Aims. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of fracture-related infection (FRI) on patients’ physical health and psychological wellbeing. For this purpose, quality of life after successful surgical treatment of FRIs of long bones was assessed. Methods. A total of 37 patients treated between November 2009 and March 2019, with achieved eradication of infection and stable bone consolidation after long bone FRI, were included. Quality of life was evaluated with the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and German Short-Form 36 (SF-36) outcome instruments as well as with an International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (ICD)-10 based symptom rating (ISR) and compared to normative data. Results. With a mean follow-up of 4.19 years (SD 2.7) after the last surgery, the mean SF-36 score was 40.1 (SD 14.6) regarding the physical health component and 48.7 (SD 5.1) regarding the mental health component, compared to German normative values of 48.4 (SD 9.2) (p < 0.001) and 50.9 (SD 8.8) (p = 0.143). The mean EQ-5D index reached 0.76 (SD 0.27) with a mean EQ-5D visual analogue scale (VAS) rating of 65.7 (SD 22.7) compared to reference scores of 0.88 (p < 0.001) and 72.9 (p < 0.001). Mean scores of the ISR did not reveal significant psychological symptom burden, while an individual analysis showed moderate to severe impairments in 21.6% (n = 8) of the patients. Conclusion. Even a mean 4.2 years (SD 2.7) after surgically successful treatment of FRI of long bones, patients report significantly lower quality of life in comparison to normative data. Future clinical studies on FRIs should focus on patient-related outcome measures enabling best possible shared treatment decision-making. Prevention methods and interdisciplinary approaches should be implemented to improve the overall quality of life of FRI patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(5):321–327

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

Background. The effect of hallux valgus (HV) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the relationship between radiographic severity of deformity and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to compare the HRQOL of female patients with HV to the UK population. The secondary aim was to assess the correlation between PROMs, including HRQOL, with radiographic severity of deformity. Methods. Weight bearing radiographic data (hallux valgus (HVA) angle; intermetatarsal (IM) angle) were measured in consecutive female patients presenting with HV. Each patient prospectively completed the Euroqol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (EQ-5D), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS-Pain) and Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Data were stratified into age ranges and compared with an EQ-5D United Kingdom general population reference dataset. Pearson R correlation values were calculated for the PROMs and radiographic deformity. Results. Between July 2015 and March 2020, 425 consecutive female patients presented with HV for consideration for surgery. EQ-5D-5L data were prospectively collected for 396 of these patients (93.2%). Females less than 65 years with HV had a statistically significantly worse quality of life compared with females of the same age group in the general population. Above the age of 65, there was no statistically significant difference in EQ-5D-5L Index score between the two groups. There was no correlation between radiographic HV deformity and HRQOL measures or MOXFQ scores. Conclusion. Female patients presenting with HV deformity have a significantly reduced quality of life compared with the UK general population. The radiographic severity of deformity did not correlate with HRQOL measures or foot and ankle specific PROMs. Foot and ankle specific clinical PROMs moderately correlate with HRQOL and may be a better marker of the negative effect of symptomatic hallux valgus deformity on quality of life

