Does optimal timing for spine fracture fixation exist?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of timing of spine fracture fixation on outcome in multiply injured patients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There is little consensus regarding the optimal timing of spine fracture fixation after blunt trauma. Potential advantages of early fixation include earlier patient mobilization and fewer septic complications; disadvantages include compounded complications from associated injuries and inconvenience of surgical scheduling. METHODS: Patients with spine fractures from blunt trauma admitted to an urban level 1 trauma center during a 42-month period who required surgical spine fracture fixation were identified from the registry. Patients were analyzed according to timing of fixation, level of spine injury, and impact of associated injuries (measured by injury severity score). Early fixation was defined as within 3 days of injury, and late fixation was after 3 days. Outcomes analyzed were intensive care unit and hospital stay, ventilator days, pneumonia, survival, and hospital charges. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-one patients had spine fracture fixation, 142 (49%) early and 149 (51%) late. Patients were clinically similar relative to age, admission blood pressure, injury severity score, and chest abbreviated injury scale score. The intensive care unit stay was shorter for patients with early fixation. The incidence of pneumonia was lower for patients with early fixation. Charges were lower for patients with early fixation. Patients were stratified by level of spine injury. There were 163 cervical (83 early, 80 late), 79 thoracic (30 early, 49 late), and 49 lumbar fractures (29 early, 20 late). There were no differences in injury severity between early and late groups for each fracture site. The most striking differences occurred in the thoracic fracture group. Early fixation was associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia, a shorter intensive care unit stay, fewer ventilator days, and lower charges. High-risk patients had lower pneumonia rates and less hospital resource utilization with early fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Early spine fracture fixation is safely performed in multiply injured patients. Early fixation is preferred in patients with thoracic spine fractures because it allows earlier mobilization and reduces the incidence of pneumonia. Although delaying fixation in the less severely injured may be convenient for scheduling, it increases hospital resource utilization and patient complications.     

Timing of surgery following spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing for surgical intervention after traumatic spinal injuries with spinal cord injury remains unclear. DESIGN: Literature review. FINDINGS: Multiple laboratory investigations (in animal models) and many clinical studies suggest better neurological outcomes with early surgical intervention. Conclusive evidence (well-designed randomized, controlled studies), however, is lacking, partly due to the logistics involved in executing such an investigation. Early surgery also appears to decrease the incidence of complications, reduces hospital stay, and helps reduce costs associated with acute management. CONCLUSION: Early surgical treatment is beneficial in terms of reducing complications, length of stay, and hospital costs. Further studies are needed to clearly demonstrate the impact of operative timing on neurological outcome.     

Timing of femur fracture fixation: effect on outcome in patients with thoracic and head injuries

BACKGROUND: Optimal timing of femur fracture fixation remains controversial. This study examines the association between the timing of femur fracture fixation and outcome in patients with concomitant chest and head injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review of registry data from a Level I trauma center identified 1362 patients with a femoral shaft fracture over a 12-year period. Patients were categorized into five groups by timing of femur fracture fixation: Group 1, within 24 hours; Group 2, 24 to 48 hours; Group 3, 48 to 120 hours; Group 4, > 120 hours; and Group 5, patients with no operative fixation. Primary outcome measures included morbidity (specifically, pulmonary complications) and mortality. Secondary outcome measures were hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and discharge Glasgow Coma Scale score. Subsets of patients were examined including all patients with multiple injuries (Injury Severity Score > 15), chest trauma (Chest Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 2), and head trauma (Head Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 2). RESULTS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit length of stay were lowest in the group fixed within 24 hours, even in patients with concomitant head or chest trauma. Fixation between 2 and 5 days was associated with a significantly increased incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, and fat embolization syndrome in patients with concurrent chest trauma (p < 0.0001). In head-injured patients, discharge Glasgow Coma Scale score was highest in the group fixed within 24 hours. Timing of operative fixation did not affect mortality. CONCLUSION: Our data show that early femur fracture fixation (< 24 hours) is associated with an improved outcome, even in patients with coexistent head and/or chest trauma. Fixation of femur fractures at 2 to 5 days was associated with a significant increase in pulmonary complications, particularly with concomitant head or chest trauma, and length of stay. Chest and head trauma are not contraindications to early fixation with reamed intramedullary nailing.     

