Cost-effectiveness analysis of surgical proximal femur fracture prevention in elderly: a Markov cohort simulation model.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures are a common and costly health problem, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, as well as high costs for healthcare systems, especially for the elderly. Implementing surgical preventive strategies has the potential to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare resources, particularly in the long term. However, there are currently limited guidelines for standardizing hip fracture prophylaxis practices. METHODS: This study used a cost-effectiveness analysis with a finite-state Markov model and cohort simulation to evaluate the primary and secondary surgical prevention of hip fractures in the elderly. Patients aged 60 to 90 years were simulated in two different models (A and B) to assess prevention at different levels. Model A assumed prophylaxis was performed during the fracture operation on the contralateral side, while Model B included individuals with high fracture risk factors. Costs were obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and transition probabilities and health state utilities were derived from available literature. The baseline assumption was a 10% reduction in fracture risk after prophylaxis. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the reliability and variability of the results. RESULTS: With a 10% fracture risk reduction, model A costs between $8,850 and $46,940 per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY). Additionally, it proved most cost-effective in the age range between 61 and 81 years. The sensitivity analysis established that a reduction of ≥ 2.8% is needed for prophylaxis to be definitely cost-effective. The cost-effectiveness at the secondary prevention level was most sensitive to the cost of the contralateral side's prophylaxis, the patient's age, and fracture treatment cost. For high-risk patients with no fracture history, the cost-effectiveness of a preventive strategy depends on their risk profile. In the baseline analysis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at the primary prevention level varied between $11,000/QALY and $74,000/QALY, which is below the defined willingness to pay threshold. CONCLUSION: Due to the high cost of hip fracture treatment and its increased morbidity, surgical prophylaxis strategies have demonstrated that they can significantly relieve the healthcare system. Various key assumptions facilitated the modeling, allowing for adequate room for uncertainty. Further research is needed to evaluate health-state-associated risks.

Biomechanical in vitro examination of a standardized low-volume tubular femoroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is associated with the risk of fractures near the hip. Age and comorbidities increase the perioperative risk. Due to the ageing population, fracture of the proximal femur also proves to be a socio-economic problem. Preventive surgical measures have hardly been used so far. METHODS: 10 pairs of human femora from fresh cadavers were divided into control and low-volume femoroplasty groups and subjected to a Hayes fall-loading fracture test. The results of the respective localization and classification of the fracture site, the Singh index determined by computed tomography (CT) examination and the parameters in terms of fracture force, work to fracture and stiffness were evaluated statistically and with the finite element method. In addition, a finite element parametric study with different position angles and variants of the tubular geometry of the femoroplasty was performed. FINDINGS: Compared to the control group, the work to fracture could be increased by 33.2%. The fracture force increased by 19.9%. The used technique and instrumentation proved to be standardized and reproducible with an average poly(methyl methacrylate) volume of 10.5 ml. The parametric study showed the best results for the selected angle and geometry. INTERPRETATION: The cadaver studies demonstrated the biomechanical efficacy of the low-volume tubular femoroplasty. The numerical calculations confirmed the optimal choice of positioning as well as the inner and outer diameter of the tube in this setting. The standardized minimally invasive technique with the instruments developed for it could be used in further comparative studies to confirm the measured biomechanical results.

The debatable Arcade of Struthers: is it still time to consider it?

The Arcade of Struthers is reported to be a structure that may play a role in ulnar nerve compression in the arm. The aim of this research is to better understand the relationship between the ulnar nerve and this anatomical structure of the medial aspect of the arm, and to investigate its morphology. In 54 fresh arms (26 female, 28 male, 24 left and 30 right limbs), with a median age of 67 years (range 45-83 years), the ulnar nerve and all the surrounding structures were dissected from the brachial plexus to the ulnar groove of the medial epicondyle. We identified muscular fibers from the medial head of the triceps over the ulnar nerve in 12 examined limbs (24%). In all specimens the ulnar nerve was not compressed by any band and no sign of hourglass constriction was found. The extension of the muscular fibers was 34mm (min 20 mm, max 51 mm) and their average distance from the medial epicondyle was 61 mm (min 25 mm, max 80 mm). The findings of this study are not supportive for the presence of an arcade as previously described. Although this structure was reported to be a rare site of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, it was not described by Struthers. The terminology "Arcade of Struthers" seems to be misleading due to the similarity with the other eponym "Ligament of Struthers"

