Endovis Nail versus Dynamic Hip Screw for Unstable Pertrochanteric Fractures: A Feasibility Randomised Control Trial including Patients with Cognitive Impairment.

A prospective, feasibility, randomised study was performed to compare intramedullary versus extramedullary fixation of unstable pertrochanteric fractures and to assess the feasibility of including patients with dementia. From July 2016 to November 2017, 60 consecutive patients with an unstable pertrochanteric (OTA/AO 31-A2) fracture were randomized to either receive a short cephalomedullary nail (Endovis EBA2, Citieffe) or a dynamic hip screw (DHS, Zimmer Biomet). Primary feasibility measures included randomisation, recruitment, and retention rates. Secondary outcomes included peri-operative parameters, patient-reported outcomes and radiographic outcomes. Patients were followed-up at two, four, and twelve weeks. There was no difference in the randomisation rate between patients with and without cognitive impairment. Significantly more patients without cognitive impairment attended the 12-week follow-up. The overall recruitment rate was 0.9 patients per week. Patients treated with the nail had less pain at 2 weeks and less neck collapse, medialisation, and leg shortening at all time points. The rest of secondary outcomes were similar. Patients with dementia can successfully be enrolled in a randomised trial on hip fractures. Patients treated with the Endovis nail had lower levels of pain at two weeks and better radiographic outcomes.

Operative management of acetabular fractures in the elderly: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to identify acetabular fractures in the elderly population (over 60 years of age), treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and to examine their outcomes, primarily the risk for need for further surgery in the form of a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and factors associated with it. Additional outcomes such as infection, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, and heterotopic ossification (HO) were also investigated. METHODS: Following institutional review board (IRB) approval, a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients presenting to a Level I Trauma Centre over a 13-years period (January 2003-February 2016) was conducted. Patients were excluded if their initial treatment was conservative or simultaneous ORIF with THA. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients with an age of 71.5 ± 8.04 years were included (14 female; follow-up 54.2 months, range 1-195 months). Sixteen patients required a THA as a secondary procedure due to symptomatic post-traumatic arthritis (25.8%), five (8.1%) of whom having a THA within a year from the original trauma (three patients presenting with loss of reduction and two patients with early AVN). No associations with progression to THA were identified. Surgical approach (ilioinguinal) was the only factor associated with increased risk of development of HO (p = 0.010). The median post-operative survival following an acetabular fracture treated with ORIF was calculated at 90.1 months (95% CI 72.9-107.2). CONCLUSION: Acetabular fractures ORIF in the elderly, is a safe and reliable option. The relatively incidence of development of severe post-operative arthritis was 45.2%. Conversion to THA was 25.8%, with 8.1% having the arthroplasty procedure within a year of the original trauma surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Blood loss and transfusion risk in intramedullary nailing for subtrochanteric fractures.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hip fractures and subtrochanteric fractures in particular is increasing, along with the globally expanding aging population. Intramedullary nailing remains the 'gold standard' of their treatment. Blood loss can be a result of the original trauma, but also secondary to the subsequent surgical insult, especially during the reaming of the intramedullary canal. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to report on the blood loss and incidence of blood transfusion in patients presenting with a subtrochanteric fracture treated with intramedullary nailing. Most importantly, we aim to identify factors associated with the need for transfusion within the first 48 h post-operatively. METHODS: Following institutional board approval, 431 consecutive patients (131 males; age: 79.03 years old, SD 13.68 years) presenting in a Level 1 Trauma Centre with a subtrochanteric fracture treated with an intramedullary nail were retrospectively identified, over an 8-year period. Exclusion criteria included patients with high energy injuries, pathological fractures, primary operations at other institutions and patients lost to follow-up. To identify risk factors leading to increased risk of transfusion, we first compared patients requiring intra-operative transfusion or transfusion during the first 48 h post-operatively against those who did not require transfusion. This was then followed by multivariate regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors to identify the most important risk factors associated with need for transfusion within the first 48 h post-operatively. RESULTS: Incidence of blood transfusion was 6.0% pre-operatively, compared to 62.7% post-operatively. A total of 230 patients (52.3%) required either intra-operative transfusion or transfusion during the first 48 h following surgery. Patients having a transfusion within the first 48 h post-operatively had a higher incidence of escalation in their care (p = 0.050), LOS (p = 0.015), 30-day (p = 0.033) and one-year mortality (p = 0.004). Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors identified that the most important association of a need for transfusion within the first 48 post-operative hours was a pre-operative Hb <100 g/L (OR 6.64); a nail/canal ratio <70% (OR 3.92), followed by need for open reduction (OR 2.66). Fracture involving the lesser trochanter was also implicated with an increased risk (OR 2.08). Additionally, pre-operative moderate/severe renal impairment (OR 4.56), as well as hypoalbuminaemia on admission (OR 2.10) were biochemical predictors of an increased risk of transfusion. Most importantly, the need for transfusion was associated with an increase in 30-day mortality (OR 12.07). CONCLUSION: Several patient, fracture and surgery related factors are implicated with an increased risk for transfusion within the first 48-h post-operatively. Early identification, and where possible correction of these factors can potentially reduce blood loss and risk of transfusion, along with all the associated sequelae and mortality risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Long-term outcomes of lower limb post-traumatic osteomyelitis.

