Treatment strategies for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest associated with traumatic brain injury: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Collapse after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) can cause severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies for patients with OHCA and TBI. METHODS: We analyzed a consecutive cohort of patients with intrinsic OHCA retrospectively treated between January 2011 and December 2021 at a single critical care center, and presented a case series of seven patients. Patients with collapse-related TBI were examined for the causes and situations of cardiac arrest, laboratory data, radiological images, targeted temperature management (TTM), coronary angiography (CAG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). RESULTS: Of the 197 patients with intrinsic OHCA, 7 (3.6%) had TBI (age range: 49-70 years; 6 men). All seven patients presented with ventricular fibrillation in the initial electrocardiograms, with four refractory cases treated with ECPR. All patients underwent CAG under heparinization, and four underwent PCI with antiplatelet administration. Initial head computed tomography indicated an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in three patients. ICH appeared or was exacerbated in six patients after CAG with or without PCI, except in one who underwent delayed PCI. All patients displayed elevated plasma D-dimer levels, and four underwent neurosurgical procedures. Four patients survived (three with cerebral performance category [CPC] 2, one with CPC 3) and three died; two had hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and one had severe TBI. CONCLUSION: Delayed ICH occurred frequently. Individualized management is required based on the extent of brain and cardiac damage, including optimal TTM, PCI procedures, and antiplatelet medications. Early detection of ICH and emergency treatment are critical for multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Evaluation of the trajectory of recovery following surgically treated acetabular fractures.

Aims: Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term morbidity. Our prospective cohort study sought to understand the recovery trajectory of this injury over five years. Methods: Eligible patients at a level I trauma centre were recruited into a longitudinal registry of surgical acetabular fractures between June 2004 and August 2019. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS), were recorded at baseline pre-injury recall and six months, one year, two years, and five years postoperatively. Comparative analyses were performed for elementary and associated fracture patterns. The proportion of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was determined. The rate of, and time to, conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) was also established. Results: We recruited 251 patients (253 fractures), with a 4:1 male to female ratio and mean age of 46.1 years (SD 16.4). Associated fracture patterns accounted for 56.5% of fractures (n = 143). Trajectory analysis showed all timepoints had significant disability versus baseline, including final follow-up (p < 0.001). Elementary fractures had higher SF-36 PCS at six months (p = 0.023) and one year (p = 0.007) compared to associated fractures, but not at two years (p = 0.135) or five years (p = 0.631). The MCID in SF-36 PCS was observed in 37.3% of patients (69/185) between six months and one year, 26.9% of patients (39/145) between one and two years, and 23.3% of patients (20/86) between two and five years, highlighting the long recovery potential of these injuries. A significant proportion of patients failed to attain the MCID after five years (38.1%; 40/105). Conversion to THA occurred in 13.1% of patients (11/110 elementary and 22/143 associated fractures). Approximately two-thirds of THAs (21/33 patients; 63.6%) were performed within two years of index surgery. Conclusion: Acetabular fractures significantly impact physical function. Recovery trajectory is often elongated beyond one year, with two-thirds of our patients displaying persistent clinically relevant long-term disability.

A microCT-based platform to quantify drug targeting.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent and debilitating complication of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic procedures. Prophylactic dosing of botulinum toxin type A (BTxA) holds potential as a novel treatment option if accurately distributed throughout soft-tissue volumes where protection is clinically desired. We developed a high-resolution, microcomputed tomography (microCT)-based imaging strategy to assess drug distribution and validated this platform by quantifying distribution achieved via a prototype delivery system versus a single-bolus injection. METHODS: We injected an iodine-containing contrast agent (iodixanol 320 mg I/mL) into dissected rabbit musculature followed by microCT imaging and analysis. To contrast the performance of distributed versus bolus injections, a three-dimensional (3D) 64-cm3-printed soft-tissue holder was developed. A centered 2-cm3 volume of interest (VOI) was targeted with a single-bolus injection or an equal volume distributed injection delivered via a 3D-printed prototype. VOI drug coverage was quantified as a percentage of the VOI volume that was < 1.0 mm from the injected fluid. RESULTS: The microCT-based approach enabled high-resolution quantification of injection distribution within soft tissue. The distributed dosing prototype provided significantly greater tissue coverage of the targeted VOI (72 ± 3%, mean ± standard deviation) when compared to an equal volume bolus dose (43 ± 5%, p = 0.031) while also enhancing the precision of injection targeting. CONCLUSIONS: A microCT-based imaging technique precisely quantifies drug distribution within a soft-tissue VOI, providing a path to overcome a barrier for clinical translation of prophylactic inhibition of HO by BTxA. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This platform will facilitate rapid optimization of injection parameters for clinical devices used to effectively and safely inhibit the formation of heterotopic ossification. KEY POINTS: • MicroCT provides high-resolution quantification of soft-tissue drug distribution. • Distributed dosing is required to maximize soft-tissue drug coverage. • Imaging platform will enable rapid screening of 3D-printed drug distribution prototypes.

