Analysis of the effects of a delay of surgery in patients with hip fractures: outcome and causes.

This study analyzed characteristics of hip fracture patients who did not undergo surgery within 24 hours after hospitalization, as recommended by the Belgian quality standards. Reasons for delay were analyzed. Delay in surgery for hip fracture was related to the medical condition of the patients. INTRODUCTION: To compare patients with optimal timing to patients with a delay in hip surgery, with respect to outcome (complications (postoperative) and mortality) and reasons for delay. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records compared patients operated on within 24h (Group A) to patients operated on more than 24h after admission (Group B). A follow-up period of 5 years after release or up to the time of data collection was used. Reasons for delay in relation with mortality were analyzed descriptively. Descriptive statistics were used for patient demographics and complications. Relationships causing a delayed surgery and mortality were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Additionally, a survival analysis was provided for overall mortality. RESULTS: Respectively, 536 and 304 patients were included in Group A and B. The most prominent reason for delaying surgery was the patient not being medically fit (20.7%). Surgical delay was associated with more cardiovascular (p = 0.010), more pulmonary (p < 0.001), and less hematologic complications (p=0.037). Thirty-day mortality was higher with increasing age (p < 0.001), with hematologic (p < 0.001) or endocrine-metabolic complications (p = 0.001), and lower when no complications occurred (p = 0.004). Mortality at the end of data collection was higher for patients with delayed surgery (OR = 2.634, p < 0.001), an increased age (p = 0.006), male gender (p < 0.001), institutionalized patients (p = 0.009), pulmonary complication (p = 0.002), and having no endocrine-metabolic complications (p = 0.003). Survival analysis showed better survival for patients operated on within 24h (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed surgery for patients with hip fractures was associated with bad additional medical conditions. Survival was higher for patients operated on within 24h of admission.

Evaluation of current treatment techniques for distal radius fractures amongst Belgian orthopaedic surgeons.

This online questionnaire was initiated to investigate if a consensus on the treatment of distal radius fractures amongst orthopaedic surgeons in Belgium exist. Two cases were presented: an extra-articular fracture, with dorsal displacement (Frykman type I) and a displaced intra-articular fracture (Frykman type VII). Treatment of choice and rationale of choice were investigated. 158 responses were collected. In case of a Frykman type I, the majority of surgeons would have performed a closed reduction and intrafocal K-wiring (37.3%) or volar plating (34.8%). In case of a Frykman type VII, volar plating was the primary treatment of choice (66.5%), closed reduction and K-wiring was chosen in 24.7% and external fixation in 4.4%. We cannot conclude on a consensus in treatment choice amongst Belgian orthopaedic surgeons. Compared to previous research, an increase in the use of volar plating in intra- as well as in extra-articular distal radius fractures was noticed.

Cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty.

The "optimal" positioning of the cup in total hip arthroplasty can improve hip function and reduce wear, impingement and dislocation. The cup position is described as the spatial relation between the hip rotation centre and the pelvis and, as the cup orientation around the rotation centre. The first parameter affects hip balance and, if not managed properly, might result in poor function and leg length discrepancy. The second parameter is often "silent", unless impingement or dislocation occurs. However, inappropriate cup orientation can accelerate wear and cause early failure. As such, it is mandatory to get both right, taking into account multiple parameters: the stem position, the approach, the bearing surface, the cup coverage and the pelvic orientation during loading. In most cases a "standard" cup position is adequate. However, specific anatomic features might require an individualized approach. This paper aims at reviewing the parameters that impact on the optimal cup position. This should allow for more judicious choices in those particular cases.

Radiological measurement of trapezial dysplasia - variation of trapezial tilt and trapezial inclination.

