Aims. Deprivation underpins many societal and health inequalities. COVID-19 has exacerbated these disparities, with access to planned care falling greatest in the most deprived areas of the UK during 2020. This study aimed to identify the impact of deprivation on patients on growing waiting lists for planned care. Methods. Questionnaires were sent to orthopaedic waiting list patients at the start of the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown to capture key quantitative and qualitative aspects of patients’ health. A total of 888 respondents were divided into quintiles, with sampling stratified based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD); level 1 represented the ‘most deprived’ cohort and level 5 the ‘least deprived’. Results. The least deprived cohort were older (mean 65.95 years (SD 13.33)) than the most deprived (mean 59.48 years (SD 13.85)). Mean symptom duration was lower in the least deprived areas (68.59 months (SD 112.26)) compared to the most deprived (85.85 months (SD 122.50)). Mean pain visual analogue scores (VAS) were poorer in the most compared to the least deprived cohort (7.11 (SD 2.01) vs 5.99 (SD 2.57)), with mean mood scores also poorer (6.06 (SD 2.65) vs 4.71 (SD 2.78)). The most deprived areas exhibited lower mean quality of life (QoL) scores than the least (0.37 (SD 0.30) vs 0.53 (SD 0.31)). QoL findings correlated with health VAS and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD2) scores, with the most deprived areas experiencing poorer health (health VAS 50.82 (SD 26.42) vs 57.29 (SD 24.19); GAD2: 2.94 (SD 2.35) vs 1.88 (SD 2.07)). Least-deprived patients had the highest self-reported activity levels and lowest sedentary cohort, with the converse true for patients from the most deprived areas. Conclusion. The most deprived patients experience poorer physical and mental health, with this most adversely impacted by lengthy waiting list delays. Interventions to address inequalities should focus on prioritizing the most deprived. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):777–785

Aims. The overall aim of this study was to determine the impact of deprivation with regard to quality of life, demographics, joint-specific function, attendances for unscheduled care, opioid and antidepressant use, having surgery elsewhere, and waiting times for surgery on patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. Postal surveys were sent to 1,001 patients on the waiting list for THA or TKA in a single Northern Ireland NHS Trust, which consisted of the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), visual analogue scores (EQ-VAS), and Oxford Hip and Knee Scores. Electronic records determined prescriptions since addition to the waiting list and out-of-hour GP and emergency department attendances. Deprivation quintiles were determined by the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2017 using postcodes of home addresses. Results. Overall, 707 postal surveys were returned, of which 277 (39.2%) reported negative “worse than death” EQ-5D scores and 219 (21.9%) reported the consumption of strong opioids. Those from the least deprived quintile 5 had a significantly better EQ-5D index (median 0.223 (interquartile range (IQR) -0.080 to 0.503) compared to those in the most deprived quintiles 1 (median 0.049 (IQR -0.199 to 0.242), p = 0.004), 2 (median 0.076 (IQR -0.160 to 0.277; p = 0.010), and 3 (median 0.076 (IQR-0.153 to 0.301; p = 0.010). Opioid use was significantly greater in the most deprived quintile 1 compared to all other quintiles (45/146 (30.8%) vs 174/809 (21.5%); odds ratio 1.74 (95% confidence interval 1.18 to 2.57; p = 0.005). Conclusion. More deprived patients have worse health-related quality of life and greater opioid use while waiting for THA and TKA than more affluent patients. For patients awaiting surgery, more information and alternative treatment options should be available. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):444–451

Abstract. Introduction. Knee replacement surgery can greatly improve pain, disability, quality of life and ability to work. Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with multiple poor health outcomes, partly due to reduced access to services, including surgery. We investigated whether deprivation was associated with characteristics at presentation, and outcomes following knee arthroplasty. Methodology. We linked data from 2358 knee arthroplasty cases with the Index of Multiple Deprivation, and mortality data after mean 7.6 years follow up. A locally developed scoring system was used prospectively to categorise case complexity. Results. Most patients were from more affluent areas. Deprivation was associated with younger age, and increasing case complexity. There was a significant association between case complexity and mortality, while an independent association between deprivation and mortality could not be confirmed. Conclusion. Health inequalities may impact presentations and outcomes in knee arthroplasty. Patients from areas of socioeconomic deprivation present more complex cases, which may be a result of associated comorbidity and delayed presentation due to impaired access. As knee arthroplasty can improve disability and ability to work, its availability in deprived areas can play a role in the alleviation of health inequality

Higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation have been associated with worse health outcomes. The influence of socioeconomic deprivation on patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) has not previously been investigated. A total of 217 patients (171 female, 46 male; median age 23.4 years) who underwent PAO by a single surgeon were identified. Patients were categorised into three groups according to their New Zealand Deprivation (NZDep) Index: minimal deprivation (NZDep Index 1–3, n=89), moderate deprivation (NZDep Index 4–6, n=94), and maximal deprivation (NZDep Index 7–10, n=34). The three groups were compared with respect to baseline variables, surgical details, complications, and pre-operative and two-year post-operative functional scores (including International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), EQ-5D quality of life score, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score). Multivariate regression was undertaken to assess for the effect of NZDep Index on patient outcomes. Patients in the maximal deprivation group were more likely to be Māori (p<0.001) and have surgery in a public rather than a private hospital (p=0.004), while the minimal deprivation group demonstrated a lower BMI (p=0.005). There were otherwise no other significant differences in baseline variables, surgical details, complications, nor pre-operative or two-year post-operative functional scores between the three groups (all p>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified a higher NZDep Index to be independently predictive of a lower pre-operative UCLA activity score (p=0.014) and a higher two-year iHOT-12 score (p<0.001). Our results demonstrate an inequality in access to PAO, with patients exposed to higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation under-represented in our study population. When provided access to PAO, these vulnerable patients achieve significant functional improvement at least as great as patients with less socioeconomic deprivation. Initiatives to improve access to hip preservation care in socioeconomically deprived populations appear warranted

We determined the impact of deprivation and frailty at the time of diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis (OA) on the likelihood of receiving total hip arthroplasty (THA). We used routinely collected primary care data (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) linked to Hospital Episode Statistics. Frailty was assessed at the time of hip OA diagnosis using a validated frailty index based on coded data in the primary care record and categorised as fit, mild, moderate, and severe frailty. The association between quintile of index of multiple deprivation (IMD), frailty category and likelihood of receiving THA was assessed in separate Cox regression models, adjusted for year of OA diagnosis, age, and sex. 104,672 individuals with hip OA contributed. Compared to those in the first quintile of IMD (least deprived), those in the fourth and fifth quintile of IMD (most deprived), respectively, were less likely to receive THA, hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI), 0.92 (0.89, 0.95) and 0.80 (0.77, 0.83). Increasing frailty at OA diagnosis was associated with reduced likelihood of receiving THA. Compared to fit individuals, the HR (95% CI) for receiving THA among those with: mild frailty was 0.80 (0.78, 0.82); moderate frailty was 0.60 (0.58, 0.62); and severe frailty was 0.42 (0.39, 0.45). Increasing deprivation was associated with increasing frailty at the time of hip OA diagnosis, independent of age, sex, and year of OA diagnosis. However, those in the two most deprived quintiles were still less likely to receive THA after additionally adjusting for frailty category. Greater deprivation and greater frailty were associated with lower likelihood of receiving THA among people with hip osteoarthritis. Greater frailty among those most deprived did not explain the reduced likelihood of receiving THA among those most deprived

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of deprivation on access to and outcome from total hip replacement in a district general setting. Methods: A prospective audit was undertaken in an elective orthopaedic centre serving an entire health region. Hip function was collected using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) Patients were followed up for a mean 71 months and the presence of complications noted. Patients were allocated a deprivation category by retrospective application of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintiles. Results: A total of 2270 hip replacements were carried out in 2177 patients. There were 93 bilateral simultaneous procedures. The overall incidence of THR was 79.5/100,000 per year. This rate was significantly higher in more deprived areas. 37.4% of THRs occurred in males but there was no significant change with deprivation. Deprivation was not linked with age, length of stay or BMI. There was no association with the prevalence of diabetes, cancer, ischaemic heart disease or hypertension in this group. The incidence of smoking increased with deprivation, with a prevalence of 21.5% in the most deprived group compared to 7.7% in the least (p=0.0001). There was no observed difference in mortality, infection, dislocation, thrombosis or transfusion requirement. Preoperative and postoperative function was significantly different between groups with HHS being lower in the most deprived group compared to the least (p=0.01, p=0.005). There were ‘pockets’ of low and high incidence of THR. These correlate with the age of the population (r=0.69, p< 0.001). Conclusion: We could identify no inequality in access to total hip replacement in our centre and health board region. The incidence of smoking increased with increasing deprivation. Areas with a greater proportion of the population over 60 had an increased incidence of THR. Pre-operative function and outcomes were found to be lower in more deprived groups

