Predictors of severe pain in the immediate postoperative period in elderly patients following hip fracture surgery

Introduction

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for severe postoperative pain immediately after hip-fracture surgery.

Patients and methods

Three hundred forty-four elderly patients with an acute hip fracture were admitted to the hospital during a 12-months period. All patients who entered the study answered a structured questionnaire to assess demographic characteristics, previous diseases, drug use, previous surgery, and level of education. Physical status was assessed through the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ preoperative risk classification, cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, and depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The presence of preoperative delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method was assessed during day and night shifts until surgery. Pain was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS). An NRS ≥7 one hour after surgery indicated severe pain.

Results

Patients with elementary-level education (8 yr in school) presented a higher risk for immediate severe postoperative pain than university-educated patients (>12 yr in school) (P < 0.05). Higher cognitive function was associated with higher postoperative pain (P < 0.01). Patients with symptoms of depression and patients with preoperative delirium presented a higher risk for severe pain (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that depression and a low level of education were independent predictors of severe pain immediately after surgery.

Conclusion

Depression and lower levels of education were independent predictors of immediate severe pain following hip-fracture surgery. These predictors could be clinically used to stratify analgesic risk in elderly patients for more aggressive pain treatment immediately after surgery.     

Delirium in older people after proximal femoral fracture repair: Role of a preoperative screening cognitive test

Objective

Preoperative cognitive impairment has been identified as a major risk factor for postoperative delirium in older people. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a validated and rapid screening cognitive test — COgnitive Disorder EXamination (CODEX) — performed preoperatively before proximal femoral fracture repair, was associated with a risk of postoperative delirium.

Study design

We performed an observational prospective cohort study in orthopedic surgery department of a French hospital.

Patients

We included patients aged 70 years or older undergoing proximal femoral fracture repair and who were free of known dementia and delirium at the preoperative phase.

Methods

Before surgery, the anesthesiologist realized the CODEX based on three-word recall test, simplified clock drawing and if one of these tasks was abnormal, spatial orientation was assessed. Delirium was routinely sought on postoperative day 3 (D3) using the Confusion Assessment Method by the geriatrician.

Results

Among the 52 included patients, seven (13.5%) had delirium on D3. All seven patients were among the 25 patients with abnormal CODEX results. None of the 27 patients with normal CODEX results had postoperative delirium. Abnormal CODEX was significantly associated with the risk of postoperative delirium in univariate analysis and after adjustment for age (odds ratio [OR]: 13.33; 95% confidence interval, [95%CI]: 1.85 ± ∞; P < 0.003).

Conclusion

Abnormal preoperative rapid screening test CODEX is independently associated with postoperative delirium in older people undergoing hip fracture surgery and free of known dementia.     

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.     

The hip fracture surgery in elderly patients (HIPELD) study to evaluate xenon anaesthesia for the prevention of postoperative delirium: a multicentre,randomized clinical trial

Background

Postoperative delirium occurs frequently in elderly hip fracture surgery patients and is associated with poorer overall outcomes. Because xenon anaesthesia has neuroprotective properties, we evaluated its effect on the incidence of delirium and other outcomes after hip fracture surgery.

Patients with hip fracture admitted to critical care: Epidemiology,interventions and outcome

Introduction

Although there is much current debate about the use of critical care to enhance peri-operative care of patients with hip fracture there are limited supporting data. We investigated the epidemiology, critical care interventions and outcomes of patients with hip fracture admitted to a large UK critical care unit.

Patients and methods

We reviewed all patients with hip fracture (excluding those with multiple trauma, and those with femoral shaft or peri-prosthetic fracture) who were admitted to our critical care unit during a four year period. We recorded patient characteristics, reason for admission to critical care, interventions and organ support performed, and patient outcome.