Trapeziometacarpal instability is a well-known condition that could lead to trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. With the focus in the literature being on ligament insufficiency, bony deformity has received much less attention. Although trapezial tilt is currently used to measure trapezial dysplasia, we believe trapezial inclination is a more reliable measurement. The purpose of this study is to compare these two methods for evaluating trapezial dysplasia and to define the most reproducible measurement. Fifty patients were identified who had three consecutive radiographs of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Eaton views with little to no signs of osteoarthritis (Eaton stage I or II) were used. Both trapezial tilt and trapezial inclination were measured by two independent observers on three radiographs for every patient. Intra-observer variation, absolute agreement and consistency, and intra-observer variation and consistency were assessed for both measurements. Mean trapezial tilt was 135° and mean trapezial inclination was 10°. For both observers, intra-observer variation of trapezial inclination was significantly less than for trapezial tilt. Our study shows that mean trapezial inclination in a middle-aged adult population is approximately 10°. This measurement is more reproducible than the more frequently used trapezial tilt and may be a better parameter to define trapezial dysplasia and to guide its treatment.

Mechanical implications of interfacial defects between femoral hip implants and cement: a finite element analysis of interfacial gaps and interfacial porosity.

Two types of defect between femoral hip implants and cement have been identified. Interfacial porosity arises from cement shrinkage during curing and presents as pores randomly located along the stem. Interfacial gaps are much larger stem-cement separations caused by air introduced during stem insertion. To investigate the mechanical consequences of both types of defect, a finite element analysis model was created on the basis of a computed tomography image of a Charnley-Kerboul stem, and alternating torsional and transverse loads were applied. The propagation of fatigue cracks within the cement and the rotational stability of the stem were assessed in models simulating increasing amounts of interfacial gaps and pores. Anterior gaps covering at least 30 per cent of the implant surface promoted cement cracks and destabilized the stem. Anterolateral gaps were less destabilizing, but had more potential to promote cracks. In both cases, cracks occurred mainly outside gap regions, in areas where the stem contacted the cement during cyclic loading. Although random interfacial pores did not destabilize the implant, they acted as crack initiators even at low fractions (10 per cent). In conclusion, random interfacial pores were more harmful for the cement mantle integrity than were larger regions of interfacial gaps, although gaps were more detrimental for the rotational stability of the stem.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the distance between the flexor pollicis longus tendon and volar prominence of the plate as a function of volar plate positioning and pronator quadratus repair - A cadaver study.

Flexor tendon injury after volar plating of distal radius fractures is due to friction against the plate. To assess this risk, the distance between the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and the volar prominence of the plate was measured with ultrasonography under various conditions: a standard plate fixed proximal or distal to the watershed line and a low-profile volar rim plate, with and without transection of the pronator quadratus (PQ). Distance from the FPL to the volar prominence of the plate decreased significantly when the PQ was cut and when a standard plate was placed distal to the watershed line, with the tendon often bulging over the plate. No statistical difference was measured between a volar rim plate and a standard plate distal to the watershed line. Our results confirm the importance of positioning the volar plate proximal to the watershed line and of repairing the PQ.

The design features of cemented femoral hip implants.

We undertook a review of the literature relating to the two basic stem designs in use in cemented hip replacement, namely loaded tapers or force-closed femoral stems, and the composite beam or shape-closed designs. The associated stem fixation theory as understood from in vitro studies and finite element modelling were examined with reference to the survivorship results for each of the concepts of fixation. It is clear that both design principles are capable of producing successful long-term results, providing that their specific requirements of stem metallurgy, shape and surface finish, preparation of the bone and handling of the cement are observed.

CT analysis of defects of the cement mantle and alignment of the stem: in vitro comparison of Charnley-Kerboul femoral hip implants inserted line-to-line and undersized in paired femora.

Using a modern cementing technique, we implanted 22 stereolithographic polymeric replicas of the Charnley-Kerboul stem in 11 pairs of human cadaver femora. On one side, the replicas were cemented line-to-line with the largest broach. On the other, one-size undersized replicas were used (radial difference, 0.89 mm sd 0.13).CT analysis showed that the line-to-line stems without distal centralisers were at least as well aligned and centered as undersized stems with a centraliser, but were surrounded by less cement and presented more areas of thin (< 2 mm) or deficient (< 1 mm) cement. These areas were located predominantly at the corners and in the middle and distal thirds of the stem. Nevertheless, in line-to-line stems, penetration of cement into cancellous bone resulted in a mean thickness of cement of 3.1 mm (sd 0.6) and only 6.2% of deficient and 26.4% of thin cement. In over 90% of these areas, the cement was directly supported by cortical bone or cortical bone with less than 1 mm of cancellous bone interposed. When Charnley-Kerboul stems are cemented line-to-line, good clinical results are observed because cement-deficient areas are limited and are frequently supported by cortical bone.

