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Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 5 | Pages 323 - 330
1 May 2017
Pijls BG Sanders IMJG Kuijper EJ Nelissen RGHH

Objectives. Infection of implants is a major problem in elective and trauma surgery. Heating is an effective way to reduce the bacterial load in food preparation, and studies on hyperthermia treatment for cancer have shown that it is possible to heat metal objects with pulsed electromagnetic fields selectively (PEMF), also known as induction heating. We therefore set out to answer the following research question: is non-contact induction heating of metallic implants effective in reducing bacterial load in vitro?. Methods. Titanium alloy cylinders (Ti6Al4V) were exposed to PEMF from an induction heater with maximum 2000 watts at 27 kHz after being contaminated with five different types of micro-organisms: Staphylococcus epidermidis; Staphylococcus aureus; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; spore-forming Bacillus cereus; and yeast Candida albicans. The cylinders were exposed to incremental target temperatures (35°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C) for up to 3.5 minutes. Results. There was an average linear heating rate of 0.39°C per second up to the target temperature, and thereafter the target temperature was maintained until the end of the experiment. At 60°C and higher (duration 3.5 minutes), there was a 6-log reduction or higher for every micro-organism tested. At 60°C, we found that the shortest duration of effective induction heating was 1.5 minutes. This resulted in a 5-log reduction or higher for every micro-organism tested. Conclusion. Non-contact induction heating of a titanium disk is effective in reducing bacterial load in vitro. These promising results can be further explored as a new treatment modality for infections of metal orthopaedic implants. Cite this article: B. G. Pijls, I. M. J. G. Sanders, E. J. Kuijper, R. G. H. H. Nelissen. Non-contact electromagnetic induction heating for eradicating bacteria and yeasts on biomaterials and possible relevance to orthopaedic implant infections: In vitro findings. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:323–330. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2016-0308.R1


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 4 | Pages 303 - 306
1 Apr 2024
Staats K Kayani B Haddad FS


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 8 | Pages 715 - 720
23 Aug 2024
Shen TS Cheng R Chiu Y McLawhorn AS Figgie MP Westrich GH

Aims

Implant waste during total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents a significant cost to the USA healthcare system. While studies have explored methods to improve THA cost-effectiveness, the literature comparing the proportions of implant waste by intraoperative technology used during THA is limited. The aims of this study were to: 1) examine whether the use of enabling technologies during THA results in a smaller proportion of wasted implants compared to navigation-guided and conventional manual THA; 2) determine the proportion of wasted implants by implant type; and 3) examine the effects of surgeon experience on rates of implant waste by technology used.

Methods

We identified 104,420 implants either implanted or wasted during 18,329 primary THAs performed on 16,724 patients between January 2018 and June 2022 at our institution. THAs were separated by technology used: robotic-assisted (n = 4,171), imageless navigation (n = 6,887), and manual (n = 7,721). The primary outcome of interest was the rate of implant waste during primary THA.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 13, Issue 1 | Pages 40 - 51
11 Jan 2024
Lin J Suo J Bao B Wei H Gao T Zhu H Zheng X

Aims. To investigate the efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-normal saline (EDTA-NS) in dispersing biofilms and reducing bacterial infections. Methods. EDTA-NS solutions were irrigated at different durations (1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes) and concentrations (1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 mM) to disrupt Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on Matrigel-coated glass and two materials widely used in orthopaedic implants (Ti-6Al-4V and highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE)). To assess the efficacy of biofilm dispersion, crystal violet staining biofilm assay and colony counting after sonification and culturing were performed. The results were further confirmed and visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We then investigated the efficacies of EDTA-NS irrigation in vivo in rat and pig models of biofilm-associated infection. Results. When 10 mM or higher EDTA-NS concentrations were used for ten minutes, over 99% of S. aureus biofilm formed on all three types of materials was eradicated in terms of absorbance measured at 595 nm and colony-forming units (CFUs) after culturing. Consistently, SEM and CSLM scanning demonstrated that less adherence of S. aureus could be observed on all three types of materials after 10 mM EDTA-NS irrigation for ten minutes. In the rat model, compared with NS irrigation combined with rifampin (Ti-6Al-4V wire-implanted rats: 60% bacteria survived; HXLPE particle-implanted rats: 63.3% bacteria survived), EDTA-NS irrigation combined with rifampin produced the highest removal rate (Ti-6Al-4V wire-implanted rats: 3.33% bacteria survived; HXLPE particle-implanted rats: 6.67% bacteria survived). In the pig model, compared with NS irrigation combined with rifampin (Ti-6Al-4V plates: 75% bacteria survived; HXLPE bearings: 87.5% bacteria survived), we observed a similar level of biofilm disruption on Ti-6Al-4V plates (25% bacteria survived) and HXLPE bearings (37.5% bacteria survived) after EDTA-NS irrigation combined with rifampin. The in vivo study revealed that the biomass of S. aureus biofilm was significantly reduced when treated with rifampin following irrigation and debridement, as indicated by both the biofilm bacterial burden and crystal violet staining. EDTA-NS irrigation (10 mM/10 min) combined with rifampin effectively removes S. aureus biofilm-associated infections both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion. EDTA-NS irrigation with or without antibiotics is effective in eradicating S. aureus biofilm-associated infection both ex and in vivo. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(1):40–51


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 11 | Pages 609 - 619
1 Nov 2018
Pijls BG Sanders IMJG Kuijper EJ Nelissen RGHH

Objectives. Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication following total joint arthroplasty. Non-contact induction heating of metal implants is a new and emerging treatment for PJI. However, there may be concerns for potential tissue necrosis. It is thought that segmental induction heating can be used to control the thermal dose and to limit collateral thermal injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the thermal dose, for commonly used metal implants in orthopaedic surgery, at various distances from the heating centre (HC). Methods. Commonly used metal orthopaedic implants (hip stem, intramedullary nail, and locking compression plate (LCP)) were heated segmentally using an induction heater. The thermal dose was expressed in cumulative equivalent minutes at 43°C (CEM43) and measured with a thermal camera at several different distances from the HC. A value of 16 CEM43 was used as the threshold for thermal damage in bone. Results. Despite high thermal doses at the HC (7161 CEM43 to 66 640 CEM43), the thermal dose at various distances from the HC was lower than 16 CEM43 for the hip stem and nail. For the fracture plate without corresponding metal screws, doses higher than 16 CEM43 were measured up to 5 mm from the HC. Conclusion. Segmental induction heating concentrates the thermal dose at the targeted metal implant areas and minimizes collateral thermal injury by using the non-heated metal as a heat sink. Implant type and geometry are important factors to consider, as they influence dissipation of heat and associated collateral thermal injury. Cite this article: B. G. Pijls, I. M. J. G. Sanders, E. J. Kuijper, R. G. H. H. Nelissen. Segmental induction heating of orthopaedic metal implants. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:609–619. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.711.BJR-2018-0080.R1


