Daphne Eschbach

Use of the gamma3™ nail in a teaching hospital for trochanteric fractures: mechanical complications, functional outcomes, and quality of life

BackgroundTrochanteric fractures are common fractures in the elderly. Due to characteristic demographic changes, the incidence of these injuries is rapidly increasing. Treatment of these fractures is associated with high rates of complications. In addition, the long-term results remain poor, with high morbidity, declines in function, and high mortality. Therefore, in this study, complication rates and patients’ outcomes were evaluated after fixation of geriatric trochanteric fractures using the Gamma3™ nail.MethodsPatients aged 60 years old or older, with pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures, were included. Patients with polytrauma or pathological fractures were excluded. Age, sex, and fracture type were collected on admission. In addition, data were recorded concerning the surgeon (resident vs. consultant), time of operation, and local or systemic perioperative complications. Complications were also collected at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups after trauma. Barthel Index, IADL, and EQ-5D measurements were evaluated retrospectively on admission, as well as at discharge and during the follow-up.ResultsNinety patients were prospectively included between April 2009 and September 2010. The patients’ average age was 81 years old, and their average ASA score was 3. The incision/suture time was 53 min (95% CI 46–60 min). Hospital mortality was 4%, and overall mortality was 22% at the 12-month follow-up. Eight local complications occurred (4 haematomas, 1 deep infection, 1 cutting out, 1 irritation of the iliotibial tract, 1 periosteosynthetic fracture). The incidence of relevant systemic complications was 6%. Forty-two percent of the patients were operated on by residents in training, without significant differences in duration of surgery, complication rate, or mortality rate. The Barthel Index (82 to 71, p < .001), IADL (4.5 to 4.3, p = .0195) and EQ-5-D (0.75 to 0.66, p = .068) values did not reach pre-fracture levels during the follow-up period of 12 months.ConclusionThe results showed a relatively low complication rate using the Gamma3™ nail, even if the nailing was performed by residents in training. The high mortality, declines in function, and low quality of life could probably be attributed to pre-existing conditions, such as physical status.In summary, the Gamma3™ nail seems to be a useful implant for the nailing of trochanteric fractures, although further studies are necessary comparing different currently available devices.

Factors influencing the progress of mobilization in hip fracture patients during the early postsurgical period?—A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to determine the independent factors influencing mobilization progress after geriatric hip fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS 392 Hip fracture patients older than 60 years were included in this prospective, observational, cohort study. The progress of mobilization was measured with walking ability 4 days post-surgery, ability to climb stairs until discharge and the Tinetti test at discharge. Factors correlated with the progress of mobilization were determined using multivariate analyses. RESULTS The independent factors influencing walking ability 4 days post-surgery were the pre-fracture Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR=0.834, p=0.005), the American Society of Anesthesiologists Score (OR=0.550, p=0.013), pre-fracture Barthel Index ([BI], OR=1.019, p=0.012) and risk for depression, as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale, (OR=0.896, p=0.013). The probability of climbing stairs until discharge was influenced by the patients age (OR=0.840, p<0.001), pre-fracture BI (OR=1.047, p=0.042), cognitive impairment, as measured by the mini mental state examination (OR=1.182 p=0.008), pre surgical hemoglobin (OR=1.026, p=0.044), time until surgery (OR=0.961, p=0.023), duration of surgery (OR=0.982, p=0.014), and surgery type (prosthesis, OR=4.545, p=0.001). Similar variables influenced the Tinetti test ad discharge. CONCLUSION While pre-fracture co-morbidities and function cannot be changed, the treatment of patients with cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms should be optimized. Efforts should be undertaken to ensure early surgery for all hip fractures.

One-Year Outcome of Geriatric Hip-Fracture Patients following Prolonged ICU Treatment

Purpose. Incidence of geriatric fractures is increasing. Knowledge of outcome data for hip-fracture patients undergoing intensive-care unit (ICU) treatment, including invasive ventilatory management (IVM) and hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), is sparse. Methods. Single-center prospective observational study including 402 geriatric hip-fracture patients. Age, gender, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and the Barthel index (BI) were documented. Underlying reasons for prolonged ICU stay were registered, as well as assessed procedures like IVM and CVVHDF. Outcome parameters were in-hospital, 6-month, and 1-year mortality and need for nursing care. Results. 15% were treated > 3 days and 68% < 3 days in ICU. Both cohorts had similar ASA, BI, and age. In-hospital, 6-month, and 12-month mortality of ICU > 3d cohort were significantly increased (p = 0.001). Most frequent indications were cardiocirculatory pathology followed by respiratory failure, renal impairment, and infection. 18% of patients needed CVVHDF and 41% IVM. In these cohorts, 6-month mortality ranged > 80% and 12-month mortality > 90%. 100% needed nursing care after 6 and 12 months. Conclusions. ICU treatment > 3 days showed considerable difference in mortality and nursing care needed after 6 and 12 months. Particularly, patients requiring CVVHDF or IVM had disastrous long-term results. Our study may add one further element in complex decision making serving this vulnerable patient cohort.

