Aims. People with severe, persistent low back pain (LBP) may be offered lumbar spine fusion surgery if they have had insufficient benefit from recommended non-surgical treatments. However, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2016 guidelines recommended not offering spinal fusion surgery for adults with LBP, except as part of a randomized clinical trial. This survey aims to describe UK clinicians’ views about the suitability of patients for such a future trial, along with their views regarding equipoise for randomizing patients in a future clinical trial comparing lumbar spine fusion surgery to best conservative care (BCC; the FORENSIC-UK trial). Methods. An online cross-sectional survey was piloted by the multidisciplinary research team, then shared with clinical professional groups in the UK who are involved in the management of adults with severe, persistent LBP. The survey had seven sections that covered the demographic details of the clinician, five hypothetical case vignettes of patients with varying presentations, a series of questions regarding the preferred management, and whether or not each clinician would be willing to recruit the example patients into future clinical trials. Results. There were 72 respondents, with a response rate of 9.0%. They comprised 39 orthopaedic spine surgeons, 17 neurosurgeons, one pain specialist, and 15 allied health professionals. Most respondents (n = 61,84.7%) chose conservative care as their first-choice management option for all five case vignettes. Over 50% of respondents reported willingness to randomize three of the five cases to either surgery or BCC, indicating a willingness to participate in the future randomized trial. From the respondents, transforaminal interbody fusion was the preferred approach for spinal fusion (n = 19, 36.4%), and the preferred method of BCC was a combined programme of physical and psychological therapy (n = 35, 48.5%). Conclusion. This survey demonstrates that there is uncertainty about the role of lumbar spine fusion surgery and BCC for a range of example patients with severe, persistent LBP in the UK. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(7):612–620

Principles of bone preservation and restoration of biomechanical alignment should be followed during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Where possible, conservative femoral revision techniques and even reconstructive de-escalation involving using primary stems should be considered. This study aims to investigate the outcome of patients who have undergone conservative femoral revision THA in our Institution. We retrospectively identified patients from our Institution's revision arthroplasty database who had cemented, or un-cemented primary stems implanted during revision THA of a previous stemmed femoral implant. Our primary outcome measure was all-cause re-revision THA with a secondary outcome measure of improvement in Oxford hip score (OHS). Radiographic evidence of stem loosening and post-op complications were recorded. Between 02/12/2014 to 12/12/2019, there were 226 patients identified with a mean follow up of 2 years (1–5 years). The majority of cases were represented by Paprosky type 1 (63%) and type 2 (25%) femoral defects. There were 45 patients (20%) who underwent impaction bone grafting (IBG) and 43 patients (19%) who had a cement in cement (CinC) femoral revision and cemented primary stem in 137 (60%), 1 uncemented stem with no IBG or CinC revision. Kaplan Meier survival for all-cause re-revision THA was 93.7% (95% CI: 88.3 – 100) at 3 years. The reasons for re-revision included 4 periprosthetic fractures, 4 dislocations, 1 deep infection, 1 loosening of femoral component and 1 loosening of acetabular component. Pre- and post-operative OHS scores were available in 137 hips (60%) with a mean improvement of 13. Radiographic review revealed 7% of cases with evidence of loosening in 1 or more Gruen zones. Our early results support the use of conservative femoral revision THA techniques where appropriate, with low complication and re-revision rates. Revisions using primary femoral components, where appropriate, should be considered in surgical planning to avoid unnecessary reconstructive escalation

