Periprosthetic fracture of the femur is an uncommon complication after total hip replacement, but appears to be increasing. We undertook a nationwide observational study to determine the risk factors for failure after treatment of these fractures, examining patient- and implant-related factors, the classification of the fractures and the outcome. Between 1979 and 2000, 1049 periprosthetic fractures of the femur were reported to the Swedish National Hip Arthroplasty Register. Of these, 245 had a further operation after failure of their initial management. Data were collected from the Register and hospital records. The material was analysed by the use of Poisson regression models. It was found that the risk of failure of treatment was reduced for Vancouver type B2 injuries (p = 0.0053) if revision of the implant was undertaken (p = 0.0033) or revision and open reduction and internal fixation (p = 0.0039) were performed. Fractures classified as Vancouver type B1 had a significantly higher risk of failure (p = 0.0001). The strongest negative factor was the use of a single plate for fixation (p = 0.001). The most common reasons for failure in this group were loosening of the femoral prosthesis, nonunion and re-fracture. It is probable that many fractures classified as Vancouver type B1 (n = 304), were in reality type B2 fractures with a loose stem which were not recognised. Plate fixation was inadequate in these cases. The difficulty in separating type B1 from type B2 fractures suggests that the prosthesis should be considered as loose until proven otherwise

Between 1996 and 2003 six institutions in the United States and France contributed a consecutive series of 234 fractures of the femur in 229 children which were treated by titanium elastic nailing. Minor or major complications occurred in 80 fractures. Full information was available concerning 230 fractures, of which the outcome was excellent in 150 (65%), satisfactory in 57 (25%), and poor in 23 (10%). Poor outcomes were due to leg-length discrepancy in five fractures, unacceptable angulation in 17, and failure of fixation in one. There was a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.003) between age and outcome, and the odds ratio for poor outcome was 3.86 for children aged 11 years and older compared with those below this age. The difference between the weight of children with a poor outcome and those with an excellent or satisfactory outcome was statistically significant (54 kg vs 39 kg; p = 0.003). A poor outcome was five times more likely in children who weighed more than 49 kg

The hospital records of 222 cases of ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia were reviewed, and patients were grouped according to the type of fracture and the method of treatment. Thirty-five per cent of patients required late operation for delayed union or non-union, osteomyelitis, refracture and malunion, regardless of the treatment group. A disturbing factor was the 30% incidence of osteomyelitis in patients treated by fixation of both fractures, almost three times the incidence when only one fracture was fixed. A 30% incidence of delayed union or non-union occurred in patients managed conservatively. Of sixty-three patients personally examined, the worst results found were those following conservative management of both fractures. More use of rigid external fixation and of cast bracing is recommended in the management of the fractured tibia, combined with internal fixation of the femoral fracture. Examination of the knee suggested that, with ipsilateral fractures, disruption of ligaments is a common occurrence and should always be suspected

This abridged account of a report to the British Medical Research Council describes a long-term investigation of 1,503 subcapital fractures of the femur, almost all of which were treated by reduction and internal fixation. With three exceptions, union occurred in all Garden Stage I and Stage II fractures and in 67% of Stage III and Stage IV fractures, of which only 14-5% were united at six months. In women, late segmental collapse was seen after union had occurred in 16% of Stage I and in 27-6% of Stage III and Stage IV fractures. Delay of up to one week before operation had no significant effect on the incidence of non-union or of late segmental collapse. The incidence of union followed by late segmental collapse was higher in women with normal bone density than in those with osteoporosis. Smith-Petersen nailing was found to be the least effective form of fixation in displaced fractures. The age and physical state of the patient, the accuracy of reduction, and the security of fixation had the greatest influence on union

1. A case of femoral artery occlusion after fracture of the femur occurring several days after internal fixation with a medullary nail is described. 2. Arterial reconstruction was undertaken seventeen days after the internal fixation, twenty-seven days after the injury, with restoration of flow and recovery of the limb

1. Volkmann’s ischaemia is a real and threatening complication of fracture of the femur, and it is more common than reports in the literature would suggest. 2. The early signs and symptoms in the calf are ominous whereas the early vascular signs of a good tibial pulse, colour and temperature are often misleading. 3. Muscle decompression with or without arterial exploration has proved to be of no value. 4. Early recognition and radical treatment are imperative. Temporary paralysis of the lumbar sympathetic outflow has been shown to be an effective measure. 5. Transfixion of the calcaneum with a Kirschner wire for traction has the advantage of eliminating all bandages, suspending the tender calf and preventing an equinovarus deformity. 6. The only essential difference between the histological appearance of muscle which recovers and that which does not appears to be degeneration of muscle nuclei. The significance of engorged blood vessels remains in doubt. 7. Histological studies suggest that despite the typical gross appearance of an infarct some regeneration of muscle may occur

We report a prospective study of 198 cases of subcapital fracture of the femur treated by closed reduction and fixation with a sliding compression screw-plate. This was done without regard to the patient's age or the Garden stage of the fracture. Early weight-bearing was encouraged. Of the displaced fractures 23% failed in the first year because of non-union or infection. Of the fractures which united 27% had developed avascular necrosis after three years. Despite this we believe that the sliding compression screw-plate, of proven value in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, is also useful for the fixation of subcapital fractures

We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare external fixation of trochanteric fractures of the femur with the more costly option of the sliding hip screw. Patients in both groups were matched for age (mean 67 years, 50 to 100) and gender. We excluded all pathological fractures, patients presenting at more than one week, fractures with subtrochanteric extension or reverse obliquity, multiple fractures or any bone and joint disease interfering with rehabilitation. The interval between injury and operation, the duration of surgery, the amount of blood loss, the length of hospital stay and the cost of treatment were all significantly higher in the sliding hip screw group (p < 0.05). The time to union, range of movement, mean Harris hip scores and Western Ontario and McMaster University knee scores were comparable at six months. The number of patients showing shortening or malrotation was too small to show a significant difference between the groups. Pin-track infection occurred in 18 patients (60%) treated with external fixation, whereas there was a single case of wound infection (3.3%) in the sliding hip screw group

1. A report is presented of the results of a trial to compare the effects of early and late weight-bearing in patients with a transcervical fracture of the femur treated by reduction of the fracture and internal fixation with a sliding nail-plate. 2. One hundred and twelve patients have been assessed clinically and radiologically three years after operation. 3. Retrospective analysis of factors that affect the outcome of treatment suggests that the two groups were fairly evenly balanced. 4. The results show that full weight-bearing two weeks after operation did not increase the incidence of failure of fixation or of non-union. 5. The higher incidence of superior segmental collapse in patients in whom weight-bearing was deferred for twelve weeks can be explained by the greater number of high fractures in this group and the greater number with a poor reduction

It is unclear whether there is a limit to the amount of distal bone required to support fixation of supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures. This retrospective multicentre study evaluated lateral locked plating of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures and compared the results according to extension of the fracture distal with the proximal border of the femoral prosthetic component. Between 1999 and 2008, 89 patients underwent lateral locked plating of a supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fracture, of whom 61 patients with a mean age of 72 years (42 to 96) comprising 53 women, were available after a minimum follow-up of six months or until fracture healing. Patients were grouped into those with fractures located proximally (28) and those with fractures that extended distal to the proximal border of the femoral component (33). Delayed healing and nonunion occurred respectively in five (18%) and three (11%) of more proximal fractures, and in two (6%) and five (15%) of the fractures with distal extension (p = 0.23 for delayed healing; p = 0.72 for nonunion, Fisher’s exact test). Four construct failures (14%) occurred in more proximal fractures, and three (9%) in fractures with distal extension (p = 0.51). Of the two deep infections that occurred in each group, one resolved after surgical debridement and antibiotics, and one progressed to a nonunion. Extreme distal periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur are not a contra-indication to lateral locked plating. These fractures can be managed with internal fixation, with predictable results, similar to those seen in more proximal fractures

In a randomised prospective trial 98 elderly women with trochanteric fractures of the femur were treated with either a 135 degrees Jewett nail-plate or a 135 degrees Dynamic hip screw. The results at six weeks, three months and six months were statistically analysed. There were no significant differences in the two groups with regard to pain, length of hospital stay, morbidity or mortality. Although operative difficulties and open reduction were more common with the Dynamic hip screw, at the end of six months more patients in this group were mobile and there was significant radiological evidence of better compression without loss of fixation

1. The Küntscher method of intramedullary reaming and nail fixation was applied to thirty-five cases of non-union of the lower extremity, twenty femurs and fifteen tibias. A bone graft was generally not used. 2. Most of the patients were allowed to bear weight and to exercise the joints within a few days of the operation. Additional measures such as pre-operative surgery for infection or distraction of shortening were used in some cases. 3. The pseudarthrosis healed in all cases, even when infection was present. The nails were generally not removed until after healing had occurred. 4. It is concluded that the Küntscher method gives remarkably rapid consolidation and restoration of function even in difficult cases of non-union of shaft fracture, particularly of the femur

The results of primary total hip arthroplasty for sub-capital femoral neck fracture in previously normal hips are reported. Thirty-seven patients aged 70 or less at the time of surgery were reviewed at an average follow-up of 56 months. Eighteen (49%) had undergone or were awaiting revision surgery. A further four (11%) had definite radiological signs of loosening. Harris hip scores were calculated and correlated well with the results of gait analysis; these suggested that it was the more vigorous patients that were more liable to early failure. Consequently, primary total hip replacement is not recommended for subcapital fractures in the younger patient without pre-existing hip pathology.

