Is the continuity of the therapist-patient relationship relevant for the discharge outcome in orthopaedic physical rehabilitation?

Continuity of care has been linked to patient satisfaction and self-reported outcomes. Following hip fractures in the elderly, rehabilitation aims at restoring patients' mobility and independence at the pre-fracture level and at the earliest possible time. Despite the potential role of physiotherapists' continuity on functional outcomes, this correlation has not yet been studied in an acute orthopaedic setting. Guaranteeing the presence of the same physical therapist on individual patients is challenging from an organizational point of view. An observational retrospective study was conducted on 129 aged patients (84 ± 8 years) who underwent surgery for proximal hip fracture. Indicators of outcomes were ILOA score at discharge, length of stay and achievement of rehabilitation goals as defined by the Individual Rehabilitation Project. The number of physical therapists taking care of patients was monitored during the patient's hospital stay. No correlation was found between the number of physical therapists and functional goals at discharge. The frequent change of physical therapists providing rehabilitation to elderly patients who underwent surgery for hip fragile fracture is not related to functional outcomes.

Perioperative pain management intervention in older patients with hip fracture in an orthogeriatric unit. A controlled before/after study assessing an audit and feedback intervention (PAIN-AGE).

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain delays ambulation, extends hospital stay, reduces the probability of recovery, and increases risk of long-term functional impairment. Pain management in hip fractured patients poses a challenge to the healthcare teams. Older adults are more vulnerable to opioid-associated side effect and it is primordial to minimize their exposure to opioids. Acetaminophen is associated with reduced opioid use so we need to focus on acetaminophen use in first-line analgesia. METHODS: We conducted a controlled before/after study to assess the ability of an audit and feedback (A&F) intervention built with nurses to improve the quality of perioperative pain management in older patients hospitalized for hip fracture in an orthogeriatric unit (experimental group) versus a conventional orthopedic unit (no A&F intervention). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who received 3 g/day of acetaminophen during the three postoperative days, before and after the A&F intervention. Secondary endpoints included nurses' adherence to medical prescriptions, clinical data associated with patients and finally factors associated with intervention. The significative level was set at 0.05 for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We studied data from 397 patients (mean age 89 years, 75% female). During the postoperative period, 16% of patients from the experimental group received 3 g/day of acetaminophen before the A&F intervention; the percentage reached 60% after the intervention. The likelihood of receiving 3 g/day of acetaminophen during the postoperative period and adhering to the medical prescription of acetaminophen were significantly increased in the experimental group as compared with the control group. The patient's functional status at discharge (assessed by Activities of Daily Living scores) was significantly better and the length of hospital stay significantly reduced after the A&F intervention. CONCLUSION: Our controlled before/after study showed that an A&F intervention significantly improved perioperative pain management in older adults hospitalized for hip fracture. Involving teams in continuous education programs appears crucial to improve the quality of pain management and ensure nurses' adherence to medical prescriptions.

Evaluation of a Blood Reserve Protocol for Hip Fracture Surgery in the Elderly.

Objective To identify the predictive factors for the need for transfusion during and after surgery to treat hip fractures in the elderly and to evaluate a protocol to guide the request for blood reserves for surgery. Methods The medical records of 172 elderly patients undergoing surgical treatment for proximal femoral fractures were collected. Data on sex, age, preoperative hemoglobin level, diagnosis, and type of surgery were tested for correlation with blood transfusion. In our sample, we determined the number of units of packed red blood cells reserved, the transfusion rate, and the cross-test:transfusion ratio. We made the same calculations in a hypothetical situation in which the request for blood reserves for our sample followed the criteria of a defined protocol. Results We found a correlation between the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and the occurrence of transfusions, and an inverse correlation between the hemoglobin level on admission and the number of bags transfused. A reserve of 328 units of packed red blood cells was requested for 167 surgeries. Had the proposed protocol been applied, 72 units would have been requested for 61 surgeries. Conclusion We found a correlation regarding the variables ASA classification and preoperative hemoglobin level and the occurrence of transfusion. Applying a proposed protocol to decide between requesting a reserve and only typing for elderly individuals undergoing surgical treatment for hip fracture proved suitable to reduce the number of packed red blood cell reserves.

