Aims. This work aimed at answering the following research questions: 1) What is the rate of mechanical complications, nonunion and infection for head/neck femoral fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, and subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly USA population? and 2) Which factors influence adverse outcomes?. Methods. Proximal femoral fractures occurred between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 were identified from the Medicare Physician Service Records Data Base. The Kaplan-Meier method with Fine and Gray sub-distribution adaptation was used to determine rates for nonunion, infection, and mechanical complications. Semiparametric Cox regression model was applied incorporating 23 measures as covariates to identify risk factors. Results. Union failure occured in 0.89% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 0.95) after head/neck fracturs, in 0.92% (95% CI 0.84 to 1.01) after intertrochanteric fracture and in 1.99% (95% CI 1.69 to 2.33) after subtrochanteric fractures within 24 months. A fracture-related infection was more likely to occur after subtrochanteric fractures than after head/neck fractures (1.64% vs 1.59%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.01 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.17); p < 0.001) as well as after intertrochanteric fractures (1.64% vs 1.13%, HR 1.31 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.52); p < 0.001). Anticoagulant use, cerebrovascular disease, a concomitant fracture, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, open fracture, and rheumatoid disease was identified as risk factors. Mechanical complications after 24 months were most common after head/neck fractures with 3.52% (95% CI 3.41 to 3.64; currently at risk: 48,282). Conclusion. The determination of complication rates for each fracture type can be useful for informed patient-clinician communication. Risk factors for complications could be identified for distinct proximal femur fractures in elderly patients, which are accessible for therapeutical treatment in the management. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):801–807

Introduction. Many pharmacologic agents have been used for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). Rivaroxaban was the first novel oral anticoagulant approved for THA patients, but its actual efficacy and safety in clinical practice, beyond randomized trials, is unknown. Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective study, using the Truven Health MarketScan database, of anticoagulation medication prescriptions after elective THA, in both commercially insured (CI) and Medicare supplement insured (MS) patients, from 2010 to 2015. After exclusions, there were 83,179 CI and 50,534 MS patients available for analysis. There were 12,876 new users of warfarin (W) and 10,892 new users of rivaroxaban (R) in CI patients, and 7,416 new users of W and 4,739 new users of R in MS patients. We asked the following questions: (1) What were the trends and predictive factors for anticoagulant use after elective THA? (2) What was the actual clinical efficacy: frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and frequency of adverse events within 90 days with the two most commonly used oral agents, rivaroxaban and warfarin, from June 2011 to September 2015? Data was analyzed for each anticoagulant by odds ratios using logistic regression models with stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting. Results. There was a change in use of anticoagulants after R approval. Use of W decreased from approximately 50% each in 2010 in both insurance cohorts to 10% in CI patients and 30% in MS patients in 4th quarter 2015. The use of R increased from 0 to 33% in both cohorts from 2011 to 2015. In the multivariate analysis, in CI patients, females had lower odds of getting R, and patients in Western region had higher odds of getting R; in MS patients, increasing age had reduced odds of getting rivaroxiban, but Western region and surgery in 2015 had higher odds. Patients with capitated insurance plans and renal impairment had lower odds of R initiation, but a history of cardiovascular disease or hypertension had higher odds. In 90 days after THA, patients given R had significantly lower odds ratio of both DVT and PE in both CI patients (DVT: 1.54 with W, 0.54 with R; PE: 2.12 with W, 0.73 with R) and MS patients (DVT: 3.01 W, 1.73 R; PE: 4.09 W, 1.88 R). With logistic regression analysis, users of W had significantly higher odds ratio of both DVT (CI 2.63 and MS 1.78) and PE (CI 2.60 and MS 2.09) than R. There was no significant difference in rates of bleeding between W and R, but W had higher odds ratio than R of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in both CI (1.574) and MS (1.790) cohorts. Conclusions. There has been an increase in VTE prophylaxis with R, and a decrease in both W and LMWH use after elective THA over four years. Patient factors, insurance type, and comorbidities were associated with this change. In actual clinical efficacy, R had lower odds ratio of both DVT and PE than W, and bleeding risks were similar. The association of W with an increased odds ratio of PJI compared to R requires further study