The management of displaced subcapital fracture of the hip is still controversial because of the high incidence of complications after internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty. To avoid some of these complications we have used primary total hip replacement for independently mobile patients over 65 years of age. A total of 163 cases, operated on over four years, have been reviewed. There were relatively more dislocations after operation for fracture than after total replacement for arthritis, and these were associated with a posterior approach to the hip. Only seven revision operations have been required. Of 57 patients who were interviewed an average of 42 months after replacement, 62% had excellent or good results as assessed by the Harris hip score. All the others had major systemic disease which affected their assessment. This inadequacy of current systems of hip assessment is discussed. It is concluded that total hip replacement is the best management for a selected group of patients with this injury, and that further prospective studies are indicated.

The use of plate-and-cable constructs to treat periprosthetic fractures around a well-fixed femoral component in total hip replacements has been reported to have high rates of failure. Our aim was to evaluate the results of a surgical treatment algorithm to use these lateral constructs reliably in Vancouver type-B1 and type-C fractures. The joint was dislocated and the stability of the femoral component was meticulously evaluated in 45 type-B1 fractures. This led to the identification of nine (20%) unstable components. The fracture was considered to be suitable for single plate-and-cable fixation by a direct reduction technique if the integrity of the medial cortex could be restored.

Union was achieved in 29 of 30 fractures (97%) at a mean of 6.4 months (3 to 30) in 29 type-B1 and five type-C fractures. Three patients developed an infection and one construct failed.

Using this algorithm plate-and-cable constructs can be used safely, but indirect reduction with minimal soft-tissue damage could lead to shorter times to union and lower rates of complications.

Fractures of the femur are the most incapacitating fractures in children. Conservative treatment necessitates a long stay in hospital for traction and subsequent immobilisation in an uncomfortable cast. This treatment is not well tolerated, especially in adolescents. Moreover, near the end of growth, accurate reduction is necessary, as malunion is no longer correctable by growth. Stable elastic intramedullary nailing uses two flexible nails which are introduced percutaneously either through the lower metaphysis or the subtrochanteric area. This technique does not disturb the healing of the fracture. The elasticity of the device allows slight movement at the fracture site which favours union. Reduction and stabilisation are adequate and the operative risk is very low. A cast is not required, functional recovery is rapid and the patient is allowed to walk with crutches after seven to ten days according to the type of fracture. This technique is very efficient in adolescents and can be used after the age of seven years when conservative treatment is unsuccessful.

Forty comminuted or unstable fractures of the femoral shaft were treated by closed intramedullary reaming and locked nailing. Twenty-four fractures were severely comminuted, and the other 16, in the distal or proximal third of the shaft, were classified as unstable. At 12 to 30 months postoperatively all the fractures had healed. Three patients had lateral rotation deformity of 5 degrees to 10 degrees, three had shortening of 1 to 2 cm and two had lengthening of about 1 cm. There were no infections or delayed unions. Closed intramedullary locked nailing can provide stability in fractures of the femoral shaft, irrespective of the degree of comminution and the site of injury.

It has been shown that raised intracapsular pressure causes avascular necrosis of the femoral head in experimental animals, but the relevance of this to clinical fractures of the femoral neck is controversial. We have studied 19 patients with intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck by pressure measurement and by ultrasonography to demonstrate capsular distension. The intra-articular pressure in Garden Grade I and II fractures averaged 66.4 mmHg with a maximum of 145 mmHg. In 10 Garden Grade III and IV fractures the average pressure was 28 mmHg with a maximum of 65 mmHg. Most of the recorded intracapsular pressures were high enough to have caused possible vascular embarrassment, and it is suggested that early decompression of the haemarthrosis should be considered.

Complete fractures through bone affected by Paget's disease may not deserve their innocent reputation. This retrospective study of 182 such femoral fractures, the largest reported series to date, was carried out to discover the behaviour of these fractures in the absence of specific therapy for the Paget's disease. Most previous series have concluded that healing is uneventful but the findings in these patients from the West Midlands do not bear this out. After exclusion of the early deaths, the overall incidence of non-union was 40 per cent, the main problems being posed by the subtrochanteric fractures and those of the upper shaft. Although callus may be abundant, it may itself be involved in the disease process and is not a reliable sign of union. Based on these observations, suggestions for management in the different regions of the femur are made.

We undertook a trial on 60 patients with AO 31A2 fractures of the hip who were randomised after stabilisation of the fracture into two equal groups, one of which received post-operative treatment using a non-invasive interactive neurostimulation device and the other with a sham device. All other aspects of their rehabilitation were the same. The treatment was continued for ten days after operation.

Outcome measurements included the use of a visual analogue scale for pain, the brief pain inventory and Ketorolac for post-operative control of pain, and an overall assessment of outcome by the surgeon. There were significantly better results for the patients receiving treatment by active electrical stimulation (repeated measures analysis of variance, p < 0.001). The findings of this pilot trial justify a larger study to determine if these results are more generally applicable.

In a prospective, randomised study we have compared the pertrochanteric external fixator (PF) with the sliding hip screw (SHS) in 100 consecutive patients who were allocated randomly to the two methods of treatment. Details of the patients and the patterns of fracture were similar in both groups. Follow-up was for six months.

Use of the PF was associated with significantly less blood loss, a shorter operating time, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospitalisation (p < 0.001), earlier mobilisation (p < 0.001) and a reduced rate of mechanical complications (p < 0.01). Superficial infection was significantly more common with the PF (p < 0.01), but without long-term adverse consequences. There were no differences in the healing of the fracture, mortality or final functional outcome. Our results indicate that the external fixator is an effective and safe device for treating pertrochanteric fractures and should be considered as a useful alternative to conventional fixation with the sliding hip screw.

1 . A preliminary report is presented of a clinical trial to compare the results of early and late weight bearing in randomly selected patients of comparable age groups whose displaced femoral neck fractures were treated by internal fixation with a sliding nail-plate.

2. When 124 patients were assessed at three months and 107 at six months after operation there was no significant difference between those who started unguarded weight bearing two weeks after operation and those who avoided weight bearing for three months.

3. Early weight bearing appears to have no harmful effect on the early post-operative stability of this fracture when a sliding nail-plate is used for fixation.

4. Further information is necessary before any conclusion can be reached about the effect of early weight bearing on the ultimate fate of the fracture and of the femoral head. For this reason, and also to increase the numbers of patients in the series, the trial is continuing and the patients are being followed up for a three-year period.

