The number of arthroplasties being performed
increases each year. Patients undergoing an arthroplasty are at
risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and appropriate prophylaxis
has been recommended. However, the optimal protocol and the best
agent to minimise VTE under these circumstances are not known. Although
many agents may be used, there is a difference in their efficacy
and the risk of bleeding. Thus, the selection of a particular agent relies
on the balance between the desire to minimise VTE and the attempt
to reduce the risk of bleeding, with its undesirable, and occasionally
fatal, consequences. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is an agent for VTE prophylaxis
following arthroplasty. Many studies have shown its efficacy in
minimising VTE under these circumstances. It is inexpensive and
well-tolerated, and its use does not require routine blood tests.
It is also a ‘milder’ agent and unlikely to result in haematoma
formation, which may increase both the risk of infection and the
need for further surgery. Aspirin is also unlikely to result in persistent
wound drainage, which has been shown to be associated with the use
of agents such as low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and other
more aggressive agents. The main objective of this review was to summarise the current
evidence relating to the efficacy of aspirin as a VTE prophylaxis
following arthroplasty, and to address some of the common questions
about its use. There is convincing evidence that, taking all factors into account,
aspirin is an effective, inexpensive, and safe form of VTE following
arthroplasty in patients without a major risk factor for VTE, such
as previous VTE. Cite this article:
The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic
outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in patients with pre-operatively
moderate and severe arthritic varus ankles to those achieved for
patients with neutral ankles. A total of 105 patients (105 ankles), matched for age, gender,
body mass index, and follow-up duration, were divided into three
groups by pre-operative coronal plane tibiotalar angle; neutral
(<
5°), moderate (5° to 15°) and severe (>
15°) varus deformity.
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot
score, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Short Form (SF)-36 score
were used to compare the clinical outcomes after a mean follow-up period
of 51 months (24 to 147).Aims
Patients and Methods
To determine the outcomes following revision surgery of metal-on-metal
hip arthroplasties (MoMHA) performed for adverse reactions to metal
debris (ARMD), and to identify factors predictive of re-revision. We performed a retrospective observational study using National
Joint Registry (NJR) data on 2535 MoMHAs undergoing revision surgery
for ARMD between 2008 and 2014. The outcomes studied following revision were
intra-operative complications, mortality and re-revision surgery.
Predictors of re-revision were identified using competing-risk regression
modelling.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a femoral
nerve block and a periarticular infiltration in the management of
early post-operative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A pragmatic, single centre, two arm parallel group, patient blinded,
randomised controlled trial was undertaken. All patients due for
TKA were eligible. Exclusion criteria included contraindications
to the medications involved in the study and patients with a neurological
abnormality of the lower limb. Patients received either a femoral
nerve block with 75 mg of 0.25% levobupivacaine hydrochloride around
the nerve, or periarticular infiltration with 150 mg of 0.25% levobupivacaine
hydrochloride, 10 mg morphine sulphate, 30 mg ketorolac trometamol
and 0.25 mg of adrenaline all diluted with 0.9% saline to make a
volume of 150 ml.Aims
Patients and Methods
To determine ten-year failure rates following 36 mm metal-on-metal
(MoM) Pinnacle total hip arthroplasty (THA), and identify predictors
of failure. We retrospectively assessed a single-centre cohort of 569 primary
36 mm MoM Pinnacle THAs (all Corail stems) followed up since 2012
according to Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency
recommendations. All-cause failure rates (all-cause revision, and
non-revised cross-sectional imaging failures) were calculated, with predictors
for failure identified using multivariable Cox regression.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the design of the generic
OptiStem XTR femoral stem with the established Exeter femoral stem. We obtained five boxed, as manufactured, implants of both designs
at random (ten in total). Two examiners were blinded to the implant
design and independently measured the mass, volume, trunnion surface
topography, trunnion roughness, trunnion cone angle, Caput-Collum-Diaphyseal
(CCD) angle, femoral offset, stem length, neck length, and the width
and roughness of the polished stem shaft using peer-reviewed methods.
