Biomechanical effects of internal fixation with self-lock compression anti-rotation blade for Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures: a comparative finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Self-lock compression anti-rotation blade (SCAB) is a novel internal fixation implant for femoral neck fractures (FNF). We conducted this finite element analysis study to evaluate the biomechanical performances of SCAB combined with a cannulated screw for fixation of Pauwels type III FNF. METHODS: Three finite element models of Pauwels type III FNF treated with various internal fixations were established: a: the inverted triangular parallel cannulated screw (3CS) model, b: the biplane double-supported screw fixation (BDSF) model, c: the SCAB combined with a cannulated screw model. Displacement and Von Mises stress of femurs and internal fixations under increasing loads as well as the average stress on fracture surfaces and maximum displacements on the X and Z axis of proximal fracture fragments at maximum load were measured and compared. RESULT: The SCAB-based internal fixation exhibited superior biomechanical performances compared with 3CS and BDSF configurations, as the former resulted in lower parameters including displacement of the femur, Von Mises stress of internal fixation, stress on fracture surfaces as well as X and Z axis displacement of fracture fragments. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation using SCAB combined with a cannulated screw for Pauwels type III FNFs shows enough stability, with satisfied resistance to varus and shearing forces, which may provide a new option for the treatment of FNFs.

A rare complication of pelvic perforation by an excessive medial slide of the helical blade after treatment of an intertrochanteric fracture with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation: A case report and literature review.

Intertrochanteric fractures have become a severe public health problem in elderly patients. Proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) is a commonly used intramedullary fixation device for unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Pelvic perforation by cephalic screw is a rare complication. We reported an 84-year-old female who fell at home and sustained an intertrochanteric fracture. The patient underwent surgery with PFNA as the intramedullary fixation device. Routine postoperative examination revealed medial migration of the helical blade that eventually caused pelvic perforation. We performed a cemented total hip arthroplasty as the savage procedure. At the latest follow-up of 12 months after total hip arthroplasty, the patient had no pain or loosening of the prosthesis in the left hip. Pelvic perforation should be considered when choosing PFNA as the intramedullary fixation device, especially in patients with severe osteoporosis wherein the helical blade can be easily inserted during the operation. The lack of devices to avoid oversliding of the helical blade in PFNA is an unreported cause of this complication and should be considered in such cases.

Risk factors for cement leakage and nomogram for predicting the intradiscal cement leakage after the vertebra augmented surgery.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral augmentation is the first-line treatment for the osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures. Bone cement leakage is the most common complication of this surgery. This study aims to assess the risk factors for different types of cement leakage and provides a nomogram for predicting the cement intradiscal leakage. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 268 patients who underwent vertebral augmentation procedure between January 2015 and March 2019. The cement leakage risk factors were evaluated by univariate analysis. Different types of cement leakage risk factors were identified by the stepwise logistic analysis. We provided a nomogram for predicting the cement intradiscal leakage and used the concordance index to assess the prediction ability. RESULTS: A total of 295 levels of vertebrae were included, with a leakage rate of 32.5%. Univariate analysis showed delayed surgery and lower vertebral compression ratio were the independent risk factors of cement leakage. The stepwise logistic analysis revealed percutaneous vertebroplasty was a risk factor in vein cement leakage; delayed surgery, preoperative compression ratio, and upper endplate disruption were in intradiscal cement leakage; age, preoperative fracture severity, and intravertebral vacuum cleft were in perivertebral soft tissue cement leakage; no factor was in spinal canal cement leakage. The nomogram for intradiscal cement leakage had a precise prediction ability with an original concordance index of 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed surgery and more vertebral compression increase the risk of cement leakage. Different types of cement leakage have different risk factors. We provided a nomogram for precise predicting the intradiscal cement leakage.

[Surgical treatment of internal fixation failure after clavicular fracture operation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical treatment results of implant failure after clavicular fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: Fifteen cases from Jan. 2005 to Jan. 2013 were treated surgically according to fracture classification, time of implant failure and implant type. The fracture union, shoulder function and pain were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: All the patients had full follow-up for 5 to 101 months (mean: 43.8 months). All the fractures were united well. The constant scores to assess the shoulder function were 82 to 100 (mean: 93.3 in the fracture side) and were 85 to 100 (mean: 96.7 in the uninjured side); statistically significant difference of the constant scores between the two sides was found (P=0.02). Eight cases did not have shoulder pain in the fracture side, while the other 7 cases had mild pain, The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores to evaluate shoulder pain were 1 to 3 in the fracture side, which were statistically different from those in the uninjured side (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Implant instability causes early implant failure after clavicular fracture ORIF and re-fixation with stable implant is effective. Fracture nonunion leads to late implant failure, and bridging fixation using locking plate associated with bony autograft with iliac crest is a successful method to treat atrophy clavicular nonunion. Surgical treatment can bring good results.

[Effect of cement implantation and pressor agents in hip replacement on blood pressure].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the change of blood pressure involved by pressor agents after the implantation of cement in hip replacement. METHODS: A total of 172 cases of femoral neck fracture underwent hip replacement in Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital between July 2008 and July 2013 were involved in this retrospective study. The blood pressure and usage of pressor agents were recorded before and after bone cement implantation. The data of blood pressure and usage of agents were collected according to anesthesia records. All the cases were divided into four groups by the application of pressor agents: Free of using agent group (Free-agent group), agents used before implantation of cement group (Pre-agent group), agents used after implantation of cement group (Post-agent group) and agent used before & after implantation of cement group (Pre and Post-agent group). Further statistic analysis was then performed. RESULTS: Free-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (4.0 ± 10.3) mmHg. The decreasing was significant (t=3.660, P=0.000). Free-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure decreased (1.3 ± 7.5) mmHg. The decreasing was not significant (t=2.286, P=0.149). Pre-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (0.5 ± 20.2) mmHg. The decreasing was not significant (t=0.114, P=0.911). Pre-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure increased (0.7 ± 10.2) mmHg. The increasing was not significant (t=-0.316, P=0.756). Post-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (6.9 ± 15.0) mmHg. The decreasing was significant (t=3.195, P=0.002). Post-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure decreased (3.6 ± 7.4) mmHg. The decreasing was significant (t=3.407,P=0.001). Pre & Post-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (5.0 ± 12.2) mmHg. The decreasing was not significant (t=1.667, P=0.115). Pre & Post-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure increased (1.3 ± 8.5) mmHg. The increasing was not significant (t=-0.656, P=0.521). CONCLUSION: Implantation of cement in hip replacement surgery causes blood pressure decreasing. The application of pressor agents before cement implantation can stabilize blood presure and shorten the period of hypotension.

[Minimal invasive internal fixation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws for treatent of thoracolumbar fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical outcome of minimal invasive internal fixation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws through paraspinal muscle sparing approach to treat thoracolumbar fractures, and to discuss its advantages. METHODS: From August 2010 to June 2012, we had 40 thoracolumber fractures patients (27 males and 13 females). Their ages ranged from 22 to 60 years. Of the 40 cases, 4 were T11 fractures, 13 T12 fractures ,17 L1 fractures,6 L2 fractures. According to Denis classification,all of them were burst fractures, with vertebral canal compromise less than 1/3. According to AO classification they were type A or type B1 injuries. All the cases had no nerve injury. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. With Group A (20 cases) we took the method of minimal invasive internal fixation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws to fix one level above and below the injured vertebra through the parespinal muscle sparing approach. With Group B (20 cases), we took the traditional posterior midline approach and open procedure. Then we compared the two groups by operation time, blood loss, drainage, Visual Analogue Scales and X-ray exposure. RESULTS: Minimal invasive group had obvious advatages in operation time, bleeding control and early pain relief of post-operation. The X-ray exposure and long-term follow-up outcome were almost the same. CONCLUSION: Through paraspinal muscle sparing approach minimal invasive internal fixtation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws to treat thoracolumber has more advantages than traditional procedure in blood control and quick recovery. The method needs no special instruments and don't increase X-ray exposure.

[Surgical treatment of deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical outcome after the surgical treatment of the deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2009, 16 deltoid ligament ruptures associated with ankle fractures were repaired. According to the AO/OTA system, 2 cases belonged to fracture A, 8 to B, and 6 to C. Radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for the outcome measurements. RESULTS: The 16 patients were followed up for 30 to 84 months,with the mean follow-up of 47 months. All wounds healed at the first stage. The mean time of bone union was 12.8 weeks (range: 10-14 weeks). The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the last follow-up was 93 points (range: 85-100 points). The mean score of VAS was 0.94 points (range: 0-2 points). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of ankle fractures associated with deltoid ligament rupture can achieve satisfactory outcomes, but it is important to decide the operation indication.

[Treatment of comminuted clavicle shaft fractures with provisional intra-medullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the operation effect of comminuted clavicle shaft fractures with provisional intramedullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation. METHODS: From Mar. 2008 to Jul. 2012, 22 cases of comminuted clavicle shaft fractures was treated with open reduction, and provisional intramedullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation. The fracture healing was investigated through X-rays. The 22 cases were followed up to evaluate the function of the affected shoulder with Constant score. RESULTS: Through the follow-up for average 15 months, all the fractures healed and the average healed time was 14.6 weeks. The average Constant score of the affected shoulder was 95.3. There were 13 excellent cases, 7 good cases, and 2 fair cases. The fineness rate was 90.9% (20/22). Soft tissue problem resulting from plate tilting occurred in 2 cases. At last, they accepted second operation to remove the implant. CONCLUSION: Applying provisional intramedullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation in comminuted clavicle shaft fractures, makes procedure simple, improves healing rate and decreases the complications.

[Radix hedysari extract promotes peripheral nerve regeneration].

Treatment of peripheral nerve injury is a major challenge in clinical practice. With advances in molecular biology and development of microsurgical techniques and tissue engineering, peripheral nerve repair procedures have been greatly improved. In the last 10 decades, most treatments for peripheral nerve injury in animal models have achieved histological and functional recovery, the treatments in humans, however, produce insufficient recovery, especially for proximal nerve injury. Increasing attention has been paid to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration, since these remedies often display effective clinical outcome, minor side effects and effectiveness for multiple targets. Although TCM has complex ingredients and the specific pharmacological mechanisms for their effectiveness are still unclear, an effective clinical outcome is welcomed by many clinicians. In the past 20 years, we have made a series of detailed studies including the toxicity tests, pharmacodynamic tests, pharmacological experiments etc, about a new traditional formula which mainly contains the Radix hedysari, Epimedium etc. RESULTS have shown that this formula is safe to be used in both animals and humans with no toxicity and adverse effect, and systemic administration of this formula could enhance the peripheral nerve regeneration.

Nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres and the small gap sleeve bridging technique to repair peripheral nerve injury.

We previously prepared nerve growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres to treat rat sciatic nerve injury using the small gap sleeve technique. Multiple growth factors play a synergistic role in promoting the repair of peripheral nerve injury; as a result, in this study, we added basic fibroblast growth factors to the microspheres to further promote nerve regeneration. First, in an in vitro biomimetic microenvironment, we developed and used a drug screening biomimetic microfluidic chip to screen the optimal combination of nerve growth factor/basic fibroblast growth factor to promote the regeneration of Schwann cells. We found that 22.56 ng/mL nerve growth factor combined with 4.29 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor exhibited optimal effects on the proliferation of primary rat Schwann cells. The successfully prepared nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor-poly-lactide-co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres were used to treat rat sciatic nerve transection injury using the small gap sleeve bridge technique. Compared with epithelium sutures and small gap sleeve bridging alone, the small gap sleeve bridging technique combined with drug-free sustained-release microspheres has a stronger effect on rat sciatic nerve transfection injury repair at the structural and functional level.

Epidemiology and the economic burden of traumatic fractures in China: A population-based study.

Objectives: National data on the admission rate, distribution, in-hospital mortality, and economic burden of traumatic fractures in China is unclear. We aimed to conduct a cross-sectional population-based study to determine such above data at the national level in China. Methods: A national administrative database was used to review all traumatic fracture hospitalizations in China during 2020, from which a total of 2,025,169 inpatients with traumatic fractures was retrieved. Admission rates and in-hospital mortality rates stratified by age, sex, and region were calculated. The causes of traumatic fracture and economic burden were described. Results: The admission rate of traumatic fractures of all China population in 2020 was 1.437‰. The admission rate increased with age and varied with genders and causes of injuries. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic fracture hospitalization, followed by road traffic injuries. The most common diagnoses were femoral neck fractures, with a number of 138,377. The in-hospital mortality was 1.209‰. Road traffic injuries led to the highest in-hospital mortality. The median length of stay was 10 days, with the median hospitalization cost of ¥20,900 (about $3,056). Conclusion: Traumatic fractures are concerning conditions with a high admission rate and in-hospital mortality in China, which are mainly caused by falls and road traffic injuries. The government should implement more public health policies to enhance the health of the elderly and improve transportation safety to prevent traumatic fractures.

