Results of a monocentric field study: value of histology compared to sonication method and conventional tissue culture in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

BACKGROUND: To confirm the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) have defined criteria that include histology as a minor criterion and the sonication method only as an additional criterion. The aim of this monocentric, retrospective study was to investigate the value of histology and whether sonication leads to a more accurate diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All revision surgeries for knee and hip arthroplasty between 2017 and 2020 were included. With regard to microbiological diagnostic, conventional culture of periprosthetic biopsies and sonication of explant material were performed. In addition, histology and non-specific inflammatory markers (CRP, leukocytes) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients with PJI and 62 aseptic controls were included. From both microbiological methods (conventional culture / sonication), Staphyloccus (S.) epidermidis and S. aureus were detected most frequently. However, compared to the conventional microbiology, a higher sensitivity was calculated for sonication, albeit with a lower specificity in relation to a PJI. In two logistic regression models for the significance of all diagnostic parameters in PJI, the AUC was 0.92 and 0.96 with histology in particular making the decisive contribution in both models (p < 0. 001, both models). CONCLUSION: Since histology showed the highest accuracy in the current study, its importance in the PJI criteria should be reevaluated. Sonication shows a high sensitivity for germ detection with a lower specificity and should only be used in combination with the conventional culture for microbiolgical diagnostics.

Surgery Within 24 Hours Reduces Mortality and General Complication Rates in Patients Who Have Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures at the Hip.

BACKGROUND: In patients who have hip fractures, treatment within 24 hours reduces mortality and complication rates. A similar relationship can be assumed for patients who have hip periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFs) owing to the similar baseline characteristics of the patient populations. This monocentric retrospective study aimed to compare the complication and mortality rates in patients who had hip PPF treated within and after 24 hours. METHODS: In total, 350 consecutive patients who had hip PPF in a maximum-care arthroplasty and trauma center between 2006 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The cases were divided into 2 groups using a time to surgery (TTS) of 24 hours as the cutoff value. The primary outcome variables were operative and general complications as well as mortalities within 1 year. RESULTS: Overall, the mean TTS was 1.4 days, and the 1-year mortality was 14.6%. The TTS ≤ 24 hours (n = 166) and TTS > 24 hours (n = 184) groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics and comorbidities. Surgical complications were equally frequent in the 2 groups (16.3 versus 15.2%, P = .883). General complications occurred significantly more often in the late patient care group (11.4 versus 28.3%, P < .001). In addition, the 30-day mortality (0.6 versus 5.5%, P = .012), and 1-year mortality (8.3 versus 20.5%, P = .003) rates significantly increased in patients who had TTS > 24 hours. Cox regression analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 4.385 (P < .001) for the TTS > 24 hours group. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt treatment is required for patients who have hip PPF to reduce mortality and overall complications.

Locking plate for periprosthetic femoral fractures according to Vancouver C: Outcome and radiological subanalysis of 40 patients.

PURPOSE: Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) according to type Vancouver C are less common and outcome is limited reported. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective single center study. METHODS: We performed analysis of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plates for PPF occurring distally of a primary standard hip stem. Data on demographics, revisions, fracture patterns, and mortality were evaluated. At least two years after operation, we examined outcome using the Parker and Palmer mobility score. Primary aim of this study was revision, outcome and mortality. Secondary aim was evaluation of fracture subtypes within type Vancouver C fractures. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2020, 383 patients with periprosthetic femoral fracture after hip replacement were surgically treated according to our database. Among them, 40 patients (10.4%) with type Vancouver C fractures were enrolled for this study. The mean patient age was 81.5 years (59-94) at the time of fracture. Thirty-three patients were women, and 22 fractures were on the left side. Without exception, locking plates were used. The 1-year mortality rate for the sample was 27.5% (n = 11). Three revisions (7.5%) were performed for plate breakage. Rate of infection and non-union was zero. Three different fracture patterns were assessed: (1) transverse or oblique fractures below the tip of the stem (n = 9); (2) spiral-shaped fractures within the diaphysis (n = 19); and (3) burst fractures at the supracondylar region (n = 12). Demographic or outcome effects between fracture patterns were not found. On average of 4.2 years (2.0-10.4) after treatment, the mean reported Parker score was 5.5 (1-9). CONCLUSION: ORIF with a single lateral locking plate is safe for type Vancouver C fractures with a well-fixed hip stem. Therefore, we do not recommend routinely revision arthroplasty or orthogonal double plating. Three subtypes of fractures within Vancouver C demonstrated no significant differences in baseline data and outcome.

