What is the long-term clinical outcome after fragility fractures of the pelvis? - A CT-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, Rommens and Hoffman introduced a CT-based classification system for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). Although fracture characteristics have been described, the relationship with clinical outcome is lacking. The purpose of this study was to get insight into the type of treatment and subsequent clinical outcome after all types of FFP. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort study was performed including all elderly patients (≥ 65 years) with a CT-diagnosed FFP, between 2007-2019 in two level 1 trauma centers. Data regarding treatment, mortality and clinical outcome was gathered from the electronic patient files. Patients were asked to complete patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) regarding physical functioning (SMFA) and quality of life (EQ-5D). Additionally, a standardized multidisciplinary treatment algorithm was constructed. RESULTS: A total of 187 patients were diagnosed with an FFP of whom 117 patients were available for follow-up analysis and 58 patients responded. FFP type I was most common (60%), followed by type II (27%), type III (8%) and type IV (5%). Almost all injuries were treated non-operatively (98%). Mobility at six weeks ranged from 50% (type III) to 80% type II). Mortality at 1 year was respectively 16% (type I and II), 47% (type III) and 13% (type IV). Physical functioning (SMFA function index) ranged from 62 (type III and IV) to 69 (type II) and was significantly decreased (P=<0.001) compared to the age-matched general population. Quality of life was also significantly decreased, ranging from 0.26 (type III) to 0.69 (type IV). CONCLUSIONS: FFP type I and II are most common. Treatment is mainly non-operative, resulting in good mobility after six weeks, especially for patients with FFP type I and II. Mortality rates at one year were substantial in all patients. Physical functioning and quality of life was about 20-30% decreased compared to the general population.

Minimal important change in physical function in trauma patients: a study using the short musculoskeletal function assessment.

PURPOSE: The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire can be used to evaluate physical functioning in patients with traumatic injuries. It is not known what change in score reflects a meaningful change to patients. The aim was to determine minimal important change (MIC) values of the subscales (0-100) of the Dutch SMFA-NL in a sample of patients with a broad range of injuries. METHODS: Patients between 18 and 65 years of age completed the SMFA-NL and the Global Rating of Effect (GRE) questions at 6-week and 12-month post-injury. Anchor-based MIC values were calculated using univariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients were included (response rate 67%). The MIC value of the Upper Extremity Dysfunction (UED) subscale was 8 points, with a misclassification rate of 43%. The Lower Extremity Dysfunction subscale MIC value was 14 points, with a misclassification rate of 29%. The MIC value of the Problems with Daily Activities subscale was 25 points, with a misclassification rate of 33%. The MIC value of the Mental and Emotional Problems (MEP) subscale was 7 points, with a misclassification rate 37%. CONCLUSION: MIC values of the SMFA-NL were determined. The MIC values aid interpreting whether a change in physical functioning can be considered clinically important. Due to the considerable rates of misclassification, the MIC values of the UED and MEP subscales should be used with caution.

Long-term physical functioning and quality of life after pelvic ring injuries.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic ring injuries are serious injuries, often associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. The long-term consequences of these injuries might affect the patients' personal life. Our aim was to assess the long-term effects of pelvic ring injuries on physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and comparing these results to normative data from the general population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adults treated for pelvic ring injuries between 2007 and 2016. Demographics, fracture type, injury mechanism, treatment and complications were recorded. PROMs questionnaires concerning physical functioning (SMFA) and quality of life (EQ-5D) were used. Patients were divided according to their age (18-30, 31-64, 65 and older) and fracture type (Tile/AO type A, B or C). Differences in SMFA and EQ-5D scores of the operatively and non-operatively treated patients and between the study population and general population were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients were identified of which 279 were eligible for follow-up. One-hundred and ninety-two (69%) patients responded with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. Patients reported a median score of 13.9 on the SMFA function index, 16.7 on the bother index, 12.5 on the lower extremity, 18.8 on the activities of daily living and 23.4 on the emotion subscale. A median EQ-5D score of 0.8 was reported. There was no difference in physical functioning and QoL between operatively and non-operatively treated patients. Comparison of these results to normative data of the general population revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in physical functioning and QoL in patients with all types of pelvic ring injuries. CONCLUSION: Long-term physical functioning and QoL in patients who had sustained a pelvic ring injury seems fair, although significantly decreased in comparison with their peers from the general population.

