Surgical Fracture Fixation Research Articles

Effect of operative time in outcomes following surgical fixation of hip fractures: a multivariable regression analysis of 35,710 patients.

Prolonged operative time is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of hip fractures. However, the quantitative nature of such association, including graduated risk levels, has yet to be described. This study outlines the graduated associations between operative time and (1) healthcare utilisation, and (2) 30-day complications after ORIF of hip fractures. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried (January 2016-December 2019) for all patients who underwent ORIF of hip fractures (n = 35,710). Demographics, operative time, fracture type, and comorbidities were recorded. Outcomes included healthcare utilisation (e.g., prolonged length of stay [LOS>2 days], discharge disposition, 30-day readmission, and reoperation), inability to weight-bear (ITWB) on postoperative day-1 (POD-1), and any 30-day complication. Adjusted multivariate regression models evaluated associations between operative time and measured outcomes. Operative time <40 minutes was associated with lower odds of prolonged LOS (odds ratio [OR] 0.77), non-home discharge (OR 0.85), 30-day readmission (OR 0.85), and reoperation (OR 0.72). Operative time ⩾80 minutes was associated with higher odds of ITWB on POD-1 (OR 1.17). Operative time ⩾200 minutes was associated with higher odds of deep infection (OR 7.5) and wound complications (OR 3.2). The odds of blood transfusions were higher in cases ⩾60 minutes (OR1.3) and 5-fold in cases ⩾200 minutes (OR 5.4). The odds of venous thromboembolic complications were highest in the ⩾200-minute operative time category (OR 2.5). Operative time was not associated with mechanical ventilation, pneumonia, delirium, sepsis, urinary tract infection, or 30-day mortality. Increasing operative time is associated with a progressive increase in the odds of adverse outcomes following hip fracture ORIF. While a direct cause-effect relationship cannot be established, an operative time of <60 minutes could be protective. Perioperative interventions that shorten operative time without compromising fracture reduction or fixation should be considered.

Cost analysis and clinical outcomes of anatomic pre-contoured locking versus conventional plates for distal fibula ankle fractures.

To analyze differences in union, complication rates and cost from surgical fixation of distal fibula fractures with fibular plating implants. In total, 380 adult patients from 2012 to 2015 treated with 12 fibular plates from 4 different manufacturers utilized by 9 surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. They were stratified into a conventional one-third tubular fibular plate group, pre-contoured anatomic locking plate group, or a heterogeneous group including 3.5-mm reconstruction, one-third tubular locking, composite, and limited compression plates. The outcomes included failure of fixation, deep infection requiring debridement, time to union, anatomic reduction, superficial infection, hardware removal, and post-traumatic arthritis. Plate and screw costs were calculated from hospital billing records. Pre-contoured locking plates were used in older, female patients with a greater number of comorbidities. Open injuries and OTA 44B fractures were more likely to be an indication for pre-contoured plates. There was no difference noted in time to union between the different plating groups. Risk factors for deep infection requiring debridement included a history of tobacco use, open fractures, and pre-contoured locking plates relative to the conventional plating group. The pre-contoured plating group was on average $586 more expensive compared to the conventional group. Pre-contoured locking plates achieved similar radiographic outcomes compared to conventional plates with an increased risk of complications and higher cost. Surgeons should consider their choice of implant based on the patient's fracture pattern, underlying comorbidities, and risk for infection.

Increased Neighborhood Deprivation Is Associated with Prolonged Hospital Stays After Surgical Fixation of Traumatic Pelvic Ring Injuries.

