Comparison of Direct Repair Versus Anatomic Graft Reconstruction of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study.

The goal of our study is to compare the stability of the anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) with direct repair of the ATFL, in a cadaver model. We performed the following techniques in 18 cadaveric ankles: the intact ATFL was cut, after which a direct repair using 2 anchors was performed. The repair was sectioned, and anatomic reconstruction was then performed with a tendon autograft. We measured angular displacement in 3 anatomic planes (axial, coronal, sagittal) for each situation in response to the anterior drawer test (ADT), talar tilt test (TTT) and pivot test (PT), using a specifically constructed arthrometer. The sectioned ATFL was inferior to the intact ATFL in the axial plane with the ADT (p = .012), in the axial plane with the PT (p = .001) and in the axial and coronal planes with the TTT (p = .013 and p = .016, respectively). Direct anatomic repair was inferior to the intact ATFL in the axial plane upon the PT (p = .009). No differences could be found between anatomic graft reconstructions and the intact ATFL with any manoeuver, nor when comparing anatomic graft reconstruction and direct repair with 2 anchors. We were able to conclude that anatomic graft reconstruction of the ATFL reproduces angular stability of the native ligament in a cadaver model. While we could not detect if anatomic graft reconstruction was superior to direct repair, the latter proved to be less stable in the axial plane upon internal rotation (pivot test) versus the intact ATFL.

Emergency department prediction model for 30-day mortality after hip fracture: the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) cohort.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to design and validate a predictive model for 30-day mortality in a cohort of patients from the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) with variables collected at the Emergency Department. METHODS: Retrospective study of a prospective database of hip fracture patients ⩾75 years old between 1 January 2017 and 30 September 2019. Patient characteristics, type of fracture and osteoprotective medication were collected at the Emergency Department. Univariate analysis compared the results between patients alive and deceased 30 days after hospital discharge. The variables associated with 30-day mortality in the regression analysis were age >85 years, male sex, indoors pre-fracture mobility, dementia, ASA score >3, pathological fracture, and vitamin D intake. A score scale was created with these variables. Discriminative performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration was assessed by applying Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and predicted-to-observed mortality was compared. RESULTS: A total of 29,875 hip fracture cases were included in the study. The 30-day mortality of the overall cohort was 7.7%. A scale of 0-9 points was created, with a cut-off point of 4 points for the determination of patients at high risk of mortality. The AUC was 0.886. RNFC score presented good level of calibration (p = 0.139). The predicted-to-observed ratio was 1.09. CONCLUSIONS: The RNFC predictive model with variables collected at the Emergency Department showed an excellent predictive capacity for 30-day mortality in patients after hip fracture.

Demographic, functional and clinical characteristics in hip fracture patients according to mental status of the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the differences according to mental status at admission on the care process and 30-day outcomes in hip fracture patients, mainly regarding the use of rehabilitation resources and anti-osteoporotic medication, by analysing data from the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC, "Registro Nacional de Fracturas de Cadera" in Spanish). METHODS: We analysed prospectively collected data from a cohort of patients admitted participating in the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) in 76 Spanish hospitals between 2017 and 2019. We classified participants using Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), defining two groups: patients with ≤2 SPMSQ score and patients with >2 SPMSQ score. RESULTS: Of 21,254 patients was recorded SPMSQ in 17,242 patients, 9052 were >2 SPMSQ score (52.6%). These were older (87.7 vs. 85.3 years; p<0.001), had worse mobility (no-independent walking ability 26.0% vs. 4.5%; p<0.001) and were more likely to be living in nursing homes (35.3% vs. 9.6%; p<0.001). They were more likely to be treated nonoperatively (3.8% vs. 1.5%; p>0.001), less early mobilisation (57.5% vs. 68.9%; p<0.001) and suffered higher in-hospital mortality (5.2% vs. 2.7%; p<0.001). At discharge, they received less anti-osteoporotic medication (37.9% vs. 48.9%; p<0.001) and returned home less often (29.8%% vs. 51.2%; p<0.001). One month after fracture, patients with >2 SPMSQ score had poorer mobility (no-independent walking ability 44.4% vs. 24.9%; p<0.001) and were newly institutionalised in a nursing home more (12.6% vs. 12.0%; p<0.001) and were more likely to die by one-month post-fracture (9.5% vs. 4.6%; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: RNFC patients with >2 SPMSQ score were more vulnerable and had poorer outcomes than patients with ≤2 SPMSQ score, suggesting that they need specialised care in-hospital and in the recovery phase.