Results

We identified 99 patients with a mean age of 81 years; this represented 1% of patients admitted to critical care, and 2.4% of patients with hip fracture admitted to hospital during the study period. Fifty-two patients required no organ support; 19 received only respiratory support, 13 only cardiovascular support, 12 received both respiratory and cardiovascular support, and 3 received respiratory, cardiovascular and renal support. Outcome worsened as the level of organ support increased (p = 0.01). Fifteen patients died in critical care, acute hospital mortality was 33% and 1-year mortality was 54%. No patient for whom admission was planned before surgery died in critical care and the 30-day mortality for this group was 13%. Outcome was related to the time between surgery and critical care admission: patients admitted before surgery or longer than 2 days after surgery had worse outcomes (p = 0.001). The reason for admission to critical care also influenced outcome: patients with sepsis had poor outcome with one-third dying in critical care and a further one-third not surviving to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

The major determinants of outcome in this population were reason for admission, and timing of admission to critical care. One year survival was better than that for unselected patients aged >80 years admitted to critical care. Admission to critical care and use of enhanced peri-operative care for selected hip fracture patients is entirely appropriate and beneficial.     

Randomised trial of blood transfusion versus a restrictive transfusion policy after hip fracture surgery

Background

Debate exists as to what should be the transfusion threshold for patients with anaemia after hip fracture surgery.

Methods

A total of 200 patients aged 60 years and above with a haemoglobin level of between 8.0 and 9.5 g dl⁻¹ after hip fracture surgery were randomised to receive a transfusion to raise the haemoglobin to at least 10.0 g dl⁻¹ or not to have a transfusion unless definite symptoms of anaemia became apparent. Patients were followed up for 1 year.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes of mortality, hospital stay, regain of mobility or complications between the two groups.

Conclusions

This study confirms other recent research studies which found that reducing the transfusion threshold to 8.0 g dl⁻¹ appears to be a safe practice for this group of patients.     

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.     

Treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly highrisk patients: Dynamic hip screw vs. external fixation

Introduction

Although the use of a dynamic hip screw (DHS) is considered to be the preferred treatment for intertrochanteric fractures, the external fixation device could produce clinical outcomes comparable to the outcomes obtained with conventional treatment. Furthermore, because external fixation is minimally invasive, we expected a lower rate of morbidity. Therefore, we compared the two treatments in a clinical trial of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture.

Methods

60 elderly high-risk patients with an average age of 78 years were treated for intertrochanteric fracture, resulting from a low energy trauma. Patients were randomly divided in two groups regarding to treatment. In Group A the patients were treated with DHS, while in Group B were treated with external fixator.

Results

The fixator was well accepted and no patient had significant difficulties while sitting or lying. The average intraoperative time was 73 min in Group A and 15 min in Group B (p < 0.05). 27 patients of Group A need blood transfusion postoperatively and none in Group B (p < 0.05). The mean duration of hospitalization in Group A and Group B was 8.4 and 2.2 days, respectively (p < 0.05). 9 of patients Group B had pin-track infection grade 2 that all were treated by oral antibiotics. There were no differences in comorbidities, quality of reduction, screw cut out, bed sore and HHS between the two groups.

Conclusion

Treatment with external fixator is an effective treatment for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly highrisk patients. The advantages include quick and simple application, minimal blood loss, less radiation exposure, adequate fixation, pain reduction, early discharge from hospital, low costs and favourable functional outcomes.     

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.     

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.     

Diabetes mellitus and hip fracture: a study of 5966 cases

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus, and especially type II diabetes, is a widespread and increasing problem in the western world due to the high rates of obesity. It has also been shown in previous studies that diabetics have impaired fracture healing. The aim of this study was to see exactly what role diabetes plays in hip fracture because it is a partially modifiable disease, and to see whether there are any changes that we could make to our practice to improve patient outcome.

Methods

We analysed the characteristics and outcomes for 477 hip fracture patients who were known to be diabetic at the time of admission, against 5489 non-diabetic hip fracture patients.

