Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is a bone conserving alternative to total hip arthroplasty. We present the early 2-year clinical and radiographic follow-up of a novel ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) HRA in an international multi-centric cohort. Patients undergoing HRA between September 2018 and January 2021 were prospectively included. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) in the form of the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), HOOS Jr, WOMAC, Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and UCLA Activity Score were collected preoperatively and at 1- and 2-years post-operation. Serial radiographs were assessed for migration, component alignment, evidence of osteolysis/loosening and heterotopic ossification formation. 200 patients were identified to have reached 2-year follow-up. Of these, 185 completed PROMS follow-up at 2 years. There was significant improvement in HOOS (p< 0.001) and OHS (p< 0.001) and FJS (p< 0.001) between the pre-operative and 2-year outcomes. Patients reported improved pain (p<0.001), function (p<0.001) and reduced stiffness (p<0.001) as measured by the WOMAC score. Patients had improved activity scores on the UCLA Active Score (P<0.001) with 53% reporting return to impact activity at 2 years. There was no osteolysis and the mean acetabular cup inclination angle was 41deg and the femoral component shaft angle was 137deg. No fractures were reported over but there was one sciatic nerve palsy with partial recovery. Two patients were revised; one at 3 months for pain due to a misdiagnosed back problem and another at 33 months for loosening of the acetabular component with delamination of the titanium ingrowth surface. CoC resurfacing at 2-years post-operation demonstrate promising results with satisfactory PROMS

The direct superior approach (DSA) is a modification of the posterior approach (PA) that preserves the iliotibial band and short external rotators except for the piriformis or conjoined tendon during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain, early functional rehabilitation, functional outcomes, implant positioning, implant migration, and complications in patients undergoing the DSA versus PA for THA. This study included 80 patients with symptomatic hip arthritis undergoing primary THA. Patients were prospectively randomised to receive either the DSA or PA for THA, surgery was undertaken using identical implant designs in both groups, and all patients received a standardized postoperative rehabilitation programme. Predefined study outcomes were recorded by blinded observers at regular intervals for two-years after THA. Radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) was used to assess implant migration. There were no statistical differences between the DSA and PA in postoperative pain scores (p=0.312), opiate analgesia consumption (p=0.067), and time to hospital discharge (p=0.416). At two years follow-up, both groups had comparable Oxford hip scores (p=0.476); Harris hip scores (p=0.293); Hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome scores (p=0.543); University of California at Los Angeles scores (p=0.609); Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (p=0.833); and European Quality of Life questionnaire with 5 dimensions scores (p=0.418). Radiographic analysis revealed no difference between the two treatment groups for overall accuracy of acetabular cup positioning (p=0.687) and femoral stem alignment (p=0.564). RSA revealed no difference in femoral component migration (p=0.145) between the groups at two years follow-up. There were no differences between patients undergoing the DSA versus PA for THA with respect to postoperative pain scores, functional rehabilitation, patient-reported outcome measurements, accuracy of implant positioning, and implant migration at two years follow-up. Both treatment groups had excellent outcomes that remained comparable at all follow-up intervals

The purpose of this study was to assess the variability in implant position between sides in patients who underwent staged, bilateral THA and whether variation from one side to the other affected patient-reported outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted on 207 patients who underwent staged, bilateral THA by the same surgeon from 2017–2022. Leg length, acetabular height, cup version, and coronal and sagittal stem angles were assessed radiographically and compared to the contralateral THA. Surgical approach and technology utilization were further assessed for their impact on variability. Linear regression was used to model the relationship between side-to-side variability and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS). Between sides, mean radiographic leg length varied by 4.6mm (0.0–21.2), acetabular height varied by 3.3mm (0.0–13.7), anteversion varied by 8.2° (0.0 to 28.7), coronal stem alignment varied by 1.1° (0.0 to 6.9), and sagittal angulation varied by 2.3° (0.0 to 10.5). The anterior approach resulted in more variability in stem angle position in both the coronal (1.3° vs. 1.0°, p=0.036) and sagittal planes (2.8° vs. 2.0° p=0.012) compared to the posterior approach. The posterior approach generally led to more anteversion than the anterior approach. Use of robotics or navigation for acetabular positioning did not increase side-to-side variability in cup-related position or leg length. Despite considerable side-to-side variability, Hip dysfunction and osteoarthritis outcome scores (HOOS JR) were not affected by higher levels of position inconsistency. Staged, bilateral THA results in considerable variability in component position between sides. The anterior approach leads to more side-to-side variability in sagittal stem angle and cup anteversion than the posterior approach. Navigation and robotics do not improve the consistency of component position in bilateral THA. Variation in implant position was not associated with differences in PROMs, suggesting that despite variability, patients can tolerate these differences between sides

