Everyone knows that a hip fracture is a serious injury, but few people understand how devastating this injury can be. In elderly people who sustain a hip fracture, the chance of death is about 25% within one year of the injury. New research found that there is an increased chance of mortality for about 5-10 years from the time of the injury.

This study, published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, underscores the importance of preventing fractures and falls in the elderly population. The study did not fully determine if the cause of the higher mortality rate was due to the fracture itself or to the underlying problems that caused the fracture. However, the study does emphasize the importance of proper treatment of osteoporosis and appropriate fall prevention strategies.

Related: Preventing Falls at Home | Osteoporosis Treatments

Sources: "Older Adults Who Experience Fracture Have Higher Risk of Death For 5 - 10 Years" JAMA. 2009;301[5]:513-521.

Orthopedic implants and surgical tools are rapidly changing and developing. From new types of joint replacement materials to arthroscopic instrumentation that allows your surgeon to perform less-invasive surgical techniques, surgical tools and implants are constantly changing. But is every change an improvement?

Unfortunately for patients, every change is usually conveyed to be an improvement, even if we're not sure that is the case. Surgeons using newer devices are often seen as cutting edge, even if the technology may not have long-term data to support its use.

Obviously, the vast majority of doctors want to do what is best for their patients. What worries me is when money clouds these important decisions. Just this week, the FDA has decided to reconsider the approval of an implant used in patients with meniscus problems. It was revealed that the company selling the implant made significant contributions to several politicians who then pressured to FDA to rush the approval of the implant.

Many new products are wonderful advances for patients needing surgery. But I encourage patients to ask their doctor what type of implant they are using, how often they have used it, and do they have any financial ties to the company selling the implant. Be sure your doctor is making the best decision for your long-term health.

What are your thoughts about implant developments? How can we support the development of improvements, without harm to patients? Leave your comments below!

When it comes to a career in the National Football League, athletes who undergo surgical trimming of a torn meniscus should be more concerned than those who undergo ACL reconstruction. A recent study presented at the 2009 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting found that the career of NFL players was likely to be shortened if they undergo meniscus surgery. In contrast, athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction were found to have longer careers and play in more games.

This is a surprising study given that most people, surgeons included, think of meniscus surgery as relatively mnor in comparison to ACL reconstruction. Furthermore, the rehab following ACL surgery is much more extensive than rehab after a meniscus tear. Why do you think NFL player are more likely to have long-term success after ACL reconstruction? Leave your thoughts below!

Related: ACL Rehab | Meniscus Trimming Surgery (Meniscectomy)

Brophy RH et al. Effect of ACL reconstruction and meniscectomy on career length in NFL athletes: A case control study. Presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine 2009 Annual Meeting. June 9-12, 2009. Keystone, Colo.

A new study has looked at surgeon perfomance with different types of music being played during surgery. The study compared surgeon performance of surgical skills when listening to Mozart, a mix of German folk music and heavy metal, or with no music playing. The study found that surgeons were most efficient with Mozart or silence, but accuacy was best with Mozart playing.

Did you have music playing in the operating room during your surgery? Do you remember what it was? I like to have music playing, but try to keep it at a volume that is pleasing but not distracting to anyone in the room. How do you feel about your surgeon having music playing in the background during your surgery? Leave your comments below...

Sources: "Musical surgeon examines the OR soundtrack" Boston Globe, 12/7/2009.