Aims. Fractures of the distal femur are an important cause of morbidity. Their optimal management remains controversial. Contemporary implants include angular-stable anatomical locking plates and locked intramedullary nails (IMNs). We compared the long-term patient-reported functional outcome of fixation of fractures of the distal femur using these two methods of treatment. Patients and Methods. A total of 297 patients were retrospectively identified from a State-wide trauma registry in Australia: 195 had been treated with a locking plate and 102 with an IMN. Baseline characteristics of the patients and their fractures were recorded. Health-related quality-of-life, functional and radiographic outcomes were compared using mixed effects regression models at six months and one year. Results. There was a clinically relevant and significant difference in quality-of-life at six months in favour of fixation with an IMN (mean difference in EuroQol-5 Dimensions Score (EQ-5D) = 0.12; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.22; p = 0.025). There was weak evidence that this trend continued to one year (mean difference EQ-5D = 0.09; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.19; p = 0.073). There was a significant although very small reduction in angular deformity using an IMN (mean difference -1.02; 95% CI -1.99 to -0.06; p = 0.073). There was no evidence that there was a difference in any other outcomes at any time point. Take home message: IMN may be a superior treatment compared with anatomical locking plates for fractures of the distal femur. These findings are concordant with other data from pilot randomised studies which favour treatment of these fractures with an IMN. This study strongly supports the need for a definitive randomised trial. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:846–50

All elderly patients with extracapsular hip fractures seen in hospitals in Newcastle upon Tyne over a 12-month period were studied and followed up for six months. At one of the hospitals, patients were randomised to treatment by AO dynamic hip-screw or by traction. Complications specific to the two treatments were low, and general complications, six-month mortality and prevalence of pain, leg swelling and unhealed sores, showed no difference between the two modes of treatment. Operative treatment gave better anatomical results and a shorter hospital stay, but significantly more of the patients treated by traction showed loss of independence six months after injury.

A prospective randomised trial of surgical treatment for the displaced subcapital femoral fracture in patients of 70 years or more is presented. Two hundred and eighteen patients were randomly allocated into one of three treatment groups: manipulative reduction and internal fixation using Garden screws; Thompson hemiarthroplasty through a posterior (Moore) approach; and Thompson hemiarthroplasty through an anterolateral (McKee) approach. There is no significant difference in the mortality of the internal fixation and posterior arthroplasty groups. Both groups showed a significantly higher mortality than patients operated on through the anterior approach. The technical results of operation were worse in the internally fixed group, with only 40 per cent being satisfactory. Mobilisation was best achieved after the posterior approach. It is concluded that Thompson hemiarthroplasty, using an anterolateral approach, is the safest operation in this group of patients.

In three consecutive years 462 patients over the age of 60 years presented at Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, with a fracture of the proximal femur. Within two years, 11 (2.4%) returned with a fracture of the contralateral femur. If the effectiveness of any form of treatment aiming at reducing the incidence of contralateral fracture were subjected to a trial, a sample size of 5000, randomly distributed equally between treatment and placebo groups, would be needed for the trial to have a power of 80% to detect a reduction

We performed a retrospective study of a departmental database to assess the efficacy of a new model of orthopaedic care on the outcome of patients with a fracture of the proximal femur. All 1578 patients admitted to a university teaching hospital with a fracture of the proximal femur between December 2007 and December 2009 were included. The allocation of Foundation doctors years 1 and 2 was restructured from individual teams covering several wards to pairs covering individual wards. No alterations were made in the numbers of doctors, their hours, out-of-hours cover, or any other aspect of standard patient care. Outcome measures comprised 30-day mortality and cause, complications and length of stay. Mortality was reduced from 11.7% to 7.6% (p = 0.007, Cox’s regression analysis); adjusted odds ratio was 1.559 (95% confidence interval 1.128 to 2.156). Reductions were seen in Clostridium difficile colitis (p = 0.017), deep wound infection (p = 0.043) and gastrointestinal haemorrhage (p = 0.033). There were no differences in any patient risk factors (except the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cause of death and length of stay before and after intervention. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, but may include improved efficiency and medical contact time. These findings may have implications for all specialties caring for patients on several wards, and we believe they justify a prospective trial to further assess this effect

We report the results of a randomised trial to determine the effects of skin traction on 252 patients awaiting surgery for fractures of the proximal femur. They were allocated randomly to be nursed free in bed or to receive Hamilton-Russell skin traction. No differences were found between the groups in terms of pain suffered, analgesia required, frequency of pressure sores or ease of operation. The application of skin traction to patients with fractures of the upper femur is time-consuming and we recommend therefore that its routine use should be discontinued

Our aim was to determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of Ilizarov external fixation for the acute treatment of severely comminuted extra-articular and intercondylar fractures of the distal femur. A total of 14 consecutive patients with complex fractures was treated. There were three type-A3, two type-C2 and nine type-C3 fractures according to the AO/ASIF system. The mean follow-up was 14 months. Most fractures (13) united primarily at a mean of 16 weeks. One patient with a type-IIIA open fracture had infection and nonunion. The mean range of flexion of the knee at the final follow-up was 105° (35 to 130). We conclude that, in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal femur, the Ilizarov fixator is safe and effective in providing stability and allowing early rehabilitation

There are a number of classification systems for intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur, but none has been shown to be practical with satisfactory reproducibility and accurate predictive value. We have investigated the AO classification and evaluated intra-and interobserver accuracy and its value in predicting treatment and outcome. We found it to have very poor intra- and interobserver reliability and to be of limited predictive use for the outcome of treatment. A simplified system in which the subdivisions were allocated to one of three groups of undisplaced, displaced and basal fractures was found to be of value. We conclude that this is the only division which is appropriate for these fractures and that the AO system for intracapsular fractures is too complicated and should not be used

Retrospective review of 730 consecutive primary uncemented and cemented total hip arthroplasties revealed 19 intra-operative hoop-stress fractures of the femoral neck. These were incomplete, linear, and minimally displaced. Management was by cerclage wiring (12), bone graft and cerclage (two), further impaction (two), and the use of cement (three), with no change from our standard postoperative management and rehabilitation. Eighteen patients had excellent or good results with an average Harris hip score of 93. Radiographically, all but one patient had Engh stability-fixation scores consistent with stable bone ingrowth. We conclude that hoop-stress fractures of the proximal femur, properly managed, do not detract from the results of total hip arthroplasty

The Unified Classification System (UCS) was introduced because of a growing need to have a standardised universal classification system of periprosthetic fractures. It combines and simplifies many existing classification systems, and can be applied to any fracture around any partial or total joint replacement occurring during or after operation. Our goal was to assess the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the UCS in association with knee replacement when classifying fractures affecting one or more of the femur, tibia or patella.

We used an international panel of ten orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty fellowship training and expertise in adult hip and knee reconstruction (‘experts’) and ten residents of orthopaedic surgery in the last two years of training (‘pre-experts’). They each received 15 radiographs for evaluation. After six weeks they evaluated the same radiographs again but in a different order.

The reliability was assessed using the Kappa and weighted Kappa values.

The Kappa values for inter-observer reliability for the experts and the pre-experts were 0.741 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.707 to 0.774) and 0.765 (95% CI 0.733 to 0.797), respectively. The weighted Kappa values for intra-observer reliability for the experts and pre-experts were 0.898 (95% CI 0.846 to 0.950) and 0.878 (95% CI 0.815 to 0.942) respectively.

The UCS has substantial inter-observer reliability and ‘near perfect’ intra-observer reliability when used for periprosthetic fractures in association with knee replacement in the hands of experienced and inexperienced users.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1669–73.

We performed a prospective, randomised trial comparing three treatments for displaced intracapsular fractures of the hip in 280 patients aged 65 to 79 years.

The mean patient survival was significantly higher in the group undergoing reduction and internal fixation (79 months) compared with that with a cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty or a cemented Monk bipolar hemiarthroplasty (61 months and 68 months, respectively). After three years, 32 of 93 patients (34.4%) who had undergone fixation had local complications, necessitating further intervention in 28 (30%). There were no significant differences in the functional outcome in survivors, who were reviewed annually to five years.

Either reduction and internal fixation or cemented hemiarthroplasty may be offered as alternative treatments for a displaced intracapsular fracture in a mobile and mentally competent patient under the age of 80 years. The choice of procedure by the patient and the surgeon should be determined by the realisation that the use of internal fixation is associated with a 30% risk of failure requiring further surgery. If this is accepted, however, hemiarthroplasty is avoided, which, in our study has a significantly shorter mean survival time. The use of a bipolar prosthesis has no significant advantage.

Aims

We wished to assess the feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial of parathyroid hormone (PTH) supplements to aid healing of trochanteric fractures of the hip, by an open label prospective feasibility and pilot study with a nested qualitative sub study. This aimed to inform the design of a future powered study comparing the functional recovery after trochanteric hip fracture in patients undergoing standard care, versus those who undergo administration of subcutaneous injection of PTH for six weeks.