We report a retrospective review of the incidence of venous thromboembolism in 463 consecutive patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (487 procedures). Treatment included both total hip replacement and hip resurfacing, and the patients were managed without anticoagulants. The thromboprophylaxis regimen included an antiplatelet agent, generally aspirin, hypotensive epidural anaesthesia, elastic compression stockings and early mobilisation. In 258 of these procedures (244 patients) performed in 2005 (cohort A) mechanical compression devices were not used, whereas in 229 (219 patients) performed during 2006 (cohort B) bilateral intermittent pneumatic calf compression was used. All operations were performed through a posterior mini-incision approach. Patients who required anticoagulation for pre-existing medical problems and those undergoing revision arthroplasty were excluded. Doppler ultrasonographic screening for deep-vein thrombosis was performed in all patients between the fourth and sixth post-operative days. All patients were reviewed at a follow-up clinic six to ten weeks after the operation. In addition, reponse to a questionnaire was obtained at the end of 12 weeks post-operatively. No symptomatic calf or above-knee deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred. In 25 patients in cohort A (10.2%) and in ten patients in cohort B (4.6%) asymptomatic calf deep-vein thromboses were detected ultrasonographically. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). The regimen followed by cohort B offers the prospect of a low incidence of venous thromboembolism without subjecting patients to the higher risk of bleeding associated with anticoagulant use

To compare the incidence of Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome (BCIS), perioperative thromboembolic events and mortality in patients with a femoral neck fracture (FNF) treated with a hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) without intraoperative unfractioned heparin (UFH) (control) versus a group of patients who received intraoperative UFH before femoral cementation. We retrospectively reviewed 273 patients who underwent hybrid THA due to a FNF between 2015 and 2020. We compared a group of 139 patients without intraoperative administration of UFH (group A) with 134 patients who underwent THA with intraoperative administration of 10 UI/kg UFH (group B). UFH indication was dependent on surgeon´s preference. We assessed the advent of BCIS and 30-day thromboembolic events, as well as 90-day and 1-year mortality. BCIS was observed in 51 cases (18%), defined as Grade 1 (O2% < 94% or fall in systolic blood pressure of 20% to 40%) in 37 cases (13%) and Grade 2 (O2% < 88% or fall in systolic blood pressure of > 40%) in 14 cases (5%). Forty-seven BCIS (35%) were observed in the group that received UFH and 4 BCIS (3%) in the control group (p <0.001). Multivariate regression model showed that intraoperative UFH (OR=18, CI95% 6–52) and consumption of oral anticoagulants (OR=3.3, CI95% 1–10) had an increased risk of developing BCIS. Five patients developed a pulmonary embolism in the UFH group while 2 patients presented this complication in the non UFH group (p=0.231). Mortality was 1% for both groups at 90 days PO (p= 0.98), 2% at 1 year for group A and 3% for group B (p =0.38). BCIS in our series was 18%. We found a paradoxically 17-fold significant increase of BCIS with the use of UFH. Heparin did not prevent BCIS, thromboembolic events and mortality in this group of patients

Considerable debate exists regarding which agent(s) should be preferred for venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemical prophylaxis following joint replacement. We assessed the practice of surgeons regarding VTE chemical prophylaxis for primary THR and TKR, pre and post issuing of updated NICE guidance in 2018. A survey, circulated through the British Hip Society and regional trainee networks/collaboratives, was completed by 306 UK surgeons at 187 units. VTE chemical prophylaxis prescribing patterns for surgeons carrying out primary THR (n=258) and TKR (n=253) in low-risk patients were assessed post publication of 2018 NICE recommendations. Prescribing patterns before and after the NICE publication were subsequently explored. Questions were also asked about surgeon equipoise for participation in future RCTs. Following the new guidance, 34% (n=87) used low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) alone, 33% (n=85) aspirin (commonly preceded by LMWH), and 31% (n=81) direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs: with/without preceding LMWH) for THR. For TKR, 42% (n=105) used aspirin (usually monotherapy), 31% (n=78) LMWH alone, and 27% (n=68) DOAC (with/without preceding LMWH). NICE guidance changed the practice of 34% of hip and 41% of knee surgeons, with significantly increased use of aspirin preceded by LMWH for THR (before=25% vs. after=73%;p<0.001), and aspirin for TKR (before=18% vs. after=84%;p<0.001). Significantly more regimens were NICE guidance compliant after the 2018 update for THR (before=85.7% vs. after=92.6%;p=0.011) and TKR (before=87.0% vs. after=98.8%;p<0.001). Support from surgeons for future RCTs was dependent on the clinical question, ranging from 48% participation in trials (effectiveness of aspirin vs. a DOAC) to 79% (effectiveness of 14 days LMWH vs. 28 days LMWH). Over one-third of surveyed surgeons changed their VTE chemical prophylaxis in response to 2018 NICE recommendations, with more THR and TKR surgeons now compliant with latest NICE guidance. The major change in practice was an increased use of aspirin for VTE chemical prophylaxis. Furthermore, there is an appetite amongst UK surgeons for participating in future RCTs, with a trial comparing standard versus extended duration LMWH likely feasible in current practice

