Patients' perspective of fast-track total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review.

The introduction of fast-track protocols decreased length of hospital stay and improved rehabilitation and outcomes in total joint arthroplasty. Despite improved clinical results published in many papers, the patient perspective of these protocols is less investigated. Purpose of this study was to explore the patient perspective of fast-track protocols in arthroplasty. A systematic search for articles of patient experiences in total hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web-of-Science for articles published from inception to February 14, 2023. In total 12 studies were included involving 672 patients. Most patients were satisfied with short length of hospital stay and preferred rehabilitation at home with relatives for support. Various experiences were reported regarding pain and postoperative out of hospital physical therapy. Frequently, feelings of insecurity were reported because of lack of personalized information. Based on current qualitative literature, patients are satisfied with short length of hospital stay in fast-track total joint arthroplasty. Improvements in personalized information and physical therapy protocols is needed.

Psychology in orthopedics and traumatology: an instructional review.

Mental health is important as a predictor of outcomes after orthopedic treatment. Psychological parameters (e.g. expectations, coping strategies, personality) are as important as biological and mechanical factors in the severity of musculoskeletal complaints and treatment results. Orthopedic surgeons should not only treat physical conditions but also address psychosocial factors. If necessary, they should refer to clinical psychologists. Multidisciplinary approach, patient-oriented treatment, (psycho)education, emotional support, and teaching coping strategies are elements of psychosocial attention within orthopedics and traumatology.

Nonoperative versus operative management of frail institutionalized older patients with a proximal femoral fracture: a cost-utility analysis alongside a multicenter prospective cohort study.

Hip fractures are associated with significant healthcare costs. In frail institutionalized patients, the costs of nonoperative management are less than operative management with comparable short-term quality of life. Nonoperative management of hip fractures in patients at the end of life should be openly discussed with SDM. PURPOSE: The aim was to describe healthcare use with associated costs and to determine cost-utility of nonoperative management (NOM) versus operative management (OM) of frail institutionalized older patients with a proximal femoral fracture. METHODS: This study included institutionalized patients with a limited life expectancy aged ≥ 70 years who sustained a proximal femoral fracture in the Netherlands. Costs of hospital- and nursing home care were calculated. Quality adjusted life years (QALY) were calculated based on EuroQol-5D-5L utility scores at day 7, 14, and 30 and at 3 and 6 months. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated from a societal perspective. RESULTS: Of the 172 enrolled patients, 88 (51%) patients opted for NOM and 84 (49%) for OM. NOM was associated with lower healthcare costs at 6 months (NOM; €2425 (SD 1.030), OM; €9325 (SD 4242), p < 0.001). The main cost driver was hospital stay (NOM; €738 (SD 841) and OM; €3140 (SD 2636)). The ICER per QALY gained in the OM versus NOM was €76,912 and exceeded the threshold of €20,000 per QALY. The gained QALY were minimal in the OM group in patients who died within 14- and 30-day post-injury, but OM resulted in more than triple the costs. CONCLUSION: OM results in significant higher healthcare costs, mainly due to the length of hospital stay. For frail patients at the end of life, NOM of proximal femoral fractures should be openly discussed in SDM conversations due to the limited gain in QoL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR7245; date 10-06-2018).

Does circumferential casting prevent fracture redisplacement in reduced distal radius fractures? A retrospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates whether a circumferential cast compared to a plaster splint leads to less fracture redisplacement in reduced extra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). METHODS: This retrospective multicentre study was performed in four hospitals (two teaching hospitals and two academic hospitals). Adult patients with a displaced extra-articular DRF, treated with closed reduction, were included. Patients were included from a 5-year period (January 2012-January 2017). According to the hospital protocol, fractures were immobilized with a below elbow circumferential cast (CC) or a plaster splint (PS). The primary outcome concerned the difference in the occurrence of fracture redisplacement at one-week follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients were included in this study (PS n = 184, CC n = 316). At one-week follow-up, fracture redisplacement occurred in 52 patients (17%) treated with a CC compared to 53 patients (29%) treated with a PS. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that treatment of reduced DRFs with a circumferential cast might cause less fracture redisplacement at 1-week follow-up compared to treatment with a plaster splint. Level of Evidence Level III, Retrospective study.

