Antibiotic prophylaxis as a quality of care indicator: does it help in the fight against surgical site infections following fragility hip fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Fragility hip fractures are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. To improve patient care, quality indicator programs were introduced. Yet, the efficacy of these programs and specific quality indicators are questioned. We aimed to determine whether defining prophylactic pre-surgical antibiotic treatment as a quality indicator affected hip fracture outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 65 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 01/01/2011 and 30/06/2016, before and after the prophylactic pre-surgical antibiotic treatment quality indicator, which was introduced in 01/2014. Primary outcomes were 1-year surgical site infections (SSI). Secondary outcomes were meeting the quality index and mortality rates, either within a hospital or during the first post-operative year. RESULTS: 904 patients, ages 82.5 ± 7.2 years were operated for fragility hip fractures. 403 patients presented before the antibiotic prophylaxis quality indicator, and 501 following its administration. Patients demographics were comparable. In the pre-quality indicator period, documentation of prophylactic antibiotic treatment was lacking. Only 19.6% had a record for antibiotic administration in their surgical records and for merely 10.4% the type of antibiotic was stated. However, in the post-quality indicator period, 97.0% of patients had a registered prophylactic antibiotic regimen in the hour preceding the surgical incision (p < 0.001). Post-operative SSI rates were equivalent, and as were in-hospital infections, mortality and recurrent hospitalizations CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of the pre-operative antibiotic treatment quality indicator increased the documentation of antibiotic administration yet failed to influence the incidence of post-operative orthopaedic and medical infections in fragility hip fracture patients.

Impact of the Holocaust on the outcomes of elderly patients sustaining a fragility hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Holocaust survivors (HS) were under an immense continues physical and mental stressors in their younger years, putting them at increased risk for both fragility hip fractures and worse medical and functional outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether being a HS could affect the functional outcomes of fragility hip fractures in patients 80 years of age and older following surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 80 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2016. HS survival status was self-defined by survivors who were born in European and northern African countries that were later occupied by the Nazi regime during World War II and experienced incarceration in concentration camps, forced labor camps and mass transport. Primary outcomes were mortality either within hospital or in the post-operative year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, recurrent hospitalizations and orthopedic complications within the post-operative year. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-one HS and 339 controls, ages 86.4 ± 4.4 years who were operated for fragility hip fracture between January 2011 to June of 2016 were included in the study. Patients from both groups were of similar age, Carlson's co-morbidity index score, leaving arrangement and pre-fracture mobility. Among HS there were more women (p = 0.029). HS did not have lower survival rates either within hospital or in the post- operative year. Both length of stay and in-hospital complication rates were similar between groups. In the post-operative year, HS were less likely to be hospitalized than controls (p = 0.021). The rate of orthopedic complications was also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Holocaust survivors patients do not achieve worse outcome following fragility hip fracture surgery and present distinctive resilience.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased elastin fiber loss in ligamentum flavum of patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis: results of a pilot histological study.

PURPOSE: Lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) is associated with fibrosis, decreased elastin-to-collagen ratio, and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to cause metabolic disturbances within the extracellular matrix in multiple tissues. These alterations may play a major role in the severity of clinical symptoms of LSCS affecting diabetic patients. We aimed to examine the hypothesis that DM may contribute to the LF changes seen in patients with LSCS. METHODS: The study cohort included 29 patients: 23 with LSCS (10 with DM vs. 13 without DM) as well as six patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Surgical LF specimens were retrieved for histological assessment. Morphologic quantification of confocal microscopy images using fast Fourier transform analysis allowed us to compare anisotropy and elastin fiber orientation between groups. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between fasting plasma glucose values and degree of elastin degradation (r = 0.36, p = 0.043). The diabetic patients with LSCS showed a significantly greater loss of elastic fibers (2.3 ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 ± 0.55, p = 0.009), although fibrosis was shown to be similar (1.44 ± 0.7 vs. 1.43 ± 0.88, p = 0.98). There was no significant difference in the degree of calcification in the LSCS group between patients with and without diabetes (1.71 vs. 2.05%, p = 0.653). Fiber orientation was found to be less homogenous in the LSCS compared with the LDH group, although not significantly affected by DM. CONCLUSIONS: The present study points to a significant contribution of DM to the loss of elastin fibers that occurs in the LF of patients with LSCS.

