Postoperative Mortality after Hip Fracture Surgery: A 3 Years Follow Up

Comparing mortality rates, risk, and trends of hip fracture and common cancers in Hong Kong, 2010-2020: A population-based study

Objectives

Hip fracture is a global public concern exhibiting high mortality rates but often underrecognized. We compared the mortality rates, risk, and secular trend of hip fractures with common cancers in females and males, aiming to call attention to hip fractures.

Methods

In 2010-2020, 193,767 patients with the first diagnosed hip fractures and the top 5 prevalent cancers in each sex and aged 50 years and above were included. Age-standardized mortality rates were adjusted to the WHO Standard Population and the sex-specific relative risk of mortality was computed using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for potential confounders. The trend analyses used joinpoint regression to compute annual percent changes in age-standardized mortality rates.

Results

The 1-year and 5-year age-standardized mortality rates and sex-specific mortality risk of hip fracture are greater than those of breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90 to 0.97) and thyroid cancer (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.64) in females and prostate cancer (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.58) in males. Moreover, mortality rates in lung cancer, male liver cancer, female breast cancer, and male prostate cancer have decreased in the past decade. For hip fracture, the mortality rates have significantly decreased in females, while in males, we observed only a decreasing trend in 1-year hip fracture mortality, not in 5-year.

Conclusions

Hip fractures exhibit higher mortality compared to female breast and thyroid cancers and male prostate cancer. More attention is needed to enhance the management and prevention of hip fractures.

Use of Oral Celecoxib Preoperatively Reduces Risk of Delirium and Favors Functional Recovery in Elderly Patients with Femoral Neck Fracture: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Background

We aim to explore whether the effect of oral celecoxib (OC) preoperatively in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture (FNF) receiving surgery on the pain control, complications, functional outcomes, and mortality.

Methods

We collected data on elderly patients with FNF in two hospitals between Jan. 2020 and May. 2024. According to OC use or not, patients were divided into OC group and non-OC group. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to minimize potential confounding and selection bias. We observed the factors that may influence pain control by Spearman correlations.

Results

Finally, 908 patients met our inclusion criteria, including 494 patients in the OC group and 414 in non-OC patients. We found that many factors, such as age, body mass index, and fracture type, were significantly different. Thus, we used PSM analysis to lower potential confounding, and 215 patients remained in each group. The results showed that VAS scores at the time of 1st day after surgery, 3rd day after surgery and at discharge were markedly lower in OC group. Additionally, lower delirium rate and better functional outcomes were found in OC group. Our finding showed no significant difference in mortality rates at 30-day, 90-day, and 12-month between two groups.

Conclusion

Preoperative OC can manage pain control, have better functional recovery, and minimize pain-related complications such as delirium in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Exploring mortality risk factors and specific causes of death within 30 days after hip fracture hospitalization

This study examined the sex-specific mortality risk and causes of death soon after hip fracture in Taiwan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 30-day mortality risk and cause of death in patients with hip fracture and identify its associated risk factors. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan from 2000 to 2015. This study included patients aged 50 years or older who were admitted to a hospital with a hip fracture diagnosis for the first time. Of 285,891 patients hospitalized for their first hip fracture, 8,505 (2.98%) died within 30 days. The mortality risk of hip fracture declined from 3.76% in 2000 to 2.92% in 2015. Circulatory system diseases like ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease were the most common cause of death and accounted for 22% of deaths within 30 days after fracture. Accidents and unintentional injuries caused 18% of deaths, followed by malignant neoplasms in 10% of deaths. Multivariate Cox regression identified older age, male sex, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), suburban or rural residence, and lower income as risk factors for hip fracture mortality. The 30-day mortality risk of hip fractures has decreased but remains correlated with male sex, older age, and comorbidities. Circulatory diseases were the main cause of death. Early identification and treatment by experienced clinicians may optimize outcomes, minimize complications, and reduce mortality risk in the 30 days following hip fracture.

Effects of an Emergency-Based FASE Strategy on Treating Geriatric Patients with Femoral Neck Fracture: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to assess the impacts of the Fast Access to Surgery in Emergency (FASE) strategy on (1) the workflow of multidisciplinary team (MDT) during hospitalization; (2) the clinical outcomes of geriatric femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in a single trauma center to evaluate the clinical data of geriatric FNF patients admitted through emergency from July 2017 to June 2022. The FASE strategy was implemented since Jan 1st 2020, and patients were categorized into the FASE group or the control group according to the time of admission (before/after the initiation timepoint of FASE strategy). Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to limit confounding bias between the two groups.

RESULTS

Finally, 344 patients were included after a one-to-one matching. The FASE strategy resulted in a slightly prolonged duration in emergency (6.02±5.99 h vs 2.72±4.22 h, p<0.001) but was meanwhile associated with significant decreases in time to surgery (61.16±38.74 h vs 92.02±82.80 h, p<0.001), actual surgery delay (67.18±39.04 h vs. 94.25±84.41 h, p<0.001) and total length of hospital stay (10.57±4.93 h vs 12.50±4.73 h, p <0.001). Besides, despite the consistency of transfusion rate between the two groups, improved blood management was achieved in the FASE group, as evidenced by a smaller drop in hemoglobin levels (-20.49±17.02 g/L vs -25.28±16.33 g/L, p = 0.013) in patients without preoperative or intraoperative transfusion. However, no significant differences were observed regarding the overall clinical outcomes such as mortality or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

The Fast Access to Surgery in Emergency (FASE) for geriatric FNF patients effectively optimized the preoperative evaluation workflow, which significantly shortened time to surgery and length of hospital stay, and reduced perioperative blood loss. FASE strategy improved the surgical workflows and turnover efficiency of geriatric FNF patients, therefore could play an important role in the optimal MDT co-management for geriatric FNF patients.

Clinical effect of 'Fast-track Management' guided by ERAS concept under the multi-disciplinary cooperation mode of femoral intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly

The article was designed to explore the clinical efficacy of 'Fast-track Management' guided by ERAS concept under the multidisciplinary collaboration model for early operation of femoral intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly. The clinical data of 198 intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly were retrospectively analyzed. According to the diagnosis and treatment mode, they were divided into cooperative group and routine group. The preoperative waiting time, preoperative deep venous thrombosis, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, hospitalization time, Harris score, VAS score, intervention effect of eras concept, complication occurrence, and 1-year mortality were made a comparison. There were notable differences in the preoperative waiting time, the number of cases of preoperative deep vein thrombosis and the length of hospital stay between the cooperative group and routine group. The incidence of complications in the cooperative group was 9.38%, which was significantly lower than that in the conventional group, 54.90%. The 1-year mortality rate was clearly lower in the cooperative group than in the routine group. At 1 and 2 weeks after operation, VAS, HAMA and PSQI of the cooperative group were lower, but Harris and Barthel were higher than the routine group. At 1 month after operation, there was no clear difference in VAS and Harris between the cooperative group and routine group. The establishment of 'Fast-track Management' based on ERAS concept in the multidisciplinary collaboration model can effectively alleviate the pain of femoral intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly, shorten the hospital stay, reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications and the mortality within 1 year.

Predictors of mortality over time in geriatric patients with hip fracture

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the variations in effect for predictors of mortality over time and risk of in-hospital complications in geriatric patients with a hip fracture. Many studies have investigated risk factors of short-term and long-term mortality separately. In current literature, little is known about the variations in effect of risk factors over time and no comparison with the general population is made.

Methods

All patients with a hip fracture aged 70 years or older admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2016, and May 1, 2018, were included in this retrospective study. Patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) were not included. The primary outcome was mortality after 1 year. Secondary outcomes were mortality after 30 days, 90 days, 2 years, and complications. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves for risk factors were generated to visualize survival over time. Data were compared with data extracted from the national health records.

Results

A total of 685 geriatric patients with hip fractures were included with a 1-year mortality of 27%. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) found differed over time. Five risk factors for mortality were investigated in this study using KM curves: age, prefracture living situation, dementia, sex, and ASA classification.

Conclusions

Over time, the variation of 5 risk factors for mortality were visualized in geriatric patients with a hip fracture: age, prefracture living situation, dementia, sex, and ASA classification. An elevated risk of mortality was discovered compared with the general population. The variation in effect observed in risk factors plays a vital role in prognosis. This insight will help guide accurate medical decision-making for a tailored treatment plan for geriatric patients with a hip fracture.

A 10-Year Experience of an Integrated Geriatric Hip Fracture Treatment Protocol: Outcomes at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Introduction

Increasing incidence of fragility fractures has spurred development of protocols, largely focused on peri-operative care, with numerous proven benefits. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate outcomes of our hip fracture treatment program regarding successful protocol implementation, compliance, effect on subsequent fracture rates, and mortality during the first decade of adoption.

