Perioperative risk factors in patients with a femoral neck fracture – influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and C-reactive protein on postoperative medical complications and 1-year mortality

Background: This study examined the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with postoperative medical complications and one year mortality of elderly patients sustaining a low-energy cervical hip fracture scheduled for surgery. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency and CRP in these patients might be associated with an increased 1-year mortality. Methods: The prospective single-center cohort study included 209 patients with a low-energy medial femoral neck fracture; 164 women aged over 50 years and 45 men aged over 60 years. Referring to 1-year mortality and postoperative medical complications multiple logistic regression analysis including 10 co-variables (age, sex, BMI, ASA, creatinine, CRP, leukocytes hemoglobin, 25(OH)D, vitamin D supplementation at follow-up) was performed. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in 87 % of all patients. In patients with severe ( 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D levels (p =0.027). Patients with a mild (CRP 10–39.9 mg/l) or active inflammatory response (CRP ≥ 40 mg/l) showed a higher one year mortality of 33 % and 40 % compared to 16 % in patients with no (CRP < 10 mg/l) inflammatory response (p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified CRP (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00- 1.02; p = 0.007), but not 25(OH)D (OR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.89-1.05; p = 0.425) as an independent predictor for one year mortality. 20 % of patients suffered in-hospital postoperative medical complications (i.e. pneumonia, thromboembolic events, etc.). 25(OH)D (OR 0.89, 95 % CI 0.81–0.97; p = 0.010), but not CRP (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00-1.02; p = 0.139), was identified as an independent risk factor. Conclusion: In elderly patients with low-energy cervical hip fracture, 25(OH)D is independently associated with postoperative medical complications and CRP is an independent predictor of one year mortality

The bicipital groove as a landmark for reconstruction of complex proximal humeral fractures with hybrid double plate osteosynthesis: The bicipital groove as a landmark for reconstruction of complex proximalhumeral fractures with hybrid double plate osteosynthesis

Background: Complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution remain challenging regarding reduction and stability. In most fracture patterns the hard bone of the bicipital groove remains intact. In this case series, we describe a novel technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis of complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution. Methods: In randomly chosen shoulder specimens and synthetic bones, pilot studies for evaluation of the feasibility of the technique were performed. Between 4/2010 and 1/2012 10 patients underwent hybrid double plate osteosynthesis. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female, mean age was 50 years (range 27–73)) were available for retrospective analysis. Based on plain radiographs (anterior-posterior and axial view), the fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification (OTA) and by descriptive means (head-split variant (HS), diaphyseal extension or comminution (DE)). Results: Follow-up radiographs demonstrated complete fracture healing in six patients and one incomplete avascular necrosis. None of the patients sustained loss of reduction. Three patients where reoperated. The medium, not adapted, Constant score was 80 Points (58–94). Patients subjective satisfaction was graded mean 3 (range: 0–6) in the visual analog scoring system (VAS). Conclusion: The technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis using the bicipital groove as anatomic landmark may re-establish shoulder function after complex proximal humerus fractures in two dimensions. Firstly the anatomy is restored due to a proper reduction based on intraoperative landmarks. Secondly additional support by the second plate may provide a higher stability in complex fractures with metaphyseal comminution

Missed foot fractures in polytrauma patients: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Missed foot fractures are a known problem in the care of the traumatized patient. They do not usually have an influence on the survival, but on the long-term result and the quality of the patient''s life. The aim of this study is to find out how many of these fractures are overlooked in a Level I trauma center and what the consequences for the patients are hypothesing that patients with a delayed diagnosis will have worse clinical results. METHODS: Forty-seven patients (7.3%) with foot fractures could be identified in 642 polytrauma patients, retrospectively. All patients were divided into two groups: early diagnosed fractures and delayed diagnosed fractures, the latter defined as diagnosed after Secondary Survey. Patients were evaluated according to the Hannover Outcome Score, the Short Form-36 Health Survey, the AOFAS Score and the Hannover Scoring System. The average follow-up was 5 years and 8 months. Reasons for overlooking a foot fracture were analyzed. RESULTS: The foot fracture was early diagnosed in 26 (55.3%) patients, but delayed in 21 (44.7%). There were no significant differences in the mean stay in the hospital or in the ICU. The fractures that were most often missed were those of the cuboid or the metarsalia. The highest risk factor for a delayed diagnosis was a fracture already diagnosed on the same foot. In 52.4% of the delayed diagosed fractures, an operative therapy was necessary. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the results of this study show that foot injuries can be a safety problem for the patient and the examination of the feet in the trauma room has to be a compulsory part of the algorithm. Although the majority of delayed diagnosed foot fractures demonstrated comparable results to the immediately diagnosed fractures, approximately 10% might have benefited from an earlier diagnosis. Even if there were no significant differences in the clinical results, we have to be aware that missing a fracture in the foot can lead to worse results in the complete polytrauma care

Risk factors and outcomes of unrecognised endobronchial intubation in major trauma patients

Background Emergency tracheal intubation during major trauma resuscitation may be associated with unrecognised endobronchial intubation. The risk factors and outcomes associated with this issue have not previously been fully defined. Methods We retrospectively analysed adult patients admitted directly from the scene to the ED of a single level 1 trauma centre, who received either prehospital or ED tracheal intubation prior to initial whole-body CT from January 2008 to December 2019. Our objectives were to describe tube-to- carina distances (TCDs) via CT and to assess the risk factors and outcomes (mortality, length of intensive care unit stay and mechanical ventilation) of patients with endobronchial intubation (TCD <0 cm) using a multivariable model. Results We included 616 patients and discovered 26 (4.2%) cases of endobronchial intubation identified on CT. Factors associated with an increased risk of endobronchial intubations were short body height (OR per 1 cm increase 0.89; 95% CI 0.84 to 0.94; p≤0.001), a high body mass index (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25; p=0.005) and ED intubation (OR 3.62; 95% CI 1.39 to 8.90; p=0.006). Eight of 26 cases underwent tube thoracostomy, four of whom had no evidence of underlying chest injury on CT. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality or length of stay although the absolute number of endobronchial intubations was small. Conclusions Short body height and high body mass index were associated with endobronchial intubation. Before considering tube thoracostomy in intubated major trauma patients suspected of pneumothorax, the possibility of unrecognised endobronchial intubation should be considered

Pitfalls and complications in the treatment of cervical spine fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are at significant risk for sustaining cervical spine injuries following trauma predisposed by kyphosis, stiffness and osteoporotic bone quality of the spine. The risk of sustaining neurological deficits in this patient population is higher than average. The present review article provides an outline on the specific injury patterns in the cervical spine, diagnostic algorithms and specific treatment modalities dictated by the underlying disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. An emphasis is placed on the risks and complication patterns in the treatment of these rare, but challenging injuries