Adherence to clinical care standards and mortality after hip fracture surgery in New South Wales, 2015-2018: a retrospective population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether adherence to hip fracture clinical care quality indicators influences mortality among people who undergo surgery after hip fracture in New South Wales, both overall and by individual indicator. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective population-based study; analysis of linked Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR), hospital admissions, residential aged care, and deaths data. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: People aged 50 years or older with hip fractures who underwent surgery in 21 New South Wales hospitals participating in the ANZHFR, 1 January 2015 - 31 December 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-day (primary outcome), 120-day, and 365-day mortality (secondary outcomes) by clinical care indicator adherence level (low: none to three of six indicators achieved; moderate: four indicators achieved; high: five or six indicators achieved) and by individual indicator. RESULTS: Registry data were available for 9236 hip fractures in 9058 people aged 50 years or older during 2015-2018; the mean age of patients was 82.8 years (standard deviation, 9.3 years), 5510 patients were women (69.4%). Complete data regarding adherence to clinical care indicators were available for 7951 fractures (86.1%); adherence to these indicators was high for 5135 (64.6%), moderate for 2249 (28.3%), and low for 567 fractures (7.1%). After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidity, admission year, pre-admission walking ability, and residential status, 30-day mortality risk was lower for high (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.52) and moderate indicator adherence hip fractures (aRR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.82) than for low indicator adherence hip fractures, as was 365-day mortality (high adherence: aRR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.51-0.68]; moderate adherence: aRR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.63-0.86]). Orthogeriatric care (365 days: aRR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61-0.98) and offering mobilisation by the day after surgery (365 days: aRR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67-0.83) were associated with lower mortality risk at each time point. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical care for two-thirds of hip fractures attained a high level of adherence to the six quality care indicators, and short and longer term mortality was lower among people who received such care than among those who received low adherence care.

Effect of negative pressure wound therapy on the incidence of deep surgical site infections after orthopedic surgery: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to explore the impact of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the occurrence of deep surgical site infections (SSIs) following orthopedic surgery. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for articles concerning NPWT in patients who underwent orthopedic surgery up to May 20, 2024. Using Stata 15.0, the combined odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with either a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model, depending on the heterogeneity values. RESULTS: From a total of 440 publications, studies that utilized NPWT as the experimental group and conventional dressings as the control group were selected to analyze their impact on SSIs. Ultimately, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. These included 12 randomized controlled trials and 20 cohort studies, involving 7454 patients, with 3533 of whom received NPWT and 3921 of whom were treated with conventional dressings. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the NPWT group had a lower incidence of deep SSIs in orthopedic surgeries than did the control group [OR 0.64, 95% CI (0.52, 0.80), P = 0.0001]. Subgroup analysis indicated a notable difference for trauma surgeries [OR 0.65, 95% CI (0.50, 0.83), P = 0.001], whereas joint surgeries [OR 0.65, 95% CI (0.38, 1.12), P = 0.122] and spine surgeries [OR 0.61, 95% CI (0.27, 1.35), P = 0.221] did not show significant differences. Additionally, when examined separately according to heterogeneity, trauma surgeries exhibited a significant difference [OR 0.50, 95% CI (0.31, 0.80), P = 0.004]. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that the prophylactic use of NPWT reduces the incidence of deep SSIs following orthopedic trauma surgery when compared to the use of conventional dressings. We postulate that the prophylactic application of NPWT in patients at high risk of developing complications from bone trauma may result in improved clinical outcomes and an enhanced patient prognosis.

Surgical Rhizarthrosis Treatment: Trapezius Resection Arthroplasty Associated with Tendon Interposition versus the Kuhns Technique.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and functional outcomes of two surgical procedures performed in patients with severe grade III and IV rhizarthrosis. Methods We evaluated 39 patients who underwent two surgical techniques for rhizarthrosis treatment: trapeziectomy using the Kuhns technique or tendon interposition, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The primary outcome assessment used the specific Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Symptoms and Disability (TASD) questionnaire, and the secondary outcome evaluation employed the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire and the visual analog scale (VAS). Results There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the TASD, QuickDASH, and VAS results, and both techniques demonstrated good functional and pain outcomes. No complication required a new surgical approach. We found a positive correlation between TASD and QuickDASH questionnaire scores, suggesting their effectiveness in assessing functionality and disability in subjects with rhizarthrosis. Conclusion Trapeziectomy using the Kuhns technique and tendon interposition proved effective in the surgical treatment of rhizarthrosis. There was no significant difference between the techniques concerning functional outcomes.

A Prospective Study on Fixation of Syndesmotic Ankle Injury: Tight Rope Versus Screw Fixation.