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Influence of mobilization and weight bearing on in-hospital outcome in geriatric patients with hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Early recovery of mobilization after a fracture of the hip is associated with improved long-term ability to walk, lower complication rates, and mortality. In this context, early mobilization and full weight bearing are favorable. The aim of this study was (1) to analyze the influence of time between operation and first mobilization on in-hospital outcome and (2) the influence of early mobilization, full weight bearing, and ASA on pain, mobility of the hip, and ability to walk during the in-hospital phase of recovery. METHODS: This is a retrospective in-hospital study of 219 patients aged 70 years or older who were treated with surgery after a hip fracture. Data were collected by a review of medical records. The outcomes were mortality, complications, length of stay, and the Merle d'Aubigné score which evaluates pain, mobility of the hip, and ability to walk. Factors were sought in bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A shorter time between operation and first mobilization was significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality and complications. Early mobilization (within 24 h after the operation) and full weight bearing had no influence on pain, mobility of the hip, and ability to walk as well as length of stay in our cohort. Fracture type and treatment influenced mobility of the hip, while age as well as physical health status affected the ability to walk. DISCUSSION: Patients with femoral neck fractures, respectively after total hip arthroplasty, had less pain and showed better mobility of the hip and ability to walk during hospitalization than patients with trochanteric fractures; these results were irrespective of early vs. late mobilization and full vs. partial weight bearing. Foremost, a shorter time between operation and first mobilization is associated with lower complication and mortality rates.

Osteochondral flap fracture of the coronoid in pediatric elbow dislocation: a case report and literature review.

Osteochondral flap fractures of the coronoid are rare occult fractures, often diagnosed in delay, in pediatric patients who underwent elbow dislocations. Only 11 pediatric cases of osteochondral flap fractures of the coronoid are described in the literature. We describe a pediatric case treated in our institution for an elbow dislocation accompanied by a triad of elbow fractures, including the osteochondral flap fracture of the coronoid, and review available literature on the osteochondral flap fracture of the coronoid in pediatric patients.

Treatment of paediatric unstable displaced distal radius fractures using Kapandji technique: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The technique of intra-focal pinning described by Kapandji is seldom used in paediatric patients. We present our series of paediatric patients treated with Kapandji technique for unstable displaced distal radius fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiographs of a consecutive series of 56 paediatric patients who underwent closed reduction and fixation with Kapandji technique for unstable displaced metaphyseal and Salter Harris 2 distal radius fractures, from 2008 to March 2018. One or two percutaneous K-wires were inserted intra-focally without crossing the physis to lever out, reduce and stabilize the distal fragment. The arm was immobilized with an above-elbow cast, and radiographic controls were scheduled at 1, 4, 8 weeks, at least. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of the trauma was 10.5 years. The K-wires were removed at a mean of 6.4 post-operative weeks. An above-elbow cast was used for the first 4 weeks, afterwards a below-elbow cast for 2 weeks and a short-arm brace until the full recovery of motion. The mean follow-up was 18 months (range 1.5-108 months). No pin-related complications were found. All fractures showed good healing, and the full function of the wrist was achieved in every case. CONCLUSION: Kapandji pinning is a reliable technique in paediatric patients with unstable displaced distal radius fractures. It shows a lower complication rate compared to other techniques. For these reasons, we suggest implementing its use in clinical practice.

Impact of graft and tunnel orientation on patient-reported outcome in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts.