Methods

A retrospective review identified patients >65 years old with fragility hip fractures between 2010 and 2022. The HiROC (+) cohort consisted of patients who received a "High-Risk Osteoporosis Clinic" (HiROC) referral for bone health evaluation and bisphosphonate initiation as indicated. Additional fracture rates and mortality at 3 years were calculated. Protocol implementation and compliance over the first 10 years was analyzed in the four identified cohorts.

Results

A total of 1671 fragility hip fractures were identified, with 386 excluded due to insufficient follow-up, with an average age of 81.6 years and a median follow-up of 36.4 months. Of the 1280 included cases, 56% (n = 717) had a HiROC referral placed. HiROC(+) groups had lower subsequent fracture rates at two years, compared to those without referral (28% vs 13%, P < 0.0001) and those completing more steps of the protocol had lower subsequent fracture rates (28% vs 15% vs 13% vs 5%, P < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the cohorts for anatomic site of subsequent fractures.

Discussion

Greater than half of all eligible patients were successfully captured by the protocol. Patients completing more steps of the protocol had lower subsequent fracture rates. Captured patients demonstrated reduced mortality rates when compared to current literature.

Conclusion

Successful implementation of this geriatric hip fracture protocol was associated with reduced additional fractures and mortality rates. Identifying steps of process failures in the protocol can provide opportunities for increased compliance and reduction in future fracture occurrences.

Impact of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification on hip fracture surgery outcomes: insights from a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification is the most used system to assess patient health status before surgery, ranging from I to V levels. This study aims to explore the impact of different ASA risk classes (ASA II [mild risk] and ASA III [severe risk]) on clinical outcomes following hip fracture surgery, including all-cause mortality and postoperative complications.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis from 2019 to 2021 across three Jordanian centers was conducted. The study included patients aged 65 and above who underwent hip fracture repair surgeries. Preoperative measures, intraoperative management protocols, and postoperative care were collected. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records, including demographics, fracture type, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

The analysis included 1033 patients, with 501 (48.5%) in the mild anesthetic risk group (ASA I-II) and 532 (51.5%) in the severe anesthetic risk group (ASA III-V). The mean age was 73 years, with a higher prevalence of males in the severe risk group. Patients in the severe risk group had more comorbidities, higher ICU admissions (15.23% vs. 6.18%), longer hospital stays (median 7 vs. 6 days), and higher rates of postoperative thromboembolic complications (3.39% vs. 1.39%) compared to the mild risk group. Additionally, the severe risk group showed higher mortality rates both in-hospital mortality (3.38% vs. 1.39%) and all-cause mortality (16.92% vs. 10.36%). Multivariate analysis identified higher ASA score as independent risk factors for increased all-cause mortality (HR = 1.64 95%CI 1.51-2.34) and thromboembolic complications (OR = 2.85 95%CI 1.16-7). Length of hospital stay was significantly associated with higher ASA score (OR = 1.04 95%CI 0.96-1.11).

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the significant impact of anesthetic risk on the outcomes of hip fracture surgeries. Patients with higher ASA scores associated with severe systemic diseases may have at increased risk of adverse outcomes.

The association between preoperative serum cholinesterase and all-cause mortality in geriatric patients with hip fractures: a cohort study of 2387 patients

OBJECTIVE

This study is to evaluate the association between preoperative cholinesterase levels and all-cause mortality in geriatric hip fractures.

METHODS

Elderly patients with hip fractures were screened between Jan 2015 and Sep 2019. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected. Linear and nonlinear multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify the association between preoperative cholinesterase levels and mortality in these patients. Analyses were performed using EmpowerStats and the R software.

RESULTS

Two thousand three hundred eighty-seven patients were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 37.64 months. Seven hundred eighty-seven (33.0%) patients died due to all-cause mortality. Preoperative cholinesterase levels were 5910 ± 1700 U/L. Linear multivariate Cox regression models showed that preoperative cholinesterase level was associated with mortality (HR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.78-0.88), P < 0.0001) for every 1000 U/L. However, the linear association was unstable, and nonlinearity was identified. A cholinesterase concentration of 5940 U/L was an inflection point. When preoperative cholinesterase level < 5940 U/L, the mortality decreased by 28% for every 1000 U/L increase in cholinesterase (HR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.66-0.79, P < 0.0001). When cholinesterase was > 5940 U/L, the mortality was no longer decreased with the rise of cholinesterase (HR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.91-1.11, P = 0.9157). We found the nonlinear association was very stable in the propensity score-matching sensitive analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative cholinesterase levels were nonlinearly associated with mortality in elderly hip fractures, and cholinesterase was a risk indicator of all-cause mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered on the website of the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR: ChiCTR2200057323) (08/03/2022).

Secondary osteoporosis prevention: three-year outcomes from a Fracture Liaison Service in elderly hip fracture patients

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are the most serious fragility fractures due to their associated disability, higher hospitalization costs and high mortality rates. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures and have shown their clinical effectiveness.

AIMS

To analyze the effect of the implementation of a FLS model of care over the survival and mortality rates following a hip fracture.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (between January 2016 and December 2019). Patients were followed for three years after the index date. Mortality, complications and refracture rates were compared between the two groups using a Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

A total of 1366 patients were included in this study (353 before FLS implementation and 1013 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (79.3% vs 12.5%; p < 0.01) and there was an increase in adherence to treatment (51.7% vs 30.2%; p < 0.01). A total of 413 (40.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 141 (39.9%) individuals before (p = 0.47) died during the three-years follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 101 (10.0%) patients after FLS implementation and 37 (10.5%) individuals before (p = 0.78). Patients after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all cause one-year mortality [adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.74 (0.57-0.94)] and a decreased risk of suffering a second osteoporotic fracture [adjusted HR 0.54 (0.39-0.75) in males and adjusted HR 0.46 (0.30-0.71) in females].

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with a lower all-cause one-year mortality rate and a higher survivorship in elderly hip fracture patients. However, no three-year mortality rate differences were observed between the two groups. We also found a reduction in the complication and second-fracture rates.

The Nomogram Model and Factors for the Postoperative Mortality of Elderly Patients with Femoral Neck Fracture Undergoing Artificial Hip Arthroplasty: A Single-Institution 6-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE

Artificial hip arthroplasty (AHA) is widely accepted in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures, but it is associated with high risk of death and various postoperative complications due to old age and accompanying chronic diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the risk factors for death in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures after AHA and to establish a nomogram risk prediction model, which is expected to reveal high-risk patients and improve the postoperative quality of life and survival rate of patients.

METHODS

Elderly patients who underwent AHA for femoral neck fractures in our hospital from September 2014 to May 2021were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into a survival group and a death group according to their clinical outcomes. The following clinical data were recorded for the patients in the two groups: sex, age, underlying diseases, smoking and drinking history, preoperative nutritional risk score (NRS) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, as well as relevant indicators about the operation. These data were subject to univariate analysis and then logistic analysis to determine the risk factors of death. Subsequently, a nomogram risk prediction model was established and further validated with the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Finally, the effects of predictive risk factors were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve.

RESULTS

Follow-up was completed by 260 patients, including 206 patients in the survival group and 54 patients in the death group; the overall death rate was 20.77%, and the follow-up time, age, postoperative 1, 3 and 5-year death rates were 3.47 ± 1.93 years, 75.32 ± 9.12 years, 5.77%, 12.51%, and 25.61%, respectively. The top three causes of death in 54 patients were respiratory disease, cerebrocardiovascular disease, and digestive disease, respectively. The logistic analysis indicated that elderly patients with femoral neck fractures, the risk factors for death after AHA were age ≥ 80 years, preoperative NRS ≥ 4, HB ≤ 90 g/L, CR ≥ 110 umol/L, and ASA score ≥ 3, as well as postoperative albumin ≤ 35 g/L, the nomogram was established, and then its predictive performance was successfully validated using the ROC curve (AUC = 0.814, 95% confidence interval = 0.749-0.879) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p = 0.840). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed that the abovementioned six indicators were correlated with the post-AHA survival time of elderly patients with femoral neck fractures (pLog Rank  < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Old age, preoperatively high NRS and ASA score, anemia, poor renal function, and postoperative hypoproteinemia are the major risk factors for death in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures after AHA; they are also associated with postoperative survival. Early identification and effective interventions for optimization of modifiable risk factors are recommended to improve the postoperative quality of life and survival rates.

Serum cystatin C as a biomarker to predict all-cause mortality in geriatrics hip fracture

Background

Cystatin C, a low-molecular-weight protein, belongs to cysteine protease inhibitors produced primarily by nucleated cells. Its serum concentration, independent of sex, age, or muscle mass, is a good predictor of renal dysfunction in older adults. This study evaluated the association between all-cause mortality and preoperative cystatin C levels in hip fractures.

Materials and methods

Data describing the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were gathered specifically from older individuals who had suffered hip fractures. The study used linear and non-linear multivariate Cox regression models to investigate the association between preoperative cystatin C levels and mortality. The analyses were conducted using the R and EmpowerStats software.

