Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Low-Energy Hip Fractures in Accordance With the Mediterranean Paradox.

Introduction Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is considered one of the leading causes of poor bone quality. It may also be related to severe muscular weakness, especially in the elderly, which leads to frequent falls. Thus, VDD might be associated with fragility fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine in this age category. In this cross-sectional study, our goal was to present vitamin D levels in an elderly Mediterranean population with hip fractures and to assess whether its levels are related to the incidence or prevention of such injuries. Methods Between January and December 2021, 140 patients aged 65 years or older were hospitalized in our department with a fracture involving the hip joint. Serum calcium and vitamin D level control was performed upon admission, as well as recording whether anti-osteoporosis medication had been prescribed. Only patients with low-energy fractures were included, whereas oncologic patients and those with high-energy trauma were excluded. Results Thirty-eight men and 102 women, with a mean age of 83.12 and 84.88 years, respectively, participated in our study. Intertrochanteric fractures were the most common injuries (50.72%). Low vitamin D levels (<30 ng/mL) were observed in 132 patients (94.28%). A bone density scan during the last year had been conducted by only seven patients (5%), whereas in 136 patients (97.14%), no anti-osteoporotic medication was given. Conclusion There is an excessive percentage of aged patients with hip fractures in Greece, demonstrating a significant vitamin D insufficiency despite the high annual frequency of sunny days in this Mediterranean region. Presumably, most of these patients neither perform the routine bone density scan nor do they take any kind of preventive pharmaceutical treatment, which might reveal devaluation of osteoporosis from this age group due to contingent comorbidities.

Association between patient activation level and functional outcomes in older adults with hip fractures.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures can significantly impact older adults' mobility and function. Effective rehabilitation is crucial to help them regain independence and quality of life. However, little is known about the association between patient activation and hip fracture rehabilitation. This study aims to assess the association between the PAM-13 scores and the level of physical function, mobility, and activities of daily living in older adults following a hip fracture rehabilitation program. METHOD: An exploratory outcome study from a cluster-randomized stepped-wedge clinical controlled trial. Two hundred thirty-nine patients were classified into four Patient Activation Measure-Levels (PAM-13) according to their PAM-13 scores, reflecting their confidence and preparedness to manage their health. Level 1 represents the lowest level of confidence. The patient's mobility, function, and daily activities were evaluated at discharge and after 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: The cohort had a median age of 78; 67% were female, and 50% lived alone. There were no significant differences in demographics between the PAM-Levels. PAM-Level 1 patients had longer hospital stays and lower mobility scores than PAM-Level 4 patients. However, all patients improved over time, and higher initial PAM levels resulted in better outcomes. PAM-Level 1 patients improved in Time Up and Go score from a median score of 54 seconds to 14 seconds at 24 weeks, while PAM-Level 4 patients improved from 26 to 9 seconds. CONCLUSION: Our study found an association between PAM levels and functional outcomes in hip fracture rehabilitation. Patients with higher activation levels had better mobility and functional outcomes.

Effect of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Intake on Perioperative Hyperglycemia in Indian Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Fixation.

Objective: Preoperative fasting leads to a catabolic state aggravated by surgical stress. This leads to poor patient outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration on perioperative hyperglycemia and patient comfort. Methods: This prospective, randomized study was conducted on 60 adult American Society of Anesthesiologist I/II patients undergoing hip fracture fixation after obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance. Patients were randomly kept conventionally fasted before surgery (group F, n = 30) or were given oral carbohydrate 2 h before surgery (group C, n = 30). Under all aseptic precautions, a combined spinal epidural block was administered, and surgery was allowed. The primary outcome was blood glucose, and secondary outcomes included incidence of postoperative hyperglycemia, insulin level, blood urea, hunger, thirst, and anxiety. Results: Blood glucose levels were not statistically different between the two groups at baseline (T0; P=0.400), immediately after surgery (T1; P=0.399) and 24h after surgery (T2; P=0.619). The incidence of postoperative hyperglycemia was significantly higher in group F than in group C (P=0.045) at T2. Insulin levels, blood urea levels, and hunger scores were also not statistically different between the groups. The thirst and anxiety scores were lower at T0 and T1 in group C. Conclusion: Preoperative oral carbohydrate administration does not prevent perioperative increases in blood glucose levels. However, it reduces the incidence of perioperative hyperglycemia and decreases perioperative thirst and anxiety, thereby improving the quality of perioperative patient care.

