The characteristics and predictors of mortality in periprosthetic fractures around the knee.

Aims: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) around the knee are challenging injuries. This study aims to describe the characteristics of knee PPFs and the impact of patient demographics, fracture types, and management modalities on in-hospital mortality. Methods: Using a multicentre study design, independent of registry data, we included adult patients sustaining a PPF around a knee arthroplasty between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Univariate, then multivariable, logistic regression analyses were performed to study the impact of patient, fracture, and treatment on mortality. Results: Out of a total of 1,667 patients in the PPF study database, 420 patients were included. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.4%. Multivariable analyses suggested that American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), history of rheumatic disease, fracture around a loose implant, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) during hospital stay were each independently associated with mortality. Each point increase in ASA grade independently correlated with a four-fold greater mortality risk (odds ratio (OR) 4.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19 to 14.06); p = 0.026). Patients with PVD have a nine-fold increase in mortality risk (OR 9.1 (95% CI 1.25 to 66.47); p = 0.030) and patients with rheumatic disease have a 6.8-fold increase in mortality risk (OR 6.8 (95% CI 1.32 to 34.68); p = 0.022). Patients with a fracture around a loose implant (Unified Classification System (UCS) B2) have a 20-fold increase in mortality, compared to UCS A1 (OR 20.9 (95% CI 1.61 to 271.38); p = 0.020). Mode of management was not a significant predictor of mortality. Patients managed with revision arthroplasty had a significantly longer length of stay (median 16 days; p = 0.029) and higher rates of return to theatre, compared to patients treated nonoperatively or with fixation. Conclusion: The mortality rate in PPFs around the knee is similar to that for native distal femur and neck of femur fragility fractures. Patients with certain modifiable risk factors should be optimized. A national PPF database and standardized management guidelines are currently required to understand these complex injuries and to improve patient outcomes.

Predictors of mortality in periprosthetic fractures of the hip: Results from the national PPF study.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) around the hip joint are increasing in prevalence. In this collaborative study, we aimed to investigate the impact of patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and modes of management on in-hospital mortality of PPFs involving the hip. METHODS: Using a multi-centre cohort study design, we retrospectively identified adults presenting with a PPF around the hip over a 10-year period. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to study the independent correlation between patient, fracture, and treatment factors on mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,109 patients were included. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.3%. Multivariable analyses suggested that age, male sex, abbreviated mental test score (AMTS), pneumonia, renal failure, history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and deep surgical site infection were each independently associated with mortality. Each yearly increase in age independently correlates with a 7% increase in mortality (OR 1.07, p=0.019). The odds of mortality was 2.99 times higher for patients diagnosed with pneumonia during their hospital stay [OR 2.99 (95% CI 1.07-8.37) p=0.037], and 7.25 times higher for patients that developed renal failure during their stay [OR 7.25 (95% CI 1.85-28.47) p=0.005]. Patients with history of PVD have a six-fold greater mortality risk (OR 6.06, p=0.003). Mode of treatment was not a significant predictor of mortality. CONCLUSION: The in-hospital mortality rate of PPFs around the hip exceeds 5%. The fracture subtype and mode of management are not independent predictors of mortality, while patient factors such as age, AMTS, history of PVD, pneumonia, and renal failure can independently predict mortality. Peri-operative optimisation of modifiable risk factors such as lung and kidney function in patients with PPFs around the hip during their hospital stay is of utmost importance.

Nerve entrapment around elbow.

Entrapment neuropathy around elbow is a common cause of disability across all age groups. The major nerves that traverse the elbow are ulnar, median and radial nerves and their branches. Cubital tunnel syndrome leading to ulnar nerve compression can often present with significant pain, paresthesia or weakness. Median and Radial nerve compression around the elbow, albeit less frequent, can also lead to significant morbidity and must be kept in the differential diagnosis when dealing with patients complaining of persistent pain around the elbow and weakness of forearm/hand muscles. Electrodiagnostic studies can be a useful adjunct to clinical examination, to help localize the site and quantify the grade of compression. Management should involve a trial of conservative treatment and failing that, surgical treatment should be considered. We hereby provide an overview of nerve entrapments around the elbow including their applied anatomy, etiology, clinical assessment and overview of the current concepts in surgical treatment.