Results

In total, two thousand three hundred and ninety-four patients were included in this study. A total of 790 patients (33 %) died of all causes. The mean follow-up was 37.62 months. The preoperative cystatin C was 0.91 ± 0.41 mg/L. Linear multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between preoperative cystatin C level and death, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.19 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.72-2.79, P < 0.0001). Nevertheless, the correlation between the variables was inconsistent. A cystatin C concentration of 1.62 mg/L marked a significant change in the non-linear relationship. A preoperative cystatin C level below 1.62 mg/L was found to be significantly linked with an increased risk of mortality (HR = 2.60, 95 % CI: 1.92-3.52, P < 0.0001). The mortality reached its highest point when the preoperative cystatin C level was greater than 1.62 mg/L. After that, the mortality risk did not increase further (HR = 1.54, 95 % CI: 0.98-2.42, P = 0.0588). The non-linear relationship remained consistent in the propensity score-matching sensitive analysis.

Conclusions

The study found a non-linear relationship between preoperative cystatin C levels and mortality in geriatric hip fractures. This suggests that preoperative cystatin C can be used as a predictor of the risk of death. The registration number is ChiCTR2200057323.

The Predictive Value of Serum NT-proBNP on One-Year All-Cause Mortality in Geriatrics Hip Fracture: A Cohort Study

Objective This study evaluated the association between N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration and one-year mortality in geriatric patients with intertrochanteric and femoral neck fractures receiving the operative treatment. Methods Consecutive age ≥65 years patients with hip fractures were screened between January 2015 and September 2019. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected. The multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the association between preoperative NT-proBNP concentrations and mortality. All analyses were performed using EmpowerStats and the R software. Result One thousand two hundred nineteen patients were included in the study. The average age was 79.73±6.65 years (range 66-99 years). The mean NT-proBNP concentration was 616.09±1086.85 ng/L (median 313.40 ng/L, range 16.09-20123.00 ng/L). The follow-up was 35.39±15.09 months (median 35.78 months, range 0.10-80.14 months). One hundred and eleven (9.1%) patients died within one year. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression models showed a curved association between preoperative NT-proBNP concentration and one-year mortality. When the NT-proBNP concentration was below 1099 ng/L, the mortality increased by 10% (OR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.17, P=0.0025) when NT-proBNP increased by 100 ng/L. When the NT-proBNP concentration was above 1099 ng/L, the mortality did not increase anymore when NT-proBNP increased (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 0.99-1.02, P=0. 7786). Thus, NT-proBNP was a valuable indicator to predict high one-year mortality in practice. Conclusion The NT-proBNP concentrations were nonlinearly associated with mortality in elderly hip fractures with a saturation effect, and NT-proBNP was a risk indicator of all-cause mortality. A well-designed controlled trial to show the role of mortality by decreasing the concentration of NT-proBNP is needed in the future.

The serum NT-proBNP is associated with all-cause mortality in geriatric hip fracture: a cohort of 1354 patients

Geriatric hip fracture patients often have increased N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. This study found a curved association between preoperative NT-proBNP level and all-cause mortality. There was an inflection point of NT-proBNP 781 ng/L in the saturation effect. Thus, NT-proBNP was a valuable indicator of all-cause mortality.

PURPOSE

To explore the relationship between N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and all-cause mortality in geriatric hip fractures and evaluate the possible predictive role of NT-proBNP level.

METHODS

Consecutive older adult patients with hip fractures were screened between January 2015 and September 2019. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected. Linear and nonlinear multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify the association between NT-proBNP levels and mortality. All analyses were performed using EmpowerStats and the R software.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred fifty-four patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 34.35 ± 15.82 months. Four hundred twenty-nine (31.68%) patients died due to all-cause mortality. The preoperative NT-proBNP was median 337.95 (range 16.09-20,123.00) ng/L. Multivariate Cox regression models showed a nonlinearity association between NT-proBNP levels and mortality in elderly hip fractures. An NT-proBNP of 781 ng/L was an inflection point in the saturation effect. When < 781 ng/L, NT-proBNP was associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.18, P < 0.0001), whereas at > 781 ng/L, NT-proBNP was not associated with mortality (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98-1.01, P = 0.4718). In the stratification analysis, the result was stable.

CONCLUSIONS

The NT-proBNP levels were nonlinearly associated with mortality in elderly hip fractures, and NT-proBNP of 781 ng/L was a valuable indicator of all-cause mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200057323.

Utilizing a nomogram to predict the one-year postoperative mortality risk for geriatric patients with a hip fracture

Despite the abundance of research on the risk factors for mortality following hip fracture surgery, there has been a dearth of studies on prediction models in this population. The objective of this research was to explore the influencing factors and construct a clinical nomogram to predict one-year postoperative mortality in patients with hip fracture surgeries. Using the Ditmanson Research Database (DRD), we included 2333 subjects, aged ≥ 50 years who underwent hip fracture surgery between October, 2008 and August, 2021. The endpoint was all-cause mortality. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) derived Cox regression was performed to select the independent predictors of one-year postoperative mortality. A nomogram was built for predicting one-year postoperative mortality. The prognostic performance of nomogram was evaluated. On the basis of tertiary points in a nomogram, the patients were divided into low, middle and high risk groups, and compared by the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Within 1 year after hip fracture surgery, 274 patients (11.74%) died. Variables retained in the final model comprised age, sex, length of stay, RBC transfusions, hemoglobin, platelet, and eGFR. The AUC for one-year mortality predictions were 0.717 (95% CI = 0.685-0.749). The Kaplan-Meier curves were significantly different among the three risk groups (p < 0.001). The nomogram showed good calibration. In summary, we explored the one-year postoperative mortality risk in geriatric patients with a hip fracture and developed a prediction model that could help clinicians identify patients at high risk of postoperative mortality.

Comparison of mortality rate and septic and aseptic revisions in total hip arthroplasties for osteoarthritis and femoral neck fracture: an analysis of the German Arthroplasty Registry

BACKGROUND

Indications for total hip arthroplasties (THA) differ from primary osteoarthritis (OA), which allows elective surgery through femoral neck fractures (FNF), which require timely surgical care. The aim of this investigation was to compare mortality and revisions in THA for primary OA and FNF.

METHODS

Data collection for this study was performed using the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD) with analysis THA for the treatment of FNF and OA. Cases were matched 1:1 according to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), cementation, and the Elixhauser score using Mahalanobis distance matching.

RESULTS

Overall 43,436 cases of THA for the treatment of OA and FNF were analyzed in this study. Mortality was significantly increased in FNF, with 12.6% after 1 year and 36.5% after 5 years compared with 3.0% and 18.7% in OA, respectively (p < 0.0001). The proportion for septic and aseptic revisions was significantly increased in FNF (p < 0.0001). Main causes for an aseptic failure were mechanical complications (OA: 1.1%; FNF: 2.4%; p < 0.0001) and periprosthetic fractures (OA: 0.2%; FNF: 0.4%; p = 0.021). As influencing factors for male patients with septic failure (p < 0.002), increased BMI and Elixhauser comorbidity score and diagnosis of fracture (all p < 0.0001) were identified. For aseptic revision surgeries, BMI, Elixhauser score, and FNF were influencing factors (p < 0.0001), while all cemented and hybrid cemented THA were associated with a risk reduction for aseptic failure within 90 days after surgery (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In femoral neck fractures treated with THA, a significant higher mortality, as well as septic and aseptic failure rate, was demonstrated compared with prosthesis for the therapy of osteoarthritis. Increased Elixhauser comorbidity score and BMI are the main influencing factors for development of septic or aseptic failure and can represent a potential approach for prevention measures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Prognostic.

Bupivacaine hypobare dans l’anesthésie rachidienne continue pour fracture de la hanche du vieillard : Les effets hémodynamiques (Etude prospective randomisée)

INTRODUCTION

Continuous spinal anesthesia for surgical repair of hip fracture in elderly patients has been shown to preserve hemodynamics better than general and single shoot spinal anesthesia. However, hypotension still occurs, even with continuous spinal anesthesia.

AIM

This study aimed to demonstrate that hypobaric bupivacaine is more effective in preserving hemodynamics than isobaric bupivacaine when patients are operated in lateral position.

METHODS

It was a prospective randomized controlled single-blind study conducted in an orthopaedic institute during two years (2017-2018). One hundred and ten patients aged more than 65 years, scheduled for hip fracture repair, were randomized to receive either hypobaric or isobaric bupivacaine. Repeated doses of 2.5 mg bupivacaine were injected until sensory blockade reached T12. Hypotension and severe hypotension were defined as a decrease of more than 20% and 30% from the baseline systolic arterial blood pressure and were treated with ephedrine. Statistical analysis used Chi2 and Student tests to compare either number and percentage or mean and median. P<0.05 was significant.