Timing of physiotherapy following fragility hip fracture: delays cost lives.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative physiotherapy (PT) following fragility hip fractures is intended to improve balance, gait, and muscle strength for enhanced functional outcomes. This study aims to assess whether postponing initiation of PT effects patients' outcomes during hospitalization and in the first 3 months following discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 65 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2016, within 48 h from admission, and started PT treatment either in the first post-operative day (POD1) or later (POD2-5). Patients were operated upon as soon as medically possible and in accordance with theater availability. All surgeries were performed outside of workday hours (either in the afternoon or during the weekend). Group allocation was established corresponding with the surgical day, as PT services are unavailable during weekends and holidays, and surgeries were performed daily. Primary outcomes were mortality either within hospital or in the post-operative year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, recurrent hospitalizations, and orthopedic complications within 3 months. RESULTS: 747 patients were included in the study; 525 patients started PT at POD1 and 222 had delayed PT. Patients' demographics, living arrangements, age-adjusted Charlsons' co-morbidity index, mobility, hemoglobin levels, and implant type were comparable. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for the delayed PT group, 6.8 vs. 3.2% (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.06-4.42, p value 0.034). One-year mortality, in-hospital complications, and the average number of 3 months' recurrent hospitalizations did not differ between groups. A trend for more orthopedic complications was noted in the delayed PT group (p = 0.099), and patients from this group were readmitted more often due to orthopedic surgery-related reasons (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Post-operative delay in PT following fragility hip fracture surgery was related to increased risk for in-hospital mortality.

[BISPHOSPHONATES AS A PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT FOR OSTEOPOROTIC HIP FRACTURES: A MIXED BLESSING].

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of bisphosphonates for treating osteoporosis in the last two decades has raised concern about the complication of atypical hip fractures secondary to bisphosphonate treatment. These fractures may be the result of a minor trauma to the hip or without any trauma at all. It may be heralded by prodromal groin or hip pain. Prolonged bisphosphonate treatment and atypical fractures may exist, but the nature and the extent of this linkage are still unknown. Currently, there is a lack of adequate evidence-based methods or a consensus about the treatment of this unique phenomenon. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the records of all subtrochanteric hip fracture cases admitted to our department in the years 2010-2014. During that period, we treated a total of 1315 patients:726 patients with pertrochanteric fractures, 514 patients with subcapital fractures and 75 patients with distal subtrochanteric fractures. Among those, 16 patients (1.2%) qualified as atypical hip fractures. The location of the fracture, period of bisphosphonates use, fixation type, complications and recovery were recorded. RESULTS: The average age of the patients in our study was 76.9 years. All patients were treated with bisphosphonates and over 80% of the patients were treated specifically with Alendronate prior to the fracture. Mean treatment time was 7.8 years. Most of the fractures (75%) were subtrochanteric, and the others were at the femur midshaft. All patients received surgical fixation and all accomplished union of the fractures. CONCLUSIONS: It seems reasonable to assume a causative relationship between a long term use of bisphosphonates and the occurrence of atypical hip fractures. It is a relatively rare complication; nevertheless, it should be kept in mind during a long term use of bisphosphonates. According to our department's clinical experience we found no delay in bone union with these atypical hip fractures. It seems reasonable to prophylactically fixate atypical stress fractures before they become a full fracture.

Atypical fractures of the femur related to prolonged treatment with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates reduce the overall risk of fractures among patients with osteoporosis, and this beneficial effect is long-lasting. However, since bisphosphonates inhibit bone remodeling, they may enhance the formation and propagation of micro-cracks over time and patients may therefore be prone to atypical fatigue fractures, mainly in the subtrochanteric region and femoral shaft. OBJECTIVES: To present two cases of subtrochanteric fractures related to bisphosphonate treatment, and review the current literature. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the overall beneficial effect of bisphosphonates, further research is required to prevent this significant complication.

Intramedullary nailing without curettage and cement augmentation for the treatment of impending and complete pathological fractures of the proximal or midshaft femur.