High diagnostic accuracy of white blood cell scintigraphy for fracture related infections: Results of a large retrospective single-center study.

INTRODUCTION: White blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy for diagnosing fracture-related infections (FRIs) has only been investigated in small patient series. Aims of this study were (1) to establish the accuracy of WBC scintigraphy for diagnosing FRIs, and (2) to investigate whether the duration of the time interval between surgery and WBC scintigraphy influences its accuracy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 192 consecutive WBC scintigraphies with 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled autologous leucocytes performed for suspected peripheral FRI were included. The golden standard was based on the outcome of microbiological investigation in case of surgery, or - when these were not available - on clinical follow-up of at least six months. The discriminative ability of the imaging modalities was quantified by several measures of diagnostic accuracy. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive variables of a false-positive or false-negative WBC scintigraphy test result. RESULTS: WBC scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 0.79, a specificity of 0.97, a positive predicting value of 0.91, a negative predicting value of 0.93 and a diagnostic accuracy of 0.92 for detecting an FRI in the peripheral skeleton. The duration of the interval between surgery and the WBC scintigraphy did not influence its diagnostic accuracy; neither did concomitant use of antibiotics or NSAIDs. There were 11 patients with a false-negative (FN) WBC scintigraphy, the majority of these patients (n = 9, 82%) suffered from an infected nonunion. Four patients had a false-positive (FP) WBC scintigraphy. CONCLUSIONS: WBC scintigraphy showed a high diagnostic accuracy (0.92) for detecting FRIs in the peripheral skeleton. Duration of the time interval between surgery for the initial injury and the WBC did not influence the results which indicate that WBC scintigraphy is accurate shortly after surgery.

Complications after hip fracture surgery: are they preventable?

PURPOSE: Surgery for hip fractures is frequently followed by complications that hinder the rehabilitation of patients. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence rate and type of complications, including mortality, after hip fracture surgery, and to identify the risk factors of these complications that may be amenable to prevention. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients aged ≥60 treated for a hip fracture at University Medical Center Groningen between July 2009 and June 2013. All patients were treated in a comprehensive multidisciplinary care pathway. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate which variables were significant risk factors for the occurrence of complications. Additional analyses were conducted to investigate whether the independent variables were significant risk factors for several specific complications and mortality. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 479 patients with a mean age of 78.4 (SD 9.5) years; 33% were men. The overall complication rate was 75%. Delirium was the complication seen most frequently (19%); the incidence of surgical complications was 9%. Most risk factors for complications were not preventable (high comorbidity rate, high age and dependent living situation). However, general anesthesia (OR 1.51; 95% CI 0.97-2.35) and delay in surgery (OR 3.16; 95% CI 1.43-6.97) may be risk factors that can potentially be prevented. Overall, the mortality risk was not higher in patients with a complication, but delirium and pneumonia were risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate after hip fracture surgery was high. Only few complications were potentially preventable.

Diagnostic strategies for posttraumatic osteomyelitis: a survey amongst Dutch medical specialists demonstrates the need for a consensus protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Posttraumatic osteomyelitis (PTO) is a feared complication after surgical fracture care. Late diagnosis can result in interrupted and prolonged rehabilitation programmes, inability to work, medical dependency, unnecessary hospital admissions, and high medical and non-medical costs. Primary aim of this study was to assess preferred diagnostic imaging strategies for diagnosing PTO amongst orthopaedic and trauma surgeons, radiologists, and nuclear medicine physicians. Secondary aims were to determine the preferred serum inflammatory marker for diagnosing PTO and the existence of a local hospital protocol to diagnose and manage PTO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study utilised an online survey based on four clinical scenarios, varying from early to late onset of PTO. It was designed to assess individual practitioners' current preferred diagnostic strategy for diagnosing PTO. Eligible study participants were medical specialists and registrars in orthopaedic and trauma surgery, musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology, and nuclear medicine. RESULTS: There were 346 responders: 155 trauma surgeons, 102 orthopaedic surgeons, 57 nuclear medicine physicians, and 33 MSK radiologists. Trauma surgeons favour FDG-PET to image PTO, while orthopaedic surgeons prefer WBC scintigraphy. A similar difference was seen between radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians (MRI versus nuclear medicine imaging). CRP was regarded as the most useful serum inflammatory marker. Only one-third of all responders was aware of a local hospital protocol for the treatment of osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of and awareness towards local protocols to diagnose and treat PTO is poor. The results of this study support the need for future randomised controlled trials on optimal diagnostic strategies for PTO.

[E-bikers are more often seriously injured in bicycle accidents: results from the Groningen bicycle accident database]. / E-bikers raken vaker ernstig gewond na fietsongeval.

OBJECTIVE: Analysing injury types, injury severity and mortality in victims of accidents with electric bicycles in comparison with conventional bicycles. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHOD: Data of patients treated at the Accident & Emergency Department of the University Medical Center Groningen after a bicycle accident are being entered in a database since 2014. We have analysed this database for accidents with electric bicycles (e-bikes) and conventional bicycles occurring among adult patients for the period of July 2014 to May 2016. 'Propensity score matching' was used to match e-bikers to conventional cyclists, based on age, gender and the presence of comorbidities. RESULTS: 107 of the 475 included victims were riding an e-bike. Average age of e-bikers and conventional cyclists was 65 years and 39 years respectively. Comorbidity was more common in e-bikers. E-bikers were injured significantly more severely than conventional cyclists. They had more severe injuries of the head and face, and upper and lower extremities. E-bikers were also admitted to the hospital more often, and for longer periods, and they underwent surgery more often. Mortality was the same. Propensity score matching revealed that e-bikers had multiple severe injuries (ISS > 15) twice as often as conventional cyclists, that they had more severe head injuries and were admitted for longer periods than conventional cyclists. CONCLUSION: E-bikers who had a bicycle accident had more severe injuries, more frequently had multiple injuries and had more severe head injuries than conventional cyclists. This resulted in a greater need for care. Preventive measures such as riding lessons and helmet use should be encouraged. Care providers should pay extra attention to the possibility of severe injuries when a patient had a bicycle accident with an e-bike.

The design of a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the (cost-) effectiveness of the posterolateral versus the direct anterior approach for THA (POLADA - trial).

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures. Because of the increasing number of THAs, a growing demand for faster recovery and a greater emphasis on cost-effectiveness, minimally invasive THAs have been introduced in the last decades. The direct anterior approach is a minimally invasive, tissue-sparing approach in which intermuscular planes are used. Theoretically, this approach should result in a faster recovery of physical functioning and higher health-related quality of life. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial will be performed. Patients will be randomly allocated to undergo THA by means of the anterior or posterolateral approach. Both the intervention and control group will consist of two subgroups: 1) patients with a good bone stock who will receive an uncemented femoral stem, and 2) patients with a poor bone stock who will receive a cemented femoral stem. Patients between 18 and 90 years with primary or secondary osteoarthritis will be included. Physical functioning and health-related quality of life will be assessed by means of questionnaires. Additionally, performance based tests will be performed to objectively assess the physical functioning. Cost-effectiveness will be assessed by obtaining data on medical costs in and outside the hospital and other nonmedical costs. Measurements will take place preoperatively, two and six weeks, three months and one year postoperatively. DISCUSSION: There is some evidence that the anterior approach results in reduced tissue damage and faster recovery in the direct postoperative period, compared to the posterolateral approach. However, there is still a lack of well-designed studies that have confirmed the better outcomes and cost-effectiveness of the anterior approach. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the physical functioning, health related quality of life and the cost-effectiveness of the anterior approach, compared to the conventional posterolateral approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Registry, number 5343 (registration date April 12, 2015).

