Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is associated with an accelerated recovery, improved functional outcomes, and retention of anatomical knee kinematics when compared to manual total knee arthroplasty (mTKA). UKA is not universally employed by all surgeons as there is a higher revision risk when compared to mTKA. Robotic arm-assisted (ra) UKA enables the surgeon to position the prosthesis more accurately when compared to manual UKA, and is associated with improved functional outcomes and a lower early revision risk. Non-randomized data suggests that, when compared to mTKA, raUKA has a clinically meaningful greater functional benefit. This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial that aims to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of raUKA compared to mTKA for individuals with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA).

Aims. In this study, we aimed to evaluate incidence trends and potential risk factors associated with Perthes’ disease in Denmark, using publicly available data. Methods. Our population-based case-control study used data from the Danish National Patient Register and Danish Civil Registration System, accessed through the publicly available Danish Biobank Register, to identify 1,924,292 infants born between 1985 and 2016. We estimated age-specific incidence rates for four birth periods of equal duration (1985 to 1992, 1993 to 2000, 2001 to 2008, and 2009 to 2016) and investigated associations with perinatal conditions, congenital malformations, coagulation defects, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Results. We identified 2,374 (81.6% male) diagnosed with Perthes’ disease aged between two and 12 years, corresponding to an overall incidence of 12.1 per 100,000 live births relative to the year of birth. The incidence declined across all four birth periods, irrespective of sex or age at diagnosis. Several perinatal conditions were associated with higher Perthes’ disease risk. Children with reported birth injuries (vs no reported injuries) exhibited the highest risk (relative risk (RR) 7.48 (95% CI 3.37 to 16.63)) followed by those with versus without coagulation defects (RR 4.77 (95% CI 1.79 to 12.69)). Children diagnosed with syndromic (RR 2.90 (95% CI 2.08 to 4.04)) or non-syndromic major congenital malformations (RR 1.86 (95% CI 1.55 to 2.23)) (vs those with no malformation diagnosis) were also associated with higher Perthes’ disease risk. The development of Perthes’ disease was positively associated with several ASD and ADHD diagnoses. However, once adjusting for the sex of the child and period of birth, the associations with ASD and ADHD were no longer significant. Conclusion. Using publicly available data, we observed a declining incidence of Perthes’ disease in Denmark over a 32-year study period. Our findings also confirm positive associations between Perthes’ disease and various perinatal conditions, coagulation defects, and congenital malformations, highlighting potential aetiological pathways for further investigation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):268–276

Aims

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is well established for acetabular reorientation and has shown successful improvement in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Nevertheless, studies focusing on postoperative outcomes related to patient individual factors are still underrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the functional outcome and activity level in relation to patient sex with a minimum follow-up of two years after PAO for mild to severe hip dysplasia.

Introduction. Current treatments of rotational deformities of long bones in children are osteotomies and fixations. In recent years, the use of guided growth for correction of rotational deformities has been reported in several pre-clinical and clinical studies. Various techniques have been used, and different adverse effects, like growth retardation and articular deformities, have been reported. We tested a novel plate concept intended for correction of rotational deformities of long bones by guided growth, with sliding screw holes to allow for longitudinal growth, in a porcine model. Method. Twelve, 12-week-old female porcines were included in the study. Surgery was performed on the left femur. The right femur was used as control. Plates were placed distally to induce external rotation, as longitudinal growth occurred. CT-scans of the femurs were processed to 3-D models and used for measuring rotation. Result. The plates rotated as intended in all 12 porcines. One porcine was excluded due to congenital deformity of the proximal part of the femurs. Two porcines had cut-out of the proximal screw on the lateral side, observed at the end of the intervention. These two porcines were included in the results. We observed a Δrotation of 5.7° ± 2° in external direction (CI: 3.7°– 7.7°). ΔFemur length was -0.4 cm [-0.7 cm – 0 cm] equal to 1.5% shortening of the operated femur. No significant difference was observed in coronal or sagittal plane. Conclusion. Significant external rotation was achieved with minimal effect on longitudinal growth. While the use of guided growth for correction of rotational deformities is already being used clinically, it is still to be considered an experimental procedure with sparse evidence. This study shows promising results for the feasibility of the method in a large animal model and is an important first step in validating the technique and detecting possible adverse effects, before future clinical studies

Introduction. Congenital scoliosis is a prevalent congenital spinal deformity, more frequently encountered than congenital lordosis or kyphosis. The prevailing belief is that most instances of congenital scoliosis are not hereditary but rather stem from issues in fetal spine development occurring between the 5th and 8th weeks of pregnancy. However, it has been linked to several genes in current literature. Our goal was to explore potential pathways through an exhaustive bioinformatics analysis of genes related to congenital scoliosis. Method. The literature from the 1970s to February 2024 was surveyed for genes associated with CS, and 63 genes were found to be associated with AIS out of 1743 results. These genes were analyzed using DAVID Bioinformatics. Result. Our pathway analysis has unveiled several significant associations with congenital scoliosis. Notably, “Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis - chondroitin sulfate / dermatan sulfate” (P-Value:8.8E-3, Fold Enrichment: 20.6), “Central carbon metabolism in cancer” (P-Value:1.3E-3, Fold Enrichment: 10.3), and “Lysine degradation” (P-Value: 9.0E-3, Fold Enrichment: 9.1) emerge as statistically significant pathways. Additionally, “Endocrine resistance” (P-Value:4.4E-3, Fold Enrichment:7.4) and”EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance” (P-Value: 1.7E-2, Fold Enrichment:7.3) pathways are noteworthy. These findings suggest a potential involvement of these pathways in the biological processes underlying congenital scoliosis. Furthermore, “Signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells” (P-Value:4.0E-4, Fold Enrichment:7.1), “Notch signaling pathway” (P-Value:6.7E-2, Fold Enrichment: 7.0), and “TGF-beta signaling pathway” (P-Value:6.2E-3, Fold Enrichment: 6.7) exhibit a less pronounced yet intriguing association that may warrant further investigation. Conclusion. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of the genetic etiology of congenital scoliosis has revealed significant associations with various pathways, shedding light on potential underlying biological mechanisms. While further research is needed to fully understand these associations and their implications, our findings provide a valuable starting point for future investigations into the management and treatment of congenital scoliosis

Aims

Developmental cervical spinal stenosis (DcSS) is a well-known predisposing factor for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) but there is a lack of consensus on its definition. This study aims to define DcSS based on MRI, and its multilevel characteristics, to assess the prevalence of DcSS in the general population, and to evaluate the presence of DcSS in the prediction of developing DCM.

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Limited implant survival due to aseptic cup loosening is most commonly responsible for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Advances in implant designs and materials have been crucial in addressing those challenges. Vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene (VEPE) promises strong wear resistance, high oxidative stability, and superior mechanical strength. Although VEPE monoblock cups have shown good mid-term performance and excellent wear patterns, long-term results remain unclear. This study evaluated migration and wear patterns and clinical and radiological outcomes at a minimum of ten years’ follow-up.

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The influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the outcome after hip and knee arthroplasty is debated. We aimed to investigate the change in patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores after hip and knee arthroplasty, comparing patients with and without MetS.

The October 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup360 looks at: Circumferential casting versus plaster splinting in preventing redisplacement of distal radial fractures; Comparable outcomes for operative versus nonoperative treatment of scapholunate ligament injuries in distal radius fractures; Perceived pain during the reduction of Colles fracture without anaesthesia; Diagnostic delays and physician training are key to reducing scaphoid fracture nonunion; Necrotizing fasciitis originating in the hand: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Study design influences outcomes in distal radial fracture research; Long-term results of index finger pollicization for congenital thumb anomalies: a systematic review; Enhancing nerve injury diagnosis: the evolving role of imaging and electrodiagnostic tools

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To propose a new method for evaluating paediatric radial neck fractures and improve the accuracy of fracture angulation measurement, particularly in younger children, and thereby facilitate planning treatment in this population.

