Objectives. A patient-centred approach, usually achieved through shared decision making, has the potential to help improve decision making around knee arthroplasty surgery. However, such an approach requires an understanding of the factors involved in patient decision making. This review’s objective is to systematically examine the qualitative literature surrounding patients’ decision making in knee arthroplasty. Methods. A systematic literature review using Medline and Embase was conducted to identify qualitative studies that examined patients’ decision making around knee arthroplasty. An aggregated account of what is known about patients’ decision making in knee arthroplasties is provided. Results. Seven studies with 234 participants in interviews or focus groups are included. Ten themes are replicated across studies, namely: expectations of surgery; coping mechanisms; relationship with clinician; fear; pain; function; psychological implications; social network; previous experience of surgery; and conflict in opinions. Conclusions. This review is helpful in not only directing future research to areas that are not understood, or require confirmation, but also in highlighting areas that future interventions could address. These include those aimed at delivering information, which are likely to affect the satisfaction rate, demand, and use of knee arthroplasties. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4;163–169

Introduction:. The cavovarus foot is a complex deformity caused by muscle imbalance, soft-tissue contracture and secondary bony abnormality. It is a combination of hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot deformity and the decision making process for surgical management can be difficult. The process of deciding which combination of procedures is required is often poorly understood. We present an algorithm to assist with this decision making. Methods:. We have analysed a single surgeon's experience of cavovarus foot correction, from a consecutive series of 50 patients over 5 years, to develop an algorithm to guide operative decision making. Cases included cavovarus deformity secondary to cerebral palsy, Friedreich's ataxia, Charcot Marie Tooth disease, post-traumatic contracture, post-cerebrovascular accident, iatrogenic post-surgery and physiological cavus. We have taken a systematic approach to each component of the deformity in order to generate the algorithm. Results:. To assist in rationalising the traditional ‘a-la-carte’ approach, our algorithm describes what we believe are the indications for a variety of surgical interventions, including soft tissue contracture release, osteotomies of the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot, tendon transfer and soft tissue balancing, and arthrodesis. We detail the decision making process for each surgical option and give the reasons for each decision. We have also reviewed the available literature on this topic, to produce an evidence-based and useable tool for surgical planning. Conclusion:. The surgical decision making process in the management of the cavovarus foot is complex. We believe that this algorithm, based on extensive personal experience and up-to-date published evidence, provides a clear and proven framework on which surgical decision making can be guided and justified

Technology within medicine has great potential to bring about more accessible, efficient, and a higher quality delivery of care. Paediatric supracondylar fractures are the most common elbow fracture in children and at our institution often have high rates of unnecessary long term clinical follow-up, leading to an inefficient use of healthcare and patient resources. This study aims to evaluate patient and clinical factors that significantly predict necessity for further clinical visits following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. A total of 246 children who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning following supracondylar humerus fractures were prospectively enrolled over a two year period. Patient demographics, perioperative course, goniometric measurements, functional outcome measures, clinical assessment and decision making for further follow up were assessed. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed and screened for significance via bivariate regression. Significant covariates were used to develop a predictive model through multivariate logistical regression. A probability cut-off was determined on the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve using the Youden index to maximize sensitivity and specificity. The regression model performance was then prospectively tested against 22 patients in a blind comparison to evaluate accuracy. 246 paediatrics patients were collected, with 29 cases requiring further follow up past the three month visit. Significant predictive factors for follow up were residual nerve palsy (p < 0 .001) and maximum active flexion angle of injured elbow (p < 0 .001). Insignificant factors included other goniometric measures, subjective evaluations, and functional outcomes scores. The probability of requiring further clinical follow up at the 3 month post-op point can be estimated with the equation: logit(follow-up) = 11.319 + 5.518(nerve palsy) − 0.108(maximum active flexion). Goodness of fit of the model was verified with Nagelkerke R2 = 0.574 and Hosmer & Lemeshow chi-square (p = 0.739). Area Under Curve of the ROC curve was C = 0.919 (SE = 0.035, 95% CI 0.850 – 0.988). Using Youden's Index, a cut-off for probability of follow up was set at 0.094 with the overall sensitivity and specificity maximized to 86.2% and 88% respectively. Using this model and cohort, 194 three month clinic visits would have been deemed medically unnecessary. Preliminary blind prospective testing against the 22 patient cohort demonstrates a model sensitivity and specificity at 100% and 75% respectively, correctly deeming 15 visits unnecessary. Virtual clinics and automated clinical decision making can improve healthcare inefficiencies, unclog clinic wait times, and ultimately enhance quality of care delivery. Our regression model is highly accurate in determining medical necessity for physician examination at the three month visit following supracondylar fracture closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. When applied correctly, there is potential for significant reductions in health care expenditures and in the economic burden on patient families by removing unnecessary visits. In light of positive patient and family receptiveness toward technology, our promising findings and predictive model may pave the way for remote health care delivery, virtual clinics, and automated clinical decision making

