Ankle fractures are extremely common but unfortunately, over 20% fail to obtain good to excellent recovery. For those requiring surgical fixation, usual-care post-surgery has included six-weeks cast immobilisation and non-weightbearing. Disuse atrophy and joint stiffness are detrimental sequelae of this management. While rehabilitation, starting at two-weeks post-surgery is viewed as safe, the literature contains methodological flaws and a lack of focus on early exercise, perpetuating the controversy over the effectiveness of early exercise interventions. Our objectives were to determine if following operative fixation for Weber B fracture, the physiotherapy intervention, early motion and directed exercise (EMADE), applied in the clinical setting, were superior to Usual-care at 12-weeks (primary outcome) and 24-weeks.Background
Objectives
Patients presenting with loosening or a fracture between ipsilateral hip and knee replacements provide a unique reconstructive challenge. We present mid-term results of the cement-over megaprosthesis (COM) when managing these complex cases. A COM is cement-linked to the stem of a well-fixed existing implant. We report the largest series to date and show that this may be preferable to total femoral replacement in a cohort of patients who often have significant co-morbidities. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing COM between 2002–2022 was performed. Primary outcomes were defined as implant survival, displayed with survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included mortality and surgical complications. Functional outcomes included Visual Analogue Score (VAS), EuroQol-5D-3L and Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score at one year post operatively.Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Defining optimal coronal alignment in Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a controversial and poorly understood subject. Tibial bone density may affect implant stability and functional outcomes following TKR. Our aim was to compare the bone density profile at the implant-tibia interface following TKR in mechanical versus kinematic alignment. Pre-operative CT scans for 10 patients undergoing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were obtained. Using surgical planning software, tibial cuts were made for TKR with 7 degrees posterior slope and either neutral (mechanical) or 3 degrees varus (kinematic) alignment. Signal intensity, in Hounsfield Units (HU), was measured at 25,600 points throughout an axial slice at the implant-tibia interface and density profiles compared along defined radial axes from the centre of the tibia towards the cortices (Hotelling's t-squared and paired t-test).Background
Methods
Tibial bone density may affect implant stability and functional outcomes following total knee replacement (TKR). Our aim was to characterise the bone density profile at the implant-tibia interface following TKR in mechanical versus kinematic alignment. Pre-operative computed tomography scans for 10 patients were obtained. Using surgical planning software, tibial cuts were made for TKR either neutral (mechanical) or 3 degrees varus (kinematic) alignment. Signal intensity, in Hounsfield Units (HU), was measured at 25,600 points throughout an axial slice at the implant-tibia interface and density profiles compared along defined radial axes from the centre of the tibia towards the cortices. From the tibial centre towards the lateral cortex, trabecular bone density for kinematic and mechanical TKR are similar in the inner 50% but differ significantly beyond this (p= 0.012). There were two distinct density peaks, with peak trabecular bone density being higher in kinematic TKR (p<0.001) and peak cortical bone density being higher in mechanical TKR (p<0.01). The difference in peak cortical to peak trabecular signal was 43 HU and 185 HU respectively (p<0.001). On the medial side there was no significant difference in density profile and a linear increase from centre to cortex. In the lateral proximal tibia, peak cortical and peak trabecular bone densities differ between kinematic TKR and mechanical TKR. Laterally, mechanical TKR may be more dependent upon cortical bone for support compared to kinematic TKR, where trabecular bone density is higher. This may have implications for surgical planning and implant design.