Socially deprived patients face significant barriers that reduce their access to care, presenting unique challenges for orthopaedic surgeons. Few studies have investigated the outcomes of surgical fracture care among those socially deprived, despite the increased incidence of fractures, and the inequality of care received in this group. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether social deprivation impacted the complications and subsequent management of marginalized/homeless patients following ankle fracture surgery. In this retrospective, population-based cohort study involving 202 hospitals in Ontario, Canada, we evaluated 45,444 patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation for an ankle fracture performed by 710 different surgeons between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2011. Socioeconomic deprivation was measured for each patient according to their residential location by using the “deprivation” component of the Ontario Marginalization Index (ON-MARG). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between deprivation and shorter-term outcomes within 1 year (implant removal, repeat ORIF, irrigation and debridement due to infection, and amputation). Multivariable cox proportional hazards (CPH) models were used to assess longer-term outcomes up to 20 years (ankle fusion and ankle arthroplasty). A higher level of deprivation was associated with an increased risk of I&D (quintile 5 vs. quintile 1: odds ratio (OR) 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–3.67, p = 0.0054) and amputation (quintile 4 vs. quintile 1: OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.01–12.4, p = 0.0466). It was more common for less deprived patients to have their hardware removed compared to more deprived patients (quintile 5 vs. quintile 1: OR 0.822, 95% CI 0.76–0.888, p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between marginalization and subsequent revision ORIF, ankle fusion, or ankle arthroplasty. Marginalized patients are at a significantly increased risk of infection and amputation following operatively treated ankle fractures. However, these complications are still extremely rare among this group. Thus, socioeconomic deprivation should not prohibit marginalized patients from receiving operative management for unstable ankle fractures

Introduction. This study investigates the epidemiology of proximal radial fractures and potential links to social deprivation. Patients and Methods. From a prospective database we identified and analysed all patients who had sustained a fracture of the radial head or neck over a one year period. The degree of social deprivation was assessed using the Carstairs and Morris index. The relationship between demographic data, fracture characteristics and deprivation categories was determined using statistical analysis. Results. Two hundred and ninety radial head (n=203) and neck (n=87) fractures were diagnosed with a mean age of 44.3years (13–94). There was no significant difference with regards age or gender predominance when comparing radial head and neck fractures directly. The mean age of males was significantly younger when compared to females for radial head (p<0.001) and neck (p<0.001) fractures, but with no gender predominance seen. Associated injuries (n=25) were related to increasing age (p=0.006), radial head fractures (p=0.003) and increasing fracture complexity according to the Mason classification (p<0.001). Social deprivation was related to the mean age at the time of fracture and the mechanism of injury (p<0.05 for both). Conclusions. Proximal radial fractures are frequently fragility fractures affecting older females and assessment for osteoporosis is recommended. Complex radial head fractures require thorough investigation for the presence of associated injuries

Aim: To prospectively determine whether social deprivation has an effect on the level of disability at presentation and the outcome from total knee replacement (TKR). Method: A prospective outcome study was carried out between 1992 and 1996, recruiting over 2500 total knee replacements. All patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postop using the Knee Society (KS) scores for clinical evaluation and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) to measure general health status. The Townsend Score was used as the index of social deprivation and was calculated for each patient on the basis of their address. Results: There was no significant difference between either the Knee Society or NHP scores at baseline and the Townsend Score. This indicated that social deprivation has no effect on the level of the knee arthritis immediately prior to joint replacement, both in terms of patient disability and health status. There was also no significant difference between either the Knee Society or NHP scores postoperatively and the Townsend Score. This indicated that social deprivation has no effect on the outcome from knee replacement. Conclusion: This study shows that social deprivation has no significant effect on the level of disability at presentation and the outcome from total knee replacement. This is contrary to previously published reports which have shown worse outcomes in more deprived patients

