Gradual Reduction Using Overhead Traction for Late-Detected Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Report of Three Cases Diagnosed Among Children Over Four Years Old.

Optimal reduction methods for late-detected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) remain debatable. Gradual reduction (GR) using traction is a safer and more reliable option for late-detected DDH than closed reduction or open reduction with or without preliminary traction. GR using overhead traction, one of the current GR methods, has been indicated for children of walking age up to four years of age, whereas the upper age limit of this method has not yet been determined. We present three cases of late-detected DDH whose hips were treated between four and six years of age with this method. Stable reduction without subsequent redislocation was technically accomplished for all patients, albeit the duration of horizontal traction became longer than usual. Clinically significant avascular necrosis (AVN) has developed in children aged ≥5 years, indicating the need for some modifications to the conventional protocol to prevent AVN.

Case report of pharmacokinetic analysis of continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl in a patient with severe burn: burn shock stage complicates pain management.

BACKGROUND: Fentanyl is widely used as an analgesic and sedative for patients with severe burn injuries in intensive care units. However, pharmacokinetic (PK) data for fentanyl, particularly for continuous intravenous infusion during the acute phase of burn injuries, are limited. Here, we report the clinical course and changes in blood fentanyl concentrations during the acute phase in a patient with severe burns treated with continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl. CASE PRESENTATION: A woman in her 40s, with burns caused by a gas cylinder explosion, was transported to our hospital. The patient had burn wounds on face, neck, shoulders, and all four extremities, with a total burn area of 39.0%. For pain relief, the patient received a continuous infusion of 0.01 mg/mL fentanyl (20-30 µg/h) with a target blood concentration of 1.0-1.5 ng/mL, but continued to suffer from pain due to burning during the acute phase. We measured the blood fentanyl concentrations and found that all concentrations obtained during the acute phase were subtherapeutic. Notably, during the burn shock stage, blood concentrations of fentanyl were 0.50 ng/mL on day 1 and 0.66 ng/mL on day 2, indicating that the blood concentration did not rise sufficiently for the dosage. From days 0 to 2, the patient was administered a massive fluid load for burn shock. After the burn shock stage resolved, fentanyl concentrations gradually approached the target range, and the pain rating scale improved, even though the fentanyl administration rate remained unchanged (30 µg/h). CONCLUSIONS: Major changes in the fluid volumes of body compartments that occur with large burns might increase the volume of fentanyl distribution, thereby lowering its concentration when a standard dose is administered. Our findings indicate that the PK of fentanyl in patients with severe burns can be substantially affected, especially during the shock phase, implying the importance of titrating analgesics for clinical efficacy in the acute phase.

Peri-implant fractures after Intramedullary fixation for femoral trochanteric fracture: a multicenter (TRON Group) study.

BACKGROUND: With the rise in elderly populations, the incidence of femoral trochanteric fractures has also increased. Although intramedullary nail therapy is commonly used, the incidence of peri-implant fractures (PIFs) as a complication and its associated factors are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of PIFs and treatment strategies and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study across 11 hospitals from 2016 to 2020 examined 1855 patients with femoral trochanter fracture. After excluding 69 patients treated without intramedullary nailing, 1786 patients were analyzed. Parameters studied included age, sex, body mass index, medical history, and treatment methods. PIFs were categorized using the Chan classification. Treatment outcomes and patient mobility were assessed using the Parker Mobility Score, and postoperative complications and one-year survival data were compiled. RESULTS: The incidence of PIFs was 8 in 1786 cases. Chan classification showed 1 case of N1A, 6 of N2A, and 1 of N2B. Only the type N1 case was a transverse fracture, whereas all cases of type N2 were oblique fractures. Among these cases, five patients had fractures extending to the upper part of the femoral condyle. The patient with N1A and one bedridden patient with N2A fracture underwent conservative treatment, one patient with N2A in which the fracture did not extend to the condyle was treated with nail replacement, and 5 patients (N2A: 4, N2B: 1) with fractures extending to the condyle were treated with additional plate fixation. All patients had survived at one year after treatment for PIF, and no reoperations were required. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PIF was very low (0.45%). Of the 6 PIF cases, excluding the bedridden patients, the treatment of choice for PIF was an additional plate if the fracture line extended to the femoral condyle; otherwise, the nail was replaced. All patients achieved bony fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

Risk factors of periprosthetic joint infection after hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fracture in the elderly: Analysis of 1619 cases in the multicenter database.

PURPOSE: This multicenter retrospective study focuses on understanding the incidence, causative bacteria, and risk factors for Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) following hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF). METHODS: From 2016 to 2020, 1,619 patients were diagnosed with displaced FNFs and treated surgically across 11 centers. After exclusions, 1,438 patients (399 men and 1,039 women) were included in the study, averaging 82.1 years in age and 20.2 kg/m² in BMI, observed over 25.7 months on average. Data on demographics, medical history, surgical details, and complications were described. RESULTS: PJI occurred in 20 of the 1438 patients (1.4%). The causative organism was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in 6 patients and methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 6 patients. In patients' backgrounds, the average age was slightly higher in the non-PJI group (82.1 years) compared to the PJI group (80.4 years). There was a higher percentage of males in the PJI group (45%) than in the non-PJI group (27.5%). Drug history showed that the prevalence of anticoagulant use in the PJI group was 25%. Peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus were more prevalent in the PJI group. Most patients in both groups were independent in daily activities. The blood transfusion rate was significantly higher in the PJI group (50%) than in the non-PJI group (23.8%). Notably, the incidence of hematoma was higher in the PJI group (40%). CONCLUSION: This multicenter retrospective study demonstrates a low incidence (1.4%) of PJI in elderly patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty for FNF, primarily due to Staphylococcus aureus. Increased usage of antiplatelets and anticoagulants, as well as comorbidities related to atherosclerosis, like peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus, were observed in patients with PJI. Additionally, these patients experienced higher rates of blood transfusion and postoperative hematomas, highlighting the need for careful management. It should be noted, however, that this finding is a conclusion limited by study design issues, including the retrospective design, small PJI sample size, and variability in treatment approaches.

Descriptive analysis of incidence and risk factors for short intramedullary nail breakage in femoral intertrochanteric fractures: a multicenter (TRON group) retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing. Femoral intertrochanteric fractures make up 50% of hip fractures and are treated by intramedullary nails. Implant breakage is a recognized complication that can have rare and serious implications. This study aimed to investigate implant breakage rates after surgical treatment for femoral intertrochanteric fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter analysis. All 1854 patients who underwent surgical treatment for femoral intertrochanteric fractures were selected from 12 hospitals (TRON group) between 2016 and 2020. Exclusion criteria included implants other than those specified and follow-up periods less than three months. Demographic data, surgical details, and radiographic assessments were collected from medical records and X-ray evaluations. RESULTS: Among the 983 study patients, consisting of 245 males (24.9%) and 738 females (75.1%), the implant breakage rate was 0.31%, with three confirmed cases. The average age was 83.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 640.9 days. Two cases were linked to ASULOCK implants, and one to an OLSII implant. Statistical analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of ASULOCK implant breakage (p < 0.001). In the two cases of ASULOCK implant breakage and one case of OLSII implant breakage, breakage in all three implants occurred at the anti-rotation screws. CONCLUSIONS: There were no implant breakages of the main body of the implants; all breakages occurred in the additional anti-rotation screw. The necessity of the anti-rotation screw will require further discussion. These results can potentially inform clinical decisions and guide further research in preventing implant breakage.