Accurate measurement of knee motion is necessary for assessment of natural joint function and in the diagnosis of pathology. In particular, precise knowledge of natural knee mechanics provides useful metrics for comparison to knee function following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Reported measurements of natural knee kinematics during activities of daily living are rare, and often do not include both tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) articulations. What's more, most studies record knee motion of younger subjects that are not necessarily representative of the age range associated with degenerative changes and TKA. The purpose of this study was to measure TF and PF kinematics of healthy older adults as they performed activities of daily living, including tasks considered more demanding for the knee [1]. High speed stereo radiography (HSSR) was used to measure the kinematics of the PF and TF joints. HSSR utilizes two views of the knee to capture 3D sub-mm measurements accurate to within ±0.15 mm in translation and ±0.41° in rotation [2]. Eight healthy subjects (4M/4F, 64.4±8.2 years, BMI: 27.6±4.8 kg/m2) performed six activities of daily living: seated knee extension, lunge, chair rise, gait, pivot and step down (Figure 1). The 3D geometry of the femur, tibia, and patella of each subject was reconstructed from CT and used to track bone motions using Autoscoper (Brown University, Providence RI). Motion of the tibia and patella were reported relative to a coordinate system centered in the posterior condyles of the femur [3]. Average range of motion (ROM) for each DOF was calculated as the difference between the maximum and the minimum value and averaged across the subjects for each activity.Introduction
Methods
Patellar resurfacing affects patellofemoral (PF) kinematics, contact mechanics, and loading on the patellar bone. Patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often exhibit adaptations in movement patterns that may be linked to quadriceps deficiency and the mechanics of the reconstructed knee [1]. Previous comparisons of PF kinematics between dome and anatomic resurfacing have revealed differences in patellar sagittal plane flexion [2], but further investigation of PF joint mechanics is required to understand how these differences influence performance. The purpose of this study was to compare PF mechanics between medialized dome and medialized anatomic implants using subject-specific computational models. A high-speed stereo radiography (HSSR) system was used to capture 3D sub-mm measurement of bone and implant motion [3]. HSSR images were collected for 10 TKA patients with Attune® (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN) posterior-stabilized, rotating-platform components, 5 with medialized dome and 5 with medialized anatomic patellar components (3M/7F, 62.5±6.6 years, 2.2±0.6 years post-surgery, BMI: 26.2±3.5 kg/m2), performing two activities of daily living: knee extension and lunge (Figure 1). Relative motions were tracked using Autoscoper (Brown University, Providence, RI) for implant geometries obtained from the manufacturer. A statistical shape model was used to predict the patella and track motions [4]. Subject-specific finite element models of the experiment were developed for all subjects and activities [5]. The model included implant components, patella, quadriceps, patellar tendon, and medial and lateral PF ligaments (Figure 2a). While tibiofemoral kinematics were prescribed based on experimental data, the PF joint was unconstrained. A constant 1000N quadriceps load was distributed among four muscle groups. Soft tissue attachments and pre-strain in PF ligaments were calibrated to match experimental kinematics [5]. Model outputs included PF kinematics, patellar and contact force ratios, patellar tendon angle, and moment arm.Introduction
Methods
Modularity in total knee arthroplasty, particularly in revisions, is a common method to fit the implants to a patient's anatomy when additional stability or fixation is needed. In such cases, it may be necessary to employ multiple points of modularity to better match the anatomy. Taper junction strength at each of these levels is critical to maintain the mechanical stability of the implant and minimize micromotion. This effect of distributed assembly loads through multiple tapers and the resulting strength of the construct have not been previously evaluated on this revision tibial implant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible dissipation of impaction force through multiple taper connections as compared to a single connection. Two different constructs representative of modular implants were studied: a construct with a single axial taper connection (Group A; representing implant-stem) was compared to a construct with an adaptor that included two, offset, modular taper connections (Group B; representing implant-adapter-stem). For Group A, the stem taper was assembled and impacted through the stem. For Group B, the two tapers of the adapter and stem were hand assembled with the mating components and impacted simultaneously through the stem. Assembly load for each construct was recorded. As shown in Figure 1, the constructs were then fixed in a mechanical test frame and an axial distraction force was applied to the end of the stem at a constant displacement rate of 0.075 mm/sec until taper separation or mechanical failure occurred. Force and displacement data were recorded at 50 Hz. Disassembly force was normalized to assembly force for each component. Minitab software was used to analyze the data using a t-test.Objectives
