Osteoarthritis of the trapezometacarpal joint is a common form of arthritis. At present, there is a significant void between conservative and operative managements. Viscosupplementation is occasionally considered as an in-between therapy.

We aimed to compare the therapeutic benefit of a single intra-articular injection of Sodium Hyaluronate (SH; Ostenil®mini) to a single intra-articular injection of Methylprednisolone Acetate (MA; Depomedrone) in the management of rhizarthrosis (TMOA; Trapezometacarpal Osteoarthritis).

A retrospective review was performed over a 12 month period. We reviewed 25 patients who had received a single injection of viscosupplementation (SH) performed with fluoroscopic guidance and had been followed up at 12 weeks. These patients were compared with 21 patients who had received a single steroid injection (MA) and had been followed up at 12 weeks.

Of the SH group, 52% (n = 13) reported some benefit from the injection. The MA group reported an 86% (n=18) benefit from the injection.

We found that a single injection of viscosupplementation (SH) is effective in relieving pain and improving function in about half of patients with rhizarthrosis (TMOA). The efficacy of a single steroid injection (MA), however, was superior with a far greater proportion of patients reporting analgesic and functional benefits.

Our prospective observational study of patients treated for Thoracolumbar Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) by anterior instrumentation aimed at investigating the correlation between the radiographic outcome and the recently-developed scoliosis research society self-reported outcomes instrument (SRS-22) which has been validated as a tool for self-assessment in scoliosis patients. Previous patient based questionnaires demonstrated poor correlation with the radiological parameters.

Purpose: The popularity of intramedullary nails (IMN) for trochanteric hip fractures has grown substantially with little supportive evidence that IMN are superior to conventional sliding hip screws (SHS). We aimed to assess the impact of SHS or IMN intramedullary nailing on functional outcomes and rates of re-operation in elderly patients with fractures.

Method: We conducted a multi-center, pilot randomized trial including three clinical sites across Sweden, Denmark, and Canada. We randomized 85 elderly patients with stable and unstable trochanteric hip fractures to either SHS or an IMN. The primary outcome, revision surgery, was independently adjudicated at one year. Secondary functional outcomes included the Parker Mobility Score (PMS), the Merle D’Aubigne Score, the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the Euroquol-5D.

Results: Eighty five patients were enrolled. Fifteen patients died prior to the one year follow up. Across treatment groups, patients did not differ in age, gender and fracture type. The overall revision risk was 11.6% (8/69) and did not differ significantly between groups (IMN: 5; SHS: 3). Patients treated with IMN had significantly higher Merle D’Aubigne function subscores at 6 (p=0.01) and 12 months (p=0.05). Gamma3 nails approached significantly higher scores in the Parker mobility score at 6 (p=0.08) and 12 months (p=0.056). Non-significant differences were identified in the SF-12 and Euroquol-5D quality of life measures; however, in both scores, the Gamma3 nailed trended to higher scores than the sliding hip screw.

Conclusion: Our findings of early functional gains without increased risk of revision surgery support the increased popularity of IMN for the management of trochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients.

Aim: The clinical and radiological outcomes of a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing Femoral Ring Allografts (FRA) to Titanium Cages (TC) for circumferential fusion are presented.

Methods: Eighty-three patients were recruited fulfilling strict entry requirements (> 6 months chronic discogenic Low Back Pain (LBP), failure of conservative treatment, one or two level discographically-proven discogenic pain). Five patients were excluded on technical infringements (unable to insert TC or FRA). From 78 patients randomised, 37 received FRA and 41 received TC. Posterior stabilisation was achieved with translaminar or pedicle screws. Patients completed the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) pre-operatively and 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. Assessment of fusion was made by a panel of 6 individuals examining radiographs taken at the same specified time points.

Results: Clinical outcomes were available for all 83 patients (mean follow-up 28 months, range 24–75). Baseline demographic data showed no statistical difference between groups (p< 0.05). For patients receiving FRA, mean VAS (back pain) improved 2.0 points (p< 0.01), mean ODI improved 15 points (p=< 0.01), and mean SF-36 scores improved by > 11 points in 6 of 8 domains (p< 0.03). For patients receiving TC, mean VAS improved 1.1 points (p=0.004), mean ODI improved 6 points (p=0.01), and SF-36 improved significantly in only two of eight domains. Revision procedures and complications were similar in both groups. For the FRA group, 27 levels were fused from a total of 42 assessed (64.2%). For the TC group, 33 levels were fused from a total of 55 assessed (60%). This difference was not statistically significant p> 0.2.

Conclusion: The use of FRA in circumferential lumbar fusion was associated with superior clinical outcomes when compared to those observed following the use of TC. Both groups had similar fusion rates.

