Aim:This study was conducted to examine perioperative cerebral oximetry changes in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair and evaluate the correlation between regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) values, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and hospital stay.Materials and Methods:This prospective observational study included 69 patients. Data recorded included demographic information, rSO2 values from baseline until the second postoperative hour and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores preoperatively and on postoperative day 7. MMSE score ≤23 was considered evidence of cognitive dysfunction. Postoperative confusion or agitation, medications administered for postoperative agitation, and hospital length of stay were also recorded. Data were analyzed with Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation or multiple regression analysis as appropriate.Results:Patient age was 74±13 years. Baseline left sided rSO2 values were 60±10 and increased significantly after intubation. Baseline rSO2 L<50 and <45 was observed in 11.6% and 10.1% of patients respectively. Perioperative cerebral desaturation occurred in 40% of patients. MMSE score was 26.23 ± 2.77 before surgery and 25.94 ± 2.52 on postoperative day 7 (p=0.326). MMSE scores ≤ 23 were observed preoperatively in 6 and postoperatively in 9 patients. Patients with cognitive dysfunction had lower preoperative hematocrit, hemoglobin, SpO2 and rSO2 values at all times, compared to patients who did not. There was no correlation between rSO2 or POCD and hospital stay. Patients with baseline rSO2 <5 required more medications for postoperative agitation.Conclusion:Cognitive dysfunction occurs preoperatively and postoperatively in elderly patients with hip fractures, and is associated with low cerebral rSO2 values.

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Medical malpractice occurs when a physician, through incorrect medical action or omission, causes the patient to suffer physical harm or loss of life. Orthopedics is a high-risk medical specialty. Orthopedic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, including joint replacements, fracture repairs, and spinal surgeries. While orthopedic surgeons strive to provide optimal care to their patients, medical liability claims are a reality they must face. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological data of judicial decisions and cases in Greece for the Specialty of Orthopedics. Material and methodsPublished court decisions involving medical liabilities of orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists, or only orthopedic surgeons were searched, in the period between 1985 and 2021. The judicial decisions were analyzed by an experienced anesthesiologist and an orthopedic surgeon based on medical knowledge and experience. Patients' age, gender, date of operation and the causes that led to the doctors' persecution were also recorded. ResultsSeventy court decisions of the first, second, and third degree were found. These decisions related to 34 cases: seven convictions for manslaughter, 18 convictions for bodily harm, and nine acquittals -exempting compensation. They involved 11 men and 13 women. The claims mainly related to intraoperative and postoperative complications in 20 (83.3%) of the 24 cases. Complications in elective spinal and lower extremity surgeries represent 50% (n = 12) of cases, while postoperative complications account for 16.7% of cases (n = 4). ConclusionsThe present study concluded that an accumulation of experience in large orthopedic centers is needed to improve the performance of orthopedic surgeons during surgery and patient monitoring. Many legal cases are due to the mismatch between patient expectations and the limitations in medicine. Thorough preoperative control and better preoperative communication with the patient are needed, in order to improve the performance of orthopedic surgeons and prevent a significant part of the claims.