PURPOSE: Whilst recurrence and amputation rates in post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM) are described, limb specific functional outcomes are not, leading to a knowledge gap when counselling patients prior to management. We aim to investigate the patient reported outcomes (PROMS) of this patient group to provide reference for discussions with patients prior to embarking on treatment. METHODS: Single institution cross-sectional retrospective study of all patients presenting with PTOM of the tibia/femur over a 7-year period. Alongside recurrence and amputation rates, patient reported outcomes were recorded including the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (59 male; median age 46 years) were identified. Treatment was principle-based and included debridement (with Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) in 31/72), local antibiotics (52/72), soft tissue reconstruction (21/72) and systemic antibiotic therapy in all cases. PROMS were collected in 84% of all eligible patients at a median of 112-month post-treatment. Twelve patients experienced recurrence, whilst nine underwent amputation. The median LEFS was 60, the EQ-5D-3L index score was 0.760, and the EQ-VAS was 80. These scores are substantially lower than those seen in the general population (77, 0.856 and 82.2, respectively). LEFS was significantly higher, where RIA was utilised (69.6 vs 52.8; p = 0.02), and in those classified as BACH uncomplicated (74.4 vs 58.4; p = 0.02). EQ-5D-3L was also higher when RIA was utilised (0.883 vs 0.604; p = 0.04), with no difference in EQ-VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PTOM report functional outcomes below that of the general population, even when in remission. Improved outcomes were associated with uncomplicated disease and the use of RIA.

Lower limb post-traumatic osteomyelitis: a systematic review of clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the patient-reported outcomes of patients presenting with post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM) of the lower limb over the past 15 years. This period was chosen to reflect modern treatment principles and increased centralisation of care. METHODS: An electronic literature search of the relevant databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library) was conducted to identify studies published between January 2006 and July 2021 reporting series of greater than 10 patients with PTOM of the tibia or femur at the site of a previous fracture. Studies reporting septic non-union were excluded. RESULTS: Sixteen eligible studies were identified and included in the final report. Remission of infection was achieved in 93.2% of cases (range 70-100%), whilst amputation was reported in 1-7% of cases. A variety of patient-reported outcome measures were utilised including the lower extremity functional scale, short musculoskeletal functional assessment, Enneking score, and EQ-5D-3L. Limb-specific functional outcomes returned to levels similar to that of the general population although poorer outcomes were noted in specific cohorts including those with complex anatomic disease and active medical comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Infection following fracture fixation remains a difficult problem to treat. Regardless, using modern treatments and techniques patients can have comparable functional outcomes to that of the general population. High-quality studies are required to advance our knowledge into which types of treatments offer a benefit and how to further improve outcomes.