Aims. Psychological status may be an important predictor of outcome after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychological distress on postoperative health-related quality of life, joint function, self-assessed pain, and sports ability in patients undergoing PAO. Methods. In all, 202 consecutive patients who underwent PAO for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at our institution from 2015 to 2017 were included and followed up at 63 months (SD 10) postoperatively. Of these, 101 with complete data sets entered final analysis. Patients were assessed by questionnaire. Psychological status was measured by Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), health-related quality of life was raised with 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), hip functionality was measured by the short version 0f the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), Subjective Hip Value (SHV), and Hip Disability and Outcome Score (HOS). Surgery satisfaction and pain were assessed. Dependent variables (endpoints) were postoperative quality of life (SF-36, HOS quality of life (QoL)), joint function (iHOT-12, SHV, HOS), patient satisfaction, and pain. Psychological distress was assessed by the Global Severity Index (GSI), somatization (BSI Soma), depression (BSI Depr), and anxiety (BSI Anx). Influence of psychological status was assessed by means of univariate and multiple multivariate regression analysis. Results. In multiple multivariate regression, postoperative GSI, BSI Soma, and BSI Depr had a negative effect on postoperative SF-36 (e -2.07, -3.05, and -2.67, respectively; p < 0.001), iHOT-12 (e -1.35 and -4.65, respectively; p < 0.001), SHV (e -1.20 and -2.71, respectively; p < 0.001), HOS QoL (e -2.09 and -4.79, respectively; p < 0.001), HOS Function (e -1.00 and -3.94, respectively; p < 0.001), and HOS Sport (e -1.44 and -5.29, respectively; p < 0.001), and had an effect on postoperative pain (e 0.13 and 0.37, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Psychological distress, depression, and somatization disorders affect health-related quality of life, perceived joint function, and sports ability. Pain perception is significantly increased by somatization. However, patient satisfaction with surgery is not affected. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):758–765

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe and compare joint-specific and generic health-related quality of life outcomes of the first versus second knee in patients undergoing staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) for osteoarthritis. Methods. This retrospective cohort study used Australian national arthroplasty registry data from January 2013 to January 2021 to identify participants who underwent elective staged BTKA with six to 24 months between procedures. The primary outcome was Oxford Knee Score (OKS) at six months postoperatively for the first TKA compared to the second TKA, adjusted for age and sex. Secondary outcomes compared six-month EuroQol five-dimension five-level (EQ-5D-5L) domain scores, EQ-5D index scores, and the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) between knees at six months postoperatively. Results. The cohort included 635 participants (1,270 primary procedures). Preoperative scores were worse in the first knee compared to the second for all instruments; however, comparing the first knee at six months postoperatively with the second knee at six months postoperatively, the mean between-knee difference was minimal for OKS (-0.8 points; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.4 to -0.2), EQ-VAS (3.3; 95% CI 1.9 to 4.7), and EQ-5D index (0.09 points; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.12). Outcomes for the EQ-5D-5L domains ‘mobility’, ‘usual activities’, and ‘pain/discomfort’ were better following the second TKA. Conclusion. At six months postoperatively, there were no clinically meaningful differences between the first and second TKA in either the joint-specific or overall generic health-related quality of life outcomes. However, individual domain scores assessing mobility, pain, and usual activities were notably higher after the second TKA, likely reflecting the cumulative improvement in quality of life after both knees have been replaced. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):202–209

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the impact of knee periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by assessing the patients’ long-term quality of life and explicitly their psychological wellbeing after successful treatment. Method. Thirty-six patients with achieved eradication of infection after knee PJI were included. Quality of life was evaluated with the EQ-5D and SF-36 outcome instruments as well as with an ICD-10 based symptom rating (ISR) and compared to normative data. Results. At a follow-up of 4.9± 3.5 years the mean SF-36 score was 24.82± 10.0 regarding the physical health component and 46.16± 13.3 regarding the mental health component compared to German normative values of 48.36± 9.4 (p< .001) and 50.87± 8.8 (p= .003). The mean EQ-5D index reached 0.55± 0.33 with an EQ-5D VAS rating of 52.14± 19.9 compared to reference scores of 0.891 (p< .001) and 68.6± 1.1 (p< .001). Mean scores of the ISR revealed psychological symptom burden on the depression scale. Conclusions. PJI patients still suffer from significant lower quality of life compared to normative data even years after surgically successful treatment. Future clinical studies should focus on patient-related outcome measures. Newly emerging treatment strategies, prevention methods and interdisciplinary approaches should be implemented to improve the quality of life of PJI patients

