Is new always better: comparison of the femoral neck system and the dynamic hip screw in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures in the elderly population are common and the number of patients is rising. For young and geriatric patients with undisplaced fractures osteosynthesis is the primary type of treatment. The dynamic hip screw (DHS) is around for many years and proved its value especially in displaced fractures. Since 2018 the femoral neck system (FNS) is available as an alternative showing promising biomechanical results. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical results of the FNS and compare it to the DHS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients older than 18 years with Garden I-IV fractures that were treated with osteosynthesis in a level 1 trauma center were included in the study. Between January 2015 and March 2021, all patients treated with FNS (1-hole plate, DePuy-Synthes, Zuchwil, Switzerland) or DHS (2-hole plate, DePuy-Synthes, Zuchwil, Switzerland) for proximal femur fractures were included in the study. Closed reduction was achieved using a traction table. All operations were carried out by experienced orthopedic trauma surgeons. Primary outcome measures were rate of implant failure (cut out) and surgical complications (hematoma, infection). Secondary outcome measures were Hb-difference, length of hospital stay and mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 221 patients were included in the study. 113 were treated with FNS, 108 with DHS. Mean age was 69 ± 14 years. There were 17.2% Garden I, 47.5% Garden II, 26.7% Garden III and 8.6% Garden IV fractures. No difference between the groups for age, body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), time to surgery, Pauwels and Garden classification, rate of optimal blade position or tip apex distance was found. FNS showed lower pre- to postoperative Hb-difference (1.4 ± 1.1 g/l vs. 2.1 ± 1.4 g/l; p < 0.05), shorter operating time (36.3 ± 11.6 min vs. 54.7 ± 17.4 min; p < 0.05) and hospital stay (8.8 ± 4.3 d vs. 11.2 ± 6.8 d; p < 0.05). Surgical complications (FNS 13.3% vs. DHS 18.4%, p > 0.05), rate of cut out (FNS 12.4% vs. DHS 10.2%, p > 0.05) and mortality (FNS 3.5%; DHS 0.9%; p > 0.05) showed no difference between the groups. Logistic regression showed that poor blade position was the only significant predictor for cut out and increased the risk by factor 7. Implant related infection (n = 3) and hematoma/seroma (n = 6) that needed revision was only seen in DHS group. CONCLUSION: FNS proved to be as reliable as DHS in all patients with hip fractures. Not the type of implant but blade positioning is still key to prevent implant failure. Still due to minimal invasive approach implant related infections and postoperative hematomas might have been prevented using the FNS.

Orthogeriatric care-outcome of different fragility fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures (FF) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and reflect a dramatic turning point in the life of older adults. The scientific discourse is dominated by proximal femoral fractures, but FF affect multiple parts of the body and often precede hip fractures. Orthogeriatric co-management has multiple shown to improve patient's outcome. We hypothesize that all geriatric patients with FF benefit from orthogeriatric co-management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients over 70 years with FF (hip joint, periprosthetic, spine, pelvic ring, and humerus) of our geriatric trauma center for the years 2019-2021, who received orthogeriatric co-management. Demographic data, fracture type, complications, discharge modality and in-hospital mortality were recorded. For patients transferred to geriatrics, the Barthel Index (BI) and the discharge modality were recorded. Primary outcome parameters were discharge modality and BI difference. Secondary outcome parameters were complication rates and in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: 555 patients (83.8 ± 6.5 years, 182 males, 373 females) were evaluated. 245 (44.1%) patients were referred to geriatrics for further orthogeriatric treatment. Positive predictors were age, surgery, and a high Charlson Comorbidity Index. The overall in-hospital mortality was 8.6% (n = 48) (5.8% (n = 32) during acute trauma care and 6.5% (n = 16) during stay in geriatrics). The mortality rate of nursing home residents was significantly higher compared to patients living at home (10.4% vs. 5.6%). The rate of non-surgical complications was 44.5%. 26.9% of patients living at home were discharged to a nursing home, while 51.3% were able to return home. The risk of admission to a nursing home was reduced for thoracolumbar fractures (OR = 0.22) and increased markedly for periprosthetic fractures (OR = 3.95). During orthogeriatric treatment, all fractures showed a significant increase in BI. Patients living at home benefited more than nursing home residents (20.5 ± 19.5 vs. 8.7 ± 18.0 points). The chance of a BI increase (> 19 points) was increased for hip and pelvic ring fractures. Devastating results showed patients with dementia. In comparison, mentally healthy patients had a 4.5-fold increased chance of increasing their BI (> 19 points). CONCLUSIONS: Presented data shows that all patients with FF are at high risk for complications and could benefit from standardized orthogeriatric management. Modern patient care requires a holistic orthogeriatric approach to improve patient's outcome.

