Peri-operative outcomes for ORIF of acetabular fracture in the elderly: Comparison with displaced intracapsular hip fractures in a national pelvic and acetabular referral centre over 5 years.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing incidence of acetabular fractures in the elderly and the fracture complexity seen in this cohort represents one of the greatest challenges faced by trauma orthopaedic surgeons today. There are no formal guidelines of best practice in the treatment of these patients. Management options vary from non-operative, acute ORIF, and/or total joint replacement. Although surgical intervention allows for earlier mobilization and avoidance of the complications of prolonged bedrest, the patients ability to tolerate what is often major surgery is always of concern. This is in stark contrast to intracapsular hip fractures, (a fracture within the same joint), where acute surgery is recommended in virtually all cases. OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to evaluate the peri-operative outcomes for geriatric patients undergoing acetabular ORIF and hemiarthroplasty to assess if there is a significant difference in early outcome parameters. DESIGN: This is a retrospective case-control study. SETTING: This study was performed in the National Centre for Pelvic and Acetabular surgery. PATIENTS: 42 age- and sex-matched patients with comparable ASA grades were included in each arm of the study. Patient selection in the acetabular ORIF group was consecutive patients managed operatively in the centre during the period 2010-2015. The selection for the hemiarthroplasty group was by random selection of age- and sex-matched patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty during the same period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcomes that were proposed prior to the study being performed was perioperative mortality and post-op complications. Secondary outcomes were operating times, blood loss and need for ICU admission. RESULTS: A significant difference between the two cohorts was observed with operative times, blood loss, need for transfusion, and need for ICU admission, all higher in the acetabular ORIF group. There was no significant difference in mortality or post-op infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our paper supports the concept that acute ORIF of acetabular fractures, with appropriate peri-operative support, can be undertaken safely. There is no difference in the major peri-operative outcomes of mortality or infection when compared with hip fracture patients requiring hemiarthroplasty.

Clavicle hook plate fixation for displaced lateral-third clavicle fractures (Neer type II): a functional outcome study.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists with the use of the acromioclavicular hook plate for the treatment of lateral-third clavicle fractures (Neer type II). This is thought to stem from problems associated with the hook plate causing impingement symptoms, which can cause long-term limitation of movement and pain. Our aim was to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with lateral-third clavicle fractures treated with the hook plate. METHODS: We prospectively reviewed all patients who underwent surgery from July 2005 to August 2009 using our prospectively recorded electronic patient information database. All patients were assessed in the clinic to determine both Oxford and Constant shoulder scores. RESULTS: We identified 36 patients who underwent surgery with the hook plate, 26 men and 10 women. The mean age was 36.2 years (range, 22-60 years). Of the patients, 46% were smokers. The median length of hospital stay was 2 days (interquartile range [IQR], 1-3). The median follow-up was 28 months (IQR, 23-37). The median time from date of injury to surgery was 7 days (IQR, 4-76). The mean time to union was 3 months (IQR, 2-4), and the union rate was 95%. In total, 92% of plates were removed. The median time to removal was 4.5 months (IQR, 3-8.75). There were no complications. Two patients presented months later after falls with fractures around the medial end of the hook plate. CONCLUSION: Hook plates are an effective form of treatment for lateral third clavicle fractures. The best outcomes occur with plate removal before 6 months postoperatively, provided that the fracture has healed.

Anticoagulant use and its effect on bleeding and complications in total knee arthroplasty.

Currently, there is very limited literature on the effect of long-term anticoagulants on total knee arthroplasty. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of warfarin and clopidogrel on the transfusion rate, intra-operative blood loss, and postoperative blood loss for total knee arthroplasty. The secondary purpose was to determine their effect on post operative wound complications and length of stay. Data was collected retrospectively from medical charts between 2003-2008 and case matched to a control group. The patients on warfarin had a higher rate of blood transfusion, blood loss, and length of hospital stay compared to the clopidogrel and control groups.

An unusual mode of failure of a tripolar constrained acetabular liner: a case report.

