Plasma concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and outcome prediction in elderly hip fracture patients

Background

Hip fractures, particularly intertrochanteric fractures, frequently occur in the elderly, and they are associated with a high incidence of complications and mortality. The development of markers is essential to allow for adjustments to treatment strategies in patients, as it remains unclear why some patients endure organ failure and others do not under seemingly similar clinical conditions.

Objective

Our objective was to determine the kinetics of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 during the hospitalisation of patients and to examine the relationship of these parameters to outcome (mortality and complications) 6 months and 12 months postoperatively.

Methods and subjects

A total of 127 elderly patients, who underwent hip fracture surgery, were prospectively followed up for 12 months, and 60 healthy elderly volunteers were enrolled in the control group to examine the effects of trauma and surgery on the inflammatory response. The epidemiological characteristics, chronic medical conditions and type of operation and anaesthetic were recorded. Cognition was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination, and TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were assessed during admission and preoperatively (post-anaesthesia) as well as 1 h, 1 day, 3 days and 5 days postoperatively. During the follow-up period, serious complications and mortality within 1 year were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 96 patients survived, and 31 died within the 6-month postoperative period; 43 patients died, and 84 survived when examining the 12-month postoperative period. There were significant within-subject effects of time on TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The above three cytokines were all significantly increased in the hip fracture patients compared with the control group. There were also differences in the kinetic patterns of all three parameters when the patients who died were compared with those who survived during the 6-month and 12-month postoperative periods. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TNF-a at 1 day (odds ratio (OR) = 1.020, P = 0.045) and 3 days (OR = 1.034, P = 0.037) postoperatively and IL-6 at 1 day (OR = 1.048, P = 0.000) postoperatively were independent predictors of mortality at 6 months; IL-6 (OR = 1.019, P = 0.025) and IL-10 (OR = 1.018, P = 0.042) at 1 day postoperatively were independent predictors of mortality at 1 year. The analysis of the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) showed that only IL-6 or IL-10 had the highest values for the area under the curve for mortality at 6 months and 12 months. Of the 84 patients who survived, 23 patients had 32 complications. The most common complication was pneumonia infection (11/84, 13%). TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 kinetics were found to differ in patients with complications compared to those without complications and in patients with infections compared with patients without complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6 (OR = 1.081, P = 0.000) at 1 day postoperatively was an independent outcome predictor.

Conclusion

In elderly hip fracture patients, cytokine concentrations (TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10) represented independent outcome predictors for adverse postoperative outcomes (mortality and complications). The inflammatory response played an important role in postoperative organ dysfunction in elderly hip fracture patients, and further study is needed to define whether decreasing the inflammatory response through cytokine antibodies or damage control strategies would decrease mortality and complication following hip fracture.     

Location of civilian ballistic femoral fracture indicates likelihood of arterial injury

Background

We evaluated whether the location of a ballistic femoral fracture helps predict the presence of arterial injury. We hypothesized that fractures located in the distal third of the femur are associated with a higher rate of arterial injury.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records at our level I trauma centre and found 133 consecutive patients with femoral fractures from civilian gunshots from 2002 to 2007, 14 of whom sustained arterial injury. Fracture extent was measured with computerized viewing software and recorded with a standard technique, calculating proximal, distal, and central locations of the fracture as a function of overall length of the bone. Analyses were conducted with Student's t, Chi-squared, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

The location of any fracture line in the distal third of the femur was associated with increased risk of arterial injury (P < 0.05). The odds ratio for the presence of arterial injury when the proximal fracture line was in the distal third of the femur was 5.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–18.6; P < 0.05) and when the distal fracture line was in the distal third of the femur was 6.72 (95% confidence interval, 1.78–25.44; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A fracture line in the distal third of the femur after ballistic injury is six times more likely to be associated with arterial injury and warrants careful evaluation. Our data show that fracture location can help alert clinicians to possible arterial injury after ballistic femoral fracture.     

Coagulation, fibrinolysis and cytokine responses to intramedullary nailing of the femur: An experimental study in pigs comparing traditional reaming and reaming with a one-step reamer-irrigator-aspirator system

Introduction

Operations in trauma patients represent a second insult and the extent of the surgical procedures influences the magnitude of the inflammatory response. Our hypothesis was that a reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) system would cause a lesser inflammatory response than traditional reaming (TR).