A complex intervention to promote prevention of delirium in older adults by targeting caregiver's participation during and after hospital discharge - study protocol of the TRAnsport and DElirium in older people (TRADE) project.

BACKGROUND: Among potentially modifiable risk factors for delirium, transfers between wards, hospitals and other facilities have been mentioned with low evidence. TRADE (TRAnsport and DElirium in older people) was set up to investigate i) the impact of transfer and/or discharge on the onset of delirium in older adults and ii) feasibility and acceptance of a developed complex intervention targeting caregiver's participation during and after hospital discharge or transfer on cognition and the onset of delirium in older adults. METHODS: The study is designed according to the guidelines of the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) for development and evaluation of complex interventions and comprises two steps: development and feasibility/piloting. The development phase includes i) a multicenter observational prospective cohort study to assess delirium incidence and cognitive decline associated with transfer and discharge, ii) a systematic review of the literature, iii) stakeholder focus group interviews and iv) an expert workshop followed by a Delphi survey. Based on this information, a complex intervention to better and systematically involve family caregivers in discharge and transport was developed. The intervention will be tested in a pilot study using a stepped wedge design with a detailed process and health economic evaluation. The study is conducted at four acute care hospitals in southwest Germany. Primary endpoints are the delirium incidence and cognitive function. Secondary endpoints include prevalence of caregiver companionship, functional decline, cost and cost effectiveness, quality of discharge management and quality of admission management in admitting hospitals or nursing homes. Data will be collected prior to discharge as well as after 3, 7 and 90 days. DISCUSSION: TRADE will help to evaluate transfer and discharge as a possible risk factor for delirium. In addition, TRADE evaluates the impact and modifiability of caregiver's participation during patient's transfer or discharge on delirium incidence and cognitive decline providing the foundation for a confirmatory implementation study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS (Deutsches Register für klinische Studien) DRKS00017828 . Registered on 17th September 2019. Retrospectively registered.

Cement augmentation of the proximal femur nail antirotation: is it safe?

BACKGROUND: Cement augmentation of the proximal femur nail antirotation (PFNA; Fa. DePuy Synthes) showed good biomechanical and clinical results regarding increased stability and functional outcome [Linden et al. in J Orthop Res 24:2230-2237, 2006;Kammerlander et al. in Injury 49:1436-1444, 2018;]. Cement-associated complications are well known in orthopedic procedures like hip arthroplasty, vertebra- and kyphoplasty. This study investigates outcome and safety of augmentation of the proximal femur nail blade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective review of the 299 patients (mean age 80 ± 13 years; 205 women and 94 men) focused on perioperative complications after augmentation which was performed with Traumacem V+ Cement (Fa. DePuy Synthes) in 152 cases. The decision for augmentation of the blade was made by the attending surgeon and based on the factors age, bone quality, and fracture pattern. Primary outcome measures were changes in blood pressure, heart rate or oxygen saturation, and the number of needed vasoactive drugs during augmentation. Secondary outcome measures where the rate of cement leakage into the joint, mechanical failure, and perioperative complications like pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack. RESULTS: In 152 augmented cases, no leakage of cement into the joint could be detected. No signs of mechanical failure like cut-out of the blade were seen after 6 weeks and 3 months. Also, augmentation did not show a higher rate of mortality or postoperative complications like stroke, heart attack, embolism, or infection. 57 of 152 augmented cases received an intraoperative intervention with vasoactive medication at the time of augmentation either prophylactically or because of a blood pressure fall. Out of the non-augmented cases, 21 of 147 needed vasoactive medication in the second half of the operation. The difference between these groups was significant (p < 0.05). In the cases without an intervention, there was a significant blood pressure fall of about 8 ± 7.4 mmHg during the augmentation (p < 0.001). Still, none of the augmented cases showed a change in heart rate or oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION: The augmentation of the PFNA blade proved to be a safe procedure. Cement augmentation will not increase postoperative complications or mortality. The risk for leakage of cement into the joint is low and mechanical cut-out might be prevented. The decision for augmentation should be made carefully and always be declared loud and in advance to allow the anesthetist to prepare, because blood pressure changes can occur.