Dislocation after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most commonly encountered complication and is unpleasant for both the patient and the surgeon. Constrained acetabular components can be used to treat or prevent instability after primary total hip arthroplasty. We present the case of a 42-year-old female with a BMI of 41. At 18 months post-primary THA the patient underwent further revision hip surgery after numerous (more than 20) dislocations. She had a tripolar Trident acetabular cup (Stryker-Howmedica-Osteonics, Rutherford, New Jersey) inserted. Shortly afterwards the unusual mode of failure of the constrained acetabular liner was noted from radiographs in that the inner liner had dissociated from the outer. The reinforcing ring remained intact and in place. We believe that the patient's weight, combined with poor abductor musculature caused excessive demand on the device leading to failure at this interface when the patient flexed forward. Constrained acetabular components are useful implants to treat instability but have been shown to have up to 42% long-term failure rates with problems such as dissociated inserts, dissociated constraining rings and dissociated femoral rings being sited. Sometimes they may be the only option left in difficult cases such as illustrated here, but still unfortunately have the capacity to fail in unusual ways.

Minimally invasive percutaneous plate fixation of distal tibia fractures.

We report a series of 42 patients reviewed at a mean of 19.6 months after treatment of distal tibial and pilon fractures using the AO distal tibia locking plate with a minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique. Mean time to union was 22.4 weeks. All fractures united with acceptable alignment and angulation. Two cases of superficial infection were noted, with one case of deep infection. Mean SF36 score was 85 and mean AOFAS score was 90 at a mean of 19 months follow-up. We report satisfactory outcomes with the use of the AO distal tibia locking plate in treatment of unstable distal tibial fractures. Eighty-nine percent of the patients felt that they were back to their pre injury status and 95% back to their previous employment.

Radiation exposure of the hands and thyroid gland during percutaneous wiring of wrist and hand procedures.

The aim of this study was to investigate the radiation exposure of the hands and thyroid glands of orthopaedic surgeon and assistant during procedures involving percutaneous wiring of the hand and wrist. The radiation dose to the hand and thyroid glands was prospectively studied from a total of 30 percutaneous hand and wrist procedures. Four thermolucent densitometers were used to measure the radiation exposure. Cases were divided depending on fracture location (ie. wrist, metacarpal, phalangeal) and surgical experience (i.e. Senior House Officer, Registrar, Consultant). Mean radiation exposure in the hand for the surgeon was 0.80 mSv and 0.87 mSv for the assistant. There was a significant difference in the unshielded thyroid group compared to the shielded thyroid group (p < 0.05). The duration and number of exposure decreases with increasing experience. We also found a trend whereas we operate from proximal to distal (wrist to phalangeal), the total direct hand exposure increases. Radiation exposure in the hands and thyroid glands during percutaneous wiring of hand and wrist procedures were within the recommended limit. However, for the junior orthopaedic trainee, the risk of over radiating oneself is higher as the duration and number of exposure increases. We recommended the use of thyroid shield and adherence to the ALARA principle in any fluoroscopic assisted procedures. Routine monitoring of radiation exposure is essential in preventing radiation related disease.

Heterotopic Ossification following acetabular fixation: Incidence and risk factors: 10-year experience of a tertiary centre.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is a well-recognized complication following acetabular fracture fixation and its presence is prognostic for suboptimal clinical outcome. There are many controversies pertaining to its aetiology, including surgical approach, associated injuries and the use of HO prophylaxis. Long term data from high volume centres is necessary to address these issues. AIM: To determine the incidence of HO post open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of acetabular fractures and to examine the associated risk and prognostic factors. METHOD: We studied a cohort of 369 consecutive acetabular fractures that underwent ORIF at our institution over a 10 year period. Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The existence of HO was evident in 65 patients (17.62%), of these 39 (60.0%) were Class I, 16 (24.6%) were Class II, 8 (12.3%) were Class III, and 2 (3.1%) were Class IV according to Brooker Classification. We found a significant association between admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (P-value=0.039), chest injury (P-value=0.013), multiple fractures (P-value=0.005), and the time lapse between injury and operation (P-value=0.025), and some statistical significance with surgical approach, ipsilateral fractures, open fractures, tibial and patellar fractures. Age over 30 years as the only prognostic factor for severe HO. Prophylaxis with Indomethacin did not appear to confer any benefit in our patient group. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for developing HO following acetabular fracture fixation are multifactorial and include admission to ICU, associated chest injuries, multiple fractures and delay between injury and surgery. Surgical approach, ipsilateral fractures and tibia and patellar fractures may also play a role. Age over thirty years was the only prognostic factor for developing severe HO.

