Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fracture displacement and survivorship of the native hip joint without conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to determine predictors for conversion to THA in patients treated nonoperatively for acetabular fractures. Methods. A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed in 170 patients who were treated nonoperatively for an acetabular fracture in three level 1 trauma centres. Using the post-injury diagnostic CT scan, the maximum gap and step-off values in the weightbearing dome were digitally measured by two trauma surgeons. Native hip survival was reported using Kaplan-Meier curves. Predictors for conversion to THA were determined using Cox regression analysis. Results. Of 170 patients, 22 (13%) subsequently received a THA. Native hip survival in patients with a step-off ≤ 2 mm, > 2 to 4 mm, or > 4 mm differed at five-year follow-up (respectively: 94% vs 70% vs 74%). Native hip survival in patients with a gap ≤ 2 mm, > 2 to 4 mm, or > 4 mm differed at five-year follow-up (respectively: 100% vs 84% vs 78%). Step-off displacement > 2 mm (> 2 to 4 mm hazard ratio (HR) 4.9, > 4 mm HR 5.6) and age > 60 years (HR 2.9) were independent predictors for conversion to THA at follow-up. Conclusion. Patients with minimally displaced acetabular fractures who opt for nonoperative fracture treatment may be informed that fracture displacement (e.g. gap and step-off) up to 2 mm, as measured on CT images, results in limited risk on conversion to THA. Step-off ≥ 2 mm and age > 60 years are predictors for conversion to THA and can be helpful in the shared decision-making process. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):1020–1029

Aims. This study aimed to compare mortality in trochanteric AO/OTA A1 and A2 fractures treated with an intramedullary nail (IMN) or sliding hip screw (SHS). The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality, with secondary endpoints at 0 to 1, 2 to 7, 8 to 30, 90, and 365 days. Methods. We analyzed data from 26,393 patients with trochanteric AO/OTA A1 and A2 fractures treated with IMNs (n = 9,095) or SHSs (n = 17,298) in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register (January 2008 to December 2020). Exclusions were made for patients aged < 60 years, pathological fractures, pre-2008 operations, contralateral hip fractures, fractures other than trochanteric A1/A2, and treatments other than IMNs or SHSs. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses adjusted for type of fracture, age, sex, cognitive impairment, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, and time period were conducted, along with calculations for number needed to harm (NNH). Results. In unadjusted analyses, there was no significant difference between IMN and SHS patient survival at 30 days (91.8% vs 91.1%; p = 0.083) or 90 days (85.4% vs 84.5%; p = 0.065), but higher one-year survival for IMNs (74.5% vs 73.3%; p = 0.031) compared with SHSs. After adjustments, no significant difference in 30-day mortality was found (hazard rate ratio (HRR) 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.02(; p = 0.146). IMNs exhibited higher mortality at 0 to 1 days (HRR 1.63 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.34); p = 0.009) compared with SHSs, with a NNH of 556, but lower mortality at 8 to 30 days (HRR 0.89 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.00); p = 0.043). No differences were observed in mortality at 2 to 7 days (HRR 0.94 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.11); p = 0.434), 90 days (HRR 0.95 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.02); p = 0.177), or 365 days (HRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.02); p = 0.192). Conclusion. This study found no difference in 30-day mortality between IMNs and SHSs. However, IMNs were associated with a higher mortality at 0 to 1 days and a marginally lower mortality at 8 to 30 days compared with SHSs. The observed differences in mortality were small and should probably not guide choice of treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(6):603–612