Improvement of image quality applying iterative scatter correction for grid-less skeletal radiography in trauma room setting.

BACKGROUND: Iterative reconstruction is well established for CT. Plain radiography also takes advantage of iterative algorithms to reduce scatter radiation and improve image quality. First applications have been described for bedside chest X-ray. A recent experimental approach also provided proof of principle for skeletal imaging. PURPOSE: To examine clinical applicability of iterative scatter correction for skeletal imaging in the trauma setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, 209 grid-less radiographs were routinely acquired in the trauma room for 12 months, with imaging of the chest (n = 31), knee (n = 111), pelvis (n = 14), shoulder (n = 24), and other regions close to the trunk (n = 29). Radiographs were postprocessed with iterative scatter correction, doubling the number of images. The radiographs were then independently evaluated by three radiologists and three surgeons. A five-step rating scale and visual grading characteristics analysis were used. The area under the VGC curve (AUCVGC) quantified differences in image quality. RESULTS: Images with iterative scatter correction were generally rated significantly better (AUCVGC = 0.59, P < 0.01). This included both radiologists (AUCVGC = 0.61, P < 0.01) and surgeons (AUCVGC = 0.56, P < 0.01). The image-improving effect was significant for all body regions; in detail: chest (AUCVGC = 0.64, P < 0.01), knee (AUCVGC = 0.61, P < 0.01), pelvis (AUCVGC = 0.60, P = 0.01), shoulder (AUCVGC = 0.59, P = 0.02), and others close to the trunk (AUCVGC = 0.59, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Iterative scatter correction improves the image quality of grid-less skeletal radiography in the clinical setting for a wide range of body regions. Therefore, iterative scatter correction may be the future method of choice for free exposure imaging when an anti-scatter grid is omitted due to high risk of tube-detector misalignment.

[Augmentation techniques for the treatment of osteoporosis-associated fractures of the extremities]. / Augmentationstechniken zur Versorgung osteoporoseassoziierter Frakturen der Extremitäten.

The current demographic development is leading to an increasing number of cases of osteoporosis-related fractures. Affected individuals are typically part of a vulnerable, predominantly geriatric patient group with limited physical resources. Additionally, the pathophysiological characteristics of osteoporotic bones with reduced bone quality and quantity, pose a significant challenge to the osteosynthesis techniques used. Achieving rapid postoperative mobilization and stable weight-bearing osteosynthesis to prevent postoperative medical complications are the main goals of the surgical management. In recent years augmentation techniques have gained in importance in the treatment of osteoporosis-related fractures by significantly enhancing the stability of osteosyntheses and reducing mechanical complication rates. The main options available are polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) augmentation and various bioresorbable bone substitute materials with different properties. Implant augmentations can be applied at various locations in the extremity bones and standardized procedures are now available, such as for the proximal humerus and femur. When used correctly, low complication rates and promising clinical outcomes are observed. This article aims to provide an overview of available techniques and applications based on the current literature. Guidelines and substantial scientific evidence are still limited.

Early surgical care of the anticoagulated hip fracture patient within 24 hours.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite international guidelines advocating for urgent surgical treatment, delays often occur, particularly for patients on long-term antithrombotic therapy. We hypothesised that urgent surgical care for the anticoagulated hip fracture patient is not associated with severe bleeding complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the period from 2015 to 2021, we retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 1142 patients with proximal femur fractures treated within 24 h of admission to our trauma centre (mean age 80.4 ± 12.4 years; 761 females, 381 males). The cohort comprised 409 femoral neck and 733 trochanteric fractures, managed with either arthroplasty (n = 297), hip-preserving techniques (n = 147), or intramedullary nailing (n = 698). Of these, 583 patients (51.1 %) were on long-term antithrombotic therapy. The primary endpoints included transfusion rate and the difference in haemoglobin (Hb) levels from pre- to postoperative. Secondary endpoints were in-patient mortality and occurrence of postoperative haematomas requiring surgical revision. A regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean time to surgery was 10.3 h, with delays observed in patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Overall, 25.9 % (n = 296) of the patients required blood transfusions. The transfusion rate was dependent on duration of the surgery, preoperative Hb level, and anticoagulation with DOACs. Similarly, the Hb difference was found to be dependent on the duration of surgery, preoperative Hb level, and anticoagulation with DOACs. In-patient mortality was 5.3 % (n = 60). Regression analysis indicated that mortality was dependent on a high ASA classification of 4 and the time to surgery, but not on the type of antithrombotic therapy. 3.1 % of the patients needed surgical revision due to postoperative haematoma with prolonged duration of surgery and antithrombotic therapy (PAI [OR = 3.7, 95 % CI: 1.1-12.7], DOACs [OR = 3.4, 95 % CI: 1.3-8.8], and VKA [OR = 5.5, 95 % CI: 1.8-17.1], p < 0.05) as independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: As postoperative haematoma and the need for transfusion are manageable situations, we conclude that immediate surgical treatment of hip fracture patients on long-term antithrombotic therapy within 24 h is feasible and patients may benefit.

