Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Results 1 - 20 of 21
Results per page:
Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 106-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 3 - 3
23 Apr 2024
Tsang SJ van Rensburg AJ Ferreira N
Full Access

Introduction

The management of fracture-related infection has undergone radical progress following the development of international guidelines. However, there is limited consideration to the realities of healthcare in low-resource environments due to a lack of available evidence in the literature from these settings. Initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture union is frequently used in low- and middle-income countries despite the lack of published clinical evidence to support its practice. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture union in the management of fracture-related infection.

Materials & Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture healing followed by definitive eradication surgery to manage fracture-related infections following intramedullary fixation was performed. Indications for this approach were; a soft tissue envelope not requiring reconstructive surgery, radiographic evidence of stable fixation with adequate alignment, and progression towards fracture union.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 106-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 1 - 1
23 Apr 2024
Tsang SJ van Rensburg AJ Epstein G Venter R van Heerden J Ferreira N
Full Access

Introduction

The reconstruction of segmental long bone defects remains one of the holy grails of orthopaedic surgery. The optimal treatment of which remains a topic of great debate. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following the management of critical-sized bone defects using a classification-based treatment algorithm.

Materials & Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing treatment for segmental diaphyseal defects of long bones at a tertiary-level limb reconstruction unit was performed. The management of the bone defect was standardised as per the classification by Ferreira and Tanwar (2020).


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 106-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 2 - 2
23 Apr 2024
Tsang SJ Epstein G Ferreira N
Full Access

Introduction

The Cierny and Mader classification assists with decision-making by stratifying host status and the pathoanatomy of the disease. However, the anatomical type IV represents a heterogenous group with regards to treatment requirements and outcomes. We propose that modification of the Cierny and Mader anatomical classification with an additional type V classifier (diffuse corticomedullary involvement with an associated critical bone defect) will allow more accurate stratification of patients and tailoring of treatment strategies.

Materials & Methods

A retrospective review of 83 patients undergoing treatment for Cierny and Mader anatomical type IV osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton at a single centre was performed.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 54 - 54
7 Nov 2023
Lunga Z Laubscher M Held M Magampa R Maqungo S Ferreira N Graham S
Full Access

Objectives

Open fracture classification systems are limited in their use. Our objective was to classify open tibia and femur fractures using the OTS classification system in a region with high incidence of gunshot fractures.

One hundred and thirty-seven patients with diaphyseal tibia and femur open fractures were identified from a prospectively collected cohort of patients. This database contained all cases (closed and open fractures) of tibial and femoral intramedullary nailed patients older than 18 years old during the period of September 2017 to May 2021. Exclusion criteria included closed fractures, non-viable limbs, open fractures > 48 hours to first surgical debridement and patients unable to follow up over a period of 12 months (a total of 24). Open fractures captured and classified in the HOST study using the Gustilo-Anderson classification, were reviewed and reclassified using the OTS open fracture classification system, analysing gunshot fractures in particular.

Ninety percent were males with a mean age of 34. Most common mechanism was civilian gunshot wounds (gsw) in 54.7% of cases. In 52.6% of cases soft tissue management was healing via secondary intention, these not encompassed in the classification. Fracture classification was OTS Simple in 23.4%, Complex B in 24.1% and 52.6% of cases unclassified.

The OTS classification system was not comprehensive in the classification of open tibia and femur fractures in a setting of high incidence of gunshot fractures. An amendment has been proposed to alter acute management to appropriate wound care and to subcategorise Simple into A and B subdivisions; no soft tissue intervention and primary closure respectively. This will render the OTS classification system more inclusive to all open fractures of all causes with the potential to better guide patient care and clinical research.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 28 - 28
7 Nov 2023
Tsang J Ferreira N van Rensburg AJ Venter R Epstein G
Full Access

Gram-negative organisms are increasingly seen as causative pathogens in orthopaedic fracture surgery, which might necessitate a change in antibiotic prophylaxis protocols.

A single-centre retrospective review of antibiogram results from all patients treated for fracture-related infection (FRI) was conducted. Subgroup analysis was undertaken to identify any host, injury or treatment variables predisposed to Gram-negative infection.

