The purpose of the project was to develop a questionnaire for completion by patients with elbow pathologies which is short and practical, internally consistent, valid, responsive and sensitive to changes of clinical importance.

The first, pilot phase included 43 patients who each completed a 19 item questionnaire relating to elbow function. The 19 ADLs produced a total scale Cronbach Alpha of 0.96., two different groups of ADLs were identified by multivariate analysis. Group 1 consisted of ADLs requiring moderate to high isometric loading and Group 2 of ADLs requiring high flexion. From the 19 items the best 10 which represented both groups were selected. A summary score was used to create the Wrightington Elbow Disability Score (WEDS).

In the second phase 89 patients completed the new WEDS form, reliability studies produced a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.91. Internal validity of the groups of ADLs all correlated at p< 0.001 level with strength (Group1) and flexion (Group 2). A sub set of 40 patients undergoing total elbow arthroplasty were assessed for sensitivity to change in disability, the WEDS indicated a significant improvement at the p< 0.001. Convergent validity was demonstrated by the correlation with the ASES-e score at p< 0.001 level. The WEDS was significantly correlated with the ASES-e but not the DASH score.

Our study confirms that the WEDS questionnaire which is short and practical, is internally consistent, valid, responsive and sensitive to changes of clinical importance.

To measure any observed differences in migration and rotation between keeled and pegged glenoid components using roentgen stereo-photogrammetric analysis.

Between 2000–2001 in a prospective randomised study, 20 patients with osteoarthritis had a TSR with roentgen stereo-photogrammetric analysis. Five tantalum markers were introduced into the scapula and acromion, spaced widely apart. Another 4 markers were placed in either a pegged or keeled glenoid component.

RSA radiographs were taken postoperatively, three, six, twelve and eighteen months. The radiographs were digitised and analysed using dedicated software (UmRSA). The relative movement of the glenoid with respect to the scapula was measured.

The largest translation for the keeled components was in the proximal/distal direction with a mean of 1.3mm, the pegged group mean was 0.27mm. This difference was significant, P = 0.001. Both other translation axes showed no significant difference between the two component types. Medial/lateral migration gave means of 0.38mm(keel) and 0.52mm(peg) and the anterior/ posterior translation with means of 0.54mm(keel) and 0.41mm(peg). Maximal total point motion mean values at 18 months were 2.6mm for keeled and 1.1mm for pegged glenoid components. This difference was also significant P=0.001

The largest rotation was anterior/posterior tilt with means of 3.5°(keel) and 1.1°(peg) this difference was significant p=0.005; varus/valgus tilt with a mean of 3.2°(keel) compared to 20(peg) was again, significant P = 0.002. and finally anteversion/retroversion means were 3.3°(keel) and 2.7°(peg). Multivariate analysis identified 2 principal components from the keeled data each accounting for 35% of the variation in the data. The first included transverse and saggital translation together with rotation about the longitudinal axis; the second component consisted of translation on the longitudinal axis with rotation about the transverse axis.

Between 1992 and 2000, 120 shoulder arthroplasties have been inserted in patients with osteoarthritis at this hospital. Shoulder function was assessed using the ASES patient self-evaluation form and the Constant-Murley clinical index as well as evaluation including routine measurements of shoulder motion and pain. The mean follow-up was 4.4years (2 to 10years).

Movement, pain and both shoulder function scores significantly improved after operation with t-test values significant at P< 0.001 level. Three sub-groups of primary osteoarthritis (OA), avascular necrosis (AVN) and post traumatic arthritis (PTA) were analysed separately. Although each group was significantly improved after arthroplasty the AVN and PTA patients had significantly poorer results than OA patients for pain and the functional scores, except the AVN group for the Constant Murley score. General linear model analysis indicated that both Constant-Murley and ASES shoulder function scores were shown to be sensitive to change after treatment and that improvement was maintained for up to 8 years post-operation.

Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant difference in survival between the 3 sub-groups of OA, PTA and AVN with 5 of 16 PTA operations needing revision. This was reflected in function measurement with PTA values 20 points lower in both clinical (P=0.014) and self assessed functional status (P=0.004).

