Low Functional Demands Research Articles

Optimizing Treatment Strategies for Distal Radius Fractures in Osteoporosis: A Comparative Review

Osteoporosis is a common yet underdiagnosed condition that increases the risk of fractures, contributing to substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are some of the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis and often precede more severe fractures. Managing DRFs in patients with osteoporosis can be a challenge due to altered bone quality, which can affect healing and surgical fixation. This review examines both operative and nonoperative management strategies for DRFs in osteoporotic patients, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment. Surgical interventions, like open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plating, can facilitate early mobilization and improved alignment, especially in more active patients. However, osteoporosis poses risks such as hardware failure, infection, and malunion, calling for careful patient selection. Conversely, nonoperative management may be more suitable for patients with lower functional demands or higher surgical risks, despite the increased risk of malunion. By adapting treatment strategies to individual patient characteristics, orthopedic surgeons can optimize outcomes, minimize complications, and potentially prevent future fractures. Both operative and nonoperative treatments can yield positive outcomes when personalized to the patient’s needs.

The effectiveness of shoe modifications and foot orthoses in conservative treatment of lesser toe deformities: a review of literature.

Forefoot disorders are prevalent in the general population, with an incidence between 2 and 20%. Among them, lesser toe deformities (hammer, claw, and mallet toes) are frequent disorders, and their conservative management is often not adequately considered but usually attempted before surgical indication. Among conservative treatments, shoe modifications and the application of orthoses may, in most cases, alleviate symptoms. From a careful analysis of the available literature, it emerged that treatment approaches should be individualized, and patient education has to be a central aspect of therapy. Proper footwear includes rocker and cushioned soles shoes, a wide toe box, proper length, and a lowered heel, eventually combined with the placement of a felt pad. Narrowed shoes must be avoided, limiting the impaction of the distal phalanx and toenail into the ground. A custom-made silicone orthosis applied at the second digit metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in a hammer or claw toe seems to reduce mean peak plantar pressure in the rigid stage of deformity but not the flexible one. A metatarsal pad placed 6.5mm proximal to the second metatarsal head was demonstrated to diminish peak pressures by 33%, and a 12.5-mm insole further reduced peak metatarsal head pressures by 23% compared with a 2.5-mm insole. The best comfort of orthoses seems to be given by treating metatarsalgia resulting from deformities such as MTP joint instability, mallet, and claw toe. Little orthotic relevance is given to deformities such as hammer toes. Although the most significant obstacle appears to be the psychological aspect of patients, who must accept the placement of compensatory orthoses, some studies show that all these management appear to be often beneficial for the treatment of these disorders. However, none of them are permanent solutions to the deformity and they can be treatment of choice just in advanced stages, in elderly and low functional demand patients.

Challenges and Outcomes in the Management of Periprosthetic Humeral Fractures: A Retrospective Study and Review of Current Approaches.

Periprosthetic humeral fractures are a rare and increasing entity due to the rising number of shoulder arthroplasties. These fractures pose a significant challenge for surgeons, with incidence rates ranging from 1.2% to 19.4%. They can occur intraoperatively or as late complications, often influenced by trauma, prosthetic wear, or loosening. A retrospective study was conducted on all patients admitted with periprosthetic humeral fractures over a four-year period (2018-2022). Inclusion criteria were postoperative periprosthetic humeral fractures with a minimum follow-up of six months. Exclusion criteria included intraoperative fractures, fractures of the glenoid or coracoid process, and cases with follow-up of less than six months or incomplete data. The study included six patients with an average age of 83.1 years, predominantly female (four females andtwo males). All fractures occurred postoperatively: four on reverse shoulder prostheses, one on an anatomical prosthesis, and one on a hemiarthroplasty. The mechanism was low-energy trauma, with fractures occurring an average of 96 months post-initial surgery. Fractures were classified using the Campbell system: three in region 4, two in region 3, and one in region 2. Radiographs showed four cemented and two uncemented stems. Three patients underwent surgical treatment with either prosthetic replacement using a long stem and fracture cerclage or lockingcompression plate (LCP). The remaining three patients were treated conservatively with a Sarmiento brace due to advanced age, bone fragility, low functional demand, and comorbidities. Radial nerve palsy was a complication in two patients post-trauma, with one recovering fully and the other not recovering before death due to associated complications. All fractures consolidated within an average of seven months (range: 5-8 months).Functional recovery was satisfactory with a median Constant-Murley Shoulder Score of 69in surgically treated patients, with range of motion between 100 and 140 degrees. Only two conservatively treated patients achieved fracture consolidation, and functional recovery was inadequate. Managing periprosthetic humeral fractures remains challenging. Treatment goals include fracture healing, maintaining prosthetic stem stability, preserving glenohumeral motion, and restoring shoulder function. Despite various classification systems, the literature shows limited and variable data on incidence and treatment outcomes. Conservative treatment may be considered for stable implants and acceptable alignment, but surgical intervention is often necessary for displaced fractures or implant loosening. The management of periprosthetic humeral fractures requires a tailored, multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcomes and improve patient quality of life. With the increasing incidence of these fractures due to the growing use of shoulder arthroplasty, ongoing research and development of new techniques and therapeutic strategies are essential to address this clinical challenge effectively.

