Aims

Conventional patient-reported surveys, used for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), are limited by subjectivity and recall bias. Objective functional evaluation, such as gait analysis, to delineate a patient’s functional capacity and customize surgical interventions, may address these shortcomings. This systematic review endeavours to investigate the application of objective functional assessments in appraising individuals undergoing THA.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and debilitating knee injuries in professional athletes with an incidence in females up to eight-times higher than their male counterparts. ACL injuries can be career-threatening and are associated with increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in future life. The increased risk of ACL injury in females has been attributed to various anatomical, developmental, neuromuscular, and hormonal factors. Anatomical and hormonal factors have been identified and investigated as significant contributors including osseous anatomy, ligament laxity, and hamstring muscular recruitment. Postural stability and impact absorption are associated with the stabilizing effort and stress on the ACL during sport activity, increasing the risk of noncontact pivot injury. Female patients have smaller diameter hamstring autografts than males, which may predispose to increased risk of re-rupture following ACL reconstruction and to an increased risk of chondral and meniscal injuries. The addition of an extra-articular tenodesis can reduce the risk of failure; therefore, it should routinely be considered in young elite athletes. Prevention programs target key aspects of training including plyometrics, strengthening, balance, endurance and stability, and neuromuscular training, reducing the risk of ACL injuries in female athletes by up to 90%. Sex disparities in access to training facilities may also play an important role in the risk of ACL injuries between males and females. Similarly, football boots, pitches quality, and football size and weight should be considered and tailored around females’ characteristics. Finally, high levels of personal and sport-related stress have been shown to increase the risk of ACL injury which may be related to alterations in attention and coordination, together with increased muscular tension, and compromise the return to sport after ACL injury. Further investigations are still necessary to better understand and address the risk factors involved in ACL injuries in female athletes.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):94–100.

Increasing femoral offset in total hip replacement (THR) has several benefits including improved hip abductor strength and enhanced range of motion. Biomechanical studies have suggested that this may negatively impact on stem stability. However, it is unclear whether this has a clinical impact. Using data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR), the aim of this study was to determine the impact of stem offset and stem size for the three most common cementless THR prostheses revised for aseptic loosening. The study period was September 1999 to December 2020. The study population included all primary procedures for osteoarthritis with a cementless THR using the Corail, Quadra-H and Polarstem. Procedures were divided into small and large stem sizes and by standard and high stem offset for each stem system. Hazard ratios (HR) from Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age and gender, were performed to compare revision for aseptic loosening for offset and stem size for each of the three femoral stems. There were 55,194 Corail stems, 13,642 Quadra-H stem, and 13,736 Polarstem prostheses included in this study. For the Corail stem, offset had an impact only when small stems were used (sizes 8-11). Revision for aseptic loosening was increased for the high offset stem (HR=1.90;95% CI 1.53–2.37;p<0.001). There was also a higher revision risk for aseptic loosening for high offset small size Quadra-H stems (sizes 0-3). Similar to the Corail stem, offset did not impact on the revision risk for larger stems (Corail sizes 12-20, Quadra-H sizes 4-7). The Polarstem did not show any difference in aseptic loosening revision risk when high and standard offset stems were compared, and this was irrespective of stem size. High offset may be associated with increased revision for aseptic loosening, but this is both stem size and prosthesis specific

Aims

The aim of the HIPGEN consortium is to develop the first cell therapy product for hip fracture patients using PLacental-eXpanded (PLX-PAD) stromal cells.

