Timing of Hip-fracture Surgery in Elderly Patients: Literature Review and Recommendations / 대한고관절학회지

The incidence of hip fractures is rapidly increasing with an aging population and is now one of the most important health concerns worldwide due to a high mortality rate. The effect of delayed surgery on postoperative outcomes has been widely discussed. Although various treatment guidelines for hip fractures in the elderly exist, most institutions recommend that operations are conducted as soon as possible to help achieve the most favorable outcomes. While opinions differ on the relationship between delayed surgery and postoperative mortality, a strong association between earlier surgery and improvement in postoperative outcomes (e.g., length of hospital stay, bedsore occurrence, return to an independent lifestyle), has been reported. Taken together, performing operations for hip fractures in the elderly within 48 hours of admission appears to be best practice. Importantly, however, existing evidence is based primarily on observational studies which are susceptible to inherent bias. Here, we share the results of a literature search to summarize data that helps inform the most appropriate surgical timing for hip fractures in the elderly and the effects of delayed surgery on postoperative outcome. In addition, we expect to be able to provide a more accurate basis for these correlations through a large-scale randomized controlled trial in the future and to present data supporting recommendations for appropriate surgical timing.

Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Intertrochanteric or Subtrochanteric Fractures Associated with Ipsilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures Treated with Closed Intramedullary Nailing: A Review of 31 Consecutive Cases over Four Years at a Single Institution / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures and assess the surgical outcomes of a novel, closed intramedullary nailing surgical approach designed to minimize fixation failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2013 and April 2017, 31 patients with intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures treated with closed intramedullary nailing or long proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) were enrolled in this study. Preoperative data included age, sex, injury severity score, body mass index, location of shaft fracture, injury mechanism, accompanying traumatic injury, walking ability before injury, and surgical timing. Perioperative outcomes, including follow-up period, types of intramedullary nails, number of blocking screws used, operation time, and blood loss were assessed. Radiologic outcomes, including union rate, time from surgery to union, and femoral shortening, and clinical outcomes, including hip flexion, walking ability, and Harris hip score were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 29 unions (93.5%) were achieved. The time to union was 16.8 months (range, 11–25 months) for hip fractures (15.7 weeks for intertrochanteric fractures and 21.7 weeks for subtrochanteric fractures) and 22.8 months for femoral shaft fractures. There were no significant differences in surgical outcomes between the two groups except for type of intramedullary nail. CONCLUSION: Closed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures may be a good surgical option. However, fixation of femoral shaft fractures might not be sufficient depending on the implant design.

Femoral Stem Revision for Vancouver type B2 and B3 Periprosthetic Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the outcome of femoral stem revision for Vancouver B2 and B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective assessment of 15 patients who had received treatment for a periprosthetic unstable femoral fracture after primary hip arthroplasty between May 1997 and September 2009. According to Vancouver classification, 11 patients were type B2 and four were B3. Open reduction and long stem revision were performed in all 15 cases. In Vancouver type B3 fractures, we treated patients with open reduction and long stem revision with an allogenic cancellous bone graft, which is the same as in that used in Vancouver type B2 fractures. An allogenic onlay cortical bone graft was used when additional stability was required. The mean age of patients was 67.1 years at the time of surgery and the mean duration of follow-up was 31.5 months. We described the clinical and radiographic results. RESULTS: Using Beals and Tower's criteria, fair to good clinical and radiologic results were observed at the latest follow up, with an average Harris hip score of 94.4 points. Fractures were united in all 15 patients. One patient had non-union of the greater trochanter of the femur, one patient had superficial infection, and one patient had non-union of onlay bone graft, however, there were no further complications, such as dislocations, periprosthetic infections, or nerve injuries. There was no loosening of the femoral stems. CONCLUSION: In Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures, when there is loosening of the femoral stems, open reduction and long stem revision with allogenic cancellous bone graft provided a satisfactory result. However, long-term follow up is needed.

Posterior Decompression and Fusion in Patients with Multilevel Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis: A Comparison of Segmental Decompression and Wide Decompression

STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study. PURPOSE: We compared the outcomes of segmental decompression and wide decompression in patients who had multilevel lumbar foraminal stenosis with back pain. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Wide decompression and fusion in patients with multilevel lumbar foraminal stenosis may increase the risk of perioperative complications. METHODS: From March 2005 to December 2007, this study prospectively examined 87 patients with multilevel lumbar foraminal stenosis and who were treated by segmental or wide decompression along with posterior fusion using pedicle screw fixation, and these patients could be followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. Of the 87 patients, 45 and 42 patients were assigned to the segmental decompression group (group 1) and the wide decompression group (group 2), respectively. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of the patients in these two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in terms of the levels of postoperative pain based on the visual analogue scale, the Oswestry Disability Score, the clinical results based on the Kirkaldy-Willis Criteria, the complication rate or the posterior fusion rate. On the other hand, the mean operating times in groups 1 and 2 were 153 +/- 32 minutes and 187 +/- 36 minutes, respectively (p < 0.05). The amount of blood loss during surgery and on the first postoperative day was 840 +/- 236 ml and 1,040 +/- 301 ml in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that segmental decompression offers promising and reproducible clinical and radiological results for patients suffering from multilevel lumbar foraminal stenosis.