Vancouver B2 periprosthetic hip fractures treatment: fix or replace? A retrospective study comparing both techniques.

Vancouver B2 periprosthetic hip fractures involve stem stability and they have been classically treated with revision surgery. Crucial factors such as age, clinical comorbidities and functional status are often neglected. The current study aims to compare clinical outcomes between patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or femoral stem exchange. This is a retrospective study that includes all Vancouver B2 periprosthetic hip fractures in a tertiary referral hospital from 2016 to 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1. Patients treated with an ORIF and Group 2. Patients treated with stem replacement. The outcomes that were compared between groups included demographic data, functional capacity, complications and mortality. 29 periprosthetic Vancouver B2 fractures were finally analyzed. 11 (37.9%) were treated with ORIF (Group 1) and 18 (62.1%) by stem replacement (Group 2). Surgery time (143 vs. 160min), hemoglobin drop (1.8 vs. 2.5g/dL) and hospital stance (25.5 vs. 29.6days) were shorter in Group 1. According to complications, 18.2% of patients in the ORIF group had orthopedic complications compared with 44.4% in the revision group. In the revision group, 3 cases needed a two-stage revision and one of these revisions ended up with a resection arthroplasty (Girdlestone). The first-year mortality rate was 27% in Group 1 and 11% in Group 2. ORIF treatment seems to be a less aggressive and complex procedure which can lead to a faster general recovery. Revision surgery can imply a higher risk of orthopedic complications which can be severe and may require further aggressive solutions. The ORIF group mortality was similar to the proximal femur fracture rate (20-30%). In conclusion, ORIF treatment seems to be a good option especially in fragile patients with low functional demand when anatomical reduction is possible.

Does size matter? Outcomes following revision total hip arthroplasty with long or primary stems: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFemoral reconstruction with long stems is widely accepted as the standard in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). However, long stems can be technically challenging to insert and can compromise bone stock for future revision. This study aimed to identify whether there was a difference in outcomes with using a long versus primary or short femoral stem in revision.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all articles comparing long and primary stem length in rTHA for Paprosky 1-3B femoral defects. The primary outcome measure was the reoperation rate after rTHA. Secondary outcomes included infection and dislocation rates, periprosthetic fracture, loosening, mortality, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).ResultsThe results of 3,102 rTHAs performed in 2,982 patients were reported from 9 eligible studies in the systematic review, of which 6 were included in the meta-analysis. The mean patient age was 67.4 and the mean follow-up lasted 5 years (range, 1–15 years). There was no significant difference in the reoperation rate (odds ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.28–2.17, P = 0.63). Similarly, there was no significant difference in dislocation or periprosthetic fracture risk. Harris Hip Score was better with primary stems by a mean difference of 14.4 points (P < 0.05). Pooled 5-year stem-related survival was 91.3% ± 3.5% (SD) for primary stems and 89.9% ± 6.7% (SD) for long stems.ConclusionsA primary stem provided non-inferior outcomes compared with long stems in rTHA with Paprosky type 1-3B femoral defects. Primary stems may yield a more straightforward technique and preserve distal bone stock for future revision particularly in younger patients. In older patients with lower functional demands and who would benefit from a decreased risk of complications, a long cemented stem is recommended.

Unilateral Technique for Interposition Arthroplasty of the Elbow—A Technical Note

Stiffness and pain secondary to end-stage dysfunctional osteoarthritis of the elbow can pose a therapeutic dilemma. Although total elbow arthroplasty is successful in older patients with low functional demand, alternatives to joint replacement must be found in the younger, more active individual. Interposition arthroplasty provides a salvage option for young, high-demand patients who hope to minimize functional restrictions of the affected extremity. The procedure traditionally involves release of both collateral ligaments and the joint capsule, resulting in a higher risk for postoperative instability and complications. The present unilateral technique demonstrates an approach maintaining the integrity of the medial or lateral collateral ligament while still allowing secure graft fixation. Stability can usually be preserved without ligament reconstruction or hinged external fixation if the elbow was stable before surgery.