Acute Haematogenous Osteomyelitis (AHO) remains a cause of severe illness among children with the possibility of long-term consequences for growth and development. Previous research on sequelae from AHO rarely considers outcomes more than two years following treatment. This study aims to establish the quality of life of patients diagnosed with AHO in childhood up to 13 years after diagnosis, evaluating the impact on social, emotional, physical, and school function. Children treated for AHO between 2008–2018 at a tertiary referral centre in New Zealand were identified. PedsQL™ questionnaires were conducted via phone with either the child or primary caregiver and responses analysed. 40 patients met inclusion criteria, were contactable by phone, and consented to participate. The mean age was 7 years (range 0–15) and most were female (60%). Health related quality of life (HRQOL) was scored as a percentage with most participants scoring >80% (n=27). Those who do experience reduced quality of life following treatment for AHO were likely to complain of pain, stiffness, or anxiety. The impact of significant childhood illness on mental health was not adequately captured by the PedsQL™ but was highlighted in qualitative feedback. We conclude that the majority of children treated for AHO reported excellent health-related quality of life up to 13 years following treatment although an negative impact on mental health was reported using qualitative analysis. A refined scoring system is needed to assess the long-term impact of musculoskeletal infection

Introduction. The purpose of this research is to compare the quality of life in children during gradual deformity correction using external fixators with intramedullary lengthening nails. Materials and Methods. Prospective analysis of children during lower limb lengthening. Group A included children who had external fixation, patients in group B had lengthening nails. Patients in each group were followed up during their limb reconstruction. CHU-9D and EQ-5DY instruments were used to measure quality of life at fixed intervals. The first assessment was during the distraction phase (1 month postop.), the second was during the early consolidation phase (3 months postop.) and the final one was late consolidation phase (6–9 months depends on the frame time). Results. Group B patients reported significantly better utility compared to Group A. This was observed during all the stages of the treatment. Group B children were less worried (P 0.004), less sad (P 0.0001), less pain (p <0.0001), less tired (P 0.0002), better school work (P0.0041), better sleep (p 0.016), more able to do sports activities (p 0.004) and, they were more independent (p <0.0001) compared to group B. QALYS was better for the nails group compared to external fixation group 0.44 compared to 0.36 for external fixators. Conclusions. Lengthening nails had the potential to improve the quality of life and utility compared to external fixation. This will help further economic evaluation to measure ICER to further explore the cost effectiveness of these devices

Aim. Patient quality of life (QoL) in untreated bone infection was compared to other chronic conditions and stratified by disease severity. Method. Patients referred for treatment of osteomyelitis (including fracture related infection) were identified prospectively between 2019 and 2023. Patients with confirmed infection completed the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Clinicians blinded to EQ-index score, grouped patients according to JS-BACH Classification into ‘Uncomplicated’, ‘Complex’ or ‘Limited treatment options’. A systematic review of the literature was performed of other conditions that have been stratified using EQ-index score. Results. 257 patients were referred, and 219 had suspected osteomyelitis. 196 patients had long bone infection and reported an average EQ-index score of 0.455 (SD 0.343). 23 patients with pelvic osteomyelitis had an average EQ-index score of 0.098 (SD 0.308). Compared to other chronic conditions, patients with long-bone osteomyelitis had worse QoL when compared to different types of malignancy (including bladder, oropharyngeal, colorectal, thyroid and myeloma), cardiorespiratory disease (including asthma, COPD and ischaemic heart disease), psychiatric conditions (including depression, pain and anxiety), endocrine disorders (including diabetes mellitus), neurological conditions (including Parkinson's disease, chronic pain and radiculopathy) and musculoskeletal conditions (including osteogenesis imperfecta, fibrous dysplasia and x-linked hypophosphataemic rickets). QoL in long-bone infection was similar to conditions such as Prada-Willi syndrome, Crohn's disease and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Patients who had a history of stroke or multiple sclerosis reported worse QoL scores compared to long-bone infection. Patients who had pelvic osteomyelitis gave significantly lower QoL scores when compared to all other conditions that were available for comparison in the literature. In long bone infection, 41 cases (21.0%) were classified as ‘Uncomplicated’, 136 (69.4%) as ‘Complex’ and 19 (9.7%) as ‘Limited treatment options available’. Within classification stratification, patients with ‘Uncomplicated’ long bone infections reported a mean EQ-index score of 0.618 (SD 0.227) which was significantly higher compared to ‘Complex’ (EQ-index: 0.410 SD 0.359, p=0.004) and ‘Limited treatment options available’ (EQ-index: 0.400 SD 0.346, p=0.007). Conclusions. Bone and joint infections have a significant impact on patient quality of life. It is much worse when compared to other common chronic conditions, including malignancy, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. This has not been previously reported but may focus attention on the need for more investment in this patient group

