Combined glenoid and humeral bone loss has been identified as an important factor in predicting recurrence after arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation. The “glenoid track” concept is proposed to predict recurrent instability by comparing the relative size of the glenoid to the humeral bone defect. The aim of this study was to investigate whether assessment of the glenoid track on a pre-operative MR arthrogram could be used to predict subsequent instability in a typical UK population.

A retrospective study was undertaken of 175 primary arthroscopic stabilisation procedures of which 82% (n=143) were men. The median age was 26 years (IQR 22 to 32, range 16 to 77). The median follow-up was 76 months (range 21 to 125). A pre-operative MR arthrogram was used to determine if the shoulder was on-track or off-track. The endpoint of recurrent dislocation was examined.

The prevalence of “off-track” bone loss in this group was 14.2% (n=25). There were 6 (24%) dislocations in the off-track group compared with 5 (3.33%) dislocations in the on-track group (RR 7.2, 95% CI 2.45 to 20.5, p=0.001). At 5 years, the cumulative redislocation rate was 26.1% in the off-track group compared with 8.7% in on-track group. The rate of any recurrent instability was 60% (n=15) v 18% (n=27) (RR 3.33, 95% CI 2.02 to 5.20, p<0.0001). Glenoid track (on v off) was not predicted by gender (p=0.411).

In a typical UK population assessment of the glenoid track on an MR arthrogram can be used to risk stratify patients with shoulder instability.

Arthritis of the glenohumeral joint accompanied by an irreparable tear of the rotator cuff can cause severe pain, disability and loss of function, particularly in the elderly population. Anatomical shoulder arthroplasty requires a functioning rotator cuff, however, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is capable of addressing both rotator cuff disorders and glenohumeral deficiencies. The Aequalis Reversed Shoulder Prosthesis design is based on two bio-mechanical principles by Grammont; a medialized center of rotation located inside the glenoid bone surface and second, a 155 degree angle of inclination. Combined, they increase the deltoid lever arm by distalizing the humerus and make the prosthesis inherently stable.

24 consecutive primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties were performed by a single surgeon for arthritis with rotator cuff compromise and 1 as a revision for a failed primary total shoulder replacement between December 2009 and October 2012. Patients were assessed postoperatively with the use of the DASH score, Oxford shoulder score, range of shoulder motion and plain radiography with Sirveaux score for scapular notching.

Mean age at the time of surgery was 72.5 years (range 59 to 86). Average follow up time was 19.4 months (range 4 to 38). Functional outcome scores from our series were comparable with patients from other follow up studies of similar prosthesis design. All patients showed improvement in range of shoulder movement postoperatively. Complications included one dislocation, one acromion fracture and one humeral shaft fracture. No cases of deep infection were recorded. Overall, the short-term clinical results were promising for this series of patients and indicate reverse shoulder arthroplasty as an appropriate treatment for this group of patients.

In 2012 collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (Xiapex) was approved by the SMC for restricted use for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Xiapex was approved on a case by case basis for patients with a palpable pretendinous cord, giving rise to MCPJ contracture of greater than 30 degrees. As of September 2012 we began to offer Xiapex injections to patients in Ayrshire who enquired about the injection, and met the SMC criteria.

To date injections have been performed on 3 patients, in a total of 7 digits. Patients were assessed prior to injection and manipulation, with the degree of contracture recorded and DASH scores noted. Each patient then underwent a standard injection of 0.58 mg of Xiapex. 48 hours post injection each patient underwent manipulation under local anaesthetic, with contractures remeasured, pain scored using a visual analogue scale and complications noted. Each patient was then reviewed at 4 weeks post injection where the residual degree of contracture was recorded and a further DASH score completed.

Mean contracture at the MCPJ prior to injection was 57° (range 34–80), and mean DASH score of 20.8 (range 16.7–24.2). Following manipulation mean residual contracture at the MCPJ measured 21° (range 18–28). The average pain score following was manipulation was rated at 1.1. Mild bruising and swelling were reported in all cases following injection, and manipulation resulted in 2 minor skin tears. At the 4 week review prolonged improvement of contracture was achieved with a mean residual contracture of 14° (range −2–40); with a significant improvement in DASH scores – mean 0.6 (range 0–1.8)

Despite small numbers, we have found Xiapex injections to be a successful and well tolerated treatment for moderate Dupuytren's disease. Further follow up is required to assess the longevity of the correction and ensure the cost effectiveness of Xiapex.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a significant cause of osteoarthritis in young active individuals but the pathophysiology remains unclear. Increasing mechanistic studies point toward an inflammatory component in OA. This study aimed to characterise inflammatory cell subtypes in FAI by exploring the phenotype and quantification of inflammatory cells in FAI versus OA samples.

Ten samples of labrum were obtained from patients with FAI (confirmed pathology) during open osteochondroplasty or hip arthroscopy. Control samples of labrum were collected from five patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Labral biopsies were evaluated immunohistochemically by quantifying the presence of macrophages (CD68 and CD202), T cells (CD3), mast cells (mast cell tryptase) and vascular endothelium (CD34).

Labral biopsies obtained from patients with FAI exhibited significantly greater macrophage, mast cell and vascular endothelium expression compared to control samples. The most significant difference was noted in macrophage expression (p<0.01). Further sub typing of macrophages in FAI using CD202 tissue marker revealed and M2 phenotype suggesting that these cells are involved in a regenerate versus a degenerate process. There was a modest but significant correlation between mast cells and CD34 expression (r=0.4, p<0.05) in FAI samples.

We provide evidence for an inflammatory cell infiltrate in femoroacetabular impingement. In particular, we demonstrate significant infiltration of mast cells and macrophages suggesting a role for innate immune pathways in the events that mediate hip impingement. Further mechanistic studies to evaluate the net contribution and hence therapeutic utility of these cellular lineages and their downstream processes may reveal novel therapeutic approaches to the management of early hip impingement.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a significant cause of osteoarthritis in young active individuals but the pathophysiology remains unclear. Increasing mechanistic studies point toward an inflammatory component in OA. This study aimed to characterise inflammatory cell subtypes in FAI by exploring the phenotype and quantification of inflammatory cells in FAI versus OA samples.

Ten samples of labrum were obtained from patients with FAI (confirmed pathology) during open osteochondroplasty or hip arthroscopy. Control samples of labrum were collected from five patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Labral biopsies were evaluated immunohistochemically by quantifying the presence of macrophages (CD68 and CD202), T cells (CD3), mast cells (mast cell tryptase) and vascular endothelium (CD34).

Labral biopsies obtained from patients with FAI exhibited significantly greater macrophage, mast cell and vascular endothelium expression compared to control samples. The most significant difference was noted in macrophage expression (p<0.01). Further sub typing of macrophages in FAI using CD202 tissue marker revealed and M2 phenotype suggesting that these cells are involved in a regenerate versus a degenerate process. There was a modest but significant correlation between mast cells and CD34 expression (r=0.4, p<0.05) in FAI samples.

We provide evidence for an inflammatory cell infiltrate in femoroacetabular impingement. In particular, we demonstrate significant infiltration of mast cells and macrophages suggesting a role for innate immune pathways in the events that mediate hip impingement. Further mechanistic studies to evaluate the net contribution and hence therapeutic utility of these cellular lineages and their downstream processes may reveal novel therapeutic approaches to the management of early hip impingement.