Significance. In ideal shared decision making (SDM), evidence-based treatment options, their likelihood of success, and the probability of adverse events is discussed with the patient. However, current SDM is fundamentally flawed because evidence for patient-specific treatment effectiveness and patient-specific adverse event risks is lacking. Observational outcome registries are better than randomized clinical trials for determining patient prognostic factors for outcomes and adverse events. No orthopaedic SDM clinical tools exist to predict patient-specific outcomes. Hypothesis: A patient-specific shared decision making tool can predict clinically significant outcomes and adverse events for total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Methods. A web–based prospective observational outcome registry collects patient reported outcomes (PROs) for TKR surgery. The data set for TKR surgery includes: (1) European quality of life (EQ-5D); (2) Oxford Knee Score (OKS); (3) Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS); and (4) Pain Likert Scale (PLS). A TKR outcome calculator predicts patient-specific functional outcome with a regression model using patient-specific pre-operative Oxford Knee Scores, diagnosis, co-morbidities, and demographics. Patient-specific joint infection relative risk is calculated using diagnosis, co-morbidities, and demographics. Functional outcomes are presented as minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs). MCID=σ. Δ. /2. Results. The MCID for the EQ-5D Health State Score (HSS) is 0.094 (0.000–1.000). The MCID for the EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is 9.1 (0–100). The MCID for the OKS is 4.45 (0–48). The MCID for the LEAS is 1.6 (1–18). The MCID for the PLS is 1.4 (0–10). Examples. (1) A 55-year-old white male with post-traumatic arthritis (ICD-9 716.16, BMI = 28.7, non-diabetic, recently quit smoking) has a pre-operative Oxford Knee Score of 10. His predicted outcome is 6.3 MCIDs and his relative risk of infection is 6.1 (4.4%) (Figure 1). He is expected to have an excellent outcome. His risk of infection can be reduced by using antibiotic-laden cement. Depending on the patient's preferences, he is an excellent candidate for a total knee replacement. (2) A 60-year-old white male with osteoarthritis (ICD-9 715.16, BMI = 25.0, non-diabetic, non-smoker) has a pre-operative Oxford Knee Score of 45. He has full thickness cartilage loss on his medial femoral condyle by MRI only. His predicted outcome is 0.67 MCIDs and his relative risk of infection is 1.9 (1.4%) (Figure 2). He is expected to have a poor outcome even though his risk of infection is low. Although he has full thickness cartilage loss on MRI, his pre-operative Oxford Knee Score of 45 demonstrates that he is very functional and has minimal opportunity for improving his knee function with a total knee replacement. He is a poor candidate for TKR surgery. Conclusions. The patient-specific SDM tool for TKR surgery can distinguish between excellent and poor surgical candidates when both patients meet radiographic criteria for surgery. The pre-operative Oxford Knee Score assesses knee function and/or disability. Patients with relatively high OKSs are less likely to achieve clinically significant improvements after total knee replacement surgery