Aims. The last decade has seen a marked increase in surgical rib fracture fixation (SRF). The evidence to support this comes largely from retrospective cohorts, and adjusting for the effect of other injuries sustained at the same time is challenging. This study aims to assess the impact of SRF after blunt chest trauma using national prospective registry data, while controlling for other comorbidities and injuries. Methods. A ten-year extract from the Trauma Audit and Research Network formed the study sample. Patients who underwent SRF were compared with those who received supportive care alone. The analysis was performed first for the entire eligible cohort, and then for patients with a serious (thoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥ 3) or minor (thoracic AIS < 3) chest injury without significant polytrauma. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality. Kaplan-Meier estimators and multivariable Cox regression were performed to adjust for the effects of concomitant injuries and other comorbidities. Outcomes assessed were 30-day mortality, length of stay (LoS), and need for tracheostomy. Results. A total of 86,838 cases were analyzed. The rate of SRF was 1.2%. SRF significantly reduced risk of mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.27 (95 confidence interval (CI) 0.128 to 0.273); p < 0.001) and need for tracheostomy (OR 0.22 (95% CI 0.191 to 0.319); p < 0.001) after adjustment for other covariables across the whole cohort. SRF remained protective in patients with a serious chest injury (hazard ratio (HR) 0.24 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.45); p < 0.001). The benefit in more minor chest injury was less clear. Mean LoS for patients who survived was longer in the SRF group (24.29 days (SD 26.54) vs 16.60 days (SD 26.35); p < 0.001). Conclusion. SRF reduces mortality after significant chest trauma associated with both major and minor polytrauma. The rate of fixation in the UK is low and potentially underused as a treatment for severe chest wall injury. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):729–735

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of revision for distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) performed as a primary procedure for native knee fractures using data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Arthroplasty Registry (AOANJRR). Methods. Data from the AOANJRR were obtained for DFA performed as primary procedures for native knee fractures from 1 September 1999 to 31 December 2020. Pathological fractures and revision for failed internal fixation were excluded. The five prostheses identified were the Global Modular Arthroplasty System, the Modular Arthroplasty System, the Modular Universal Tumour And Revision System, the Orthopaedic Salvage System, and the Segmental System. Patient demographic data (age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade) were obtained, where available. Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival were used to determine the rate of revision, and the reasons for revision and mortality data were examined. Results. The AOANJRR identified 153 primary DFAs performed for native knee fractures in 151 patients during the study period, with 63.3% of these (n = 97) performed within the last five years. The median follow-up was 2.1 years (interquartile range 0.8 to 4.4). The patient population was 84.8% female (n = 128), with a mean age of 76.1 years (SD 11.9). The cumulative percent revision rate at three years was 10%. The most common reason for revision was loosening, followed by infection. Patient survival at one year was 87.5%, decreasing to 72.8% at three years postoperatively. Conclusion. The use of DFA to treat native knee fractures is increasing, with 63.3% of cases performed within the last five years. While long-term data are not available, the results of this study suggest that DFA may be a reasonable option for elderly patients with native knee fractures where fixation is not feasible, or for whom prolonged non-weightbearing may be detrimental. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):894–901

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of hospital case volume on the survival of revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA). This is a retrospective analysis of Scottish Arthroplasty Project data, a nationwide audit which prospectively collects data on all arthroplasty procedures performed in Scotland. The primary outcome was RTHA survival at ten years. The primary explanatory variable was the effect of hospital case volume per year on RTHA survival. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine the lifespan of RTHA. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate relative revision risks over time. Hazard ratios (HRs) were reported with 95% CI, and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. From 1999 to 2019, 13,020 patients underwent RTHA surgery in Scotland (median age at RTHA 70 years (interquartile range (IQR) 62 to 77)). In all, 5,721 (43.9%) were female, and 1065 (8.2%) were treated for infection. 714 (5.5%) underwent a second revision procedure. Co-morbidity, younger age at index revision, and positive infection status were associated with need for re-revision (p<0.001). The ten-year survival estimate for RTHA was 93.3% (95% CI 92.8 to 93.8). Adjusting for sex, age, surgeon volume, and indication for revision, high hospital case volume was not significantly associated with lower risk of re-revision (HR1, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.00, p 0.073)). The majority of RTHA in Scotland survive up to ten years. Increasing yearly hospital case volume cases is not independently associated with a significant risk reduction of re-revision

