Olof Leonardsson

Long-term follow-up of replacement compared with internal fixation for displaced femoral neck fractures: RESULTS AT TEN YEARS IN A RANDOMISED STUDY OF 450 PATIENTS

In a series of 450 patients over 70 years of age with displaced fractures of the femoral neck sustained between 1995 and 1997 treatment was randomised either to internal fixation or replacement. Depending on age and level of activity the latter was either a total hip replacement or a hemiarthroplasty. Patients who were confused or bed-ridden were excluded, as were those with rheumatoid arthritis. At ten years there were 99 failures (45.6%) after internal fixation compared with 17 (8.8%) after replacement. The rate of mortality was high at 75% at ten years, and was the same in both groups at all times. Patient-reported pain and function were similar in both groups at five and ten years. Those with successfully healed fractures had more hip pain and reduction of mobility at four months compared with patients with an uncomplicated replacement, and they never attained a better outcome than the latter patients regarding pain or function. Primary replacement gave reliable long-term results in patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck.

Higher risk of reoperation for bipolar and uncemented hemiarthroplasty: 23,509 procedures after femoral neck fractures from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register, 2005–2010

Background and purpose Hemiarthroplasty as treatment for femoral neck fractures has increased markedly in Sweden during the last decade. In this prospective observational study, we wanted to identify risk factors for reoperation in modular hemiarthroplasties and to evaluate mortality in this patient group. Patients and methods We assessed 23,509 procedures from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register using the most common surgical approaches with modular uni- or bipolar hemiarthroplasties related to fractures in the period 2005–2010. Completeness of registration (individual procedures) was 89–96%. The median age was 85 years and the median follow-up time was 18 months. Results 3.8% underwent reoperation (any further hip surgery), most often because of implant dislocation or infection. The risk of reoperation (Cox regression) was higher for uncemented stems (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.5), mainly because of periprosthetic femoral fractures. Bipolar implants had a higher risk of reoperation irrespective of cause (HR = 1.3), because of dislocation (1.4), because of infection (1.3), and because of periprosthetic fracture (1.7). The risk of reoperation due to acetabular erosion was lower (0.30) than for unipolar implants, but reoperation for this complication was rare (1.7 per thousand). Procedures resulting from failed internal fixation had a more than doubled risk; the risk was also higher for males and for younger patients. The surgical approach had no influence on the risk of reoperation generally, but the anterolateral transgluteal approach was associated with a lower risk of reoperation due to dislocation (HR = 0.7). At 1 year, the mortality was 24%. Men had a higher risk of death than women (1.8). Interpretation We recommend cemented hemiarthroplasties and the anterolateral transgluteal approach. We also suggest that unipolar implants should be used, at least for the oldest and frailest patients.

Posterior approach and uncemented stems increases the risk of reoperation after hemiarthroplasties in elderly hip fracture patients

Background Hemiarthroplasties are performed in great numbers worldwide but are seldom registered on a national basis. Our aim was to identify risk factors for reoperation after fracture-related hemiarthroplasty in Norway and Sweden. Material and methods A common dataset was created based on the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register and the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. 33,205 hip fractures in individuals > 60 years of age treated with modular hemiarthroplasties were reported for the period 2005–2010. Cox regression analyses based on reoperations were performed (covariates: age group, sex, type of stem and implant head, surgical approach, and hospital volume). Results 1,164 patients (3.5%) were reoperated during a mean follow-up of 2.7 (SD 1.7) years. In patients over 85 years, an increased risk of reoperation was found for uncemented stems (HR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.7–2.8), bipolar heads (HR = 1.4, CI: 1.2–1.8), posterior approach (HR = 1.4, CI: 1.2–1.8) and male sex (HR = 1.3, CI: 1.0–1.6). For patients aged 75–85 years, uncemented stems (HR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.0) and men (HR = 1.3, CI: 1.1–1.6) carried an increased risk. Increased risk of reoperation due to infection was found for patients aged < 75 years (HR = 1.5, CI: 1.1–2.0) and for uncemented stems. For open surgery due to dislocation, the strongest risk factor was a posterior approach (HR = 2.2, CI: 1.8–2.6). Uncemented stems in particular (HR = 3.6, CI: 2.4–5.3) and male sex increased the risk of periprosthetic fracture surgery. Interpretation Cemented stems and a direct lateral transgluteal approach reduced the risk of reoperation after hip fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty in patients over 75 years. Men and younger patients had a higher risk of reoperation. For the age group 60–74 years, there were no such differences in risk in this material.

Patient-reported outcome after displaced femoral neck fracture: a national survey of 4467 patients.