Reconstruction of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament using allograft for subtalar joint stabilization is effective.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the biomechanical effects of subtalar ligament injury and reconstruction on stability of the subtalar joint in all three spatial planes. METHODS: Fifteen fresh frozen cadaveric legs were used, with transfixed tibiotalar joints to isolate motion to the subtalar joint. An arthrometer fixed to the lateral aspect of the calcaneus measured angular displacement in all three spatial planes on the inversion and eversion stress tests. Stress manoeuvres were tested with the intact joint, and then repeated after sequentially sectioning the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER), cervical ligament (CL), interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL), arthroscopic graft reconstruction of the ITCL, and sectioning of the calcaneo-fibular ligament (CFL). RESULTS: Sectioning the ITCL significantly increased angular displacement upon inversion and eversion in the coronal and sagittal planes. Reconstruction of the ITCL significantly improved angular stability against eversion in the axial and sagittal planes, and against inversion in the axial and coronal planes, at the zero time point after reconstruction. After sectioning the CFL, resistance to eversion decreased significantly in all three planes. CONCLUSION: Progressive injury of ligamentous stabilisers, particularly the ITCL, led to increasing angular displacement of the subtalar joint measured with the inversion and eversion stress tests, used in clinical practice. Reconstruction of the ITCL using tendon graft significantly stabilised the subtalar joint in the axial and sagittal planes against eversion and in the axial and coronal planes against inversion, immediately after surgery.

Standardization of global hip fracture audit could facilitate learning, improve quality, and guide evidence-based practice.

Aims: National hip fracture registries audit similar aspects of care but there is variation in the actual data collected; these differences restrict international comparison, benchmarking, and research. The Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) published a revised minimum common dataset (MCD) in 2022 to improve consistency and interoperability. Our aim was to assess compatibility of existing registries with the MCD. Methods: We compared 17 hip fracture registries covering 20 countries (Argentina; Australia and New Zealand; China; Denmark; England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Germany; Holland; Ireland; Japan; Mexico; Norway; Pakistan; the Philippines; Scotland; South Korea; Spain; and Sweden), setting each of these against the 20 core and 12 optional fields of the MCD. Results: The highest MCD adherence was demonstrated by the most recently established registries. The first-generation registries in Scandinavia collect data for 60% of MCD fields, second-generation registries (UK, other European, and Australia and New Zealand) collect for 75%, and third-generation registries collect data for 85% of MCD fields. Five of the 20 core fields were collected by all 17 registries (age; sex; surgery date/time of operation; surgery type; and death during acute admission). Two fields were collected by most (16/17; 94%) registries (date/time of presentation and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade), and five more by the majority (15/17; 88%) registries (type, side, and pathological nature of fracture; anaesthetic modality; and discharge destination). Three core fields were each collected by only 11/17 (65%) registries: prefracture mobility/activities of daily living; cognition on admission; and bone protection medication prescription. Conclusion: There is moderate but improving compatibility between existing registries and the FFN MCD, and its introduction in 2022 was associated with an improved level of adherence among the most recently established programmes. Greater interoperability could be facilitated by improving consistency of data collection relating to prefracture function, cognition, bone protection, and follow-up duration, and this could improve international collaborative benchmarking, research, and quality improvement.

Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Centenarians versus Other Age Groups Over 75 Years with Hip Fractures.