The prevalence and prognostic factors of psychological distress in older patients with a hip fracture: A longitudinal cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: A hip fracture can be experienced as a traumatic event that can induce psychological distress. The aim of this study is to give more insight into the prevalence of symptoms of psychological distress in older patients following the first year after a hip fracture. In addition, prognostic factors were determined for psychological distress after hip fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This hip fracture cohort data was derived from the Brabant Injury Outcome Surveillance, a multicenter longitudinal prospective cohort study. Hip fracture patients (≥65years) admitted to a hospital between August 2015 and November 2016 were asked to complete a questionnaire at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression and the Impact of Event Scale (IES) was used to assess symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS). Prognostic factors were assessed with multivariable logistic mixed models. RESULTS: In total 570 patients (inclusion rate: 69.7%) were included. The prevalence of psychological distress ranged from 36% at 1 week to 31% at 1 year after hip fracture. Frailty at onset of hip fracture was the most important prognostic factor of symptoms of depression (Odds ratio (OR), 2.74; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 5.34) and anxiety (OR, 2.60; 95% CI 1.15 to 5.85) on average in the year following hip fracture. Frailty was not a prognostic factor of symptoms of PTS (OR, 1.97; 95% CI 0.42 to 9.23). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of psychological distress is high in the first year after a hip fracture. Frailty at onset of a hip fracture is the most important prognostic factor of symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings have important implications for strategies with early identification of frail patients with a hip fracture at high risk of psychological distress.

Burden of illness of hip fractures in elderly Dutch patients.

Patients with hip fractures experience reduced health-related quality of life and have a reduced life expectancy. Patients' utilization of healthcare leads to costs to society. The results of the study can be used in future economic evaluations of treatments for hip fractures. PURPOSE: Hip fractures are associated with high mortality, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization, leading to an economic burden to society. The purpose of this study is to determine the burden of illness of hip fractures in elderly Dutch patients for specific time periods after surgery. METHODS: Patients with a hip fracture above the age of 65 were included in the study. In the 1-year period after surgery, patients were asked to complete a set of questionnaires pre-injury (retrospectively), and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. The set of questionnaires included the Euroqol 5D (EQ-5D-3L), the iMTA Medical Consumption Questionnaire (iMCQ) and iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ). Health-related quality of life was calculated using Dutch tariffs. Costs were calculated using the methodology described in the Dutch costing manual. RESULTS: Approximately 20% of patients with a hip fracture died within 1 year. Health-related quality of life was significantly reduced compared to pre-injury values, and patients did not recover to their pre-injury values within 1 year. Total costs in the first year after injury were €27,573, of which 10% were due to costs of the procedure (€2706). Total follow-up costs (€24,876) were predominantly consisting of healthcare costs. Monthly costs decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fractures lead to a burden to patients, resulting from mortality and health-related quality of life reductions, and to society, due to (healthcare) costs. The results of this study can be used in future economic evaluations.

The Girdlestone situation: a historical essay.

The eponymous term 'Girdlestone situation' originally referred to an excision of the femoral head in case of an acute pyogenic infection of the hip, described by Gathorne Robert Girdlestone in 1945. Over time the procedure and the indication to perform it have significantly changed. This article presents a short biography of Girdlestone with a concomitant report on investigating the evolution of the indication and technique of the Girdlestone situation from the first description up to contemporary literature.

Bennett's fracture: Comparative study between open and closed surgical techniques.

The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of surgically treated Bennett fractures, while comparing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF). Patients treated between 1994 and 2010 were assessed retrospectively during an outpatient visit using a validated questionnaire (i.e. DASH, pain assessed through VAS), sensory testing, grip- and pinch-strength and radiographic analysis for post-traumatic arthritis. Fifty patients were included. Mean follow-up was 10 years. Mean age at trauma was 34 years. ORIF was used in 35 patients. CRPF was used in 15 patients. No differences in grip- and pinch-strength were found. Re-operations were needed in five ORIF-treated patients. Higher Pain Scores (VAS) were seen in the ORIF-treated patients. No correlation was found between surgical technique and functional outcomes. A persistent step-off or gap larger than 2 mm after surgical fixation was significantly correlated with post-traumatic arthritis at 10 years' follow-up. The need to perform ORIF for anatomical reduction seems to be less important in preventing post-traumatic arthritis as a persistent step-off or gap of more than 2 mm was found to be significantly correlated with the development of post-traumatic arthritis. Secondly, both techniques lead to good functional outcomes, although persistent pain was seen in the ORIF-treated patients. Bennett fractures can therefore be safely treated with CRPF when the persistent step-off and gap after fixation do not exceed 2 mm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level III.

[Meaningful treatments in orthopaedics and traumatology]. / Zinvol handelen in de orthopedie en traumatologie.

Reading the literature of recent years could give one the impression that many treatments fall short when they are submitted to high-quality scrutiny. This perspective discusses sensible and senseless care in orthopaedics and traumatology, using concepts such as evidence-based medicine, managing expectations and shared decision-making.

