Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) is complex and challenging. The Crowe and Hartofilakidis classification systems are the most commonly used. However, neither encompasses the whole spectrum of disease and deformity and therefore does not guide modern surgical options.

We present a new classification system which aims to guide surgical strategy by focusing on the three main areas of disease and deformity: Cup defect; De-rotation of femoral neck ante-version; Height of femoral subluxation. Each component is graded from 1–3 based on the severity of deformity and the potential surgical strategy required (with 3 being the most severe). A total numerical score will reflect the overall degree of difficulty which may be used when assessing surgical outcomes.

The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of this new adult CDH classification system in the setting of THA.

The results of the first 100 consecutive patients treated in our tertiary referral non-union practice have been previously reported. The purpose of this report is to review this group together with a further 280 cases treated between 1991 and 2000. The principles of management remain the same, namely restoration of alignment, stabilisation and stimulation, however in the more recent cases increasing use of distraction, bone transport and bifocal techniques as well as single stage lengthening and correction of soft tissue contractures have been used to eliminate limb strength discrepancies. A total of 380 consecutive established non-unions treated between 1987 and 2000 were reviewed. Twenty-nine patients were lost to follow up (five deceased). There were 159 atrophic, 89 hypertrophic and 103 infected cases, with 319 cases as a result of trauma, and 32 cases as a consequence of planned surgery. The majority involved the tibia with 162 cases, followed by femoral non-unions with 51 cases and the remainder involving upper limb and smaller bones. At the time of review, 8 had abandoned treatment and 25 remained ununited. Twenty-one cases ended with amputations: 14 infected, 4 atrophic and 3 cases due to excessive pain following patients request.

Union was achieved in 297 cases (85% overall union rate), representing 90% of atrophic, 89% of hypertrophic and 73% of the infected non-unions. A comparison is made between the first hundred previously unreported series of 280 cases. The overall union rates have improved from 80% to 85%, with an increase in union rates noted predominantly in the atrophic group. Infected cases remain more of a problem and challenging with lower healing rates. There was no statistical difference in union rates between smokers and non-smokers, but slower times to union and increased complication rates were noted in the heavy smokers (< 40/day). The non-union profiles, pathogenesis and change in treatment options are discussed.

To review the early functional results of Birmingham hip resurfacing. First 116 hips (98 patients), a cohort of consecutive patients prospectively underwent BHR in a single arthroplasty Surgeon’s practice in a University Hospital outside Birmingham. Inclusion criteria fit and active patients. 98 patients mean age 50 years (range 19–67). Pathology OA 85%, Perthes 7%, DDH 4.7% & SUFE 2%. Mean follow-up 30 months (range 12–45). Scoring systems used were Harris hip score (HHS), WOMAC & SF36.

HHS: mean pre-arthroplasty 47 (range 10–73), one year 99 (n=57), at 2 years 97.3 (n=26) and at third year 100 (n=3), statistically significant improvement (P=0.001).

WOMAC: pain: pre-op score 18.8, at 1 year 5.6 and second year 5.7. Stiffness: pre-op 8.5, 1 year 2.7 & 2^nd year 2.7. Physical: 49.3, 1 year 23.4 & 2^nd year 22.6.

This shows a statistically significant improvement in pain score (p=0.025) and physical function score (p=0.025).

SF-36 one-year post op, when analysed against an age/sex match control group normal values using a 2 tailed ‘t’ Test, seven of the eight domains showed no statistical significance. Only the Social Functioning domain showed a statistically significant result (p=0.011).

One fracture following a fall (patient had deep cysts in proximal head now such patients are not offered BHR), one dislocation following RTA and one AVN in a 50 years old post menopausal lady.

Birmingham hip resurfacing can provide excellent level of activity and patient satisfaction. A long-term study is needed to evaluate the long-term benefit and survivorship.

This study was designed to assess the standard of orthopaedic training of Senior House Officers in the U.K. and to determine the optimum time that should be spent in these posts before registrar training.

Two MCQ papers were constructed. One for the pre test and one for the post test. Questions covered all aspects of orthopaedics and trauma including operative surgery. The paper was firstly tested on controls including medical students, house officers, registrars of various grades and consultants. There was no statistical difference in the results for the two papers within the groups indicating that pre and post test papers were of similar standard. In addition the average scores in the tests increased proportionately to the experience and grade of the control.

