We aimed to examine outcomes between displaced femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients managed with total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemi-arthroplasty (HA) via the anterolateral vs. posterior approach. We used data from the HEALTH trial (1,441 patients aged ≥50 with displaced FNFs randomized to THA vs. HA). We calculated each patient's propensity to undergo arthroplasty via the posterior approach, and matched them to 1 control (anterolateral approach) based on age (±5 years), and propensity score. We used Chi-Square/Fisher-Exact tests to compare dichotomous outcomes, and repeated measures ANOVA to examine differences in patient-reported outcomes (via the WOMAC subscores) from baseline to one-year postoperative. We used logistic regression to identify independent predictors of reoperation for instability in the posterior group. We identified 1,306 patients for this sub-analysis, 876 (67.1%) who received arthroplasty via an anterolateral approach, and 430 (32.9%) a posterior approach. The unadjusted rate of reoperation was significantly higher in the posterior group (10.7% vs. 7.1%). Following propensity score matching, we retained 790 patients (395 per group), with no between-group differences in patient, fracture, or implant characteristics. The matched cohort had a higher rate of comorbidities, and were less likely to be employed vs. the unmatched cohort. The rate of treatment for dislocation remained higher in the posterior group (6.1% vs. 2.0%) following matching. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significantly better WOMAC pain, stiffness, function, and total scores in the posterior group. Between-group differences at 12-months were: pain - 0.59 (0.03–1.15); stiffness - 0.62 (0.35–0.87); function - 2.99 (0.12–5.86); total - 3.90 (0.24–7.56). We identified THA (vs. HA, odds ratio 2.05 [1.05–4.01]) as the only independent predictor of treatment for dislocation in the posterior group. Our analyses revealed that compromised patients with displaced FNFs who undergo arthroplasty via the posterior approach may report better symptoms at one-year vs. the anterolateral approach, despite a higher odds of reoperation for instability

Abstract. BACKGROUND. Hemi-arthroplasty (HA) as a treatment for fractured neck of femur has slightly increased since 2019 and remarkably after the COVID pandemic. The main drawback of the treatment is ongoing cartilage deterioration that may require revision to THR. OBJECTIVE. This study assessed cartilage surface damage in hip HA by reproducing anatomical motion and loading conditions in a hip simulator. METHODS. Experimental design. HA tests were conducted using porcine acetabula and CoCr femoral heads. Five groups (n=4) were included: a control group comprising natural tissue and four HA groups where the acetabula were paired with metal heads to allow radial clearance (RC) classed as small (RC<0.6mm), large (2mm<RC<4mm), extra-large (4mm<RC), and oversized (RC<−0.6mm). Tests were carried out in an anatomical hip simulator that reproduced a simplified twin peak gait cycle, adapted for porcine hip joints, from the ISO 14242 standard for wear of THR prostheses (peak load of 900N). The test length was 6 hours, with photogrammetry taken at 1-hour intervals. Ringers solution was used as a lubricant. RESULTS. No changes were observed in the control group. However, cartilage surface changes were observed in all hemi-arthroplasty groups. Discolouration on the cartilage surface was noticeable at the posterior-superior part of the acetabulum after 1-hour (extra-large and oversized groups). Damage severity and location were characteristic of each clearance group. Of all the groups, the oversized group showed more significant damage. No labrum separation was seen after the simulation. CONCLUSIONS. These results are relevant to understand the effect of femoral head clearance on cartilage damage risk after HA. Declaration of Interest. (a) fully declare any financial or other potential conflict of interest

