Introduction

Patient related outcome measures (PROMS) are now routinely undertaken in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. These are in the form of the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and EQ5D questionnaires pre-operation and at 6 months' post operation. MYMOPS is a patient specific outcome measure that allows patients to list their individualised symptoms and activities that are limited and is used is other medical specialities but not currently within orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to validate the MYMOPS questionnaire for use in hip arthroplasty by comparing it to the OHS.

Time at the surgical ‘coal-face’ has been reduced by introduction of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) significantly impacting training opportunity. Our null hypothesis was that duration of surgery is significantly longer if a trainee were performing the operation despite supervision or level of trainee experience.

Cemented hip hemiarthroplasty was chosen as our index procedure as complexity is largely comparable between cases. 461 patients were identified on the hospital trauma database. Data were augmented by information regarding level of surgeon, assistant and time of surgery from the hospital theatre database.

There was no significant difference in registrar and consultant operative times, mean time 69 and 72 minutes respectively. SHOs were significantly slower (mean 80 minutes, p=0.0006). Junior (ST5 or less) registrars were significantly slower (mean 81minutes, p=0.0002) whereas senior registrars were not. Supervision level had no effect on duration of senior registrar operations but when junior registrars were consultant supervised they were not significantly slower (mean 75 minutes, p=0.09).

Supervised operating therefore reduces time variability and should be promoted within a climate of training. Increase in mean operative time in registrars and SHOs is insignificant within a day's operating and is unlikely to lead to cancellations of cases.

Medical and Health care products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) released an alert in 2010 regarding metal on metal (MoM) bearings in hip arthroplasty owing to soft tissue reactions to Metal debris. Following this, we adopted a targeted screening protocol to review patients with this bearing couple.

218 Patients (252 hips), mean age 53.2 (25–71) years were assessed clinically using Oxford hip score (OHS) and X-ray examination. The mean follow up was 44.5 (12–71) months. Patients were considered at higher risk (118 patients/133 hips) if they had deterioration of OHS (50 hips), Small sized heads <50mm (114 hips), acetabular inclination >500 (37 hips), neck thinning (17 hips). These patients (107/118), (120/133 hips) were further investigated through measuring metal ion levels and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The mean blood levels of cobalt and chromium in this group were 6.7, 8.62 ug/L respectively. Metal ions increased significantly with high acetabular inclination angles (p=0.01, 0.004 respectively), but was not affected by the size of the head (p=0.13). MRI showed periprosthetic lesions around 28 hips (26 fluid collections, 2 pseudotumours).

The screening protocol detected all patients who subsequently required elective revision. We believe that this protocol was beneficial in detecting problematic MoM hip replacements.

Introduction

Infection after total joint arthroplasty is a challenging problem. Clinical symptoms, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and cultures of synovial fluid obtained by means of percutaneous aspiration are commonly used to rule out the possibility of persistent infection before reimplantation. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the tests are low. Some authors have suggested that frozen-section analysis should always be performed during the reimplantation in order to rule out persistent infection.

We investigated the role of Plasma Viscosity (PV), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Frozen Section (FS) in diagnosing prosthetic joint infection. We compared these results with microbiological diagnosis of infection of the tissue samples (three or more samples grown same organisms in culture).

53 patients, average age 67 years (37 – 89) underwent joint revision surgery. 34 patients had hip and 19 patients had knee joint revision arthroplasty, this includes single and multiple stage revision surgeries and excision arthroplasty. Nine (17%) patients had microbiologically proven joint infection. PV had sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 43% and negative predictive value of 100%. CRP had sensitivity of 89 %, specificity of 75% and negative predictive value of 97%. FS (presence of infection being more than 5 neutrophils/hpf) had sensitivity of 56% and specificity of 84%.

We recommend PV and CRP to be used in the investigation of prosthetic joint infection. If both CRP and PV are normal the chance of infection is very low (negative predictive value of 100%). In our series an elevated PV and CRP represented a 50% chance of having a joint infection. The role of frozen section does not appear to be beneficial in the diagnosis of joint

An audit of fractured neck of femur patients indicated that the delay in acquiring an echocardiogram was delaying surgery (time to echo 5.4 days ± 3.4SD (n=72), time to surgery 7.5 days ± 5.5SD (n=72)). This instigated a change in policy with the introduction of routine ‘targeted’ echocardiography performed by a cardiac technician at the patient’s bedside.