RESULTS

Less patients experienced hypotension and severe hypotension in hypobaric group than in isobaric group (respectively 53% vs. 73%; p<0.05 and 22% vs. 53%; p< 0.01). Ephedrine consumption was significantly lower in hypobaric group (1.9 mg vs. 5.6 mg; p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Hypobaric bupivacaine may be used rather than isobaric bupivacaine for further preserving hemodynamics in continuous spinal anesthesia for hip fracture surgery in elderly.

Effects of a diabetes mellitus-specific care intervention and home environment among older adults following hip fracture surgery

OBJECTIVES

To explore the impact of home environment on effects of a diabetes mellitus (DM)-specific care model among older adults following hip-fracture surgery.

METHODS

A secondary analysis using the Home Environmental Barriers Scale assessed home environment (intervention group=81, control group=79) at 1- and 3-months post-discharge. Outcomes of physical functioning were assessed at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-discharge.

RESULTS

The intervention group had better home environmental improvements compared with the control group. Participants were characterized as having good or poor environmental improvements. Those with good improvements and received the intervention had better activities of daily living compared with matched controls. Participants with poor improvements and received the intervention had better scores for hip range of motion and quadriceps muscle strength compared with matched controls.

DISCUSSION

A DM-specific home rehabilitation for older adults following hip-fracture surgery that includes assessment of the home environment can facilitate complex postoperative functional recovery.

One-year mortality after hip fracture surgery: urban-rural differences in the Colombian Andes

To determine urban-rural differences influencing mortality in patients with hip fracture in Colombian Andes Mountains over a 1-year period.

PURPOSE

To identify the urban-rural differences of sociodemographic variables, fracture-related characteristics, and preoperative and postoperative clinical factors associated with 1-year mortality in patients over 60 years old who underwent hip fracture surgery in the Andes Mountains.

METHODS

A total of 126 patients with a fragility hip fracture during 2019-2020 were admitted to a tertiary care hospital. They were evaluated preoperatively and followed up until discharge. Those who survived were contacted by telephone at 1, 3, and 12 months. Univariate, bivariate, and Kaplan-Meier analyses with survival curves were performed. Relative risk was calculated with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

A total of 32.5% of the patients died within 1 year after surgery, with a significant difference between those who resided in rural areas (43.1%) and those who resided in urban areas (23.5%) (RR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.80, p = 0.036). In the multivariate analysis, anemia (hemoglobin level ≤ 9.0 g/dL during hospitalization) (RR 6.61; 95% CI, 1.49-29.37, p = 0.003), a blood transfusion requirement (RR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.01, p = 0.015), the type of fracture (subtrochanteric fracture (RR = 4.9, 95% CI = 1.418-16.943, p = 0.005)), and postoperative acute decompensation of chronic disease (RR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.53, p = 0.043) were found to be independent predictive factors of 1-year mortality after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a difference in 1-year mortality between patients from rural and urban areas. More studies must be conducted to determine whether rurality behaves as an independent risk factor or is related to other variables, such as the burden of comorbidities and in-hospital complications.

Long-term sex differences in all-cause and infection-specific mortality post hip fracture

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates among men are double that of women in the first 2 years after hip fracture and may be related to more infections. Research has only examined differences in short-term mortality after hip fracture. Thus, the objective was to determine if long-term all-cause mortality and infection-specific mortality rates are higher in men compared to women.

METHODS

Data come from a prospective cohort study (Baltimore Hip Studies 7th [BHS-7]) with up to 10.2 years of follow-up (2006-2018). The participants were selected from eight acute care hospitals in the 25-hospital BHS network. Enrolled women were frequency-matched (1:1) to men on timing of admission for hip fracture that yielded an analytic sample size of 300 participants (155 women, 145 men). Associations between sex and mortality were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models and cause-specific Cox models adjusted for age, cognition, body mass index, pre-fracture lower extremity activities of daily living limitation, depressive symptoms, and comorbidity.

RESULTS

Participants had a mean age of 80 years, 48% (n = 145) were men and the median follow-up was 4.9 (interquartile range = 2.3-8.7) years. Over the follow-up period after hospital admission for hip fracture, 237 (79.0%) participants died of all causes (132 men and 105 women) and 38 (12.7%) died of infection-specific causes (25 men and 13 women). Men had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.31(95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02-2.59)] and infection-specific mortality (HR = 4.43, CI 2.07-9.51) compared to women.

CONCLUSIONS

Men had a two-fold higher rate of all-cause mortality and four-fold higher rate of infection-specific mortality compared to women over a follow-up period of up to 10.2 years. Findings suggest that interventions to prevent and treat infections, tailored by sex, may be needed to narrow significant differences in long-term mortality rates between men and women after hip fracture.

The effect of postoperative weight-bearing status on mortality rate following proximal femoral fractures surgery

INTRODUCTION

Proximal femur fractures are associated with an increased mortality rate in the elderly. Early weight-bearing presents as a modifiable factor that may reduce negative postoperative outcomes and complications. As such, we aimed to compare non-weight-bearing, partial-weight-bearing and full weight-bearing cohorts, in terms of risk factors and postoperative outcomes and complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our database to identify the three cohorts based on the postoperative weight-bearing status the day of surgery from 2003 to 20014. We collected data on numerous risk factors, including age, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), pulmonary embolism (PE), surgical fixation method and diagnosis type. We also collected data on postoperative outcomes, including the number of days of hospitalization, pain levels, and mortality rate. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis; P < 0.05 was the significant threshold.

RESULTS

There were 186 patients in the non-weight-bearing group, 127 patients in the partial-weight-bearing group and 1791 patients in the full weight-bearing group. We found a significant difference in the type of diagnosis between cohorts (P < 0.001 in univariate, P < 0.001 in multivariate), but not in fixation type (P < 0.001 in univariate, but P = 0.76 in multivariate). The full weight-bearing group was diagnosed most with pertrochanteric fracture, 48.0%, and used Richard's nailing predominantly. Finally, we found that age was not a significant determinant of mortality rate but only weight-bearing cohort (P = 0.13 vs. P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We recommend early weight-bearing, which may act to decrease the mortality rate compared to non-weight-bearing and partial weight-bearing. In addition, appropriate expectations and standardizations should be set since age and type of diagnosis act as significant predictors of weight-bearing status.

Low geriatric nutritional risk index is a risk factor for death within 1 year following hip fracture

PURPOSE

Hip fracture is common in older patients and is associated with high mortality and functional impairment. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) evaluates the risk of malnutrition-related complications, and the Barthel Index (BI) evaluates older patients' functional status. The study aim was to determine the risk factors for both death and decreased BI within 1 year after hip fracture.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 108 patients who were treated for hip fractures in 10 public or private hospitals from February to July 2007. Participating facilities comprised eight public or private hospitals with 200-499 beds, and two private or orthopedic hospitals with 20-199 beds. We evaluated several risk factors for death and lower BI within 1 year after hip fracture.

RESULTS

The mortality rate within 1 year postoperatively for patients who survived inpatient stay was 6.5% (7/108). The proportion of patients with decreased postoperative BI was 43.6% (44/101). Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that several factors, including low GNRI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI: 0.68-0.93]), were risk factors for death within 1 year. Postoperative delirium (OR: 8.84 [1.52-51.6]), postinjury dementia (OR: 34.8 [3.01-402]), preinjury BI (OR: 1.05 [1.02-1.08]), and preinjury dementia (OR: 6.22 [1.73-22.4]) were risk factors for decreased postoperative BI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that lower GNRI was a risk factor for death within 1 year of hip surgery and that delirium and dementia were among the risk factors for decreased BI 1 year after hip fracture.

Charlson comorbidity index predicts the 10-year survivorship of the operatively treated hip fracture patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine how Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) predicts the 10-year survival of operatively treated hip fracture patients aged ≥ 65 years.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients who had a hip fracture and were operatively treated upon in the study period from 01 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 at the university hospital. The clinical patient data were obtained from the medical records, and CCI score was calculated. The CCI predicts the 10-year mortality for a patient who may have a range of 22 comorbid conditions. Cumulative survival and complications were evaluated in terms of gender.

RESULTS

A total of 241 hip fractures were studied; of these, 183/241 (76%) were females. A total of 32/241 (15%) complications were found, of which 26/241 (11%) were considered major. Overall, 213/241 (88%) patients died during the 10 years of follow-up. Cumulative survival estimates for females were 13% at 10 years (SE = 0.3, 95% CI 3.8-4.8), and for males, it was 12% at 10 years (SE = 0.5, 95% CI 2.8-4.6) (p = 0.33). CCI was significantly associated with mortality after the hip fracture as patients with CCI scores ≥ 4 were at a 3.1-8.5 times higher risk of death compared to patients with low CCI scores of 2-3 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Complications are common after operatively treated hip fracture. Advanced age, living in a care facility, ASA class 4 and high CCI score ≥ 4 were risk factors of mortality after the operatively treated hip fracture.