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 5 | Pages 191 - 197
1 May 2016
Kienast B Kowald B Seide K Aljudaibi M Faschingbauer M Juergens C Gille J

Objectives. The monitoring of fracture healing is a complex process. Typically, successive radiographs are performed and an emerging calcification of the fracture area is evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether different bone healing patterns can be distinguished using a telemetric instrumented femoral internal plate fixator. Materials and Methods. An electronic telemetric system was developed to assess bone healing mechanically. The system consists of a telemetry module which is applied to an internal locking plate fixator, an external reader device, a sensor for measuring externally applied load and a laptop computer with processing software. By correlation between externally applied load and load measured in the implant, the elasticity of the osteosynthesis is calculated. The elasticity decreases with ongoing consolidation of a fracture or nonunion and is an appropriate parameter for the course of bone healing. At our centre, clinical application has been performed in 56 patients suffering nonunion or fracture of the femur. Results. A total of 39 cases of clinical application were reviewed for this study. In total, four different types of healing curves were observed: fast healing; slow healing; plateau followed by healing; and non-healing. Conclusion. The electronically instrumented internal fixator proved to be valuable for the assessment of bone healing in difficult healing situations. Cost-effective manufacturing is possible because the used electronic components are derived from large-scale production. The incorporation of microelectronics into orthopaedic implants will be an important innovation in future clinical care. Cite this article: B. Kienast, B. Kowald, K. Seide, M. Aljudaibi, M. Faschingbauer, C. Juergens, J. Gille. An electronically instrumented internal fixator for the assessment of bone healing. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:191–197. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.2000611


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 9 | Pages 542 - 549
1 Sep 2017
Arnold M Zhao S Ma S Giuliani F Hansen U Cobb JP Abel RL Boughton O

Objectives. Microindentation has the potential to measure the stiffness of an individual patient’s bone. Bone stiffness plays a crucial role in the press-fit stability of orthopaedic implants. Arming surgeons with accurate bone stiffness information may reduce surgical complications including periprosthetic fractures. The question addressed with this systematic review is whether microindentation can accurately measure cortical bone stiffness. Methods. A systematic review of all English language articles using a keyword search was undertaken using Medline, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Studies that only used nanoindentation, cancellous bone or animal tissue were excluded. Results. A total of 1094 abstracts were retrieved and 32 papers were included in the analysis, 20 of which used reference point indentation, and 12 of which used traditional depth-sensing indentation. There are several factors that must be considered when using microindentation, such as tip size, depth and method of analysis. Only two studies validated microindentation against traditional mechanical testing techniques. Both studies used reference point indentation (RPI), with one showing that RPI parameters correlate well with mechanical testing, but the other suggested that they do not. Conclusion. Microindentation has been used in various studies to assess bone stiffness, but only two studies with conflicting results compared microindentation with traditional mechanical testing techniques. Further research, including more studies comparing microindentation with other mechanical testing methods, is needed before microindentation can be used reliably to calculate cortical bone stiffness. Cite this article: M. Arnold, S. Zhao, S. Ma, F. Giuliani, U. Hansen, J. P. Cobb, R. L. Abel, O. Boughton. Microindentation – a tool for measuring cortical bone stiffness? A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:542–549. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.69.BJR-2016-0317.R2


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 11 | Pages 859 - 866
4 Nov 2022
Diesel CV Guimarães MR Menegotto SM Pereira AH Pereira AA Bertolucci LH Freitas EC Galia CR

Aims

Our objective was describing an algorithm to identify and prevent vascular injury in patients with intrapelvic components.

Methods

Patients were defined as at risk to vascular injuries when components or cement migrated 5 mm or more beyond the ilioischial line in any of the pelvic incidences (anteroposterior and Judet view). In those patients, a serial investigation was initiated by a CT angiography, followed by a vascular surgeon evaluation. The investigation proceeded if necessary. The main goal was to assure a safe tissue plane between the hardware and the vessels.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 13, Issue 3 | Pages 101 - 109
4 Mar 2024
Higashihira S Simpson SJ Morita A Suryavanshi JR Arnold CJ Natoli RM Greenfield EM

Aims

Biofilm infections are among the most challenging complications in orthopaedics, as bacteria within the biofilms are protected from the host immune system and many antibiotics. Halicin exhibits broad-spectrum activity against many planktonic bacteria, and previous studies have demonstrated that halicin is also effective against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms grown on polystyrene or polypropylene substrates. However, the effectiveness of many antibiotics can be substantially altered depending on which orthopaedically relevant substrates the biofilms grow. This study, therefore, evaluated the activity of halicin against less mature and more mature S. aureus biofilms grown on titanium alloy, cobalt-chrome, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), devitalized muscle, or devitalized bone.

Methods

S. aureus-Xen36 biofilms were grown on the various substrates for 24 hours or seven days. Biofilms were incubated with various concentrations of halicin or vancomycin and then allowed to recover without antibiotics. Minimal biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) were defined by CFU counting and resazurin reduction assays, and were compared with the planktonic minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs).


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 8 | Pages 648 - 655
1 Aug 2022
Yeung CM Bhashyam AR Groot OQ Merchan N Newman ET Raskin KA Lozano-Calderón SA

Aims

Due to their radiolucency and favourable mechanical properties, carbon fibre nails may be a preferable alternative to titanium nails for oncology patients. We aim to compare the surgical characteristics and short-term results of patients who underwent intramedullary fixation with either a titanium or carbon fibre nail for pathological long-bone fracture.