A re-audit has demonstrated an improvement in service (time to echo 1.0 days ± 0.7SD (n=96), time to surgery 2.9 days ± 1.9SD (n=118)). A targeted echocardiogram consists of an evaluation of left ventricular function expressed as normal, mild, moderate and severe (left ventricular ejection fraction > 50%, 40–50%, 30–40% and < 30%), the aortic valve (normal, non severe aortic stenosis, severe aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation and aortic gradient). A targeted echo gives less information than a departmental echo where more parameters are measured, however the information provided is enough to guide the anaesthetists choice of anaesthesia and intraoperative anaesthetic management. Senior Echo technicians perform the investigation at the patients bedside on the trauma ward in the mornings of the working week using a portable machine. Each echocardiogram takes 2 to 5 minutes to perform. If obvious significant other pathology is seen, the patient is referred for a full departmental echocardiogram.

A total of 28.4 patient bed days per month were saved following this change in practice, assuming days waiting for echo preoperatively equate to extra days spent in hospital. The total cost saving per month was £4435, based on the cost of routine targeted echocardiography (£10), departmental echocardiography (£60) and bed cost (£155 per night).

Expedient surgery within this group of patients should not be compromised by delays in obtaining timely echocardiography. The cost of routine ‘targeted’ echocardiography is low and this change in practice can be justified in both clinical and economic terms.

Effective utilisation of blood products is fundamental. The introduction of Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedules (MSBOS) for operations provides guidance for effective cross-matching. A retrospective analysis of blood ordering practices was undertaken to establish an evidence-based MSBOS for revision THR and TKR. The impact of the use of intraoperative cell-salvage devices was also assessed.

Methods: The patient database was searched for cases of revision THR and TKR undertaken over 58 months. These records were then cross-referenced with the transfusion database. The cross-match to transfusion ratios (CTR) and transfusion indexes (TI) were calculated using this data.

The gold standard for the CTR is 2:1 or less. The TI establishes the likelihood of blood being transfused for a certain procedure. If the TI is less than 0.5, then cross-matching blood is considered unnecessary.

Results: For revisions of non-infected THR (n=269), the CTR=2.24 and TI=1.67. In infected cases (n=69), CTR=2.16 and TI=1.68.

In revisions of non-infected TKR (n=95), the CTR=4.33 and TI=0.48. In infected cases (n=54) the CTR=2.16 and TI=1.35.

There was considerable change in the practice of ordering cross-matched blood following the introduction of intraoperative cell-salvage devices (Revision THR: CTR=1.93, TI=0.84; Revision TKR: CTR=1.20, TI=0.16)

Discussion: The analysis confirmed that more blood was requested than was actually required. Overall the results suggest that cross-matching is still necessary for both the non-infected and infected revision THR but the number of units requested could be reduced to 2 units. In revision TKR, transfusions were more likely in infected cases and, a ‘group & save’ may be sufficient for non-infected cases.

The introduction of this MSBOS in conjunction with intraoperative cell-salvage, could promote blood conservation and financial savings.

Objectives: To compare the biomechanical properties of lag screw insertion in a laboratory model. Two blades, the Synthes Dynamic Helical Hip Screw (DHHS) and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA), and two screws, the Synthes Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) and Stryker Gamma 3 lag screw, were compared.

Setting: Orthopaedic biomechanics laboratory.

Design: Insertion testing was carried out in high and low density polyurethane foam mounted and attached to a Zwick Roell Amsler Hydrowin.

Outcome Measures: The axial load and torque during insertion of the implants was measured.

Results: The force required to insert the DHHS and PFNA blades was greater than the DHS and Gamma 3 screws into both low and high density foam. The force required to insert the DHHS and PFNA blades into high density foam was greater than low density foam. The torque required to insert the DHHS and PFNA blades into high density foam was less than that to insert the DHS and Gamma 3 screws. The torque required to insert the DHS and Gamma 3 screws into low density foam was less than the DHHS and PFNA blades. The torque during insertion of the DHHS and PFNA blades seemed to be independent of foam density.

Conclusions: The insertional properties of blades are significantly different to screws and this may have clinical importance.

Introduction – Patients who have sustained a fracture of the hip should have their surgical treatment with 48 hours of admission to hospital. A delay results in increased morbidity and mortality.

This elderly cohort of patients often have confounding co-morbidities. A pre-operative echocardiographic assessment to guide the anaesthetic is frequently requested upon clinical grounds. A delay in acquiring the echocardiogram was observed thus delaying surgery. This instigated a change in policy within the department whereby all patients over 70 years old who sustained a hip fracture underwent echocardiographic assessment with 24 hours of admission.