Introduction. Limb deformity is usually assessed clinically assisted by long leg alignment radiographs and further imaging modalities (MRI and CT). Often decisions are made based on static imaging and simple gait interpretation in clinic. We have assessed the value of gait lab analysis in surgical decision making comparing surgical planning pre and post gait lab assessment. Materials & Methods. Patients were identified from the local limb reconstruction database. Patients were reviewed in the outpatient clinic and long leg alignment radiographs and a CT rotational limb profile were performed. A surgical plan was formulated and documented. All patients then underwent a formal gait lab analysis. The gait lab recommendations were then compared to the initial plan. Results. Twelve patients (8 female) with mean age of 14 (range 12–16) were identified. Nine were developmental torsional malalignments, one arthrogryposis, one hemiparesis secondary to spinal tumour resection and one syndromic limb deficiency. The gait lab recommended conservative management in four patients and agreed with eight surgical plans with one osteotomy level changing. Five patients are post-operative: two bilateral distal tibial osteotomies, two de-rotational femoral osteotomy with de-rotational tibial osteotomies and one bilateral femoral de-rotational osteotomies. Conclusions. Limb deformity correction is major surgery with long rehabilitation and recovery period. Gait lab analysis can identify who would benefit from conservative management rather than surgery with our study showing changes to surgical planning in one third of patients. The gait lab analysis helps to identify patients with functional and neuromuscular imbalances where correcting the bony anatomy may not actually benefit the patient

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a major and costly health problem which is difficult to treat from both patients’ and practitioners’ perspectives. Gaining a greater understanding of patients’ and practitioners’ decision making may be one way of achieving more successful chronic pain consultations. Aim: To explore the influences on patients’ decision making regarding care seeking, and practitioners’ decision making regarding care delivery for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Method: In-depth qualitative interview study of chronic musculoskeletal pain patients and of NHS and private, mainstream and CAM practitioners who treat patients. Topic guides were developed which explored, patients’ and practitioners’ beliefs about the causes of pain and expectations of treatment, and the factors influencing decision making within the consultation. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed for analysis, and data was analysed using Framework. Results: Fifteen patients and 21 practitioners (two GPs, five chiropractors, five osteopaths and 10 physiotherapists) were interviewed. Themes identified as influencing the process of care and decision making, were the level of trust within the patient-practitioner relationship, beliefs about whom should be responsible for patients’ health, the role of patients’ self identity on the management of pain, and beliefs about whom should hold the expertise within the consultation. Conclusions: To improve primary care for chronic musculoskeletal pain, the level of trust within the patient-practitioner relationship may need to be increased. This may help practitioners to recognise and accept patients’ growing expertise within the consultation, which in turn may facilitate patients in taking more responsibility for their pain

Introduction. It is standard practice to send samples for microbiological and histological analysis during revision surgery in suspected prosthetic joint infection. The aim of our study was to analyse the utility of histology in decision making in these patients. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of all revision hip arthroplasty patients between from September 2013 and August 2016 from the hospital database. We analysed the results of aspiration, culture and sensitivity, histology from intra-operative samples and inflammatory markers. Diagnostic utility statistics were performed. Results. 135 revisions were included. The mean age of the patients was 64.2±2.34 years.114 patients had a single stage revision and 21 patients had more than one procedure. 4 patients grew organisms in 3/5 microscopy samples and 5 patients grew organisms in 1 or 2 samples. Histology showed infection in 4 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of microbiology tests in detecting infection were 90.9% and 93% respectively (positive predictive value ppv =58.8, negative predictive value npv = 99.2). The sensitivity and specificity for histology were 57.1% and 92.5% respectively (ppv = 40% and npv = 74.4%). The cost of performing histology analysis in these patients is £206.50. The financial savings if none of the patients had a histological analysis would have been £27877.50. Discussion. Histology does not add any information to the results of microbiological analysis in prosthetic joint infection. It does not contribute to any change in the management. The cost of performing a histological analysis in one patient is substantial with no clinical utility. Conclusion. We conclude that sending intra-operative samples for histology in addition to microbiological analysis has limited clinical utility and may be safely discontinued without any compromise in clinical decision making capacity and substantial financial savings