Objective: The primary objective was to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of centenarians with fragility hip fracture and compare them to other age groups. The secondary objective was to determine the variables associated with length of stay, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality. Materials and Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry. We included patients ≥75 years admitted for fragility hip fractures in 86 Spanish hospitals between 2017 and 2019, dividing the sample into four age groups. The variables studied were baseline characteristics, type of fracture, management, length of stay, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality. Results: We included 25,938 patients (2888 were 75-79 years old; 14,762 octogenarians; 8,035 nonagenarians and 253 centenarians). Of the centenarians, 83% were women, 33% had severe dementia, 9% had severe dependency and 36% lived in residential care homes. Six out of ten had intertrochanteric fracture. Length of hospital stay was 8.6 days; in-hospital mortality was 10.3% and 30-day mortality 20.9%. Older age groups had more women, severe functional dependency, severe dementia, intertrochanteric fracture, living in care facilities and being discharged to nursing care. They had less frequent early mobilization, osteoporosis treatment and discharge to rehabilitation units. In-hospital and 30-day mortality were higher with increasing age. In centenarians, time to surgery >48 hours was independently associated with length of stay (correlation coefficient 3.99 [95% CI: 2.35-5.64; p<0.001]) and anaesthetic risk, based on an ASA score of V, was related to 30-day mortality (ASA score II [OR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09-0.70; p=0.009] and ASA score III [OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.96; p=0.039]). Conclusion: Centenarians had different clinical characteristics, management and outcomes. Although centenarians had worse outcomes, nearly 4 out of 5 centenarians were alive one month after surgery.

Bone loss induced by cancer treatments in breast and prostate cancer patients.

Cancer and cancer therapies are a major factor risk for osteoporosis due to bone loss and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. Both factors contribute to a decrease in bone strength and, consequently, increased bone fragility and risk of fracture. Cancer-associated bone loss is a multifactorial process, and optimal interdisciplinary management of skeletal health, accurate assessment of bone density, and early diagnosis are essential when making decisions aimed at reducing bone loss and fracture risk in patients who have received or are receiving treatment for cancer. In this document, a multidisciplinary group of experts collected the latest evidence on the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment with the support of the Spanish scientific society SEOM. The aim was to provide an up-to-date and in-depth view of osteoporotic risk and its consequences, and to present a series of recommendations aimed at optimizing the management of bone health in the context of cancer.

Developing a minimum common dataset for hip fracture audit to help countries set up national audits that can support international comparisons.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore current use of the Global Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) Minimum Common Dataset (MCD) within established national hip fracture registries, and to propose a revised MCD to enable international benchmarking for hip fracture care. METHODS: We compared all ten established national hip fracture registries: England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Scotland; Australia and New Zealand; Republic of Ireland; Germany; the Netherlands; Sweden; Norway; Denmark; and Spain. We tabulated all questions included in each registry, and cross-referenced them against the 32 questions of the MCD dataset. Having identified those questions consistently used in the majority of national audits, and which additional fields were used less commonly, we then used consensus methods to establish a revised MCD. RESULTS: A total of 215 unique questions were used across the ten registries. Only 72 (34%) were used in more than one national audit, and only 32 (15%) by more than half of audits. Only one registry used all 32 questions from the 2014 MCD, and five questions were only collected by a single registry. Only 21 of the 32 questions in the MCD were used in the majority of national audits. Only three fields (anaesthetic grade, operation, and date/time of surgery) were used by all ten established audits. We presented these findings at the Asia-Pacific FFN meeting, and used an online questionnaire to capture feedback from expert clinicians from different countries. A draft revision of the MCD was then presented to all 95 nations represented at the Global FFN conference in September 2021, with online feedback again used to finalize the revised MCD. CONCLUSION: The revised MCD will help aspirant nations establish new registry programmes, facilitate the integration of novel analytic techniques and greater multinational collaboration, and serve as an internationally-accepted standard for monitoring and improving hip fracture services. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):721-728.

