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

Age-related differences in bone structural parameters using 3D-DXA and TBS in men and women: The Bunkyo Health Study

BACKGROUND

Recent advancements in imaging technology, including trabecular bone score (TBS) and 3D-DXA, enable comprehensive bone structure assessment beyond traditional bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in osteoporosis. However, age-related differences in bone structure remain unclear.

METHOD

Using data from the Bunkyo Health Study, we analyzed bone structural parameters in 1372 participants (662 men, 710 women) for the proximal femur and 1053 participants (500 men, 553 women) for the lumbar spine, aged 65-84 years. Parameters included TBS of the lumbar spine and proximal femur measurements (3D-Shaper), including volumetric BMD of trabecular, cortical, and integral, cortical thickness, and surface BMD in each bone region. Age group comparisons (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80-84 years) were performed using Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

In men, only cortical thickness significantly decreased in the proximal femur regions, particularly in the 80-84 age group compared to the 65-69 and 70-74 age groups (P < 0.05). In women, all parameters significantly decreased (P < 0.001), especially in the 80-84 age group-cortical surface BMD (-9.6 %), volumetric BMD (trabecular: -8.4 %, cortical: -4.0 %), and cortical thickness (-3.9 %)-compared to the 65-69 age group. TBS was significantly lower in women aged 70-74 and 80-84 years compared to those aged 65-69 years (P < 0.001); however, no significant changes were observed in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Women showed widespread changes across all parameters, whereas men exhibited primarily cortical thickness changes, suggesting the need for sex-specific approaches for osteoporosis assessment and fracture risk prediction.

Effect of vitamin B1 supplementation on bone turnover markers in adults: an exploratory single-arm pilot study

Although B vitamins have been shown to play beneficial roles in bone health, the effects of vitamin B1 in humans are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin B1 supplementation on middle-aged and older adults. This single-armed trial study included community-dwelling adults in Japan and used a pre- and post-test design. The participants were given 28.0 mg of vitamin B1 supplementation per day for 1 month in addition to their daily usual diet. The effect of this treatment on bone turnover markers and metabolism was evaluated at baseline and after 1 month. Forty-two participants were enrolled (mean age, 58.6 ± 10.4 years; 36 women). The vitamin B1 levels in whole blood increased significantly from baseline after vitamin B1 supplementation. The level of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), a bone resorption marker, reduced significantly (378 ± 135 vs. 335 ± 120 mU/dL, p < 0.001), while the level of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), a marker specific to bone formation, did not change. Moreover, the serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations did not change, whereas the corrected serum calcium concentrations increased and vitamin D concentrations decreased. The serum TRACP 5b levels decreased after vitamin B1 supplementation in the middle-aged and older adults. Further definitive trials are needed to determine the efficacy of vitamin B1 in improving bone health.

Factors influencing the achievement of early surgery in proximal femoral fractures under a Japanese incentive policy

BACKGROUND

Proximal femoral fractures in geriatric patients are a major challenge in orthopedics, often leading to major functional impairment. Early surgical intervention is crucial for improving patient recovery and overall health outcomes. Thus, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare initiated a reimbursement policy in April 2022 to encourage early surgery for these fractures in patients aged ≥75 years. This study investigated the impact of this policy on early surgery rates in Japan and identified factors influencing the timing of surgical interventions.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent surgery for proximal femoral fractures at our institution between April 2022 and March 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the timing of surgery relative to the injury: ≤48 h and >48 h. Demographic and clinical data, including age, sex, fracture type, and various health- and admission-related factors, were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 192 patients, 152 were included in the study. Among them, 38% underwent early surgery (≤48 h), and 15% of the patients arrived more than 48 h post-injury. Significant differences were found in admission routes and residence types between the groups. The ≤48 h group had shorter intervals from injury to admission and surgery than the >48 h group. Factors such as the admission process, day of the week, and C-reactive protein levels significantly influenced the timing of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

After introducing incentives for early surgery in Japan, 38% of patients with proximal femoral fractures underwent surgery within 48 h of injury. Factors contributing to patients not receiving early surgery included transport from another hospital, weekend hospitalization, and elevated CRP levels. These findings suggest that achieving surgery within 48 h of injury is challenging through hospital efforts alone, and the time criteria might be more appropriate if changed to "admission to surgery."

Early effect of a financial incentive for surgeries within 48 h after hip fracture on the number of expedited hip fracture surgeries, in-hospital mortality, perioperative morbidity, length of stay and inpatient medical expenses

OBJECTIVE

To examine the early effects of the financial incentive (FI) implemented in April 2022 in Japan for surgeries within 48 h after hip fracture (HF) in patients aged 75 and older on expedited HF surgery (EHFS), in-hospital mortality, perioperative morbidity, length of stay (LOS) and inpatient medical expenses (IMEs).

STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN

We conducted a quasi-experimental study and constructed segmented regression models for controlled interrupted time-series analyses, assuming a Poisson distribution, to evaluate the slope changes (SCs) in the outcomes of interest before and after the introduction of the FI.

DATA SOURCES AND ANALYTIC SAMPLE

We used Diagnosis Procedure Combination data from the Quality Indicator/Improvement Project database between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2023. Patients aged 50 years or older who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of HF and underwent surgery for HF were included.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

A total of 82,163 patients from 183 hospitals were included in the analyses. In the age group of 75 years and older, increasing trends in the number of EHFSs were observed even before the introduction of the FI, while before and after the introduction of the FI, none of the SCs in the monthly number of EHFSs within 2 days, within 1 day, and on the day of admission were statistically significant (incident rate ratio: 1.0043, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.9977-1.0111], 1.0068 [0.9987-1.0149], 1.0073 [0.9930-1.0219]). Nor were any of the SCs in in-hospital deaths, perioperative complications, LOS, and IMEs statistically significant. Additionally, there were no statistical differences in the SCs for any of the outcomes between the two age groups.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that there was no significant, short-term effect of the FI for surgeries within 48 h after HF on any of the outcomes of interest.

Factors associated with proximal femoral fractures in older adults during hospital stay: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Proximal femoral fractures in older adults affect prognosis, quality of life and medical expenses. Therefore, identifying patients with an elevated risk for proximal femoral fractures and implementing preventive measures to mitigate their occurrence are crucial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop an accurate in-hospital fracture prediction model that considers patients' daily conditions and medical procedure status. Additionally, it investigated the changes in their conditions associated with fractures during hospital stays.

DESIGN

A retrospective observational study.

SETTINGS

Acute care hospitals in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 8 514 551 patients from 1321 medical facilities who had been discharged between April 2018 and March 2021 with hip and proximal femoral fractures.

METHODS

Logistic regression analysis determined the association between patients' changes in their ability to transfer at admission and the day before fracture, and proximal femoral fracture during hospital stays.

RESULTS

Patients were classified into fracture and non-fracture groups. The mean ages were 77.4 (SD: 7.7) and 82.6 (SD: 7.8), and the percentages of women were 42.7% and 65.3% in the non-fracture and fracture groups (p<0.01), respectively. Model 4 showed that even if a patient required partial assistance with transfer on the day before the fracture, the fracture risk increased in each category of change in ability to transfer in the following order: 'declined', 'improved' and 'no change'.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients showing improved ability to transfer during their hospitalisation are at a higher risk for fractures. Monitoring patients' daily conditions and tracking changes can help prevent fractures during their hospital stays.

Rheumatoid arthritis increases complication risks in elderly hip fracture patients: A Japanese nationwide medical claims database study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with hip fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) relative to those without RA.

METHODS

Using the Japanese National Administrative Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we examined cases of hip fractures from April 2016 to March 2023. After one to three propensity score matching for age, sex, and complications, we examined the association between RA, complications, and mortality during hospitalization in elderly patients with hip fractures.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that elderly Japanese RA patients with hip fractures had significantly higher complications of pneumonia than elderly hip fracture patients without RA, with a ratio of 1.232 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.065-1.426, P = .0056], and pulmonary embolism, with a ratio of 1.155 (95% CI: 1.036-1.287, P = .009) in multivariate logistic regression analyses. Although not significantly elevated, it also found a trend towards higher mortality during hospitalization, with a ratio of 1.179 (95% CI: 0.973-1.429, P = .096).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed a significant association between RA and increased complications, including pneumonia and pulmonary embolism in hip fractures in the elderly. Implementing preventive strategies is essential to minimizing complications in the treatment of hip fractures in patients with RA.

