Of those foot and ankle injuries requiring radiographs based on the Ottawa Foot and Ankle Rules only approximately 22% will have a fracture. This diagnostic cohort study examined if ultrasound could detect acute non-bony foot and ankle injuries. Ottawa Rules positive patients over 16 years were eligible. An ED member performed scans for injury of tendons and ligaments blind to radiograph findings. Patients without fracture were re-scanned at 2 weeks. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), a validated, patient-reported outcome measure, was completed at baseline (based on pre-injury status), 2 and 6 weeks. 110 subjects participated. 99 did not have significant radiological fractures. FAOS scores were significantly different at 2 weeks compared with baseline across all subscales (p< 0.000). At 6 weeks a significant difference persisted between scores for the ‘Pain’, ‘Sport’ and ‘QOL’ subscales (p<0.043, p<0.000, p<0.000 respectively) compared with baseline. Initial post-injury USS Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) findings were significantly predictive of FAOS Subscale results for ‘Symptoms’, ‘Sport’ and ‘QOL’ - respective p values being p<0.004 95% CI (−20.184, −4.402), p<0.029 95% CI (−31.857, −1.896) and p<0.008 95% CI (−32.118, −5.561). ATFL ultrasound status at the time of injury predicts patient perceived sporting function at 6 weeks.
Infection in arthroplasty surgery is a major complication leading long antibiotic courses and frequently requiring repeated operations to eradicate or suppress. Therefore in the situation of revision surgery on prosthesis that are possibly already infected a clear identification of possible infection is required. Previously frozen section samples have been used in Derriford Hospital in conjunction with clinical presentation and other investigations to aid in diagnosis and tailor management, however recent studies have suggested that this may not be as effective as previously thought. Kanner et al. (2008) suggested a sensitivity of 29% and positive predictive value of 40%. This retrospective audit reviewed the cases between March 2007 and May 2012, identifying 220 cases of revision surgery where infection was suspected and frozen sections analysis was performed. Results where then compared to paraffin and cultured samples if taken. A notes review was performed to demonstrate if the operative technique (single or two stage) was in line with local guidelines for the results of the frozen section. Long term survival (longest follow up of 7 years) was assessed by need for revision surgery.
The Latarjet procedure is a successful primary and revision option for anterior shoulder instability; however recent reports have highlighted varying complication rates. Our aim was to prospectively study clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure. 50 consecutive patients underwent a Latarjet coracoid transfer between 2006 and 2012. Mean age was 27 years (17–63), 48 were male. Pre-/post-operative imaging, Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OISS), American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Subjective Shoulder Value score (SSV) and clinical evaluation were documented. Mean follow up was 32 months (6–74). There were no dislocations or revision procedures. Subluxation occurred in one patient only. 95% of shoulders were subjectively graded “excellent” or “good;” 5% “fair;” and none as “poor”. The mean pre-op ASES was 58(50–66) and 95(92–98) post-operatively (p< 0.001). The mean pre-operative OISS was 19(18–22) and 43(41–45) post-operatively (p<0.001). The mean SSV increased from 46% to 89% (p < 0.001). 98% of patients considered their surgery to be “successful” and 95% would recommend the procedure to a friend. 82% returned to sport at their previous level. There were no infective or metalwork-related complications. Five experienced transient neurological symptoms all of which resolved within three months. These results suggest that the Latarjet procedure is safe and reliable with low complication rates.
The Latarjet procedure is a successful primary and revision option for anterior shoulder instability; however recent reports have highlighted varying complication rates. Our aim was to prospectively study clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure. 50 consecutive patients underwent a Latarjet coracoid transfer between 2006 and 2012. Mean age was 27 years (17–63), 48 were male. Pre-/post-operative imaging, Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OISS), American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Subjective Shoulder Value score (SSV) and clinical evaluation were documented. Mean follow up was 32 months (6–74). There were no dislocations or revision procedures. Subluxation occurred in one patient only. 95% of shoulders were subjectively graded “excellent” or “good;” 5% “fair;” and none as “poor”. The mean pre-op ASES was 58(50–66) and 95(92–98) post-operatively(p<0.001). The mean pre-operative OISS was 19(18–22) and 43(41–45) post-operatively(p<0.001). The mean SSV increased from 46% to 89%(p < 0.001). 98% of patients considered their surgery to be “successful” and 95% would recommend the procedure to a friend. 82% returned to sport at their previous level. There were no infective or metalwork-related complications. 5 experienced transient neurological symptoms all of which resolved within 3 months. These results suggest that the Latarjet procedure is safe and reliable with low complication rates.