Methods
We present a series of 23 total ankle replacements revised for balloon osteolysis and aseptic loosening with a hind-foot fusion nail without the use of bone graft. This is the largest series of total ankle replacements revised to a hindfoot fusion with a nail presented in the literature. Initial assessment involved investigations to rule out infection and a CT scan of the ankle to assess the size of cysts. Patients underwent surgery in a single stage procedure. The surgery involved excision of the fibula and preparation of the sub-talar joint through a lateral incision; removal of the implant and preparation of the talar and tibial surface with flat cuts through an anterior incision and safe excision of the medial malleolus aided by a medial incision. The prepared surfaces were then compressed and fixed using a Biomet Phoenix Nail. Patients were then followed up to assess for clinical and radiographic union. This study involved 18 male and 4 female patients with an average age of 67. All patients had AES ankle replacements (Biomet) in-situ, undergoing revision surgery for aseptic loosening with balloon osteolysis. At a mean follow up of 13.9 months, 96% (22/23) of ankles achieved osseous union across the tibio-talar joint with 1 patient achieving a partial union. 91% (21/23) of patients achieved union across the subtalar joint with 2 patients identified as having a non-union. 1 patient with a subtalar non-union suffered a broken nail and required revision surgery. The only other identifiable complication was a single patient sustained a stress fracture at the proximal tip of the nail, which was treated conservatively. We believe this method is a reliable and reproducible method of achieving osseous union following a failed total ankle replacement without using graft. Although patients may have a leg length discrepancy, none have requested leg lengthening.
Distal clavicle fractures have a significant non-union rate, and are often managed operatively. Many of the fixation devices used have a high complication rate or require removal. An arthroscopic technique using the Tightrope device (Arthrex) has been used in our institution. We aimed to describe our initial results. Eighteen cases were identified retrospectively, and the notes and radiographs reviewed. Twelve patients were male, six female, with mean age 33 years. All fractures were displaced, lateral to the coraco-clavicular ligament complex: six showed marked comminution. Mean follow-up was thirteen weeks. Fifteen fractures united, with a mean radiological time to union of 8 weeks (range 6-13 weeks). There were three surgical complications. In one, the clavicular button was not seated correctly on bone, and early failure required revision surgery. In another, there was inadequate reduction, radiographic non-union at five months and subsequent device failure. In the last, there was radiographic non-union, but the patient was asymptomatic. The arthroscopic tightrope device provides minimally invasive stabilisation and reliable union. The complications seen were related to incorrect technique, and anticipate the complication rate to diminish as the technique is developed. We recommend the use of this technique for the stabilisation of distal clavicle fractures.
Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has been shown to be a treatment option for elderly patients with complex distal humeral fractures and osteoporotic bone. The published results have often included rheumatoid patients who traditionally would be expected to do well from elbow arthroplasty. Only short-term results have been published using this technique in non-rheumatoid patients. The current study contains the largest number and longest follow-up of non-rheumatoid patients whose fractures have been treated with a non-custom TEA. In total there were 26 patients, mean age 72 years, 22 female and 4 male, 25% dominant arm. The mean follow-up was of 5 years. There was 1 case of loosening, 1 radial nerve palsy and 2 cases of heterotrophic ossification. At final review the mean range of flexion/extension was 97.5 degrees and the mean range of pronation/supination was 151.75 degrees. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 92. We would suggest that TEA provides a very satisfactory outcome in elderly patients with complex distal humeral fractures, the benefit of which can be observed at a mean of 5 years.
