Aim. Surgical site infection (SSI) is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and economic burden. Management of spinal SSI is becoming more challenging especially in instrumented cases, but is not well recognized as high risk procedure. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of procedure type comparing SSI risk with arthroplasties among all orthopaedic procedures. Method. Using prospectively collected data of consecutive samples in multi-center orthopedic SSI surveillance, we explored the differences in SSI rates within 30 days after surgery by procedure types. Patients who underwent surgery of single site between November 2013 and May 2016 were enrolled. SSI was our primary outcome. Urinary tract infection (UTI), and respiratory tract infection (RTI) were also evaluated. The definition of SSI was based on the CDC definition with slight modifications. All patients were followed for 30 days postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were done, and variables were carefully selected for adjustments. Results. In total 8,907 single site surgeries were analyzed. There were four major procedure types, fracture repair 31%, arthroplasty 30%, spinal surgery without instrumentation 14.7% and spinal instrumentation surgery 13%. Patient backgrounds were male 41.4%, diabetes 13.5%, rheumatoid arthritis 3.8 %, present smoker 13.4%, mean BMI 23+4, and operative time 144+92 minutes. Cefazolin was administered in more than 98% of all cases, and were administered appropriately before surgery. SSI occurred in 102 cases (1.2%), and the SSI rates were 2.5% in spinal instrumentation surgery and 0.6% in arthroplasty. After adjustment with several clinically relevant variables such as age, sex, diabetes and ASA, spinal instrumentation surgery was the only procedure which remained significant with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.3 (1.8–6.2, P<0.01) compared with arthroplasties. The risk remained stable after adding further clinically relevant variables (aOR of 2.2 to 3.3). The risk was not significant for spinal surgery without instrumentation (aOR, 1.8; 0.9–3.5, P=0.10). Moreover, the risk of spinal instrumentation surgery was highest for UTI (aOR, 4.7; 2.9–7.6), P<0.01) and RTI (aOR, 3.7; 1.6–8.9), P<0.01) among all procedures. Conclusions. From our study, spinal instrumentation surgery was the only procedure to be significant after multivariate analysis, and the risk for SSI remained 2.2 to 3.3 fold higher compared with arthroplasties. The risk was also highest for several other major healthcare-associated infections. Considering the disastrous consequences, more interests and improvements in total perioperative care are needed for this procedure

Aims

During the COVID-19 pandemic, drilling has been classified as an aerosol-generating procedure. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of bone drilling on splatter generation. Our aim was to quantify the effect of drilling on splatter generation within the orthopaedic operative setting.

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the risk of postoperative complications in COVID-19-positive patients undergoing common orthopaedic procedures. Methods. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme (NSQIP) database, patients who underwent common orthopaedic surgery procedures from 1 January to 31 December 2021 were extracted. Patient preoperative COVID-19 status, demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching was conducted between COVID-19-positive and -negative patients. Multivariable regression was then performed to identify both patient and provider risk factors independently associated with the occurrence of 30-day postoperative adverse events. Results. Of 194,121 included patients, 740 (0.38%) were identified to be COVID-19-positive. Comparison of comorbidities demonstrated that COVID-19-positive patients had higher rates of diabetes, heart failure, and pulmonary disease. After propensity matching and controlling for all preoperative variables, multivariable analysis found that COVID-19-positive patients were at increased risk of several postoperative complications, including: any adverse event, major adverse event, minor adverse event, death, venous thromboembolism, and pneumonia. COVID-19-positive patients undergoing hip/knee arthroplasty and trauma surgery were at increased risk of 30-day adverse events. Conclusion. COVID-19-positive patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery had increased odds of many 30-day postoperative complications, with hip/knee arthroplasty and trauma surgery being the most high-risk procedures. These data reinforce prior literature demonstrating increased risk of venous thromboembolic events in the acute postoperative period. Clinicians caring for patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures should be mindful of these increased risks, and attempt to improve patient care during the ongoing global pandemic. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(9):704–712