Analysis of the risk factors of mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture using a combined database of medical and long-term care insurance claims data

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated the risk of mortality in elderly hip fracture, focusing on comorbidities and nursing care levels.

METHODS

The present study was an observational cohort study that used a combined database of medical and long-term care insurance (LTCI) claims data from one prefecture in Japan between 2011 and 2016. In total, 6125 patients aged 65 years and older were selected from acute care hospitals with a diagnosis of "hip fracture" between March 2011 and March 2012. The impact of long-term care insurance claim evaluation levels and comorbidities at recruitment time was investigated using this dataset. These patients were followed up monthly until March 2016. Based on this person-month dataset, survival analysis was performed with death as the endpoint. Cases in which receipt data were missing during the middle of the observation period and cases in which the patient survived at the end of the observation period were censored.

RESULTS

The number of deaths during the observation period was 635 (10.4%). The impact of comorbidities and nursing care level on mortality were both significant as follows: high nursing care level before the fracture (hazard ratio: 1.09, P < 0.001), comorbidities of malignant diseases (HR: 1.45, P < 0.001), heart disease (hazard ratio: 1.20, P = 0.037), pneumonia (hazard ratio: 1.27, P < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio: 1.28, P = 0.026), renal failure (hazard ratio: 1.44, P < 0.001), and dementia (hazard ratio: 1.27, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that a high level of nursing care and presence of comorbidities such as malignant diseases, heart diseases, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure, and dementia increased mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture. Furthermore, this study showed the usefulness of a combined database of medical and LTCI claims data for clinical and health service-related research in the field of orthopedics.

C-reactive Protein Level, Admission to Intensive Care Unit, and High American Society of Anesthesiologists Score Affect Early and Late Postoperative Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Hip Fracture

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate prognostic factors that affected the patients' early (<30 days) and late (six months, one year, and overall) postoperative mortality following hip fracture surgery.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 515 patients older than 75 years old with surgically treated osteoporotic hip fracture. The demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, type of anesthesia, duration of hospital stay, and history of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were collected. An analysis of laboratory values was also performed to determine their relationship with mortality. The primary outcome was survival, determined as the time from the surgery to death or the end of the study. The patients were divided into four groups according to survival time: at the first month, six months, first year, and overall survival. An analysis of demographic and laboratory values was performed to determine their validity as prognostic factors for each group.

Results

Postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level showed an independent association with a poor survival at the first month. ASA classification, admission to the ICU, and preoperative CRP levels showed an independent association with a poor survival for the first six months. Preoperative CRP level showed an independent association with a poor survival for the first year. ASA classification, admission to the ICU, and the preoperative CRP levels showed an independent association with a poor overall survival.

Conclusion

CRP level, a high ASA classification, and postoperative ICU admission were related to poorer overall survival rate following hip fracture surgery in the elderly.

The current situation in the approach to osteoporosis in older adults in Turkey: areas in need of improvement with a model for other populations

PURPOSE

The total number of older adults in Turkey is striking, amounting to around 8 million, and this translates into considerably higher numbers of cases of osteoporosis (OP) and fractures in older adults. In this article, we outlined the current situation of OP in older adults in Turkey and investigated the differences between Turkey and a representative developed European country (Belgium), in terms of the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of OP. Our intention in this regard was to identify areas in need of improvement and subsequently to make a clear call for action to address these issues.

METHODS

Herein, considering the steps related to the OP approach, we made a complete review of the studies conducted in Turkey and compared with the literature recommendations.

RESULTS

There is a need for a national osteoporotic fracture registry; measures should be taken to improve the screening and treatment of OP in older males, such as educational activities; technicians involved in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning should undergo routine periodic training; all DXA centers should identify center-specific least significant change values; all older adults should be considered for routine lateral dorsolumbar X-ray imaging for the screening of vertebral fractures while ordering DXA scans; the inclusion of vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) software in DXA assessments should be considered; screening using a fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) algorithm that is specific to Turkey should be integrated; the fortification of foods with vitamin D is required; the high fracture risk by country-specific FRAX algorithm and the presence of falls/high fall risk should be integrated in reimbursement terms; and finally, more "fracture liaison services" should be established.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the practical consideration of our suggestions will provide considerable support to the efforts for combating with the adverse consequences of OP in society. This approach can be subsequently modeled for other populations to improve the management of OP globally.

Life expectancy of older people living in aged care facilities after a hip fracture

To the authors’ knowledge, no study has been conducted on life expectancy for aged care facility residents with hip fracture. We assessed life expectancy of 240 residents of aged care facilities in Australia who experienced recent hip fracture treated with surgery. 149 deaths occurred over a mean follow-up of 1.2 years. Being female and having better cognition were associated with longer life expectancy. Increased age was associated with shorter life expectancy. The cumulative mortality rate within three months after hip fracture was 25.0% while the cumulative mortality rate for the whole study period was 62.1%. Life expectancy was 8.2 years, 4.8 years and 2.8 years for 70, 80 and 90-years old female patients. Life expectancy was 3.8 years, 2.2 years and 1.3 years for 70, 80 and 90 years old male patients, respectively. In conclusion, age, gender and cognition level were associated with life expectancy of hip fracture patients living in aged care facilities and their life expectancy was much shorter than that of the general Australian population.

Exposure to Air Pollution and Risk of Hip Fracture: A Population-Based Cohort Study With a 6-Year Follow-Up in South Korea

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate whether exposure to air pollutants was associated with the risk of hip fracture.

METHODS

We extracted data on a 2010 cohort of the adult population (more than or equal to 30 years old) from a South Korean database.

RESULTS

A total of 178,147 individuals were included in the analysis, and hip fracture had occurred in 919 individuals (0.5%). In a multivariable logistic regression model, a 1 mcg/m increase in concentrations of particulate matter measuring of less than or equal to 10 μm was associated with 2% increase in hip fracture risk (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.03; P = 0.039); there were no significant associations between hip fracture risk and exposure to SO2 (P = 0.076), ozone (P = 0.220), carbon monoxide (P = 0.698), or sulfur dioxide (P = 0.114).

CONCLUSIONS

Particular matter air concentration may be a modifiable risk factor for hip fracture.

Postoperative mortality in hip fracture patients stratified by the Revised Cardiac Risk Index: a Swedish nationwide retrospective cohort study

Objectives

The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) is a tool that can be used to evaluate the 30-day risk of postoperative myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest and mortality. This study aims to confirm its association with postoperative mortality in patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.

Methods

All adults who underwent primary emergency hip fracture surgery in Sweden between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017 were included in this study. The database was retrieved by cross-referencing the Swedish National Quality Register for hip fractures with the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare registers. The outcomes of interest were the association between the RCRI score and mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

134 915 cases were included in the current study. There was a statistically significant linear trend in postoperative mortality with increasing RCRI scores at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year. An RCRI score ≥4 was associated with a 3.1 times greater risk of 30-day postoperative mortality (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.13, p<0.001), a 2.5 times greater risk of 90-day postoperative mortality (adjusted IRR 2.54, p<0.001) and a 2.8 times greater risk of 1-year postoperative mortality (adjusted HR 2.81, p<0.001) compared with that observed with an RCRI score of 0.

Conclusion

An increasing RCRI score is strongly associated with an elevated risk 30-day, 90-day and 1-year postoperative mortality after primary hip fracture surgery. The objective and easily retrievable nature of the variables included in the RCRI calculation makes it an appealing choice for risk stratification in the clinical setting.

Levels of evidence

Level III.

Mortality profile after 2 years of hip fractures in elderly patients treated with early surgery

BACKGROUND

In geriatric age group, hip fractures tend to become a major public health hazard. Due to this high occurrence, there is a need to develop standardized, effective, and multidisciplinary management for treatment. These elderly patients have excessive mortality that can extend ahead of the time of recovery. Early surgery after hip fractures has lead to a notable reduction in mortality rates. Still, it is considerably high as compared to other fractures.

METHODS

266 patients of >65 years who were operated within 72 h hours in a tertiary level health care centre for hip fractures were included. They were evaluated with X-rays and grade of Singh's index was noted. Mortality rates and the factors associated with it such as age, sex, co morbidities (using Charlson's co morbidity Index/CCI) were evaluated after 2 year follow up.

RESULTS

The overall 2-year mortality reported in our study population was 11.2%. It was broadly lower as compared to most of the other studies. It was 6.3% in females as compared to 18.1% in males. While it was reported to be only 6% in 65-74 years of age, it was 25% in patients who were 85 years and above. 76.6% of the patients had Singh's index of ≤ grade 3 showing osteoporosis. The patients with Low Charlson's score showed only 4.2% mortality while those with high Charlson's score showed 25.5% mortality.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that Mortality among elderly patients after early surgery after osteoporotic hip fractures is quite significant. The factors for improvement in long term survival post-hip fracture may include changing treatment patterns, increasing life expectancy and early surgery. Increase in age, female sex, and high CCI Scores were major risk factors of mortality after hip fractures in a 2-year follow-up period.