Recently the National Patient Safety Agency in the United Kingdom published a report entitled “Mitigating surgical risk in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for fractures of the proximal femur”. A total of 26 deaths had been reported to them when cement was used at hemiarthroplasty between October 2003 and October 2008. This paper considers the evidence for using cement fixation of a hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of hip fractures.

Previous studies on the timing of surgery for fracture of the hip provide conflicting evidence as to the effect of prolonged delay before operation. We have prospectively reviewed 3628 such fractures in patients older than 60 years of age. Those for whom the delay was for medical reasons were excluded. Patients were followed up for one year or until death. Operation was undertaken within 48 hours in 95.2% and after this in 4.8%. A significant increase in length of stay was found in patients operated on after 48 hours when compared with those in the earlier group (21.6 vs 32.5 days). No increase in hospital stay was found for lesser delays.

Fracture of the neck of the femur after resurfacing arthroplasty usually leads to failure and conversion to a total hip replacement. We describe an intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck sustained after hip resurfacing which was treated by cannulated screws, resulting in union and retention of the resurfacing implant. The result at follow-up three years later was very satisfactory with a Harris hip score of 99.

Periprosthetic femoral fractures are increasing in incidence, and typically occur in frail elderly patients. They are similar to pathological fractures in many ways. The aims of treatment are the same, including 'getting it right first time' with a single operation, which allows immediate unrestricted weightbearing, with a low risk of complications, and one that avoids the creation of stress risers locally that may predispose to further peri-implant fracture. The surgical approach to these fractures, the associated soft-tissue handling, and exposure of the fracture are key elements in minimizing the high rate of complications. This annotation describes the approaches to the femur that can be used to facilitate the surgical management of peri- and interprosthetic fractures of the femur at all levels using either modern methods of fixation or revision arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):593–601

Aims. Complex fractures of the femur and tibia with associated severe soft tissue injury are often devastating for the individual. The aim of this study was to describe the two-year patient-reported outcomes of patients in a civilian population who sustained a complex fracture of the femur or tibia with a Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) of ≥ 7, whereby the score ranges from 2 (lowest severity) to 11 (highest severity). Methods. Patients aged ≥ 16 years with a fractured femur or tibia and a MESS of ≥ 7 were extracted from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (January 2007 to December 2018). Cases were grouped into surgical amputation or limb salvage. Descriptive analysis were used to examine return to work rates, three-level EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) outcomes at 12 and 24 months post-injury. Results. In all, 111 patients were included: 90 (81%) patients who underwent salvage and 21 (19%) patients with surgical amputation. The mean age of patients was 45.8 years (SD 15.8), 93 (84%) were male, 37 (33%) were involved in motor vehicle collisions, and the mean MESS score was 8.2 (SD 1.4). Two-year outcomes in the cohort were poor: six (7%) patients achieved a GOS-E good recovery, the mean EQ-5D-3L summary score was 0.52 (SD 0.27), and 17 (20%) patients had returned to work. Conclusion. A small proportion of patients with severe lower limb injury (MESS ≥ 7) achieved a good level of function 24 months post-injury. Further follow-up is needed to better understand the long-term trajectory of these patients, including delayed amputation, hospital readmissions, and healthcare utilization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):769–774

Aims. Several different designs of hemiarthroplasty are used to treat intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur, with large variations in costs. No clinical benefit of modular over monoblock designs has been reported in the literature. Long-term data are lacking. The aim of this study was to report the ten-year implant survival of commonly used designs of hemiarthroplasty. Methods. Patients recorded by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) between 1 September 1999 and 31 December 2020 who underwent hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of a hip fracture with the following implants were included: a cemented monoblock Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS), cemented Exeter V40 with a bipolar head, a monoblock Thompsons prosthesis (Cobalt/Chromium or Titanium), and an Exeter V40 with a Unitrax head. Overall and age-defined cumulative revision rates were compared over the ten years following surgery. Results. A total of 41,949 hemiarthroplasties were included. Exeter V40 with a Unitrax head was the most commonly used (n = 20,707, 49.4%). The overall rate of revision was small. A total of 28,201 patients (67.2%) were aged > 80 years. There were no significant differences in revision rates across all designs of hemiarthroplasty in patients of this age at any time. The revision rates for all designs were < 3.5%, three years postoperatively. At subsequent times the ETS and Exeter V40 with a bipolar head performed well in all age groups. The unadjusted ten-year mortality rate for the whole cohort was 82.2%. Conclusion. There was no difference in implant survival between all the designs of hemiarthroplasty in the first three years following surgery, supporting the selection of a cost-effective design of hemiarthroplasty for most patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip, as determined by local availability and costs. Beyond this, the ETS and Exeter bipolar designs performed well in all age groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):864–871

This is a retrospective study of survivors of recent conflicts with an open fracture of the femur. We analysed the records of 48 patients (48 fractures) and assessed the outcome. The median follow up for 47 patients (98%) was 37 months (interquartile range 19 to 53); 31 (66%) achieved union; 16 (34%) had a revision procedure, two of which were transfemoral amputation (4%). The New Injury Severity Score, the method of fixation, infection and the requirement for soft-tissue cover were not associated with a poor outcome. The degree of bone loss was strongly associated with a poor outcome (p = 0.00204). A total of four patients developed an infection; two with S. aureus, one with E. coli and one with A. baumannii. This study shows that, compared with historical experience, outcomes after open fractures of the femur sustained on the battlefield are good, with no mortality and low rates of infection and late amputation. The degree of bone loss is closely associated with a poor outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:842–6

Aims. The incidence of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) continues to increase. However, there are currently few long-term studies on the complications of AFFs and factors affecting them. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the outcomes, complications, and risk factors for complication through mid-term follow-up of more than three years. Methods. From January 2003 to January 2016, 305 patients who underwent surgery for AFFs at six hospitals were enrolled. After exclusion, a total of 147 patients were included with a mean age of 71.6 years (48 to 89) and 146 of whom were female. We retrospectively evaluated medical records, and reviewed radiographs to investigate the fracture site, femur bowing angle, presence of delayed union or nonunion, contralateral AFFs, and peri-implant fracture. A statistical analysis was performed to identify the significance of associated factors. Results. The mean follow-up period was 70.2 months (36 to 191). There were 146 AFFs (99.3%) in female patients and the mean age was 71.6 years (48 to 89). The AFFs were located in the subtrochanter and shaft in 52 cases (35.4%) and 95 (64.6%), respectively. The preoperative mean anterior/lateral femoral bowing angles were 10.5° (SD 5.7°)/6.1° (SD 6.2°). The postoperative mean anterior/lateral bowing values were changed by 8.7° (SD 5.4°)/4.6° (SD 5.9°). Bisphosphonates had been used contemporarily in 115 AFFs (78.2%) for a mean of 52.4 months (1 to 204; SD 45.5) preoperatively. Nailing was performed in 133 AFFs (90.5%), and union was obtained at a mean of 23.6 weeks (7 to 85). Delayed union occurred in 41 (27.9%), and nonunion occurred in 13 (8.8%). Contralateral AFF occurred in 79 patients (53.7%), and the use of a bisphosphonate significantly influenced the occurrence of contralateral AFFs (p = 0.019). Peri-implant fractures occurred in a total of 13 patients (8.8%), and a significant increase was observed in cases with plating (p = 0.021) and high grade of postoperative anterolateral bowing (p = 0.044). Conclusion. The use of a bisphosphonate was found to be a risk factor for contralateral AFF, and high-grade postoperative anterolateral bowing and plate fixation significantly increased the occurrence of peri-implant fractures. Long-term follow-up studies on the bilaterality of AFFs and peri-implant fractures are warranted. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1648–1655

Aims. We compared implant and patient survival following intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (IOPFFs) during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with matched controls. Patients and Methods. This retrospective cohort study compared 4831 hips with IOPFF and 48 154 propensity score matched primary THAs without IOPFF implanted between 2004 and 2016, which had been recorded on a national joint registry. Implant and patient survival rates were compared between groups using Cox regression. Results. Ten-year stem survival was worse in the IOPFF group (p < 0.001). Risk of revision for aseptic loosening increased 7.2-fold following shaft fracture and almost 2.8-fold after trochanteric fracture (p < 0.001). Risk of periprosthetic fracture of the femur revision increased 4.3-fold following calcar-crack and 3.6-fold after trochanteric fracture (p < 0.01). Risk of instability revision was 3.6-fold after trochanteric fracture and 2.4-fold after calcar crack (p < 0.001). Risk of 90-day mortality following IOPFF without revision was 1.7-fold and 4.0-fold after IOPFF with early revision surgery versus uncomplicated THA (p < 0.001). Conclusion. IOPFF increases risk of stem revision and mortality up to ten years following surgery. The risk of revision depends on IOPFF subtype and mortality risk increases with subsequent revision surgery. Surgeons should carefully diagnose and treat IOPFF to minimize fracture progression and implant failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1199–1208

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the patterns of symptoms and insufficiency fractures in patients with tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) to allow the early diagnosis of this rare condition.