Aims. Sagittal plane imbalance (SPI), or asymmetry between extension and flexion gaps, is an important issue in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to compare SPI between kinematic alignment (KA), mechanical alignment (MA), and functional alignment (FA) strategies. Methods. In 137 robotic-assisted TKAs, extension and flexion stressed gap laxities and bone resections were measured. The primary outcome was the proportion and magnitude of medial and lateral SPI (gap differential > 2.0 mm) for KA, MA, and FA. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of knees with severe (> 4.0 mm) SPI, and resection thicknesses for each technique, with KA as reference. Results. FA showed significantly lower rates of medial and lateral SPI (2.9% and 2.2%) compared to KA (45.3%; p < 0.001, and 25.5%; p < 0.001) and compared to MA (52.6%; p < 0.001 and 29.9%; p < 0.001). There was no difference in medial and lateral SPI between KA and MA (p = 0.228 and p = 0.417, respectively). FA showed significantly lower rates of severe medial and lateral SPI (0 and 0%) compared to KA (8.0%; p < 0.001 and 7.3%; p = 0.001) and compared to MA (10.2%; p < 0.001 and 4.4%; p = 0.013). There was no difference in severe medial and lateral SPI between KA and MA (p = 0.527 and p = 0.307, respectively). MA resulted in thinner resections than KA in medial extension (mean difference (MD) 1.4 mm, SD 1.9; p < 0.001), medial flexion (MD 1.5 mm, SD 1.8; p < 0.001), and lateral extension (MD 1.1 mm, SD 1.9; p < 0.001). FA resulted in thinner resections than KA in medial extension (MD 1.6 mm, SD 1.4; p < 0.001) and lateral extension (MD 2.0 mm, SD 1.6; p < 0.001), but in thicker medial flexion resections (MD 0.8 mm, SD 1.4; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Mechanical and kinematic alignment (measured resection techniques) result in high rates of SPI. Pre-resection angular and translational adjustments with functional alignment, with typically smaller distal than posterior femoral resection, address this issue. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):681–687

Purpose. Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT) is a new treatment for low back pain which integrates psychological techniques for pain management alongside training to improve postural control. Rather than focus on postural alignment or strength, CMT aims to improve the regulation of postural tone (low-level activity which supports the body against gravity). This is achieved by teaching patients an awareness of compensatory paraspinal activation, which can be triggered by overactivity of the abdominal muscles. The aim of this study was to understand whether CMT could reduce symptoms associated with low back pain and improve paraspinal muscle activation. Methods and results. Fifteen patients with chronic low back pain received seven weekly sessions of CMT from a physiotherapist. Clinical data was captured at baseline and two weeks after the intervention using the Roland-Morris questionnaire and the pain catastrophising scale. Activation of the erector spinae muscle during walking was also measured at baseline and after the final intervention session. Change data were analysed using paired t-tests. There was a 75% reduction (p<0.001) in the Roland-Morris score from a mean (SD) of 9.3(2.9) to 2.3(2.6), along with a 78% reduction in pain catastrophising (p<0.002) from 16.6(13) to 3.7(4.8). Activation of the contralateral erector spinae muscles reduced by 30% (p<0.01) during the contralateral swing phase of walking. Conclusion. In this small sample, CMT delivered large clinical improvements and reduced activation of the low back muscles during walking. Larger randomised trials are now required to confirm whether CMT could outperform existing physiotherapy treatments for chronic back pain. Conflict of interest. No conflicts of interest. Source of funding. University of Salford

Statement of purpose of study and background. As the treatment of low back pain (LBP) continues to evolve, there is greater recognition of the importance of optimising the therapeutic relationship to better deliver improved patient outcomes. Contextual effects, such as communication, have been shown to influence the therapeutic relationship, but it is not known how these factors evolve over time. This study analysed interviews from two studies (one cross-sectional and one longitudinal) to explore patients’ and physiotherapists’ perspectives of treatment outcomes and experiences in episodes of LBP in the same dialogic space. The objective was to explore the alignment between these perceptions to identify factors that influence the therapeutic relationship over time. Summary of methods used and results. Two secondary thematic analyses were undertaken, one analysing cross-sectional data and the other analysing longitudinal data, from an existing data set from the programme: “Exploring the relationship between communication and clinical decision-making in physiotherapy consultations for back pain”. All data were thematically analysed and organised using a framework approach. Six themes emerged from the cross-sectional data reporting consistency of opinion in the initial consultation stages, but highlighting inadequate patient involvement in shared decision making. Four main themes emerged from the longitudinal data, all of which reported interactional fears and anxieties identified on both the parts of the patient and the physiotherapist. Conclusion. These findings suggest that failing to involve the patient in adequately personalised treatment from the initial consultation may lead to diagnosis hunting and stereotyping behaviours within the therapeutic relationship, in turn leading to increased health resource usage. Conflicts of interest. None. Sources of Funding. The primary data set was collected in a research programme funded by Arthritis Research UK (now Versus Arthritis)