Introduction of enhanced weekend physiotherapy for patients with hip fracture is associated with improved early mobility outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether enhanced daily weekend physiotherapy (EWP) for patients with hip fracture was associated with improved clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all previously ambulatory adults admitted with hip fracture to our tertiary hospital, comparing 'usual' ('control') care (09/19-03/20) to EWP (09/20-03/21). Outcomes included Day-7 mobility ≥20 m (primary), additional mobility measures, specified postoperative complications, new residential facility placement, acute length-of-stay (LOS) and 30-day death. RESULTS: Amongst 235 eligible patients (128 control, 107 EWP), 66% were female, mean age was 80.4 years (SD 10.5), 20% from residential care and 49% (114/235) were mobilising without aid at baseline (no between-group differences; all p ≥ .20). Median acute LOS was 10 days (IQR 6-15), total hospital LOS was 21 days (IQR 12-37) and 3% (n = 6) died by Day 30. Median Day-7 distance mobilised was 25 m (IQR 7-50) with EWP versus 10 m (3-40) (p = .06). No EWP patients developed pressure injury (0 vs. 6, p = .02); other outcomes were similar between groups. Adjusting for age, residence, baseline cognitive impairment, American Society of Anesthesiologist score and preadmission mobilisation without aids, EWP was independently associated with increased likelihood of mobilising ≥20 m at Day 7 (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.04-3.23, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced daily weekend physiotherapy was associated with improvement in early mobility, but not other outcomes assessed. These data would be strengthened by randomised controlled trial data exploring more intense physiotherapy, cost-benefit analysis and patient experience measures.

Femoral neck osteosynthesis using interfragmentary compression or position screw in synthetic bones. What are the mechanical differences?

PURPOSE: We aim to compare interfragmentary compression with the position osteosynthesis in the fixation of different femoral neck fractures (FN) in synthetic bones subjected to vertical load. METHODS: Forty-two synthetic femurs were subjected to neck fractures and separated into 3 groups according to the Pauwels classification: Pauwels I had 6 units (PI); Pauwels II, 24 units, with and without comminution (PII); and Pauwels III, 12 units, with and without comminution (PIII). After, they were fixed with 2 different ways: three 7, 0 mm cannulated lag screws (CSs) versus three 6, 5 mm solid fully threaded screws (SSs). Screws positioning was oriented by the Pauwels classification: inverted triangle or crossed screws. All specimens were submitted to vertical loading until failure. RESULTS: The average force was 79.4 ± 22.6 Kgf. The greatest one was recorded in model 1 (135.6 Kgf), and the lowest in model 41 (39.6 Kgf). CSs and SSs had similar resistance until failure (p = 0.2). PI showed heightened resistance and PIII showed a worse response (p < 0,01). CSs had better performance in PIII (p = 0.048). Comminution and screws orientation caused no difference on peak force (p = 0.918 and p = 0.340, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In synthetic bones, the resistance of a femoral neck fracture osteosynthesis using a 7, 0 mm cannulated lag screw or 6, 5 mm solid fully threaded screw are similar. There was no loss of efficiency with comminution in the femoral neck. Osteosynthesis resistance decreased with the verticalization of the fracture line and, in the more vertical ones, interfragmentary compression with CSs was more resistant than positional osteosynthesis with SSs.

Is immediate weight bearing safe for subtrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients treated by cephalomedullary nailing? A multicentric study in one hundred eighty-two patients.