Background. There is a 20% dissatisfaction rate with knee replacements. Calls for tools that can pre-operatively identify patients at risk of being dissatisfied postoperatively have been widespread. However, it is unclear what sort of information patients would want from such a tool, how it would affect their decision making process, and at what part of the pathway such a tool should be used. Methods. Using focus groups involving 12 participants and in-depth interviews with 10 participants, we examined the effect outcome prediction has by providing fictitious predictions to patients at different stages of treatment. A qualitative analysis of themes, based on a constant comparative method, is used to analyse the data. This study was approved by the Dyfed Powys Research Ethics Committee (13/WA/0140). Results. Our results demonstrate several interesting findings. Firstly, patients who have received information from friends and family are unwilling to adjust their expectation of outcome down (i.e. to a worse outcome), but highly willing to adjust it up (to a better outcome). This is an example of the optimism bias, and suggests the effect on expectation of any poor outcome prediction would be blunted. Secondly, patients generally wanted a “bottom line” outcome, rather than lots of detail. Thirdly, patients who were earlier in their treatment for osteoarthritis were more likely to find the information useful, and for it to affect their decision, than patients later in their pathway. Conclusion. An outcome prediction tool would have most effect targeted towards people at the start of their treatment pathway, with a “bottom line” prediction of outcome. However, any effect on expectation and decision making of a poor outcome prediction is likely to be blunted by the optimism bias. Level of Evidence. 4

Significance. In spite of evidence that total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is effective, numerous studies have demonstrated that approximately 20 percent of patients who have undergone TKR surgery are not satisfied. This relatively high rate of patients who are not satisfied is the result of unmet patient expectations. The strongest predictor of dissatisfaction after TKR is unmet expectations (RR = 10.7, Bourne, Chesworth, et al, 2010). This is confirmed by Dunbar, Richardson, and Robertsson (2013): “Unmet expectation seems to be a major cause of unsatisfactory outcomes and satisfaction is most strongly correlated with relief of pain, followed by improvement in physical function.” Objective: To develop patient reported outcome (PRO) recovery graphs for knee function, activity level, and pain relief to be used as a shared decision making tool for total knee replacement surgery. Methods. A proprietary joint arthroplasty database of patient reported outcomes (PROs) was analyzed to determine the recovery curve means and standard deviations of four PROs at six time points: pre-operatively, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-operatively for total knee replacement surgery. The recovery graphs are stratified by percentile (10%, 26%, 50%, 75%, and 90%) The PROs analyzed were: (1) European quality of life (EQ-5D); Oxford Knee Score (OKS); (3) Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS); and (4) Likert Pain Scale (LPS). The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using a distribution method where the MCID equals one half the standard deviation of the score change, MCID = σΔ/2. The LEAS and LPS are used to measure patients’ expectations for pain relief and activity improvement. Prior to discussing surgery, patients are asked to report their pre-operative pain and activity levels and to specify their expected pain relief and activity improvement one year after surgery. Results. EQ-5D: MCID 0.086, mean pre-op 0.695, 1 year post op 0.845, mean change 0.150 (1.74 MCIDs). Oxford Knee Score: MCID 4.55, mean pre-op 25.7, 1 year post op 39.7, mean change 14.0 (3.08 MCIDs). Lower Extremity Activity Scale: MCID 1.61, mean pre-op 9.08, 1 year post op 10.82, mean change 1.74 (1.08 MCIDs). Likert Pain Scale: MCID 1.26, mean pre-op 5.98, 1 year post op 1.41, mean change −4.57 (3.63 MCIDs). Stratified recovery graphs for Oxford Knee Score, Lower Extremity Activity Scale, and Likert Pain Scale are attached. Conclusions. Pain relief (3.63 MCIDs) and improved knee function (3.08 MCIDs) will be the most dramatic improvements for patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Stratified recovery graphs can be used as a shared decision making tool to manage both realistic and unrealistic expectations. The recovery graphs delineate the time course for rehabilitation. Patients typically do not exceed their pre-operative activity level until three months after surgery