Synovial Hemangioma of the Knee Management and Excellent Outcome 2 Years after Arthroscopic Synovectomy in a 25-year-old Male with a 20-year History.

INTRODUCTION: Synovial hemangioma is a rare condition with <200 published case reports in world literature and is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to diagnostic delay of many years. This delay is even more significant if the patient comes from a rural background with a dearth of medical facilities in the area. This case had a lag of nearly 20 years from the time of onset of symptoms and the required management which is the maximum reported for any synovial hemangioma since most of them have been found and treated in adolescents. CASE REPORT: We present a case of an atypical synovial hemangioma in a 25-year-old Indian male from a poor socioeconomic background with a delay of 20 years who had both recurrent knee effusions and long-standing knee pain but kept ignoring his symptoms. It was managed by arthroscopic synovectomy. The patient reported to us after 2 years after the surgery with a painless knee and full range of movement. CONCLUSION: Synovial hemangioma mostly affects the knee joint, showing recurrent bloody effusions without a history of trauma. If there are no intermittent effusions, the diagnosis will be even more difficult. In cases of non-specific symptoms and long-standing knee pain of many years, the diagnosis of a synovial hemangioma should also be considered. In this particular case, magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate the patient after the plain radiographs and showed characteristic lace-like or linear patterns. Diagnostic arthroscopy and surgical excision were done in the same sitting, and biopsy was sent to the histopathology laboratory which confirmed our diagnosis. Although this patient had the disease since 20 years and presented late, he had little degeneration of cartilage at the time of arthroscopy. The functional outcome at 2-year follow-up was excellent, and he had no disability, effusion and was pain free.

Endovascular management of traumatic pseudoaneurysm: Short & long term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoaneurysms as result of orthopaedic injuries are a known clinical entity. But with increase in operative interventions and use of implants, its incidence is bound to increase. It is important to detect this complication at the earliest to avoid any limb or life threatening problems. Selective angiography is a minimally invasive technique to pin point the diagnosis and at the same time allow for therapeutic embolization/stenting of the pseudo aneurysm. METHODS: A retrospective review of inpatients from January 2007 to January 2013 requiring transarterial embolization/stenting for pseudoaneurysm in the limbs. All patients had evidence of pseudoaneurysm as proved by radiological findings. Angiographic intervention in a cath lab was performed, following which patients were monitored for morbidity and mortality benefits on short and long term follow up. RESULTS: Out of the total 13 patients; 7 adults and 1 child underwent embolisation with polyvinyl alcohol particle/soft metal coil, whereas the remaining 5 adults underwent revascularisation with covered stent. The mean age of patients in our case series was 41.92 ± 18.89 years. The mean follow up period of the group was 14.61 ± 12.21 months. All but one patients showed significant clinical improvement with endovascular management with no procedure related mortality. CONCLUSION: Endovascular management is the modality of choice in comparison to other procedures for traumatic pseudoaneurysms in both paediatric and adult patients.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of Thumb-A Cytological Diagnosis.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) is a unique benign proliferative process of unknown aetiology involving the synovial lined joints diffusely or focally. The entity remains a diagnostic challenge. This condition is attributed to an increased synovial proliferation causing villous or nodular changes of synovial lined joints leading to PVNS, Pigmented Villonodular Bursitis (PVNB) when arising from bursae or Pigmented Villonodular Tenosynovitis (PVNTS) originating from the tendon sheath. We present a case of a young female with nodular masses on right thumb with cytomorphological features on FNAC suggestive of PVNS which was finally confirmed by histopathology.