Timing of surgical stabilization after cervical and thoracic trauma. Invited submission from the Joint Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, March 2004

Appropriate timing for surgical intervention following destabilizing cervical or thoracic spine trauma remains controversial. Clinical investigators have failed to provide convincing evidence that the timing of surgery significantly affects neurological outcome in most situations. Nevertheless, early surgical stabilization of the injured spine has been shown to provide significant nonneurological benefits such as more rapid patient mobilization, facilitation of treating associated injuries, reduction in rates of pulmonary and pressure sore complications, reduction in duration of intensive care unit and hospital stays, and a decrease in overall medical costs. The findings of basic science studies have improved our understanding of the molecular and cellular events surrounding initial and secondary spinal cord injury (SCI), and analysis of these findings suggests that the early postinjury period may present a unique opportunity for meaningful intervention. This possibility has been supported by results obtained in animal studies that demonstrate the potential for improving functional outcome when surgical intervention is performed within a few hours following experimental SCI. Despite the absence of significant neurological recovery in most clinical studies, the results of most recent clinical studies strongly support the overall clinical benefits of early surgical intervention, particularly in the setting of unstable thoracic spinal column injury with associated SCI. Based on the best available scientific and clinical evidence, the authors report that it is therefore recommended that surgical stabilization be performed in as timely a fashion as possible, particularly for unstable thoracic spine trauma, within the constraints of the patient's overall medical condition and availability of appropriate resources.     

The effect of early spine fixation on non-neurologic outcome

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that spinal fracture fixation within 3 days can reduce the incidence of pneumonia, length of stay, number of ventilator days, and hospital charges. Our institutional protocol calls for surgical stabilization of spinal fractures within 3 days of admission. We hypothesized that compliance with an early spinal fracture fixation protocol (within 3 days of admission) would improve non-neurologic outcome in patients with spinal fractures. METHODS: The trauma registry was queried for the period January 1988 through October 2001 to identify patients with spinal fractures requiring surgical stabilization. Patients were analyzed to determine the compliance with our protocol and to determine whether early spinal fixation can reduce the incidence of pneumonia, reduce length of stay, and reduce mortality. RESULTS: 1,741 patients with spinal fractures were identified. 299 (17.2%) required surgical stabilization. 174 (58.2%) had surgical stabilization within 3 days while 125 (41.8%) had surgical stabilization greater than 3 days from admission. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regards to age (37.9 versus 42.5), admission GCS (14.1 versus 13.9), or ISS (22 versus 20.8). The incidence of pneumonia was similar in both groups (21.8 versus 25.6%). The mortality was higher in the early group as compared with the late group (6.9 versus 2.5%), although it did not reach statistical significance. The hospital length of stay was significantly shorter (14.3 versus 21.1) for patients who had early spine fixation, however there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regards to intensive care unit length of stay (7.2 versus 7.9) or number of ventilator days (5.02 versus 1.9). Patients who were severely injured (ISS > 25) also had a significantly shorter hospital length of stay (19.6 versus 29.1) if they underwent early spinal fixation. Patients with thoracic spine injury and associated spinal cord injury had a significantly shorter HLOS (10.1 versus 30.5), ICULOS (2.3 versus 13.1), and lower incidence of pneumonia (6.5 versus 33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Reasonable compliance with an early spinal fracture fixation protocol produced some outcome improvements in non-neurologic outcome. Early spine stabilization reduced hospital length of stay in all patients. Patients with thoracic spine trauma and a spinal cord injury had the greatest benefit in reduction of morbidity, HLOS and ICULOS from early stabilization. There was a trend toward poorer outcome in some groups with early spine stabilization. A rigid protocol requiring early surgical spine stabilization in all patients does not appear justified. Although early spine stabilization should be performed whenever possible to reduce hospital length of stay, the timing of this procedure should be individualized to allow patients with the most severe physiologic derangements to be optimized preoperatively.     

Retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study examining timing of fracture fixation for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures

Abstract The timing of surgery in patients with traumatic thoracic/thoracolumbar fractures, with or without spinal cord injury, remains controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of the timing of surgery for complications and resource utilization following fixation of traumatic thoracic/thoracolumbar fractures. In this retrospective cohort study, the 2003-2008 California Inpatient Databases were searched for patients receiving traumatic thoracic/thoracolumbar fracture fixation. Patients were classified as having early (<72?h) or late (>72?h) surgery. Propensity score modeling produced a matched cohort balanced on age, comorbidity, trauma severity, and other factors. Complications, mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the impact of delayed surgery on in-hospital complications after balancing and controlling for other important factors. Early surgery (<72?h) for traumatic thoracic/thoracolumbar fractures was associated with a significantly lower overall complication rate (including cardiac, thromboembolic, and respiratory complications), and decreased hospital stay. In-hospital charges were significantly lower ($38,120 difference) in the early surgery group. Multivariate analysis identified time to surgery as the strongest predictor of in-hospital complications, although age, medical comorbidities, and injury severity score were also independently associated with increased complications. We reinforce the beneficial impact of early spinal surgery (prior to 72?h) in traumatic thoracic/thoracolumbar fractures to reduce in-hospital complications, hospital stay, and resource utilization. These results provide further support to the emerging literature and professional consensus regarding the importance of early thoracic/thoracolumbar spine stabilization of traumatic fractures to improve patient outcomes and limit hospitalization costs.     

Early surgery for thoracolumbar spine injuries decreases complications

BACKGROUND: The proper timing for surgical fracture repair is controversial. Early repair of long bone and cervical fractures reduces complications and is safe. Few studies exist to compare time to surgery with outcomes in thoracolumbar (TL) spine injuries. METHODS: Patients with TL spine injuries were identified from the trauma registry and divided into two cohorts on the basis of Injury Severity Score (ISS). Cohorts were compared for infectious, respiratory, and total complications in patients who had early (<72 hours from injury) versus late (>72 hours from injury) surgical repair. A retrospective chart review was performed on High ISS patients (> or =15) to identify differences in resuscitation needs and neurologic, respiratory, and infectious complications. RESULTS: Early surgery, Low ISS patients were younger, received fewer anterior repairs, and had shorter hospitalizations. Early patients in the High ISS cohort had significantly fewer total complications and shorter hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay. Resuscitative requirements were similar for both surgery groups. More late surgery patients required ventilator support for noninfectious reasons. There was no difference in admission or postoperative neurologic status or the incidence of head injury. CONCLUSION: Early surgery in severely injured patients with thoracolumbar spine trauma was associated with fewer complications and shorter hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, required less ventilator support for noninfectious reasons, and did not increase neurologic deficits.     

Plate fixation versus intramedullary fixation for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures: a systematic review

Purpose  

The optimal surgical approach for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture remains controversial. The objective of this systematic review is to compare functional outcome and complications after plate fixation and intramedullary fixation for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.     

