Aim. Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) is a devastating complication in hip and knee joint arthroplasty. The “JS BACH” classification system was developed in 2021 to stratify the complexity of PJI, and more importantly, to act as a tool to guide referrals to specialist centers. The “JS BACH” classification has not been validated in an external cohort. This study aimed to do so using a large prospective cohort from Australia and New Zealand. Method. We applied the JS-BACH classification to the Prosthetic Joint Infection in Australia and New Zealand Observational (PIANO) cohort. This prospective study of newly diagnosed PJI collected 2-year outcome data from 653 participants enrolled in 27 hospitals. The definition of PJI treatment failure at 24 months was any of the following: death, clinical or microbiological signs of infection, destination prosthesis removed, or ongoing antibiotic use. Results. Individual cases were classified as per JS-BACH into “1 - uncomplicated” (n = 268), “2 - complex” (n = 330), and “3 - limited options” (n = 55). This cohort was similar to the original JS-BACH population in terms of baseline characteristics. However, there was a difference in complexity, with more DAIR procedures, fewer revision procedures, and a higher proportion of uncomplicated patients in the PIANO cohort. The risk of treatment failure correlated strongly with the JS-BACH category, with odds ratios (95% CI [confidence interval]) for category 2 versus 1 of 1.75 (1.24 to 2.47) and for category 3 versus 1 of 7.12 (3.42 to 16.02). Conclusions. Despite the PIANO study population being less complicated than the original derivation cohort, the JS-BACH classification showed a clear association with treatment failure in this large external cohort

Aim. Predicting success of a Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) procedure for Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) remains a challenge. A failed DAIR might adversely affect the outcome of any future revision surgery for PJI. Hence, the ability to identify and optimise factors predictive of DAIR success would help target the procedure to the appropriate patient cohort and avoid unnecessary surgery for patients where a DAIR is unlikely to eradicate infection. Method. A retrospective review of our prospective Bone Infection Group database was performed to identify all patients who underwent a DAIR of their hip or knee arthroplasty. Diagnosis of PJI was confirmed using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) 2013 and the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) 2021 classification systems. DAIR surgery was grouped into “successful” or “unsuccessful” outcomes as per the MSIS working group outcome-reporting tool. Results. Sixty-Four consecutive patients with an acute PJI underwent a DAIR procedure between 2009 and 2020. Treatment was successful in 44 (69%). The chance of a successful DAIR was significantly greater if performed within one week of symptom onset compared to greater than one week duration (adjusted odds ratio (OR 0.11; p=0.027; 95% CI [0.02- 0.78]). The chances of a successful DAIR was not influenced by whether the surgeon was an arthroplasty or non-arthroplasty surgeon (OR 0.28; p=0.13; 95% CI [0.05- 1.48]). Isolated Streptococcus infection had a success rate of 100%; followed by Coagulasenegative Staphylococci 71% and Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus 65%. Polymicrobial infection had the worst outcome with a success rate of 47%. Conclusions. In our experience DAIR surgery performed within one week of symptom onset, significantly increased chances of successful infection eradication. Collaborative work is required to ensure arthroplasty patients access prompt appropriate surgical decision-making, remove barriers to early assessment and minimise delays to surgery

Aim. Determine therapeutic and prognostic value of three different prosthetic joint infections (PJI) staging systems – JS-Bach, McPherson and PJI-TNM. Method. Retrospective analysis of patients who received surgery for PJI between 2011 and 2022 at one single institution, including DAIR, 1-stage revision and 2-stage revision. We applied three staging systems - JS-Bach, McPherson, PJI-TNM – and categorize the results into A (less severe), B (intermediate) and C (most severe). Demographic data and comorbidities, anatomic location, type of treatment, recurrency of infection, final outcome and antibiogram were analyzed. Results. 186 patients were included, 112 (60%) were woman. Median age was 70 years old. 51% were submitted to DAIR, 10% to 1-stage revision and 39% to 2-stage revision. Recurrence of infection was found on 27% of patients after initial treatment. 10% died with complication related to PJI. Final status at last follow-up showed 96% of cases were ultimately free of infection at last follow-up. JS-BACH was associated with recurrence. All three staging systems were associated with final outcome. Conclusions. Despite all existing knowledge around risk factors for treatment failure of PJI, there is still a lack of a generally accepted classification system to accurately predict patient outcome. JS-BACH, McPherson and PJI-TNM are three different proposed classifications developed to predict clinical outcomes. To the best of our knowledge there are no studies directly comparing their performance. We retrospectively evaluated our cohort and found that all three correlated with final patient outcome but JS-BACH was the only who significantly correlated with infection recurrence after initial treatment

