Femoral head collapse due to avascular necrosis (AVN) is a relatively rare occurrence following intertrochanteric fractures; however, with over thirty-thousand intertrochanteric fractures per year in England and Wales alone, and an incidence of up to 1.16%, it is still significant. Often patients are treated with a hip fixation device, such as a sliding hip screw or X-Bolt. This study aimed to investigate the influence of three factors on the likelihood of head collapse: (1) implant type; (2) the size of the femoral head; and (3) the size of the AVN lesion. Finite element (FE) models of an intact femur, and femurs implanted with two common hip fixation designs, the Compression Hip Screw (Smith & Nephew) and the X-Bolt (X-Bolt Orthopaedics), were developed. Experimental validation of the FE models on 4. th. generation Sawbones composite femurs (n=5) found the peak failure loads predicted by the implanted model was accurate to within 14%. Following validation on Sawbones, the material modulus (E) was updated to represent cancellous (E=500MPa) and cortical (E=1GPa) bone, and the influence of implant design, head size, and AVN was examined. Four head sizes were compared: mean male (48.4 mm) and female (42.2 mm) head sizes ± two standard deviations. A conical representation of an AVN lesion with a lower modulus (1MPa) was created, and four different radii were studied. The risk of head collapse was assessed from (1) the critical buckling pressure and (2) the peak failure stress. The likelihood of head collapse was reduced by implantation of either fixation device. Smaller head sizes and greater AVN lesion size increased the risk of femoral head collapse. These results indicate the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with a hip fixation device does not increase the risk of head collapse; however, patient factors such as small head size and AVN severity significantly increase the risk

Introduction

The use of the dynamic hip screw is common practice for the fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. The success of this procedure requires accurate guide wire placement. This can prove difficult at times and can result in repeated attempts leading to longer operating time, multiple tracks and more importantly greater radiation exposure to both patient and operating staff. We hypothesised that rather than using the standard anterior-posterior projected image (Figure 1) of a proximal femur, rotating the intensifier image (Figure 2) so that the guide wire appears to pass vertically makes it easier to visualise the projected direction of the guide wire.

Majority of osteoporosis related fractures are treated surgically using metallic fixation devices. Anchorage of fixation devices is sometimes challenging due to poor osteoporotic bone quality that can lead to failure of the fracture fixation. Using a rat osteoporosis model, we employed neutron tomography and histology to study the biological effects of implant augmentation using an isothermally setting calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) biomaterial with synthetic HA particles as recruiting moiety for systemically administered bisphosphonates. Using an osteoporotic sawbones model, we then provide a standardized method for the delivery of the CaS/HA biomaterial at the bone-implant interface for improved mechanical anchorage of a lag-screw commonly used for hip fracture fixation. As a proof-of-concept, the method was then verified in donated femoral heads and in patients with osteoporosis undergoing hip fracture fixation. We show that placing HA particles around a stainless-steel screw in-vivo, systemically administered bisphosphonates could be targeted towards the implant, yielding significantly higher peri-implant bone formation compared to un-augmented controls. In the sawbones model, CaS/HA based lag-screw augmentation led to significant increase (up to 4 times) in peak extraction force with CaS/HA performing at par with PMMA. Micro-CT imaging of the CaS/HA augmented lag-screws in cadaver femoral heads verified that the entire length of the lag-screw threads and the surrounding bone was covered with the CaS/HA material. X-ray images from fracture fixation surgery indicated that the CaS/HA material could be applied at the lag-screw-bone interface without exerting any additional pressure or risk of venous vascular leakage.: We present a new method for augmentation of lag-screws in fragile bone. It is envisaged that this methodcould potentially reduce the risk of fracture fixation failure especially when HA seeking “bone active” drugs are used systemically

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients present an increased medical risk; however, few studies analyze the outcomes of these patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. This study aimes to determine the incidence of hip fracture in SOT patients and to compare the outcomes of SOT patients with matched non-SOT controls after hip fracture fixation. A retrospective review identified 20 SOT patients with hip fracture at a single center from 2016 to 2021 and were matched (1:1) with a cohort of 20 patients with hip fracture without SOT. Patient outcomes, mortality/survival and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups. The incidence of hip fracture in SOT patients was 20/1787, 1.1%. There were significant differences in mortality rate (73.3% SOT group vs. 26.7% non-SOT group; p<0.05). There were no differences in survival time (p=0.746). There were no differences in time to surgery (5.0 days SOT group vs. 3.1 days non-SOT group; p=0.109), however, there were significant differences in the hospital length of stay (14 days SOT group vs. 8.6 days non-SOT group; p=0.018). There were no differences regarding the complication rate between the two groups (9/20, 45% vs. 6/20, 30% in the SOT and non-SOT groups, respectively). SOT patients with associated hip fracture required longer hospital length of stay than non-SOT patients. SOT patients did not show greater clinical complications; however, they presented higher mortality rate compared to non-SOT patients

Introduction and Objective. The patients with a total hip arthroplasty is growing in world manly in Europe and USA, and this solution present a high success at 10years in several orthopaedic registers. The application of total press-fit hip fixation presents the most used solution, but presents some failures associated to the acetabular component fixation, associated to the load transfer and bone loss at long term. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of different acetabular bone loss in the strain distribution in iliac bone. To evaluate implant fixation, an experimental study was performed using acetabular press-fit component simulating different acetabular bone loss and measuring the strain distribution. Materials and Methods. The experimental samples developed was based in an iliac bone model of Sawbones supplier and a acetabular component Titanium (Stryker) in a condition press-fit fixation and was implanted according surgical procedure with 45º inclination angle and 20º in the anteversion angle. Were developed five models with same initial bone, one with intact condition simulating the cartilage between bones and four with different bone loss around the acetabular component. These four models representing the evolution of bone support of acetabular components presented in the literature. The evolution of bone loss was imposed with a CAD CAM process in same iliac bone model. The models were instrumented with 5 rosettes in critical region at the cortical bone to measure the strain evolution along the process. Results. The results of strain gauges present the influence of acetabular component implantation, reducing the bone strains and presented the effect of the strain shielding. The acetabular component works as a shield in the load transfer. The critical region is the posterior region with highest principal strains and the strain effect was observed with different bone loss around acetabular component. The maximum value of principal strain was observed in the intact condition in the anterior region, with 950μ∊. In the posterior superior region, the effect of bone loss is more important presenting a reduction of 500% in the strains. The effect of bone loss is presented in the strains induced with acetabular implantation, in the first step of implantation the maximum strain was 950μ∊ and in the last model the value was 50μ∊, indicating lower press-fit fixation. Conclusions. The models developed allows study the effect of bone loss and acetabular implant fixation in the load transfer at the hip articulation. The results presented a critical region as the anterior-superior and the effect of strain shielding was observed in comparison with intact articulation. The results of press-fit fixation present a reduction of implant stability along bone loss. The process of bone fixation developed present some limitation associated to the bone adhesion in the interface, not considered. Acknowledgement. This work was supported by POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032486,– FCT, by the FEDER, with COMPETE2020 - (POCI), FCT/M

Increasing incidence of osteoporosis, obesity and an aging population have led to an increase in low energy hip fractures in the elderly. Perceived lower blood loss and lower surgical time, media coverage of minimal invasive surgery and patient expectations unsurprisingly have led to a trend towards intramedullary devices for fixation of extracapsular hip fractures. This is contrary to the Cochrane review of random controlled trials of intramedullary vs extramedullary implants which continues recommends the use of a sliding hip screw (SHS) over other devices. Furthermore, despite published literature of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of SHS citing benefits such as reduced soft tissue trauma, smaller scar, faster recovery, reduced blood loss, reduced analgesia needs; the uptake of these approaches has been poor. We describe a novel technique one which remains minimally invasive, that not only has a simple learning curve but easily reproducible results. All patients who underwent MIS SHS fixation of extracapsular fractures were included in this study. Technique is shown in Figure 1. We collated data on all intertrochanteric hip fractures that were treated by a single surgeon series during period Jan 2014 to July 2015. Data was collected from electronic patient records and radiographs from Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Surgical time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, surgical incision length, post-operative transfusion, Tip Apex Distance (TAD) were analyzed. There were 10 patients in this study. All fractures were Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) type A1 or A2. Median surgical time was 36 minutes (25–54). Mean fluoroscopy time was similar to standard incision sliding hip screw fixation. Blood loss estimation with MIS SHS can be undertaken safely and expeditiously for extracapsular hip fractures