Background. Few studies have compared aspirin with DOACs (direct oral anticoagulants = direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following total hip and knee replacement (THR and TKR). We assessed the efficacy and safety of aspirin compared with DOACs for VTE prophylaxis following THR and TKR using the world's largest joint replacement registry. Methods. We studied the National Joint Registry linked to English hospital inpatient episodes for 218,650 THR and TKR patients. Patients receiving aspirin were matched separately to (1) direct thrombin inhibitors, and (2) factor Xa inhibitors using propensity scores. Outcomes assessed at 90 days included VTE, length of stay, and adverse events. Results. Following THR, the risk of VTE was significantly lower in patients receiving direct thrombin inhibitors (0.44%; odds ratio (OR)=0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.55–0.87, p=0.002) and factor Xa inhibitors (0.37%; OR=0.63, CI=0.47–0.85, p=0.003) compared with aspirin (0.63%). Following THR, direct thrombin inhibitors (coefficient=−0.37, CI=−0.43 to −0.31, p<0.001) and factor Xa inhibitors (coefficient=−0.80, CI=−0.87 to −0.74, p<0.001) reduced length of stay compared with aspirin. Similar findings for both outcomes were observed following TKR. Compared with aspirin, DOACs did not increase the risk of short-term revision surgery; reoperation; major haemorrhage; wound disruption; surgical site infection; and mortality. Conclusions. Following THR and TKR, the risk of VTE was lower in patients receiving DOACs compared with aspirin. DOACs were associated with a reduced length of stay, and DOACs did not increase the risk of further surgery, wound problems, bleeding complications, or mortality compared with aspirin

Introduction. Early surgery for hip fractures is beneficial but is often delayed by anticoagulation. Direct acting anticoagulants (DOAC), Rivaroxaban and Apixiban, are increasingly used in primary and secondary care but there is no specific reversal agent. Current guidance is to delay surgery 48 hours. Anti-factorXa levels < 80 ug/l are considered safe for major surgery and for spinal anaesthesia. We investigated if delay in this cohort of patients can be predicted or reduced. Patients/Materials & Methods. 41 consecutive patients presenting with a hip fracture on therapeutic dose DOAC were identified. Anti- factorXa levels were collected at 24hours and repeated at 48hours if elevated. We investigated if renal function or clotting screen could help predict safe time to surgery. Results. 36/41 had levels taken at 24 hours. Of these 21 (58%) had levels of 80 ug/l of less (<30 – 80). The remaining 15 (42%) had elevated levels at 24hours (85–224). One patient had levels greater than 80 ug/l at 48 hours. Clearance rate did not differ between Rivaroxaban and Apixiban. There was no significant difference in the prothrombin time (PT) between groups. Mean PT was 12.1 (10.6 – 15.1) for patients with levels <80ug/l and 13.4 ug/l (11.9– 15.6) for those patients with levels >80ug/l. Renal function affected drug clearance with a mean eGFR of 61 ml/min/1.73m2 (31–>90) in those with levels <80ug/l compared to 51 ml/min/1.73m2 (29–86) in those with levels >80ug/l. Discussion. Drug clearance of DOACS is un-predictable and standard clotting screens cannot be used for assessment. Approximately 40% will still have high levels at 24 hours. Patients with renal impairment are more likely to possess high levels at 24 hours. Operating based on time from last dose could be associated with a bleeding risk or conversely delay surgery inappropriately. Conclusion. The measurement of Anti- factorXa levels could enable safe early surgery in the majority of patients

Aims

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is widely recognized as a demanding surgical procedure for acetabular reorientation. Reports about the learning curve have primarily focused on complication rates during the initial learning phase. Therefore, our aim was to assess the PAO learning curve from an analytical perspective by determining the number of PAOs required for the duration of surgery to plateau and the accuracy to improve.

Aims

Our objective was describing an algorithm to identify and prevent vascular injury in patients with intrapelvic components.