Artificial Intelligence-Guided Assessment of Femoral Neck Fractures in Radiographs: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-Analysis.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a dynamic area of computer science that is constantly expanding its practical benefits in various fields. The aim of this study was to analyze AI-guided radiological assessment of femoral neck fractures by performing a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of primary studies. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on May 21, 2024 [CRD42024541055]. The updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were strictly followed. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid (Med), and Epistemonikos databases was conducted until May 31, 2024. Critical appraisal using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool showed that the overall quality of the included studies was moderate. In addition, publication bias was presented in funnel plots. A frequentist multilevel meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with inverse variance and restricted maximum likelihood heterogeneity estimator with Hartung-Knapp adjustment. The accuracy between AI-based and human assessment of femoral neck fractures, sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Study heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins test I2 (low heterogeneity <25%, moderate heterogeneity: 25%-75%, and high heterogeneity >75%). Finally, 11 studies with a total of 21,163 radiographs were included for meta-analysis. The results of the study quality assessment using the QUADAS-2 tool are presented in Table 2. The funnel plots indicated a moderate publication bias. The AI showed excellent accuracy in assessment of femoral neck fractures (Accuracy = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.96; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01). The AI showed good sensitivity in assessment of femoral neck fractures (Sensitivity = 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.93; I2 = 98%; p < 0.01). The AI showed excellent specificity in assessment of femoral neck fractures (Specificity = 0.91, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.97; I2 = 97%; p < 0.01). AI-guided radiological assessment of femoral neck fractures showed excellent accuracy and specificity as well as good sensitivity. The use of AI as a faster and more reliable assessment tool and as an aid in radiological routine seems justified.

Characteristics of fragility hip fracture-related falls in the older adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the global aging trend, the incidence of falls and hip fractures is projected to rise, leading to an increased associated burden. Over 90% of hip fractures result from falls, yet not all falls cause fractures, suggesting specific fall characteristics may contribute to hip fractures. This review provides insights into fragility hip fracture-related falls among the older adults, aiding in understanding and developing effective fall prevention strategies for this population. METHODS: Searches encompassed PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, supplemented by citation checks. We included non-randomized studies detailing characteristics of fragility hip fracture-related falls in the older individuals, with or without a non-hip fracture control. Evaluated fall characteristics included height, location, direction, time, mechanism, activity during the fall, hip impact, protective responses, walking aid use, and impact surface. Results were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. The quality of these studies was assessed using the revised Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies 2 (RoBANS2). RESULTS: A total of 30 articles were reviewed, comprising 23 non-case control and 7 case-control studies, with a mean age of 75.6 years. Studies presented varied details on fall characteristics. Hip-fracture related falls typically occur indoors at or around standing height during daytime, often involving sideways or backward motions with inadequate protective responses. Slipping is predominant, yet lost balance and weakness/collapse are notable. Walking precedes many falls, but stationary activities (lack of forward motion, changing positions, sitting or standing still, transfer) also contribute. Low usage of walking aids and impact on hard surfaces are common features of these falls. CONCLUSIONS: This review underscores fall characteristics associated with fragility hip fractures in older adults, highlighting features more aligned with age-related physical frailty than general falls. Such insights can guide healthcare providers in implementing tailored interventions to reduce hip fractures and related challenges.

Admission Hemoglobin Associated with Increased Mortality in Hip Fracture Surgical Patients: An Observational Study.

In hip fracture patients, who are mostly elderly, preexisting anemia can be worsened when combined with trauma and surgery. To this date, there is no unequivocal approach about transfusion thresholds. We analyzed hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels at three time points in surgical patients with proximal femoral fractures (PFF) to see which levels were triggers for transfusions and whether transfusions were related to mortality after hospital discharge. A total of 956 patients were operated on from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022 at the University Hospital of Split and included in the study. There were more women (74%); 47% patients had admission Hb < 120 g/L. Transfusion was given preoperatively to 88, intraoperatively to 74 and postoperatively to 309 patients. Transfusion thresholds were as follows: Hb 84 g/L preoperatively, 99 intraoperatively and 83 postoperatively. After hospital discharge, 10.79% of patients died within the 1st month and 23% within 6 months. In the group of non-survivors, 60% of patients had admission Hb ≤ 117 g/L and the proportion of patients transfused preoperatively was two times higher. Preoperative transfusion thresholds could be set to higher levels for patients with surgically treated PFF. However, that could increase mortality even more. Further investigation is necessary.