Aims. Our rural orthopaedic service has undergone service restructure during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to sustain hip fracture care. All adult trauma care has been centralised to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for assessment and medical input, before transferring those requiring operative intervention to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. We aim to review the impact of COVID-19 on hip fracture workload and service changes upon management of hip fractures. Methods. We reviewed our prospectively maintained trust database and National Hip Fracture Database records for the months of March and April between the years 2016 and 2020. Our assessment included fracture pattern (intrascapular vs extracapsular hip fracture), treatment intervention, length of stay and mortality. Results. We treated 288 patients during March and April between 2016 and 2020, with a breakdown of 55, 58, 53, 68, and 54 from 2016 to 2020 respectively. Fracture pattern distribution in the pre-COVID-19 years of 2016 to 2019 was 58% intracapsular and 42% extracapsular. In 2020 (COVID-19 period) the fracture patterns were 65% intracapsular and 35% extracapsular. Our mean length of stay was 13.1 days (SD 8.2) between 2016 to 2019, and 5.0 days (6.3) days in 2020 (p < 0.001). Between 2016 and 2019 we had three deaths in hip fracture patients, and one death in 2020. Hemiarthroplasty and dynamic hip screw fixation have been the mainstay of operative intervention across the five years and this has continued in the COVID-19 period. We have experienced a rise in conservatively managed patients; ten in 2020 compared to 14 over the previous four years. Conclusion. There has not been a reduction in the number of hip fractures during COVID-19 period compared to the same time period over previous years. In our experience, there has been an increase in conservative treatment and decreased length of stay during the COVID -19 period. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:500–507

Background and Purpose. The UK's NIHR and Australia's NHMRC have funded two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to determine if lumbar fusion surgery (LFS) is more effective than best conservative care (BCC) for adults with persistent, severe low back pain (LBP) attributable to lumbar spine degeneration. We aimed to describe clinicians’ decision-making regarding suitability of patient cases for LFS or BCC and level of equipoise to randomise participants in the RCTs. Methods. Two online cross-sectional surveys distributed via UK and Australian professional networks to clinicians involved in LBP care, collected data on clinical discipline, practice setting and preferred care of five patient cases (ranging in age, pain duration, BMI, imaging findings, neurological signs/symptoms). Clinicians were also asked about willingness to randomise each patient case. Results. Of 174 responses (73 UK, 101 Australia), 70 were orthopaedic surgeons, 34 neurosurgeons, 65 allied health professionals (AHPs), 5 others. Most worked in public health services only (92% UK, 45% Australia), or a mix of public/private (36% Australia). Most respondents chose BCC as their first-choice management option for all five cases (81–93% UK, 83–91% Australia). For LFS, UK surgeons preferred TLIF (36.4%), whereas Australian surgeons preferred ALIF (54%). Willingness to randomise cases ranged from 37–60% (UK mean 50.7%), and 47–55% (Australian mean 51.9%); orthopaedic and neuro-surgeons were more willing than AHPs. Conclusion. Whilst BCC was preferred for all five patient cases, just over half of survey respondents in both the UK and Australia were willing to randomise cases to either LFS or BCC, indicating clinical equipoise (collective uncertainty) needed for RCT recruitment. Conflicts of interest. None. Sources of funding. No specific funding obtained for the surveys. DB, SA, AG and NEF have funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UK (FORENSIC-UK NIHR134859); NEF, DB and SA have funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC FORENSIC-Australia GA268233). AG has funding from Orthopaedic Research UK (combined with British Association of Spine Surgeons and British Scoliosis Society) and Innovate UK. NEF is funded through an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grant (ID: 2018182)

