Palliative care is a viable option for frail elderly patients with neurocognitive disorders admitted for hip fractures.

IMPORTANCE: Most patients presenting with a hip fracture regardless of their comorbidities are surgically treated. A growing body of research states that a certain type of elderly patient could benefit more from a palliative approach. OBJECTIVE: Identify the patient who would benefit most from a palliative care approach instead of a surgery. DESIGN: Exploratory-matched retrospective cohort study between 2015 and 2021. SETTING: Single Level 1 Trauma Center. PARTICIPANTS: There were 2240 hip fracture patients admitted to our institution between 2015 and 2021. Patients over 65 years old with intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures could be included. A total of 129 patients opted for palliative care (Palliative Group = PG). This cohort was compared to a matched cohort (for age, sex and fracture type) who underwent surgery but died within three months of the procedure (Surgery Deceased Group = SDG) and another matched cohort who survived more than three months (Surgery Alive Group = SAG) following surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Medical charts were reviewed for patient demographics, autonomy level, level of care, neurocognitive disorders (NCD), fracture type, in-hospital data and outpatient death within three months of admission. Analysis was performed through univariate and multivariate models with SAS OnDemand for Academics (alpha 0.05). RESULTS: Patients in the PG (n = 129) were 88.2 ± 7.2 years old, 71.3% were females, and 61.2% had a femoral neck fracture. Patients in the SDG (n = 95) and SAG (n = 107) were well matched. The PG differed from the SDG (n = 95) and SAG (n = 107) regarding NCD (85.3% vs. 57.9% vs. 36.4%, p < 0.01) and the presence of Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (19.4% vs. 5.3% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.01). There were more known heart failure (24.2% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.01) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the SDG group than in the PG group (26.6 vs. 14.7%, p = 0.02). Patients in the SAG have a significant lower rate of NCD (OR 2,7 (95%CI 1,5-5,0)), heart failure (OR 5,7 (95%CI 1,9-16,4)) and COPD (OR 2,8 (95%CI 1,2-6,3)) than other groups. Prefracture mobility, autonomy and living situation significantly differed between the groups. Median survival was six days in PG and 17 days in SDG. All groups lost autonomy and mobility. There were more complications in the SDG group than in the PG group. The end-of-care trajectory was death or hospice for most patients in the PG and SDG groups. More than 30% of the SAG group could not return home at discharge. CONCLUSION: The presence of an NCD and diminished prefracture autonomy strongly support counseling for palliative care. The high rate of complications when surgery is proposed for frail patients with multiple comorbidities suggests that the concept of palliative surgery needs to be revisited.

[Analysis of influencing factors of early femoral head necrosis after femoral neck fracture and construction of nomogram prediction model].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors of early femoral head necrosis in patients with femoral neck fracture after operation, and to establish a nomogram prediction model. METHODS: A total of 167 patients with femoral neck fracture from January 2020 to April 2022 were selected and divided into necrosis group and non-necrosis group according to whether femoral head necrosis occurred in the early postoperative period. There were 21 males and 17 females in the necrosis group, aged from 33 to 72 years old, with an average of (53.49±10.96) years old, and the time from injury to operation ranged from 40 to 67 hours, with average time of(53.46±7.23) hours. There were 72 males and 57 females in the non-necrosis group, aged from 18 to 83 years, with an average of (52.78±12.55) years old, and the time from injury to operation was 18 to 65 hours, with an average time of(39.88±7.79) hours. The potential influencing factors, including patient gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic liver disease, posterior inclination angle of the femoral head, operation mode, fracture displacement, fracture line location, preoperative braking traction, screw arrangement mode, reduction quality, age, body mass index(BMI), and injury to operation time were subjected to single factor analysis. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was conducted for factors with a significance level of P<0.05. RESULTS: The incidence of femoral head necrosis in 167 patients with femoral neck fracture was 22.76%. The following factors were identified as independent risk factors for early postoperative femoral head necrosis in patients with femoral neck fractures:coexisting diabetes[OR=5.139, 95%CI(1.405, 18.793), P=0.013], displaced fracture [OR=3.723, 95%CI(1.105, 12.541), P=0.034], preoperative immobilization[OR=3.444, 95%CI(1.038, 11.427), P=0.043], quality of reduction [OR=3.524, 95%CI(1.676, 7.411), P=0.001], and time from injury to surgery[OR=1.270, 95%CI(1.154, 1.399), P=0.000]. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test(χ2=3.951, P=0.862), the area under the receiver operator characteristic(ROC) curve was 0.944[P<0.001, 95%CI(0.903, 0.987)], with a sensitivity of 89.50%, the specificity was 88.40%, the maximum Youden index was 0.779, and the overall trend of the model correction curve was close to the ideal curve. Model regression equation was Z=1.637 × diabetes + 1.314× fracture displacement+1.237 × preoperative braking traction+1.260 × reduction quality + 0.239×injury to operation time-18.310. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of early femoral head necrosis in patients with femoral neck fracture postoperatively is affected by multiple factors. The risk early warning model established according to the factors has good predictive efficacy.