IMPACT-Global Hip Fracture Audit: Nosocomial infection, risk prediction and prognostication, minimum reporting standards and global collaborative audit: Lessons from an international multicentre study of 7,090 patients conducted in 14 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: This international study aimed to assess: 1) the prevalence of preoperative and postoperative COVID-19 among patients with hip fracture, 2) the effect on 30-day mortality, and 3) clinical factors associated with the infection and with mortality in COVID-19-positive patients. METHODS: A multicentre collaboration among 112 centres in 14 countries collected data on all patients presenting with a hip fracture between 1st March-31st May 2020. Demographics, residence, place of injury, presentation blood tests, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, management, ASA grade, length of stay, COVID-19 and 30-day mortality status were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 7090 patients were included, with a mean age of 82.2 (range 50-104) years and 4959 (69.9%) being female. Of 651 (9.2%) patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 225 (34.6%) were positive at presentation and 426 (65.4%) were positive postoperatively. Positive COVID-19 status was independently associated with male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.38, p = 0.001), residential care (OR 2.15, p < 0.001), inpatient fall (OR 2.23, p = 0.003), cancer (OR 0.63, p = 0.009), ASA grades 4 (OR 1.59, p = 0.008) or 5 (OR 8.28, p < 0.001), and longer admission (OR 1.06 for each increasing day, p < 0.001). Patients with COVID-19 at any time had a significantly lower chance of 30-day survival versus those without COVID-19 (72.7% versus 92.6%, p < 0.001). COVID-19 was independently associated with an increased 30-day mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR) 2.83, p < 0.001). Increasing age (HR 1.03, p = 0.028), male sex (HR 2.35, p < 0.001), renal disease (HR 1.53, p = 0.017), and pulmonary disease (HR 1.45, p = 0.039) were independently associated with a higher 30-day mortality risk in patients with COVID-19 when adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients during the first wave of the pandemic was 9%, and was independently associated with a three-fold increased 30-day mortality risk. Among COVID-19-positive patients, those who were older, male, with renal or pulmonary disease had a significantly higher 30-day mortality risk.

Improving hip fracture care in Spain: evolution of quality indicators in the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry.

This study was carried out to analyze the evolution of the quality indicators in the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry, after disseminating a series of recommendations based on available clinical practice guidelines to the participating hospitals. Six of the seven proposed quality indicators showed a significant improvement. PURPOSE: The Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) arises from the need to know the process and improve the quality of care. Our goal was to analyze the changes in the RNFC's quality indicators after an intervention based on disseminating specific recommendations among the participating hospitals, following available clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: Study comparing before and after performing an intervention in hospitals participating in the RNFC. Data from the hospitals that registered cases in 2017, and that kept registering cases in 2019. Seven quality indicators were chosen, and a standard to be achieved for each indicator was proposed. The intervention consisted in the dissemination of 25 recommendations with practical measures to improve each quality indicator, based on available clinical practice guidelines, by drafting and publishing a scientific paper and sending it via email and printed cards. Fulfilment of each quality indicator was measured after carrying out the intervention. RESULTS: Forty-three hospitals registered 2674 cases between January and May, 2017, and 8037 during 2019. The quality indicators chosen and the degree of compliance were (all with p<0.05): (1) surgery ≤48 h increased from 38.9 to 45.8%; (2) patients mobilised on the first postoperative day increased from 58.9 to 70.3%; (3) patients with anti-osteoporotic medication at discharge increased from 34.5 to 49.8%; (4) patients with calcium supplements at discharge increased from 48.7 to 62.8%; (5) patients with vitamin D supplements at discharge increased from 71.5 to 84.7%; (6) patients developing a grade >2 pressure ulcer during admission decreased from 6.5 to 5.0%; (7) patients able to move on their own at 1 month fell from 58.8 to 56.4%. More than 48% of hospitals improved the proposed indicators. CONCLUSION: Establishing quality indicators and standards and intervening through the dissemination of specific recommendations to improve these indicators achieved an improvement in hospital performance results on a national level.

Impact of subtrochanteric fractures in the geriatric population: better pre-fracture condition but poorer outcome than pertrochanteric fractures: evidence from the Spanish Hip Fracture Registry.

