Aims. A national screening programme has existed in the UK for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) since 1969. However, every aspect of screening and treatment remains controversial. Screening programmes throughout the world vary enormously, and in the UK there is significant variation in screening practice and treatment pathways. We report the results of an attempt by the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) to identify a nationwide consensus for the management of DDH in
The ability to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) would enhance treatment decision making and facilitate economic analysis. QALYs are calculated using utilities, or health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) weights. An instrument designed for cervical myelopathy disease would increase the sensitivity and specificity of HRQoL assessments. The objective of this study is to develop a multi-attribute utility function for the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) Score. We recruited a sample of 760 adults from a market research panel. Using an online discrete choice experiment (DCE), participants rated 8 choice sets based on mJOA health states. A multi-attribute utility function was estimated using a mixed multinomial-logit regression model (MIXL). The sample was partitioned into a training set used for model fitting and validation set used for model evaluation. The regression model demonstrated good predictive performance on the validation set with an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.80-0.82)). The regression model was used to develop a utility scoring rubric for the mJOA. Regression results revealed that participants did not regard all mJOA domains as equally important. The rank order of importance was (in decreasing order): lower extremity motor function, upper extremity motor function, sphincter function, upper extremity sensation. This study provides a simple technique for converting the mJOA score to utilities and quantify the importance of mJOA domains. The ability to evaluate QALYs for DCM will facilitate economic analysis and patient counseling. Clinicians should use these findings in
Here we used a mature seven-day biofilm model of Mature biofilms of Aims
Methods
Osteoarthritis (OA) affecting the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) is a common painful condition. In this study, we aimed to explore clinicians’ approach to management with a particular focus on the role of specific interventions that will inform the design of future clinical trials. We interviewed a purposive sample of 24 clinicians, consisting of 12 surgeons and 12 therapists (four occupational therapists and eight physiotherapists) who managed patients with CMCJ OA. This is a qualitative study using semi-structured, online interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.Aims
Methods
The Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) tool designed to assess artificial prosthesis awareness during daily activities following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) is the minimum cut-off value that corresponds to a patient’s satisfactory state-of-health. Despite the validity and reliability of the FJS-12 having been previously demonstrated, the PASS has yet to be clearly defined. This study aims to define the PASS of the FJS-12 following primary THA. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary elective THA from 2019 to 2020, and answered both the FJS-12 and the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR) questionnaires one-year postoperatively. HOOS, JR score was used as the anchor to estimate the PASS of FJS-12. Two statistical methods were employed: the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve point, which maximized the Youden index; and 75th percentile of the cumulative percentage curve of patients who had the HOOS, JR score difference larger than the cut-off value.Aims
Methods
Objectives. Using a simple classification method, we aimed to estimate the collapse rate due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in
A multicentre, randomized, clinician-led, pragmatic, parallel-group orthopaedic trial of two surgical procedures was set up to obtain high-quality evidence of effectiveness. However, the trial faced recruitment challenges and struggled to maintain recruitment rates over 30%, although this is not unusual for surgical trials. We conducted a qualitative study with the aim of gathering information about recruitment practices to identify barriers to patient consent and participation to an orthopaedic trial. We collected 11 audio recordings of recruitment appointments and interviews of research team members (principal investigators and research nurses) from five hospitals involved in recruitment to an orthopaedic trial. We analyzed the qualitative data sets thematically with the aim of identifying aspects of informed consent and information provision that was either unclear, disrupted, or hindered trial recruitment.Aims
Methods
Purpose & Background. The STarT Back risk-stratification approach uses the STarT Back Tool to categorise patients with low back pain (LBP) at low, medium or high-risk of persistent disabling pain, in
Retrospective data over an eight-year period was collected on twenty-four young patients with non-union of a femoral neck fracture who were followed to union. The cause of each nonunion was identified and a classification of the nonunions was established in
Surfing is a popular UK water-sport. Recommendations for protective gear are based on studies abroad from trauma from large waves and reef breaks which may not be relevant in the UK. This study assesses the aetiology of UK surfing injuries in
To characterize the intracellular penetration of osteoblasts and osteoclasts by methicillin-resistant Time-lapse confocal microscopy was used to analyze the interaction of MRSA strain USA300 with primary murine osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The effects of early and delayed antibiotic treatments on intracellular and extracellular bacterial colony formation and cell death were quantified. We tested the effects of cefazolin, gentamicin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, and ampicillin, as well as agents used in surgical preparation and irrigation.Aims
