Aims: Musculo-skeletal complaints comprise a significant proportion of General Practitioner workload. The aim of this study was to assess whether the training of GP’s is satisfactory given their exposure to orthopaedics and trauma in practice. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to 200 local General Practitioners requesting information on their training in musculo-skeletal conditions. Results: The response rate was 58%. The reported estimated proportion of musculo-skeletal problems varied between 10% and 60 %. Only 33% of General Practitioners had any formal post graduate training in trauma and orthopaedics. Experience in the related specialities of rheumatology was 12% and A+E 69%. 35% of responding General Practitioners reported a specialist interest in musculo-skeletal conditions although less than 2% have any postgraduate qualifications in this area. Only 23% of GP’s thought that their training in orthopaedics and trauma was adequate .85% felt that they would benefit from further training. 80% of these felt that clinical teaching would be the best way to achieve this. Conclusions: Musculo-skeletal problems comprise a significant proportion of General Practice workload. Despite this fact formal training in trauma and orthopaedics received by GP’s is minimal. 77% of GP’s feel that their training in the treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions is inadequate and 85% would like further training

Introduction

The development of new megaprosthesis for the treatment of large bone defects has offered important opportunities to orthopedic oncologic surgeons for the replacement of skeletal segments such as the long bones of the upper and lower limbs and the relative joints. Our experience, treating non union and severe bone loss, has brought us, sometimes, to be confronted with the reality of some failures after unsuccessful attempts to reconstruct. Faced with certain radiological and / or clinical drastic situations we wanted to apply the principles of Biological Chamber and oncologic surgery with megaprosthetic replacement solutions. We implanted megaprosthesis with either 1 step or 2 steps (previous antibiotated spacer) technique depending on the septic patient conditions. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate both clinical and radiological outcomes in patients underwented to a lower limb megaprosthesis implant and complications were recorded.

Mechanical methods of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis rely on the prevention of venous stasis – one of Virchow’s triad of cause of DVT. Mechanical methods, such as the A-V Impulse System (Orthofix Vascular Novamedix, Andover, UK) are used widely in orthopaedic surgery for the prevention of DVT, especially after elective orthopaedics.

The evidence for the use of the A-V Impulse System in elective orthopaedics is widely accepted and is considered a Grade A Recommendation by the International Consensus Statement. These data are reviewed and critiqued.

More recent studies show how mechanical methods can offer benefits to the patient outside of hip and knee replacement surgery. Data are presented on how such devices can effectively reduce swelling, DVT, compartment pressure and pain associated with trauma, based on over 20 years of practical experience. The practical implications of using these devices is discussed.

To review the effect of MRSA screening, ward ring-fencing and other significant factors on elective orthopaedic operation cancellations: and to study the effect of introducing a multi-disciplinary trauma management system on trauma operation cancellations, we carried out a study at the Royal Gwent Hospital, a district general hospital accepting general emergency admissions. It took the form of a prospective audit of all elective orthopaedic and trauma cancellations from 1 October to 10 November 2002, and in the same period of 2004. Definitions: an ‘elective cancellation’: deemed medically fit at SHO pre-admission assessment; MRSA swabbed with negative results then subsequently cancelled from an elective theatre list under the headings, ‘ward breech by other unscreened patients’, ‘unfit for surgery’ (anaesthetic decision), ‘lack of beds’ and ‘other’ (lack of surgical assistant, theatre time, theatre staff and operation not required). A ‘trauma cancellation’: acute admission with allocation of theatre space; subsequently cancelled under the headings, ‘unfit for surgery’ (anaesthetic decision), ‘lack of theatre time’, ‘surgery not required’ and ‘other’ (patient refused surgery, absconded, incorrect listing, no surgical assistant or theatre staff). Results. In the six week period 198 and 226 elective patients were listed in 2002 and 2004 respectively. 52% were cancelled in 2002 and 35% in 2004, most frequently by ‘ward breech by other unscreened patient’. 234 and 269 trauma cases were listed in 2002 and 2004 respectively. 26% were cancelled in 2002 and 16% in 2004, most frequently in 2002 by ‘unfit for surgery’, and ‘surgery not required’; and in 2004 ‘lack of theatre time’. The MRSA ring-fencing policy was breached frequently by unscreened emergency patients. An elective unit separate from the main hospital may prevent these cancellations. The multi-disciplinary trauma management scheme reduced trauma cancellations, but other factors have reduced theatre efficiency