Metastases in the proximal femur and in the femoral diaphysis are usually treated with either cephalomedullary or intramedullary nailing. The benefit of curettage and augmentation of the nail with methyl methacrylate remains controversial. The authors retrospectively studied the outcomes with cephalomedullary and intramedullary nailing without curettage and methyl-methacrylate augmentation for lytic metastases of the proximal/diaphyseal femur. Twenty-one complete (11) or impending (10) pathological fractures in 19 consecutive patients were treated between January 2006 and August 2013. There were 11 women and 8 men. Their mean age was 62 years (range, 38 to 87). All patients received adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy.The average postsurgical survival was 9.7 months (range 1-36 months). A single deep infection was debrided. Seventeen out of 19 patients were ambulatory, with or without a walking aid. No implant failure was noted. In other words, patients succumbed to the disease prior to hardware failure. Femoral nail insertion without curettage and cement augmentation provided satisfactory stabilization of proximal and diaphyseal femur fractures, impending or complete, even when there was massive bone destruction.

[Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow].

The term posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) was coined in 1991 by O'Driscoll to describe the instability of the elbow caused by injury to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). This condition, which is usually preceded by a traumatic dislocation of the elbow, is the most common type of chronic instability of the elbow. In this type of instability, the radius and ulna rotate externally in relation to the distal humerus, leading to posterior displacement of the radial head relative to the capitellum. lateral elbow pain, clicking, popping and snapping are possible symptoms. The diagnosis of PLRI relies on a high index of suspicion and on a detailed physical examination. Several tests have been described including apprehension tests and examination under anesthesia. Surgical treatment with reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament complex yields successful results. In this review we summarize the current knowledge of the pathoanatomy, presentation, physical examination, diagnostic tests and management of chronic posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.

Reversed assembly of total hip arthroplasty components: a surgical tip to facilitate implant reduction during minimally invasive surgery.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) can result in soft tissue damage during the trial reduction and actual implantation. We present a surgical technique that reduces soft tissue trauma and facilitates implant reduction while protecting the prosthetic head from scratching during MIS THA. Primary THA using MIS was performed in 16 hips through a transgluteul direct lateral approach. Average follow-up was 54 months (range 52-58 months). At latest follow-up there was no evidence for component dissociation or loosening in any of the patients. Reverse assembly of THA components is a viable option, which may facilitate MIS THA and decrease soft tissue trauma.

Locking versus standard screw fixation for acetabular cups: is there a difference?

INTRODUCTION: Total hip replacement has been established as a valid treatment option for displaced subcapital fractures. However, insufficient primary fixation may be the reason for early loosening in these osteoporotic patients. Primary fixation of the cup is usually achieved by press-fit fixation that can be enhanced using screws. Locking the screws into their respective cups may seem to improve the primary fixation of the construct, as locked plates proved superior fixation for osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: The study consisted of three groups: in each group, three cups were fixed into blocks of foam bone using press-fit technique. In the first group, no additional screws were used, in the second group two standard screws were inserted, while in the third group two acetabular screws were cemented into the cup to simulate locked screw fixation. Load was applied onto the rim of the acetabular component to cause shearing between the cup and the block. Cup fixation was examined by a loading machine that acquired load versus displacement. The stiffness (load vs. displacement) was calculated. RESULTS: Screws, either locked or non-locked, enhanced cup fixation by 26 % (p value <0.01). No significant changes were found between the locking and non-locking screws groups. DISCUSSION: These experimental results indicate that acetabular screws enhance primary cup fixation. This may become significant in conditions where the acetabular bone stock is suboptimal, such as when performing total hip arthroplasty after displaced subcapital fractures. However, there is no superiority for locked screws over standard screw fixation.

Efficacy of single-shot adductor canal block before Versus after primary total knee arthroplasty - Does timing make a difference? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with severe postoperative pain. Multimodal analgesia, including peripheral nerve block, is recommended for post-operative pain relief. Administration of some pain medications prior to surgery has shown to be more effective than after the operation. This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial designed to compare the analgesic efficacy of the adductor canal block (ACB) performed immediately before or immediately after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that ACB before the surgery will reduce postoperative pain and improve knee function. METHODS: A total of 50 patients were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups, with 26 patients receiving a preoperative ACB and 24 receiving a postoperative ACB. RESULTS: Treatment groups were similar in terms of gender (p = .83), age (p = 0.61) weight (p = .39) and ASA score. Average visual analogue scale (VAS) on arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) were 4.9 ± 3.2 in the preoperative ACB versus 3.4 ± 2.8 for the postoperative ACB (p = .075). VAS scores at different time points as well as the mean, minimal and maximal reported VAS scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The cumulative quantities of Fentanyl administered by the anesthesia team was comparable between the groups. Similarly, the dosage of Morphine, Tramadol, Acetaminophen and Dipyrone showed only small variations. The Quality of Recovery Score, Knee Society Scores and knee range of motion did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate no significant differences in patient total narcotics consumption, pain scores and functional scores, between preoperative and postoperative ACB in patients undergoing TKA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov and was assigned the registration number NCT02908711. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level I randomized controlled trial.