Materials and methods

Coagulation, fibrinolysis and cytokine responses were studied in Norwegian landrace pigs during and after intramedullary nailing (IMN) with two different reaming systems using ELISA and chromogenic peptide substrate assays. The TR (n = 8) and the RIA (n = 7) reaming systems were compared to a control group (n = 7). The animals were followed for 72 h. Arterial, mixed venous and femoral vein blood were withdrawn simultaneously peroperatively and until 2 h after the nail was inserted for demonstration of local, pulmonary and systemic activation of the cascade systems. At 6 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h postoperatively arterial blood samples were withdrawn.

Results

Significantly procedure-related increased levels were found for thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in the TR group and TAT in the RIA group. The local and the pulmonary activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis were more pronounced in the TR than in the RIA group, the difference reached significance for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (arterial blood). The cytokine response, mainly represented by IL-6 increase, was more pronounced in the TR than the RIA group, and was significant for IL-6 in femoral vein blood. The arterial levels of IL-6 exceeded the mixed venous levels indicating an additional pulmonary activation of IL-6. Two animals in the TR group, who died of pulmonary embolism (PE) prior to planned study end point, had a more pronounced response compared to the rest of the TR group.

Conclusion

A procedure-related coagulation and fibrinolytic response was demonstrated in both reaming groups, with more pronounced response in the TR than in the RIA group. Elevated levels of cytokines were demonstrated related to reaming and nailing, with significantly higher IL-6 levels in the TR than in the RIA group.     

Biomechanical evaluation of the expansive cannulated screw for fixation of femoral neck fractures

Background

Femoral neck fracture is one of the common clinical traumas, especially amongst elder patients. This study aims to test, compare and evaluate the bone-screw interface strengths, the fatigue strengths, and the stabilities of our newly designed expansive cannulated screw (ECS) and the common cannulated compression screw (CCS) in the fixation of femoral neck fracture, which is a summary of recent research.

Methods

Twenty-four pairs (48) of fresh femur specimens were randomly divided into four groups with six pairs (12) in each. To simulate one-legged standing, the maximum compressive strength and the single-screw axial pull-out force were compared between the fixed femoral necks treated with two ECSs and two CCSs, two ECSs and three CCSs or three ECSs and three CCSs, respectively. The screws were also subjected to 1 000 000 cycles of a loaded fatigue test and the results were recorded.

Findings

When the same number of screws was used, the ECS showed significantly greater maximum compressive strength than the CCS (P < 0.05), but no significant difference in fixation effectiveness was detected between the two ECSs and the three CCSs groups. The maximum axial pull-out strength of the ECS was also significantly greater that of the CCS (P < 0.01); however, there was no sign of fatigue in both the ECS and CCS after 1 000 000 cycles of loaded fatigue test.

Interpretation

The ECS shows better fixation performance than the currently and commonly used CCS; under certain circumstances, fixation with two ECSs can achieve the same effect as that with traditional three CCSs.     

A computed tomography-based analysis of proximal femoral geometry for lateral impingement with two types of proximal femoral nail anterotation in subtrochanteric fractures

Objective

To evaluate and analyse the geometrical discrepancies between the proximal femur and two types of AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) Proximal Femoral Nail Anterotation (PFNA/PFNA-II) using computed tomography (CT)-based analysis in Asian patients, and its implication in lateral cortical impingement during reduction intra-operatively in subtrochanteric fractures.

Materials and methods

Coronal CT images of hips in 50 randomly selected healthy cases were analysed using a unique measurement method with respect to the height, diameter, bending angle and inclination angle of lateral cortex of proximal femur. The data were then compared with dimensions of PFNA and PFNA-II.

Results

The average height of proximal femur was 61.1 ± 5.2 mm, diameter 18.1 ± 1.5 mm, bending angle 8.4 ± 2.2° and inclination angle of lateral cortex 11.9 ± 1.1°. The average impingement length of the lateral cortex was 54.2 ± 4.7 mm (range 41.4-64.2 mm), which was shorter than the height of the proximal femur. On comparison with dimensions of PFNA and PFNA-II, the lateral inclination angle and impingement length were found to be discrepant in PFNA; however, in the latter the flat lateral surface helps avoiding impingement with the lateral femoral cortex.

Conclusion

Our study provides clear evidence that the flat lateral shape of PFNA-II is better suited for the femur of Asian patients by reducing the chances of impingement with the lateral proximal femoral cortex during intra-operative reduction in subtrochanteric fractures.     