Introduction: Patient questionnaires permit a direct measure of the value of care as perceived by the recipient. The Scoliosis Research Society outcomes questionnaire (SRS-22) has been validated as a tool for self-assessment. We investigated the correlation between SRS-22 and a detailed radiological outcome two years following anterior correction of Thoraco-Lumbar Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (TL-AIS).

Methods: The SRS-22 questionnaire was completed by 30 patients two years following anterior correction of TL-AIS. Pre-operative, post-operative and two year follow-up radiographs of all 30 patients were assessed. The following parameters were measured at each time point:

Primary Cobb angle,

The percentage improvements for each were noted. Correlation was sought between Total SRS score, each of the five individual domains and various radiographic parameters listed above by quantifying Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r).

Results: Percentage improvement in primary Cobb angle (r = 0.052), secondary Cobb angle (r = 0.165) and AVT of the primary curve (r = −0.353) showed little or no correlation with the SRS-22 total score or any of its five domains. Significant inverse correlation was found between the UIV tilt angle at two years and the SRS-22 (r = −0.516). Lateral radiographs however showed little or no correlation between thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.043) and SRS-22.

Conclusion: The SRS-22 outcomes questionnaire does not correlate with most of the radiographic parameters commonly used by clinicians to assess patient outcome.

Introduction: Patient questionnaires permit a direct measure of the value of care as perceived by the recipient. The Scoliosis Research Society outcomes questionnaire (SRS-22) has been validated as a tool for self-assessment. We investigated the correlation between SRS-22 and a detailed radiological outcome two-years following anterior correction of ThoracoLumbar Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (TL-AIS).

Methods: The SRS-22 questionnaire was completed by 30 patients two-years following anterior correction of TL-AIS. Pre-operative, post-operative and two-year follow-up radiographs of all 30 patients were assessed. The following parameters were measured at each time point: 1) Primary Cobb angle, 2) Secondary Cobb angle, 3) Coronal C7-midsacral plumb line, 4) Apical Vertebra Translation (AVT) of primary curve, 5) AVT of the secondary curve, 6) Upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) translation, 7) UIV tilt angle, 8) Lower instrumented vertebra (LIV), 8) LIV tilt angle 9) Apical Vertebra Rotation (AVR) of the primary curve, 10) Sagittal C7-posterior corner of sacrum plumb line 11) T5–T12 angle, 12) T12-S1 angle, 13) shoulder height difference. The percentage improvements for each were noted. Correlation was sought between Total SRS score, each of the five individual domains and various radiographic parameters listed above by quantifying Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r).

Results: Percentage improvement in primary Cobb angle (r = 0.052), secondary Cobb angle (r = 0.165) and AVT of the primary curve (r = −0.353) showed little or no correlation with the SRS-22 total score or any of its five domains. Significant inverse correlation was found between the UIV tilt angle at two years and the SRS-22 (r = −0.516). Lateral radiographs however showed little or no correlation between thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.043) and SRS-22.

Conclusion: The SRS-22 outcomes questionnaire does not correlate with most of the radiographic parameters commonly used by clinicians to assess patient outcome.

Introduction and Aims: Unilateral joint destruction in small joints of the hand presents a difficult challenge, particularly in younger patients. Pyrocarbon has a number of properties which may render it more suitable than metal for hemiarthroplasty in selected circumstances. We reviewed the results of our experience with PIP and MCP hemiarthroplasty utilising pyrocarbon implants to evaluate the clinical outcome in each case.

Method: Since December 2001, 10 pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasties were implanted in 10 patients. Eight were implanted into the PIP joint and two into the MCP joint. The average patient age was 34.5 years (range 19–65). Nine procedures were for trauma and one for arthrosis. The decision to implant was taken when other reconstructive options were not considered possible and the patient would otherwise have been offered arthrodesis or amputation or total joint arthroplasty. The patients were reviewed clinically to establish their range of motion, pain control and satisfaction with surgery. Radiographic review was undertaken.

Results: After an average follow-up of 13 months (range three to 23 months) all joints remain in-situ. The average arc of motion is 50.5 degrees. Average extension was minus eight degrees (range 0–20) and average flexion was 58.5 (range 15–90). There was no evidence of loosening. Erosion of the intact side of the joint was noted in only one patient. One patient was not satisfied with the final outcome.

Conclusion: The short-term results of PIP and MCP hemiarthroplasty with a pyrocarbon prosthesis show reasonable promise and this procedure merits further evaluation of its role in the treatment of unilateral joint destruction. It may be preferable to either total joint arthroplasty or fusion, particularly in the younger patient.