Results

At the time of admission the diabetic patients were more likely to be using walking aids [268/477 (56%) versus 2455/5489 (45%), p < 0.0001], have a more restricted walking ability and a higher mean ASA grade (2.9 versus 2.6, p < 0.0001). Diabetics patients were more likely to develop cardiac post-operative complications [26/477 (5.5%) versus 146/5489 (2.7%), p = 0.0008] and to develop pressure ulcers [34/477 (7.1%) versus 171/5489 (3.1%), p < 0.0001]. Hospital stay was increased for those with diabetes (25 days versus 21days, p 0.006). No difference in surgical complications was seen between groups. At one year, recovery of function was similar for diabetic patients compared to those without diabetes.

Conclusion

These findings show diabetics are at an increased risk of specific complications and have a longer length of hospital stay but generally make a normal recovery thereafter.     

Cemented hemiarthroplasty or hip replacement for intracapsular neck of femur fracture? A comparison of 7732 matched patients using national data

Background

The treatment of choice for intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fractures in younger, more active patients remains unknown. Some surgeons advocate total hip replacement (THR).

Aim

This study aimed to compare complications following THR and hemiarthroplasty using the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database in England.

Method

Dislocation and revision rates were extracted for all patients with NOF fracture who underwent either cemented hemiarthroplasty or cemented THR between January 2005 and December 2008. To make a ‘like for like’ comparison all 3866 THR patients were matched to 3866 hemiarthroplasty patients (from a total of 41,343) in terms of age, sex and Charlson score.

Results and conclusion

Eighteen-month dislocation was significantly higher in the THR group (2.4% vs. 0.5%, odds ratio (OR) 3.90 (2.99–5.05), p < 0.001). This difference was sustained at the 4-year stage (2.9% vs. 0.9%, OR 3.18 (1.58–6.94), p = 0.001) in a subset of patients with longer follow-up. There was no significant difference in revision rate up to 4 years (1.8% vs. 2.1%, OR 0.85 (0.46–1.55), p = 0.666). In this national analysis of matched patients short- and medium-term dislocation rates following THR were significantly higher than following cemented hemiarthroplasty, without any difference in revision rates at 4 years. The low risk of dislocation may be acceptable in order to experience the apparent functional benefits of THR.     

Patient characteristics and risk of subsequent contralateral hip fracture after surgical management of first fracture

Background

Sequential hip fractures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding of risk factors is important for secondary prevention. Although hip fractures have a multifactorial aetiology related to falls, it is unknown whether fracture management approach influences the risk of sequential hip fractures.

Objectives

Our objective is to explore whether subsequent contralateral hip fractures are more common following femoral head replacement or salvage procedures for the treatment of hip fractures.

Methods

Patients older than 50, admitted to a single regional trauma unit in Worcestershire between 2010 and 2012 were identified from the national database. 700 patients matched our inclusion criteria and case notes were reviewed. The male to female ratio was 1:3.3 and the mean age was 82.8 years (standard deviation: 8.9 years). Contralateral fractures were identified from admission X-rays. Risk factors were analysed based on patient demographics and data related to first hip fracture management.

Results

Seventy-one patients presented with contralateral fractures, of which 19 had their first fracture during the data collection period, estimating a period prevalence of 10.1%, and incidence of 2.9%. Contralateral fracture rates were not significantly different between femoral head salvage and replacement procedures (P-value 0.683). Older institutionalised females with poorer mobility status were at greatest risk of contralateral hip fractures. Half (50.7%) of these occurred within 2 years of their first fracture.

Conclusion

No additional risk was seen in either fixation approaches. Risk factors identified were in keeping with existing literature, which can help to identify high-risk groups for targeted prevention strategies.     

A multicentre,prospective, randomised comparison of the sliding hip screw with the Medoff sliding screw and side plate for unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures

Objective

This study aimed to compare the dynamic hip screw (DHS) and Medoff sliding plate (MSP) for unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures.

Design

A randomised, prospective trial design was used.

Setting

The study was undertaken in two level-1 trauma centres and one community hospital.