Efficacy of Postoperative Oral Nutritional Supplements in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background/Objectives: Geriatric hip fracture patients have an increased risk of malnutrition. Proper nutritional supply in the perioperative period is very important for their recovery. Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) are recommended in geriatric hip fracture patients to improve dietary intake and prevent complications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative ONSs after total hip arthroplasty in geriatric hip fracture patients. Methods: A retrospective study of elderly patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty for hip fracture was conducted. Data from patients who received ONSs postoperatively until hospital discharge (ONS group, n = 69) were compared with patients who did not receive ONSs (control group, n = 168). Laboratory test results, including serum protein and albumin levels, length of hospital stay, and the incidence of postoperative medical complications of the two groups, were analyzed. Results: Preoperative serum protein and albumin levels were significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.010, respectively). However, the degree of decline for both protein and albumin levels was significantly less in the ONS group (p < 0.001 for both). Serum albumin levels were significantly higher in the ONS group at postoperative two-week follow-up (p = 0.006). The length of hospital stay was shorter in the ONS group (p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative delirium was significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.007). Conclusions: In geriatric hip fracture patients, postoperative ONSs can improve postoperative nutritional status, shorten the length of hospital stay, and reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.

Association of pain with falls and fractures among middle-aged Korean community-dwelling adults.

The relationship between pain and falls remains controversial. Therefore, this study explored the associations between pain and fall-related outcomes in 5,340 middle-aged (45-65 years) adults residing in the communities in Korea. Pain was defined as pain at any location, pain-related activity restriction (PAR), and persistent pain. The outcome measures included fall injuries, recurrent falls, injurious falls, and fall-related hip fractures. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between pain and fall outcome. Among the study participants, 54.0% reported having experienced pain. During a follow-up period of up to 14 years, those who reported pain and PAR at baseline exhibited a positive association with the occurrence of fall injury (odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-2.53) and injurious falls (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.20-2.48) but not with recurrent falls (OR 1.90, 95% CI 0.80-4.54). We also observed a positive association between persistent pain and the risk of fall injury (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.91), whereas no consistent conclusions were drawn regarding the risk of recurrent falls and injurious falls. We also did not identify any correlation between pain and hip fractures resulting from falls. In conclusion, our findings of the positive correlations of pain and PAR at baseline with fall injuries and injurious falls but not recurrent falls during follow-up suggest that public health initiatives should prioritize pain screening, especially for participants reporting ankle and toe pain, and implement suitable interventions to mitigate the risk of falls and the associated adverse outcomes among middle-aged adults.

Differences in opioid prescriptions by race among U.S. older adults with a hip fracture transitioning to community care.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate pain management can facilitate rehabilitation after a hip fracture as patients transition back to the community setting. Differences in opioid prescribing by race may exist during this critical transition period. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of older adult U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with a hip fracture to examine whether the receipt and dose of opioids differs between Black and White patients as they transitioned back to the community setting. We stratified beneficiaries by whether they received institutional post-acute care (PAC). Outcomes were (1) receipt of an opioid and (2) opioid doses in the first 90 days in the community in milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs; also presented in mg oxycodone). We estimated relative rates and risk differences of opioid receipt and dose differences using Poisson and linear regression models, respectively, using the parametric g-formula to standardize for age and sex. RESULTS: We identified 164,170 older adults with hip fracture (mean age = 82.7 years; 75% female; 72% with PAC; 46% with opioid use after fracture). Overall use of opioids in the community was similar between Black and white beneficiaries. Black beneficiaries had lower average doses in their first 90 days in both total cumulative doses (PAC group: 165 [95% CI -264 to -69] fewer MMEs [-248 mg oxycodone]; no PAC: 167 [95% CI -274 to -62] fewer MMEs [-251 mg oxycodone]) and average MME per days' supply of medication (PAC: -3.0 [-4.6 to -1.4] fewer MMEs per day [-4.5 mg oxycodone]; no PAC: -4.7 [-4.6 to -1.4] fewer MMEs per day [-7.1 mg oxycodone]). In secondary analyses, Asian beneficiaries experienced the greatest differences (e.g., 617-653 fewer cumulative mg oxycodone). CONCLUSION: Racial differences exist in pain management for Medicare beneficiaries after a hip fracture. Future work should examine whether these differences result in disparities in short- and long-term health outcomes.

[Endoprosthetic treatment of femoral neck fractures in Germany : Cumulative analysis of EPRD registry data from 2013 to 2020]. / Endoprothetische Versorgung von Schenkelhalsfrakturen in Deutschland : Kumulative Analyse der Registerdaten des EPRD von 2013 bis 2020.

BACKGROUND: The German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD) recorded nearly 52,000 femoral neck fractures treated with arthroplasty by 2020. This study aimed to identify survival rates and risk factors for hip prosthesis failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included all patients with arthroplasty after hip fractures documented in the EPRD. Data were analyzed with focus on failure rate regarding implant, implantation technique, age, BMI, and comorbidities. For more complex analysis of dependencies, the machine learning algorithm (MLA) XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) was used. RESULTS: The study included 51,938 patients. The failure rate was 3.7% for HEs and 5.6% for THA. The failure rate increased in male patients (p < 0.0001), those with higher BMI, young patients with a high Elixhauser Comorbidity Score (ECS) and a cementless technique. The timepoint of surgery, i.e. ,working day vs. weekend or holiday had no influence on the outcome. The feature importance (FI) generated by MLA demonstrated factors with the highest impact on failure, i.e., survival time (1029), BMI (722), and age (481). CONCLUSION: For younger patients with comorbidities, a cemented implantation technique should be considered. Failure rates of arthroplasties did not differ on workdays compared to weekends or holidays. MLA are suitable to analyze registry data for complex correlations of factors.

Gender differences between smoking and the risk of hip fracture.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the relation between cigarette smoking and hip fracture in men compared with women using a meta-analytic approach. METHODS: On March 1, 2024, prospective cohort studies were searched from PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library systems. The gender difference in the relationship between smoking and hip fracture risk was evaluated by random effect model. RESULTS: Eleven prospective cohort studies involving data from 2,689,620 individuals were selected for meta-analysis. The ratio of relative risk (RRR) of hip fractures in current smokers was significantly higher in men than in women (RRR: 1.10; 95%CI: 1.00 - 1.20; P = 0.047), while no evidence of sex differences in former smoking and hip fracture risk (RRR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.88 - 1.10; P = 0.759). CONCLUSIONS: The male-to-female RRR of hip fractures increased in current smokers, whereas no sex difference was found in the relationship between former smoking and the risk of hip fractures.

Impact of the nail insertion angle on the wedge effect in intramedullary nail fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures.

BACKGROUND: The wedge effect is known to be influenced by the insertion of the proximal femoral intramedullary nail through the fracture line and the large proximal diameter of the nail. However, the impact of the nail insertion angle (NIA) on the wedge effect remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate: (1) how to evaluate the NIA intraoperatively, (2) whether the NIA is associated with the wedge effect, (3) whether the NIA can serve as a reliable predictor of the wedge effect, (4) which factors affect the NIA, and (5) which surgical techniques can prevent the occurrence of the wedge effect associated with the NIA. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that an excessive NIA is related to the wedge effect and that lateral deviation of the entry point is associated with an excessive NIA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Intraoperative fluoroscopy images of patients who underwent intramedullary nail fixation for intertrochanteric hip fractures between 2013 and 2023 were analyzed. NIA and insertion point distance (IPD) were measured on hip anteroposterior radiographs with the guidewire inserted. Femoral shaft lateralization (FSL) and neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured on hip anteroposterior radiographs before and after nail insertion; differences in FSL and NSA were calculated. A negative difference in FSL combined with a positive difference in NSA indicated the occurrence of the wedge effect. Pearson's correlation test was used to determine relationships between continuous variables (NIA, FSL, NSA, and IPD). Binary logistic regression analyzed the association between NIA and the wedge effect. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the threshold value of NIA, with predictive performance assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Other potential factors influencing the wedge effect were also examined. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients were included. The mean NIA was 15.61 ± 4.49 °. Post-nail insertion, the average increase in FSL was 3.20 mm, and the average decrease in NSA was 1.90 °. Pearson's correlation test revealed that NIA was negatively correlated with the difference in FSL (R = 0.565, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with the difference in NSA (R = 0.509, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression showed a significant correlation between NIA and the wedge effect (P < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated that the AUC for NIA was 0.813, with an optimal cutoff point of 14.85 °. IPD was positively correlated with NIA (R = 0.519, P < 0.001). Unstable fractures were associated with increased lateralization of the femoral shaft after nail insertion (P = 0.003). DISCUSSION: The NIA is positively correlated with the wedge effect in intramedullary nail fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures. The wedge effect tends to occur when the NIA is >14.85 °, particularly in unstable fractures. Lateral deviation of the entry point is associated with an excessive NIA. Adducting the affected limb, moving the entry point slightly medial and using a medial pusher may help control the NIA to less than 14.85 ° to reduce the wedge effect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The Utility of a Comprehensive Hip Fracture Program: Readmission Rates May Not Be a Reasonable Marker of Success.

Introduction This study evaluates the effectiveness of a comprehensive hip fracture protocol, with a focus on specific readmission reasons. Methods A retrospective cohort study of hip fracture patients aged 60 and older who underwent surgery before (control) and after (intervention) implementation of a comprehensive hip fracture program. Objectives included identifying readmission reasons and rates, time to operating room (TOR), length of stay (LOS), reoperation, and mortality rates. Logistic regression was utilized to determine significance. Results One hundred and sixty-three patients (control) vs. 238 patients (intervention) were identified. The intervention group had higher odds of 90-day readmission for a medical reason (OR = 1.735, p = 0.028). Thirty-three out of forty-two patients (79%) in the control group and 68/78 patients (87%) in the intervention group were readmitted secondary to a medical reason (pulmonary etiology being the most common). Surgical-related readmissions (surgical site infections and dislocations are most common) were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group, with 10/78 patients (13%) and 9/42 patients (21%), respectively. Twenty-four-hour TOR was achieved in 125 patients (52.5%) in the intervention group vs. 70 patients (42.9%) in the control group. LOS was shorter by 1.1 days for the intervention group (p = 0.010). Mortality was lower in the intervention group. Discussion A comprehensive hip fracture protocol can reduce LOS, TOR, mortality rate, and even surgical-related readmissions. Readmission rates are mainly due to medical problems, which may be unavoidable and thus may not be an adequate hip fracture effectiveness metric. Potential areas of improvement and additional study may include closer internal medicine oversight and primary care follow-up after discharge.

Comparing the Efficacy of Landmark-Based Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block and Pericapsular Nerve Group Block for Preoperative Positioning and Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Hip Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid block is the most common anesthetic technique for patients having corrective hip surgeries. However, adequate positioning for a successful subarachnoid block is a major challenge in this particular population of patients, owing to the site of fracture. Regional anesthesia, in the form of nerve blocks, is an effective means of alleviating such constraints and gives an added benefit of prolonged postoperative analgesia. The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and the fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), under ultrasonography guidance, are a few examples of the commonly performed peripheral nerve blocks in such settings. However, the landmark-based techniques of nerve blockade still hold good in many resource poor settings, given the lack of ultrasonography facilities. AIM: To compare the ease of spinal positioning using the patient sitting satisfaction score between the landmark-guided FICB and PENG block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was done on 80 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade I or II with intertrochanteric fractures of the hip joint scheduled for proximal femoral nailing. Patients were allocated into two groups of 40 each through computer generated random numbers, to receive 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine via the landmark-guided technique of FICB in Group F and peripheral nerve stimulator assisted landmark-guided PENG block in Group P, 30 minutes prior to spinal positioning. Time to passive leg raise (PLR) to 15 degrees and time to PLR to 30 degrees with a standard goniometer guidance at visual analogue scale (VAS) score < 4 and ease of spinal positioning through the sitting satisfaction score at the 30th minute were assessed. Any adverse effects and events of failure were noted. The duration of postoperative analgesia was measured through the time to the first dose of paracetamol on arrival at the post-anesthesia care unit. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was done using JASP version (0.18.3.0) using the independent samples t-test and significance was taken when p value was < 0.001. The time to PLR to 15 degrees and 30 degrees were achieved faster in the patients who received the PENG block in comparison to the patients who received the FICB, and the average patient sitting satisfaction score was significantly higher in Group P as compared to Group F (p < 0.001). While the overall amount of analgesics used in both groups was similar, the overall period of postoperative analgesia was prolonged in Group F compared to Group P (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The landmark guided PENG block is feasible and superior to the landmark-guided FICB for preoperative positioning and analgesia. The FICB provides a longer duration of postoperative analgesia for patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Rheumatoid arthritis increases complication risks in elderly hip fracture patients.: A Japanese nationwide medical claims database study.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and periarticular bone loss, leading to systemic osteoporosis and heightened fracture susceptibility, especially hip fractures among the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with hip fractures in patients with RA relative to those without RA. METHODS: Using the Japanese National Administrative Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database, we examined cases of femoral neck fractures from April 2016 to March 2023. After one to three propensity score matching for age, sex, and complications, we examined the association between RA, complications, and mortality during hospitalization in elderly patients with hip fractures. RESULTS: The findings revealed that elderly Japanese RA patients with hip fractures had significantly higher complications of pneumonia than elderly hip fracture patients without RA, with a ratio of 1.232 (95% CI: 1.065-1.426, p=0.0056), and pulmonary embolism, with a ratio of 1.155 (95% CI: 1.036-1.287, p=0.009) in multivariate logistic regression analyses. Although not significantly elevated, it also found a trend toward higher mortality during hospitalization, with a ratio of 1.179 (95% CI: 0.973-1.429, p=0.096). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial study based on the Japanese DPC database revealed a significant association between RA and increased complications, including pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, there was a nonsignificant but higher trend for risk of mortality during hospitalization for hip fracture in elderly RA patients. Implementing preventive strategies is essential to minimizing complications in the treatment of hip fractures in patients with RA.