Aims

This study aims to identify the top unanswered research priorities in the field of knee surgery using consensus-based methodology.

Aims. Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) around the knee are challenging injuries. This study aims to describe the characteristics of knee PPFs and the impact of patient demographics, fracture types, and management modalities on in-hospital mortality. Methods. Using a multicentre study design, independent of registry data, we included adult patients sustaining a PPF around a knee arthroplasty between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Univariate, then multivariable, logistic regression analyses were performed to study the impact of patient, fracture, and treatment on mortality. Results. Out of a total of 1,667 patients in the PPF study database, 420 patients were included. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.4%. Multivariable analyses suggested that American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), history of rheumatic disease, fracture around a loose implant, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) during hospital stay were each independently associated with mortality. Each point increase in ASA grade independently correlated with a four-fold greater mortality risk (odds ratio (OR) 4.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19 to 14.06); p = 0.026). Patients with PVD have a nine-fold increase in mortality risk (OR 9.1 (95% CI 1.25 to 66.47); p = 0.030) and patients with rheumatic disease have a 6.8-fold increase in mortality risk (OR 6.8 (95% CI 1.32 to 34.68); p = 0.022). Patients with a fracture around a loose implant (Unified Classification System (UCS) B2) have a 20-fold increase in mortality, compared to UCS A1 (OR 20.9 (95% CI 1.61 to 271.38); p = 0.020). Mode of management was not a significant predictor of mortality. Patients managed with revision arthroplasty had a significantly longer length of stay (median 16 days; p = 0.029) and higher rates of return to theatre, compared to patients treated nonoperatively or with fixation. Conclusion. The mortality rate in PPFs around the knee is similar to that for native distal femur and neck of femur fragility fractures. Patients with certain modifiable risk factors should be optimized. A national PPF database and standardized management guidelines are currently required to understand these complex injuries and to improve patient outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):158–165

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify variables associated with time to revision, demographic details associated with revision indication, and type of prosthesis employed, and to describe the survival of hinge knee arthroplasty (HKA) when used for first-time knee revision surgery and factors that were associated with re-revision.

Aims. Accurate estimations of the risk of fracture due to metastatic bone disease in the femur is essential in order to avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment of patients with an impending pathological fracture. The purpose of the current retrospective in vivo study was to use CT-based finite element analyses (CTFEA) to identify a clear quantitative differentiating factor between patients who are at imminent risk of fracturing their femur and those who are not, and to identify the exact location of maximal weakness where the fracture is most likely to occur. Methods. Data were collected on 82 patients with femoral metastatic bone disease, 41 of whom did not undergo prophylactic fixation. A total of 15 had a pathological fracture within six months following the CT scan, and 26 were fracture-free during the five months following the scan. The Mirels score and strain fold ratio (SFR) based on CTFEA was computed for all patients. A SFR value of 1.48 was used as the threshold for a pathological fracture. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predicted values for Mirels score and SFR predictions were computed for nine patients who fractured and 24 who did not, as well as a comparison of areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC of the ROC curves). Results. The sensitivity of SFR was 100% compared with 88% for the Mirels score, and the specificity of SFR was 67% compared with 38% for the Mirels score. The AUC was 0.905 for SFR compared with 0.578 for the Mirels score (p = 0.008). Conclusion. All the patients who sustained a pathological fracture of the femur had an SFR of > 1.48. CTFEA was far better at predicting the risk of fracture and its location accurately compared with the Mirels score. CTFEA is quick and automated and can be incorporated into the protocol of CT scanners. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):638–645

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine the weightbearing practice of operatively managed fragility fractures in the setting of publically funded health services in the UK and Ireland.

We examined the rates of infection and colonisation by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between January 2003 and May 2004 in order to assess the impact of the introduction of an MRSA policy in October 2003, which required all admissions to be screened. Emergency admissions were treated prophylactically and elective beds ring-fenced. A total of 5594 admissions were cross-referenced with 22 810 microbiology results. The morbidity, mortality and cost of managing MRSA-carrying patients, with a proximal fracture of the femur were compared, in relation to age, gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade and residential status, with a group of matched controls who were MRSA-negative. In 2004, we screened 1795 of 1796 elective admissions and MRSA was found in 23 (1.3%). We also screened 1122 of 1447 trauma admissions and 43 (3.8%) were carrying MRSA. All ten ward transfers were screened and four (40%) were carriers (all p < 0.001). The incidence of MRSA in trauma patients increased by 2.6% per week of inpatient stay (r = 0.97, p < 0.001). MRSA developed in 2.9% of trauma and 0.2% of elective patients during that admission (p < 0.001). The implementation of the MRSA policy reduced the incidence of MRSA infection by 56% in trauma patients (1.57% in 2003 (17 of 1084) to 0.69% in 2004 (10 of 1447), p = 0.035). Infection with MRSA in elective patients was reduced by 70% (0.56% in 2003 (7 of 1257) to 0.17% in 2004 (3 of 1806), p = 0.06). The cost of preventing one MRSA infection was £3200. Although colonisation by MRSA did not affect the mortality rate, infection by MRSA more than doubled it. Patients with proximal fractures of the femur infected with MRSA remained in hospital for 50 extra days, had 19 more days of vancomycin treatment and 26 more days of vacuum-assisted closure therapy than the matched controls. These additional costs equated to £13 972 per patient. From this experience we have been able to describe the epidemiology of MRSA, assess the impact of infection-control measures on MRSA infection rates and determine the morbidity, mortality and economic cost of MRSA carriage on trauma and elective orthopaedic wards

Aims. The goals of this study were to define the risk factors, characteristics, and chronology of fractures in 5417 revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs). . Patients and Methods. From our hospital’s prospectively collected database we identified all patients who had undergone a revision THA between 1969 and 2011 which involved the femoral stem. The patients’ medical records and radiographs were examined and the relevant data extracted. Post-operative periprosthetic fractures were classified using the Vancouver system. A total of 5417 revision THAs were identified. Results. There were 668 intra-operative fractures, giving an incidence of 12%. Fractures were three times more common with uncemented stems (19%) than with cemented stems (6%) (p <  0.001). The incidence of intra-operative femoral fracture varied by uncemented stem type: fully-coated (20%); proximally-coated (19%); modular fluted tapered (16%) (p < 0.05). Most fractures occurred during the insertion of the femoral component (35%). One-third involved the diaphysis and 26% were of the calcar: 69% were undisplaced. There were 281 post-operative fractures of the femur (20-year probability = 11%). There was no difference in risk for cemented and uncemented stems. Post-operative fractures were more common in men < 70 years (p = 0.02). Periprosthetic fractures occurred earlier after uncemented revision of the femoral component, but later after a cemented revision. The most common fracture type was a Vancouver B. 1. (31%). Of all post-operative fractures, 24% underwent open reduction and internal fixation and 15% revision arthroplasty. Conclusion. In revision THA, intra-operative fractures occurred three times more often with an uncemented stem. Many were undisplaced diaphyseal fractures treated with cerclage fixation. . While the risk of post-operative fracture is similar between uncemented and cemented components, they occur at notably different times depending on the type of stem fixation. . Take home message: In revision THA, intra-operative periprosthetic femoral fractures occur three times more often with uncemented stems. Many are non-displaced diaphyseal fractures treated with cerclage fixation. While postoperative fracture risks are equivalent between uncemented and cemented components, they occur at notably different time periods based on stem fixation type. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:468–74

We are currently facing an epidemic of periprosthetic fractures around the hip. They may occur either during surgery or post-operatively. Although the acetabulum may be involved, the femur is most commonly affected. We are being presented with new, difficult fracture patterns around cemented and cementless implants, and we face the challenge of an elderly population who may have grossly deficient bone and may struggle to rehabilitate after such injuries. The correct surgical management of these fractures is challenging. This article will review the current choices of implants and techniques available to deal with periprosthetic fractures of the femur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):48–55