Combined nail-plate constructs in the management of osteoporotic native distal femoral fractures: a systematic review of the available evidence.

PURPOSE: Distal femoral fractures account for 4-6% of fragility fractures. These may be managed using a combined nail-plate construct (NPC). The use of NPCs is gaining traction. Whilst several theoretical advantages exist, there is little evidence reporting on binary or patient-reported outcomes. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review of the available literature pertaining to NPCs and their treatment of native distal femoral fractures, appraising the outcomes and focusing on the rationale for their increasing uptake in recent literature. METHODS: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Clinical Key, PubMed and Cochrane library was performed from date of inception up to in August 9, 2022. All study languages were included initially. A further Google Scholar search review was performed to identify any other studies not identified in the database interrogation. Studies were eligible if they reported on the use of nail-plate constructs in managing distal femoral fractures. Any outcome metric was permitted. The study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Methodological Index for non-randomised Studies tool. Quantitative analysis was performed using a log odds ratio random effects model. The Knapp-Hartung adjustment was utilised if the total number of included studies was < 5. Study effect sizes and appropriate plots were constructed to illustrate the outcomes data. RESULTS: A total of four studies were eligible for inclusion. Study data was extracted and summarised with their relevant outcomes presented. The literature review demonstrated that the use of NPCs led to significantly earlier full weight bearing (p < 0.001) and had reduced non-union rates over a single construct, without affecting infection rates (12.5% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.289) and significantly lower implant failure rates (10.5% vs. 0%; p = 0.011). A meta-analysis is performed of available studies and Forrest plots presented. CONCLUSION: The use of NPC in the management of native osteoporotic DFFs is gaining traction but the available evidence is of low grade with significant heterogeneity in small cohorts of patients. We suggest that a large-scale, multicentre prospective study should be performed, with agreed functional and radiological outcome metrics, to provide a more robust evidence base.

Targeted Temperature Management for Severe Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Using Endovascular and Surface Cooling Systems: A Nonrandomized Interventional Study Using Historical Control.

BACKGROUND: Although targeted temperature management (TTM) may mitigate brain injury for severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), rebound fever correlates with poor outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of endovascular TTM after rewarming from initial surface cooling during a high-risk period for delayed cerebral ischemia. METHODS: We studied patients with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade V SAH before and after the introduction of endovascular TTM. Both groups (36 patients each) were treated with TTM at 34 °C with conventional surface cooling immediately after SAH diagnosis, together with emergency aneurysm repair. When rewarmed to 36 °C, around 7 days later, the study group underwent TTM at 36 to 38 °C for 7 days with an endovascular cooling system. The control group was treated with antipyretics. RESULTS: Sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, modified Fisher computed tomography classification, aneurysm location, and treatment methods were not different between the study and control groups. Differences were detected in the incidence of fever >38 °C (13 vs 26 patients, P = .0021), duration of fever >38 °C (4.1 vs 18.8 hours, P = .0021), incidence of vasospasm-related cerebral infarction (17% vs 42%, P = .037), and the likelihood of excellent outcomes (0 and 1 on a modified Rankin Scale) at 6 months (42% vs 17%, P = .037). In endovascular TTM, shivering occurred more frequently in patients with better outcomes, requiring aggressive treatment to avoid fever. CONCLUSION: Endovascular TTM at 36 to 38 °C after surface cooling was feasible and safely performed in patients with severe SAH. Combined TTM for 2 weeks was associated with a lower incidence of vasospasm-related infarction and may improve outcomes.

