Effectiveness of anabolic steroids in improving outcomes for post-operative hip fracture patients: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPost-operative elderly hip fracture patients require significant rehabilitation. Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid used to promote muscle growth. This study aims to examine the effect of nandrolone in improving rehabilitation and quality of life in elderly female patients with hip fractures undergoing hemiarthroplasty.MethodsThis is a double-blinded prospective randomized-controlled-trial consisting of female patients above the age of 65 with an isolated neck of femur fracture planned for a hip hemiarthroplasty. Participants were randomized into two arms of the study – 50 mg intramuscular nandrolone vs normal saline placebo administered on post-operative day 0, and weeks 2, 6 and 12. The participants were followed up across a 1-year period following the surgery. Clinical outcomes such as time taken to achieve rehabilitation milestones, distance of ambulation and thigh muscle girth, and functional scoring with SF-36 questionnaire were recorded at intervals of 2, 6 and 12 weeks, 6 months and 1 year following the surgery.ResultsThere were a total of 23 subjects with 11 in the steroid group and 12 in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in demographics and injury patterns between both groups. There was no significant difference for time taken to achieve various rehabilitation milestones and distance of ambulation. SF-36 scores on discharge and at 1-year follow-up mark were comparable. There was no difference in the complication rate between both groups.ConclusionIntra-muscular Nandrolone after hip surgery in elderly female patients does not result in short to mid-term improved rehabilitation or functional outcomes. Nandrolone did not result in increased short-term complications after hip surgery.Level of evidenceI.     

Management of hip fracture in COVID-19 infected patients

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

儿童颌面部骨折诊疗研究进展

儿童处于生长发育特殊阶段，其颌面部解剖结构、牙列情况及心理状态与成年人有明显区别。颌面部骨折患儿常出现面部发育畸形、张口受限、咬合关系紊乱等，严重影响患儿的日常生活。因此，儿童颌面部骨折的诊疗一直是临床上的难题，也是国内外的研究热点。颌面部骨折好发于青少年，损伤原因多为意外跌倒、交通伤及运动伤。近年来，数字化外科技术为儿童颌面部骨折提供精确的诊断及微创的治疗。国内外学者对于儿童颌面部骨折治疗理念逐渐倾向于手术治疗，选择可吸收材料对儿童颌面部骨折进行固定，降低对儿童面部发育的影响。长期随访对于儿童颌面部骨折患儿具有重要意义，有助于监测患儿面部发育情况。此外，临床医生应注意患儿的心理状态。对于创伤较重或发现有心理问题的患儿，应尽早干预治疗。文章就近年儿童颌面部骨折流行病学特点、诊断、治疗原则及伴发的心理问题做一综述。     

寰枢椎后路柔性固定的生物力学研究

目的分析细棒、PEEK棒固定对寰枢关节稳定性的影响。方法采用6具新鲜成人枕骨(occipital bone,Oc)~颈椎C4节段进行测试,模拟以下手术及固定状态:①完整状态;②损伤状态:枢椎齿状突II型骨折;③坚强固定:寰枢椎均采用普通椎弓根螺钉固定,直径3.5 mm钛棒连接;④PEEK棒:直径3.5 mm的PEEK棒连接;⑤细棒:直径2.0 mm钛棒连接。采用重复测量实验设计,在完整、损伤和不同的固定状态下,通过脊柱试验机对标本分别施加1.5 N·m的前屈/后伸、左/右侧弯和左/右轴向旋转的纯力偶矩。采用Optotrak三维运动测量系统连续采集标本运动,分析寰枢椎之间角度运动范围和中性区。结果采用直径3.5 mm的钛棒,2.0 mm的细棒以及3.5 mm的PEEK棒固定后,在前屈、后伸、侧弯和旋转方向上均显著减小了固定节段的运动范围(P<0.05)。直径3.5 mm和2.0 mm的棒固定后的运动范围,在各个方向上无显著性差异。PEEK棒固定的运动范围仅在侧弯方向上大于坚强固定(P=0.005),其他方向无显著性差异。3种固定方式在屈伸、侧弯和旋转方向上均显著减小了固定节段的中性区(P<0.05)。各种固定方式之间相比较,无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论在寰枢关节采用直径2.0 mm的细棒固定,与坚强固定的稳定性相当。采用直径3.5 mm的PEEK棒固定,在前屈、后伸、旋转方向上与坚强固定的稳定性相当,在侧弯方向上弱于坚强固定。