PURPOSE: Biomechanical superiority of intramedullary nails over extramedullary implants has been proved for subtrochanteric fractures. Nevertheless, postoperative management of these patients has not changed, with high rates of protected weight-bearing after intramedullary nailing. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical complications of immediate postoperative full weigh-bearing for subtrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients treated with a cephalomedullary nail. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case series study from patients treated with a cephalomedullary nail for subtrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31A.3 and 32A-32C) over a nine-year period. Patients in the immediate full weight-bearing (IFWB) group received orders for immediate full weight bear as tolerated on postoperative 48 h. Patients in the non- or limited- weight-bearing (NLWB) group received orders not to full weight bear in the immediate postoperative. RESULTS: There were five (2.7%) cases of implant failure including four cutouts and one nail breakage that needed a reoperation. Of them, one (2.2%) followed the NLWB protocol and four (2.9%) followed the IFWB protocol. Mean length of stay was 7.9 days (median 8, range 3-21) in the NLWB group and 10.7 days (median 8, range 2-60) in the IWBAT group. The NLWB group observed a 2.8-day shorter postoperative length of stay when compared to the IFWB, but the median remained equal. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that geriatric patients with subtrochanteric fractures treated by intramedullary nailing and in which a good fracture reduction was achieved, may be able to tolerate immediate postoperative full weight-bearing, not increasing reoperation rates due to implant failure.

Association between additional weekend rehabilitation and functional outcomes in patients with hip fractures: does age affect the effectiveness of weekend rehabilitation?

PURPOSE: Rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery is crucial for improving physical function. Additional rehabilitation over the weekend or after working hours is reportedly associated with improved physical function; however, this may not apply to an aging population, including patients aged > 90 years. This study aimed to investigate the association between additional weekend rehabilitation and functional outcomes in different age groups. METHODS: This study analyzed a cohort of patients aged ≥ 60 years who had hip fractures and were operated on from 2010 to 2018. Data were extracted from a nationwide multicentre database. Functional outcomes at discharge were compared between patients who underwent rehabilitation on weekdays only and those who underwent rehabilitation on both weekdays and weekends. The patient groups were selected using propensity score matching analysis. Furthermore, a subgroup-analysis was conducted on patients in their 60 s, 70 s, 80 s, and 90 s. RESULTS: A total of 390,713 patients underwent surgery during the study period. After matching, each group comprised 129,583 pairs of patients. Patients who underwent weekend rehabilitation exhibited improved physical function in transferring, walking, and stair climbing at discharge, as compared with patients who did not (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.17 [1.15-1.19], 1.17 [1.15-1.2], and 1.06 [1.03-1.08], respectively). In subgroup analysis, except for stair climbing, the positive association between weekend rehabilitation and patient function was observed across all age groups. CONCLUSION: Weekend rehabilitation was significantly associated with improved physical function. Given the limited healthcare resources, high-demand activities such as stair climbing may be reserved for younger age groups to optimise rehabilitation therapy.

My anesthesia Choice-HF: development and preliminary testing of a tool to facilitate conversations about anesthesia for hip fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients often desire involvement in anesthesia decisions, yet clinicians rarely explain anesthesia options or elicit preferences. We developed My Anesthesia Choice-Hip Fracture, a conversation aid about anesthesia options for hip fracture surgery and tested its preliminary efficacy and acceptability. METHODS: We developed a 1-page, tabular format, plain-language conversation aid with feedback from anesthesiologists, decision scientists, and community advisors. We conducted an online survey of English-speaking adults aged 50 and older. Participants imagined choosing between spinal and general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery. Before and after viewing the aid, participants answered a series of questions regarding key outcomes, including decisional conflict, knowledge about anesthesia options, and acceptability of the aid. RESULTS: Of 364/409 valid respondents, mean age was 64 (SD 8.9) and 59% were female. The proportion indicating decisional conflict decreased after reviewing the aid (63-34%, P < 0.001). Median knowledge scores increased from 50% correct to 67% correct (P < 0.001). 83% agreed that the aid would help them discuss options and preferences. 76.4% would approve of doctors using it. CONCLUSION: My Anesthesia Choice-Hip Fracture decreased decisional conflict and increased knowledge about anesthesia choices for hip fracture surgery. Respondents assessed it as acceptable for use in clinical settings. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Use of clinical decision aids may increase shared decision-making; further testing is warranted.