Pilot study of three novel implants-GSK triangular system, locking hip screw and controlled sliding dynamic hip screw, for fixation of fracture of the neck of femur.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intra capsular fracture of the neck of femur (FNF) treated traditionally with a dynamic hip screw (DHS) or three cancellous screws (3CS) has a high incidence of complications with reoperation rates between 20 % and 45 %. We hypothesized that FNF unites by primary healing. Therefore, intra-operative compression and absolute stability post-operatively until healing are essential. We postulated that FNF requires 2 types of implants- those which provide absolute stability for young patients with good bone stock and another with sliding mechanism for elderly patients with osteoporosis. We developed three novel fixation systems at our research institute in India using a modified DHS. In patients with good bone stock, locking DHS, called LHS and GSK triangular system (GSKT) provided intra-operative compression and absolute stability during the post-operative period. In those with poor bone stock, the controlled sliding DHS (CSDHS)was used as a locking implant might penetrate the hip joint. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 42 patients of FNF <55 years of age were studied. Among 39 patients with good bone stock, LHS was used in five patients and GSKT system was used in 34 patients. CSDHS was used in three patients with poor bone stock or communition. The patients were followed up for a minimum of eight months up to a maximum of two years, with the average follow up duration of 14 months. RESULTS: 32 out of 34 fractures treated by GSKT system united. Five cases managed by LHS and three by CSDHS, all united. The union rate was 95.2 %. Of the two failed cases, one patient had nonunion (NU), the other had deep infection. Avascular necrosis of the head (AVN) was detected in three patients treated with GSKT system in the second year following surgery. Two of them had hip pain while one was asymptomatic. Eight cases of FNF Pauwels type III underwent a primary valgus osteotomy. All of them united without complications. CONCLUSION: In patients with good bone stock, LHS and GSKT system allowed intra-operative compression and absolute post-operative stability without sliding of head fragment as the triangle construct is biomechanically the strongest. When bones are osteoporotic, a CSDHS provided controlled sliding (1 to 5 mm only). This pilot study showed a promising success rate of 95.2 %. We propose that the GSKT system may be used to treat intertrochanteric and other metaphyseal fractures as well. Further biomechanical studies are underway to strenghten the evidence needed for the widespread use of these implants.

The clinical application value of 3.0T magnetic resonance T2 mapping imaging in evaluating the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration in joint replacement surgery running title: MRI and acetabular cartilage degeneration.

BACKGROUND: To explore and compare the values of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping in evaluating the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration in hip replacement surgery. METHODS: A total of 26 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures who were scanned in 3.0T MRI T2 mapping quantification technique were included. Basing on MRI images, the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration was classified into Grade 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scores. In addition, 8 healthy volunteers were included for control group. RESULTS: By comparison with health population, T2 relaxation values in the anterior, superior, and posterior regions of acetabular cartilage in patients with femoral neck fracture were obviously increased (P < 0.001). Among the patients with femoral neck fractures, there were 16 hip joint with Grade 1-2 (mild degeneration subgroup) and 10 hip joints with Grade 3-4 (severe degeneration subgroup), accounting for 61.54% and 38.46%, respectively. Additionally, T2 relaxation values in the anterior and superior bands of articular cartilage were positively related to the MRI-based grading (P < 0.05); while there was no significant difference of T2 relaxation values in the posterior areas of articular cartilage between severe degeneration subgroup and mild degeneration subgroup (P > 0.05). Importantly, acetabular cartilage degeneration can be detected through signal changes of T2 mapping pseudo-color images. CONCLUSION: 3.0T MRI T2 mapping technology can be used to determine the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration, which can effectively monitor the disease course.