We then compared the stems using these parameters.Aims
Materials and Methods
The Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP)
may improve quality of life for amputees by avoiding soft-tissue
complications associated with socket prostheses and by improving
sensory feedback and function. It relies on the formation of a seal
between the soft tissues and the implant and currently has a flange
with drilled holes to promote dermal attachment. Despite this, infection
remains a significant risk. This study explored alternative strategies
to enhance soft-tissue integration. The effect of ITAP pins with a fully porous titanium alloy flange
with interconnected pores on soft-tissue integration was investigated.
The flanges were coated with fibronectin-functionalised hydroxyapatite
and silver coatings, which have been shown to have an antibacterial
effect, while also promoting viable fibroblast growth Aims
Materials and Methods
The PROximal Fracture of the Humerus Evaluation by Randomisation
(PROFHER) randomised clinical trial compared the operative and non-operative
treatment of adults with a displaced fracture of the proximal humerus
involving the surgical neck. The aim of this study was to determine
the long-term treatment effects beyond the two-year follow-up. Of the original 250 trial participants, 176 consented to extended
follow-up and were sent postal questionnaires at three, four and
five years after recruitment to the trial. The Oxford Shoulder Score
(OSS; the primary outcome), EuroQol 5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L), and any recent
shoulder operations and fracture data were collected. Statistical
and economic analyses, consistent with those of the main trial were
applied.Aims
Patients and Methods
To validate the English language Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12)
as a tool to evaluate the outcome of hip and knee arthroplasty in
a United Kingdom population. All patients undergoing surgery between January and August 2014
were eligible for inclusion. Prospective data were collected from
205 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 231 patients
undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Outcomes were assessed
with the FJS-12 and the Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS, OKS) pre-operatively,
then at six and 12 months post-operatively. Internal consistency,
convergent validity, effect size, relative validity and ceiling
effects were determined.Aims
Patients and Methods
A trial-based comparison of the use of resources, costs and quality
of life outcomes of arthroscopic and open surgical management for
rotator cuff tears in the United Kingdom NHS was performed using
data from the United Kingdom Rotator Cuff Study (UKUFF) randomised
controlled trial. Using data from 273 patients, healthcare-related use of resources,
costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated at
12 months and 24 months after surgery on an intention-to-treat basis
with adjustment for covariates. Uncertainty about the incremental
cost-effectiveness ratio for arthroscopic Aims
Patients and Methods
We investigated whether blood metal ion levels could effectively
identify patients with bilateral Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)
implants who have adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). Metal ion levels in whole blood were measured in 185 patients
with bilateral BHRs. Patients were divided into those with ARMD
who either had undergone a revision for ARMD or had ARMD on imaging
(n = 30), and those without ARMD (n = 155). Receiver operating characteristic
analysis was used to determine the optimal thresholds of blood metal
ion levels for identifying patients with ARMD.Aims
Patients and Methods
A fracture of the hip is the most common serious orthopaedic
injury, and surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most significant
complications, resulting in increased mortality, prolonged hospital
stay and often the need for further surgery. Our aim was to determine
whether high dose dual antibiotic impregnated bone cement decreases the
rate of infection. A quasi-randomised study of 848 patients with an intracapsular
fracture of the hip was conducted in one large teaching hospital
on two sites. All were treated with a hemiarthroplasty. A total
of 448 patients received low dose single-antibiotic impregnated
cement (control group) and 400 patients received high dose dual-antibiotic impregnated
cement (intervention group). The primary outcome measure was deep
SSI at one year after surgery.Aims
Patients and Methods
An evidence-based radiographic Decision Aid for meniscal-bearing
unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been developed and
this study investigates its performance at an independent centre. Pre-operative radiographs, including stress views, from a consecutive
cohort of 550 knees undergoing arthroplasty (UKA or total knee arthroplasty;
TKA) by a single-surgeon were assessed. Suitability for UKA was
determined using the Decision Aid, with the assessor blinded to
treatment received, and compared with actual treatment received, which
was determined by an experienced UKA surgeon based on history, examination,
radiographic assessment including stress radiographs, and intra-operative
assessment in line with the recommended indications as described
in the literature.Aims
Patients and Methods
Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is associated
with successful outcomes in carefully selected patient cohorts.