Introduction. Patients with external fixators are at risk of pin site infection. A more objective assessment of possible pin site infection is warranted, particularly for future home-based monitoring of pin sites. The aim was to determine if thermography can detect signs of inflammation around pin sites by 1) Establishing a maximum temperature cut-off value 2) Investigating the correlation between local temperature and visual signs of inflammation 3) Adjust for anatomical location and ambient room temperature. Method. This was a cross-sectional international multi-center study following STROBE guidelines. All patients with external ring-fixators scheduled for a visit in the out-patient clinic were eligible. Visual signs of inflammation were categorized using the Modified Gordon classification System (MGS, simplified sMGS). Thermographic imaging was done with an infrared camera (FLIR T540) and the maximum temperature within the ROI (MaxTp) was the primary outcome measure. Sample size and reliability were estimated. Cohen-Kappa, ROC-curve/AUC and Poisson regression were used for statistical analysis. Result. Data from 1970 pin sites were included. Inter-rater reliability of MGS was Kappa=0.79 and for MaxTp ICC=0.99 (95%CI: 0.99;0.99). Overall, a tendency of rising temperature with increasing sMGS was seen. The difference between sMGS=0 and sMGS>0 was significant. The performance of MaxTp as a screening tool to detect inflammation was reasonable with an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.65-0.76). The empirically optimal cut-off value was 34.1°C (Sensitivity=65%, Specificity=72%, Positive predictive value=23%, Negative Predictive value=94%). A 1°C increase in MaxTp increased the RR of visual signs of inflammation by a factor 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3; 1.7). Conclusion. We found a clinical positive association between the temperature at the pin site measured with thermography and visual signs of inflammation. The empirically optimal temperature cut-off value for inflammation screening was 34.1°C. Thermography may be a promising tool for a for a future point of care technology

Introduction. Assessment of the humeral head translation with respect to the glenoid joint, termed humeral head migration (HHM), is crucial in total shoulder arthroplasty pre-operative planning. Its assessment informs current classification systems for shoulder osteoarthritis as well as the evaluation of surgical correction. In current clinical practice, HHM assessment relies on computed-tomography (CT) imaging. However, the associated supine position might undermine its functional relevance as it does not reflect the weight-bearing condition with active muscle engagement associated with the upright standing position of most daily activities. Therefore, we assessed to what extent HHM in a supine position is associated with HHM in a range of functional arm positions. Method. 26 shoulder osteoarthritis patients and 12 healthy volunteers were recruited. 3D shapes of the humerus and scapula were reconstructed from their respective CT scans using an image processing software. 3. , and their CT-scan-based HHMs were measured. Furthermore, all subjects underwent low-dose biplanar radiography . 4. in four quasi-static functional arm positions while standing: relaxed standing, followed by 45 degrees of shoulder extension, flexion, and abduction. Using a previously validated method implemented in the programming platforms. 5. , 3D shapes were registered to the pairs of biplanar images for each arm position and the corresponding functional HHM was measured. Bivariate correlations were assessed between the CT-based HHM and each functional arm position. Result. HHM in 45 degrees of flexion and extension both showed significant and strong correlations (r>0.66 and P<0.01) with HHM assessed in the supine position. However, such a high correlation was not found for relaxed standing and 45 abduction. Conclusion. Although HHM in a supine position correlates with HHM in 45-degree extension and flexion, it is poorly associated with the HHM in abduction and relaxed standing. These results may suggest the inclusion of more functionally-relevant patient positioning toward better-informed shoulder arthroplasty planning. Acknowledgement. Funding from PRosPERos-II Project

Understanding spinopelvic mechanics is important for the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite significant advancements in appreciating spinopelvic balance, numerous challenges remain. It is crucial to recognize the individual variability and postoperative changes in spinopelvic parameters and their consequential impact on prosthetic component positioning to mitigate the risk of dislocation and enhance postoperative outcomes. This review describes the integration of advanced diagnostic approaches, enhanced technology, implant considerations, and surgical planning, all tailored to the unique anatomy and biomechanics of each patient. It underscores the importance of accurately predicting postoperative spinopelvic mechanics, selecting suitable imaging techniques, establishing a consistent nomenclature for spinopelvic stiffness, and considering implant-specific strategies. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to personalize care.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1206–1215.