Trajectories in quality of life of patients with a fracture of the distal radius or ankle using latent class analysis.

PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to identify the different trajectories of quality of life (QOL) in patients with distal radius fractures (DRF) and ankle fractures (AF). Secondly, it was examined if subgroups could be characterized by sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables. METHODS: Patients (n = 543) completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref), the pain, coping, and cognitions questionnaire, NEO-five factor inventory (neuroticism and extraversion), and the state-trait anxiety inventory (short version) a few days after fracture (i.e., pre-injury QOL reported). The WHOQOL-Bref was also completed at three, six, and 12 months post-fracture. Latent class trajectory analysis (i.e., regression model) including the Step 3 method was performed in Latent Gold 5.0. RESULTS: The number of classes ranged from three to five for the WHOQOL-Bref facet and the four domains with a total variance explained ranging from 71.6 to 79.4%. Sex was only significant for physical and psychological QOL (p < 0.05), whereas age showed significance for overall, physical, psychological, and environmental QOL (p < 0.05). Type of treatment or fracture type was not significant (p > 0.05). Percentages of chronic comorbidities were 1.8 (i.e., social QOL) to 4.5 (i.e., physical QOL) higher in the lowest compared to the highest QOL classes. Trait anxiety, neuroticism, extraversion, pain catastrophizing, and internal pain locus of control were significantly different between QOL trajectories (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The importance of a biopsychosocial model in trauma care was confirmed. The different courses of QOL after fracture were defined by several sociodemographic and clinical variables as well as psychological characteristics. Based on the identified characteristics, patients at risk for lower QOL may be recognized earlier by health care providers offering opportunities for monitoring and intervention.

[A hardening in the forearm after an olecranon fracture]. / Een harde zwelling na een olecranonfractuur.

A 77-year-old male who had had an olecranon fracture 15 years ago presented himself with mild pain of the right elbow. Physical examination revealed painless hardening of the finger and wrist flexors in an area of 10 cm from the origin. Conventional radiographs showed a mature myositis ossificans.

[Effect of smoking on orthopaedic conditions: an overview for everyday practice]. / Invloed van roken op orthopedische aandoeningen.

- We are learning more and more about the effects of smoking on orthopaedic conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and on healing of fractures and tendons.- Smoking seems to have a slight protective effect on osteoarthritis.- Smokers have a higher risk of postoperative complications such as wound infection, death and prosthesis-related complications.- If smokers stop smoking preoperatively, the risk of general postoperative complications can be reduced, but this is yet to be proven for prosthesis-related complications.- Smoking patients experience slower healing of fractures and tendons and often have less favourable outcomes.- It is important to discuss the negative effects of smoking on the treatment of orthopaedic disorders with the patient.

[Metal-on-metal hip implant continues to be a source of concern]. / Metaal-op-metaal heupprothese blijft bron van zorg.

It has recently been suggested that patients with metal-on-metal (MOM) hip implants have an increased chance of mortality. These observations come from a meta-analysis including many small randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. Because of the high risk of bias there is no reason for great concern. In the Netherlands, the Dutch Orthopaedic Association (NOV) advised against the use of MOM implants in 2012, and that all patients with MOM implants should be followed up every year. There are good arguments to continue this policy because of the high risk of revision associated with MOM implants and the potential toxic effects of metal ions. There are also good reasons to follow up patients after a total hip procedure in which a large metal head (> 36 mm) has been used, because they also have increased metal ion release. The tragic story of MOM hip implants stresses that a minimum of 10 years of good clinical data should be required before widespread use of new hip implants is implemented.

[The reversed shoulder prosthesis]. / De omgekeerde schouderprothese.

In patients aged over 70 years, a non-functioning rotator cuff is an indication for a reversed shoulder prosthesis. Here we describe an 84-year-old woman with rotator cuff arthropathy and a 76-year-old man with a proximal humerus fracture, who both received a reversed shoulder prosthesis. This prosthesis decreases pain and improves the range of movement; however, the high risk of complications associated with this prosthesis should be taken into account and should be discussed preoperatively.