Aims. The evidence base within trauma and orthopaedics has traditionally favoured quantitative research methodologies. Qualitative research can provide unique insights which illuminate patient experiences and perceptions of care. Qualitative methods reveal the subjective narratives of patients that are not captured by quantitative data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of patient-centred care. The aim of this study is to quantify the level of qualitative research within the orthopaedic literature. Methods. A bibliometric search of journals’ online archives and multiple databases was undertaken in March 2024, to identify articles using qualitative research methods in the top 12 trauma and orthopaedic journals based on the 2023 impact factor and SCImago rating. The bibliometric search was conducted and reported in accordance with the preliminary guideline for reporting bibliometric reviews of the biomedical literature (BIBLIO). Results. Of the 7,201 papers reviewed, 136 included qualitative methods (0.1%). There was no significant difference between the journals, apart from Bone & Joint Open, which included 21 studies using qualitative methods, equalling 4% of its published articles. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that there is a very low number of qualitative research papers published within trauma and orthopaedic journals. Given the increasing focus on patient outcomes and improving the patient experience, it may be argued that there is a requirement to support both quantitative and qualitative approaches to orthopaedic research. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods may effectively address the complex and personal aspects of patients’ care, ensuring that outcomes align with patient values and enhance overall care quality

Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a technologically based progression to almost every sector of society. This has led to an influx of e-hailing motorcycle drivers (online based consumable transportation platforms) and thus an increase in road traffic accidents. This group experiences an abundance of Orthopaedic related trauma with a considerable economic burden. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the incidence of this study group as well as quantify the severity and cost implications thereof for the sake of public health and epidemiology. This was an observational study whereby a prospective cohort analysis was respectively conducted at a single centre to determine the incidence, of the study group, over a seven-month period. The study included any e-hailing motorcycle driver who sustained Orthopaedic related trauma, whilst on duty, within the catchment area whereas all other patients were excluded and used as a comparator. A descriptive statistical analysis was done to further delineate the severity of injury by comparing the type of injury, anatomical location injured, and management plan incurred. A total of 5096 individuals experienced Orthopaedic related trauma with 60 individuals (1.18%) being e-hailing motorcyclists who sustained injury whilst on duty. The incidence being 118 per 10000 patients. Further analysis revealed that 78.33% of the population experienced fractures or dislocations with 52.31% of these injuries requiring surgical intervention. The Upper limb (53.85%) and Lower limb (43.08%) were the most affected anatomical locations. The Orthopaedic care for this population group places a meaningful burden on the South African Health sector. These drivers work in unsafe environments and sustain high energy impacts, yet very little oversight exists. Therefore, continued research with new regulations needs to be drafted, looking into vehicle safety, working conditions, operative hours, and the need for public awareness

Implant-related infection is one of the leading reasons for failure in orthopaedics and trauma, and results in high social and economic costs. Various antibacterial coating technologies have proven to be safe and effective both in preclinical and clinical studies, with post-surgical implant-related infections reduced by 90% in some cases, depending on the type of coating and experimental setup used. Economic assessment may enable the cost-to-benefit profile of any given antibacterial coating to be defined, based on the expected infection rate with and without the coating, the cost of the infection management, and the cost of the coating. After reviewing the latest evidence on the available antibacterial coatings, we quantified the impact caused by delaying their large-scale application. Considering only joint arthroplasties, our calculations indicated that for an antibacterial coating, with a final user’s cost price of €600 and able to reduce post-surgical infection by 80%, each year of delay to its large-scale application would cause an estimated 35 200 new cases of post-surgical infection in Europe, equating to additional hospital costs of approximately €440 million per year. An adequate reimbursement policy for antibacterial coatings may benefit patients, healthcare systems, and related research, as could faster and more affordable regulatory pathways for the technologies still in the pipeline. This could significantly reduce the social and economic burden of implant-related infections in orthopaedics and trauma. Cite this article: C. L. Romanò, H. Tsuchiya, I. Morelli, A. G. Battaglia, L. Drago. Antibacterial coating of implants: are we missing something? Bone Joint Res 2019;8:199–206. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.85.BJR-2018-0316

