The impact of residual angulation on patient reported functional outcome scores after non-operative treatment for humeral shaft fractures

PurposeTo determine if residual angular deformity following non-operative treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures correlates with patient reported outcomes.MethodsSkeletally mature patients treated by one of three orthopaedic trauma surgeons at a level 1 trauma centre with humeral shaft fractures treated without surgery were retrospectively identified over a 7 year period. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 patients were eligible for the study. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); Simple Shoulder Test (SST); General health questionnaire SF-12 physical component summary (SF-12 PCS) and mental component summary (SF-12 MCS) were obtained from study participants. Healed angular deformity was obtained from patient charts.ResultsThirty two subjects were successfully recruited (32/42 or 76%). Average age was 45 ± 22 with average study follow up being 47 ± 29 months. Average outcome scores were DASH 12 ± 16, SST 10 ± 2.7, SF-12 PCS 50 ± 7.9, and SF-12 MCS 54 ± 8.8. Healed sagittal plane deformity averaged 8 ± 5.7° [range 0−18], and 15 ± 7.9° [range 2−27] in the coronal plane. There was no correlation between residual sagittal or coronal plane deformity and outcome scores (DASH and SST for both p > 0.05). Patients with at least 20° (n = 7; 22%) of healed coronal deformity had similar outcomes to those with <20° ([DASH (13.2 ± 18.7 vs 11.7 ± 16.1; p = 0.83]; [SST (10.3 ± 2 vs 10.0 ± 2.9; p = 0.81]). Higher SF-12 PCS and MCS scores correlated with better DASH and SST scores (p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionResidual angular deformity ranging from 0 to 18° in the sagittal plane and from 2 to 27° in the coronal plane after non-operative treatment for humeral shaft fractures had no correlation with patient reported DASH scores, SST scores, or patient satisfaction. Instead, overall physical and mental health status as measured by the SF-12 significantly correlated with patient reported outcomes.     

Patient-reported outcome after hallux valgus surgery — a two year follow up

BackgroundPatients with hallux valgus deformity may require surgery but prospective patient-reported data is scarce.MethodsWe evaluated 53 patients with a mean age of 55.3 years (SD 14.1, 50 women), who underwent surgery due to hallux valgus. They completed the PROMs SEFAS, EQ-5D and SF-36 before and 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery.ResultsAll patient-reported outcomes improved at 6, 12 and 24 months compared with the preoperative status. The greatest improvement occurred at 6 months: SEFAS Δ 10.0 (95% confidence interval 7.8–12.2), EQ-5D Δ 0.22 (0.15–0.29), EQ-VAS Δ 8.4 (4.4–12.4), PF SF-36 Δ 22.0 (14.6–29.3) and BP SF-36 Δ 30.6 (23.1–38.1).ConclusionsHallux valgus surgery considerably reduced pain and improved function already within 6 months after surgery. The improvement between 6 and 24 months’ follow-up was minimal measured with PROMs.Level of clinical evidenceIII — prospective observational cohort study.     

Clinical outcomes comparing arthroscopic vs open ankle arthrodesis

BackgroundOver the last twenty years, minimally invasive ankle arthrodesis has evolved into a well-tolerated and safe procedure. It has grown in favor to open ankle arthrodesis due to shorter length of stay and fewer complications recorded. This paper aims to compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic vs open ankle arthrodesis at 24-months followup.MethodsFrom 2004 to 2015, we reviewed a prospectively collected database in a tertiary hospital foot and ankle registry. 28 feet that underwent arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis were matched to 56 feet that underwent open ankle arthrodesis for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-hindfoot Scores and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were obtained to assess clinical outcomes. These parameters were collected before surgery, at 6 months and 24 months after surgery.ResultsThe arthroscopic group demonstrated significant less pain in the perioperative period (arthroscopic: 1.9 ± 1.2, open: 3.8 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and shorter length of hospitalization stay (arthroscopic: 2.1 ± 0.7 open: 3.5 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). Patients who underwent arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis also reported a higher SF-36 score on physical functioning at 6 months (arthroscopic: 58.4 ± 27.1, open: 47.1 ± 24.0, p < 0.05) and higher AOFAS Ankle-hindfoot Scale score at 24-months (arthroscopic: 78.9 ± 18.9, open: 68.9 ± 24.7, p < 0.05). There were no postoperative complications in the arthroscopic group but 11 in the open group, including 9 which required followup operations. There was no significant difference in length of operative procedure between both groups.ConclusionsWe conclude that the arthroscopic group displayed better clinical outcomes compared to the open group at the 24 months followup. The advantages of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis include significantly less perioperative pain, higher AOFAS Ankle-hindfoot scores at 24 months, shorter length of stay, fewer postoperative complications and followup operations.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative series.     