Comparison of dynamic compression system versus multiple cancellous screws in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral neck fractures have posed a significant global healthcare challenge and had notable impacts on the quality of life. Current treatment strategies for femoral neck fractures in young individuals have varied, emphasizing the need for optimal fixation methods. This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of the dynamic compression system (DCS) and multiple cancellous screws (MCS) methods. METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 275 young adults with fresh femoral neck fractures treated with DCS and MCS. A matching analysis with a 1:1 ratio based on age, gender, fracture classification, and reduction quality was conducted. Demographic data were recorded, and comparisons were made according to follow-up time (FUT), hospitalization period, operation duration, femoral neck shortening, caput-collum-diaphysis (CCD) angle, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and post-operative complications. RESULTS: A total of 42 fractures were matched with a median age of 42 years (range, 22-48). In the DCS group, vertical neck shortening (median 1.92) was significantly lower than that in the MCS group (median 4.53) (P < 0.05). In the DCS group, horizontal femoral neck shortening, resultant femoral neck shortening, the amount of change in CCD angle, and HHS were 0.57 mm (0.43, 4.74 mm), 1.82 mm (0.40, 3.53 mm), 0.13° (-0.78°, 1.80°), and 91 (85-93), respectively. They were all non-significant than 1.00 mm (0.56, 6.23 mm), 2.74 mm (1.59, 6.71 mm), -0.18° (-1.11°,1.85°), and 91 (75, 93) in the MCS group, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in FUT, hospitalization period, operation time, and post-operative complications at the latest follow-up (P > 0.05). There were no complications such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and incision infection reported. CONCLUSION: DCS and MCS demonstrated effectiveness in treating femoral neck fractures in young adults. The DCS implant provides additional stability in the vertical axis. A prospective randomized controlled study with a large sample size was needed to validate these findings.

Treatment Failure After Repair of Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Patients Compared by "Decade of Life": An Analysis of 565 Cases in Adults Less Than 60 years of Age.