Association between Sarcopenia and Balance in Patients Undergoing Inpatient Rehabilitation after Hip Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function and is associated with advancing age. This condition has been suggested as a factor that negatively influences the functional outcomes of patients with hip fractures. However, the association between sarcopenia and balance impairment in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after hip fractures remains unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on balance outcomes in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation following hip fractures. Materials and Methods: Baseline sarcopenia was diagnosed using skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength, with cut-off values recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The primary outcome was balance, which was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at the time of discharge. A multiple linear regression model analyzed the association between sarcopenia and balance. The model was adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, and cognitive function. Results: Among the 62 patients (mean age: 78.2; sex: 75.8% women), 24.2% had sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia had significantly lower BBS scores than did those without sarcopenia (41 vs. 49 points, p = 0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline sarcopenia was independently associated with BBS scores at discharge (ß = -0.282, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Following inpatient rehabilitation, patients with baseline sarcopenia had inferior balance outcomes than did those without sarcopenia at discharge. Sarcopenia should be assessed on admission to consider and provide additional care for those with a higher risk of poor functional outcomes. More studies are needed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and functional outcomes, examine the impact of sarcopenia treatment on these outcomes, and reduce the risk of recurrent falls and fractures in patients with hip fractures.

Sarcopenia, a Risk Predictor of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Elderly Patients after Hip Fracture Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Hip fracture surgery, which affects quality of life, can be a major challenge in geriatric populations. Although sarcopenia is known to be associated with postoperative outcomes, there are few studies on the association between sarcopenia and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in this population. We investigated the association between sarcopenia and postoperative AKI in elderly patients following hip fracture surgery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery at our institution from March 2019 to December 2021. Patients under the age of 65, patients with no preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and patients with inappropriate cross-sectional images for measurement were excluded. The psoas-lumbar vertebral index (PLVI), which is the ratio of the average area of both psoas muscles to the area of the fourth lumbar vertebral body, was measured from preoperative CT scans. Sarcopenia was defined as a PLVI within the lowest 25% for each sex, and patients were categorized into sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic groups. The occurrence of AKI was determined based on the serum creatinine level within postoperative day 7 using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between clinical variables and the occurrence of AKI. Results: Among the 348 enrolled patients, 92 patients were excluded, and 256 patients were analyzed. The PLVI cutoff values for defining sarcopenia lower than 25% for male and female patients were 0.57 and 0.43, respectively. The overall incidence of AKI was 18.4% (47 patients), and AKI occurred more frequently in sarcopenic patients than in nonsarcopenic patients (29.7% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.007). According to the multivariate logistic regression, which included all variables with a p value < 0.05 in the univariate analysis and adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, sarcopenia was revealed to be an independent predictor of postoperative AKI (odds ratio = 5.10, 95% confidence interval = 1.77-14.77; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Preoperative sarcopenia, which corresponds to the lowest quartile of PLVI values, is associated with postoperative AKI among elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.

A Comparative Study of Dynamic Hip Screws and Proximal Femoral Nails in Intertrochanteric Fractures.