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis is a common and disabling condition that can be treated with an operative procedure. Before operative measures, patients typically undergo conservative treatment utilizing methods such as physical therapy and injections. This study aims to determine what clinical modalities are being used for preoperative evaluation and nonoperative therapy and the associated cost prior to operative intervention. We queried Truven Market Scan, a large insurance provider database to identify patients undergoing CMC arthroplasty from 2010 to 2017. Patients were identified by common Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for CMC arthroplasty. All associated CPT codes listed for each patient during the 1 year period prior to operative intervention were collected and filtered to only include those codes associated with the ICD-9/10 diagnosis codes relating to CMC arthritis. The codes were then categorized as office visits, x-ray, injections, physical therapy, medical devices, and preoperative labs. The frequency and associated cost for each category was determined. There were 44,676 patients who underwent CMC arthroplasty during the study period. A total of $26,319,848.36 was charged during the preoperative period, for an average of $589.13 per patient. The highest contributing category to overall cost was office visits (42.1%), followed by injections (13.5%), and then physical therapy (11.1%). The most common diagnostic modality was x-ray, which was performed in 74.7% of patients and made up 11.0% of total charges. Only 49% of patients received at least one injection during the preoperative period and the average number of injections per patient was 1.72. Patients who were employed full time were more likely to receive two or more injections prior to surgery compared to patients who had retired (47% of full-time workers; 34% of retirees). The modalities used for the preoperative evaluation and conservative treatment of CMC arthritis and the associated cost are important to understand in order to determine the most successful and cost-effective treatment plan for patients. Surprisingly, despite the established evidence supporting clinical benefits, many patients do not undergo corticosteroid injections. With office visits being the largest contributor to overall costs, further inquiry into the necessity of multiple visits and efforts to combine visits, can help to reduce cost. Also, with the advent of telemedicine it may be possible to reduce visit cost by utilizing virtual medicine. Determining the best use of telemedicine and its effectiveness are areas for future investigation

Background. Bacteriophages are natural viruses of interest in the field of PJI. A paper previously reported the PhagoDAIR procedure (use of phages during DAIR) in three patients with PJI for whom explantation was not desirable. As the need to isolate the pathogen before surgery to perform phage susceptibility testing is a strong hindrance for the development of this procedure, we developed post-operative phage injections using ultrasound, in patients infected with S. aureus and/or P. aeruginosa who were eligible for the PhagoDAIR procedure, but for whom phages were not available at the time of surgery. Materials/Methods. We performed a single center, exploratory, prospective cohort study including patients with knee PJI who received phage therapy with ultrasound after performance of a DAIR or a partial prosthesis exchange. All patients had PJI requiring conservative surgery and suppressive antimicrobial therapy (SAT) as salvage procedure. Each case was discussed in multidisciplinary meetings in agreement with French health authority, based on the clinical presentation, and the phage susceptibility testing. The cocktail of highly concentrate active phages (5 mL; about 10. e. 9 PFU/mL) was extemporaneous prepared and administered three times directly into the joint using sonography (1 injection per week during 3 weeks) during the postoperative period, before switching antibiotics to SAT. Results. Seven patients received phages under sonography after the DAIR, and one after a partial exchange (mean age 71 years). All had resection prosthesis or constrained knee prosthesis. Among these seven patients, three were infected with S. aureus (including one MRSA), two were infected with P. aeruginosa (one was a multidrug-resistant isolate), one was infected with both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and the last one was infected with MRSA, S. epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp.. All patients received a cocktail of active phages provided by Pherecydes Pharma targeting S. aureus or P. aeruginosa. No adverse event was recorded during or after the local injections. All patients were switched to SAT after a primary postoperative antimicrobial therapy of three months. Under SAT, the patient with S. epidermidis co-infection developed a relapse due to the S. epidermidis. With a mean follow-up of 13 months after surgery (from 9 to 24 months), the outcome was favorable for all patients without any sign of infection; none of them had abnormal pain, joint effusion or loosening. Conclusions. Postoperative administration of phages using sonography is a potentially useful procedure in patients with complex PJI for whom a conservative approach is desirable

