Aims. Taper corrosion has been widely reported to be problematic for modular total hip arthroplasty implants. A simple and systematic method to evaluate taper damage with sufficient resolution is needed. We introduce a semiquantitative grading system for modular femoral tapers to characterize taper corrosion damage. Methods. After examining a unique collection of retrieved cobalt-chromium (CoCr) taper sleeves (n = 465) using the widely-used Goldberg system, we developed an expanded six-point visual grading system intended to characterize the severity, visible material loss, and absence of direct component contact due to corrosion. Female taper sleeve damage was evaluated by three blinded observers using the Goldberg scoring system and the expanded system. A subset (n = 85) was then re-evaluated following destructive cleaning, using both scoring systems. Material loss for this subset was quantified using metrology and correlated with both scoring systems. Results. There was substantial agreement in grading among all three observers with uncleaned (n = 465) and with the subset of cleaned (n = 85) implants. The expanded scoring criteria provided a wider distribution of scores which ultimately correlated well with corrosion material loss. Cleaning changed the average scores marginally using the Goldberg criteria (p = 0.290); however, using the VGS, approximately 40% of the scores for all observers changed, increasing the average score from 4.24 to 4.35 (p = 0.002). There was a strong correlation between measured material loss and new grading scores. Conclusion. The expanded scoring criteria provided a wider distribution of scores which ultimately correlated well with corrosion material loss. This system provides potential advantages for assessing taper damage without requiring specialized imaging devices. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(3):155–164

Aims. The evidence demonstrating the superiority of early MRI has led to increased use of MRI in clinical pathways for acute wrist trauma. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics and the inter-observer reliability of a new MRI based classification system for scaphoid injuries in a consecutive series of patients. Methods. We identified 80 consecutive patients with acute scaphoid injuries at one centre who had presented within four weeks of injury. The radiographs and MRI scans were assessed by four observers, two radiologists, and two hand surgeons, using both pre-existing classifications and a new MRI based classification tool, the Oxford Scaphoid MRI Assessment Rating Tool (OxSMART). The OxSMART was used to categorize scaphoid injuries into three grades: contusion (grade 1); unicortical fracture (grade 2); and complete bicortical fracture (grade 3). Results. In total there were 13 grade 1 injuries, 11 grade 2 injuries, and 56 grade 3 injuries in the 80 consecutive patients. The inter-observer reliability of the OxSMART was substantial (Kappa = 0.711). The inter-observer reliability of detecting an obvious fracture was moderate for radiographs (Kappa = 0.436) and MRI (Kappa = 0.543). Only 52% (29 of 56) of the grade 3 injuries were detected on plain radiographs. There were two complications of delayed union, both of which occurred in patients with grade 3 injuries, who were promptly treated with cast immobilization. There were no complications in the patients with grade 1 and 2 injuries and the majority of these patients were treated with early mobilization as pain allowed. Conclusion. This MRI based classification tool, the OxSMART, is reliable and clinically useful in managing patients with acute scaphoid injuries. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):913–920

Objectives. The determination of the volumetric polyethylene wear on explanted material requires complicated equipment, which is not available in many research institutions. Our aim in this study was to present and validate a method that only requires a set of polyetheretherketone balls and a laboratory balance to determine wear. Methods. The insert to be measured was placed on a balance, and a ball of the appropriate diameter was inserted. The cavity remaining between the ball and insert caused by wear was filled with contrast medium and the weight of the contrast medium was recorded. The volume was calculated from the known density of the liquid. The precision, inter- and intraobserver reliability, were determined by four investigators on four days using nine inserts with specified wear (0.094 ml to 1.626 ml), and the intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated. The feasibility of using this method in routine clinical practice and the time required for measurement were tested on 84 explanted inserts by one investigator. Results. In order to get the mean for all investigators and determinations, the deviation between the measured and specified wear was -0.08 ml . (sd. 0.12; -0.21 to 0.11). The interobserver reliability was 0.989 ml (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.964 to 0.997) and the intraobserver reliability was 0.941 for observer 1 (95% CI 0.846 to 0.985), 0.983 for observer 2 (95% CI 0.956 to 0.995), 0.939 for observer 3 (95% CI 0.855 to 0.984), and 0.934 for observer 4 (95% CI 0.790 to 0.984). The mean time required to examine the samples was two minutes . (sd. 2; 1 to 5). Conclusion. The method presented here was shown to be sufficiently precise for many settings and is a cost-effective and quick method of determining the volumetric wear of explanted acetabular components. However, the measurement of wear for scientific purposes will probably continue to involve more accurate and dedicated laboratory equipment. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2017;6:530–534