Correction of malalignment in proximal femoral nailing—Reduction technique of displaced proximal fragment

Introduction

External rotation, abduction, and flexion of the proximal fragment in proximal femoral fracture are one of the main obstacles in nailing. We introduced simple surgical technique using a long hemostatic forceps to achieve fracture reduction and to facilitate preparation of the nail entry site.

Method

Using this reduction method, 16 patients with displaced subtrochanteric or proximal femoral shaft fracture were treated through cephalomedullary or femoral nailing between January 2005 and May 2007.

Results

The difference of the neck-shaft angle in the AP view compared to the normal side was 2.2° (range, 0-5°). Anterior angulation in the lateral view was 1.6° (range, 0-15°). One case of malunion was caused by too anterior nail insertion in the lateral view. Bone union was achieved in all cases with an average consolidation time of 5.1 months (range, 3-9 months).

Conclusion

A simple reduction technique using readily available instruments in the operating room (hemostatic forceps) is quite useful in reducing proximal femoral fragments in cephalomedullary or femoral nailing.     

Impact of venous tumour thrombus consistency (solid vs friable) on cancer-specific survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Background

To our knowledge, the impact of venous tumour thrombus (VTT) consistency in patients affected by renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has never been addressed.

Objective

To analyse the effect of VTT consistency on cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Design, setting, and participants

We retrospectively analysed 174 consecutive patients with RCC and renal vein or inferior vena cava (IVC) VTT who underwent surgical treatment between 1989 and 2007 at our institute.

Intervention

All patients underwent radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy.

Measurements

Pathologic specimens were reviewed by a single uropathologist. In addition to traditional pathologic features, the morphologic aspect of the tumour thrombus was evaluated to distinguish solid from friable patterns. The prognostic role of thrombus consistency (solid vs friable) on CSS was assessed by means of Cox regression models.

Results and limitations

The VTT was solid in 107 patients (61.5%) and friable in 67 patients (38.5%). The presence of a friable VTT increased the risk of having synchronous nodal or distant metastases, higher tumour grade, higher pathologic stage, and simultaneous perinephric fat invasion (all p < 0.05). The median follow-up was 24 mo. The median CSS was 33 mo; the median CSS was 8 mo in patients with a friable VTT and 55 mo in patients with a solid VTT (p < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, the presence of a friable VTT was an independent predictor of CSS (p = 0.02). The power of our conclusion may be somewhat limited by the relatively small study population and the retrospective nature of the study.

Conclusions

In patients with RCC and VTT, the presence of a friable thrombus is an independent predictor of CSS. If our finding is confirmed by further studies, the consistency of the tumour thrombus should be introduced into routine pathologic reports to provide better patient risk stratification.     

Femoral nailing during serum bicarbonate-defined hypo-perfusion predicts pulmonary organ dysfunction in multi-system trauma patients

Objective

To assess the value of venous serum bicarbonate as an endpoint of resuscitation and guide to timing of femoral nailing in multi-system trauma patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic Level 1 Trauma Centre.

Patients

Seventy-two consecutive adult multi-system trauma patients (Injury Severity Score ≥ 15) with femoral shaft fracture (Orthopaedic Trauma Association Class 32-A to 32-C) treated with reamed medullary nail fixation.

Intervention

Femoral nailing in the setting of hypo-perfusion defined by venous serum bicarbonate (SB). Threshold values of SB were determined first by correlating SB and simultaneously drawn arterial base deficit (BD). Then, corresponding values of SB to previously defined thresholds of hypo-perfusion based on BD were identified using regression analysis.

Main outcome measurement

Pulmonary organ dysfunction (POD) component of the Denver Multiple Organ Failure scoring system.

Results

Simultaneous admission SB and BD values were correlated (r = −0.43, p = 0.001). Adjusting for age, ISS and baseline POD, patients with SB < 24.7 mequiv./L within 6 h of treatment had a 12-fold increase in POD (OR 12.2, 95% CI 1.5-98.6, p = 0.019). This association was diminished, but still significant with hypo-perfusion present within 12 h prior to treatment (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.0-29.1, p = 0.042) and 24 h prior to treatment (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.1-30.7, p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Medullary fixation of femoral shaft fracture in the setting of serum bicarbonate-defined hypo-perfusion is associated with increased morbidity. Appropriate damage-control measures and aggressive resuscitation prior to definitive fracture care are advised and physiologic markers such as serum bicarbonate should guide clinical decision making rather than temporal distinctions.     