The purpose of this study was to understand the role of social determinants of health assessed by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) on hospital length of stay and discharge destination following surgical fixation of pelvic ring fractures. A retrospective chart analysis was performed for all patients who presented to our level-I trauma center with pelvic ring injuries that were treated with surgical fixation. Social determinants of health were determined via use of the ADI, a comprehensive metric of socioeconomic status, education, income, employment, and housing quality. ADI values range from 0 to 100 and are normalized to a U.S. mean of 50, with higher scores representing greater social deprivation. We stratified our cohort into 4 ADI quartiles. Statistical analysis was performed on the bottom (25th percentile and below, least deprived) and top (75th percentile and above, most deprived) ADI quartiles. Significance was set at p < 0.05. There were 134 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Patients in the most deprived group were significantly more likely to have a history of smoking, to self-identify as Black, and to have a lower mean household income (p = 0.001). The most deprived ADI quartile had a significantly longer mean length of stay (and standard deviation) (19.2 ± 19 days) compared with the least deprived ADI quartile (14.7 ± 11 days) (p = 0.04). The least deprived quartile had a significantly higher percentage of patients who were discharged to a resource-intensive skilled nursing facility or inpatient rehabilitation facility compared with those in the most deprived quartile (p = 0.04). Race, insurance, and income were not significant predictors of discharge destination or hospital length of stay. Patients facing greater social determinants of health had longer hospital stays and were less likely to be discharged to resource-intensive facilities when compared with patients of lesser social deprivation. This may be due to socioeconomic barriers that limit access to such facilities. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intercostal cryonerve block versus elastomeric infusion pump for postoperative analgesia following surgical stabilization of traumatic rib fractures

ObjectivePatients with blunt thoracic trauma requiring surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) frequently experience severe pain. Further, a rising prevalence of opioid-tolerant patients sustain traumatic injuries. The optimal pain management adjunct for concurrent use with SSRF remains uncertain. This study compared outcomes in patients undergoing SSRF with concomitant cryonerve block (CryoNB) or ropivacaine 0.2% elastomeric infusion pump (EIP). MethodsA single-center retrospective comparative analysis was performed at a level II trauma center. A query of our institution's trauma registry of consecutive patients undergoing SSRF from October 2017 to November 2020 with either intercostal CryoNB or ropivacaine 0.2% EIP was conducted. Opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents (OME), patient-reported pain scores by numerical rating scale, and pulmonary function measured by incentive spirometry effort (mL) were collected at baseline and on postoperative days 1–3. Results were analyzed using a linear-mixed-effects model. Length of stay (LOS), complications, and hospital charges were assessed as secondary outcomes. ResultsTwenty-six patients meeting inclusion criteria were evaluated. Patient demographics, injury, and surgical variables were similar between groups. The estimated effect for patients treated with CryoNB (n = 14) compared to EIP (n = 12) demonstrated a 25% (estimated -1.37 OME, 95% CI, -2.411 to -0.335, p = 0.01) reduction in hospital opioid requirements, fewer discharge opioids (41.3 mg (37.5–45) versus 175 mg (150- 200), p = 0.03), 22% (estimated -1.506, 95% CI, -2.722 to -0.290, p = 0.02) reduction in pain scores, and shorter postoperative LOS (4 days (4–5) versus 6 days (5–9.5), p = 0.04). Pulmonary function (estimated -48.8 mL, 95% CI, -312.74 to 215.05, p = 0.71), total hospital costs (CryoNB: $90,224 ± 34,633; EIP: $131,498 ± 73,072, p = 0.07), and complications were no different between cohorts. ConclusionThe addition of intercostal CryoNB as an adjunct to multimodal pain management in trauma patients undergoing surgical fixation of rib fractures may be of benefit. Based on our early data, this technique appears to be promising in reducing opioid requirements and providing an extended duration of pain control without increased costs or complications.

Surgical fixation of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: a matter of debate?

Segmental femoral fractures represent a rare but complex clinical challenge. They mostly result from high-energy mechanisms, dictate a careful initial assessment and are managed with various techniques. These often include an initial phase of damage control orthopaedics while the initial manoeuvres of patient and soft tissue resuscitation are employed. Definitive fixation consists of either single-implant (reconstruction femoral nails) or dual-implant constructs. There is no consensus in favour of one of these two strategies. At present, there is no high-quality comparative evidence between the various methods of treatment. The development of advanced design nailing and plating systems has offered fixation constructs with improved characteristics. A comprehensive review of the existing evidence with a step-by-step description of these different definitive fixation strategies based on three case examples was conducted. Furthermore, the rationale for using single vs dual-implant strategy in its case is presented with supportive references. The prevention of complications relies mainly on the strict adherence to basic principles of fracture fixation with an emphasis on careful preoperative planning, the quality of the reduction, and the application of soft tissue-friendly surgical methods.