How are clinical outcomes related to the deviation severity of the tibiofemoral mechanical axis on coronal plane following knee arthroplasty?

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of tibiofemoral mechanical axis (TFMA) deviation severity on clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the patients who underwent primary TKA between January 2002 and December 2010. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, we evaluated 70 knees of 51 patients. The mean ± SD follow-up period was 7.08 ± 1.34 years. The knees were divided into 3 groups based on TFMAs. The first group, identified as “well aligned,” included the TFMAs that were neutral within 3° (0° ± 3°) of alignment. The second group, identified as “outliers 1,” included the slightly deviated TFMAs (−3° to −6° valgus and +3° to +6° varus). The third group, identified as “outliers 2,” included the severely deviated TFMAs of more than 6° from neutral alignment (<−6° valgus and > + 6° varus). The clinical outcomes of each group were compared by evaluating the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), visual analog scale (VAS), and Short Form-36 physical component summary (SF-36 PCS) and mental component summary (SF-36 MCS) scores.ResultsWe found that OKS, SF-36 PCS, and SF-36 MCS were nearly the same in the well-aligned and outliers 1 groups but worse in the outliers 2 group. VAS scores were nearly the same in all groups. (p > 0.05)ConclusionFunction scores were impaired when the TFMA deviated more than 6° from neutral. However, the differences in clinical outcomes between well-aligned knees and those of outliers were not found to be statistically significant in the medium term.     

Mortality,functional and return to work outcomes of major trauma patients injured from deliberate self-harm

BackgroundSelf-harm and intentional injuries represent a significant public health concern. People who survive serious injury from self-harm can experience poor outcomes that negatively impact on their daily life. The aim of this study was to investigate a cohort of major trauma patients hospitalised for self-harm in Victoria, and to identify risk factors for longer term mortality, functional recovery and return to work.Method482 adult major trauma patients who were injured due to self-harm and survived to hospital discharge, and were captured by the population-based Victorian State Trauma Registry (VSTR), were included. For those with a date of injury from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2013, demographics and injury event data, Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS-E) and return to work (RTW) outcomes at 6, 12 and 24 months post-injury were extracted from the registry. Post-discharge mortality was identified through the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of the GOS-E and RTW and survival analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality.ResultsA total of 37 (7.7%) deaths occurred post-discharge. There were no clear predictors of all-cause mortality. Overall, 36% of patients reported making a good recovery at 24 months. Older age (p = 0.01), transport-related methods of self-harm (p = 0.02), higher Injury Severity Score (p < 0.001) and having a Charlson Comorbidity Index weighting of one or more (p = 0.02) were predictive of poorer functional recovery. Of patients who were working or studying prior to injury, 54% reported returning to work by 24 months post-injury. Higher Injury Severity Score was an important predictor of not returning to work (p = 0.002).ConclusionThe vast majority of major trauma patients who self-harmed and survived to hospital discharge were alive at two years post-injury, yet only half of this cohort returned to work and just over a third of patients experienced a good recovery.     

Femoral neck shortening in adult patients under the age of 55 years is associated with worse functional outcomes: Analysis of the prospective multi-center study of hip fracture outcomes in China (SHOC)

IntroductionYoung femoral neck fracture patients require surgical fixation to preserve the native hip joint and accommodate increased functional demands. Recent reports have identified a high incidence of fracture shortening and this may have negative functional consequences. We sought to determine if fracture shortening is associated with poor functional outcome in young femoral neck fracture patients.Patients and methodsOne hundred and forty-two patients with femoral neck fractures age 18–55 were recruited in this prospective cohort study across three Level 1 trauma hospitals in Mainland China. Patient-reported and objective functional outcomes were measured with the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and SF-36 Physical Component Summary (SF-36 PCS) at 12 months. Radiographic fracture shortening was measured along the long axis of the femoral neck and corrected for magnification. Severe shortening was defined as ≥10 mm. The primary analysis measured associations between severe radiographic shortening and HHS at one-year post-fixation.ResultsOne hundred and two patients had complete radiographic and functional outcomes available for analysis at one year. The mean age of participants was 43.7 ± 10.8 years and 53% were male. Fifty-five percent of fractures were displaced and 37% were vertically orientated (Pauwels Type 3). The mean functional outcome scores were: HHS 90.0 ± 10.8, TUG 12.0 ± 5.1 s, and PCS 48.5 ± 8.6. Severe shortening occurred in 13% of patients and was associated with worse functional outcome scores: HHS mean difference 9.9 (p = 0.025), TUG mean difference 3.2 s (p = 0.082), and PCS mean difference 5.4 (p = 0.055).ConclusionsSevere shortening is associated with clinically important decreases in functional outcome as measured by HHS following fixation of young femoral neck fractures, occurring in 13% of patients in this population. The principle of fracture site compression utilized by modern constructs may promote healing; however, excessive shortening is associated with worse patient-reported outcomes and objective functional measures.     

Health-Related Quality of Life in a National Cohort of Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension or Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

BackgroundPatients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) experience impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). The objective of this study was to evaluate HRQL in a nation-wide sample.MethodsThis is a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study of HRQL including 139 (89%) PAH and 17 (11%) CTEPH patients (women 70.5%; mean age, 52.2) recruited from 21 Spanish hospitals. 55% had idiopathic PAH, 34% other PAH and 11% CTEPH. HRQL was measured using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and EuroQoL-5D (baseline and after 6 months).ResultsHRQL in the patients with PAH or CTEPH was impaired. The physical component of SF-36 and the EuroQol-5D correlated with the functional class (FC). Mean EuroQol-5D visual analogical scale (EQ-5D VAS) scores were 73.5 ± 18.4, 62.9 ± 20.7 and 51.3 ± 16.0 (P<.0001) in patients with FC I, II and III, respectively. Every increase of one FC represented a loss of 4.0 on the PCS SF-36 and a loss of 9.5 on the EQ-5D VAS. Eight patients who died or received a transplant during the study period presented poorer initial HRQL compared with the rest of the population. No significant changes in HRQL were observed in survivors after 6 months of follow-up.ConclusionsHRQL is impaired in this population, especially in PAH/CTEPH patients near death. HRQL measurements could help predict the prognosis in PAH and CTPH and provide additional information in these patients.     

Health-related quality of life improvement following surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in a United Kingdom population

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine if parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism produces improvement in health-related quality of life in a United Kingdom population.MethodsSince October 2002, patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism were asked to complete the SF-36 questionnaire, a validated self assessment tool prior to surgery and at six months post surgery. The questionnaires were either mailed to the patients or given at the time of outpatient follow up.Results24 out of 29 patients completed the questionnaire pre- and postoperatively. Compared to the national average, the median pre-operative scores were worse in all 8 domains. At 6 months post surgery, there were significant improvements in six out of eight domains (p < 0.05); physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role limitations, energy and mental health. The median physical component summary score (PCS) and the mental component summary score (MCS) were also significantly improved postoperatively [Preop vs. Postop (PCS) = 28.16 vs. 35.40 (P = 0.03)] and Preop vs. Postop (MCS) = 41.50 vs. 56.23 (P = 0.005)]. The post-operative MCS was comparable with the national average.ConclusionThis study shows that parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism improves health-related quality of life in a United Kingdom population.     

Head and neck burns are associated with long-term patient-reported dissatisfaction with appearance: A Burn Model System National Database study

Introduction

Burns affecting the head and neck (H&N) can lead to significant changes in appearance. It is postulated that such injuries have a negative impact on patients’ social functioning, quality of life, physical health, and satisfaction with appearance, but there has been little investigation of these effects using patient reported outcome measures. This study evaluates the effect of H&N burns on long-term patient reported outcomes compared to patients who sustained burns to other areas.