Weight and Abdominal Pressure-Induced Shunt Trouble in Patients With Shunted Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Comprehensive Study on Pressure Environment of Shunt System.

Objectives: We identified a new type of shunt malfunction (SM) in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). It is induced by weight change and can be treated with valve readjustment. There were two types of SM as follows: Underdrainage induced by the weight gain and overdrainage induced by the weight loss. This study aims to elucidate this mechanism by assessing the shunt pressure environment. Methods: The total pressure environment of the shunt system was prospectively studied in patients with shunted NPH at Osaka Medical College Hospital from 1999 to 2005. We measured the pressure environment during the initial pressure setting of the valve by the intracranial pressure (ICP) guide, after setting the valve, and when SM was suspected. We evaluated ICP, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and hydrostatic and perfusion pressures of the shunt system in the sitting and supine positions. The target ICP for valve setting was empirically set at the range from -8 to -13 mm Hg in the sitting position, referring to the external auditory meatus. During the study period, we identified five cases of SM induced by weight change and assessed the changes in the pressure environment across pre-SM, SM, and post-SM. Results: In four cases of underdrainage, gait disturbance worsened with an average weight gain of 6.8 ± 1.2 kg. With weight gain, IAP and ICP increased by 8.8 ± 1.6 and 4.8 ± 1.0 mm Hg, respectively. Consequently, ICP increased to -6.5 ± 1.9 mm Hg. One overdrainage patient developed an asymptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) with a weight loss of 10 kg. With the weight loss, both IAP and ICP decreased by 5 mm Hg, and concomitantly, ICP decreased to -18 mm Hg. In all patients, the valve readjustment restored their ICP to the target pressure. After the valve readjustment, the gait disturbance improved immediately, and the CSDH disappeared after 1 month. Conclusion: In patients with shunts, the weight change was linked to ICP via IAP. Due to the weight change, the underdrainage occurred when ICP was above the target pressure, and the overdrainage occurred when ICP was below it. We named this SM as the weight and abdominal pressure-induced shunt trouble. The patients with SM along with weight changes should be the first to be tried for the valve readjustment.

A Prospective Study Assessing Wound Complications in a Series of Foot and Ankle Patients Treated With Enoxaparin: A Baseline for Future Studies.

Background and objective Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis has now become the gold-standard practice in patients requiring lower limb immobilization. We had noticed an increase in the incidence of wound-healing problems at our center, and the severity of the problems was found to be worse in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery since we had adopted this practice. In this study, we aimed to describe the incidence and severity of wound-healing problems in this group of patients. Methods This was a prospective study and we collected data on the frequency and severity of wound problems occurring in patients undergoing a variety of foot and ankle operations. All patients underwent a standard agreed-on method of wound closure and dressings. Wounds were reviewed after two weeks and wound characteristics were noted using a rigid proforma. The primary outcome measure was to determine the incidence of delayed wound healing (DWH) and wound infections requiring antibiotics. Secondary outcomes were the characteristics of each delayed-healing wound. Results A total of 158 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. One patient was not given postoperative LMWH and was excluded from the final analysis. Seven patients (4.5%) were noted to have DWH and four patients (2.6%) had a wound infection at the two-week postoperative follow-up. None of the patients required a second operation. Among patients with wound-healing problems, wound contour irregularities were noted in 51% and margin separation was noted in 65%. Conclusion The overall incidence of wound-healing problems such as DWH and wound infections was low in patients receiving prophylactic LMWH for foot and ankle surgery. Where postoperative wound problems did occur, these were associated with poor wound characteristics such as margin separation or contour irregularity. Further studies should be conducted to ascertain if the use of LMWH leads to problems with wound appearance.