Device-associated bacterial infections are a major and costly clinical challenge. This project aimed to develop a smart new biomaterial for implants that helps to protect against infection and inflammation, promote bone growth, and is biodegradable. Gallium (Ga) doped strontium-phosphate was coated on pure Magnesium (Mg) through a chemical conversion process. Mg was distributed in a graduated manner throughout the strontium-phosphate coating GaSrPO4, with a compact structure and a Ga-rich surface. We tested this sample for its biocompatibility, effects on bone remodeling and antibacterial activities including Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and E. coli - key strains causing infection and early failure of the surgical implantations in orthopaedics and trauma. Ga was distributed in a gradient way throughout the entire strontium-phosphate coating with a compact structure and a gallium-rich surface. The GaSrPO4 coating protected the underlying Mg from substantial degradation in minimal essential media at physiological conditions over 9 days. The liberated Ga ions from the coatings upon Mg specimens inhibited the growth of bacterial tested. The Ga dopants showed minimal interferences with the SrPO4 based coating, which boosted osteoblasts and undermined osteoclasts in in vitro co-cultures model. The results evidenced this new material may be further translated to preclinical trial in large animal model and towards clinical trial. Acknowledgements: Authors are grateful to the financial support from the Australian Research Council through the Linkage Scheme (ARC LP150100343). The authors acknowledge the facilities, and the scientific and technical assistance of the RMIT University and John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University

Traditionally, sports Injuries have been sub-optimally managed through Emergency Departments (ED) in the public health system due to a lack of adequate referral processes. Fractures are ruled out through plain radiographs followed by a reactive process involving patient initiated further follow up and investigation. Consequently, significant soft tissue and chondral injuries can go undiagnosed during periods in which early intervention can significantly affect natural progression. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess the efficacy of an innovative Sports Injury Pathway introduced to detect and treat significant soft tissue injuries. A Sports Injury Pathway was introduced at Fiona Stanley Hospital (WA, Australia) in April 2019 as a collaboration between the ED, Physiotherapy and Orthopaedic Departments. ED practitioners were advised to have a low threshold for referral, especially in the presence of a history of a twisting knee injury, shoulder dislocation or any suggestion of a hip tendon injury. All referrals were triaged by the Perth Sports Surgery Fellow with early follow-up in our Sports Trauma Clinics with additional investigations if required. A detailed database of all referrals was maintained, and relevant data was extracted for analysis over the first 3 years of this pathway. 570 patients were included in the final analysis. 54% of injuries occurred while playing sport, with AFL injuries constituting the most common contact-sports injury (13%). Advanced Scope Physiotherapists were the largest source of referrals (60%). A total of 460 MRI scans were eventually ordered comprising 81% of total referrals. Regarding Knee MRIs, 86% identified a significant structural injury with ACL injuries being the most common (33%) followed by isolated meniscal tears (16%) and multi-ligament knee injuries (11%). 95% of Shoulder MRI scans showed significant pathology. 39% of patients required surgical management, and of these 50% were performed within 3 months from injury. The Fiona Stanley Hospital Sports Injury Pathway has demonstrated its clear value in successfully diagnosing and treating an important cohort of patients who present to our Emergency Department. This low threshold/streamlined referral pathway has found that the vast majority of these patients suffer significant structural injuries that may have been otherwise missed, while providing referring practitioners and patients access to prompt imaging and high-quality Orthopaedic sports trauma services. We recommend the implementation of a similar Sports Injury Pathway at all secondary and tertiary Orthopaedic Centres