Drugs with Anticholinergic Properties and Association with Hip Fractures in Older Patients: A Danish Nationwide Cohort-Study.

Objectives: Hip fractures (HFx) resulting from falls are a significant health concern, and drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAP) increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to assess the association between use of DAP at hospital admission and HFx risk in older patients. Methods: This nationwide population-based study included all patients ≥65 years admitted to Danish geriatric wards during 2005-2014. Outcome of interest was first HFx within 2-years follow-up. The Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale quantified DAP use. Cox regression analysis of data from four national registries was adjusted for activities of daily living, age, marital status, admission year, BMI, fracture history, previous admissions, dementia, anti-osteoporotic drugs, and Charlson comorbidity index. Results: 74,589 patients (62.8% female) were included, 45,463 (60.9%) received DAP at index, and 7,861 HFx occurred during follow-up. Cumulative 2-year HFx hazard was highest for ACB=0 (15.3%). Higher ACB-score was not associated with increased HFx risk in univariable nor multivariable analyses. In sensitivity analysis, use of DAP with high anticholinergic burden (≥2) did not alter results. Conclusions: In this high-incidence national cohort, higher ACB-score was not associated with increased HFx risk. Our results call for further research on association between specific DAP and risk of HFx.

Development and validation of a prognostic scoring system for 1-year mortality in older patients with hip fractures.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures in older people result in increased mortality. OBJECTIVE: We developed and validated an accurate and simple prognostic scoring system for hip fractures that can be used preoperatively. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Multicenter. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged ≥65 years with hip fractures who underwent surgery between 2011 and 2021 were enrolled. METHODS: The significant factors were determined with logistic regression analysis, and a scoring system was developed. The patients were classified into three groups, and a log-rank test was performed to evaluate 1-year survival rates. The model was internally and externally validated using the 5-fold cross-validation and data from another hospital, respectively. RESULTS: We included 1026 patients. The analysis revealed eight significant prognostic factors: sex, body mass index, history of chronic heart failure and malignancy, activities of daily living (ADLs) before injury, hemoglobin and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) at injury, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) after internal validation was 0.853. The external validation data consisted of 110 patients. The AUC of the model for the validation data was 0.905, showing outstanding discrimination. Sensitivity and specificity were 88.7% vs. 100% and 93.3% vs. 95.2% for the development and validation data, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated an accurate and simple prognostic scoring system for hip fractures using only preoperative factors. Our findings highlight PNI as an important predictor of prognosis in hip fracture patients.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on One-Year Mortality in Geriatric Hip Fracture: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global healthcare systems, necessitating substantial shifts in patient care strategies. The pandemic's onset led to drastic operational changes in hospitals, including reduced bed capacity and staffing levels, which could have further influenced the mortality outcomes for geriatric patients. The study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 1-year mortality rates of surgically treated geriatric hip fractures. Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study included 346 participants aged 65 and above who underwent surgical treatment for hip fractures. We compared mortality rates between the pre-COVID and COVID eras. Data included demographics, treatment, complications, and COVID-19 status. The independent samples t test and Chi-square tests (or Fisher's exact test) were used for comparisons for era cohorts. Survival probabilities were assessed using Kaplan-Meier, while multivariate analysis identified mortality predictors. Results: 175 patients were included in the pre-COVID era, and 171 patients were included in the COVID era. During the COVID era, the 30-day mortality rate was 11.7% (compared to 13.7% in the pre-COVID era, p = 0.573), and the 1-year mortality rate was 43.9% (compared to 49.1% in the pre-COVID era, p = 0.325). The overall 1-year mortality rate was 46.5%. Patients who underwent surgery within 48 hours had a higher 1-year survival rate (60.5%) compared to those with delayed surgery (51.2%), p = 0.031. Additionally, patients not admitted to the ICU had a higher 1-year survival rate (74.7%) than those who were admitted (44.9%), p < 0.001. 70.1% of the total deaths occurred within the first 90 days. Conclusion: Elderly patients with hip fractures experienced high mortality rates before and during the pandemic. This study demonstrates that the 1-year mortality rates of geriatric hip fractures were not significantly affected by the pandemic. The findings emphasize the importance of pandemic preparedness and prompt surgeries and attentive ICU care in reducing mortality rates.