Subtrochanteric femoral fractures and intramedullary nailing complications: a comparison of two implants.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary (IM) nails are considered the 'gold' standard treatment for subtrochanteric femoral fractures. The incidence and risk factors for re-operation in subtrochanteric fractures remain unclear. Furthermore, no studies have compared the outcomes of different nailing systems used to treat subtrochanteric fractures in the same study population. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to (i) investigate the cumulative incidence and factors associated with an increased risk of re-operation in subtrochanteric fractures treated with a long intramedullary (IM) nail, (ii) compare the outcomes of subtrochanteric fractures treated with long Affixus and Gamma nails, and (iii) establish whether the addition of a proximal anti-rotation screw in the Affixus nail confers any clinical benefit. METHODS: A retrospective review of all adult patients admitted to a level 1 trauma centre with a subtrochanteric femur fracture treated with a long cephalomedullary IM nail over an 8-year period was conducted. Exclusion criteria were primary surgery performed at another institution, prophylactic nailing because of tumours, incomplete fractures, and patients who were lost to follow-up or died before fracture healing. Data variables were assessed for normality prior to determining the use of either parametric or non-parametric tests. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential factors associated with re-operation. For the comparison between the two nail types, patients were matched into two groups of 119 each by age (10-year intervals), gender and mechanism of injury (low energy, high energy and pathological fractures). A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. The Kaplan-Meier nail survival curve was used to demonstrate the survival of each nail. Data were analysed using the statistical package R (R version 3.6.0). RESULTS: A total of 309 subtrochanteric fractures were treated with a distally locked long IM nail (re-operation rate: 22.33%) over an 8-year period. Logistic regression identified six factors associated with an increased risk of re-operation, including age < 75 years old, use of a long Gamma nail, pre-injury coxa-vara femoral neck shaft angles, an immediate post-operative reduction angle of > 10° varus, deep wound infection and non-union. Following matching, we compared the two long cephalomedullary nailing systems used (Gamma versus Affixus nail). The only differences identified from the unadjusted analysis were a higher overall incidence of nail failure in Gamma nails due to any cause, re-operation, and impingement of the nail tip distally against the anterior femoral cortex. When we corrected for covariates, no significant differences remained evident between the two nails. From the Kaplan-Meier nail survival curves, however, the Affixus nail demonstrated better survivorship up to 5 years post-implantation in terms of nail failure and re-operation for all causes. Finally, the addition of a proximal anti-rotation screw in the Affixus nail did not seem to confer any benefit. CONCLUSION: We reported a 22.3% re-operation rate in our cohort of subtrochanteric fractures treated with a long IM nail. We have identified six risk factors associated with re-operation: age < 75 years old, pre-injury femoral neck shaft angle, choice of nail, varus reduction angle, fracture-related infection and non-union. The addition of a proximal anti-rotation screw in the Affixus nail did not confer any benefit.

Management and Outcomes of Bilateral Acetabular Fractures: A Critical Review of the Literature.

Background: Bilateral acetabular fractures constitute a rare entity, and their optimal management is unknown. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library between 1995 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were studies presenting cases of bilateral acetabular fractures and reporting outcomes. Extracted data included patient demographics, injury mechanism, fracture classification, associated injuries, management and outcomes. Results: Thirty-seven studies (47 cases; 35 males vs 12 females) were included. Mean age was 46 years old (range 13-84) and mean follow-up was 19.8 months (range 1.5-56). High-energy injuries (49%) and seizures (45%) were the most common injury mechanisms. Fracture type distribution differed according to injury mechanism. Treatment was surgical in 70% of cases (75% open reduction and internal fixation vs 25% acute total hip arthroplasty). Outcomes were excellent/good in 58% of patients. Complications included heterotopic ossification (11%), nerve injury (11%), degenerative arthritis (6%), DVT (6%), and infection (3%). Conclusions: Bilateral acetabular fractures most commonly occur either after trauma or seizures and are commonly managed operatively. They are not devoid of complications, however, more than half (58%) achieve complete functional recovery.

Fifth metatarsal fractures: an update on management, complications, and outcomes.

