bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operative treatment of patients with pertrochanteric femoral fractures outside working hours is not associated with a higher incidence of complications or higher mortality
Authors: Bosma E. , de Jongh M. A. C. , Verhofstad M. H. J. 
Published: January 2010

This retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate whether operative treatment of patients with a pertrochanteric femoral fracture outside working hours is associated with an increased risk of complications and higher mortality. During the study period 165 patients were operated on outside working hours and 123 were operated on during working hours (08.00 to 17.00). There was no difference in the rate of early complications (outside working hours 33% versus working hours 33%, p = 0.91) or total complications during follow-up (outside working hours 40% versus working hours 41%, p = 0.91). Both in-hospital mortality (outside working hours 12% versus working hours 11%, p = 0.97) and mortality after one year (outside working hours 29% versus working hours 27%, p = 0.67) were comparable. Adjustment for possible confounders by multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed no increased risk of complications when patients were operated on outside working hours. On the basis of these data, there is no medical reason to postpone operative reduction and fixation in patients with a proximal femoral fracture until working hours.
Fracture of the clavicle does not affect arthritis of the ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint compared with the contralateral side
Authors: Chen M. R. , Huang J. I. , Victoroff B. N. , Cooperman D. R. 
Published: January 2010

In an osteological collection of 3100 specimens, 70 were found with unilateral clavicular fractures which were matched with 70 randomly selected normal specimens. This formed the basis of a study of the incidence of arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint and the effect of clavicular fracture on the development of arthritis in the ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint. This was graded visually on a severity scale of 0 to 3. The incidence of moderate to severe arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint in normal specimens was 77% (100 specimens). In those with a clavicular fracture, 66 of 70 (94%) had arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, compared to 63 of 70 (90%) on the non-injured contralateral side (p = 0.35). Clavicles with shortening of 15 mm or less had no difference in the incidence of arthritis compared to those with shortening greater than 15 mm (p = 0.25). The location of the fracture had no effect on the development of arthritis.
The impact of national guidelines for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism on the complications of arthroplasty of the lower limb
Authors: Jameson S. S. , Bottle A. , Malviya A. , Muller S. D. , Reed M. R. 
Published: January 2010

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) produces recommendations on appropriate treatment within the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales. The NICE guidelines on prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic surgery recommend that all patients be offered a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The linked hospital episode statistics of 219 602 patients were examined to determine the rates of complications following lower limb arthroplasty for the 12-month periods prior to and following the publication of these guidelines. These were compared with data from the National Joint Registry (England and Wales) regarding the use of LMWH during the same periods. There was a significant increase in the reported use of LMWH (59.5% to 67.6%, p < 0.001) following the publication of the guidelines. However, the 90-day venous thromboembolism events actually increased slightly following total hip replacement (THR, 1.69% to 1.84%, p = 0.06) and remained unchanged following total knee replacement (TKR, 1.99% to 2.04%). Return to theatre in the first 30 days for infection did not show significant changes. There was an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, which was significant following THR (0.11% to 0.16%, p = 0.04). The recommendations from NICE are based on predicted reductions in venous thromboembolism events, reducing morbidity, mortality and costs to the NHS. The early results in orthopaedic patients do not support these predictions, but do show an increase in complications.
Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for intracapsular hip fractures
Authors: Parker M. I. , Pryor G. , Gurusamy K. 
Published: January 2010

We undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial involving 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip to determine whether there was any difference in outcome between treatment with a cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty and an uncemented Austin-Moore prosthesis. The surviving patients were followed up for between two and five years by a nurse blinded to the type of prosthesis used. The mean age of the patients was 83 years (61 to 104) and 308 (77%) were women. The degree of residual pain was less in those treated with a cemented prosthesis (p < 0.0001) three months after surgery. Regaining mobility was better in those treated with a cemented implant (p = 0.005) at six months after operation. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to mortality, implant-related complications, re-operations or post-operative medical complications. The use of a cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty resulted in less pain and less deterioration in mobility than an uncemented Austin-Moore prosthesis with no increase in complications.
Articular Surface Replacement of the hip: a prospective single-surgeon series
Authors: Jameson S. S. , Langton D. J. , Nargol A. V. F. 
Published: January 2010