Use of a Hindfoot Nail Without Separate Subtalar and Tibiotalar Joint Preparation to Treat Geriatric Ankle and Distal Tibia Fractures: A Case Series.

Ankle fractures in geriatric patients can be devastating injuries, as they limit an individual's mobility, autonomy, and quality of life. This study examines the functional outcomes and complications related to hindfoot nails (HFN) in geriatric patients who have suffered an ankle malleolar or distal tibia fracture. This is a single-surgeon case-series of patients who underwent HFN for acute fixation or delayed reconstruction after an ankle or distal tibia fracture. Demographic information, comorbidities, baseline functional status, AO/OTA classification, surgical indications, need for external fixation, total operative time, length of stay (LOS), ambulation at discharge, and discharge disposition were recorded. Primary outcomes included 30-day complications, ambulation at follow-up, and time to fracture union and fusion. There were 22 patients, with average age 80.8years. Mean LOS was 7.0days, and 68.2% were discharged to subacute rehabilitation. Within 30days, 1 patient developed a deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, and 2 experienced wound dehiscence requiring antibiotics. At 6-weeks, 1 patient sustained a fall with periprosthetic fracture requiring HFN revision, and another developed cellulitis necessitating hardware removal. Fracture healing was seen in 72.7% at 19.4weeks, while radiographic fusion occurred in 18.2% at 43.0weeks. 72.7% were ambulating with an assistive device at discharge, and 100.0% at 12-weeks post-operatively or last follow-up. Upon final examination, all patients were ambulating without pain. HFNs provide a reliable alternative to traditional open reduction internal fixation and have the ability to improve quality of life for geriatric patients through a faster return to weight-bearing. Additionally, radiographic fusion rates show that patients have favorable functional outcomes even without formal arthrodesis. HFN is beneficial for elderly patients with low functional demand and complex medical comorbidities, as it allows for early mobility after sustaining an ankle or distal tibia fracture.

Management of Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears-A Current Concepts Review and Proposed Treatment Algorithm by the AGA Shoulder Committee.

Posterosuperior rotator cuff tears range among the most common causes of shoulder complaints. While non-operative treatment is typically reserved for the elderly patient with low functional demands, surgical treatment is considered the gold standard for active patients. More precisely, an anatomic rotator cuff repair (RCR) is considered the most desirable treatment option and should be generally attempted during surgery. If an anatomic RCR is impossible, the adequate choice of treatment for irreparable rotator cuff tears remains a matter of debate among shoulder surgeons. Following a critical review of the contemporary literature, the authors suggest the following evidence- and experience-based treatment recommendation. In the non-functional, osteoarthritic shoulder, treatment strategies in the management of irreparable posterosuperior RCT include debridement-based procedures and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty as the treatment of choice. Joint-preserving procedures aimed at restoring glenohumeral biomechanics and function should be reserved for the non-osteoarthritic shoulder. Prior to these procedures, however, patients should be counseled about deteriorating results over time. Recent innovations such as the superior capsule reconstruction and the implantation of a subacromial spacer show promising short-term results, yet future studies with long-term follow-up are required to derive stronger recommendations.

Are Rush Nails Still a Good Choice for Fibula Fixation in Ankle Fractures? A Retrospective Study with Five Years Follow-Up.

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate if Rush nail fixation still has a role in distal fibular fractures surgery compared with locking plate in terms of fixation quality, complications, functional results and patient satisfaction level. This study included 109 patients (average age 56.05), who had undergone operative treatment for bi- or trimalleolar fractures between 2009 and 2014. The patients were evaluated retrospectively, divided in group A (57 patients treated with Rush nail) and group B (52 patients treated with locking plate). The patients were evaluated at an average 4.9 years of follow-up (SD: 1.01) with Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society - Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for clinical outcomes. X-rays were conducted to assess ankle osteoarthritis using the classification system by Takakura and joint space symmetry using measurements in comparison with contralateral ankles. The groups were homogeneous regarding age and gender. Patients treated with Rush Nail fixation (Group A) showed statistically significant worse clinical results at functional scores (78.1 Group A versus 88.7 Group B at the OMAS (P<0.05); 83.1 Group A versus 90.1 Group B at the AOFAS (P<0.05); higher pain levels in the VAS (3.9 Group A versus 2.4 Group B) and lower satisfaction rates (52.6% Group A versus 73.1% Group B (P<0.05)) in comparison with patients treated with locking plate fixation (Group B). However, infections rate was significantly lower in Group A (1.8%) than in Group B (9.6%) (P<0.05). Radiographic evaluation showed more cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in Group A (35.1% Group A versus 15.4% Group B (P<0.05)) and worse results in regards to restoration of joint space symmetry (45.6% Group A versus 73.1% Group B (P<0.05)). Results of current study indicates that even though plating of lateral malleolus in bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures is superior in fracture reduction quality, early functional recovery, reduced incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and greater patient satisfaction, Rush nail fixation still provides acceptable clinical results with a lower infection rate. Therefore Rush nails could be considered as a valid choice in selected patients with high risk of soft tissue complications or low functional demand.

Olecranon Fractures: A Critical Analysis Review.

Olecranon fractures account for 10% of all elbow fractures and are more likely to result from a low-energy injury. A displaced fracture with a stable ulnohumeral joint (Mayo type 2) is the most common type of injury. The management of an isolated olecranon fracture is based on patient factors (age, functional demand, and if medically fit to undergo surgery) and fracture characteristics including displacement, fragmentation, and elbow stability. Nonoperative management can be successfully used in undisplaced fractures (Mayo type 1) and in displaced fractures (Mayo type 2) in frail patients with lower functional demands. Patients with displaced olecranon fractures with a stable ulnohumeral joint without significant articular surface fragmentation (Mayo type 2A) can be managed with tension band wiring, plate osteosynthesis (PO), intramedullary fixation, or suture repair. PO is advocated for multifragmentary fractures and fractures that are associated with ulnohumeral instability. It is essential to consider the variable anatomy of the proximal ulna during surgery.

Providing specialized care to patients with a rupture of the distal tendon of the biceps brachii: diagnosis and treatment algorithm

Biceps brachii distal tendon injury is rare, 2.55–5.35 per 100,000. This nosological form did not have a gender modality and was previously found mainly in middle-aged men (46.3 y.o.). By 2022, this injury “rejuvenated” and began to occur more often, covering the categories of juniors and young athletes, whose professional activities have expanded significantly with the advent of new power disciplines, contact sports and popularization of bodybuilding. The authors note the negative impact of smoking and the use of anabolic steroids, statins and obesity on the incidence of these lesions. The maximum supination force in this type of injury is reduced by an average of 40 %, and the maximum flexion force is reduced by an average of 20 %. Considering the significance of functional disorders not only of the elbow joint, but also of motor patterns of the entire upper limb girdle for professional athletes, sports-organized people and people involved in the physical aspects of labor, surgical treatment is recommended. Nonsurgical treatment can be aimed at suppressing edema and inflammation, limiting early movements in the elbow joint and increasing secondary muscle tension, and it is suitable for patients with low functional demand, poor compliance and high risks of both surgical treatment and anesthesia care. That is, the choice of treatment tactics is still based, in addition to anatomical changes and on the “subjective” patient data, his/her needs for physical activity and requires an algorithmic approach in order to avoid both known complications and confidently predict a positive result during the prehospital period. Based on ten years of clinical and practical experience adjusted by widely available scientific periodicals, we have developed a scheme that is understandable to every specialist in the field of traumatology, orthopedics or sports medicine, and is applicable regardless of the medical institution level. For the first time, this scheme was published in this work.

Total wrist fusion versus total wrist prosthesis: a comparative study

We present a comparative study of 41 total wrist fusions (TWFs) with contoured plate and 22 total wrist prostheses using the Universal 2™ model, with a mean follow-up of 6 years for the fusion and 6.5 years for the prosthesis. We evaluated grip strength, pain according to the visual analogue scale, functional results using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, degree of satisfaction and complications, with no significant differences being observed in any of these variables. The results allow us to conclude that total wrist prosthesis implanted in patients with low or moderate functional demands offers medium-term functional results similar to TWF without increasing the number of complications. Level of evidence: III

Injuries of the Pectoralis Major: Diagnosis and Management.

Pectoralis major ruptures are uncommon injuries that have become more prevalent over the past 20 years due to increased participation in weight lifting. Patients often present with localized swelling and ecchymosis, muscular deformity, thinning of the anterior axillary fold, and weakness in adduction and internal rotation of the affected arm. History and physical is often augmented with radiology, magnetic resonance imaging of the chest being the gold standard. Nonoperative management is reserved for old patients with low functional demands. Operative intervention is the treatment of choice with improved functional outcomes, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction.

Osteosynthesis versus revision arthroplasty in Vancouver B2 periprosthetic hip fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies comparing osteosynthesis and stem revision in Vancouver B2 (VB2) periprosthetic hip fractures (PPHF) have been published. This work aims to be the first systematic review and meta-analysis to include only studies involving statistical comparison between the two techniques. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to October 2021 for studies involving a comparison between VB2 treated by osteosynthesis versus revision arthroplasty. The effect size (ES) was calculated using Cohen´s d index. From 17 published studies selected, a total of 856 patients were recruited (363 osteosynthesis / 493 revision arthroplasty). The pooled ES estimates for the Parker mobility score were 1.03 (95% CI, 0.22-1.84; I2 = 87.7%) for ORIF surgery, and 0.54 (95% CI, -0.10-1.17; I2 = 83%) for revision surgery. The pooled ES estimates for the operative time, reintervention, complications, hospital stay and needing for blood transfusion were significant lower in ORIF than in revision surgery. There were no differences in first-year mortality between groups. There was a higher proportion of ASA > 3 patients in the ORIF group. Osteosynthesis versus revision arthroplasty has a shorter operative time, less need for blood transfusion, fewer complications and reoperation rate and shorter hospital stay. Nonetheless, similar results were found for functional tests and first-year mortality. These results support the use of osteosynthesis in selected patients (low functional demand, multiple comorbidities, and high anesthetic risk). III.

Mason type III fractures of the radial head: ORIF, resection or prosthetic replacement?

PurposeThis study focused on a comparison of mid-term clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of adults treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), radial head prosthesis (RHP) and resection (RHR).MethodsThe retrospective evaluation concerned 47 surgically treated patients after a mean follow-up of 53 months. All patients were grouped according to the surgical procedure performed: 15 in the RHP group, 16 in the ORIF group and 16 in the RHR group. At the follow-up, outcome assessment was based on radiographs, range of motion (ROM) and functional rating scores.ResultsPatients treated by RHR had significantly higher mean age and shorter operation time than other two groups. Compared to ROM, flexion, extension and pronation were significantly worse in patients treated by ORIF than those in the RHP group and the RHR group. Supination was significantly better in the RHP group. However, no statistical differences were observed in functional rating scores among the three groups. Regarding complications, instability was the only cause of revision surgery in the RHP group and the RHR group. On the other hand, the ORIF group revision rate was 50% and secondary displacement was the most frequent cause of failure.ConclusionThe ORIF group did not show good results with greater elbow stiffness and higher revision rate than the other two techniques. RHR may be suitable for elderly patients with lower functional demands as it reported good clinical results and reduced operation time.

Definition of post-traumatic outcomes of operated and unoperated knee fractures

Knee fractures include fractures of the tibial plateau, distal femur, and patella. The most frequent complication of these fractures is post-traumatic osteoarthritis, defined as secondary osteoarthritis that develops as a result of direct damage or trauma to a specific joint. According to the available data, 23-36% of people who have suffered an intra-articular knee fracture will develop secondary osteoarthritis. The average age at which it develops is 9-14 years before the average age at which primary osteoarthritis develops in the general population. Analysis of the literature shows that treatment of knee fractures must be chosen according to various parameters such as age, state of health, and degree of activity of the patient as well as the extent of damage to the joint surface. In young patients, there is an indication for open reduction and internal fixation treatments, corrective osteotomies, or osteoarticular reconstruction, while in elderly patients with low functional demands the use of total knee prostheses should be considered. It must be taken into account, however, that poor functional results of prostheses are reported when used in cases of high complexity of joint deformity, especially if they involve both the femur and tibia and in case of compromised soft tissues that require reconstruction.

