The aim of this study was to compare the longer-term outcomes of operatively and nonoperatively managed patients treated with a removable brace (fixed-angle removable orthosis) or a plaster cast immobilization for an acute ankle fracture. This is a secondary analysis of a multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing adults with an acute ankle fracture, initially managed either by operative or nonoperative care. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a cast immobilization or a fixed-angle removable orthosis (removable brace). Data were collected on baseline characteristics, ankle function, quality of life, and complications. The Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) was the primary outcome which was used to measure the participant’s ankle function. The primary endpoint was at 16 weeks, with longer-term follow-up at 24 weeks and two years.Aims
Methods
To compare the cost-utility of removable brace compared with cast in the management of adult patients with ankle fracture. A within-trial economic evaluation conducted from the UK NHS and personnel social services (PSS) perspective. Health resources and quality-of-life data were collected as part of the Ankle Injury Rehabilitation (AIR) multicentre, randomized controlled trial over a 12-month period using trial case report forms and patient-completed questionnaires. Cost-utility analysis was estimated in terms of the incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Estimate uncertainty was explored by bootstrapping, visualized on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio plane. Net monetary benefit and probability of cost-effectiveness were evaluated at a range of willingness-to-pay thresholds and visualized graphically.Aims
Methods
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures of modern times, however debate continues as to the optimal orientation of the acetabular component and how to reliably achieve this. We hypothesised that functional CT-based planning with patient specific instruments using the Corin Optimised Positioning System (OPS) would provide more accurate component alignment than the conventional freehand technique using 2D templating. A pragmatic single-centre, patient-assessor blinded, randomised control trial of patients undergoing THA was performed. 54 patients (age 18–70) were recruited to either OPS THA or conventional THA. All patients received a cementless acetabular component. Patients in both arms underwent pre- and post-operative CT scans, and four functional x-rays (standing and seated). Patients in the OPS group had a 3D surgical plan and bespoke guides made. Patients in the conventional group had a surgical plan based on 2D templating x-rays, and the pre-operative target acetabular orientation was recorded by the surgeon. The primary outcome measure was the difference between planned and achieved acetabular anteversion and was determined by post-operative CT scan performed at 6 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EQ-5D and adverse events. In the OPS group, the achieved acetabular anteversion was within 10° of the plan in 96% of cases, compared with only 76% of cases in the conventional group. For acetabular inclination, the achieved position in the OPS group was within 10° of the plan in 96% of cases, compared with in only 84% of cases in the conventional group. These differences were not statistically significant. The clinical outcomes were comparable between the two groups. Large errors in acetabular orientation appear to be reduced when functional CT-based planning and patient-specific instruments are used compared to the freehand technique, but no statistically significant differences were seen in the difference between planned and achieved angles. Larger studies are needed to analyse this in more detail and to determine whether the reduced numbers of outliers lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Many surgeons choose to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery with the aid of a tourniquet. A tourniquet is a device that fits around the leg and restricts blood flow to the limb. There is a need to understand whether tourniquets are safe, and if they benefit, or harm, patients. The aim of this study was to determine the benefits and harms of tourniquet use in TKA surgery. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, and trial registries up to 26 March 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing TKA with a tourniquet versus without a tourniquet. Outcomes included: pain, function, serious adverse events (SAEs), blood loss, implant stability, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a femoral
nerve block and a periarticular infiltration in the management of
early post-operative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A pragmatic, single centre, two arm parallel group, patient blinded,
randomised controlled trial was undertaken. All patients due for
TKA were eligible. Exclusion criteria included contraindications
to the medications involved in the study and patients with a neurological
abnormality of the lower limb. Patients received either a femoral
nerve block with 75 mg of 0.25% levobupivacaine hydrochloride around
the nerve, or periarticular infiltration with 150 mg of 0.25% levobupivacaine
hydrochloride, 10 mg morphine sulphate, 30 mg ketorolac trometamol
and 0.25 mg of adrenaline all diluted with 0.9% saline to make a
volume of 150 ml.Aims
Patients and Methods
Ceramic on ceramic (CoC) bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are commonly used but concerns exist regarding ceramic fracture. This study aims to report the risk of revision for fracture of modern CoC bearings and identify factors that might influence this risk, using data from the National Joint Registry. We analysed data on 111,681 primary CoC THA's and 182 linked revisions for bearing fracture recorded in the National Joint Registry of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man (NJR). We used implant codes to identify ceramic bearing composition and generated Kaplan-Meier estimates for implant survivorship. Logistic regression analyses were performed for implant size and patient specific variables to determine any associated risks for revision. 99.8% of bearings were CeramTec Biolox® products. Revisions for fracture were linked to 7 of 79,442 (0.009%) Biolox® Delta heads, 38 of 31,982 (0.119%) Biolox® Forte heads, 101 of 80,170 (0.126%) Biolox® Delta liners and 35 of 31,258 (0.112%) Biolox® Forte liners. Regression analysis of implant size revealed smaller heads had significantly higher odds of fracture (χ2=68.0, p<0.0001). The highest fracture risk were observed in the 28mm Biolox® Forte subgroup (0.382%). There were no fractures in the 40mm head group for either ceramic type. Liner thickness was not predictive of fracture (p=0.67). BMI was independently associated with revision for both head fractures (OR 1.09 per unit increase, p=0.031) and liner fractures (OR 1.06 per unit increase, p=0.006). We report the largest registry study of CoC bearing fractures to date. Modern CoC bearing fractures are rare events. Fourth generation ceramic heads are around 10 times less likely to fracture than third generation heads, but liner fracture risk remains similar between these generations.