Pseudotumour incidence, cobalt levels and clinical outcome after large head metal-on-metal and conventional metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty: mid-term results of a randomised controlled trial.

We compared the incidence of pseudotumours after large head metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) with that after conventional metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA and assessed the predisposing factors to pseudotumour formation. From a previous randomised controlled trial which compared large head (38 mm to 60 mm) cementless MoM THA with conventional head (28 mm) cementless MoP THA, 93 patients (96 THAs: 41 MoM (21 males, 20 females, mean age of 64 years, standard deviation (sd) 4) and 55 MoP (25 males, 30 females, mean age of 65 years, sd 5) were recruited after a mean follow-up of 50 months (36 to 64). The incidence of pseudotumours, measured using a standardised CT protocol was 22 (53.7%) after MoM THA and 12 (21.8%) after MoP THA. Women with a MoM THA were more likely to develop a pseudotumour than those with a MoP THA (15 vs 7, odds ratio (OR) = 13.4, p < 0.001). There was a similar incidence of pseudotumours in men with MoM THAs and those with MoP THAs (7 vs 5, OR = 2.1, p = 0.30). Elevated cobalt levels (≥ 5 microgram/L) were only associated with pseudotumours in women with a MoM THA. There was no difference in mean Oxford and Harris hip scores between patients with a pseudotumour and those without. Contrary to popular belief, pseudotumours occur frequently around MoP THAs. Women with a MoM THA and an elevated cobalt level are at greatest risk. In this study, pseudotumours had no effect on the functional outcome after either large head MoM or conventional MoP THA.

Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment: normative data of the Dutch population.

BACKGROUND: The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) is widely used in both research and clinical practice. Despite its frequent use, normative data of the SMFA have remained limited. Aim of this study was to gather normative data for the Dutch SMFA (SMFA-NL). METHODS: The SMFA-NL consists of two indices (function index and bother index) and four subscales (upper extremity dysfunction, lower extremity dysfunction, mental and emotional problems, and problems with daily activities). A total of 900 patients were invited to fill in the SMFA-NL. Six age groups (18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, and 65-75 years) were constructed. Analysis of variance, t tests, and regression analyses were used to assess age and gender effects. RESULTS: The response rate was 97 %. There was a significant difference between men and women in scores on all indices and subscales (range p < 0.001 to p = 0.002), except for the upper extremity dysfunction subscale (p = 0.06). A significant interaction effect was found between gender and age for the upper extremity dysfunction subscale; a larger decrease in score with increasing age was observed for women, compared with men. Significant differences were found between age groups for the bother index (p < 0.001), lower extremity dysfunction subscale (p = 0.001), and the problems with daily activities subscale (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Significant differences in SMFA-NL scores were found between men and women and between different age groups. These SMFA-NL normative data provide an opportunity of benchmarking health status of participants with musculoskeletal disorders or injuries against their age- and gender-matched peers in the Dutch population.

Chevron versus Mitchell osteotomy in hallux valgus surgery: a comparative study.

Good clinical results have been reported for chevron and Mitchell osteotomies in mild hallux valgus (HV). The primary aim of the present study was to compare first metatarsal shortening after chevron and Mitchell osteotomies in HV. The secondary outcome measures were the degree of valgus correction, metatarsalgia, and patient satisfaction. A total of 84 patients were included in the present study and were treated from 2005 to 2007; 42 patients were in each group. The outcome measurements-first metatarsal length, HV angle, 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, satisfaction, and metatarsalgia-were taken preoperatively and at follow-up. The Mitchell osteotomy resulted in a significantly larger decrease in the first metatarsal length. No significant difference in transfer metatarsalgia was found. Approximately 30% of patients were mildly or not satisfied after HV surgery. Mitchell osteotomy leads to a larger decrease in the first metatarsal length. Patients with metatarsalgia performed poorly, and no significant differences in metatarsalgia were found. Preventing postoperative metatarsalgia is important for a successful outcome after HV surgery.