OBJECTIVES: To study the results of displaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in adults less than 60 years of age by comparing patients, injury, treatment, and the characteristics of treatment failure specifically according to patients' age at injury, that is, by their "decade of life" [ie, "under 30" (29 years and younger), "the 30s" (30-39 years), "the 40s" (40-49 years), and "the 50s" (50-59 years)]. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective comparative cohort series. SETTING: Twenty-six North American Level 1 Trauma Centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Skeletally mature patients aged 18-59 years with operative repair of displaced FNFs. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Main outcome measures were treatment failures (fixation failure and/or nonunion, osteonecrosis, malunion, and the need for subsequent major reconstructive surgery (arthroplasty or proximal femoral osteotomy). These were compared across decades of adult life through middle age (<30 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years). RESULTS: Overall, treatment failure was observed in 264 of 565 (47%) of all hips. The mean age was 42.2 years, 35.8% of patients were women, and the mean Pauwels angle was 53.8 degrees. Complications and the need for major secondary surgeries increased with each increasing decade of life assessed: 36% of failure occurred in patients <30 years of age, 40% in their 30s, 48% in their 40s, and 57% in their 50s (P < 0.001). Rates of osteonecrosis increased with decades of life (under 30s and 30s vs. 40s vs. 50s developed osteonecrosis in 10%, 10%, 20%, and 27% of hips, P < 0.001), while fixation failure and/or nonunion only increased by decade of life to a level of trend (P = 0.06). Reparative methods varied widely between decade-long age groups, including reduction type (open vs. closed, P < 0.001), reduction quality (P = 0.030), and construct type (cannulated screws vs. fixed angle devices, P = 0.024), while some variables evaluated did not change with age group. CONCLUSIONS: Displaced FNFs in young and middle-aged adults are a challenging clinical problem with a high rate of treatment failure. Major complications and the need for complex reconstructive surgery increased greatly by decade of life with the patients in their sixth decade experiencing osteonecrosis at the highest rate seen among patients in the decades studied. Interestingly, treatments provided to patients in their 50s were notably different than those provided to younger patient groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Optimal Fixation Strategies for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Patients 18-59 Years of Age: An Analysis of 565 Cases Treated at 26 Level 1 Trauma Centers.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the difference in failure rates of surgical repair for displaced femoral neck fractures in patients younger than 60 years of age according to fixation strategy. DESIGN: This is a retrospective, comparative cohort study. SETTING: Twenty-six Level 1 North American trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients younger than 60 years of age with a displaced femoral neck fracture (OTA 31-B2, B3) undergoing surgical repair from 2005 to 2017. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Patient demographics, injury characteristics, repair methods used, and treatment failure (nonunion/failed fixation, avascular necrosis, and need for secondary surgery) were compared according to fixation strategy. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-five patients met inclusion criteria and were studied. The mean age was 42 years, 36% were female, and the average Pauwels' angle of fractures was 55 degrees. There were 305 patients treated with multiple cannulated screws (MCS) and 260 treated with a fixed-angle (FA) construct. Treatment failures were 46% overall, but was more likely to occur in MCS constructs versus FA devices (55% vs. 36%, P < 0.001). When FA constructs were substratified, the use of a sliding hip screw with addition of a medial femoral neck buttress plate (FNBP) and "antirotation" (AR) screw demonstrated better results than either FNBP or AR screw alone or neither with the lowest overall construct failure rate of 11% (P < 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Historically used fixation constructs for femoral neck fractures (eg, multiple cannulated screws and sliding hip screw) in young and middle-aged adults performed poorly compared with more recently proposed constructs, including those using a medial femoral neck buttress plate and an antirotation screw. Fixed-angle constructs outperformed multiple cannulated screws overall, and augmentation of fixed-angle constructs with a medial femoral neck buttress plate and antirotation screw improved the likelihood of successful treatment. Surgeons should prioritize fixation decisions when repairing displaced femoral neck fractures in patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Femoral Neck Fractures With Associated Ipsilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures in Young Adults <50 Years Old: A Multicenter Comparison of 80 Cases Versus Isolated Femoral Neck Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze patients, injury patterns, and treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in young patients with FNFs associated with shaft fractures (assocFNFs) to improve clinical outcomes. The secondary goal was to compare this injury pattern to that of young patients with isolated FNFs (isolFNFs). DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter cohort series. SETTING: Twenty-six North American level-1 trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Skeletally mature patients, <50 years old, treated with operative fixation of an FNF with or without an associated femoral shaft fracture. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The main outcome measurement was treatment failure defined as nonunion, malunion, avascular necrosis, or subsequent major revision surgery. Odds ratios for these modes of treatment were also calculated. RESULTS: Eighty assocFNFs and 412 isolFNFs evaluated in this study were different in terms of patients, injury patterns, and treatment strategy. Patients with assocFNFs were younger (33.3 ± 8.6 vs. 37.5 ± 8.7 years old, P < 0.001), greater in mean body mass index [BMI] (29.7 vs. 26.6, P < 0.001), and more frequently displaced (95% vs. 73%, P < 0.001), "vertically oriented" Pauwels type 3, P < 0.001 (84% vs. 43%) than for isolFNFs, with all P values < 0.001. AssocFNFs were more commonly repaired with an open reduction (74% vs. 46%, P < 0.001) and fixed-angle implants (59% vs. 39%) (P < 0.001). Importantly, treatment failures were less common for assocFNFs compared with isolFNFs (20% vs. 49%, P < 0.001) with lower rates of failed fixation/nonunion and malunion (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Odds of treatment failure [odds ratio (OR) = 0.270, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15-0.48, P < 0.001], nonunion (OR = 0.240, 95% CI, 0.10-0.57, P < 0.001), and malunion (OR = 0.920, 95% CI, 0.01-0.68, P = 0.002) were also lower for assocFNFs. Excellent or good reduction was achieved in 84.2% of assocFNFs reductions and 77.1% in isolFNFs (P = 0.052). AssocFNFs treated with fixed-angle devices performed very well, with only 13.0% failing treatment compared with 51.9% in isolFNFs treated with fixed-angle constructs (P = <0.001) and 33.3% in assocFNFs treated with multiple cannulated screws (P = 0.034). This study also identified the so-called "shelf sign," a transverse ≥6-mm medial-caudal segment of the neck fracture (forming an acute angle with the vertical fracture line) in 54% of assocFNFs and only 9% of isolFNFs (P < 0.001). AssocFNFs with a shelf sign failed in only 5 of 41 (12%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: AssocFNFs in young patients are characterized by different patient factors, injury patterns, and treatments, than for isolFNFs, and have a relatively better prognosis despite the need for confounding treatment for the associated femoral shaft injury. Treatment failures among assocFNFs repaired with a fixed-angle device occurred at a lower rate compared with isolFNFs treated with any construct type and assocFNFs treated with multiple cannulated screws. The radiographic "shelf sign" was found as a positive prognostic sign in more than half of assocFNFs and predicted a high rate of successful treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Algorithm to Predict the Risk of Blood Transfusion after Total Hip Replacement in Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains the primary treatment option for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with allogeneic blood transfusion after surgery and to develop a dynamic prediction model to predict post-operative blood transfusion requirements. This will provide more accurate guidance for perioperative humoral management and rational allocation of medical resources. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 829 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures at three third-class hospitals between January 2017 and August 2023. Patient data from one hospital were used for model development, whereas data from the other two hospitals were used for external validation. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the characteristic subsets related to blood transfusion. Various machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, SVA (support vector machine), K-NN (k-nearest neighbors), MLP (multilayer perceptron), naive Bayes, decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting, were used to process the data and construct prediction models. A 10-fold cross-validation algorithm facilitated the comparison of the predictive performance of the models, resulting in the selection of the best-performing model for the development of an open-source computing program. RESULTS: BMI (body mass index), surgical duration, IBL (intraoperative blood loss), anticoagulant history, utilization rate of tranexamic acid, Pre-Hb, and Pre-ALB were included in the model as well as independent risk factors. The average area under curve (AUC) values for each model were as follows: logistic regression (0.98); SVA (0.91); k-NN (0.87) MLP, (0.96); naive Bayes (0.97); decision tree (0.87); random forest (0.96); and gradient boosting (0.97). A web calculator based on the best model is available at: (https://nomo99.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/). CONCLUSION: Utilizing a computer algorithm, a prediction model with a high discrimination accuracy (AUC > 0.5) was developed. The logistic regression model demonstrated superior differentiation and reliability, thereby successfully passing external validation. The model's strong generalizability and applicability have significant implications for clinicians, aiding in the identification of patients at high risk for postoperative blood transfusion.