Factors associated with infection recurrence after two-stage exchange for periprosthetic hip infection.

PURPOSE: Two-stage exchange is the treatment of choice for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Factors and outcomes associated with infection recurrence for hip PJI are limited. The primary aim of this study was to determine factors associated with infection recurrence after two-stage exchange. Secondary aims were survival, mobility, and the EuroQol five-dimension scale (EQ-5D-5L) health state. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated patients with two-stage exchange for hip PJI at our institution from 2006 to 2017. Follow-up was conducted for a minimum of four years after the reimplantation. RESULTS: We included 135 patients with 139 hip PJIs. The mean age of the patients was 69.6 years (range 32-88). The infection recurrence rate was 14.4% (n = 20) after a mean follow-up of 8.0 years (range 4.0-13.1). Four factors for recurrence were identified at the time of the first stage: previous orthopaedic diagnoses (p < 0.001), type of explanted prosthesis (p = 0.004), cultured microorganisms (p = 0.033), and sinus tract (p = 0.035). A longer surgical reimplantation time (p = 0.015) was the only one factor found at the second stage. The estimated Kaplan-Meier survival for the total sample was 9.0 years (95% confidence interval 8.3-9.8), without significant difference for those with infection recurrence compared to recurrence-free patients (log-rank 0.931). At the time of follow-up, 89 patients were alive. For these patients, Parker mobility score (p = 0.102), EuroQol five-dimensional scale (p = 0.099), and EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) (p = 0.027) were inferior in those with infection recurrence, but significance was found only for VAS. CONCLUSION: In this study with mid- to long-term follow-up, five factors for infection recurrence were identified. Recurrence did not affect survival, but health-related quality of life was inferior compared to recurrence-free patients. The results suggest that the period of the first stage including previous orthopaedic diagnoses requires more consideration in the future.

[Endoprosthetic treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures with concomitant coxarthrosis : A consecutive observational study with a control group]. / Endoprothetische Versorgung pertrochantärer Femurfrakturen bei konkomitierender Koxarthrose : Eine konsekutive Beobachtungsstudie mit Vergleichsgruppe.

INTRODUCTION: Hip replacement for pertrochanteric femoral fractures (PF) is challenging due to its complexity. Studies regarding this procedures are limited, therefore this monocentric study was conducted. The null hypothesis was no effect between replacement and internal fixation according to revision and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using an electronic database, patients who had received a hip replacement between 2007 and 2016 for a PF with a concomitant coxarthrosis were included in the study. The comparison group consisted of 1000 osteosyntheses for the treatment of PF. With the exception of coxarthrosis, the same inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. Surgical revision and mortality with endpoint 2 years after the operation were the primary outcomes. At least 2 years postoperatively, a telephone follow-up was done with living patients who underwent replacement. RESULTS: Records of 90 hip replacements and 15 baseline characteristics were reviewed (e.g., age, sex, body mass index, preoperative blood values, ASA classification, dementia, fracture classification). Replacement was significantly associated with a delay to operation (p < 0.001), a longer duration of operation (p < 0.001), an increased blood loss (p < 0.001), more blood transfusions (p < 0.001), and a longer inpatient stay (p = 0.026). According to the primary outcome, the mortality rate (p = 0.002) and the rate of infection in a subgroup analysis (p = 0.031) were also significantly increased. Using Cox regression, replacement was associated with a significantly higher probability of a shorter survival rate (odds ratio: 1.438, confidence interval: 1.054-1.962). Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. At the follow-up 6.1 years postoperatively (3.2-8.6 years), only 17 patients with replacement (20%) were still alive. The mean Parker mobility score was 5.0 points (range 3-9 points). CONCLUSION: In this study, a significantly higher rate of infection and mortality was observed in patients with hip replacement for a PF and with a concomitant coxarthrosis; compared to osteosynthesis of PF without coxarthrosis. Further studies are mandatory to provide the appropriate treatment for patients with this fracture pattern.