Methods

This single tertiary-institutional, retrospectively matched case-control study included 72 patients who underwent prophylactic or therapeutic fixation for pathological fracture of the humerus, femur, or tibia with either a titanium (control group, n = 36) or carbon fibre (case group, n = 36) intramedullary nail between 2016 to 2020. Patients were excluded if intramedullary fixation was combined with any other surgical procedure/fixation method. Outcomes included operating time, blood loss, fluoroscopic time, and complications. Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 2 | Pages 91 - 101
1 Feb 2022
Munford MJ Stoddart JC Liddle AD Cobb JP Jeffers JRT

Aims

Unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty (UKA and TKA) are successful treatments for osteoarthritis, but the solid metal implants disrupt the natural distribution of stress and strain which can lead to bone loss over time. This generates problems if the implant needs to be revised. This study investigates whether titanium lattice UKA and TKA implants can maintain natural load transfer in the proximal tibia.

Methods

In a cadaveric model, UKA and TKA procedures were performed on eight fresh-frozen knee specimens, using conventional (solid) and titanium lattice tibial implants. Stress at the bone-implant interfaces were measured and compared to the native knee.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 4, Issue 5 | Pages 378 - 384
23 May 2023
Jones CS Eardley WGP Johansen A Inman DS Evans JT

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe services available to patients with periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPFF) in England and Wales, with focus on variation between centres and areas for care improvement.

Methods

This work used data freely available from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) facilities survey in 2021, which asked 21 questions about the care of patients with PPFFs, and nine relating to clinical decision-making around a hypothetical case.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 9 | Pages 716 - 725
15 Sep 2022
Boulton C Harrison C Wilton T Armstrong R Young E Pegg D Wilkinson JM

Data of high quality are critical for the meaningful interpretation of registry information. The National Joint Registry (NJR) was established in 2002 as the result of an unexpectedly high failure rate of a cemented total hip arthroplasty. The NJR began data collection in 2003. In this study we report on the outcomes following the establishment of a formal data quality (DQ) audit process within the NJR, within which each patient episode entry is validated against the hospital unit’s Patient Administration System and vice-versa. This process enables bidirectional validation of every NJR entry and retrospective correction of any errors in the dataset. In 2014/15 baseline average compliance was 92.6% and this increased year-on-year with repeated audit cycles to 96.0% in 2018/19, with 76.4% of units achieving > 95% compliance. Following the closure of the audit cycle, an overall compliance rate of 97.9% was achieved for the 2018/19 period. An automated system was initiated in 2018 to reduce administrative burden and to integrate the DQ process into standard workflows. Our processes and quality improvement results demonstrate that DQ may be implemented successfully at national level, while minimizing the burden on hospitals.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):716–725.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 13, Issue 8 | Pages 383 - 391
2 Aug 2024
Mannala GK Rupp M Walter N Youf R Bärtl S Riool M Alt V

Aims

Bacteriophages infect, replicate inside bacteria, and are released from the host through lysis. Here, we evaluate the effects of repetitive doses of the Staphylococcus aureus phage 191219 and gentamicin against haematogenous and early-stage biofilm implant-related infections in Galleria mellonella.

Methods

For the haematogenous infection, G. mellonella larvae were implanted with a Kirschner wire (K-wire), infected with S. aureus, and subsequently phages and/or gentamicin were administered. For the early-stage biofilm implant infection, the K-wires were pre-incubated with S. aureus suspension before implantation. After 24 hours, the larvae received phages and/or gentamicin. In both models, the larvae also received daily doses of phages and/or gentamicin for up to five days. The effect was determined by survival analysis for five days and quantitative culture of bacteria after two days of repetitive doses.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 11 | Pages 691 - 701
3 Nov 2023
Dai Z Chen Y He E Wang H Guo W Wu Z Huang K Zhao Q

Aims

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased trabecular bone volume, and microarchitectural deterioration in the medullary cavity. Interleukin-19 (IL-19), a member of the IL-10 family, is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by macrophages. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of IL-19 on osteoporosis.

Methods

Blood and femoral bone marrow suspension IL-19 levels were first measured in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss model. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was applied to knock down IL-19 for further validation. Thereafter, osteoclast production was stimulated with IL-19 in combination with mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). The effect of IL-19 was subsequently evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effect of IL-19 on osteoprotegerin (OPG) was then assessed using in vitro recombinant IL-19 treatment of primary osteoblasts and MLO-Y4 osteoblast cell line. Finally, transient transfection experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments were used to examine the exact mechanism of action.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 7 | Pages 388 - 400
8 Jul 2021
Dall’Ava L Hothi H Henckel J Di Laura A Tirabosco R Eskelinen A Skinner J Hart A

Aims

The main advantage of 3D-printed, off-the-shelf acetabular implants is the potential to promote enhanced bony fixation due to their controllable porous structure. In this study we investigated the extent of osseointegration in retrieved 3D-printed acetabular implants.

Methods

We compared two groups, one made via 3D-printing (n = 7) and the other using conventional techniques (n = 7). We collected implant details, type of surgery and removal technique, patient demographics, and clinical history. Bone integration was assessed by macroscopic visual analysis, followed by sectioning to allow undecalcified histology on eight sections (~200 µm) for each implant. The outcome measures considered were area of bone attachment (%), extent of bone ingrowth (%), bone-implant contact (%), and depth of ingrowth (%), and these were quantified using a line-intercept method.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 1 | Pages 19 - 26
1 Jan 2022
Sevaldsen K Schnell Husby O Lian ØB Farran KM Schnell Husby V

Aims

Highly polished stems with force-closed design have shown satisfactory clinical results despite being related to relatively high early migration. It has been suggested that the minimal thickness of cement mantles surrounding the femoral stem should be 2 mm to 4 mm to avoid aseptic loosening. The line-to-line cementing technique of the femoral stem, designed to achieve stem press-fit, challenges this opinion. We compared the migration of a highly polished stem with force-closed design by standard and line-to-line cementing to investigate whether differences in early migration of the stems occur in a clinical study.