Abstract. Introduction. Minimising postoperative complications and mortality in COVID-19 patients who were undergoing trauma and orthopaedic surgeries is an international priority. Aim was to develop a predictive nomogram for 30-day morbidity/mortality of COVID-19 infection in patients who underwent orthopaedic and trauma surgery during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK in 2020 compared to a similar period in 2019. Secondary objective was to compare between patients with positive PCR test and those with negative test. Methods. Retrospective multi-center study including 50 hospitals. Patients with suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection who had underwent orthopaedic or trauma surgery for any indication during the 2020 pandemic were enrolled in the study (2525 patients). We analysed cases performed on orthopaedic and trauma operative lists in 2019 for comparison (4417). Multivariable Logistic Regression analysis was performed to assess the possible predictors of a fatal outcome. A nomogram was developed with the possible predictors and total point were calculated. Results. Of the 2525 patients admitted for suspicion of COVID-19, 658 patients had negative preoperative test, 151 with positive test and 1716 with unknown preoperative COVID-19 status. Preoperative COVID-19 status, sex, ASA grade, urgency and indication of surgery, use of torniquet, grade of operating surgeon and some comorbidities were independent risk factors associated with 30-day complications/mortality. The 2020 nomogram model exhibited moderate prediction ability. In contrast, the prediction ability of total points of 2019 nomogram model was excellent. Conclusions. Nomograms can be used by orthopaedic and trauma surgeons as a practical and effective tool in postoperative complications and mortality risk estimation

To describe the prevalence and incidence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation during the patient journey for patients admitted to orthopaedic and trauma wards, we carried out a prospective audit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, England. The Study Population comprised patients admitted to the trauma and elective orthopaedic wards, with an expected stay of 48 hours or more between March and May 2003. Patients were swabbed for MRSA colonisation on ward admission, transfer to another ward and discharge from hospital. Elective patients undergoing major joint surgery were also swabbed at a pre-operative assessment clinic. Colonised patients were treated depending on individual risk assessment. Five hundred and fifty-nine eligible patients were admitted to hospital. Of these, 323 (101 elective, 192 trauma and 30 non-orthopaedic) patients were included in the study, of whom 28 elective patients (28%), 43 trauma patients (22%), and seven non-orthopaedic patients (23%) were colonised with MRSA at any time during the audit period. Of the 80 patients identified as negative for MRSA colonisation at pre-assessment screening and included in the audit, ten (9.5%) were found to be colonised on admission. There is a high prevalence of MRSA colonisation in patients admitted to the orthopaedic and trauma wards in our setting. A policy of pre-admission screening, though able to identify MRSA carriage does not guarantee that patients are not colonised in the period between screening and admission. Consideration should be given to screening all patients for MRSA who are admitted to an orthopaedic ward

Orthopaedic and trauma implant related infection remains one of the major complications that negatively impact clinical outcome and significantly increase healthcare expenditure. Hydroxyapatite has been used for many years to increase implant osseointegration. Silver has been introduced into hydroxyapatite as an antimicrobial coating for orthopedic implants. This surface coatings can both increase tissue compatibility and prevent implant-related infections. We examined infection markers and blood silver values, liver and kidney function tests of 30 patients with of three groups of orthopedic implants, external fixators, intramedullary nails and hip replacements, coated with Ag + ion doped CaP based ceramic powder to determine safety and effectiveness of this dual-function coating. During 1 year follow-up, the pin sites were observed at the external fixator group, and wound areas for the proximal femoral nail and hip arthroplasty group at regular intervals. In addition, liver and kidney function tests, infection markers and blood silver values were checked in patients. In the external fixator group, only 4 out of 91 pin sites (%4.39) were infected. The wound areas healed without any problem in patients with proximal femoral nails and hip arthroplasty. There was no side effect suggesting silver toxicity such as systemic toxic side effect or argyria in any patient and blood silver level did not increase. Compared to similar patient groups in the literature, much lower infection rates were obtained (p = 0.001), and implant osseointegration was good. In patients with chronic infection, the implants were applied acutely after removing the primary implant and with simple debridement. Unlike other silver coating methods, silver was trapped in hydroxyapatite crystals in the ionic form, which is released from the coating during the process of osseointegration, thus, the silver was released into the systemic circulation gradually that showed antibacterial activity locally. We conclude that the use of orthopedic implants with a silver ion added calcium phosphate-based special coating is a safe method to prevent the implant-related infection. This work was supported by TUBİTAK Project Number 315S101