Internal fixation and revision arthroplasty for interprosthetic femoral fractures: a case series of fifty patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess patients treated for interprosthetic femoral fractures (IFFs). METHOD: Based on our database, we performed a retrospective single-center analysis of patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of IFFs. We evaluated patient demographics, fracture patterns, type of surgery, revision, and mortality for a minimum of one year after treatment. Outcomes were assessed via telephone using the Parker score. RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients were enrolled. An analysis of fracture patterns revealed three different types: proximal (n = 19), intermediate (n = 13), and distal (n = 18). Treatment included internal fixation for stable components and revision arthroplasty for loose implants; and a lateral locking plate was the most commonly applied device. The mean follow-up time of the total sample was 5.7 years after the operation. The total revision rate was 22%, and the highest revision rate was documented for revision arthroplasty. The one year mortality rate for the sample was 14%, and fracture patterns and treatment revealed no effects on mortality. Living patients (n = 23) were followed up for an average of 4.9 years after treatment. Only six patients reported the best Parker score (mean, 5.0; range 0-9). CONCLUSION: IFFs can be divided into three groups irrespective of the type of stem or bone quality, but fixation (stable or loose) must also be considered to determine the treatment. Fracture patterns and treatment revealed no effects on mortality. There are many treatment options but no single solution for IFFs.

[The PHILOS plate-also an indication for osteosynthesis of the distal tibia?] / Die PHILOS-Platte ­ auch an der distalen Tibia eine Indikation zur Osteosynthese?

According to the manufacturer's instructions the application of a PHILOS plate is restricted to humeral fractures. An extension to other anatomical regions of the body is not provided; however, based on the anatomical design of the plate it was observed that the application of this plate also appears to be possible for the distal tibia. This article reports three different osteosyntheses by a reverse PHILOS plate on the medial malleolus and on the distal tibia posteriorly with a short and a long PHILOS plate design. In summary, the applications have so far resulted in primary wound healing with correct consolidation of the fractures.

Parkinson's disease and hip fractures: Are complications and mortality rates increased?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in comparison with patients without PD for the treatment of hip fractures. Therefore, we performed a mono-centre study including 145 patients with PD and 2135 consecutive patients without PD as a concurrent group (C). METHODS: For analysis, we used our database, in which any type of hip fracture was enrolled. The study period ranged from 2007 to 2017, and the patient age was ≥ 60 years. Overall, 10 variables were included. The primary measures were operations for any reason, infection, dislocation, failure, and mortality. The secondary outcome was any de novo fracture based on a new fall. The follow-up period for every living patient was 2 years after the operation. Any missing data were retrospectively evaluated via telephone. The hypothesis was no effect between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed regarding revision (p = 0.348), infection (p = 0.207), dislocation (p = 0.785), failure of internal fixation (p = 0.368), failure of replacement (p = 0.174), and de novo fractures (p = 0.287). However, patients with PD sustained a contralateral hip fracture significantly more often (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated no effects up to 2 years after the operation (log rank 0.259). CONCLUSION: Compared to a concurrent group, patients with PD demonstrated no more complications and similar mortality rates within 2 years after surgery. The rate of dislocation after hip replacement was also not increased. A contralateral hip fracture was the most common de novo fracture in PD. Further studies should investigate measures reducing the risk for any new falls in PD.

[Analysis of 2000 surgically treated proximal femoral fractures : Multiple variables influence mortality]. / Analyse von 2000 operativ versorgten proximalen Femurfrakturen : Multiple Variablen beeinflussen die Mortalität.

BACKGROUND: Due to demographic change, more proximal femoral fractures can be expected in the future. However, accurate growth rates as well as follow-up research extending more than 1 year postsurgery are still lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, we defined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the retrospective cohort study. Based on these, we collected all surgical interventions conducted between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2015. For a total of 2000 consecutive procedures, we retrieved and analysed a total of 12 variables influencing mortality. Data were retrieved from the prospectively established database; all patients still alive were contacted by phone, and missing data were collected. The endpoint of the study was consistently set for all patients at 2 years postsurgery. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 100%. Growth rate increased by 74.1% over a period of 10 years. Mean age of the total population was 79.4 years, and women were predominantly affected (71.7%). Surgical treatment was based on osteosynthesis procedures (57%) using DHS, PFN, or screws, as well as on arthroplasty (43%) performing total hip arthroplasty or implanting large-head prostheses. The revision rate was 14.5%, and mortality 2 years postsurgery was 32.4%. Through a multivariate analysis (Cox regression), the following seven influence factors showed statistically significant impact on mortality: age >82 years, male gender, CRP >10 mg/dl, haemoglobin <12 g/dl, ASA 3 or 4, dementia, and postoperative infection-but not timing of surgery. CONCLUSION: The growth rate of proximal femoral fractures progressed more rapidly than expected. Through a multivariate analysis, a total of six intrinsic variables were verified, which influenced the mortality. The prevention of infection-as the only additional extrinsic factor in this study-represents a more important role than early surgical treatment.

