Symptomatic osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and traumatic osteochondral fractures (OCF) are treated with fixation with either metal or bioabsorbable device. We performed a comparative review of patients with OCD and traumatic OCF stabilised with Bio-Compression screws which are headless absorbable compression screws. Our aim was to determine whether there was a difference in outcomes between presentations. Retrospective single-centre cohort study of all patients with OCD and OCF treated with Bio-Compression screw between July 2017 and September 2022. All patients followed up until discharge with satisfactory clinical outcome. Primary outcome was return to theatre for ongoing pain or mechanical symptoms. Secondary outcome was evidence of fixation failure on follow-up MRI scan.Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Recently several authors have suggested a correlation between posterior tibial slope (PTS) and sagittal stability of the knee. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature relating to measurement, normal values and important values to guide treatment. We performed a systematic literature review looking at PTS and cruciate ligament surgery. Our aim was to define a gold standard measurement technique, determine normal ranges and important values for consideration during cruciate ligament surgery. Electronic searches of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, ScienceDirect, and NICE in June 2020 were completed. Inclusion criteria were original studies in peer-reviewed English language journals. A quality assessment of included studies was completed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) Criteria.Abstract
Purpose
Methods
High posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been recognised as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament rupture and graft failure. This prospective randomised study looked at intra-operative findings of concomitant intra-articular meniscal and chondral injuries during a planned ACL reconstruction. Prospective data was collected as part of a randomised trial for ACL reconstruction techniques. Intra-operative data was collected and these findings were compared with the PTS measured on plain radiograph by a single person twice through a standardised technique and intra-observer analysis was performed.Abstract
Introduction
Material and Methods
There is currently no information regarding long-term outcomes following total hip replacement (THR) for hip fracture in patients selected in accordance with national guidelines. We define the long-term outcomes and compare these to short-term outcomes in the same previously reported cohort. We prospectively identified patients who underwent THR for a displaced hip fracture over a 3-year period from 2007–2010. These patients were followed up at 10 years using the Oxford hip score(OHS), the Short-form 12(SF-12) questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire. These outcomes were compared to the short-term outcomes previously assessed at 2 years. We identified 128 patients. Mean follow up was 10.4 years. 60 patients(48%) died by the time of review and 5 patients(4%) developed dementia and were unable to respond. 3 patients were untraceable. This left a study group of 60 patients with a mean age of 81.2. Patients reported excellent outcomes at 10 year follow up and, when compared with short-term outcomes, there was no statistically significant change in levels of satisfaction, OHS, or SF-12. The rates of dislocation(2%), deep infection(2%) and revision(3%) were comparable to those in the literature for elective THR. Mortality in the hip fracture group at 10 years is lower than that of elective registry data. Long-term outcomes for THR after hip fracture in selected patients are excellent and the early proven benefits are sustained. Our data validates the selection process of national guidelines and confirms low complication rates. THR is a safe and highly effective treatment for fit elderly patients with displaced hip fractures.
We define the long-term outcomes and rates of further operative intervention following displaced Bennett's fractures treated with Kirschner (K)-wire fixation. We prospectively identified patients who were treated for displaced Bennett's fractures over a 13 year period between 1996 and 2009. Electronic records for these patients were examined and patients were invited to complete a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire in addition to a patient satisfaction questionnaire. We identified 143 patients with displaced Bennett's fractures treated with K-wire fixation and followed them up at a mean of 13 years. The mean patient age at the time of injury was 33.2 years. At the time of follow up, 11 patients had died and 1 had developed dementia and was unable to respond. 9 patients had no contact details. This left 122 patients available for recruitment. Of these, 60 did not respond leaving a study group of 62 patients. Patients reported excellent functional outcomes and high levels of satisfaction at follow up. Mean satisfaction was 89% and the mean DASH score was 3.2. The infection rate was 3%. None of the 122 patients had undergone salvage procedures and none of the responders had changed occupation or sporting activities. Long-term patient reported outcomes following displaced Bennett's are excellent. Fusion surgery or trapeziectomy was not undertaken for any patient in this series nor did this injury result in sporting or occupational changes. The rate of infection is low and similar to the literature for other surgical procedures with percutaneous K-wires.