BACKGROUND: Clinical management in orthogeriatric units and outcome indicators are similar for extracapsular fragility hip fractures, without discriminating between subtrochanteric and pertrochanteric fractures. HYPOTHESIS: Geriatric patients, 75 years or older, with subtrochanteric fractures have worse clinical and functional outcomes than those with pertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of data prospectively collected by the Spanish Hip Fracture Registry including patients 75 years or older, admitted for extracapsular hip fractures from January 2017 to June 2019. Demographic and baseline status, pre-operative, post-operative and 30-day follow-up data were included. RESULTS: A total of 13,939 patients with extracapsular hip fractures were registered: 12,199 (87.5%) pertrochanteric and 1740 (12.5%) subtrochanteric. At admission, patients with subtrochanteric fractures were younger (86.5 ± 5.8 versus 87.1 ± 5.6 years old), had better pre-fracture mobility (3.7 ± 2.7 versus 3.9 ± 2.8) (1-to-10 scale, 1 being independent) and were more likely to be living at home; those with pertrochanteric fractures had worse cognitive function (Pfeiffer 3.3 ± 3.3 versus 3.8 ± 3.5). The subtrochanteric fracture group showed worse post-fracture mobility (7.3 ± 2.7 versus 6.7 ± 2.7) and greater deterioration of mobility (3.7 ± 3.0 versus 2.9 ± 2.7). Among individuals living at home at baseline, those with subtrochanteric fractures were more likely to remain in an assisted facility at 30-day follow-up. In-hospital mortality during acute admission was higher for the subtrochanteric group (5.6% versus 4.5%) (p = 0.028). To our knowledge, this is the first paper highlighting the differences between these two fracture groups in the geriatric population. CONCLUSIONS: Subtrochanteric fractures in the older population are a different and worse entity, with greater morbimortality and functional decline than pertrochanteric fractures. Despite being younger and fitter at admission, older patients with subtrochanteric fractures have a higher risk of remaining non-weight bearing and undergoing re-operation and institutionalization. Orthogeriatric units should be aware of this and manage subtrochanteric fractures accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Stratified cost-utility analysis of total hip arthroplasty in displaced femoral neck fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a stratified cost-utility analysis of total versus partial hip arthroplasty as a function of clinical subtype. METHOD: All cases of this type of intervention were analysed between 2010 and 2016 in the Basque Health Service, gathering data on clinical outcomes and resource use to calculate the cost and utility in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at individual level. The statistical analysis included applying the propensity score to balance the groups, and seemingly unrelated regression models to calculate the incremental cost-utility ratio and plot the cost-effectiveness plane. The interaction between age group and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk class was assessed in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The study identified 5867 patients diagnosed with femoral neck fracture, of whom 1307 and 4560 were treated with total and partial hip arthroplasty, respectively. In the cost-utility analysis based on the seemingly unrelated regression, total hip arthroplasty was found to have a higher cost and higher utility (2465€ and 0.42 QALYs). Considering a willingness-to-pay threshold of €22,000 per QALY, total hip arthroplasty was cost-effective in the under-80-year-old subgroup. Among patients above this age, hemiarthroplasty was cost-effective in ASA class I-II patients and dominant in ASA class III-IV patients. CONCLUSIONS: Subgroup analysis supports current daily clinical practice in displaced femoral neck fractures, namely, using partial replacement in most patients and reserving total replacement for younger patients.

IMPACT of COVID-19 on hip fracture services: A global survey by the International Multicentre Project Auditing COVID-19 in Trauma & Orthopaedics.