Introduction. Primary cilia are organelles found singularly on almost every cell in the body, including tenocytes. Tendon is a hierarchical, composite structure, and previous work from our group has suggested that the cell populations in the inter-fascicular matrix (IFM) may be different from those within the fascicle matrix (FM). This study investigated how stress deprivation influenced the primary cilia of both cell types, and the mechanics of the IFM and the FM. Materials and Methods. Rat tail tendons were dissected and then either tested immediately (fresh), or maintained in media for 1 week, either stress deprived or at 4% static strain. Fascicles and IFM were then either, fixed and imaged to determine cilia length (n = 80–160 cilia per group from across 3 rats), or mechanically tested to determine the static and viscoelastic properties of both the fascicles and the IFM (n = 6–8 per group). Results. Cilia length in the IFM and FM of fresh samples were not significantly different. After 1 week of stress deprivation, the cilia had significantly increased in length in both the IFM and FM, however the increase in length in the IFM was significantly greater than that in the FM. Cilia in tissue maintained at 4% static strain were significantly shorter than those in stress deprived tissue, however they remained longer than those in fresh tissue. The tensile strength of the fascicles was not affected by stress deprivation or static strain conditions. However, the viscoelastic properties of the stress deprived fascicles were significantly reduced. By contrast, the tensile strength of the IFM was significantly reduced in the stress deprived samples, indicative of greater degradation in this region. Discussion. This is the first time differences in the cilia have been observed between tendon regions. Their different response to stress deprivation provides further evidence that these populations of cells respond differently to changes in mechanical stimulation. Cilia length increased more in the region where there was more mechanical degradation, suggesting that cilia are responding to their local mechanical environment

Background. Reduced bone mineral density is recognised as a risk factor for hip fractures and fragility fractures in general. Vitamin D is important in maintaining healthy bone mineral levels and can therefore affect risk of hip fracture. We investigated the correlation between vitamin D levels and bone mineral density, as well as fracture type, in neck of femur fractures and also assessed the relationship of vitamin D and social deprivation. Method. We included all patients admitted to our department, with a neck of femur fracture over one year (October 2013 to October 2014). We analysed vitamin D levels for all patients during admission and compared these to bone mineral density scores, based on DEXA scan results; hip fracture type & comminution, based on admission radiographs; and levels of social deprivation, based on the patient's address. Results. In total 360 patients were admitted over the study period, with a neck of femur fracture, of which 298 had vitamin D assessed and 76 had DEXA scans. Of these cohorts, 71% were found to be vitamin D deficient and 7% had osteoporosis. No significant correlation was found between vitamin D scores and bone density, or with level of vitamin D deficiency and fracture type or comminution. A significant correlation was however identified, between low vitamin D levels and decreasing levels of social deprivation (R=0.11, p=0.04). Conclusion. No relationship was identified between vitamin D levels and hip fracture type, suggesting that vitamin D cannot be used to predict patients at risk of more comminuted fractures. Although no relationship was also identified for bone mineral density and vitamin D, this may be because the sample size of DEXA scans was relatively small. Interestingly the relationship between vitamin D and social deprivation was the reverse of what was expected and suggests that affluent individuals may be at greater risk of low vitamin D

Standard protocol following total hip arthroplasty dictates that the hip is kept in a position of abduction until soft tissue healing is sufficient to provide stability. This is maintained by use of an abduction pillow while in bed, meaning that the patient must sleep on their back. Many patients find this position uncomfortable and have significant difficulty in sleeping. Aims: To assess the impact of sleep deprivation on recovery of the patient and quality of life in the peri-operative period. Methods: Patient cohort consisted of elective admissions for total hip replacement. All were assessed using the Epworth sleep scale, SF-36 as well as the Hospital Anxiety and depression score. Body mass index and history of insomnia or obstructive sleep apnoea were recorded. Baseline oxygen saturation was compared with postoperative overnight saturation and request for night sedation. Results: 64 consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty surgery were eligible for inclusion in the study. Mean age 68 (43 to 85), 42 females, 22 males, 62 patients were satisfied with the result of surgery, 1 patient with hip dysplasia had a persistent leg length inequality and one complained of back pain. All patients were nursed according to standard protocol with abduction pillow while in hospital and instructions to sleep on their back while at home. 18 patients did not fully comply with this instruction while at home. There were no early dislocations with a mean follow up of 5.4 months. Mean hospital anxiety and depression scores were significantly increased following surgery mean pre-operatively (5.2), to highest level (3.4) at two weeks, (8.5) at six weeks, returning to normal levels after three months (4.2). Epworth sleep scores were similarly increased with sleep patterns returning to normal at the three month stage. Increasingly, body mass index correlated significantly with poor scores and low oxygen saturation readings. This group of patients had a predisposition to obstructive sleep apnoea, which was predicated by sleeping on their backs, they require more night sedation and analgesia. Conclusions: Standard precautions following total hip arthroplasty are not without morbidity. Sleep deprivation leading to increased anxiety and decreased satisfaction. Increased demand for night sedation and analgesia with their resultant costs and dependence. Sleeping in the supine position may also precipitate obstructive sleep apnoea in at risk patients

Aims. To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) after tibial plateau fracture (TPF) compared to preinjury and population matched values, and what aspects of treatment were most important to patients. Methods. We undertook a retrospective, case-control study of 67 patients at mean 3.5 years (SD 1.3; 1.3 to 6.1) after TPF (47 patients underwent fixation, and 20 nonoperative management). Patients completed EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, Lower Limb Function Scale (LEFS), and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) for current and recalled prefracture status. Propensity score matching for age, sex, and deprivation in a 1:5 ratio was performed using patient level data from the Health Survey for England to obtain a control group for HRQoL comparison. The primary outcome was the difference in actual (TPF cohort) and expected (matched control) EQ-5D-3L score after TPF. Results. TPF patients had a significantly worse EQ-5D-3L utility (mean difference (MD) 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.16; p < 0.001) following their injury compared to matched controls, and had a significant deterioration (MD 0.140, 95% CI 0 to 0.309; p < 0.001) relative to their preoperative status. TPF patients had significantly greater pre-fracture EQ-5D-3L scores compared to controls (p = 0.003), specifically in mobility and pain/discomfort domains. A decline in EQ-5D-3L greater than the minimal important change of 0.105 was present in 36/67 TPF patients (53.7%). Following TPF, OKS (MD -7; interquartile range (IQR) -1 to -15) and LEFS (MD -10; IQR -2 to -26) declined significantly (p < 0.001) from pre-fracture levels. Of the 12 elements of fracture care assessed, the most important to patients were getting back to their own home, having a stable knee, and returning to normal function. Conclusion. TPFs in older adults were associated with a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL compared to preinjury level and age, sex, and deprivation matched controls for both undisplaced fractures managed nonoperatively and displaced or unstable fractures managed with internal fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):273–282

There is little known about how patient socioeconomic status impacts clinical outcomes in hip preservation surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between indices of multiple deprivation, funding provider (NHS Funded or Private Funded) and clinical outcomes following surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The study analysed the data of 5590 patients recorded in the NAHR who underwent primary hip arthroscopic treatment for FAI between November 2013 and July 2023. Records were matched to the UK National index of multiple deprivation using the lower layer super output area. Using iHOT12 score, patient reported outcome measures were analysed at base line and 1 year following surgery. 2358 records were matched to LLSOA deciles. Between the lowest (most deprived) 3 deciles and the highest (least deprived) the average baseline iHOT12 score was 28.98 (n=366) and 35.33 (n=821). The proportion of patients receiving treatment through NHS funding compared to independent funding for the most deprived, 292 (90%) 37 (10%) respectively compared to the least deprived 515 (70%) and 244 (30%) respectively. At 1year, iHOT12 scores for each group were 51.64 (29.1 SD) compared to 61.5 (28.06 SD) respectively. The study demonstrates that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had poorer baseline and one-year post-surgery iHOT12 scores compared to those from higher socioeconomic strata. Furthermore, a higher reliance on NHS funding was observed among the most deprived, while more affluent patients predominantly opted for private funding. These findings underscore the significant influence of socioeconomic status on both the quality of healthcare received and recovery outcomes in hip preservation surgery, calling attention to the need for more equitable healthcare solutions