Long-term results of surgically treated calcaneal fractures: an analysis with a minimum follow-up period of twenty years.

PURPOSE: Long-term results after treatment of calcaneal fractures are rare. For this reason, we conducted a retrospective follow-up after a minimum of 20 years post surgery. METHODS: Between 1990 and 1994, a total of 66 patients received surgical treatment for displaced calcaneal fractures. At that time, osteosynthesis was performed using small, one-third tubular plates. After collecting empirical data, we conducted a follow-up at least 20 years post surgery using X-ray imaging and clinical questionnaires (AOFAS and SF-36 questionnaire). RESULTS: It was possible to recruit a total of 22/66 patients (33 %) after a mean of 22 years (range, 20-24) post surgery. With regard to the AOFAS scores (mean value, 74 points), 12 showed very good or good results, four showed average and six poor results. Patients with orthopaedic shoes also had low AOFAS scores. The Boehler's angle had been increased from +2° prior to surgery to +21° post-operatively. At the time of follow-up, the mean value was +17°. The angle correlated with the AOFAS score. Also, the SF-36 physical score was clearly reduced when compared to a general population, and correlated significantly with the AOFAS score. CONCLUSION: There is still no evidence that open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal fractures results in better outcomes than conservative therapy. This has been confirmed by our long-term results that provided disillusioning results: in a small population, only 55 % of the patients showed very good or good clinical overall results. Furthermore, SF-36 showed impaired physical subscores, which correlated significantly with the AOFAS.

Mid-Term Results of 121 Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures: Increased Failure and Mortality Within but not After One Postoperative Year.

Periprosthetic femoral fractures are associated with high failure rates and mortality, particularly within one postoperative year. However, mid-term results related to this issue are lacking. Thus, we performed a retrospective follow-up evaluation. Between 2007 and 2012, we treated a total of 121 consecutive patients for periprosthetic femoral fractures. After a mean of 57.2 postoperative months, we documented a total surgical revision rate of 16.5% within the first year, and the one-year mortality rate was 13.2%. Between one year and up to 7.3 postoperative years, only one surgical revision was necessary, and the mortality rate also decreased. No significant factors related to surgical revisions were detected. However, the initial hip fracture, older age, higher ASA score and dementia were associated with a higher mortality rate.

The impact of hypoxia on mesenchymal progenitor cells of human skeletal tissue in the pathogenesis of heterotopic ossification.

PURPOSE: Mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) are capable of differentiating into osteo/chondrogenic cells to contribute substantially to heterotopic ossification (HO). This study aimed to examine the impact of hypoxia on MPCs in the aetiology of HO. METHODS: MPCs from human normal and HO skeletal tissue were cultivated under normoxia and hypoxia. Gene expression of factors which have a key role in HO aetiology (BMPs, COX-1 and COX-2, etc.) were examined by real-time PCR. Tissue of both groups was analysed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Under hypoxia, COX-1, -2 and SOX-9 gene expression was elevated in HO MPCs, whereas in normal muscle tissue only COX-2 was upregulated. MPCs from HO had a significantly elevated gene expression of BMP-4 and decreased expression of BMP-1 and HIF-1 under hypoxia compared to normal MPCs. Immunohistochemistry detected no significant differences between normal and HO tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia causes an enhanced gene expression of factors, which have a key role in HO pathophysiology. A better understanding of this entity will possibly allow reducing HO rates in orthopaedic and trauma surgery.