1307 Infection After Surgical Fixation of Fractures – a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Prevention and Early Detection of Fracture-Related Infections

Abstract Aim Infection after surgical fixation of fractures is a serious complication in Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery. A recent study has reported that the incidence of fracture related infections (FRI) may be as high as 30% in patients with open fractures post-surgical fixation. FRI can have significant and devastating impact on the patients as well as causing a huge financial burden on the national healthcare system in the United Kingdom. According to the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) guideline, all patients with surgically managed fractures should have readily available guidance on how to respond in the event of suspected fracture related infection. The purpose of this audit was to evaluate the standard of practice in the prevention of FRI at a large teaching hospital. Method Patient notes and discharge documentation for all Trauma and Orthopaedic patients with surgically managed fractures between 01/10/2022 and 31/10/2022 were reviewed and results analysed. Results During this study period, 58 patients underwent surgery for surgical fixation of fractures. Among these 58 patients, only 5 patients (9%) had readily available information on how to respond in the event of suspected fracture related infection in their discharge documentations. Conclusions The results from this first cycle of audit shows that our current standard of does not meet the BOAST guideline. Actions must be taken to address this critical issue promptly. We are currently implementing interventions such as patient information leaflets and multidisciplinary approach with the aim to improve our standard of practice. We plan to reaudit the effectiveness of these interventions in January 2023.

747 Ten Year Outcomes After Surgical Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures

Abstract Aim This study represents one of the largest clinical case series' evaluating long-term outcomes following surgical fixation of tibial plateau fractures over a 10-year follow-up. The primary aim is to evaluate the incidence of TKR and risk-factors associated with poor outcomes. Method Patients receiving surgical fixation of tibial plateau fractures between 2008 – 2012 were included. Those requiring arthroplasty or endoprosthesis post-injury were excluded. PACs was used to analyse case notes and radiographic imaging. Articular reduction and alignment (mPTA) were measured using pre-operative radiographs. Comparisons were made with radiographs post-fracture union (6-weeks to 6-months), assessing fracture reduction maintenance. Long-term outcomes were assessed for patients receiving imaging thereafter. Patients were checked using the Scottish National Imaging Archive. Results 130 patients presented various fractures (Schatzker I-III n = 78, IV n = 12, V n = 9, VI n = 29) and 2 open-fractures. 32 patients required further surgery, 13 required multiple operations - resulting in 47 operations. These included metalwork removal (n = 28, 21.5%), TKR (n = 12, 9.2%), washout for infection (n = 3, 2.3%), osteotomy (n = 2, 1.5%), sequestrectomy (n = 1, 0.8%), and above knee amputation (n = 1, 0.8%). ≥ 2mm articular reduction was maintained in the majority (84%); however, good articular reduction did not prevent progression to arthroplasty (average step 1.4mm in TKR versus 1.8mm in non-TKR). Good alignment correlated with favourable outcomes - average mPTA being 90.8° in non-TKR versus 93.5° in TKR. Conclusions These findings support previous literature in this field demonstrating that malalignment, rather than articular depression, increases the risk for post-traumatic arthritis requiring arthroplasty. The incidence of TKR after tibial plateau fracture fixation at 10-years was 9.2%.

Comparison of Plating Fixation versus Intramedullary Nailing in the Treatment of Fracture Both-Bone Forearm in Children: A Systemic Review