Septic arthritis of the knee following intraarticular injections in elderly patients: report of six patients.

BACKGROUND: Intraarticular injections for the local treatment of osteoarthritis are widely used in the office or hospital setting. Septic arthritis is a potential catastrophic complication of intraarticular injection, as bacterial arthritis of any cause is associated with up to 15% mortality and residual impairment of joint function in up to 50% of survivors. There is lack of evidence regarding the precautions that should be taken to avoid such a complication, as well as how often it is encountered. OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of knee septic arthritis following intraarticular injections. METHODS: We followed six patients who were admitted to the hospital and underwent surgery for the treatment of pyogenic arthritis following injection to the knee joint in outpatient clinics. RESULTS: All but one patient were over 70 years old with comorbidities. Three patients were injected with steroid preparations and three with hyaluronic acid several days before admission. In all six patients the infection was treated surgically and three of them had undergone more than one operation during their hospitalization. Four of the six patients were treated by means of an open arthrotomy and synovectomy, and the other two were treated successfully with arthroscopic lavage and synovectomy. One patient underwent an above-knee amputation due to septic shock and died after several days. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the rarity of this complication, surgeons must be aware of the possibility of pyogenic arthritis when administering injections, especially in elderly patients with serious underlying medical conditions.

Ankle tourniquet pain control in forefoot surgery: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Forefoot surgery is often performed under regional anesthesia in awake patients, using tourniquet or Esmarch bandage to obtain a bloodless field. The purpose of this study was to examine the value and need for local tourniquet pain control using local subcutaneous analgesic mixture in patients undergoing forefoot surgery under ankle block anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively randomized 56 patients who underwent forefoot surgery under ankle block to receive either subcutaneous local anesthetic mixture under the tourniquet or no additional anesthetic. We checked for local tourniquet pain score (VAS 0 to 100) and skin condition during and after the procedure. RESULTS: The tourniquet was quite tolerable in both groups, with an average VAS score of 7 to 21. No difference was observed between groups throughout most of the procedure. No correlation between VAS scores and procedure length or patient's age or gender was found. CONCLUSION: An ankle tourniquet was well-tolerated by patients without need for local anesthetic beneath the cuff.

Fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients treated with a ring fixator.

The aim of distal humerus fracture treatment is articular surface reduction and stable fixation for early mobilisation and rehabilitation. This is usually performed by open reduction and internal fixation with plates. In the elderly osteoporotic patient this treatment is difficult to achieve due to fixation failure in fragile bone. We present our experience with treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator in distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. There were ten females, aged 70-89 (average 78.4). Fracture types (AO/ASIF) included three supracondylar fractures (type A) and seven intercondylar fractures (type C). All patients were treated by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator of the distal humerus and immediate postoperative mobilisation of the elbow. External fixation was removed on an average of 72 days (range 62-90). All fractures united. Average time to union was 56 days. Average range of movement at six months was 22° extension lag (range 15°-30°) and 115° flexion (range 110°-120°). Complications included one patient with transient radial palsy and one patient with a superficial decubitus ulcer on the chest wall from the hardware. Minimally invasive treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a ring fixator is effective for treatment of fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone. This treatment enables immediate mobilisation of the elbow, and allows return to function. It should be considered an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation or total elbow replacement.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Hip Fracture Patients Hospitalized in an Orthogeriatric Unit Versus an Orthopedic Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are a significant health risk in older adults and a major cause of morbidity, functional decline and mortality. Our aim was to compare clinical outcomes of older patients hospitalized in an ortho-geriatric (OG) unit to those hospitalized in an orthopedic department (OD) for surgical treatment of a hip fracture. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of hip fractured patients hospitalized between 2015-2016 in a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center. Included were patients aged 65 and older who had undergone hip fracture surgery and were admitted to either a geriatric or orthopedic ward. RESULTS: 441 patients met the inclusion criteria (195 in the OG unit, 246 in the OD); 257 were transferred to an affiliated geriatric center hospital (107 from the OG unit and 127 from the OD) for rehabilitation. Patients in the OG unit were older, more cognitively and functionally impaired and with more comorbidities. The 1-year mortality rate was significantly lower in the OD group (OR 0.32, CI 95% 0.19-0.53, p < 0.001), however, after propensity matching, the 30-day and 1 year mortality rates were similar in both groups. No difference was found in the rehabilitation length of stay between the groups. The functional independence measure improvement was similar in both groups, with a non-significant trend toward better functional improvement among OG unit patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the higher complexity of patients, worse baseline functional capacity in the OG unit, improvement after rehabilitation was similar in both groups. These results demonstrate the advantages of the OG unit in treating and stabilizing frail older adults, thus maximizing their chances for a successful recovery after hip fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Prediction of readmissions in the first post-operative year following hip fracture surgery.