Intracapsular neck of femur fractures may be treated with fixation or arthroplasty, depending on fracture characteristics and patient factors. Two common methods of fixation are the sliding hip screw, with or without a de-rotation screw, and cannulated screws. Each has its merits, and to date there is controversy around which method is superior, with either method thought to risk avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) rates in the region of 10–20%. Fixation with cannulated screws may be performed in various ways, with current paucity of evidence to show an optimum technique. There are a multitude of factors which are likely to affect patient outcomes: technique, screw configuration, fracture characteristics and patient factors. We present a retrospective case series analysis of 65 patients who underwent cannulated screw fixation of a hip fracture. Electronic operative records were searched from July 2014 until July 2019 for all patients with a neck of femur fracture fixed with cannulated screws: 68 were found. Three patients were excluded on the basis of them having a pathological fracture secondary to malignancy, cases were followed up for 2 years post-operatively. Electronic patient records and X-rays were reviewed for all included patients. All X-rays were examined by each team member twice, with a time interval of two weeks to improve inter-observer reliability. 65 patients were included with 2:1 female to male ratio and average age of 72 years. 36 patients sustained displaced fractures and 29 undisplaced. Ten patients sustained a high-energy injury, none of which developed AVN. Average time to surgery was 40 hours and 57 patients mobilised on day one post-operatively. All cases used either 7 or 7.3mm partially threaded screws in the following configurations: 2 in triangle apex superior, 39 triangle apex inferior, 22 rhomboid and 2 other, with 9 cases using washers. All reductions were performed closed. Five (8%) of our patients were lost to follow-up as they moved out of area, 48 (74%) had no surgical complications, seven (11%) had mild complications, three (5%) moderate and two (3%) developed AVN. Both of these sustained displaced fractures with low mechanism of injury, were female, ASA 2 and both ex-smokers. One received three screws in apex inferior configuration and one rhomboid, neither fixed with washers. Our AVN rate following intracapsular hip fracture fixation with cannulated screws is much lower than widely accepted. This study is under-powered to comment on factors which may contribute to the development of AVN. However, we can confidently say that our practice has led to low rates of AVN. This may be due to our method of fixation; we use three screws in an apex inferior triangle or four screws in a rhomboid, our consultant-led operations, closed reduction of all fractures, or our operative technique. We pass a short thread cannulated screw across the least comminuted aspect of the fracture first in order to achieve compression, followed by two or three more screws (depending on individual anatomy) to form a stable construct. Our series shows that fixation of intracapsular hip fractures with cannulated screws as we have outlined remains an excellent option. Patients retain their native hip, have a low rate of AVN, and avoid the risks of open reduction

Background Hip fractures are one of the leading causes of hospital admissions. Surgical treatment is often associated with significant blood loss, requiring post-operative erythrocyte transfusion. Aim To assess post-operative erythrocyte transfusion rates for hip fractures and evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA). Method. All patients undergoing surgical repair of a hip fracture at RLBUHT between 1st April 2013 – 30th April 2014 were selected. Data regarding transfusion status and peri-operative TXA use was collected from electronic databases and case notes. Results. 450 patients were admitted with a hip fracture, of whom 441 underwent surgery. Modalities of hip fixation included total hip replacement (THR, n=39), hemiarthroplasty (n=145), dynamic hip screw (DHS, n=116), cannulated hip screw (CHS, n=17) and long (n=71) and short (n=53) intramedullary hip screw (IMHS). 44.2% received a post-operative erythrocyte transfusion, with an average of 2.5 units per patient (range 1–9 units). With all study subjects included, the average transfusion rates for THR, hemiarthroplasty, DHS, CHS, long IMHS and short IMHS were 0.44 units, 0.78 units, 0.97 units, 0.47 units, 1.55 units and 1.19 units respectively. Data regarding intra-operative TXA administration was available for 318 (72.1%) patients, sixty-one of whom received TXA. 27.9% given TXA required a post-operative transfusion (range 0–6 units), compared to 35.4% of patient with no intra-operative TXA (range 0–11 units), p=0.142. Conclusion. 44.2% of patients required an erythrocyte transfusion, with an average of 2.5 units per patient of those transfused. This is higher than rates quoted by other studies including Shokoohi et al who had a transfusion rate of 32.6%. Adherence to local transfusion protocols must be reviewed. There is a tendency for TXA to reduce post-operative transfusion requirements, however in this study, this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.142). A larger, randomised controlled trial is required to assess the role TXA in hip fracture surgery

Introduction. The incidence of distal femoral fractures in the geriatric population is growing and represents the second most common insufficiency fracture of the femur following fractures around the hip joint. Fixation of fractures in patients with poor bone stock and early mobilisation in feeble and polymorbide patients is challenging. Development of a fixation approach for augmentation of conventional LISS (less invasive stabilization system) plating may result in superior long-term clinical outcomes and enhance safe weight bearing. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical competence of two different techniques of augmented LISS plating for treatment of osteoporotic fractures of the distal femur in comparison to conventional LISS plating. Materials & methods. Unstable distal femoral fracture AO/OTA 33-A3 was set in artificial femora with low density simulating osteoporotic bone. Three study groups, consisting of 10 specimens each, were created for instrumentation with a 9-hole LISS plate, a LISS plate with an additional 3D-printed polyactide cylindrical intramedullary graft, as well as a LISS plate plus a medial 3.5mm LCP (locking compression plate) - double plating. All specimens were non-destructively tested under axial (20–150N) and torsional (0–4Nm) quasi-static loading. Each construct was tested with two different working length (WL) configurations (long and short) of the LISS plate. Relative movements between the most medial superior and inferior osteotomy aspects were investigated via three-dimensional motion tracking analysis. Results. Interfragmentary displacement along the femur axis (mm) under 150N axial loading was 2.03±0.23/1.65±0.27 for LISS with long/short WL, 0.18±0.06/0.18±0.04 for double plating with long/short WL, and 0.40±0.05/0.30±0.05 for LISS plus graft with long/short WL. Shear interfragmentary displacement (mm) under 4Nm torsional loading in internal rotation was 1.16±0.17/0.92±0.11 for LISS with long/short WL, 0.40±0.10/0.43±0.07 for double plating with long/short WL, and 1.09±0.13/0.82±0.11 for LISS plus graft with long/short WL. Double plating revealed significantly smaller longitudinal and shear displacement compared to the other two techniques for long and short WL, respectively (P≤0.010). In addition, LISS plus graft fixation was with significantly less longitudinal displacement in comparison to conventional LISS plating for long and short WL, respectively (P≤0.001). Long WL resulted in significantly higher longitudinal and shear displacement compared to short WL for LISS and LISS plus graft (P≤0.032), but not for double plating (P=1.000). Conclusion. Intramedullary grafting resulted in significantly increased fracture stability under axial loading in comparison to conventional LISS plating. However, it was not efficient enough to achieve comparable stability to double plating

Digital radiographs are routinely used for preoperative planning, both in trauma and elective patients; particularly in preoperative templating for total hip replacement. Traditional wisdom holds that radiographs are oversized, though the degree to which this occurs is unclear. Although digital templating systems offer the use of calibration markers, this option is not always availed. We aimed to ascertain the typical magnification in departmental xrays of the hip, both to determine the typical degree of magnification as well as ascertain its consistency. All patients undergoing dynamic hip screw fixation (DHS) in our unit over the past 12 months were identified. Using the PACS system, subsequent xrays of the patient with the implant in situ were identified; both anteroposterior abdominal and pelvic films were used. The width of a standard DHS screw (12.5 mm) was compared with the width measured on the xrays to determine a magnification factor. 164 patients were identified, of these 39 had undergone DHS fixation with subsequent xrays. 3 films were focused on the abdomen but provided good coverage of the hip also. 2 xrays were excluded – both due to limited quality. The average magnification was 26.4% (range 15.5%–42%). There was limited consistency between images. Radiographs are a core investigation in the assessment of the orthopaedic patient. The advent of picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) has allowed the enterprising surgeon to pre-emptively plan their surgical technique and implant use. However, the utility of non-calibrated images in planning implant size is limited by variation in magnification. Surgeons should be cautious in using such images to guide their implant usage