We define the medium-term outcomes following total hip replacement (THR) for hip fracture. There is currently no information regarding longer term clinical and patient reported outcomes in this group of patients selected in accordance with national guidelines. We prospectively identified patients who underwent THR for a displaced hip fracture over a three year period between 2007 and 2010. These patients were followed up at 5 years using the Oxford hip score, Short-form 12(SF-12) questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire. We identified 128 patients. Mean follow up was at 5.4 years with a mean age of 76.5 years. 21 patients (16%) had died, 12 patients (9%) had developed dementia and 3 patients had no contact details, leaving a study group of 92 patients. 74 patients(80%) responded. Patients reported excellent functional outcomes and satisfaction at 5 years (mean Oxford Hip Score 40.3; SF-12 Physical Health Composite Score 44.0; SF-12 Mental Health Composite Score 46.2; mean satisfaction 90%). The rates of dislocation (2%), deep infection (2%) and revision (3%) were comparable to those quoted for elective THR. When compared with 2 year follow up, there was no statistically significant change in outcome. Medium-term outcomes for THR after hip fracture are excellent and the early proven benefits of this surgery are sustained. Mortality rates are equivalent to elective THR registry data and significantly lower than overall mortality rates following hip fracture. Our data validates the selection process detailed in national guidelines and confirms the low complication rate. THR is a safe and highly effective treatment for fit elderly patients with displaced hip fractures.
To review the patients that have undergone correction of a symptomatic femoral malunion using osteotomy combined with decortication. A retrospective review of all patients who have undergone the procedure, looking at the pre-operative deformity, correction achieved, time to union and complications.Aim
Methods
We reviewed patients that have undergone correction of a symptomatic femoral malunion using osteotomy combined with decortication by retrospective reviewing all patients who have undergone the procedure, looking at the pre-operative deformity, correction achieved, time to union and complications. Seven patients underwent correction under the senior author from 2003 to today. Average age was 46 years (range 32–60 years). All had femoral shortening, average 2.7cm (range 2–4 cm). Each also had at least one other plane of deformity with rotation being the next most commonly encountered in 5 out of the 7 (average 33 degrees). 2 had tri-planar deformity with the 5 having bi-planar deformity. Average time to union was 18.4 months (range 7 to 39 months) with an average of 1.6 operations (range 1 to 3 operations) to union. Two patients are awaiting union, 1 has required repeat plating and one is a primary fixation and correction awaiting union. Correction of multiplanar deformity of the femur is challenging. Osteotomy with decortication provides a technique to achieve correction of significant femoral deformity union achieving full multi-planar deformity correction in a single operation. This paper provides guidance and a technical description of the operative technique.
There is increasing interest in the use of Total Hip Replacement (THR) for reconstruction in patients who have suffered displaced intracapsular hip fractures. Patient selection is important for good outcomes but criteria have only recently been clearly defined in the form of national guidelines. This study aims to investigate patient reported outcomes and satisfaction after Total Hip Replacement (THR) undertaken for displaced hip fractures and to compare these with a matched cohort of patients undergoing contemporaneous THR for osteoarthritis in order to assess the safety and effectiveness of national clinical guidelines. 100 patients were selected for treatment of displaced hip fractures using THR between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009. These patients were selected using national guidelines and were matched for age and gender with 300 patients who underwent contemporaneous THR as an elective procedure for osteoarthritis.Background
Methods
Military patients have high functional requirements of the upper limb and may have lower pre-operative PROM scores than civilian patients i.e. their function is high when benchmarked, but still insufficient to perform their military role thereby mandating surgery. Our aim was to compare the pre-operative Oxford Shoulder Instability Scores in military and civilian patients undergoing shoulder stabilisation surgery. We undertook a prospective, blinded cohort-controlled study (OCEBM Level 3b). The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in the Oxford Shoulder Instability Scores between military and civilian groups. A power calculation showed that 40 patients were required in each group to give 95% power with 5% significance. A clinical database (iParrot, ByResults Ltd., Oxford, UK) was interrogated for consecutive patients undergoing shoulder stabilisation surgery at a single centre. The senior author - blinded to the outcome score - matched patients according to age, gender and diagnosis. Statistical analysis showed the data to be normally distributed so a paired samples t-test was used to compare the two groups. 110 patients were required to provide a matched cohort of 80 patients. There were 70 males and 10 females. Age at the time of surgery was 16–19 yrs (n=6); 20–24yrs (n=28); 25–29 (n=16); 30–34 (n=12); 35–39 (n=12); 40–44 (n=6). 72 patients (90%) had polar group one and 8 patients (10%) had polar group two instability. The mean Oxford Shoulder Instability Score in the civilian group was 17 and the in military group was 18. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (p=0.395). This study supports the use the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score to assess military patients with shoulder instability.