We present the early clinical and radiological results of Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) resurfacings in 214 hips (192 patients) with a mean follow-up of 43 months (30 to 57). The mean age of the patients was 56 years (28 to 74) and 85 hips (40%) were in 78 women.The mean Harris hip score improved from 52 (11 to 81) to 95 (27 to 100) at two years and the mean University of California, Los Angeles activity score from 3.9 (1 to 10) to 7.4 (2 to 10) in the same period. Narrowing of the neck (to a maximum of 9%) was noted in 124 of 209 hips (60%). There were 12 revisions (5.6%) involving four (1.9%) early fractures of the femoral neck and two (0.9%) episodes of collapse of the femoral head secondary to avascular necrosis. Six patients (2.8%) had failure related to metal wear debris. The overall survival for our series was 93% (95% confidence interval 80 to 98) and 89% (95% confidence interval 82 to 96) for hips with acetabular components smaller than 56 mm in diameter.The ASR implant has a lower diametrical clearance and a subhemispherical acetabular component when compared with other more frequently implanted metal-on-metal hip resurfacings. These changes may contribute to the higher failure rate than in other series, compared with other designs. Given our poor results with the small components we are no longer implanting the smaller size.
Early failure of metal-on-metal bearings in hip resurfacing and large-diameter total hip replacement
Authors: Langton D. J. , Jameson S. S. , Joyce T. J. , Hallab N. J. , Natu S. , Nargol A. V. F. 
Published: January 2010

Early failure associated with adverse reactions to metal debris is an emerging problem after hip resurfacing but the exact mechanism is unclear. We analysed our entire series of 660 metal-on-metal resurfacings (Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) and Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)) and large-bearing ASR total hip replacements, to establish associations with metal debris-related failures. Clinical and radiological outcomes, metal ion levels, explant studies and lymphocyte transformation tests were performed. A total of 17 patients (3.4%) were identified (all ASR bearings) with adverse reactions to metal debris, for which revision was required. This group had significantly smaller components, significantly higher acetabular component anteversion, and significantly higher whole concentrations of blood and joint chromium and cobalt ions than asymptomatic patients did (all p < 0.001). Post-revision lymphocyte transformation tests on this group showed no reactivity to chromium or cobalt ions. Explants from these revisions had greater surface wear than retrievals for uncomplicated fractures. The absence of adverse reactions to metal debris in patients with well-positioned implants usually implies high component wear.Surgeons must consider implant design, expected component size and acetabular component positioning in order to reduce early failures when performing large-bearing metal-on-metal hip resurfacing and replacement.
Management of fractures of the pedicle after instrumentation with transpedicular screws
Authors: Lattig F. , Fekete T. F. , Jeszenszky D. 
Published: January 2010

Fracture of a pedicle is a rare complication of spinal instrumentation using pedicular screws, but it can lead to instability and pain and may necessitate extension of the fusion. Osteosynthesis of the fractured pedicle by cerclage-wire fixation and augmentation of the screw fixation by vertebroplasty or temporary elongation of the fixation, allows stabilisation without sacrifice of the adjacent healthy segment. We describe three patients who developed a fracture of the pedicle in the most caudal instrumented vertebra early after lumbar spinal fusion. During revision surgery the pedicles were reduced and secured by a soft cerclage wire bilaterally. Fusion was obtained at the site of the primary instrumentation and healing of the pedicles was achieved. Cerclage wiring of the fractured pedicle seems to be safe and avoids permanent extension of the fusion without the sacrifice of an otherwise healthy segment.
The use of a biodegradable mesh plate to augment grafting of an acetabular defect
Authors: Väänänen P. , Pajamäki I. , Paakkala A. , Nurmi J. T. , Pajamäki J. 
Published: January 2010

We used a biodegradable mesh to convert an acetabular defect into a contained defect in six patients at total hip replacement. Their mean age was 61 years (46 to 69). The mean follow-up was 32 months (19 to 50). Before clinical use, the strength retention and hydrolytic in vitro degradation properties of the implants were studied in the laboratory over a two-year period. A successful clinical outcome was determined by the radiological findings and the Harris hip score. All the patients had a satisfactory outcome and no mechanical failures or other complications were observed. No protrusion of any of the impacted grafts was observed beyond the mesh. According to our preliminary laboratory and clinical results the biodegradable mesh is suitable for augmenting uncontained acetabular defects in which the primary stability of the implanted acetabular component is provided by the host bone. In the case of defects of the acetabular floor this new application provides a safe method of preventing graft material from protruding excessively into the pelvis and the mesh seems to tolerate bone-impaction grafting in selected patients with primary and revision total hip replacement.
The Avon patellofemoral joint replacement
Authors: Odumenya M. , Costa M. L. , Parsons N. , Achten J. , Dhillon M. , Krikler S. J. 
Published: January 2010

