Neonatal septic arthritis is a true orthopaedic emergency posing significant threat to life and limb. Objective: To examine the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of children presenting with septic arthritis in the neonatal period. Design: Retrospective review of clinical notes and radiographs of children presenting over a 20 year period (1977–97). Subjects: 34 patients with septic arthritis in a total of 36 joints. Outcome measures: Clinical outcome was classified as satisfactory or unsatisfactory as per Morrey et al.
The purpose of this study was to compare the radiological outcomes of manual versus robotic-assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Postoperative radiological outcomes from 86 consecutive robotic-assisted UKAs (RAUKA group) from a single academic centre were retrospectively reviewed and compared to 253 manual UKAs (MUKA group) drawn from a prior study at our institution. Femoral coronal and sagittal angles (FCA, FSA), tibial coronal and sagittal angles (TCA, TSA), and implant overhang were radiologically measured to identify outliers.Aims
Methods
Purpose of the study: The Alpina unicompartimen-tal knee prosthesis (Biomet) is an anatomic prosthesis inserted with a femoral cut, a tibial base plate made of titanium and a flat modular polyethylene insert. Cemented and non-cemented versions are available with hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC) coating. Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the radiological outcome at more than five years (fie to eight years follow-up) in a consecutive series of patients who had an Alpina HAC prosthesis with tibial fixation completed with a titanium screw. Clinical and radiological findings were recorded. Radiologically: pre- and postoperative angles, implant position, reliability of the instrument set. At last follow-up, we studied the presence of lucent lines, polyethylene wear easily measured on the flat insert, and bone remodeling around the tibial fixation screw. Results: At last follow-up (5 to 8 years), three patients were lost to follow-up and three had died.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, affecting 1–3% of the population. Most cases are treated conservatively. Curves exceeding 45° in the thoracic spine and 40° in the lumbar spine may require correction and fusion surgery, to limit the progression of the curve and prevent restrictive pulmonary insufficiency (curves above 70°). When fusion is required, it may be performed either by posterior or anterior approaches. Posterior is useful for thoracic (Lenke I) curves, notably to correct the thoracic hypokyphosis frequently observed in AIS. Anterior approaches by thoraco-lombotomies allow an effective correction of thoraco-lumbar and lumbar curves (Lenke V and VI), with fewer levels fused than with posterior approaches. However, the approach requires diaphragm splitting and one may be concerned about the long-term pulmonary consequences. The literature provides conflicting insight regarding the consequences of the approach in anterior scoliosis correction, the interpretation of the results being difficult knowing that the correction of the scoliosis itself may improve pulmonary function. This is a retrospective observational study done at a Tertiary Institution. The HRQOL scores have been collected as a prospective cohort. Clinical and radiographic data was collected from patients charts and analysed by two senior surgeons A cohort of 64 patients were operated in the given time period. 50 patients met the inclusion criteria. No major complications were reported. The Union rate was 100% and no post operative complications were noted. Pre and post SRS scores improved in all patients. The Anterior approach for Lenke V AIS gives great surgical exposure and allows for excellent correction of Cobb angle with minimal risk to the patient.
Background: Patients with femoral head osteonecrosis usually tend to be younger and more active when compared with osteoarthritis patients. Second generation metal-on-metal THA was reintroduced to reduce poly-ethylene-induced wear debris, and therefore increase longevity of implants. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare full blood cobalt-chrome levels, patient activity, clinical/radiological outcome and implant survival in patients with osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis after a minimum follow up of 12 years. Methods: Full blood cobalt-chrome levels of a consecutive series of 125 patients, consisting of 40 patients (38 male, 2 female, average age 35 years, range 28 to 46 years) with osteonecrosis (ON group) and 85 patients (60 male, 25 female, average age 58 years, range 52 to 68 years) with osteoarthritis (OA group) as primary diagnosis were retrospectively compared. Patient activity level was assessed using UCLA Score and clinical outcome was evaluated using HHS.
