Patients with trochanteric hip fractures and pre-existing osteoarthritis can be treated with nailing osteosynthesis without significant decrease in functional status.

PURPOSE: Functional outcome in patients after trochanteric fracture fixation with pre-existing radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) is unclear. Analyzing their function and independence, before and after fracture, could optimize their treatment and decrease the socioeconomic burden in this particular group. METHODS: The influence of pre-existing radiographic hip OA on functional outcome was retrospectively analyzed with a cohort of patients undergoing proximal femoral nailing for trochanteric fracture. OA was graded according to the Tonnis classification. Functional outcome was assessed preoperatively and 12 months after surgery by the Parker Mobility Score (PMS). We consider a meaningful reduction a difference between preoperatively PMS and 12 months after surgery ≥ 2. In order to evaluate if OA is related to PMS reduction ≥ 2, we calculate the SubHazard ratio (SHR) performing a competing risk regression model considering death as a competing risk event, adjusting by confounders. Death, reoperations, readmissions, surgical time, and fracture reduction quality in patients with and without osteoarthritis were recorded. RESULTS: 375 trochanteric hip fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails were included, from which 80 (21% CI95% 17%-21%) were classified as Tonnis 2 or 3. This group of patients with pre-existing OA was significantly older (mean age of 88.6 [SD 5.65] vs 85.5 years [SD 6.95]) than the group without OA. The preoperatively PMS score was 6.28 (2.71) in non-OA patients and 5.69 (2.67) in OA patients. The mean PMS reduction 12 months after surgery was 1.3 (SD 2.05) in OA patients and 1.07 (SD 2.2) in non-OA patients (p = 0.43). Competing risks analysis, adjusted by confounders had an SHR of 1.15 (IC95% 0.77 - 1.69). Death, readmission, reoperations, surgical time, and fracture reduction quality did not differ in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pre-existing radiographic OA treated with femoral nailing have a similar reduction in functional outcomes compared to the non-OA group at one-year follow-up. Further studies will be needed to compare the results of the functional outcome in arthroplasty with those of femoral nailing for the treatment of trochanteric femur fractures in patients with OA.

Very early prescription of range of motion exercises in ankle fractures treated with ORIF does not increase the rate of complications and reoperations: A survival risk analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are commonly treated with non-surgical or surgical (preferably ORIF) approaches based on fracture characteristics. The postoperative care regimens vary widely, and the impact of very early mobilization on complications and reoperation rates in ankle fractures treated with ORIF remains unclear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on ankle fractures treated between January 2014 and November 2020. Demographic and fracture characteristic data were collected. Very early prescription of range of motion exercises was defined as initiation within the first week after surgery, typically between the second and seventh postoperative day. Complications, reoperations, and time to these events were analyzed. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the risk of complications with very early mobilization. RESULTS: A total of 299 patients met the inclusion criteria. The cohort included 83 unimalleolar, 77 bimalleolar, and 138 trimalleolar fractures. Of the patients, 116 (38.8%) underwent very early range of motion. Complications occurred in 45 events among 39 patients (13%), with 16 events (41%) in the very early range of motion group. Reoperations were required for 23 patients (3.67% of the cohort). No statistically significant differences were found in the analysis of complications, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.17, and in the adjusted analysis with an HR of 1.12. Similarly, the reoperation analysis showed no significant differences, with an HR of 0.85 and 0.68 in the adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION: Very early prescription of range of motion exercises in ankle fractures treated with ORIF is a safe approach, as it does not increase the rates of complications or reoperations compared to early or late mobilization. This study supports the use of very early mobilization as a rehabilitation method for ankle fractures.

Bisphosphonates and atypical femoral fractures: Is the location of the fracture associated with the time of consolidation?

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed to mitigate the effects of osteoporosis, a condition associated with an increased risk of fracture. However, despite their success, there has been growing concern regarding the long-term use of bisphosphonates because of the increased risk of atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur (AFFs). The objective of this study was to describe a cohort of patients with AFFs and evaluate the risk of evolving to non-union, the time of consolidation associated with the location of the fracture, the time of use of the drug, and the implant involved in its treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study recruited patients between June 2008 and May 2018. We identified patients with AFFs according to the task force criteria and a history of bisphosphonate use. We included all patients older than 65 years, with long-term use of bisphosphonates, AFF criteria according to the task force, and a follow-up of 12 months or longer. We studied the following variables: the time of use of bisphosphonates, localization of the fracture according to Hyodo et al., implant use, and fracture healing time, considering the presence of bone callus observed in two radiologic projections, which were measured in weeks. RESULTS: Between June 2008 and May 2018, 72 patients met the task force criteria for AFFs. A total of 67 patients were included in this study. From this total, 37 were in the proximal region of the femur and 31 corresponded to the diaphyseal region. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed statistical significance in the time of bone healing compared with the different locations of the fracture along the femur. CONCLUSION: According to our study, the localization of AFFs in patients with a history of bisphosphonate use influences the duration of bone healing.