Methods

In this single-blind, randomized controlled, clinical radiostereometric analysis (RSA) study, the migration pattern of the cemented Corail hip stem was compared between line-to-line and standard cementing in 48 arthroplasties. The primary outcome measure was femoral stem migration in terms of rotation and translation around and along with the X-, Y-, and Z- axes measured using model-based RSA at three, 12, and 24 months. A linear mixed-effects model was used for statistical analysis.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 1 | Pages 77 - 84
1 Jan 2021
Milstrey A Rosslenbroich S Everding J Raschke MJ Richards RG Moriarty TF Puetzler J

Aims

Biofilm formation is one of the primary reasons for the difficulty in treating implant-related infections (IRIs). Focused high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fhESWT), which is a treatment modality for fracture nonunions, has been shown to have a direct antibacterial effect on planktonic bacteria. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of fhESWT on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in vitro in the presence and absence of antibiotic agents.

Methods

S. aureus biofilms were grown on titanium discs (13 mm × 4 mm) in a bioreactor for 48 hours. Shockwaves were applied with either 250, 500, or 1,000 impulses onto the discs surrounded by either phosphate-buffered saline or antibiotic (rifampin alone or in combination with nafcillin). The number of viable bacteria was determined by quantitative culture after sonication. Representative samples were taken for scanning electron microscopy.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 3 | Pages 522 - 529
1 Mar 2021
Nichol T Callaghan J Townsend R Stockley I Hatton PV Le Maitre C Smith TJ Akid R

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop a single-layer hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coating that is capable of a controlled antibiotic release for cementless hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium orthopaedic prostheses.

Methods

Coatings containing gentamicin at a concentration of 1.25% weight/volume (wt/vol), similar to that found in commercially available antibiotic-loaded bone cement, were prepared and tested in the laboratory for: kinetics of antibiotic release; activity against planktonic and biofilm bacterial cultures; biocompatibility with cultured mammalian cells; and physical bonding to the material (n = 3 in all tests). The sol-gel coatings and controls were then tested in vivo in a small animal healing model (four materials tested; n = 6 per material), and applied to the surface of commercially pure HA-coated titanium rods.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 2, Issue 8 | Pages 599 - 610
1 Aug 2021
Hothi H Bergiers S Henckel J Iliadis AD Goodier WD Wright J Skinner J Calder P Hart AJ

Aims

The aim of this study was to present the first retrieval analysis findings of PRECICE STRYDE intermedullary nails removed from patients, providing useful information in the post-market surveillance of these recently introduced devices.

Methods

We collected ten nails removed from six patients, together with patient clinical data and plain radiograph imaging. We performed macro- and microscopic analysis of all surfaces and graded the presence of corrosion using validated semiquantitative scoring methods. We determined the elemental composition of surface debris using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and used metrology analysis to characterize the surface adjacent to the extendable junctions.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 2, Issue 6 | Pages 371 - 379
15 Jun 2021
Davies B Kaila R Andritsos L Gray Stephens C Blunn GW Gerrand C Gikas P Johnston A

Aims

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated collars have been shown to reduce aseptic loosening of massive endoprostheses following primary surgery. Limited information exists about their effectiveness in revision surgery. The aim of this study was to radiologically assess osteointegration to HA-coated collars of cemented massive endoprostheses following revision surgery.

Methods

Retrospective review of osseointegration frequency, pattern, and timing to a specific HA-coated collar on massive endoprostheses used in revision surgery at our tertiary referral centre between 2010 to 2017 was undertaken. Osseointegration was radiologically classified on cases with a minimum follow-up of six months.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 2 | Pages 234 - 244
1 Feb 2021
Gibb BP Hadjiargyrou M

Antibiotic resistance represents a threat to human health. It has been suggested that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could cause ten million deaths each year. In orthopaedics, many patients undergoing surgery suffer from complications resulting from implant-associated infection. In these circumstances secondary surgery is usually required and chronic and/or relapsing disease may ensue. The development of effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections is needed. Recent evidence shows that bacteriophage (phages; viruses that infect bacteria) therapy may represent a viable and successful solution. In this review, a brief description of bone and joint infection and the nature of bacteriophages is presented, as well as a summary of our current knowledge on the use of bacteriophages in the treatment of bacterial infections. We present contemporary published in vitro and in vivo data as well as data from clinical trials, as they relate to bone and joint infections. We discuss the potential use of bacteriophage therapy in orthopaedic infections. This area of research is beginning to reveal successful results, but mostly in nonorthopaedic fields. We believe that bacteriophage therapy has potential therapeutic value for implant-associated infections in orthopaedics.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):234–244.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 11 | Pages 768 - 777
2 Nov 2020
Huang C Lu Y Hsu L Liau J Chang T Huang C

Aims

The material and design of knee components can have a considerable effect on the contact characteristics of the tibial post. This study aimed to analyze the stress distribution on the tibial post when using different grades of polyethylene for the tibial inserts. In addition, the contact properties of fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing inserts were evaluated.

Methods

Three different grades of polyethylene were compared in this study; conventional ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE), and vitamin E-stabilized polyethylene (VEPE). In addition, tibial baseplates with a fixed-bearing and a mobile-bearing insert were evaluated to understand differences in the contact properties. The inserts were implanted in neutral alignment and with a 10° internal malrotation. The contact stress, von Mises stress, and equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ) on the tibial posts were extracted for comparison.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 8 | Pages 488 - 497
10 Aug 2021
Cleemann R Sorensen M West A Soballe K Bechtold JE Baas J

Aims

We wanted to evaluate the effects of a bone anabolic agent (bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)) on an anti-catabolic background (systemic or local zoledronate) on fixation of allografted revision implants.

Methods

An established allografted revision protocol was implemented bilaterally into the stifle joints of 24 canines. At revision surgery, each animal received one BMP-2 (5 µg) functionalized implant, and one raw implant. One group (12 animals) received bone graft impregnated with zoledronate (0.005 mg/ml) before impaction. The other group (12 animals) received untreated bone graft and systemic zoledronate (0.1 mg/kg) ten and 20 days after revision surgery. Animals were observed for an additional four weeks before euthanasia.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 3 | Pages 156 - 165
1 Mar 2021
Yagi H Kihara S Mittwede PN Maher PL Rothenberg AC Falcione ADCM Chen A Urish KL Tuan RS Alexander PG

Aims

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and osteomyelitis are clinical challenges that are difficult to eradicate. Well-characterized large animal models necessary for testing and validating new treatment strategies for these conditions are lacking. The purpose of this study was to develop a rabbit model of chronic PJI in the distal femur.

