Pre- and Postoperative Exercise Effectiveness in Mobility, Hemostatic Balance, and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hip Fracture Patients: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Association of Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers with Mortality in Patients with Postoperative Femur Fractures in the Intensive Care Unit

Background and Objectives: Postoperative femur fracture in elderly patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). Various factors, including demographic and laboratory parameters, may influence mortality in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of inflammatory and metabolic markers with mortality in ICU patients with postoperative femur fractures and to identify key predictors to enhance risk stratification and improve patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 121 patients aged over 65 years with postoperative femur fractures who were admitted to the ICU between January 2023 and January 2024. Demographic and clinical data, including comorbidities, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, were collected. Laboratory parameters such as white blood cell count (WBC), albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV), CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and others were analyzed. Linear regression, logistic regression, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to determine the predictive value of these markers for ICU mortality. Results: The mean age of the patients was 76.3 ± 9.6 years, and 52.1% were female. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (67.8%) and diabetes (49.6%). ICU mortality occurred in 24 patients (20%). Significant predictors of mortality included higher CRP (>62.8 mg/L), NLR (>10.0), PIV (>450), and APACHE II scores (>23) (p < 0.001 for all). Lower albumin levels (<2.5 g/dL) were strongly associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that the APACHE II score had the highest predictive accuracy for mortality (AUC = 0.83), followed by albumin (AUC = 0.79) and PIV (AUC = 0.76). Extended ICU stay (>10 days) was also significantly correlated with increased mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrates the utility of combining traditional clinical markers, such as APACHE II score, with novel inflammatory markers, such as PIV, CAR, and NLR, in predicting mortality in ICU patients following femur fracture surgery. The integration of emerging biomarkers with well-established scoring systems offers enhanced predictive accuracy and provides valuable insights into patient management.

Orthogeriatric Care Following Hip Fracture: Improving Post-Operative Outcomes in an Aged Population

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures globally are associated with high levels of morbidity, mortality, and significant financial burden. This audit aimed to assess the impact of orthogeriatric liaison care on post-operative outcomes following surgical management of neck or femur fractures.

METHODS

Here, 258 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery over 1-year were included. Data were collected as an audit following the transition to an orthogeriatric liaison care model, involving regular orthogeriatric review (thrice weekly ward rounds, daily board rounds), superseding orthogeriatric review as requested. The audit is meant to assess the development of post-operative non-surgical site infection (NSSI) and mortality and duration of inpatient stay. Outcomes were compared to previous data from our hospital site in 2015/2016.

RESULTS

Patients with severe cognitive impairment and systemic disease (Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) < 7 and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade ≥ 3) showed significantly elevated NSSI risk, consistent across the study periods. Both periods demonstrated an increased risk of NSSI associated with admission from nursing homes. Despite the 2021/2022 cohort being notably older, NSSI risk decreased from 40.6% to 37.2% after implementing the orthogeriatric care model. NSSI risk was notably reduced for severe cognitive impairment (51.6% vs. 71%), and the p-value was 0.025. Average hospital stay decreased post-intervention (2.4 days shorter), with a notable reduction for NSSI patients (3.4 days shorter). Overall mortality rates were similar, although mortality due to infection was significantly reduced in 2021/2022 (44.4% vs. 93.3%), and the p-value was 0.003.

CONCLUSION

The orthogeriatric liaison care model significantly decreased NSSI only in individuals with severe cognitive impairment and infection-associated mortality. This highlights the integral role of orthogeriatricians in the care of elderly hip fracture patients.

Prehabilitation in a Periprosthetic Fracture of the Femur: A Case Report

Periprosthetic fractures (PPF) are related to orthopaedic implants like internal fixators, replacement devices, etc. In this case report, we discussed a 55-year-old male patient who came to our tertiary care hospital with complaints of pain and swelling over the left hip for six months. After radiological investigations, he was diagnosed with a left PPF of the femur with posterior dislocation. He was referred to the musculoskeletal physiotherapy department for in-patient rehabilitation before surgery. He received strengthening exercises for lower limb, back, and abdominal muscles, pain management, gait training, etc. for two weeks before his decided surgery date. The patient showed improved strength and maintained his range. There were an improved Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and a Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score, which signified a reduction in pain and improved functional independence due to enhanced lower limb function, respectively.