Aims. In patients where the proximal femur shows gross deformity due to degenerative changes or fracture, the contralateral femur is often used to perform preoperative templating for hip arthroplasty. However, femurs may not be symmetrical: the aim of this study was to determine the degree of variation between hips in healthy individuals and to determine whether it is affected by demographic parameters. Materials and Methods. CT-scan based modelling was used to examine the pelvis and bilateral femurs of 345 patients (211 males, 134 women; mean age 62 years (standard deviation (. sd). 17), mean body mass index 27 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 5)) representing a range of ethnicities. The femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA), femoral offset (FO), femoral neck version (FNV), femoral length (FL), femoral canal flare index (fCFI), and femoral head radius (FHr) were then determined for each patient. All measurements were constructed using algorithm-calculated landmarks, resulting in reproducible and consistent constructs for each specimen. We then analyzed femoral symmetry based on absolute differences (AD) and percentage asymmetry (%AS) following a previously validated method. Results. We found an asymmetry > 2% for NSA (mean AD 2.9°, mean %AS 2.3; p = 0.03), FO (AD 3.8 mm, %AS 9.1 ; p = 0.01), FNV (AD 5.1°, %AS 46.7 ; p = 0.001) and fCFI (AD 0.2 mm, %AS 5.4 ; p = 0.7). Significant relationships were found for AD regarding NSA and ethnicity (p = 0.037), FL and height (R. 2.  = 0.22), and fCFI and gender (R. 2.  = 0.34). Conclusion. Our data confirm the presence of asymmetry of proximal femurs, which is mostly independent of demographic parameters. In cases where contralateral templating is used, such asymmetry may lead to inaccurate anatomical restoration of the hip if the templated sizes are routinely implanted. However, the clinical impact cannot be determined from our investigation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:839–44

Aims. The aim of this study was to inform a definitive trial which could determine the clinical effectiveness of the X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System compared with the sliding hip screw for patients with complex pertrochanteric fragility fractures of the femur. Patients and Methods. This was a single centre, participant blinded, randomised, standard-of-care controlled pilot trial. Patients aged 60 years and over with AO/ASIF A2 and A3 type femoral pertrochanteric fractures were eligible. Results. The primary outcome was the EuroQoL 5 Dimension Score (EQ-5D-3L) at one year following index fixation. A total of 100 participants were recruited, and primary outcome data were available for 88 patients following losses to follow-up and withdrawals. The mean difference in EQ-5D was 0.03 (95% confidence interval -0.17, 0.120; p = 0.720.) There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes measures. The recruitment and follow-up rates from this feasibility study were as predicted. Conclusion. A definitive trial with 90% power to find a clinically important difference in EQ-5D would require 964 participants based upon the data from this study. We plan to start recruitment to this trial in Spring 2016. Take home message: A definitive trial of X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System is feasible and should be conducted now in order to quantify the clinical effectiveness of this novel implant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:686–9

We investigated the clinical outcome of internal fixation for pathological fracture of the femur after primary excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma that had been treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. A review of our database identified 22 radiation-induced fractures of the femur in 22 patients (seven men, 15 women). We noted the mechanism of injury, fracture pattern and any complications after internal fixation, including nonunion, hardware failure, secondary fracture or deep infection. The mean age of the patients at primary excision of the tumour was 58.3 years (39 to 86). The mean time from primary excision to fracture was 73.2 months (2 to 195). The mean follow-up after fracture fixation was 65.9 months (12 to 205). Complications occurred in 19 patients (86%). Nonunion developed in 18 patients (82%), of whom 11 had a radiological nonunion at 12 months, five a nonunion and hardware failure and two an infected nonunion. One patient developed a second radiation-associated fracture of the femur after internal fixation and union of the initial fracture. A total of 13 patients (59%) underwent 24 revision operations. Internal fixation of a pathological fracture of the femur after radiotherapy for a soft-tissue sarcoma has an extremely high rate of complication and requires specialist attention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1144–8

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to predict the mortality, and the extent and time of neurological recovery from the time of the onset of symptoms and MRI grade, in patients with the cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES). This has not previously been investigated.

Aims. We conducted a prospective study of a delta ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA) to determine the rate of ceramic fracture, to characterise post-operative noise, and to evaluate the mid-term results and survivorship. Patients and Methods. Between March 2009 and March 2011, 274 patients (310 hips) underwent cementless THA using a delta ceramic femoral head and liner. At each follow-up, clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was undertaken to estimate survival. Results. Four patients (four hips) died and 18 patients (20 hips) were lost to follow-up within five years. The remaining 252 patients (286 hips) were followed for a mean of 66.5 months (60 to 84). There were 144 men (166 hips) and 108 women (120 hips) with a mean age of 49.7 years (16 to 83) at surgery. The mean pre-operative Harris Hip Score of 47.1 points improved to 93.8 points at final follow-up. Six patients reported squeaking in seven hips; however, none were audible. Radiolucent lines involving Gruen zones one and/or seven were seen in 52 hips (18.2%). No hip had detectable wear, focal osteolysis or signs of loosening. One hip was revised because of fracture of the ceramic liner, which occurred due to an undetected malseating of the ceramic liner at the time of surgery. One hip was revised for a periprosthetic fracture of the femur, and one hip was treated for periprosthetic joint infection. The six-year survivorship with re-operation for any reason as the endpoint was 99.0% (95% confidence interval 97.8% to 100%). Discussion. The rate of delta ceramic fracture was 0.3% (one of 286). While ceramic head fracture was dominant in previous ceramic-on-ceramic THA, fracture of the delta ceramic liner due to malseating is a concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:741–8

Forty failed hinged arthroplasties of the knee were revised by the insertion of another hinged implant. In 14 cases the prosthesis used at the revision operation was similar to the primary implant; in 26, a hinge with an elongated femoral stem was used, usually replacing part of the femoral shaft. In seven of these knees an elongated tibial stem was also required, though the tibial shaft was replaced in only two of them. There were many complications. Fracture of the femur at the tip of the femoral stem was the most frequent. Sixteen first revisions failed and were revised a second time; 12 required replacement of the distal femoral shaft and three required replacement of the proximal tibia. The incidence of complications in knees requiring a second revision was even higher. Four required a third revision after an average interval of three years. Failure of a hinged prosthesis results in bone loss mainly in the femur. Revision of a failed hinged prosthesis with another of the same design is unlikely to be successful and may cause fracture of the femur

Concerns have been reported to the United Kingdom National Patient Safety Agency, warning that cementing the femoral component during hip replacement surgery for fracture of the proximal femur may increase peri-operative mortality. . The National Hip Fracture Database collects demographic and outcome data about patients with a fracture of the proximal femur from over 100 participating hospitals in the United Kingdom. We conducted a mixed effects logistic regression analysis of this dataset to determine whether peri-operative mortality was increased in patients who had undergone either hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement using a cemented femoral component. A total of 16 496 patients from 129 hospitals were included in the analysis, which showed a small but significant adjusted survival benefit associated with cementing (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.72 to 0.96). Other statistically significant variables in predicting death at discharge, listed in order of magnitude of effect, were gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, age, walking accompanied outdoors and arthroplasty. Interaction terms between cementing and these other variables were sequentially added to, but did not improve, the model. . This study has not shown an increase in peri-operative mortality as a result of cementing the femoral component in patients requiring hip replacement following fracture of the proximal femur

One hundred and sixty-four cases of intramedullary nailing of the long bones have been studied with special reference to the difficulties and complications encountered. There was one death not attributable to the method. Two cases of pulmonal fat embolism and one case of thrombosis occurred, all in fractures of the femur. The lessons we have learned from our mistakes can be summarised as follows:. 1 . The method requires technical experience and knowledge and is not suited to inexperienced surgeons or surgeons with little fracture material at their disposal. 2. Intramedullary nailing should only be used in fractures to which the method is suited. In general, comminuted fractures or fractures near a joint are unsuitable. 3. Open reduction is preferable to closed methods. 4. The nail should never be driven in with violence. It should be removed and replaced with a new one if difficulty is encountered when inserting it. 5. In fractures of the femur the nail should be driven in from the tip of the trochanter after careful determination of the direction. 6. The nail should be introduced only to the level of the fracture before exploring and reducing the fracture. 7. Distraction of the fragments must be avoided. 8. If the nail bends it should be replaced by a new one, at least in femoral fractures. 9. If union is delayed, the fracture should be explored and chip grafts of cancellous bone placed around it. 10. Improvised nails or nails which are not made of absolutely reliable material should never be used. 11 . Make sure that the nail is equipped with an extraction hole for removal