Short-term effect of sunshine duration on daily emergency visits for hip fractures in Beijing, China: a time-series study

This study employs a time-series analysis to investigate how sunshine duration associates hip fractures in China and found both short and long durations of sunshine increased the risk of hip fractures. The findings can guide strategies for reducing hip fractures and enhance health education on fracture prevention.

BACKGROUND

Studies on the associations between sunshine duration and emergency visits for hip fractures (HF) are limited. This study aimed to assess the short-term effect of sunshine duration on the risk of emergency visits for HF.

METHODS

Daily emergency visits for HF at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from 2015 to 2019 and contemporaneous meteorological and air pollutant data were collected. A Poisson generalized linear regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was applied to analyze the lag-exposure-response relationship between sunshine duration and HF. Stratified analysis was performed by gender and age.

RESULTS

A total of 10,874 cases were identified. The overall cumulative exposure-response curve showed a U-shaped relationship between sunshine duration and HF. With 7.2 h as the reference (lowest HF emergency visit risk), significant single-day effects of short sunshine duration (0 h, 2.5th percentile) were observed from the 11th to the 13th day, peaking on lag day 13 (RR = 1.033, 95% CI: 1.003-1.065), while its cumulative effects lasted from lag days 0-11 to 0-14, with the highest RR of 1.327 (95% CI: 1.088-1.619) at lag day 0-14. Significant single-day effects of long sunshine duration (12.7 h, 97.5th percentile) occurred from the 10th to the 12th day, peaking on the 12th day (RR = 1.030, 95% CI: 1.000-1.061), but no cumulative lag effects were found. This U-shaped pattern was consistent across subgroups, especially among female patients and those aged 66-79 years; conversely, the risk of HF-related emergency visits decreased with increasing sunshine duration in patients aged 40-65 years with a relatively high uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS

Both short and long durations of sunshine are associated with an increased risk of HFs emergency visits. Females and patients aged 66-79 years might be more vulnerable to short sunshine duration.

Efficacy of telerehabilitation for patients after hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of telerehabilitation for patients after hip fracture surgery through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Eight electronic databases were searched in August 2022. The primary outcomes were mobility outcomes, activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes, and all adverse events, whereas the secondary outcomes were pain, health-related quality of life, and fall efficacy scale score.

RESULTS

Seven randomized controlled trials were eligible for this study. The evidence regarding the effect of telerehabilitation on mobility outcomes (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.39 to 0.48) and all adverse events (risk ratio: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.21) was very uncertain. A clinically irrelevant but significant mean difference (MD) in ADL outcomes was found (MD: 4.82, 95% CI: 2.63 to 7.01). Telerehabilitation may result in a slight increase in fall efficacy scale score (SMD: 0.26, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.54) and little to no difference in pain (MD: -1.0, 95% CI: -18.31 to 16.31).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of telerehabilitation for patients after hip fracture surgery was uncertain with respect to the mobility outcomes, all adverse events, and pain, with no clinically meaningful differences in ADL outcomes. Telerehabilitation may be necessary to be considered for patients after hip fracture surgery to improve their confidence in their ability to perform daily activities without falling. Therefore, medical staff may consider telerehabilitation for hip fractures.

The Impact of Hospital Volume and Region on Mortality, Medical Costs, and Length of Hospital Stay in Elderly Patients Following Hip Fracture: A Nationwide Claims Database Analysis

Backgroud

The purpose of our study was to analyze the effects of hospital volume and region on in-hospital and long-term mortality, direct medical costs (DMCs), and length of hospital stay (LOS) in elderly patients following hip fracture, utilizing nationwide claims data.

Methods

This retrospective nationwide study sourced its subjects from the Korean National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database spanning from January 2011 to December 2018. A generalized estimating equation model with a Poisson distribution and logarithmic link function was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs to assess the association of hospital volume with in-hospital and 1-year mortality, DMCs, and LOS.

Results

A total of 172,144 patients were included. Comparing the risk of in-hospital death between high-volume and low-volume hospitals, the risk of in-hospital death was 1.2 times higher at low-volume hospitals (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.33; p = 0.002). Additionally, the risk of death at 1 year was 1.05 times higher at low-volume hospitals (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09; p = 0.008) compared to high-volume hospitals. DMCs were 0.84 times lower at low-volume hospitals for in-hospital period (aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.84-0.85; p < 0.001) and 0.87 times lower for 1 year (aOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86-0.88; p < 0.001) compared to high-volume hospitals. In-hospital LOS was 1.21 times longer at low-volume hospitals (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.20-1.22; p < 0.001) than at high-volume hospitals. In addition, the risk of in-hospital death was 1.22 times higher (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12-1.33; p < 0.001) and the risk of 1-year death was 1.07 times higher (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10; p < 0.001) at rural hospitals compared to urban hospitals.

Conclusions

Clinicians should focus on improving clinical outcomes for hip fracture patients in low-volume and rural hospital settings, with a specific emphasis on reducing mortality rates.

Effects of Protocol-driven Care by Internists on Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hip Fracture Surgery Patients: An Interrupted Time Series Study Using a Nationwide Inpatient Database

Background Patients with hip fractures tend to have a poor prognosis. Although guideline-compliant practices are known to improve patient outcomes, there is a lack of evidence regarding the use of intervention to improve guideline adherence in hip fracture patients. The objective of our study was to evaluate guideline adherence by internists providing care to patients with hip fractures, using a protocol developed based on various guidelines. Method Protocol-driven care for hip fracture patients by internists began in April 2018 at our hospital. After its initiation, orthopedic surgeons performed the surgery, and the internists provided all other medical care. A controlled interrupted time-series analysis was used to evaluate the effects of protocol-driven care on guideline adherence to compare our hospital with other hospitals, using data extracted from a nationwide Japanese inpatient database covering the period April 2014 to March 2023. Results A total of 221,620 inpatients from 373 hospitals were included in the study. The initiation of protocol-driven care was associated with the guideline-recommended prescriptions: osteoporosis medication (Incidence rate ratio (IRR): 8.09; 95% CI 4.02-17.74), acetaminophen (IRR: 2.11; 95% CI 1.55-2.90), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (IRR: 0.16; 95% CI 0.11-0.24), and opioids (IRR: 5.96; 95% CI 3.14-12.15). However, there was no effect on the proportion of benzodiazepine prescriptions, surgery within 48 hours, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, or other perioperative outcomes, including medical fees. Conclusions The initiation of protocol-driven care by internists resulted in improved adherence to osteoporosis medication prescriptions and postoperative analgesic use compared with orthopedic care. This approach can be used as an effective method of care for elderly patients undergoing surgery.

Timely Surgical Intervention for Hip Fractures is Essential to Reinstate Ambulatory Function on Discharge: Propensity Score Matching

Background

Timely surgical intervention for hip fractures extends postoperative survival and alleviates potential complications. However, the extent to which individuals can restore their mobility after undergoing hip fracture surgery remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of timely surgical management, defined as intervention within 48 hours of injury, on postoperative ambulatory function in patients with hip fractures.

Methods

We included 320 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures at our institution between April 2017 and March 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the postinjury timing of the surgical intervention: the "early group" (within 48 hours) and the "delay group" (after 48 hours). We applied propensity score matching to address confounders in this retrospective observational study.

Results

The early and delay groups each comprised 127 patients. We assessed the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (walking/wheelchair) score on discharge. For preinjury Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) 3, there was a notable contrast between the early (FIM: 3.44) and delay groups (FIM: 2.31) (p = 0.005). Similarly, regarding the Gross Muscle Test (GMT) (unaffected side) score on discharge, there was a significant between-group difference at FAC 3 (early group, GMT score = 3.56; delay group, GMT score = 3.18 [p = 0.01]). Except for FAC 3, there were no significant between-group differences in either FIM or GMT scores for the other categories. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the regression coefficient for the FIM (locomotion) score on the "time from injury to surgery" was -0.28 (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Patients who underwent surgery at >48 hours after sustaining an injury faced increased difficulties in achieving postoperative ambulatory function, especially if their mobility had been compromised before the injury, as indicated by a low preinjury FAC score. Disparities in the restoration of ambulatory function were associated with muscle weakness.