Fracture of the patella involving inferior pole is associated with postoperative patella baja - A retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The patella fracture involving of inferior pole fractures (IPF) may be associated with patella baja, However, the clinical impact of this condition remains unclear. This study aims to clarify 1) the incidence of patella baja following patellar fracture surgery, 2) the associated clinical outcomes with and without the presence of patella baja, and 3) the potential correlation between the detection of IPF on CT and the occurrence of patella baja. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study involving 251 patients who underwent surgical treatment for patellar fractures. Patients were divided into the patella baja (PB; n = 49) group and patella norma (PN; n = 202) group. Data collected included demographics, radiographic findings, surgical details, and postoperative complications. We compared these items between PB group and PN group. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for patella baja. RESULTS: Immediately following surgery, 36 (14.3%) patients presented with patella baja which increased to 49 cases (19.5%) at six months postoperatively. There is no statistically significant difference in the demographics, surgical details, clinical outcomes and complication between PB group and PN group. While, in the radiographical assessment, the prevalence of IPF on CT scan in the patella baja group was significantly higher than that in the patella norma group. By logistic regression analysis, IPFP on CT was identified as an independent risk factor for patella baja. (odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-4.33, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: In patients with patellar fractures, the incidence of patella baja increased from 14.3% immediately post-surgery to 19.5% at the six-month check-up. No significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes between the patella baja group and the norma group. The patella fracture involving IPF on CT emerged as a predictive factor for patella baja.

Long-term oral meclozine administration improves survival rate and spinal canal stenosis during postnatal growth in a mouse model of achondroplasia in both sexes.

Achondroplasia (ACH) is a skeletal dysplasia characterized by short-limbed short stature caused by the gain-of-function mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. Activated FGFR3, which is a negative regulator of bone elongation, impairs the growth of long bones and the spinal arch by inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Most patients with ACH have spinal canal stenosis in addition to short stature. Meclozine has been found to inhibit FGFR3 via drug repurposing. A 10-d treatment with meclozine promoted long-bone growth in a mouse model of ACH (Fgfr3ach mice). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term meclozine administration on promoting bone growth and the spinal canal in Fgfr3ach mice. Meclozine (2 mg/kg/d) was orally administered to Fgfr3ach mice for 5 d per wk from the age of 7 d to 56 d. Meclozine (2 mg/kg/d) significantly reduced the rate of death or paralysis and improved the length of the body, cranium, and long bones in male and female Fgfr3ach mice. Micro-computed tomography analysis revealed that meclozine ameliorated kyphotic deformities and trabecular parameters, including BMD, bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number at distal femur of Fgfr3ach mice in both sexes. Histological analyses revealed that the hypertrophic zone in the growth plate was restored in Fgfr3ach mice following meclozine treatment, suggesting upregulation of endochondral ossification. Skeletal preparations demonstrated that meclozine restored the spinal canal diameter in Fgfr3ach mice in addition to improving the length of each bone. The 2 mg/kg/d dose of meclozine reduced the rate of spinal paralysis caused by spinal canal stenosis, maintained the growth plate structure, and recovered the bone quality and growth of axial and appendicular skeletons of Fgfr3ach mice in both sexes. Long-term meclozine administration has the potential to ameliorate spinal paralysis and bone growth in patients with ACH.

Quality of life in adult patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip who were treated for hip dislocation during childhood.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can lead to premature loss of hip function if not properly treated; however, few studies have focused on the long-term outcomes of DDH. We conducted a survey of health-related quality of life in adult patients with DDH who were treated for hip dislocation during childhood. We sent a questionnaire to 287 adult patients with DDH who were treated for hip dislocation during childhood in our institutions. We examined patient demographics, disease-specific medical history, and health-related quality of life using the short form-36. Physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) and role/social component summary (RCS) were compared between the patients and Japanese standard values. Sixty-eight patients were evaluated after exclusion. The overall mean PCS, MCS and RCS scores of the patients were comparable to the standard values. The PCS was maintained until the age of 50, but it was significantly decreased in 10 patients over 50 years old. In addition, PCS was significantly lower in patients who underwent open reduction than in those who were conservatively reduced. The MCS and RCS of the patients did not differ from the standard values in each age and treatment group. Additionally, the PCS, MCS and RCS did not differ according to bilaterality, age at diagnosis, or requirement for additional surgeries. Physical quality of life was maintained until the age of 50 but rapidly declined thereafter in patients with DDH, especially in those who required open reduction during childhood.