Arthritis of the mid-foot is a common presentation to the foot and ankle clinic, resulting from primary (idiopathic), post-traumatic, or inflammatory joint degeneration. Treatment in the initial stages is conservative, with midfoot fusion regarded as the operative treatment of choice; however there is a paucity of comparative and patient reported data regarding outcomes. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMS), were prospectively collected from October-2015 to March-2018. Diagnoses were confirmed with image guided injection and initial management was conservative. In total, 66 patients were managed conservatively and 40 treated with mid-foot fusion. MOxFQ (Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire) and EQ-5D-3L (Euroqual) PROMS were collected pre-operatively, at 26 weeks and at 52 weeks. In the operatively managed group, the female:male ratio was 5.7:1, with a mean age of 61 (range 24–80), while in the conservatively managed group, the ratio was 2.1:1 with mean age 63 (range 29–86). In the surgically managed group, 88.2% of patients reported improvement in symptoms at 26 weeks and 88.9% at 52 weeks. This was greater than the conservatively managed group, in which 40.6% reported improvement at 26 weeks and 33.3% at 52 weeks. Mean MOxFQ improvement in the surgically managed group was +30.7 and +33.9 at 26 and 52 weeks respectively, and in the conservative group, +9.4 and +4.3, at 26 and 52 weeks. Similarly, favourable surgical outcomes were reported across all domains of EQ-5D-3L. This study has highlighted excellent early outcomes after surgical treatment and may represent promise for those patients for whom conservative management fails

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fracture displacement and survivorship of the native hip joint without conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to determine predictors for conversion to THA in patients treated nonoperatively for acetabular fractures.

Optimal management of acute patellar dislocation is still a topic of debate. Although, conventionally it has been managed by non-operative measures, recent literature recommends operative treatment to prevent re-dislocations. Our study recommends that results of non-operative measures comparable to that of operative management. Our study is the retrospective with 46 consecutive patients (47 knees) of first time patellar dislocation managed between 2012 and 2014. The study methodology highlighted upon the etiology, mechanism of injury and other characteristics of first time dislocations and also analysed outcomes of conservative management including re-dislocation rates. The duration of follow up ranged from 1 to 4 years. Average age at first-time dislocation was 23 years (Range 10–62 years). Male:Female ratio was 30:17. Twisting injury was the commonest cause. 1 patient required open reduction but all others relocated spontaneously or had successful closed reduction. Medial Patello-Femoral Ligament injury was frequent associated feature. 11 knees (24%) re-dislocated during follow up. Age was the significant risk factor for re-dislocations. All patients with re-dislocation were less than 30 years old. Maximum redislocations happened between 6 months to 1 year after index dislocation. Skeletal abnormality was the commonest pathology in re-dislocators. Only 4 patients (8.6%) finally required surgical intervention. One patient had persistent knee pain as a complication. Conservative management of primary patellar dislocation is successful in majority of patients. Surgery should be reserved for the carefully selected patients with specific indications

The best management for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon remains controversial. An unacceptably high re-rupture rate following conservative management has been quoted as a reason for surgical management, however, many of these studies do not stand up to critical scrutiny. Since 1989 I have personally treated over 1600 consecutive patients with acute rupture of the tendo-achilles using a conservative functional management protocol. This protocol was developed in the light of experience over a number of years. I will present an independent review of 1044 consecutive patients presenting to my tendo-achilles clinic between 1996 and 2008. After examination, 975 patients were found to have an acute tendon rupture, the rest being gastrocnemius muscle tears, painful Achilles tendonopathy or mis-referrals. Of these 975 patients 29 were late presenters in whom the tendon ends did not approximate well on plantar flexion. These patients were therefore treated surgically. One patient was too obese to be included in the standard protocol, although he was still treated conservatively. With a minimum follow up of two years, the overall re-rupture rate was 2.9%. The re-rupture rate using this management protocol is similar to or better than the published operative re-rupture rates. The protocol, complications and outcome will be discussed and I recommend a well defined and tested non operative functional management protocol for treatment of acute tendo-achilles rupture. This protocol is suitable for all ages including those with significant sporting demands. It is essential that patients have assessment and follow up carried out by a senior and experienced surgeon