Precision reduction of femoral neck fractures: a novel strategy based on the femoral neck fracture morphology.

In femoral neck fractures the secondary damage caused by repeated multiple reductions needs to be prevented. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to achieve an anatomical reduction in the first manipulation of reduction in femoral neck fractures. We propose a new reduction strategy using the x-ray morphology of femoral neck fractures for preoperative planning. In the present study we compared this approach to conventional operation procedures for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. From 2020 to 2021, 35 patients with femoral neck fractures were operated with this reduction strategy. Those were compared with 34 patients treated without the proposed preoperative method. All patients were compared for consistency between the preoperative assessment and the intraoperative execution of the reduction approach, number of reductions, operative time, number of fluoroscopies, intraoperative bleeding, and reduction quality. The operative time of patients in the study group was significantly shorter (38.40 ± 10.26 min) than that of the control group (47.26 ± 9.09 min), and the number of reductions [1.0 (1.0, 1.0)] was significantly less than that of the control group [2.0 (1.75, 2.25)]. The number of fluoroscopies (10.27 ± 2.84) was also significantly less than that of the control group (13.53 ± 2.59) times. The KAPPA value = 0.886 shows the good agreement between the preoperative proposed protocol and the intraoperative protocol about the study group .The bleeding, quality of repositioning, Harris Hip score, MOS 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), and early complication rate were not statistically different between the groups (P > 0.05). The selection of the appropriate repositioning method based on the analysis of femoral neck fracture X-ray morphology can improve the efficiency and accuracy of preoperative planning. This reduces the secondary damage that may be caused by multiple reduction, shortens the operation time and reduces the exposure to radiation.

The influence of operation time for hip hemiarthroplasty on complication rates and mortality in patients with femoral neck fracture: a retrospective data analysis.

Ramadanov et al.'s study highlights the importance of minimizing operative time in HHA for femoral neck fractures. Future prospective studies are needed to explore causality and refine strategies for achieving shorter, yet safe, procedures.

The classification algorithms to support the management of the patient with femur fracture.

Effectiveness in health care is a specific characteristic of each intervention and outcome evaluated. Especially with regard to surgical interventions, organization, structure and processes play a key role in determining this parameter. In addition, health care services by definition operate in a context of limited resources, so rationalization of service organization becomes the primary goal for health care management. This aspect becomes even more relevant for those surgical services for which there are high volumes. Therefore, in order to support and optimize the management of patients undergoing surgical procedures, the data analysis could play a significant role. To this end, in this study used different classification algorithms for characterizing the process of patients undergoing surgery for a femoral neck fracture. The models showed significant accuracy with values of 81%, and parameters such as Anaemia and Gender proved to be determined risk factors for the patient's length of stay. The predictive power of the implemented model is assessed and discussed in view of its capability to support the management and optimisation of the hospitalisation process for femoral neck fracture, and is compared with different model in order to identify the most promising algorithms. In the end, the support of artificial intelligence algorithms laying the basis for building more accurate decision-support tools for healthcare practitioners.