Aims. The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) was recently described as an MRI-based classification tool for the femoral trochlear. The authors demonstrated better inter- and intraobserver agreement compared to the Dejour classification. As the OBC could potentially provide a very useful MRI-based grading system for trochlear dysplasia, it was the aim to determine the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the classification system from the perspective of the non-founder. Methods. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently assessed 50 MRI scans for trochlear dysplasia and classified each according to the OBC. Both observers repeated the assessments after six weeks. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistic and S-statistic nominal and linear weights. Results. The OBC with grading into four different trochlear forms showed excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement with a mean kappa of 0.78. Conclusion. The OBC is a simple MRI-based classification system with high inter- and intraobserver reliability. It could present a useful tool for grading the severity of trochlear dysplasia in daily practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:355–358

Aims. Prior studies have identified that malseating of a modular dual mobility liner can occur, with previous reported incidences between 5.8% and 16.4%. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of malseating in dual mobility implants at our institution, assess for risk factors for liner malseating, and investigate whether liner malseating has any impact on clinical outcomes after surgery. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs of 239 primary and revision total hip arthroplasties with a modular dual mobility liner. Two independent reviewers assessed radiographs for each patient twice for evidence of malseating, with a third observer acting as a tiebreaker. Univariate analysis was conducted to determine risk factors for malseating with Youden’s index used to identify cut-off points. Cohen’s kappa test was used to measure interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Results. In all, 12 liners (5.0%), including eight Stryker (6.8%) and four Zimmer Biomet (3.3%), had radiological evidence of malseating. Interobserver reliability was found to be 0.453 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26 to 0.64), suggesting weak inter-rater agreement, with strong agreement being greater than 0.8. We found component size of 50 mm or less to be associated with liner malseating on univariate analysis (p = 0.031). Patients with malseated liners appeared to have no associated clinical consequences, and none required revision surgery at a mean of 14 months (1.4 to 99.2) postoperatively. Conclusion. The incidence of liner malseating was 5.0%, which is similar to other reports. Component size of 50 mm or smaller was identified as a risk factor for malseating. Surgeons should be aware that malseating can occur and implant design changes or changes in instrumentation should be considered to lower the risk of malseating. Although further follow-up is needed, it remains to be seen if malseating is associated with any clinical consequences. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):858–864

Objectives. The radiographic union score for tibial (RUST) fractures was developed by Whelan et al to assess the healing of tibial fractures following intramedullary nailing. In the current study, the repeatability and reliability of the RUST score was evaluated in an independent centre (a) using the original description, (b) after further interpretation of the description of the score, and (c) with the immediate post-operative radiograph available for comparison. Methods. A total of 15 radiographs of tibial shaft fractures treated by intramedullary nailing (IM) were scored by three observers using the RUST system. Following discussion on how the criteria of the RUST system should be implemented, 45 sets (i.e. AP and lateral) of radiographs of IM nailed tibial fractures were scored by five observers. Finally, these 45 sets of radiographs were rescored with the baseline post-operative radiograph available for comparison. Results. The initial intraclass correlation (ICC) on the first 15 sets of radiographs was 0.67 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.71). However, the original description was being interpreted in different ways. After agreeing on the interpretation, the ICC on the second cohort improved to 0.75. The ICC improved even further to 0.79, when the baseline post-operative radiographs were available for comparison. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the RUST scoring system is a reliable and repeatable outcome measure for assessing tibial fracture healing. Further improvement in the reliability of the scoring system can be obtained if the radiographs are compared with the baseline post-operative radiographs. Cite this article: Mr J.M. Leow. The radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures: Reliability of the outcome measure at an independent centre. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:116–121. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000628

Objectives. CT-based three-column classification (TCC) has been widely used in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). In its updated version (updated three-column concept, uTCC), a fracture morphology-based injury mechanism was proposed for effective treatment guidance. In this study, the injury mechanism of TPFs is further explained, and its inter- and intraobserver reliability is evaluated to perfect the uTCC. Methods. The radiological images of 90 consecutive TPF patients were collected. A total of 47 men (52.2%) and 43 women (47.8%) with a mean age of 49.8 years (. sd. 12.4; 17 to 77) were enrolled in our study. Among them, 57 fractures were on the left side (63.3%) and 33 were on the right side (36.7%); no bilateral fracture existed. Four observers were chosen to classify or estimate independently these randomized cases according to the Schatzker classification, TCC, and injury mechanism. With two rounds of evaluation, the kappa values were calculated to estimate the inter- and intrareliability. Results. The overall inter- and intraobserver agreements of the injury mechanism were substantial (κ. inter. = 0.699, κ. intra. = 0.749, respectively). The initial position and the force direction, which are two components of the injury mechanism, had substantial agreement for both inter-reliability or intrareliability. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were lower in high-energy fractures (Schatzker types IV to VI; κ. inter. = 0.605, κ. intra. = 0.721) compared with low-energy fractures (Schatzker types I to III; κ. inter. = 0.81, κ. intra. = 0.832). The inter- and intraobserver agreements were relatively higher in one-column fractures (κ. inter. = 0.759, κ. intra. = 0.801) compared with two-column and three-column fractures. Conclusion. The complete theory of injury mechanism of TPFs was first put forward to make the TCC consummate. It demonstrates substantial inter- and intraobserver agreement generally. Furthermore, the injury mechanism can be promoted clinically. Cite this article: B-B. Zhang, H. Sun, Y. Zhan, Q-F. He, Y. Zhu, Y-K. Wang, C-F. Luo. Reliability and repeatability of tibial plateau fracture assessment with an injury mechanism-based concept. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:357–366. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.88.BJR-2018-0331.R1