Methods
We have been following all modern trends in the treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease during several decades (from nonoperative treatment, revascularization procedures, varization femoral osteotomies to various pelvic osteotomies). Last few years we have started to use triple pelvic osteotomy in patients older than seven years, in
The timely management of anticoagulated elderly trauma patients remains a contentious issue. Presently, the literature consists of largely contradictory expert opinions without evidence from randomised control trials. This study seeks to audit the practices of a non-metropolitan orthopaedic service, as a prelude to developing a local protocol for optimal management. All orthopaedic admissions to Toowoomba Hospital from January 2004 to December 2008 were reviewed. Approximately 700 patients over the age of 60 years were admitted with lower limb trauma. Those patients with pre-injury medication with warfarin and clopidogrel were identified, along with chronologically matched untreated patients. Those patients with coexisting head-injures, and those with sub therapeutic INR (INR <1.5) on admission were excluded from the study groups. Groups were analysed with respect to age, Injury Severity Score, ASA, time to theatre, time to discharge, transfusion requirement, and complications. Statistical analysis was completed using the T-test. Of the 700 patients identified, 24 were treated with warfarin and 28 treated with clopidogrel. Two patients with pre-injury warfarin use were excluded due to sub therapeutic INR on admission (INR 1.0 and 1.3). The control and treatment groups were statistically similar with respect to age, Injury Severity Score, and ASA. Injury patterns were similar across groups with over 80% proximal femoral fractures in each group. In both the warfarin and clopidogrel groups there was a statistically significant increase in time from admission to theatre compared with their matched controls (P<0.001). Average number of days to theatre was seven days and five days for the clopidogrel and warfarin groups respectively, compared to two days for both control groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in length of time from operation to the end of their acute care. There was no increase in transfusion requirement in those patients with pre-injury clopidogrel use. Pre-injury warfarinisation demonstrated a trend toward increased transfusion requirement compared with the matched controls (P=0.052); however, this was not significant. There was no clinically significant increase in complications in those patients with pre-injury use of warfarin or clopidogrel. This study demonstrated no increased morbidity in elderly patients with lower limb trauma when being treated with anticoagulants prior to injury. However, there is a significant delay in operative intervention in these patients. We believe this presents a case for early reversal of anticoagulant therapy in
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this presentation was to focus on the situation where rotator cuff tears are associated with nerve injury and to clarify the clinical nosology of the shoulder triad (glenohumeral dislocation, acute cuff tear, and circumflex nerve injury) and of the «dead shoulder syndrome» (chronic massive cuff tear, acute glenohumeral dislocation, and circumflex nerve injury). Material and methods: This series included seven patients with the shoulder triad and five patients with dead shoulder syndrome who were treated in our department between 1996 and 2002. There were nine men and three women, aged 50–74 years (mean 58 years). Follow-up was two years or more. The Neer and Cofield classification was used to assess functional outcome and the simple shoulder test (SST) was recorded. Results: For the patients with the shoulder triad, outcome was excellent to satisfactory in all, with frontal and vertical elevation greater than 90°, nearly normal rotations, and acceptable force and range of motion for daily, occupational and sports activities. The patients with dead shoulder syndrome were a more heterogeneous population. Clinical outcome was less satisfactory although there was a real improvement in range of motion. Occasional pain was reported and some of the patients were satisfied. Conclusion: Combined lesions of the shoulder create a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic situation. As when occurring alone, it is important to recognize injury early in
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to cause a sig-nificant burden of disease in the United Kingdom (UK). The incidence of TB in London is four times greater than the national average, with almost half of the 7000 cases/year seen nationwide being found in the capital. Although the majority of cases are pulmonary, extra-pulmonary infection is not uncommon. Methods: We reviewed 107 patients treated for spinal TB in East London, UK, between 1997–2006. 59 were male and 48 were female. Their mean age was 39.9 (6–89). 69 patients were Asian, 26 African, 10 UK-born Caucasian, 1 other European and 1 Middle Eastern. Rates of HIV co-infection are inexact as many declined to be tested. All patients presented with symptomatic back pain, with or without neurological compromise. All patients had appropriate pre and post treatment imaging. 100 had microbiological and/or histological confirmation of TB. The disease was predominantly in the thoraco-lumbar spine, although cervical involvement was seen in 5%. All patients presented with anterior column involvement, with psoas abscesses in 30%. Combination chemotherapy, according to British Thoracic Society guidelines, was the main modality of treatment. Surgery was performed for certain indications: deteriorating neurology, instability and post tubercular kyphosis. 15% of the 107 patients treated required surgical intervention. Results: There were no deaths related to TB or our intervention. Most patients had full neurological recovery, but a small percent had permanent neurological compromise. There was a high incidence of persistent chronic back pain for which patients continued to seek medical advice. Conclusion: Medical management is the mainstay of treatment for spinal TB, but there are certain circumstances where surgical intervention will be required. Because of the high incidence of spinal TB in East London and in