Patients presenting with arthrosis following high tibial osteotomy (HTO) pose a technical challenge to the surgeon. Slight overcorrection during osteotomy sometimes results in persisting medial unicompartmental arthrosis, but with a valgus knee. A medial UKA is desirable, but will result in further valgus deformity, while a TKA in someone with deformity but intact cruciates may be a disappointment as it is technically challenging. The problem is similar to that of patients with a femoral malunion and arthrosis. The surgeon has to choose where to make the correction. An ‘all inside’ approach is perhaps the simplest. However, this often means extensive release of ligaments to enable ‘balancing’ of the joint, with significant compromise of the soft tissues and reduced range of motion as a consequence. As patients having HTO in the first place are relatively high demand, we have explored a more conservative option, based upon our experience with patient matched guides. We have been performing combined deformity correction and conservative arthroplasty for 5 years, using PSI developed in the MSk Lab. We have now adapted this approach to the failed HTO. By reversing the osteotomy, closing the opening wedge, or opening the closing wedge, we can restore the obliquity of the joint, and preserve the cruciate ligaments. Technique: CT based plans are used, combined with static imaging and on occasion gait data. Planning software is then used to undertake the arthroplasty, and corrective osteotomy. In the planning software, both tibial and femoral sides of the UKA are performed with minimal bone resection. The tibial osteotomy is then reversed to restore joint line obliquity. The placing of osteotomy, and the angling and positioning in relation to the tibial component are crucial. This is more important in the opening of a closing wedge, where the bone but is close to the keel cut. The tibial component is then readjusted to the final ‘Cartier’ angle. Patient guides are then made. These include a tibial cutting guide which locates both the osteotomy and the arthroplasty. At operation, the bone cuts for the arthroplasty are made first, so that these cuts are not performed on stressed bone. The cuts are not in the classical alignment as they are based upon deformed bone so the use of patient specific guides is a real help. The corrective osteotomy is then performed. If a closing wedge is being opened, then a further fibular osteotomy is needed, while the closing of an opening wedge is an easier undertaking. Six cases of corrective osteotomy and partial knee replacement are presented. In all cases, the cruciates have been preserved, together with normal patello-femoral joints. Patient satisfaction is high, because the deformity has been addressed, restoring body image. Gait characteristics are those of UKA, as the ACL has been preserved and joint line obliquity restored

Introduction and Aims: To establish how effective conservative treatment is for rotator cuff impingement. To look at the clinical presentation and the factors that influences the outcome. Method: A retrospective study of 189 patients, who attended the Upper Limb Clinic, was done. The response to physiotherapy and cortisone injections was noted. We also looked at the shape of the acromion and tried to correlate it with effectiveness of conservative treatment. Results: All patients had either a positive Neer or Hawkins sign. What is more significant is that in 123 patients internal rotation was markedly restricted to the 10. th. dorsal vertebrae or less. One hundred and nineteen patients received a sub-acromial cortisone injection. It was repeated in 52 patients, and 25 patients received a third injection. Forty-four patients needed surgery. Therefore, conservative treatment was effective in 83% of cases. Of the group who was operated on, only nine patients had a large spur and only 12 patients had a Bigliani Type-III acromion. It does not seem as if the spur is the main cause for impingement. Conclusion: Conservative treatment is very effective in the treatment of rotator cuff impingement. However, we believe that the right exercise program is of essence. Stretching the posterior capsule of the shoulder joint and increasing the internal rotation, which are the two most important initial exercises, should be concentrated on. Thereafter the depressor muscles, like sub-scapularis and infra-spinatus must be strengthened

Our retrospective study of 189 patients aimed to establish the efficacy of conservative treatment for rotator cuff impingement and also to assess the clinical presentation and the factors that influence the outcome. We noted patients’ response to physiotherapy and cortisone injections. We looked at the shape of the acromion and tried to correlate it with effectiveness of conservative treatment. All patients had either a positive Neer or Hawkins sign. In 123 patients internal rotation was markedly restricted. Subacromial cortisone injections were administered to 119 patients. The injection was repeated once in 52 patients and twice in 25. Surgery was necessary in 44 patients. In other words, conservative treatment was effective in 83%. Only 12 of the patients who underwent surgery had a Bigliani type-III acromion and only nine had a large spur. An appropriate exercise programme is critical if conservative treatment is to be effective. It should focus first on stretching the posterior capsule of the shoulder joint and increasing internal rotation, and subsequently on strengthening the subscapularis and infraspinatus muscles. We believe it is the imbalance of muscle power rather than the acromial spur that is the major cause of impingement