Aims

This study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on hip and distal femur fracture patient outcomes across three successive UK lockdown periods over one year.

There are many reports concerning the aetiology and prophylaxis of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) but little is known about its natural history. The purpose of our study was to identify the incidence and site of DVT, the risk factors for pulmonary embolism and the natural history of DVT after total hip replacement (THR) in patients who do not receive any form of prophylactic or therapeutic treatment for DVT. Two hundred patients who had a primary THR were included: 100 had one-staged bilateral THR and 100 had unilateral THR and 150 implants were cemented and 150 cementless. Coagulation assays, a full blood count, blood typing and serum chemical profile tests were performed for all patients on three separate occasions. Bilateral simultaneous or unilateral venograms were performed on the sixth or seventh postoperative day and perfusion lung scans preoperatively and on the seventh or eighth postoperative day. Further venograms were performed in all patients who had thrombi six months later. In the patients with bilateral THR, 52 (26%) venograms were positive for thrombi, while in the patients with unilateral THR 20 (20%) were positive (p = 0.89). In the patients with a cemented THR, 31 venograms (20.7%) were positive for thrombi, while in those with a cementless THR 41 (27.3%) were positive (p = 0.654). Further venograms in all 72 patients who had thrombi at six months after operation showed that they resolved completely and spontaneously regardless of their site and size. No patients had symptoms of pulmonary emboli and none were seen on the perfusion lung scans. Two patients died from unrelated causes. Although the prevailing opinion is that patients with proximal venous thrombosis should be treated with anticoagulants, our study has shown that all thrombi regardless of their site and size resolve spontaneously without associated pulmonary embolism

Aims

We studied the safety and efficacy of multimodal thromboprophylaxis in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) within the first 120 postoperative days, and the mortality during the first year. Multimodal prophylaxis includes discontinuation of procoagulant medications, VTE risk stratification, regional anaesthesia, an intravenous bolus of unfractionated heparin prior to femoral preparation, rapid mobilization, the use of pneumatic compression devices, and chemoprophylaxis tailored to the patient’s risk of VTE.

Aims

Failure of irrigation and debridement (I&D) for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is influenced by numerous host, surgical, and pathogen-related factors. We aimed to develop and validate a practical, easy-to-use tool based on machine learning that may accurately predict outcome following I&D surgery taking into account the influence of numerous factors.

Aims

Although periarticular injection plays an important role in multimodal pain management following total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is no consensus on the optimal composition of the injection. In particular, it is not clear whether the addition of a corticosteroid improves the pain relief achieved nor whether it is associated with more complications than are observed without corticosteroid. The aim of this study was to quantify the safety and effectiveness of cortocosteroid use in periarticular injection during THA.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report our experience at 3.5 years with outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims

Cementless primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with risks of bleeding and thromboembolism. Anticoagulants are effective as venous thromboprophylaxis, but with an increased risk of bleeding. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an efficient antifibrinolytic agent, but the mode and timing of its administration remain controversial. This study aimed to determine whether two intravenous (IV) TXA regimens (a three-hour two-dose (short-TXA) and 11-hour four-dose (long-TXA)) were more effective than placebo in reducing perioperative real blood loss (RBL, between baseline and day 3 postoperatively) in patients undergoing THA who receive rivaroxaban as thromboprophylaxis. The secondary aim was to assess the non-inferiority of the reduction of blood loss of the short protocol versus the long protocol.

Aims

Despite declining frequency of blood transfusion and electrolyte supplementation following total joint arthroplasty, postoperative blood analyses are still routinely ordered for these patients. This study aimed to determine the rate of blood transfusion and electrolyte restoration in arthroplasty patients treated with a perioperative blood conservation protocol and to identify risk factors that would predict the need for transfusion and electrolyte supplementation.

Aims

The place of thromboprophylaxis in arthroplasty surgery remains controversial, with a challenging requirement to balance prevention of potentially fatal venous thrombo-embolism with minimising wound-related complications leading to deep infection. We compared the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) between those receiving aspirin, warfarin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for the chemical component of a multi-modal thromboprophylaxis regime.

Objectives

The primary purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether statin usage could reduce the risk of glucocorticoid-related osteonecrosis in animal models.

Aims

To analyse the effectiveness of debridement and implant retention (DAIR) in patients with hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and the relationship to patient characteristics. The outcome was evaluated in hips with confirmed PJI and a follow-up of not less than two years.