Objectives. The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgical and non-surgical management of fractures of the proximal humerus, and to determine whether further analyses based on complexity of fracture, or the type of surgical intervention, produced disparate findings on patient outcomes. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed identifying all RCTs that compared surgical and non-surgical management of fractures of the proximal humerus. Meta-analysis of clinical outcomes was performed where possible. Subgroup analysis based on the type of fracture, and a sensitivity analysis based on the type of surgical intervention, were also performed. Results. Seven studies including 528 patients were included. The overall meta-analysis found that there was no difference in clinical outcomes. However, subgroup and sensitivity analyses found improved patient outcomes for more complex fractures managed surgically. Four-part fractures that underwent surgery had improved long-term health utility scores (mean difference, MD 95% CI 0.04 to 0.28; p = 0.007). They were also less likely to result in osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis and non/malunion (OR 7.38, 95% CI 1.97 to 27.60; p = 0.003). Another significant subgroup finding was that secondary surgery was more common for patients that underwent internal fixation compared with conservative management within the studies with predominantly three-part fractures (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.63; p = 0.009). Conclusion. This meta-analysis has demonstrated that differences in the type of fracture and surgical treatment result in outcomes that are distinct from those generated from analysis of all types of fracture and surgical treatments grouped together. This has important implications for clinical decision making and should highlight the need for future trials to adopt more specific inclusion criteria. Cite this article: S. Sabharwal, N. K. Patel, D. Griffiths, T. Athanasiou, C. M. Gupte, P. Reilly. Trials based on specific fracture configuration and surgical procedures likely to be more relevant for decision making in the management of fractures of the proximal humerus: Findings of a meta-analysisBone Joint Res 2016;5:470–480. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.2000638

Patients had traditionally relied on health care professionals for advice and treatment options for most orthopaedic conditions including degenerative lumbar spine disease. However the unprecedented access to heath care information offered by the internet is changing the way how patients gather information and make treatment choices. Aims & Methods: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the internet on patients presenting to orthopaedic clinics with degenerative lumbar spine disease and its influence on decision making. A power calculation was done to determine appropriate sample size needed for the study. Questionnaires were handed to willing patients who were attending back clinic for more 6 months and diagnosed to have degenerative lumbar spine disease. Each participant filled a 25 point survey and a total of 105 surveys were collected. Results: Out of the 79% who had access to the internet, 55% accessed it from home which is in comparison to the national statistics of 57%. The rest of 24% access internet at other places. Internet usage was found to be directly proportional to education and earnings with 100% in professionals and then dropping significantly. 80% living in urban areas used internet to access health information. Topics commonly searched include causes (74%), symptoms (70%), treatment/surgical options (82%). Only few people looked at the choice of surgeons (30%) and hospitals (30%) as the practice is mostly NHS based. Around 50% made clinical decisions based on their search. 86% used general search engines like yahoo, google, 14% used sites like med line, NHS. UK. Health professionals had more influence in decision making than internet (80%). Conclusions: Internet is evolving as a powerful source of health information and influencing more an more patients in clinical decision making with a 5% growth in internet usage every year (national statistics)

The decision to salvage or amputate a severely injured limb is one of the most difficult an orthopaedic surgeon may face. The inclination to undertake heroic measures to save the limb should be tempered by the realization that doing so may lead to repeated hospitalizations, extensive complications, and a poor functional outcome. Such a decision is rarely clear-cut. Several factors require consideration: the degree of damage to the extremity and the severity of the overall injury, as well as the nature of the patient’s physical, psychologic, social, and economic status, including such aspects as age, previous state of health, attitude, wishes, reliability, support system, life-style, occupation, and financial resources. In this study We present 36 cases of severe limb injury with arterial damage. In our cases we evaluate the efficacy of limb injury scoring system like MESS score, MESI score, NISSSA score, LSI and PSI system in predicting results of limb saving surgery. Scoring systems should be used only as a guide for decision making. The relative importance of each of the associated trauma parameters (with the exception of prolonged, warm ischaemia time or risking the life of a patient with severe, multiple organ trauma) is still of questionable predictive value. A good understanding of the potential complications facilitates the decision-making process in limb salvage versus amputation. The subjective factors include such aspects as lifestyle, occupation, age, wishes, attitude, reliability, social support system, and financial resources. These considerations are perhaps more subjective, but undoubtedly important, for man is more than his framework of tendons, veins, and bones