Anticoagulation Protocol for Secondary Prevention of Acute Ischemic Stroke Associated with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: There is no clear evidence regarding when to initiate oral anticoagulants (OACs) for secondary prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel OAC initiation protocol for secondary prevention of acute ischemic stroke associated with AF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study 597 consecutive Japanese patients with acute ischemic stroke associated with nonvalvular AF received post-stroke OACs according to a protocol based on severity (clinical (NIHSS) and radiological (ASPECTS + W)), rt-PA use, reperfusion, and hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Primary outcomes of safety and efficacy, including symptomatic hemorrhage, cerebral stroke, and disability were evaluated at 14 and 90 days. RESULTS: Mean OAC initiation time was 2.60±2.14 days from onset. The shortest and longest mean initiation times were 0.47±0.50 and 6.16±0.72 days, respectively. Following OAC administration, no ICH was observed within 90 days. A significantly higher incidence of acute recurrent ischemic events occurred 14 days prior to OAC (4.7%) compared with chronic recurrence within 90 days (0.8%) (P = 0.00013, McNemar's test) . Recurrence prior to OAC use was significantly correlated with days to treatment (P = 0.00224), severity (NIHSS, ASPECTS+W: P = 0.0223, P = 0.0393, respectively), and HAS-BLED (P = 0.0395) and there were no correlations with CHADS2 (P = 0.277) or CHA2DS2-VASc (P = 0.246) (Wilcoxon rank sum-test). CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive OAC initiation protocol was relatively safe and effective for secondary prevention of stroke in patients with AF. Risk of acute recurrence was high, indicating that OACs should be started as early as possible. (clinical trial registration number: 15B 128).

Are patient-reported outcomes the same following second-side surgery in primary hip and knee arthroplasty?

AIMS: Up to one in five patients undergoing primary total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) require contralateral surgery. This is frequently performed as a staged procedure. This study aimed to determine if outcomes, as determined by the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Knee Score (OKS) differed following second-side surgery. METHODS: Over a five-year period all patients who underwent staged bilateral primary THA or TKA utilizing the same type of implants were studied. Eligible patients had both preoperative and one year Oxford scores and had their second procedure completed within a mean (2 SDs) of the primary surgery. Patient demographics, radiographs, and OHS and OKS were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 236 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 122 were THAs and 114 TKAs. The mean age was 66.5 years (SD 9.4), with a 2:1 female:male ratio. THAs showed similar significant improvements in outcomes following first- and second-side surgery, regardless of sex. In contrast for TKAs, although male patients demonstrated the same pattern as the THAs, female TKAs displayed significantly less improvement in both OKS and its pain component following second-side surgery. CONCLUSION: Female patients undergoing second-side TKA showed less improvement in Oxford and pain scores compared to the first-side. This difference in outcome following second-side surgery did not apply to male patients undergoing TKA, or to either sex undergoing THA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(4):243-254.

Preoperative Predictive Factors of Short-Term Outcome in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) by ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or lumboperitoneal (LP) shunting can achieve long-term recovery of activities of daily living; however, in a subset of patients, maintenance of independence lasted for <6 months. This study examined positive preoperative predictive factors of short-term outcome for shunted iNPH patients. METHODS: Over a 9-year period, consecutive patients from multiple centers diagnosed with probable iNPH underwent either VP or LP shunt surgery. Preoperative variables of age, symptom duration, iNPH severity, tap test response, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH) or incomplete DESH were retrospectively evaluated in relation to 1-year postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Outcome for 154 shunt patients (12 VP, 142 LP) as measured by postoperative disability modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and iNPH-gait disturbance (GD) was the same regardless of age. Symptom duration was inversely correlated with both iNPH severity (P < 0.0001) and postoperative improvement at 1 year (P = 0.0015). Severity also correlated inversely with postoperative improvement at 1 year (P < 0.0001). Age was not significantly correlated with the degree of postoperative improvement (mRS: P = 0.487; iNPH grading scale [GD]: P = 0.725). Outcome at 1 year (mRS, gait domain, and activities of daily living significantly improved in patients with a good response to the tap test (P < 0.0001) Preoperative DESH correlated with improvement in mRS and GD (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Mild preoperative iNPH severity, shorter preoperative symptom duration, good tap test response, and complete DESH were associated with good short-term postoperative outcome at 1 year. These positive factors may be useful for prediction of short-term surgical outcome in iNPH patients.

Radiographic analysis of Müller-Weiss disease.