Aims. The use of fluoroscopy in orthopaedic surgery creates risk of radiation exposure to surgeons. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help mitigate this. The primary aim of this study was to assess if current radiation protection in orthopaedic trauma is safe. The secondary aims were to describe normative data of radiation exposure during common orthopaedic procedures, evaluate ways to improve any deficits in protection, and validate the use of electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) in assessing radiation dose in orthopaedic surgery. Methods. Radiation exposure to surgeons during common orthopaedic trauma operations was prospectively assessed using EPDs and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Normative data for each operation type were calculated and compared to recommended guidelines. Results. Current PPE appears to mitigate more than 90% of ionizing radiation in orthopaedic fluoroscopic procedures. There is a higher exposure to the inner thigh during seated procedures. EPDs provided results for individual procedures. Conclusion. PPE currently used by surgeons in orthopaedic trauma theatre adequately reduces radiation exposure to below recommended levels. Normative data per trauma case show specific anatomical areas of higher exposure, which may benefit from enhanced radiation protection. EPDs can be used to assess real-time radiation exposure in orthopaedic surgery. There may be a role in future medical wearables for orthopaedic surgeons. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):907–912

Aims. Orthopaedic infection is a potentially serious complication of elective and emergency trauma and orthopaedic procedures, with a high associated burden of morbidity and cost. Optimization of vitamin D levels has been postulated to be beneficial in the prevention of orthopaedic infection. This study explores the role of vitamin D in orthopaedic infection through a systematic review of available evidence. Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted on databases including Medline and Embase, as well as grey literature such as Google Scholar and The World Health Organization Database. Pooled analysis with weighted means was undertaken. Results. Pooled analysis of four studies including 651 patients found the mean 25(OH)D level to be 50.7 nmol/l with a mean incidence of infection of 70%. There was a paucity of literature exploring prophylactic 25(OH)D supplementation on reducing orthopaedic infection, however, there was evidence of association between low 25(OH)D levels and increased incidence of orthopaedic infection. Conclusion. The results indicate a significant proportion of orthopaedic patients have low 25(OH]D levels, as well as an association between low 25(OH)D levels and orthopaedic infection, but more randomized controlled trials need to be conducted to establish the benefit of prophylactic supplementation and the optimum regimen by dose and time. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(9):721–727

Aims. There is little published on the outcomes after restarting elective orthopaedic procedures following cessation of surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the reported perioperative mortality in patients who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection while undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery was 18% to 20%. The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcomes, complications, and risk of developing COVID-19 in 2,316 consecutive patients who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery in the latter part of 2020 and comparing it to the same, pre-pandemic, period in 2019. Methods. A retrospective service evaluation of patients who underwent elective surgical procedures between 16 June 2020 and 12 December 2020 was undertaken. The number and type of cases, demographic details, American society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, BMI, 30-day readmission rates, mortality, and complications at one- and six-week intervals were obtained and compared with patients who underwent surgery during the same six-month period in 2019. Results. A total of 2,316 patients underwent surgery in 2020 compared to 2,552 in the same period in 2019. There were no statistical differences in sex distribution, BMI, or ASA grade. The 30-day readmission rate and six-week validated complication rates were significantly lower for the 2020 patients compared to those in 2019 (p < 0.05). No deaths were reported at 30 days in the 2020 group as opposed to three in the 2019 group (p < 0.05). In 2020 one patient developed COVID-19 symptoms five days following foot and ankle surgery. This was possibly due to a family contact immediately following discharge from hospital, and the patient subsequently made a full recovery. Conclusion. Elective surgery was safely resumed following the cessation of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Strict adherence to protocols resulted in 2,316 elective surgical procedures being performed with lower complications, readmissions, and mortality compared to 2019. Furthermore, only one patient developed COVID-19 with no evidence that this was a direct result of undergoing surgery. Level of evidence: III. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(1):42–53

Aims

Orthopaedic surgery uses many varied instruments with high-speed, high-impact, thermal energy and sometimes heavy instruments, all of which potentially result in aerosolization of contaminated blood, tissue, and bone, raising concerns for clinicians’ health. This study quantifies the aerosol exposure by measuring the number and size distribution of the particles reaching the lead surgeon during key orthopaedic operations.