Background. Hallux valgus is a complex deformity of the first ray and forefoot, which can be surgically treated by different procedures and osteotomies. Preoperative planning includes antero-posterior and lateral plain films. The effect of weightbearing on the results of the standardized measurements is still the subject of debate. Materials and Methods. We evaluated the effect of weightbearing on the results of measurements and decision making by expert evaluators. Twenty one expert foot & ankle surgeons were given weightbearing and nonweightbearing anteroposterior plain foot films of patients with hallux valgus. They were asked to measure three standard angles and then to select the most appropriate procedure out of a short list. Results. Using paired Student T-test, no difference in the angles measured or the procedures chosen was detected between weightbearing and nonweightbearing films. Conclusion. Although it is generally accepted that decisions regarding the treatment of hallux valgus should be based on plain weightbearing films, in this study we established the nonweightbearing films can be reliably used to choose the surgical procedure

Spinal infections are rare diseases, whose management highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Although treatment is based on antibiotics, always selected on coltural and antibiogram tests, surgery is required in case of development of spinal instability or deformity, progressive neurological deficits, drainage of abscesses, or failure of medical treatment. The first step of the algorithm is diagnosis, that is established on MRI with contrast, PET/CT scan, blood tests (CRP and ESR) and CT-guided needle biopsy. Evaluation of response to the specific antibiotic therapy is based on variations in Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. In selected cases, early minimally invasive surgery was proposed to provide immediate stability and avoid bed-rest. From 1997 to 2014, 182 patients affected by spinal infections have been treated at the same Institution (Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli – Bologna, Italy) according to the proposed algorithm. Mean age was 56 years (range 1 – 88). Male to female ratio was 1.46. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Infections were mostly located in the lumbar spine (57%) followed by thoracic (37%) and cervical spine (6%). Conservative treatment based on antibiotics needed surgery (open and/or percuteneous minimally invasive) as an adjuvant in 83 patients out of 182 (46%). Management of spinal infections still remains a challenge in spinal surgery and a multisciplinary approach is mandatory. This algorithm represents the shared decision- making process from diagnosis to the most appropriate treatment and it led to successful outcomes with a low-complication rate. We present this algorithm developed to organize the various professionals involved (orthopaedic surgeons, nuclear medicine and infective disease specialists, interventional radiologists and anaestesiologists) and set a shared pathway of decision making in order to uniform the management of this complex disease

Rotationplasty, or the Van Nes procedure, is a surgical option for reconstruction of the lower extremity after resection of a malignant bone tumor in predominantly skeletally immature patients. The procedure usually involves resection of the femur and knee joint en bloc. Virtually all soft tissues, including skin around the tumor, are excised, and the sciatic nerve is preserved. The vessels can be resected and re-anastamosed or preserved. The leg and foot are rotated 180 degrees and reattached, preserving and/or restoring the nerves and blood supply. The foot and ankle which face posteriorly, then function as a knee joint in a custom-made prosthesis. Although this procedure has been successfully performed for many years, patients and families cite cosmesis as a major consideration when making this decision. The lack of knowledge and understanding of the functionality, the psychosocial adjustment, and the quality of life with the rotationplasty, also, present challenges for families with respect to acceptance of this surgical choice. Two case studies will be discussed to demonstrate the biopsychosocial elements of this procedure. These two individuals, 2.5 years and 24 years post-rotationplasty respectively, have attained success in their personal and professional lives, and they have willingly and enthusiastically shared their experiences with patients and families considering this surgical option. Using Roy’s adaptation model, this presentation will focus on adopting positive role modeling to enhance adaptive strategies needed by patients and families to guide their decision making