Aim of this study was to identify reoperation rates in patients with short oblique and transverse fractures around a well fixed cemented polished taper slip stem and to determine any associations with treatment failure. Retrospective cohort study of 31 patients with AO transverse or short oblique Vancouver B1 PFFs around THA (total hip arthroplasty) cemented taper slip stems: 12 male (39%); mean age 74±11.9 (range 44–91); mean BMI 28.5±1.4 (range 16–48); and median ASA 3. Patient journeys were assessed, re-interventions reviewed. The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Time from primary THA to fracture was 11.3±7.8yrs (0.5–26yrs). Primary surgical management was fixation in 27/31 and rTHA (revision total hip arthroplasty) in 4/31. 10 of 31 (32%) patients required reoperation, 9 within 2 years of fracture: 1 following rTHA and 8 following ORIF. The commonest mode of failure was non-union (n=6). No significant associations with reoperation requirement were identified. Kaplan-Meier free from reoperation was 67.4% (49.8–85.0 95% CI) at 2 years and this was unaffected by initial management with ORIF or rTHA (Log rank 0.898). Of those reoperated, 6/10 required multiple reoperations to obtain either bony union or a stable revision construct and 13% ultimately required proximal femoral endoprostheses. The relative risk of 1 year mortality was 1.6 (0.25 to 10.1 95%CI) among patients who required reoperation compared to those who did not. These are difficult fractures to manage, should not be underestimated and patients should be counselled that there is a 30% risk of reoperation and 20% of requiring multiple reoperations

Aims. There is no consensus on the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Hemiarthroplasty has been widely used in patients when non-surgical treatment is not possible. There is, despite extensive use, limited information about the long-term outcome. Our primary aim was to report ten-year patient-reported outcome after hemiarthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures. The secondary aims were to report the cumulative revision rate and risk factors for an inferior patient-reported outcome. Methods. We obtained data on 1,371 hemiarthroplasties for acute proximal humeral fractures from the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry between 2006 and 2010. Of these, 549 patients (40%) were alive and available for follow-up. The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) questionnaire was sent to all patients at nine to 14 years after primary surgery. Revision rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for an inferior WOOS score were analyzed using the linear regression model. Results. Mean age at surgery was 67 years (24 to 90) and 445 (81%) patients were female. A complete questionnaire was returned by 364 (66%) patients at a mean follow-up of 10.6 years (8.8 to 13.8). Mean WOOS score was 64 (4.3 to 100.0). There was no correlation between WOOS scores and age, sex, arthroplasty brand, or year of surgery. The 14-year cumulative revision rate was 5.7% (confidence interval 4.1 to 7.2). Patients aged younger than 55 years and patients aged between 55 to 74 years had 5.6-times (2.0 to 9.3) and 4.3-times (1.9 to 16.7) higher risk of revision than patients aged older than 75 years, respectively. Conclusion. This is the largest long-term follow-up study of acute proximal humeral fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty. We found a low revision rate and an acceptable ten-year patient-reported outcome. The patient-reported outcome should be interpreted with caution as we have no information about the patients who died or did not return a complete WOOS score. The long-term outcome and revision rate suggest that hemiarthroplasty offers a valid alternative when non-surgical treatment is not possible. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1063–1069