Hylamer wear rates and shelf life: a clinical correlation.

We evaluated the performance of 84 Hylamer polyethylene components and zirconia modular femoral heads which were implanted in a single institution over a 5 year period. Patients were followed up for a mean of 6.2 years. The mean rate of penetration was 0.58 mm/year (0.05-1.0). Lot/batch numbers were available in the clinical case notes of 54 patients. Using the lot/batch numbers, we were able to determine the Hylamer cups' shelf lifes. We found that liners with a shelf life greater than 10 months had a significantly greater linear wear (0.38 mm/year) than those implanted in less than 10 months (0.05 mm/year).

Impact of road traffic "penalty points" on high energy pelvic trauma.

BACKGROUND: The penalty points system (PPS) was introduced in 2002 in an attempt to reduce the increasing rate of road traffic accident (RTA) related fatalities and serious injuries. Points are awarded based on the severity of the offence and are cumulative. A total of 12 points results in the disqualification from driving. OBJECTIVE: A few studies have looked at the immediate or short term impact of PPS on trauma services or specific injuries such as spine trauma in Ireland. Little data is available on the long term effect of the PPS. The aim of this study is to see if the PPS system has had an influence on the number of pelvic injuries referred to our unit for surgical intervention and if this influence is sustained in the longer term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all pelvic and acetabular injuries admitted to our unit from 1999 to 2008 was undertaken. The mechanism of injury, the site and patient demographics were noted. RESULTS: A total of 467 patients were identified over the ten year period. 454 patients were included in the study. There was a significant male preponderance of 76%. Mean age was 36.5 years (range 16 to 83). RTA's were the cause in 74% (n = 335) of the cases. The annual work load remained similar over the years. There has been a reduction in the number of RTA related pelvic injuries. There have been notable drops in the number of these cases corresponding to the introduction of the PPS and its subsequent expansion. The number of pelvic injuries due to falls continues to rise. CONCLUSION: The introduction of the PPS and its subsequent expansion has had a positive influence on the number of RTA related pelvic trauma. Continued surveillance and enforcement of the PPS is important for a sustained benefit from it in the long term.

Fatigue fracture of tibial arthroplasty implant masked by contralateral knee arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: The wear of polyethylene components is a well-recognised long-term complication of total knee arthroplasty. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of fatigue fracture of a geomedic tibial tray 17 years after implantation. The symptoms were masked by primary osteoarthritis of the contralateral knee. DISCUSSION: The mode of failure in this case differs from that most commonly reported in the literature in that it occurred late as the result of prolonged use, not due to implant failure, physiological factors, or surgical technique. The case also demonstrates the incredible 'masking' effect of arthritic knee pain. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance to clinicians of keeping a high index of suspicion for prosthesis complications in patients with unilateral joint replacement with contralateral arthropathy.

A hypoplastic patella fracture in nail patella syndrome: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Nail patella syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary condition, with an incidence of 22 per million in the United Kingdom. The syndrome's most common features include iliac horns, hypoplastic patella and nail dysplasia. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 26-year-old Caucasian man with nail patella syndrome who sustained a fracture of his right hypoplastic patella after a fall. His right knee became swollen and he was unable to extend against gravity immediately post fall. Radiographs revealed a fracture of the lower pole of his right patella with associated complete disruption of the extensor mechanism of the knee. He underwent operative fixation and his post operative course was uneventful. He was further treated post operatively with a full knee cast and graded immobilization. At six months he had regained the full range of motion at the knee joint. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case report in the literature describing a patella fracture in an individual with nail patella syndrome. We hypothesize that given the extent of pre-existing knee joint impairment in these individuals, functional outcome may be inferior, suggesting the need for more frequent follow-up.

Minimum ten-year follow-up of acetabular fracture fixation from the Irish tertiary referral centre.