BACKGROUND Arthroplasty appears to be superior to internal fixation, with regard to complication rates, as a treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures. Less is known about the result as perceived by the patient. The aims of this prospective observational study were (1) to determine whether patient-reported outcomes after a displaced femoral neck fracture can be evaluated on a nationwide basis by means of a mailed survey, and (2) to evaluate differences among treatment methods with respect to patient-reported pain, health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with the surgical result. METHODS Through collaboration between the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and the Swedish National Hip Fracture Register, 5902 patients (median age, eighty-four years; range, eighteen to 103 years) treated with internal fixation, total hip arthroplasty, or hemiarthroplasty for a displaced femoral neck fracture were identified. A composite questionnaire, including the EQ-5D and visual analog scales for pain and for satisfaction with the surgical result, was mailed to the 4467 patients who remained alive (median follow-up, fourteen months; range, seven to twenty-two months). RESULTS The total response rate was 79% (n = 3513); 72% to 75% of the patients completed each of the questionnaire sections. Both patients below and patients above seventy years of age treated with total hip arthroplasty reported less pain and were more satisfied compared with those treated with internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty (although the differences between total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty in patients below seventy years of age did not reach significance). CONCLUSIONS A mailed patient-reported outcomes questionnaire is a feasible method for national follow-up of hip fractures, with an acceptable response rate. The study also suggests that total hip arthroplasty as a treatment for femoral neck fracture is associated with less pain and greater satisfaction at short-term follow-up compared with internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty, both in patients younger and older than seventy years.

Changes in implant choice and surgical technique for hemiarthroplasty: 21,346 procedures from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register 2005-2009

Background and purpose Treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in Sweden has shifted towards more arthroplasties, especially hemiarthroplasties. We describe the hemiarthroplasty population in Sweden 2005 through 2009. Methods Since 2005, the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register has registered hemiarthroplasties on a national basis. We assessed hemiarthroplasty procedures in the Register 2005–2009 regarding patient details, implants, and surgical techniques. Completeness of recordings was calculated compared to the Swedish National Patient Register. Results Completeness increased from 89% to 96% during the study period. 21,346 hemiarthroplasty procedures were assessed. The relative number of patients with femoral neck fracture as diagnosis increased from 91% to 94%; the proportion of men increased from 27% to 30%. The median age increased from 83 to 84 years in men and from 84 to 85 years in women. Patients classified as having evident cognitive impairment increased from 19% to 22%. More men than women were ASA 4. The proportion of monoblock-type implants (Austin-Moore and Thompson) decreased from 18% to 0.9%. Modular implants increased generally, but in 2009 bipolar implants decreased in favor of unipolar implants. Lubinus and Exeter stems, and Mega Caput and Vario Cup implant heads were most common. The use of uncemented implants decreased from 10% to 3%. Use of the anterolateral approach increased from 47% to 56%. Interpretation Important changes in surgical technique and implant choice occurred during the observation period. We interpret these changes as being reflections of the continuing effort by Swedish orthopedic surgeons to improve the quality of treatment, because the changes are consistent with recent findings in the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and in other scientific studies.

Hip arthroplasty for the treatment of displaced fractures of the femoral neck in elderly patients

UNLABELLED This review summarises the evidence for the treatment of displaced fractures of the femoral neck in elderly patients. Results from randomised clinical trials and national register studies are presented when available. The advantages of arthroplasty compared with internal fixation are supported by several studies. A number of studies contribute to the discussions of total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemiarthroplasty and unipolar versus bipolar hemiarthroplasty, but no clear-cut evidence-based recommendation can be made. THA may be particularly advantageous for active, lucid patients with a relatively long life expectancy. For patients who are physiologically older, hemiarthoplasty is probably satisfactory, and for the oldest patients with more comorbidities, unipolar implants are considered to be sufficient. If the hospital can support emergency THA surgery in sufficient numbers and quality, there may be few patients who warrant bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The direct lateral approach reduces the risk of dislocation compared with the posterior approach. Cemented implants lower the risk of periprosthetic fracture and its subsequent morbidity and mortality. As the risk of peri-operative death related to bone cement can be reduced by adequate measures, cemented implants are recommended in fracture cases. TAKE HOME MESSAGE There remains a great variation in the surgical management of patients with a hip fracture, and an evidence-based approach should improve the outcomes for this vulnerable patient group.