One of the most important sequelae to ageing is osteoporosis and subsequently hip fractures. Hip fractures are associated with major morbidity, mortality and costs. Most patients require surgery to restore mobility. Provision of surgery and its complications is poorly understood in South Africa. Our aim was to collect and report current hip fracture care at four centres in South Africa, as well as reporting surgical and general patient outcomes. A three year retrospective cohort at four centres will be described, focussing on provision of surgical care, mortality, types of surgery and complications. We identified 562 patients who had surgical intervention for fragility fractures, 66% were females. Forty nine percent had open reduction and internal fixation, 28% had hemi-arthroplasty replacement whilst 23% had total hip replacements. Twenty percent of patients had operative intervention within 36 hours of presentation to the emergency department. Mortality was 9% at 30 days. The most common complications were lower respiratory infections (29%), urinary tract infections (21%) and surgical site infections (9%). This is the largest cohort of surgically treated hip fracture from South Africa. Proportions of patients receiving different surgical interventions such as THR are comparable to the broader literature. However a number of key performance indicators such as surgery within 36 hours are challenging to meet. Given the changing demographics of South Africa, this study provides an early insight to contemporary care and may help provide direction for broader national strategies for reporting and improving hip fracture care

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the potentially increased risk of dislocation in patients with neurological disease who sustain a femoral neck fracture, as it is unclear whether they should undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). A secondary aim was to investgate whether dual-mobility components confer a reduced risk of dislocation in these patients.

Displaced femoral neck fractures can have devastating impacts on quality of life and patient function. Evidence for optimal surgical approach is far from definitive. The Hip Fracture Evaluation with Alternatives of Total Hip Arthroplasty versus Hemi-Arthroplasty (HEALTH) trial aimed to evaluate unplanned secondary procedures following total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemi-arthroplasty (HA) within two years of initial surgery for displaced femoral neck fractures. Secondary objectives evaluated differences in patient function, health-related quality of life, mortality, and hip-related complications HEALTH is a large randomized controlled trial that included 1,495 patients across 81 centers in 10 countries. Patients aged 50 years or older with displaced femoral neck fractures received either THA or HA. Participants were followed for 24 months post-fracture and a Central Adjudication Committee adjudicated fracture eligibility, technical placement of prosthesis, additional surgical procedures, hip-related complications, and mortality. The primary analyses were a Cox proportional hazards model with time to the primary study endpoint as the outcome and THA versus HA as the independent variable. Using multi-level linear models with three levels (centre, patient, and time), with patient and centre entered as random effects, the effect of THA versus HA on quality of life (Short Form-12 (SF-12) and EQ-5D), function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)), and mobility (Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)) were estimated separately. The majority of patients were female (70.1%), 70 years of age or older (80.2%), and able to ambulate without the aid of an assistive device before their fracture (74.4%), and the injury in the majority of the patients was a subcapital femoral neck fracture (61.9%). The primary end point occurred in 57 of 718 patients (7.9%) who were randomly assigned to THA and 60 of 723 patients (8.3%) who were randomly assigned to HA (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 1.40; p=0.79). Hip instability or dislocation occurred in 34 patients (4.7%) assigned to total hip arthroplasty and 17 patients (2.4%) assigned to hemi- arthroplasty (hazard ratio, 2.00; 99% CI, 0.97 to 4.09). Function, as measured with the total WOMAC total score, pain score, stiffness score, and function score, modestly favored THA over HA. Mortality was similar in the two treatment groups (14.3% among the patients assigned to THA and 13.1% among those assigned to HA, p=0.48). Serious adverse events occurred in 300 patients (41.8%) assigned to THA and in 265 patients (36.7%) assigned to HA. Among independently ambulating patients with displaced femoral neck fractures, the incidence of secondary procedures did not differ significantly between patients who were randomly assigned to undergo THA and those who were assigned to undergo HA, and THA provided a clinically unimportant improvement over HA in function and quality of life over 24 months

Aims

Dislocation is the most common indication for further surgery following total hip arthroplasty (THA) when undertaken in patients with a femoral neck fracture. This study aimed to assess the complication rates of THA with dual mobility components (THA-DMC) following a femoral neck fracture and to compare outcomes between THA-DMC, conventional THA, and hemiarthroplasty (HA).

Aims

Despite few good-quality studies on the subject, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly being performed for displaced intracapsular fractures of the neck of femur. We compared outcomes of all patients with displacement of these fractures treated surgically over a ten-year period in one institution.