Purpose. To determine whether MRI done prior to reduction altered the surgeon's choice of reduction method. Method. One hundred and four patients were included in this retrospective review. The first component of this study identified the presence of uncontained, herniated discs in this patient group. The MRI scans were reviewed by two teams including a radiology team and orthopaedic team. These scans were assessed without clinical information and the teams did not have access to the patient notes. An Interrater agreement assessment was applied to the data and the most reliable inter-observer variables of disc injury were chosen to identify the presence of a herniated uncontained intervertebral disc. The second part of this study entailed a detailed clinical note review specifically looking at type of reduction, whether it was intended and the reason why a certain type of reduction was chosen. These naturally divided the 104 patients into 5 cohorts including; closed reduction, Intended open reduction due to the documented presence of a ‘dangerous disc’, open reduction following failed closed reduction, open reduction with no documented reason and open reduction due to delay in presentation. Since closed reduction would not be considered in delayed presentations this cohort was removed from data analysis. Additionally the pre and post reduction neurological status was noted. Results. The cohort that included ‘Intended open reduction due to presence of an uncontained disc’ included 11.5% of patients in this data subset. These cases all had MRI's that were documented to have influenced the type of reduction (p=0.006). However 57% of patients with uncontained discs had had attempted closed reduction; 31% were successful and 27% failed. Using the binomial exact test we calculate the 95% confidence interval showing .054 and .208; thus the reduction method was significantly changed by performing MRI. One patient developed neurological compromise after failed closed reduction. This formed 3.6% of 28 uncontained discs that had attempted closed reduction. Conclusion. The risk of neurological deterioration with closed reduction in the presence of an uncontained disc the risk is 3.6% with an overall risk of 2.2% for this cohort. This study confirms pre-reduction MRI to significantly affect surgeon's decision making. Therr is a significant cost to MRI investigation and the incidence of neurological deterioration of 2.2% needs to be seen against this. ONE DISCLOSURE

To review our practice of requesting nerve root blocks, to see how effective our therapeutic blocks are and how many of our diagnostic blocks confirm clinical suspicion and help decision making. Retrospective cohort analysis. 120 fluoroscopically guided nerve root blocks were performed between 20/08/2008 and 29/12/2008. There were 100 patients who had pain diary data available, 42 males (mean age 52.02 range 20-76) 58 females (mean age 60.03, range 22-88). We recorded: clinical diagnosis, reason for block, result of block on a 10 point visual analogue pain diary on days 0, 2, 14 and at review. A successful block was defined as an improvement of at least 2 points. For the diagnostic blocks we also recorded whether the block result influenced surgical decision making. Block methods will be illustrated in diagram. Results will be displayed graphically and in text. 18 blocks were cervical (1 purely diagnostic, 6 therapeutic, and 10 mixed, 1 data unavailable). 71 blocks were lumbar (1 purely diagnostic, 28 purely therapeutic, and 37 mixed, 5 data unavailable). 28% of all blocks were successful immediately (2 unavailable data) and 22% at two weeks (1 unavailable data). By 3 months the success rate for therapeutic blocks was 26%. Of the blocks done for diagnostic reasons, 86% influenced a clinical decision at the next outpatient appointment. Our results justify the continuance of this service. Increased care should be taken that patients' outcome data is collected

Introduction. The application of artificial intelligence (A.I) using patient reported outcomes (PROs) to predict benefits, risks, benefits and likelihood of improvement following surgery presents a new frontier in shared decision-making. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an A.I-enabled decision aid versus patient education alone on decision quality in patients with knee OA considering total knee replacement (TKR). Secondarily we assess impact on shared decision-making, patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, consultation time, TKR rates and treatment concordance. Methods. We performed a randomized controlled trial involving 130 new adult patients with OA-related knee pain. Patients were randomized to receive the decision aid (intervention group, n=65) or educational material only (control group, n=65) along with usual care. Both cohorts completed patient surveys including PROs at baseline and between 6–12 weeks following initial evaluation or TKR. Statistical analysis included linear mixed effect models, Mann-Whitney U tests to assess for differences between groups and Fisher's exact test to evaluate variations in surgical rates and treatment concordance. Results. The intervention group showed greater decision quality (K-DQI, Mean difference = 20%, p<0.0001), collaboration in decision-making (CollaboRATE, 12% (intervention group), 47% (control group) below median, p<0.0001), satisfaction with consultations (NRS-C, 14% (intervention group), 33% (control group) below median, p=0.008), improvement in functional outcomes from baseline up to 12 week follow-up (KOOSJR, 4.9 pts higher (intervention group), p=0.029) without significantly impacting consultation time. No differences were observed in TKR rates or treatment concordance. Conclusion. A.I-enabled decision aids incorporating PROs in predictive algorithms can improve decision quality, level of shared decision-making, satisfaction with patient-provider consultations, and functional outcomes, without extending consultation times. The combination of advanced predictive technologies and patient reported data to forecast surgical outcomes presents a paradigm shift in shared decision making and the delivery of high value care for patients with knee OA