Background Both bone forearm fractures (BBFFs) are a common injury in children, account for 41.1% of all fractures in children, the third most common fractures in the pediatric population. Diaphyseal forearm fractures account for the most common location of re-fractures in the pediatric population. The most common mechanism of injury is a fall onto an outstretched hand. There are many debates in the field of pediatric orthopedics, including when to operate, what constitutes an acceptable reduction and what age does remodeling capability inherent to children become less effective. Greater controversy exists regarding the optimal method of fixation in children between the ages of 10 and 14 years. Fractures in this age group that cannot be maintained in acceptable alignment with closed reduction can be treated with either IM nails or ORIF with plates. Closed reduction and cast immobilization remains the gold standard treatment for minimally displaced and stable pediatric forearm fractures. Aim of the Work is to introduce a systematic review comparing between plating and intramedullary nailing (IMN) for children with diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures (BBFFs) as regards union, functional outcome and complications. Methodology This study is a systematic review. Children aged 5–14 years with both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures were included. Surgical fracture fixation with plates and screws vs. IM nails were compared. Results We found no statistical difference in functional outcome as measured by range of movement. We also found no consistent difference in complication rates between the two groups, although this is a difficult outcome to objectively compare. There were more cases of compartment syndrome in the IMN group than in the plating group, although numbers were low for both, and it was not entirely clear if the cases in the IMN groups developed post-operatively as opposed to being consequences of the injuries themselves. Radiographically we found no study reporting significant difference in time to fracture union. Duration of surgery and cosmetic result (scar) seem to favor the IMN group. Conclusion Despite methodological deficiencies of the studies included, IM nailing has been shown as an effective and safe treatment option for those fractures, associated with shorter operation time, improved cosmesis, and easier hard ware removal.

Factors Associated With Long-Term Quadriceps Muscle Function After Surgical Fixation of Lower Extremity Fractures.

The long-term performance of the quadriceps femoris muscle and physical function following surgical repair of a lower extremity fracture remains largely undefined. The purpose of this study was to investigate between-limb differences in quadriceps performance 12months after surgical fixation of a lower extremity fracture. It was hypothesized that the injured limb would be significantly weaker, have a lower rate of torque development (RTD), and that there would be a reduced step-down performance compared to the uninjured limb 12months after surgery. Additionally, this study sought to identify demographic, surgical, and psychological factors associated with poor quadriceps function 12months after surgery. Quadriceps performance was measured bilaterally in 95 participants (49 female), aged 42 (SD = 14.5) years, 12months after surgical fixation of a lower extremity fracture. Isometric quadriceps strength and RTD were quantified using isometric dynamometry, and a timed step-down test was used to evaluate quadriceps performance. Independent predictor variables from the time of surgery were extracted from participants' medical records. Kinesiophobia was screened at the time of testing. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and linear regression analyses were used to assess between-limb differences in quadriceps performance and to determine factors associated with quadriceps performance 12months after surgery. Significant between-limb differences in each measure of quadriceps performance were identified (peak torque involved: 1.37 [0.71] Nm × kg-1; uninvolved: 1.87 [0.74] Nm × kg-1; RTD involved: 4.16 [2.75] Nm × kg-1 × s-1; uninvolved: 6.10 [3.02] Nm × kg-1 × × -1; and single-leg step-downs involved: 12.6 [5.0]; uninvolved: 21.7 [14.8]). Female biological sex, external fixation, and kinesiophobia at 12months were associated with reduced after-surgery quadriceps performance outcomes. Quadriceps performance is impaired 12months after surgical repair of a lower extremity fracture, particularly in female participants, in cases requiring external fixation, and in those with higher kinesiophobia 12months after surgery. Because long-term quadriceps weakness negatively impacts functional mobility, targeted strengthening should be emphasized after surgical repair of lower extremity fracture.

Outcomes of Adolescent T-condylar Fractures: Kids Do Not Always Make You Look Good.

Optimal treatment for pediatric and adolescent T-condylar fractures remains poorly understood. We sought to assess how functional outcomes and range of motion (ROM) after surgical fixation of T-condylar fractures are affected by patient and surgical factors. This is a retrospective cohort study of 52 patients with operatively treated T-condylar fractures at a single tertiary pediatric referral center between 2003 and 2021. All patients younger than 18 at the time of injury with a radiographically confirmed diagnosis were included. Fifty-two T-condylar fractures were included, with a mean patient age of 12.9 years (SD, 2.8). The cohort was 65% male. Nine (19%) fractures were open, 46% (24/52) were AO type C2, and 33% (17/52) occurred in skeletally mature individuals. The surgical approach was through olecranon osteotomy in 29% (15/52) of patients, and fixation included anatomically specific plates and screws in 42% (22/52) of patients. In our cohort, 46% (24/52) achieved good outcomes based on Jarvis ROM criteria and 42% (22/52) achieved good to excellent results based on Roberts functional criteria. The median loss of ROM was 58 degrees at 6 weeks, 20 degrees at 3 and 6 months, and 8 degrees at 1 year postoperatively. We observed a complication rate of 54% (28/52). Patients undergoing adult-type plate fixation had better postoperative range of motion at 6 weeks (ROM loss 52 vs. 80 degrees, P =0.03) and 3 months (10 vs. 35 degrees P =0.004) compared with pediatric-type fixation and trended towards better functional outcomes. We did not identify significant differences in functional outcome scores or complication rates with respect to surgical approach or skeletal maturity. Surgical fixation of pediatric and adolescent T-condylar fractures achieved a good to excellent functional outcome in only a minority of patients (46% Jarvis / 42% Roberts) with a high rate of postoperative complications (54%). Future work is needed to elucidate optimal treatment to minimize complications and achieve the best functional outcomes in these challenging fractures. Level-IV.