The August 2024 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Does topical vancomycin prevent fracture-related infections in closed fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation? A randomized controlled trial; Is postoperative splinting advantageous after upper limb fracture surgery?; Does suprapatellar nailing resolve knee pain?; Locking versus non-locking plate fixation in comminuted talar neck fractures: a biomechanical study using cadaveric specimens; Revolutionizing recovery metrics: PROMIS versus SMFA in orthopaedic trauma care; Dorsal hook plating of patella fractures: reliable fixation and satisfactory outcomes; The impact of obesity on subtrochanteric femur fracture outcomes; Low-dose NSAIDs (ketorolac) and cytokine modulation in orthopaedic polytrauma: a detailed analysis.

Aims. The aims of this study were: 1) to describe extended restricted kinematic alignment (E-rKA), a novel alignment strategy during robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA); 2) to compare residual medial compartment tightness following virtual surgical planning during RA-TKA using mechanical alignment (MA) and E-rKA, in the same set of osteoarthritic varus knees; 3) to assess the requirement of soft-tissue releases during RA-TKA using E-rKA; and 4) to compare the accuracy of surgical plan execution between knees managed with adjustments in component positioning alone, and those which require additional soft-tissue releases. Methods. Patients who underwent RA-TKA between January and December 2022 for primary varus osteoarthritis were included. Safe boundaries for E-rKA were defined. Residual medial compartment tightness was compared following virtual surgical planning using E-rKA and MA, in the same set of knees. Soft-tissue releases were documented. Errors in postoperative alignment in relation to planned alignment were compared between patients who did (group A) and did not (group B) require soft-tissue releases. Results. The use of E-rKA helped restore all knees within the predefined boundaries, with appropriate soft-tissue balancing. E-rKA compared with MA resulted in reduced residual medial tightness following surgical planning, in full extension (2.71 mm (SD 1.66) vs 5.16 mm (SD 3.10), respectively; p < 0.001), and 90° of flexion (2.52 mm (SD 1.63) vs 6.27 mm (SD 3.11), respectively; p < 0.001). Among the study population, 156 patients (78%) were managed with minor adjustments in component positioning alone, while 44 (22%) required additional soft-tissue releases. The mean errors in postoperative alignment were 0.53 mm and 0.26 mm among patients in group A and group B, respectively (p = 0.328). Conclusion. E-rKA is an effective and reproducible alignment strategy during RA-TKA, permitting a large proportion of patients to be managed without soft-tissue releases. The execution of minor alterations in component positioning within predefined multiplanar boundaries is a better starting point for gap management than soft-tissue releases. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):628–636

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate if total knee arthroplasty (TKA) femoral components aligned in either mechanical alignment (MA) or kinematic alignment (KA) are more biomimetic concerning trochlear sulcus orientation and restoration of trochlear height. Methods. Bone surfaces from 1,012 CT scans of non-arthritic femora were segmented using a modelling and analytics system. TKA femoral components (Triathlon; Stryker) were virtually implanted in both MA and KA. Trochlear sulcus orientation was assessed by measuring the distal trochlear sulcus angle (DTSA) in native femora and in KA and MA prosthetic femoral components. Trochlear anatomy restoration was evaluated by measuring the differences in medial, lateral, and sulcus trochlear height between native femora and KA and MA prosthetic femoral components. Results. Femoral components in both MA and KA alignments exhibited a more valgus DTSA compared to native femora. However, DTSA deviation from native was significantly less in KA than in MA (4.8° (SD 2.2°) vs 8.8° (SD 1.8°); p < 0.001). DTSA deviation from native orientation correlated positively with the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) in KA and negatively in MA (r = 0.53, p < 0.001; r = -0.18, p < 0.001). Medial trochlear height was not restored with either MA or KA, with MA resulting in lower medial trochlear height than KA in the proximal 20% of the trochlea. Lateral and sulcus trochlear height was not restored with either alignment in the proximal 80% of the trochlea. At the terminal arc point, KA replicated sulcus and lateral trochlear height, while MA led to over-restoration. Conclusion. Femoral components aligned in KA demonstrated greater biomimetic qualities than those in MA regarding trochlear sulcus orientation and trochlear height restoration, particularly in valgus femora. Variability across knees was observed, warranting further research to evaluate the clinical implications of these findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):817–825