Methods

Fresh suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) were prepared in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (1 × 109 colony-forming units (CFUs)/ml). Periprosthetic osteomyelitis in female New Zealand white rabbits was induced by intraosseous injection of planktonic bacterial suspension into a predrilled bone tunnel prior to implant screw placement, examined at five and 28 days (n = 5/group) after surgery, and compared to a control aseptic screw group. Radiographs were obtained weekly, and blood was collected to measure ESR, CRP, and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Bone samples and implanted screws were harvested on day 28, and processed for histological analysis and viability assay of bacteria, respectively.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 5 | Pages 211 - 218
1 May 2020
Hashimoto A Miyamoto H Kobatake T Nakashima T Shobuike T Ueno M Murakami T Noda I Sonohata M Mawatari M

Aims

Biofilm formation is intrinsic to prosthetic joint infection (PJI). In the current study, we evaluated the effects of silver-containing hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) coating and vancomycin (VCM) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm formation.

Methods

Pure titanium discs (Ti discs), Ti discs coated with HA (HA discs), and 3% Ag-HA discs developed using a thermal spraying were inoculated with MRSA suspensions containing a mean in vitro 4.3 (SD 0.8) x 106 or 43.0 (SD 8.4) x 105 colony-forming units (CFUs). Immediately after MRSA inoculation, sterile phosphate-buffered saline or VCM (20 µg/ml) was added, and the discs were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Viable cell counting, 3D confocal laser scanning microscopy with Airyscan, and scanning electron microscopy were then performed. HA discs and Ag HA discs were implanted subcutaneously in vivo in the dorsum of rats, and MRSA suspensions containing a mean in vivo 7.2 (SD 0.4) x 106  or 72.0 (SD 4.2) x 105  CFUs were inoculated on the discs. VCM was injected subcutaneously daily every 12 hours followed by viable cell counting.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 10 | Pages 635 - 644
1 Oct 2020
Lemaignen A Grammatico-Guillon L Astagneau P Marmor S Ferry T Jolivet-Gougeon A Senneville E Bernard L

Aims

The French registry for complex bone and joint infections (C-BJIs) was created in 2012 in order to facilitate a homogeneous management of patients presented for multidisciplinary advice in referral centres for C-BJI, to monitor their activity and to produce epidemiological data. We aimed here to present the genesis and characteristics of this national registry and provide the analysis of its data quality.

Methods

A centralized online secured database gathering the electronic case report forms (eCRFs) was filled for every patient presented in multidisciplinary meetings (MM) among the 24 French referral centres. Metrics of this registry were described between 2012 and 2016. Data quality was assessed by comparing essential items from the registry with a controlled dataset extracted from medical charts of a random sample of patients from each centre. Internal completeness and consistency were calculated.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 1, Issue 10 | Pages 653 - 662
20 Oct 2020
Rahman L Ibrahim MS Somerville L Teeter MG Naudie DD McCalden RW

Aims

To compare the in vivo long-term fixation achieved by two acetabular components with different porous ingrowth surfaces using radiostereometric analysis (RSA).

Methods

This was a minimum ten-year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial of 62 hips with two different porous ingrowth acetabular components. RSA exams had previously been acquired through two years of follow-up. Patients returned for RSA examination at a minimum of ten years. In addition, radiological appearance of these acetabular components was analyzed, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) obtained.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1158 - 1166
14 Sep 2020
Kaptein BL den Hollander P Thomassen B Fiocco M Nelissen RGHH

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to compare migration of the cemented ATTUNE fixed bearing cruciate retaining tibial component with the cemented Press-Fit Condylar (PFC)-sigma fixed bearing cruciate retaining tibial component. The secondary objectives included comparing clinical and radiological outcomes and Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).

Methods

A single blinded randomized, non-inferiority study was conducted including 74 patients. Radiostereometry examinations were made after weight bearing, but before hospital discharge, and at three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. PROMS were collected preoperatively and at three, six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Radiographs for measuring radiolucencies were collected at two weeks and two years postoperatively.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 8 | Pages 477 - 483
1 Aug 2020
Holweg P Herber V Ornig M Hohenberger G Donohue N Puchwein P Leithner A Seibert F

Aims

This study is a prospective, non-randomized trial for the treatment of fractures of the medial malleolus using lean, bioabsorbable, rare-earth element (REE)-free, magnesium (Mg)-based biodegradable screws in the adult skeleton.

Methods

A total of 20 patients with isolated, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fractures were recruited between July 2018 and October 2019. Fracture reduction was achieved through bioabsorbable Mg-based screws composed of pure Mg alloyed with zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) ( Mg-Zn0.45-Ca0.45, in wt.%; ZX00). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and the presence of complications (adverse events) during follow-up (12 weeks) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. The functional outcomes were analyzed through the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Fracture reduction and gas formation were assessed using several plane radiographs.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 1, Issue 6 | Pages 222 - 228
9 Jun 2020
Liow MHL Tay KXK Yeo NEM Tay DKJ Goh SK Koh JSB Howe TS Tan AHC

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Orthopaedic departments have adopted business continuity models and guidelines for essential and non-essential surgeries to preserve hospital resources as well as protect patients and staff. These guidelines broadly encompass reduction of ambulatory care with a move towards telemedicine, redeployment of orthopaedic surgeons/residents to the frontline battle against COVID-19, continuation of education and research through web-based means, and cancellation of non-essential elective procedures. However, if containment of COVID-19 community spread is achieved, resumption of elective orthopaedic procedures and transition plans to return to normalcy must be considered for orthopaedic departments. The COVID-19 pandemic also presents a moral dilemma to the orthopaedic surgeon considering elective procedures. What is the best treatment for our patients and how does the fear of COVID-19 influence the risk-benefit discussion during a pandemic? Surgeons must deliberate the fine balance between elective surgery for a patient’s wellbeing versus risks to the operating team and utilization of precious hospital resources. Attrition of healthcare workers or Orthopaedic surgeons from restarting elective procedures prematurely or in an unsafe manner may render us ill-equipped to handle the second wave of infections. This highlights the need to develop effective screening protocols or preoperative COVID-19 testing before elective procedures in high-risk, elderly individuals with comorbidities. Alternatively, high-risk individuals should be postponed until the risk of nosocomial COVID-19 infection is minimal. In addition, given the higher mortality and perioperative morbidity of patients with COVID-19 undergoing surgery, the decision to operate must be carefully deliberated. As we ramp-up elective services and get “back to business” as orthopaedic surgeons, we have to be constantly mindful to proceed in a cautious and calibrated fashion, delivering the best care, while maintaining utmost vigilance to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 during this critical transition period.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:222–228.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 3 | Pages 99 - 107
1 Mar 2020
Chang C Jou I Wu T Su F Tai T