BACKGROUND: Successful outcome from acetabular fracture fixation is multi-factorial. Long-term results are not frequently reported. Pooling such data from high output centres will help progress acetabular fixation. This paper presents the first ten-year data from the Irish tertiary referral centre. AIM: To audit the radiographic and clinical outcome of all patients who had acetabular fracture fixation in the unit a minimum of ten years previously. METHODS: Patients were identified from the unit database. Each patient was contacted and invited to attend the hospital for clinical and radiographic review. Clinical review consisted of examination and three separate scoring systems using both subjective and objective parameters. Radiographic review consisted of a standard AP pelvis and Judet views. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were identified. Follow up of 68% was achieved. Total hip arthroplasty rate was 13.8%. Twenty percent of the remaining native hips had radiographic evidence of established arthritis. Sixty-three percent of functional outcome scores were classified as 'good' or 'excellent'. Radiographic and functional data did not strongly correlate. The strongest correlating factor with poor functional outcome was concurrent injuries, particularly sciatic nerve injury. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the role of operative intervention for acetabular fractures in a tertiary referral centre and allow better counselling of patients on prognosis.

Skype: a tool for functional assessment in orthopaedic research.

Skype is a free program which enables PC users to make video calls to other users with Internet access. We carried out a prospective review of all acromioclavicular joint hook plates for lateral-third clavicle fractures over a five-year period. Functional assessment with Oxford and Constant shoulder scores were carried out using Skype and compared to outpatient review using the Bland-Altman method. Of 36 patients (mean age 36 years), 33 had a computer with a video camera, all 33 had Internet access and 22 were already users of Skype. In total 29 patients were happy to take part in Skype assessment (83%). In comparison with outpatient review, there was a mean difference in the Oxford score of -0.48 (95% confidence interval -0.84, -0.12); the mean difference for the Constant score was -0.68 (95% confidence interval -1.08, -0.29). These differences were not clinically significant, confirming that Skype can be used as an alternative to goniometry in this clinical setting. A survey showed that 93% of 29 patients surveyed preferred the use of Skype for follow-up, mainly due to the convenience and cost-saving involved. The study demonstrates the potential for this new technique in providing patients with more options for follow-up.

Acetabular fractures following rugby tackles: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Rugby is the third most popular team contact sport in the world and is increasing in popularity. In 1995, rugby in Europe turned professional, and with this has come an increased rate of injury. CASE PRESENTATION: In a six-month period from July to December, two open reduction and internal fixations of acetabular fractures were performed in young Caucasian men (16 and 24 years old) who sustained their injuries after rugby tackles. Both of these cases are described as well as the biomechanical factors contributing to the fracture and the recovery. Acetabular fractures of the hip during sport are rare occurrences. CONCLUSION: Our recent experience of two cases over a six-month period creates concern that these high-energy injuries may become more frequent as rugby continues to adopt advanced training regimens. Protective equipment is unlikely to reduce the forces imparted across the hip joint; however, limiting 'the tackle' to only two players may well reduce the likelihood of this life-altering injury.

"Osteoporosis and orthopods" incidences of osteoporosis in distal radius fracture from low energy trauma.

Fracture of the distal radius from low energy trauma is a common presentation to orthopaedic trauma services. This fragility type fracture is associated with underlying osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a 'silent disease' where fragility fracture is a common presentation. Orthopaedic surgeons may be the only physician that these patients encounter. We found a high percentage of female patients who sustained a fragility fracture of the distal radius have an underlying osteoporosis. Further management of osteoporosis is important to prevent future fragility fractures.

Periprosthetic malignancy as a mode of failure in total hip arthroplasty.

The presence of periprosthetic malignancy in proximity to arthroplasty implants has been infrequently reported. We present the clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of three patients in whom loosening and failure of total hip arthroplasties occurred secondary to malignant infiltration. They consisted of a 66-year-old man with the first presentation of metastatic gastric carcinoma as a periacetabular lytic lesion, a 64-year-old man presenting with femoral metastases from a previously undiagnosed lung carcinoma, and a 75-year-old woman presenting with a painless discharging thigh sinus around a total hip arthroplasty subsequently diagnosed as immunoblastic lymphoma. Malignant infiltration should be considered part of the differential diagnosis in aseptic and septic loosening of prosthetic implants. Joint aspiration and isotope bone scanning provide useful additional information before surgical intervention.