A prospective study on the management of 23 patients with complex high energy tibial fractures was carried out to assess the outcome following the use of different external fixators. They were all followed up clinically and radio logically till fracture union. The average age 42 years (range 13–77 years) 17 male &
6 females. Fourteen were closed and 9 open. Eight were falls from height, 9 RTAs, one crush injury and one assault. All of the open fractures were grade 3. Six patients had proximal tibial fractures (one Schatzker Type-II, one Type-IV, two Type-V and two Type-VI) They united at an average of 20 weeks (range 10–40 weeks). Seven were Shaft fractures average duration to union 30 weeks (range 8–104 weeks), and eight were Pilon fractures (Two Ruedi &
Allgower Type-II &
Six Type-III) they united at an average duration of 13 weeks (range 7–20 weeks) All patients achieved clinical and radiological union at a mean duration of 22 weeks. Sheffield Ring fixator [SRF] was used primarily in 11 patients, none failed. Two had initial monolateral fixators which were converted to SRF. Two were managed with Illizarov frames and three with hybrid fixators. Seven patients had an initial monolateral fixator, two failed and were converted to a Sheffield fixator, 2 planned conversion to an intramedullary nail, one developed a delayed union and was converted to a Sheffield fixator, only two continued till union. Nine patients developed pin tract infection needing Antibiotics, three of them developed Osteomyelitis, Four had failure of fixation needing a second operation. Two developed malunion, one managed with total knee replacement, another required Ankle fusion. The average SF 12 score for the Sheffield group PCS was 52.1 and MCS of 51.7. For the Monolateral fixator group PCS was 47.2 and MCS of 48.1. For the Hybrid fixator group PCS of 34.7 and MCS of 42.7 and for the Ilizarov group PCS was 39.85 and MCS was 55.05. In this cohort of complicated High energy Tibial fractures, those managed with Circular Frames especially SCF augmented with interfragmantary screws proved to be most successful with a very lower failure rate and better patient satisfaction.
Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), as a primary procedure and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) have been used to treat complex intra-articular distal humeral fractures in elderly patients. The failure rate after ORIF is high and TEA has often been used as a salvage procedure. Although satisfactory results have been reported after TEA as a primary procedure, there are no publications reporting the results of TEA after failed internal fixation (FIF). In this study we compared the results of patients that had TEA after FIF with those that had had primary arthroplasty (PA). We reviewed the results of 9 consecutive patients who had FIF with 12 patients who had PA. All the operations were performed by one surgeon using the same technique and same prosthesis. Both groups of patients were similar with respect to ages, sex, co-morbidity and hand dominance. The mean follow-up for both groups of patients was 5 years. At final review, patients who had had FIF had a mean Mayo score of 68 and a range of flexion/extension of 90 degrees, there was 1 infection and 1 case of loosening. The PA group had a mean Mayo score of 88 and a range of flexion/extension of 96 degrees, there were no cases of infection or loosening. This study shows the results of TEA are satisfactory either as a PA or after FIF, however the results after PA are significantly better than after FIF.
Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has been shown to be a treatment option for elderly patients with complex distal humeral fractures and osteoporotic bone. The published results have often included rheumatoid patients who traditionally would be expected to do well from elbow arthroplasty. Only short-term results have been published using this technique in non-rheumatoid patients The current study contains the largest number and longest follow-up of non-rheumatoid patients whose fractures have been treated with a non-custom TEA. In total there were 26 patients, mean age 72 years, 22 female and 4 male, 25% dominant arm. All had a minimum of 5 years follow-up. There was 1 case of loosening, 1 radial nerve palsy and 2 cases of heterotrophic ossification. At final review the mean range of flexion/extension was 97.5 degrees and the mean range of pronation/supination was 151.75 degrees. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 92. We would suggest that TEA provides a very satisfactory outcome in elderly patients with complex distal humeral fractures, the benefit of which can be observed for at least 5 years.