This study explores the outcomes of a pilot project involving five Orthopaedic services in developing approaches to improve the consistency and equity of clinical decision-making for access to treatment. The pilot was conducted in two phases; the first involved development of retrospective and prospective data collection and analysis tools including use of:. The Orthopaedic Integrated CPAC tool:. Euroquol and Oxford Hip and Knee quality of life measures,. A surgical decision construct tool to identify patterns in clinical judgement. A clinician survey Phase two involved a locally managed feedback and improvement process. Large variations in internal equity were found within most services. Additionally a significant, systemic equity issue is apparent between patients prioritised for major joints versus other conditions. The pilot has made useful progress in developing improvement tools and processes targeting electives service management, improvements in prioritisation and clinical decision making, and funding and planning decisions. The pilot has also raised issues for further CPAC development and national service policy

Total Hip Replacement (THR) is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine, however surgeons just rely on their experience and expertise when choosing between cemented or cementless stem, without having any quantitative guidelines. The aim of this project is to provide clinicians with some tools to support in their decision making. A novel method based on bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and assessments was developed 1) to estimate the periprosthetic fracture risk (FR) while press-fitting cementless stem; 2) to evaluate post-operative bone remodeling in terms of BMD changes after primary THR. Data for 5 out of over 70 patients (already involved in a previous study. 1. ) that underwent primary THA in Iceland were selected for developing novel methods to assess intra-operative FR and bone mineral density (BMD) changes after the operation. For each patient three CT images were acquired (Philips Brilliance 64 Spiral-CT, 120 kVp, slice thickness: 1 mm, slice increment: 0.5 mm): pre-op, 24 hours and 1 year post-operative. Pre-op CT scan was used to create 3D finite element model (Materialise Mimics) of the proximal femur. The material properties were assigned based on Hounsfield Units. Different strategies were analyzed for simulating the press-fitting operation, developing what has already been done in prior study. 1. In the finite element simulation (Ansys Workbench), a pressure (related to the implant hammering force of 9.25 kN. 2. ) was applied around the femur's hollow for the stem and the distribution of maximum principal elastic strain over the bone was calculated. Assuming a critical failure value. 3. of 7300 με, the percentage of fractured elements was calculated (i.e. FR). Post 24 hours and Post 1 year CT images were co-registrated and compared (Materialise Mimics) in order to assess BMD changes. Successively, volumes of bone lost and bone gained were calculated and represented in a 3D model. Age and gender should not be taken as unique indicators to choose between implants typologies, since also three dimensional BMD distribution along with volume of cortical bone influence the risk of periprosthetic fractures. Highest FR values were experienced in the calcar-femorale zone and in similar location on the posterior side. BMD loss volume fractions after 1 year were usually higher than BMD gain ones. Consistently with prior studies. 4. , BMD loss was mainly concentrated around the proximal end (lesser trochanter area, outer bone). If present, BMD gain occurred at the distal end (below stem's tip) or proximally (lesser trochanter area, interface contact with the stem). The use of clinical data for BMD assessments serves as an important tool to develop a quantitative method which will support surgeons in their decisions, guiding them to the optimal implant for the patient. Knowing the risk of fracture if choosing a cementless stem and being aware of how the bone will remodel around the stem in one year's time can eventually lead to reduction in revisions and increased quality of life for the patient. Further work will target analysis of a larger cohort of patients and validate FE models