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are common and the indication for surgical treatment remain controversial in patients higher than 60 years old. The purpose of the study was to review and analyze the current evidence-based literature. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines in order to evaluate the efficacy of volar locking plating (VLP) and conservative treatment in DRF in patients over 60 years old. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of science and Clinical Trial.gov were searched from inception to October 2020 for randomized controlled trials. Relevant article reference lists were also passed over. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data. Main outcomes included functional status: wrist range of motion, validated scores and grip strength. Secondary outcomes include post-operative complications and radiologic assessment. From 3009 screened citations, 5 trials (539 patients) met the inclusion criteria. All trials of this random effect meta-analysis were at moderate risk of bias due to lack of blinding. Differences in the DASH score (MD −5,91; 95% CI, −8,83; −3,00), PRWE score (MD −9.07; 95% CI, −14.57, −3.57) and grip strength (MD 5,12; 95% CI, 0,59-9,65) were statistically significant and favored VLPs. No effect was observed in terms of range of motion. Adverse events are frequent in both treatment groups, reoperation rate is higher in the VLP group. VLP may provide better functional outcomes in patients higher than 60 years old. More RCT are still needed to evaluate if the risks and complications of VLP outweigh the benefits

Objectives: To report the outcome and comparison of calcaneum fracture managements for intra-articular fractures. Methods: A prospective study of the patients with intra-articular calcaneum fractures in the foot& ankle unit of a busy trauma hospital. All the patients were followed up with the calcaneal fracture score. We compared the outcome of surgical management Sanders type-2 and type-3 fractures with conservative treatment at 2 years and then, the medium term (> 5 years) outcomes of type-2 and type-3 surgical groups were assessed. Conservative group was a consecutive series of patients recruited to the study later than surgical groups, hence the smaller number in that group. Results: 126 patients were included in our study. There were 70 in group type-2 and 38 in group type-3 with surgical management, while only 18 in the group with conservative management. The mean age for surgical type-2 = 46.2, type-3= 46.3 and conservative group = 51.7. Mean follow-ups for the groups were type-2=6y, type-3 =5.5y and conservative one =2.34y. Mean two-year scores for the surgical groups were type-2=68.13, type-3=63.78, while conservative one =51.36. There was a statistically significant differences in their score between type-2 surgical and conservative groups (P=0.0006), and between type-3 surgical and conservative ones (P=0.04), but no significant difference between type-2 and type-3 surgical groups. At medium-term follow-up, the scores for type-2 and type-3 surgical groups were 77.06 and 63.66 respectively, with significant increase in type-2 while type-3 remains similar comparing to two-year scores. There were 7 deep, 5 superficial infections and 32 metalwork removals in total. Conclusion: On comparing the medium term outcome to the two-year one, surgical type-2 group of patients showed some improvement, while type-3 stayed the same. In this series, contrary to published articles, there was a better outcome at two years with surgical treatment than conservative treatment

Introduction. The incidence of spondylolysis is estimated about 5–6% in the general population and accounts for one of the most frequent cause of backpain in the adolescent. The purpose of this study is to present our results from the management of these patients. Patients and Methods. During the period 1993–2003, 25 children with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis were managed in our department. Apart from radiographic studies, in cases with a history of acute trauma, a bone scan as well as a CT or MRI scan were performed. There were 13 male and 12 female patients with a mean age of 10.5 years (5–14 years). There were 15 cases of spondylolysis, one at L3 level, 3 at L4 and 11 at L5. 10 patients had spondylolisthesis, 8 of the isthmic type and 2 of the dysplastic type. THe mean follow up of the patients was 6.5 years. Results. In 24 cases the management was conservative with bedrest until the symproms subsided. Following symptoms resolution a brace was fitted, depending on the case, for 3–6 months. In one case of Grade II spondylolisthesis with nerve root irritation a posterolateral arthrodesis according to Wiltse was performed, following failure of a prolonged period of conservative management. The results of our patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically according to Seitsalo et al and they were in all cases excellent or good, with full return of the affected children to their previous activities. Conclusion. In conlusion, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is managed conservative in children with good results. Rarely in cases were the symptoms persist despite conservative management, surgical treatment can provide a good result