Introduction. Success rate after Debridement-Irrigation, Antibiotic Therapy and Implant Retention (DAIR) for treatment of Acute Haematogenous (AH) and Early Post-surgical (EP) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) varies widely among published studies. Prosthesis exchange is recommended to treat PJI after a failed DAIR. However, no early postoperative prognostic factors permitting to identify future failures have been described. Aim. Identify early prognostic factor of failure after DAIR in order to propose efficient treatment before onset of chronic PJI. Hypothesis. Positive suction drainage fluid culture is a strong early predictive factor of failure. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study, with a minimum 2 years follow-up. Twenty-two consecutive patients (78 years-old +/-10) with EPPJI: i.e. infection within 1 month after joint replacement (n=12; 55%) or AHPJI: i.e. acute haematogenous infection with less than 2 weeks evolution (n=10; 45%) were included. The involved prostheses were: Total Knee Arthroplasty (n=12; 55%), Total Hip Arthroplasty (n=7; 32%) and Hip Hemi-Arthroplasty (n=3; 14%). DAIR was indicated for each patient. Suction drainage fluid was systematically analysed at day 1, 3 and 5 postoperative. Failure of the procedure was defined as: need for iterative surgery to control PJI or suppressive antibiotherapy to control PJI or death related to PJI. Results. At 2 years follow-up, failure rate after DAIR was 55%. Only positive suction drainage fluid culture was statistically associated with treatment failure (p=0,039). Neither type of prosthesis: knee prosthesis vs hip prosthesis (Odds Ratio (OR)=1; IC95%[0.14; 7.21]) nor type of fixation : cemented vs uncemented prothesis (OR=4,39; IC95%[0.29; 269]) were associated with treatment failure. In addition, type of bacteria causing PJI and especially S. aureus (OR=3,1; IC95%[0.42; 28.61]), type of infection (OR= 1,47; IC95%[0.21; 11.37]), delay between onset of symptoms and DAIR (OR= 1,63; IC95% [0.21; 14.85]) or retaining of modular component (OR= 1.32; IC95% [0.17; 10.59)) were not associated with a higher rate of failure. Conclusion. Positive suction drainage fluid culture could be an early postoperative predictive factor of failure after open Irrigation-Debridement, Antibiotic Therapy and Implant Retention for EPPJI and AHPJI

Aim. Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are devastating complications after hip arthroplasty and infection rates varies internationally between 0.76% to 1.24%. Hemi-arthroplasty (HA) is the gold standard treatment for dislocated femoral neck fractures. Recently, total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been suggested to generate even better outcomes. However, little is known about PJIs after hip fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate PJIs after femoral neck fracture in a population-based sample. Methods. Clinical databases were harvested for all THA or HA procedures done for the treatment of femoral neck fractures at our hospital district (HUS) of 1.6 million inhabitants. Altogether, 3693 arthroplasty procedures for hip fractures were performed between 2011 to 2015. The original patient records of each case were reviewed. Complication(s) leading to readmission(s), the microbe(s), and the treatment protocol of each infection was recorded until the closing date (31.12.2016). The definition of PJI according to Musculosceletal Infection Society modified at the International Consensus meeting was used. Results. We detected 111 infections (10 THAs;101 HAs):42 superficial infections (1.1%) and 69 PJIs (1.9%). The PJI rate after THA was 3.7% (8/219) and 1.8% after HA (61/3474) (p=0.04;OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.00–4.49). Most PJIs in THA group (6/8) were treated by debridement, antimicrobials, and implant retention (DAIR) and two by 2-stage exchange. In the HA group the DAIR was the first surgical treatment for 51 PJIs (84%). Other treatment options used were girdlestone (n=3), one-stage exchange (n=2), lavation (n=2), and conservative treatment (n=3). The bacteria cultured at THA group were: Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=4), Staphylococcus aureus (n=3), Streptococcus agalactiae (n=2), and Staphylococcus haemolyticus and at the HA group Staphylococcus aureus (n=25, including 1 MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=11), other coagulase negative staphylococci (n=7), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=6), Enterococcus faecalis (n=6), Escherichia coli (n=2), and streptococci (n=2). Multiple bacteria were cultured from seven PJIs. The causative microbe was unknown in five PJIs. Conclusion. THA patients had higher rate of PJIs compared to HA, however, the small sample size of the THA group may limit the statistical power of this study. The PJIs after hip fractures were usually treated by DAIR, which is also main PJI treatment after elective THAs. The overall PJI rate was higher among hip fracture than after elective THAs in the literature. The existing trend of treating more dislocated hip fractures with THA may thus lead to increased rated of PJIs in the future

