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Neck of femur fracture: Previous history of malignancy is not an indication to send femoral head for routine histology

  • Original Article • HIP - FRACTURES
  • Published:
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Neck of femur fractures is the most common fractures associated with low-velocity injury in the elderly. Some patients may require further histological examination of the femoral head due clinical suspicion of malignance as a cause of fracture.

Objectives

To review whether standard screening question(s) could be used to identify patients that require histological examinations following neck of femur fracture.

Study design and methods

Femoral heads sent for histological examination over a period of 5 years were identified from hospital database. All patients presenting acutely with neck of femur fracture above the age of 70 were included, and their case notes were retrospectively reviewed. Reason for histopathological examination were categorised into three screening questions: (Q1) clinical suspicion based on history alone, i.e. neck of femur fracture with no clear history of fall or trauma or preceding hip pain, (Q2) radiological evidence of suspicious abnormality on admission radiographs, (Q3) previous history of malignancy or concurrent malignancy or (Q4) combination of above.

Results

In total, 119 samples of femoral head were sent and 18 patients had a positive histology. The sensitivity and specificity of these questions individually showed very poor correlation to positive histology with lowest for (Q3) previous history of malignancy (0.39 and 0.51, respectively). However, combining Q1 and Q2 the sensitivity is improved to 1.0 (95% CI 1.0–1.0) and specificity to 0.35 (95% CI 0.25–0.44) with a positive predictive value of 0.21 (95% CI 0.13–0.30) and negative predictive value of 1.00 (95% CI 1.00–1.00).

Conclusion

History of previous malignancy poorly correlates with positive histology. Routine request based on these screening criteria is not cost-effective in patient management.

Level of evidence

Prognostic level III.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Derby Hospitals NHS Trust, Derby, UK

    S. V. Karuppiah & A. Fillery

  2. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK

    B. Marson

  3. Circle Nottingham NHS Treatment Centre, Nottingham, UK

    S. V. Karuppiah

Authors
  1. S. V. Karuppiah
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  2. A. Fillery
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  3. B. Marson
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Correspondence to S. V. Karuppiah.

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All applicable international, national and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. Data used in this study were within the approval of hospital ethical standards.

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Karuppiah, S.V., Fillery, A. & Marson, B. Neck of femur fracture: Previous history of malignancy is not an indication to send femoral head for routine histology. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 29, 1231–1234 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-019-02440-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-019-02440-4

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