The internal rotation traction radiograph does not improve the reliability in the AO classification system for pertrochanteric fractures. An inter- and intra-observer reliability assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The most universal method for classifying pertrochanteric fractures is the AO/OTA classification. These fractures are classified into different categories according to the features found in the anteroposterior radiograph of the hip. Anteroposterior radiograph of the hip with internal rotation traction can improve the characterization of the fracture. Inter- and intra-observer reliability in any classification is essential to achieve a homogeneous agreement for decision making. Our objective is assessing the overall reliability and by level of experience of the new AO/OTA classification of pertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital registry was used to collect patients with pertrochanteric hip fracture who had anteroposterior radiograph of the hip with and without internal rotation traction. We selected six evaluators stratified by levels of expertise in orthopedic trauma, leaving three groups: advanced, intermediate and beginner. Radiographs were sent through electronic forms and inter- and intra-observer reliability was calculated using the kappa (K) statistic. RESULTS: 115 (one hundred fifteen) patients were included, each with their corresponding anteroposterior radiograph of the hip with and without internal rotation traction. Overall inter- and intra-observer reliability was moderate on both anteroposterior radiographs of the hip with and without internal rotation traction. Regarding the different levels of experience, the advanced level group reached a substantial inter- and intra-observer reliability in both anteroposterior radiographs with and without traction, while the rest of the groups with lower level of experience obtained a lesser reliability. CONCLUSION: Our study found that the internal rotation traction x-ray did not improve the reliability of the new AO/OTA classification for pertrochanteric fractures, as assessed by inter- and intra-observer agreement, in either the overall group or in groups divided by experience level.

Outcomes, risk factors, and conversion rate in acetabular fractures in patients over 65 years of age. Analysis at a mean follow-up of 6 years.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular fractures are devastating injuries that can affect patients of different ages, as well as being associated with high or low energy trauma. Conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) results in increased complication rates, resource use and costs compared to primary THA due to osteoarthritis. The aim of this paper is to describe a retrospective cohort of patients over 65 years of age who presented with an acetabular fracture and were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2002 to December 2017. The study identified all patients over 65 years of age who suffered an acetabular fracture and were treated primarily with ORIF. The quality of reduction, fracture pattern and associated poor prognostic factors for fracture were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 50 cases of acetabular fractures in patients over 65 years of age were included. Six of them required conversion to THA (12%). In 3 of these cases conversion surgery was performed because of pre-existing osteoarthritis, pain, and postoperative progression of osteoarthritis. The main factors involved in the conversion cases were intra-articular fragments, femoral head protrusion and posterior wall comminution. Postoperative intra-articular gap had a p = 0.01 in linear regression analysis for conversion to arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: The conversion rate reported in our cohort of elderly patients is similar to that reported in the literature in patients of all age ranges. The quality of reduction was a significant factor in predicting progression to conversion to THA.

Comparison between functionality and quality of reduction between suprapatellar vs infrapatellar approaches in the treatment of diaphyseal and distal tibial fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary nailing is the most frequent procedure used for the treatment of tibial fractures that do not involve the articular surfaces. The goal of this study is to analyse the clinical outcomes, time of surgery and use of fluoroscopy in patients with midshaft and distal tibial fractures treated with suprapatellar and infrapatellar nailing and compare the results between these different groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, and patients were selected between the period of March 2018 and October 2019. The following variables were studied: age, gender, AO classification, time of surgery (minutes), time of fluoroscopy (seconds), quality of reduction in postoperative controls and 1 year follow-up (using the angles MPTA, LDTA, PPTA, ADTA). Functional outcomes were studied at 1 month and 1 year follow-up. The visual analogue scale was used to study and compare the postoperative pain of the patients. The Lysholm Knee Score was used to evaluate the functional outcomes of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The suprapatellar approach was used in 44 patients and the infrapatellar in 36 patients. The time of surgery (p=0.008) and the mean time of use of fluoroscopy (p <0.001) difference were significant in favour of the suprapatellar approach. In the quality of reduction analysis, we have statistically significant results in the LDTA and ADTA angles. Also, in the evaluation of postoperative pain, significant difference was found in favour of the suprapatellar approach. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study compared the suprapatellar approach and the infrapatellar approach for the treatment of midshaft and distal tibia fractures with intramedullary nailing. The results showed lesser time of surgery and use of fluoroscopy, lower knee pain, and lower rate of malalignment with the suprapatellar approach than with the infrapatellar approach.