129 SHOs from 25 hospitals in 10 different regions were tested by MCQ examination at the beginning of their 6-month post. They were again tested at the end of the job. The differences in score were compared. This difference was then correlated with the experience and career intention of the SHO.

There was no statistical difference between pre and post test results in all groups of SHOs in the study (student t test). The best improvement in scores during this six month period were seen in SHOs of 1–1.5 years orthopaedic experience. SHOs of more than 3 years experience demonstrated the smallest improvement in their score. There was a net loss of seven trainees with a career intention of orthopaedics to other disciplines.

In the vast majority of Senior House Officer posts in this country, very little seems to be learnt during a six-month attachment. This is especially so for those who are doing orthopaedics for the first time as well as very experienced SHOs.

To determine the Inter & Intra-observer Agreement in Assessment & Classification of Non-unions of fractures based on Radiological appearance.

Medical records and X-rays of patients who attended the Limb Reconstruction Clinic (1987 to 2000) in a University Hospital for fracture non-union were studied. X-rays of one hundred adult patients with established non-union were selected by random sampling.

Common denominators of various classification / assessment systems were selected for study. Observers were selected in 3 categories (2 in each): Senior Limb Reconstruction specialist, Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologists, Senior trainees (Post-FRCS Orth).

Data was analysed by calculating kappa coefficients (95% confidence intervals). Kappa measures between observer agreements having been corrected for chance.

Radiologists were unable to comment on vascularity. (S= substantial, M= moderate, F= fair & P= poor)

It would appear that the agreement for classification of atrophic/hypertrophic non-union is good all round (both inter & intra). Within this classification, radiologists showed better agreement than trainees whose results were better than Orthopaedic specialists. Agreement of healing potential & infection was fair to poor only. Radiographic analysis of non-union remains poor indicating the need for further study to see whether identifiable features exist.

To assess the outcome of bicondylar tibial fractures, treated prospectively with fine wire fixation in the Limb Reconstruction Service.

Twenty patients with mean age 56 years with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, were treated at the author’s institution with fine wire fixation over a three-year period. Ten followed road traffic accidents and four followed high-energy falls; The remainder mainly in the elderly resulted from a simple fall. There were four Schatzeker type V, and sixteen type VI. Four were open fractures (Gustilo grade III); Seven patients sustained associated fractures at the same time. They were treated according to a prospective protocol and were followed up for an average of thirty months, (11 – 51). The protocol included CT Scan Guided planning, closed reduction if possible and percutaneous interfragmentary screw fixation to reconstruct the articular surface, under image intensifier control; The external fixator was applied in neutralization. Mobilization and full weight bearing was encouraged as early as possible

Ten patients started full weight bearing between four and six weeks post operatively, in nine cases with other injuries weight bearing was delayed. All patients healed with an average time in the fixator of eighteen weeks, (9–25).

Fifteen patients had a range of movement from Zero to at least 120 degrees flexion. Using Rasmussen’s functional and radiological scoring system, fifteen out of twenty scored good or excellent. Complications included deep vein thrombosis in one patient, loss of fracture reduction in three, superficial pin tract infection which resolved with local pin care and a short courses of antibiotic in five patients, there was no deep infection.

The Sheffield hybrid external fixator is strong, permits early fracture recovery and weight bearing and may have significantly contributed to the high rate of good results in this group, of which more than 50% were over sixty years old. This technique is recommended for treatment of this difficult fracture.

To review healing rates, complications, alignment, length and function in non-unions treated with Mono-lateral External Fixation.

A cohort of 110 patients (113 segments) treated for non-union, by mono-lateral external fixation in Sheffield between 1987 and 1996 is reviewed. There were 83 males and 27 females with a mean age of 37.2 years. 67 patients had high-energy injuries and there were 56 open fractures. There were 60 tibiae, 38 femora and the rest were upper limb long bones with a mean of 3.2 previous procedures. The mean duration of non-union was 23.4 months (range 3–123). There were 64 monofocal procedures with 41 supported in neutralisation, 20 in compression and three in distraction. There were 49 bifocal procedures (33 compression distraction and 16 bone transport). 71 segments required a bone graft.

The success rate using the initial fixator was 90%. Clinical and radiological union was achieved in 109 segments (96.5%) although seven required further fixation and one subsequently went on to amputation for ischamia. All five amputations were in smokers and three were directly related to vascular failure.

