID-19 positive patients compared to COVID-19 negative patients. There was no difference in time to surgery, complications and hospitalization time between these two time periods.

Acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Reported rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) have varied significantly among studies of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) published to date. The present meta-analysis was conducted to gain clarity regarding AKI incidence and renal replacement therapy (RRT) use in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, medRxiv, and bioRxiv databases were systematically searched for COVID-19-related case reports published through 25 July 2020. Pooled analyses were conducted using R.

RESULTS

The pooled incidence of AKI in 51 studies including 21,531 patients was 12.3% (95% CI 9.5-15.6%), with higher rates of 38.9% in 290 transplant patients (95% CI 27.3-51.9%), 39.0% in 565 ICU patients (95% CI 23.2-57.6%) and 42.0% among 1745 deceased patients (95% CI 30.3-54.7%). RRT usage was reported in 39 studies of 17,664 patients, with an overall pooled use of 5.4% (95% CI 4.0-7.1%), with higher rates of 15.6% in 117 transplant patients (95%CI 9.9-23.8%) and 16.3% in 776 ICU patients (95% CI 11.1-23.3%).

CONCLUSION

AKI and RRT use among COVID-19 patients represent a major public health concern, and early and appropriate intervention should be called upon to improve the prognosis of patients suffering from AKI.

Osteoporosis care during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands: A national survey

This is a survey study concerning osteoporosis care during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Respondents reported that osteoporosis care stagnated and lower quality of care was provided. This leads to the conclusion that standardization of osteoporosis care delivery in situations of crisis is needed.

PURPOSE

During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no guidance of professional societies or guidelines on the organization of osteoporosis care in case of such a crisis, and treatment relied on local ad hoc strategies. Experiences from the current pandemic need to be taken into account for the near future, and therefore, a national multidisciplinary survey was carried out in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A survey of 17 questions concerning the continuation of bone mineral density measurements by Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), outpatient clinic visits, and prescription of medication was sent to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants working in the field of osteoporosis.

RESULTS

77 respondents finished the questionnaire, of whom 39 (50.6%) reported a decline in DXA-scanning and 36 (46.8%) no scanning at all during the pandemic. There was an increase in remote consultations for both new and control patient visits (n = 48, 62.3%; n = 62, 81.7% respectively). Lower quality of care regarding fracture prevention was reported by more than half of the respondents (n = 44, 57.1%). Treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates and denosumab was delayed according to 35 (45.4%) and 6 (6.3%) of the respondents, respectively.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, osteoporosis care almost completely arrested, especially because of the discontinuation of DXA-scanning and closing of outpatient clinics. More than half of the respondents reported a substantial lower quality of osteoporosis care during the COVID pandemic. To prevent an increase in fracture rates and a decrease in patient motivation, adherence and satisfaction, standardization of osteoporosis care delivery in situations of crisis is needed.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) markedly increased mortality in patients with hip fracture - A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its impact on mortality in patients with hip fracture.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Central Database, and medRvix from inception up to July 13, 2020 on research articles that enrolled hip fracture patients who had information on COVID-19 and clinically validated definition of death.

RESULTS

A total of 984 participants from 6 studies were included in our study. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 was 9% [95% CI: 7-11%]. The mortality rate in patients with concomitant hip fracture and COVID-19 was found to be 36% (95% CI: 26-47%), whereas the mortality rate in hip fracture without COVID-19 is 2% (95% CI: 1-3%). Meta-analysis showed that COVID-19 was associated with a seven-fold increase in risk (RR 7.45 [95% CI: 2.72, 20.43], p < 0.001; I²: 68.6%) of mortality in patients with hip fracture. Regression-based Harbord's test showed no indication of small-study effects (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis showed that COVID-19 increased the risk of mortality in patients with hip fracture.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered with PROSPERO, July 21, 2020, number CRD42020199618. Available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020199618.

The prevalence, mortality, and associated risk factors for developing COVID-19 in hip fracture patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

The aims of this meta-analysis were to assess: 1) the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hip fracture patients; 2) the associated mortality rate and risk associated with COVID-19; 3) the patient demographics associated with COVID-19; 4) time of diagnosis; and 5) length of follow-up after diagnosis of COVID-19.