Aims

Spinopelvic pathology increases the risk for instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet few studies have evaluated how pathology varies with age or sex. The aims of this study were: 1) to report differences in spinopelvic parameters with advancing age and between the sexes; and 2) to determine variation in the prevalence of THA instability risk factors with advancing age.

Malalignment is a common complication following tibial surgery, occurring in 10% of fractures. This is associated with prolonged healing time and non-union. It occurs due to inability to maintain a satisfactory reduction. A reduction device, such as the Staffordshire Orthopaedic Reduction Machine (STORM), permits the surgeon to manipulate the fracture and hold it reduced. A retrospective parallel case series was undertaken of all patients undergoing tibial nails over a six-year period from 2014 to 2021. Patient demographics were obtained from medical records. Operative times obtained from the theatre IT system and included the time patient entered theatre and surgical start and finish times for each case. Anteroposterior and lateral long leg post-operative radiographs were reviewed. Angulation was measured in both coronal and sagittal planes, by two separate orthopaedic surgeons. A reduction was classified to be ‘mal-aligned’ if the angle measured was greater than 5 degrees. One tailed unpaired t-test was used to compare alignment in each plane. Bony union was assessed on subsequent radiographs and was determined according to the Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures. 31 patients underwent tibial nail during the time period. 8 patients were lost to follow up and were excluded. Of the remaining 23 patients, the STORM device was utilised in 11. The overall mean alignment was acceptable across all groups at 2.17° in the coronal plane and 2.56° in the saggital plane. Analysing each group individually demonstrated an improved alignment when STORM was utilised: 1.7° (1°–3°) vs 2.54° (0°–5°) for the coronal plane and 1.6° (0°–3°) vs 3.31° (0°–9°) in the saggital plane. This difference was significant in saggital alignment (p=0.03) and showed a positive trend in coronal alignment, although was not significant (p=0.08). The time in theatre was shorter in the control group with a mean of 113 minutes (65 to 219) in comparison to STORM with a mean of 140 minutes (105 to 180), an increased theatre time of 27 minutes (p=0.04). This study demonstrates that STORM can be used in the surgical treatment of tibial fractures resulting in improved fracture alignment with a modest increase in theatre time

Aims. Patient dissatisfaction is not uncommon following primary total knee arthroplasty. One proposed method to alleviate this is by improving knee kinematics. Therefore, we aimed to answer the following research question: are there significant differences in knee kinematics based on the design of the tibial insert (cruciate-retaining (CR), ultra-congruent (UC), or medial congruent (MC))?. Methods. Overall, 15 cadaveric knee joints were examined with a CR implant with three different tibial inserts (CR, UC, and MC) using an established knee joint simulator. The effects on coronal alignment, medial and lateral femoral roll back, femorotibial rotation, bony rotations (femur, tibia, and patella), and patellofemoral length ratios were determined. Results. No statistically significant differences were found regarding coronal alignment (p = 0.087 to p = 0.832). The medial congruent insert demonstrated restricted femoral roll back (mean medial 37.57 mm; lateral 36.34 mm), while the CR insert demonstrated the greatest roll back (medial 42.21 mm; lateral 37.88 mm; p < 0.001, respectively). Femorotibial rotation was greatest with the CR insert with 2.45° (SD 4.75°), then the UC insert with 1.31° (SD 4.15°; p < 0.001), and lowest with the medial congruent insert with 0.8° (SD 4.24°; p < 0.001). The most pronounced patella shift, but lowest patellar rotation, was noted with the CR insert. Conclusion. The MC insert demonstrated the highest level of constraint of these inserts. Femoral roll back, femorotibial rotation, and single bony rotations were lowest with the MC insert. The patella showed less shifting with the MC insert, but there was significantly increased rotation. While the medial congruent insert was found to have highest constraint, it remains uncertain if this implant recreates native knee kinematics or if this will result in improved patient satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(7):592–600

Aims

The metabolic variations between the cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) remain largely unknown. Our study aimed to address this by conducting a comparative analysis of the metabolic profiles present in the cartilage of KBD and OA.