We hypothesised that severity and location of patellofemoral cartilage
lesions significantly influences functional outcome after Oxford
medial compartmental knee arthroplasty. We reviewed 100 consecutive UKAs at minimum eight-year follow-up
(96 to 132). A single surgeon performed all procedures. Patients
were selected based on clinical and plain radiographic assessment.
All patients had end-stage medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA)
with sparing of the lateral compartment and intact anterior cruciate ligaments.
None of the patients had end-stage patellofemoral OA, but patients
with anterior knee pain or partial thickness chondral loss were
not excluded. There were 57 male and 43 female patients. The mean
age at surgery was 69 years (41 to 82). At surgery the joint was
carefully inspected for patellofemoral chondral loss and this was documented
based on severity of cartilage loss (0 to 4 Outerbridge grading)
and topographic location (medial, lateral, central, and superior
or inferior). Functional scores collected included Oxford Knee Score
(OKS), patient satisfaction scale and University College Hospital
(UCH) knee score. Intraclass correlation was used to compare chondral
damage to outcomes.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this to study was to compare the previously unreported
long-term survival outcome of the Oxford medial unicompartmental
knee arthroplasty (UKA) performed by trainee surgeons and consultants. We therefore identified a previously unreported cohort of 1084
knees in 947 patients who had a UKA inserted for anteromedial knee
arthritis by consultants and surgeons in training, at a tertiary
arthroplasty centre and performed survival analysis on the group
with revision as the endpoint.Aims
Patients and Methods
The interest in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for
medial osteoarthritis has increased rapidly but the long-term follow-up
of the Oxford UKAs has yet to be analysed in non-designer centres.
We have examined our ten- to 15-year clinical and radiological follow-up
data for the Oxford Phase III UKAs. Between January 1999 and January 2005 a total of 138 consecutive
Oxford Phase III arthroplasties were performed by a single surgeon
in 129 patients for medial compartment osteoarthritis (71 right
and 67 left knees, mean age 72.0 years (47 to 91), mean body mass
index 28.2 (20.7 to 52.2)). Both clinical data and radiographs were
prospectively recorded and obtained at intervals. Of the 129 patients,
32 patients (32 knees) died, ten patients (12 knees) were not able
to take part in the final clinical and radiological assessment due
to physical and mental conditions, but via telephone interview it
was confirmed that none of these ten patients (12 knees) had a revision
of the knee arthroplasty. One patient (two knees) was lost to follow-up.Aims
Patients and Methods
Since redesign of the Oxford phase III mobile-bearing unicompartmental
knee arthroplasty (UKA) femoral component to a twin-peg design,
there has not been a direct comparison to total knee arthroplasty
(TKA). Thus, we explored differences between the two cohorts. A total of 168 patients (201 knees) underwent medial UKA with
the Oxford Partial Knee Twin-Peg. These patients were compared with
a randomly selected group of 177 patients (189 knees) with primary
Vanguard TKA. Patient demographics, Knee Society (KS) scores and
range of movement (ROM) were compared between the two cohorts. Additionally,
revision, re-operation and manipulation under anaesthesia rates
were analysed.Aims
Patients and Methods
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004, the Phase
III Oxford Medial Partial Knee is used to treat anteromedial osteoarthritis
(AMOA) in patients with an intact anterior cruciate ligament. This
unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is relatively new in the
United States, and therefore long-term American results are lacking. This is a single surgeon, retrospective study based on prospectively
collected data, analysing a consecutive series of primary UKAs using
the Phase III mobile-bearing Oxford Knee and Phase III instrumentation. Between July 2004 and December 2006, the senior author (RHE)
carried out a medial UKA in 173 patients (213 knees) for anteromedial
osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis (AVN). A total of 95 patients were men and 78 were women. Their mean
age at surgery was 67 years (38 to 89) and mean body mass index
29.87 kg/m2 (17 to 62). The mean follow-up was ten years (4 to 11).Aims
Patients and Methods
To compare the gait of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA)
and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients with healthy controls,
using a machine-learning approach. 145 participants (121 healthy controls, 12 patients with cruciate-retaining
TKA, and 12 with mobile-bearing medial UKA) were recruited. The
TKA and UKA patients were a minimum of 12 months post-operative,
and matched for pattern and severity of arthrosis, age, and body
mass index. Participants walked on an instrumented treadmill until their
maximum walking speed was reached. Temporospatial gait parameters,
and vertical ground reaction force data, were captured at each speed.
