Abstract
Hip and knee revisions continue to increase in number and complexity. With an understanding that revisions have a high re-revision rate, the importance of correct decisions made at the index procedure, is paramount for patients and surrounding health care economy.
Since January 2015, East Midlands Specialist Orthopaedic Network, (set up on a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model), has allowed all revisions performed within our region, (5 hospitals with a 4 million population), to be discussed at a weekly ‘web’ conference. Integrated radiology allows clinical information to be reviewed remotely at each hospital. Chaired by specialist revision surgeons, with other surgeons, a microbiologist and radiology, vascular, plastics opinions available as required, a formal management plan is ‘signed off’ by the chair and returned to referring institution. We present prospective data of Network activities.
To January 2018, 1007 cases have been referred by 18 consultants from 5 hospitals. A change in proposed plan was seen in 48% cases. (40% involved technique and exposure advice; 18% involved surgical inventory; 22% further investigation; 11% microbiological input; 9% other miscellaneous advice) Few (5%) patients were transferred directly. We also identified 20% increase in outpatient referrals to the ‘hub’.
The network is an excellent tool for discussing complex cases, supporting surgeons in smaller units. A significant number of alterations in plan are made with a few patients transferred directly. We feel the network can only enhance care and are working now to identify exactly how it has affected clinical outcomes. We encourage others to adopt this approach.