Determination of the initial minimum effective dose of 0.5% bupivacaine with 20 μg of fentanyl for an operative fixation of fractured neck of femur: a prospective, observational trial

BACKGROUND

Fractured neck of femur (FNF) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly. Spinal catheter allows fractionation of local anesthetic dose which combined with intrathecal opioid leads to a dose reduction and better hemodynamic stability. The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the initial minimum local anesthetic dose (iMLAD) of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine with 20 μg of fentanyl administered via spinal catheter in order to commence the operative fixation of FNF.

METHODS

A prospective, single-blinded, adaptive clinical trial with patients undergoing dynamic hip screw implantation (DHS) or hemiarthroplasty (HEMI) due to FNF. The Dixon and Massey's up and down method was used to determine the ED50 of intrathecal bupivacaine. This figure was confirmed with Probit analysis, in addition to the ED95.

RESULTS

Using the Dixon and Massey's approach, the iMLADED50 for DHS was 0.29 mL (1.45 mg) and the iMLADED50 for HEMI was 0.33 mL (1.65 mg) of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine. The Probit analyses demonstrated that the iMLADED95 for DHS and HEMI were 0.32 mL (1.6 mg) and 0.34 mL (1.7 mg) respectively. The mean cumulative dose of 0.5% bupivacaine for the whole surgery was 0.67 mL (3.35 mg) and 0.87 mL (4.35 mg) in the DHS and HEMI groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the placement of a spinal catheter allows for careful titration of local anesthetic, enabling a reduction of the initial intrathecal dose of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine below 0.4 mL (2 mg) and leading to a significant reduction of a dose required for the whole surgery when combined with an intrathecal opioid.

Frailty assessment, hip fracture and long-term clinical outcomes in older adults

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of the study was determining the validation of the modified 19-item Frailty Index (mFI-19), based on the standard procedure for creating a frailty index scoring in the accumulation deficit theory of Rockwood and comparing it with the gold standard comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in old age patients with hip fracture. As a secondary aim, we compared prognostic accuracies of mFI-19 and CGA in predicting long-term mortality after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 364 older patients with hip fractures, each a candidate for surgery, were consecutively enrolled. All were subjected to CGA and mFI-19 at baseline and time to death (years from hip surgery) were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 86.5 (SD: 5.65) years. The most common clinical phenotype (77%) was frail. Both CGA and mFI-19 performed similarly in predicting long-term mortality (Harrell's C-index: 0.66 and 0.68, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The mFI-19 was validated, compared to the gold standard CGA, based on a systematic process for creating a frailty index in relation to the accumulation deficit. This is one of few prospective studies addressing long-term mortality in older adults with hip fractures, invoking a methodologically robust frailty screening assessment.

Seasonality of mortality and in-hospital complications in hip fracture surgery: Retrospective cohort research using a nationwide inpatient database

AIM

Among older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, previous studies have shown a seasonal variation of in-hospital surgical complications. However, little is known about seasonal effects on mortality and systemic complications after hip fracture surgery. In the present study, we evaluated whether mortality and in-hospital systemic complications are influenced by seasonal differences.

METHODS

We enrolled patients from a nationwide database who underwent hip fracture surgery between 2010 and 2018. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital systemic complications. The association between the seasonality and in-hospital outcomes was investigated using multivariable Cox, logistic regression and causal mediation analysis.

RESULTS

With 425 856 patients (mean age 83.5 years; 79% women), overall in-hospital mortality was 5324 (1.2%). Fall and winter were associated with a higher mortality than spring (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16; P < 0.001; HR 1.14; P = 0.001, respectively). Across all the seasons, there were 36 834 overall systemic complications (8.6%), with respiratory infection being the most frequent (18 637 [4.4%]). Among these complications, only respiratory infection showed seasonal variation, with a higher prevalence in fall and winter. The mediated effect of respiratory infection on mortality was significantly higher in fall and winter compared with spring (fall, HR 1.06, proportion mediated 36.7%; winter, HR 1.14, proportion mediated 55.0%; all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a significantly higher mortality in fall and winter after hip fracture surgery. Specifically, in winter, the increased in-hospital death was largely attributed to the increased incidence of respiratory infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 398-403.

Post-hospital care pathway for individuals with hip fracture: what is the optimal setting and rehabilitation intensity? An observational study

PURPOSE

Health systems are using ever-increasing resources on treating hip fractures. Optimal post-hospital care needs to be defined to design an effective care pathway. The aim of the present study was to describe the post-hospital care pathway of individuals with hip fracture and to assess its association with the degree of recovery of independence achieved four months after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prognostic multicentric cohort study was conducted. All patients aged 65 years and over who were admitted with a diagnosis of fragility hip fracture were enrolled. After the hospital discharge, the patients were followed either at an inpatient rehabilitation facility with an intensive or extensive regimen, a nursing home, a long-term care facility or at home. Among the various care pathways, the intensity of rehabilitation differed according to its duration, frequency of sessions, and activities proposed. Primary outcome was the patient's degree of independence achieved four months after surgery, as measured with Activities of Daily Living scale. Several covariates were collected to test the correlation between the different post-hospital care pathways and the recovery of independence.

RESULTS

A total of 923 patients completed the follow-up. A post- hospital rehabilitation pathway was indicated for 88.2% of the patients. The extensive rehabilitation pathway, indicated for 36.7% of the patients, was the most common. The intensive rehabilitation pathway gave better results in terms of independence at four-month follow up, leading to a median ADL score of 1.4 (95% CI 1.0-2.0). The other care pathways did not show significant difference between each other.

CONCLUSIONS

High-intensity rehabilitation was associated to better results in terms of recovering of Activities of Daily Living.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPost-hospital care pathways that include an intensive rehabilitation treatment should be improved/supported to make them available to a larger number of hip fracture patients.Patient selection criteria for post-hospital rehabilitation pathways should be standardized to optimize available healthcare resources.A cost-effectiveness analysis should be performed to analyze the economic sustainability of each post-hospital care pathway.

Characteristics and outcomes of rapid response team activations for hypotension in orthopaedic patients

BACKGROUND

Hypotension following orthopaedic surgery has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Rapid response teams (RRT) review patients on hospital wards with hypotension.

AIM

To evaluate the epidemiology of hypotensive RRT activations in adult orthopaedic patients to identify contributing factors and areas for future quality improvement.

METHODS

Timing of RRT activations, presumed causes of hypotension and associated treatments were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 963 RRT activations in 605 patients over 3 years, the first calls of 226 of 605 patients were due to hypotension, and 213 (94.2%) of 226 had sufficient data for analysis. The median age was 79 (interquartile range 66-87) years; 58 (27.2%) were male, and comorbidities were common. Most (68%) surgery was emergent, and 75.1% received intraoperative vasopressors for hypotension. Most activations occurred within 24 h of surgery, and hypovolaemia, infection and arrhythmias were common presumed causes. Fluid boluses occurred in 173 (81.2%), and the time between surgery and RRT activation was 10 (4.0-26.5) h. in cases where fluid boluses were given, compared with 33 (15.5-61.5) h. where they were not (P < 0.001). Blood transfusion (30, 14.1%) and withholding of medications were also common. Hospital mortality was 8.5% (18), and 13.6% (29) were admitted to critical care at some stage. In-hospital death was associated with older age, functional dependence, arrhythmia and presumed infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypotension-related RRT calls in orthopaedic patients are common. Future interventional studies might focus on perioperative fluid therapy and vaso-active medications, as well as withholding of anti-hypertensive medications preoperatively.

The burden of osteoporosis in Turkey: a scorecard and economic model

The burden of osteoporosis in Turkey is not well characterized. Our results indicate that osteoporosis is undertreated in Turkey with 1.35 million fractures predicted to occur from 2019 to 2023 at an associated cost of 2.42 billion USD. Interventions are needed to close the treatment gap and minimize the economic burden.

PURPOSE

The number of osteoporotic fractures is expected to increase as populations age, posing a major risk to health systems and patients. We created a scorecard summarizing the burden of disease, policy framework, service provision, and service uptake for osteoporosis in Turkey and estimated the economic burden of osteoporotic fractures in Turkey.

METHODS

A systematic review of osteoporosis in Turkey was performed. Gaps in the literature were supplemented by surveys with osteoporosis experts. The findings were used to populate a scorecard and burden of illness model focused on adults aged 50 to 89 years in Turkey. The scorecard provided a visual representation of osteoporosis burden and management using a traffic light color coding system. The model quantified osteoporosis-related fracture costs (2019 USD) including hospitalizations, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry testing, hip fracture surgery, prescription drugs, and patient productivity losses.