Oxford knee scores (OKS) were also collected. An ensemble of trees
algorithm was used to analyse the data: 27 gait variables were used
to train classification trees for each speed, with a binary output
prediction of whether these variables were derived from a UKA or
TKA patient. Healthy control gait data was then tested by the decision
trees at each speed and a final classification (UKA or TKA) reached
for each subject in a majority voting manner over all gait cycles
and speeds. Top walking speed was also recorded.Aims
Patients and Methods
We wished to assess the feasibility of a future randomised controlled
trial of parathyroid hormone (PTH) supplements to aid healing of
trochanteric fractures of the hip, by an open label prospective
feasibility and pilot study with a nested qualitative sub study.
This aimed to inform the design of a future powered study comparing
the functional recovery after trochanteric hip fracture in patients
undergoing standard care, We undertook a pilot study comparing the functional recovery
after trochanteric hip fracture in patients 60 years or older, admitted
with a trochanteric hip fracture, and potentially eligible to be
randomised to either standard care or the administration of subcutaneous
PTH for six weeks. Our desired outcomes were functional testing
and measures to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the
study.Aims
Patients and Methods
There is conflicting evidence about the benefit
of using corticosteroid in periarticular injections for pain relief
after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We carried out a double-blinded,
randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of using corticosteroid
in a periarticular injection to control pain after TKA. A total of 77 patients, 67 women and ten men, with a mean age
of 74 years (47 to 88) who were about to undergo unilateral TKA
were randomly assigned to have a periarticular injection with or
without corticosteroid. The primary outcome was post-operative pain
at rest during the first 24 hours after surgery, measured every
two hours using a visual analogue pain scale score. The cumulative
pain score was quantified using the area under the curve. The corticosteroid group had a significantly lower cumulative
pain score than the no-corticosteroid group during the first 24
hours after surgery (mean area under the curve 139, 0 to 560, and
264, 0 to 1460; p = 0.024). The rate of complications, including
surgical site infection, was not significantly different between
the two groups up to one year post-operatively. The addition of corticosteroid to the periarticular injection
significantly decreased early post-operative pain. Further studies
are needed to confirm the safety of corticosteroid in periarticular
injection.