Aims

Cigarette smoking has a negative impact on the skeletal system, causes a decrease in bone mass in both young and old patients, and is considered a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis. In addition, it disturbs the bone healing process and prolongs the healing time after fractures. The mechanisms by which cigarette smoking impairs fracture healing are not fully understood. There are few studies reporting the effects of cigarette smoking on new blood vessel formation during the early stage of fracture healing. We tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoke inhalation may suppress angiogenesis and delay fracture healing.

Methods

We established a custom-made chamber with airflow for rats to inhale cigarette smoke continuously, and tested our hypothesis using a femoral osteotomy model, radiograph and microCT imaging, and various biomechanical and biological tests.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 8 | Pages 387 - 396
1 Aug 2019
Alt V Rupp M Lemberger K Bechert T Konradt T Steinrücke P Schnettler R Söder S Ascherl R

Objectives

Preclinical data showed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) loaded with microsilver to be effective against a variety of bacteria. The purpose of this study was to assess patient safety of PMMA spacers with microsilver in prosthetic hip infections in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 12 patients with prosthetic hip infections were included for a three-stage revision procedure. All patients received either a gentamicin-PMMA spacer (80 g to 160 g PMMA depending on hip joint dimension) with additional loading of 1% (w/w) of microsilver (0.8 g to 1.6 g per spacer) at surgery 1 followed by a gentamicin-PMMA spacer without microsilver at surgery 2 or vice versa. Implantation of the revision prosthesis was carried out at surgery 3.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 5 | Pages 199 - 206
1 May 2019
Romanò CL Tsuchiya H Morelli I Battaglia AG Drago L

Implant-related infection is one of the leading reasons for failure in orthopaedics and trauma, and results in high social and economic costs. Various antibacterial coating technologies have proven to be safe and effective both in preclinical and clinical studies, with post-surgical implant-related infections reduced by 90% in some cases, depending on the type of coating and experimental setup used. Economic assessment may enable the cost-to-benefit profile of any given antibacterial coating to be defined, based on the expected infection rate with and without the coating, the cost of the infection management, and the cost of the coating. After reviewing the latest evidence on the available antibacterial coatings, we quantified the impact caused by delaying their large-scale application. Considering only joint arthroplasties, our calculations indicated that for an antibacterial coating, with a final user’s cost price of €600 and able to reduce post-surgical infection by 80%, each year of delay to its large-scale application would cause an estimated 35 200 new cases of post-surgical infection in Europe, equating to additional hospital costs of approximately €440 million per year. An adequate reimbursement policy for antibacterial coatings may benefit patients, healthcare systems, and related research, as could faster and more affordable regulatory pathways for the technologies still in the pipeline. This could significantly reduce the social and economic burden of implant-related infections in orthopaedics and trauma.

Cite this article: C. L. Romanò, H. Tsuchiya, I. Morelli, A. G. Battaglia, L. Drago. Antibacterial coating of implants: are we missing something? Bone Joint Res 2019;8:199–206. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.85.BJR-2018-0316.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 7 | Pages 304 - 312
1 Jul 2019
Nicholson JA Tsang STJ MacGillivray TJ Perks F Simpson AHRW

Objectives

The aim of this study was to review the current evidence and future application for the role of diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound in fracture management.

Methods

A review of relevant literature was undertaken, including articles indexed in PubMed with keywords “ultrasound” or “sonography” combined with “diagnosis”, “fracture healing”, “impaired fracture healing”, “nonunion”, “microbiology”, and “fracture-related infection”.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 8 | Pages 367 - 377
1 Aug 2019
Chen M Chang C Chiang-Ni C Hsieh P Shih H Ueng SWN Chang Y

Objectives

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most common cause of arthroplasty failure. However, infection is often difficult to detect by conventional bacterial cultures, for which false-negative rates are 23% to 35%. In contrast, 16S rRNA metagenomics has been shown to quantitatively detect unculturable, unsuspected, and unviable pathogens. In this study, we investigated the use of 16S rRNA metagenomics for detection of bacterial pathogens in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with hip or knee PJI.

Methods

We analyzed the bacterial composition of 22 SF samples collected from 11 patients with PJIs (first- and second-stage surgery). The V3 and V4 region of bacteria was assessed by comparing the taxonomic distribution of the 16S rDNA amplicons with microbiome sequencing analysis. We also compared the results of bacterial detection from different methods including 16S metagenomics, traditional cultures, and targeted Sanger sequencing.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 3 | Pages 146 - 155
1 Mar 2019
Langton DJ Natu S Harrington CF Bowsher JG Nargol AVF

Objectives

We investigated the reliability of the cobalt-chromium (CoCr) synovial joint fluid ratio (JFR) in identifying the presence of a severe aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) response and/or suboptimal taper performance (SOTP) following metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty. We then examined the possibility that the CoCr JFR may influence the serum partitioning of Co and Cr.

Methods

For part A, we included all revision surgeries carried out at our unit with the relevant data, including volumetric wear analysis, joint fluid (JF) Co and Cr concentrations, and ALVAL grade (n = 315). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the reliability of the CoCr JFR in identifying severe ALVAL and/or SOTP. For part B, we included only patients with unilateral prostheses who had given matched serum and whole blood samples for Co and Cr analysis (n = 155). Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of JF concentrations on the serum partitioning of Co and Cr in the blood.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 3 | Pages 226 - 231
1 Mar 2018
Campi S Mellon SJ Ridley D Foulke B Dodd CAF Pandit HG Murray DW

Objectives

The primary stability of the cementless Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (OUKR) relies on interference fit (or press fit). Insufficient interference may cause implant loosening, whilst excessive interference could cause bone damage and fracture.