Aims. We have evaluated the survivorship, outcomes, and failures of an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate implant used to preserve the native hip joint and achieve proximal fixation when there is little residual femur during large endoprosthetic reconstruction of the distal femur. Methods. A total of 14 patients underwent primary or revision reconstruction of a large femoral defect with a short remaining proximal femur using an interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate for fixation after oncological distal femoral and diaphyseal resections. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. The implant was attached to a standard endoprosthetic reconstruction system. None of the femoral revisions were amenable to standard cemented or uncemented stem fixation. Patient and disease characteristics, surgical history, final ambulatory status. ,. and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score were recorded. The percentage of proximal femur remaining was calculated from follow-up radiographs. Results. All 14 at-risk native hip joints were preserved at a mean final follow-up of 6.0 years (SD 3.7), despite a short residual femur, often after proximal osteotomies through the lesser trochanter. Overall, 13 of 14 stems had long-term successful fixation. Eight patients required no reoperation. Three patients required reoperation due to implant-related issues, and three patients required reoperation for wound healing problems or infection. There were no dislocations or fractures. At final follow-up the mean MSTS score was 24.9 (SD 4.1). Nine patients required no ambulation aids, and only one had a Trendelenburg gait. Conclusion. This interlocking, reconstruction-mode stem-sideplate reliably preserves native hip joint anatomy and function after large femoral resection with a short remaining proximal femur, both in the primary and revision setting. This is particularly important for preventing or delaying total femoral arthroplasty in young patients after oncological reconstruction. Hip abductor strength and function could be maintained by this method, and the risk of dislocation eliminated. The success of this technique in this modest series should be verified in a larger collaborative study and will be of interest to revision surgeons and oncologists. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):398–404

Introduction. Gluteus medius is disrupted during lateral approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) which may impact its function and ability to control the pelvis. The objective was to compare gluteus medius activation and joint mechanics associated with a Trendelenburg sign (pelvic drop, trunk lean) during gait and hip abductor strength between patients that underwent lateral or posterior THA approaches one year post-surgery and healthy adults. Methods. Participants that underwent primary THA for hip osteoarthritis using lateral (n=21) or posterior (n=21) approaches, and healthy adults (n=21) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants completed five walking trials. Surface electromyography captured gluteus medius activation. A 3-dimensional optical motion capture system measured frontal plane pelvic obliquity and lateral trunk lean angles. Participants performed maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) on a dynamometer to measure hip abductor torque. Characteristics from gait waveforms were identified using principal component analysis, and participant waveforms were scored against these characteristics to produce principal component scores. One-way analysis of variance and effect sizes (d) compared gait principal component scores and isometric hip abductor torque between groups. Results. Lateral THA group had statistically significant higher gluteus medius PC-scores indicating higher overall amplitudes during gait (p<0.01, d=0.97) and prolonged midstance activation (p=0.01, d=0.95) compared to the healthy group (Figure). There were no statistically significant (p>0.05) differences in pelvis or trunk angles. Isometric hip abductor torque was significantly (p=0.03, d=0.74) lower in the lateral THA than healthy group. There were no statistically significant differences between THA groups (d=0.27–0.50). Conclusions. Although the lateral THA group had lower abductor torque, there were no Trendelenburg signs during gait. Elevated gluteus medius activation in this group was a compensation for the weakness, and the muscle produced sufficient force to control the pelvis. Also, 1 year post-THA there were no statistically significant gait differences between lateral and posterior approaches. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Aims

The aims of this study were to assess the exposure and preservation of the abductor mechanism during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the posterior approach, and to evaluate gluteus maximus transfer to restore abductor function of chronically avulsed gluteus medius and minimus.

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the abductor function in moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), comparing the results of a corrective osteotomy at the base of the femoral neck and osteoplasty with 1) in situ epiphysiodesis for mild SCFE, 2) contralateral unaffected hips, and 3) hips from healthy individuals.

In patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) chronic joint dislocation induces remodeling of the soft tissue with contractures, muscle atrophy, especially of the hip abductors muscles, leading to severe motor dysfunction, pain and disability (1). The aim pf the present work is to explore if a correct positioning of the prosthetic implants through 3D skeletal modeling surgical planning technologies and an adequate customized rehabilitation can be beneficial for patients with DDH in improving functional performance. The project included two branches: a methodology branch of software development for the muscular efficiency calculation, which was inserted in the Hip-Op surgical planning system (2), developed at IOR to allow surgical planning for patients with complex hip joint impairment; and a clinical branch which involved the use of the developed software as part of a clinical multicentric randomized trial. 50 patients with DDH were randomized in two groups: a simple surgical planning group and an advanced surgical planning with muscular study group. The latter followed a customized rehabilitation program for the strenghtening of hip abductor muscles. All patients were assessed before surgery (T0) and at 3 (T1) and 6 months (T2) postoperatively using clinical outcome (WOMAC, HHS, ROM, MMT, SF12, 10mt WT) and instrumental measures (Dynamometric MT). Pre- and post-operative musculoskeletal parameters obtained by the software (i.e., leg length discrepancy, hip abductor muscle lengths and lever arms) using Hip-Op during the surgical planning were considered. One Way ANOVA for ROM measurement showed a significant improvement at T2 in patients included in experimental group, as well as WOMAC, HHS and SF12 score. The Dynamometric MT score showed significant differences between at T2 (p<0.009). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients showed a significant correlation between both pre- and post-operative abductors lever arm (mm) and hip abductor muscle strength at T2 (ρ = −0.55 pre-op and ρ = −0.51 post-op, p p<0.012 and p<0.02 respectively) and between the operated pre-postoperative leg length variation (mm) and the hip abductor muscle strength (ρ = −0.55, p p<0.013). Results so far obtained showed an improvement of functional outcomes in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery who followed therapeutic diagnostic pathway sincluding a preoperative planning including the assessment of the abductiors lever arm and a dedicated rehabilitation program for the strenghtening of abductios. Particularly interesting is the inverse relationship between the strength of the hip abductor muscles and the variation of the postoperative abductor lever arm

Objectives

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on measurement of muscle strength in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and other pathologies and to suggest guidelines to standardise protocols for future research in the field.

Introduction:. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is extremely effective in treating debilitating arthritic conditions of the hip. With the many modular prosthetic designs available, surgeons can now precisely construct mechanical parameters such as femoral offset (FO). Although several studies have investigated relationships between offset choice and hip abductor strength, hip range of motion, and prosthetic wear rate, there is scarce data on the effect of FO on pain and functional outcomes following THA. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of restoring FO (within varying degrees compared to the contralateral non-diseased hip [CL]) on physical function, mental well-being, pain, and stiffness outcomes as measured by the Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at post-operative follow-up. Methods:. We prospectively collected data on 249 patients that underwent unilateral THA with no or minimal disease of the contralateral hip. Baseline data collection included: age, gender, diagnosis, femoral head size, type of stem, and pre-operative SF-12 and WOMAC scores. Post-operative SF-12 and WOMAC scores were recorded during annual follow-up visits. Post-operative FO was retrospectively measured on standard anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs and compared to FO of CL. FO was measured as the perpendicular distance from the femoral head center of rotation to the anatomic axis of the femur with appropriate adjustments made for image magnification. Patients were categorized into one of three groups: decreased femoral offset (dFO, less than −5 mm compared to CL), normal femoral offset (nFO, between −5 and +5 mm of CL), and increased femoral offset (iFO, greater than +5 mm compared to CL). Results:. In all, 31 patients were categorized into dFO, 163 categorized into nFO, and 55 categorized into iFO. At baseline, the groups differed in categorical diagnoses (p = 0.01). Further analysis revealed a higher percentage of posttraumatic arthritis in dFO as compared to nFO and iFO (12.9%, 1.2%, and 1.8%, respectively). Moreover, a higher percentage of hip dysplasia was present in iFO as compared to nFO and dFO (14.5%, 3.6%, and 6.5%, respectively). Pre-operatively, dFO had lower WOMAC Pain scores than nFO and iFO (29.68, 43.39, and 43.63, respectively; p < 0.005). (Please see Table 1 for comparison of baseline characteristics between groups.) All other pre-operative demographic and survey characteristics were similar. At most recent post-operative follow-up, dFO had lower WOMAC Physical Function scores than nFO and iFO (72.03, 83.23, and 79.51, respectively; p < 0.02) (see Table 2). Discussion:. Reduction of patients' native FOs by greater than 5 mm during THA can lead to inferior levels of physical function. Furthermore, increasing FO by greater than 5 mm did not lead to increased levels of pain nor decreased levels of function

The October 2012 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: autologous chondrocytes and chondromalacia patellae; drilling the femoral tunnel at ACL reconstruction; whether we repair the radially torn lateral meniscus; factors associated with patellofemoral pain; mechanoreceptors and the allografted ACL; whether high tibial osteotomy can delay the need for knee replacement; return to sport after ACL reconstruction; tissue-engineered cartilage; and the benefits of yoga.