The bacteriological results of 267 patients who underwent surgical treatment for FRI were analysed. Pathogens were isolated in 216 cases (81%), of which 118 (55%) were Gram-negative infections. Fractures involving the tibia and femur (p=0.007), the presence of soft tissue defect (p=0.003) and bone defects (p=0.001) were associated with an increased risk of developing a Gram- negative FRI.

Gram-negative fracture-related infections were associated with injuries experiencing bone loss and those requiring soft tissue reconstruction. It is, therefore, prudent to consider extended Gram-negative directed antimicrobial prophylaxis in these cases to prevent the development of fracture-related infection


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 35 - 35
7 Nov 2023
Tsang J Epstein G Ferreira N
Full Access

The Cierny and Mader classification assists with decision-making in the management of osteomyelitis by strafying the host status and the pathoanatomy of disease. However the anatomical type IV represents a heterogenous group with regards to treatment requirements and outcomes. We propose that modification of the Cierny and Mader anatomical classification with an additional type V classifier (diffuse corticomedullary involvement with an associated critical bone defect) will allow more accurate stratification of patients and tailoring of treatment strategies.

A retrospective review of 83 patients undergoing treatment for Cierny and Mader anatomical type IV osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton at a single centre was performed.

Risk factors for the presence of a critical bone defect were female patients (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.08– 8.92)) and requirement for soft tissue reconstruction (OR 3.35 (95% CI 1.35–8.31)); osteomyelitis of the femur was negatively associated with the presence of a critical bone defect (OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.03–0.66)). There was no statistical significant risk of adverse outcomes (failure to eradicate infection or achieve bone union) associated with the presence of a critical-sized bone defect. The median time to bone union was ten months (95% CI 7.9–12.1 months). There was a statistically significant difference in the median time to bone union between cases with a critical bone defect (12.0 months (95% 10.2–13.7 months)) and those without (6.0 months (95% CI 4.8–7.1 months))

This study provided evidence to support the introduction of a new subgroup of the Cierny and Mader anatomical classification (Type V). Using a standardised approach to management, comparable early outcomes can be achieved in patients with Cierny and Mader anatomical type V osteomyelitis.

However, to achieve a successful outcome, there is a requirement for additional bone and soft tissue reconstruction procedures with an associated increase in treatment time.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 1 - 1
7 Nov 2023
Kock FW Basson T Burger M Ferreira N
Full Access

This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of open tibia shaft fractures at a level one trauma center in a developing world setting. Specific objectives were to determine the association of time delay to antibiotic administration, surgical debridement, definitive skeletal stabilisation and soft tissue reconstruction, and the development of fracture-related infection (FRI).

A retrospective cohort study included all adult patients with open tibia shaft fractures from July 2014 to June 2016 and January 2018 to December 2019. Patients who were skeletally immature at the time of injury, those with pathological fractures and who did not complete follow-up of at least three months were excluded. Patients were identified from hospital records. Data was captured in Microsoft Excel and analysed using STATISTICA. A Chi-squared was used to detect significant differences between groups.

No association between infection and antibiotic administration was observed when patients were treated within or after 3 hours (p=0.625) or if patients had their first surgical debridement in theatre before or after 24 hours (p=0.259). Patients who waited more than five days for definitive skeletal fixation or soft tissue reconstruction had a significant increase in FRI (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.0 – 10.9 and OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.0 – 11.0, respectively). Patients who underwent more than two formal debridements had a higher risk of developing FRI (OR 15.6, 95% CI 5.8 – 41.6).

Whilst administration of antibiotics within 3 hours of presentation to the emergency unit had no impact on the development of FRI, time delays in managing open tibia shaft fractures are associated with an increased risk for FRI. Definitive soft tissue reconstruction and skeletal stabilization should not be delayed for more than five days.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 64 - 64
7 Nov 2023
Render L Maqungo S Held M Laubscher M Graham SM Ferreira N Marais LC
Full Access

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite improvements in trauma-related morbidity and mortality in high-income countries over recent years, outcomes following MSK injuries in low and middle-income countries, such as South Africa (SA), have not. Despite governmental recognition that this is required, funding and research into this significant health burden are limited within SA.