Aims

In patients with a failed radial head arthroplasty (RHA), simple removal of the implant is an option. However, there is little information in the literature about the outcome of this procedure. The aim of this study was to review the mid-term clinical and radiological results, and the rate of complications and removal of the implant, in patients whose initial RHA was undertaken acutely for trauma involving the elbow.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) for fracture detection, classification, and identification of greater tuberosity displacement ≥ 1 cm, neck-shaft angle (NSA) ≤ 100°, shaft translation, and articular fracture involvement, on plain radiographs.

The October 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup360 looks at: Proximal humeral fractures with vascular compromise; Outcomes and challenges of revision arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a systematic review; Evaluating treatment effectiveness for lateral elbow tendinopathy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis; Tendon transfer techniques for irreparable subscapularis tears: a comparative review; Impact of subscapularis repair in reverse shoulder arthroplasty; Isolated subscapularis tears strongly linked to shoulder pseudoparesis; Nexel and Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasties show comparable revision rates in New Zealand study; 3D MRI matches 3D CT in assessing bone loss and shoulder morphology in dislocation cases.

The October 2024 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Cost-effectiveness analysis of soft bandage and immediate discharge versus rigid immobilization in children with distal radius torus fractures: the FORCE trial; Percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy in clubfoot with a blade or a needle: a single-centre randomized controlled noninferiority trial; Treatment of hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy: a five-year comparison of proximal femoral osteotomy and combined femoral-pelvic osteotomy in 163 children; The Core outcome Clubfoot (CoCo) study: relapse, with poorer clinical and quality of life outcomes, affects 37% of idiopathic clubfoot patients; Retention versus removal of epiphyseal screws in paediatric distal tibial fractures: no significant impact on outcomes; Predicting the resolution of residual acetabular dysplasia after brace treatment in infant DDH; Low prevalence of acetabular dysplasia following treatment for neonatal hip instability: a long-term study; How best to distract the patient?.

The October 2024 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Early versus delayed weightbearing following operatively treated ankle fracture (WAX): a non-inferiority, multicentre, randomized controlled trial; The effect of early weightbearing and later weightbearing rehabilitation interventions on outcomes after ankle fracture surgery; Is intramedullary nailing of femoral diaphyseal fractures in the lateral decubitus position as safe and effective as on a traction table?; Periprosthetic fractures of the hip: Back to the Future, Groundhog Day, and horses for courses; Two big bones, one big decision: when to fix bilateral femur fractures; Comparison of ankle fracture fixation using intramedullary fibular nailing versus plate fixation; Unclassified acetabular fractures: do they really exist?

Aims

Our aim was to estimate the total costs of all hospitalizations for treating periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by main management strategy within 24 months post-diagnosis using activity-based costing. Additionally, we investigated the influence of individual PJI treatment pathways on hospital costs within the first 24 months.

Aims

The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) associated with instability of the shoulder ranges between 4% and 60%. Articular cartilage is, however, routinely assessed in these patients using radiographs or scans (2D or 3D), with little opportunity to record early signs of cartilage damage. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and localization of chondral lesions and synovial damage in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for instablility of the shoulder, in order to classify them and to identify risk factors for the development of glenohumeral OA.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment.

Aims

In order to release the contracture band completely without damaging normal tissues (such as the sciatic nerve) in the surgical treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC), we tried to display the relationship between normal tissue and contracture bands by magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) images, and to predesign a minimally invasive surgery based on the MRN images in advance.

Aims

This study evaluated the effect of treating clinician speciality on management of zone 2 fifth metatarsal fractures.

Aims. The primary objective of this study was to develop a validated classification system for assessing iatrogenic bone trauma and soft-tissue injury during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary objective was to compare macroscopic bone trauma and soft-tissues injury in conventional THA (CO THA) versus robotic arm-assisted THA (RO THA) using this classification system. Methods. This study included 30 CO THAs versus 30 RO THAs performed by a single surgeon. Intraoperative photographs of the osseous acetabulum and periacetabular soft-tissues were obtained prior to implantation of the acetabular component, which were used to develop the proposed classification system. Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities of the proposed classification system were assessed. Results. The BOne trauma and Soft-Tissue Injury classification system in total Hip arthroplasty (BOSTI Hip) grades osseous acetabular trauma and periarticular muscle damage during THA. The classification system has an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.93) for interobserver agreement and 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.93) for intraobserver agreement. RO THA was associated with improved BOSTI Hip scores (p = 0.002) and more pristine osseous surfaces in the anterior superior (p = 0.001) and posterior superior (p < 0.001) acetabular quadrants compared with CO THA. There were no differences between the groups in relation to injury to the gluteus medius (p = 0.084), obturator internus (p = 0.241), piriformis (p = 0.081), superior gamellus (p = 0.116), inferior gamellus (p = 0.132), quadratus femoris (p = 0.208), and vastus lateralis (p = 0.135), but overall combined muscle injury was reduced in RO THA compared with CO THA (p = 0.023). Discussion. The proposed BOSTI Hip classification provides a reproducible grading system for stratifying iatrogenic bone trauma and soft-tissue injury during THA. RO THA was associated with improved BOSTI Hip scores, more pristine osseous acetabular surfaces, and reduced combined periarticular muscle injury compared with CO THA. Further research is required to understand if these intraoperative findings translate to differences in clinical outcomes between the treatment groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):898–906