Prevalence, recovery patterns and predictors of quality of life and costs after non-fatal injury: the Brabant Injury Outcome Surveillance (BIOS) study.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is a major public health problem worldwide that leads to high medical and societal costs. Overall, improved understanding of the full spectrum of the societal impact and burden of injury is needed. The main purpose of the Brabant Injury Outcome Surveillance (BIOS) study is to provide insight into prevalence, predictors and recovery patterns of short-term and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and costs after injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, observational, follow-up cohort study in which HRQoL, psychological, social and functional outcome, and costs after trauma will be assessed during 24 months follow-up within injured patients admitted in 1 of 10 hospitals in the county Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands. Data will be collected by self-reported questionnaires at 1 week (including preinjury assessment), and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after injury. If patients are not capable of filling out the questionnaires, proxies will be asked to participate. Also, information about mechanism and severity of injury, comorbidity and indirect and direct costs will be collected. Mixed models will be used to examine the course of HRQoL, functional and psychological outcome, costs over time and between different groups, and to identify predictors for poor or good outcome. RELEVANCE: This study should make a substantial contribution to the international collaborative effort to assess the societal impact and burden of injuries more accurately. The BIOS results will also be used to develop an outcome prediction model for outcome evaluation including, besides the classic fatal, non-fatal outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02508675.

[The intra-articular glucocorticoid injection; short-term success with potential side effects]. / De intra-articulaire glucocorticoïdinjectie.

- Intra-articular injections have been in use for over 60 years. However, there is increasing awareness of potential side effects associated with the intra- and peri-articular use of both glucocorticoids and topical analgesics.- In this review we will discuss the effects and side effects of intra-articular glucocorticoid injections in the context of non-rheumatic knee and shoulder conditions. Other commonly used indications for glucocorticoid use are also described.- For almost all indications, intra-articular glucocorticoid injections provide a small and short-term pain-suppressing effect. Long-term therapeutic effects do not exist.- Side effects range from local skin problems to adrenocortical suppression which can persist for weeks.- Glucocorticoid injections may be indicated in daily practice but have no long-term effect. In view of the potential (harmful) side effects, it is advisable to use the lowest possible effective dose.

[Knee joint distraction: a solution for young patients with osteoarthritis of the knee?] / Kniedistractie: een oplossing voor jonge patiënten met knieartrose?

The current treatment for patients with end-stage generalised osteoarthritis of the knee is total knee replacement. In a recent paper in Plos One the authors examined an alternative approach, namely knee joint distraction. On the basis of a model, they claim that this treatment can postpone total knee replacement for about 20 years. This would reduce the costs for the healthcare services and improve quality of life for these patients. Although these claims seem promising, the model is only based on extrapolations of short-term results of small cohort studies. Furthermore, concerns about potential complications, e.g. osteomyelitis following pin-tract infections, are not mentioned. Further high quality studies in knee joint distraction are needed to prove its long-term efficacy and safety before this procedure can be implemented in standard clinical care.

[Orthopaedic surgeons can also treat their patients verbally: conservative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip using careful explanation]. / Orthopeed behandelt ook met woorden.

A recent study of factors that stimulate or hinder conservative treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee concluded that orthopaedic surgeons' beliefs might obstruct application of conservative treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons, along with general practitioners, may play a key role in providing patient-specific conservative treatment. Patients who demand arthroplasty and who are not willing to try conservative treatment may be more problematic. An appreciable percentage of patients are not satisfied after total hip or total knee arthroplasty, so it is of the utmost importance that orthopaedic surgeons provide comprehensive information for all patients, including explaining potential complications and managing expectations. Orthopaedic surgeons should, therefore, treat patients both actively and conservatively.

Psychometric properties of the Dutch Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire in severely injured patients.

UNLABELLED: In this cross-sectional study the psychometric properties are examined of the adapted Dutch translation of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire in severely injured patients (ISS>15). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (N=173) completed the SMFA, the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the Dutch Impact of Event Scale (IES), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ). The Abbreviated Injury Score and the Injury Severity Score were established to determine the injured body area and the severity of the injuries. Exploratory factor analysis (method: PAF) was performed. Correlations were calculated between our SMFA factors and scores on the WHOQOL-BREF, IES, HADS and CFQ. The SMFA scores of the factors Upper extremity dysfunction and Lower extremity dysfunction were compared between subgroups of patients with and without injuries in respectively the upper extremities and the lower extremities. For responsiveness analysis, data were compared with the baseline SMFA measurement of a reference group. RESULTS: A three-factor structure was found: Lower extremity dysfunction, Upper extremity dysfunction, and Emotion. Strong correlations between the SMFA and the other questionnaires were found. Patients with injury of the lower extremities had significantly higher scores on the factor Lower extremity dysfunction than patients without injury of the lower extremities (p=0.017). In none of the factors, a significant difference in mean scores was found between patients with and without injury of the upper extremities. Severely injured patients had significantly higher SMFA scores than the reference group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The adapted Dutch translation of the SMFA showed good psychometric properties in severely injured patients. It appeared to be useful to get a general overview of patients' Health Status as well as patients' Health Related Quality Of Life.