Improved outcome after early fixation of acetabular fractures

This study was done in order to evaluate the effect of the timing of fixation for acetabular and pelvic ring fractures on patient outcome. Demographic, clinical and outcome data for 5821 trauma patients admitted from January 1993 through January 1996 were retrospectively reviewed. Pelvic fractures were classified according to Young and Burgess. Patients who had fixation within 24 h of admission were compared with those who had later operation. Main outcome measures were Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score according to Moore, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay and discharge disposition. Out of 416 patients with pelvic fractures, one hundred patients had fracture fixation [90 open reduction and internal fixation, 10 external fixation]. There were 59 acetabular fractures and 41 pelvic ring fractures. The overall mortality was 4%. Early fixation of acetabular fractures was associated with lower MODS (p < 0.006) and decreased total length of stay (p < 0.026). Length of hospital stay was also less with early fixation of pelvic ring fractures (p < 0.04). Functional outcome was improved in early fixation of acetabular fractures with a greater proportion of patients being discharged home rather than to rehabilitation or skilled care (p = 0.05). Patients who underwent early repair of acetabular and pelvic ring fractures had a shorter length of hospital stay compared to those with late fixation. Patients with early repair of acetabular fractures had significantly less organ dysfunction and exhibited improved functional outcome.     

老年髋部骨折手术时机选择与术后疗效分析

目的 探讨老年髋部骨折患者手术时机选择对术后疗效的影响.方法 选择2006年7月至2008年6月手术治疗的髋部骨折患者267例,入组后根据手术时机将患者分为早期手术组(入院2 d内手术)和晚期手术组(入院2 d后手术),详细记录患者的并存症、手术细节、术后并发症等.观察两组患者住院期间并发症发生率和死亡率、住院时间、出院时功能恢复情况、术后6和12个月的死亡率以及功能恢复情况.结果 符合入选标准116例,早期手术组45例,晚期手术组71例.两组性别、年龄、并存症等一般情况差异无统计学意义,术中麻醉方式、出血量、固定方式两组亦无统计学意义.早期手术组住院时间、住院期间肺部并发症发生率较晚期手术组明显减少;住院期间、术后6、12个月死亡率和晚期手术组相比差异不统计学意义;出院时、术后6个月日常生活能力评分(the activities of daily living,ADL)较晚期手术组高,差异有统计学意义.术后12个月晚期手术组ADL评分和早期手术相似,差异无统计学意义.结论 在排除自身情况差异后,术后早期(出院时、术后6个月)早期手术患者独立生活能力较晚期手术者恢复好,但从远期来看(术后12个月)二者差异无统计学意义.早期手术者和晚期手术者死亡率的差异无统计学意义.     

Timing of thoracic spine stabilization in trauma patients: impact on clinical course and outcome

BACKGROUND: Optimal timing of stabilization for thoracic spine injuries in multiply injured patients is still controversial because additional lung injury occurs frequently. Early operation might benefit clinical course and outcome in these patients. METHODS: We analyzed the German National Trauma Database (n = 8,057) and compared clinical parameters and outcome of patients with severe thoracic spine injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale >2; n = 298) who underwent spine stabilization within 72 hours posttrauma (group I) or later (group II). RESULTS: In all, 95% of all patients had additional severe thoracic injuries such as lung contusion. In spite of comparable demographic data, patients in group I had a significant shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (median [range]: group I, 8 [0-237] days; group II, 16 [2-91] days; p = 0.001), shorter dependence on mechanical ventilation (group I: 2 [0-48] days; group II: 5 [0-91] days; p = 0.02), and shorter hospital stay (group I: 22 [1-255] days; group II: 31 [2-274] days; p = 0.048). Expected mortality calculated by Trauma and Injury Severity Score was significantly reduced in group I (calculated: 16%; documented: 6%; p < 0.05) but not in group II (19% versus 17%; p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Almost 10% of all patients in the German National Trauma Registry had severe spine injuries. Severe thoracic injuries occurred in 95% of these patients with thoracic spine trauma. We provide further evidence that early stabilization of thoracic spine injuries in trauma patients reduces overall hospital and ICU stay and improves outcome. Thus early stabilization of thoracic spine injuries within 3 days after trauma appears to be favorable.     