Distal biceps tendon ruptures are uncommon with a reported incidence of 1.24 per 100,000 per year. They typically occur in males in the fourth decade. Operative treatment has been shown to improve functional outcomes in the treatment of distal biceps tendon ruptures. A variety of surgical techniques have been described, usually using the dual incision Boyd-Anderson approach. We report a series of 10 patients with 10 tendon ruptures treated using a single incision volar approach and using the Arthrex Biotenodesis screw to reattach the tendon to the radial tuberosity. This method has been previously described in only one case report. All ten patients underwent clinical assessment using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and functional assessment using the DASH scoring system. The power was assessed isokinetically using the Nottingham Myometer. Based on the MEPS and DASH grading system all patients achieved a good or excellent result. In our experience reattachment of the distal biceps tendon using a single incision approach and Arthrex Biotenodesis screw is a new technique which gives a good functional outcome.
These results highlight the importance of fixation techniques that rely on cancellous bone anchoring such as tensioned fine wire fixation in tibial plateau fractures.
This paper reports our experience of revision open reduction, internal fixation and bone grafting of distal humeral fracture non-unions and in addition looks specifically at factors that may predispose to the development of non-union. Between 1993 and 2003 18 patients with distal humeral fracture non-unions underwent revision surgery with bone grafting and rigid internal fixation. Two patients were lost to follow-up leaving a study group of 16 patients. The patients’ age, sex, mechanism of injury, AO classification of the initial fracture and the primary treatment method were analysed with respect to possible factors predisposing to non-union. All revision procedures were performed by the senior author. The non-union site was debrided, bone grafted and rigidly internally fixed. Clinical assessment was performed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and radiographs were reviewed for evidence of bony union. The Mayo elbow performance scores were excellent in 11, good in 2, fair in 2 and poor in 1. Our results indicate that age, sex and mechanism of injury are not important in the development of non-union. Twelve patients (75%) however were considered to have undergone inadequate management of the original fracture. Our experience would suggest that to reduce the risk of non-union following distal humeral fractures appropriate consideration must be given to the established and well proven surgical techniques. If adequate fixation is considered beyond the experience of the treating surgeon we would strongly advise referral to a specialist unit.
The treatment of acetabular dysplasia in adolescents (age>
12) is difþcult and various complex pelvic osteotomies have been described. The aim of surgery being improvement in pain and to delay the onset of secondary osteoarthrosis.
The Copeland shoulder arthroplasty has been reported to give good results over a 5 to 10 year follow-up period. In this series all the humeral implants were inserted without cement. There was evidence of radiolucency in 30% of the humeral components. In our unit since 1995 we have implanted the Copeland shoulder hemiarthroplasty using cement around the stem of the prosthesis. We radiologically reviewed 40 patients with a mean radiological follow-up of 4.5 years. There was radiological evidence of loosening in 5%. Of this group, twenty-five patients had a minimum follow-up of 5 years, with a radiological loosening rate of 8%. We would suggest that the use of a small amount of cement around the stem of the humeral component is beneficial in reducing the rate of loosening. We also feel that, as the amount of cement is small and only around the stem, if revision is required it can be undertaken without the difficulties usually associated with cemented prostheses.