Clinical and radiological results of patients treated with orthogonal double plating for periprosthetic femoral fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of surgically-treated periprosthetic femoral fractures with an orthogonal double plate system. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of ten patients (mean age 79.5 years) surgically treated for periprosthetic femoral fractures using orthogonal double plating (lateral and additional anterior plate position) from 2010 to 2013. The patients' demographic characteristics, complications and initial follow-up data were retrieved from our institutional database. After a minimum of six months post-surgery, we performed a radiological and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: The surgical indications for orthogonal plating were heterogenic; five patients were treated for periprosthetic fractures around their total hip prosthesis. One was treated for a fracture around a total knee prosthesis and one for an interprosthetic fracture. Additionally, three patients were treated for postoperative implant failure after the stabilisation of periprosthetic fractures around a total hip prosthesis (one) or total knee prosthesis (two). Osteosynthesis was performed using locking compression plates exclusively (length between eight and 20 holes). After a mean follow-up of 22.6 months (range, six to 42 months), two patients died, but their deaths were due to old age morbidity and were unrelated to the surgery. Surgical revision for implant failure was necessary for only one female patient due to a breakage of the lateral plate. In addition, no other failures, such as infection or non-union, were observed. At the time of follow-up, seven out of ten patients were mobile and subjectively satisfied in regards to their outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a small number of cases, we were able to show for the first time that the use of orthogonal double plating is not associated with an increased rate of complications in patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures and stable components. Moreover, orthogonal double plating can be used successfully as a salvage procedure. At the time of follow up, seven out of ten patients were mobile. More cases must be investigated to validate our findings.

[Postoperative outcome of 30 patients with navicular bone fractures-In connection with AOFAS-Score, SF-12 and fracture classifications]. / Das postoperative Outcome von 30 Patienten mit Os-naviculare-Fraktur ­ im Zusammenhang mit AOFAS-Score, SF-12 und Frakturklassifikationen.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the navicular bone are rare and the number of those treated surgically is even smaller. Moreover, scientific analyses on this topic are only sporadically present in the literature, therefore this retrospective and monocentric study was initiated. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with 30 fractures were included. With the exception of one primary fusion, all patients underwent open reduction with internal osteosynthesis. Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at least 2 years postoperatively using AOFAS-Score, SF-12 and a radiological examination. The primary objectives were the clinical and radiologic outcomes as mid-term to long-term outcomes. The secondary objective was to compare these results with two existing computed tomography (CT) fracture classifications in terms of their association with the outcome. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 7.8 years (range 2-16.2 years) postoperatively. One patient suffered an infection, four patients required secondary arthrodesis and eight patients had to change their occupation. The mean AOFAS-Score was 80.8/100 and the mean physical and mental SF-12 component summary scores were 47.1 and 55.7 points, respectively. Male sex and arthrodesis were associated with worse outcomes in both scores but not patient age or ipsilateral concomitant injuries. Both CT fracture classifications showed low predictive value. CONCLUSION: The severity of the injury in the preoperative CT showed no connection with the clinical outcome in the AOFAS-Score and SF-12 scores. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis and secondary arthrodesis are associated with a poor outcome. In the course of the observational period the reduction results improved, which was accompanied by a better clinical outcome.

Are Process Changes Measurable? An Analysis of 4136 Proximal Femur Fractures over 16 Year. / Sind Prozessänderungen messbar? Eine Analyse über 16 Jahre mit 4163 proximalen Femurfrakturen.

Prozessänderungen im perioperativen Setting werden selten analysiert, weil ihre Ergebnisse nicht unmittelbar fassbar sind und es einer hohen Fallzahl bedarf. Primäres Ziel war es, Prozessänderungen retrospektiv anhand proximaler Femurfrakturen (PF) zu evaluieren und deren Effekt mit verschiedenen Zielkriterien zu überprüfen. Sekundäres Ziel war die Definition möglicher Qualitätskriterien für die Versorgung von PF.Retrospektive Analyse der Datenbank eines Level-1-Traumazentrums zu PF. Eingeschlossen wurden alle osteosynthetisch und endoprothetisch versorgten PF im Behandlungszeitraum vom 01.01.2006 bis 31.12.2021. Der Zeitraum von 16 Jahren wurde für die Statistik trichotom aufgeteilt und die ersten 6 Jahre als Ausgangsbasis verwendet. Insgesamt 10 Prozessänderungen wurden in den folgenden 10 Jahren vorgenommen. Die Auswirkungen dieser Änderungen wurden anhand 1. der operativen Revisionsrate, 2. der Infektionsrate, 3. der perioperativen Transfusionsrate sowie 4. der 1-Jahres-Letalität überprüft.Insgesamt 4163 PF wurden analysiert. Hinsichtlich der Zielkriterien zeigten die Änderungen der ersten 5 Jahre (2012-2016; intramedulläres Verfahren für Osteosynthesen sowie Einwegabdeckung und Einwegkittel) den stärksten Effekt mit einer erstmaligen Senkung der operativen Revisionsrate unter 10% auf Dauer. Weitere Prozessoptimierungen der letzten 5 Jahre (2017-2021) erbrachten ebenfalls messbare Verbesserungen (Senkung der Infektions- und Transfusionsrate). Die 1-Jahres-Letalität blieb unverändert, auch während der COVID-19-Pandemie.Prozessänderungen bei PF führen nicht unmittelbar zu objektiv messbaren Verbesserungen. Rückblickend erscheint der Paradigmenwechsel von extra- auf intramedulläre Osteosynthese den höchsten Effekt erzielt zu haben, wenngleich über die letzten 10 Jahre eine schrittweise Besserung aller Zielkriterien eintrat - mit Ausnahme der Letalität. Als objektive Qualitätskontrolle sollte eine 1-Jahres-Revisionsrate unter 10% angestrebt sein.