Patients/participants

A total of 163 patients with unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) 31-A2) were randomised to DHS or MSP. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to focus on isolated unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures in ambulatory patients.

Intervention

Randomisation was performed intra-operatively, after placement of a 135° guide wire. Follow-up assessments were performed at regular intervals for a minimum of 6 months.

Main outcome measurements

The primary outcome measure was re-operation rate. The secondary outcome was patient function, evaluated using a validated outcome measure, the Hip Fracture Functional Recovery Score. Tertiary outcomes included: mortality, hospital stay, quality of reduction and malunion rate.

Results

A total of 86 patients were randomised to DHS and 77 to MSP. The groups had similar patient demographics, pre-fracture status and in-hospital course. The quality of reduction was the same for each group, but the operative time was longer in the MSP group (61.6 vs. 50.1 min, P = 0.01). The rate of re-operation was low (3/86 in DHS and 2/77 in MSP) with no statistically significant difference. The functional outcomes were the same for both groups, with functional recovery scores at 6 months of 51.0% in the DHS arm and 49.7% in the MSP arm.

Conclusions

The two techniques produced similar results for the clinically important outcomes of the need for further surgery and functional status of the patients at 6 months’ follow-up.     

The primary determinants of radiation use during fixation of proximal femur fractures

Objectives

To establish the primary determinants of operative radiation use during fixation of proximal femur fractures.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Level I trauma centre.

Cohort

205 patients treated surgically for subtrochanteric and intertrochanteric femoral fractures.

Main outcome measures

Fluoroscopy time, dose-area-product (DAP).

Results

Longer fluoroscopy time was correlated with higher body mass index (p = 0.04), subtrochanteric fracture (p < 0.001), attending surgeon (p = 0.001), and implant type (p < 0.001). Increased DAP was associated with higher body mass index (p < 0.001), subtrochanteric fracture (p = 0.002), attending surgeon (p = 0.003), lateral body position (p < 0.001), and implant type (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

The strongest determinants of radiation use during surgical fixation of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femur fractures were location of fracture, patient body position, patient body mass index, and the use of cephalomedullary devices. Surgeon style, presumably as it relates to teaching efforts, seems to strongly influence radiation use.     

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia after thermal injury: The clinical impact of methicillin resistance

Objective

To evaluate the impact of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) on mortality and length of stay in burn patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A 750-bed tertiary care university hospital in Cologne, Germany.

Patients

Patients registered in the database of the burn intensive care unit (BICU) between 1989 and 2009 with complete data sets (n = 1688).

Results

Over the 21-year study period, 74 patients with SAB were identified; 33 patients had methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 41 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Comparing the MRSA with the MSSA population the following parameters were significantly different in the univariate analysis: BMI (27.2 kg/m² vs. 23.6 kg/m²; P = 0.05), extent of deep partial thickness burns (17.8% vs. 9.0% of total body surface area; P = 0.007), antibiotic requirement on admission (45.5% vs. 22.0%; P = 0.046), median length of hospitalization prior SAB (24 days vs. 7 days; P < 0.001), packed red blood cells administration (47.6 units vs. 26.1 units; P = 0.003), intubation requirement (100% vs. 80.5%; P = 0.007), intubation period (43.5 days vs. 26.8 days; P = 0.008), catecholamine requirement (90.9% vs. 61.0%; P = 0.004), sepsis (60.6% vs. 34.1%; P = 0.035) and organ failures (81.8% vs. 39.0%; P < 0.001). Regarding outcome parameters, methicillin resistance was not significantly related with mortality (adjusted OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.56–4.28; P = 0.40) and length of BICU stay after SAB (Kaplan–Meier analysis log-rank test P = 0.32; Cox's proportional hazards regression HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.65–2.27, P = 0.535) in the univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that methicillin resistance is not associated with significant increases in mortality and length of BICU stay among burn patients with SAB.     

Mental disorders among acute burn patients

Objective

To investigate mental disorders among acute hospitalized burn patients.