At each visit a true AP radiograph was taken. Radiological lucency was graded using the method of Matsen. The humeral components were inserted without cement and there were no signs of loosening. Just four components had lucency at one of 7 zones. There was a noticeably higher incidence of glenoid lucency, Proportional hazards analysis was used to model the hazard rate of glenoids at risk. A hazard model for the glenoid components consisted of only one variable – presence or absence of glenoid erosion noted at operation. The model is significant (P= 0.02) with erosion having a hazard rate 6 times greater than that if not eroded.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the aseptic loosening of hip prostheses is well established. Gelatinase MMPs have been identified in the interface membranes and the pseudosynovial tissues in the hips. Little data are available on gelatinase MMPs and their major regulators, including specific tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the loosening of shoulder prostheses. The objectives of this study were to determine whether A) gelatinase MMPs and their regulators (MMP14, TIMP-1,-2) are produced by periprosthetic tissues in cases of aseptic loosening of shoulder prostheses, and, B) to identify which cell types, in both interface and synovial tissues, localize the enzymes.

Interface tissues and synovial tissues were obtained during revision surgery for loose shoulder implants. In 9 patients (6-Total Shoulder Replacement, 3-Hemiarthro-plasty (Bipolar), 9 samples of interface tissues and 8 samples of synovial tissues were obtained. Of the interface tissues 2 were from the interface of the bipolar and the unresurfaced glenoid. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded sections were stained using primary antibodies for MMP2 (Neomarkers), MMP9 (Oncogene Ltd), TIMP1, TIMP2 & MMP14 (Chemicon Ltd). Antigen retrieval required pressure cooker treatment for MMP2 and MMP9 and trypsin for TIMP1. Visualisation used a standard DAB chromagen technique (Envision, Dako Ltd.). Appropriate control sections ensured reproducibility of the staining. The antibodies selected bind to both active and inactive forms of the MMPs.

Both HDPE and metal debris were seen in both the synovial and interface tissues. Transformation of macrophages to giant cells was associated with PE debris, and was not observed with metal debris alone.

The presence of gelatinase MMPs in both interface and synovial tissues in aseptic loosening of shoulder prostheses was demonstrated. Differences between the MMP content of macrophages and giant cells between the tissues was detected, positivity was associated with the presence of metallic and/or HDPE debris. Activation of endothelial MMP2 by both MMP14 and low levels of TIMP2 would support the development of a vascular network.

Ulnar drift is a common deformity in the hands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There is little in the literature regarding the value of crossed intrinsic transfer with MCPJ arthroplasty (Hellum 1968, Stothard et al 1991). In addition the significance of recurrent ulnar drift on hand function is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess if the addition of crossed intrinsic transfer to metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty has an effect on the recurrence of ulnar drift and to overall hand function.

This is a retrospective comparative study. 73 hands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing primary 2nd to 5th metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) replacements were studied. In 28 hands a crossed intrinsic transfer was performed and in 45 hands it was not . A similar splintage and rehabilitation programme was followed in each group. Mean follow up was 50 months.

Ulnar drift and active range range of motion, Sequential Occupational Dexterity Assessment (SODA) functional score, patient satisfaction , grip strength.

The two groups had similar preoperative ulnar drift (crossed intrinsic transfer group mean 27 degrees, comparative group 29 degrees, p=0.44). At follow up the crossed intrinsic transfer group had statistically less ulnar drift (crossed intrinsic transfer group mean 6 degrees, comparative group 14 degrees, p=0.01). There was no difference at follow up in active flexion, extensor lag, SODA score, grip strength and patient satisfaction (both groups had 70% improved function).

The natural history of scapholunate ligament injury is unknown. In fact, as far as we can tell, there has been no study examining the long-term natural history of this condition. It has, however, been assumed that the long-term progression of this injury leads to secondary osteoarthritis – scapholunate advanced collapse (the so-called SLAC wrist). In this study, we evaluated the clinical condition of 11 patients with proven scapholunate ligament injuries that had declined further treatment in an attempt to quantify any long-term disability. Whilst there was on-going pain and functional limitation in the injured wrist, there was no rapid progression of the osteoarthritis or SLAC wrist deformity.