Trauma

The August 2023 Trauma Roundup360 looks at: A comparison of functional cast and volar-flexion ulnar deviation for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures; Give your stable ankle fractures some AIR!; Early stabilization of rib fractures – an effective thing to do?; Locked plating versus nailing for proximal tibia fractures: A multicentre randomized controlled trial; Time to flap coverage in open tibia fractures; Does tranexamic acid affect the incidence of heterotropic ossification around the elbow?; High BMI – good or bad in surgical fixation of hip fractures?

Fibular Autograft as Medial Support with Proximal Humerus Locking Plate Construct in Comminuted Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis.

Varus collapse is one of the pivotal mechanisms of failure following surgical fixation of proximal humerus fractures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes of non-vascularized fibular autograft as medial support with locking plate construct for comminuted proximal humerus fractures (PHF's). We retrospectively evaluated 18 patients with unstable PHF's in the age group 50-70years with a minimum follow-up of two years. All thefracture patterns were classified according to Resch, Neer's and AO classification and either medial calcar compromise or comminution were present in all. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with a locking plate was performed for all thepatients along with intramedullary fibular autograft to support medial calcar. Radiological outcome was assessed by neck-shaft angle (NSA) graded according to the Paavolainen grading method and difference in thehumeral head height (HHH). Functional outcome was assessed by shoulder range of motion (ROM), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) score and American shoulder and elbow surgeons score (ASES). Radiological union at the fracture site was achieved in all the patients at mean of 8months (range 6-12months). Range of movements were mean flexion of 123.89, extension 35.28, internal rotation 66.94, external rotation 57.78 and abduction of 115° at final follow-up. The average NSA was in the range of 120°-130° and none of the patients showed difference in HHH of ≥ 4mm in the immediate post-operative radiograph and that taken on final follow-up. The functional outcome assessed by ASES score (mean 89.44) and UCLA score (mean 29.61) suggested fair to good results. None of the patients has shown varus collapse and avascular necrosis. Neither there were any complications related to the donor area. In unstable proximal humerus fractures with calcar comminution or void, PHILOS plate fixation augmented with fibular autograft as a medialsupport reduces varus collapse and promotes early radiological union.

The Minimum Clinically Important Difference for the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation in Surgical Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Does Hand Dominance Make a Difference?

BackgroundDistal radius fractures (DRFs) are common orthopaedic injuries. They can be treated in many ways, but the volar locking plate (VLP) is more frequent. Currently, there is limited information regarding the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in surgically treated DRFs. The purpose of this study was to calculate MCID values for the Patient-Reported Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) in the setting of VLP-treated DRFs. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted for patients with isolated, surgically-treated DRFs with a VLP. Exclusions included any concomitant procedure other than a carpal tunnel release, skeletal immaturity, polytrauma, open fracture, or missing PRWE data. MCID was calculated using PRWE, an overall health question, and the anchor-based method. ResultsA total of 131 patients were identified. Approximately 54.2% injured their dominant hand. AO/OTA classification 23C was the most common (n=89, 67.9%). Average baseline, 6-week, and 12-week PRWE were 71.8 ± 19.6, 34.3 ± 20.1, and 21.2 ± 18.0 respectively. This corresponds to an average change from baseline PRWE at 6 weeks and 12 weeks of -37.5 ± 23.4 and -50.6 ± 22.3, respectively.Average MCID values for 6 weeks and 12 weeks were 43.1 ± 18 and 56.0 ± 20.0, respectively (p<0.001). Hand dominance did not correlate with MCID value (rs = 0.084 at six weeks, rs = 0.099 at 12 weeks). MCID value additionally did not correlate with sex, AO/OTA classification, smoking status, ASA score, or BMI. Treatment at a level 1 trauma center and diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression correlated with a higher 6-week MCID value (rs = 0.308 and rs = 0.410, respectively). Increasing age weakly correlated with higher 12-week MCID value (rs = 0.352). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated an MCID calculation using an overall health anchor. MCID value varied with follow-up time and correlated weakly with age, diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression, and treatment facility, but it did not correlate with injury of the dominant hand. Future research should analyze how to apply MCID and identify successful treatment in the setting of DRF care.