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of using an inverted triangular cannulated compression screw in combination with positive or negative buttress reduction for the healing of femoral neck fractures.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of inverted triangular cannulated compression screws combined with Gotfried positive or negative buttress reduction in the healing of femoral neck fractures. METHODS: Between October 2017 and March 2021, 55 patients with femoral neck fractures underwent treatment using inverted triangular cannulated compression screws combined with Gotfried positive or negative buttress reduction. Among these patients, 29 received inverted triangular cannulated compression screws combined with Gotfried positive buttress reduction treatment. This group consisted of 16 males and 13 females, with an average age of 43.45 ± 8.23 years. Additionally, 26 patients received inverted triangular cannulated compression nails combined with Gotfried negative buttress reduction treatment. This group included 14 males and 12 females, with an average age of 41.96 ± 8.69 years. Postsurgery, various measurements were taken, including the degree of shortening of the femoral neck, degree of bone nonunion, degree of fixation failure, degree of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, and Harris score of the hip joint. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a minimum of 18 months. The group that underwent treatment with an inverted triangular cannulated compression screw combined with Gotfried positive buttress reduction did not experience any cases of bone nonunion, fixation failure, or ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. In the group that received treatment with inverted triangle cannulated compression screws combined with Gotfried negative buttress reduction, there was one case of bone nonunion, three cases of early fixation failure, and one case of ischemic necrosis. Ultimately, five patients (19.23% of the total) underwent joint replacement surgery. The average shortening lengths in the vertical plane were 4.07 ± 1.98 mm and 8.08 ± 3.54 mm, respectively. In the horizontal plane, the average shortening lengths were 3.90 ± 1.57 mm and 7.77 ± 3.31 mm, respectively. At the last follow-up, the group that received Gotfried positive buttress reduction had a greater Harris hip joint score. CONCLUSION: The success rate of combining inverted triangular cannulated compression screws with Gotfried positive buttress reduction surgery is relatively high. This surgical approach effectively prevents femoral neck shortening and improves hip joint function. Moreover, it is crucial to avoid negative buttress reduction when managing femoral neck fractures.

Are there patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip who may benefit from an uncemented hemiarthroplasty?

Aims: Cemented hemiarthroplasty is an effective form of treatment for most patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip. However, it remains unclear whether there are subgroups of patients who may benefit from the alternative operation of a modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty - the aim of this study was to investigate this issue. Knowledge about the heterogeneity of treatment effects is important for surgeons in order to target operations towards specific subgroups who would benefit the most. Methods: We used causal forest analysis to compare subgroup- and individual-level treatment effects between cemented and modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty in patients aged > 60 years with an intracapsular fracture of the hip, using data from the World Hip Trauma Evaluation 5 (WHiTE 5) multicentre randomized clinical trial. EuroQol five-dimension index scores were used to measure health-related quality of life at one, four, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Our analysis revealed a complex landscape of responses to the use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty in the 12 months after surgery. There was heterogeneity of effects with regard to baseline characteristics, including age, pre-injury health status, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption. This heterogeneity was greater at the one-month mark than at subsequent follow-up timepoints, with particular regard to subgroups based on age. However, for all subgroups, the effect estimates for quality of life lay within the confidence intervals derived from the analysis of all patients. Conclusion: The use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty is expected to increase health-related quality of life compared with modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty for all subgroups of patients aged > 60 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip.

A randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of tranexamic acid on post-operative blood transfusions in patient with intra-capsular hip fractures treated with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous tranexamic acid (TA) has proven efficacy in reducing blood loss and incidence of transfusion of blood products in elective total joint arthroplasty. However, evidence of efficacy in the setting of intracapsular hip fractures needing hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) are scarce. This study aimed to assess post-operative transfusion incidence in this clinical setting. METHODS: Over a five-year period 250 patients with intracapsular neck of femur fractures requiring arthroplasty were randomised to two groups. The treatment group received three-dose intravenous TA protocol and the control group received usual treatment without administration of TA. Blood loss was estimated from the change in Hb levels on day 1, 3 and 5 after surgery compared to preoperative levels. Transfusions of blood products were recorded when they were triggered by an a priori protocol. Post-operative complications were recorded during patient hospital admission. RESULTS: The intervention group showed significantly lower transfusion incidence of packed red blood cells (PRBC) (6 vs. 15, p = 0.04, OR = 0.37, 95%CI OR = 0.14 to 0.99) and in the group of patients who received a blood transfusion, a trend was observed for patients who received TA to have lesser number of units of PRBC (mean = 1.3 vs. 1.6, p = 0.51). A significant difference was noted in post-operative Hb levels of day 1,3 and 5. Backward stepwise multivariable regression analysis showed the use of TA was the most significant factor for reduction in postoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.047, OR = 0.37, 95% CI OR = 0.14 to 0.99). Assessment of the strength of the correlation showed modest correlation (Pearson correlation - 0.13 p = 0.04, 95% CI correlation= -0.25 to -0.01). There was no increase in adverse events in patients who received TA. CONCLUSION: The use of TA in setting of intracapsular hip fractures requiring arthroplasty reduces blood loss, the need for transfusion of blood products and may reduce surgical site complications without increasing the risk of VTE.

Posterior Approach and Inferior Capsulotomy in Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures: Comparison with Superior Capsulotomy.

Background: Hemiarthroplasty is frequently used to treat displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients, but it has a higher risk of postoperative dislocation. We introduced the posterior approach and inferior capsulotomy (PAICO) to enhance joint stability after bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture. We evaluated whether the PAICO would have a lower dislocation rate than the conventional posterior approach with superior capsulotomy. Methods: From January 2021 to December 2021, we prospectively recruited 25 patients (25 hips) aged 50 years or older who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures due to low-energy trauma as the PAICO group. We compared the PAICO group with a historical control group who had undergone hemiarthroplasty in 7 institutes between 2010 and 2020. The primary endpoint was dislocation within 1 year after the surgery. We compared data from the PAICO group with the data from the historical control group from the Korean Hip Fracture Registry which was carried out in South Korea. Results: A total of 25 patients (25 hips) were enrolled in the present study; 3,477 patients (3,571 hips) who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty were reviewed as the historical control group. In the PAICO group, we observed no dislocation, whereas the dislocation rate in the control group was 1.3%. Conclusions: In patients with displaced femoral neck fractures, the PAICO approach demonstrated comparable results in operation time and complication rates when compared to bipolar hemiarthroplasty using superior capsulotomy. Notably, there were no observed cases of dislocation among patients who underwent the PAICO approach. We recommend this PAICO approach to surgeons using the posterior approach, hoping to prevent dislocation in bipolar hemiarthroplasty.

Torsional stability of fixation methods in basicervical femoral neck fractures: a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Basicervical femoral neck fracture is a rare proximal femur fracture with a high implant failure rate. Biomechanical comparisons between cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) and dynamic hip screws (DHSs) under torsion loading are lacking. This study compared the biomechanical performance of three fixations for basicervical femoral neck fractures under torsion load during early ambulation. METHODS: The biomechanical study models used three fixations: a DHS, a DHS with an anti-rotation screw, and a short CMN. Finite element analysis was used to simulate hip rotation with muscle forces related to leg swing applied to the femur. The equivalent von Mises stress (EQV) on fixation, fragment displacement, and strain energy density at the proximal cancellous bone were monitored for fixation stability. RESULTS: The EQV of the short CMN construct (304.63 MPa) was comparable to that of the titanium DHS construct (293.39 MPa) and greater than that of the titanium DHS with an anti-rotation screw construct (200.94 MPa). The proximal fragment displacement in the short CMN construct was approximately 0.13 mm, the greatest among the constructs. The risk of screw cutout for the lag screw in short CMNs was 3.1-5.8 times greater than that for DHSs and DHSs with anti-rotation screw constructs. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium DHS combined with an anti-rotation screw provided lower fragment displacement, stress, and strain energy density in the femoral head than the other fixations under torsion load. Basicervical femoral neck fracture treated with CMNs may increase the risk of lag screw cutout.

Quality of cementing in hemiarthroplasty for elderly neck of femur fractures does not affect short term functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Cemented hip hemiarthroplasty is a routine surgical option for elderly neck of femur (NOF) fractures. It is uncertain if quality of cementing has any effect on functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine if the quality of cementing would affect short term functional outcomes in elderly neck of femur fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 637 single-centre cemented hip hemiarthroplasties from 2014 to 2021 was performed. Each post-operative radiograph was double-read by 2 authors (1 resident and 1 fellowship trained surgeon) to determine quality of cementing via the Barrack grading. Disagreements were reviewed by a third reader. Cement grades were grouped as Optimal (Barrack grade A-B), or Suboptimal (Barrack grade C-D). Functional outcomes were compared using mobility (community- or home-ambulant), assistance required for mobility, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Surgical parameters were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were 429 Optimal and 208 Suboptimal cases of cementing performed. There was no difference in age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, mobility, assistance required, and MBI score pre-operatively (p > 0.05). Patients in the "Suboptimal" cementing group had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score (p < 0.001). At 1 year post-operation, there was no significant difference between "Optimal" and "Suboptimal" cementing with regards to the proportion of community ambulators (30.2% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.252), walking independence (independent walkers (19.8% vs.17.3%), independent walkers with aids (41.3%vs.42.1%), walker with caregiver assistance (29.2%vs.33.7%), wheelchair-bound (9.6%vs.6.9%), p = 0.478), and distribution of MBI score (81.1%vs.82.2% achieving MBI > 60, p = 0.767). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with postoperative delirium (7.9% vs. 5.8, p = 0.324) or 1-year mortality rates (3.5% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.685). Except for stem design (12.2% tapered vs 20.1% collared; p = 0.011), no other surgical parameters were significantly different. The kappa value for inter-reader agreement was "substantial" at 0.727 (95% CI 0.682-0.772) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Quality of cementing in cemented hip hemiarthroplasty for elderly NOF fractures does not affect the short-term functional outcomes. In low demand patients and patients at risk of BCIS, optimal cementing may not be necessary to achieve similar short-term functional outcomes. Further studies should be conducted to determine the effect of sub-optimal cementing on long-term functional outcomes.