Background Syndesmotic injury can result in significant instability and long-term complications if not treated correctly. Traditional management has involved transyndesmotic screw fixation, but a newer technique, the tight rope system, has been developed to mitigate some of the issues related to screw fixation, such as hardware discomfort and the necessity for hardware removal. Methods In this randomized, prospective study, 32 patients with ankle injuries requiring syndesmotic fixation were equally divided into two groups: one receiving the tight rope system (n=16) and the other undergoing screw fixation (n=16). The patients were monitored for six months following surgery. The study measured outcomes such as time to weight-bearing, range of motion, pain levels, functional outcomes using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and complication rates. Results Both groups had comparable demographic and injury profiles. The tight rope group achieved weight-bearing significantly earlier (6.19 ± 0.9 weeks vs. 7.13 ± 0.95 weeks, p=0.008) and had better functional outcomes at six months (87.5% excellent AOFAS scores vs. 37.5%, p=0.003) compared to the screw fixation group. The range of motion and pain scores were similar between the groups. Different complications were observed: screw breakage was more common in the screw fixation group, while the tight rope group experienced more laxity. Overall complication rates were similar. Conclusion Both techniques were effective in reducing pain and maintaining range of motion. However, the tight rope system allowed for earlier weight-bearing and better functional outcomes at six months. These results indicate that the tight rope system may provide certain advantages in treating syndesmotic injuries, although the choice of technique should be tailored to the specific injury and patient factors.

Is Taurolidine Irrigation Effective in Preventing Surgical Site Infection during Fracture Surgery?

Taurolidine, known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and low toxicity, has shown promise in reducing infections in various surgical settings. However, it has not been extensively evaluated in orthopedic surgery. This study assessed the efficacy of taurolidine irrigation in reducing surgical site infections in patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery. A retrospective review was conducted for patients >20 years old who underwent ankle fracture surgery between March 2016 and March 2023, with follow-ups exceeding 6 months. Patients were classified into the following two groups: those who underwent normal saline (NS) irrigation and those who underwent taurolidine irrigation. Minor infections were defined as requiring additional oral antibiotics postoperatively, while major infections were characterized by hospitalization or reoperation due to infection within 3 months. Of 844 patients, 688 were included. The taurolidine group (n = 328) had a significant reduction in minor infections (7.3% vs. 22.5%, odds ratio = 0.410, p = 0.028) compared to the NS group (n = 360). Major infections were fewer in the NS group (1.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.051), but the number of cases was too small for reliable analysis. Taurolidine irrigation significantly reduces the occurrence of minor infections in ankle fracture surgeries when compared to normal saline irrigation.

Enhanced Surgical Techniques in Orthopedics: A Comprehensive Guide for Surgeons Based on Modification of the McFarland and Osborne Approach to the Hip.

INTRODUCTION: The implementation of various approaches in hip arthroplasties introduces distinct advantages and complications. Notably, widely adopted methods such as the posterior approach have been linked to elevated rates of posterior hip dislocations and iatrogenic sciatic nerve injuries, while the lateral approach has been associated with superior gluteal nerve injuries. In this study, we propose a refined modification of the McFarland and Osborne approach, aiming to amalgamate the most favorable aspects of prior modifications of the lateral approach to the hip. Additionally, our contribution extends to providing a comprehensive stepwise guide for the exposure and closure processes in cases of bipolar hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement. This modification not only offers potential advantages to seasoned orthopedic surgeons but also serves as a valuable resource for young Turks venturing into hip surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 patients with femoral neck fractures underwent surgery using the modified McFarland and Osborne approach and were followed up for a period of six months. The functional outcome was analyzed by the Modified Mobility and Aids Scoring Matrix. RESULTS: Seven of the 14 patients attained pre-injury status with respect to the Mobility and Aids scoring matrix. six patients had a fall of 1, and one patient had a fall of 2, as compared to pre-injury status. CONCLUSION: Our research suggests that this method serves as a superior alternative to conventional approaches, demonstrating notable advantages in terms of dissection difficulty, reduced risk to neurovascular structures, and minimized post-operative hip dislocations. Additionally, it exhibits a favorable outcome, enabling a return to pre-injury levels of activity.