Cite this article:
Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a reliable
procedure with reproducible long-term results. Nevertheless, there
are conditions related to the type of patient or local conditions
of the knee that can make it a difficult procedure. The most common
scenarios that make it difficult are discussed in this review. These
include patients with many previous operations and incisions, and
those with severe coronal deformities, genu recurvatum, a stiff knee,
extra-articular deformities and those who have previously undergone
osteotomy around the knee and those with chronic dislocation of
the patella. Each condition is analysed according to the characteristics of
the patient, the pre-operative planning and the reported outcomes. When approaching the difficult primary TKA surgeons should use
a systematic approach, which begins with the review of the existing
literature for each specific clinical situation. Cite this article:
Many aspects of total knee arthroplasty have
changed since its inception. Modern prosthetic design, better fixation techniques,
improved polyethylene wear characteristics and rehabilitation, have
all contributed to a large change in revision rates. Arthroplasty
patients now expect longevity of their prostheses and demand functional
improvement to match. This has led to a re-examination of the long-held
belief that mechanical alignment is instrumental to a successful
outcome and a focus on restoring healthy joint kinematics. A combination
of kinematic restoration and uncemented, adaptable fixation may
hold the key to future advances. Cite this article:
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a major orthopaedic
intervention. The length of a patient's stay has been progressively
reduced with the introduction of enhanced recovery protocols: day-case
surgery has become the ultimate challenge. This narrative review shows the potential limitations of day-case
TKA. These constraints may be social, linked to patient’s comorbidities,
or due to surgery-related adverse events (e.g. pain, post-operative
nausea and vomiting, etc.). Using patient stratification, tailored surgical techniques and
multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia, day-case TKA might be achievable
in a limited group of patients. The younger, male patient without
comorbidities and with an excellent social network around him might
be a candidate. Demographic changes, effective recovery programmes and less invasive
surgical techniques such as unicondylar knee arthroplasty, may increase
the size of the group of potential day-case patients. The cost reduction achieved by day-case TKA needs to be balanced
against any increase in morbidity and mortality and the cost of
advanced follow-up at a distance with new technology. These factors
need to be evaluated before adopting this ultimate ‘fast-track’
approach. Cite this article:
There is a large amount of evidence available
about the relative merits of unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty
(UKA and TKA). Based on the same evidence, different people draw
different conclusions and as a result, there is great variability
in the usage of UKA. The revision rate of UKA is much higher than TKA and so some
surgeons conclude that UKA should not be performed. Other surgeons
believe that the main reason for the high revision rate is that
UKA is easy to revise and, therefore, the threshold for revision
is low. They also believe that UKA has many advantages over TKA
such as a faster recovery, lower morbidity and mortality and better
function. They therefore conclude that UKA should be undertaken
whenever appropriate. The solution to this argument is to minimise the revision rate
of UKA, thereby addressing the main disadvantage of UKA. The evidence
suggests that this will be achieved if surgeons use UKA for at least
20% of their knee arthroplasties and use implants that are appropriate
for these broad indications. Cite this article:
Partial knee arthroplasty (PKA), either medial
or lateral unicompartmental knee artroplasty (UKA) or patellofemoral arthroplasty
(PFA) are a good option in suitable patients and have the advantages
of reduced operative trauma, preservation of both cruciate ligaments
and bone stock, and restoration of normal kinematics within the
knee joint. However, questions remain concerning long-term survival.
The goal of this review article was to present the long-term results
of medial and lateral UKA, PFA and combined compartmental arthroplasty
for multicompartmental disease. Medium- and long-term studies suggest
reasonable outcomes at ten years with survival greater than 95% in
UKA performed for medial osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis, and similarly
for lateral Cite this article:
The patient with a painful arthritic knee awaiting
total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Optimal control of acute post-operative pain and the prevention
of chronic persistent pain remains a challenge. The aim of this
paper is to evaluate whether stratification of patients can help
identify those who are at particular risk for severe acute or chronic
pain. Intense acute post-operative pain, which is itself a risk factor
for chronic pain, is more common in younger, obese female patients
and those suffering from central pain sensitisation. Pre-operative
pain, in the knee or elsewhere in the body, predisposes to central
sensitisation. Pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee may also trigger
neuropathic pain and may be associated with chronic medication like
opioids, leading to a state of nociceptive sensitisation called
‘opioid-induced hyperalgesia’. Finally, genetic and personality
related risk factors may also put patients at a higher risk for
the development of chronic pain. Those identified as at risk for chronic pain would benefit from
specific peri-operative management including reduction in opioid
intake pre-operatively, the peri-operative use of antihyperalgesic
drugs such as ketamine and gabapentinoids, and a close post-operative
follow-up in a dedicated chronic pain clinic. Cite this article:
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of
the most feared and challenging complications following total knee arthroplasty.