Introduction. As new innovations are developed to improve the longevity of joint replacement components, preclinical testing is necessary in the early stages of research into areas such as osseointegration, metal-cartilage wear and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Large-animal studies that test load-bearing components are expensive, however, requiring that animals be housed in special facilities that are not available at all institutions. Comparably, small animal models, such as the rat, offer several advantages including lower cost. Load-bearing implants remain difficult to manufacture via traditional methods in the sizes required for small-animal testing. Recent advances in additive manufacturing (3D metal-printing) have allowed for the creation of miniature joint replacement components in a variety of medical-grade metal alloys. The objective of this work is to create and optimize an image-based 3D-printed rat hip implant system that will allow in vivo testing of functional implant properties in a rat model. Methods. A database of n=25 previously-acquired, 154μm micro-CT volumes (eXplore Locus Ultra, GE Medical) of male Sprague-Dawley rats (390–610g) were analyzed to obtain spatial and angular relationships between several anatomical features of the proximal rat femora. Mean measurements were used to guide the creation of a femoral implant template in computer-aided design software (Solidworks, Dassault Systemes). Several different variations were created, including collarless and collared designs, in a range of sizes to accommodate rats of various weights. Initial prototypes were 3D-printed 316L stainless steel with subsequent iterations printed in Ti6Al4V titanium and F75 cobalt-chrome. Implants were post-processed via sandblasting, hand-polishing, ultrasonic bath, and sterilization in an autoclave. Innate surface texturing was left on manufactured stems to promote osseointegration. Surgical implantation was performed in three live Sprague-Dawley rats (900g, 500g, 750g) with preservation of muscle attachments to the greater trochanter. Micro-CT imaging and X-ray fluoroscopy were performed post-operatively on each animal at 1 day, and 1, 3, 9 and 12 weeks to evaluate gait and component positioning. Results. Implantation of components was successful and each animal was observed to ambulate on its affected limb immediately following recovery from surgery. The 900g rat, given a collarless 316L stainless steel component, was kept for 11 months post-implantation before succumbing to old age. Micro-CT and fluoroscopic findings revealed no evidence of implant subsidence. The 500g animal, given a collarless 316L stainless steel implant, showed evidence of implant subsidence at 3 weeks, with full subsidence and hip dislocation at 12 weeks. The 750g rat, given a collared F75 cobalt-chrome implant, was observed ambulating on its affected limb, but experienced implant rotation and failure at 9 weeks. Conclusions. We report the first hip hemi-arthroplasty in a rat using a 3D-printed metal implant. This model aims to provide a low-cost platform for studying osseointegration, metal-cartilage interactions, and PJI using a functional, loaded implant. Efforts to further optimize the surgical approach will be made to reduce early implant loosening. A study with larger sample sizes is needed to determine if implants can be installed repeatedly, without complications, before the utility of this approach can be validated. Future work will include surface preparations on implant stems, with micro-CT to longitudinally track changes at the bone-metal interface, and gait analysis on a radiolucent treadmill to quantify post-operative kinematics