PURPOSE: To define risk factors for rehospitalization following fragility hip fractures and to create a predictive model. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients 65 years and older, who were treated operatively following fragility hip fractures between 01.2011 and 06.2016. Patients were allocated into two study groups based on the occurrence of recurrent hospitalizations in the year following surgery. Demographic information, comorbidities, and in-hospital characteristics were collected, as was information regarding 1-year readmissions. Multivariate analysis of factors predictive of rehospitalizations was performed, followed by a logistic regression using all predictors with p < 0.05. A stepwise backwards elimination method was used to create the predictive model. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-one patients were included; 369 (43.4%) had recurrent hospitalizations within the first post-operative year. Patients who were rehospitalized were more likely to be males, to use a walking aid and to live dependently. They had a higher age-adjusted Charlson's comorbidity index (ACCI) score, a higher perveance of atrial fibrillation, lower hemoglobin, worse renal function, less platelets, and longer time to surgery. Prevalence of in-hospital complications was similar. Six variables were found to independently influence the chance for readmissions: male gender, the use of a walking aid, higher ACCI score, lower hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and a longer surgical delay. Only the first four were found to be adequate predictors and were added to the prediction formula. CONCLUSION: High 1-year readmission rates are seen following discharge in patients with fragility hip fractures. Addressing risk factors might aid to better rehabilitate patients and reduce morbidity.

Conservative treatment for pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis: a single institution experience.

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis (PFT) of the hand is a common infection which is clinically diagnosed using Kanavel's signs. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to devastating outcomes, including reduced range of motion (ROM), deformities, tendon impairment or even amputation. While the gold standard for treatment is irrigation and debridement of the flexor sheath, little is known about the outcomes of conservative treatment with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Patients treated conservatively for PFT between 2000 and 2013 were included. Demographic information, co-morbidities and clinical features at presentation such as Kanavel's signs and inflammatory markers levels were gathered. Treatment course, length of stay (LOS), functional outcomes and complications were collected. Fifty-four (54) patients presented with PFT in the study period. Forty-six (46) patients, ages 19-84 years old, who were treated conservatively were included. Average time from symptoms onset to presentation was 4.6 ± 7.1 days. Fourteen (14) patients failed to improve with course of oral antibiotics prior to presentation. The average number of Kanavel's signs was 3 ± 0.7. Inflammatory markers were elevated in 82.2% of patients. The mean LOS was 4.7 ± 2 days. Forty-four (44) patients continued follow-up for 55 ± 45 months. Final flexion ROM was full or minimally limited in 69% of patients. Three patients were eventually operated. Complication rate for the entire cohort was 4.3% and no fingers were lost. This retrospective case series indicate that inpatient empirical IV antibiotic therapy can be considered for patients presenting with uncomplicated PFT, provided it is practiced under a hand specialist's surveillance.