A retrospective study of posterior malleolus fractures.

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the treatment effect of ankle joint fracture surgery involving the posterior malleolus, and discuss relevant factors influencing the occurrence of traumatic arthritis of the ankle joint. METHODS: A total of 102 cases of ankle joint fractures involving the posterior malleolus in five large-scale skeletal trauma centres in China, from January 2000 to July 2009, were retrospectively analysed in terms of surgical treatment and complete follow-up. Ankle joint mobility, posterior malleolus fragment size, articular surface evenness, Ankle-Hindfoot Scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and imaging scale score for arthritis were recorded. The degree of fracture pain during rest, active movement, and weight-bearing walking, and satisfaction with treatment were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The average AOFAS score was 95.9, excellence rate was 92.2 %, and average VAS scores for degree of fracture pain during rest, active movement, and weight-bearing walking were 0.15, 0.31, and 0.68, respectively. Thirty-six cases showed arthritic manifestations. Ankle joint mobility along all directions on the injured side was lower than that on the unaffected side. There was no obvious difference in treatment effect between the fixed and unfixed posterior malleolus fragment groups for all and for fragment size of < 25 %; between fixing the posterior malleolus fragment from front to back or from back to front; or between elderly patients (≥ 60 years old) and young patients (< 60 years old). There was a distinct difference in the treatment effect between articular surface evenness and unevenness for all and for fragment size of ≥ 25 %. CONCLUSIONS: For all 102 cases of ankle joint fracture involving the posterior malleolus, the treatment effect was satisfactory. Restoration of an even articular surface, especially when fragment size ≥ 25 %, should be attempted during treatment.

[Surgical treatment of proximal humeral fracture involving metaphysis and humeral shaft].

OBJECTIVE: To surgically treat proximal humeral fracture involving metaphysis and humeral shaft with long locking plate osteosynthesis. METHODS: In the study, 9 proximal humeral fracture cases [6 male patients and 3 female, with an average age of (48.9±11.5) years and the average postoperation follow-up duration of 21.3 months from 12-46 months] treated with locking plate and with complete follow-up observation from May 2008 to April 2011 were recruited. Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Constant-Murley Score and shoulder range of motion (forward elvation, abduction, internal rotation) were used to evaluate postoperation shoulder joint function. RESULTS: All the cases got union of their fractures, without nonunion or delayed union. The complications were 2 cases with humeral head varus deformity, 1 with wound superficial infection and 1 with postoperation radius nerve paralysis. The last follow-up functions were that the average VAS was 0.22 (0-1), Constant-Murley score 79.7±6.5 (71-91), the average range of shoulder joint anteflexion 118°±20° (90°-160°), abduction 95°±14° (75°-120°) and internal rotation L1. CONCLUSION: Treatment of proximal humeral fracture with the fracture line implicating upper humerus metaphysis and humeral shaft is difficult because the medial cortex is injured and the longitudinal fracture line involves bone shaft. A good selection of operative approach and careful operation guarantee postoperative function restoration.

[Open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness: a report of 17 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment effect of open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness. METHODS: From Aug. 2007 to Apr. 2012, 17 cases of elbow stiffness were treated with open arthrolysis,in which, 11 were post-traumatic stiffness and 6 elbow stiffness resulted from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The preoperative Mayo elbow score was 65.1±16.4. Posterior middle approach was applied for 15 cases, and primary lateral approach for 2 cases. The ulnar nerve release and antedisplacement were performed for 12 cases with series limited flexion. The mobile hinged fixator were applied for 2 cases of unstable elbow after debridement of series hero ossification. RESULTS: With follow-up time for 6 to 41 months (average 13.1 months), all the patients acquired the follow-up and evaluation. According to Mayo elbow score of the last follow-up, the score was 87.5±16.7, and compared with the preoperation, the difference was significant: 9 cases were excellent, 6 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor, and the total excellent and good rate was 88.23%. The active range of motion (ROM) of flexion-extension was 110.6°±27.5°. However, 1 case developed chronic infection, and 1 ulnar nerve symptom. CONCLUSION: In applying open arthrolysis to treat elbow stiffness, as long as we release completely and assure stable elbow and early postoperative motion, we can get satisfying results.