INTRODUCTION: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in major disruption to hip fracture services. This frail patient group requires specialist care, and disruption to services is likely to result in increases in morbidity, mortality and long-term healthcare costs. AIMS: To assess disruption to hip fracture services during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A questionnaire was designed for completion by a senior clinician or service manager in each participating unit between April-September 2020. The survey was incorporated into existing national-level audits in Germany (n = 71), Scotland (n = 16), and Ireland (n = 16). Responses from a further 82 units in 11 nations were obtained via an online survey. RESULTS: There were 185 units from 14 countries that returned the survey. 102/160 (63.7%) units reported a worsening of overall service quality, which was attributed predominantly to staff redistribution, reallocation of inpatient areas, and reduced access to surgical facilities. There was a high rate of redeployment of staff to other services: two thirds lost specialist orthopaedic nurses, a third lost orthogeriatrics services, and a quarter lost physiotherapists. Reallocation of inpatient areas resulted in patients being managed by non-specialised teams in generic wards, which increased transit of patients and staff between clinical areas. There was reduced operating department access, with 74/160 (46.2%) centres reporting a >50% reduction. Reduced theatre efficiency was reported by 135/160 (84.4%) and was attributed to staff and resource redistribution, longer anaesthetic and transfer times, and delays for preoperative COVID-19 testing and using personal protective equipment (PPE). CONCLUSION: Hip fracture services were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic and this may have a sustained impact on health and social care. Protection of hip fracture services is essential to ensure satisfactory outcomes for this vulnerable patient group.

[The Spanish National Hip Fractures Registry (RNFC) and the Minimum Basic Data Set (CMBD) are useful for research on hip fractures: comparison of two registries.] / El Registro Nacional de Fracturas de Cadera (RNFC) y el Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos son útiles para investigar sobre fracturas de cadera: comparación de ambos registros.

OBJECTIVE: National hip fracture registries have been established in several countries and recent publications show that the care process has been audited inspecting the representativeness according to quality standards. The aim of this study was to analyse if the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) represents the Spanish population aged 75 and older admitted for hip fractures, and to compare its results regarding the care process with the national average, according to the National Inpatient register (Minimum Basic Dataset, CMBD). METHODS: The 2017-2018 National Minimum Basic Dataset (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, CMBD) was used as reference. For analysis, we included 83,110 cases from the CMBD and 21,130 from the RNFC. Eight common variables of both registries were selected for comparison. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the patient-related common variables (age, sex, type of fracture and fracture side), but statistically significant differences were found in the variables describing the care process (proportion of patients operated, deceased, surgical procedures and postoperative length of stay). CONCLUSIONS: The RNFC, designed as a convenience sample, is also representative of the population of patients aged 75 and older treated for hip fractures in Spain. However, there is a participation bias related to the professionals and the hospitals interested in voluntarily participating in a quality improvement program, which would explain the better results observed in the care process, compared to the national average as collected by the CMBD.

OBJETIVO: Los registros nacionales de fracturas de cadera se han establecido en varios países y publicaciones recientes muestran que el proceso de atención ha sido auditado para explorar su representatividad de acuerdo a estándares de calidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar si el Registro Nacional de Fracturas de Cadera (RNFC) es representativo de la población española de 75 o más años de edad ingresada por fractura de cadera, y comparar los resultados acerca del proceso asistencial con la media nacional según el Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos (CMBD). METODOS: Se empleó el CMBD de los años 2017-2018 como referencia. Para el análisis se incluyeron 83.110 casos del CMBD y 21.130 del RNFC. Se seleccionaron ocho variables comunes a ambos registros para ser comparadas. RESULTADOS: No se observaron diferencias significativas en las variables comunes paciente-dependientes (edad, sexo, tipo y lado de fractura), pero se hallaron diferencias significativas en las variables que describían el proceso asistencial (proporción de pacientes intervenidos, fallecidos, tipos de procedimiento quirúrgico y estancia postoperatoria). CONCLUSIONES: El RNFC, diseñado como muestra de conveniencia, es también representativa de la población de pacientes de 75 y más años, atendida por fractura de cadera en España. Sin embargo, existe un sesgo de participación relacionado con los profesionales y los hospitales interesados en participar voluntariamente en un programa voluntario de mejora de calidad que podría explicar los mejores resultados observados en el proceso asistencial, comparado con la media nacional según se recoge por el CMBD.

Differences in the baseline characteristics, management and outcomes of patients with hip fractures depending on their pre-fracture place of residence: the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) cohort.