Aim. To determine differences in knee valgus angles produced during a single leg squat and hip muscle strength between healthy subjects and patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). To determine correlations between variables of hip muscle strength, knee valgus angle and pain. Study design: Observational study of 20 (8 male 12 female) healthy (H) subjects, matched for age height and weight with 20 (8 male 12 female) PFP patients (mean symptom duration 46.75 weeks). All subjects fulfilled specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Appropriate Ethical approval was obtained. Measures for both groups were Knee valgus angle during a single leg squat using 2D motion capture and SiliconCoach software for measurement of knee valgus angles, hip abduction, internal and external rotation muscle strength using hand held dynamometry, visual analogue scale for pain. Strength was reported as a percentage of body weight. All measures were taken on the affected leg for PFP subjects and matched for the equivalent leg in healthy group. SiliconCoach was determined to be reliable for intra-rater reliability of knee valgus angle (ICC.996). Results. There were no significant differences in age, height and weight (p=.59,.51,.26 respectively). Significant differences existed in hip abduction strength p=.001(PFP 19.93(9.2), H 32.22(8.26)), Hip internal rotation p=0.001 (PFP 12.94(4.35), H 19.53(6.36)), Hip external rotation p=0.001(PFP 10.00(3.07), H 16.26 (4.62)), Knee Valgus Angles p=0.001(PFP 5.31(2.59), H 2.29 (2.35)). No correlations existed between any of the variables including pain. This preliminary study shows that patients with PFP have larger knee valgus angles when doing a single leg squat and significantly weaker hip muscle strength when compared to healthy subjects. The reason for larger knee angles during single leg squat could be hypothesised as being due to weak hip abductor muscles not sufficiently controlling the alignment of the femur. However no correlations were found for these measures, nor were they found for any of the other variables including pain level. In summary the results indicate that hip musculature strengthening of the rotators and abductors and measures to reduce knee valgus angle should be included in the rehabilitation programme of patients with PFP. Further research with larger numbers of subjects should be developed to investigate this subject

Aim. To identify differences in hip muscle strength, knee valgus during a single leg squat (SLS),and function between subjects with Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome (GTPS) and healthy(H) subjects. To determine associations between pain, function, hip strength and SLS in GPTS subjects. Study Design: Observational study of 14 (3 male 11 female) PFP patients (mean symptom duration 17 months), matched for age height and weight with 14 healthy (H) subjects, All subjects fulfilled specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Appropriate Ethical approval was obtained. Measures for both groups were Knee valgus angle during SLS using 2D motion capture and SiliconCoach software for measurement of knee valgus angles, hip abduction, internal and external rotation muscle strength using hand held dynamometry, visual analogue scale for pain. Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). All measures were taken on the affected leg for GPTS subjects and matched for the equivalent leg in healthy group. Strength was reported as a percentage of body weight. SiliconCoach was reliable for intra-rater reliability of knee valgus angle (ICC.996). Results. There were no significant differences in age, height and weight (p=.85,.57,.51 respectively). Significant differences existed in hip abduction strength p=.005(GPTS13.72 (7.65), H21.49 (5.55)) and LEFS p=0.001(GPTS 57.28(16.55), H76.92(4.44)). There were no significant differences in internal and external rotation and knee valgus angles p=.509, p=.505, p=.159 respectively. There was a negative correlation between pain and function r=.879) p=0.001) and a moderate positive correlation between function and hip abduction strength r=.428 (p=.127). This preliminary study shows that patients with GPTS have reduced strength in hip abductor musculature when compared to healthy subjects. This may be due to pain inhibition; however the true causes of pain need to be determined. Pain and to a lesser extent hip abductor strength appears to have an effect on function in GPTS patients. In summary the results indicate that hip abductor muscle strengthening and management strategies to reduce pain should be included in the rehabilitation programmes of patients with GPTS. Further research with larger numbers of subjects should be developed to investigate this subject