Children with osteogenesis imperfecta(OI) have multiple long bone fractures with subsequent deformities. The mainstay of treatment is correction with multiple osteotomies and intramedullary fixation. The Shefffield intramedullary telescoping rod system has been successful in the treament of long bone fractures and deformities (Wilkinson et al ,JBJS-B,1998) Bisphosphonates (Pamidronate -1- 1.5mg/kg/day)have been used as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of OI since the last five years. The perceived benefits include reduction in fracture frequency, improvement in bone density and a general feeling of well being. We present our experience of five cases of OI who developed infections around thier Sheffield telescoping rods while on Pamidronate therapy. There was only one case of sepsis over a ten year period(over eighty patients)in a previously reported series from our centre. The time interval between the start of Pamidronate therapy and the diagnosis of infection varied between 12–36 months ie. between 4–12 cycles of Pamidronate (parenteral administration over a three day period at three month intervals). All patients had their intramedullary rods in situ from anywhere between 2–7 years. The infections were low grade with a 2–3 month period of dull ache prior to actual presentation. Intrestigly though all patients had multiple rods in situ, only one of their femoral rods was affected and they did not have any other infective focus at the time of diagnosis. Three patients presented with thigh abcesses while the other two presented with ipsilateral knee pain and effusion. All had raised inflammatory markers, radiological signs of sepsis with Staph Aureus the commonest infecting organism. Those cases presenting with abcesses were treated by drainage and rod removal, however only antibiotics were sufficient in the rest. The relationship between Pamidronate therapy and these infections is not absolutely clear and has not been reported previously. The possible links are discussed and a high degree of suspicion is recommended for those cases of OI on bisphosphonate
Stabilization and bone grafting are the basic principles in the treatment of fracture non-union, however, infection is always a concern. Percutaneous bone marrow grafting has been suggested as an alternative, which provides a source of osteogenic cells with osteoinductive effect. This prospective study evaluates the efficacy of percutanous bone marrow grafting in patients with tibial non-union while on the waiting list for open surgical procedures. 21 adult patients with established tibial non-union were recruited. The average age of fracture non-union was 12 months (range 6–36). Infected cases, deformed non-unions and gap non-unions were excluded. Eleven were hypertrophic and ten atrophic type of non-union. Under local anaesthesia, bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crests using a 16 G sternal puncture needle. 3–5ml marrow was aspirated and injected immediately into and about the non-union site. Subsequent aspirations were performed 1 cm posterior to the previous site until a maximum of 15 ml marrow was injected. Patients were immobilised in a plaster cast. Radiographs were repeated at 6 weeks interval. A second injection was repeated at 6 weeks if there was no evidence of callus formation. The procedure was considered a failure, if there was no union at six weeks following the third injection. Bone marrow could not be aspirated in one patient. 19 patients were followed up clinically and radiologically until there was definite bone union or failure. Bone union was achieved in 15 patients out of 20 (75%), with an average time to union following the first injection 14 weeks (range 6–22 ). Two of the patients needed only one injection, nine needed two injections, and four patients needed three injections to unite. 4 patients (20%) showed no evidence of union. There were no complications at the donor or recipient site. We conclude that percutanous bone marrow grafting is a safe, simple, and reliable method of treating tibial non-union with minimal deformity.
This study was designed to assess the standard of orthopaedic training of Senior House Officers in the U.K. and to determine the optimum time that should be spent in these posts before registrar training. Two MCQ papers were constructed. One for the pre test and one for the post test. Questions covered all aspects of orthopaedics and trauma including operative surgery. The paper was firstly tested on controls including medical students, house officers, registrars of various grades and consultants. There was no statistical difference in the results for the two papers within the groups indicating that pre and post test papers were of similar standard. In addition the average scores in the tests increased proportionately to the experience and grade of the control. 129 SHOs from 25 hospitals in 10 different regions were tested by MCQ examination at the beginning of their 6-month post. They were again tested at the end of the job. The differences in score were compared. This difference was then correlated with the experience and career intention of the SHO. There was no statistical difference between pre and post test results in all groups of SHOs in the study (student t test). The best improvement in scores during this six month period were seen in SHOs of 1–1.5 years orthopaedic experience. SHOs of more than 3 years experience demonstrated the smallest improvement in their score. There was a net loss of seven trainees with a career intention of orthopaedics to other disciplines. In the vast majority of Senior House Officer posts in this country, very little seems to be learnt during a six-month attachment. This is especially so for those who are doing orthopaedics for the first time as well as very experienced SHOs.