Biomechanical comparison of the therapeutic effect of a novel proximal femoral bionic intramedullary nail and traditional inverted triangle hollow screw on femoral neck fracture.

OBJECTIVE: A novel Proximal Femoral Bionic Nail (PFBN) has been developed by a research team for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. This study aims to compare the biomechanical properties of the innovative PFBN with those of the conventional Inverted Triangular Cannulated Screw (ITCS) fixation method through biomechanical testing. METHODS: Sixteen male femoral specimens preserved in formalin were selected, with the donors' age at death averaging 56.1 ± 6.3 years (range 47-64 years), and a mean age of 51.4 years. The femurs showed no visible damage and were examined by X-rays to exclude diseases affecting bone quality such as tumors, severe osteoporosis, and deformities. The 16 femoral specimens were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 8). All femurs were prepared with Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures, fixed with PFBN in the experimental group and ITCS in the control group. Displacement and stress limits of each specimen were measured through cyclic compression tests and failure experiments, and vertical displacement and strain values under a 600 N vertical load were measured in all specimens through vertical compression tests. RESULTS: In the vertical compression test, the average displacement at the anterior head region of the femur was 0.362 mm for the PFBN group, significantly less than the 0.480 mm for the ITCS group (p < 0.001). At the fracture line area, the average displacement for the PFBN group was also lower than that of the ITCS group (0.196 mm vs. 0.324 mm, p < 0.001). The difference in displacement in the shaft area was smaller, but the average displacement for the PFBN group (0.049 mm) was still significantly less than that for the ITCS group (0.062 mm, p = 0.016). The situation was similar on the posterior side of the femur. The average displacements in the head area, fracture line area, and shaft area for the PFBN group were 0.300 mm, 0.168 mm, and 0.081 mm, respectively, while those for the ITCS group were 0.558 mm, 0.274 mm, and 0.041 mm, with significant differences in all areas (p < 0.001). The average strain in the anterior head area for the PFBN group was 4947 µm/m, significantly less than the 1540 µm/m for the ITCS group (p < 0.001). Likewise, in the fracture line and shaft areas, the average strains for the PFBN group were significantly less than those for the ITCS group (p < 0.05). In the posterior head area, the average strain for the PFBN group was 4861 µm/m, significantly less than the 1442 µm/m for the ITCS group (p < 0.001). The strain conditions in the fracture line and shaft areas also showed the PFBN group was superior to the ITCS group (p < 0.001). In cyclic loading experiments, the PFBN fixation showed smaller maximum displacement (1.269 mm vs. 1.808 mm, p < 0.001), indicating better stability. In the failure experiments, the maximum failure load that the PFBN-fixated fracture block could withstand was significantly higher than that for the ITCS fixation (1817 N vs. 1116 N, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The PFBN can meet the biomechanical requirements for internal fixation of femoral neck fractures. PFBN is superior in biomechanical stability compared to ITCS, particularly showing less displacement and higher failure resistance in cyclic load and failure experiments. While there are differences in strain performance in different regions between the two fixation methods, overall, PFBN provides superior stability.

Low reoperation rate after fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures with the femoral neck system (FNS).

PURPOSE: Operative fixation of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) remains challenging. Complications are not infrequent, especially in displaced patterns. Numerous fixation techniques have been previously described in the literature; however, there remains a paucity of data regarding outcomes of these injuries treated with the femoral neck system (FNS). METHODS: Patients with a displaced FNF (OTA/AO 31B) treated with the FNS at a single level 1 academic trauma center between 1/1/2019 and 1/1/2023 were identified. Radiographs were reviewed to assess fracture displacement, location, and characteristics. Patient records were further reviewed to assess for complications, reoperations, and osseous union. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (65% male) with 44 FNFs were identified with a mean age of 35.0 years (range, 13-61 years). Two patients developed a deep infection requiring surgical debridement, four patients underwent a total hip arthroplasty, and one patient underwent a valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy for nonunion. There were three cases of femoral head AVN. Mean follow-up was 482.5 days among all patients, and 36 fractures had at least 6 months of follow-up or reached bony union. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we present a series of patients treated with the FNS for internal fixation and report a 18% reoperation rate. This is lower than the average rate that has been previously reported in similar patient populations in the literature treated with alternative methods of internal fixation. Thus, the FNS appears to be a safe and effective option for treatment of these injuries.