[Surgical treatment of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical treatment results of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In the study, 10 patients from Oct. 2006 to Jan. 2012 were treated surgically according to Vancouver classification, and their fracture union, hip function, pain in fracture site and lower extremity length were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: All the patients had full follow-up for 6 to 69 months (mean time: 35.1 months). All fractures were united well with good alignment and no prosthesis loosing or internal fixation failure was discovered. Harris scores to assess hip function were 71 to 90 (mean: 79.8) and the excellent and good rate was 70%. VAS scores to evaluate pain in fracture site when walking were 0 to 3 (mean: 1.4). The lengths of injured lower extremity were shorter by 0 to 2.5 cm than those of the contralateral side preoperatively [mean (1.6±0.9) cm]. The shortened lengths were reduced to 0 to 1.8 cm postoperatively [mean (0.6±0.6) cm], which were statistically different from those of preoperation (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Although treatment of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty is a hard work, we can make individual therapy regiment based on the patient's age, general condition, function demand and Vancouver classification. Surgical treatment can bring good results.

[Clinical analysis of obvious and hidden blood loss in inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation and dynamic hip screw].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the obvious and hidden blood loss before and after operations in the inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) to provide the data support for clinical perioperative period treatment. METHODS: The clinical data of 216 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with PFNA and 168 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with DHS from Dec. 30, 2001 to Sep. 30, 2010, and the obvious, hidden blood loss and blood transfusion before and after operations were retrospectively analyzed, using SPSS 13.0 statistical package. RESULTS: The PFNA group: The mean blood loss of (48.9±2.8) mL was found in 216 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients during operation. The mean obvious blood loss was (62.3±3.8) mL while the hidden blood loss was (385.0±6.2) mL. The DHS group: The mean blood loss of (124.9±7.8) mL was found in 168 cases during operation. The mean obvious blood loss was (73.9±4.7) mL and the hidden blood loss was (243.4±6.3) mL after operation. The blood loss during operation and obvious blood loss after operation of DHS was larger than that of PFNA, while the hidden blood loss of DHS was smaller than that of PFNA. The gross total blood loss and the hidden blood loss of group PFNA was bigger than that of DHS group. CONCLUSION: There were much hidden blood loss in both PFNA and DHS group for inter-trochanter fracture internal fixation after operation. This reminds surgeons to monitor the life vital signs after PFNA or DHS internal fixation operation in order to decrease the complication.

[Clinical effect observation of biodegradable conduit small gap tublization repairing peripheral nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of biodegradable conduit small gap tublization to repair peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: In the study, 30 cases of fresh peripheral nerve injury in the upper extremities were recruited. After formally informed and obtaining the consent, the recruited patients were divided into the degradable chitin conduit tublization group (experimental group: 15 cases) and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group (control group: 15 cases). Their nerve functional recovery conditions were clinically observed according to the standard score methods provided by SHEN Ning-jiang and British Medical Research Council. The excellent and good rates of the overall nerve functional recovery were calculated. The electrophysiologic study was carried out after 6 months. RESULTS: Of the total 30 cases, 28 were followed up, and there were 14 cases in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The operation procedure was very simple, and the mean suture time [(8.0±0.8) min] was 20% shorter than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group [(10.0±0.6) min]. All the wounds in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group healed as expected without rejection, hypersensitive reaction or anomalous draining. Electrophysiology examination results after 6 months displayed that the sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 77.37% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 70.09% in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group. The sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 61.69% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 56.15% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The exact propability methods was applied in the comparison of sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate, and there was no statistically significant of two groups(sensory nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.678;motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.695). The combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates after repair in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group were 78.57%, while 28.57% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The Fisher's exact probabilistic method was applied in the comparison of combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates, and there was statistically significant of two groups(P=0.021). CONCLUSION: The operation procedure of the degradable chitin conduit tublization is very simple and the clinical recovery effect is much better than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy. The biodegradable conduit small gap tublization methods to repair peripheral nerve injury has the possibility to substitute the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy.