Between May 1998 and May 2007 we carried out 50 Avon patellofemoral joint replacements in 32 patients with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. There were no revisions in the first five years, giving a cumulative survival of 100% for those with a minimum follow-up of five years. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years (2.1 to 10.2). The median Oxford knee score was 30.5 (interquartile range 22.25 to 42.25). In patients with bilateral replacements the median Euroqol General health score was 50 which was significantly lower than that of 75 in those with a unilateral replacement (p = 0.047). The main complication was progression of disease, which was identified radiologically in 11 knees (22%). This highlights the need for accurate selection of patients. Our findings suggest that the Avon prosthesis survives well and gives a satisfactory functional outcome in the medium term.
The process of orthognathic care in an NHS region
Authors: Parbatani R , Williams AC , Ireland AJ , Sandy JR 
Published: December 2009

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate, within an NHS region, the process of care and the standard of record for orthognathic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 372 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery 1 January 1995 and 31 April 2000 in the South West Region of the UK. RESULTS Most patients underwent joint orthodontic and maxillofacial planning and had third molars extracted under general anaesthesia prior to orthognathic surgery. There was a significant difference in the median operation times and length of stay for bimaxillary surgery (4 h/4 days) compared with single jaw surgery (2 h/3 days; P < 0.001). Just over 15% of patients required removal of internal fixation plates after surgery, with nearly 90% of these requiring a further episode of general anaesthesia. The level of record keeping and patient review was variable with no regional standardisation. CONCLUSIONS This study is evidence of a generally acceptable standard in the process of care, which was found to follow international and national practices. However, at the time of the study there was no regional protocol for patient records or patient review, highlighting the need for the establishment of a regional database.
The incidence of epidural abscess following epidural analgesia in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Wallace David , Bright Elizabeth , London N J M 
Published: December 2009

INTRODUCTION Complications of epidural catheterisation can cause significant morbidity. Epidural abscess following epidural catheterisation is rare and the reported incidence is variable. The purpose of this study was to review the incidence of epidural abscess in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective case note review of all patients having open AAA repair over a 5-year period. RESULTS A total of 415 patients underwent open AAA repair between January 2003 and March 2008. Of these, 290 were elective procedures and 125 were for ruptured aneurysms. Six patients underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the spine for clinical suspicion of an epidural abscess. Two of these (0.48%) had confirmed epidural abscess and two superficial infection at the epidural site. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of epidural abscess following epidural analgesia in patients undergoing open AAA repair within our department was 0.48%. Although a rare complication, epidural abscess can cause significant morbidity. Epidural abscesses rarely develop before the third postoperative day.
The impact of Improving Outcomes Guidance on the management and outcomes of patients with carcinoma of the penis
Authors: Bayles Andrew C , Sethia Krishna K 
Published: December 2009

INTRODUCTION The Improving Outcomes Guidance (IOG) for patients with carcinoma of the penis states that treatment should be provided supraregionally to populations of 4 million or greater who treat over 25 cases of penis cancer each year. This study assesses the impact of this guidance on the management and outcomes of patients with the disease in our region. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively compared the records of 44 patients with carcinoma of the penis treated in our institution between 1969 and 1990 with 101 patients treated between 2002 and 2006, i.e. after supraregional centralisation of the service. RESULTS There was no significant change in the stage or grade of the tumours. However, the results show that, in modern times, there was a significant increase in the amount of penis-preserving and nodal surgery as well as a fall in mortality. The improved survival is greatest in patients with poorly-differentiated disease who may, therefore, have benefited from aggressive nodal surgery. CONCLUSIONS The centralisation of surgery for carcinoma of the penis results in improved outcomes both in terms of preservation and improved survival and this supports the IOG guidance.
Postoperative management after loop ileostomy closure: are we keeping patients in hospital too long?
Authors: Baraza W , Wild J , Barber W , Brown S 
Published: December 2009