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal interference fit by measuring the force required to seat the tibial component of the cementless OUKR (push-in force) and the force required to remove the component (pull-out force).

Materials and Methods

Six cementless OUKR tibial components were implanted in 12 new slots prepared on blocks of solid polyurethane foam (20 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), Sawbones, Malmo, Sweden) with a range of interference of 0.1 mm to 1.9 mm using a Dartec materials testing machine HC10 (Zwick Ltd, Herefordshire, United Kingdom) . The experiment was repeated with cellular polyurethane foam (15 PCF), which is a more porous analogue for trabecular bone.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 3 | Pages 310 - 316
1 Mar 2017
Hothi H Henckel J Shearing P Holme T Cerquiglini A Laura AD Atrey A Skinner J Hart A

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the design of the generic OptiStem XTR femoral stem with the established Exeter femoral stem.

Materials and Methods

We obtained five boxed, as manufactured, implants of both designs at random (ten in total). Two examiners were blinded to the implant design and independently measured the mass, volume, trunnion surface topography, trunnion roughness, trunnion cone angle, Caput-Collum-Diaphyseal (CCD) angle, femoral offset, stem length, neck length, and the width and roughness of the polished stem shaft using peer-reviewed methods. We then compared the stems using these parameters.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 5 | Pages 331 - 336
1 May 2017
Yamauchi R Itabashi T Wada K Tanaka T Kumagai G Ishibashi Y

Objectives

Ultraviolet (UV) light-mediated photofunctionalisation is known to improve osseointegration of pure titanium (Ti). However, histological examination of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), which is frequently applied in orthopaedic and dental surgery, has not yet been performed. This study examined the osseointegration of photofunctionalised Ti6Al4V implants.

Methods

Ti and Ti6Al4V implants were treated with UV light, and the chemical composition and contact angle on the surfaces were evaluated to confirm photofunctionalisation. The implants were inserted into femurs in rats, and the rats were killed two or four weeks after the surgery. For histomorphometric analysis, both the bone–implant contact (BIC) ratio and the bone volume (BV) ratio were calculated from histological analysis and microcomputed tomography data.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 1 | Pages 79 - 84
1 Jan 2018
Tsang STJ McHugh MP Guerendiain D Gwynne PJ Boyd J Simpson AHRW Walsh TS Laurenson IF Templeton KE

Objectives

Nasal carriers of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA and MSSA) have an increased risk for healthcare-associated infections. There are currently limited national screening policies for the detection of S. aureus despite the World Health Organization’s recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of molecular and culture techniques in S. aureus screening, determine the cause of any discrepancy between the diagnostic techniques, and model the potential effect of different diagnostic techniques on S. aureus detection in orthopaedic patients.

Methods

Paired nasal swabs for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and culture of S. aureus were collected from a study population of 273 orthopaedic outpatients due to undergo joint arthroplasty surgery.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 10 | Pages 580 - 586
1 Oct 2018
Xie S Manda K Pankaj P

Aims

Loosening is a well-known complication in the fixation of fractures using devices such as locking plates or unilateral fixators. It is believed that high strains in the bone at the bone-screw interface can initiate loosening, which can result in infection, and further loosening. Here, we present a new theory of loosening of implants. The time-dependent response of bone subjected to loads results in interfacial deformations in the bone which accumulate with cyclical loading and thus accentuates loosening.

Methods

We used an ‘ideal’ bone-screw system, in which the screw is subjected to cyclical lateral loads and trabecular bone is modelled as non-linear viscoelastic and non-linear viscoelastic-viscoplastic material, based on recent experiments, which we conducted.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 8 | Pages 517 - 523
1 Aug 2018
Tsang STJ Gwynne PJ Gallagher MP Simpson AHRW

Objectives

Periprosthetic joint infection following joint arthroplasty surgery is one of the most feared complications. The key to successful revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infections, regardless of treatment strategy, is a thorough deep debridement. In an attempt to limit antimicrobial and disinfectant use, there has been increasing interest in the use of acetic acid as an adjunct to debridement in the management of periprosthetic joint infections. However, its effectiveness in the eradication of established biofilms following clinically relevant treatment times has not been established. Using an in vitro biofilm model, this study aimed to establish the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of acetic acid following a clinically relevant treatment time.

Materials and Methods

Using a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) reference strain and the dissolvable bead assay, biofilms were challenged by 0% to 20% acetic acid (pH 4.7) for ten minutes, 20 minutes, 180 minutes, and 24 hours.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 7, Issue 3 | Pages 27 - 29
1 Jun 2018


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 3 | Pages 223 - 225
1 Mar 2018
Jones LD Golan D Hanna SA Ramachandran M


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 6 | Pages 379 - 387
1 Jun 2018
Hansen L De Raedt S Jørgensen PB Mygind-Klavsen B Kaptein B Stilling M

Objectives

To validate the precision of digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) radiostereometric analysis (RSA) and the model-based method (MBM) RSA with respect to benchmark marker-based (MM) RSA for evaluation of kinematics in the native hip joint.

Methods

Seven human cadaveric hemipelves were CT scanned and bone models were segmented. Tantalum beads were placed in the pelvis and proximal femoral bone. RSA recordings of the hips were performed during flexion, adduction and internal rotation. Stereoradiographic recordings were all analyzed with DRR, MBM and MM. Migration results for the MBM and DRR with respect to MM were compared. Precision was assessed as systematic bias (mean difference) and random variation (Pitman’s test for equal variance).


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 7, Issue 1 | Pages 12 - 14
1 Feb 2018


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 6 | Pages 215 - 217
1 Jun 2016
Pijls BG Nelissen RGHH


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 5 | Pages 315 - 322
1 May 2017
Martinez-Perez M Perez-Jorge C Lozano D Portal-Nuñez S Perez-Tanoira R Conde A Arenas MA Hernandez-Lopez JM de Damborenea JJ Gomez-Barrena E Esbrit P Esteban J

Objectives

Implant-related infection is one of the most devastating complications in orthopaedic surgery. Many surface and/or material modifications have been developed in order to minimise this problem; however, most of the in vitro studies did not evaluate bacterial adhesion in the presence of eukaryotic cells, as stated by the ‘race for the surface’ theory. Moreover, the adherence of numerous clinical strains with different initial concentrations has not been studied.