Method: An audit was performed assessing delays in acquiring the echocardiograms and measuring the time taken to perform the operation.

Results: Period 1 – Selective Echo: Mean time to echo 5 days, mean time to theatre 7 days. Period 2 – Unselective Echo: Mean time to echo 1 day, mean time to theatre 2 days.

Conclusion: As a result of the unselective policy to perform echo cardiograms on all patients admitted with a fractured neck hip, the delay to perform surgery has been reduced significantly.

Introduction: The PFNA device was developed to address problems of rotational instability in proximal femoral fractures whilst simultaneously employing a single femoral neck element. The PFNA makes use of a helical blade that compresses rather than destroys osteopaenic cancellous bone. It is hammered into place over the guide wire and then locked laterally to prevent rotation.

Study Design: Prospective cohort.

Methods: All subtrochanteric fractures (AO 31A3) admitted to the department were treated with the PFNA. Demographic and clinical data during admission was recorded and formal post-operative X-Rays performed.

Outcome Measures: 4 month follow-up appointment with clinical and radiological assessments, VAS, SF36, Jensen Social Function Score and Parker Mobility Score.

Results: From April 2006 to June 2007, 62 patients were included in the study. 4 month follow up has been completed in 30 patients (77% of those available). 11 are awaiting follow up, 12 died and 9 were unable to attend follow up for various reasons. The mean age was 79.9 years. 13 short and 17 long nails were inserted. 6 patients required open reduction and internal fixation. There were no significant intra-operative or immediate postoperative complications. 1 patient with a short PFNA nail sustained a fracture of the femur through the site of the distal locking bolt during the follow up period and required revision. At follow up, 9 patients had tenderness over the greater trochanter and 1 had leg length discrepancy. None had malrotation. Only 7 patients regained their pre-operative mobility status. The mobility and social function scores were significantly reduced at follow up compared to preoperative status (p=0.001). All domains of SF36 were low compared to normative data. The mean VAS was 3/10. All 30 fractures united and there was no migration, lysis around or cut out of the helical blade. In total, 46 distal locking bolts were utilised. 4 of these had migrated or become loose.

Conclusions: Subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly are a devastating injury. Patients do not return to pre-fracture function at 4 months post injury. Early results suggest that the PFNA appears to work well as evident by the fact that all of the fractures united. We recommend adding 4 to 6mm to the measured length of the distal locking bolts to prevent migration.

Introduction: Effective utilisation of blood products is fundamental. The introduction of Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedules (MSBOS) for operations provides guidance for effective cross-matching. A retrospective analysis of blood ordering practices was undertaken to establish an evidence-based MSBOS for revision THR and TKR. The impact of the use of intraoperative cell-salvage devices was also assessed.

Methods: The patient database was searched for cases of revision THR and TKR undertaken over 58months. These records were then cross-referenced with the transfusion database. The cross-match to transfusion ratios (CTR) and transfusion indexes (TI) were calculated using this data.

The gold standard for the CTR is 2:1 or less. Procedures with ratios greater than 3:1 should substitute for a ‘group and save’. The TI establishes the likelihood of blood being transfused for a certain procedure, i.e., the number of units transfused divided by the number of patients having the procedure. If the TI is less than 0.5, then cross-matching blood is considered unnecessary.

Results: For revisions of non-infected THR (n=269), the CTR=2.24 and TI=1.67. In infected cases (n=69), CTR=2.16 and TI=1.68.

In revisions of non-infected TKR (n=95), the CTR=4.33 and TI=0.48. In infected cases (n=54) the CTR=2.16 and TI=1.35.

There was considerable change in the practice of ordering cross-matched blood following the introduction of intraoperative cell-salvage devices (Revision THR: CTR=1.93, TI=0.84; Revision TKR: CTR=1.20, TI=0.16)

Discussion: The analysis confirmed that more blood was requested than was actually required. Overall the results suggest that cross-matching is still necessary for both the non-infected and infected revision THR but the number of units requested could be reduced to 2units. In revision TKR, transfusions were more likely in infected cases and, a ‘group & save’ may be sufficient for non-infected cases.

The introduction of this MSBOS in conjunction with intraoperative cell-salvage, could promote blood conservation and financial savings.

Classification systems are used for communication, deciding/planning treatment options, predicting outcome and research purposes. The vast majority of subtrochanteric fractures are now treated with intramedullary nails, which questions the need for classification.

Our objective was to assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability of the Seinsheimer, AO and Russell-Taylor (RT) classification systems and assess a new simple system (KMG).