Aim. This study assessed quality of life (QoL) in patients having external fixation for treatment of osteomyelitis and fracture-related infection (OM/FRI). Method. Patients who had surgery for OM/FRI and who completed the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L or EQ-5D- 3L questionnaires, were identified between 2010 and 2020. Patients were followed-up for 2 years after surgery. QoL was compared between patients who had either an Ilizarov frame or a monolateral external fixator with those who did not receive external fixation. Results. 165 patients were included. Of these, 37 (22.4%) underwent application of external fixation which included 23 circular frames and 14 monolateral external fixators. Patients in the frame group had more BACH ‘Complex’ infections (34/37; 91.9%), compared to non-frame patients (57/81; 70.3%). Pre-operatively, the mean EQ-index score for patients planned to receive a frame (0.278 SD 0.427) was worse compared to other treatments (0.453 SD 0.338, p=0.083). At 6 weeks after surgery, the EQ-index score remained significantly lower in frame patients compared to non-frame patients (frame: 0.379 SD 0.363; no frame: 0.608 SD 0.326, p=0.016). By 6 months, 26/37 patients had undergone frame removal. The patients who had frames in situ at 6 months had lower EQ-index scores when compared to patients who had their frames removed (frame in situ: 0.187 SD 0.213; frame removed 0.674 SD 0.206, p=0.076). At one year, 36/37 (97.3%) patients had their frame removed. QoL had greatly improved, to levels similar to non-frame patients (no frame: 0.652 SD 0.357; frame removed: 0.657 SD 0.247, p=0.949). Conclusions. Frame treatment leads to significant improvement in Quality of Life in patients suffering from osteomyelitis, with similar results in EQ5D scores after 1 year compared to patients who did not need an external fixator. These effects cannot be felt until after the frame has been removed with impaired QoL during frame treatment, especially in those patients with frames in situ for more than 6 months. This underlines the need for close and professional patient support during frame treatment for bone infection

The pain of arthritic disorders occurs in a social and environmental context. Thus, the pain of arthritis not only can affect the patient, but also the spouse. Numerous investigations have shown that the spouses of individuals with persistent pain report lower levels of marital satisfaction, higher rates of depression and lower quality of life. For the vast majority of patients with osteoarthritis, total hip (THA) or total knee (TKA) arthroplasty results in a significant reduction in pain, emotional distress, disability and a significant improvement in their quality of life and function. Little is currently known about how these recovery-related changes impact on the spouse or the marital relationship. Patients and their spouses were recruited within one-year following the arthroplasty surgery. Couples participated in a semi-structured interview and were each asked to recall their level of pain on a numerical rating scale from 1 to 10 before and after recovering from surgery, and provide a numerical rating score (10 points) for a set of seven questions pertaining to their level of disability in seven different activities of daily living. In addition, the spouses were asked to list in order of importance the ways in which the surgery of their spouse affected their overall quality of life. In total, 33 couples (66 respondents) answered the survey questionnaire. There were 17 male patients, 16 female patients who underwent 29 THAs and 4 TKAs. With regard to pain, the spouses estimated their partner's pain, both preoperatively and at the time of the survey, to be at a significantly higher level than the patient's perception (p=0.05). The spouses perceived a greater improvement in family/home responsibilities, recreation and social activities, and in their occupation than that noted by the partner. After the arthroplasty, the spouses indicated that their lives had improved with respect to doing more activities/leisure (70%), because there partner had less suffering (61%), they had more independence/less caregiving (54%), it improved their marital relationship (54%), they had a better social/family life (27%) and they were able to travel (27%). In addition to the patient, THA and TKA result in a significant improvement in quality of life and marital functioning of the spouse. This should not continue to be unrecognized as a significant benefit of the procedure