The Paprosky acetabular bone defect classification system and related algorithms for acetabular reconstruction cannot properly guide cementless acetabular reconstruction in the presence of porous metal augments. We aimed to introduce a rim, points, and column (RPC)-oriented cementless acetabular reconstruction algorithm and its clinical and radiographic outcomes. A total of 123 patients (128 hips) were enrolled. A minimum 5-year radiographic follow-up was available for 96 (75.8%) hips. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up durations were 6.8±0.9 (range: 5.2–9.2) and 6.3±1.9 (range: 5.0–9.2) years, respectively. Harris hip score (HHS) improved significantly from 35.39±9.91 preoperatively to 85.98±12.81 postoperatively (P<0.001). Among the fixation modes, 42 (32.8%) hips were reconstructed with rim fixation, 42 (32.8%) with three-point fixation without point reconstruction, 40 (31.3%) with three-point fixation combined with point reconstruction, and 4 (3.1%) with three-point fixation combined with pelvic distraction. Complementary medial wall reconstruction was performed in 20 (15.6%) patients. All acetabular components were radiographically stable. Nine-year cumulative Kaplan–Meier survival rates for 123 patients with the endpoint defined as periprosthetic joint infection, any reoperation, and dissatisfaction were 96.91% (confidence interval [CI]: 86.26%, 99.34%), 97.66% (CI: 92.91%, 99.24%), and 96.06% (CI: 86.4%, 98.89%), respectively. Cup stability in cementless acetabular reconstruction depends on rim or three-point fixation. The continuity of the anterior and posterior columns determines whether the points provide adequate stability to the cup. Medial wall reconstruction is an important complementary fixation method for rim or three-point fixation. The patients who underwent cementless acetabular reconstruction guided by the RPC decision-making algorithm demonstrated satisfactory mid-term clinical function, satisfaction levels, radiographic results, and complication rates

Aims

The escalating demand for medical resources to address spinal diseases as society ages is an issue that requires careful evaluation. However, few studies have examined trends in spinal surgery, especially unscheduled hospitalizations or surgeries performed after hours, through large databases. Our study aimed to determine national trends in the number of spine surgeries in Japan. We also aimed to identify trends in after-hours surgeries and unscheduled hospitalizations and their impact on complications and costs.

Introduction. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are increasingly recognized as a common anatomical variant and is the most common congenital anomaly of the lumbosacral spine. Patients can have symptomatic LSTV, known as Bertolotti's Syndrome, where transitional anatomy can cause back, L5 distribution leg, hip, and groin pain. We propose an outline for diagnosis and treatment of Bertolotti's Syndrome. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed over 500 patients presenting to the primary author with low back, buttock, hip, groin and/or leg pain from April 2009 through April 2024. Patients with radiographic findings of an LSTV and clinical presentation underwent diagnostic injections to confirm diagnosis of Bertolotti's syndrome. Treatment was determined based on patient's LSTV classification. 157 patients with confirmed Bertolotti's syndrome underwent surgical treatment. Results. Over 500 patients presented with an appropriate clinical presentation and radiographic findings of an LSTV. Diagnostic injections were targeted into the transitional anatomy confirming the LSTV as the primary pain generator to make the diagnosis of Bertolotti's syndrome. The decision in the type of surgical intervention, resection or fusion, was made based on patient's LSTV anatomy. 157 patients with confirmed Bertolotti's Syndrome underwent surgical treatment (121 fusions (77%), 36 resections (23%)). The classification system and surgical outcomes, in part, have been previously published in World Neurosurgery. Conclusion. We have outlined the best practice of diagnosis and treatment selection for Bertolotti's syndrome. We have shown significant improvement in outcomes based on this method. We hope to aid in both patient education and provide an outline on how clinicians can become knowledgeable on Bertolotti's syndrome. Conflicts of interest. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding. No funding obtained