Purpose: Hip muscle weakness may result in impaired frontal plane pelvic control during gait, leading to greater medial compartment loading, as measured by the knee adduction moment, in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of an 8-week home-based strengthening program for the hip abductor muscles on hip muscle strength and the external knee adduction moment during gait in individuals with medial knee OA compared to an asymptomatic control group. Secondary objectives were to determine if hip abductor strengthening exercises would improve physical function and knee symptoms in this sample of people with knee OA. Method: Forty participants with knee OA were age and gender-matched with an asymptomatic control group. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed to obtain peak knee adduction moments in the first 50% of stance phase. Isokinetic concentric strength of the hip abductor muscles was measured using a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Functional performance was evaluated using the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand test. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) provided an assessment of knee pain. Following initial testing, participants with knee OA were instructed in a home program of hip abductor strengthening exercises. All participants were re-evaluated after 8 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in isokinetic hip abductor muscle strength between groups at baseline or at follow-up. An improvement in hip abductor strength occurred in the OA group following the intervention (p = 0.036). The OA group had higher peak knee adduction moments than the control group (p = 0.006), but there was no change in the knee adduction moment over time in either group (p > 0.05). The OA group performed the sit-to-stand test more slowly than the control group (p = 0.001). At final testing, functional performance on the sit-to-stand test had improved in the OA group compared to the control group (p = 0.021). The OA group showed a trend towards decreased knee pain (p = 0.05). Conclusion: An 8-week home program of hip abductor muscle strengthening did not reduce knee joint loading, but improved function, in a group of participants with medial knee OA

We evaluated the long-term functional outcome in 118 patients treated for osteosarcoma or Ewing’s sarcoma in the extremities a minimum of five years after treatment. We also examined if impaired function influenced their quality of life and ability to work.

The function was evaluated according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). Quality of life was assessed by using the Short Form-36 (SF-36).

The mean age at follow-up was 31 years (15 to 57) and the mean follow-up was for 13 years (6 to 22). A total of 67 patients (57%) initially had limb-sparing surgery, but four had a secondary amputation. The median MSTS score was 70% (17% to 100%) and the median TESS was 89% (43% to 100%). The amputees had a significantly lower MSTS score than those with limb-sparing surgery (p < 0.001), but there was no difference for the TESS. Tumour localisation above knee level resulted in significantly lower MSTS scores and TESS (p = 0.003 and p = 0.02, respectively).

There were no significant differences in quality of life between amputees and those with limb-sparing surgery except in physical functioning. Of the patients 11% (13) did not work or study. In multivariate analysis, amputation, tumour location above the knee and having muscular pain were associated with low physical function.

We conclude that most of the bone tumour survivors managed well after adjustment to their physical limitations. A total of 105 are able to work and have an overall good quality of life.

Antegrade intramedullary nailing via a piriformis fossa start point is the treatment of choice for most femoral shaft fractures in adults. Recently alternate approaches for intramedullary nailing of the femur have been advocated, including retrograde nailing and trochanteric start point antegrade nailing. Reasons cited for considering altenative starting points to the piriformis fossa include a concern about the damage to the hip abductor muscles that may occur during access to the piriformis fossa. There is very little literature about long- term muscle function after standard antegrade intramedullary nailing and the conclusions of the available studies are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to document the hip abductor muscle strength following standard antegrade intramedullary nailing utilizing two different objective measures (KinCom and gait analysis). Objective evidence of hip abductor muscle strength will assist in planning new nailing techniques. Twenty-two patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures who were treated with standard antegrade reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing and who had a minimum one year follow-up were identified. The patients were examined for muscle strength, range of motion and limb length. All of the patients answered a questionnaire and completed the SF-36 and Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment outcome measures. All patients had isokinetic muscle testing of their hip abductors, hip extensors and knee extensors using the KinCom muscle testing machine. Ten of the patients also underwent formal gait lab analysis. Isokinetic muscle testing showed no significant difference from the uninjured contralateral side in hip abduction, hip extension or knee extension. The gait lab analysis failed to show any important changes in gait pattern. SF-36 scores were comparable to norms. MFA scores did not indicate any significant long term disability. Antegrade reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures utilizing a standard piri-formis fossa starting point is not associated with any significant long term hip abductor muscle strength deficit. Gait pattern returns to normal following femoral shaft fracture treated with this technique and functional outcomes are good