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Bacterial infection activates neutrophils to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in bacterial biofilms of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the increase in NET activation and release (NETosis) and haemostasis markers in the plasma of patients with PJI, to evaluate whether such plasma induces the activation of neutrophils, to ascertain whether increased NETosis is also mediated by reduced DNaseI activity, to explore novel therapeutic interventions for NETosis in PJI in vitro, and to evaluate the potential diagnostic use of these markers.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for congenital hip dysplasia (CDH) presents a challenge. In high-grade CDH, key surgical targets include cup placement in the anatomical position and leg length equality. Lengthening of more than 4 cm is associated with sciatic nerve injury, therefore shortening osteotomies are necessary. We present our experience of different shortening osteotomies including advantages and disadvantages of each technique. 89 hips, in 61 pts (28 bilateral cases), for high CDH were performed by a single surgeon from 1997 to 2022. 67 patients were female and 22 were male. Age ranged from 38 to 68 yrs. In all patients 5–8cm of leg length discrepancy (LLD) was present, requiring shortening femoral osteotomy. 12 patients underwent sequential proximal femoral resection with trochanteric osteotomy, 46 subtrochanteric, 6 midshaft, and 25 distal femoral osteotomies with simultaneous valgus correction were performed. All acetabular prostheses were placed in the true anatomical position. We used uncemented high porosity cups. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. All osteotomies healed uneventfully except 3 non-unions of the greater trochanter in the proximal femur resection group. No femoral shaft fractures in proximally based osteotomies. No significant LLD compared to the unaffected or reconstructed side. 2 patients suffered 3 and 5 degrees malrotation of the femur in the oblique sub-trochanteric group. 3 patients suffered transient sciatic nerve palsies. Shortening femoral osteotomies in the treatment of DDH are necessary to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve. In our series, we found transverse subtrochanteric osteotomies to be the most technically efficient, versatile and predictable in their clinical outcome, due to the ability to correct rotation and preserve the metaphyseal bone integrity, allowing for better initial stem stability. Distal femoral osteotomies allowed for controllable correction of valgus knee deformity

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

Aims

The gold standard for percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy during the Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot is a tenotomy with a No. 15 blade. This trial aims to establish the technique where the tenotomy is performed with a large-bore needle as noninferior to the gold standard.

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To investigate the risk factors for unsuccessful radial head reduction (RHR) in children with chronic Monteggia fractures (CMFs) treated surgically.

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Given the possible radiation damage and inaccuracy of radiological investigations, particularly in children, ultrasound and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) may offer alternative methods of evaluating new bone formation when limb lengthening is undertaken in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the use of ultrasound combined with SMI in monitoring new bone formation during limb lengthening in children.

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There is a lack of high-quality research investigating outcomes of Ponseti-treated idiopathic clubfeet and correlation with relapse. This study assessed clinical and quality of life (QoL) outcomes using a standardized core outcome set (COS), comparing children with and without relapse.

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Ankle fractures are common, mainly affecting adults aged 50 years and over. To aid recovery, some patients are referred to physiotherapy, but referral patterns vary, likely due to uncertainty about the effectiveness of this supervised rehabilitation approach. To inform clinical practice, this study will evaluate the effectiveness of supervised versus self-directed rehabilitation in improving ankle function for older adults with ankle fractures.

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During total knee replacement (TKR), surgeons can choose whether or not to resurface the patella, with advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Recently, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended always resurfacing the patella, rather than never doing so. NICE found insufficient evidence on selective resurfacing (surgeon’s decision based on intraoperative findings and symptoms) to make recommendations. If effective, selective resurfacing could result in optimal individualized patient care. This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of primary TKR with always patellar resurfacing compared to selective patellar resurfacing.

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The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after growth-friendly treatment for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) between patients with skeletal dysplasias versus those with other syndromes.