Treatment of the Resistant Idiopathic Clubfoot with Toe-in Gait / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the degree of femoral and tibial torsion in, and the efficacy of two operative procedures for, resistant idiopathic clubfoot with toe-in gait. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty one feet in 23 patients (average age at the time of revision surgery 4.3 years) were studied. CT was used to determine femoral anteversion and tibial torsion. Two different operative procedures were applied, depending on the degree of toe-in gait: group 1 (10 feet whose toe-in gait was not severe) - soft tissue release, anterior tibial tendon transfer and mid-foot (cuboid closing and cuneiform opening) osteotomy; group 2 (21 feet which had relatively severe toe-in gait) - supramalleolar external rotation osteotomy of the distal tibia (SEROT), along with the same procedure as group 1. Mean follow-up period after revision surgery was 6.3 years. Results were assessed radiologically and clinically with the Dimeglio classification and Clubfoot Assessment Protocol. RESULTS: The mean femoral anteversion and external-tibial torsion of the affected side were increased. Twenty eight of 31 feet (90.3%) demonstrated excellent or good results. In group 2, we obtained 19 excellent (90.5%) and 2 good (9.5%) results. Group 1 had 6 excellent (60%), one good (10%) and 3 fair (30%) results. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of the relapsed clubfoot with toe-in gait including soft-tissue release, tendon transfer and mid-foot osteotomy, along with SEROT in cases of severe toe-in gait, is effective in correcting residual clubfoot deformities.

Simultaneous Anterior and Posterior Surgery in the Management of Tuberculous Spondylitis with Psoas Abscess in Patients with Neurological Deficits

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the treatment outcomes of performing simultaneous anterior and posterior surgery for patients with tuberculous spondylitis and psoas abscess. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Although various treatment options have been used for spinal tuberculosis, there are only a few reports on the treatment of tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess. METHODS: Between March 1997 and February 2006, we performed operations on 14 cases of tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess. All the cases underwent anterior debridement with an interbody bone graft and posterior fusion with using pedicle screws. RESULTS: Under the Frankel classification, 1 case improved by two grades, 10 cases improved by 1 grade and 3 cases demonstrated no change. The Kirkaldy-Willis functional outcomes were classified as excellent in 10 cases and good in 4. One year after surgery, bony union was confirmed in all 14 cases. The mean kyphotic angle of the spinal lesion was 12.4degrees and the mean lordotic angle at the final follow-up was 6.4degrees. Postoperative complications (superficial wound infections) were encountered in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that anterior debridement with interbody bone grafting and posterior instrumented fusion can provide satisfactory results for treating tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess in patients with neurological deficits.

Epiphyseal Fractures of the Distal Radius in the Children

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of treatment of epiphyseal fractures of the distal radius in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 cases of distal radial epiphyseal fracture, treated by two methods: group 1, closed reduction (CR) plus cast (6 cases); group 2, CR and K-wire fixation (under anesthesia due to marked translation of the distal fragment and swelling) plus cast (17 cases), were selected for this study. All patients were followed up for more than 1 year (average: 3.2 years). Postoperatively, epiphyseal displacement and epiphyseal angulation were measured on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. At follow-up, the affected and normal sides were compared. Final results were classified by radiologic (radial inclination, volar tilting and radial shortening) and clinical (limitation of ROM, wrist pain, grip strength and wrist deformity) criteria. RESULTS: Group 1 had 5 good, 1 fair result; group 2 had 14 good, 2 fair and 1 poor - there was no statistically significant difference between two groups. All cases where the epiphyseal displacement was less than 30% had good results. A poor case showed a radial shortening, wrist deformity and pain due to premature epiphyseal closure. Premature epiphyseal closure was treated by bar resection and free fat, along with corrective osteotomy when necessary and lengthening of radius with or without epiphysiodesis of the ulna. CONCLUSION: Remodeling can be expected in epiphyseal fractures of the distal radius. Repeated forceful attempts to achieve accurate reduction should be avoided to prevent secondary physeal injury.