Evidence suggests as little as 32percnt; of those with a displaced intracapsular hip fracture who meet the NICE eligibility criteria currently undergo a total hip replacement (THR). The reason for this discrepancy is not clear. This study therefore set out to examine the reasons behind this lack of adherence to these guidelines through the use of a questionnaire to current Trauma & Orthopaedic surgery consultants across Scotland. An invitation to take part in the survey was distributed through the Scottish Committee for Orthopaedics & Trauma (SCOT) email address list. A series of 10 questions were designed to determine the background of participants, their experience at performing hip fracture surgery (including THR) and their thoughts regarding its use in the hip fracture setting. Results were collated at the end of the study period and quantitatively analysed where possible. There were 91 responses in total. 53percnt; of individuals said they would offer those meeting the NICE criteria a THR less than 76percnt; of the time. The most commonly used alternative was a cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty (51percnt;). Hip surgeons were more likely to perform or supervise THR for hip fracture than non-hip surgeons (p<0.0001). There were a wide variety of reasons why people would not offer a THR including dislocation rate, technical complexity and inadequate evidence for use. Overall this study highlights current trends and barriers in the provision of THR to hip fracture patients. This knowledge can be used to ascertain research priorities to maximise the quality of care in this setting

INTRODUCTION. Recently the evolution of prosthesis technology allows the surgeon to replace entire limbs. These special prostheses or megaprostheses were born for the treatment of severe oncological bone loss. Recently, however, the indications and applications of these devices are expanding to other orthopaedic and trauma situations. Since some years we are implanting megaprostheses in non-oncological conditions such as septic post-traumatic failures represented by complex non-unions and critical size bone defects. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcome of this treatment and register all the complications and infection recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHOD. Between January 2008 and January 2016 we have treated 55 patients with septic post-traumatic bone defects In 48/55 cases we perform a 2 steps procedure: 1° step: resection, debridment, devices removal and antibiotic spacer implantation; 2° step: spacer removal and megaprosthesis implantation. In 7/55 patients in whom all the femur was infected, we performed a one step procedure by the complete removal of the femur and a megaprosthesis (Total Femur) implantation. RESULTS. We obtained good results from a clinical, laboratory and radiological point of view with restoration of the function of the affected limb. Only in 5/55 cases the infection recurred. All the Total Femur megaprosthesis implanted in a one step procedure healed without recurrence of infection. CONCLUSION. Megaprosthesis in severe septic bone loss can be considered, in extreme cases appropriately selected, as an available solution for the orthopedic surgeon. The two steps procedure gives the best results with safety and lower infection recurrence creating a membrane (Chamber Induction Technique) that can protect the prosthesis in a safe environment. We can perform a one step procedure only when all the infected segment is entirely removed. This type of complex surgery must be performed in specialized centers where knowledge and technologies are present

Aims. Ankle fractures are common injuries and the third most common fragility fracture. In all, 40% of ankle fractures in the frail are open and represent a complex clinical scenario, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to hip fracture patients. They have a higher risk of complications, such as wound infections, malunion, hospital-acquired infections, pressure sores, veno-thromboembolic events, and significant sarcopaenia from prolonged bed rest. Methods. A modified Delphi method was used and a group of experts with a vested interest in best practice were invited from the British Foot and Ankle Society (BOFAS), British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS), British Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS), British Geriatric Society (BGS), and the British Limb Reconstruction Society (BLRS). Results. In the first stage, there were 36 respondents to the survey, with over 70% stating their unit treats more than 20 such cases per year. There was a 50:50 split regarding if the timing of surgery should be within 36 hours, as per the hip fracture guidelines, or 72 hours, as per the open fracture guidelines. Overall, 75% would attempt primary wound closure and 25% would utilize a local flap. There was no orthopaedic agreement on fixation, and 75% would permit weightbearing immediately. In the second stage, performed at the BLRS meeting, experts discussed the survey results and agreed upon a consensus for the management of open elderly ankle fractures. Conclusion. A mutually agreed consensus from the expert panel was reached to enable the best practice for the management of patients with frailty with an open ankle fracture: 1) all units managing lower limb fragility fractures should do so through a cohorted multidisciplinary pathway. This pathway should follow the standards laid down in the "care of the older or frail orthopaedic trauma patient" British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOAST) guideline. These patients have low bone density, and we should recommend full falls and bone health assessment; 2) all open lower limb fragility fractures should be treated in a single stage within 24 hours of injury if possible; 3) all patients with fragility fractures of the lower limb should be considered for mobilisation on the day following surgery; 4) all patients with lower limb open fragility fractures should be considered for tissue sparing, with judicious debridement as a default; 5) all patients with open lower limb fragility fractures should be managed by a consultant plastic surgeon with primary closure wherever possible; and 6) the method of fixation must allow for immediate unrestricted weightbearing. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):236–242