Even though fifth metatarsal fractures represent one of the most common injuries of the lower limb, there is no consensus regarding their classification and treatment, while the term 'Jones' fracture has been used inconsistently in the literature. In the vast majority of patients, Zone 1 fractures are treated non-operatively with good outcomes. Treatment of Zone 2 and 3 fractures remains controversial and should be individualized according to the patient's needs and the 'personality' of the fracture. If treated operatively, anatomic reduction and intramedullary fixation with a single screw, with or without biologic augmentation, remains the 'gold standard' of management; recent reports however report good outcomes with open reduction and internal fixation with specifically designed plating systems. Common surgical complications include hardware failure or irritation of the soft tissues, refracture, non-union, sural nerve injury, and chronic pain. Patients should be informed of the different treatment options and be part of the decision process, especially where time for recovery and returning to previous activities is of essence, such as in the case of high-performance, elite athletes.

Biological and molecular profile of fracture non-union tissue: A systematic review and an update on current insights.

Fracture non-union represents a common complication, seen in 5%-10% of all acute fractures. Despite the enhancement in scientific understanding and treatment methods, rates of fracture non-union remain largely unchanged over the years. This systematic review investigates the biological, molecular and genetic profiles of both (i) non-union tissue and (ii) non-union-related tissues, and the genetic predisposition to fracture non-union. This is crucially important as it could facilitate earlier identification and targeted treatment of high-risk patients, along with improving our understanding on pathophysiology of fracture non-union. Since this is an update on our previous systematic review, we searched the literature indexed in PubMed Medline; Ovid Medline; Embase; Scopus; Google Scholar; and the Cochrane Library using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) or Title/Abstract words (non-union(s), non-union(s), human, tissue, bone morphogenic protein(s) (BMPs) and MSCs) from August 2014 (date of our previous publication) to 2 October 2021 for non-union tissue studies, whereas no date restrictions imposed on non-union-related tissue studies. Inclusion criteria of this systematic review are human studies investigating the characteristics and properties of non-union tissue and non-union-related tissues, available in full-text English language. Limitations of this systematic review are exclusion of animal studies, the heterogeneity in the definition of non-union and timing of tissue harvest seen in the included studies, and the search term MSC which may result in the exclusion of studies using historical terms such as 'osteoprogenitors' and 'skeletal stem cells'. A total of 24 studies (non-union tissue: n = 10; non-union-related tissues: n = 14) met the inclusion criteria. Soft tissue interposition, bony sclerosis of fracture ends and complete obliteration of medullary canal are commonest macroscopic appearances of non-unions. Non-union tissue colour and surrounding fluid are two important characteristics that could be used clinically to distinguish between septic and aseptic non-unions. Atrophic non-unions had a predominance of endochondral bone formation and lower cellular density, when compared against hypertrophic non-unions. Vascular tissues were present in both atrophic and hypertrophic non-unions, with no difference in vessel density between the two. Studies have found non-union tissue to contain biologically active MSCs with potential for osteoblastic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Proliferative capacity of non-union tissue MSCs was comparable to that of bone marrow MSCs. Rates of cell senescence of non-union tissue remain inconclusive and require further investigation. There was a lower BMP expression in non-union site and absent in the extracellular matrix, with no difference observed between atrophic and hypertrophic non-unions. The reduced BMP-7 gene expression and elevated levels of its inhibitors (Chordin, Noggin and Gremlin) could potentially explain impaired bone healing observed in non-union MSCs. Expression of Dkk-1 in osteogenic medium was higher in non-union MSCs. Numerous genetic polymorphisms associated with fracture non-union have been identified, with some involving the BMP and MMP pathways. Further research is required on determining the sensitivity and specificity of molecular and genetic profiling of relevant tissues as a potential screening biomarker for fracture non-unions.

Should Radiation Exposure be an Issue of Concern in Children With Multiple Trauma?

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were 3-fold: first, establish the level of radiation exposure experienced by the pediatric trauma patients; second, model the level of risk of developing fatal carcinogenesis; and third, test whether pattern of injury was predictive of the level of exposure. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There are certain conditions that cause children to be exposed to increased radiation, that is, scoliosis, where level of radiation exposure is known. The extent that children are exposed to radiation in the context of multiple traumas remains unclear. METHODS: Patients below the age of 16 years and with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥10, treated by a Major Trauma Center for the period January 2008 to December 2018 were identified. The following data were extracted for the year following the patient's injury: number, doses, and type of radiological examination.The sex and age of the patient was taken into account in the calculation of the risk of developing a carcinogenesis. RESULTS: The median radiation dose of the 425 patients identified in the 12 months following injury, through both CT and radiographs, was 24.3 mSv. Modeling the predictive value of pattern of injury and other relevant clinical values, ISS was proportionately predictive of cumulative dose received. CONCLUSION: A proportion of younger polytrauma patients were exposed to high levels of radiation that in turn mean an increased risk of carcinogenesis. However, the ISS, age, injury pattern, and length of hospital stay are predictive of both risks, enabling monitoring and patient advisement of the risks.

Management of subtrochanteric femur fractures: is open reduction associated with poor outcomes?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the need for open reduction in subtrochanteric femoral fractures and investigate the effect of cerclage wiring compared to open reduction alone, on the development of complications, especially infection and non-union. METHODS: All consecutive patients with a fracture involving the subtrochanteric region were retrospectively identified, over an 8-year period. Data documented and analysed included patient demographics, fracture characteristics, patient comorbidities, time to fracture union and development of complications. RESULTS: A total of 512 patients met the inclusion criteria (523 fractures). Open reduction was performed in 48% (247) of the fractures. Following matching and regression analysis, we identified diaphyseal extension of the fracture to be associated with an open reduction (OR: 2.30; 95% CI 1.45-3.65; p < 0.001). Open reduction was also associated with an increased risk of superficial infection (OR: 7.88; 95% CI 1.63-38.16; p = 0.010), transfusion within 48 h following surgery (OR: 2.44; 95% CI 1.96-4.87; p < 0.001) and a prolonged surgical time (OR: 3.09; 95% CI 1.96-4.87; p < 0.001). The risk of non-union, deep infection and overall mortality was not increased with open reduction. The use of cerclage wires [50 out of 201 fractures (24.9%) treated with an open reduction] to achieve anatomical reduction as compared to open reduction alone significantly reduced the risk of non-union (OR: 0.20; 95% CI 0.06-0.74; p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Open reduction of subtrochanteric fractures is not associated with an increased risk of deep infection and non-union, even though it is associated with an increased risk of superficial infection, prolonged surgical time and transfusion. The use of cerclage wire is associated with reduced risk of non-union with little evidence of an increase in complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Development and Validation of a Post-Operative Non-Union Risk Score for Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to develop and validate a predictive model for non-union following a subtrochanteric fracture of the femur. METHODS: Following institutional board approval, 316 consecutive patients presenting to our institution (84 non-unions) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were retrospectively identified. To identify potential unadjusted associations with progression to non-union, simple logistic regression models were used, followed by a revised adjusted model of multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Having established the risk factors for non-union, the coefficients were used to produce a risk score for predicting non-union. To identify the high-risk patients in the early post-operative period, self-dynamisation was excluded. The revised scoring system was the sum of the following: diabetes (6); deep wound infection (35); simple or severe comminution (13); presence of an atypical fracture (14); lateral cortex gap size ≥5 mm (11), varus malreduction (5-10 degrees) (9); varus malreduction (>10 degrees) (20). On the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve, the area under the curve (0.790) demonstrated very good discriminatory capability of the scoring system, with good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test; p = 0.291). Moreover, 5-fold cross validation confirmed good fit of the model and internal validity (accuracy 0.806; Kappa 0.416). The cut-point determined by Youden's formula was calculated as 18. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the risk of non-union can be reliably estimated in patients presenting with a subtrochanteric fracture, from the immediate post-operative period. The resulting non-union risk score can be used not only to identify the high-risk patients early, offering them appropriate consultation and in some cases surgical intervention, but also informs surgeons of the modifiable surgery related factors that contribute to this risk.

Exchange nailing and medial wall reconstruction following implant failure in a subtrochanteric femoral fracture.

Failure of fixation of subtrochanteric fractures has been reported in as high as 20% of cases. Several associations have been suggested to contribute to failed fixation. Discontinuity of the medial wall/column is considered to be one of the most significant risk factors for non-union and subsequent implant failure, especially if this defect is not addressed during the revision surgery. We present a case of failed fixation of a subtrochanteric fracture in an 86-year-old female where revision surgery paid special attention to restoring the medial wall continuity via bone grafting resulting in satisfactory union of the fracture. We advocate the necessity of reconstructing the medial column in similar cases in order to enhance healing and restore the biomechanical support of the subtrochanteric region.