The optimal treatment strategy for post-traumatic long bone non-unions is subject of an ongoing discussion. At the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) the induced membrane technique is used to treat post-traumatic long bone non-unions. This technique uses a multimodal treatment algorithm involving bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), the reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) and P-15 bioactive peptide (iFactor, Cerapedics). Bioactive glass (S53P4 BAG, Bonalive) is added when infection is suspected. This study aims to objectify the effect of this treatment algorithm on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with post-traumatic long bone non-unions. We hypothesized that HRQoL would improve after treatment. From January 2020 to March 2023, consecutive patients who were referred to a multidisciplinary (trauma, orthopaedic and plastic surgery) non-union clinic at the MUMC+, The Netherlands, were evaluated using the Non-Union Scoring System (NUSS). The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were employed to obtain HRQoL outcomes both prior to and subsequent to surgery, with a follow-up at 6, 18 and 35 weeks. Seventy-six patients were assessed at baseline (T0), with a mean NUSS of 40 (± 13 SD). Thirty-eight patients had their first follow-up, six weeks after surgery (T1). Thirty-one patients had a second follow-up at 18 weeks (T2), and twenty patients had the third follow-up at 35 weeks (T3). The EQ-5D index mean at baseline was 0.480, followed by an index of 0.618 at T1, 0.636 at T2, and 0.702 at T3. A significant difference was found in the HRQoL score between T0 and T1, as well as T2 and T3 (p<0.001; p=0.011). The mean LEFS significantly increased from 26 before intervention to 34, 39, and 43 after treatment (p<0.001; p=0.033; p=0.016). This study demonstrated a significant improvement in the health-related quality of life of patients with post-traumatic long bone non-unions after the standardized treatment algorithm following the induced membrane technique

Aims. It is well described that patients with bone and joint infections (BJIs) commonly experience significant functional impairment and disability. Published literature is lacking on the impact of BJIs on mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the impact on mental health in patients with BJIs. Methods. The AO Trauma Infection Registry is a prospective multinational registry. In total, 229 adult patients with long-bone BJI were enrolled between 1 November 2012 and 31 August 2017 in 18 centres from ten countries. Clinical outcome data, demographic data, and details on infections and treatments were collected. Patient-reported outcomes using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), Parker Mobility Score, and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living were assessed at one, six, and 12 months. The SF-36 mental component subscales were analyzed and correlated with infection characteristics and clinical outcome. Results. The SF-36 physical component summary mean at baseline was 30.9 (95% CI 29.7 to 32.0). At one month, it was unchanged (30.5; 95% CI 29.5 to 31.5; p = 0.447); it had improved statistically significantly at six months (35.5; 95% CI 34.2 to 36.7; p < 0.001) and at 12 months (37.9; 95% CI 36.4 to 39.3; p < 0.001). The SF-36 mental component summary mean at baseline was 42.5 (95% CI 40.8 to 44.2). At one month, it was unchanged (43.1; 95% CI 41.4 to 44.8; p = 0.458); it had improved statistically significantly at six months (47.1; 95% CI 45.4 to 48.7; p < 0.001) and at 12 months (46.7; 95% CI 45.0 to 48.5; p < 0.001). All mental subscales had improved by the end of the study, but mental health status remained compromised in comparison with the average USA population. Conclusion. BJIs considerably impact HRQoL, particularly mental health. Patients suffering from BJIs reported considerable limitations in their daily and social activities due to psychological problems. Impaired mental health may be explained by the chronic nature of BJIs, and therefore the mental wellbeing of these patients should be monitored closely. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):721–728