Therapy aspects of peri-implant femoral fractures-a retrospective analysis of 64 patients.

PURPOSE: The incidence of peri-implant femoral fractures (PIFF) is increasing. Information regarding outcomes, timing of surgery, risk factors, and a clinically applicable treatment algorithm are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify outcome-related risk factors and to derive a treatment algorithm. METHODS: Sixty-four PIFFs treated between 01.01.2006 and 31.12.2020 in a level I trauma centre were evaluated retrospectively for fracture pattern, surgical technique, risk factors, complications, and 1-year mortality. The study was approved by the ethics committee (No. 21-2714-104). RESULTS: One-year mortality was 24.1%. Surgical complications occurred in 4.7%, and general complications in 15.6% of the patients. General complications, low haemoglobin level at admission, elevated CHA2DS2-VASc, and Charlson score resulted in increased 1-year mortality. Time to surgery > 24 h did not increase complication or mortality rates. The three predominant fracture patterns were fractures close or distal to cephalomedullary nails, close or proximal to distal lateral plates, and close or distal to sliding hip screws. Recommendations for surgical treatment were derived: Osteosynthesis should enable as much weight-bearing as possible; the initial implant should only be removed, if this is essential for the new osteosynthesis; lateral locking plates should span the whole femur; antegrade nails should have a cephalomedullary component to avoid consecutive femoral neck fractures; implants should overlap to reduce the risk of consecutive inter-implant fractures. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for 1-year mortality in patients with PIFFs were identified. A treatment algorithm and general principles for surgery of PIFFs were developed.

The anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (ASIF) for unstable pelvic ring fractures: clinical and radiological mid-term results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of unstable type C pelvic fractures treated with posterior stabilisation and the anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (ASIF). METHODS: Altogether, 36 consecutive patients were treated for unstable type C pelvic ring fractures using posterior stabilisation and ASIF. After a minimum of 18 months, the clinical and radiological outcome was retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: Overall, three patients (8.3%) died, and 31 patients (86%) were available for follow-up after a mean of 4.5 years. Thirty of 31 patients (97%) showed radiographic bone consolidation of both the posterior and anterior pelvic ring. Only one non-union and two infections due to the anterior device were observed. The total German pelvic outcome score showed an excellent or good rating for 64.5% of the patients, and a fair or poor for 35.5%. The SF-12 questionnaire showed a significantly reduced total score for physical and mental health compared to a general reference population. CONCLUSIONS: The ASIF represents an innovative surgical procedure for the treatment of type C pelvic ring fractures. In the medium term, patient satisfaction was high and the complication rate was low, despite the small number of patients. More cases must be investigated before the procedure can be recommended in general, possibly replacing the external fixator for the treatment of pelvic ring fractures in the future.