Surgical Site Infection Following Intramedullary Nailing of Subtrochanteric Femoral Fractures.

Aim: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and pathogenic micro-organisms causing superficial and deep infection in subtrochanteric femoral fractures managed with an intramedullary nail. Materials and Methods: Following institutional board approval, all consecutive patients presenting with a subtrochanteric fracture were retrospectively identified, over an 8-year period. Basic demographics, fracture characteristics, fracture union, revision operation, mortality and other complications were reported and analysed. Variables deemed statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) were then included into a revised adjusted model of logistic regression analysis, where we reported on the odds ratio (OR). Results: The overall incidence of infection was 6.4% (n = 36/561; superficial: 3.7%; deep: 2.7%). Associations with deep infection included: non-union (OR 9.29 (2.56-3.38)), the presence of an open fracture (OR 4.23 (3.18-5.61)), the need for massive transfusion (OR 1.42 (2.39-8.39)), post-operative transfusion (OR 1.40 (1.10-1.79)) and prolonged length of stay (OR 1.04 (1.02-1.06)). The Commonest causes of superficial infection were Staphylococcus aureus (28.5%), enteric flora (23.8%) and mixed flora (23.8%); whereas coliforms (60%) and Staphylococcus aureus (26.7%) were the commonest micro-organisms isolated in deep infection. Polymicrobial infection was identified in 38.5% and 80% of superficial and deep infections, respectively. Conclusion: Causative micro-organisms identified in both superficial and deep infection were similar to those reported in post-traumatic osteomyelitis. In an attempt to minimise infection, the treating clinician should focus on modifiable risk factors with adequate patient optimisation, prompt surgical treatment, adequate antibiotic coverage and wound care when treating patients with subtrochanteric femur fracture.

How to improve diversity in patient and public involvement.

Patient and public involvement involves ascertaining the opinions of and collaborating with patients and members of the public to holistically improve the quality of research. Patient and public involvement provides patients with a platform to use and share their lived experiences. This allows healthcare professionals to gain a deeper appreciation of the patient's perspective, which enables future research to be more patient centred and tailored to patients' requirements. Patient and public involvement aims to broadly encapsulate the opinions of the public, so ensuring diversity is recommended. This article provides a practical framework to increase diversity and engage hard-to-reach demographics in patient and public involvement. It highlights some common barriers to participation and methods for overcoming this, describes sampling frameworks and provides examples of how these have been adopted in practice.

Mortality and Medical Complications of Subtrochanteric Fracture Fixation.

The aim of this study was to define the incidence and investigate the associations with mortality and medical complications, in patients presenting with subtrochanteric femoral fractures subsequently treated with an intramedullary nail, with a special reference to advancement of age. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review, covering an 8-year period, of all patients admitted to a Level 1 Trauma Centre with the diagnosis of subtrochanteric fractures was conducted. Normality was assessed for the data variables to determine the further use of parametric or non-parametric tests. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify the most important associations for each event. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 519 patients were included in our study (age at time of injury: 73.26 ± 19.47 years; 318 female). The average length of hospital stay was 21.4 ± 19.45 days. Mortality was 5.4% and 17.3% for 30 days and one year, respectively. Risk factors for one-year mortality included: Low albumin on admission (Odds ratio (OR) 4.82; 95% Confidence interval (95%CI) 2.08-11.19), dementia (OR 3.99; 95%CI 2.27-7.01), presence of pneumonia during hospital stay (OR 3.18; 95%CI 1.76-5.77) and Charlson comorbidity score (CCS) > 6 (OR 2.94; 95%CI 1.62-5.35). Regarding the medical complications following the operative management of subtrochanteric fractures, the overall incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) was 18.3%. Patients with increasing CCS (CCS 6-8: OR 1.69; 95%CI 1.00-2.84/CCS > 8: OR 2.02; 95%CI 1.03-3.95), presence of asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 2.29; 95%CI 1.37-3.82), intensive care unit (ICU)/high dependency unit (HDU) stay (OR 3.25; 95%CI 1.77-5.96) and a length of stay of more than 21 days (OR 8.82; 95%CI 1.18-65.80) were at increased risk of this outcome. The incidence of post-operative delirium was found to be 10.2%. This was associated with pre-existing dementia (OR 4.03; 95%CI 0.34-4.16), urinary tract infection (UTI) (OR 3.85; 95%CI 1.96-7.56), need for an increased level of care (OR 3.16; 95%CI 1.38-7.25), pneumonia (OR 2.29; 95%CI 1.14-4.62) and post-operative deterioration of renal function (OR 2.21; 95%CI 1.18-4.15). The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was 3.7% (pulmonary embolism (PE): 8 patients; deep venous thrombosis (DVT): 11 patients), whilst the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI)/cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) was 4.0%. No evidence of the so called "weekend effect" was identified on both morbidity and mortality. Regression analysis of these complications did not reveal any significant associations. Conclusions: Our study has opened the field for the investigation of medical complications within the subtrochanteric fracture population. Early identification of the associations of these complications could help prognostication for those who are at risk of a poor outcome. Furthermore, these could be potential "warning shots" for clinicians to act early to manage and in some cases prevent these devastating complications that could potentially lead to an increased risk of mortality.

Reverse oblique proximal femoral fracture in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: challenges and recommendations.

A 35-year-old woman attended the emergency department after sustaining a reverse oblique proximal femur fracture, which was amenable to intramedullary nailing. Her presentation was complicated by a background of severe generalised recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, with extensive blistering of most of her skin, including the area over the standard surgical incision sites. For the successful management of this case, extensive input from the multidisciplinary team was required, with the team facing several challenges. The whole approach to nursing and surgical management (anaesthesia, positioning, fracture reduction and wound care) had to be modified, taking great care to protect the skin at any cost, therefore reducing the risk of a surgical site infection which would be catastrophic. The management of this patient can set a framework that can be followed in similar cases, aiming for a favourable outcome of such challenging, rare conditions.

NSAIDs inhibit bone healing through the downregulation of TGF-ß3 expression during endochondral ossification.

INTRODUCTION & AIMS: Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are potent inhibitors of post-traumatic pain. Several studies have highlighted that NSAIDs could exert a negative effect on bone healing process possibly by down-regulating chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification. The aim of the study is to explore the potential mechanism though which NSAIDs can affect chondrogenesis. M&M: Trabecular bone from the fracture site was isolated from 10 patients suffering from long bone fractures. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) were isolated following collagenase digestion and functional assays to assess the effect of diclofenac sodium on chondrogenesis were performed. Gene expression analysis of 84 key molecules was performed. RESULTS: Diclofenac sodium inhibits chondrogenic differentiation and induces a strong inhibition of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) production during chondrogenic differentiation. Replenishment of PGE-2 did not reverse this negative effect. Chondrogenic inhibition is similar in cells treated only for the first week of chondrogenic differentiation or continuously for 3 weeks. Gene analysis shows a strong downregulation of TGF-ß3 and FGF-1 while TNF was upregulated. CONCLUSION: NSAIDs seem to affect the transition phase of mesenchymal stem cells towards functional chondrocytes. This effect is unrelated to the endogenous production of PGE-2. The downregulation of the expression of key molecules like TGF-ß3 seem to be the underlying mechanism.

Femoral non-union above a fused knee: Successful treatment with exchange nailing and intramedullary delivery of bone morphogenetic protein.

Bone healing is a complex and well-orchestrated physiological process, in which bone repairs and regenerates regaining its original biomechanical and biochemical properties. It is estimated that 5 to 10% of all fractures are complicated by delayed union or non-union. Progression to non-union is thought to be multifactorial, even though the exact biological sequence remains obscure. Treatment should aim to addressing deficiencies in both the mechanical and biological components, along with eliminating co-factors that could negatively affect the locally induced fracture healing response. We report a case of a 78-year-old patient who presented with a distal femoral non-union above a previously fused knee, which was successfully managed with exchange nailing and intramedullary delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7).