Aims. The follow-up interval of a study represents an important aspect that is frequently mentioned in the title of the manuscript. Authors arbitrarily define whether the follow-up of their study is short-, mid-, or long-term. There is no clear consensus in that regard and definitions show a large range of variation. It was therefore the aim of this study to systematically identify clinical research published in high-impact orthopaedic journals in the last five years and extract follow-up information to deduce corresponding evidence-based definitions of short-, mid-, and long-term follow-up. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed to identify papers published in the six highest ranked orthopaedic journals during the years 2015 to 2019. Follow-up intervals were analyzed. Each article was assigned to a corresponding subspecialty field: sports traumatology, knee arthroplasty and reconstruction, hip-preserving surgery, hip arthroplasty, shoulder and elbow arthroplasty, hand and wrist, foot and ankle, paediatric orthopaedics, orthopaedic trauma, spine, and tumour. Mean follow-up data were tabulated for the corresponding subspecialty fields. Comparison between means was conducted using analysis of variance. Results. Of 16,161 published articles, 590 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 321 were of level IV evidence, 176 level III, 53 level II, and 40 level I. Considering all included articles, a long-term study published in the included high impact journals had a mean follow-up of 151.6 months, a mid-term study of 63.5 months, and a short-term study of 30.0 months. Conclusion. The results of this study provide evidence-based definitions for orthopaedic follow-up intervals that should provide a citable standard for the planning of clinical studies. A minimum mean follow-up of a short-term study should be 30 months (2.5 years), while a mid-term study should aim for a mean follow-up of 60 months (five years), and a long-term study should aim for a mean of 150 months (12.5 years). Level of Evidence: Level I. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(5):344–350

Infection is among the first reasons for failure of orthopedic implants. Various antibacterial coatings for implanted biomaterials are under study, but only few technologies are currently available in the clinical setting. Previous studies showed the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety of a fast resorbable (<96 h) hyaluronic and polylactic acid based hydrogel, loaded with antibiotic or antibiofilm agents (DAC®, Novagenit Srl, Mezzolombardo, TN). Aim of this study is to report the results of the largest clinical trial in trauma and orthopedic patients. In this prospective, controlled, study, a total of 184 patients (86 treated with internal osteosinthesis for closed fractures and 98 undergoing cementless total hip or knee joint prosthesis) were randomly assigned in three European orthopaedic centers to receive antibiotic-loaded DAC coating or to a control group, without coating. Pre- and post-operative assessment of laboratory tests, wound healing (ASEPSIS score), clinical score (SF-12 score) and x-rays were performed at fixed time intervals. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher exact test or Student's t test. Significance level was set at p<0.05. The study was approved by the local Ethical Committee and all patients provided a written informed consent. On average, wound healing, clinical scores, laboratory tests and radiographic findings did not show any significant difference between the two-groups at a mean 12 months follow-up (min: 6, max: 18 months). Four surgical site infections and two delayed union were observed in the control group compared to none in the treated group. No local or systemic side effects, that could be related to DAC hydrogel coating, were noted and no detectable interference with bone healing or osteointegration could be found. This is the largest study, with the longest follow-up, reporting on clinical results after the use of a fast-resosrbable anti-bacterial hydrogel coating for orthopaedic and trauma implants. Our results show the safety of the tested coating in different indications; although not statistically significant, the data also show a trend towards surgical site infection reduction, as previously demonstrated in the animal models

