Postoperative stroke after hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture: a report of 2 cases and review of literature

The Use of Screening Tests in Differential Diagnosis in Nursing Care

Geriatric syndromes involving instability are associated with a higher risk of further complications in patients with trauma requiring subsequent surgery. Acute stroke symptoms require prompt recognition and initiation of reperfusion treatment. This case study describes the patient's stroke symptoms in a timeline and explores the benefit of objective assessment using screening tests and their importance in the differential diagnosis in nursing. Dysphagia is one of the stroke symptoms that can lead to aspiration pneumonia and increase the risk of mortality. This article aims to inform general nurses about the importance of early recognition of dysphagia and other stroke symptoms using adequate screening tests to ensure quality care. Geriatric syndromes encompass instability, resulting in a higher risk of complications, especially in trauma patients. This case study describes a patient with acute ischemic stroke with vague and unrecognized symptoms of dysphagia and explores the rationale for objective screening tests in nursing care.

[Influence of timing of surgery on complication rates after cemented hemiarthroplasty for treatment of medial femoral neck fractures]

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of the implantation of a cemented hemiarthroplasty in the management of displaced medial femoral neck fractures is still the subject of current research. According to the current recommendations, these cases should be surgically treated within 24 h. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the timing of surgery on operation-specific and nonspecific complications, intensive care treatment as well as mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Overall, 152 cases were retrospectively investigated regarding several parameters (demographic data, comorbidities, surgery time, duration of hospital stay, intensive care treatment, general, bleeding, operation-specific and nonspecific complications). The statistical analysis was performed using the χ²-test and the unpaired Student's t‑test as well as logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were included and 71.1% of the operations were performed within 24 h and the remaining 28.9% after 24 h. All groups showed a similar profile of comorbidities. The analysis of the intensive care treatment showed no significant differences between the individual groups. The rate of postoperative pneumonia was moderately higher among the patients with a procedure after 24 h; however, with no severe courses. There were no significant differences regarding all other complications and the mortality rate between the individual time points of surgery.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that patients operated on after 24 h showed no disadvantages regarding other complications, intensive care treatment or mortality, except from an increased postoperative pneumonia rate. These results could be taken into consideration for the next update of the treatment guidelines.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Inpatient Stroke After Hip Fractures in the Elderly

Although uncommon, stroke can be a catastrophic inpatient complication for patients with hip fractures. The current study determines the incidence of inpatient stroke after hip fractures in elderly patients, identifies risk factors associated with such strokes, and determines the association of stroke with short-term inpatient outcomes. A retrospective review of all patients aged 65 years or older with isolated hip fractures in the 2011 and 2012 National Trauma Data Bank was conducted. A total of 37,584 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 162 (0.4%) experienced a stroke during their hospitalization for the hip fracture. In multivariate analysis, a history of prior stroke (odds ratio [OR], 13.24), coronary artery disease (OR, 2.05), systolic blood pressure 180 mm Hg or higher (OR, 1.66), and bleeding disorders (OR, 1.65) were associated with inpatient stroke. Inpatient stroke was associated with increased mortality (OR, 7.17) and inpatient serious adverse events (OR, 6.52). These findings highlight the need for vigilant care of high-risk patients, such as those with a history of prior stoke, and for an understanding that patients who experience an inpatient stroke after a hip fracture are at significantly increased risk of mortality and inpatient serious adverse events. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(1):e27-e32.].

An analysis of perioperative adverse neurological events associated with anesthetic management at a Tertiary Care Center of a developing country

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Existing literature on neurological complications related to anesthesia is reported from affluent countries but the trends may vary in less affluent countries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The objective was to find the associated factors contributing to neurological adverse events occurring within 48 h of anesthesia and surgery. The existing departmental morbidity and mortality database was reviewed from 1992 to 2012 for major adverse neurological events. A standardized methodology was used in reviewing and classifying the data. All adverse events were predefined and categorized before filling the form into the following headers; meningitis, cord/plexus/peripheral nerve injury, stroke, paraparesis/paraplegia/quadriparesis/or quadriplegia, new onset postoperative seizures, postoperative vocal cord injury, and a miscellaneous group.

RESULTS

During this period, 195,031 patients underwent anesthesia and twenty-nine patients had major neurological morbidity within 48 h (1:6700). There were three cases of meningitis/meningism, eight cases of cord, plexus or peripheral nerve injury, seven of stroke, four had new onset seizures, one had quadriparesis, five had vocal cord, and one had cranial nerve palsy. Forty-one percent cases received regional anesthesia alone or in combination with the general. In six cases, anesthesia was considered solely responsible. Human error contributed to 93% of these events.

CONCLUSION

This data has helped in identifying areas of concern and can serve as a reference for further audits in the region.