The KMG system was developed to alert the surgeon to potential hazards: Type 1 – subtrochanteric fracture (ST#) with intact trochanters. Type 2 ST# involving greater trochanter (entry point for nailing difficulty). Type 3 –ST# involving lesser trochanter (most unstable).

32 AP and lateral radiographs of subtrochanetric fractures were classified independently by 4 observers twice with a 6-week interval (2 Consultants and 2 Registrars). The observers were asked to rank the systems based on how descriptive they thought they were, whether they felt they influenced treatment plan and whether they would predict outcome.

The intra- and inter-observer variation was poor in all systems. KMG gave the best inter-observer reproducibility (Kappa 0.3 to 0.6) followed by AO and RT, and then Seinsheimer. The observers felt that Seinsheimer and KMG were the most descriptive and would influence the treatment plan, and Russell-Taylor would perform worst at predicting outcomes. All of the fractures in this series united

The classification systems analysed in this study have poor reproducibility and seem to be of little value in predicting outcome of intramedullary nailing. The KMG system may be of some use in alerting the surgeon to potential problems.

Introduction: The PFNA device was developed to address problems of rotational instability in proximal femoral fractures whilst simultaneously employing a single femoral neck element.

Study Design: Prospective cohort.

Methods: All subtrochanteric fractures(AO31A3) admitted to the department were treated with the PFNA and specified data was recorded.

Results: From April 2006 to June 2007, 62 patients were included in the study.4 month follow up has been completed in 30 patients(77% of those available).11 are awaiting follow up and 12 died.The mean age was 79.9 years.

1 patient with a short PFNA nail sustained a fracture of the femur through the site of the distal locking bolt during the follow up period and required revision.

The mobility and social function scores were significantly reduced at follow up compared to pre-operative status(p=0.001).All domains of SF36 were low compared to normative data.

All 30 fractures united and there was no migration, lysis around or cut out of the helical blade.In total, 46 distal locking bolts were utilised.4 of these had migrated or become loose.

Conclusions: Subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly are a devastating injury. Patients do not return to pre-fracture function at 4 months post injury. Early results suggest that the PFNA appears to work well.

Patients immobilised in lower limb casts are at risk of venous thrombo-embolism. We have devised a unique patient administered scoring system to provide targeted thrombo-prophylactic therapy based on a patient’s risk factors for thrombo-embolism. This study investigated completion of the risk assessment form and intra-observer error.

We carried out a prospective observational study investigating completion of risk assessment forms in patients attending the fracture clinic who were immobilised in lower limb casts. Each patient completed a form at initial presentation which determined their treatment regime. The patients were asked to complete a second identical form once their plaster was removed together with a short questionnaire asking about ease of use of the risk assessment form.

92 patients were included in the study. The first form was correctly completed by 90 patients (98%) and the second by 89 patients (97%). There was an exact scoring correlation between the two forms in 82% of patients.

93% of patients found the scoring system easy to understand and complete.

We propose that this unique patient administered, venous thrombo-embolism risk assessment form provides a user friendly, practical and reproducible tool for highlighting trauma patients in lower limb casts at increased risk of thromboembolic disease.

The PFNA device was developed to address problems of rotational instability in proximal femoral fractures whilst simultaneously employing a single femoral neck element. The PFNA makes use of a helical blade that compresses rather than destroys osteopaenic cancellous bone.

All subtrochanteric fractures admitted to the department were treated with the PFNA (AO 31A3). Demographic and clinical data during admission was recorded and formal post-operative X-Rays performed.

Outcome assessment consisted of a 4 month follow-up appointment with clinical and radiological assessments, VAS, SF36, Jensen Social Function Score and Parker Mobility Score.

From April to December 2006, 46 patients were included in the study. 4 month follow up has been completed in 17 of 23 patients. The average age was 78. 11 short and 7 long nails were inserted. Four patients required open reduction and internal fixation. There were no significant intra-operative or immediate postoperative complications. 1 short nail fractured through the site of the distal locking bolt during the follow up period and required revision.

At follow up, 5 patients had tenderness over the greater trochanter and 2 had leg length discrepancy. None had malrotation. Only 2 patients regained their pre-operative mobility status. The mobility and social function scores were significantly reduced at follow up compared to pre-operative status (p=0.003 and p=0.001 respectively). All domains of SF36 were low compared to normative data. The mean VAS was 3/10.

All fractures united and there was no migration, lysis around or cut out of the helical blade. In total, 25 distal locking bolts were utilised. Four of these had migrated or become loose.