In a consecutive series of 498 patients with 528 fractures of the femur treated by conventional interlocking intramedullary nailing, 14 fractures of the femoral neck (2.7%) occurred in 13 patients. The fracture of the hip was not apparent either before operation or on the immediate postoperative radiographs. It was diagnosed in the first two weeks after operation in three patients and after three months in the remainder. Age over 60 years at the time of the femoral fracture and female gender were significantly predictive of hip fracture on bivariate logistic regression analysis, but on multivariate analysis only the location of the original fracture in the proximal third of the femur (p = 0.0022, odds ratio = 6.96, 95% CI 2.01 to 24.14), low-energy transfer (p = 0.0264, odds ratio = 15.56, 95% CI 1.38 to 75.48) and the severity of osteopenia on radiographs (p = 0.0128, odds ratio = 7.55, 95% CI 1.54 to 37.07) were significant independent predictors of later fracture. Five of the 19 women aged over 60 years, who sustained an osteoporotic proximal diaphyseal fracture of the femur during a simple fall, subsequently developed a fracture of the neck. Eleven of the hip fractures were displaced and intracapsular and, in view of the advanced age of most of these patients, were usually treated by replacement arthroplasty. Reduction and internal fixation was used to treat the remaining three intertrochanteric fractures. Three patients developed complications requiring further surgery; five died within two years of their fracture

We reviewed the clinical details and radiographs of 52 patients with ballistic fractures of the femur admitted to the International Committee of the Red Cross Hospital in Kenya (Lopiding), who had sustained injuries in neighbouring Sudan. In all cases there had been a significant delay in the initial surgery (> 24 hours), and all patients were managed without stabilisation of the fracture by internal or external fixation. Of the 52 patients, three required an amputation for persisting infection of the fracture site despite multiple debridements. A further patient was treated by an excision arthroplasty of the hip, but this was carried out at the initial operation as a part of the required debridement. All of the remaining 48 fractures healed. Four patients needed permanent shoe adaptation because of limb shortening of functional significance. Although we do not advocate delaying treatment or using traction instead of internal or external fixation, we have demonstrated that open femoral fractures can heal despite limited resources

Aims. Fractures of the distal femur can be challenging to manage and are on the increase in the elderly osteoporotic population. Management with casting or bracing can unacceptably limit a patient’s ability to bear weight, but historically, operative fixation has been associated with a high rate of re-operation. In this study, we describe the outcomes of fixation using modern implants within a strategy of early return to function. Patients and Methods. All patients treated at our centre with lateral distal femoral locking plates (LDFLP) between 2009 and 2014 were identified. Fracture classification and operative information including weight-bearing status, rates of union, re-operation, failure of implants and mortality rate, were recorded. Results. A total of 127 fractures were identified in 122 patients. The mean age was 72.8 years (16 to 101) and 92 of the patients (75%) were female. A consultant performed the operation in 85 of the cases, (67%) with the remainder performed under direct consultant supervision. In total 107 patients (84%) were allowed to bear full weight immediately. The rate of clinical and radiological union was 81/85 (95%) and only four fractures of 127 (3%) fractures required re-operation for failure of surgery. The 30-day, three- and 12-month mortality rates were 6 (5%), 17 (15%) and 25 (22%), respectively. Conclusion. Our study suggests an exponential increase in the incidence of a fracture of the distal femur with age, analogous to the population suffering from a proximal femoral fracture. Allowing immediate unrestricted weight-bearing after LDFLP fixation in these elderly patients was not associated with failure of fixation. There was a high rate of union and low rate of re-operation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:951–7

We carried out a retrospective review over ten months of patients who had presented with a low-energy subtrochanteric fracture. We identified 13 women of whom nine were on long-term alendronate therapy and four were not. The patients treated with alendronate were younger, with a mean age of 66.9 years (55 to 82) vs 80.3 years (64 to 92) and were more socially active. The fractures sustained by the patients in the alendronate group were mainly at the femoral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction and many had occurred after minimal trauma. Five of these patients had prodromal pain in the affected hip in the months preceding the fall, and three demonstrated a stress reaction in the cortex in the contralateral femur. Our study suggests that prolonged suppression of bone remodelling with alendronate may be associated with a new form of insufficiency fracture of the femur. We believe that this finding is important and indicates the need for caution in the long-term use of alendronate in the treatment of osteoporosis

We describe 129 consecutive revision total hip replacements using a Charnley-Kerboull femoral component of standard length with impaction allografting. The mean follow-up was 8.2 years (2 to 16). Additionally, extramedullary reinforcement was performed using struts of cortical allograft in 49 hips and cerclage wires in 30. There was one intra-operative fracture of the femur but none later. Two femoral components subsided by 5 mm and 8 mm respectively, and were considered to be radiological failures. No further revision of a femoral component was required. The rate of survival of the femoral component at nine years, using radiological failure as the endpoint, was 98%. Our study showed that impaction grafting in association with a Charnley-Kerboull femoral component has a low rate of subsidence. Reconstruction of deficiencies of distal bone with struts of cortical allograft appeared to be an efficient way of preventing postoperative femoral fracture for up to 16 years

The complications of impaction bone grafting in revision hip replacement includes fracture of the femur and subsidence of the prosthesis. In this in vitro study we aimed to investigate whether the use of vibration, combined with a perforated tamp during the compaction of morsellised allograft would reduce peak loads and hoop strains in the femur as a surrogate marker of the risk of fracture and whether it would also improve graft compaction and prosthetic stability. We found that the peak loads and hoop strains transmitted to the femoral cortex during graft compaction and subsidence of the stem in subsequent mechanical testing were reduced. This innovative technique has the potential to reduce the risk of intra-operative fracture and to improve graft compaction and therefore prosthetic stability

Aims

Porous metaphyseal cones can be used for fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) and complex TKAs. This metaphyseal fixation has led to some surgeons using shorter cemented stems instead of diaphyseal engaging cementless stems with a potential benefit of ease of obtaining proper alignment without being beholden to the diaphysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate short term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a series of TKA cases performed using 3D-printed metaphyseal cones.

1. Practical experience has shown that subcapital fractures of the femur unite freely if reduction is stable and fixation is secure. 2. Stable reduction is obtained when the muscular and gravitational forces tending to redisplace the fracture are opposed by equal and opposite counterforces, and inherent stability is believed to depend upon the integrity of the flared cortical buttress at the postero-inferior junction of the femoral neck and head. 3. In the stable subcapital fracture a state of equilibrium is reached when the forward and upward thrust of the fixation appliance in the femoral head is opposed by the counterthrust of the closely applied and cleanly broken fragments at the postero-inferior aspect of the fracture. When the postero-inferior cortical buttress is comminuted, inherent stability is lost, lateral rotation deformity recurs and the fixation device is avulsed from the cancellous bone of the head. 4. Stability may be restored by reduction in the "valgus" position, by various forms of osteotomy, by refashioning the fracture fragments or by a postero-inferiorly positioned bone graft. Theoretically, stability may also be obtained by a double lever system of fixation in which an obliquely placed fixation device or bone graft is combined with a horizontally disposed wire, pin, nail or screw crossing it anteriorly. Multilever fixation by three or more threaded wires or pins inserted at different angles and lying in contact at their point of crossing may likewise provide stability. 5. Fixation by two crossed screws has been chosen for clinical trial in 100 displaced subcapital fractures. Imperfect positioning of the screws in seven patients has been followed by early breakdown of reduction and non-union, but satisfactory positioning has been associated with radiological union in fifty patients who have been observed for twelve months or more. 6. Ultimate breakdown in some of these fractures is certain to follow avascular necrosis, and this complication has already been seen in a few patients treated by cross screw fixation more than two years ago. It is also expected that non-union will occur in some of those patients still under observation for less than a year. Even so, these preliminary findings indicate a percentage of union far greater than that obtained by previous methods of treatment, and, although statistically inadequate, they are presented in support of the belief that it should no longer be considered impossible to achieve the same percentage of union in subcapital fractures of the femur as we are accustomed to expect in the treatment of fractures elsewhere. It is not implied, however, that this ideal will be reached merely by the adoption of some form of double or multilever fixation, and much will continue to depend upon the quality of the radiographic services, the precision of reduction and the perfection of operative technique. 7. Every advance in our understanding of what is meant by "perfection of operative technique" lends increasing support to the ultimate truth of Watson-Jones's (1941) dictum: "A perfect result may be expected from a technically perfect operation; an imperfect result is due to imperfect technique." But the simple and foolproof method of fixation which will end the search for technical perfection in the treatment of the displaced subcapital fracture has yet to be evolved, and many questions remain to be answered about this injury. Nevertheless, it is clear that the surgeon should now be prepared to attribute early mechanical failure in the treatment of femoral neck fractures to his own shortcomings, and the temptation to blame capital ischaemia for every disaster should be resisted

Aims

Rotating-hinge knee prostheses are commonly used to reconstruct the distal femur after resection of a tumour, despite the projected long-term burden of reoperation due to complications. Few studies have examined the factors that influence their failure and none, to our knowledge, have used competing risk models to do so. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for failure of a rotating-hinge knee distal femoral arthroplasty using the Fine-Gray competing risk model.

Aims

To clarify the effectiveness of the induced membrane technique (IMT) using beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for reconstruction of segmental bone defects by evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes, and the effect of defect size and operated site on surgical outcomes.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to evaluate early outcomes with the use of a smartphone-based exercise and educational care management system after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and demonstrate decreased use of in-person physiotherapy (PT).

Aims

This study reviews the past 30 years of research from the Canadian Orthopedic Trauma Society (COTS), to identify predictive factors that delay or accelerate the course of randomized controlled trials in orthopaedic trauma.

Aims

The primary aim was to determine the influence of COVID-19 on 30-day mortality following hip fracture. Secondary aims were to determine predictors of COVID-19 status on presentation and later in the admission; the rate of hospital acquired COVID-19; and the predictive value of negative swabs on admission.

Aims

Hospital case volume is shown to be associated with postoperative outcomes in various types of surgery. However, conflicting results of volume-outcome relationship have been reported in hip fracture surgery. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between hospital case volume and postoperative outcomes in patients who had hip fracture surgery. We hypothesized that higher case volume would be associated with lower risk of in-hospital and one-year mortality after hip fracture surgery.

Aims

Removal of infected components and culture-directed antibiotics are important for the successful treatment of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, as many as 27% of chronic PJI patients yield negative culture results. Although culture negativity has been thought of as a contraindication to one-stage revision, data supporting this assertion are limited. The aim of our study was to report on the clinical outcomes for one-stage and two-stage exchange arthroplasty performed in patients with chronic culture-negative PJI.

Aims

The aims of this study were to investigate the mortality following a proximal humeral fracture. Data from a large population-based fracture register were used to quantify 30-day, 90-day, and one-year mortality rates after a proximal humeral fracture. Associations between the risk of mortality and the type of fracture and its treatment were assessed, and mortality rates were compared between patients who sustained a fracture and the general population.

Antibiotic resistance represents a threat to human health. It has been suggested that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could cause ten million deaths each year. In orthopaedics, many patients undergoing surgery suffer from complications resulting from implant-associated infection. In these circumstances secondary surgery is usually required and chronic and/or relapsing disease may ensue. The development of effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections is needed. Recent evidence shows that bacteriophage (phages; viruses that infect bacteria) therapy may represent a viable and successful solution. In this review, a brief description of bone and joint infection and the nature of bacteriophages is presented, as well as a summary of our current knowledge on the use of bacteriophages in the treatment of bacterial infections. We present contemporary published in vitro and in vivo data as well as data from clinical trials, as they relate to bone and joint infections. We discuss the potential use of bacteriophage therapy in orthopaedic infections. This area of research is beginning to reveal successful results, but mostly in nonorthopaedic fields. We believe that bacteriophage therapy has potential therapeutic value for implant-associated infections in orthopaedics.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):234–244.

1. The advantages of internal fixation of trochanteric fractures of the femur are discussed. 2. It is suggested that a long oblique trifin nail driven across the fracture affords more rigid fixation than a nail-plate and facilitates earlier weight-bearing

We discuss the role of primary knee arthroplasty in supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the femur in elderly patients with reference to 13 cases. This method of treatment is shown to be effective and to have good results. It is recommended for all type C and some type A supracondylar fractures in old people

We report the results of treatment with the dynamic condylar screw of 21 cases of supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the femur in patients aged 22 to 91 years. There were two nonunions and no deaths. We found the device easy to use and the good fixation allowed early patient mobilisation

The term Volkmann’s triangle for the avulsed posterior edge of the tibia in fracture-dislocations of the ankle is incorrect. Volkmann did not publish any articles relating to the posterior edge of the tibia. Credit should go to Henry Earle, who was an outstanding British surgeon of the first half of 19th century. He described avulsion of the posterior edge of the tibia in 1828. In 1823 he also published a monograph entitled Practical observations in surgery in which he described a specially designed bed for the conservative treatment of proximal fractures of the femur

1. A method of internal fixation for the supracondylar fracture of the femur in the elderly patient is presented. 2. The fixation obtained allows the unsupported use of the limb and early partial weightbearing. Convalescence is thereby considerably shortened. 3. The disappointing results of internal fixation previously reported can be largely related to poor methods of fixation

Callus formation and the rate of union of nailed fractures of the femur has been determined in 22 patients with associated head injuries and compared with that in a group of patients with similarly treated fractures but without head injuries. The comparison confirms the widely held view that, in patients with head injuries, fractures frequently heal with excessive callus and at a faster rate than normal

Templates are used in the preoperative planning of many orthopaedic procedures. The magnification of the bones on preoperative radiographs can vary despite using standardised radiological techniques. Templates will give misleading measurements unless this magnification is quantified. A coin may be used to calculate the magnification, with significant improvement in the accuracy of templating (p = 0.05). A group of patients undergoing uncemented arthroplasty of the hip was at high risk for intraoperative fracture of the femur because the magnification of the radiograph was larger than that of the template

We describe a patient in whom a total hip replacement had failed and who subsequently fractured her proximal femur. The prosthetic hip and the surrounding bone were excised and replaced by a matched pair of allograft components. She obtained seven years of pain free hip function before the graft showed radiographic signs of failure; it was then replaced by a new prosthetic hip

1. Nine cases of traumatic dislocation of the hip in children have been reviewed. 2. There was one instance of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, which became apparent six months after injury. 3. In one case fracture of the femur on the same side led to four days' delay in recognition and treatment of the dislocation. 4. At the time of review all patients were free from symptoms

1. The results of treatment of 100 consecutive patients with pertrochanteric and basal fractures of the femur treated by early operative fixation with a McKee two-piece nail and plate are reviewed. 2. Technical failures are analysed and discussed. 3. The pattern of mortality is discussed and contrasted with that in a comparable series of patients treated conservatively. 4. It is concluded that early operative fixation is the method of choice in the management of these fractures, and that the McKee pin and plate is a satisfactory and reliable device for securing internal fixation

Aims

The treatment of tibial aplasia is controversial. Amputation represents the gold standard with good functional results, but is frequently refused by the families. In these patients, treatment with reconstructive limb salvage can be considered. Due to the complexity of the deformity, this remains challenging and should be staged. The present study evaluated the role of femoro-pedal distraction using a circular external fixator in reconstructive treatment of tibial aplasia. The purpose of femoro-pedal distraction is to realign the limb and achieve soft tissue lengthening to allow subsequent reconstructive surgery.

1. The long-term results in a consecutive series of 323 healed subcapital fractures of the femur show that, with few exceptions, the capital fragment maintains its integrity when the fragments are aligned within the narrow limits of good reduction, but undergoes superior segmental collapse when reduction is poor. 2. The effect of malreduction on the congruity of the hip joint is examined, and a remodelling response to malalignment of the aspherical femoral head in the imperfectly round acetabulum is proposed as an alternative interpretation of the radiological changes now considered to be the result of capital ischaemia

Aims

Osteopetrosis (OP) is a rare hereditary disease that causes reduced bone resorption and increased bone density as a result of osteoclastic function defect. Our aim is to review the difficulties, mid-term follow-up results, and literature encountered during the treatment of OP.