Outcome after primary and secondary replacement for subcapital fracture of the hip in 10 264 patients

Between 1999 and 2005, 10 264 patients who had undergone total hip replacement (THR) for subcapital fracture of the hip were compared with 76 520 in whom THR had been performed for other reasons. All the cases were identified through the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. The THRs performed as primary treatment for fracture were also compared with those done after failure of internal fixation. After seven years the rate of revision was higher in THR after fracture (4.4% vs 2.9%). Dislocation and periprosthetic fracture were the most common causes of revision. The risk was higher in men than in women. The type of femoral component and the surgical approach influenced the risk. After correction for gender, type of component and the surgical approach the revision rates were similar in the primary and secondary fracture THR groups. Total hip replacement is therefore a safe method for both the primary and secondary management of fracture of the hip.

Monoblock hemiarthroplasties for femoral neck fractures - A part of orthopaedic history? Analysis of national registration of hemiarthroplasties 2005-2009.

This study from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (SHAR) compares cemented (Thompson(®), Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS)(®)) and uncemented (Austin-Moore(®)) monoblock hemiarthroplasties (n=1116 and 616, respectively) with modular ones (n=18,659). Austin-Moore(®) prostheses lead to more re-operations (6.7%) compared to modular implants (3.5%) and Thompson(®)/ETS(®) (2.4%). A Cox regression analysis, adjusting for other risk factors, shows twice the risk of re-operation for Austin-Moore(®) implants (CI 1.5-2.8), in particular, due to periprosthetic fracture (5.4; CI 3.2-9.1) and dislocation (1.9; CI 1.3-3.0). The Thompson(®)/ETS(®) implants do not influence the overall risk of re-operation (0.7; CI 0.5-1.2) compared to modular implants and decrease the risk of re-operation due to infection (0.2;CI 0.04-0.7). An increased risk of re-operation is also seen in men, age groups 75-85 years and <75 years and after secondary fracture surgery. Both Swedish and Australian orthopaedic surgeons have decreased their use of Austin-Moore(®) implants after reports from their national arthroplasty registers identifying inferior outcome for this implant. Due to the increased risk of re-operations, it should not be used in modern orthopaedic care. Cemented Thompson(®) or ETS(®) implants could still be suitable for the oldest, low-activity patients. To finally decide if there is a place for them, patient-reported outcome must be analysed as well.

Hemiarthroplasties after hip fractures in Norway and Sweden: a collaboration between the Norwegian and Swedish national registries.

National registration of hemiarthroplasties after hip fractures has been established in both Norway and Sweden. We aimed to investigate differences in demographics, choice of implant selection, surgical approaches, and reoperations between the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register (NHFR) and the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (SHAR). As part of the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association (NARA) project a common hemiarthroplasty dataset has been established. 36,989 primary hemiarthroplasties (HAs) for acute hip fractures reported to NHFR (n = 12,761) and SHAR (n = 24,228) for the period 2005-2010 were included. Cemented prostheses were used in 78% of the operations in Norway and in 95% of the patients in Sweden. In Norway HAs almost exclusively had bipolar design (98%), whereas in Sweden HAs with unipolar design were used in 42% of the cases. Monoblock (non-modular) prostheses were uncommon, but still more frequently used in Sweden than in Norway (6.9% and 2.1% respectively). The lateral approach was more common in Norway (83%) than in Sweden (52%), where the posterior approach was used in 42% of the cases. The five-year survival of all HAs was 95.5% (95% CI: 94.8-96.2) in Norway and 94.8% (95% CI: 94.4-95.3) in Sweden. We concluded that surprisingly large differences between the two countries in demographics, implant design, and surgical technique had been revealed. This common dataset enables further investigations of the impact of these differences on revision rates and mortality.

The surgical approach for hemiarthroplasty does not influence patient-reported outcome : a national survey of 2118 patients with one-year follow-upa

AIMS Hemiarthroplasty of the hip is usually carried out through either a direct lateral or posterior approach. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine any differences in patient-reported outcomes between the two surgical approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS From the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register we identified patients of 70 years and above who were recorded as having had a hemiarthroplasty during 2009. Only patients who had been treated with modern prostheses were included. A questionnaire was posted to those who remained alive one year after surgery. A total of 2118 patients (78% of those available) with a mean age of 85 years (70 to 102) returned the questionnaire. RESULTS Patients who had undergone surgery through a posterior approach reported a higher health-related quality of life (HRQoL, EQ-5D mean 0.52 versus 0.47, p = 0.009), less pain (visual analogue scale mean 17 versus 19, p = 0.02) and greater satisfaction with the result of surgery (visual analogue scale mean 22 versus 24, p = 0.02) than those who had a direct lateral approach. However, after adjusting for age, gender, cognitive impairment and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, no association was found between surgical approach and HRQoL, residual pain or patient satisfaction. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The surgical approach for hemiarthroplasty does not seem to affect the patient-perceived HRQoL, residual pain or patient satisfaction one year after surgery on elderly patients. The choice of approach should be based on other factors, such as the risk of dislocation.