Cementless surface replacement arthroplasty (CSRA) is an established treatment for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Few studies however, evaluate its role in cuff tear arthopathy. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of CSRA for both glenohumeral osteoarthritis and cuff tear arthopathy.

42 CSRA with the Mark IV Copeland prosthesis were performed for glenohumeral osteoarthritis (n=21) or cuff tear arthopathy (n=21). Patients were assessed with Oxford and Constant scores, patient satisfaction, range of motion and radiologically with plain radiographs.

Mean follow-up and age was 5.2 years and 74 years in both groups. Functional outcomes were significantly higher in OA compared with CTA with OSS improving from 18 to 37.5 and 15 to 26 in both groups respectively. Forward flexion improved from 60° to 126° and 42° to 74° in both groups. Three patients in the CTA group had a deficient subscapularis tendon, two of whom dislocated anteriorly.

Humeral head resurfacing arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. In patients with CTA, functional gains are limited. We suggest CSRA should be considered in low demand patients where pain is the primary problem. Caution should be taken in patients with a deficient subscapularis due to the high risk of dislocation.

Background

Smartphones are now a ubiquitous presence within the modern healthcare setting. Uses such as internet, database software and storage of medical textbooks, all contribute to the clinical value of the devices. Within orthopaedics, transmission of digital images via smartphones is now routinely used to obtain instant second opinions of trauma radiographs. However questions remain as to whether smartphone image quality is sufficient for primary diagnosis and secondary consultation

Background

Presentations at national meetings provide an important forum to relay research findings in all areas of Orthopaedic surgery. Orthopaedic surgical trainees are encouraged throughout the training process to participate, present and ultimately publish their research. Indeed the well known mantra ‘Publish or Perish’ signifies the pressure trainees are sometimes placed under in order to achieve professional success. The number of original published papers is often the yardstick by which professional appointments are made. We aimed to determine the overall publication rates of presentations from the 2001 and 2002 Irish Orthopaedic Association meetings and to determine whether publication rates differed among other national Orthopaedic meetings and amongst the subspecialties.

Background

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are endemic in hospitals throughout Ireland and present a major concern in hospital hygiene causing significant morbidity, mortality and imposing a significant financial burden. This is particularly true in the field of orthopaedic surgery where a nosocomial MRSA infection can prove catastrophic to a patient's recovery from surgery. Much has been made of the possibility of healthcare workers acting as vectors for the transmission of MRSA and other pathogenic bacteria in the hospital setting. This focus has led to the implementation of strict hand decontamination policies in hospitals in order to counter the possibility of staff - patient transmission of such bacteria. Investigations have also attempted to assess the bacterial contamination of work uniforms such as white coats, ties and scrubs. An area that has been generally overlooked however, is the assessment of the bacterial contamination some of the most commonly handled items of many healthcare workers, namely pagers and mobile phones. In this study we aimed to assess the potential for these items to act as reservoirs for MRSA contamination and thus propagate its transmission in the hospital setting.