Separation of stimulating catheters for continuous peripheral regional anesthesia during their removal – two case reports and a critical appraisal of the use of steel-coil containing stimulating catheters

Purpose Stimulating catheters are widely used for continuous peripheral nerve block techniques in regional anesthesia. The incidence of reported complications is somewhat similar to that for non-stimulating catheters. However, as many stimulating catheters contain a coiled steel wire for optimal stimulation, they may cause specific complications. Clinical features In this report, we present two cases of complicated removals of stimulating catheters. During both removals, a part of the metal wire was left “decoiled” next to the supraclavicular and interscalene plexus, respectively. The strategies used to determine steel wire localization and a description of the successful removal of these steel wires are included in this report. Conclusion Catheter separation and problems with residual metal wire components of stimulating catheters seem to be a rare but specific problem during removal. Anesthesiologists should strictly avoid catheter shearing during insertion, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions, and take care during catheter removal. Manufacturers should focus on technical solutions to avoid rare but relevant complications such as catheter tip decoiling and separation of stimulating catheters during removal.

Molecular and Microarray‐based Analysis of Diversity among Resting and Osteogenically Induced Porcine Mesenchymal Stromal Cells of Several Tissue Origin

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) play a pivotal role in modern therapeutic approaches in bone‐healing disorders. Although bone marrow‐derived MSCs are most frequently used, the knowledge that many other adult tissues represent promising sources for potent MSCs has gained acceptance. In the present study, the osteogenic differentiation potential of porcine skin fibroblasts (FBs), as well as bone marrow‐ (BMSCs), adipose tissue‐ (ASCs) and dental pulp‐derived stromal cells (DSCs) were evaluated. However, additional application of BMP‐2 significantly elevated the delayed osteogenic differentiation capacity of ASC and FB cultures, and in DSC cultures the supplementation of platelet‐rich plasma increased osteogenic differentiation potential to a comparable level of the good differentiable BMSCs. Furthermore, microarray gene expression performed in an exemplary manner for ASCs and BMSCs revealed that ASCs and BMSCs use different gene expression patterns for osteogenic differentiation under standard media conditions, as diverse MSCs are imprinted dependent from their tissue niche. However, after increasing the differentiation potential of ASCs to a comparable level as shown in BMSCs, a small subset of identical key molecules was used to differentiate in the osteogenic lineage. Until now, the importance of identified genes seems to be underestimated for osteogenic differentiation. Apparently, the regulation of transmembrane protein 229A, interleukin‐33 and the fibroblast growth factor receptor‐2 in the early phase of osteogenic differentiation is needed for optimum results. Based on these results, bone regeneration strategies of MSCs have to be adjusted, and in vivo studies on the osteogenic capacities of the different types of MCSs are warranted. Copyright

Medical Complications Predict Cognitive Decline in Nondemented Hip Fracture Patients—Results of a Prospective Observational Study:

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify factors that are associated with cognitive decline in the long-term follow-up after hip fractures in previously nondemented patients. Methods: A consecutive series of 402 patients with hip fractures admitted to our university hospital were analyzed. After exclusion of all patients with preexisting dementia, 266 patients were included, of which 188 could be examined 6 months after surgery. Additional to several demographic data, cognitive ability was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Patients with 19 or less points on the MMSE were considered demented. Furthermore, geriatric scores were recorded, as well as perioperative medical complications. Mini-Mental State Examination was performed again 6 months after surgery. Results: Of 188 previously nondemented patients, 12 (6.4%) patients showed a cognitive decline during the 6 months of follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age (P = .040) and medical complications (P = .048) were the only significant independent influencing factors for cognitive decline. Conclusions: In our patient population, the incidence of dementia exceeded the average age-appropriate cognitive decline. Significant independent influencing factors for cognitive decline were age and medical complications.

One year after proximal or distal periprosthetic fracture of the femur -two conditions with divergent outcomes?