Patient Satisfaction Following Non-Operative Treatment of Geriatric Hip Fractures: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction: A minority of geriatric hip fracture patients pursue non-operative treatment. Compared with surgical patients, non-operative patients have higher mortality rates. However, patient satisfaction following non-operative vs operative treatment has not been investigated extensively. The purpose of this study was to compare satisfaction among non-operatively vs operatively treated hip fracture patients. Methods: We identified patients aged 60+ years with proximal femur fractures treated over a 10-year period. Excluded were patients with isolated greater/lesser trochanteric fractures. Patients or relatives were asked to complete a 6-question survey about their treatment satisfaction. Results: Survey responses from 56 operative and 28 non-operative patients were recorded. Overall, 91.1% of operative and 82.1% of non-operative patients were satisfied with their treatment course (P = 0.260). However, only 71.4% of non-operative patients were satisfied with treatment option explanations vs 83.9% of operative patients (P = 0.014). While only 64.3% of non-operative respondents were satisfied with the ultimate treatment outcome (vs 85.7% of operative patients, P = 0.025), 89.3% of patients in each cohort would choose the same treatment plan again. Discussion: Our findings highlight the complexity of defining patient satisfaction, particularly in a geriatric hip fracture population. Unlike previous studies, we chose a direct approach to quantifying patient satisfaction by asking participants specifically about satisfaction with treatment outcome and the overall treatment course. Additional survey questions were then included to assess factors considered important in treatment satisfaction, such as health care provider treatment explanations, post-treatment mobility, and palliative care service involvement. Conclusions: We identified significant differences between non-operatively and operatively treated geriatric hip fracture patients regarding satisfaction with the explanation of treatment options, and ultimate treatment outcomes. There was no significant difference in overall satisfaction with the treatment course or likelihood of choosing the same treatment again. Further research investigating patient satisfaction following geriatric hip fracture treatment is warranted.

Enhanced recovery after surgery speeds up healing for hip fracture patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on the perioperative healing and stress response in patients with hip fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 86 patients with hip fractures admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between January 2022 and August 2023. Among them, 48 patients in the research group received ERAS, while 38 patients in the control group received conventional nursing. Hip joint function, pain levels, stress response, fracture healing time, incidence of complications, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After nursing, the Harris scores notably increased in both groups, with the research group showing notably higher scores compared to the control group (P<0.05). The levels of cortisol and epinephrine, as well as the visual analog scale scores significantly decreased in both groups, with the research group showing significantly lower levels (P<0.05). In addition, the research group experienced significantly shorter fracture healing time (P<0.05), higher nursing satisfaction (P=0.014), and lower incidence of complications (P=0.028). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, underlying diseases, nursing method, emotional disorders, and timing of surgery were independent factors influencing the post-nursing outcomes. CONCLUSION: The ERAS mode can effectively alleviate pain, improve hip joint function, reduce fracture healing time and complications, mitigate stress response, and accelerate postoperative recovery in patients with hip fractures. It is worthy of application and promotion in clinical practice.