Methods: We interviewed 14 participants about their experience in the assessment and treatment of patients presenting with pubic rami fragility fractures. Data was analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.
Results: The majority of patients presenting with a pubic rami fragility fracture were managed by geriatricians. However, many of the geriatricians were not aware that these fractures have a high association with co-existing sacral fragility fractures. Furthermore, they were not aware of the limitations of standard x-ray imaging, nor of the potential benefits of surgical intervention for sacral fragility fractures. Spinal surgeons recommended that early, more specialist imaging in patients with pubic rami fragility fractures failing to mobilize, would change clinical management, if found to have a coexisting sacral fragility fracture, amenable to surgical intervention.
Conclusions: The awareness, assessment and management of sacral fragility fractures in patients presenting with pubic rami fragility fractures is poor amongst healthcare professionals in geriatric medicine. Spinal surgeons in this study advocate early further imaging and surgical intervention in patients confirmed to have a concomitant sacral fragility fracture who are failing to mobilize.
METHODS: Patients aged 60 years and above, who were admitted for neck of femur fracture from January 2017 to December 2020, and treated surgically with arthroplasty, were included. Information on patient demography, comorbidities, perioperative data, mobility, hip function and complications were retrospectively collected. Outcome measures used were independent ambulation and recovery of pre-fracture mobility at 1 year after surgery while hip function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total, pain, stiffness, and physical function scores. Factors associated with these outcomes were analyzed.
RESULTS: 168 patients with a mean age of 75.2 (SD 8.4) years met the inclusion criteria. 32.1% of patients regained their pre-fracture mobility and 59.6% remained independent 1 year after surgery. Logistic regression analysis identified age, gender, surgical procedure, and time to surgery as significant contributors to recovery of pre-fracture mobility. Older age and increasing requirement for postoperative ambulatory aid resulted in worse WOMAC total and physical function scores. No significant differences were observed in patient-reported hip function between those who had a total hip arthroplasty and those who had a hemiarthroplasty.
CONCLUSION: Most geriatric patients with displaced neck of femur fractures did not regain pre-fracture mobility despite surgical treatment with arthroplasty.