Responsiveness of SF-36 and Lower Extremity Functional Scale for assessing outcomes in traumatic injuries of lower extremities

ObjectiveTo assess the responsiveness of one generic questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), and one region-specific outcome measure, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), in patients with traumatic injuries of lower extremities.DesignA prospective and observational study of patients after traumatic injuries of lower extremities. Assessments were performed at baseline and 3 months later.SettingIn-patients and out-patients in two university hospitals in Taiwan.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 109 subjects were evaluated and 94 (86%) were followed.InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Assessments of responsiveness with distribution-based approach (effect size, standardized response mean [SRM], minimal detectable change) and anchor-based approach (receiver's operating curve analysis, ROC analysis).ResultsLEFS and physical component score (PCS) of SF-36 were all responsive to global improvement, with fair-to-good accuracy in discriminating between participants with and without improvement. The area under curve gained by ROC analysis for LEFS and SF-36 PCS was similar (0.65 vs. 0.70, p = 0.26).ConclusionsOur findings revealed comparable responsiveness of LEFS and PCS of SF-36 in a sample of subjects with traumatic injuries of lower limbs. Either type of functional measure would be suitable for use in clinical trials where improvement in function was an endpoint of interest.     

Good functional outcome but not regained health related quality of life in the majority of 20–69 years old patients with femoral neck fracture treated with internal fixation: A prospective 2-year follow-up study of 182 patients

Background and purposeProspective studies on patient related outcome in patients <70 years with a femoral neck fracture (FNF) are few. We aimed to investigate functional outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 20–69 years old patients with a FNF treated with internal fixation.Patients and methods182 patients, 20–69 years with a FNF treated with internal fixation were prospectively included in a multicenter study. Follow up included radiographic and clinical examination at 4, 12 and 24 months. Collected data were hip function using Harris Hip Score (HHS), HRQoL (EQ-5D and SF-36), fracture healing and re-operations.ResultsAt 24 months, HHS was good or excellent in 73% of the patients with a displaced fracture and 85% of the patients with a non-displaced fracture (p = 0.15). Of the patients with displaced fracture (n = 120), 23% had a non-union (NU) and 15% had an avascular necrosis (AVN) with a 28% re-operation rate. None of the patients with non-displaced fracture (n = 50) had an NU, 12% had a radiographic AVN and 8% needed a re-operation. The mean EQ-5D_index in patients with displaced fracture decreased from 0.81 to 0.59 at 4 months, 0.63 at 12 months and 0.65 at 24 months (p < 0.001). The corresponding values for patients with non-displaced fracture were 0.88, 0.69, 0.75 and 0.74 respectively (p < 0.001). The mean SF-total score in patients with displaced fracture decreased from 76 to 55 at 4 months, 63 at 12 months and 65 at 24 months (p < 0.001). The corresponding values for patients with non-displaced fracture were 80, 67, 74 and 76 respectively (p < 0.001).InterpretationTwo thirds of the patients with displaced femoral neck fracture healed after one operation and three quarters reported good or excellent functional outcome at 24 months. However, they did not regain their pre-fracture level of HRQoL.     

Health related quality of life and return to work after minor extremity injuries: A longitudinal study comparing upper versus lower extremity injuries

PurposeTo investigate the impact on health related quality of life (HRQL) during the first year after minor extremity injury and to determine whether there is a difference in recovery patterns and return to work between upper extremity injuries (UEI) and lower extremity injuries (LEI).MethodA total of 181 adults’ age 18 years or older randomly selected from patients admitted to an emergency department with minor injuries were studied. HRQL was measured using the Functional Status Questionnaire (FSQ) at 1–2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12-months post-injury. Pre-injury FSQ scores were measured retrospectively at admission. A quasi-least square (QLS) model was constructed to examine differences of FSQ scores at each measuring point for UEI and LEI.ResultsFractures of the knee/lower leg (25%) were the most frequently injured body area. Slips or falls (57%) and traffic-related events (22%) were the most common injury causes. The mean ISS was 4.2 (SD 0.86). Both groups had significant declines in the FSQ scores physical and social functioning at 1–2 weeks after injury. Patients with UEI made larger improvements in the first 3 months post-injury versus patients with LEI whose improvements extended over the first 6 months. None of the groups reached the pre-injury FSQ scores during the first post-injury year except in the subscale work performance where UEI exceeded the pre-injury scores. At 12 months post-injury, significant lower FSQ scores remained in the LEI group compared to the UEI group in intermediate activities of daily living (p = 0.036, d 0.4) and work performance (p = 0.004, d 0.7). The return to work at 3 months and 12 months were 76% and 88% for UEI and 58% and 77% for LEI. No significant differences were found between groups in the FSQ scale mental health and social interaction.ConclusionsLEI had the highest impact on HRQL and return to work during the first year which exceeded the consequences of UEI. These findings contribute to the information about the consequences of injury in order to give sufficient prognostic information to patients and different stakeholders. Future investigations should aim to investigate specific minor extremity injuries and identify factors that facilitate recovery and return to work.     