Background Intertrochanteric fractures, which occur in the hip of older individuals due to the weak and brittle structure of the bone caused by osteoporosis, make up over 50% of all hip fractures. There are several treatment options available for these fractures. The major objective of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis to evaluate the efficacy of dynamic hip screws (DHS) and proximal femoral nails (PFN) in treating intertrochanteric fractures. Methodology Two hundred instances of intertrochanteric hip fractures were surgically treated between July 2022 and January 2024 at a tertiary care facility. The evaluation of fractures was conducted in two groups, namely, group 1, which consisted of 140 patients, each having a fracture in one hip, treated using the DHS method. Group 2 consisted of 60 patients, each having a fracture in one hip, treated using the PFN technique. The evaluation of functional results was performed with the Harris hip score. Results In the investigation within these groups, group 1 produced excellent outcomes in 53 patients, which accounts for 37.86% of the total. In group 2, the expected results were achieved in 34 patients (56.67%). Achieved outcomes were favorable in 75 (53.57%) individuals in group 1 and 21 (35%) in group 2. Out of the individuals in group 1, eight (5.71%) saw benefits, whereas four (1.6%) did not gain significantly. In group 2, five (8.33%) individuals benefitted. None of the patients in group 2 had unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion While both PFN and DHS provide comparable outcomes in stable bone, PFN demonstrated superior results in cases of unstable bone. The use of PFN results in reduced surgical duration and a smaller surgical opening. Additionally, PFN exhibited superior specificity compared to DHS, especially in cases with stable intertrochanteric bone.

Secondary osteoporosis prevention: three-year outcomes from a Fracture Liaison Service in elderly hip fracture patients.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures are the most serious fragility fractures due to their associated disability, higher hospitalization costs and high mortality rates. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures and have shown their clinical effectiveness. AIMS: To analyze the effect of the implementation of a FLS model of care over the survival and mortality rates following a hip fracture. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (between January 2016 and December 2019). Patients were followed for three years after the index date. Mortality, complications and refracture rates were compared between the two groups using a Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 1366 patients were included in this study (353 before FLS implementation and 1013 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (79.3% vs 12.5%; p < 0.01) and there was an increase in adherence to treatment (51.7% vs 30.2%; p < 0.01). A total of 413 (40.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 141 (39.9%) individuals before (p = 0.47) died during the three-years follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 101 (10.0%) patients after FLS implementation and 37 (10.5%) individuals before (p = 0.78). Patients after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all cause one-year mortality [adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.74 (0.57-0.94)] and a decreased risk of suffering a second osteoporotic fracture [adjusted HR 0.54 (0.39-0.75) in males and adjusted HR 0.46 (0.30-0.71) in females]. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with a lower all-cause one-year mortality rate and a higher survivorship in elderly hip fracture patients. However, no three-year mortality rate differences were observed between the two groups. We also found a reduction in the complication and second-fracture rates.

Association Between Changes in Smoking Habits and Incident Fracture After Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of stroke, particularly the older population, are at an increased risk of falls and incident fractures. Smoking is a widely recognized risk factor for fractures. However, the association between changes in smoking habits before and after an index stroke and increased risk of fracture remains unelucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the Korean National Health Insurance program, patients with ischemic stroke between 2010 and 2016 were enrolled. Individuals were classified by smoking habits: "never smoker," "former smoker," "smoking quitter," "new smoker," and "sustained smoker." The primary outcome was the composite outcome of the vertebral, hip, and any fractures. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted, using the never-smoker group as the reference. Among 177 787 patients with health screening data within 2 years before and after ischemic stroke, 14 991 (8.43%) patients had any fractures. After multivariable adjustment, the sustained smokers had a significantly increased risk of composite primary outcomes of any, vertebral, and hip fractures (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.222 [95% CI, 1.124-1.329]; aHR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.13-1.428]; aHR, 1.502 [95% CI, 1.218-1.853], respectively). Additionally, the new smoker group exhibited a similar or higher risk of any fractures and hip fractures (aHR, 1.218 [95% CI, 1.062-1.397]; aHR, 1.772 [95% CI, 1.291-2.431], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Sustained smokers had a significantly increased risk of vertebral and hip fractures after an ischemic stroke. The risk of any hip fractures was higher in new smokers after ischemic stroke. As poststroke fractures are detrimental to the rehabilitation process of patients with stroke, physicians should actively advise patients to stop smoking.