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to cause a significant burden of disease in the United Kingdom (UK). A total of 8113 cases were diagnosed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2005, demonstrating a 28% increase since 2000. The incidence of TB in London is four times greater than the national average, with 43% of cases of TB in 2005 being identified in the capital (n= 3,479). 47% of TB cases in the UK have extra pulmonary involvement and 2–3% of all cases of TB involve the spine (n= 107). Methods: We reviewed 109 patients treated for spinal TB in East London, UK, between 1997–2006. 59 were male and 50 were female. Their mean age was 39 (range 4–89). 63 patients were Asian (3 UK born), 30 African, 8 UK born Caucasian, 4 Caribbean (1 UK born), 3 patients from Eastern Europe and 1 from the Middle East. Of those patients born outside the UK, the mean time they had been in the country pre diagnosis was 9.6 years (range 0–50 years). They were followed up for a minimum of 1 year post completion of treatment (range 14 to 48 months). 95% of patients presented with back pain, with or without neurological compromise. All patients were imaged with MRI or CT. 90 (86%) patients had microbiological and/or histological confirmation of TB. The majority of patients (52%) had two vertebral levels affected. The Thorocolumbar junction was the area most commonly affected. 4% of patients had paravertebral abscesses with no bony involvement seen on imaging. 29 patients (26%) had associated psoas abscess. Combination chemotherapy, according to NICE guidelines, was the main modality of treatment. 67 (61%) patients were managed with combination chemotherapy alone. Surgery was performed for certain indications: deteriorating neurology, instability and post tubercular kyphosis. 42(39%) of patients required surgery. Results: There were no deaths related to TB or our intervention. Most patients had a full neurological recovery but 21 patients (19%) suffered permanent neurological deficit. (4%) suffered permanent paraplegia or paraparesis severe enough to prevent walking.(out of this anybody had surgery and if so how delayed was that) There was a high incidence of persistent chronic back pain (62%) in our group of patients and was not related to any deformity. Conclusion: Medical management is the mainstay of treatment for spinal TB, but there are certain instances where surgical intervention will be required. Because of the high incidence of spinal TB in East London and in
The management of proximal humeral fractures is determined by fragment displacement. Intra-operative and radiological classification systems have been proposed, namely AO and the Neer classifications to assess therapeutic options. This study evaluates the usefulness of these classification systems by the creation of physical 3D models using a rapid prototyping technique avoiding the problems associated with 3D illusions on a 2D screen. Seven consecutive patients with complex fractures of the proximal humerus were investigated using the data from multi-sliced spiral CT scans. Fractures associated with dislocation were excluded. The data from these CTs was segmented to reveal the anatomy of interest and converted to a stereolithographic format from which the physical models could be made of the proximal humerus via a laser guided filament deposition process. Further manipulation with software allowed angulation and displacements of fragments to be measured. Inter-observer agreement: All models were assessed by three surgeons. A consultant with a special interest in shoulder surgery, a fellowship trained surgeon and a senior house officer in basic surgical training. Independent assessment of the fractures from the models was made using the Neer and AO classifications. In only 1 incidence did all 3 observers agree on the classification, in 5 incidences only two observers agreed and on 8 occasions none of the observers agreed. Indeed there were 9 occasions that at least one observer thought the fracture pattern could not be applied to a classification. Fracture Patterns: Observation of the individual models together with measurements of angulation and displacement by further software analysis, demonstrated major subtypes namely valgus and varus angulation with minimal displacement of the greater tuberosity. Appreciation of the integrity of the medial hinge and buckling could be made in relation to the different fracture patterns. This study highlights concerns on the validity of current classification systems. It also questions whether the existing systems reflect the pathophysiological subtypes of these fractures allowing comparison of surgical results in
Haematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis (HVO) is a relatively rare disorder which accounts for 2–4% of all cases of infectious bone disease. In recent years, the incidence of spinal infections seems to have increased according to the growing number of intravenous drug users in young people and with the use of intravenous access devices, genitourinary surgery and manipulation in the elderly. Men are more frequently affected than women, with an average age of onset in the fifth and sixth decade of life. The onset of symptoms is typically insidious, with neck or back pain often underestimated by the patient. The early diagnosis is also difficult due to the non-specific nature of laboratory and radiographic findings. The frequent observation of back pain also makes the diagnosis a challenge in most cases. Several studies in the literature report an average delay in the diagnosis of HVO from 2 to 6 months after the beginning of the symptoms. In this article we review the clinical features and the diagnostic approach to HVO in