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are common and the indication for surgical treatment remain controversial in patients higher than 60 years old. The purpose of the study was to review and analyze the current evidence-based literature. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines in order to evaluate the efficacy of volar locking plating (VLP) and conservative treatment in DRF in patients over 60 years old. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of science and Clinical Trial.gov were searched from inception to October 2020 for randomized controlled trials. Relevant article reference lists were also passed over. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data. Main outcomes included functional status: wrist range of motion, validated scores and grip strength. Secondary outcomes include post-operative complications and radiologic assessment. From 3009 screened citations, 5 trials (539 patients) met the inclusion criteria. All trials of this random effect meta-analysis were at moderate risk of bias due to lack of blinding. Differences in the DASH score (MD −5,91; 95% CI, −8,83; −3,00), PRWE score (MD −9.07; 95% CI, −14.57, −3.57) and grip strength (MD 5,12; 95% CI, 0,59-9,65) were statistically significant and favored VLPs. No effect was observed in terms of range of motion. Adverse events are frequent in both treatment groups, reoperation rate is higher in the VLP group. VLP may provide better functional outcomes in patients higher than 60 years old. More RCT are still needed to evaluate if the risks and complications of VLP outweigh the benefits

Treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture is based on obtaining and maintaining apposition of the ruptured tendon ends. Surgical treatment utilises direct suture repair to produce this objective, while conservative or non-surgical management achieves the same effect of closing the tendon gap by immobilisation of the ankle joint in a plantar flexed position within a plaster cast or POP. There is still variability in the conservative treatment practices and protocols of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. The purpose of this study is to examine the current practice trends in the treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures amongst orthopaedic surgeons in the UK. A postal questionnaire was sent to 221 orthopaedic consultants in 25 NHS hospitals in the Greater London area in June 2010. Type and duration of immobilisation were considered along with the specifics of the regime used. Ninety questionnaires were returned giving a 41% response rate. Conservative treatment methods were used by 72% of respondents. A below knee plaster was the top choice of immobilisation (83%) within this group. The mean period of immobilisation was 9.2 weeks (Range 4-36). Weight bearing was allowed at a mean of 5.3 weeks (range 0-12). The specific regime used by consultants was quite heterogeneous across the group, however the most used immobilisation regimen was a below knee plaster in equinus with 3 weekly serial plaster changes to a neutral position, for a total of nine weeks. A heel raise after plaster removal was favoured by 73% of respondents used for a mean period of 6.4 weeks (Range 2-36). In response to ultrasound use as a diagnostic tool, 42.4% of respondents would never use it, 7.6% would use it routinely, while 50% would use it only according to the clinical situation. Comparison of foot and ankle specialists with non-specialists did not reveal a significant difference in practice in duration of immobilisation or time to bearing weight. Conservative management remains a widely practice option in the treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. Although there are available a number of modern walking aids, the concept of functional brace immobilisation is not as widely used as below knee plaster cast immobilisation, which remains a popular choice amongst orthopaedic surgeons today. There is still no consensus on the ideal immobilisation regimen although a below knee plaster in equinus with serial changes for a total of nine weeks is the most frequently used choice. Further randomised controlled trials are required to establish the optimal treatment strategy for conservative management of Achilles tendon rupture