Level of Evidence

Level III, Case-control study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Vitality index predicts walking independence in patients with hip fracture: A retrospective study

This study aimed to determine if the vitality index predicts walking independence in inpatients with hip fractures and calculate a cutoff value. This retrospective cohort study included inpatients with hip fracture (N = 133). Logistic regression analysis was performed with walking independence at discharge and vitality index as the dependent and independent variables, respectively, and age, Berg balance scale (BBS), knee extension muscle strength, and revised Hasegawa's dementia scale at admission as covariates. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the cutoff value. Logistic regression analysis showed that the vitality index at admission was significantly associated with walking independence at discharge, even after adjusting for covariates (P < .01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82, and the cutoff value of the vitality index at admission was 6.5 points (sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 83%). Our results suggest that the vitality index at admission can be used to predict walking independence in inpatients with hip fractures. In particular, the vitality index score ≥ 7 points at admission is a convenient index for predicting walking independence.

Changes of hip fracture in older patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective multicentre study in Japan

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare systems and the general population. However, it remains unclear to what extent these major societal changes have had an impact on the management of hip fractures in older people in Japan. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of patients with hip fractures, their characteristics, and their perioperative management as a retrospective multicentre study.

METHODS

We included 1894 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent surgery for hip fracture at three hospitals between January 2019-December 2021. Patients were classified according to the time of injury; patients treated between January-December 2019, January-December 2020, and January-December 2021 were divided into the pre-COVID-19 group, early COVID-19 group, and late COVID-19 group, respectively. We compared age, sex, body mass index, preadmission residence, surgical procedure, length of hospital stay, waiting time for surgery, in-hospital complications, and in-hospital death.

RESULTS

Our findings suggested that the early COVID-19 and late COVID-19 groups showed a 6.8% and 7.5% reduction in the number of HF patients, respectively, compared to the pre-COVID-19 group. Waiting days for surgery, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality or complication rates did not significantly change before and after the pandemic. However, infection was increased in the early COVID-19 group regarding the subgroup of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the characteristics of hip fractures in older individuals.

Deaths caused by osteoporotic fractures in Japan: An epidemiological study

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a global issue with a worldwide prevalence of 18.3%, and the presence of coexisting fragility fractures can reduce the survival rate by approximately 20%. In Japan, the prevalence of osteoporosis is estimated to be 12.8 million, and the annual occurrence of hip fractures is approximately 193,400. Remarkably, coexisting hip or spinal fragility fractures caused by slight external force meet the Japanese diagnostic criterion for osteoporosis regardless of bone mineral density. However, only 191 deaths due to osteoporosis were published in 2021 in Japan. With the concern that some cases of hip and spinal fragility fractures were assigned an underlying cause of death of traumatic fracture instead of osteoporosis, this study aimed to elucidate the actual number of deaths due to osteoporosis in Japan.

METHODS

We used the data from Japan in 2018. First, the number of deaths due to osteoporosis and hip or spinal fractures was reviewed using published vital statistics. Second, we calculated the number of elderly deaths (age ≥80 years) resulting from hip or spinal fractures caused by falls on the same level using data from approximately 1.4 million annual individual death certificates. Combining the above data, the actual number of deaths due to osteoporosis was estimated.

RESULTS

Only 190 deaths due to osteoporosis were reported in the published data. The individual certificate data revealed 3437 elderly deaths due to hip or spinal fractures caused by falls on the same level, which could meet the criteria of osteoporotic fragility fractures. Accordingly, the estimated number of deaths caused by osteoporosis was calculated as 3,627, approximately 19 times the published value.

CONCLUSIONS

After researching the individual death certificate data focusing on the coexisting hip or spinal fragility fracture, it was implied that osteoporosis may have a higher mortality rate in Japan than what is published.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

The effect of early surgery on clinical outcomes in proximal femoral fracture patients receiving chronic anticoagulation: A japanese nationwide database study

INTRODUCTION

Surgery is often delayed in patients with proximal femoral fractures who receive oral anticoagulants, to avoid complications related to perioperative bleeding. However, surgery delay may increase the risk of postoperative mortality. Our primary goal was to understand whether anticoagulated patients benefit from early surgery in terms of survival and perioperative complications.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study of 581,189 patients with proximal femoral fractures. About 2.0 % (n = 11,385) received direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and 1.5 % (n = 8,726) received warfarin. Surgery was performed within 48 h in 37.6 % of DOAC patients, 27.6 % of warfarin patients and in 41.9 % of nonanticoagulated patients. Survival analysis was applied to compare mortality rate, blood transfusions, systemic complications and surgical complications during hospitalization between the study groups.

RESULTS

Patients receiving anticoagulation were older and had more comorbidities than patients without anticoagulation. There were overall similar rates of mortality (0.8 %, 1.1 % and 1.2 %) and surgical complications (2.1 %, 2.1 % and 2.2 %) in non-anticoagulated, DOAC and warfarin patients. Blood transfusions and systemic complications were higher in all anticoagulated patients regardless of surgery timing. There were comparable rates of early surgery (41.9 %, 37.6 % and 27.6 %, respectively). When operated early, DOAC patients had more surgical complications (OR=1.24, p = 0.04). Warfarin patients operated early had higher mortality (OR=1.48, p = 0.08) and higher risk of blood transfusions (OR=1.24, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Age and comorbidities could explain higher rates of postoperative systemic complications in anticoagulated patients. Nevertheless, overall short-term mortality was similar between the groups. Early surgery was associated with higher rates of surgical complications in DOAC patients. When operated early, patients receiving warfarin were at an increased risk of mortality (p = 0.08) and perioperative blood transfusions.

Variation in mortality following hip fracture across the Asia Pacific region: Systematic review and proportional meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine country/region-specific mortality (in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year) following hip fracture across the Asia Pacific region.

METHODS

Five databases MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies that reported mortality following hospitalisation for low-trauma hip fracture in adults aged ≥50 years with data from 2010 to 30 September 2021. There were no restrictions on study design or language. Pooled mortality estimates for countries/regions with ≥2 studies were calculated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

In total 244 studies were included in the meta-analysis. 123 studies (1,382,810 patients, 13 countries/regions) reported in-hospital mortality which ranged from 1.4 % in Japan [95 %CI 1.2-1.7], Singapore [95 %CI 1.0-1.6], China [95 %CI 0.8-2.3] and Hong Kong SAR [95 %CI 0.8-2.6] to 5.5 % [95 %CI 4.1-7.2] in New Zealand. 92 studies (628,450 patients, 13 countries/regions) reported 30-day mortality which ranged from 1.2 % in Japan [95 %CI 0.9-1.5] and Thailand [95 %CI 0.7-2.0] to 7.4 % [95 %CI 7.0-7.8] in Australia. 142 studies (1,139,752 patients, 14 countries/regions) reported 1-year mortality which ranged from 10.8 % [95 %CI 9.6-12.1] in Singapore to 23.3 % [95 %CI 22.3-24.5] in Australia and 23.8 % in New Zealand.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial variation in mortality across the Asia Pacific region. Short-term mortality rates in Asian countries, notably Japan and Singapore, are up to four-fold lower than for Australia and New Zealand. This difference, although less marked, is sustained at 1-year with a two-fold lower mortality rate in Asia. This meta-analysis is the first to delineate these differences, further studies are required to understand the reasons for this variation.

Early surgery within 48 hours of admission for hip fracture did not improve 1-year mortality in Japan: a single-institution cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Early surgery for hip fracture, within 48 hours of hospital admission, is effective in reducing mortality. However, the average preoperative waiting time for hip fractures in Japan is 4.5 days and the 1-year mortality rate after a hip fracture is 10% in Japan. This study aimed to investigate whether early surgery, within 48 hours, could reduce the 1-year mortality rate in patients with hip fractures in Japan.

METHODS

This cohort study involved 402 consecutive patients with hip fractures who underwent surgical treatment between January 2013 and September 2019. The exclusion criteria were an age of <60 years and in-hospital injury. A total of 389 patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent early surgery within 48 hours of admission (early group) and those who di not undergo early surgery (delayed group). We compared patient characteristics and treatment outcomes between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

A comparison of patient characteristics revealed that the early group had lower hemoglobin levels (P=0.046), lower C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.031), lower numbers of patients with weekend hospitalization, lower numbers of patients with a history of using medications that may cause bleeding (P < 0.01), and who received general anaesthesia (P < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences with regard to the other variables between the 2 groups. A treatment outcome analysis showed that the early group had shorter waiting times for surgery (P < 0.01) and shorter stays in acute-care wards (P < 0.01). However there were no differences in the total hospital stay, Barthel index at discharge, home discharge rates, in-hospital mortality rates, and 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that early surgery did not reduce the 1-year mortality rate in older patients with hip fractures in Japan.

Surgery on admission and following day reduces hip fracture complications: a Japanese DPC study

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of early surgery in preventing complications among Japanese elderly patients with hip fractures requires further investigation. This study aims to use a comprehensive Japanese hip fracture case database to determine whether surgery within the day of admission and the following day reduces the incidence of complications and mortality during hospitalization in elderly hip fracture patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the Japanese National Administrative DPC (Diagnosis Procedure Combination) database from April 2016 to March 2022. Approximately 1100 DPC-affiliated hospitals consistently provided medical records with consent for research. The study investigated the association between postoperative pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and mortality during hospitalization after propensity score matching, focusing on surgeries conducted on the day of admission and the following day.

RESULTS

After one-to-one propensity score matching for age, gender, and comorbidity, we identified 146,441 pairs of patients who underwent surgery either within the day of admission and the following day or after the third day of admission. Surgery on the third day or later was independently associated with increased risks of pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and mortality during hospitalization with risk ratios of 1.367 (95% CI 1.307-1.426), 1.328 (95% CI 1.169-1.508), 1.338 (95% CI 1.289-1.388), and 1.167 (95% CI 1.103-1.234), respectively.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive study of elderly Japanese patients with hip fractures in the DPC database showed that surgery on admission and the following day is crucial for preventing complications like pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and mortality during hospitalization.

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

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

Fragility Fracture Network-Japan: The challenge of establishment of a national hip fracture database and successful achievement of nationwide health system change for hip fracture care in Japan

BACKGROUND

In April 2022, a new reimbursement scheme for hip fracture was implemented by the Japanese health ministry. Japan is one of the world's most aged societies, facing a significant, rapidly growing burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. The incidence of hip fractures is projected to increase from 240,000 in 2020 to 320,000 by 2040. In 2015, Fragility Fracture Network-Japan (FFN-Japan) was formally established as a nonprofit organization in order to create the optimal fragility fracture care system in Japan.

METHODS

FFN-Japan launched the Japan National Hip Fracture Database (JNHFD) in 2017, initially with only eight participating hospitals across Japan. The number of patients enrolled from May 2017 to the end of 2020 in the JNHFD from the 16 hospitals registered the patients during this period with amounting to 4271 patients in total. FFN-Japan invited officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) to participate in round table meetings to discuss the data collected in the JNHFD and to consider opportunities for nationwide improvement in hip fracture care.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients who underwent surgery within 36 h of arrival at hospital was 48.1% in 2018, 58.6% in 2019, and 44.9% in 2020 indicating the delay of surgery. Regarding secondary fracture prevention, initiation of osteoporosis treatment during the in-patients was 60.2% in 2018, 54.0% in 2019, and 64.5% in 2020 indicating the inadequate post fracture care. In April 2022, the Central Social Insurance Medical Council of the Japanese MHLW announced a new reimbursement scheme for hip fracture care including two key components: Early surgery (within 48 h from injury) and Secondary fracture prevention immediately after fracture.

DISCUSSION

The new reimbursement scheme of hip fracture care in Japan will catalyze and underpin major improvements on acute multidisciplinary care and post-fracture care with secondary fracture prevention. FFN-Japan played a key role on these policy changes to the health system by means the close collaboration and ongoing communication with the government.

CONCLUSION

Within five years of establishment of the JNHFD, FFN-Japan in collaboration with visionary leaders from the Japanese government have successfully achieved a major reform of the Japanese health system's reimbursement of hip fracture care. This reform has laid the foundation for transformation of management of this debilitating and life-threatening injury that currently afflicts almost a quarter of a million older Japanese citizens each year.

Association between sedation during spinal anesthesia and mortality in older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: A nationwide retrospective cohort study in Japan

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative sedation plays an important role in the management of regional anesthesia. Few studies have investigated the association of sedation during spinal anesthesia with postoperative mortality in older patients as a primary outcome. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that sedation during spinal anesthesia increases postoperative mortality in older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective, cohort study.

SETTING

Acute and subacute care hospitals in Japan.

PATIENTS

Patients aged 65 years and older who received hip fracture surgery under spinal anesthesia between April 2014 and May 2022.

EXPOSURE

Sedation during spinal anesthesia.

MEASUREMENTS

Postoperative in-hospital all-cause mortality within 30 days.

MAIN RESULTS

In total, 25,554 eligible patients were identified. Propensity score matching created 4735 pairs, and baseline patient characteristics were acceptably balanced between the sedation and non-sedation groups. There was no significant difference in 30-day postoperative mortality between the two groups (hazard ratio [95% CIs]: 0.92 [0.59-1.44]).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between sedation during hip fracture surgery in older patients under spinal anesthesia and postoperative mortality. However, these results are limited to our population, and further prospective studies are needed to determine the safety of sedation.

Impact of preoperative echocardiographic delay on timing of hip fracture surgery in elderly patients

Objectives

Early surgery is recommended for hip fractures in elderly patients. This study was performed to evaluate factors contributing to delayed surgery and associated outcomes in a secondary hospital in Japan with a rehabilitation centre.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 895 patients aged >50 years [median age, 86 (81-91) years] treated for hip fractures at our institution from 2016 to 2020. We defined surgical delay as surgery performed >48 h after admission. We evaluated several risk factors for surgical delay and associated outcomes: mortality, length of hospital stay and walking status.

Results

Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that several factors, including preoperative echocardiographic delay (odds ratio, 9.38; 95% confidence interval, 5.95-15.28), were risk factors for surgical delay. In the multiple regression analyses, surgical delay was a significant risk factor for a longer hospital stay (partial regression coefficient, 6.99; 95% confidence interval, 3.67-10.31).

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that preoperative echocardiographic delay was one of the risk factors for surgical delay of hip fractures in elderly patients. Surgical delay was a risk factor for a longer hospital stay, including rehabilitation.

Effects of hospitalist co-management for hip fractures

BACKGROUND

Early surgery is recommended for patients with hip fractures. Average time to surgery in Japan is 3.8 days. Such delay could be caused by the burden of preoperative assessment and management of geriatric comorbidities upon orthopedic surgeons. Hospitalist co-management has potential benefits in comprehensive perioperative care that could positively affect time to surgery in patients with hip fractures. We compare clinical outcomes of patients with hip fractures managed by orthopedic surgeon-led care (conventional group) vs. those of patients with hip fractures managed by hospitalist co-management.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, time to surgery was assessed with interrupted time series analyses. Whole length of hospital stay, length of hospital stay after surgery, complications during hospitalization, 30-day readmission, initiation of osteoporosis treatment and adherence to guidelines for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis were also evaluated with Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

The conventional group comprised 332 patients and the co-management group 418 patients. Interrupted time series analyses revealed an immediate reduction of time to surgery by 1.2 days (95%CI, -1.9 to -0.4, P = 0.003) with the start of co-management. Whole length of hospital stay and length of hospital stay after surgery tended to be shorter, but without statistical significance. Intermediate to severe complications and 30-day readmission were not significantly different between the groups. In the co-management group, the rate of initiation of osteoporosis treatment (46.4% vs. 6.3%, P < 0.001) and adherence rate to guidelines for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (99.3% vs. 88%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher than those in the conventional group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalist co-management for elderly patients with hip fractures led to significantly shorter time to surgery than conventional orthopedic surgeon-led care, and had advantages in other clinical indicators.

The impact of early mobility on functional recovery after hip fracture surgery

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of early mobility (EM) on functional recovery after hip fracture surgery, and to investigate the potential factors that delay mobility.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, 110 hip fracture patients were divided into two groups according to the days between surgery and mobility referred to as the EM and the delayed mobility groups. Demographic data, perioperative data, functional outcomes, and discharge destination were compared statistically between the groups using univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis. As a sensitivity analysis, the factors associated with the timing of physiotherapy were also assessed.

RESULTS

The EM group had significantly better walking ability and Barthel index (p < 0.05), and home discharge rate (p = 0.004). The factors associated with delayed mobility (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) were delayed postoperative physiotherapy initiation (3.59; 1.76-7.33), days from admission to surgery (1.23; 1.04-1.46), and postoperative CRP (1.14; 1.01-1.29) and hemoglobin level (0.72; 0.54-0.96). Furthermore, patients who received surgery on the day before any holiday were significantly delayed in physiotherapy intervention (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that EM after hip fracture surgery was associated with improving functional recovery and home discharge rate, and early physiotherapy intervention was associated with EM.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus possibly affects the occurrence of proximal femoral fracture

AIMS

The clinical triad of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) includes gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence. These symptoms are also frequently observed in patients with proximal femoral fracture (PFF). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PFF and iNPH retrospectively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of the130 patients over 80-years-old with PFF included in this study, 48 were assigned to the PFF group. Forty-eight patients with peripheral vertigo matched with the PFF group for age and sex were included in the control group. We compared the Evans' index (EI), which is a head computed tomography finding of iNPH, and the percentages of patients with EI>0.3 between the two groups. The PFF group was further divided into two subgroups depending on whether EI was higher or lower than 0.3 (the higher or lower subgroup, respectively). We compared the patient's gait abilities before PFF, causes of PFF, cognitive functions, and occurrence of urinary incontinence between both groups.

RESULTS

The mean value of EI in the PFF group was significantly higher than that in the control group (PFF group, 0.301; control group, 0.284; p=0.008). The percentages of patients with EI>0.3 in the PFF and control groups were 62.5% and 35.4%, respectively (p=0.014). In subgroup analyses, the gait ability before injury was worse in the higher subgroup than that in the lower subgroup and was prominent among individuals who could walk only with human assistance (p=0.018). There were no significant differences in other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients with PFF may have underlying idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; case-control comparative study.

The inter-prefectural regional disparity of healthcare resources and representative surgical procedures in orthopaedics and general surgery: a nationwide study in Japan during 2015-2019

BACKGROUND

Few reports have examined the localized regional disparity in representative surgical procedures in orthopaedics and general surgery globally. This study aimed to clarify the inter-prefectural regional disparity and relationships between healthcare resources and representative surgical procedures using a nationwide database in Japan.

METHODS

The number of medical specialists in orthopaedics, general surgery, and anaesthesiology, as well as the number of hospitals, and the incidence of representative surgical procedures in orthopaedics and general surgery were evaluated annually per 100,000 inhabitants/people by prefecture in Japan during 2015-2019. Medium-sized regional disparities were evaluated using the Gini coefficient. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the defined variables and ageing rate. We also compared the urban and rural regional disparities in all study variables.

RESULTS

The annual average number/incidence and Gini coefficients were 110.6 and 0.11 for femur fracture surgery, 106.3 and 0.09 for cholecystectomy, 14.2 and 0.11 for orthopaedic surgeon specialists, 17.6 and 0.09 for general surgeon specialists, 5.9 and 0.13 for anaesthesiology specialists, and 8.1 and 0.21 for hospitals, respectively. The correlation coefficients by the incidence of femur fracture surgery were 0.74 for orthopaedic surgeon specialists (p < 0.001), 0.63 for hospitals (p < 0.001), and 0.62 for the ageing rate (p < 0.001); those by the incidence of cholecystectomy were 0.60 for general surgeon specialists (p < 0.001) and 0.59 for hospitals (p < 0.001). The number/incidence of orthopaedic surgeon specialists, hospitals, femur fracture surgery, and cholecystectomy, as well as the ageing rate, were significantly higher in rural prefectures than in urban prefectures (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Inter-prefectural regional disparity was small, although certain items were unevenly distributed in the rural prefectures, which is contrary to our expectations. Higher prevalence was recognised in rural prefectures due to the higher ageing rate; however, supply and demand are balanced. This study provides basic data for healthcare policy development in a medium-sized community.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Differences in age-related characteristics among elderly patients with hip fractures

BACKGROUND

Incidence of hip fracture among aging patients has been increasing annually in Japan; patients aged ≤74 years may be inappropriately classified as elderly. This study aimed to identify differences in the incidence of serious perioperative complications and in-hospital, 90-day, 6-month, and 1-year mortality rates according to three age groups among patients with hip fractures.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥65 years treated for hip fracture by our multidisciplinary treatment system were included in this study. They were divided into the pre-old age (65-74 years), old age (75-89 years), and super-old age (≥90 years) groups. The baseline characteristics and outcomes of the three groups were compared, and variables associated with in-hospital, 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the older population, there was a higher proportion of female participants; those with trochanteric fractures, low bone mineral density, dementia, decreased walking ability and independence in performing activities of daily living; and those not living at home. Moreover, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and circulatory disorders, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status scores, and serum albumin levels significantly differed. Further, there was a significant difference in the incidence of serious complications among males and the 6-month and 1-year mortality rates among females. In addition, female patients in the pre-old age group had a higher mortality rate at any period compared with those in the old age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with hip fracture who were aged 65-74, 75-89, and ≥90 years differ in terms of baseline characteristics, incidence of complications, and mortality rates. Female patients aged<75 who had fragility hip fractures potentially had worse prognosis. Our findings may be useful in preoperative explanation, postoperative management, and prognostic prediction.

Application of a deep learning algorithm in the detection of hip fractures

This paper describes the development of a deep learning model for prediction of hip fractures on pelvic radiographs (X-rays). Developed using over 40,000 pelvic radiographs from a single institution, the model demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity when applied to a test set of emergency department radiographs. This study approximates the real-world application of a deep learning fracture detection model by including radiographs with sub-optimal image quality, other non-hip fractures, and metallic implants, which were excluded from prior published work. The study also explores the effect of ethnicity on model performance, as well as the accuracy of visualization algorithm for fracture localization.

Factors associated with non-initiation of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy after hip fracture: analysis of claims data in Japan

In an analysis of claims data from a city in Japan, male patients and patients with dementia were less likely to receive osteoporosis pharmacotherapy after hip fracture. Treatment initiation rate has improved between 2014 and 2017.

PURPOSE

Older adults with recent hip fractures are at a high risk of recurrent fractures. However, the post-fracture care gap has been reported globally. This study examines factors associated with pharmacotherapy non-initiation within 1 year after hip surgery.

METHODS

Using medical and long-term care (LTC) claims, and LTC needs certification data in Tsukuba City, Japan, we identified individuals aged 65 years or older who had hip fractures with subsequent surgical procedures between October 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Patient (age, sex, dementia, and comorbidities) and health service-related characteristics (fiscal year, type of hospital, number of hospital beds, and admission to recovery phase rehabilitation wards) were examined. The association of these factors with non-pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis within 1 year after hip fracture using multivariable logistic models was analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 275 patients with hip fractures who did not receive pharmacotherapy pre-fracture. Forty percent of them received pharmacotherapy within 1 year of post-fracture. Male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 4.49 [2.14-9.44]) and dementia (OR = 1.90 [1.03-3.52]) were associated with no pharmacotherapy, whereas later fiscal year (OR = 0.64 [0.48-0.87]) and admission to rehabilitation wards (OR = 0.25 [0.14-0.46]) were associated with pharmacotherapy initiation within 1 year of post-fracture. Comorbidities were not associated with the initiation of pharmacotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis was less likely to be initiated after a hip fracture in male patients and patients with dementia. These patients should be considered for pharmacotherapy because they are at high risk of recurrent fractures.

General Anesthesia With Remimazolam and Peripheral Nerve Blocks Is Useful for Femoral Surgery in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Case Report

Traditional intravenous anesthetics and opioid analgesics are susceptible to inducing hemodynamic instability. Herein, we describe a case of open reduction and internal fixation of a femoral neck fracture in a patient with severe aortic stenosis. General anesthesia was accomplished using remimazolam, an intravenous anesthetic devoid of hemodynamic instability properties, in combination with a peripheral nerve block. During the surgical procedure, the need for circulatory agonist was reduced to a single dose, and satisfactory pain management was achieved. This approach represents an alternative method for patients with circulatory risk undergoing femoral surgery.