The aim of this study is the comparative assessment of long term clinical (subjective and objective), functional and quality of life outcome data between primary and revision THA. 122 patients (130 hips) who underwent cementless revision THA of both components (TMT cup, Wagner SL stem, Zimmer Biomet) for aseptic loosening only (Group A) were compared to a matched group of 100 patients (100 hips) who underwent cementless primary THA for osteoarthritis (Synergy stem, R3 cup, Smith & Nephew) (Group B). Outcomes were evaluated with survival analysis curves, Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford hip score (OHS), Short form-12 health survey (SF-12) and EQ-5D-5L scales. Mobility was assessed with walking speed, timed up and go test (TUG), Parker mobility, Lower extremity function score (LEFS) and UCLA scores. At a mean follow up of 14.4 years (10 to 20) a cumulative success rate of 96% (95% CI 96 to 99%) in Group A and 98% (95% CI 97 to 99%) in Group B with operation for any reason as an end point was recorded. Statistically significant differences between groups were developed for WOMAC (Mann-Whitney U test, p= 0.014), OHS (Mann-Whitney U test, p= 0.020) and physical component of SF-12 scores (Mann-Whitney U test, p= 0.029) only. In Group A, in multiple regression analysis, patients’ cognition (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.007) and pain (p=0.022) were found to be independent factors influencing functional recovery (WOMAC). Similarly, pain (p=0.03) was found to influence quality of life (EQ-5D-5). In the long term, revision THA shows satisfactory but inferior clinical, functional, and quality of life outcomes when compared to primary THA. Residual pain, BMI and cognitive impairment independently affect functional outcomes

Previous studies revealed the close relation of anxiety and low back pain. Among people with chronic low back pain, anxiety is the most commonly reported mental disorder. Thus, in the literature, there are several studies considering the anxiety as a risk factor for chronic low back pain. The authors also documented a significant differences between sexes in anxiety and quality of life due to low back pain. US National Institute of Mental Health reports that the lifetime prevalence of an anxiety disorder is 60 % higher in women than in men and that the onset, severity, clinical course, and treatment response of anxiety disorders differ significantly in women. In addition, literature has showed that women may have a worse quality of life when they have low back pain. University students may undergo an undue amount of stress, with negative outcomes in terms of academic resuşts and personal, emotional or health, consequences. Moreover, stress can be experienced at different time periods, not only during university life, but also before, during the transition from undergraduate to professional level, and after, during the transition to the life work. After all these literature knowledge, we designed the study to compare the anxiety and quality of life levels of female and male specifically university students with low back pain aged between 18–26. In this study, 100 female and male university students with low back pain aged between 18–26 were included. The low back pain level were measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the disability level due to the pain was measured by Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI). Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to evaluate the anxiety level and also, Short Form 36 survey (SF-36) was used to understand the quality of life for subjects. These questionnaires were asked to participants on online platform via Google Forms between March 2020 and May 2020. SPSS Version 25.0 program was used for statistical analyses. The result of the study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between female and male students on anxiety levels (p<0.05). There were no statistically differences between female and male students on ODI and VAS (p>0.05). In female group, BAI and “Physical function” and “General Health” subgroups of SF-36 have negative correlations (p<0.05). When we correlated BAI and all subgroups of SF-36 in male group, the statistical results were showed that negative correlation with all subgroups (p<0.05) except “Energy and Fatigue” subgroup (p>0.05). We conclude that female university students with low back pain have higher anxiety levels than male students. Future studies can work on young students to cope with the psychological problems for well-being

Aims. The primary aim of our study was to assess the influence of age on hip-specific outcome following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondary aims were to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and level of activity according to age. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted. All patients were fitted with an Exeter stem with a 32 mm head on highly cross-linked polyethylene (X3RimFit) cemented acetabulum. Patients were recruited into three age groups: < 65 years, 65 to 74 years, and ≥ 75 years, and assessed preoperatively and at three, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), were used to assess hip-specific outcome. EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scores were used to assess HRQoL. The Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) were used to assess level of activity. Results. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the WOMAC scores, HSS, HOOS, or EQ-5D-5L at any postoperative timepoint between the age groups. Patients aged ≥ 75 years had significantly lower physical function (p ≤ 0.010) and physical role (p ≤ 0.047) SF-36 scores at 12, 24, and 60 months, but were equal to that expect of an age-matched population. No differences according to age were observed for the other six domains of the SF-36 (p > 0.060). The ≥ 75 years group had a lower LEAS (p < 0.001) and longer TUG test times (p ≤ 0.032) compared to the < 65 years group, but older age groups had significant (p < 0.001) improvement relative to their preoperative baseline measures. Conclusion. Age did not influence postoperative hip-specific outcome or HRQoL (according to the EQ-5D) following THA. Despite a significant improvement, older patients had lower postoperative activity levels compared to younger patients, but this may be reflective of the overall physical effect of ageing. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):692–700