BACKGROUND: The optimal positioning of anterior cruciate ligament graft is still controversially discussed. We therefore wanted to determine the tunnel-to-joint (TJA), tunnel-to-shaft (TSA), and graft-tunnel divergence angles which would provide the best outcome, determined by the KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score). This study evaluated the clinical influence of graft orientation as measured with the KOOS questionnaire in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts. METHODS: We designed a prospective cohort study, with a 1 » year recruitment phase from March 2011 to July 2012 and a minimal follow-up period of 1 year. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥ 18 years of age receiving an ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts at our institution after having suffered an acute ACL rupture. The primary outcome was the KOOS. Independent variables were patient age, gender, laterality of rupture, mechanism of trauma, and type of femoral and tibial fixation, as well as sagittal graft-tunnel divergence, TJA, and TSA, the latter two being assessed on coronal slices of magnetic resonance imaging. Equations modeling the relationship between TJA, TSA, and graft-tunnel divergence with the KOOS overall score were fitted, and the optimum angles were mathematically determined. RESULTS: In total, 31 patients were included in our study. Our cohort with a median age of 28 years was predominantly male. The mathematically determined optimal placement of the implant in the coronal plane was a TJA of 74.8°, a TSA of 80.1°, and a graft-tunnel divergence angle of 8.5°. CONCLUSION: With regard to patient-reported outcome, the optimal graft orientation is provided by a coronal tunnel-to-shaft angle of 80° and tunnel-to-joint angle of 75°, respectively. Interestingly, in our series, patients reported best clinical outcomes with a sagittal graft-tunnel divergence. These results should be validated in larger studies.

Is There an Influence of Surgeon's Experience on the Clinical Course in Patients With a Proximal Femoral Fracture?

OBJECTIVES: Teaching of surgical procedures is of paramount importance. However, it can affect patients outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate if teaching of hip fracture surgery is an independent predictor for negative in-hospital outcome. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospectively, we analyzed all hip fracture patients between 2008 and 2013 recorded in a national quality measurement database (AQC). Inclusion criteria were proximal femoral fracture (ICD-10 diagnostic codes S72.00-S72.11), surgical care of those fracture and a documented teaching status of the intervention. Variables were sought in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Teaching status was entered in multiple regression analysis models for in-hospital death, complications and length of stay while controlling for confounders. PARTICIPANTS: In the 6-year study period, a total of 4397 patients at a mean age of 80 years met the inclusion criteria. Totally, 48% (n = 2107) of the procedures were conducted as teaching interventions. The rest of our examined cases (n = 2290) were conducted as nonteaching procedures. RESULTS: There was no association between teaching and mortality, but complications (odds ratio = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.04-1.5; p = 0.018) and prolonged hospitalization (standardized beta = 0.045, p = 0.002) were more likely to occur in the teaching group while controlling for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no effect of the educational status on the in-hospital death in patients with a proximal femoral fracture. However, teaching was an independent predictor of complications and longer length of stay. Although the differences were significant, the clinical outcome was comparable in both groups, thus justifying the benefits of resident teaching.

Impact of structural and economic factors on hospitalization costs, inpatient mortality, and treatment type of traumatic hip fractures in Switzerland.