Method

Consecutive acute adult burn patients (n = 107) admitted to Helsinki Burn Centre were interviewed by an experienced psychiatrist with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR for Axis I and II mental disorders assessed in three time frames (lifetime, the month prior to burn, and in acute care). Information on clinical features, psychiatric symptoms, personality traits, and burn severity (total body surface area, TBSA) was gathered.

Results

The mean TBSA was 9%. Most (61%) acute burn patients had at least one lifetime Axis I or II mental disorder. Prevalences of lifetime substance-related disorders (47%), psychotic disorders (10%), and Axis II personality disorders (23%) were high. The overall prevalence of Axis I mental disorders increased significantly (Q = 6.40, df = 1, p = 0.011) from the month prior to burn (40%) to acute care (48%). The prevalence of delirium for this period was significantly higher (0.9% vs. 13%; Q = 13.00, df = 1, p < 0.001) in acute care.

Conclusions

Mental disorders, particularly substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders are common among acute burn patients before injury. These disorders may predispose to burns. Burn itself may also predispose to mental disorders, particularly delirium.     

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.     

Clinical characteristics and long-term mortality of occult hip fracture elderly patients

Background and objective

Occult hip fractures (OHF) occur in a minute population of patients. Diagnosis is made via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or alternatively via bone scan. Very little is known about the clinical characteristics of OHF patients. Our aim was to characterize the clinical and long-term survival of OHF in elderly patients and to determine if a certain subgroup of patients would benefit from an MRI investigation following normal or equivocal radiography.

Methods

Twenty-nine OHF patients diagnosed by a bone scan during 1995-2004 were compared with a control group of 94 randomly chosen hip fractured patients diagnosed by plain radiography in the same hospital and during the same period.

Results

Mean age, women/men ratio, place of residence, comorbidities, cognitive and functional status were similar in the OHF and control group. Twenty-two (75.9%) and 4 (13.8%) patients in the OHF group had had subcapital and intertrochanteric fractures respectively, vs. 41 (43.6%) and 47 (50%) in the control group (p = 0.003). Diagnosis delay in the OHF group was 16.8 ± 26.5 days vs. 2.5 ± 2.9 days (p < 0.001) in the control group. There were fewer operations and complications in the OHF group compared to the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively). During a 13-year follow-up, no differences in survival were found between the two groups nor any differences between those operated on and those who were not.

Conclusions

OHF patients have no distinctive clinical characteristics or long-term survival. The delay in diagnosing OHF is too much long and is probably related to the high prevalence of conservative treatment. MRI investigation is recommended whenever OHF are suspected and surgical treatment is considered, in order to improve diagnosis and treatment.     

Policy encouraging earlier hip fracture surgery can decrease the long-term mortality of elderly patients

Background

In April 2004 the Israeli Ministry of Health decided to condition DRG payment for hip surgery by time between hospitalisation and operation, giving a fine for every day's delay beyond 48 h. An evaluation study performed 2 years after the reform has shown the positive influence of the reform on patient's survival in the hospital. This study evaluates the impact of the reform on the longer-term mortality of patients.

Methods

A retrospective study based on data from nine hospitals of the national trauma registry available for the years 2001–2007, with surveillance on 2-year survival through data of Ministry of the Interior. The study population includes patients aged 65 and above with an isolated hip fracture following trauma. Mortality curves and Cox regression were utilised to compare the influence of different parameters on long-term mortality.

Results

Earlier surgery had a significant positive impact on survival through the whole length of the study period. In the period after the introduction of the new reimbursement system for hip fracture surgeries, a significant decrease in the longer-term mortality was observed up to 6 months of follow-up, even when adjusted by patients’ age, gender and the receiving hospital. After 6 months there was no further decrease in relative risk, though the survival advantage remained with patients hospitalised after the reform.

Conclusions

The reform appears successful in decreasing the longer-term patient mortality after hip fracture through influencing surgical practice.