This study aims to identify research priorities within MSK trauma care using a consensus-based approach amongst MSK health care practitioners within SA.

Members from the Orthopaedic Research Collaborative (ORCA), based in SA, collaborated using a two round modified Delphi technique to form a consensus on research priorities within orthopaedic trauma care. Members involved in the process were orthopaedic healthcare practitioners within SA.

Participants from the ORCA network, working within SA, scored research priorities across two Delphi rounds from low to high priority. We have published the overall top 10 research priorities for this Delphi process. Questions were focused on two broad groups - clinical effectiveness in trauma care and general trauma public health care. Both groups were represented by the top two priorities, with the highest ranked question regarding the overall impact of trauma in SA and the second regarding the clinical treatment of open fractures.

This study has defined research priorities within orthopaedic trauma in South Africa. Our vision is that by establishing consensus on these research priorities, policy and research funding will be directed into these areas. This should ultimately improve musculoskeletal trauma care across South Africa and its significant health and socioeconomic impacts.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 6 | Pages 409 - 412
22 Jun 2022
Tsang SJ Ferreira N Simpson AHRW


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 27 - 27
1 Apr 2022
Harrison WD Fortuin F Joubert E Durand-Hill M Ferreira N
Full Access

Introduction

Temporary spanning fixation aims to provide bony stability whilst allowing access and resuscitation of traumatised soft-tissues. Conventional monolateral fixators are prone to half-pin morbidity in feet, variation in construct stability and limited weight-bearing potential. This study compares traditional delta-frame fixators to a circular trauma frame; a virtual tibial ring block spanned onto a fine-wire foot ring fixation.

Materials and Methods

The two cohorts were compared for demographics and fracture patterns. The quality of initial reduction and the maintenance of reduction until definitive surgery was assessed by two authors and categorised into four domains. Secondary measures included fixator costs, time to definitive surgery and complications.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 50 - 50
1 Apr 2022
Ferreira N Arkell C Fortuin F Saini A
Full Access

Introduction

The accuracy of hexapod circular external fixator deformity correction is contingent on the precision of radiographic analysis during the planning stage. The aim of this study was to compare the SMART TSF (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, Tennessee) in-suite radiographic analysis methods with the traditional manual deformity analysis methods in terms of accuracy of correction.

Materials and Methods

Sawbones models were used to simulate two commonly encountered clinical scenarios. Traditional manual radiographic analysis and digital SMART TSF analysis methods were used to correct the simulated deformities.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 39 - 39
1 May 2021
Ferreira N Saini A Birkholtz F Laubscher M
Full Access

Introduction

Purpose: Injuries to the long bones of the upper limb resulting in bone defects are rare but potentially devastating. Literature on the management of these injuries is limited to case reports and small case series. The aim of this study was to collate the most recent published work on the management of upper limb bone defects to assist with evidence based management when confronted with these cases.

Materials and Methods

Methods: Following a preliminary search that confirmed the paucity of literature and lack of comparative trials, a scoping review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. A literature search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify journal articles relating to the management of upper limb long bone defects published between 2010 and 2020.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 40 - 40
1 May 2021
Ferreira N Cornelissen A Burger M Saini A
Full Access

Introduction

The aim of this radiographic study was to define the anatomical axis joint centre distance (aJCD) and anatomical axis joint centre ratio (aJCR) of the distal femur in the coronal plane for skeletally mature individuals.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional radiographic study was conducted to calculate the horizontal distances between the anatomical axis and the centre of the knee at the level of the intercondylar notch and the joint line. Ratios relating these points to the width of the femur were then calculated.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_19 | Pages 46 - 46
1 Dec 2014
Marais L Ferreira N
Full Access

Background:

Wide resection of infected bone increases the chances of eradication of infection in patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Aggressive debridement is, however, frequently complicated by the creation of large bone defects. The use of antibiotic-impregnated PMMA spacers, as a customized dead space management tool, has recently grown in popularity. In addition to certain biological advantages, the spacer also offers a therapeutic benefit by serving as a vehicle for delivery of local adjuvant antibiotics.