Transphyseal arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children under 12 years.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children is on the rise. Despite this trend, the optimal management of these injuries remains a matter of ongoing debate. In this light, our study seeks to assess the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of transphyseal ACL reconstruction in preadolescent patients in the medium-term. METHODS: This prospective study included preadolescent patients aged up to 12 years who underwent ACL transphyseal reconstruction between 2010 and 2020 and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical assessments encompassed joint stability and range of motion. Furthermore, leg length discrepancy (LLD) and femorotibial alignment were evaluated both clinically and radiologically using full-length lower limb standing radiographs. Pre- and postoperative functional outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scales, and the return to normal sports activity was evaluated using the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Complications and relevant follow-up data were also recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate these outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 35 preadolescent patients, consisting of 24 males and 11 females, with a mean age at surgery of 11.2 ± 0.7 years (8.7-12), were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 52.3 ± 20.7 months (24.1-95.9). No significant growth disturbances or clinically relevant LLD were evidenced. All patients demonstrated clinically stable knees with full range of motion at the 2-year follow-up. There were statistically significant improvements in pre- and postoperative IKDC (39.3 ± 13.5 vs. 99.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.005) and Lysholm scores (48.2 ± 15.1 vs. 99.6 ± 1.4, p < 0.005). All but two patients were able to return to their pre-injury level of sports activity, with a mean ACL-RSI score of 93.5 ± 1.3. The analysis revealed an 8.6% rerupture rate and an 11.4% rate of contralateral ACL injuries, with 5-year survival rates of 92.3% and 88.8%, respectively. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender, surgical delay, or associated meniscal lesions did not reveal any significant differences in functional outcomes. Additionally, there was no discernible relationship between age or timing of ACL reconstruction and the risk of meniscal injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reinforces the value of ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature preadolescent patients, with transphyseal technique proven to be a safe, effective, and technically simpler option, even for children under the age of 12. The findings indicate excellent functional outcomes, a high rate of successful return to sporting activities, and minimal to no incidence of growth-related complications in the medium-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative cohort study, before and after intervention.

An Unusual Complication of Intramedullary Pin Migration during Total Knee Arthroplasty - A Case Report.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most effective operations to relieve pain and improve function in the end stage of osteoarthritis (when bone on bone contact occurs). The intraoperative complications of TKA include fracture, tendon or ligament injury, and nerve or vascular complications. We herein describe an unusual complication of intramedullary pin migration within the femoral canal during TKA. A 72-year-old male patient underwent TKA with a posterior stabilization system with sacrifice of the posterior cruciate ligament. The distal femur was sectioned and balance was checked in extension. Then to make anterior, posterior, chamfer and notch cuts, the five-in-one anteroposterior (AP) cutting block was placed on the distal femur and the cuts were initiated. As there was a medial overhang of the cutting block, it was shifted laterally. While doing so, the pins had to be shifted too, and one of them was inadvertently hammered into the previously-created medullary canal opening of the femur. As usual orthopedic instruments, like the long straight artery forceps and pituitary rongeurs, failed to remove the migrated pin, an extralong laparoscopic grasper was used under fluoroscopy control to locate, grasp, and remove the migrated pin.

Fungal Osteomyelitis of the Hip with Septic Arthritis: Case Report.

Fungal osteomyelitis, especially associated with septic arthritis, is uncommon in Brazil; therefore, sometimes it is difficult to diagnose and treat it. We report the case of a young patient, with no immunosuppressive risk factor, with osteomyelitis leading to septic arthritis of the hip. The diagnosis was performed after surgical drainage and visualization of Cryptococcus neoformans at pathological anatomy. Antifungal treatment resulted in complete remission of the symptoms. Since there is no consensus on the treatment of fungal osteomyelitis, this case report aims to inform orthopedists about the importance of hip arthritis differential diagnosis and the good evolution of clinical treatment after drainage and pathogen isolation.

Physician Workforce in Kansas: Where are the Orthopedic Surgeons?

Introduction: Rural patients have greater need but less access to orthopedic surgical care than their urban counterparts. Previous studies have investigated rural surgical care, but this is the first to assess the Kansas orthopedic surgery workforce to identify changes over time and rurality and inform thinking about future workforce composition. Methods: The authors analyzed 2009 and 2019 AMA MasterFile and Area Health Resource File (AHRF) data. Using frequencies, percentages, and calculations of orthopedic surgeons per capita, we assessed workforce changes by rurality (Rural Urban Continuum Codes). Results: The dataset included 307 orthopedic surgeons; 197 were in both 2009 and 2019. Of these, 165 were in active practice in 2009 and 244 in 2019, an increase of 79 (47.9%). Kansas had smaller proportions of surgeons in rural (non-metro) versus urban (metro) counties in both years. Orthopedic surgeons per capita grew throughout the state, but the increase was smaller in rural counties. There were 11 women orthopedic surgeons in both years, 3.6% of the total 307. Among the 197 surgeons in both years, four (2.0%) were women. No women orthopedic surgeons were in non-metro counties either year. Conclusions: Although the Kansas orthopedic surgery workforce grew from 2009 to 2019, rural Kansas remains a surgery desert based on orthopedic surgeons per capita. Further studies could determine whether this trend is similar to that in other rural states and how to attract orthopedic surgeons to rural practice.