Introduction. A recent meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal suggested an increased risk of infection, but none of the studies were large enough to reach statistical significance. A prospective, randomised trial was designed at our institution to investigate the wound healing and complications related to surgery following fracture neck of femur in the elderly. Objectives. The primary aim was to compare the wound problems and infection following two different methods of skin closure: Subcuticular monocryl suture to metal clips for closure of skin. The secondary aim was to look at the duration of surgery after both types of closure. We received ethical approval for this study. We screened and recruited all eligible patients admitted with acute hip fracture undergoing hemi-arthroplasty or dynamic hip screw. We recruited 541 patients in the study over the period of 3.5 years at our institution. Methods. The study was approved by ethics committee. Inclusion Criteria: Age 18 years and above undergoing DHS/ Hemiarthroplasty and with full mental capacity. Exclusion criteria: Patients with no capacity or undergoing Total Hip Replacement or Nailing of femur. The randomisation was done by using the sealed envelopes. The wound review was done on post op days 2, 5, 7, 10 & 14. Results. 516 patients were included in the study. They were divided in to two groups, 252 Hemiarthroplasty and 264 DHS. Average age was 79.48 yrs. (range 31–100 yrs.), 357 Females and 159 males. Total 196 patients were followed up till day 14 and rest of the patients were discharged by the 10. th. post op day. Out of 516 patients, 278 patients had clips and 238 patients had sub cut monocryl suture for the wound closure. The average score was 1.20 (range 1–3) for the wounds (the group of 278 patients) closed with clips mainly due to bruising and oozing. The average score was 0.71(range 0–1) for the wounds (the 238 group of patients) closed with sub cut monocryl mainly due to bruising. We did not find any significant wound infection in either of these groups. Conclusion. The final review of our study showed that the wounds closed with sub cut monocryl had less wound healing issues (average score 0.71) as compared to the wounds closed with clips (average score 1.20)

Aims

Promising medium-term results from total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) have been reported for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis in young and middle-aged patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and radiological outcome of TSA in the middle-aged patient.

Aims

Compared with primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), revision surgery can be challenging. The cement-in-cement femoral revision technique involves removing a femoral component from a well-fixed femoral cement mantle and cementing a new stem into the original mantle. This technique is widely used and when carried out for the correct indications, is fast, relatively inexpensive and carries a reduced short-term risk for the patient compared with the alternative of removing well-fixed cement. We report the outcomes of this procedure when two commonly used femoral stems are used.

Introduction. Upper femoral fractures include intra and extra-capsular fracture (ECF). For intra-capsular fracture (ICF), hemi-arthroplasty (HA) is the most commonly used treatment. Interest in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is growing because THA yields less revision (4% versus 7%) associated to better functional results despite higher dislocation rate (9% versus 3%). Regarding ECF, internal fixation is the reference treatment. THA could represent a relevant alternative. This study evaluates the efficiency of THA using dual mobility cup (THA-DMC) as treatment of these fractures specially in elderly patients. Material and method. 70 patients were operated on for upper femoral fractures with Quattro THA-DMC between May 2012 and October 2013. Minimum follow-up is one year. Seven surgeons in 4 institutions were involved. Data collected were: age, gender, type of fracture, surgical approach, mortality, revision rate and dislocation rate. Results. Seventy patients were included. 83.3 % were women. Mean age was 82.8 (51–99). 43% were ECF and 57% ICF. Postero-lateral approach represented 51% of cases, trans-trochanteric 43% and Hardinge 6%. Mortality rate was 10%. One dislocation (1.4%) occurred at one month postoperative treated by closed reduction. No revision was performed. Discussion. Even though THA is widely used to treat ICF, two recent meta-analyses concluded that THAs bring better survivorship as well as better functional results despite a higher dislocation rates. THA-DMC is a way to decrease dislocation risk as confirmed by our study. There is a lack of studies published on the treatment of ECF, precluding a proper assessment. Conclusion. Given the studies identified, the gold standard in the treatment of ICF is moving toward THA. THA-DMC could overcome the higher dislocation rate observed with standard THA

Aim. To describe the epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes of native joint septic arthritis in adults admitted to Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. Method. Single-centre retrospective cohort study from 2009 to 2014. Patients ≥16 years of age were identified using ICD-10AM coding data. Electronic records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment and outcome data. Total and hemi-arthroplasty infections were excluded. Results. 543 episodes in 521 patients were included, with 90% fulfilling Modified Newman's criteria. Septic arthritis incidence was 26/100,000 patient years and was unchanged over the study period. Incidence correlated strongly with age (R. 2. =0.79) and socioeconomic deprivation (R. 2. =0.76). Median age was 49 years, and gender 70% male. Ethnicity was Pacific Island in 36% (22.8% of catchment population). The most commonly involved joints were hand interphalangeal (19%), knee (19%), metacarpophalangeal (17%) and glenohumeral (11%). Arthritis was monoarticular in 93%. Underlying conditions included current smoking (42%), osteoarthritis (29%), diabetes (22%) and gout (15%). Rheumatoid and seronegative arthritis were uncommon (each 2%). Skin/soft tissue infection occurred within 3 months prior in 38%. Osteomyelitis occurred in 26%. Sources of infection included haematogenous (42%), traumatic (34%), and iatrogenic (17%). Causative organism(s) were isolated in 80% of episodes, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus (53%, 13% of which were MRSA) then Streptococcus pyogenes (15%). 28% of culture-positive episodes were polymicrobial. Median antibiotic duration was 4 weeks, with 38% having definitive therapy orally. A median of 1 surgical procedure was undertaken during treatment. Mortality at 30 days was 3%, at 90 days 5% and treatment failure (defined as any of: death <90 days; relapse; reinfection; or ongoing joint infection leading to readmission, amputation, arthrodesis or excision arthroplasty) occurred in 17%. Treatment failure was significantly more common in cases involving large joints (23%, (69/302) vs. 11%, (26/241), p=0.0002) and in haematogenous episodes versus traumatic episodes (21% (47/229) vs. 10% (19/168), p=0.0045). Conclusions. This is the largest series of adult native joint septic arthritis currently available. The extremely high observed septic arthritis incidence (26/100,000 person years) may relate to high rates of skin and soft tissue infection in Auckland, particularly among Pacific people. Small joint infection, often excluded from previous studies, is associated with significantly better outcomes than large-joint infection. Mortality is lower in this cohort than previously reported, possibly due to the inclusion of small joint infections and exclusion of prosthetic joint infections. Acknowledgements. No additional funding was received for this work

Introduction. Clione Anchored Replacement Prosthesis (CARP-H system) is a novel femoral implant for cementless fixation at the metaphysis of the proximal femur and preservation of cancellous bone of the femoral diaphysis is expected (Fig.1). We developed CARP-H system and started to use the prosthesis after the approval by Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in 2012. This study examines the efficacy and short-term outcome of CARP-H system in a series of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or bipolar hemi-arthroplasty (BHA). Patients and Methods. Seventeen patients (17 hips) of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ON) or osteoarthritis of the hip (OA) were included. The diagnoses were OA in 10 patients, and ON in 7 patients. The mean age at surgery was 55 years (35–62 years). The mean follow-up was 12 months (6–19 months). THA using CARP-H system was performed in 11 hips and BHA in 6 hips. Results. The mean clinical score with the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel system was improved from 8 points preoperatively to 16 points at follow-up. No complications such as infection, dislocation, intraoperative fracture, or pulmonary infarction were identified. No radiolucent line around the prosthesis was observed postoperatively. Discussion and Conclusion. We used to perform THA using the thrust plate hip prosthesis (TPP) which is an outstanding prosthesis for young patients in terms of bone preservation and biological fixation. Our mid- or long-term outcome of TPP was satisfactory provided the indication was appropriate. However, TPP has been kicked out in our country since 2006. The structural concept of CARP-H system is derived from TPP, and the design of the prosthesis is modified in order to adapt to Japanese patients. CARP-H system could be a beneficial prosthesis from the viewpoint of bone-preservation at the proximal femur

[Background]

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty (following BHA) have historically had poor results in patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis of femoral head (OFNH). However, most recent report have shown excellent results with new generation BHA designs that incorporate advances in bearing technology. These optimal outcomes with bipolar hemiarthroplasty will be more attractive procedure for young patients who need bone stock for future total arthroplasty. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic finding of this procedure for the treatment of OFNH at our institution after 7-to 21years follow-up.

Hip fracture is a common injury associated with high mortality, long-term disability and huge socio-economic burden. Yet there has been relatively little research into best treatment, and evidence that has been generated has often been criticised for its poor quality. Here, we discuss the advances made towards overcoming these criticisms and the future directions for hip fracture research: how co-ordinating existing national infrastructures and use of now established clinical research networks will likely go some way towards overcoming the practical and financial challenges of conducting large trials. We highlight the importance of large collaborative pragmatic trials to inform decision/policy makers and the progress made towards reaching a consensus on a core outcome set to facilitate data pooling for evidence synthesis and meta-analysis.