RESULTS

The scorecard showed that osteoporosis is undertreated in Turkey. Despite timely access to diagnosis, > 75% of high-risk patients fail to initiate on appropriate therapies. In 2019, the economic model predicted that 255,183 osteoporosis-related fractures would occur in Turkey with an associated annual cost of approximately 455 million USD and an average burden per 1000 at risk of 23,987 USD. The cumulative 5-year cost of 1,354,817 fractures was 2.42 billion USD.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1.35 million fragility fractures are predicted to occur in Turkey during the next 5 years with costs of 2.42 billion USD. Closing the treatment gap will be imperative for preventing these fractures and minimizing the burden of osteoporosis in Turkey.

Metformin therapy and hip fracture risk among patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the potential association of exposure to metformin therapy with the risk of hip fracture in adult patients with type II diabetes. We included patients with diabetes who were registered in the 2010 sample cohort database of the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea.

METHODS

The patients who had been prescribed continuous oral metformin therapy for a 1-year period in 2010 were defined as the metformin group, while those who were not prescribed metformin during the same period were classified as the control group. The primary endpoint of this study was the development of hip fracture between January 2011 and December 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 64,878 patients (31,300 patients in the metformin group and 32,439 patients in the control group) were included in this study. Among those, 1655 patients (2.6%) had experienced a hip fracture. After a propensity score matching, a total of 37,378 patients (18,689 patients in each group) were included in the analysis. Using a time-dependent Cox regression analysis on the propensity score-matched cohort, the exposure to metformin was not significantly associated with the development of hip fracture compared to the control group (hazard ratio: 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.86 to 1.16; P = 0.985). Similar results were observed using sensitivity analysis of a multivariable time-dependent Cox regression model of the entire cohort (hazard ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.36 to 1.69; P = 0.525).

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based cohort study in South Korea showed that there was no significant association between the exposure to metformin therapy and hip fracture in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

Survival analysis of patients with hip fracture, Shiraz, Iran

This study aimed to determine factors affecting the survival of patients with hip fracture in Shiraz, Iran. Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases were risk factors, while female gender and living with family members or in nursing homes were protective factors against mortality following hip fracture.

PURPOSE

Hip fractures are the most common orthopedic fractures in elderly. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the survival of patients with hip fracture in Shiraz.

METHODS

This historical cohort study was conducted in Shiraz, Iran. All patients with hip fracture who were admitted to any of the hospitals providing orthopedic services in Shiraz, from September 1, 2011, to August 30, 2012, were included in the study. The log rank test, Kaplan-Meier methods, and the univariate and multivariate Cox regression model were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 631 patients were enrolled, of these, 264 (41.8%) were male. The mean age of patients was 74.9 ± 11.5. The patients' survival rate after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th year were 81.1%, 73.7%, 69.4%, 64.8%, and 60.2%, respectively. After adjusting data for age, Alzheimer's disease (HR = 4.9, 95% CI 1.4-7.3, P = 0.023), hypertension (HR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.3-3.8, P = 0.003), and cardiovascular diseases (HR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.04-3.09, P = 0.039) remained as risk factors for mortality in patients with hip fracture. However, female patients (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.8, P = 0.006) and those who lived with family members or in nursing homes (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.19-0.92, P = 0.03) were protective factors.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that women are more likely to have hip fractures, but mortality among men is more observable. Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases were considered as risk factors, while patients who were female and those who lived with the family member or in nursing homes had better survival.

The one-year mortality rate in elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis

Osteoporosis is a common condition for elderly people. The incidence of osteoporotic pelvic fractures has been increasing. Osteoporotic pelvic fractures are associated with increased mortality rates. Based on the aim of our study, we found out that one-year mortality rate after a pelvic fracture is high and depends on the fracture type.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the one-year mortality rate in patients aged 65+ with osteoporotic pelvic fractures depending on the type of fracture according to AO/OTA classification.

METHODS

Patients aged 65+ with pelvic insufficiency fractures admitted to a single center between 1 June 2013 and 31 December 2016 were enrolled in the study. The fractures were classified according to AO/OTA classification. The start of the survival time analysis was the date of the injury. The end of the analysis was 31 December 2017 or the date of the patient's death. Mortality rates were assessed with respect to fracture types using Kaplan-Meier curves. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to assess the dependence of mortality on the fracture type.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients with 95 (90.5%) being female were enrolled in this prospective study. The average age was 80.3 years (95% CI 78.8-81.7). Mean follow-up time was 23.5 months (95% CI 20.7-26.4). According to AO/OTA classification, 30 (28.6%) patients had a type A pelvic fracture, 73 (69.5%) patients-type B fracture, and 2 (1.9%)-type C fracture. Overall, the one-year mortality rate was 23.8% (95% CI 16.8-33.2%). For patients with type A fracture, the one-year mortality rate was 13.3% (95% CI 5.2-31.7%) compared with 27.4% (95% CI 18.6-39.2%) in the group with type B fracture, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that within a year after an osteoporotic pelvic fracture, the number of deaths in the patients having type B pelvic fracture was twice higher than in the patients with type A fracture.

Twelve month mortality rates and independent living in people aged 65 years or older after isolated hip fracture: A prospective registry-based study

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated which patient and injury characteristics are associated with 12-month mortality rates and living independently after isolated hip fracture.

METHODS

Older adults aged ≥65 years were included if they had an isolated hip fracture, were admitted to hospital between July 2009 and June 2016, inclusive, and were registered to the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry. Mortality up to 12 months (365 days) post-injury, and functional outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended; GOS-E) at 12 months post-injury were examined. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs), and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of living independently compared with severe disability or death on the GOS-E.

RESULTS

4,912 patients were included, of whom 28% died, 46% had moderate-severe disability, and 26% were living independently 12 months post-injury. Mortality rates were lower in women (aHR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.50, 0.63), and in people injured in a high fall vs low fall (aHR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.31, 0.72). Mortality rates were higher in people in the older age groups (75-84 years: aHR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.93; 95+ years: aHR=3.58, 95%CI: 2.68, 4.77), living in areas with the highest level of socioeconomic disadvantage (aHR=1.25, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.55), with a Charlson Comorbidity Index weighting of one (aHR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.36, 1.88) or more than one (aHR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.94, 2.53), whose injury occurred in a residential institution versus at home (aHR=2.63, 95%CI: 1.97, 3.52), that resulted in intensive care unit admission (aHR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.21, 2.32), and in people who did not have surgery versus people who had internal fixation (aHR=1.65, 95%CI: 1.33, 2.04). Independent living was inversely associated with most of the same characteristics; however, people also had lower odds of living independently if they were from metropolitan residential areas versus rural areas (aOR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.62, 0.96), or had mild to moderate (aOR=0.33, 95%CI: 0.27, 0.39) or marked to severe (aOR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.20) preinjury disability vs no preinjury disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics that are associated with social disadvantage, frailty, poor health and reduced independence before injury were associated with increased rates of death and reduced odds of living independently 12 months after isolated hip fracture.

Effect of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction on Perioperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hip fracture surgery. The impact of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is poorly understood in this population. We designed a study to evaluate national perioperative outcomes in hip fracture for patients with HFpEF.

METHODS

Patients with hip fracture undergoing total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or open/closed reduction with internal and external fixation from January 2005 to December 2013 were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Inpatient outcomes during the index hospitalization were compared between patients without heart failure and with HFpEF. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was included as a secondary comparator. Perioperative major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), defined as in-hospital all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, and in-hospital cardiac arrest or acute ischemic stroke, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 2,020,712 hospitalizations for hip fracture surgery, perioperative MACCE occurred in 67,554 hospitalizations (3.3%), corresponding to an annual incidence of approximately 7,506 events after applying sample weights. Compared with patients without heart failure, patients with HFpEF experienced increased odds of MACCE, adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.51 to 1.89. In comparison, the aOR of experiencing a MACCE event in the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction group was 1.75 (95% CI, 1.57 to 1.96). HFpEF was also associated with increased odds of acute respiratory failure (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.53 to 1.91) and acute renal failure (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41 to 1.64).

CONCLUSION

HFpEF confers a significant perioperative risk of MACCE in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Dementia and CSF-biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease predict mortality after acute hip fracture

BACKGROUND

Mortality is high after an acute hip fracture (AHF) surgery. Are cognitive impairment and/or altered levels of Alzheimer's Disease (AD)-biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) predictors of mortality in AHF-patients, as retrospective studies indicate?

