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CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Apr 2022
Topics: Brachial Plexus Neuritis; Humans; Physiatrists
PubMed: 35379665
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.220382 -
Cureus Feb 2023Orthogeriatrics is the subspecialty of geriatrics that is dedicated to the care of elderly patients with fragility fractures. The Orthogeriatrics Unit of the Vila Nova...
INTRODUCTION
Orthogeriatrics is the subspecialty of geriatrics that is dedicated to the care of elderly patients with fragility fractures. The Orthogeriatrics Unit of the Vila Nova de Gaia Hospital Centre was the first unit created in Portugal in October 2015, in a co-management model.
METHODS
Patients older than 65 years and with femur fractures were admitted to the unit after surgery. The department was run by internists with differentiation in geriatrics, and multidisciplinary support from orthopaedics, physiatrists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and social workers, as well as rehabilitation nursing. A comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment was performed upon admission, including comprehensive geriatric assessment as well as postoperative monitoring of complications, investigation of fall mechanisms, functional rehabilitation, and outpatient orientation. Analysed variables included demographics, comorbidities, prior level of functionality, delay of orthopaedic surgery, complications, time of hospitalization, functional prognosis, and destination after discharge. Follow-up was maintained to assess short- and medium-term mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used for the statistical analysis of mortality.
RESULTS
In four years of activity with 444 admissions, the typical patients were women (80.7%), with an average age of 84 years, coming from home (92%) after an accidental fall resulting in a proximal femur fracture. About half (54%) were previously autonomous, but with a high index of comorbidities (mean Charlson Index of 4.85), the most relevant of which were arterial hypertension (71%), malnutrition (46%), heart failure (35%), hyperlipidaemia (34%), osteoporosis (32%), and dementia (16%). During hospitalization, most patients had medical complications (86.3%), the most frequent ones being anaemia (45%), infections (35%), namely, urinary, respiratory, and surgical wound infections, acute heart failure (15%), and acute kidney injury (11%). Prevalent geriatric syndromes were also identified and corrected through protocols for delirium, urinary incontinence, pressure ulcers, and constipation. The mean length of stay was 12.49 days. At discharge, 75% presented a modified Rankin Scale score lower than 3 and 73% of patients were able to return home, with a low referral rate to long-term care facilities (5.9%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.65%. It was possible to maintain follow-up protocol after discharge in 343 patients, and the mortality at 12 months was 19.23% and at three years, it was 25.52%, with a risk of death almost doubled for patients discharged with a high degree of dependence (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3; OR: 2.19; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
We demonstrated reduced in-hospital mortality despite an elderly, frail population, with multiple previous comorbidities and a high number of inpatient intercurrences evidencing the importance of a good in-hospital co-management between internal medicine and orthopaedics, demonstrating the benefit of orthogeriatric units in patients with fragility fractures of the femur.
PubMed: 36974254
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35361 -
Pain and Therapy Dec 2021Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among older adults worldwide. Treatment aims are to alleviate inflammatory pain and improve physical function... (Review)
Review
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among older adults worldwide. Treatment aims are to alleviate inflammatory pain and improve physical function through non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended as first-line therapy. However, selection is challenged by patient age, comorbidities and polypharmacy, and by the drug's benefit/risk balance, all of which together influence the risk of cardiovascular (CV), gastrointestinal (GI) and renal adverse events (AEs). While the efficacy profile of the various NSAIDs is delineated, the differences in their safety profile are not straightforward. This narrative review provides practical indications by a multidisciplinary Italian expert panel for general practitioners and specialists managing OA patients with chronic inflammatory pain; the goal is to maximize therapy efficacy while reducing untoward effects caused by inappropriate NSAID use. The discussion on the best approach to NSAIDs spanned the following topics: (1) patient evaluation: investigate pain origin, duration and components together with possible risk factors for CV, GI and renal AEs; (2) non-pharmacological interventions: the physiatrist provides a person-centered, holistic approach accounting for all patient aspects; (3) pharmacological interventions: patient profile and drugs' pharmacological properties affect NSAID selection, which drugs to be used in combination or to be avoided, formulation and therapy duration; (4) the pharmacologist's, general practitioner's and pain therapist's points of view; (5) NSAID safety: the individual baseline risk and the drug's safety profile are major determinants of CV, GI and renal risk; consider possible drug-drug interactions; (6) periodical re-evaluation of treatment response and adherence, using scales to assess pain and function.