Road Traffic Accidents, Climbing Frames, or Trampolines: What Harms Children in the 2020s?

Background In the modern Western world, activities and the daily routine of children have changed over time. Detailed analyses of the mechanisms of injuries and current fracture patterns in children are rare. The aim of the study was to elicit and investigate the most dangerous leisure and sporting activities leading to fractures in children today. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study focusing on children that were treated in a level-one trauma center in Germany between 2015 and 2020. All children who were 14 years of age or younger and suffered a traumatic injury treated in our emergency department were included in this study. From the database, mechanisms of injury, type of injury, age, and gender were analyzed. Results The study included 12508 patients, including 7302 males and 5206 females. Among the 10 most common mechanisms of injury were collisions (8.6%), falls (7.7%), injuries while playing (6.1%) or while running or walking (5.9%), soccer (5.9%), bicycle accidents (3.8%), and trampoline falls (3.4%). Road traffic accidents involving passengers or pedestrians caused 3.3% of the injuries but were the most common cause of death. The most common mechanisms of injury causing a fracture were falls, playing soccer, and bicycle accidents. Sorting the mechanisms of injury by the percentage that caused a fracture, the most dangerous activities were falling from heights above 2 meters, skiing and snowboarding, climbing and bouldering, skateboarding, and horseback riding. In the five-year study period, four out of six children died due to road traffic accidents. Conclusion Injured children must be provided with the best quality of care 24/7 in orthopedic trauma departments and have to be kept as a focus in the training of orthopedic trauma surgeons. Road traffic accidents are still the main cause of death in children, but they are overall less common. Falls and sports activities are the most likely to cause a fracture.

No Excess Mortality in Geriatric Patients With Femoral Neck Fractures Due to Shorter Intensive Care Caused by COVID-19.

Background Since March 2020, increasing numbers of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infections have been registered. The first and the second waves necessitated the extensive restructuring of hospital infrastructure with prioritization of intensive care capacity. Elective surgeries in all surgical disciplines were postponed to preserve intensive care capacity for COVID-19 patients. However, emergency care for trauma patients had to be maintained. Especially, geriatric patients with hip fractures often require intensive care. This study sought to investigate the possible excess mortality of geriatric patients with femoral neck fractures due to shorter intensive care unit stays because of COVID-19. Material and methods All patients over the age of 70 between March 2019 and February 2020 who underwent surgical treatment for femoral neck fractures were included. This cohort (group 1) was compared with all patients over 70 who received surgical treatment for hip fractures during the period of the pandemic between March 2020 and February 2021 with attention to potential excess mortality due to low intensive care capacity (group 2). Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, surgical modality, ICU stay, complications, and mortality were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 356 patients with 178 in each cohort with a mean age of 82.7 in group 1 and 84.8 in group 2 (p<0.05) were included. No significant difference was seen in sex and ASA scores. During the pandemic, patients with hip fractures had a significantly shorter stay in ICU (0.4 ± 0.9 vs 1.2 ± 2.8 days; p<0.05), shorter time to surgery (29.9 ± 8.2 vs 16.8 ± 5.3 h; p<0.05) and operations were significantly more often performed out-of-hour (4 pm-12 am 47.8% vs 56.7%; 12 am-8 am 7.9% vs 13.5%, p<0.05). Interestingly, mortality was lower during the pandemic, but the difference did not reach significance (6.7% vs 12.4%, p=0.102). Conclusion During the pandemic, ICU capacity was reserved for COVID patients. Due to a change in the law of the Joint Federal Committee with effect from January 1, 2021, all patients with proximal femur fractures had to be operated on within the first 24 hours, which is why a significantly shorter time to surgery was observed during the pandemic period. As a consequence, a lower mortality rate was observed, although no significance could be reached.

Early Surgical Care of Anticoagulated Hip Fracture Patients Is Feasible-A Retrospective Chart Review of Hip Fracture Patients Treated with Hip Arthroplasty within 24 Hours.

Anticoagulative medication such as antiplatelet drugs (PAI, acetylsalicylic acid and direct platelet aggregation inhibitors), vitamin-K-antagonist Warfarin (VKA) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are common among hip fracture patients, and the perioperative management of these patients is a rising challenge in orthopaedic trauma. Our objective was to determine the effect of oral anticoagulation in patients receiving early endoprosthetic treatment within 24 h after their admission. For the period from 2016 to 2020, a retrospective chart review of 221 patients (mean age 83 ± 7 years; 161 women and 60 men) who were treated either with hemi- (n = 209) or total hip arthroplasty (n = 12) within 24 h after their admission was performed. We identified 68 patients who took PAI, 34 who took DOAC and 9 who took VKA medications. The primary outcome measures were the transfusion rate and the pre- and postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) difference. The secondary outcome measures were the in-patient mortality and the rate of postoperative haematomas that needed operative treatment. A logistic/ordinal regression was performed considering the related variables to prevent cofounding occurring. The mean time to surgery was significantly longer for the DOAC and VKA groups when they were compared to the controls (none 14.7 ± 7.0 h; PAI 12.9 ± 6.7 h; DOAC 18.6 ± 6.3 h; VKA 19.4 ± 5.5 h; p < 0.05). There was no difference in the preoperative Hb level between the groups. Overall, 62 patients (28%) needed blood transfusions during the in-patient stay with an ASA classification (p = 0.022), but the type of anticoagulative medication was not a significant predictor in the logistic regression. Anticoagulation with DOAC and grouped surgery times were positive predictors for a higher Hb difference in the patients who did not undergo an intraoperative blood transfusion (n = 159). Postoperative haematomas only occurred in patients taking anticoagulative medication (four cases in PAI group, and three cases in DOAC group), but the logistic regression showed that the anticoagulative medication had no effect. The in-patient mortality was significantly influenced by a high ASA grade (p = 0.008), but not by the type of anticoagulative medication in patients who were treated within 24 h. We conclude that the early endoprosthetic treatment of the anticoagulated hip fracture patient is safe, and a delayed surgical treatment is no longer justifiable.

Short-term outcome of fragility fractures of the pelvis in the elderly treated with screw osteosynthesis and external fixator.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvis is rising challenge for orthopedic trauma surgeons. Operative treatment should allow immediate full weight bearing and early mobilisation but should also be as minimal invasive as possible. Sacroiliac (SI) or transsacral transiliac screws (TSTI) alone or depending on the fracture in combination with an external fixator meets both of these criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The outcome of 121 operatively treated patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis were evaluated in this retrospective study. Depending on the type of fracture the patients were treated with navigated SI screw or TSTI screw alone or in combination with an external fixator. All patients were operated in supine position in a hybrid-OR, which consists of a fixed robotic 3D flatpanel detector (Artis zeego, Siemens Healthineers, Germany) and a navigation system (BrainLab Curve, BrainLab, Germany). RESULTS: 37 patients were treated with either one or two SI screws and 57 with one TSTI screw. An additional external fixator was combined with SI screws in 17 patients and with TSTI screws in 10 patients. The preoperative pain score was significantly higher compared to the postoperative score (5.1 ± 2.5 vs 2.2 ± 1.9, p < 0.05). Follow-up at 6 month was possible for 106 patients which showed screw loosening in 16.3% of the SI Screws (n = 49) compared to only 5.2% of TSTI screws (n = 57). No screw loosening was seen in the combination of TSTI-screw and external fixator (n = 10). There were two septic and three aseptic pin loosenings of the external fixator. Overall only one patient needed revision surgery due to screw loosening and local irritation. Overall 75.2% (n = 91) of the patients could be released in their home or in a rehabilitation unit and only 14% (n = 17) were released to a nursing home due to immobility despite the operation. Non-surgical complications rate was 21.5%. CONCLUSION: SI or TSTI screws with possible combination with an external fixator show early pain relief and allows most of the patients to keep their former level of independence. With an also low surgical complication rate, it proved to be a safe and reliable treatment for fragility fractures of the pelvis. Due the effective pain relief and the minimal invasive approach, early mobilisation is possible and might prevent typical non-surgical complications which are very common during conservative treatment.

Geriatric patients with dementia show increased mortality and lack of functional recovery after hip fracture treated with hemiprosthesis.