Use of a “hybrid” locking plate for complex metaphyseal fractures and nonunions about the humerus

Purpose

To review one surgeon's experience with a novel type of “hybrid” locking plate (which has both 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm locking holes) for difficult fractures of the meta-diaphyseal humeral shaft.

Methods

Over a 2-year period, 24 patients who presented with a metaphyseal humeral fracture or nonunion (proximal or distal) were treated surgically by a single surgeon. A “hybrid” locking plate containing 3.5 mm locking holes on one end and 4.5 mm locking holes on the other end (Metaphyseal plate, Synthes, Paoli, Pa) was used in all patients. The selection of this implant was based on fracture location and bone quality. Fractures were operated on through an anterolateral or direct posterior approach. All fractures were secured with a minimum of three 4.5 mm screws on one side of the fracture and three 3.5 mm screws on the other side. All patients were treated with a similar post-operative protocol for early range of shoulder and elbow motion.

Results

Three patients were lost to follow-up. The cohort consisted of 15 women and 6 men with a mean age of 49 years (range 18-78). There were 14 acute fractures and 7 nonunions. Twelve fractures involved the distal metaphyseal segment and 9 involved the proximal metaphyseal segment. Twenty-two patients completed a minimum 6-month clinical and radiographic follow-up and form the basis for this report. All 21 patients healed their fractures or nonunions at a mean of 4.5 months. There were no infections or hardware failures. In every case the “hybrid” nature of the plate design was felt to be advantageous.

Conclusion

This “second generation” metaphyseal locking plate, which affords the surgeon the ability to place a greater number of smaller calibre screws within a short bone segment, while using traditional large fragment screw fixation in the longer segment, is clearly an improvement in plate design. Meta-diaphyseal upper extremity long bones may serve as the most ideal location for this implant.     

Surgical treatment of two-part fractures of the proximal humerus: Comparison of fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis and Zifko nails

Introduction

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using Zifko nails offer the advantage of a minimal soft-tissue dissection but have been criticised for limited stability and secondary fracture dislocation. Angular stable plate osteosynthesis enables anatomic reduction, but carries the risk of soft-tissue traumatisation and consecutive humeral head necrosis. The present study compares the clinical and radiological outcome of patients with dislocated two-part fractures of the proximal humerus, who were treated with either Zifko nails or angular stable plate fixation.

Material and methods

A matched-pair analysis was performed and patient groups were matched according to age (±3 years), sex and fracture type. As many as 11 pairs of patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were formed and investigated radiographically and clinically using the Constant score (CS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for the patients’ satisfaction.

Results

At the time of follow-up, the absolute CS was 83 points in the PHP group and 78 points in the Zifko group (n.s.). Neither in the age and gender-corrected CS was found a significant difference between the study groups (PHP 104 ± 29, Zifko 95 ± 17, n.s.) nor in terms of subjective patient satisfaction (PHP 6.54; Zifko 7.8, n.s.). The complication rate was also comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zifko nailing represents a cost-effective minimally invasive surgical method with a complication rate and clinical outcome comparable to that after angular stable osteosynthesis by angular stable plate fixation in the treatment of two-part fractures of the proximal humerus.     

Lower limb malrotation following MIPO technique of distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures

Objective

To determine the incidence of rotational malalignment in distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures using computed tomography (CT) scanograms following indirect reduction and internal fixation with the minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique.

Design

Prospective Cohort.

Setting

Level I Trauma Centre.

Patients/Participants

A total of 27 consecutive subjects, and 14 proximal tibia and distal femur fractures.

Intervention

All patients underwent indirect reduction and internal fixation with a MIPO plating system. A CT scanogram to measure rotational malalignment between the injured and non-injured extremity was then undertaken.

Main outcome measure(s)

Femoral anteversion angles and tibial rotation angles between the injured and non-injured extremities were compared. Malrotation was defined as a side-to-side difference of >10°.