Bilateral Femoral Neck Fracture in a Low Functional Demand Patient Treated with Simultaneous Bilateral Hemiarthroplasty: a Case Report and Literature Review

Bilateral Femoral Neck Fracture in a Low Functional Demand Patient Treated with Simultaneous Bilateral Hemiarthroplasty: a Case Report and Literature Review

Ten years' follow-up for cemented hip arthroplasty in patients &lt;60 years of age with standardization of cementing technique: A multicentric study

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the preferred treatment for persistent disability due to hip pathologies and restoration of normal functions. Although there is a general consensus of using un-cemented implants for adults and elderly with good bone quality and cemented for senior citizen population, implant choice for middle aged group of 40 years to 60 years is still a subject of debate, especially in financial constrained situations. In our study, we have determined the implant survivorship and functional outcomes of cemented THA in patients between 40 and 60 years of age, at the minimum follow-up of 10 years with emphasis on standardization of cementing technique. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study including 25 patients who had undergone cemented hip arthroplasty. Data were collected from five different surgical centres, whose orthopedic surgeons had common surgical training and were following a common cementing technique. Results: Mean Harris Hip Score of 25 hips at final follow-up was 90 and Visual Analog Scale 1.88. The functional outcome was good to excellent at final follow-up in 89% hips. There was a significant improvement in pain and activity level after surgery (P < 0.001) and maintained at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Our series provides evidence for utility of cemented hip implants in low functional demand patients along with emphasizing the importance of a good cementing technique for the long-term survival of cemented hip arthroplasty in the age group of 40–60 years.

The Management of Wrist Fractures During COVID-19: A Preliminary Report.

BackgroundDue to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the need for the virtual follow-up of patients. These innovations in clinical care have helped to reduce hospital attendance of patients and the spread of the virus. Injuries such as wrist fractures that are non-obligatory are increasingly being followed up virtually. This paper compares the early experience of management of wrist fractures in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown with a similar period before.MethodsA retrospective study of the management and clinical follow-up of all skeletally mature patients seen in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department with a radiologically confirmed distal radius fracture after imposition of COVID-19 lockdown measures in the United Kingdom (between March 23, 2020 and May 24, 2020), and comparison with a control group of patients with distal radius fractures seen within a similar time frame the previous year (March 23, 2019 to May 24, 2019).ResultsDuring the COVID-19 lockdown, a total of 39 skeletally mature patients (85% females; average age of 70.4 years [SD: 14.6]) who had suffered a wrist fracture were seen. A total of 23% of the patients had surgical fixation. The others were managed conservatively and followed up regularly in the fracture clinic and by virtual telephone consultation in 15% (p > 0.05) compared to the previous year. Three patients who had an AO/OTA Type-C fracture were not keen on surgery, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients had their operations at 5.2 days post-injury on average compared to the pre-COVID average of 6.4 days post-injury.ConclusionThis preliminary study showed that patients considered "high risk" (as per the UK government guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19) with low functional demands who had suffered fractures of the distal radius were followed up mostly virtually after their first A&E attendance, thereby eliminating unnecessary hospital attendances. There was no difference in the epidemiology of wrist fractures pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown. No COVID-positive patients were treated.The limitations of this study are the fact that it is cross-sectional with a lack of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). As this was only a preliminary study to assess initial results, it will be followed up by a full report assessing outcomes at defined intervals.

345 A Novel Fixation Method for Unstable Ankle Fractures in The Elderly with Poor Quality Skin, Via Dual Percutaneous Tibiotalar Cannulated Screws

Abstract Introduction The incidence of ankle fractures is highest in the elderly population due to poor bone quality. Osteoporosis and poor overlying skin increase risk of infection, wound breakdown, and fixation failure. This ultimately results in worse functional outcomes. This retrospective case-series describes a novel dual percutaneous tibiotalar cannulated screw fixation method, for managing unstable ankle fractures, in high-risk elderly patient with low functional demand. Method Six elderly patients were identified between January 2019-2020 who underwent dual tibiotalar cannulated screw fixation for unstable ankle fractures. Pre-operative and post-operative pain and mobility scores were obtained via telephone consultation and case-note review. Radiographs were analysed pre-operatively for fracture type and post-operatively for complications such as, talar shift. Wound Infection post-operatively was monitored. Results The mean age was 86.8 with an average ASA grade of three. Functional outcomes were excellent with 83.3% of patients remaining ambulatory with no post-operative pain at an average follow-up of 10.25 months. Three patients (50%) had excellent post-operative radiographs with evidence of union and no talar shift. Two patients (33.3%) had either non-union or minor talar shift, and one patient (16.7%) had multiple radiological complications likely due to delayed fixation. All three patients remained ambulatory and had minimal post-operative pain. There were no reports of soft tissue injury or infection due to the surgery. Conclusions Dual percutaneous tibiotalar cannulated screws can be used to manage unstable ankle fractures in the low demand elderly patient, with poor skin quality. Function outcomes were good with satisfactory post-operative mobility and minimal pain in the majority of cases.