To evaluate the effects of smoking on fracture healing in a non-union population. A consecutive cohort of 104 patients with 107 non-unions managed by external fixation was reviewed. 75% were regular smokers compared to the regional average of 3 0%. 5 8 male and 20 female smokers, matched with the non-smoking group. Patients’ records and x-rays were evaluated; where information was missing patients were contacted by phone/post. Scoring was recorded from our own prospective database. The smokers underwent 2. 6 procedures per segment with a mean treatment time of 17. 43 months (4–64) compared to 1. 9 and 10. 9 (2. 5–24) respectively in non-smoking group. The total hospital stay was 66% greater in the smoking group (41. 12 vs 27. 4 days). 102 non-unions healed, including seven who required revision surgery, six of whom were smokers. In smoking group five went on to amputation and three had residual infection. The entire non-smoking group healed after primary surgery except a 70 years old lady who was converted to intramedullary nailing. The final assessment of the bony and functional results was performed by the method described by Paley and Catagni (JBJS 77A 1995).
When considered in the context of regional statistics for smoking there was a trend towards non-union in smokers [P<
0. 05]. When limb reconstruction treatment was compared between the two groups despite the low number of infected cases in the smoking group, the number of surgical procedures, duration of treatment and hospital stay were all increased. Failure, revision rate and residual infection were high in the smoking groups. We conclude that smoking adversely affects both primary fracture healing and non-union treatment.
Recurrent dislocation of the hip is a difficult management problem. We have chosen to tackle this in a minimal way and avoid complex revisions. All patients were late dislocators, and the majority were older than 75 years with 4 patients being octogenarians. A 7cm incision is made in the skin at the trochanter, the fascia is opened and the hip dislocated posteriorly the head of the hip is felt under the external rotators and they are opened in a minimal way. The cup is inspected for gross wear, no abnormality has been found. The PLAD is applied and fixed posteriorly after removal of minimal capsular and scar tissue, simple closure takes place with no drain. This procedure has been performed on nine occasions in our unit and all cases remain successful at a mean followup of 18 months (2–35 months). Operation times varied between 28 –42 minutes (mean 36 mins). Blood loss is minimal. The patient can be mobilised right away and early discharge can be achieved. This technique seems an ideal management solution in and elderly population with a good cup and stem with recurrent dislocation for unknown cause.
The long term results of the ulnohumeral arthroplasty have not previously been reported using a recognised elbow scoring system. Kashiwagi reported his results in 1986 but no validated scoring system was used in the publication. Morrey in 1992 evaluated his results using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score but the mean follow-up interval was only 33 months. Between 1990 and 1996 twenty consecutive ulnohumeral arthroplasties were performed for primary degenerative disease of the elbow. Outcome assessment using the DASH questionnaire and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was taken at a mean follow-up of 75 months (range 58 to 132). Excellent or good results were identified in 85% (17/20) using the DASH questionnaire, and 65% (13/20) on assessment with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (correlation coefficient 0.79). Eighty percent (16/20) felt that the benefits of surgery had been maintained, and of those working at the time of surgery, 75% (12/16) were still employed in the same vocation. There was no correlation between radiographic recurrence and the degree of fixed flexion deformity, flexion arc or elbow scores.
Three and four part fractures of the proximal humerus can prove difficult to treat and results are generally poor. We used a Polarus Nail technique to treat seven consecutive patients who had sustained an isolated fracture to the proximal humerus. According to Neers classification, four patients had sustained a three-part fracture and three patients a four-part fracture. One patient had a fracture dislocation. At review, six of the seven patients were assessed using the Constant and Dash scoring systems. One patient had died, but at last review had been discharged with a satisfactory result. The average age of the patients reviewed was 62 years (range 48–79). The dominant hand was affected in 2 patients. All six patients were followed up to fracture union and were happy with the result of treatment. All patients had mild or no pain. The average Constant score was 83 (range 59–98) and average Dash score was 131 (range 8–300) When comparing our results to other methods of treatment already described, we found that fixation using a Polarus nail provided a satisfactory alternative method. In fact, our patients appeared to have less pain and a higher score to all elements of the Constant score. We conclude therefore that the use of the Polarus Nail should be considered as a treatment option in this group of patients.