Results

A total of 14 postoperative tibias and 13 femurs underwent CT scanograms. Three females and 11 males with an average age of 38.1 years sustained proximal tibia fractures and six females and seven males with an average age of 55.8 years sustained distal femur fractures. The difference between tibial rotation in the injured and the non-injured limbs ranged from 2.7 to 40.0° with a mean difference of 16.2° (p = 0.656, paired T-test). Fifty percent of the tibias fixed with MIPO plates were malrotated >10° from the uninjured limbs. The difference between femoral anteversion in the injured and non-injured limbs ranged from 2.0 to 31.3° with a mean difference of 11.5° (p = 0.005, paired T-test). A total of 38.5% of the distal femurs fixed with MIPO plates were malrotated >10° from the uninjured limb.

Conclusions

Following fixation of distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures, the incidence of malrotation was 38.5% and 50%, respectively. The difference of the mean measures was significant for femoral malrotation; however, statistical significance could not be demonstrated for tibial malrotation. The incidence of malrotation following MIPO plating in this study is much higher than that quoted in previous studies.     

Unexpectedly increased rate of surgical site infections following implant surgery for hip fractures: problem solution with the bundle approach

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common nosocomial infections after surgery. However, clinical guidance on how to handle any suspicious clusters of SSI in orthopaedic surgery is missing. We report on problem analysis and solution finding following the observation of an increased rate of SSI in trauma implant surgery.

Setting

Trauma unit of a university hospital.

Methods

Over a 2-year observation period, all patients (n = 370) following surgical stabilisation of proximal femur fractures in a trauma unit of a university hospital were consecutively followed using a standardised case report form. First, a retrospective cohort of 217 patients was collected for whom an increased SSI rate was detected. Based on risk analysis, new standard perioperative procedures were developed and implemented. The impact was evaluated in a prospective cohort of 153 comparable patients. Uni- and multivariable analysis of factors associated with the risk for SSI was undertaken.

Results

The intervention bundle resulted in a significant reduction of an initially increased SSI incidence of 6.9 (down) to 2.0% (p = 0.029). Multivariable analysis revealed four risk factors significantly associated with a higher risk of SSI caused by different bacteria: duration of surgery (p = 0.002), hemiarthroplasty (p = 0.002), haematoma (p = 0.004) and the presence of two operating room staff members (p < 0.001 and 0.035).

Conclusions

A standardised prospective SSI protocol and detection system offering the simultaneous use of data should guarantee every institution immediate alarm registration to avoid comparable problem situations. Detailed interdisciplinary analysis followed by the implementation of coherent interventions, based on a best-evidence structured bundle approach, may adequately resolve similar critical incidence episodes.     

Effects of orthotopic liver transplantation in inbred rats on bone biomechanical properties

Aim

To determine the effects of orthotopic liver transplantation in inbred rats on the mechanical properties of bones at different anatomic sites.

Methods

The 24 rats that survived liver transplantation were paired with sham-operated rats of similar body weight. Six months after surgery, the lumbar vertebra, the proximal femur, and the middle femoral shaft were measured for their biomechanical properties and bone mineral density.

Results

The ultimate force, the ultimate stress, the Young modulus and the bone mineral density of both the proximal femur and the middle femur shaft of the rats were significantly reduced in the liver transplant group. However, no significant change was observed in the various parameters that indicate the biomechanical properties and the bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebra.

Conclusions

Orthotopic liver transplantation impairs the biomechanical properties of the proximal femur and the middle femoral shaft. Orthotopic liver transplantation itself is one of the risk factors for posttransplant fracture.     

The hidden blood loss after hip fracture

Introduction

Despite advances in surgical and anaesthetic techniques the mortality after hip fracture has not significantly changed in the last 40 years. Pre-operative anaemia is a risk factor for peri-operative death.We speculate that a significant proportion of the blood loss related to hip fractures has occurred prior to surgery. Identifying patients at risk of pre-operative anaemia can facilitate appropriate medical optimisation. This study is unique in its attempt to quantify the blood loss associated with the initial hip injury.

Methods

In a retrospective study all patients with both a diagnosis of hip fracture and an operative delay of >48 h were assessed. The information collected included: fracture classification, serial haemoglobins and patient co-morbidities. The exclusion criteria included a pre-injury diagnosis of anaemia, anti-coagulation and gastrointestinal bleeds.