Medium-term results of percutaneous, arthroscopically-assisted osteosynthesis of fractures of the tibial plateau.

We carried out percutaneous, arthroscopically- and fluoroscopically-assisted osteosynthesis of fractures of the tibial plateau in 52 patients, of whom 38 were assessed using the HSS knee score and standing radiographs. We reviewed 31 AO type-B fractures and seven type-C fractures after a mean follow-up of five years (1 to 14). Fixation was achieved using percutaneous screws and/or an external frame; 33 associated intra-articular injuries, diagnosed in 21 out of the 38 patients, were treated arthroscopically. Subjectively, 94.7% of the patients reviewed were satisfied. According to the HSS knee score 78.9% of the results were excellent, 13.2% good, 7.9% fair and none was poor. Narrowing of the joint space was found in 28.9% of the injured and 5.3% of the unaffected knees and axial deviation of 5 degrees to 10 degrees in 15.8% of the injured and 10.5% of the unaffected knees. Of the 52 fractures, reduction was incomplete in one, and in two secondary displacement occurred, of which one required corrective osteotomy. Deep-venous thrombosis occurred in four cases. The technique has proved to be safe but demanding. It facilitates diagnosis and appropriate treatment of associated intra-articular lesions.

Screening for concomitant diseases in peripheral vascular patients. Results of a systematic approach.

BACKGROUND: Patients considered for arterial surgery, have been shown to have a high incidence of coexistent cardiac, vascular and other diseases, affecting operative risk and survival. We developed a systematic workup strategy for detecting these coexistent diseases in our vascular surgical patients, mainly based on non-invasive diagnostic techniques. METHODS: We evaluated 200 consecutive patients, admitted to the department of vascular surgery in an academic teaching hospital, in order to establish the total incidence of relevant concomitant disorders, the extent to which this screening yielded previously unknown diagnostic information, and the impact on short-term (one year) survival. RESULTS: Coronary artery disease was present in 46% of the patients; 22% had active ischaemia, newly diagnosed in 5.5%. Impaired cardiac function was found in 37%: severely impaired in 12%, newly diagnosed in 27%. Carotid artery disease was present in 32%: critical stenoses were found in 9%; new diagnoses in 29.9%. Aortic aneurysms were present in 7%, newly diagnosed in 5%. Severe renal artery stenosis was present in 5%, newly diagnosed in 3.5%. Sixteen % of the patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, newly diagnosed in 3.5%, and 4.5% had unexpected disorders, which were all new diagnoses. Overall, new diagnoses were reached in 64.5% of the population, affecting therapeutic strategy immediately in 21% of the patients. The presence of coronary artery disease and of cardiac failure were clearly related to one year survival. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a systematic screening strategy, mainly based on noninvasive techniques, can detect the presence of concomitant diseases in the vascular surgical patient. Most important seem the newly diagnosed diseases altering surgical management in one out of every five patients; they also have important implications for patient prognosis.

Bilateral stress fractures of the femoral neck complicated by unilateral displacement in a child.

Stress fractures of the femoral neck with an open capital femoral epiphysis in children are very rare. Up to the time of this writing, 12 cases have been described in children between the ages of 5 and 16 years (2, 4, 10-12, 14). The differential diagnosis from other hip diseases causing pain, a limp, and limited movement can be difficult when standard radiographs are normal. In this situation, tomography, isotope bone scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have proved to be very useful in both adults and children (2, 3, 5-8, 10-12). Complications such as nonunion or severe displacement are uncommon in children and have occurred only after they have resumed or continued the causal activity (12). As far as we are aware, bilateral development of a fatigue fracture of the femoral neck in a child has never been reported. We describe the case of an 8-year-old girl who sustained first a right then later a left femoral neck stress fracture. Displacement of the left fracture occurred after a minor but significant injury and required surgical treatment.