PubMed: 33876393
DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00260-1 -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... Feb 2017With numerous advancements in early detection and multimodal therapy, cancer has become a chronic disease. As the number of cancer survivors continues to increase,... (Review)
Review
With numerous advancements in early detection and multimodal therapy, cancer has become a chronic disease. As the number of cancer survivors continues to increase, physiatrists and other neuromuscular disease specialists are more likely to encounter individuals with residual impairments, disabilities, and/or handicaps resulting from cancer or related treatments. The patient with cancer is especially prone to injury directed at the peripheral nervous system at multiple anatomic levels. Electrodiagnosis is an invaluable tool in the evaluation of neuromuscular disorders in this patient population.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Electrodiagnosis; Humans; Neoplasms; Neuromuscular Diseases; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 27912998
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2016.08.010 -
Current Physical Medicine and... 2023Individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a much greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population.... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a much greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population. This review discusses dietary patterns as a means of addressing modifiable risk factors following TBI exposure. Evidence-based resources for practicing Physiatrists and Brain Injury Medicine specialists pertaining to nutrition education and counseling are also provided.
RECENT FINDINGS
We examined Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, plant-based, ketogenic, and intermittent fasting dietary patterns through publications of clinical trials and systematic reviews. While many reviews had significant positive findings, some were limited by generalizability.
SUMMARY
While there is extensive literature on the immediate nutrition goals in the inpatient setting following an acute TBI exposure, there is limited literature discussing the nature of diet and nutrition in the post-acute setting. Fortunately, most individuals with TBI exposure survive their initial injury and continue into the recovery phase. The scientific literature supports increased morbidity and mortality with chronic TBI exposure compared to matched counterparts, most notably with CVD. A diet rich in fiber and nutrients but limited in added sugars, saturated fats, and excess calories would likely have the greatest cardiovascular and related neurologic protection. Future studies are needed to assess the specific impact of dietary interventions in the chronic phase of brain injury recovery.
PubMed: 37732170
DOI: 10.1007/s40141-023-00413-7 -
Cancers May 2018Progress in cancer treatment has improved the survival of patients with advanced-stage cancers. Consequently, the clinical courses of patients are prolonged and often... (Review)
Review
Progress in cancer treatment has improved the survival of patients with advanced-stage cancers. Consequently, the clinical courses of patients are prolonged and often accompanied by morbidity due to bone metastases. Skeletal-related events (SREs), such as pathological fractures and spinal paralysis, cause impairment in activities of daily life and quality of life (QOL). To avoid serious SREs causing impairment in QOL and survival, early diagnosis and a prophylactic approach are required. It is necessary to initiate a bone management program concurrently with the initiation of cancer treatment to prevent complications of bone metastasis. In addition, the requirement of a multidisciplinary approach through a cancer board focusing on the management of bone metastases and involving a team of specialists in oncology, palliative care, radiotherapy, orthopedics, nuclear medicine, radiology, and physiatrists has been emphasized. In the cancer board, a strong focus is placed on the prevention of complications due to bone metastases and on reductions in the high morbidity, hospitalization rate, and overall costs associated with advanced-stage cancers. Recent reports suggest the usefulness of such approaches. The multidisciplinary approach through a cancer board would improve QOL and prognosis of patients, leading to new or continued systemic therapy for primary cancers.