Enclavado endomedular suprarrotuliano vs. infrarrotuliano en el tratamiento de fracturas diafisarias y distales de tibia: análisis comparativo y técnica quirúrgica / Suprapatellar vs. infrapatellar intramedullary nailing for the treatment of distal and diaphyseal tibial fractures: Comparative analysis and surgical technique

Introducción: Las fracturas diafisarias y distales de tibia son lesiones frecuentes en personas jóvenes que sufren un trauma de alta energía y en ancianos por un trauma de baja energía. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el tiempo quirúrgico, el uso de radioscopia, la evaluación funcional y el dolor en el tratamiento de fracturas diafisarias y distales de tibia mediante una técnica suprarrotuliana y una infrarrotuliana. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo entre marzo de 2018 y octubre de 2019. La información de los pacientes se obtuvo de la historia clínica electrónica. Se incluyó a pacientes con fracturas diafisarias y distales de tibia. Se estudiaron y compararon los tiempos de radioscopia y de cirugía. El dolor posoperatorio se evaluó mediante la escala analógica visual y la función, con el puntaje de Lysholm. Resultados:Ochenta pacientes cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Sus datos sociodemográficos fueron pareados en dos grupos similares. Treinta y seis pacientes fueron tratados con la técnica infrarrotuliana y 44, con la técnica suprarrotuliana. Se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el tiempo de cirugía, el tiempo de radioscopia y en el puntaje de la escala analógica visual para dolor al año. Conclusiones: Los resultados mostraron un menor tiempo de cirugía y de radioscopia, y mejores resultados en la escala analógica visual para dolor con la técnica suprarrotuliana para el tratamiento de las fracturas mediodiafisarias y distales de tibia. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Introduction: Fractures of the medial and distal tibial segment often occur in young patients with high-energy trauma and older patients with low-energy trauma. The objective of this study is to compare the time of surgery, time of use of fluoroscopy, functional outcomes, and postoperative pain in patients treated with the suprapatellar vs. infrapatellar technique for tibial nailing. materials and methods: We carried out a retrospective study between March 2018 and October 2019. All the data was collected from the electronic clinical record (ECR). We included patients with diaphyseal and distal tibial fractures. The variables analyzed were: fluoroscopy and surgery time, pain evaluation, and functional outcomes of the patients using the Lysholm score. Results: 80 patients met all the inclusion criteria. Sociodemographic data were divided into 2 similar groups. The suprapatellar approach was used in 44 patients and the infrapatellar in 36 of them. A statistical difference was obtained in the analysis for the time of surgery, use of fluoroscopy, and pain evaluation in favor of the suprapatellar technique. Conclusions: The results of our study showed shorter surgery and fluoroscopy times with the use of the suprapatellar technique compared with the infrapatellar technique. The suprapatellar technique also yielded better pain results in the visual analog scale. Level of Evidence: III

Intramedullary nail for the surgical treatment of unstable fractures of the femur in previously amputated patients / [Clavo endomedular para el tratamiento quirúrgico de fracturas inestables de fémur en pacientes previamente amputados]

Introduction: Femoral fractures in previously amputated patients (PAP) have been poorly reported in international literature, however it is worth mentioning that advances in the manufacture of orthotics for lower limbs have allowed these patients to remain functionally active. Surgery is then an option but difficulties may appear in positioning the patient for surgery due to the absence of the foot or ankle from where to pull and optimize the fracture reduction. Objective: We report 3 cases of PAP with ipsilateral unstable femur fractures, treated surgically with cervicodiaphyseal endomedular nail. The surgical technique used in each case is described. Results: Good long-term results were obtained demonstrating the effectiveness of surgical treatment and the reduction technique used. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of unstable fractures of the proximal femur with an endomedullary nail should be considered a valid therapeutic option.