Aims. Infection after surgery increases treatment costs and is associated with increased mortality. Hip fracture patients have historically had high rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and surgical site infection (SSI). This paper reports the impact of routine MRSA screening and the “cleanyourhands” campaign on rates of MRSA SSI and patient outcome. Methods. A total of 13,503 patients who presented with a hip fracture over 17 years formed the study population. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for MRSA and SSI. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling adjusted for temporal trends in rates of MRSA. Kaplan-Meier estimators were generated to assess for changes in mortality. Results. In all, 6,189 patients were identified before the introduction of screening and 7,314 in the post-screening cohort. MRSA infection fell from 69 cases to 15 in the post-screening cohort (p < 0.001). The ARIMA confirmed a significant reduction in MRSA SSI post-screening (p = 0.043) but no significant impact after hand hygiene alone (p = 0.121). Overall SSI fell (2.4% to 1.5%), however deep infection increased slightly (0.89% to 1.06%). ARIMA showed neither intervention affected overall SSI (“cleanyourhands” -0.172% (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.39% to 0.21); p = 0.122, screening -0.113% per year, (95% CI -0.34 to 0.12); p = 0.373). One-year mortality after deep SSI was unchanged after screening (50% vs 45%; p = 0.415). Only warfarinization (OR 3.616 (95% CI 1.366 to 9.569); p = 0.010) and screening (OR 0.189 (95% CI 0.086 to 0.414); p < 0.001) were significant covariables for developing MRSA SSI. Conclusion. While screening and decolonization may reduce MRSA-associated SSI, the benefit to patient outcome remains unclear. Overall deep SSI remains an unsolved problem that has seen little improvement over time. Preventing other hospital-associated infections should not be forgotten in the fight against MRSA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):170–177

Unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis can be treated with either Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) or Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) and controversy remains as to which treatment is best. UKA has been reported to offer a variety of advantages, however many still see it as a temporary procedure with higher revision rates. We aimed to clarify the role of UKA and evaluate the long-term and revision outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the pain, function and total Knee Society Score (KSS) for 602 UKA and 602 TKA in age and gender matched patients over ten years. The total pre-operative KSS scores were not significantly different between UKA and TKA (42.67 vs 40.54 P=0.021). KSS (pain) was significantly better in the TKA group (44.39 vs 41.38 P= 0.007) at one year and at five years post-operatively (45.33 vs 43.12 P=0.004). There was no statistically significant difference for KSS (total) in TKA and UKA during the study period. 16.3% of UKA and 20.1% of TKA had a documented complication. 79 UKA (13%) and 36 TKA (6%) required revision surgery. Despite the higher revision rate, pre-operative KSS (total) before revision was not significantly different between UKA and TKA (42.94 vs 42.43 P=0.84). Performance for UKAs was inferior to TKAs in Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival analysis at 10 years (P<0.001). Both UKA and TKA are viable treatment options for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, each with their own merits. UKA is associated with fewer complications whereas TKA provides better initial pain relief and is more durable and less likely to require revision

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Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term morbidity. Our prospective cohort study sought to understand the recovery trajectory of this injury over five years.

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The aim of this study was to report the three-year follow-up for a series of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip, who were randomized to be treated with either a cemented polished tapered hemiarthroplasty or an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated hemiarthroplasty.

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To determine if patient ethnicity among patients with a hip fracture influences the type of fracture, surgical care, and outcome.

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Hip fracture commonly affects the frailest patients, of whom many are care-dependent, with a disproportionate risk of contracting COVID-19. We examined the impact of COVID-19 infection on hip fracture mortality in England.

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Despite multiple trials and case series on hip hemiarthroplasty designs, guidance is still lacking on which implant to use. One particularly deficient area is long-term outcomes. We present over 1,000 consecutive cemented Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties over a ten-year period, recording all accessible patient and implant outcomes.

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Pneumatic tourniquets are often used during the surgical treatment of unstable traumatic ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures with and without the use of pneumatic tourniquets.

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We assessed the value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in the prediction of adverse outcome after hip fracture.

