Autologous reconstructions are associated with greater overall medium-term care costs than implant-based reconstructions in the Finnish healthcare system : A retrospective interim case-control cohort study

Purpose: Previous studies have mainly reported the short-term costs of different reconstruction techniques. Revision operations may increase costs in longer follow-up. Authors report medium-term data on different reconstruction methods. We hypothesised that the reconstruction method would affect not only the duration of reconstruction process but also total costs. Methods: The reconstruction database was reviewed from 2008 to 2019. Women with autologous (deep inferior epigastric perforator, transverse musculocutaneous gracilis and latissimus dorsi [LD] without implant) and implant-based (implant and LD with implant) reconstructions were included. Variables evaluated included age, body mass index, smoking, comorbidities, radiotherapy, complications and readmissions. Risk factors for multiple revision surgeries were analysed. Time to definitive reconstruction and related costs were also calculated. Results: In total, 591 patients with autologous reconstructions and 202 with implant-based reconstructions were included. The median follow-up time was 73 months. Definitive reconstruction was obtained in 443 days in implant-based reconstructions and in 403 days in autologous reconstructions (P = 0.050). Independent risk factors for multiple surgeries were younger age (P < 0.001) and comorbidity (P = 0.008). No statistically significant difference was observed in the rate of overall surgical procedures (P = 0.098), but implant-based reconstructions were more commonly associated with two or more planned operations (P = 0.008). Autologous reconstructions were associated with greater total cost ($22 052 vs.$18 329, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This review of reconstructions over a 12-year study period revealed that autologous reconstructions are associated with greater overall costs, but there is no statistically significant difference in reconstruction time or rate of surgical procedures. However, a full cost assessment between reconstructive techniques requires a much longer follow-up period.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Delay to Surgery of Less Than 12 Hours Is Associated With Improved Short- and Long-Term Survival in Moderate- to High-Risk Hip Fracture Patients

Introduction: The effect of delays before surgery of 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours on short- and long-term survival has been investigated comprehensively in hip fracture patients, but with controversial results. However, there is only limited evidence for how a threshold of 12-hour delay before hip fracture surgery affects survival. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study of 884 consecutive hip fracture patients (age >= 65 years) undergoing surgery was carried out in terms of 30- and 365-day survival. A Cox hazard regression survival model was constructed for 724 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists score >= 3 with adjustments of age, gender, cognition, number of medications on admission, hip fracture type, and prior living arrangements. Results: Patients who underwent surgery within 12 hours had better chances of survival than did those with 12 to 24 hours (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-61.4), 24 to 48 hours (HR: 7.21; 95% CI: 0.98-52.9), and >48 hours (HR: 11.75; 95% CI: 1.53-90.2) delay before surgery. Long-term survival was more influenced by nonadjustable patient features, but the adverse effect of >48 hours delay before surgery was noticed with HR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.08-3.80. Increased age and male gender were significantly associated with worse short- and long-term survival. Discussion/Conclusions: Early hip fracture surgery within 12 hours of admission is associated with improved 30-day survival among patients with ASA score >= 3. Delay to surgery of more than 48 hours has an adverse effect on 365-day survival, but factors related to patients' comorbidities have a great influence on long-term survival

Day surgery in reduction mammaplasty – saving money or increasing complications?

Background: The benefits of reduction mammoplasty procedures have been reported previously. However, to control the rise in public healthcare costs, we need to find ways of conducting these procedures safely and more cost-effectively. Our aim was to examine whether reduction mammaplasty performed in an outpatient setting has comparable surgical complication rates to those performed in an inpatient setting. We also investigated whether any savings gained from day surgery are still present after any possible indirect costs are considered. Methods: The study population comprised 276 patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty in a single center between January 2019 and February 2021. Data were collected from patient medical records. The costs associated with the primary procedure and any possible additional expenses were calculated. Basic statistical comparisons were performed for propensity score-matched data. Results: Complication rates, readmissions, number of contacts to the health care system, and need for additional surgical interventions were comparable between outpatients and inpatients. The basic costs for outpatients were 2990 euros per patient and 3923 euros for inpatients. Total costs after possible extra expenses were lower in day surgery as it was markedly more cost-effective than patients treated as inpatients. Conclusions: Reduction mammaplasties can be safely performed in an outpatient setting. Moreover, the emergence of complications is comparable to those performed in an inpatient setting. An outpatient setting produced significant cost savings not only in the immediate costs of primary surgery but also in the costs associated with possible complications and extra contacts to the healthcare system.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Does cognitive/physical screening in an outpatient setting predict institutionalization after hip fracture?