The assessment of structural and potentially economic factors determining cost, treatment type, and inpatient mortality of traumatic hip fractures are important health policy issues. We showed that insurance status and treatment in university hospitals were significantly associated with treatment type (i.e., primary hip replacement), cost, and lower inpatient mortality respectively. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the structural level of hospital care and patient insurance type on treatment, hospitalization cost, and inpatient mortality in cases with traumatic hip fractures in Switzerland. METHODS: The Swiss national medical statistic 2011-2012 was screened for adults with hip fracture as primary diagnosis. Gender, age, insurance type, year of discharge, hospital infrastructure level, length-of-stay, case weight, reason for discharge, and all coded diagnoses and procedures were extracted. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression with treatment by primary hip replacement as well as inpatient mortality as dependent variables were performed. RESULTS: We obtained 24,678 inpatient case records from the medical statistic. Hospitalization costs were calculated from a second dataset, the Swiss national cost statistic (7528 cases with hip fractures, discharged in 2012). Average inpatient costs per case were the highest for discharges from university hospitals (US$21,471, SD US$17,015) and the lowest in basic coverage hospitals (US$18,291, SD US$12,635). Controlling for other variables, higher costs for hip fracture treatment at university hospitals were significant in multivariate regression (p < 0.001). University hospitals had a lower inpatient mortality rate than full and basic care providers (2.8% vs. both 4.0%); results confirmed in our multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio (OR) 1.434, 95% CI 1.127-1.824 and OR 1.459, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.139-1.870 for full and basic coverage hospitals vs. university hospitals respectively). The proportion of privately insured varied between 16.0% in university hospitals and 38.9% in specialized hospitals. Private insurance had an OR of 1.419 (95% CI 1.306-1.542) in predicting treatment of a hip fracture with primary hip replacement. CONCLUSION: The seeming importance of insurance type on hip fracture treatment and the large inequity in the distribution of privately insured between provider types would be worth a closer look by the regulatory authorities. Better outcomes, i.e., lower mortality rates for hip fracture treatment in hospitals with a higher structural care level advocate centralization of care.

Reimbursement of care for severe trauma under SwissDRG.

QUESTIONS: Treatment of patients with severe injuries is costly, with best results achieved in specialised care centres. However, diagnosis-related group (DRG)-based prospective payment systems have difficulties in depicting treatment costs for specialised care. We analysed reimbursement of care for severe trauma in the first 3 years after the introduction of the Swiss DRG reimbursement system (2012-2014). MATERIAL/METHODS: The study included all patients with solely basic insurance, hospital admission after 01.01.2011 and discharge in 2011 or 2012, who were admitted to the resuscitation room of the University Hospital of Zurich, aged ≥16 years and with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥16 (n = 364). Clinical, financial and administrative data were extracted from the electronic medical records. All cases were grouped into DRGs according to different SwissDRG versions. We considered results to be significant if p ≤0.002. RESULTS: The mean deficit decreased from 12 065 CHF under SwissDRG 1.0 (2012) to 2 902 CHF under SwissDRG 3.0 (2014). The main reason for the reduction of average deficits was a refinement of the DRG algorithm with a regrouping of 23 cases with an ISS ≥16 from MDC 01 to DRGs within MDC21A. Predictors of an increased total loss per case could be identified: for example, high total number of surgical interventions, surgeries on multiple anatomical regions or operations on the pelvis (p ≤0.002). Psychiatric diagnoses in general were also significant predictors of deficit per case (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The reimbursement for care of severely injured patients needs further improvement. Cost neutral treatment was not possible under the first three versions of SwissDRG.

Cross-sectional area measurements versus volumetric assessment of the quadriceps femoris muscle in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to validate the use of cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements at multiple quadriceps muscle levels for estimating the total muscle volume (TMV), and to define the best correlating measurement level. METHODS: Prospective institutional review board (IRB)-approved study with written informed patient consent. Thighs of thirty-four consecutive patients with ACL-reconstructions (men, 22; women, 12) were imaged at 1.5-T using three-dimensional (3D) spoiled dual gradient-echo sequences. CSA was measured at three levels: 15, 20, and 25 cm above the knee joint line. TMV was determined using dedicated volumetry software with semiautomatic segmentation. Pearson's correlation and regression analysis (including standard error of the estimate, SEE) was used to compare CSA and TMV. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the CSA was 60.6 ± 12.8 cm(2) (range, 35.6-93.4 cm(2)), 71.1 ± 15.1 cm(2) (range, 42.5-108.9 cm(2)) and 74.2 ± 17.1 cm(2) (range, 40.9-115.9 cm(2)) for CSA-15, CSA-20 and CSA-25, respectively. The mean ± SD quadriceps' TMV was 1949 ± 533.7 cm(3) (range, 964.0-3283.0 cm(3)). Pearson correlation coefficient was r = 0.835 (p < 0.01), r = 0.906 (p < 0.01), and r = 0.956 (p < 0.01) for CSA-15, CSA-20 and CSA-25, respectively. Corresponding SEE, expressed as percentage of the TMV, were 15.2%, 11.6% and 8.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The best correlation coefficient between quadriceps CSA and TMV was found for CSA-25, but its clinical application to estimate the TMV is limited by a relatively large SEE. KEY POINTS: • Cross-sectional area was used to estimate QFM size in patients with ACL-reconstruction • A high correlation coefficient exists between quadriceps CSA and volume • Best correlation was seen 25 cm above the knee joint line • A relatively large standard error of the estimate limits CSA application.