Predictors of screw cutout in the surgical fixation of peritrochanteric hip fractures: A retrospective cohort study

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the tip-apex distance (TAD) and other reported risk factors on the screw cutout rate. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records from January 2016 to December 2018 to analyze the relationship between TAD and implant cutout failure rate in patients with peritrochanteric (PT) fractures who underwent cephalomedullary nail (CMN) or dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation. Secondary factors analyzed included age, body mass index (BMI), fracture stability, posterolateral fragment presence, post-operative radiographic reduction, implant type, and screw position. Results: A total of 68 patients (40 DHS, 28 CMN cases) were included in the study, with a mean age of 64 ± 20 years and a BMI of 25.5. Most of the included patients (65%; 44) were males. An overall cohort screw cutout rate of 7.3% (5 cases) was observed. The patient’s age, BMI, fracture classification (stability), implant type, and the level of the operating surgeon did not influence the screw cutout rate (P = NS). However, a TAD ≥25 mm (P = 0.02), lag screw position (P = 0.03), and fracture reduction in anteroposterior (P = 0.02) and lateral views (P = 0.024) showed statistically significant results. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a TAD of ≥25 mm, lag screws malposition, and inappropriately reduced fracture in post-operative radiographs are significant risk factors for screw cutout in DHS and CMN fixation of PT fractures.

9 Surgical fixation of ankle fractures with bioresorbable magnesium implants (ZX00): 2.5 year long term results of a first-in-man study with an HR-pQCT assessment of the implantation site

9 Surgical fixation of ankle fractures with bioresorbable magnesium implants (ZX00): 2.5 year long term results of a first-in-man study with an HR-pQCT assessment of the implantation site

Effects of anti-osteoporosis therapy on the risk of secondary fractures and surgical complications following surgical fixation of proximal humerus fracture in older people.

age-related fragility fractures cause significant burden of disease. Within an ageing society, fracture and complication prevention will be essential to balance health expenditure growth. to assess the effect of anti-osteoporotic therapy on surgical complications and secondary fractures after treatment of fragility fractures. retrospective health insurance data from January 2008 to December 2019 of patients ≥65years with proximal humeral fracture (PHF) treated using locked plate fixation (LPF) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were analysed. Cumulative incidences were calculated by Aalen-Johansen estimates. The influence of osteoporosis and pharmaceutical therapy on secondary fractures and surgical complications were analysed using multivariable Fine and Gray Cox regression models. a total of 43,310 patients (median age 79years, 84.4% female) with a median follow-up of 40.9months were included. Five years after PHF, 33.4% of the patients were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis and only 19.8% received anti-osteoporotic therapy. A total of 20.6% (20.1-21.1%) of the patients had at least one secondary fracture with a significant reduction of secondary fracture risk by anti-osteoporotic therapy (P < 0.001). An increased risk for surgical complications (hazard ratio: 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-1.47, P < 0.001) after LPF could be reversed by anti-osteoporotic therapy. While anti-osteoporotic therapy was more often used in female patients (35.3 vs 19.1%), male patients showed significantly stronger effects reducing the secondary fracture and surgical complication risk. a significant number of secondary fractures and surgical complications could be prevented by consequent osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment particularly in male patients. Health-politics and legislation must enforce guideline-based anti-osteoporotic therapy to mitigate burden of disease.