Traumatic rotator cuff injuries can be a leading cause of prolonged shoulder pain and disability, and contribute to significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Previous studies have shown evidence of socio-demographic disparities with these injuries. The purpose of this nationwide study was to better understand these disparities based on ethnicity, sex, and socio-economic status, in order to inform future healthcare strategies. Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a no-fault comprehensive compensation scheme encompassing all of Aotearoa/New Zealand (population in 2018, 4.7 million). Using the ACC database, traumatic rotator cuff injuries were identified between January 2010 and December 2018. Injuries were categorized by sex, ethnicity, age and socioeconomic deprivation index of the claimant. During the 9-year study period, there were 351,554 claims accepted for traumatic rotator cuff injury, which totalled over $960 million New Zealand Dollars. The greatest proportion of costs was spent on vocational support (49.8%), then surgery (26.3%), rehabilitation (13.1%), radiology (8.1%), general practitioner (1.6%) and “Other” (1.1%). Asian, Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders), and Pacific peoples were under-represented in the age-standardized proportion of total claims and had lower rates of surgery than Europeans. Māori had higher proportion of costs spent on vocational support and lower proportions spent on radiology, rehabilitation and surgery than Europeans. Males had higher number and costs of claims and were more likely to have surgery than females. There were considerably fewer claims from areas of high socio-economic deprivation. This large nation-wide study demonstrates the important and growing economic burden of rotator cuff injuries. Indirect costs, such as vocational supports, are a major contributor to the cost suggesting improving treatment and rehabilitation protocols would have the greatest economic impact. This study has also identified socio-demographic disparities which need to be addressed in order to achieve equity in health outcomes

Aims. Delirium is associated with adverse outcomes following hip fracture, but the prevalence and significance of delirium for the prognosis and ongoing rehabilitation needs of patients admitted from home is less well studied. Here, we analyzed relationships between delirium in patients admitted from home with 1) mortality; 2) total length of hospital stay; 3) need for post-acute inpatient rehabilitation; and 4) hospital readmission within 180 days. Methods. This observational study used routine clinical data in a consecutive sample of hip fracture patients aged ≥ 50 years admitted to a single large trauma centre during the COVID-19 pandemic between 1 March 2020 and 30 November 2021. Delirium was prospectively assessed as part of routine care by the 4 A’s Test (4AT), with most assessments performed in the emergency department. Associations were determined using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile, COVID-19 infection within 30 days, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. Results. A total of 1,821 patients were admitted, with 1,383 (mean age 79.5 years; 72.1% female) directly from home. Overall, 87 patients (4.8%) were excluded due to missing 4AT scores. Delirium prevalence in the whole cohort was 26.5% (460/1,734): 14.1% (189/1,340) in the subgroup of patients admitted from home, and 68.8% (271/394) in the remaining patients (comprising care home residents and inpatients when fracture occurred). In patients admitted from home, delirium was associated with a 20-day longer total length of stay (p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, delirium was associated with higher mortality at 180 days (odds ratio (OR) 1.69 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 2.54); p = 0.013), requirement for post-acute inpatient rehabilitation (OR 2.80 (95% CI 1.97 to 3.96); p < 0.001), and readmission to hospital within 180 days (OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.15); p = 0.041). Conclusion. Delirium affects one in seven patients with a hip fracture admitted directly from home, and is associated with adverse outcomes in these patients. Delirium assessment and effective management should be a mandatory part of standard hip fracture care. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(6):447–456

Abstract. Background. There is a trend towards minimising length of stay (LOS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as longer LOS is associated with poorer outcomes and higher costs. Patient factors known to influence LOS after TKA include age and ASA grade. Evidence regarding body mass index (BMI) in particular is conflicting. Some studies find that increased BMI predicts greater LOS, while others find no such relationship. Previous studies have generally not examined socioeconomic status, which may be a confounder. They have generally been conducted outside the UK, and prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1031 primary TKAs performed 01-04-2021 to 31-12-2021, after resumption of elective surgery in our centre. A multivariate regression analysis was performed using a Poisson model over pre-operative variables (BMI, age, gender, ASA grade, index of multiple deprivation, and living arrangement) and peri-operative variables (AM/PM operation, operation side, duration, and day of the week). Results. Mean LOS was 2.6 days. BMI had no effect on LOS (p > 0.05). Longer LOS was experienced by patients of greater age (p < 0.001), increased ASA grade (p < 0.001), living alone (p < 0.01), PM start time (p < 0.001), and longer operation duration (p < 0.01). Male patients had shorter LOS (p < 0.001). Index of multiple deprivation had no effect (p > 0.05). Conclusion. BMI had no effect on LOS after TKA. Being female and living alone are significant risk factors which should be taken in to account in pre-operative planning