Aims

Prophylactic antibiotic regimens for elective primary total hip and knee arthroplasty vary widely across hospitals and trusts in the UK. This study aimed to identify antibiotic prophylaxis regimens currently in use for elective primary arthroplasty across the UK, establish variations in antibiotic prophylaxis regimens and their impact on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in the first-year post-index procedure, and evaluate adherence to current international consensus guidance.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(12):890–892.

Aims

The aim of this study was to surveil whether the standard operating procedure created for the NHS Golden Jubilee sufficiently managed COVID-19 risk to allow safe resumption of elective orthopaedic surgery.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and osteosynthesis-associated infections (OSIs) present significant challenges in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, substantially impacting patient morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. This concern is heightened in patients with pre-existing comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, which are not always modifiable at presentation. A novel intraoperative strategy to prevent these infections is the use of Defensive Antibacterial Coating (DAC), a bio-absorbable antibiotic-containing hydrogel applied to implant surfaces at implantation, acting as a physical barrier to prevent infection. The purpose of this study is to assess the use of a commercially available hydrogel (DAC), highlighting its characteristics that make it suitable for managing PJIs and OSIs in orthopaedics and traumatology. Twenty-five patients who underwent complex orthopaedic procedures with intraoperative application of DAC between March 2022 and April 2023 at a single hospital site were included. Post-operative assessment encompassed clinical, laboratory, and radiographic examinations. In this study, 25 patients were included, with a mean age of 70 ± 14.77 years and an average ASA grade of 2.46 ± 0.78. The cohort presented an average Charleston Comorbidity score of 5.45 ± 2.24. The procedures included 8 periprosthetic fractures, 8 foot and ankle surgeries, 5 upper limb surgeries, and 4 elective hip and knee surgeries. Follow-up assessments at 6 weeks and 6 months revealed no evidence of PJI or OSI in any patients, nor were any treatments for PJI or OSI required during the interim period. DAC demonstrated efficacy in preventing infections in high-risk patients undergoing complex orthopaedic procedures. Our findings warrant further investigation into the use of DAC in complex hosts with randomized control trials

Abstract. Introduction. The NHS generates 4–5% of the nation's total carbon emissions and over 500,000 tonnes of waste annually. Up to one-third of waste from orthopaedic procedures are recyclable, with large joint arthroplasties producing more than other subspecialties. However, there is limited evidence demonstrating the principles of sustainability and its benefits within orthopaedic surgery. This study aimed to analyse the environmental impact and sustainable initiatives undertaken within orthopaedic surgery. Methodology. A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The systematic search was conducted through EMBASE, Medline, and PubMed libraries. Results. Four studies analysed waste management in primary total knee replacements (TKRs) during the perioperative period. The most prevalent environmental issue was waste management. A total of 33 TKRs were observed across the studies. The mean waste generated per TKR was 13.1kg (range 11.6-15.1kg), with up to 69.9% being hazardous waste. The number of waste streams reported ranged from two to six. This study has further demonstrated that TKRs generated the highest amount of waste per procedure compared to other orthopaedic subspecialties. Three studies reported recycling waste, with up to 43% of total waste from TKRs being potentially recyclable material. Conclusion. Primary TKRs one of the largest contributors of waste generated by orthopaedic procedures during the perioperative period. Environmental sustainability in orthopaedic surgery is a growing area of interest with a wide potential for meaningful change. Further research is needed to study the cumulative carbon footprint of primary TKRs and long-term benefits of environmentally sustainable changes