Quantitative and qualitative MR-imaging assessment of vastus medialis muscle volume loss in asymptomatic patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: To quantitatively and qualitatively assess vastus medialis muscle atrophy in asymptomatic patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, using the nonoperated leg as control. METHODS: Prospective Institutional Review Board approved study with written informed patient consent. Thirty-three asymptomatic patients (men, 21; women,12) with ACL-reconstruction underwent MR imaging of both legs (axial T1-weighted spin-echo and 3D spoiled dual gradient-echo sequences). Muscle volume and average fat-signal fraction (FSF) of the vastus medialis muscles were measured. Additionally, Goutallier classification was used to classify fatty muscle degeneration. Significant side differences were evaluated using the Wilcoxon test and, between volumes and FSF, using student t-tests with P-value < 0.05 and < 0.025, respectively. RESULTS: The muscle volume was significantly smaller in the operated (mean ± SD, 430.6 ± 119.6 cm(3) ; range, 197.3 to 641.7 cm(3) ) than in the nonoperated leg (479.5 ± 124.8 cm(3) ; 261.4 to 658.9 cm(3) ) (P < 0.001). Corresponding FSF was 6.3 ± 1.5% (3.9 to 9.2%) and 5.8 ± 0.9% (4.0 to 7.4%), respectively, with a nonsignificant (P > 0.025) difference. The relative muscle-volume and FSF differences were -10.1 ± 8.6% (7.1 to -30.1%) and 10.9 ± 29.4% (39.7 to 40.1%). The qualitative assessment revealed no significant differences (P > 0.1). CONCLUSION: A significant muscle volume loss of the vastus medialis muscle does exist in asymptomatic patients with ACL-reconstruction, but without fatty degeneration.

Gastrocnemius muscle herniation as a rare differential diagnosis of ankle sprain: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Muscle herniation of the leg is a rare clinical entity. Yet, knowing this condition is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In the extremities, muscle herniation most commonly occurs as a result of an acquired fascial defect, often due to trauma. Different treatment options for symptomatic extremity muscle herniation in the extremities, including conservative treatment, fasciotomy and mesh repair have been described. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a patient who presented with prolonged symptoms after an ankle sprain. The clinical picture showed a fascial insufficiency with muscle bulging under tension. Ultrasound and MRI imaging confirmed the diagnosis of muscle hernia of the medial gastrocnemius on the right leg. Conservative treatment did not lead to success. Therefore, the fascial defect was treated surgically by repairing the muscle herniation using a synthetic vicryl propylene patch. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle hernias should be taken into consideration as a rare differential diagnosis whenever patients present with persisting pain or soft tissue swelling after ankle sprain. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical aspect and physical examination, but can be confirmed by radiologic imaging techniques, including (dynamic) ultrasound and MRI. If conservative treatment fails, we recommend the closure with mesh patches for large fascial defects.

Direct nerve suture and knee immobilization in 90° flexion as a technique for treatment of common peroneal, tibial and sural nerve injuries in complex knee trauma.

There are different ways to treat peripheral nerve injuries with concomitant defects in the lower extremity. One option is a direct nerve suture followed by immobilization of the knee in flexion as it is described for gunshot wounds that lead to lesions of the sciatic nerve and its terminal branches as well as isolated nerve lesions. We used this technique to treat a case of multiple nerve injuries of the lower extremity combined with a complex knee trauma including a lesion of both bones and the posterior capsule. To our knowledge, this technique has not yet been described for such a combined injury in literature.