Results

Between 2007/2008 sixty-eight intracapsular and fifty extracapsular hip fracture patients had serial haemoglobins and operative delays of >48 h (mean 75 h, range 48-270 h). The mean lowest recorded haemoglobin prior to surgery for both extracapsular and intracapsular fractures were 95.0 g/L (±SEM 2.2) and 108.5 g/L (±SEM 2.2) respectively. This difference was statistically significant (Student's t-test p < 0.05).The mean haemoglobin drop in the extracapsular and intracapsular fracture groups was 20.2 g/L (range 0-49 g/L) and 14.9 g/L (range 0-59 g/L) respectively.

Conclusions

Hip fracture patients have a large drop in haemoglobin that is associated with the initial trauma rather than the operation. This highlights the need for anaesthetic and orthopaedic staff to be vigilant to the risk of pre-operative anaemia in this cohort of frail patients even when the initial haemoglobin is apparently normal.     

Predictors of 5 year survival following hip fracture

Background

This study aims to assess the mortality associated with hip fracture at 5 years in a geriatric population, and evaluate the influence of age, cognitive state, mobility and residential status on long term survival after hip fracture.

Methods

A prospective audit was carried out of all patients with a hip fracture admitted to a university hospital over a 4 year period. Data from 2640 patients were analysed and multivariate analysis used to indicate the important variables predicting mortality. Patients fulfilling the criteria of age < 80 years, Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMT) ≥ 7/10, independently mobile and admitted from own home were put into group A (low risk group). Patients not meeting the criteria were placed into group B (high risk group).

Results

2640 patients fitted the inclusion criteria, 482 in group A and 2158 in group B. 850 patients (43.1%) died in their first year following hip fracture. 302 patients (63%) of group A were still alive at 5 years in comparison with only 367 (17%) of group B. Overall, 669 (25%) patients survived for 5 years. Increased survival was shown for the following variables: age < 80 years RR 5.27 (p < 0.01), AMT ≥ 7/10 RR 6.03 (p < 0.01), independent mobility RR 2.63 (p < 0.01) and admitted from own home RR 4.52 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings will allow for early recognition of those patients with an increased chance of long-term survival following hip fracture. Such patients may be suitable for surgical treatment, such as total hip replacement, which has a good long-term outcome.     

Prediction of outcome after humeral diaphyseal fracture

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the demographic factors, functional outcome and radiological data to predict the outcome of humeral diaphyseal fractures.

Methods

We performed a prospective study on a consecutive series of 110 patients of 16 years or over, who had sustained a humeral diaphyseal fracture. There were 42 males and 68 females, with an average age of 59 years (range 16-93 years). A total of 72% sustained low-energy injuries, and 89 patients (81%) were primarily treated non-operatively.Shoulder function was assessed using the Neer's and Constant's scores at 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after injury. Muscle strength was determined isokinetically using a Biodex System 2 dynamometer. Non-union was defined as a failure to bridge at least three cortices and persistence of tenderness or mobility at the fracture site 16 weeks after fracture.

Results

Sixteen patients (17%) had non-union at 16 weeks, while 80 had achieved union and a further 14 were lost to follow-up. After stepwise multiple linear regression was performed to isolate independent factors affecting outcome, only the presence of a proximal diaphyseal fracture was found to predict non-union along with a poor Neer's score at 8 and 12 weeks. Poor Neer's scores could be predicted at 26 weeks by age (P < 0.05), previous stroke (P < 0.001) and non-union (P < 0.001). At 52 weeks both age (P < 0.01) and previous stroke (P < 0.01) were independently predictive of poorer Neer's scores. Malunion of any degree had no detectable effect on function.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that non-union of humeral diaphyseal fractures can be predicted in the presence of a proximal third fracture with a Neer's score of less than 45 by 12 weeks after fracture. Early surgery improves early function, but this is not a lasting effect. Poor shoulder function is predicted by increasing age, proximal third fractures and non-union. We recommend that surgery to promote union be considered at 12 weeks after fracture in fit patients with fractures of the proximal third of the humerus, poor Neer's scores and no radiographic progression to union.     

Does scaphoid bone bruising lead to occult fracture? A prospective study of 50 patients

Introduction

Bone bruising of the scaphoid is a term reported when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is carried out for scaphoid injury. The aim of our study was twofold: to see if bone bruising alone without fracture of the scaphoid bone seen on initial MRI, in a clinically symptomatic (tender) patient at 10-14 days, progressed to fracture, and to define how this entity of bone bruising should be managed.