The primary aim of this study was to report the radiological outcomes of patients with a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture who were randomized to a moulded cast or surgical fixation with wires following manipulation and closed reduction of their fracture. The secondary aim was to correlate radiological outcomes with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the year following injury. Participants were recruited as part of DRAFFT2, a UK multicentre clinical trial. Participants were aged 16 years or over with a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture, and were eligible for the trial if they needed a manipulation of their fracture, as recommended by their treating surgeon. Participants were randomly allocated on a 1:1 ratio to moulded cast or Kirschner wires after manipulation of the fracture in the operating theatre. Standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were performed in the radiology department of participating centres at the time of the patient’s initial assessment in the emergency department and six weeks postoperatively. Intraoperative fluoroscopic images taken at the time of fracture reduction were also assessed.Aims
Methods
Interest in minimal-incision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has increased in recent years. The advantages of minimally invasive techniques (MIS) used for TKA are faster functional recovery, shorter hospital stay and better early knee range of motion. It is known that the long-term outcome after TKA is related to component position and ligament balance. The smaller incision in MIS might be associated with increased risk of malalignment of components due to limited visualisation. Malalignment of implants in TKA has been associated with implant failure and poor long-term functional results. There is a lack of evidence in the literature that MIS can achieve the same results as the standard TKR approach in terms of component alignment precision. Seventy patients scheduled for a primary TKA were prospectively evaluated postoperatively with coronal and sagittal radiographic long limb films. Mini-midvastus approach was used for all TKA. There were no complications and the radiographic evaluation found no implant or limb malalignment, or signs of early loosening. We did not observe wound healing problems, fractures or implant notching. The mini-midvastus approach can reproduces the same accuracy in component positioning as the standard medial parapatellar approach. A precise operation technique and adequate visualisation of anatomical landmarks during implantation are the key points of success in mini-midvastus approach.
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication of prosthetic joint implantation, with an estimated incidence of 2.18%. Most frequently used treatment strategy for PJI is a two-stage revision procedure. However there are specific patients with a new or persisting infection after primary or revision surgery where further surgical treatment is not attractive. This may be because of medical or local surgical conditions, or patient's refusal to undergo (further) surgical therapy. For these patients suppressive antibiotic therapy (SAT) may be an alternative treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and radiological outcome of patients with a PJI of a hip arthroplasty, treated with SAT. Twenty-four patients with a hip arthroplasty treated with suppressive antibiotic therapy for PJI between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013 were included. All patients had a proven prosthetic joint infection, either by ≥2 intraoperative cultures or joint aspiration. SAT was defined as treatment with antibiotic therapy for more than three months. Most used antibiotics were doxycycline in 15 patients and cotrimoxazole in six patients. Patients were supposed to have a successful outcome when their prosthesis remained in situ and they had no relapse or new infection. Suppressive antibiotic therapy was considered successful in 15 (62.5%) patients with a mean follow-up of 20.6 months. Two patients (8.3%) had to stop the antibiotic therapy due to adverse effects. The mean duration of the SAT was 20.4 months (range 0.92–92.65 months). Mean modified Oxford hip score of the successfully treated patients at the latest follow up was 35 (range 16–49) and mean Harris hip score 71 (range 40–93). The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) was 16 (range 0–70) in rest, 32 (range 0–85) during exercise and 65 (range 10–100) for satisfaction. Of the 9 patients with an unsuccessful outcome, there was a radiological loosening of the cup in 4 patients. In the group of 15 patients that were considered successful, 2 patients had a radiological loosening of the cup and one patient loosening of the stem. Suppressive antibiotic therapy can be an attractive alternative treatment in selected patients with a prosthetic joint infection of a hip arthroplasty who cannot or will not undergo (further) surgical therapy. Further research with a larger number of patients is required. Also the optimal dosage and duration of suppressive antibiotic therapy and possible resistance to the antibiotic therapy is unknown.
Reduction therapy in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is initialized in the newborn period. Harness treatment is continued until normal ultrasound-values are reached. Above the age of one year the assessment of DDH relies mainly on interpretation of plain radiographs of the pelvis. In order to rule out residual dysplasia after ultrasound controlled treatment radiological control is advised to the time children start walking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early radiological outcome after ultrasound controlled treatment of DDH and to examine whether there is a correlation between the initial severitiy of DDH, measured by ultrasound, and the severity of residual DDH on the radiograph at the time of the first follow-up. A. p. pelvic radiographs of 90 children (72 girls, 18 boys, 180 hips) with DDH (29 unilateral, 61 bilateral) were reviewed retrospectively. To the beginning of the ultrasound surveilled therapy (mean age 7,2 weeks) the morphologic findings were staged according to the Graf classification. Ultrasound surveilled abduction treatment was continued until normal ultrasound findings were reached. To the time children started walking (mean age 14,8 months) an a. p. radiograph of the pelvis was performed. The acetabular index (AI) was measured and classified according to the normal values of the hip joint described by Tönnis. The initial ultrasound findings expressed by the Graf classification were compared with the AI in the radiographic follow-up and Tönnis’ normal values. To simplify matters the 180 Graf-classified hips were distributed into 4 categories: Graf Ia/b=category 1, Graf IIa-D=category 2, Graf IIIa/b=category 3, Graf IV=category 4. The initially normal contralateral hips in ultrasound (n=29, category 1) presented in 37,9% a normal AI, in 41,4% with a mild dysplasia (between 1SD and 2SD) and in 20,7% with a severe dysplasia (beyond 2SD). The Graf type IIa-D hips (n=81, category 2) presented in 37% a normal AI, 32,1% showed a mild dysplasia and 30,9% a severe dysplasia. The Graf type III a/b hips (n=60, category 3) showed 35%, 30% and 35%, Graf type IV hips (n=10, category 4) 60%, 30% and 10%, respectively. The mean AI in all four categories differed only marginally. In our setting of patients different conclusions can be drawn:
Even after successful ultrasound guided therapy with a sonographically normal hip at the time bracing is finished there is a risk for residual dysplasia. Therefore radiological follow-up of every once treated hip is necessary. To reduce the number of radiographs the time for the first radiographic follow up may be delayed to the age of two. We only see a minimal risk to miss a dislocated hip in time. In very rare cases the indication for an acetabuloplasty is generally seen before the age of two, in our patient population we saw no immediate indication for surgery.
Transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy is one of the effective joint-preserving operations for osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head. We correlated various factors with the radiological outcome of this procedure. We reviewed 74 hips in 63 patients who had a minimum follow-up of 5 years after transtrochanteric curved varus osteotomy for the treatment of ON. There were 28 men and 35 women who had a mean age of 33 years (range, 15 to 68 years) at the time of surgery. Clinical assessment was made based on the Harris hip score (HHS). Radiographically, we investigated various factors; affected lesion, stage and type (localization of the necrotic lesion) of ON, varus degree, post-operative intact ratio, progression of collapse, and joint-space narrowing. On the basis of postoperative radiographs, the hips were divided into 2 groups (Group I: either the progression of collapse or joint-space narrowing, Group II: neither progression of collapse or joint-space narrowing). The related factors with radiological outcome were analyzed by using multivariate analysis (Stepwise discriminant analysis).Introduction
Methods
The radiological appearance of the tibial components were prospectively examined to for the appearance of bone lysis.
A previously published study has shown that if total knee replacement is performed without a tourniquet but using the suction cement technique an excellent cement mantle can reliably be produced.
Variability in component alignment continues to be a major in total knee arthroplasty(TKA). In the long term, coronal plane malalignment has been associated with an increased risk of loosening, insatability, and wear. Recently portable navigation system(PNS) in TKA have been introduced. The goal of PNS are to improve the accuracy of post operative alignment and eliminate outlier cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical results and quantify the coronal plane alignment between a group of patients who underwent TKA using PNS versus CT-free large-console navigation system. An unselected consecutive series of ninety-four patients undergoing primary TKA using the cruciate retaining cemented total knee system between April 2012 and August 2015 were studied. Patients were included only if they were deemed to be candidates for a Cruciate retaining TKA. Patients were excluded if they had a flexion contracture greater than 40°, or severe valgus or varus deformity. Forty eight knees was operated a TKA with CT-free large-console navigation system(The OrthoPilot system; Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany). Subsequently forty six knees was received a TKA using portable navigation system (KneeAlign2TM). Postoperatively standing AP hip-to-ankle radiographs were obtained, from which the lower extremity mechanical axis, component angle were measured. The alignment goals were a neutral mechanical axis defined as a hip-to-ankle angle of 0°with the femoral and tibial components aligned perpendicular to the mechanical axis. The total operating time were quantified utilising an operating room database. The total operating time between TKAs performed with CT-free navigation system and those performed with portable navigation system was compared in each group. All patients postoperatively was evaluated of clinical results the Japan Orthopedics Association(JOA) Knee scores.Background
Patients and Method
Computer navigation has the potential to revolutionise orthopaedic surgery. It is widely accepted that component malalignment and malrotation leads to early failure in knee arthroplasty. We aimed to assess the use and reliability of computer navigation in both total (TKR) and unicompartmental (UKR) knee replacement surgery. We analysed 40 consecutive UKRs and 40 consecutive TKRs. All procedures were carried out with the Brain-LAB navigation system and all were carried out by one consultant orthopaedic surgeon. Preoperative aim was neutral tibial cuts with 3 degrees posterior slope. Coronal and sagittal alignment of tibial components were measured on postoperative radiographs. Patients were also scored clinically with regards to function and pain. In the TKR group, mean tibial coronal alignment was 0° (range 1 to −2.) Mean sagittal alignment was 2° posterior slope (range 0 to 4.) In the UKR group, mean tibial coronal alignment was 0.55° (range 0 to −3.) Mean sagittal alignment was 2.1° posterior slope (range 0 to 4°.) Clinical outcome scores were very satisfactory for the majority of patients, with far superior functional scores in the UKR group. Our results demonstrate very accurate placement of the prosthesis in both the TKR and UKR group with computer navigation. There is a very narrow range with no outliers, (all within +/−3 degrees of desired alignment.) Functional outcome scores are good. We advocate the use of computer navigation in unicompartmental as well as total knee replacment surgery, in order to minimise early failures.