Methods

We describe a method for the study of bacterial adherence in the presence of preosteoblastic cells. For this purpose we mixed different concentrations of bacterial cells from collection and clinical strains of staphylococci isolated from implant-related infections with preosteoblastic cells, and analysed the minimal concentration of bacteria able to colonise the surface of the material with image analysis.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 7, Issue 1 | Pages 30 - 32
1 Feb 2018


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 1, Issue 4 | Pages 50 - 55
1 Apr 2012
O’Neill F Condon F McGloughlin T Lenehan B Coffey C Walsh M

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine if a synthetic bone substitute would provide results similar to bone from osteoporotic femoral heads during in vitro testing with orthopaedic implants. If the synthetic material could produce results similar to those of the osteoporotic bone, it could reduce or eliminate the need for testing of implants on bone.

Methods

Pushout studies were performed with the dynamic hip screw (DHS) and the DHS Blade in both cadaveric femoral heads and artificial bone substitutes in the form of polyurethane foam blocks of different density. The pushout studies were performed as a means of comparing the force displacement curves produced by each implant within each material.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 4, Issue 6 | Pages 2 - 5
1 Dec 2015
Dodd L Sharpe I Mandalia VI Toms AD Phillips JRA

The global economy has been facing a financial crisis. Healthcare costs are spiraling, and there is a projected £30 billion health funding gap by 2020 in the UK.1 This has prompted a drive for efficiency in healthcare provision in the UK, and in 2012, the Health and Social Care Act was introduced, heralding a fundamental change to the structure of the National Health Service, especially in the way that healthcare is funded in England.2

What is happening in the UK is a reflection of a global problem. Rationing of healthcare is a topic of much discussion; as unless spending is capped, providing healthcare will become unsustainable. Who decides how money is spent, and which services should be rationed?

In this article we aim to discuss the impact that rationing may have on orthopaedic surgery, and we will discuss our own experiences of attempts to ration local services.3 We also seek to inform and educate the general orthopaedic community on this topic.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 5, Issue 5 | Pages 34 - 35
1 Oct 2016


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 3, Issue 5 | Pages 36 - 37
1 Oct 2014
Di Martino A


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 2, Issue 3 | Pages 6 - 14
1 Jun 2013
Wallace WA

In the UK we have many surgeon inventors – surgeons who innovate and create new ways of doing things, who invent operations, who design new instruments to facilitate surgery or design new implants for using in patients. However truly successful surgeon inventors are a rare breed and they need to develop additional knowledge and skills during their career in order to push forward their devices and innovations. This article reviews my own experiences as a surgeon inventor and the highs and lows over the whole of my surgical career.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 3, Issue 2 | Pages 26 - 28
1 Apr 2014

The April 2014 Research Roundup360 looks at: scientific writing needed in orthopaedic papers; antiseptics and osteoblasts; thromboembolic management in orthopaedic patients; nicotine and obesity in post-operative complications; defining the “Patient Acceptable Symptom State”; and cheap and nasty implants of poor quality.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 3, Issue 1 | Pages 27 - 29
1 Feb 2014

The February 2014 Spine Roundup360 looks at: single posterior approach for severe kyphosis; risk factors for recurrent disc herniation; dysphagia and cervical disc replacement or fusion; hang on to your topical antibiotics; cost-effective lumbar disc replacement; anxiolytics no role to play in acute lumbar back pain; and surgery best for lumbar disc herniation.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 3, Issue 3 | Pages 2 - 8
1 Jun 2014
Phillips JRA Waterson HB Searle DJ Mandalia VI Toms AD

This is the second of a series of reviews of registries. This review looks specifically at worldwide registry data that have been collected on knee arthroplasty, what we have learned from their reports, and what the limitations are as to what we currently know.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 2, Issue 3 | Pages 18 - 20
1 Jun 2013

The June 2013 Hip & Pelvis Roundup360 looks at: failure in metal-on-metal arthroplasty; minimal hip approaches; whether bisphosphonates improve femoral bone stock following arthroplasty; whether more fat means more operative time; surgical infection; vascularised fibular graft for osteonecrosis; subclinical SUFE; and dentists, hips and antibiotics.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 1, Issue 4 | Pages 35 - 35
1 Aug 2012
Ranawat A Buly RL


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 1, Issue 3 | Pages 1 - 1
1 Jun 2012
Villar RN


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 2, Issue 3 | Pages 58 - 65
1 Mar 2013
Johnson R Jameson SS Sanders RD Sargant NJ Muller SD Meek RMD Reed MR

Objectives

To review the current best surgical practice and detail a multi-disciplinary approach that could further reduce joint replacement infection.

Methods

Review of relevant literature indexed in PubMed.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 1, Issue 6 | Pages 125 - 130
1 Jun 2012
Bøe BG Støen RØ Solberg LB Reinholt FP Ellingsen JE Nordsletten L

Objectives

An experimental rabbit model was used to test the null hypothesis, that there is no difference in new bone formation around uncoated titanium discs compared with coated titanium discs when implanted into the muscles of rabbits.

Methods

A total of three titanium discs with different surface and coating (1, porous coating; 2, porous coating + Bonemaster (Biomet); and 3, porous coating + plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite) were implanted in 12 female rabbits. Six animals were killed after six weeks and the remaining six were killed after 12 weeks. The implants with surrounding tissues were embedded in methyl methacrylate and grinded sections were stained with Masson-Goldners trichrome and examined by light microscopy of coded sections.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 3, Issue 1 | Pages 40 - 41
1 Feb 2014
Ivory J

Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing was developed in the 1990s by surgeons in Birmingham, UK, as a surgical solution to the problem of osteoarthritis in younger, more active patients. Early results were promising and the procedure gained in popularity. However, adverse reports of soft-tissue reaction and failure started to appear from 2008 onwards. Surgeons may be asked to write medico-legal reports on the surgical aspects of an individual case for claimant lawyers or in defence for the NHSLA or indemnity insurers. The purpose of this article is to cover some of the aspects of the operation that may be considered in such medico-legal reports.