Construct validity and responsiveness of commonly used patient reported outcome instruments in decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundValidity and responsiveness of Oswestry disability index (ODI), Roland Morris disability questionnaires (RMDQ), Short Form-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS) and Short Form-12 Mental Component Score (SF-12 MCS) in patients undergoing open decompression for lumbar canal stenosis has not been previously reported.MethodsOutcome assessment was prospectively evaluated using the ODI, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS pre-intervention and at average follow-up of three months post-intervention. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between change in values of ODI, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS. Distribution based methods (Effect size [ES], standardised response mean [SRM]) and anchor based method (Area under the curve [AUC] of receiver operating curve [ROC]) were used to determine responsiveness. AUC value ≥ 0.70 is considered as adequate level of responsiveness and the outcome instrument with the largest AUC is considered to be the most responsive outcome instrument.ResultsThis study included 77 participants. Responsiveness was assessed at a mean follow-up of 12 weeks postoperatively. There was significant strong correlation between ODI and RMDQ (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001). The ES of ODI, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS were 1.54, 1.48, 1.85 and 0.51 respectively. The SRM of RMDQ, ODI, SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS were 1.22, 1.17, 1.0 and 0.47 respectively. AUC of ODI, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS were 0.83–0.88, 0.82 to 0.86, 0.78 to 0.81 and 0.69 to 0.70 respectively.ConclusionIt is recommended to use either ODI or RMDQ as region specific patient reported outcome instrument and SF-12 PCS as a health related quality of life outcome instrument to evaluate outcome after decompressive laminectomy for lumbar canal stenosis.     

Osteonecrosis of the distal tibia after pilon fractures

BackgroundPilon fractures are devastating injuries with high complication rates. Osteonecrosis has been previously described after Weber C fracture-dislocations but has not been reported following fixation of pilon fractures.MethodsAll AO/OTA 43-C pilon fractures from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed. Injury factors and demographics were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the fracture pattern were analyzed to determine risk factors for ON.Results71 pilon fractures in 69 patients were included. Mean follow-up was 21.6 months. 18 patients demonstrated ON at a mean 7.3 months’ post-injury. Regression analysis demonstrated no differences between cohorts with respect to smoking status, open injury, or diabetic status. ON was associated with small anterolateral fragment less than 2.0 cm² (OR = 19.47, p = 0.012), higher comminution (OR = 3.00, p = 0.005), use of calcium phosphate bone substitute (OR = 20.72, p = 0.013).ConclusionsON of the distal tibia was not associated with patient factors but was associated with fracture characteristics.     

Lasting impression of violence: Retained bullets and depressive symptoms

BackgroundOver 70,000 nonfatal firearm injuries occur in the US annually, frequently leaving victims injured with retained bullets. The long-term psychological risks associated with retained bullets remains unstudied. By serving as a constant reminder of injury, we hypothesized that the presence of retained bullets after firearm injury is associated with increased PTSD and depression symptom severity.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study (2013–2015) of Black male survivors of firearm injury at an urban Level I trauma center. Interviews, questionnaires and validated survey tools for PTSD (PCL-5) and depression (QIDS-SR₁₆) to assess severity of symptoms were administered 3 months post-injury. Clinical characteristics and symptom severity scores were compared with respect to retained bullets using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests and linear regression.ResultsOf 139 participants, 101(73%) had retained bullets. The cohort was young (mean age 26 years), educated (82% high school or greater) yet unemployed (53%) and with multiple injuries (median [IQR] no. of GSWs 2 [1–3]). There was no difference in age, education, employment status, number of gunshot wounds, operative procedures, pain, hospital or ICU LOS between groups (p > 0.05). Patients with retained bullets less often rated their health as “very good” or “excellent” (10% vs 29%, p = 0.046). Of those working prior to injury (n = 47), 61% with retained bullets had not returned to work compared to 33% without retained bullets (p = 0.027). No difference in PCL-5 scores [30.9 (SD 18.9) vs 27.9 (SD 18.6), p = 0.470] was observed, but patients with retained bullets had greater mean QIDS-SR₁₆ scores [10.7 (SD 6.2) vs 7.8 (SD 6.1), p = 0.038] than those without. After controlling for injury severity, number of wounds, marital status and education level, multiple linear regression analysis determined that retained bullets (β = 3.52; p = 0.017) were associated with more severe depressive symptoms.ConclusionRetained bullets are associated with adverse psychological consequences after firearm injury. To improve recovery and to aid in clinical management decisions, clinicians should consider both the psychological and physical effects of retained bullets in survivors of firearm injury.     