Introducción: Las fracturas de fémur en pacientes previamente amputados (PPA) han sido escasamente reportadas en la literatura internacional, sin embargo, cabe mencionar que los avances en la fabricación de ortesis para miembros inferiores han permitido que estos pacientes, se mantengan funcionalmente activos. La cirugía entonces es una opción, pero representa una dificultad en el posicionamiento del paciente a la hora de planificar su cirugía debido a la ausencia del pie o tobillo del cual traccionar y optimizar la reducción de la fractura. Objetivo: Reportamos a continuación 3 casos de PPA con fracturas inestables ipsilaterales de fémur, tratadas mediante reducción y osteosíntesis con clavo endomedular cervicodiafisario. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica utilizada en cada caso. Resultados: Se obtuvieron buenos resultados a largo plazo demostrando la efectividad del tratamiento quirúrgico y la técnica de reducción utilizada. Conclusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico de fracturas inestables de fémur proximal con clavo endomedular, ha de ser considerado una opción terapéutica válida.

Who Restores Hip Biomechanics More Effectively after a Femoral Neck Fracture? Comparison of Total Hip Arthroplasties Performed by Either Hip Surgeons or Orthopaedic Residents.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the ability to restore hip biomechanics in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures operated by either hip surgeons (HSs) or orthopaedic residents (ORs). METHODS: We retrospectively compared 95 patients treated by HSs (group A) with 110 patients treated by ORs (group B). Leg-length discrepancy, femoral offset (FO), center of rotation (COR), acetabular inclination, and acetabular anteversion were evaluated on postoperative radiographs using the healthy contralateral hip as control. RESULTS: The median leg-length discrepancy was 2 mm for both groups (P = .74). The leg length was increased in 54% of the HS group and 57% of the OR group (P = .13). The median FO difference of groups A and B were 7 mm and 5.5 mm, respectively (P = .14). FO was increased in 80% of the HS group and 69% of the OR group (P = .19). Median discrepancies of the horizontal and vertical CORs were not statistically relevant, with P-values of .69 and .14, respectively. The horizontal COR was slightly medialized in 58% of the HS group and 53% of the OR group (P = .003). The vertical COR was slightly proximal in 66% of the HS group and 76% of the OR group (P = .28). The median acetabular inclination angles of groups A and B were 41° and 40°, respectively (P = .62). The median anteversion angle was 19° for both groups (P = .89). CONCLUSIONS: The horizontal COR was the only measurement with statistical significance. To conclude, ORs under supervision are as reliable as HSs to properly restore hip biomechanics in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures.

Unaddressed arterial injuries in revision total hip arthroplasty: mortality outcomes of a low-prevalence complication.

PURPOSE: Peri-operative major arterial haemorrhage after revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA) is an odd but limb- and life-threatening complication. In this retrospective analysis, we sought to determine the prevalence of such injuries requiring selective catheter embolization or bypass after RTHA and to evaluate the associated mortality rate. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2016, 2524 RTHAs were performed at a high-volume centre (1031 one-stage revisions, 1370 two-stage revisions and 123 resection arthroplasties). Throughout this period, nine patients presented with signs of persistent bleeding unaddressed during index surgery (9/2524; 0.35%), causing haemodynamic instability. All patients underwent angiographic exploration within the first 24 post-operative hours. Angiography evidenced four cases of bleeding pseudoaneurysms (three of them related to the common femoral artery and one to the medial circumflex femoral artery) and five cases of direct lacerations (one case in the inferior epigastric artery, one in the hypogastric artery, one in the external iliac artery, one in the popliteal artery and another in the superior gluteal artery). RESULTS: Six cases underwent selective percutaneous angiographic embolization with gelatin microspheres, obtaining immediate haemodynamic stabilization; whereas three cases required a further bypass surgery with synthetic graft. Of the former group, four patients had an uneventful evolution, while two died at a mean of 49 days after surgery due to multi-organ failure (MOF). Two cases of the bypass group died because of MOF at a mean of 22 days. Overall mortality rate was 44%. CONCLUSIONS: The overall risk of arterial injury associated with RTHA was low. However, recognition of such a complication is imperative since it was associated with a high mortality rate.