We determined the association between frailty and 30-day mortality following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the impact of THA on 30-day mortality compared to a control population. We used primary care data (Clinical Practice Research Datalink), linked secondary care data (Hospital Episode Statistics) and Office for National Statistics mortality data. Frailty was assessed using a validated frailty index based on coded data in the primary care record and categorised as fit, mild, moderate, and severe frailty. The association between frailty and 30-day mortality following THA due to osteoarthritis was assessed using Cox regression, adjusted for year of birth, sex, quintile of index of multiple deprivation and year of surgery. Mortality following THA was also compared to a control population who had osteoarthritis but no previous THA, matched on year of birth, sex, and quintile of index of multiple deprivation. 103,563 cases who had a THA and their matched controls contributed data. Among those who had THA, compared to fit participants, 30-day mortality increased with increasing frailty; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) among mild frailty, 0.87 (0.66, 1.15); moderate frailty 1.73 (1.26, 2.38); and severe frailty, 2.85 (1.84, 4.39). Compared to fit controls who did not have surgery, 30-day mortality was higher among fit people who had THA, adjusted HR 1.60 (1.15, 2.21). There was, however, no statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality among cases with mild, moderate and severe frailty compared to controls in the same frailty category. Among people who had THA, 30-day mortality increased with increasing frailty. While 30-day mortality was increased among fit individuals who had THA compared to fit controls who did not have surgery, there did not appear to be increased mortality among individuals with mild, moderate or severe frailty compared to controls in the same frailty category. A healthy surgery (selection) effect may have impacted on the comparison of mortality among cases and controls

Aims. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the biggest communicable causes of mortality worldwide. While incidence in the UK has continued to fall since 2011, Bradford retains one of the highest TB rates in the UK. This study aims to examine the local disease burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) TB, by analyzing common presenting factors within the famously diverse population of Bradford. Methods. An observational study was conducted, using data from the Bradford Teaching Hospitals TB database of patients with a formal diagnosis of MSK TB between January 2005 and July 2017. Patient data included demographic data (including nationality/date of entry to the UK), disease focus, microbiology, and management strategies. Disease incidence was calculated using population data from the Office for National Statistics. Poisson confidence intervals were calculated to demonstrate the extent of statistical error. Disease incidence and nationality were also analyzed, and correlation sought, using the chi-squared test. Results. Between January 2005 and July 2017, 109 cases of MSK TB were diagnosed in Bradford. Mean incidence was 1.65 per 100,000 population, per calendar year (SD 0.75). A total of 38 cases required surgical intervention. Low rates of antimicrobial resistance were encountered. A low rate of loss to follow-up was observed (four patients; 3.7%). Overall, 94.5% of patients (n = 103) were successfully treated. 67% of patients (n = 73) reported their country of origin as either India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. These ethnicities account for around 25% of the local population. Conclusion. Bradford maintains a high prevalence of MSK TB infection relative to national data; the prevalence within the local immigrant population remains grossly disproportionate. Typical associated factors (HIV/hepatitis coinfection, drug resistance), have only modest prevalence in our dataset. However, local socioeconomic factors such as deprivation and poverty appear germane as suggested by global literature. We advocate a high degree of suspicion in treatment of atypical infection in any area with similar population factors to ensure timely diagnosis. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(5):432–440

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess medium-term improvements following total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to evaluate what effect different preoperative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) thresholds for treatment may have on patients’ access to THA and outcomes. Methods. Patients undergoing primary THA at our institution with an OHS both preoperatively and at least four years postoperatively were included. Rationing thresholds were explored to identify possible deprivation of OHS improvement. Results. Overall, 2,341 patients were included. Mean OHS was 19.7 (SD 8.2) preoperatively and 39.7 (SD 9.8) at latest follow-up. An improvement of at least eight-points, the minimally important change (MIC), was seen in 2,072 patients (88.5%). The mean improvement was 20.0 points (SD 10.5). If a rationing threshold of OHS of 20 points had been enforced, 90.8% of those treated would have achieved the MIC, but only 54.3% of our cohort would have had access to surgery; increasing this threshold to 32 would have enabled 89.5% of those treated to achieve the MIC while only depriving 6.5% of our cohort. The ‘rationed’ group of OHS > 20 had significantly better OHS at latest follow-up (42.6 vs 37.3; p < 0.001), while extending the rationing threshold above 32 showed postoperative scores were more significantly affected by the ceiling effect of the OHS. Conclusion. The OHS was not designed as a tool to ration healthcare, but if it had been used at our institution for this cohort, applying an OHS threshold of 20 to routine THA access would have excluded nearly half of patients from having a THA; a group in which over 85% had a significant improvement in OHS. Where its use for rationing is deemed necessary, use of a higher threshold may be more appropriate to ensure a better balance between patient access to treatment and chances of achieving good to excellent outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):196–204