Introduction. This study assesses self-reported quality of life (QoL) in patients with osteomyelitis referred to a specialist centre in the UK. Materials and Methods. All patients newly referred to a specialist tertiary bone infection clinic within the UK between January 2019 and February 2020 were prospectively included. Diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made according to the presence of clinical and radiological criteria for ≥6 months. An EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and visual analogue score (VAS) were completed during the initial clinic appointment. Long-bone osteomyelitis was classified by the attending orthopaedic surgeon using the BACH classification system as either uncomplicated, complex or with limited options available. Patients managed non-operatively were subclassified into those who were (i) unfit to receive an operation or (ii) fit and well with stable disease. EQ-5D index scores were compared to a published UK value-set of 41 chronic health conditions within the UK. Results. 201 new patients were referred during the study period. 159 (79.1%) met the criteria for long-bone osteomyelitis and 16 (8.0%) for osteomyelitis of the pelvic bones. Patients with pelvic osteomyelitis reported lower EQ-5D index scores compared to long-bone osteomyelitis (EQ-5D:0.097 vs. 0.435, p<0.001) but similar VAS (60.2 vs. 54.6, p=0.37). Long-bone and pelvic osteomyelitis gave the lowest EQ-5D scores respectively when compared to 41 other chronic health conditions including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, liver disease and malignancy. Patients classified as having uncomplicated long-bone osteomyelitis reported significantly higher QoL compared to those classified as complex osteomyelitis (EQ-5D:0.527 vs. 0.401, p<0.05; VAS: 66.9 vs. 58.4, p<0.05). Patients not fit for surgery due to co-morbidity reported similar QoL scores compared to those patients with complex osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.293, p=0.07; VAS: 46.6, p=0.06). Patients with stable disease who did not require surgery, gave significantly better QoL scores when compared to the other classifications of osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.746, p<0.01; VAS: 81.9, p<0.01). Conclusions. Patient reported QoL in osteomyelitis correlates with disease complexity as classified according to the BACH classification system. Patients with pelvic and long-bone osteomyelitis rate their QoL lower than patients with other major chronic diseases

The benefits of total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be significantly magnified in children, since the improvement in quality of life has a far greater exposure time and occurs during key developmental stages which may help to maximise lifetime achievement. The purpose of this study is to describe implant survival and patient reported outcomes (PROMS) in a cohort of children following THA. Retrospective cohort review of all patients treated with THA in a single centre. Routine data analysis did not require ethical approval. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and PROMs were recorded (EQ5D-S, Oxford hip score and modified Harris Hip Score) in a sub-group of patients. 66 hips in 47 patients with a median age of 16 years (range 10 to 19 years) underwent THA between 1971 and 2023. 57% (38/68) patients were female, the commonest indications were Mucopolysaccharidoses n = 15, Stills disease (n=15), and Avascular necrosis (n=12). 27 (41%) of constructs were cemented, 5 (8%) were hybrid, and 34 (51%) were cementless. 30 stems were custom made cementless stems. Median follow up was 3.8 years (range 0–34 years). Implant survival was 87% at 10 years, 61.6% at 20 years and 52.8% at 30 years. PROMS demonstrated mean preoperative OHS was 12, preoperative MHHS was 23 and EQ5Ds VAS of 38. PROMS improved steadily overtime with mean OHS of 43, MMHS of 75 and EQ5Ds VAS of 89 at one year. THA was associated with a very large change in patient reported hip function and quality of life. In this study, THA delivered a long-lasting solution to hip pain with survival similar to that seen in patients undergoing THA in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Socioeconomic benefits of THA need further investigation to establish treatment guidelines for children suffering with hip pain