Risedronate may preserve bone microarchitecture in breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors: A randomized,controlled clinical trial

This study provides preliminary evidence that risedronate not only preserves BMD but may also attenuate the loss of bone microarchitecture over 2 years during a time of accelerated bone loss in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors.IntroductionAccelerated bone loss and elevated fracture risk are associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in women with breast cancer. We previously reported that the oral bisphosphonate, risedronate, can maintain bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip and spine over 2-years in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors on AIs. In this study, we examined whether oral bisphosphonates can also preserve bone microarchitecture as measured by the trabecular bone score (TBS) in this population.MethodsThis 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included postmenopausal women over age 55 with breast cancer on an AI who had low bone mass. Participants provided informed consent and were randomized to risedronate 35 mg once weekly or placebo. We examined 12- and 24-month changes in spine TBS, analyzed using linear mixed models.ResultsOne-hundred and nine women with a mean age of 70.5 years were included in the analysis. In the placebo group, BMD declined at the spine and hip over the 24-month period but was preserved in the active treatment group (data previously reported). TBS declined in the placebo group by − 2.1% and − 2.3% at 12- and 24-months, respectively (p < 0.005). The TBS percent change in bisphosphonate-treated patients was − 0.9% and − 1.3% at 12 and 24-months but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.24 and 0.14). The 12- and 24-month between-group differences were 0.9 (p = 0.38) and 0.8 (p = 0.44) percentage points. TBS change correlated with spine BMD changes in the placebo group at 12- and 24-months (r = 0.33 and 0.34, p < 0.01) but not in the active treatment group.ConclusionThe oral bisphosphonate risedronate preserves BMD and may attenuate loss of bone microarchitecture over 2 years during a time of accelerated bone loss in breast cancer survivors on AIs, but more definitive evidence is needed.     

Twelve-month work–related outcomes following hip fracture in patients under 65 years of age

IntroductionRecent research has highlighted the need for improved outcome reporting in younger hip fracture patients. For this population, return to work (RTW) is a particularly important measure against which to evaluate treatment outcomes. However, to date, only two small studies have reported RTW outcomes in young hip fracture patients and neither investigated factors predictive of RTW. The aims of this study were to report return to work (RTW) status and predictors of RTW 12 months after hip fracture in patients <65 years.MethodsTwo hundred and ninety-one adults aged <65 years, admitted with hip fractures between July 2009 and June 2013 and registered by the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR) were included in this prospective cohort study. Twelve-month return to work status was collected through structured telephone interviews conducted by trained interviewers. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify demographic and injury variables that were important predictors of 12-month work status.ResultsSixty-five per-cent of patients had returned to work 12 months after hip fracture (62% of whom had an isolated hip fracture and 38% of whom had additional injuries). Relative to patients aged 16–24 years, odds of RTW was reduced by 78%–89% for each 10-year increase in age (p = 0.02). Relative to patients employed as managers/administrators/professionals, odds of RTW were 68% to 95% lower for all other workers (p < 0.001). For those reporting a pre-injury disability, odds of RTW were 79% lower compared to those without disability (p = 0.004) and 69% lower for patients with multiple injuries compared to isolated hip fracture patients (p = 0.002). Finally, patients compensated by a work or transport insurer had a 67% lower odds of RTW relative to patients who were not compensated (p = 0.02).ConclusionsApproximately one third of patients <65 years had not returned to work 12 months after hip fracture. Patients who are older, have multiple injuries or pre-existing disabilities or who work in more physical occupations may need more assistance to RTW following hip fracture. The compensation system should be examined to determine why compensated patients may be at risk of poor RTW outcomes.