Cement leakage into the hip joint during TFN-A cement augmentation in a revision surgery of an extra-capsular hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The intra-articular migration of the spiral lamina or screw, after close reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) with an intramedullary cervicodiaphyseal nail (cut-through), is one of the most frequent postoperative complications. We present a patient with a cut-through and cement leakage into the hip joint after TFN-A cement augmentation and spiral lamina replacement. METHODS: A 83-year-old man, suffered a cut-through after CRIF of his left extracapsular hip fracture during the third postoperative month. A revision surgery was planned, including spiral lamina replacement and cement augmentation. Cement leakage into the hip joint was confirmed in the immediate postoperative radiograph and a new intervention was indicated with the removal of the third bodies. RESULTS: The patient presented good clinical evolution, without functional limitation or pain. In routinely postoperative radiographic controls, no differences were observed respect to the immediate postoperative one. DISCUSSION: Current literature dealing with implant revision surgery and associated cement augmentation are scarce. CONCLUSION: As far as we are concerned, this is the first case in the literature of a re-revision surgery of an extracapsular hip fracture due to a three months postoperative cut-through and a posterior cement leakage into the hip joint after TFN-A cement augmentation and spiral lamina replacement with the need of a posterolateral approach for removal.

Reconstrucción artroscópica del ligamento cruzado anterior bilateral en un tiempo quirúrgico: Reporte de casos y revisión bibliográfica / One-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction. Case report and bibliographic revision

Introducción: La ruptura del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) es una lesión con alta incidencia en la práctica deportiva. Los reportes asociados a la reconstrucción bilateral en un tiempo de lesiones del LCA son escasos. Se reportarán 2 casos de lesión bilateral con reconstrucción en 1 tiempo. Material y métodos: El primer caso corresponde a una jugadora de hockey con una lesión crónica de 4 años de LCA izquierdo y una lesión aguda de LCA derecho. El segundo caso, es un masculino con una lesión crónica de 8 años del LCA derecho y una lesión aguda del LCA izquierdo. En ambos casos se realizó una reconstrucción bilateral en 1 tiempo quirúrgico. Resultados: Ambos pacientes evolucionaron satisfactoriamente sin complicaciones con vuelta al deporte dentro de los 10 meses postoperatorio. Discusión: La comprensión del paciente y su deseo de realizar el procedimiento bilateral en un mismo tiempo es fundamental para la buena evolución del mismo, siendo este factor unos de los mayores limitantes a la hora de realizar ambas reconstrucciones en un mismo tiempo quirúrgico. Conclusión: La plástica bilateral de LCA es una opción válida y segura para la reconstrucción de estas lesiones, teniendo en cuenta una adecuada selección del paciente. Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos. Nivel de evidencia: IV

Introduction: The rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a lesion with a high incidence in sports. Reports associated with bilateral reconstruction in a time of ACL injuries are scarce. Two cases of bilateral injury with reconstruction in 1 time will be reported. Material and methods: The first case corresponds to a hockey player with a 4-year chronic left ACL injury and an acute right ACL injury. The second case is a male with an 8-year chronic lesion of the right ACL and an acute injury of the left ACL. In both cases, a bilateral reconstruction was performed in 1 surgical time. Results: Both patients evolved satisfactorily without complications with return to sport within 10 months postoperatively. Discussion: Understanding the patient need and their desire to perform the bilateral procedure at the same time is essential for the good evolution it, this factor being one of the greatest limitations when performing bilateral reconstructions at the same surgical time. Conclusion: The bilateral ACL reconstruction is a valid and safe option for repairing these lesions, always considering an adequate patient selection. Type of study: Case series. Level of evidence: IV

Periprosthetic stress fracture around a well-fixed type 2B short uncemented stem.

Despite the theoretical advantages of uncemented short stems, postoperative thigh pain is still matter of concern and can be attributed to different causes. We report a peculiar case of a stress fracture around a short cementless stem with cervico-metaphyseal fixation in an otherwise healthy patient. We implanted a MiniHipTM stem in a 43 year-old male professional golf player for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis using a ceramic on ceramic bearing. Against medical advice, the patient started to play soccer at the 4th postoperative month and was completely asymptomatic to that extent; but at 8 months follow-up and without a history of trauma he started complaining about progressive hip pain. After ruling out infection and loosening, histological analysis from a bone biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of stress fracture. Although revision surgery was initially scheduled, pain started to decrease gradually with protected weight-bearing (crutches) and disappeared around the first postoperative year, remaining the patient asymptomatic at 2 and half years of follow-up, with radiographs depicting a healed fracture with a hypertrophic callus. We encourage surgeons to be aware of the existence of periprosthetic stress fractures as a source of thigh pain (sometimes intractable), and despite being infrequent, they should always be contemplated, providing that these cases can be managed conservatively with rest and limited weight-bearing. After this uncommon case, we suggest to align the stem in order to equally distribute loads onto the medial calcar and the lateral femoral cortical.