Objectives. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography is an emerging technique that can provide detailed anatomical information during surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether ICG fluorescence angiography can be used to evaluate the blood flow of the rotator cuff tendon in the clinical setting. Methods. Twenty-six patients were evaluated from October 2016 to December 2017. The participants were categorized into three groups based on their diagnoses: the rotator cuff tear group; normal rotator cuff group; and adhesive capsulitis group. After establishing a posterior standard viewing portal, intravenous administration of ICG at 0.2 mg/kg body weight was performed, and fluorescence images were recorded. The time from injection of the drug to the beginning of enhancement of the observed area was measured. The hypovascular area in the rotator cuff was evaluated, and the ratio of the hypovascular area to the anterolateral area of the rotator cuff tendon was calculated (hypovascular area ratio). Results. ICG fluorescence angiography allowed for visualization of blood flow in the rotator cuff in all groups. The adhesive capsulitis group showed significantly earlier enhancement than the other groups. Furthermore, the adhesive capsulitis group had a significantly smaller hypovascular area ratio than the other groups. Conclusion. ICG fluorescence angiography allowed for evaluation of real-time blood flow of the rotator cuff in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The techniques of ICG fluorescence angiography are simple and easy to observe, observer reliability is high, and it has utility for evaluating blood flow during surgery. Cite this article: N. Doi, T. Izaki, S. Miyake, T. Shibata, T. Ishimatsu, Y. Shibata, T. Yamamoto. Intraoperative evaluation of blood flow for soft tissues in orthopaedic surgery using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography: A pilot study. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:118–125. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.83.BJR-2018-0151.R1

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This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application of the PJI-TNM classification for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by determining intraobserver and interobserver reliability. To facilitate its use in clinical practice, an educational app was subsequently developed and evaluated.

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To investigate if preoperative CT improves detection of unstable trochanteric hip fractures.

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To propose a new method for evaluating paediatric radial neck fractures and improve the accuracy of fracture angulation measurement, particularly in younger children, and thereby facilitate planning treatment in this population.

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Classifying trochlear dysplasia (TD) is useful to determine the treatment options for patients suffering from patellofemoral instability (PFI). There is no consensus on which classification system is more reliable and reproducible for the purpose of guiding clinicians’ management of PFI. There are also concerns about the validity of the Dejour Classification (DJC), which is the most widely used classification for TD, having only a fair reliability score. The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) is a recently proposed system of classification of TD, and the authors report a fair-to-good interobserver agreement and good-to-excellent intraobserver agreement in the assessment of TD. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability and reproducibility of these two classifications.

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Eccentric reductions may become concentric through femoral head ‘docking’ (FHD) following closed reduction (CR) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, changes regarding position and morphology through FHD are not well understood. We aimed to assess these changes using serial MRI.

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As has been shown in larger animal models, knee immobilization can lead to arthrofibrotic phenotypes. Our study included 168 C57BL/6J female mice, with 24 serving as controls, and 144 undergoing a knee procedure to induce a contracture without osteoarthritis (OA).

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Transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases in all organ systems. Despite its importance, NF-κB targeted drug therapy to mitigate chronic inflammation has had limited success in preclinical studies. We hypothesized that sex differences affect the response to NF-κB treatment during chronic inflammation in bone. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) during chronic inflammation in male and female mice.

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Proper preoperative planning benefits fracture reduction, fixation, and stability in tibial plateau fracture surgery. We developed and clinically implemented a novel workflow for 3D surgical planning including patient-specific drilling guides in tibial plateau fracture surgery.

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This study examined windswept deformity (WSD) of the knee, comparing prevalence and contributing factors in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cohorts.

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To evaluate whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerates bone healing at osteotomy sites and promotes functional recovery after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).

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Although low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with disinfectants has been shown to effectively eliminate portions of biofilm in vitro, its efficacy in vivo remains uncertain. Our objective was to assess the antibiofilm potential and safety of LIPUS combined with 0.35% povidone-iodine (PI) in a rat debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) model of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

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Although there are various pelvic osteotomies for acetabular dysplasia of the hip, shelf operations offer effective and minimally invasive osteotomy. Our study aimed to assess outcomes following modified Spitzy shelf acetabuloplasty.