These advances and future directions are a priority in order to establish the high-quality evidence base required for this important group of patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:875–9.

Over the past decade there has been a shift in the approach to management of many femoral neck fractures. As noted by Miller et al. those trends are reflected in the practice patterns of surgeons applying for board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. From 1999 to 2011 there was a trend toward total hip arthroplasty and corresponding small decreases in the use of hemi-arthroplasty and internal fixation for treatment of femoral neck fractures. For many years the treatment approach has been a simple diagnosis-related algorithm predicated upon classification of the fracture as displaced (historically treated with hemi-arthroplasty) or non-displaced (historically treated with internal fixation). More recently, however, the focus has shifted to a patient-centered approach. In the patient-centered approach factors such as age, functional demands, pre-existent hip disease and bone quality should all be considered. In the contemporary setting it is still important to distinguish between displaced and non-displaced fracture patterns. Non-displaced femoral neck fractures, regardless of patient age or activity, are well-suited to closed reduction and internal fixation, most commonly with three cannulated screws. The union rate is high in non-displaced fractures treated with internal fixation and the benefits of preserving the native hip joint are substantial. Displaced femoral neck fractures in younger active patients, particularly those without pre-existent hip arthritis, are best treated with early anatomic reduction and internal fixation. While a subgroup of young, active patients who undergo ORIF may fail, the benefits of native hip preservation in that group are again substantial. Displaced femoral neck fractures in older patients or those with substantial pre-existing hip arthritis are best treated with arthroplasty. The biggest practice change has been the trend to total hip arthroplasty as opposed to hemi-arthroplasty for a subgroup of patients. Total hip arthroplasty is now favored in almost all active, cognitively well-functioning patients as the degree of pain relief is better and the risk of reoperation is lower in the current era (32mm and 36mm femoral heads). Hemi-arthroplasty, either uni-polar or bi-polar, remains an appropriate treatment for cognitively impaired patients who also have limited functional demands in whom the risk of dislocation is particularly high

Background:. A shoulder dislocation is defined as chronic when it has been unreduced for more than one week. Chronic anterior shoulder dislocations are commonly encountered in Kwazulu-Natal for various reasons. Different surgical options exist to treat chronic anterior shoulder dislocations. However the outcome of surgically treated chronic shoulder dislocations has not been favourable in all studies. Methods:. We report on a combined case series of chronic anterior shoulder dislocations previously treated at Edendale Hospital (EDH), Pietermaritzburg and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), Durban. Patients were identified retrospectively using departmental databases and their case files were retrieved. Patient demographics, duration of dislocation, mechanism of injury and reason for delayed treatment were recorded. When available, X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans were retrieved to identify associated bony and soft tissue pathology. Surgical outcome was assessed using range of movement (ROM), change in pain severity, patient satisfaction, as well as Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OIS) and Rowe and Zarins score. Post-operative complications including redislocations were also identified. Results:. Twenty-six patients with chronic anterior shoulder dislocations were surgically treated. The average duration of dislocation was 9 months (range 2 weeks to 7 years). The most common reason for chronicity was delayed presentation to clinic or hospital (9 patients). A Hill Sachs lesion was present in 20 patients, and a pseudo-glenoid was often encountered in dislocations present for more than 4 weeks (14 of 23 patients). Three supraspinatus ruptures and 4 biceps tears were encountered while neurological injury was uncommon (2 patients). Surgical treatment included open reduction (1 patient), open reduction and Latarjet (15 patients), hemi-arthroplasty (2 patients), hemi-arthroplasty and Latarjet (3 patients) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (5 patients). Eighteen patients were available for follow-up. Most patients (16 out of 18 patients) were satisfied with their outcome. This was due to improvement in pain. Regardless of the type of surgery done, post-operative range of motion and surgical outcome scores were generally poor. Two patients were unsatisfied, due to redislocations. Conclusion:. Surgical treatment of chronic anterior shoulder dislocations resulted in satisfactory pain relief but marginal improvement in range of motion and overall shoulder function