The primary aim was to assess survival of the opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartment osteoarthritis. The secondary aim was to identify independent predictors of early (before 12 years) conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). During the 18-year period (1994–2011) 111 opening wedge HTO were performed at the study centre. Mean patient age was 45 years (range 18–68) and the majority were male (84%). Mean follow-up was 12 (range 6–21) years. Failure was defined as conversion to TKA. Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were performed. Forty (36%) HTO failed at a mean follow-up of 6.3 (range 1–15) years. The five-year survival rate was 84% (95% confidence interval (CI) 82.6–85.4), 10-year rate 65% (95% CI 63.5–66.5) and 15-year rate 55% (95% CI 53.3–56.7). Cox regression analysis identified older age (p<0.001) and female gender (hazard ratio (HR) 2.37, 95% CI 1.06–5.33, p=0.04) as independent predictors of failure. ROC analysis identified a threshold age of 47 years above which the risk of failure increased significantly (area under curve 0.72, 95% CI 0.62–0.81, p<0.001). Cox regression analysis, adjusting for covariates, identified a significantly greater (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.26–4.91, p=0.01) risk of failure in patients aged 47 years old or more. The risk of early conversion to TKA after an opening wedge HTO is significantly increased in female patients and those older than 47 years old. These risk factors should be considered pre-operatively and discussed with patients when planning surgical intervention for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis

The surgical treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis remains controversial. This study aims to compare the medium-term outcomes of age and gender matched patients treated with unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) and total knee replacement (TKR). We retrospectively reviewed pain, function and total knee society scores (KSS) for every UKR and age and gender matched TKR in NHS Tayside, with up to 10 years prospective data from Tayside Arthroplasty Audit Group. KSS was compared at 1, 3 and 5 years. Medical complications and joint revision were identified. Kaplan-Meier with revision as end-point was used for implants survival analysis. 602 UKRs were implanted between 2001 and 2013. Preoperative KSS for pain and total scores were not significantly different between UKRs and TKRs whereas preoperative function score was significantly better for UKRs. Function scores remained significantly better in UKRs from preoperative until 3 years follow up. Further analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the change of function scores in both groups over time. There was a trend for TKRs to perform better than UKRs in pain scores. Total KSS for both groups were not significantly different at any point of the 5-year study. Fewer medical complications were reported in the UKR group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a survival rate of 93.7% in UKRs and of 97% in TKRs (Log rank p-value = 0.012). The revision rate for UKR was twice as much as TKR. The theoretical advantages of UKR are not borne out by the findings in this study other than immediate postoperative complications

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This study aimed to identify risk factors (patient, healthcare system, and socioeconomic) for mortality after hip fractures and estimate their relative importance. Further, we aimed to elucidate mortality and survival patterns following fractures and the duration of excess mortality.

Background. There are few studies of total knee replacements with cemented tibia and uncemented femur (hybrid). Previous studies have not shown any difference in revision rate between different fixation methods, but these studies had few hybrid prostheses. This study evaluates the results of hybrid knee replacements based on data from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register (NAR). Patients and Methods. Primary total knee replacements without patella resurfacing, reported to the NAR during the years 1999–2009, were evaluated. Hinged-, posterior stabilized- and tumor prostheses were excluded. LCS- and Profix prostheses with conforming plus bearing were included. With the risk for revision at any cause as the primary end-point, 2945 hybrid knee replacements (HKR) were evaluated against 20838 cemented knee replacements (CKR). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex and preoperative diagnosis were used. Results. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival at 8 years was 94.0% (95% CI: 93.6–94.4) in the CKR group and 97.0% (95% CI: 96.0–98.0) in the HKR group. The HKR group was made op of three brands of prosthesis, LCS, LCS-complete and Profix. Profix was the only brand with a statistically significant difference between cemented and hybrid fixation. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival at 8 years was 97.7% (95% CI: 96.7–98.7) in hybrid Profix group (HPG) and 95.5% (95% CI: 94.7–96.3) in the cemented Profix group (CPG). The adjusted Cox regression analysis showed a statistically significantly lower risk for revision in the HPG group (relative risk=0.44, 95% CI: 0.39–0.59, p<0.001). Mean operating time was 15 minutes longer in the CKR group. Conclusion. Survivorship at 8 years of the hybrid primary total knee replacements was the same or superior compared to cemented total knee replacements depending on prosthesis brand Hybrid fixation seems to be a safe alternative to cemented fixation in total knee replacement surgery