Cemented Versus Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Intracapsular Neck of Femur Fractures in the Elderly: Outcomes and Costings.

Background: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) is a common form of treatment for displaced neck of femur fractures. There is ongoing debate as to whether cemented or uncemented HA is a more superior treatment modality. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between patients that underwent cemented HA to uncemented HA. Secondarily, we analysed the costs associated of each treatment option. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at a busy district general hospital. The study included 335 patients that were treated with either a cemented or uncemented HA for a displaced neck of femur fracture between January 2017 and December 2018. Data collected included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, treatment modality, length of stay (LOS) and general costs. Results: 197 (58.8%) of the cohort underwent cemented HA and 138 (41.2%) underwent uncemented HA. Mean age for the cemented cohort was 84.7 years and 85.9 years in the uncemented group (p = 0.31). There was no significant differences between the groups with regard to mean LOS and discharge disposition (p = 0.44). There were no significant difference in 30-day and 1-year mortality between the two groups (p = 0.2). We did find a statistically significant difference in the costings between the two procedures, with cemented HAs costing £66 more than uncemented HAs (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found that both cemented and uncemented HAs produced comparable results. We found a statistically significant reduction in operative time and costs associated with uncemented HA. Uncemented HA implants may be considered where a shorter operation duration is essential.

Screw versus staple fixation for Akin osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Akin osteotomies are commonly fixed with a screw or staple. Hardware-related symptoms are not uncommon. We compared the outcomes and costs of the two implants. METHODS: We evaluated 74 Akin osteotomies performed in conjunction with first metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus. The osteotomy was fixed with a headless compression screw in 39 cases and a staple in 35 cases. We looked at the implant-related complications, removal of metalwork, revision, non-union and cost. Pre- and postoperative hallux valgus interphalangeal (HI) angles and length of the proximal phalanx were measured. RESULTS: There was 100% union, no failure of fixation, no revision surgery and no delayed union in either group. The radiological prominence of screws was significant (p=0.02), but there was no significant difference in soft-tissue irritation (p=0.36) or removal of implants (p=0.49). Two cortical breaches (5.8%) occurred in staple fixation and 4 (10.2%) in screw fixation (not statistically significant (NS), p=0.50). The mean improvement in HI angle was 4.3° with screw fixation and 4.1° with staple fixation (NS, p=0.69). The mean shortening of the proximal phalanx was 2.5mm with screw fixation and 2.3mm with staple fixation (NS, p=0.64). The total cost was £1,925 for staple fixation and £4,290 for screw fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Staple and screw fixation are reproducible modalities with satisfactory outcomes, but screw fixation is expensive. We conclude staple fixation is a cost-effective alternative.

Daycase trauma list: a safe and cost-effective service delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Daycase trauma surgery is an evolving and a novel approach. The aim of our study was to report our experience of daycase trauma surgery with a focus on safety, patient experience, complications and limitations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients scheduled and operated on a daycase trauma list from January 2013 to December 2016 were included in the study. Age, sex, case mix, readmissions within 48 hours, complications, patient satisfaction, reasons for overnight stay and cost effectiveness were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 229 procedures were carried out. The mean age of the patients was 44.3 years (range 16-85 years) . There were 128 men and 101 women, 178 upper-limb and 51 lower-limb cases. Only 2.6% of the patients had stayed overnight for pain control, physiotherapy and neurological observations; 94.5% of the patients were satisfied. The mean visual analogue scale score for satisfaction was 8.7. There were no admissions within 48 hours of discharge and one complication with failure of ankle fixation. The estimated cost saving was £65,562. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a daycase trauma service is safe, cost effective, and yields high patient satisfaction. It reduces the burden on hospital beds and a wide range of upper- and lower-limb cases can be performed as daycase trauma surgery with adequate planning and teamwork.

Mechanical and tribological performance of a hybrid MMC coating deposited on Al-17Si piston alloy by laser composite surfacing technique.

Laser composite surfacing (LCS) is a photon driven manufacturing technology that can be utilized for depositing hybrid metal matrix composite coatings (HMMC) on softer Ti/Al/Mg alloys to enhance their tribo-mechanical properties. LCS offers the advantages of higher directionality, localized microstructural refinement and higher metallurgical bonding between coating and substrate. The current research presents the tribo-mechanical evaluation and characterization of solid lubricant based Ni-WC coatings deposited by LCS on Al-Si piston alloy by varying the concentration of graphite between 5-to-15-weight percentage. The tribological behavior of LCS samples was investigated using a ball-on-plate tribometer. Results indicate that the surface hardness, wear rate and friction coefficient of the Al-Si hypereutectic piston alloy were improved after LCS of graphite based HMMC coatings. The maximum surface hardness of 781H v was acquired for the Ni-WC coating containing 5 wt% graphite. The friction coefficient of Al-Si under dry sliding conditions was reduced from 0.47 to 0.21. The reduction in the friction coefficient was attributed to the formation of a shearable transfer layer, which prevented delamination and reduced adhesion, abrasion and fatigue cracking.

Polarus nail fixation for proximal humeral fractures.

PURPOSE. To report the outcomes of Polarus nail fixation for displaced proximal humeral fractures. METHODS. Medical records of 19 men and 27 women aged 26 to 84 (mean, 63) years who underwent fixation using a standard Polarus nail (n=34) or Polarus plus nail with shaft extension (n=12) for proximal humeral fractures of 2 and 3 parts (n=34) and 2-part with extension to the shaft (n=12) were reviewed. Fracture union, neck shaft angle, and hardware complications were evaluated using radiographs. Outcomes were assessed using the Constant score, the visual analogue scale for pain, and subjective satisfaction. The range of motion, grip strength, and ability to return to work were also recorded. RESULTS. The mean follow-up was 20 (range, 15-28) months. The mean humeral neck shaft angle was 137.2º. 44 (96%) patients achieved fracture union after a mean of 14 (range, 11-16) weeks. Two patients with 3-part fractures did not unite; one of them underwent hemiarthroplasty and the other consented for nail removal only. Complications included temporary radial nerve palsy (n=2), impingement symptoms caused by the prominent metal work (n=10), and missing of the proximal screws in the nail (n=4). Respectively in patients aged <60 (n=15) and ≥ 60 years (n=31), the mean Constant scores were 79 and 67 (p=0.04). The mean pain score improved from 93 to 15.5 at 12 months. 16 patients were very satisfied, 22 were satisfied, and 8 were not satisfied with the outcome. Of the latter, 3 were aged <60 years and 5 were aged ≥ 60 years. CONCLUSION. Polarus nail fixation for displaced proximal humeral fractures achieved good fracture union and satisfactory functional outcome, particularly in younger patients and those in active employment, but elderly dependent patients tended to have poor functional results. The rates of minor hardware problems and non-union in 3-part fractures were relatively high.

ASA Grade and Elderly Patients With Femoral Neck Fracture.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effect of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score on time to surgery, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. METHODS: A total of 249 patients admitted with femoral neck fracture were included in the study. Mean age was 84 years (95% confidence interval 83 to 85). Two patients were ASA I, 110 patients were ASA II, 125 were ASA III, and 12 were ASA IV. RESULTS: The mean time to surgery was 18.9 hours for ASA I patients, 34.4 hours for ASA II patients, 42.8 hours for ASA III patients, and 61 hours for ASA IV patients (P = .005). The mean hospital stay was 11.5 days (6.3-15.2) for ASA I patients, 17.6 days (4.2-98.8) for ASA II patients, 22.9 days (4.1-120.3) for ASA III patients, and 29 days (2.4-86.0) for ASA IV patients (P = .026); 85% of the patients who died within 30 days of admission were of ASA III-IV. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that patients with higher ASA score have delay in surgery, longer hospital stay, and increase in 30-day mortality. We conclude that ASA grade is a simple and effective tool to predict the above-mentioned outcomes in these patients.

StayFuse for proximal interphalangeal joint fusion.

BACKGROUND: Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion is a commonly performed procedure for lesser-toe deformities. There are various techniques described to accomplish it. We report the results of PIP joint fusion carried out with an intramedullary fusion device in 150 consecutive toes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of PIP joint fusion with this technique. METHOD: A total of 150 toes in 140 consecutive patients who underwent PIP joint fusions of the lesser toes with a StayFuse implant were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 69.5 years, and the mean follow-up was 18 months. Clinical, radiologic, and subjective evaluations as well as preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were carried out. RESULTS: Of the PIP joints, 95.3% were clinically asymptomatic, but the radiologic fusion was 73%. The mean preoperative AOFAS score improved from 22.9 to 81.6 at follow-up. There were implant-related complications in 8 toes. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure, and 3.3% of the patients needed revision surgery. CONCLUSION: This technique maintained PIP joint alignment and provided rotational and angular stability with high patient satisfaction and low complication and reoperation rates. We conclude that this is a reproducible technique and an alternative for PIP joint fusions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Philos plate fixation for displaced proximal humeral fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment outcome of Philos plate fixation for displaced proximal humeral fractures in 27 consecutive patients. METHODS: 6 men and 21 women aged 22 to 85 (mean, 56) years underwent Philos plate fixation for displaced proximal humeral fractures. 11 patients were aged 60 years or younger and 16 older than 60 years. All fractures were closed with no associated injuries and classified as 2-part (n=13), 3-part (n=12), and 4-part (n=2), according to the Neer classification. Patients were assessed radiologically and functionally using the Constant shoulder score. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for 6 to 24 (mean, 13) months. All the fractures united except in a 76- year-old woman with a 3-part fracture in whom there was fracture collapse and screw penetration of the humeral head at 6 weeks. She subsequently developed non-union and avascular necrosis. The mean Constant shoulder score was 70 (range, 28-88). 11 patients had a score exceeding 75, 13 were scored between 50 and 75, and 3 were below 50. CONCLUSION: Philos plate fixation provided stable fixation, minimal metal work problems and enabled early range-of-motion exercises to achieve acceptable functional results.