Patients with subtrochanteric fractures do not return to pre-fracture function at 4 months post injury. The PFNA appears to work well although there may be concern about bone hold of the distal locking bolts.

Correspondence should be addressed to Major M Butler RAMC, Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, Devon.

There is little evidence from the literature regarding the timing of hip fracture surgery for patients who are on the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel bisulphate (Plavix) (1).

We report the results of a retrospective case control study of 40 patients comparing the timing of surgery for patients taking clopidogrel against a control group of those not taking an antiplatelet agent. Time to surgery, length of stay, transfusion requirements, wound problems and other post operative complications were examined.

Within the study group of patients taking clopidogrel, we also compared those who underwent surgery within four days of stopping the clopidogrel and after four days.

The transfusion requirements were greater in those patients on clopidogrel prior to admission. Wound healing and post operative complications were similar between the two groups. Total length of hospital stay and post operative length of stay were longer in the clopidogrel group.

There was an increase in transfusion requirements and post operative length of stay in patients on clopidogrel undergoing early surgery (within 4 days) compared to the group where surgery was delayed.

We conclude that, in this small study, transfusion requirements and length of stay were greater in patients on clopidogrel. Transfusion requirements and post operative length of stay were also greater if surgery was performed within four days of omitting clopidogrel. Further studies are required to determine optimal timing of surgery following discontinuation of clopidogrel.

We prospectively studied 15 proximal tibial and 30 distal femoral fractures treated with the Less Invasive Stabilisation System for periarticular fractures about the knee.

Of these 45 fractures, one patient returned to Russia and was thus lost to follow up. The mean age of the remaining patients was 64.4 years (range 15–94 years). There were 26 females and 13 males. All fractures were classified according to the AO classification.

We found the use of temporary external fixation and mobile radiolucent wedge leg supports very helpful during surgery for these cases. We developed an increasingly aggressive postoperative mobilisation regime with increased experience of using this fixation technique.

Functional assessment was performed using the Schatzker and Lambert scores. The average time to union was 14.78 weeks (range 10– 28 weeks). 43 fractures have united with one fracture showing signs of delayed union. There were two implant failures, two deep vein thrombosis and two compartment syndromes. Five patients died of unrelated causes and without problems relating to their fracture.

We conclude that the Less Invasive Stabilisation System is a satisfactory method of treating these complex and difficult fractures about the knee with a high rate of union and good functional outcome.

We report results using the hydroxyapatite coated, distally locking Cannulok revision hip prosthesis. The component was used to treat periprosthetic and pathological fractures, often in the presence of aseptic loosening or infection in a group of elderly patients. 16 patients with a mean age of 78 years underwent surgery by a single surgeon over a period of 3 years. They were followed up clinically and radiologically for an average of 24 months.

The mean modified Merle D’Aubigne and Oxford Hip Scores were 14 and 23.6 respectively. These results are comparable to the published results for the previous version of the Cannulok hip, and other revision hip revision series.

We believe the implant provides a relatively simple and effective reconstructive option that can be used as an alternative to more extensive surgical options in elderly patients with periprosthetic fractures.

Traditionally rotator cuff has been repaired to bone using bone tunnels. However these are the weakest link (Gerber 1994), are time consuming to construct, and may cheese-wire leading to gap formation at the intended repair site. We have developed a novel technique which overcomes these traditional problems.

The first method was a laboratory study. Pull out studies were performed using a Monsanto tensiometer on the strength of bone tunnels of varying lengths from 1 to 4cm, reinforcing devices such as the cuff-link and finally the capstan screw.

In the second method, the technique was used in 30 consecutive rotator cuff repairs to determine whether the perceived advantages were real.

Laboratory study. The bone tunnels failed at 16N to 153N (dependent upon the length of the bone tunnel). In our studies augmentation with the cuff-link device failed to significantly increase pull out strength. The capstan screw never pulled out, the simulating the suture failing at an average of 900N. In 30 consecutive rotator repairs the screw was deemed quick and easy to use. There was one insertional problem but no problems once implanted.

This novel form of fixation of the rotator cuff allows as many sutures as are needed to be run to a single powerful screw in a similar manner to the cords in a parachute leading down to the parachute harness. The method is simple, quick, inexpensive and attractive. It allows the creation of a large footpint of insertion for even the largest of tears, compared with the spot welds of traditional methods and, because of its massive strength, allows a degree of tolerance against the best intentioned but ill judged excesses of the patient or therapist.