INTRODUCTION Arthroplasty of the hip and knee is 1 of the 20 most frequent operations in Germany. Periprosthetic fracture is one of the most feared complications following primary or revision arthroplasty. Present publication aims to analyse differences between patients with periprosthetic fracture around total knee arthroplasty (PFTKA) and patients with periprosthetic fracture around total hip arthroplasty (PFTHA) concerning demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. METHODS Prospective single-centre observation study of periprosthetic femoral fractures with stable implants. Present subgroup analysis includes patients with PFTKA and PFTHA. All patients were treated with polyaxial angular stable plates using two standardized techniques: a minimally invasive percutaneous distal insertion technique and a mini-open technique. Data collection included implant- and operation-related information as well as demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. Data were collected during a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS We were able to analyse the data of 73 patients. The PFTKA group had 37 patients with a mean age of 76 ± 10 years; 88% were female. After 1 year, 3 patients in this cohort had died; 68% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility; 22% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons. The PFTHA cohort included 36 patients with a mean age of 80 ± 13 years, 72% were female. After 1 year, 9 patients had died in this cohort, 42% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility. Non-operative complications occurred for 16% in the PFTKA group and 64% in the PFTHA group (p < 0.001). 11% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons, among them, two cases of nonunion but no primary infection. CONCLUSION On average, compared to the PFTHA patients, PFTKA patients were younger, underwent significantly lower rates of non-operative complications, had a tendency towards lower mortality, and returned to pre-fracture mobility at higher rates, although they tended to have more revisions when compared to treatment for PFTHA. Overall, when periprosthetic fractures of the femur were treated using polyaxial locking plate osteosynthesis, patients showed very low rates of nonunion and no primary infection.

Dantrolene versus amiodarone for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized, double-blinded experimental study

Dantrolene was introduced for treatment of malignant hyperthermia. It also has antiarrhythmic properties and may thus be an alternative to amiodarone for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Aim of this study was to compare the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with dantrolene and amiodarone in a pig model of cardiac arrest. VF was induced in anesthetized pigs. After 8 min of untreated VF, chest compressions and ventilation were started and one of the drugs (amiodarone 5 mg kg−1, dantrolene 2.5 mg kg−1 or saline) was applied. After 4 min of initial CPR, defibrillation was attempted. ROSC rates, hemodynamics and cerebral perfusion measurements were measured. Initial ROSC rates were 7 of 14 animals in the dantrolene group vs. 5 of 14 for amiodarone, and 3 of 10 for saline). ROSC persisted for the 120 min follow-up in 6 animals in the dantrolene group, 4 after amiodarone and 2 in the saline group (n.s.). Hemodynamics were comparable in both dantrolene group amiodarone group after obtaining ROSC. Dantrolene and amiodarone had similar outcomes in our model of prolonged cardiac arrest, However, hemodynamic stability was not significantly improved using dantrolene. Dantrolene might be an alternative drug for resuscitation and should be further investigated.

Predictors of noninstitutionalized survival 1 year after hip fracture: A prospective observational study to develop the Marburg Rehabilitation Tool for Hip fractures (MaRTHi)

Abstract Hip fractures are frequent fractures in geriatric patients. These fractures have great socioeconomic implications because of the significantly higher risk of mortality and institutionalization. The aim of this study was to develop a prognostic tool to predict survival without institutionalization within 1 year after hip fracture. A total of 402 hip fracture patients aged >60 years (84% community-dwelling) were included in a prospective observational cohort study. Multiple regression analyses determined independent predictors for noninstitutionalized 1-year survival. Finally, the Marburg Rehabilitation Tool for Hip fractures (MaRTHi) was developed based on these independent predictors. Of the 312 patients who were followed up for 1 year, 168 (54%) survived noninstitutionalized, 104 (33%) died, and 40 (13%) lived in nursing homes. Independent predictors for patients’ noninstitutionalized survival included the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score [ASA 1 or 2: odds ratio (OR) = 7.828; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.496–24.555 and ASA 3: OR = 8.098; 95% CI = 2.982–21.993 compared with ASA 4 or 5], the Mini Mental State Examination upon admission to the hospital (OR = 7.365; 95% CI = 2.967–18.282 for 27–30 compared with 0–10), patients’ age (OR = 2.814; 95% CI = 1.386–5.712 for 75–89 y and OR = 2.520; 95% CI = 0.984–6.453 for 90–99 y compared with 60–74 ys), and prefracture EQ-5D (OR = 2.163; 95% CI = 1.119–4.179 for EQ-5D >0.80 compared with <0.60). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.756 (95% CI = 0.703–0.809), and the sensitivity analysis yielded a MaRTHi score that ranged from 0 to 12 points. The MaRTHi score is the first instrument to predict noninstitutionalized survival with only 4 variables. In addition to 3 well-known factors influencing outcome (age, comorbidities, and cognitive ability), prefracture health-related quality of life was identified as an independent predictor of noninstitutionalized survival. Further studies must be conducted to validate the MaRTHi score and define cutoff scores. Health-related quality of life seems to be an important patient-reported outcome measurement and may play a role in determining patient prognosis.