Comparative Evaluation of Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Femoral Nerve Block During Positioning of Patients With Hip Fractures for Spinal Anesthesia: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures cause severe pain during positioning for spinal anesthesia (SA). Intravenous systemic analgesics can lead to various complications in elderly patients, hence peripheral nerve blocks are emerging as a standard of care in pain management for hip fractures, among which femoral nerve block (FNB) is widely known and practiced. Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a recently described technique that blocks the articular nerves of the hip with motor-sparing effects and is used to manage positional pain in hip fractures. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of PENG block over FNB in managing pain during positioning before SA in hip fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. After ethical clearance, 70 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery under SA in a tertiary-care hospital were recruited and randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided PENG block or FNB with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine before performing SA. We compared pain severity using the visual analog scale (VAS) 15 and 30 minutes after the block and during positioning. The sitting angle, requirement of rescue analgesia for positioning, and anesthesiologist and patient satisfaction scores were also analyzed. Continuous data were analyzed with an unpaired t-test while the chi-square test was used for categorical data. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in VAS scores after PENG block (PENG: 0.66 ± 1.05 and FNB: 1.94 ± 1.90; p = 0.001) with lesser requirement of rescue analgesia for positioning compared to FNB. The anesthesiologist and patient satisfaction scores were also significantly better in the PENG group. CONCLUSION: PENG block offers better analgesia for positioning before SA than FNB without any significant side effects, and improves patient and anesthesiologist satisfaction, thus proving to be an effective analgesic alternative for painful hip fractures.

Association of Nutritional Risk With Gait Function and Activities of Daily Living in Older Adult Patients With Hip Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of nutritional risk with gait function and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adult patients with hip fractures. METHODS: The retrospective data of older adult patients diagnosed with hip fractures who visited the recovery-phase rehabilitation ward between January 2019 and December 2022 were reviewed. Nutritional risk was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index; gait function and ADLs were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score subitem and Functional Independence Measure, respectively. Multivariate linear regression and path analysis with structural equation modeling were used to examine the factors associated with ADLs and the associations among the study variables. RESULTS: This study included 206 participants (172 females and 34 males; mean age, 85.0±7.3 years). In the multivariate analysis, gait function (ß=0.488, p<0.001), cognitive function (ß=0.430, p<0.001), and surgery (ß=-0.143, p<0.001) were identified as independent factors. Pathway analysis revealed that nutritional risk was not directly correlated with ADLs but was directly associated with gait and cognitive functions. Gait and cognitive functions, in turn, were directly related to ADLs. CONCLUSION: Nutritional risk was found to be associated with ADLs through an intermediary of gait and cognitive functions.

The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and the Risk of Mortality after Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Prevalence of hip fractures is on the rise and is associated with high mortality, especially in aging patients. Vitamin D is routinely recommended for bone health in general population. Our study explores the potential association between low levels (≤20 ng/mL) of vitamin D and mortality in hip fracture patients. Systematic search was done for studies that were published from inception until May 10, 2023, and that report a possible correlation between low vitamin D levels and mortality in patients with hip fractures. A random-effects model was used to assess the effects of normal vitamin D levels on mortality, subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the link between low levels of vitamin D and geographic location of the study and its impact on the recovery process. In 575 identified studies, 18 met the inclusion criteria. A strong connection between low serum levels of vitamin D (<20 ng/mL) and mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 2.29, p<0.001). Further analysis indicated that insufficient (20 to 30 ng/mL) and sufficient (>30 ng/mL) levels of vitamin D levels did not have a significant association with the mortality (HR: 1.10, p=0.12), and (HR: 1.04, p=0.50). As shown by subgroup analysis vitamin D deficiency significantly correlated with mortality in studies conducted in Europe (HR: 2.4). Our results clearly demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher risk of mortality in hip fracture patients. Additional analyses demonstrate that insufficient and sufficient levels of vitamin D were not significantly associated with mortality outcomes in hip fracture patients.