Introduction. There are currently no quality of life Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) that have been validated for patients with conditions requiring lower limb reconstructive surgery. The extent to which current generic and lower limb specific PROMs address relevant dimensions for these patients is unclear. Materials and Methods. We will present an overview of the PROLLIT (Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Lower Limb Reconstruction) mixed-methods study. PROLLIT aims to establish the adequacy of current PROMS for this population, whether a new measure is required, and to develop a new measure if appropriate. Results. The PROLLIT study consists of three phases:. Phase 1 is currently underway and involves the development of a conceptual model to map the key quality of life constructs relevant to people undergoing reconstructive surgery, to specify the intended population and uses of a PROM in this field. The conceptual model is being developed in a 3 step process: (i) Existing evidence is being collated in a systematic review of published qualitative research (Qualitative Evidence Synthesis); (ii) a multi-site qualitative study of patients, orthopaedic surgeons, specialist nurses and physiotherapists; (iii) an interdisciplinary panel of patients, surgeons, healthcare professionals and methodologists to finalise the conceptual framework based on the findings of the Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (i) and qualitative study (ii). Phase 2 involves mapping the conceptual framework onto existing PROMs measures that are used with this population to determine whether the constructs identified as important by patients and healthcare professionals are reflected in existing PROMS. Phase 3 involves developing a new outcome measure, if deemed necessary/appropriate during Phase 2. Conclusions. Current PROMS may not adequately address the issues relevant to patients recovering from lower limb reconstructive surgery. Phase 1 and 2 will provide robust evidence as to whether this is the case in order to seek funding for research to develop a new measure (Phase 3)

Purpose: Some of nowadays treatments in shoulder pathology are focused in pain drop, but is to be evidenced than pain is the most reliable item in shoulder patient’s quality of life. The purpose of this study is to analyze quality of life in patients affected of different shoulder pathologies and check how pain and movement influence quality of life perception (QLP). Material And Methods: 134 patients correctly filled the shoulder functional Constant score and the SF-36 score. Patients were classified by age, sex, labor status, level of education and diagnosis. There were 56 men (41,79%) and 78 women (58,21%). Mean age was 53,77 (18–85). Amongst them, 74 patients were classified as subacromial syndrome, 19 as fractures, 29 degenerative pathology and 12 as shoulder instability. Student’s T test was performed to study quantitative variables. Qualitive variables were studied using ANOVA test. Impact of pain and mobility on patients’ quality of life was assessed by Rho-Spearman’s test. Statistical regression coefficient was used to evaluate the impact of pain and mobility in perceived quality of life. Results: There were statistically significant differences amongst age, sex and diagnosis groups (p< 0,001). Patients older than 65 years old significatively (p< 0.001) perceived worst quality of life. Women and patients affected by a degenerative disorder significatively perceived worst quality of life (p< 0.001). A relationship between movement and quality of life was founded (linear trend). In patients with preserved range of motion, changes in pain perception significatively affected PQL (p< 0,001), meanwhile patients with poor range of motion, changes in pain perception did not affect PQL (p> 0,001). The regression coefficient for pain related to SF-36 Physical component scale was 0,629 (IC: 0,301–0.958), meanwhile the regression coefficient for external rotation is 1,196 (IC: 0,693–1,699), giving thus a predominant effect of extenal rotation in PQL. Conclusion/Discussion: Age, sex and etiology of shoulder disorder determine different perceptions of quality of life independently of the shoulder functional scoring. Range of motion significatively affect QLP independently of the level of pain. Pain affects QLP in patients whom range of motion is preserved. External rotation is the most important item affecting QLP. Factors determining quality of life perception should be taken into account when planning surgery strategies for different shoulder disorders