METHODS

Searches of PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar were performed in October 2020 in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Search terms included "hip", "fracture", and "COVID-19". The criteria for inclusion were published clinical articles reporting the mortality rate associated with COVID-19 in hip fracture patients. In total, 53 articles were identified and following full text screening 28 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies reported the mortality of COVID-19-positive patients, of which 21 studies reported the prevalence of COVID-19-positive patients and compared the mortality rate to COVID-19-negative patients. The prevalence of COVID-19 was 13% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11% to 16%) and was associated with a crude mortality rate of 35% (95% CI 32% to 39%), which was a significantly increased risk compared to those patients without COVID-19 (odds ratio (OR) 7.11, 95% CI 5.04 to 10.04; p < 0.001). COVID-19-positive patients were more likely to be male (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.96; p = 0.002). The duration of follow-up was reported in 20 (71.4%) studies. A total of 17 studies reported whether a patient presented with COVID-19 (n = 108 patients, 35.1%) or developed COVID-19 following admission (n = 200, 64.9%), of which six studies reported a mean time to diagnosis of post-admission COVID-19 at 15 days (2 to 25).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of COVID-19 was 13%, of which approximately one-third of patients were diagnosed on admission, and was associated with male sex. COVID-19-positive patients had a crude mortality rate of 35%, being seven times greater than those without COVID-19. Due to the heterogenicity of the reported data minimum reporting standards of outcomes associated with COVID-19 are suggested. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(12):873-883.

Early mortality after hip fracture surgery in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk of early mortality in hip fracture patients with COVID-19 infection who undergo surgical intervention.

Data sources

MEDLINE (PubMed) and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases.

Study selection

Studies were included in the systematic review if they reported postoperative mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection who underwent operative intervention for hip fracture. From this selection of studies, only investigations that reported postoperative mortality in a COVID-positive and a non-COVID group were included in the meta-analysis.

Data extraction

Data regarding patient demographics, age, and sex were recorded. Additional data that was extracted included study location, data collection period, length of follow-up, COVID testing methodology, COVID testing results, and number of patients who underwent operative versus nonoperative management. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative mortality.

Data synthesis

Random effects meta-analyses were performed to assess the pooled relative risk of postoperative mortality according to COVID status. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Conclusions

The overall pooled mortality rate in the early postoperative period for hip fracture patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection was 32.6%. The relative risk for postoperative mortality in COVID-positive patients compared to non-COVID patients was 5.66 (95% CI 4.01–7.98; p < 0.001). The currently available literature demonstrates that COVID-19 infection represents a substantial risk factor for early postoperative mortality in the already susceptible hip fracture population. Further investigations will be needed to assess longer-term morbidity and mortality in this patient population.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic Level IV.

Postoperative mortality among surgical patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic puts perioperative providers and staff at risk of viral exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) during aerosol-generating procedures, particularly in asymptomatic carriers.However, the perioperative risk for adverse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients remain uncertain and the topic of debate. The current study was designed to determine the postoperative mortality in COVID-19 patients based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of the global published peer-reviewed literature.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/Medline; Science direct and LILACS from December 29, 2019, to August15, 2020, without language restriction. All observational studies reporting the prevalence of mortality were included while case reports and reviews were excluded. The data from each study were extracted with two independent authors with a customized format excel sheet and the disagreements were resolved by the third author. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using a standardized critical appraisal Tool adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

RESULTS

A total of 715 articles were identified from different databases and 45 articles were selected for evaluation after the successive screening. Twenty-three articles with 2947 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed a very high global rate of postoperative mortality among COVID-19 patients of 20% (95% CI: 15 to 26) and a postoperative ICU admission rate of 15% (95% confidence interval (CI):10 to 21).

CONCLUSION

The unexpected high postoperative mortality rate in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients of 20% in the global literature mandates further scrutiny in assuring appropriate surgical indications and perioperative surgical safety measures in this vulnerable cohort of patients.

REGISTRATION

This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in Prospero's international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020203362) on August 10, 2020.

Peri-operative Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality in COVID-19 Positive Patients with Hip Fractures: A Multicentre Study in the UK

AIM

This UK based multi-centre study reports clinical characteristics, early outcomes and predictors of mortality in 34 consecutive COVID-19-positive hip fractures so that the lessons learnt could be utilised in other parts of World who are at a different phase of the pandemic.

METHODS

This study analysed patient admitted with hip fractures with COVID positive swabs, between March and May'2020 in three large hospitals covering a population of nearly two million. Data was collected on demographic profile, peri-operative variables, post-operative complications and mortality. The specific aim was to identify any variables, which could predict high 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 12% of hip fractures were COVID positive with the mortality rate of 41.2%. The higher age (p = 0.036) and male gender (p = 0.025) was significantly associated with mortality and most of the deaths were between American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade 3 and 4 patients. The patients having intramedullary (IM) nailing were more likely to die (p = 0.02). There was no difference in laboratory parameters but there was significant difference in findings on chest radiographs (p < 0.001), post-operative oxygen requirements (p = 0.006) and early respiratory complications (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the mortality following surgery for a hip fracture in COVID-positive patients is strikingly high and is associated with higher age and male gender. Higher mortality has been observed for extracapsular fracture operated with intramedullary nailing. In the immediate post-operative period, rapid deterioration of chest imaging, higher oxygen requirement and early pulmonary complications can serve as warning signs and predicting factors for higher mortality.