Introduction

Acquired chronic radial head (RH) dislocations present a significant surgical challenge. Co-existing deformity, length discrepancy and RH dysplasia, in multiply operated patients often preclude acute correction. This study reports the clinical and radiological outcomes in children, treated with circular frames for gradual RH reduction.

Arthroplasty has consistently shown ‘beneficial and often dramatic improvements in quality of life'. In developed healthcare systems arthroplasty has evolved to minimised complications through evidence-based implant selection, rigorous infection control and high volume training. The Children's Surgical Centre has performed 256 THAs since 2007, We aim to assess the outcome of arthroplasty in a LMIC. Our primary outcome was all cause of re-operation and our secondary outcome was any complications not requiring return to theatre.

A retrospective review of all consecutive THA since 2007 was conducted. Electronic and physical case notes were reviewed and basic demographics, indication for THA, risk factors for complications, implant combinations and complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc.

A total of 256 THA were identified in 225 patients. The mean age was 43, with a M2:1F ratio. The most common pathologies were (1)AVN (44%), (2)OA (11%) and (3)DDH (11%). Revision rate was 13%. The mean time from implantation to revision was 2.8 years (0–9). The most common reasons for revision were (1)stem fracture (5.8%), (2)aseptic loosening (4.8%) and (3)infection (2.7%). Six different stems have been use over the time period. The best surviving were the Zimmer ML Taper and the UMA Muller stems. The UMA C-Stem was the worst performing which suffered 100% stem fracture. 109 complications were identified in 85 patients (33.2%). The three most common complications were (1)aseptic loosening (10.5%) (2)stem fracture (5.8%) and (3)dislocation (5.8%). Previous surgery (n=44) was found to be a significant risk for complications but not infection. OHS initially improved but began to decline after year 3.

Patients present to CSC with neglected hip pathology, disability and significant pre-operative deformity. These patients benefit from THA and the initially high complication rates at CSC are declining suggesting the apex of the ‘learning curve' has passed. Cheap poorly manufactured implants continue to cause catastrophic failure.

Purpose

The decision to undertake prophylactic pinning to prevent contralateral slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) remains controversial; we hypothesised that the grade of initial SUFE could predict the grade of a second SUFE and risk of poor outcome.

Introduction

The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming increasingly common in the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. Standard RSA technique involves medialising the centre of rotation (COR) maximising the deltoid lever arm and compensating for rotator cuff deficiency. However reported complications include scapular notching, prosthetic loosening and loss of shoulder contour. As a result the use of Bony Increased Offset Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (BIO-RSA) has been gaining in popularity. The BIO-RSA is reported to avoid these complications by lateralising the COR using a modified base plate, longer central post and augmentation with cancellous bone graft harvested from the patients humeral head.

Introduction

The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming increasingly common in the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. In recent years indications for use have expanded to include elderly patients in whom either internal fixation is not possible due to fracture configuration, poor bone quality, or presence of a rotator cuff deficiency. There is however relatively little evidence to support its use in these circumstances.

We report our early experience with distracting external fixation used to offload the hip after avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head secondary to severe slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE).

A case series of five patients treated in a tertiary centre is reported. Electronic case records and radiographs were reviewed. Data recorded included demographics, initial presentation, timing of head collapse, timing and duration of distraction and outcome including referral to adult arthoplasty services.

Mean age at presentation was 12 years (range 12–15). 4 were females. Initial treatment in 4 cases was a delayed cuneiform osteotomy and pinning, one patient underwent serendipitous reduction and percutaneous pinning. Mean duration to initial surgery was 10 days (range 5–16). All patients had femoral head collapse at a mean of 148 days from time of presentation. 2 patients required backing out of screws due to intra-articular protrusion. All patients underwent distraction at a mean 193 days from presentation. Average distraction achieved was 10 mm and duration of application was 125 days (range 91–139)

All patients experienced improvement or resolution of pain but persistence of poor function, characterised by fixed adduction and limb length discrepancy. 3 patients were referred to adult arthroplasty services.

This may be an effective treatment option for pain associated with AVN post SUFE. However, in our experience normal anatomy and function of the hip is not restored if performed after collapse of the femoral head. Consideration should be given to application of the distractor either at the time of initial fixation or prior to femoral head collapse. Authors believe that timing of the application of the distractor is critical for a successful outcome and recommend a prospective study with large numbers.

Failure of conservative treatment for tennis elbow is an indication for surgical decompression. The Topaz® technique utilises radiofrequency to decompress(detension) the tendon and in addition, it is thought to stimulate angiogenesis thereby facilitating healing. Initially we reviewed the three month follow up of 25 tennis elbow decompressions performed using the Topaz® technique. The case notes were reviewed and findings recorded on a structured proforma. After a minimum of 1 year we re-reviewed the case notes to identify recurrences or patients requiring revision surgery. The majority of patients were aged between 35–50 years. 87% of patients had symptoms for more than 12 months and symptoms experienced were mainly pain (100%). All patients had a full trial of physiotherapy and had minimum of two steroid injections. At three month follow up symptoms were completely relieved or improved in 88%. All patients were given an open appointment to review if symptoms recurred. On review of the notes after a minimum of one year, 84% had no further clinic attendances. Four elbows re-attended with symptom recurrence, two underwent traditional open release and two declined revision surgery. In the two patients who declined further surgery, symptoms had resolved at one year. The results of the Topaz® technique are comparable to that of the results of the traditional release from the literature both in terms of success and problems. It would be important to compare it to the traditional release to gauge its benefits against the standard practice.