"Tripolar" hip arthroplasty for failed hip resurfacing: nineteen years follow-up.

The authors describe the case of a 37-year-old patient who sustained a subcapital femoral neck fracture six months after ICLH double-cup hip resurfacing. As the polyethylene acetabular resurfacing component was undamaged and well fixed, a standard femoral stem with a bipolar head was inserted. The outer diameter of the bipolar head was chosen to fit the resurfacing socket. The "tripolar" hip arthroplasty has functioned well for 19 years and was revised for aseptic cup loosening. The cemented femoral stem was still well fixed and was not revised. Although the "tripolar" hip has functioned well in our case, we believe it is not indicated for metal on metal bearings. In this case the use of an appropriate modular head with a correct head-socket clearance is preferred.

Isolated volar dislocation of the distal ulna at the distal radioulnar joint. A case report.

A case of a woman who sustained an acute, isolated volar dislocation of the distal ulna is presented. The importance of proper physical examination and accurate radiographic positioning for this uncommon and easily missed injury is stressed.

Hip fracture treatment: outcome and socio-economic aspects. A one-year survey in a Belgian University Hospital.

Between October 1, 1997 and September 30, 1998, 201 consecutive hip fractures in patients over the age of 50 were registered according to the SAHFE (Standardised Audit of Hip Fractures in Europe) protocol. The mean age was 81.3 years; 75% were females, more than 40% were admitted from an institution and fewer than 10% were completely fit. Almost 60% of the fractures occurred in the trochanteric region while less than 40% were intracapsular. All fractures but one were operated on, according to a standardised protocol. More than half the patients were treated with a dynamic hip screw, more than 30% with a cemented biarticulated hemiarthroplasty and fewer than 15% with cannulated screws. The mean admission time in the orthopedic department was 18.7 days and was poorly correlated with the type of surgery or with the place to which the patients were discharged. After hospitalisation, most patients admitted from an institution went back to that institution. More than one-third of the patients admitted from their home went back home but over 40% used rehabilitation facilities. After four months, 32 patients had died, 27 were lost to follow-up and six had been reoperated. Of the independent patients, at least 24% were institutionalised and more than 60% lived at home. Although hip fractures in the elderly are expensive and debilitating, adequate operative treatment and rehabilitation can reduce costs by limiting the hospital stay, lowering reoperation rates and by favouring reintegration into their prefracture surroundings.

The CINCA syndrome: a rare cause of chronic arthritis and multisystem inflammatory disorders.

Chronic infantile neurological cutaneous articular (CINCA) syndrome is a rare disorder with neonatal onset characterised by a chronic progressive inflammatory process with skin rash, articular and central nervous system involvement. This primary systemic inflammatory disorder should be distinguished from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Although the articular findings are characteristic features of CINCA syndrome, there is a certain degree of variability in the articular involvements which are not always symmetrical nor is the degree of severity uniform. The etiology of CINCA syndrome remains unknown. No single treatment has been found to be effective. This syndrome is known in the American medical literature as infantile onset multisystem inflammatory disease (IOMID).

The femoral supracondylar nail: preliminary experience.