Aims: The relationship between the structural and histological changes of articular hyaline cartilage and the stiffness of this tissue was evaluated. Methods: Artscan 1000, an articular stiffness tester was used for in vivo measurements during arthroscopy indicated on orthopaedic or trauma disorders. 100 patients were involved in the study. Measurements were performed at eight standard sites: medial and lateral femoral condyles, medial and lateral tibial condyles, medial and lateral facet of the patellofemoral joint and medial and lateral facet of the patella. Standard 10N predefined loading force was applied during the measurements. The indenter force produced by the deformed cartilage tissue is used as the indicator of cartilage stiffness. Results: Clinical measurements revealed a topographical variation of the stiffness of normal cartilage. In general, the femoral cartilage is stiffer than tibial or patellar one. The stiffest cartilage was measured at the lateral femoral condyle. Conclusions: Changes of articular cartilage structure can be indirectly observed during arthroscopy as an alteration in cartilage stiffness

INTRODUCTION. The hip arthroplasty implant is currently growing up both in orthopedic and trauma practice. This increases the frequency of prosthesis revision due to implant loosening often associated with periprosthetic osteolysis that determine the failure and lead to a loss of bone substance. Nowadays there are numerous biotechnologies seeking to join or substitute the autologous or omologous bone use. These biotechnologies (mesenchymal stromal cells, growth factors and bone substitutes) may be used in such situations, however, the literature doesn't offer class 1 clinical evidences in this field of application. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We performed a literature review using the universally validated search engines in the biomedical field: PubMed / Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE. The keywords used were: “Growth Factors”, “Platelet Rich Plasma”, “OP-1”, “BMP”, “BMP-2”, “BMP-7”, “Demineralized Bone Matrix”, “Stem Cell”, “Bone Marrow”, “Scaffold”, “Bone Substitutes” were crossed with “hip”, “revision”, “replacement” / “arthroplasty”, “bone loss” / “osteolysis.”. RESULTS. The search led to 321 items, of these were considered relevant: as regards the growth factors 21 articles related to in vivo animal studies and 2 articles of human clinical use of BMPs and 1 single article on the use of PRP; as regards the mesenchymal stromal cells 2 items of application in animals; as regards the use of bone substitutes we have analyzed a review of this application. DISCUSSION. The use of biotechnologies in hip prosthetic revisions has produced conflicting results: autologous growth factors (PRP) have definitely been proven effective in maxillofacial surgery, in animal studies the results of BMPs are inconsistent with articles that validate their use and others that don't recommend it. Clinical application has demonstrated, today, the limited use of BMP-7 in revisions with even an increased risk of early re-mobilization, PRP appears to be rather effective only in the early stages of peri-prosthetic osteolysis. The mesenchymal cells can increase the chances of recovery and integration of the grafts but an important variable is the number of cells that are still alive after the impaction of the graft which affects their vitality. The bone substitutes appear to be safe and very useful, particularly if applied in order to implement the omologous bone, which is still the most scaffolds used in this surgery. CONCLUSIONS. The systematic review of the literature has shown an important lack of clinical studies regarding the use of biotechnologies for prosthetic revisions. It is therefore difficult to draw guidelines that regulate the application, prospective randomized clinical studies are therefore needed to validate its effectiveness

This study aims to ascertain the value of CT in assessing union of complex tibial fractures in patients treated with internal or external fixation. Twenty patients who fit the above criteria were selected from a list of those sent for CT lower leg by the department of Orthopaedics and Trauma at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from 2007–2012. The x-rays chronologically closest to the CTs were assessed by two observers, and the results evaluated for inter-observer agreement. The observers recorded their general impression of whether there was adequate union for fixation removal, and scored the x-rays using the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures (RUST). There was fair agreement on “general impression” (kappa 0.36, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.64), but there was good agreement using the RUST score (ICC 0.81 95CI 0.12 to 0.96). However, only 45% of the x-rays could be rated by both observers due to obstruction from metalwork. The CT scans were assessed by two orthopaedic surgeons, first giving a general impression of whether there was adequate union for fixation removal, then using a modified RUST score. The inter-observer agreement was moderate in the former (kappa 0.55, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.89) and substantial in the latter (ICC 0.78 95% CI 0.40 to 0.92); only one image was unable to be assessed due to artefact. The author concludes that CT was useful in these patients due to the high number of x-rays in which cortices were obstructed by metalwork. Use of the RUST score improved inter-observer agreement, and would therefore be useful in both future studies and inter-departmental clinical communication. Further research is needed to relate use of the modified RUST score to clinical outcome