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a diarthrodial joint and can often be a source of chronic low back pain complex. We present a percutaneous technique for SIJ fusion and the functional and radiological outcome following arthrodesis with HMA (Hollow modular anchorage; Aesculap Ltd, Tuttlingen) screws. Fifteen consecutive patients operated for SIJ fusion between Sep 2004 and Aug 2007 were included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed with MRI and diagnostic injections. Pre-operative and post-operative functional evaluation was performed using SF-36 questionnaire and Majeed’s scoring system. Postoperative radiological evaluation was performed using plain radiographs. The HMA screws packed with bone substitute were implanted percutaneous under fluoroscopic guidance. The study group included 11 females and 4 males with a mean age of 48.7 years. Mean follow-up was 14 months. Mean SF-36 scores improved from 37 to 80 for physical function and from 53 to 86 for general health. The differences were statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed rank test; p <
0.05). Majeed’s score improved from mean 37 preoperative to mean 79 postoperative. The difference was statistically significant (student t test, p<
0.05). 13 had good to excellent results. The remaining 2 patients had improvement in SF-36 from mean 29 to 48. Persisting pain was potentially due to coexisting lumbar pathology. Intra-operative blood was minimal and there were no post-operative or radiological complications. Percutaneous HMA screws are a satisfactory way to achieve sacroiliac stabilisation.
The distal radius is the most frequently fractured bone in the forearm with an annual fracture incidence in the UK of about 9–37 in 10,000. Restoration of normal anatomy is an important factor that dictates the final functional outcome. A number of operative options are available, including Kirschner wiring, bridging or non-bridging external fixation and open reduction and internal fixation by means of dorsal, radial or volar plates. We designed this study to analyse the clinical and radiological outcome of distal radial fracture fixation using volar plating. Thirty-seven patients with distal radius fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation using volar plates were included. Tilt of the fractured distal radial fragment was recorded from the initial radiograph and classification of fractures was done using the Orthopaedic Trauma Association system. The QuickDASH questionnaire was used for evaluation of symptomatic and functional outcome six months to one year after surgery. The radiological outcome was assessed using measurements of radial inclination, ulnar variance and volar tilt. Of the thirty-seven patients, 13 were male and 24 were female. The mean age was 55.6 years (range 18–87 years). According to the AO classification, there were 8 cases each of C2 and C3 fractures, 6 cases of C1 fractures and 3 cases each of class A2, A3, B1 and B3 fractures. There were 2 patients with class B2 fracture.Introduction
Materials/Methods
Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a well established method to treat hip dysplasia in the adult. There are, however, a number of complications associated with this procedure as well as a time related deterioration in the grade of osteoarthritis that can influence the long term result. It is essential that patients are fully informed as to the effectiveness of PAO, the likelihood of complications and their influence on the subjective outcome prior to giving consent for surgery. Generic outcome measures offer the opportunity to determine treatment efficacy and the influence on the outcome by complications. 60 PAOs on 50 patients were investigated retrospectively after a mean follow up of 7.4 years. The patients’ self reported assessment of health and function was evaluated by the SF-36 and the WOMAC questionnaires at last follow-up. 40 healthy persons served as a control group. The centre-edge angle improved from a mean of 8.7° to 31.5°. The weight bearing surface improved from a mean lateral opening of 8.7° to 4.2°. The degree of osteoarthritis improved in one case, remained unchanged in 20 and deteriorated in 17. There was a tendency of higher CE-angles towards a higher rate of deterioration, indicating that overcorrection may increase osteo-arthritic degeneration. 13 of the 60 interventions had no complications. Minor complications occurred in 25 (41%) interventions and in 22 (37%) at least one major complication occurred. SF-36 summary measure was 76.4 for PAO patients and 90.3 for the control group. Mean WOMAC score was 25.1. The severity of ectopic bone formation, incidence of postoperative peroneal nerve dysfunction and delayed wound closure did not influence the subjective result. Patients with major complications had a similar subjective outcome as patients with minor or no complications, but persistent dysesthesia due to lateral femoral cutaneous nerve dysfunction led to a worse subjective function as assessed with the WOMAC score.