Skills simulation is increasingly used as a training tool in postgraduate surgical training. Trainee's perception of the value of this experience has not previously been investigated. Our aim was to investigate the value of surgical simulation training delivered by an arthroscopy skills course. We constructed a subject-specific, self-assessment questionnaire based around the ISCP Peer Assessment Tool. The questionnaire was administered to candidates before and after attending the Plymouth Arthroscopy Skills Course. Participant demographic data was recorded. Questionnaire data was interrogated to give an overview of the course, as well as the benefit of site-specific skills stations. Statistical analysis showed the data to be normally distributed. The paired T-test was used to compare mean values. Twelve surgical trainees attended the course – CT2 trainees (n=4); ST3 trainees (n=7); ST4 trainee (n=1). 11 candidates completed both administered questionnaires giving a 92% response rate. The global mean score at the beginning of the course was 2.39. The global mean score at the end of the course was 3.90. The mean improvement was 1.51 (p<0.01; 95% CI = 0.96–2.07). Skill station specific scores all showed improvement with the greatest effect in wrist arthroscopy. CT trainees had a lower mean score compared to ST trainees. Both groups completed the course with similar mean scores. This study shows that arthroscopy simulation improves trainee-reported ratings of surgical skill. It also shows that less experienced candidates derived the greatest benefit from the training. Further research is required to compare self-assessed performance against objective benchmarks using validated assessment tools.
This study describes the long term clinical and patient reported outcomes following simple dislocation of the elbow. We identified all adult patients treated at our trauma centre for a simple dislocation of the elbow over 10 years. 140 patients were identified and 110 (79%) patients were reviewed at a mean of 88 (95% CI 80–96) months after injury. This included clinical examination, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, an Oxford Elbow questionnaire and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Patients reported long-term residual deficits in range of movement. The mean DASH score was 6.5 (95% CI 4 to 9). The mean Oxford Elbow score was 43.5 (95% CI 42.2 to 44.8). The mean satisfaction score was 85.6 (95% CI 82.2 to 89). Sixty-two patients (56%) reported persistent subjective stiffness of the elbow. Nine (8%) reported subjective instability and 68 (62%) complained of continued pain. The DASH, Oxford Elbow and satisfaction scores all showed good correlation with absolute range of movement in the injured elbow. After multivariate analysis, a larger elbow flexion contracture and female gender were both independent predictors of worse DASH scores. Poorer Oxford Elbow scores and overall satisfaction ratings were predicted by reduced flexion-extension arc of movement. Patients report good long term functional outcomes after simple dislocations of the elbow. These are not entirely benign injuries. There is a high rate of residual pain and stiffness. Functional instability is less common and does not often limit activities.