BACKGROUND: The only classification of Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is based primarily on Méary's talo-first metatarsal angle. It describes increasing sag of the medial longitudinal arch with greater degrees of compression and fragmentation of the navicular. Purportedly, the talar head pushes the subtalar joint into varus and drives the medial pole of the navicular medially, as it protrudes inferiorly and laterally. Its authors stipulated heel varus as a pre-requisite, coining the term 'paradoxical pes planus varus' to define heel varus and flatfoot as hallmark deformities of the condition. METHODS: We measured Méary's and Kite's talocalcaneal angles, heel offset, anteroposterior thickness of the navicular at each naviculocuneiform (NC) joint, medial extrusion of the navicular and calculated percentage compression at each NC joint in 68 consecutive feet presenting with MWD. Morphology and activity at the various peri-navicular joints were studied using SPECT-CT in 45 feet. RESULTS: Inverse relationships between Méary's angle and degree of navicular compression reach statistical significance at NC2 but not at NC3. Strong correlation exists between medial extrusion and percentage compression at NC2 and NC3. Medial extrusion is significantly greater on the affected side in unilateral cases and on the more compressed side in bilateral cases. Significant inverse relationships exist between Kite's angle and percentage compression at both NC2 and NC3 and degree of medial extrusion of the navicular. No correlation was detected between Kite's angle and either heel offset or Méary's angle. Varus heel offset was present in only 33% of cases. The combination of heel varus and negative Méary's angle was present in just 26% of cases, the commonest combination being heel valgus with sagging at 56%. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm part of Maceira's hypothesized pathomechanism of MWD. Reductions in Kite's talocalcaneal angle confirm that lateral and inferior protrusion of the talar head causes increasing compression and medial extrusion of the navicular. However, such shift of the talar head does not always lead to heel varus. As such, we caution against universal advocacy of lateral displacement calcaneal osteotomy, as the heel is not always in varus in MWD.

Continuous amplitude-integrated electroencephalography for prognostication of cardiac arrest patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation with targeted temperature management.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has been increasingly used for adult cardiac arrest (CA) patients refractory to conventional CPR. However, data on early prognosticators of neurological outcome are lacking. METHODS: CA patients undergoing ECPR were prospectively monitored via amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG). Targeted temperature management (TTM) was induced using an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system. aEEG background patterns were classified into continuous normal voltage (CNV), discontinuous normal voltage (DNV), low voltage (LV), flat trace (FT), burst suppression (BS), and status epilepticus (SE). The Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale scores at hospital discharge and at 6 months after discharge were assessed, as was wakefulness after TTM. Good neurological outcome was defined as a CPC score of 1 or 2. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were studied. Six patients who showed CNV within 24 hours after arrival, including one with initial FT and two with initial LV, regained consciousness and had good neurological outcome except for one who died of haemorrhagic complication. Patients with persistent FT or BS at any time did not regain consciousness. Regarding 19 patients in whom aEEG data were obtained within 24 hours, CNV background predicted good outcome at 6 months with 100% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 83% positive predictive values, and 100% negative predictive values. All these indices were 100% concerning wakefulness after TTM. CONCLUSION: aEEG monitoring was feasible and practical in adult CA patients undergoing ECPR and TTM. Evolution of aEEG background within 24 hours provides early accurate information for neurological prognostication.

Fluoroscopic-Guided Paramedian Approach for Lumbar Catheter Placement in Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting: Assessment of Safety and Accuracy.