The use of cannabis is increasingly medically relevant as it is legalized and gains acceptance more broadly. However, the effects of marijuana use on postoperative outcomes following orthopedic surgery have not been well-characterized. This study seeks to illuminate the relationship between marijuana use and the incidence postoperative complications including: DVT, PE, nonunion, and infection following common orthopedic procedures. This study was conducted using a national orthopaedic claims insurance database. We identified all patients undergoing knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, operatively managed long bone fractures (humerus, femur, tibia and/or fibula, and radius and/or ulna), and single-level lumbar fusion. The proportion of patients within each surgery cohort who had a diagnostic code for marijuana dependence was assessed. The rates of DVT, PE, and infection within 90 days were assessed for all patients. The rate of nonunion was assessed for the long bone fracture and lumbar fusion cohorts. Univariate analyses of marijuana dependence on all outcomes were performed, followed by a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for known patient comorbidities. We identified 1,113,944 knee arthroscopy, 747,938 shoulder arthroscopy, 88,891 lumbar fusion, and 37,163 long bone fracture patients. Out of the 1,987,936 patients, 24,404 patients had a diagnostic code for marijuana dependence. Within all four surgical subgroups, the marijuana dependence cohort experienced increased rates of infection, PE, and DVT, as well as increased rates of nonunion in the lumbar fusion and long bone fracture populations. In the multivariate analyses controlling for a variety of patient risk factors including tobacco use, marijuana dependence was identified as an independent risk factor for infection within all four surgical subgroups (Knee: OR 1.85, p < 0.001; Shoulder: OR 1.65, p < 0.001; Spine: OR 1.45, p < 0.001; Long bone: OR 1.28, p < 0.001), and for nonunion in the lumbar fusion (OR 1.38, p < 0.001) and long bone fracture (OR 1.31, p < 0.001) subgroups. Our data suggests that marijuana dependence may be associated with increased rates of infection and nonunion following a variety of orthopaedic procedures. During preoperative evaluation, surgeons may consider marijuana use as a potential risk factor for postoperative complications, especially within the context of marijuana legalization. Future research into this relationship is necessary

Introduction. The role of diathermy in orthopaedic surgical practice has increased since its introduction. It is widely used for underlying tissue dissection, cutting, and haemostasis. Previous studies have compared electrosurgical and scalpel incisions in terms of wound infection, wound-related pain, and blood loss. There are well documented hazards associated with diathermy use including burns injury, electrocution, hypoxic stress, inhalation of diathermy plume, and gene mutation. No single study to date has focused on the potential for diathermy tips to cause wound contamination and infection. We sought to identify whether diathermy tips could be possible sources of infection in orthopaedic procedures. Objectives. To determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination of diathermy tips during orthopaedic surgery and to assess any correlation with surgical site infections. Methods. From July 2013 to September 2013, the diathermy tips from 86 consecutive orthopaedic procedures using diathermy were cultured using direct and enriched media. None of the diathermy tips were used for the skin incision. All patients underwent an orthopaedic procedure for a non-infected condition. For each procedure an unused control diathermy tip was placed on the instrument table at the beginning of the procedure and processed similarly. All patients were followed for any postoperative complications. Results. 108 diathermy tips from 86 orthopaedic procedures were cultured. None of the tips cultured directly on blood agar demonstrated bacterial growth. Following enrichment culture, 6 (5.6%) of the procedure diathermy tips and 1 (0.92%) of the control tips demonstrated bacterial growth. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (83.3%) and proprionibacterium (16.7%) were cultured from the tips. 1 of the patients who had bacterial growth from the diathermy tip developed a superficial surgical site infection. Conclusions. Surgical site infections contribute substantially to orthopaedic surgical morbidity and mortality each year. The prevention of these infections encompasses careful operative technique, preoperative antibiotics, and a number of important measures to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination posed by operative staff, the operating theatre environment, and the patient's endogenous skin flora. Identifying potential bacterial sources is an important component of surgery. The two bacteria cultured in our study (coagulase-negative staphylococci and proprionibacterium) are both well known major culprits in orthopaedic infections, responsible for up to 70% of early and late peri-prosthetic infections. Our study suggests diathermy tips and the tissue coagulated by its use may not be as sterile as previously thought. There may be benefit in changing the diathermy tips during orthopaedic procedures as they may represent a possible source of bacterial contamination