We provide a detailed description of our current understanding regarding
the management of PJI of the knee, including diagnostic aids,
pre-operative planning, surgical treatment, and outcome. Cite this article:
This pilot study reports the clinical outcomes
of a combination of partial subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head
hemiarthroplasty in patients with rotatator cuff arthropathy. A
total of 30 patients (30 shoulders; eight men and 22 women) with
a mean age of 74 years (55 to 84) were assessed at a mean follow-up
of 31 months (24 to 60). The inclusion criteria were painful cuff
tear arthropathy with normal deltoid function and a non-degenerative subscapularis
muscle and tendon and a preserved teres minor. Outcome was assessed using the University of California Los Angeles
score, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and the Oxford
Shoulder Score. Radiographic measurements included the centre of
rotation distance and the length of the deltoid. All clinical scores were significantly improved post-operatively.
The active flexion and external rotation improved significantly
at the most recent follow-up (p <
0.035). Although the mean centre
of rotation distance changed significantly (p <
0.001), the mean
length of the deltoid did not change significantly from the pre-operative
value (p = 0.29). The change in the length of the deltoid with <
100° flexion was significantly less than that with >
100° (p <
0.001). Progressive erosion of the glenoid was seen in four patients.
No patient required revision or further surgery. A combination of partial subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head
hemiarthroplasty effectively restored function and relieved pain
in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy. Cite this article: 2015;97-B:1090–5.
In this Cite this article:
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an established
and successful procedure. However, the design of prostheses continues
to be modified in an attempt to optimise the functional outcome
of the patient. The aim of this study was to determine if patient outcome after
TKA was influenced by the design of the prosthesis used. A total of 212 patients (mean age 69; 43 to 92; 131 female (62%),
81 male (32%)) were enrolled in a single centre double-blind trial
and randomised to receive either a Kinemax (group 1) or a Triathlon
(group 2) TKA. Patients were assessed pre-operatively, at six weeks, six months,
one year and three years after surgery. The outcome assessments
used were the Oxford Knee Score; range of movement; pain numerical
rating scales; lower limb power output; timed functional assessment
battery and a satisfaction survey. Data were assessed incorporating
change over all assessment time points, using repeated measures
analysis of variance longitudinal mixed models. Implant group 2
showed a significantly greater range of movement (p = 0.009), greater
lower limb power output (p = 0.026) and reduced report of ‘worst
daily pain’ (p = 0.003) over the three years of follow-up. Differences
in Oxford Knee Score (p = 0.09), report of ‘average daily pain’
(p = 0.57) and timed functional performance tasks (p = 0.23) did
not reach statistical significance. Satisfaction with outcome was
significantly better in group 2 (p = 0.001). These results suggest that patient outcome after TKA can be influenced
by the prosthesis used. Cite this article:
Arthroplasty registries are important for the
surveillance of joint replacements and the evaluation of outcome. Independent
validation of registry data ensures high quality. The ability for
orthopaedic implant retrieval centres to validate registry data
is not known. We analysed data from the National Joint Registry
for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (NJR) for primary metal-on-metal
hip arthroplasties performed between 2003 and 2013. Records were
linked to the London Implant Retrieval Centre (RC) for validation.
A total of 67 045 procedures on the NJR and 782 revised pairs of
components from the RC were included. We were able to link 476 procedures
(60.9%) recorded with the RC to the NJR successfully. However, 306
procedures (39.1%) could not be linked. The outcome recorded by the
NJR (as either revised, unrevised or death) for a primary procedure
was incorrect in 79 linked cases (16.6%). The rate of registry-retrieval
linkage and correct assignment of outcome code improved over time.