CO91 Surgical Fixation of Multiple Rib Fractures in Asian Population: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

CO91 Surgical Fixation of Multiple Rib Fractures in Asian Population: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Evaluation of a 30-day-mortality risk calculator for patients undergoing surgical fixation of fragility hip fractures

IntroductionHip fractures often occur in medically complex patients and can be associated with high perioperative mortality. Mortality risk assessment tools that are specific to hip fracture patients have not been extensively studied. The objective of this study is to evaluate a recently published 30-day mortality risk calculator (Hip Fracture Estimator of Mortality Amsterdam [HEMA]) in a group of patients treated at a university health system. Materials & Methods625 patients treated surgically for hip fractures between 2015 and 2020 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients younger than age 65, periprosthetic fractures, revision procedures, and fractures treated non-operatively were excluded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine significant relationships between variables and 30-day mortality after surgery. Additional patient-specific risk factors not included in the original risk calculator were also evaluated. ResultsThe observed 30-day mortality was 5.6%. HEMA score was significantly associated with 30-mortality, though our cohort had significantly lower mortality rates in high-risk patients than expected based on the HEMA tool. In analyzing patient characteristics not included in HEMA score, history of dementia and elevated troponin were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. DiscussionThe HEMA score reliably stratifies risk for 30-day mortality after hip fracture, though overestimates mortality in high-risk patients treated at a tertiary care center with a multidisciplinary team. The HEMA score may be enhanced by considering additional variables, including troponin level and history of dementia. Level of EvidenceIV

Return to Sport After Operative Fixation of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Professional Jockeys.

Clavicle fractures are the most commonly observed fracture sustained in professional horse racing. This study is the first to report on time lost from injury and functional recovery after surgical fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures in professional jockeys. Retrospective cohort study. Professional Horse Racing Ireland; Patients (or Participants): Professional Jockeys in Ireland with midshaft clavicular fractures managed with Open Reduction Internal Fixation. Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors or Independent Variables): Operative fixation with Open Reduction Internal Fixation. Assessment of postoperative Quick Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score and Patient Reported Outcome Measures assessing for associated complications and time to return to competition among professional athletes. Between 07/06/2013 and 29/09/2022, 22 patients met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Ninety-five percent of patients returned to competition at their preinjury level, one patient failed to return to competition for reasons unrelated to his injury. The mean time for return to competition was 68.14 days postinjury. Few complications were reported, whereas functional recovery was excellent across the cohort, with an average QuickDASH score of 0.85 (0.0-2.3). Plate fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures is effective and safe in the setting of professional horse racing. Ninety-five percent of patients can be expected to return within 14 weeks of injury. Patients returning at less than 7 weeks after injury had no adverse outcomes, suggesting a potential role for more aggressive rehabilitation postoperatively and ultimately, a quicker return to competition.

Low rate of secondary surgery and implant removal following superior, precontoured plating of midshaft clavicle fractures

Background Surgical fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures with a single 3.5 mm superior clavicular plate has been associated with a high rate of hardware removal due to symptomatic hardware. Because of this, dual-plating techniques with lower-profile implants have been proposed. However, dual-plating systems have disadvantages, including increased cost and increased surgical morbidity. The aim of this study was to define the rate of symptomatic hardware removal for all midshaft clavicle fractures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed information on all patients from 2014 to 2018 at a single level 1 trauma institution with surgeries performed by two fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons. Documented removal of hardware and the reason for removal were recorded. We then contacted all patients at their listed telephone number to confirm the hardware was still in place and to administer patient outcome questionnaires. If patients did not answer, attempts were made to contact them multiple times on multiple days. Those who were not reached but had documented hardware removal were included in the total number of patients with hardware removal. Results The search revealed 158 patients, of whom 89 (61.8%) were included in the study. Average follow up was 4.09 years (range 2.02–6.50 years). Five patients (5.56%) underwent hardware removal. Removal was for symptomatic or irritating hardware in two of these patients (2.22%). Average abbreviated Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 6.27, and average American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score was 93.6. Conclusion In our series, the rate of symptomatic hardware removal was 2.22%, well below reported removal rates. Hardware removal rates for prominent symptomatic superior clavicular plates may be significantly lower than previously reported, and these fractures may be adequately treated with a single, superior plate.