Introduction. Because it typically afflicts older patients with poorer health and/or risk factors, spondylodiscitis can become life threatening. Lingering symptoms, which can be attributed to residual destruction as well as concurrent degenerative changes in the adjacent segments after inflammation has subsided, are frequently present after both conservative and operative therapies. Here, quality of life outcomes are presented for patients two years after operative and conservative treatment. Methods. 82 patients with spondylodiscitis were included prospectively from 01/2008. 28% of patients were treated conservatively (Group 1) and 72% operatively (Group 2). Clinical findings, SF-36, ODI, COMI, and a visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated and compared between the groups at admission and follow-up (2 year FU). Results. Average patient age was 64.9 ± 6.3 years. Average inpatient hospital stay was 26.5 ± 16.9 days. Neurologic deficits were present in 39.0% of patients preoperatively and 18.3% at FU. Abscess formation was diagnosed in 89.0% of cases and intraspinal abscesses in 43.9%. Hospital mortality was 11.0% and total mortality 14.6% at FU. 6.1% of cases were lost to FU. The preoperative ODI scores averaged 75.4 ± 16.6, and did not vary significantly between the groups. At FU, with 33.9 ± 21.2, average score was significantly better (p<0.001). On the SF-36, preoperative average scores were PCS 25.7 ± 7.1 and MCS 37.3 ± 13.4, and at FU PCS 43.5 ± 10.1 (p<0.05) and MCS 47.7 ± 14.8 (p<0.05). COMI scores also showed significant (p<0.001) improvement (preoperatively 9.2 ± 1.0 and at FU 3.5 ± 2.2). On comparison, patients in Group 2 (VAS 8.3) preoperatively had more pain (p<0.05) than those in Group 1 (VAS 6.3), but there was no significant difference at FU (group 2 VAS 2.5 and group 1 VAS 3.0). Over 90% of operated patients reported that treatment helped, while over 30% of conservatively treated patients said that treatment helped a little or not at all. Discussion. In the pre-antibiotics era, the prognosis for spondylodiscitis was poor. Currently, it can still lead to serious health problems and become life threatening. Quality of life and physical limitations are markedly worse than for the general population. Compared to patients treated conservatively, patients treated with surgery have somewhat improved quality of life and significantly better patient satisfaction

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of post-traumatic arthritis following acetabular fracture and to compare the long-term outcome of THA after previous open reduction and internal fixation or conservative treatment of the acetabular fracture. Methods: Thirty-four patients (thirty-six hips) underwent total hip arthroplasty for arthritis resulting from an acetabular fracture. The mean age at the time of hip arthroplasty was 49 years. The mean follow-up was eight years and nine months (range, 4–17 years). The mean interval from fracture to arthroplasty was 7.5 years (range, 5 months-29 years). Twenty-three hips had been previously treated by open reduction and internal fixation and 12 hips had a conservatively treated fracture. An uncemented arthroplasty was performed in 31 hips, cemented arthroplasty in 2 patients and a hybrid replacement in 2 patients. Results: Only 16 patients achieved and maintained a good to excellent result over the course of the follow-up. The mean Harris hip score improved from 44.5 points preoperatively to 72.76 points for operatively treated fractures (23 patients). The mean Harris hip score improved from 44.2 points preoperatively to 78.7 points for conservatively treated fractures (12 patients) (p> 0.05). Ten out of 35 hips required revision; 9 were revised because of aseptic loosening and one for infection with a total revision rate of 29%. Femoral bone quality was significant in predicting revision. No femoral radiographic loosening was found at latest follow-up. On the acetabular side, the rate of radiographic loosening was higher. There was no significant difference in bone grafting, heterotopic bone formation, revision rate, operative time and blood loss between the two groups (ORIF vs conservative treatment of acetabular fracture) (p> 0.05). Conclusions: Outcome following total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of post-traumatic arthritis following acetabular fracture is less favourable than following primary osteoarthritis. Those patients initially treated conservatively had similar long term results compared to those treated primarily by open reduction and internal fixation. At long term follow-up, the main problem identified was osteolysis and acetabular wear