Increased incidence among the very elderly in the 2020 Niigata Prefecture Osteoporotic Hip Fracture Study

INTRODUCTION

A 2015 study showed a decreasing trend in the incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, which had been increasing. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures in 2020, determine the long-term change in the incidence of hip fractures from 1985 to 2020, and assess whether the decline in fracture incidence since 2010 has continued.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We obtained data from the registration forms submitted by hospitals and clinics of patients who lived in Niigata Prefecture and were diagnosed with osteoporotic hip fracture through a survey conducted from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

RESULTS

In 2020, 3,369 hip fractures were recorded in Niigata Prefecture. Although the overall incidence of age-specific hip fractures decreased, it increased in patients aged ≥ 90 years, regardless of sex. The proportion of patients receiving anti-osteoporosis drugs prior to hip fracture increased from 7.6% in 2004 to 17.3% in 2020. Notably, surgical treatment should be performed as early as possible, and the preoperative waiting time was 2.9 days, which was mainly due to holidays.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of hip fractures in Niigata Prefecture has gradually increased over the past 35 years, with an increasing change observed in the very elderly recently in 2020. Although the treatment of osteoporotic hip fractures in Niigata Prefecture is adequate, improvements may include increasing the rate of adoption of osteoporosis treatment further and decreasing the number of days of preoperative waiting.

Short-Term Outcomes of Surgery and Rehabilitation on Activities of Daily Living after Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures: Structural Equation Modeling

In order to explore the factors affecting patients' level of activities of daily living (ADL) on discharge after undergoing bipolar hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures at an acute care hospital, patient data were analyzed with the following statistical tools: multiple regression analysis (MRA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and simultaneous analysis of several groups (SASG). The Barthel Index (BI) on discharge was set as the objective variable, while age, sex, degree of dementia, BI on admission, number of days from admission to surgery, surgical option, and number of rehabilitation units per day were set as explanatory variables. Factors such as age, sex, degree of dementia, BI on admission, and number of rehabilitation units per day were significant in MRA. While not significant in MRA, the number of days from admission to surgery was significant in SEM. According to the SASG, the number of rehabilitation units per day was significant for patients without dementia but not for patients with dementia. Analysis of real-world data suggests that early surgery and rehabilitation affect ADL on discharge to a greater degree than the surgical method. For patients without dementia, longer daily rehabilitation was significantly associated with better ADL on discharge.

Effects of Compression Intervention on the Thigh Using Elastic Bandage on Lateral Femoral Pain After Trochanteric Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

A trochanteric fracture is one type of hip fracture. Management of postoperative pain after trochanteric fracture that is caused by decreased gliding between tissues in the lateral thigh is not established. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of compression of the thigh using an elastic bandage on trochanteric fracture after surgery. Multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in collaboration with the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (sub-acute rehabilitation Unit) in two hospitals. Eligible volunteers (n = 34) with trochanteric fractures after surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. In the treatment group, participants practiced standing and walking under compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. The control group was blinded to the intervention and practiced standing and walking under non-compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. Both groups underwent a standard physical therapy program 2 times a day, daily. Two-way repeated measures of ANOVA showed significant main effect between the groups for gliding between tissue (p < .001), lateral femoral pain (p < .001), subcutaneous tissue thickness (p = .044). Compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage significantly improved subcutaneous tissue thickness, gliding between tissues, lateral thigh pain. Gait velocity improved with these functional improvements.

A Demographic Survey of Pertrochanteric Fractures Based on the Revised Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) Classification Using 3D CT Scan Images

Introduction A demographic survey of femoral pertrochanteric fractures provides several important information for the healthcare system of a country since this fracture is commonly seen in the elderly and has a poor postoperative functional prognosis that is a burden on society. The importance of accurately classifying pertrochanteric fractures as stable or unstable cannot be understated. However, the use of plain radiograph images alone is known to underestimate fracture severity with low inter- or intra-observer agreement. Computed tomography (CT) images offer information for a more accurate classification of pertrochanteric fractures. With this three-dimensional (3D) CT-based study using the revised Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the epidemiological demography of patients with pertrochanteric fractures. Material and methods We retrospectively collected 808 patients from five hospitals, classified into two groups: stable (A1) or unstable (A2). Age, gender, fracture laterality, and surgery timing were identified as epidemiological variables. Patients with both preoperative plain radiographs and 3D CT scans were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were AO/OTA A3 type fractures, pathological fractures, previous ipsilateral surgery, 60 years old or younger, and conservatively treated patients. The primary outcome involved detailing the total number of fractures based on classification (A1 or A2) and variables. The secondary outcome involved a comparison between the A1 and A2 groups. Results The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 85 years (range: 61-103 years). There were 637 female and 171 male patients. There were 463 left-sided fractures and 345 right-sided fractures. Of the 808 patients, 371 (45.9%) were classified to have A1 fractures, and 437 (54.1%) had A2 fractures. The age at surgery, gender, fracture laterality, and surgery timing between the A1 and A2 groups were compared. The mean and standard deviation of the age at surgery for patients in the A1 and A2 groups were 84.9±7.7 and 86.9±6.8, respectively. The number of patients for each age distribution of 61-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, and 95 or older for the A1 and A2 groups was 18 and 7, 18 and 12, 43 and 44, 76 and 82, 107 and 132, 79 and 110, and 30 and 50, respectively, showing that the difference in categorial distribution was statistically significant (p=0.002). Overall, 278 females and 93 males were classified to have A1 fractures compared with 359 females and 78 males with A2 fractures (p=0.01). There were 166 right-sided and 205 left-sided stable A1 fractures and 179 right-sided and 258 left-sided A2 fractures (not significant (NS)). Among the total number of A1 and A2 surgeries by month, the most were in December with 77 surgeries (37 and 40, respectively), and the least was in June with 37 (18 and 19, respectively). The seasonal classification for A1 and A2 surgeries is as follows: spring with 172 (74 and 98, respectively), summer with 150 (70 and 80, respectively), autumn with 193 (90 and 103, respectively), and winter with 208 (97 and 111, respectively) (NS). Conclusion In this demographic study of 808 patients with pertrochanteric fractures classified by 3D CT images, 371 had A1 fractures and 437 had A2 fractures. A2 fractures were significantly more in females with an age peak of 85-89 years.

Proportion of stable femoral neck fracture types in different age groups: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The treatment and incidence of femoral neck fracture (FNF) in older patients is controversial. We investigated the new AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthese) classification in patients with FNF by age to determine the proportions of stable fracture and change trends according to patients' age.

METHODS

We divided patients with FNF hospitalized in Xi'an Honghui Hospital from 2018 to 2020 into five groups according to age: young (<50 years), middle-aged (50-59 years), young-elderly (60-69 years), middle-elderly (70-79 years), and very elderly (≥80 years) groups. We retrospectively collected data of patients' sex, admission date, fracture side, mechanism of injury, and new AO classification.

RESULTS

In total, 2071 patients were included for analysis, with 1329 women (64.2%); 1106 patients (53.4%) had left-side fracture. The main mechanism of injury was falling. In the young-elderly, middle-elderly, and very-elderly groups, 33.3%, 29.2%, and 24.1% had stable fracture type, respectively). The proportion of patients with FNF did not show a change trend by age during the 3-year investigation period.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the proportion of older patients with FNF did not increase, and as many as a third of patients with FNF aged 50 to 70 years had stable fracture.

Multidisciplinary care model for geriatric patients with hip fracture in Japan: 5-year experience

INTRODUCTION

Japan is a super-aging society, the geriatric care system establishment for hip fractures is at an urgent task. This report described our concept of multidisciplinary care model for geriatric hip fractures and 5-year outcomes at the Toyama City Hospital, Japan.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, a multidisciplinary treatment approach was applied for elderly patients with hip fracture since 2014. These patients (n = 678, males: n = 143, mean age: 84.6 ± 7.5 years), were treated per the multidisciplinary care model. Time to surgery, length of hospital stays, complications, osteoporosis treatment, mortality, and medical costs were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean time to surgery was 1.7 days. Overall, 78.0% patients underwent surgery within 2 days. The mean duration of hospital stay was 21.0 ± 12.4 days. The most frequent complication was deep venous thrombosis (19.0%) followed by dysuria (14.5%). Severe complications were pneumonia 3.4%, heart failure 0.8% and pulmonary embolism 0.4%. The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.2%. The 90-day, 6-month, and 1-year mortality rates were 2.5%, 6.7%, and 12.6%, respectively. The pharmacotherapy rate for osteoporosis at discharge was 90.7%, and the continuation pharmacotherapy rate was 84.7% at 1-year follow-up. The total hospitalization medical cost per person was lower than about 400 other hospitals' average costs every year, totaled 14% less during the 5-year study period.

CONCLUSION

We have organized a multidisciplinary team approach for geriatric hip fracture. This approach resulted in a shorter time to surgery and hospital stay than the national average. The incidence of severe complications and mortality was low. The multidisciplinary treatment has maintained a high rate of osteoporosis treatment after discharge and at follow-up. Furthermore, the total medical cost per person was less than the national average. Thus, the multidisciplinary treatment approach for geriatric hip fractures was effective and feasible to conduct in Japan.

Quality improvement initiatives in the care and prevention of fragility fractures in the Asia Pacific region

This narrative review summarises ongoing challenges and progress in the care and prevention of fragility fractures across the Asia Pacific region since mid-2019. The approaches taken could inform development of national bone health improvement Road Maps to be implemented at scale during the United Nations 'Decade of Healthy Ageing'.

PURPOSE

This narrative review summarises recent studies that characterise the burden of fragility fractures, current care gaps and quality improvement initiatives intended to improve the care and prevention of fragility fractures across the Asia Pacific region.

METHODS

The review focuses on published studies, reports and quality improvement initiatives undertaken during the period July 2019 to May 2022.

RESULTS

Epidemiological studies conducted in countries and regions throughout Asia Pacific highlight the current and projected increasing burden of fragility fractures. Recent studies and reports document a persistent and pervasive post-fracture care gap among people who have sustained fragility fractures. Global initiatives developed by the Fragility Fracture Network and International Osteoporosis Foundation have gained significant momentum in the Asia Pacific region, despite the disruption caused by the COVID-pandemic. The Asia Pacific Fragility Fracture Alliance has developed educational resources including a Hip Fracture Registry Toolbox and a Primary Care Physician Education Toolkit. The Asia Pacific Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures Society-a new section of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association-is working to engage orthopaedic surgeons across the region in the care and prevention of fragility fractures. The Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis developed a framework to support national clinical guidelines development groups. Considerable activity at the national level is evident in many countries across the region.

CONCLUSION

Development and implementation of national Road Maps informed by the findings of this review are urgently required to respond to the epidemiological emergency posed by fragility fractures during the United Nations 'Decade of Healthy Ageing'.

Medical expenditures for fragility hip fracture in Japan: a study using the nationwide health insurance claims database

Using the nationwide health insurance claims database in Japan, we estimated total annual medical expenditures for fragility hip fracture across the population at 329.2 billion yen (2.99 billion US dollars). Long-term care expenditures were not included. Fragility hip fracture imposes a considerable health economic burden on society in Japan.

PURPOSE

Fragility hip fracture imposes a substantial health economic burden on society globally. We aimed to estimate medical expenditures for fragility hip fracture using the nationwide health insurance claims database in Japan.

METHODS

We included adults aged 60 and over without prior hip fracture who were admitted for fragility hip fracture (i.e., femoral neck or extracapsular) between October 2014 and October 2015 (13 months). Fragility hip fracture was identified through newly assigned disease codes for fracture and procedure codes associated with the fracture. As a proxy for medical expenditures per patient, incremental payments were calculated (i.e., the difference between the total payments 6 months before and after fragility hip fracture). The total payments included health insurance reimbursements and copayments for inpatient and outpatient services. Long-term care expenditures were not included in this study.

RESULTS

We identified 142,361 individuals (28,868 male and 113,493 female) with fragility hip fracture. Mean medical expenditures for fragility hip fracture per patient were 2,550,000 yen (¥) (23,180 US dollars [$]; ¥110 = $1) in male and ¥2,494,000 ($22,670) in female patients, respectively. Total annual medical expenditures for fragility hip fracture across the population were 329.2 billion yen (2.99 billion US dollars): 67.96 billion yen (620 million US dollars) in male and 261.24 billion yen (2.37 billion US dollars) in female patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to estimate medical expenditures for hip fracture using the nationwide health insurance claims database, which represents almost all health insurance claims in Japan. Fragility hip fracture inflicts a considerable health economic burden on society in Japan.

What is the subtype of dementia in patients with fragility hip fracture?

Introduction

Cognitive function is an important factor that affects functional recovery after hip fracture (HipFx) surgery. The literature on the pathophysiology of dementia in HipFx patients is scarce. We performed a differential diagnosis of dementia in HipFx patients using clinical and brain MRI findings.

Methods

This is a prospective study in which brain MRI was evaluated for patients with HipFx for research purposes. One-hundred-and-five HipFx patients (85 females and 20 males) who underwent surgery and were subsequently able to undergo brain MRI at our hospital were evaluated. The mean age was 84 years. The presence of dementia was determined based on clinical findings and whether the patient meets its diagnostic criteria according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition (ICD-10). The differential diagnosis of dementia was made based on brain MRI findings and the dementia diagnostic flow chart published in the Clinical Practice Guideline for Dementia 2017 (Japanese Society of Neurology). The Voxel-based Specific Regional Analysis System for Alzheimer’s Disease (VSRAD) advance 2 diagnostic software was used to evaluate atrophy of the para-hippocampal gyrus.

Results

Fifty-six (53%) patients were clinically diagnosed with dementia according to the ICD-10 criteria. The MRI findings were diverse: Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-type, asymptomatic multiple ischemic cerebral lesions, past symptomatic cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, Binswanger’s disease (BW)-type, chronic subdural hematoma, disproportionately enlarged subarachnoidal hydrocephalus (DESH), and their combinations thereof. A combination of MRI and clinical findings of dementia patients demonstrated the following distribution of dementia subtypes: AD (n = 20), vascular dementia (n = 33), AD and BW vascular dementia (n = 3).

Conclusion

This study revealed that the brain MRI findings of HipFx patients were diverse. Although vascular dementia is found to be common in this particular population, this could be an incidental finding. Further study is warranted to clarify the specificity of our findings by increasing the number of patients, setting the control, and investigating whether dementia subtypes affect postoperative gait acquisition and fall risk.

Serum creatinine to cystatin C ratio reflects preoperative and early postoperative walking ability in older patients with hip fracture

BACKGROUND

The sarcopenia index (SI), calculated as the ratio of serum creatinine to cystatin C levels, reflects skeletal muscle mass and strength. Patients with hip fracture (HF) and sarcopenia have poor functional outcomes, and many require long-term care after surgery. We hypothesized that the SI can predict preoperative and early postoperative functional outcomes.

METHODS

Preoperative serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured to calculate the SI for patients with surgically treated HF (n = 130, mean age: 87.8 ± 6.9 years). Walking ability before and 2 weeks after surgery was assessed, and patients were dichotomized into independent and assistance groups. To assess the validity of the SI, we examined its correlation with the quality [computed tomography (CT) value] and quantity (cross-sectional area) of the muscles around the hip on the non-operated side, which were preoperatively measured using CT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the SI.

RESULTS

The SI of the preoperative independent (n = 77) and assistance groups (n = 53) significantly differed (70.2 ± 12.4 and 60.1 ± 9.8, respectively, P < 0.000001). At 2 weeks after surgery, the SI was significantly higher in the independent group (n = 31, 73.0 ± 14.9) than in the assistance group (n = 99, 64.0 ± 10.7, P = 0.0003). In the preoperative independent group, 28 could walk independently after surgery (SI: 74.8 ± 14.0) while 49 required assistance (SI: 67.7 ± 10.6, P = 0.01). For patients with femoral neck fracture (FNF), the SIs were significantly higher in the postoperative independent group (78.6 ± 15.7) than in the postoperative assistance group (63.2 ± 10.9, P = 0.002). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of the SI for postoperative walking ability was 0.95 (0.91-0.99, P = 0.03). The correlations of SIs with CT values and cross-sectional areas were as follows: iliopsoas at the apex of the femoral head, r = 0.40, P < 0.001 and r = 0.49, P < 0.001, respectively; rectus femoris at the level of the lessor trochanter, r = 0.26, P = 0.007 and r = 0.37, P < 0.001, respectively. ROC analysis for predicting postoperative walking ability in preoperative independent patients with HF and FNF revealed areas under the curve (95% confidence interval) of 0.63 (0.50-0.76) and 0.80 (0.65-0.96), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HF, the SI correlated with preoperative walking ability and could predict postoperative walking ability. Among patients who could walk independently before surgery, those with high SIs could walk independently early in the postoperative period. The SI is beneficial for estimating walking ability in patients with HF.

Comorbidity and Quality of In-Hospital Care for Hip Fracture Patients

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether the comorbidity burden of patients with hip fracture was associated with quality of in-hospital care reflected by fulfillment of process performance measures.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study using prospectively collected data from the Danish Multidisciplinary Hip Fracture Registry (DMHFR).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 65 years or older with an incident hip fracture from 2014 to 2018 registered in the DMHFR (n = 31,443).

METHODS

Comorbidity was measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index based on hospital diagnoses. Quality of in-hospital care was defined as fulfillment of eligible process performance measures, including preoperative optimization, early surgery, early mobilization, pain assessment, basic mobility, nutritional risk, need for anti-osteoporotic medication, fall prevention, and a post-discharge rehabilitation program, reflecting guideline-recommended in-hospital care. The outcomes were (1) an all-or-none composite measure defined as fulfillment of all relevant process performance measures, and (2) fulfillment of the individual process performance measures. Using binary regression, we calculated relative risk (RR) for the association between comorbidity level and outcomes.

RESULTS

The overall proportion of patients with hip fracture who fulfilled the all-or-none measure was 31%. Among patients with no comorbidity, 34% fulfilled the all-or-none measure versus 29% among patients with high comorbidity (Charlson ≥ 3). This corresponds to a 15% lower chance (RR = 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.81-0.89). Increasing comorbidity was also associated with lower fulfillment of the individual process performance measures. The largest difference was seen for preoperative optimization, early surgery, and early mobilization, where patients with high comorbidity had 6% to 11% lower chance of fulfillment of these process performance measures compared with patients without comorbidity.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Increasing level of comorbidity was associated with lower quality of in-hospital care among patients with hip fracture. Our results highlight the need for tailored clinical initiatives to ensure that comorbid patients also benefit from the positive progress in hip fracture care in recent years.

Association of ambient temperature and sun exposure with hip fractures in Japan: A time-series analysis using nationwide inpatient database

BACKGROUND

Evidence on whether meteorological conditions affect hip fractures (HFs) is limited. This study aimed to clarify the associations between ambient temperature and sun exposure and HFs in Japan.

METHODS

Record of daily hospital admissions for HFs between 2015 and 2018 were extracted from a Japanese nationwide inpatient database. We conducted a time-series quasi-Poisson regression analysis using a distributed lag non-linear model with lag 0-39 days to estimate prefecture-specific relative risks (RRs) of HFs. We also estimated pooled RRs using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 355,563 HFs. For mean temperature, immediate RRs (lag 0-2 days) were 1.349 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.305, 1.395) and 0.754 (95% CI: 0.727, 0.782) for low (mean of the 2.5th percentile) and high (mean of the 97.5th percentile) mean temperature, respectively, relative to the reference (mean of medians). For sunshine duration, immediate RRs were 0.929 (95% CI: 0.913, 0.946) and 1.056 (95% CI: 1.029, 1.085) for short (mean of the 2.5th percentile) and long (mean of the 97.5th percentile) sunshine duration, respectively, and delayed RRs (lag 3-39 days) was 0.770 (95% CI: 0.696, 0.851) for long sunshine duration relative to the reference (mean of medians). Immediate RRs were larger for both exposures in patients admitted from home than in those from care facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower mean temperature and longer sunshine duration were associated with immediate higher HF risks. Higher mean temperature and shorter sunshine duration were associated with immediate lower HF risks. These associations were modified by admission routes. Longer sunshine duration was also associated with delayed lower HF risks.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

The oblique triangle configuration of three parallel screws for femoral neck fracture fixation using computer-aided design modules

Closed reduction and internal fixation with three cannulated compression screws is a common method for treating femoral neck fractures in young and middle-aged patients. Protocols including the inverted triangle configuration and dispersion of the screws still needed further supports. The purpose of this study was to explore a novel oblique triangle configuration (OTC) of three screws in fixing femoral neck fractures based on the morphology of the femoral neck isthmus (FNI). The computer-aided design modules were used to explore the ideal spatial configuration with largest triangle by three parallel screws. A univariate evaluation model was established based on the oval-like cross-section of the FNI. When the three screws were positioned by the OTC, Inverted Equilateral Triangle Configuration (IETC), and the Maximum Area Inverted Isosceles Triangle Configuration (MA-IITC) respectively, the proportion of area and circumference in the cross-section of FNI and the changing trend of proportion were compared under various torsion angles, eccentricity, and cross-sectional area of FNI. The area and circumference ratios of the parallel screws using the OTC method were significantly higher than in the IETC and MA-IITC groups. In the univariate evaluation model, the OTC area ratio and circumference ratio remained stable under the different femoral neck torsion angles, FNI cross-sectional area, and eccentricity. The OTC method provided an ideal spatial configuration for the FNA fixation with the largest area using three parallel screws. The position of the posterior screw was also away from the metaphyseal artery, potentially reducing the possibility of vascular injury and screw penetrating.

Validity, Responsiveness, and Predictive Ability of the Japanese Version of the Cumulated Ambulation Score in Patients with Hip Fracture

Objectives:

The aim of the current study was to investigate the validity, the responsiveness, and the predictive ability for discharge to own home of the Japanese version of the Cumulated Ambulation Score (CAS-JP). This was achieved by analyzing the CAS-JP after hip fracture surgery at multiple time points until patient discharge.

Methods:

Patients who underwent hip fracture surgery were evaluated using CAS-JP, the Barthel Index, and walking ability on postoperative day (POD) 1, 7, and 14 and at discharge. Floor and ceiling effects, responsiveness, and correlations between CAS-JP and other functional outcomes were assessed at each time point. The predictive ability of CAS-JP for discharge to own home was also analyzed using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic.

Results:

A total of 121 patients were included in this study. On POD7, POD14, and at discharge, strong correlations were observed between CAS-JP and the Barthel Index (r=0.81, 0.82, and 0.87, respectively), and between CAS-JP and walking status (r=0.82, 0.81, and 0.76, respectively). CAS-JP had a large effect size (1.64–2.25) and standardized response mean (1.49–1.81). The predictive ability of CAS-JP for discharge to own home, as indicated by the AUCs, were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.62–0.83) on POD7 and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.62–0.86) on POD14.

Conclusions:

CAS-JP has sufficient validity and responsiveness as a mobility assessment tool in postoperative hip fracture patients. Furthermore, this study showed that early postoperative mobility status evaluation using CAS-JP can sufficiently predict discharge to own home.

Utility of the ability for basic movement scale II as a prediction method of ambulation ability in patients after the hip fracture surgery

BACKGROUND

This study was to investigate whether the Ability for Basic Movement Scale II (ABMS II) at admission of the convalescent rehabilitation ward (CRW) could predict the ambulation ability in patients after hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

The data of the ABMS II and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) of 118 postsurgical patients with hip fracture who were transferred to the CRW were retrospectively analyzed (mean age 82.7 ± 7.9, female/male: 89/29). Binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to investigate the predictive value of ABMS II for walking ability at discharge.

RESULTS

Spearman's correlation analysis showed that there were significantly positive correlations between the ABMS II score at admission and FAC score at discharge (ρ = 0.70, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that ABMS II and BMI can be the predictor in both FAC <4 or ≥4 groups. ROC analysis indicated that an optimal cutoff of 24.5 points of ABMS II score predicted independent walking ability (area under the Curve (AUC) 0.87, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The ABMS II at admission in CRW can be a prediction method of ambulation recovery for the patients after hip fracture surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.