Methods

This was a prospective study looking at 170 patients with scaphoid injuries, of which 50 had bone bruising without fracture. These were followed up for at least 8 weeks to ascertain whether or not they had developed a fracture. They were assessed for continuity or resolution of their symptoms by way of clinical examination and/or a further MRI and X-ray (scaphoid views).

Results

Of the 170 scaphoid injuries identified, there were 120 scaphoid fractures seen on scaphoid view radiographs. The remaining 50 were clinically symptomatic and had MRI scaphoid imaging, which demonstrated various grades of bone bruising. All were treated in a scaphoid plaster, and re-examined at 8 weeks. There were four patients who remained symptomatic, for whom MRI scans were performed, which revealed all four with resolving scaphoid bone bruising, and one with a scaphoid fracture (p value = 0.0386). Incidentally, 2 further weeks of immobilisation resolved the symptoms of those four patients. The one patient with a fracture was offered further treatment for the risk of progressing to a nonunion.

Conclusion

Bone bruising detected on MRI without fracture is an important entity, and can lead to occult fracture (2%). It can take anywhere up to 8 weeks to declare. Treatment for bone bruising should be with a scaphoid cast and follow-up X-ray.     

Experimental Model of Isolated Lung Perfusion in Rats: First Brazilian Experience Using the IL-2 Isolated Perfused Rat or Guinea Pig Lung System

Introduction

Lung transplantation has become the mainstay therapy for patients with end-stage lung disease refractory to medical management. However, the number of patients listed for lung transplantation largely exceeds available donors. The study of lung preservation requires accurate, cost-effective small animal models. We have described a model of ex vivo rat lung perfusion using a commercially available system.

Methods

Male Wistar rats weighing 250 g-300 g were anesthetized with intraperitoneal sodium thiopental (50 mg/kg body weight). The surgical technique included heart-lung block extraction, assembly, and preparation for perfusion and data collection. We used an IL-2 Isolated Perfused Rat or Guinea Pig Lung System (Harvard Apparatus, Holliston, Mass, United States; Hugo Sachs Elektronik, Alemanha).

Results

Preliminary results included hemodynamic and pulmonary mechanics data gathered in the experiments.

Conclusion

The isolated rat lung perfusion system is a reliable method to assess lung preservation.     

The effect of clopidogrel and aspirin on blood loss in hip fracture surgery

Introduction

Anti-platelet drugs are commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of thrombo-embolic events and following invasive coronary interventions. Their effect on surgery-related blood loss and perioperative complications is unclear, and the management of trauma patients treated by anti-platelets is controversial. The anti-platelet effect is over in nearly 10 days. Notably, delay of surgical intervention for hip fracture repair for >48 h has been reported to increase perioperative complications and mortality.

Patients and methods

Intra-operative and perioperative blood loss, the amount of transfused blood and surgery-related complications of 44 patients on uninterrupted clopidogrel treatment were compared with 44 matched controls not on clopidogrel (either on aspirin alone or not on any anti-platelets).

Results

The mean perioperative blood loss was 899 ± 496 ml for patients not on clopidogrel, 1091 ± 654 ml for patients on clopidogrel (p = 0.005) and 1312 ± 686 ml for those on combined clopidogrel and aspirin (p = 0.0003 vs. all others). Increased blood loss was also associated with a shorter time to operation (p = 0.0012) and prolonged surgical time (p = 0.0002). There were no cases of mortality in the early postoperative period.

Conclusions

Patients receiving anti-platelet drugs can safely undergo hip fracture surgery without delay, regardless of greater perioperative blood loss and possible thrombo-embolic/postoperative bleeding events.     

Health and cost consequences of surgical versus conservative treatment for a comminuted proximal humeral fracture in elderly patients

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the costs and health outcome for surgical and conservative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures.

Design

This study is a randomised controlled trial.

Participants

This study included 50 patients aged 60 or older admitted to hospital with a severely displaced three- or four-part fracture.

Interventions

The patients were treated surgically with an angular stable interlocking implant (25 patients) or conservative treatment (25 patients).

Main outcome measure

The outcomes measured included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and societal costs.

Results

At 12 months’ follow-up, the mean difference in the number of QALYs was 0.027 (95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.025, 0.078) while the mean difference in total health-care costs was €597 in favour of surgery (95% CI = −5291, 3777).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in QALYs or costs between surgical and conservative treatment of severe displaced proximal humeral fractures.