PURPOSE: Operative timing, perioperative management and postoperative rehabilitation are rising challenges in orthopedic geriatric trauma. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of patients with dementia or with a high number of comorbidities treated with hemiprosthesis after hip fracture. Literature regarding patients with high comorbidities is scarce, leaving nothing but endoprosthetic treatment for even the sickest, immobile patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 326 patients (mean age 81 ± 9 years; 230 women and 96 men) with hip fractures treated between 2012 and 2017 with a hemiprosthesis was performed. Primary outcome measures were surgical and nonsurgical complication rates, best achievable mobilisation during the hospital stay and mortality. RESULTS: Patients with dementia had 20-fold increased risk to be bedridden after surgery and ninefold increased risk of dying (p < 0.005). Furthermore, they needed significantly more revision surgeries because of surgical complications. Patients classified ASA IV and V had significantly lower postoperative mobilization levels with only 10% able to walk with crutches and 53% bedridden. They also had significantly more non-surgical complications while dementia had no effect on non-surgical complication rate. CONCLUSION: Patients classified ASA IV and V or suffering dementia show poor outcome after hip fracture treated with hemiprosthesis. Multidisciplinary approaches including surgeons, geriatricians, physiotherapists and psychiatrists are needed to improve the outcome of these patients. Especially in a subgroup of patients, where no mobilization is expected, alternative treatment options may be considered.

Feasibility and Radiological Outcome of Minimally Invasive Locked Plating of Proximal Humeral Fractures in Geriatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures are common injuries in the elderly. Locked plating showed high complication and reoperation rates at first. However, with second-generation implants and augmentation, minimally invasive locked plating might be a viable alternative to arthroplasty or conservative treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with proximal humerus fractures treated between 2014 and 2020 with locked plating. All patients over 60 years of age who underwent surgery for a proximal humerus fracture with plate osteosynthesis (NCB, Philos, or Philos with cement) during the specified period were included. Pathological fractures, intramedullary nailing, or arthroplasty were excluded. Primary outcome measurements included secondary displacement and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes comprised function and mortality within one year. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients (mean age 75.6 +/- 8.9 years; 194 women and 55 men) were included in the study. No significant difference in the AO fracture classification could be found. Ninety-two patients were surgically treated with first-generation locked plating (NCB, Zimmer Biomet, Wayne Township, IN, USA), 113 patients with second-generation locked plating (Philos, Depuy Synthes, Wayne Township, IN, USA), and 44 patients with cement-augmented second-generation locked plating (Philos, Traumacem V+, Depuy Synthes). A 6-week radiological follow-up was completed for 189 patients. In all groups, X-rays were performed one day after surgery, and these showed no differences concerning the head shaft angle between the groups. The mean secondary varus dislocation (decrease of the head shaft angle) after six weeks for first-generation locked plating was 6.6 ± 12° (n = 72), for second-generation locked plating 4.4 ± 6.5 (n = 83), and for second-generation with augmentation 1.9 ± 3.7 (n = 35) with a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.012). Logistic regression showed a significant dependency for secondary dislocation for the type of treatment (p = 0.038), age (p = 0.01), and preoperative varus fracture displacement (p = 0.033). Significantly fewer surgical complications have been observed in the augmented second-generation locked plating group (NCB: 26.3%; Philos 21.5%; Philos-augmented 8.6%; p = 0.015). Range of motion was documented in 122 out of 209 patients after 3 months. In the Philos-augmented group, 50% of the patients achieved at least 90° anteversion and abduction, which was only about a third of the patients in the other 2 groups (NCB 34.8%, n = 46; Philos 35.8%, n = 56; augmented-Philos 50.0%, n = 20; p = 0.429). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive locked plating is still a valuable treatment option for geriatric patients. With augmentation and modern implants, the complication rate is low and comparable to those of reverse shoulder arthroplasty reported in the literature, even in the challenging group of elderly patients.

Osteoporotic Bone: When and How to Use Augmentation?

The number of fragility fractures is rising, and treatment is a challenge for orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Various augmentation options have been developed to prevent mechanical failure. Different composites can be used based on the fracture type, patient needs, and biomechanical needs. Indications for augmentation are not limited to osteoporotic fractures but can also be performed as a salvage procedure or in pathologic fractures. Biomechanical studies have shown advantages for augmented implants in the spine, proximal femur, and humerus. Clinical studies are preliminary but promising, showing good clinical results after augmentation with reduced mechanical failure and minimal complications.