PubMed: 29795015
DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060156 -
EFORT Open Reviews Aug 2023The total number of spine surgeries is increasing, with a variable percentage of patients remaining symptomatic and functionally impaired after surgery. Rehabilitation... (Review)
Review
The total number of spine surgeries is increasing, with a variable percentage of patients remaining symptomatic and functionally impaired after surgery. Rehabilitation has been widely recommended, although its effects remain unclear due to lack of research on this matter. The aim of this comprehensive review is to resume the most recent evidence regarding postoperative rehabilitation after spine surgery and make recommendations. The effectiveness of cervical spine surgery on the outcomes is moderate to good, so most physiatrists and surgeons agree that patients benefit from a structured postoperative rehabilitation protocol and despite best timing to start rehabilitation is still unknown, most programs start 4-6 weeks after surgery. Lumbar disc surgery has shown success rates between 78% and 95% after 2 years of follow-up. Postoperative rehabilitation is widely recommended, although its absolute indication has not yet been proven. Patients should be educated to start their own postoperative rehabilitation immediately after surgery until they enroll on a rehabilitation program usually 4-6 weeks post-intervention. The rate of lumbar interbody fusion surgery is increasing, particularly in patients over 60 years, although studies report that 25-45% of patients remain symptomatic. Despite no standardized rehabilitation program has been defined, patients benefit from a cognitive-behavioral physical therapy starting immediately after surgery with psychological intervention, patient education and gradual mobilization. Formal spine rehabilitation should begin at 2-3 months postoperatively. Rehabilitation has benefits on the recovery of patients after spine surgery, but further investigation is needed to achieve a standardized rehabilitation approach.
PubMed: 37526242
DOI: 10.1530/EOR-23-0015 -
Injury Nov 2023Appropriate care and rehabilitation following surgery for fragility hip fractures in older adults is associated with better outcomes and a greater likelihood of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Appropriate care and rehabilitation following surgery for fragility hip fractures in older adults is associated with better outcomes and a greater likelihood of achieving pre-injury functioning. Clinical guidelines specifically for the post-operative care and rehabilitation of patients with hip fractures are scarce; as such, country-specific protocols benchmarked against established guidelines are essential given the wide variation in cultures and beliefs, clinical practice and diverse healthcare systems in Asia. We aimed to provide clinically relevant recommendations for post-operative fragility hip fracture care and rehabilitation to improve patient outcomes and prevent subsequent fractures in Thailand.
METHODS
A targeted literature review was conducted to identify key evidence on various elements of post-hip fracture care and rehabilitation. Further discussions at a meeting and over email correspondence led to the development of the recommendations which amalgamate available evidence with the clinical experience of the multidisciplinary expert panel.
RESULTS
Our recommendations are categorized by one period domain - acute post-operative period, and five major domains during the post-operative period - rehabilitation, optimization of bone health, prevention of falls, nutritional supplementation, and prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism. A multidisciplinary approach should be central to the rehabilitation process with the involvement of orthopedists, geriatricians/internists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, endocrinologists, pharmacists and nursing staff. Other key components of our recommendations which we believe contribute to better functional outcomes in older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery include comprehensive pre-operative assessments, early surgery, goal setting for recovery and rehabilitation, early mobilization, medication optimization, tailored exercise plans, adequate coverage with analgesia, assessment and appropriate management of osteoporosis with due consideration of the fracture risk, fall prevention plans, and nutritional assessment and support. Patients and their caregivers should be a part of the recovery process at every step, and they should be counseled and educated appropriately, particularly on the importance of adherence to their rehabilitation plan.
CONCLUSION
We have provided guidance on the critical domains of clinical care in the post-operative setting to optimize patient outcomes and prevent fracture recurrence. Our recommendations for post-operative care and rehabilitation of older adults with hip fracture can serve as a framework for hospitals across Thailand.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Thailand; Hip Fractures; Osteoporosis; Exercise
PubMed: 37757673
DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.111039