INTRODUCTION Recent studies have shown that closure of loop ileostomy can be performed in the day-case setting, reducing the length and cost of hospitalisation. By analysing our patients who have undergone reversal, we aimed to determine the length of hospital stay and potential factors behind stays beyond 24 h. PATIENTS AND METHODS A database of patients undergoing closure of loop ileostomy at one colorectal unit was examined. The times taken to discharge, morbidity and re-admission rates were recorded. RESULTS Eighty patients underwent reversal of ileostomy between January 2001 and January 2006. Median age was 63 years (range, 22–81 years). The median length of stay was 4 days (range, 2–32 days). The median length of stay in patients without complications was 4 days. Many appeared able to be discharged earlier. Seventy-two patients (90%) were able to tolerate a solid diet within 48 h and 54 (67.5%) had bowel function within 3 days. Six patients went home before bowel function; none of these were re-admitted. Twenty patients (25%) developed complications, which included wound infection (8%), small bowel obstruction/ileus (6%), enterocutaneous fistula (1%), anastomotic leak (1%), and late abdominal wall abscess (1%). Of the patients, 16% stayed longer than 5 days despite having no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients undergoing loop ileostomy reversal at our institution can be discharged earlier than they are at present. Support in the community and the implementation of modified UK day-case surgery protocols are suggested to help shorten patients' length of stay.
Appendiceal faecaliths are associated with right iliac fossa pain
Authors: Grimes Caris , Chin Diana , Bailey Catherine , Gergely Szabolcs , Harris Adrian 
Published: December 2009

INTRODUCTION There is debate over whether a normal-looking appendix should be removed at diagnostic laparoscopy performed for right iliac fossa (RIF) pain. Faecaliths are associated with appendicitis. This study assessed whether there was an association between the removal of normal appendices containing faecaliths and improvement of symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS Analysis of the histology database for all appendicectomies during 2003–2007 with normal histology, noting presence of a faecalith. Retrospective study using a telephone questionnaire for frequency/duration of pre-operative symptoms, postoperative symptom recurrence, re-admission rates and complications. The faecalith-positive (f+) group was compared to a similar control group of patients who had a normal appendix removed which did not contain a faecalith (f−). RESULTS Out of 203 appendicectomies performed with normal histology, 26 (13%) were f+. Of these, 21 responded to the questionnaire. Thirty-one consecutive patients with normal histology and no faecalith were identified. A similar proportion in each group presented with three or more episodes of pain prior to appendicectomy (38% f+; 39% control). Only one (5%) of the f+ patients had recurring symptoms after the operation, compared with 14 (48%) of the control group (P = 0.0016). Only one (5%) of the f+ patients underwent further investigations, compared with 11 (36%) of the control group (P < 0.02). None of the f+ patients were re-admitted, compared to 19% of the control population. There were no significant postoperative complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS Appendiceal faecaliths may be a cause of right iliac fossa pain in the absence of obvious appendiceal inflammation. In this study, the policy of routine removal of a normal-looking appendix at laparoscopy in the absence of any other obvious pathology appeared to be an effective treatment for recurrent symptoms in those cases with a faecalith. Further studies are needed to assess this putative association.
Changing management of suspected appendicitis in the laparoscopic era
Authors: Akbar Fayyaz , Yousuf Mansoor , Morgan Richard J , Maw Andrew 
Published: December 2009

INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to examine the trends in performance of open and laparoscopic appendicectomy at a district general hospital, and to compare the diagnostic outcomes in the two patient groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were collected prospectively from patients undergoing an open or laparoscopic procedure for cted appendicitis in an 8-year period between January 2000 and December 2007. RESULTS A total of 1700 patients (873 women, 827 men) with a median age of 24 years underwent surgery for suspected appendicitis in the study period. There were 1357 patients (group A) who underwent an open procedure for presumed appendicitis (610 women and 747 men [F:M ratio, 1:1.2]). There were 343 patients (group B) who underwent laparoscopy with or without laparoscopic appendicectomy (82 men and 261 women [F:M ratio, 1:0.31]). Over the study period, there was an increasing trend towards the performance of laparoscopic procedures for suspected appendicitis, increasing from 4% to 39% of the total per year. In group A, 1172 (86%) patients had appendicular pathology, while the appendix was normal histologi-cally in 178 (13%). Other pathologies were diagnosed intra-operatively in 1%. In group B, 193 patients (56%) had appendicular pathology while in 150 (44%) the appendix was normal. In the subgroup with a normal appendix, 56 patients (37%) had another cause for their symptoms identified. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic appendicectomy is increasingly being performed. Laparoscopy is often used as a diagnostic tool in general surgical patients, particularly women, with lower abdominal pain. In effect, these patients are undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy, with or without appendicectomy. This has resulted in a lower positive appendicectomy rate, but a higher yield of diagnoses other than appendicitis, in the laparoscopic group. Overall appendicectomy rates, however, have remained unchanged.