The treatment of supracondylar fractures of the femur with an intramedullary nail presents some theoretical advantages. Compared to plate osteosynthesis, intramedullary fixation requires less extensive dissection and is biomechanically more favorable. In the elderly patient, these characteristics seem important since bone quality, extensive procedures and bone grafting remain problematic. Since August 1994 we have treated 16 consecutive closed fractures of the distal femur (A.O. type: 7 A.1, 2 A.3, 4 C.1, and 3 C.2) with the Green-Seligson-Henry intramedullary retrograde supracondylar nail. Twelve elderly and osteoporotic patients had suffered low-energy trauma, three young patients had been involved in a traffic accident and one other young patient had attempted suicide. The operative technique, complications and results are described. All fractures healed within a few months (2 to 7) without bone grafting. No failure of the fixation material and no deep infection were encountered. With most elderly patients the functional result was judged satisfactory, considering the population studied. Intraoperative determination of alignment and avoiding shortening were the major difficulties, especially with long oblique or comminuted fractures. Two major complications were encountered in the young population. In one instance nail protrusion in the intercondylar notch caused a deep patellar cartilage erosion and sympathetic distrophy leading to a 15 degrees flexion deformity. Another young patient needed a quadriceps release at the fracture site and subsequently a femoral valgus osteotomy in order to achieve an acceptable final result. In elderly osteoporotic patients presenting an isolated supracondylar fracture, antegrade nailing remains the "safest" technique by avoiding an unnecessary arthrotomy. When previous hip or knee surgery precludes the use of antegrade nailing techniques or when the fracture extends into the intercondylar region, retrograde supracondylar nailing offers some advantages compared to conservative treatment or plate osteosynthesis. On the other hand in young patients, anatomic reduction and alignment should be the goal, and open reduction with plate osteosynthesis, supplemented by bone grafting if needed, should remain the gold standard. When this seems technically impossible, the antegrade or retrograde insertion of an intramedullary nail with intraoperative assessment of length and fracture alignment is an interesting alternative.

Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath in the knee.

The clinical, imaging and pathologic findings in a 28-year-old patient with a giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath in the knee are reported.

Glenoid dysplasia: radiographic and CT arthrographic findings.

A 60-year-old man with dysplasia of the glenoid and a rotator cuff tear is reported on. Because of the tear, CT arthrography was performed, offering an opportunity to evaluate the various soft tissue abnormalities accompanying glenoid dysplasia. Marked thickening of the glenoid cartilage and labrum was apparent, as well as an abnormal posterolateral orientation of the glenoid cavity. A deep notch was observed along the central portion of the glenoid cartilage. Furthermore the middle glenohumeral ligament appeared thickened and cordlike.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of the Ivory arthroplasty for trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up: a prospective single-centre cohort study.

We present the results of a 5 year prospective follow-up study on the functional outcome after total replacement of the trapeziometacarpal joint with the Ivory prosthesis (Memometal, Stryker Corporate, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA) in 22 patients. The female to male ratio was 21:1 and the mean age was 66 (range 54-78) years. The mean follow-up period was 67 (range 60-77) months after operation. Patient satisfaction was high. The mobility of the operated thumb was restored to a range of motion comparable to the contralateral thumb. Key pinch and grip strength improved by 13% and 31%, respectively. Overall function, according to Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, improved by 59%. Pain decreased by 85% according to the numerical rating scale. Radiological evaluation revealed no loosening of the implant after 5 years except in one patient who required revision due to polythene wear with secondary joint instability. Another patient had asymptomatic polythene wear that required no revision but remains in follow-up. The 5 year overall survival of the prosthesis was 95%. These medium-term results suggest that the Ivory arthroplasty is a reliable option for treating advanced trapeziometacarpal arthritis, because it appears to give a very good functional outcome and has the potential for long-term survival rates.

Quantification of stem-cement interfacial gaps: in vitro CT analysis of Charnley-Kerboul and Lubinus SPII femoral hip implants.

Interfacial defects between the cement mantle and a hip implant may arise from constrained shrinkage of the cement or from air introduced during insertion of the stem. Shrinkage-induced interfacial porosity consists of small pores randomly located around the stem, whereas introduced interfacial gaps are large, individual and less uniformly distributed areas of stem-cement separation. Using a validated CT-based technique, we investigated the extent, morphology and distribution of interfacial gaps for two types of stem, the Charnley-Kerboul and the Lubinus SPII, and for two techniques of implantation, line-to-line and undersized. The interfacial gaps were variable and involved a mean of 6.43% (sd 8.99) of the surface of the stem. Neither the type of implant nor the technique of implantation had a significant effect on the regions of the gaps, which occurred more often over the flat areas of the implant than along the corners of the stems, and were more common proximally than distally for Charnley-Kerboul stems cemented line-to-line. Interfacial defects could have a major effect on the stability and survival of the implant.