An innovative external fixator for the management of trochanteric fractures of the femur. Surgical technique and outcomes of 200 patients with 24 month follow up
Authors: Mohamed Altayeb Mussa, Adel Refaat Ahmed
Journal: International Journal of Surgery (2013)

s / International Journal of Surgery 11 (2013) 589e685 665 ABSTRACTS Aim: To review the population characteristics and functional outcomes of patients admitted to a UK Level I trauma centre with distal femoral fractures. Method: Consecutive adult patients with distal femoral fractures over a 2-year period were retrospectively identified from a local trauma database. Fractures were classified according to the AO system. Barthel Index, Parker Mobility Score and ASA grade were calculated. Mobility at 6-months and mortality at 30-days, 6-months and 1-year were reviewed. Results: Forty-four adult patients were identified (mean age 71 17 years). Most fractures (68%) were simple (AO33-A1), low-energy injuries. Twelve patients had peri-prosthetic fractures. Pre-morbid status was of moderate dependency (mean Barthel Index 74), reduced mobility (Parker Score 5), and associated co-morbidity (ASA 3). Twelve cases were managed conservatively and 32 surgically. The mean length of stay was 27 days. Sixmonthmobility was reduced compared to admission, and overall mortality at 1-year was 18%. Conclusion: Most distal femoral fractures are fragility fractures causing a prolonged hospital stay, an appreciable degree of morbidity, and an increase in 1-year mortality rates, similar to proximal femur fractures. We propose the use of an integrated fast-track care pathway for management of these fractures, similar to current fractured neck of femur guidelines. 0557: AN INNOVATIVE EXTERNAL FIXATOR FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TROCHANTERIC FRACTURES OF THE FEMUR. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE AND OUTCOMES OF 200 PATIENTS WITH 24 MONTH FOLLOW UP Mohamed Altayeb Mussa , Adel Refaat Ahmed . Alexandria University Hospitals, Alexandria, Egypt; Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK. Introduction: Recent studies compared the use of external fixation in trochanteric fractures with conventional methods of fixation such as sliding hip screw. Only elderly patients, who are considered high risk and not suitable for conventional fixation methods, were included in those studies. This is the first prospective study to report the outcomes of external fixation in a larger patient population which includes young and healthy adults. Methods: 200 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated with a newly developed external fixator (AlexFix ). All patients received local anaesthesia in the form of femoral nerve and lateral cutaneous nerve blocks. Patients were followed up for a period of 24 2.1 months. Results: The average operative time (and standard deviation) was 26.22 5.9 minutes. The average use of radiation intra-operatively was 16.67 3.5 seconds. Hospital stay was short with an average of 4.3 1 days. Blood loss was negligible and none received any blood transfusion. Conclusion: Our results strongly prove that this method provides a reliable and safe treatment option that offers minimal operative and anaesthetic risks, no blood loss, earlymobilisation and a short hospital stay, with low morbidity and mortality. 0560: PATHOGENESIS OF AVULSION FRACTURE OF THE BASE OF 5TH METATARSAL BONE: A CADAVERIC STUDY Mohamed Altayeb Mussa , Javed Salim , Patricia Elizabeth Allen , G. Hussain , B. Luo . 1 Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK; Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK. Introduction: Proximal fractures of 5th metatarsal are common. Three different fracture patterns are described; diaphyseal, tuberosity avulsion and Jones fractures. The anatomy of the structures attached to the proximal portion of 5th metatarsal bone were analysed to investigate the potential pathogenesis of avulsion fracture in this region. Methods: 32 human cadaveric feet were dissected. A longitudinal lateral incision parallel to the plantar aspect of the foot was made and the major ligamentous and tendinous attachments were carefully preserved. Photographic records were taken at all phases of the dissection. Results: Peroneus brevis tendon had a strong broad-based structure attached to the dorsolateral surface of the tuberosity of 5th metatarsal bone. Fibres of the lateral cord of plantar aponeurosis were seen blending with the fibres of Peroneus brevis tendon and attaching to the tuberosity as a broad and strong structure. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of avulsion fractures seems to be related to the violent pull of the strong and extensive structure formed by the converging fibres of lateral cord of plantar aponeurosis and the Peroneus brevis tendon. The current consensus that this fracture is caused by the avulsion force of Peroneus brevis tendon alone seems unlikely to be true. 0578: THE ENHANCED RECOVERY PROGRAM FOR HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENTS e OUR EXPERIENCE Muthuswamy Sarvesvaran, Nicholas Penney, James White, Alison Hulme. 1 Imperial College London, London, UK; Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK; Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK; Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. Aim: The enhanced recovery program for hip and knee replacements (ERP) improves patient care and hospital efficiency. To ensure compliance with the ERP at our local trust, a checklist was introduced containing eighteen objectives, based on recommendations from the ERP guidelines. The subsequent effect on our local trust's ERP was evaluated. Method: The checklists and notes of 42 ERP patients between March-April 2012 were reviewed retrospectively and compared to 53 ERP patients admitted in 2010. Our primary outcome measure was length of stay. Secondary measures were checklist completion rates and criteria used for the national database. Results: The mean length of stay for hip replacement patients has reduced from 7.5 days in 2010 (median 6) to 4.5 days in 2012 (median 4). The mean length of stay for knee replacement has reduced from 6.7 days (median 7) to 4.7 days (median 5). There were improvements in other ERP objectives, including post-op mobilisation. On average, only 40% of each checklist was completed. Conclusion: Introducing the checklist to our trust has successfully acted to encourage the multidisciplinary team members to adhere to ERP guidelines, reducing length of stay.We continue to seek newmeasures to further improve other ERP objectives. 0595: ASSESSING THE SUPPORT AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES BY THE TRAUMA AND ORTHOPAEDIC DEPARTMENT Rachael Andrews, Adam Smith, Harry Sprot. Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport,