Rene Aigner

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.

Urinary tract infection in patients with hip fracture: An underestimated event?

Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent a common perioperative complication among elderly patients with hip fracture. To determine the impact of UTI on the perioperative course of elderly patients with hip fractures, a prospective study was carried out.

The distal radius fracture: Concomitant fractures and their relevancy

BACKGROUND The distal radius keeps heading the list of commonly fractured bones. Although little is known about the frequency and localization of accompanying fractures as well as their influence on the total course of in-patient treatment. OBJECTIVE This study is supposed to show the influence of concomitant fractures. These fractures should be identified as risk factors for a prolonged stay to improve the in hospital treatment. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 721 patients with distal radius fracture. Frequency and localization of concomitant fractures, AO-type, patient age as well as duration of in-hospital treatment were analyzed. RESULTS Out of 721 patients 124 (17.2%) had one or more concomitant fractures (CF). The most common CF were proximal femur fractures, pelvic ring fractures and humerus fractures. Compared to patients without CF, these patients showed a significant increase in duration of post operative hospital stay (5.2 vs. 12.5 days, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Patients presenting a concomitant fracture should be thoroughly cared for by their physicians and therapists. Especially an early and focused mobilization and a well-timed relocation for further medical treatment are important to reduce avoidable treatment days in the acute care hospital.

Two-Incision Minimally Invasive Approach for the Treatment of Anterior Column Acetabular Fractures

Overview Introduction We describe an alternative to the Letournel ilioinguinal approach for anterior column acetabular fractures that is performed with a unique retraction device that decreases the rate of soft-tissue complications. Step 1: Position the Patient and Identify the Sites for the Incisions Identify the sites for both incisions with the help of an image intensifier. Step 2: Make the First Incision to Expose the Anterior Column and the Linea Terminalis (Pelvic Brim) Make the first incision to expose the central area of the fracture. Step 3: Make the Second Incision to Expose the Symphysis and the Ipsilateral Pubic Bone Make the second incision to expose the area for the distal plate fixation. Step 4: Maintain Exposure of the Linea Terminalis Using a Soft-Tissue Retraction System For better visualization, use a soft-tissue retraction system. Step 5: Reduce the Fracture Clean and reduce the fracture through the first incision. Step 6: Fix the Fracture Perform temporary and definitive fixation according to the standards for anterior acetabular fracture fixation. Step 7: Close the Wound After radiographic documentation in three views, close the wound. Results We reported the results of a case-control study of the first twenty-six patients operated on with the two-incision minimally invasive technique. Indications Contraindications Pitfalls & Challenges

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.

Cement-augmented sacroiliac screw fixation with cannulated versus perforated screws – A biomechanical study in an osteoporotic hemipelvis model

INTRODUCTION Cement-augmentation is a well-established way to improve the stability of sacroiliac screw fixation in osteoporosis-associated fragility fractures of the posterior pelvic ring. However, to date little is known about the influence of different techniques of cement augmentation on construct stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary stability of cement-augmented sacroiliac screw fixation with cannulated versus perforated screws under cyclic loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric hemipelvis specimens with osteoporosis were used. After generating ventral osteotomies on both sides of the sacrum, each specimen was treated using a cement-augmented cannulated screw on one side and a cement-augmented perforated screw on the other side. Afterwards, axial cyclic loading was performed. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found between cannulated and perforated screws concerning maximum load (356.25 N versus 368.75 N, p = 0.749), plastic deformation (1.95 mm versus 1.43 mm, p = 0.798) and stiffness (27.04 N/mm versus 40.40 N/mm, p = 0.645). CONCLUSIONS Considering the at least equivalent results for perforated screws, cement augmentation via perforated screws might be an interesting option in clinical practice because of potential advantages, e.g. radiological control before cement application, reduced risk of cement displacement and time saving.

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.

Operative treatment of geriatric ankle fractures with conventional or locking plates. A retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures continues to rise due to demographic changes. While locking plates have become standard implants for injuries of other body regions, clinical studies on their use for geriatric ankle fractures are rare. METHODS Therefore, a retrospective case-control study, including 333 patients with a mean age of 73.5 years was performed. 263 patients underwent operative fixation with one- third tubular plates and 70 were treated with locking plates. Early outcomes and complication rates of locking plates as compared with conventional one- third tubular plates are described. RESULTS In the present study, patients treated with locking plates were older and suffered from more severe fracture patterns. In addition, these patients had more severe comorbidities. Treatment with conventional or locking plate fixation resulted in a comparable complication and revision rate. A matched pair analysis showed significantly more complications and required revision surgeries and a trend towards more implant failures in the group that underwent conventional plating. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we conclude that precontoured locking plates represent an appropriate treatment option for severe ankle fractures in patients suffering from relevant co-morbidities. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to prove superiority of locking plates for treatment of geriatric ankle fractures. Level 3: Retrospective case- control study.

Impact of cement-augmented condylar screws in locking plate osteosynthesis for distal femoral fractures — A biomechanical analysis

INTRODUCTION Compromised bone quality and the need for early mobilization continue to lead to implant failure in elderly patients with distal femoral fractures. The cement augmentation of screws might facilitate improving implant anchorage. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of cement augmentation of the condylar screws on implant fixation in a human cadaveric bone model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ten pairs of osteoporotic femora (mean age: 90 years, range: 84-99 years) were used. A 2-cm gap osteotomy was created in the metaphyseal region to simulate an unstable AO/OTA 33-A3 fracture. All specimens were treated with a polyaxial locking plate. Specimens randomly assigned to the augmented group received an additional cement augmentation of the condylar screws using bone cement. A servohydraulic testing machine was used to perform incremental cyclic axial loading using a load-to-failure mode. RESULTS All specimens survived at least 800N of axial compressive force. The mean compressive forces leading to failure were 1620N (95% CI: 1382-1858N) in the non-augmented group and 2420N (95% CI: 2054-2786N) in the group with cement-augmented condylar screws (p=0.005). Deformation with cutting out of the condylar screws and condylar fracture were the most common reasons for failure in both groups. Whereas axial stiffness was comparable between both osteosyntheses (p=0.508), significant differences were observed for the plastic deformation of the constructs (p=0.014). CONCLUSION The results of the present study showed that the cement augmentation of the condylar screws might be a promising technique for the fixation of distal femoral fractures in elderly patients with osteoporotic bones.

Innerklinisches Traumamanagement – Damage Control – Die Mutter vieler Strategien

Damage Control (DC) beschreibt eine Behandlungsstrategie bei schwerstverletzten Patienten. Dabei werden in der fruhen klinischen Phase der Schwerverletzten- bzw. der Polytraumaversorgung lang andauernde operative Eingriffe vermieden. Hintergrund ist, dass das stattgehabte Trauma die physiologischen Kompensationsmechanismen destabilisiert. Eine definitive, lang andauernde chirurgische Versorgung in der Fruhphase kann diese Schwachung des Organismus verstarken. Die operative Erstbehandlung dient dementsprechend in erster Linie der hamodynamischen Stabilisierung, der Kontrolle lebensbedrohlicher Verletzungen und der temporaren Stabilisierung von Frakturen und/oder Weichteilschaden. Sobald der Patient stabil ist, kann er 5–10 Tage nach Unfallereignis definitiv operativ versorgt werden. Damage Control bedeutet eine prioritatenorientierte, fokussierte, schnelle – aber zunachst nur provisorische – Versorgungsstrategie bei schwerverletzten Patienten.In diesem Artikel wird das Vorgehen entsprechend einer Damage Control Strategie detailliert dargestellt.