The Oxford unicompartmental knee prosthesis for the treatment of medial compartment knee disease: 2 to 5 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee replacement has become a surgical alternative for treating isolated medial or lateral osteoarthritis of the knee or avascular necrosis of the femoral condyls. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term results of the Oxford Phase 3 unicompartmental knee replacement for unicompartmental knee arthrosis or avascular necrosis of the medial femoral condyle. METHODS: During the period 2003-2005 a total of 59 patients (59 knees) underwent medial Oxford Phase 3 unicompartmental knee replacement in our unit. The patients were interviewed and examined, and standing anteroposterior and lateral X-rays were taken. All patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis and the Short Form 12 questionnaire, and the International Knee Society score was evaluated. The data were collected and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: X-rays were performed and scores for the WOMAC and IKS were assessed for 42 patients (31 females, 11 males). At an average of 32 months after surgery the total WOMAC score was 30. The mean SF-12 physical score was 38 and the mean SF-12 mental score was 51. The mean IKS score was 166. Ninety-one percent of the patients had active flexion of 120 degrees or more. Of 59 knees 7 were converted to total knee arthroplasty--all of them within the first 2 years of starting the procedure and all of them in relatively young patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the higher revision rate to TKR in this study, our findings confirm the short-term results reported in other studies of the Oxford medial unicompartmental knee and our early failure rate could be explained by a performance learning curve. This study confirms that this bone-preserving procedure should be considered in end-stage isolated unicompartmental osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis by surgeons who have the adequate training and experience.

Treating civilian gunshot wounds to the extremities in a level 1 trauma center: our experience and recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Gunshot wounds impose a continuous burden on community and hospital resources. Gunshot injuries to the extremities might involve complex soft tissue, bone, vascular, musculotendinous, and nerve injuries. A precise knowledge of anatomy is needed to evaluate and treat those injuries. OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with gunshot wounds to the extremities. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all civilian cases of gunshot wounds to the limbs treated in our institution during 2003-2005. Altogether, we evaluated 60 patients with 77 injuries. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients 36 had fractures, 75% of them in the lower extremity and 81% in long bones. The most common fixation modality used was external fixation (33%), followed by intramedullary nailing (25%). This relatively high percentage of fracture treated with external fixation may be attributed to the comminuted pattern of the fractures, the general status of the patient, or the local soft tissue problems encountered in gunshot wounds. About one-fifth of the fractures were treated by debridement only without hardware fixation. We treated 10 vascular injuries in 8 patients; 6 of them were injuries to the popliteal vessels. Fractures around the knee comprised the highest risk factor for vascular injuries, since 5 of the 12 fractures around the knee were associated with vascular injury requiring repair or reconstruction. There were 13 nerve injuries (16.8%), most of them of the deep peroneal nerve (38%). Only three patients had concomitant nerve and vascular injuries. The overall direct complication rate in our series was 20%. CONCLUSIONS: To successfully treat complex gunshot injuries a team approach is necessary. This team should be led by an orthopedic surgeon knowledgeable in the functional anatomy of the limbs.

Surgical Site Infections in Elderly Fragility Hip Fractures Patients Undergoing Warfarin Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a devastating complication of proximal femoral fracture surgery, related with an increased morbidity and mortality. As warfarin treatment has been described as a risk factor for SSI, we aimed to compare patient and SSI characteristics in warfarin and nonanticoagulated patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level-1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Individuals 65 years of age and older with fragility hip fractures. INTERVENTION: Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: warfarin treated (n = 85) or nonanticoagulated (n = 771). Demographics, in-hospital characteristics, laboratory data, prior hospitalizations, recent antibiotic use, and 1-year incidence of SSIs and their characteristics were gathered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative SSIs. RESULTS: Twelve patients (14.1%) from the warfarin group and 21 patients (2.7%) from the noncoagulated group had SSI (P < 0.001). Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics and Charlson comorbidity score. Warfarin-treated patients had reduced white blood and neutrophils counts (10.1 ± 3.2 vs. 11.6 ± 4.0 cells/mm and 8.1 ± 3.2 vs. 9.6 ± 3.9 cells/mm for both comparisons respectively; P < 0.001 for both). They were more likely to be admitted to a geriatric ward than to orthopedics ward and were delayed to theater (58.5 ± 44.5 vs. 30.6 ± 27.4 hours; P < 0.001). Following surgery, there was no difference in blood transfusions required, in-hospital complications, or time to infection. Rates of prior hospitalizations, antibiotic use, or type of bacteria did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Warfarin treatment in fragility hip fracture surgery is correlated with an increased risk for SSI, regardless of in-hospital complications, and hospitalizations before surgery or to the infection itself. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.