METHODS

Prospective single-center study including 373 AHF-patients, operated in spinal anesthesia. Cognitive status was evaluated by clinical dementia rating (CDR); CSF was analyzed for AD-biomarker concentrations (total tau (T-tau), phosphorylated tau (P-tau), amyloid beta ratio (Aβ42/Aβ40). CDR and biomarker levels were related to mortality up to one-year post-surgery, using univariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Survival analyses showed that mortality was associated to the degree of dementia. In the entire patient cohort 30-, 90-, and 365-day mortality rates were 7.2%, 15.5%, and 25.5%, respectively, but only 2.7%, 5.5%, and 12.6%, for cognitively intact vs 16.3%, 31.7%, and 42.3% for demented patients (OR = 2.2-2.8 [CI = 1.6-4.9]; P = .0001). High CSF T-tau (OR = 1.19 [CI = 1.05-1.33]; P = .004) and low Aβ42/Aβ40-ratio (OR = 0.85 [CI = 0.74-0.97]; P = .017) were associated with increased 90-day mortality. Analysis of 4 subgroups (Cognitive impairment ± and Biomarkers ±) showed significant associations of dementia and CSF biomarker concentrations to mortality after an AHF. Even cognitively intact patients presenting with abnormal AD-biomarkers showed an increased 90-day mortality which, however, was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive impairment and altered CSF biomarker concentrations indicative of AD pathology can predict increased mortality in patients with an AHF, and so probably even before clinical dementia diagnosis by early biomarker analysis; a notion that may have substantial clinical implications by improving perioperative treatment and postoperative rehabilitation.

Preoperative Ascorbic Acid Levels in Proximal Femur Fracture Patients Have No Postoperative Clinical Impact, While Ascorbic Acid Levels upon Discharge Have a Major Effect on Postoperative Outcome

Proximal femur fractures show a high prevalence in elderly patients and are associated with an elevated risk of multimorbidity and early mortality. Recovery is impaired by malnutrition and oxidative stress, which is affected by antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AA). This study monitored AA levels during hospitalization of patients with a proximal femur to investigate the influence of AA status to the clinical outcome. AA levels of 25 elderly patients with a proximal femur fracture were measured during hospitalization using high performance liquid chromatography. Plasma samples were collected preoperatively, on the first day after surgery, on the third day after surgery and on the day of discharge. Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were assessed to evaluate the nutritional status. In patients with proximal femoral fractures, preoperative AA concentrations were significantly lower compared to elderly patients without an acute fracture. A significant decrease of 33.8% in AA plasma level was measured on the day after surgery with a significant recovery up to the time of discharge. The preoperative AA status did not have any significant effect on clinical outcome. However, inadequate AA levels (<50 µmol/L) upon discharge significantly increased the incidence and the severity of postoperative complications. These results indicate that the AA status upon discharge has a greater impact on clinical outcome than assumed, and therefore, AA supplementation during hospitalization should be considered.

[Risk factors analysis for postoperative mortality of elder patients with intertrochanteric fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the risk factors for postoperative mortality of elder patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODS

Patients with intertrochanteric fractures who underwent proximal femoral interlocking intramedullary nail fixation between January 2014 and December 2015 were enrolled in the study. Among them, 135 patients who met the selection criteria were included in the study, and the clinical data were collected, including gender, age, time from admission to surgery, comorbidities, and preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, and total lymphocyte count (TLC), and nutritional status. Univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to screen the risk factors for postoperative mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients (20.0%) died within 2 years after surgery, and 16 (11.9%) died within 1 year after surgery. Univariate analysis showed that age, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, number of comorbidities, preoperative hemoglobin and albumin levels were the influencing factors of postoperative mortality in elder patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral interlocking intramedullary nail fixation (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age (≥80 years), combined more than 2 medical diseases, and preoperative albumin (<35 g/L) were the independent risk factors for postoperative mortality (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

To improve the clinical outcomes, perioperative risk should be comprehensively evaluated and perioperative management strengthened in the elder patients with intertrochanteric fractures, especially those with advanced age, more combined diseases, and low albumin, for the high postoperative mortality.

Formulating injectable pastes of porous calcium phosphate glass microspheres for bone regeneration applications

Current trends in regenerative medicine treatments for bone repair applications focus on cell-based therapies. These aim to deliver the treatment via a minimally invasive injection to reduce patient trauma and to improve efficacy. This paper describes the injectability of porous calcium phosphate glass microspheres to be used for bone repair based on their formulation, rheology and flow behavior. The use of excipients (xanthan gum, methyl cellulose and carboxyl methyl cellulose) were investigated to improve flow performance. Based on our results, the flow characteristics of the glass microsphere pastes vary according to particle size, surface area, and solid to liquid ratio, as well as the concentration of viscosity modifiers used. The optimal flow characteristics of calcium phosphate glass microsphere pastes was found to contain 40 mg/mL of xanthan gum which increased viscosity whilst providing elastic properties (∼29,000 Pa) at shear rates that mirror the injection process and the resting period post injection, preventing the glass microspheres from both damage and dispersion. It was established that a base formulation must contain 1 g of glass microspheres (60-125 μm in size) per 1 mL of cell culture media, or 0.48 g of glass microspheres of sizes between 125 and 200 μm. Furthermore, the glass microsphere formulations with xanthan gum were readily injectable via a syringe-needle system (3-20 mL, 18G and 14G needles), and have the potential to be utilized as a cell (or other biologics) delivery vehicle for bone regeneration applications.

Do we really need a surgery for hip fractures in elderly patients? Mortality rate and influencing factors

Background

Hip fractures are associated with notable mortality rates in elderly patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the mortality rate and influencing factors associated with mortality in the elderly patients with hip fractures.

Methods

Between October 2000 and December 2009, 807 elderly patients with hip fractures were enrolled in this study. There were 197 men and 610 women. The mean age at injuries were 78 years (range, 65–99 years). The fractures consisted of 390 femoral neck fractures and 417 intertrochanteric fractures. The mortality rate was evaluated between patients who underwent surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The influencing factors associated with mortality rate were evaluated statistically.

Results

Overall, 691 (85.6%) patients treated surgically and 116 (14.4%) patients treated nonsurgically were included. The overall mortality rates one and two years after injuries were 16.6 and 39.4%, respectively. In surgical treatment group, the mortality rate one and two years after injuries were 12.0 and 35.7%, respectively. In nonsurgical treatment group, the mortality rates were 44.0 and 61.2%, respectively (p < 0.05). No significant difference was noted between the types of fractures and the time from injury to surgery. Regardless of surgical methods, a significantly higher mortality rate was observed in patients with heart disease, chronic renal disease, dementia, and cancer, or in patients with 3 or more comorbidities.

Conclusions

In elderly patients with hip fractures, surgical treatments can decrease the mortality rate as compared with nonsurgical treatments. In addition, patients who had three or more comorbidities (heart disease, chronic renal failure, dementia, and history of cancer) are associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.

Hemiarthroplasty versus total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PURPOSE

This study sought to delineate whether total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) had more complication rates following the treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for all patients with a history of COPD who had undergone THA and HHA with FNFs, isolated by CPT codes and ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. Propensity score matching without replacement in a 1:1 manner was done to control for patient demographics/preoperative comorbidities. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to assess the independent effect of HHA in comparison to THA.

RESULTS

The propensity-matched (PM) HHA cohort was significantly older (76.14 years vs. 73.33 years, p = 0.001) and had significantly higher rates of pneumonia (p = 0.017), extended length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.017), and mortality (p = 0.002), but lower rates of blood transfusions (p = 0.016) and reoperation (p = 0.020). HHA was independently associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (p = 0.043), extended LOS (p = 0.050), and death (p = 0.044) but a decreased risk for blood transfusions (p = 0.008) and reoperation (p = 0.028) when compared to THA.

DISCUSSION

Patients with more comorbidities are more likely to receive HHA than THA, which may explain some of the increased complications and mortality associated with HHA for FNFs compared to THA. Patients undergoing THA were at increased risk for blood transfusion and reoperation. THA does not appear to result in increased morbidity in this population compared to HHA. While THA should be considered in these patients given improved functional outcomes, further prospective studies are needed to establish superiority.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Bundled Care for Hip Fractures: A Machine-Learning Approach to an Untenable Patient-Specific Payment Model

OBJECTIVES

With the transition to a value-based model of care delivery, bundled payment models have been implemented with demonstrated success in elective lower extremity joint arthroplasty. Yet, hip fracture outcomes are dependent on patient-level factors that may not be optimized preoperatively due to acuity of care. The objectives of this study are to (1) develop a supervised naive Bayes machine-learning algorithm using preoperative patient data to predict length of stay and cost after hip fracture and (2) propose a patient-specific payment model to project reimbursements based on patient comorbidities.

METHODS

Using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database, we studied 98,562 Medicare patients who underwent operative management for hip fracture from 2009 to 2016. A naive Bayes machine-learning model was built using age, sex, ethnicity, race, type of admission, risk of mortality, and severity of illness as predictive inputs.

RESULTS

Accuracy was demonstrated at 76.5% and 79.0% for length of stay and cost, respectively. Performance was 88% for length of stay and 89% for cost. Model error analysis showed increasing model error with increasing risk of mortality, which thus increased the risk-adjusted payment for each risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our naive Bayes machine-learning algorithm provided excellent accuracy and responsiveness in the prediction of length of stay and cost of an episode of care for hip fracture using preoperative variables. This model demonstrates that the cost of delivery of hip fracture care is dependent on largely nonmodifiable patient-specific factors, likely making bundled care an implausible payment model for hip fractures.