BACKGROUND: Institutionalization after hip fracture is a socio-economical burden. We examined the predictive value of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for institutionalization after hip fracture to identify patients at risk for institutionalization. METHODS: Fragility hip fracture patients ≥65 years of age (n = 584) were comprehensively examined at a geriatric outpatient clinic 4 to 6 months after surgery and followed 1 year postoperatively. A telephone interview with a structured inquiry was performed at 1, 4, and 12 months after hip fracture. RESULTS: Age-adjusted univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that IADL and MMSE scores measured at the outpatient clinic were significantly associated with living arrangements 1 year after hip fracture. Multivariate logistic regression analysis established that institutionalization 1 year after hip fracture was significantly predicted by institutionalization at 4 months (odds ratio [OR] 16.26, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 7.37-35.86), IADL <5 (OR 12.96, 95 % CI 1.62-103.9), and MMSE <20 (OR 4.19, 95 % CI 1.82-9.66). A cut-off value of 5 was established for IADL with 100 % (95 % CI 96 %-100 %) sensitivity and 38 % (95 % CI 33 %-43 %) specificity and for MMSE, a cut-off value of 20 had 83 % (95 % CI 74 %-91 %) sensitivity and 65 % (95 % CI 60 %-70 %) specificity for institutionalization. During the time period from 4 to 12 months, 66 (11 %) patients changed living arrangements, and 36 (55 %) of these patients required more supportive accommodations. CONCLUSION: IADL and MMSE scores obtained 4 to 6 months after hospital discharge may be applicable for predicting institutionalization among fragility hip fracture patients ≥65 years of age at 1 year after hip fracture. An IADL score of ≥5 predicted the ability to remain in the community. Changes in living arrangements also often occur after 4 months.BioMed Central open acces

Prevalence and prognostic significance of depressive symptoms in a geriatric post-hip fracture assessment

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of post-hip fracture depressive symptoms.Methods: A naturalistic clinical cohort study. Data were collected on admission to hospital, geriatric assessment 4-6 months post-fracture and by telephone interview one-year post fracture. Depressive symptoms were assessed at the geriatric assessment using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Logistic regression analyses with multivariable models were conducted to examine the association of depressive symptoms with changes in mobility and living arrangements and Cox proportional hazards models for mortality between the geriatric assessment and one-year follow-up.Results: Of the 1070 patients, 22% (n = 238) had mild and 6% (n = 67) moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Patients with depressive symptoms had poorer nutritional status at baseline, lower scores on the cognitive and physical performance tests and poorer functional abilities in the geriatric assessment than those without. No association was observed between depressive symptoms and any of the outcomes at one-year follow-up. Poor nutritional status and physical functioning remained significant prognostic indicators.Conclusion: Post-hip fracture depressive symptoms are common and deserve attention during post-hip fracture recovery and rehabilitation. Nonetheless, depressive symptoms have no impact on the change in mobility or living arrangements or mortality. These latter outcomes are mainly explained by poor nutritional status and functioning.</p

Factors associated with and 1-year outcomes of fear of falling in a geriatric post-hip fracture assessment

Background: Hip fracture causes not only physical injury but also psychological trauma. Fear of falling (FoF) is related to poor recovery, loss of mobility and mortality. There is limited data on the clinical factors affecting post-hip fracture FoF and its consequences. Objective: To investigate the factors associated with and 1-year outcomes of post-hip fracture FoF. Methods: An observational prospective cohort study. Data were collected on hospital admission, at a geriatric outpatient assessment 4–6 months post-hip fracture and by telephone interviews 1 year after the index fracture. FoF was assessed with a dichotomous single-item question. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the age, gender and multivariable-adjusted association between baseline and the geriatric assessment domains with FoF. Follow-up outcomes included changes in mobility, living arrangements and mortality. Results: Of the 916 patients included, 425 (49%) had FoF at the time of their geriatric assessment. These patients were predominantly female and were living alone in their own homes with supportive home care. They scored lower on tests of physical performance. Less FoF was documented in patients with diagnosed cognitive disorders before the index fracture and in those with Clinical Dementia Rating ≥ 1. After adjusting for age and gender, no association was observed between FoF and any of the 1-year follow-up outcomes. Conclusion: Post-hip fracture FoF is common and associated with female gender, polypharmacy, poor daily functioning, poor physical performance and depressive mood. Patients with cognitive disorders have less FoF than those without. FoF appears to have no impact on the follow-up outcomes.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Factors associated with and 1-year outcomes of fear of falling in a geriatric post-hip fracture assessment

Background Hip fracture causes not only physical injury but also psychological trauma. Fear of falling (FoF) is related to poor recovery, loss of mobility and mortality. There is limited data on the clinical factors affecting post-hip fracture FoF and its consequences. Objective To investigate the factors associated with and 1-year outcomes of post-hip fracture FoF. Methods An observational prospective cohort study. Data were collected on hospital admission, at a geriatric outpatient assessment 4-6 months post-hip fracture and by telephone interviews 1 year after the index fracture. FoF was assessed with a dichotomous single-item question. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the age, gender and multivariable-adjusted association between baseline and the geriatric assessment domains with FoF. Follow-up outcomes included changes in mobility, living arrangements and mortality. Results Of the 916 patients included, 425 (49%) had FoF at the time of their geriatric assessment. These patients were predominantly female and were living alone in their own homes with supportive home care. They scored lower on tests of physical performance. Less FoF was documented in patients with diagnosed cognitive disorders before the index fracture and in those with Clinical Dementia Rating >= 1. After adjusting for age and gender, no association was observed between FoF and any of the 1-year follow-up outcomes. Conclusion Post-hip fracture FoF is common and associated with female gender, polypharmacy, poor daily functioning, poor physical performance and depressive mood. Patients with cognitive disorders have less FoF than those without. FoF appears to have no impact on the follow-up outcomes.</p

Pertrochanteric hip fracture is associated with mobility decline and poorer physical performance 4 to 6 months post-hip fracture

Background: To study the effect of hip fracture type on physical performance, functional ability and change in mobility four to six months after the injury. Methods: A total of 1331 patients out of consecutive 2052 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent hip fracture surgery were included in the study. Patient information was collected on admission, during hospitalization, by phone interview and at the geriatric outpatient clinic 4 to 6 months after the fracture. Of the 1331 eligible patients, Grip strength, Timed Up and Go -test (TUG), Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), mobility change compared to pre-fracture mobility level, Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) were used to determine physical performance and functional ability. Logistic regression was used for the analyses which was adjusted for gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, diagnosis of cognitive disorder, pre-fracture living arrangements, mobility and need of mobility aid. Results: Patients with pertrochanteric hip fracture had an EMS lower than 14 (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.38, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.00–1.90), TUG time ≥ 20 s (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.33) and they had declined in mobility (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.20–2.09) compared to femoral neck fracture patients 4 to 6 months post-hip fracture in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses. Grip strength and functional ability (IADL, BADL) 4 to 6 months after hip fracture did not differ between fracture types. There were no statistically significant differences in physical performance in patients with a subtrochanteric fracture compared to patients with a femoral neck fracture. Conclusions: Pertrochanteric hip fracture independently associated with poorer physical performance 4 to 6 months post hip fracture compared to other hip fracture types. Pertrochanteric hip fracture patients should be given special attention in terms of regaining their previous level of mobility.Peer reviewe

Factors associated with urinary and double incontinence in a geriatric post-hip fracture assessment in older women

Background: Incontinence and hip fractures are common in older people, especially women, and associated with multiple adverse effects. Incontinence is a risk factor for falls. Aims: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of urinary (UI) and double incontinence (DI, concurrent UI and faecal incontinence), and to identify factors associated with UI and DI 6 months post-fracture. Methods: A prospective real-life cohort study was conducted consisting of 910 women aged >= 65 who were treated for their first hip fracture in Seinajoki Central Hospital, Finland, between May 2008 and April 2018. Continence status was elicited at baseline and 6 months postoperatively at our geriatric outpatient clinic where all participants underwent a multidisciplinary comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) consisting of an evaluation of cognition, nutrition, mood, mobility, and functional ability. Results: At baseline, 47% of the patients were continent, 45% had UI and 8% had DI, and at follow up, 38%, 52%, and 11%, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 82.7 +/- 6.8. Both UI and DI were associated with functional disability and other factors related to frailty. The associations were particularly prominent for patients with DI who also had the worst performance in the domains of CGA. We identified several modifiable risk factors: depressive mood (odds ratio [OR] 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-2.84) and constipation (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.02-2.13) associated with UI and, late removal of urinary catheter (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.31-4.14), impaired mobility (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.05-4.15), and poor nutrition (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.11-4.79) associated with DI. ​​​​​​​Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of UI and DI in older women with hip fracture and modifiable risk factors, which should be targeted in orthogeriatric management and secondary falls prevention. Patients with DI were found to be an especially vulnerable group.</p

Urinary and double incontinence in older women with hip fracture - risk of death and predictors of incident symptoms among survivors in a 1-year prospective cohort study

Objectives: To investigate the association of urinary incontinence (UI) and double incontinence (DI, concurrent UI and fecal incontinence) with one-year mortality among older female hip fracture patients and to identify predictors of incident UI and DI. Design: A prospective cohort study Setting and subjects: 1,468 female patients aged ≥ 65 treated for their first hip fracture during the period 2007–2019 Methods: Continence status was elicited at baseline and one-year post-fracture. Age- and multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards and multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the associations of incontinence with one-year mortality and to examine the associations of baseline predictors with incident UI and DI respectively. Results: Of the women with no incontinence, UI and DI, 78 (13%), 159 (23%) and 60 (34%), died during follow-up. UI (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.31–2.26) and DI (HR 2.61, 95% CI 1.86–3.66) were associated with mortality after adjusting for age. These associations lost their predictive power in multivariable analysis while age over 90, living in an institution, impaired mobility, poor nutrition, polypharmacy, and late removal of urinary catheter remained associated with mortality. Of continent women, 128 (21%) developed UI and 23 (4%) DI during follow-up. In multivariable analysis, impaired mobility was associated with incident UI (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.48–4.44) and DI (OR 4.82, 95% CI 1.70–13.7), as well as living in an institution (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.56–7.61 and OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.17–13.0). Conclusions and Implications: Underlying vulnerability likely explains differences in mortality between continence groups and development of incident UI and DI.publishedVersionPeer reviewe