Aims

To explore the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of osteochondral defect (OCD), and its effects on the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7 in terms of cartilage and bone regeneration.

Aims

It is not clear which type of casting provides the best initial treatment in adults with a distal radial fracture. Given that between 32% and 64% of adequately reduced fractures redisplace during immobilization in a cast, preventing redisplacement and a disabling malunion or secondary surgery is an aim of treatment. In this study, we investigated whether circumferential casting leads to fewer fracture redisplacements and better one-year outcomes compared to plaster splinting.

Aims

We compared decompression alone to decompression with fusion surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, with or without degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). The aim was to evaluate if five-year outcomes differed between the groups. The two-year results from the same trial revealed no differences.

Aims. Robotic arm-assisted surgery offers accurate and reproducible guidance in component positioning and assessment of soft-tissue tensioning during knee arthroplasty, but the feasibility and early outcomes when using this technology for revision surgery remain unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic arm-assisted revision of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus primary robotic arm-assisted TKA at short-term follow-up. Methods. This prospective study included 16 patients undergoing robotic arm-assisted revision of UKA to TKA versus 35 matched patients receiving robotic arm-assisted primary TKA. In all study patients, the following data were recorded: operating time, polyethylene liner size, change in haemoglobin concentration (g/dl), length of inpatient stay, postoperative complications, and hip-knee-ankle (HKA) alignment. All procedures were performed using the principles of functional alignment. At most recent follow-up, range of motion (ROM), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were collected. Mean follow-up time was 21 months (6 to 36). Results. There were no differences between the two treatment groups with regard to mean change in haemoglobin concentration (p = 0.477), length of stay (LOS, p = 0.172), mean polyethylene thickness (p = 0.065), or postoperative complication rates (p = 0.295). At the most recent follow-up, the primary robotic arm-assisted TKA group had a statistically significantly improved OKS compared with the revision UKA to TKA group (44.6 (SD 2.7) vs 42.3 (SD 2.5); p = 0.004) but there was no difference in the overall ROM (p = 0.056) or FJS between the two treatment groups (86.1 (SD 9.6) vs 84.1 (4.9); p = 0.439). Conclusion. Robotic arm-assisted revision of UKA to TKA was associated with comparable intraoperative blood loss, early postoperative rehabilitation, functional outcomes, and complications to primary robotic TKA at short-term follow-up. Robotic arm-assisted surgery offers a safe and reproducible technique for revising failed UKA to TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):680–687

Aims

To explore the clinical efficacy of using two different types of articulating spacers in two-stage revision for chronic knee periprosthetic joint infection (kPJI).

Background. Weightbearing computed tomography scans allow for better understanding of foot alignment in patients with Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity. However, soft tissue integrity cannot be assessed via WBCT. As performing both WBCT and magnetic resonance imaging is not cost effective, we aimed to assess whether there is an association between specific WBCT and MRI findings. Methods. A cohort of 24 patients of various stages of PCFD (mean age 51±18 years) underwent WBCT scans and MRI. In addition to signs of sinus tarsi impingement, four three-dimensional measurements (talo-calcaneal overlap, talo-navicular coverage, Meary's angle axial/lateral) were obtained using a post processing software (DISIOR 2.1, Finland) on the WBCT datasets. Sinus tarsi obliteration, spring ligament complex and tibiospring ligament integrity, as well as tibialis posterior tendon degeneration were evaluated with MRI. Statistical analysis was performed for significant (P<0.05) correlation between findings. Results. None of the assessed 3D measurements correlated with spring ligament complex or tibiospring ligament tears. Age, body mass index, and TCO were associated with tibialis posterior tendon tears. 75% of patients with sinus tarsi impingement on WBCT also showed signs of sinus tarsi obliteration on MRI. Of the assessed parameters, only age and BMI were associated with sinus tarsi obliteration diagnosed on MRI, while the assessed WBCT based 3D measurements were, with the exception of MA axial, associated with sinus tarsi impingement. Conclusion. While WBCT reflects foot alignment and indicates signs of osseous impingement in PCFD patients, the association between WBCT based 3D measurements and ligament or tendon tears in MRI is limited. Partial or complete tears of the tibialis posterior tendon were only detectable in comparably older and overweight PCFD patients with an increased TCO. WBCT does not replace MRI in diagnostic value. Both imaging options add important information and may impact decision-making in the treatment of PCFD patients