The mean hospital stay was 21.12 days and the mean number of operations per patients was 2.55.The mean time to bony union was 12.69 months (range 2.5-64). The Length gained mean 4.5 cm (range 1.5-12 cm). Angular correction achieved 12° (range 2-39°); The bony and functional results were assessed at the end of treatment by system described by Paley & Catagni (JBJS 77A, 1995).

Monolateral external fixation can provide stable fixation for the treatment of established non-unions. The fracture environment may be carefully controlled and angulation and length corrected simultaneously. Interestingly 11 out of 12 problem cases were in smokers.

As the number of patients being offered multifocal procedures in limb reconstruction surgery has increased a study was performed to compare single stage and staged procedures.

A retrospective analysis of all multifocal procedures (more than two sites) performed between 1988 and 1997 was carried out looking at treatment times, results and complication rates. A total of 51 multifocal procedures were performed. The mean number of sites operated on was 3.8 per patient for single stage and 4 per patient for staged. There were 18 single stage and 33 staged operations. There were 29 performed on the paediatric age group for indications such as achondroplasia and short stature. The rest were in adults where the main indications were related to complex trauma management and their complications. External Fixation was the principle method of treatment.

The total hospital stay averaged 18 days for single stage procedures and 29 days for staged. Of the single stage cases 12 had one operation with a mean of 1.33 operations (including surgery for complications) compared to staged procedures which had an average of 2.8 operations (range 2–5 ). In addition, the total treatment time (time of first surgery to discharge) was more for staged surgery, 5 years compared to 3.6 years. In the single stage group 9 patients (50%) had at least one significant post operative complication (2 severe, 7 moderate) and in the staged group 19 (57%) had significant complications (3 severe, 16 moderate). There was no detectable difference in the final clinical result obtained between the groups.

From this study we would conclude that single stage procedures carry no increased risk and are of benefit to patients because of the shorter hospitalisation, reduction in the number of operations and general anaesthetics and the reduced time to final outcome.

To assess the outcome of Quadricepsplasty in limb reconstruction for stiff knees, and to analyze the contributing factors.

Thirteen patients underwent quadricepsplasty over the last 11-years for severe extension contractures of the knee, in the Limb Reconstruction Service. Ten cases were posttraumatic treated with External fixation, and three were non-traumatic causes, with an average interval between injury and quadricepsplasty of 10 years (range, 2–55). Eight patients had leg lengthening with an average of 6.5cm (range, 3–14), with simultaneous deformity correction. Post-operatively all the patients had continued passive motion except one with a fused hip.

Two to six weeks post-operatively, nine patients necessitated manipulation under anesthesia due to noteable loss of movement.

Preoperatively the average flexion was 24°(10–40), which improved in the operating room to 98°. After an average follow up of 15 months post-operatively they lost a mean of 18° flexion, with a final flexion 80°. Three patients developed an extension lag of 10° post-operatively. Two had deep infection with unsatisfactory results. Using Judet’s classification, we had 8 (53%) excellent or good, 6 (40%) fair, and one poor (7%) result.

The unsatisfactory results were associated with deep infection, long fixator time and a long interval between injury and quadricepsplasty.

Quadricepsplasty provides good results for severe extension contraction of the knee. Judet’s technique of disinsertion and muscle sliding addresses the problem of pin site tethering on the lateral side of the femur. Since this procedure is not free of complications and always demands intensive postoperative rehabilitation, it should be reserved for patients with severe extension contraction.

We reviewed 351 cases of nonunion treated between 1987 and 2000. The principles of management included restoration of alignment, stabilisation and stimulation. More recently we used distraction and bone transport, bifocal techniques, single stage lengthening and correction of soft tissue contractures.

The ununited fractures resulted from trauma in 319 cases and in 32 were the sequelae of planned surgery. There were 159 atrophic, 89 hypertrophic and 103 infected nonunions. Nonunion occurred in the tibia in 162 patients, in the femur in 51 and in the upper limbs and other smaller bones in the rest.

At the time of this review, nine patients had abandoned treatment and 25 fractures remained ununited. Amputation had been performed on 20 patients, two at the request of patients with intractable pain, 14 following infection and four because of atrophy. Union was achieved in 297 cases (85%), including 90% of the atrophic, 89% of the hypertrophic and 73% of the infected nonunions. We found no statistically significant difference between the results of patients who smoked and non-smokers, but patients who smoked heavily healed more slowly.