Methods:

This retrospective case series involved 11 patients with chronic osteomyelitis, managed with tibial bone transport through an induced membrane using circular external fixation. All patients were treated according to a standardized treatment protocol and we review the anatomic nature of the disease, the physiological status of the host, the surgical procedures performed, as well as the outcome of treatment in terms of eradication of infection, time to union and the complications that occurred.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_19 | Pages 60 - 60
1 Dec 2014
Marais L Ferreira N Aldous C Sartorius B Le Roux T
Full Access

Despite numerous advances in the management of chronic osteomyelitis, many questions remain. To date, no evidence-based guidelines exist in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. In essence the aim is to improve quality of life through either a curative or a palliative treatment strategy. The choice of treatment strategy is based on the physiological status of the host. This process of host stratification is, however, complicated by the fact that the definition of a C-host has never been standardized.

Purpose;

The aim of the study was to investigate the short term outcome of the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in adult patients where selection of a management strategy was based on a refined host stratification system.

Methods;

A retrospective review was performed of adult patients with chronic osteomyelitis seen over a one year period. In total 116 patients were included in the study. A modified host stratification system was applied, incorporating predefined major and minor criteria, to determine each patient's host status.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_13 | Pages 14 - 14
1 Sep 2014
Ferreira N Marais L
Full Access

Purpose of Study

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries to a major weight bearing joint. These injuries are often associated with severe soft tissue injuries that complicate the surgical management. This retrospective study evaluates the management of these high-energy injuries with the use of limited open reduction and fine wire circular external fixation.

Methods

Between July 2008 and June 2012, 54 consecutive patients (19 females and 35 males) with high-energy tibial plateau fractures were treated at our tertiary level government hospital. All patients were treated with limited open reduction, and cannulated screw fixation combined with fine wire circular external fixators as the definitive management. The records of these patients were reviewed.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_13 | Pages 12 - 12
1 Sep 2014
Ferreira N Marais L
Full Access

Purpose of study

Pin tract infection is a common complication with the use of circular external fixators. HIV infection itself is frequently quoted as a relative contra-indication for the use of circular external fixators for complex trauma and limb reconstruction in HIV seropositive individuals.

Methods

Between July 2008 and December 2012, 286 patients were treated with circular external fixators at our tertiary level government hospital. A retrospective review was undertaken to compare the rate and severity of pin tract sepsis in HIV seropositive and seronegative patients.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVII | Pages 359 - 359
1 Sep 2012
Lima S Robles D Martins M Lopes D Amaral V Correia J Ferreira N Alves J Sousa C
Full Access

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the subjective and objective functional outcome after osteosynthesis of the forearm bone fractures with plates and screws (ORIF) or elastic nailing (CRIF).

We evaluated 55 patients (45 men and 10 women) who underwent internal fixation of both forearm bones with CRIF or ORIF, concerning the range of motion of the forearm, wrist and elbow (pronation, supination, flexion and extension), grip strength and a validated outcome measure (DASH score). The mean duration of follow-up was 3 years, and standardized radiographs of the forearm were evaluated. The mean age was 41.6.

We used the Student's t test to compare means and chi-square test to compare proportions.

The mean (confidence interval 95%) of the DASH scale was 29.6 (22.6 to 36.5), significantly higher (p<0.001) than the normative value in the U.S. (10.1). There was a statistically significant reduction of forearm supination (86.4 vs. 64.6, p<0.001) and grip strength (0.63 vs. 0.48, p<0.001) in relation to the opposite member; grip strength decrease correlated with worse subjective outcome (p<0.02). There were no significant differences between groups undergoing ORIF or CRIF. The risk of nonunion and reintervention was not different between groups (p=0214).