老年髋部骨折手术时机选择与术后疗效分析

目的 探讨老年髋部骨折患者手术时机选择对术后疗效的影响.方法 选择2006年7月至2008年6月手术治疗的髋部骨折患者267例,入组后根据手术时机将患者分为早期手术组(入院2 d内手术)和晚期手术组(入院2 d后手术),详细记录患者的并存症、手术细节、术后并发症等.观察两组患者住院期间并发症发生率和死亡率、住院时间、出院时功能恢复情况、术后6和12个月的死亡率以及功能恢复情况.结果 符合入选标准116例,早期手术组45例,晚期手术组71例.两组性别、年龄、并存症等一般情况差异无统计学意义,术中麻醉方式、出血量、固定方式两组亦无统计学意义.早期手术组住院时间、住院期间肺部并发症发生率较晚期手术组明显减少;住院期间、术后6、12个月死亡率和晚期手术组相比差异不统计学意义;出院时、术后6个月日常生活能力评分(the activities of daily living,ADL)较晚期手术组高,差异有统计学意义.术后12个月晚期手术组ADL评分和早期手术相似,差异无统计学意义.结论 在排除自身情况差异后,术后早期(出院时、术后6个月)早期手术患者独立生活能力较晚期手术者恢复好,但从远期来看(术后12个月)二者差异无统计学意义.早期手术者和晚期手术者死亡率的差异无统计学意义.     

Timing of intervention for spinal injury in patients with polytrauma

ObjectiveThe optimal timing of surgical intervention of spinal fractures in patients with polytrauma is still controversial. In the setting of trauma to multiple organ systems, an inappropriately timed definitive spine surgery can lead to increased incidence of pulmonary complications, hemodynamic instability and potentially death, while delayed surgical stabilisation has its attendant problems of prolonged recumbency including deep vein thrombosis, organ-sp ecific infection and pressure sores.MethodsA narrative review focussed at the epidemiology, demographics and principles of surgery for spinal trauma in poly-traumatised patients was performed. Pubmed search (1995–2020) based on the keywords – polytrauma OR multiple trauma AND spine fracture AND timing, present in “All the fields” of the search tab, was performed. Among 48 articles retrieved, 23 articles specific to the management of spinal fracture in polytrauma patients were reviewed.ResultsSpine trauma is noted in up to 30% of polytrauma patients. Unstable spinal fractures with or without spinal cord injury in polytrauma require surgical intervention and are treated based on the following principles - stabilizing the injured spine during resuscitation, acute management of life-and limb-threatening organ injuries, “damage control” internal stabilisation of unstable spinal injuries during the early acute phase and, definitive surgery at an appropriate window of opportunity. Early spine fracture fixation, especially in the setting of chest injury, reduces morbidity of pulmonary complications and duration of hospital stay.ConclusionRecognition and stabilisation of spinal fractures during resuscitation of polytrauma is important. Early posterior spinal fixation of unstable fractures, described as damage control spine surgery, is preferred while a delayed definitive 360° decompression is performed once the systemic milieu is optimal, if mandated for biomechanical and neurological indications.     

一期经后路三柱重建技术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 探讨严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折应用经后路进行脊柱三柱重建技术的临床效果.方法 对24例胸腰椎爆裂骨折采用经后路椎体次全切除、钛网置入及椎弓根钉重建术治疗.采用Frankel评定标准评定术后神经功能恢复情况.通过影像学变化评价后凸畸形矫正情况和椎管减压程度.结果 本组获随访13～46个月,平均24个月.椎体高度术后恢复至正常高度的97.8％.椎体后凸畸形角度矫正至术后3.5°.椎管容积矫正至术后椎管压迫完全解除.所有患者神经症状均有不同程度恢复.结论 经后路进行脊柱三柱重建技术,能有效矫正胸腰椎爆裂骨折的后凸畸形、解除椎管内压迫,达到术后即刻稳定,具有骨折复位满意,手术创伤较小及并发症少等特点.     