Skills simulation is increasingly used as a training tool in postgraduate surgical training. Trainee's perception of the value of this experience has not previously been investigated. The aim of this investigation was to investigate the value of surgical simulation training delivered by an arthroscopy skills course. We constructed a subject-specific, self-assessment questionnaire based around the ISCP Peer Assessment Tool. The questionnaire was administered to candidates before and after attending the Plymouth Arthroscopy Skills Course. Participant demographic data was recorded. Questionnaire data was interrogated to give an overview of the course, as well as the benefit of site-specific skills stations. Statistical analysis showed the data to be normally distributed. The paired T-test was used to compare mean values. Twelve surgical trainees attended the course – CT2 trainees (n=4); ST3 trainees (n=7); ST4 trainee (n=1). 11 candidates completed both administered questionnaires giving a 92% response rate. The global mean score at the beginning of the course was 2.39. The global mean score at the end of the course was 3.90. The mean improvement was 1.51 (p<0.01; 95% CI= 0.96-2.07). Skill station specific scores all showed improvement with the greatest effect in wrist arthroscopy. CT trainees had a lower mean score compared to ST trainees. Both groups completed the course with similar mean scores. This study shows that arthroscopy simulation improves trainee-reported ratings of surgical skill. It also shows that less experienced candidates derived the greatest benefit from the training. Further research is required to compare self-assessed performance against objective benchmarks using validated assessment tools.
A rolled-up finger from a surgical glove has been described in the literature and commonly used as a tourniquet during procedures on digits. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) issued a rapid response report in December 2009 that recommended the use of CE marked finger tourniquets and prohibited the use of surgical gloves for this purpose. This study aimed to measure the pressures exerted by a range of digital tourniquets. A Tekscan FlexiForce¯ pressure sensor was used to measure the surface pressures under different types of finger tourniquet applied to a cylinder representing a finger. The tourniquets tested were the Toe-niquet™, the T-Ring™ and a tourniquet made using a rolled up surgical glove finger. The pressure exerted by these tourniquets varied between types and depended on the size of model finger. The lowest mean pressures were produced by the T-Ring(tm) and glove finger tourniquet on a small finger (146 and 120 mmHg), while the highest pressures were produced by the Toe-niquet(tm), which produced 663 and 1560mmHg on the small and large finger models respectively. There was a significant overall difference between tourniquet type (p<0.001) and finger size (p<0.001). Wide variability in surface pressures is a function of material type, product design and finger size. It is difficult to anticipate and regulate pressures generated by non-pneumatic tourniquets. Tourniquet safety must also focus on procedural issues, ensuring the removal of the tourniquet at the end of procedure, through increased use of surgical checklists.
Military patients have high functional requirements of the upper limb and may have lower pre-operative PROM scores than civilian patients i.e. their function is high when benchmarked, but still insufficient to perform their military role thereby mandating surgery. Our aim was to compare the pre-operative Oxford Shoulder Instability Scores in military and civilian patients undergoing shoulder stabilisation surgery. We undertook a prospective, blinded cohort-controlled study (OCEBM Level 3b). The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in the Oxford Shoulder Instability Scores between military and civilian groups. A power calculation showed that 40 patients were required in each group to give 95% power with 5% significance. A clinical database (iParrot, ByResults Ltd., Oxford, UK) was interrogated for consecutive patients undergoing shoulder stabilisation surgery at a single centre. The senior author - blinded to the outcome score - matched patients according to age, gender and diagnosis. Statistical analysis showed the data to be normally distributed so a paired samples t-test was used to compare the two groups. 110 patients were required to provide a matched cohort of 80 patients. There were 70 males and 10 females. Age at the time of surgery was 16-19yrs (n=6); 20-24yrs (n=28); 25-29 (n=16); 30-34(n=12); 35-49(n=12); 40-44(n=6). 72 patients (90%) had polar group one and 8 patients (10%) had polar group two instability. The mean Oxford Shoulder Instability Score in the civilian group was 17 and the in military group was 18. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (p=0.395). This study supports the use the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score to assess military patients with shoulder instability.
To review current military orthopaedic experience and establish if there exists a consensus of opinion in how and if to perform fasciotomy of the foot and to guide other clinicians. A questionnaire was sent to 10 DMS orthopaedic consultants to identify their experience with foot compartment syndrome and performing fasciotomies.Aim
Method