Surgical treatment of proximal femoral fractures in centenarians: prevalence and outcomes based on a German multicenter study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the survival rate after proximal femoral fracture insult and identify the subgroup of centenarians with a high risk. METHODS: Records of patients (≥ 65 years) who underwent surgery for PFF between 2006 and 2020 were retrieved from the electronic databases of three hospitals. Overall, 22 demographic, perioperative, and postoperative variables were analyzed for all patients > 99 years of age. The effect of anemia, time to surgery, surgical procedure, place of residence, and dementia on complications and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 85 patients (women n = 71; men n = 14; median age, 100 years; range 100-106 years). Over the study period, the prevalence of centenarians with PFF increased (0.94%). The overall complication rate was 28% (in-hospital death, n = 16; infection, n = 1; hematoma, n = 1; implant failure, n = 1; cardiac decompensation, n = 3; pneumonia with delirium, n = 1; urinary tract infection, n = 1). The 30-day, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year mortality rates for the study group were 27.1%, 42.4%, 55.3%, and 61.2%, respectively. Median survival was 150 days (range 1-1942 days). Patients with dementia (n = 47) had a shorter survival time than patients without dementia (n = 38) (hazard ratio 1.75; 95% confidence interval 1.04, 2.95). Preoperative anemia, time to surgery, or necessary surgical procedure had no impact on survival. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of centenarians undergoing surgery for PFF is increasing. In-hospital mortality is high, and dementia is a risk factor impacting survival. The rates of surgical revision and general complications are low, and the chosen predictors had no significant impact on these outcomes. The survival rate after discharge from hospital seems to be comparable to the estimated survival rate of uninjured centenarians.

[Survival of proximal femoral fractures vs. mean life expectancy of the general population : Retrospective analysis of 1000 geriatric patients minimum 10 years after operation]. / Überlebenszeit proximaler Femurfrakturen vs. mittlere Lebenserwartung der Allgemeinbevölkerung : Retrospektive Analyse 1000 geriatrischer Patienten mindestens 10 Jahre postoperativ.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for geriatric proximal femoral fractures (PF) is associated with high mortality rates within the first year. Studies with follow-up of at least 10 years after surgery are lacking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on our database, we reviewed patients with PF who underwent surgery and were followed for a minimum of 10 years. Only patients aged 65-99 years were included. The primary endpoint was survival compared to the mean life expectancy of the general population evaluated by the German Federal Statistical Office. The secondary endpoint was any revision later than 1 year after surgery. After a minimum of 10 years telephone calls were conducted with living patients or their relatives. RESULTS: From a total of 1203 consecutive patients 1000 patients with 1000 PF were evaluated after a mean of 12.2 years (range 10.0-14.0 years). The mean survival was 4.5 ± 1.6 years, and the 10-year survival rate was 13.1%. A total of 7 periods with a range of 5 years were analyzed, starting from 65-69 years up to 95-99 years. Compared to the mean life expectancy of the general population, the survival rate of the sample was significantly shorter up to 9 years. Both genders were equally affected. With increasing age, this gap declined based on shorter life expectancy. A subgroup analysis revealed that patients with survival > 1 year did not demonstrate significantly better results. Revisions later than 1 year after the index surgery were infrequent, and only 27 (2.7%) were recorded. CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients with PF have significantly shorter life expectancy than the general population evaluated by the German Federal Statistical Office. This reflects fragility and morbidity of patients with PF.

[Treatment aspects of interprosthetic femur fractures-retrospective analysis of 70 patients]. / Therapieaspekte interprothetischer Femurfrakturen ­ retrospektive Analyse von 70 Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Interprosthetic femur fractures (IFF) are rare injuries, whose surgical treatment is basically with osteosynthesis or revision arthroplasty. Various therapy algorithms have been proposed based on very small study collectives. Factors influencing the outcome are not known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the retrospective monocentric study is to derive a treatment algorithm based on a large number of cases and to identify factors influencing the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2020, 70 IFF were identified. The surgical treatment comprised 38 osteosyntheses, 30 revision arthroplasties and 2 amputations. With classification and time to surgery, 69 perioperative variables were recorded. General and operative complications, as well as mortality, were determined in the follow-up period of 1 year. RESULTS: ASA and Charlson score correlated with 1­year-mortality. In addition, preoperatively increased CRP levels, reduced hemoglobin and the CHA2DS2-VASc score were identified as factors influencing mortality. Surgery within 24 h showed a trend towards fewer general complications. Transferred patients indicated an increased mortality. Based on classification according to Pires et al. or Füchtmeier et al. no clear treatment decision could be made. Relevant criteria for the surgical treatment were fracture localization, implant stability, bone vitality, anchoring possibility of the revision stem, as well as general condition of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The identified factors influencing the outcome correspond to those of patients with hip fractures. IFF should be treated timely. A treatment path was developed on the basis of the largest patient group to date.