A methodological systematic review of early versus late stabilization of thoracolumbar spine fractures

Objective

The optimal timing of stabilization in patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures remains controversial. There is currently a lack of consensus on the timing of surgical stabilization, which is limited by the reality that a randomized controlled trial to evaluate early versus late stabilization is difficult to perform. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the benefits, safety and costs of early stabilization compared with late stabilization using data available in the current literature.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant studies evaluating the timing of surgery in patients with thoracolumbar fractures. Two reviewers independently analyzed and selected each study on the basis of the eligibility criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system (GRADE). Any disagreements were resolved by consensus.

Results

Ten studies involving 2,512 subjects were identified. These studies demonstrated that early stabilization shortened the hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, ventilator days and reduced morbidity and hospital expenses for patients with thoracic fractures. However, reduced morbidity and hospital expenses were not observed with stabilization of lumbar fractures. Owing to the very low level of evidence, no conclusion could be made regarding the effect of early stabilization on mortality.

Conclusions

We could adhere to the recommendation that patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures should undergo early stabilization, which may reduce the hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, ventilator days, morbidity and hospital expenses, particularly when the thoracic spine is involved. Individual patient characteristics should be concerned carefully. However, the definite conclusion cannot be made due to the heterogeneity of the included studies and low level of evidence. Further prospective studies are required to confirm whether there are benefits to early stabilization compared with late stabilization.     

Timing of surgery for hip fractures: A systematic review of 52 published studies involving 291,413 patients

In order to define the optimum timing of surgery for a hip fracture, we performed a systematic review of published evidence. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers and the methodology of each study was assessed. Fifty-two studies involving 291,413 patients were identified. Outcomes measured were mortality, post-operative complications, length of hospital stay and percentage of patients discharged home.We found no randomised trials. For the 25 studies involving 282,470 participants that undertook adjustment for confounding factors, early surgery was associated with a reduced hospital stay. These studies produced conflicting results regarding mortality and morbidity being increased or unaffected by delaying surgery. None of these studies reported any adverse outcomes for early surgery. Those studies with more careful methodology were less likely to report a beneficial effect of early surgery, particularly in relation to mortality.In conclusion early surgery (within 48 h of admission) after a hip fracture reduces hospital stay and may also reduce complications and mortality.     

Indicazioni al trattamento delle fratture vertebrali toraciche e lombari

Fracture type and related concepts of stability, neurological complications, polytrauma, age and general conditions are the major factors conditioning type and timing of surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar injuries. Based on a series of 488 cases collected along 10 years, the criteria for a decision-making process are described and surgical technique and related complications are discussed. Emergency or at least early posterior surgical approach is proposed for the best reduction of axial dislocation, neurological decompression and sound fixation. The advantages of early treatment are: higher probability of neurological recovery, better pain control and nursing, earlier functional recovery. Specific morbidity related to early treatment should be carefully considered by the anesthesiological team. Pedicular screws seem biomechanically better than hooks. The role of mininvasive techniques is increasing. Delayed anterior approach for fixation and fusion must be considered in case of incomplete reconstruction of the anterior column, whose continuity is mandatory for stability and balance.     

Potential Benefits of Rib Fracture Fixation in Patients with Flail Chest and Multiple Non-flail Rib Fractures

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits of rib fracture fixation in patients with flail chest and multiple non-flail rib fractures versus conventional treatment modalities. A retrospective reviewed study compared 86 cases which received surgical treatment between June 2009 and May 2013 to 76 cases which received conservative treatment between January 2006 and May 2009. The patients were divided into the flail chest (n?=?38) and multiple non-flail rib fracture groups (n?=?124). In the flail chest group, the mechanical ventilation time, ICU monitoring time, tracheostomies, thoracic deformity, and impaired pulmonary function and return to full-time employment were compared. In the multiple non-flail rib fracture group, fracture healing, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, inpatient length of stay, atelectatic, pulmonary complications, and normal activity-returning time were compared. Patients in the flail chest operative fixation group had significantly shorter ICU stay, decreased ventilator requirements, fewer tracheostomies, less thoracic deformity and impaired pulmonary function, and more returned to full-time employment. Patients in the multiple non-flail rib fracture operative fixation had shorter hospital stay, less pain, earlier return to normal activity, more fracture healing, less atelectasis, and fewer pulmonary infections. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of surgical stabilization of flail chest and multiple non-flail rib fractures with plate fixation. When compared with conventional conservative management, operatively managed patients demonstrated improved clinical outcomes.     