PURPOSE: One in four hip fracture patients comes from an aged care facility. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of these subjects with their community-dwelling counterparts at baseline, during hospitalization and 1-month post-fracture. METHODS: We analyzed data from a cohort of older adults admitted with hip fractures to 75 Spanish hospitals, collected prospectively in the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry between 2016 and 2018. We classified participants according to pre-fracture residence: community dwellers vs. aged care facilities residents. We collected demographic records at baseline, along with variables relating to in-hospital evolution and discharge to geriatric rehabilitation units. Patients or relatives were interviewed at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Out of 18,262 patients, 4,422 (24.2%) lived in aged care facilities. Aged care facilities residents were older (median age: 89 vs. 86 years), less mobile (inability to walk independently: 20.8% vs. 9.4%) and had more cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer's SPMSQ > 3, 75.3% vs. 34.8%). They were more likely to receive conservative treatment (5.4% vs. 2.0%) and less likely to be mobilized early (58.2% vs. 63.0%). At discharge, they received less vitamin D supplements (68.5% vs. 72.4%), less anti-osteoporotic medication (29.3% vs. 44.3%), and were referred to geriatric rehabilitation units less frequently (5.4% vs. 27.5%). One-month post-fracture, 45% of aged care facilities residents compared to 28% of community dwellers experienced a severe gait decline. Aged care facilities residents had a higher one-month mortality (10.6% vs. 6.8%). CONCLUSION: Hip fracture patients from aged care facilities are more vulnerable than their community-dwelling peers and are managed differently both during hospitalization and at discharge. Gait decline is disproportionately higher among those admitted from aged care.

The value of conventional radiographs for diagnosing internal fixation-associated infection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to  assess the diagnostic value of preoperative conventional radiographs for diagnosing infection associated with internal fixation devices. METHODS: We prospectively collected data of patients undergoing removal of internal fixation devices for any reason. Infection was diagnosed in case of purulence, sinus tract, positive histopathology and/or positive peri-implant tissue or sonication fluid culture. In radiographs radiolucent lines, implant breakage or displacement, or periosteal reaction were assessed. White blood cell count (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined at admission. RESULTS: We included 421 surgeries in 380 patients (median age 53.6 years, range 11-98 years), mainly indicated for infection (24.9%), nonunion (20.0%) and symptomatic implants (13.5%). Radiologic signs of infection included radiolucent lines (11.4%); implant breakage (12.4%) or displacement (10.7%); and periosteal reaction (7.1%). Infection was confirmed in 116 cases (27.6%). Only radiolucent lines (OR = 1.86 [95%CI: 1.00-3.38]) and periosteal reaction (OR = 2.48 [95%CI: 1.17-5.26]) were associated with infection, with a low sensitivity (16.4 and 12.1%, respectively), and high specificity (90.5 and 94.8%, respectively). Preoperative WBC and CRP had a sensitivity of 23.0 and 35.3%, and specificity of 91.7 and 89.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological signs suggestive of infection were uncommon. Radiolucency and periosteal reaction were associated with infection, though with low sensitivity.

Orthogeriatric Management: Improvements in Outcomes during Hospital Admission Due to Hip Fracture.

Hip fractures are an important socio-economic problem in western countries. Over the past 60 years orthogeriatric care has improved the management of older patients admitted to hospital after suffering hip fractures. Quality of care in orthogeriatric co-management units has increased, reducing adverse events during acute admission, length of stay, both in-hospital and mid-term mortality, as well as healthcare and social costs. Nevertheless, a large number of areas of controversy regarding the clinical management of older adults admitted due to hip fracture remain to be clarified. This narrative review, centered in the last 5 years, combined the search terms "hip fracture", "geriatric assessment", "second hip fracture", "surgery", "perioperative management" and "orthogeriatric care", in order to summarise the state of the art of some questions such as the optimum analgesic protocol, the best approach for treating anemia, the surgical options recommendable for each type of fracture and the efficiency of orthogeriatric co-management and functional recovery.