The role of diathermy in orthopaedic surgical practice has increased since its introduction. It is widely used for underlying tissue dissection, cutting, and haemostasis. Previous studies have compared electrosurgical and scalpel incisions in terms of wound infection, wound-related pain, and blood loss. There are well documented hazards associated with diathermy use including burns injury, electrocution, hypoxic stress, inhalation of diathermy plume, and gene mutation. No single study to date has focused on the potential for diathermy tips to cause wound contamination and infection. We sought to identify whether diathermy tips could be possible sources of infection in orthopaedic procedures. To determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination of diathermy tips during orthopaedic surgery and to assess any correlation with surgical site infections. From July 2013 to September 2013, the diathermy tips from 86 consecutive orthopaedic procedures using diathermy were cultured using direct and enriched media. None of the diathermy tips were used for the skin incision. All patients underwent an orthopaedic procedure for a non-infected condition. For each procedure an unused control diathermy tip was placed on the instrument table at the beginning of the procedure and processed similarly. All patients were followed for any postoperative complications. 108 diathermy tips from 86 orthopaedic procedures were cultured. None of the tips cultured directly on blood agar demonstrated bacterial growth. Following enrichment culture, 6 (5.6%) of the procedure diathermy tips and 1 (0.92%) of the control tips demonstrated bacterial growth. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (83.3%) and proprionibacterium (16.7%) were cultured from the tips. 1 of the patients who had bacterial growth from the diathermy tip developed a superficial surgical site infection. Surgical site infections contribute substantially to orthopaedic surgical morbidity and mortality each year. The prevention of these infections encompasses careful operative technique, preoperative antibiotics, and a number of important measures to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination posed by operative staff, the operating theatre environment, and the patient's endogenous skin flora. Identifying potential bacterial sources is an important component of surgery. The two bacteria cultured in our study (coagulase-negative staphylococci and proprionibacterium) are both well known major culprits in orthopaedic infections, responsible for up to 70% of early and late peri-prosthetic infections. Our study suggests diathermy tips and the tissue coagulated by its use may not be as sterile as previously thought. There may be benefit in changing the diathermy tips during orthopaedic procedures as they may represent a possible source of bacterial contamination

Aims. Our objective was describing an algorithm to identify and prevent vascular injury in patients with intrapelvic components. Methods. Patients were defined as at risk to vascular injuries when components or cement migrated 5 mm or more beyond the ilioischial line in any of the pelvic incidences (anteroposterior and Judet view). In those patients, a serial investigation was initiated by a CT angiography, followed by a vascular surgeon evaluation. The investigation proceeded if necessary. The main goal was to assure a safe tissue plane between the hardware and the vessels. Results. In ten at-risk patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty and submitted to our algorithm, six were recognized as being high risk to vascular injury during surgery. In those six high-risk patients, a preventive preoperative stent was implanted before the orthopaedic procedure. Four patients needed a second reinforcing stent to protect and to maintain the vessel anatomy deformed by the intrapelvic implants. Conclusion. The evaluation algorithm was useful to avoid blood vessels injury during revision total hip arthroplasty in high-risk patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):859–866

Aims. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common and safe orthopaedic procedure. Zimmer Biomet's NexGen is the second most popular brand of implant used in the UK. The primary cause of revision after the first year is aseptic loosening. We present our experience of using this implant, with significant concerns around its performance with regards early aseptic loosening of the tibial component. Methods. A retrospective, single-surgeon review was carried out of all of the NexGen Legacy Posterior Stabilized (LPS) TKAs performed in this institute. The specific model used for the index procedures was the NexGen Complete Knee System (Legacy Knee-Posterior Stabilized LPS-Flex Articular Surface, LPS-Flex Femoral Component Option, and Stemmed Nonaugmentable Tibial Component Option). Results. Between 2013 and 2016, 352 NexGen TKAs were carried out on 331 patients. A total of 62 TKAs have been revised to date, giving an all-cause revision rate of 17.6% at a minimum of five years. Three of these revisions were due to infection. Overall, 59 of the revisions were performed for aseptic loosening (16.7%) of the tibial component. The tibial component was removed intraoperatively without instrumentation due to significant tibial debonding between the implant-cement interface. Conclusion. While overall, we believe that early aseptic loosening is multi-factorial in nature, the significantly high aseptic revision rate, as seen by an experienced fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeon, has led us to believe that there is a fundamental issue with this NexGen implant design. Continued implant surveillance and rigorous review across all regions using this particular implant is warranted based on the concerning findings described here. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(6):495–501