Early surgery for thoracolumbar extension-type fractures in geriatric patients with ankylosing disorders reduces patient complications and mortality

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe management of trauma patients with ankylosing spinal disorders has become an issue of increasing interest. Geriatric patients frequently sustain unstable extension type vertebral fractures with ankylosed spines. In this population, studies have shown that early surgery for other injuries such as hip fractures may reduce patient complications and mortality. These studies have changed patient care protocols in many medical centers worldwide.PURPOSEWe aim to assess the relationship between the timing of surgery for unstable vertebral fractures in ankylosed spines in the geriatric population and patient outcomes.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective clinical study conducted in a tertiary hospital.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients included were those diagnosed with isolated thoracolumbar extension type fractures and a spinal ankylosing disorder over 65 years old following minor trauma and with no additional injuries or neurological deficit.OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcome measures included postoperative medical complications and mortality at 1 and 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included rehospitalization rates, length of stay, and surgical site infections.METHODSWe searched our department's database for all that met our inclusion criteria who underwent surgery. The difference in patient outcomes that underwent early surgery defined as less than 72 hours from diagnosis as opposed to those that underwent later surgery was assessed.RESULTSA total of 82 patients underwent surgery following a diagnosis of an extension type thoracolumbar fracture at our institution between 2015 and 2021. Of these, 50 met inclusion criteria. Nineteen patients underwent surgery less than 72 hours from diagnosis and 31 more than 72 hours from diagnosis. No difference was found in age, functional status, and Elixhauser comorbidity scores between the groups. A statistically significant difference in perioperative patient complications between the early and the late groups (p=.005) was found. Mortality at six-months was significantly different between the groups as well (p=.035). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when comparing surgical site infections, length of hospital stay, rehospitalization within a month, and perioperative mortality.CONCLUSIONSTime to surgery affects complication rates and six-month mortality in geriatric patients with spinal ankylosing disorders presenting with an isolated unstable hyperextension type thoracolumbar fracture. Early surgery of less than 72 hours from presentation in this patient population is recommended.     

Early and sufficient feeding reduces length of stay and charges in surgical patients

BACKGROUND: The role of perioperative nutrition in surgical patients remains controversial. We performed a Clinical Practice Improvement (CPI) study that, while controlling for severity of illness, explored the relationship between the timing and amount of parenteral or enteral nutrition, with two outcomes: length of stay (LOS) and total charges in patients undergoing open intestinal operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A CPI study was conducted at eight hospitals to determine which process steps were associated with shorter LOS and lower charges. Hospital charts were abstracted for over 800 components of detailed patient, process, and outcome measures. Severity of illness was measured multiple times during the stay using the Comprehensive Severity Index, a disease-specific physiologic severity measurement instrument. Data on 1007 patients undergoing intestinal operations, 183 of whom received nutritional support, were then analyzed using multiple regression procedures. Early (within 48 h of surgery) and sufficient (60% of protein and calorie goals) nutrition, patient variables, and a severity of illness measure were included as independent variables and LOS and hospital charges were used as dependent variables. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 58 years. After controlling for severity of illness, patients who received early and sufficient nutrition had significantly shorter LOS (11.9 days) and lower charges ($34,602) than patients who received early (13.3; $36,452), sufficient (14.6, $39,883), or neither early nor sufficient (14.8, $38,578) (P < or = 0.0001 for early and sufficient versus all other groups). CONCLUSIONS: CPI methodology provides a detailed view of the actual relationship between the timing and the amount of nutrition with LOS and hospital charge outcomes.