Forearm bones fractures are associated with high rates of consolidation and satisfactory mobility of the forearm since we obtain an anatomic reduction of the fracture, as is most easily achieved by plate fixation. However, elastic nailing is a less invasive technique that allows restoring function more quickly with less pain and no increased risk of complications. Given the scant scientific evidence currently available we will require a more comprehensive study to compare the anatomical and functional outcome after ORIF and CRIF.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVII | Pages 360 - 360
1 Sep 2012
Lima S Martins R Correia J Amaral V Robles D Lopes D Ferreira N Alves J Sousa C
Full Access

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition in the treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and the influence of prognostic factores such as preoperative McGowan stage, age and duration of symptoms.

36 patients (17 men and 19 women) with CTS who underwent subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition between 2006 and 2009 were evaluated postoperatively, an average follow-up of 28 months. Sensory and motor recovery was evaluated clinically. The postoperative outcome was based on modified Bishop score, subjective assessment of function and on the degree of patient satisfaction. The dominant side was involved in 61% cases and the mean age was 51.2 years. There were 9 (25%) McGowan stage I, 18 (50%) stage II and 9 stage III patients.

We used the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test to compare continuous variables and chi-square and Fisher Exact Test for categorical variables.

There was a statistically significant improvement of sensory (p=0.02) and motor (p=0.02) deficits. We obtained 21 (58.3%) excellent results, seven (19.4%) fair, six (16.7%) satisfactory, and two bad ones (5.55%). There was a statistically significant improvement of function (p<0.001).

There is controversy in the literature regarding the best surgical treatment for CTS. The duration and severity of symptoms and advanced age, more than the surgical technique, seem to influence prognosis. With the technique used, the satisfaction rate was 86% and 72% recovered their daily activities without limitations. 78% of patients with severe neuropathy improved after surgery. The rates of postoperative complications were comparable with those of other studies. The severity of neuropathy and duration of symptoms (>12months) pre-operatively, but not age, had a negative influence on the outcome.

The results showed that the subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition is safe and effective for postoperative clinical sensory and motor recovery for several degrees of severity in CTS. Given the major prognostic factors, surgical treatment should be advocated as soon as axonal loss has become clinically evident.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 216 - 217
1 May 2011
Martins R Marinheiro J Paulo C Alves J Ferreira N Lopes D Correia J Araújo S
Full Access

The Achilles tendon is formed by the fusion of gastrocnemius and soleus muscle, and is one of the strongest of the human body. Acute ruptures occur mostly in men between 30 and 50 years of age, with irregular sports activity. Rupture generally occurs in a low perfusion area, between 2 and 6 cm above the calcaneal tuberosity.

We reviewed and examined 45 patients with Achilles tendon rupture submitted to surgical correction, between January 2004 and December 2008 (5 years), in our Hospital.

For each patient was determined the injury type, time until diagnosis, time between diagnosis and surgery, surgical technique employed, immobilization period, rehabilitation program, occurrence of complications and rerupture, follow-up period and clinical outcome (AOFAS score).

The most frequent cause of rupture was professional activity (46%), followed by soccer practice (38%). The diagnosis was made in the first medical observation in 71% of patients. The mean surgical period until surgery was of 0.7 days, and the mean time of admission was of 3.56 days. The used surgical techniques were open surgery (25 cases), open surgery augmented with gastrocnemius fascia (5 cases), and percutaneous surgery with the Achillon system (15 cases).

The mean AOFAS score was of 92.42 (84–100), was of 100 in the Achillon group, 92 in the open surgery group and 91 in the augmented surgery group.

The complications all occurred in the open surgery group, with one infection, one surgical incision healing delay and one case of sural nerve injury.

The mean follow-up was of 4.4 months and the main complain was of local tenderness in the surgical wound, with all patients having returned to their normal level of activity.

This series complications rate is low, and the AOFAS score and satisfaction rate is higher in the percutaneous group, following the tendency expressed in the international literature. Reflecting the growing tendency for information in our patients, one important cause of dissatisfaction in the open surgery group is not to have had the opportunity of a percutaneous surgery.

The results of percutaneous surgery are excellent, with a lower rate of complications, less surgical wound complaints. The possibility raised by other studies of a higher rerupture rate in the percutaneous group was not confirmed in this group.

Currently all Achilles ruptures are treated percutaneously in our Hospital, if the rupture meets the indications criteria for this type of surgery.