BACKGROUND: Spinal catheter insertion in lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is frequently associated with technical difficulties especially in patients with obesity and elderly patients with vertebral deformities. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the accuracy and safety of image-guided spinal catheter placement using a paramedian approach (PMA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 39 consecutive iNPH patients treated by LP shunting with spinal catheter insertion via the PMA. The success rate of catheter placement and the number of changes in puncture location were evaluated. Accuracy of catheter insertion was assessed by measuring both vertical and horizontal deviations in the point of catheter dural penetration from the center of the interlaminar space. RESULTS: The success rate of catheter placement was 100% (39/39). The difficulty rate for catheter insertion, measured by the number of changes in puncture location, was 2.6% (1/39). No bloody punctures or surgical infections were observed. Accuracy of catheter insertion, measured as the degree of deviation, was 0.5 ± 1.9 mm horizontally and 0.0 ± 2.4 mm vertically. The rates of minor complications, including caudal catheter insertion, transient low-pressure headache, and root pain, were 5.1% (2/39), 10.4% (4/39), and 0% (0/43), respectively. Subdural hematoma requiring surgical intervention occurred in 1 case (2.6%). During the mean follow-up period of 36 mo, spinal catheter rupture at the level of the spinous processes was not observed. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic-guided spinal catheter placement via the PMA was safe, accurate, and reliable, even for use in geriatric and obese patients.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Severe Valgus Deformity Using a Modified Technique-A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Valgus knee deformity accounts for only 10% of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), but is frequently considered the most challenging to manage. This study provides a 10-year follow-up on a previously reported series of severe valgus knees performed using an unconstrained mobile-bearing TKA with a modified technique to validate this technique. METHODS: A consecutive series of 275 predominantly cementless TKAs in 262 patients were performed for severe valgus (≥10°) deformity and prospectively followed to 10 years. Patient-reported outcome measures included the Oxford Knee Score, American Knee Society Score, Bartlett Patellar Score, and the Short Form 12 questionnaire. RESULTS: Average valgus deformity was reduced from 15.6° to 3.8° (P < .001). At a mean follow-up of 10.4 years (range, 9.5-14.1), 90 (34.4%) patients had died. Of the reviewed survivors, the mean Oxford Knee Score was 27.8 ± 9.8, with an American Knee Society clinical score of 85.6 ± 17.0 and a functional score of 65.1 ± 20.4, with 78% of patients reporting good to excellent results. To date, there has been 1 (0.36%) revision and 13 (4.73%) reoperations. Kaplan-Meier implant survival was 99.6% at 10 years. CONCLUSION: Despite its challenging nature, the valgus knee is associated with excellent survivorship and satisfactory long-term results using this modified technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Outcomes and predictors of mortality following periprosthethic proximal femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic fractures are a well-documented, serious complication of joint arthroplasty, occurring in up to 11% of hip replacements. We examined periprosthetic femoral fractures over an 8 year period to determine the demographics, fracture pattern and management options and associated outcomes. Furthermore, we sought to determine which comorbidities resulted in increased risk of 12 month mortality after periprosthetic fractures about hip replacements Methods: A retrospective review of a prospective fracture database was conducted for the years 2007-2015. The Fracture Outcomes Research Database (FORD) was interrogated for patients aged >60 years, admitted with periprosthetic hip fracture. Radiographic and Electronic Clinical Record review was performed to classify fractures, record treatments, comorbidies and 12 month mortality. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine comorbidities that significantly increased the risk of 12 month mortality. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were identified. The majority were Vancouver B1 fractures (61.9%); the operations were primarily cable plating (75.1%), with a smaller number of revision arthroplasties (21.2%) and only three proximal femoral replacement (1.6%). Four patients (2.1%) died before surgery. Only 27.3% returned to their usual residence post-discharge. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.1%, and one-year mortality was 11.6%. Patients who died tended to be older. In the multivariate analysis, ASA grade III/IV and active neoplasia were significant contributors to 12 month mortality. CONCLUSION(S): Our 12 month mortality (11.6%) is at the lower end of existing reported literature, and serves as a benchmark for UK practice. In the multivariate analysis, only ASA grade III/IV and an active neoplastic process were significantly associated with increased risk of mortality. Whilst large, multicenter trials, utilizing standardized treatment techniques are required to fully assess risk factors for 12-month mortality, it appears that those at significant risk are elderly, frail individuals with an active malignancy.

Catastrophic ceramic liner failure-The subtle signs of a non-engaged ceramic liner.

Ceramic earrings have an established and successful history in total hip replacement. Occasionally, these articulations have problems, which include squeaking and implant fracture.

Postdischarge Unscheduled Care Burden After Lower Limb Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to postdischarge arthroplasty readmission rates, the unscheduled reattendance burden to primary care is under-reported. Understanding reasons for reattendance would allow for implementation of strategies to reduce this burden. The present study aims to quantify the out-of-hours (OOH) general practitioner and emergency department (ED) service reattendance burden and readmission rate after primary total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty, with estimation of the associated costs. METHODS: This is a prospective consecutive cohort study. A prospective audit of all total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients in 2016 in a single high-volume UK arthroplasty unit was performed. Incidence and reasons for reattendance to OOH and ED service, as well as readmission rates, at both 30 and 90 days following discharge are reported. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine patient characteristics, which results in increased reattendance and readmission rates. RESULTS: A total of 2351 procedures resulted in 374 attendances of OOH service and 665 to ED with a total estimated cost of £190,000 within 90 days. The readmission rate was 6.8%. Risk factors for reattendance and readmission were increasing age and a prolonged length of stay. The use of a 5-day postdischarge phone call and a dedicated Arthroplasty Care Practitioner favors reduced reattendances but not the readmission rate, with the additional benefit of being cost-effective. CONCLUSION: The postdischarge arthroplasty reattendance burden is associated with significant costs, and strategies to reduce this should be developed. Further research is required to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multicomponent strategies to reduce reattendance operating at scale.