Purpose: To evaluate the benefits of standardization on the reliability of the physical examination of the hip by rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: Six subjects with mild to severe hip osteoarthritis (OA) were examined by 6 examiners (4 rheumatologists, 2 orthopedic surgeons) experienced in the assessment of hip OA using a 6x6 Latin square design. Subjects were examined, followed by a standardization meeting and, a day later, by post-standardization examinations. 33 hip examination maneuvers were evaluated, including range of motion, pain, tenderness, muscle strength, leg length and gait. The order of examinations was randomized for each examiner. For dichotomous signs, agreement was calculated as the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). Ordinal and continuous variables were analyzed by ANOVA, using the proportion of variance due to rheumatologists to calculate a reliability coefficient (Rc). Results: Subjects’ mean age was 61 years (range 49–65), mean BMI was 24 (range 21–30), mean WOMAC pain on walking was 52 mm (range 21–81mm). 23/33 (70%) hip examinations were reliable after standardization. Two new items resulted from the standardization meeting. Pre-/post-standardization reliability for select hip examinations using PABAK were as follows: Gait 0.06/0.52; pain on internal rotation 0.60/0.52; pain on external rotation 0.24/0.72; pain on flexion 0.46/0.82; Patrick test for hip pain 0.78/0.80; Thomas test 0.60/0.88; Trendelenburg test 0.36/0.06. Pre-/post-standardization reliability for select hip examinations using Rc were as follows: hip flexion strength 0.83/0.95; hip abduction strength 0.90/0.86; hip adduction strength 0.87/0.86; ROM internal rotation (supine) 0.87/0.94; ROM external rotation (supine) 0.87/0.80. Conclusions: Moderate to very good agreement was present for many hip examinations prior to standardization. Improved reliability was achieved after standardization for many but not all hip assessments. This will be important for improved outcome studies of early hip OA

Introduction and Aims: Recently alternate approaches for intra-medullary femoral nailing have been advocated, including retrograde nailing and trochanteric start point antegrade nailing in an attempt to avoid damage to the hip abductor muscles that may occur during access to the piriformis fossa. The aim of this study was to document the hip abductor muscle strength following standard antegrade intra-medullary nailing utilising two different objective measures. Method: Twenty-two patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures who were treated with standard ante-grade reamed interlocking intra-medullary nailing and who had a minimum one-year follow-up were identified. The patients were examined for muscle strength, range of motion and limb length. All of the patients answered a questionnaire and completed the SF-36 and Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment outcome measures. All patients had isokinetic muscle testing of their hip abductors, hip extensors and knee extensors using the KinCom muscle testing machine. Eleven of the patients also underwent formal gait lab analysis. Results: Isokinetic muscle testing showed no significant difference from the uninjured contralateral side in hip abduction, hip extension or knee extension. The gait lab analysis failed to show any important changes in gait pattern in the time spatial and hip moment parameters. SF-36 scores were comparable to norms (mean physical component score 53 and mean mental component 51). MFA scores did not indicate any significant long-term disability. Conclusion:Antegrade reamed interlocking intra-medullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures utilising a standard piriformis fossa starting point is not associated with any significant long-term hip abductor muscle strength deficit. Gait pattern returns to normal following femoral shaft fracture treated with this technique and functional outcomes are good