[Three kind of scoring system for proximal humeral fractures in patients with postoperative functional review of evaluation: a multicenter study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ASES, Constant and HSS score systems and their significance on postoperative function of the shoulder. METHODS: Totally 172 cases of proximal humeral fracture of five affiliated hospital from September 2004 to September 2008 were analyzed. All the functional outcome of the involved shoulder were evaluated by ASES, Constant, HSS score and patient self score. The correlations and agreement of three shoulder scales were analyzed with Pearson correlation test and Bland-Altman plot in different age groups and fracture types. RESULTS: (1) The Constant score were lower than other two scores in the same age group and fracture type (F = 13.62 and 4.80, P < 0.05). (2) The correlations between three shoulder scales: ASES and Constant (r = 0.754, P = 0.0003), ASES and HSS (r = 0.755, P = 0.0001), Constant and HSS (r = 0.858, P = 0.0002). The correlations between three shoulder scales and patient self evaluation: ASES (r = 0.602, P = 0.0002), Constant (r = 0.705, P = 0.0001), HSS (r = 0.663, P = 0.0037). The Bland-Altman plot shows three shoulder scales have good agreement. (3)The correlation between Constant score and patient self evaluation decreased in the elder group and severe fracture type. CONCLUSIONS: ASES, Constant, HSS shoulder score systems are all fit to evaluate the functional outcome of the shoulder, they have good correlation and agreement. Constant score in recommended for its high correlation coefficient with patient self evaluation score. However, its age bias must be paid attention in clinical practice. ASES shoulder score can be used in remote follow-up.

Early Detection of Pneumonia with the Help of Dementia in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of dementia in pneumonia among geriatric patients with hip fracture and further develop an algorithm for stratifying risk of developing postoperative pneumonia. METHODS: The algorithm was developed after retrospectively analyzing 1344 hip fracture patients in the National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation from 1992 to 2012. Twenty-eight variables were analyzed for evaluating the ability to predict postoperative pneumonia. The validation of the algorithm was performed in the MIMIC-III database after enrolling 235 patients. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred and seventy-nine patients were enrolled, 4.69% patients had postoperative pneumonia in our hospital, and 17.02% suffered pneumonia in the MIMIC-III database. Dementia patients had more postoperative pneumonia (12.68% vs 4.24%, P = 0.0075), as compared with patients without dementia. The algorithm included nine predictors: dementia, age, coronary heart disease, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, surgical method, mechanical ventilation, anemia, hypoproteinemia, and high creatinine. Internal validation showed the algorithm with dementia could improve predictive performance, while external validation found the algorithm with or without dementia both had similar and good predictive ability. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm has the potential to be a pragmatic risk prediction tool to calculate risk of pneumonia in clinical practice and it may also be applicable in critically ill hip fracture patients with dementia.

Vertebroplasty with high-viscosity cement versus conventional kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate outcomes following percutaneous vertebroplasty with high viscosity cement (PVP-HVC) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) with normal-viscosity cement in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). METHODS: Pertinent studies were retrieved by searching five electronic databases up to July 2021. Additional records were identified via hand-searching of related references. Risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. A trial sequential analysis (TSA) was done for cement leakage. RESULTS: Twelve studies, embracing 1050 patients with OVCFs, were included. PVP-HVC was superior to PKP with normal-viscosity cement regarding risk of cement leakage (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54-0.83, I2 : 45.1%) and operation time (WMD: -11.26, 95% CI: -14.78 to -8.34, I2 : 88.8%). However, TSA revealed that a sufficient level of evidence for leakage reduction may have yet to be reached. PKP groups had a significant decrease in Cobb's angles postoperatively (within 1 month, WMD: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.85-3.48, I2 : 0%; after 1 year, WMD: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.35-4.01, I2 : 0%). There are no significant differences between the two procedures pertaining to injected cement volume, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and risk of adjacent vertebral fractures. CONCLUSION: PVP-HVC and PKP with normal-viscosity cement are safe and effective treatments for the management of OVCF, but the former is superior to the latter in terms of procedure time. The potential of PVP-HVC in reducing cement leaks remains to be validated by more well-designed studies.