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine if Sugioka's transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO) of the femoral head could be a valid option in treating idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Methods. Thirty-two TROs performed in 29 patients between 1985 and 2006 were studied. Patient age at operation ranged from 16 to 56 years (average, 36 years). Thirteen hips were in women and 19 hips in men. Height was 165 cm and weight 63 kg (Body Mass Index 23) on average. Risk factors were corticosteroid use in 18 hips and excessive alcohol consumption in 15 hips (2 of them had both backgrounds), while neither of them was found with 1 hip. Bilateral hips were affected in 19 patients and 3 of them underwent bilateral TROs sequentially. The femoral head was rotated anteriorly in 26 hips and posteriorly in 6 hips. For fixation of the osteotomy site, large femoral screws had been used till 1995 (Group 1, 9 hips), and since 1996 an AO angle plate or a compression hip screw has been used (Group 2, 13 hips). Since 2003, pre-operative planning was performed more meticulously and the distal part of the joint capsule was cut after osteotomy as described by Atsumi (Group 3, 10 hips). The average follow-up period was 6.5 years (range, 2 to 21 years). Results. The average Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score was 55 points pre-operatively, 63 points at 1 year, and 61 points at the latest follow-up. With pain increase, re-collapse of the rotated femoral head, fracture of the proximal fragment, nonunion, trochanteric detachment, joint space narrowing, osteoarthritic changes, or infection as the endpoint, the survival rate was 58% at 1 year, 53% at 4 - 9 years. The endpoint developed in 14 hips (re-collapse of the rotated femoral head in 9, fracture of the proximal fragment in 3, joint space narrowing in 1, and infection in 1). The changes in the surgical techniques were suggested to have improved the 3-year survivorship: 25% in Group 1, 54% in Group 2, and 74% in Group 3. The 4- to 9-year survival of this procedure was 53%. The majority of the endpoints developed within the first year, which may suggest that most of them were surgery-related. Conclusion. This procedure requires precise and meticulous precautions in pre-operative planning, preservation of the posterior column vessels during surgery, capsulotomy, and after-treatment. With those precautions, this procedure could be a valid joint-reserving option in treating idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. TRO is a highly difficult procedure and should be performed only by surgeons who have full training

INTRODUCTION. Warfarin remains the treatment of choice for the majority of patients with venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease or valve replacement unless contraindicated. Poor management of patients on warfarin often leads to delay in surgery, life threatening bleeding during or after operation and unnecessary delay in discharge from hospitals in United Kingdom. METHODS. We carried out a prospective study on patients who were on warfarin and underwent elective and emergency orthopaedic procedures during period of study- August 2007 to April 2008. All patients included in the study were identified from admission notes during period of study. All data regarding indications for warfarin, pre and post procedures INR, elective or emergency orthopaedic procedures and complications were collected using a standard proforma. RESULTS. 18 patients, 12 male and 6 female were included into the study. Patients' age ranged from 47-87 with mean of 76. The indications for warfarin therapy were atrial fibrillation in 12 patients, deep vein thrombosis in 5 patients and left ventricular aneurysm in 1 patient. 18 procedures, 10 elective and 8 emergency orthopaedic procedures were carried out during period of study. Elective procedures - 7 primary joint arthroplasty, 1 revision hip arthroplasty, 1 removal of metalwork and 1 metatarsophalangeal joint fusion. Emergency procedures - 4 hip hemiarthroplasty, 2 dynamic hip screw fixation, 1 external fixator application and 1 open reduction and internal fixation of ankle. All elective admission patients were pre-assessed in clinic prior to admission and were advised to stop warfarin based on their INR level. Patients with INR 2-3 had their warfarin stopped 4 days prior to surgery while patients with INR 3-4.5 had their warfarin stopped 5 days prior to surgery. This group of patients had their INR check on admission and ranged from 1.1-1.5. This group of patients had no reversal therapy and no cancellations were made to their operation. 8 emergency admission patients had INR of 1.4-4.7 on admission with mean of 2.7. 5 patients had reversal therapy while 3 patients had no reversal therapy. Pharmacological methods used to reduce the INR were fresh frozen plasma in 1 patient and Vitamin K in 4 other patients. 2 patients that received reversal therapy had operation on day 1, 2 on day 3 and 1 on day 5. 1 patient that had no reversal therapy was operated on day 1, 1 on day 3 and 1 on day 5. Patient that received no reversal therapy and operated on day 5 of admission died post-operatively from medical complications. Mean delay for patient that had reversal therapy was 2.2 days compared to 3 days in patient with no reversal therapy. All patients in this study had prophylactic low molecular weight heparin while off warfarin. Patients were recommenced on their normal dose of warfarin the day after their operation. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS. We conclude that patients on warfarin with INR 2-3 should have their warfarin stopped 4 days prior to surgery while patients with INR 3-4.5 should stop their warfarin 5 days prior to elective surgery. Trauma patients on warfarin requiring operation should have their INR reversed on admission to shorten delay in waiting time and improve outcomes