Comparing short vs. intermediate and long nails in elderly patients with unstable multifragmental femoral trochanteric fractures (AO type A2): Multicenter (TRON group) retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Unstable femoral trochanteric fractures (FTFs), especially Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/ the Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 31-A2 fractures, which are multifragment fractures, occur in elderly individuals with osteoporosis and are associated with high mortality and complication rates due to prolonged immobilization. Longer nails (LNs) were developed to obtain superior fracture site stabilization in unstable FTFs. We hypothesized that the postoperative outcomes of elderly patients with unstable FTFs treated with LNs would be superior to those of patients treated with short nails (SNs), with fewer complications. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of SNs versus LNs in elderly patients with unstable FTFs. From the Trauma Research Group of our university (TRON) database, 1854 trochanteric fractures treated between January 2016 and December 2020 were extracted. A total of 174 patients>65 years of age with AO/OTA 31-A2 fractures were included in the present study. They were divided into the SN group and the LN group and matched for age and sex. Parameters such as operative time, blood loss, survival rate, Parker Mobility Score (PMS), and numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, complications, and radiographic findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups included 67 patients with an average age of 87.32 years. The LN group had a longer operative time (76.52 min vs. 51.61 min, P < 0.001) and more blood loss (106.79 mL vs. 49.98 mL, P = 0.014) in comparison to the SN group. However, the 1-year survival rate, PMS, and NRS for pain did not differ to a statistically significant extent between the groups. The rates of complications, including screw cutout, nonunion, implant breakage, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and surgical site infections, were comparable. The radiographic findings, including the nail/canal ratio, progression of varus, and sliding distance, were also similar. CONCLUSION: Although LNs are associated with longer operative times and increased blood loss, the overall outcomes and complication rates are comparable to those of SNs in elderly patients with AO/OTA 31-A2 type unstable FTFs. The use of LNs did not confer any distinct advantages for this specific type of fracture.

Early versus delayed weight bearing after internal fixation for femoral neck fracture in younger adults: A multicenter retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral neck fracture (FNF) is among the most common and devastating injuries that orthopedic surgeons encounter. However, the incidence of FNF is lower in younger adults than in elderly individuals. In elderly FNF patients, early weight bearing (EWB) is preferred to prevent loss of function and decreased activity. In younger adults, some surgeons decide on delayed-weight bearing (DWB) after surgery because EWB may cause femoral neck shortening. We aimed to compare the postoperative results (clinical outcome, radiological evaluation, and complications) of EWB and DWB after FNF surgery in younger adults. METHODS: The study included 151 younger adults (age: ≤65 years at injury; nondisplaced, n = 100; displaced, n = 51) who underwent internal fixation at 11 university-affiliated hospitals in 2016-2020, and who were followed for ≥1 year. Patients were divided into the EWB (EWB in early postoperative period) and DWB (beginning weight bearing at 4 weeks after surgery) groups. The two groups were matched for age, and nondisplaced (EWB and DWB, both n = 24) and displaced (EWB and DWB, both n = 11) FNF were analyzed. The study items were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), presence of diabetes, days waiting for surgery, fracture type, Parker mobility score (PMS) at last follow-up examination, pain (Numerical Rating Scale: NRS), radiological evaluation (femoral neck shortening, Canulated Cancellous screws (CCS) backout, and complications (nonunion, femoral head osteonecrosis). RESULTS: The patient backgrounds of the nondisplaced and displaced types did not differ. The PMS was significantly higher in the DWB group at the last follow-up examination (nondisplaced: 8.00±2.20 vs. 6.67±2.22, p = 0.005, displaced: 8.67±0.89 vs. 6.91±2.77, p<0.001). NRS and the amount of femoral neck shortening were significantly lower in the DWB group (nondisplaced: 1.65±0.70 mm vs. 3.94±3.03 mm, p<0.001, displaced: 4.26± 2.64 mm vs. 8.91±5.69 mm, p<0.001). CCS backout did not differ between the groups. One case of each of nonunion and femoral head osteonecrosis were observed in the displaced EWB and DWB groups; these differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: DWB after internal fixation for FNF in younger adults was associated with better outcomes than EWB.