Triage-initiated intranasal fentanyl for hip fractures in an Emergency Department - Results from introduction of an analgesic guideline.

BACKGROUND: Pain relief is a priority for patients with hip fractures who present to Emergency Departments (EDs). Intranasal fentanyl (INF) is an ideal option for nurse initiated analgesia as it does not require intravenous access and can expedite care prior to examination by a physician. LOCAL PROBLEM: Pain relief in patients with hip fractures is delayed during episodes of ED crowding. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was conducted following introduction of an INF guideline in an adult ED in 2018. Patients were included over a 4-month period during which the guideline was introduced. Historical and concurrent control groups receiving usual care were compared to patients receiving INF. INTERVENTIONS: This quality improvement initiative investigated whether an INF analgesia at triage guideline would decrease time to analgesic administration in adults with hip fracture in ED. RESULTS: This study included 112 patients diagnosed with fractured hips of which 16 patients received INF. Background characteristics were similar between groups. Mean time to analgesic administration (53 v 110 minutes), time to x-ray (46 v 75 minutes), and ED length of stay (234 v 298 minutes) were significantly decreased in the intervention group. Inadequate documentation was a limiting factor in determining improved efficacy of analgesia. CONCLUSION: Use of triage-initiated INF significantly decreased time to analgesic administration, time to imaging and overall length of stay in ED.

Pericapsular Hip Block Guided by Ultrasonography in Elderly People with Hip Fracture in the Emergency Sector: Clinical Trial.

Objectives This study evaluated pain intensity in elderly subjects with hip fractures admitted to the emergency sector and undergoing preoperative pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block. Additionally, the degree of tolerable hip flexion was assessed. Methods A prospective, randomized, and controlled clinical trial with parallel groups. The control group consisted of elderly subjects with hip fractures undergoing standardized intravenous systemic analgesia. The intervention group consisted of elderly patients with hip fractures undergoing PENG block and standardized systemic analgesia. The groups were evaluated at rest and during movement using the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale. We determined pain intensity and reduction, in addition to the degree of tolerable flexion of the fractured hip. All patient assessments occurred before the medication or block administration and at 45 minutes, 12, 24, and 36 hours postmedication or block. Results Preoperatively and 24 hours after PENG block, elderly subjects with hip fracture showed a significant reduction in pain at rest or movement compared to control patients ( p < 0.05), with 60% of patients assessed at rest demonstrating desirable pain reduction (≥50%) and only 13.3% of the control group achieving the desired pain reduction. During movement, after undergoing PENG block, 40% of subjects demonstrated the desired pain reduction and no patient from the control group. The intervention group also showed a significant improvement in the tolerable hip flexion group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Preoperative PENG block in elderly subjects with hip fractures admitted to the emergency sector provided a significant reduction in pain compared with the control group.

The pericapsular nerve group block, a highly selective blockage for intracapsular hip fractures: A case series.

Hip fracture is a very frequent clinical situation in the elderly and frail patient. The Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) has emerged as a highly selective block for the intracapsular hip fractures. We describe 44 patients with intracapsular hip fractures who underwent a PENG block in addition to spinal anaesthesia with. The main objective was to assess post-surgical pain control at the recovery room and after 24 h. Also, we considered the need for first of second analgesic rescue during the first 24 h after surgery. Only 10 patients presented mild pain at the recovery room. Up to 30 of them had pain after 24 h. However, 25 of these patients reported having mild pain. Only 9 patients required analgesic rescue for postoperative pain control. In conclusion, PENG block is a locoregional technique that allows good postoperative pain control and low opioid consumption during the postoperative period of intracapsular hip fractures.