Emerging evidence suggests preoperative opioid use may increase the risk of negative outcomes following orthopedic procedures. This systematic review evaluated the impact of preoperative opioid use in patients undergoing shoulder surgery with respect to preoperative clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, and postoperative dependence on opioids. EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched from inception to April, 2021 for studies reporting preoperative opioid use and its effect on postoperative outcomes or opioid use. The search, data extraction and methodologic assessment were performed in duplicate for all included studies. Twenty-one studies with a total of 257,301 patients were included in the final synthesis. Of which, 17 were level III evidence. Of those, 51.5% of the patients reported pre-operative opioid use. Fourteen studies (66.7%) reported a higher likelihood of opioid use at follow-up among those used opioids preoperatively compared to preoperative opioid-naïve patients. Eight studies (38.1%) showed lower functional measurements and range of motion in opioid group compared to the non-opioid group post-operatively. Preoperative opioid use in patients undergoing shoulder surgeries is associated with lower functional scores and post-operative range of motion. Most concerning is preoperative opioid use may predict increased post-operative opioid requirements and potential for misuse in patients

Hip and knee arthroplasty (HKA) are two of the most successful orthopaedic procedures. However, one major complication necessitating revision surgery is osteolysis causing aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. JAK-STAT has been demonstrated to influence bone metabolism and can be regulated by microRNA (miRNA). Adult patients with osteolysis or aseptic loosening undergoing revision HKA were recruited. Age and gender matched patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty were our controls. Samples of bone, tissue and blood were collected and RNA isolation was performed. The best quality samples were used for RNA-sequencing. Data analysis was performed using RStudio and Galaxy to identify differentially expressed genes. Western blotting of IL6 was used to confirm protein expression. Five circulating miRNA were identified which had 10 differentially expressed genes in bone and 11 differentially expressed genes in tissue related to the JAK-STAT pathway. IL6 in bone and EpoR in bone were highly significant and IL6 in tissue, MPL in bone, SOCS3 in tissue, JAK3 in bone and SPRED1 in bone were borderline significant. Western blot results demonstrated up-expression of IL6 in bone tissue of revision patients. Periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening can be attributed to miRNA regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, leading to increased bone resorption. These findings can be used for further experiments to determine utility in the clinical setting for identifying diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets

Aims. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to healthcare systems across the globe in 2020. There were concerns surrounding early reports of increased mortality among patients undergoing emergency or non-urgent surgery. We report the morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent arthroplasty procedures during the UK first stage of the pandemic. Methods. Institutional review board approval was obtained for a review of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients who underwent arthroplasty procedures between March and May 2020 at a specialist orthopaedic centre in the UK. Data included diagnoses, comorbidities, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, length of stay, and complications. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality and secondary outcomes were prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, medical and surgical complications, and readmission within 30 days of discharge. The data collated were compared with series from the preceding three months. Results. There were 167 elective procedures performed in the first three weeks of the study period, prior to the first national lockdown, and 57 emergency procedures thereafter. Three patients (1.3%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. There was one death (0.45%) due to SARS-CoV-2 infection after an emergency procedure. None of the patients developed complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection after elective arthroplasty. There was no observed spike in complications during in-hospital stay or in the early postoperative period. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between pre-COVID-19 and peri-COVID-19 groups (p = 0.624). We observed a higher number of emergency procedures performed during the pandemic within our institute. Conclusion. An international cohort has reported 30-day mortality as 28.8% following orthopaedic procedures during the pandemic. There are currently no reports on clinical outcomes of patients treated with lower limb reconstructive surgery during the same period. While an effective vaccine is developed and widely accepted, it is very likely that SARS-CoV2 infection remains endemic. We believe that this report will help guide future restoration planning here in the UK and abroad. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(5):323–329