Acute Kidney Injury After Prophylactic Cefuroxime and Gentamicin in Patients Undergoing Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty-A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) can be associated with lower limb arthroplasty and increases morbidity, length of stay, and mortality. AKI is more prevalent in some antibiotic regimes compared with others. The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of cefuroxime (CEF), with or without gentamicin (±G), on AKI rates. METHODS: A prospective cohort study involving patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty was performed, between September 1, 2015 and November 30, 2016. Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics were administered according to local policy. AKI was graded according to the validated Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria based on the changes from baseline serum creatinine values. Propensity score matching was performed to identify risk factors. The local audit department approved the study. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 2560 met the inclusion criteria, with a female preponderance (1447/2560; 56.5%). The mean age was 67.5 ± 10.7 years, with males being significantly younger (65.9 ± 10.9 vs 68.7 ± 10.4 years). AKI developed in 32 cases (1.25%). There was no difference in AKI rates between CEF alone and CEF in combination with gentamicin (1.07% vs 1.36%; P = .524). Overall 31/32 cases were Acute Kidney Injury Network stage I. AKI did not affect the length of stay. Postoperative infection rate was 7/2560 (0.27%). There were no incidences of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Multivariate analysis demonstrated an increased AKI risk with the use of intravenous gentamicin. CONCLUSION: C ± G yields low rates of infection and AKI compared with high-dose penicillin-based regimes. It is a safe and effective choice for lower limb arthroplasty.

Synthetic versus autologous reconstruction (Syn-VAR) of the medial patellofemoral ligament: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent patellar instability incidence is 5.8/100,000 population, and recurrent dislocations are reported in the range of 15-80%. Recurrent instability is multifactorial and can be associated with disorder of limb alignment, osseous development, congruity of the patella in the trochlea and soft tissue static and dynamic constraints. The multifactorial aetiology makes management challenging, and a lack studies in a heterogeneous population with robust clinical outcomes compounds this further. The options for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction include autologous graft reconstruction with semitendinosus tendon, or synthetic polyester woven grafts. In theory, in the young active patient, the surgeon may wish to preserve the hamstring tendons to reduce postoperative morbidity to the patient, reduce delay in recovery from donor site morbidity and preserve the hamstring tendons. There have been no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to date that directly compare autologous hamstring and synthetic reconstruction methods. This trial aims to assess the functional outcomes in those undergoing MPFL reconstruction with either autologous hamstring graft reconstruction, or a commercially available synthetic polyester open woven tape. METHODS: Following a power calculation using previous studies as the pilot data, a total of 30 patients will be included in the study. Enrolment is based upon strict inclusion/exclusion criteria outlined in the "Methods". Participants will be randomized to receive either autograft or synthetic graft reconstruction. We aim to recruit 15 patients to each arm of the study. Surgery is performed by a single consultant surgeon experienced in both reconstructive options, using the default surgical technique for each. A postoperative physiotherapist-directed rehabilitation protocol will be implemented, as is routine. The primary outcome is the Kujala functional score and its change over the study period. Data on further secondary outcomes using validated outcomes scores will also be collected, specifically the Tegner and Lysholm, Banff Patellar Instability Index, and ACL Quality of Life Score. Secondary outcomes are complications and revision for any reason. The patient follow-up time is 2 years. The first patient will be recruited in January 2018. The expected trial deadline for recruitment is December 2018, with records and results being held for 5 years. DISCUSSION: This RCT study is the first to directly compare the efficacy of autograft versus synthetic allograft in MPFL reconstruction and the graft effects on patient-reported clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, 16657952 . Registered on 3 March 2017. The study protocol has been approved by the Office for Research Ethics Committees of Northern Ireland (ORECNI 17/NI/0129).