Temporary coracoclavicular screw fixation for displaced distal clavicle fractures.

PURPOSE: To assess the treatment outcome of temporary coracoclavicular screw fixation for displaced distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2003, 30 consecutive patients with Neer type II displaced distal clavicle fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a coracoclavicular screw. The screw was removed under local anaesthesia after bony union. Patients were evaluated by clinical and radiological examination. Functional outcome was assessed by a simple shoulder test. RESULTS: There was 100% union rate. All patients returned to their pre-injury activity level by 12 months. One patient developed a superficial wound infection, which resolved with oral antibiotics. Two patients had problems with mild backing out of the screw, but both had bony union by the time of screw removal. The mean score of the simple shoulder test of 28 patients was 11. CONCLUSION: Treatment outcome using temporary coracoclavicular screw fixation for displaced distal clavicle fractures is favourable. The implant is readily available and the technique is simple, safe, cost-effective, and reproducible.

Traumatic anterior knee dislocation and tibial shaft fracture: a case report.

We report a case of traumatic anterior dislocation of the left knee with an ipsilateral tibial shaft fracture in association with popliteal artery and common peroneal nerve injuries. To our knowledge, such a combination of injuries has not been reported before. All components of this injury were recognised and treated promptly with rehabilitation commencing early, resulting in a good functional outcome. We discuss the possible injury mechanism and management of this unusual case.

Avulsion fracture of inferior pole of patella and tibial spine--a case report of rare combination of knee injury.

A rare sport injury having patellar fracture and anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture is being reported. This case was noteworthy as it involved rare combination of two separate injuries often seen in sportsmen. Our experience with operative intervention and postoperative rehabilitation with a supervised physiotherapy regimen has yielded good results.

An alternative to fixation of displaced fractures of the anterior intercondylar eminence in children.

Fractures of the anterior intercondylar eminence in children are relatively uncommon. There is considerable debate as to the best treatment of displaced fractures, but most methods described in the literature involve an open procedure combined with some form of fixation. Using human anatomical dissections, we have shown that the transverse meniscal ligament can become incarcerated within the fracture and act as a block to reduction. We describe an arthroscopic technique which requires no fixation device and report the results of its use in eight displaced fractures. This method gives reliable results and offers the advantage of less potential morbidity.

Prevalence of depression in patients with coronary artery disease in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a tertiary care hospital setting in Pakistan. METHODS: One hundred and fifty four patients of CAD (115 males and 39 females) were randomly selected from the outpatient department and wards of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi and were scored for depression via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Basic demographic data and disease variables were also collected. RESULTS: The point prevalence of depression in the sample was 37% (31.3% males and 53.8% females). Female sex, income level below Rs. 5000 per month, low education level, outpatient, single earning family member and hypertension were few variables associated positively with depression (p < 0.05). Only one patient was receiving treatment for depression by his cardiologist. CONCLUSION: Depression is prevalent in CAD patients in Pakistan. Economic conditions may pose an additional threat on these patients. Treating physicians (especially cardiologists) need to be aware of this co-morbidity so as to be able to diagnose and adequately manage such patients.

Surface recognition of a protein using designed transition metal complexes.

Each protein has a unique pattern of histidine residues on the surface. This paper describes the design, synthesis, and binding studies of transition metal complexes to target the surface histidine pattern of carbonic anhydrase (bovine erythrocyte). When the pattern of cupric ions on a complex matches the surface pattern of histidines of the protein, strong and selective binding can be achieved in aqueous buffer (pH = 7.0). The described method of protein recognition is applicable to proteins of known structures. With rapidly increasing number of solved protein structures, the method has wide applicability in purification, targeting, and sensing of proteins.

Polymerized fluorescent liposomes incorporating lanthanide ions.

This paper describes the design and synthesis of a polymerizable lipid capable of complexing lanthanide ions. The lipid has been successfully incorporated into liposomes and then polymerized. Fluorescence studies indicate that the diacetylene (unpolymerized lipid) and the conjugated alkenes (after polymerization) can be used as sensitizers for the lanthanide ion.