The rates of error for component reference numbers on the NJR were
as follows: femoral head category number 14/229 (5.0%); femoral head
batch number 13/232 (5.3%); acetabular component category number
2/293 (0.7%) and acetabular component batch number 24/347 (6.5%). Registry-retrieval linkage provided a novel means for the validation
of data, particularly for component fields. This study suggests
that NJR reports may underestimate rates of revision for many types
of metal-on-metal hip replacement. This is topical given the increasing
scope for NJR data. We recommend a system for continuous independent
evaluation of the quality and validity of NJR data. Cite this article:
Instability is the reason for revision of a primary
total knee replacement (TKR) in 20% of patients. To date, the diagnosis
of instability has been based on the patient’s symptoms and a subjective
clinical assessment. We assessed whether a measured standardised
forced leg extension could be used to quantify instability. A total of 25 patients (11 male/14 female, mean age 70 years;
49 to 85) who were to undergo a revision TKR for instability of
a primary implant were assessed with a Nottingham rig pre-operatively
and then at six and 26 weeks post-operatively. Output was quantified
(in revolutions per minute (rpm)) by accelerating a stationary flywheel.
A control group of 183 patients (71 male/112 female, mean age 69
years) who had undergone primary TKR were evaluated for comparison. Pre-operatively, all 25 patients with instability exhibited a
distinctive pattern of reduction in ‘mid-push’ speed. The mean reduction
was 55 rpm ( Cite this article:
There is a high rate of mortality in elderly
patients who sustain a fracture of the hip. We aimed to determine
the rate of preventable mortality and errors during the management
of these patients. A 12 month prospective study was performed on
patients aged >
65 years who had sustained a fracture of the hip.
This was conducted at a Level 1 Trauma Centre with no orthogeriatric
service. A multidisciplinary review of the medical records by four
specialists was performed to analyse errors of management and elements
of preventable mortality. During 2011, there were 437 patients aged
>
65 years admitted with a fracture of the hip (85 years (66 to
99)) and 20 died while in hospital (86.3 years (67 to 96)). A total
of 152 errors were identified in the 80 individual reviews of the
20 deaths. A total of 99 errors (65%) were thought to have at least
a moderate effect on death; 45 reviews considering death (57%) were thought
to have potentially been preventable. Agreement between the panel
of reviewers on the preventability of death was fair. A larger-scale
assessment of preventable mortality in elderly patients who sustain
a fracture of the hip is required. Multidisciplinary review panels
could be considered as part of the quality assurance process in
the management of these patients. Cite this article
Satisfaction with care is important to both patients
and to those who pay for it. The Net Promoter Score (NPS), widely
used in the service industries, has been introduced into the NHS
as the ‘friends and family test’; an overarching measure of patient
satisfaction. It assesses the likelihood of the patient recommending
the healthcare received to another, and is seen as a discriminator
of healthcare performance. We prospectively assessed 6186 individuals
undergoing primary lower limb joint replacement at a single university
hospital to determine the Net Promoter Score for joint replacements
and to evaluate which factors contributed to the response. Achieving pain relief (odds ratio (OR) 2.13, confidence interval
(CI) 1.83 to 2.49), the meeting of pre-operative expectation (OR
2.57, CI 2.24 to 2.97), and the hospital experience (OR 2.33, CI
2.03 to 2.68) are the domains that explain whether a patient would
recommend joint replacement services. These three factors, combined
with the type of surgery undertaken (OR 2.31, CI 1.68 to 3.17),
drove a predictive model that was able to explain 95% of the variation
in the patient’s recommendation response. Though intuitively similar,
this ‘recommendation’ metric was found to be materially different
to satisfaction responses. The difference between THR (NPS 71) and
TKR (NPS 49) suggests that no overarching score for a department
should be used without an adjustment for case mix. However, the
Net Promoter Score does measure a further important dimension to
our existing metrics: the patient experience of healthcare delivery. Cite this article:
The cementless Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement
has been demonstrated to have superior fixation on radiographs and
a similar early complication rate compared with the cemented version.
However, a small number of cases have come to our attention where,
after an apparently successful procedure, the tibial component subsides into
a valgus position with an increased posterior slope, before becoming
well-fixed. We present the clinical and radiological findings of
these six patients and describe their natural history and the likely
causes. Two underwent revision in the early post-operative period,
and in four the implant stabilised and became well-fixed radiologically with
a good functional outcome. This situation appears to be avoidable by minor modifications
to the operative technique, and it appears that it can be treated
conservatively in most patients. Cite this article:
