Aims. The distal metatarsal metaphyseal articular angle (DMMA) is a measurement used in the surgical decision making of hallux valgus correction. However, it is difficult to measure on plain radiographs, is subject to projection bias, and its role in pathology is unclear. With the advent of weight-bearing CT (WBCT), our understanding of hallux valgus as a multiplanar deformity has evolved. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the DMAA and pronation of the first metatarsal head in patients with hallux valgus. Methods. This was a single-centre, retrospective analysis of 50 patients with hallux valgus deformity who had WBCTs obtained as part of routine pre-operative work-up. Patients with metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis, hindfoot deformity and previous surgery were excluded. From the WBCT images digital radiographs were created and the DMMA measured. Measurements were taken by 2 authors, each repeated twice and the average of all four measurements used in analysis. We also measured intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA) and metatarsal pronation angle (MPA). Results. There were 41 females and 9 males, mean age 52.4±15.8 years. IMA was 14.5±3.3 degrees, HVA was 29.3±8.4 degrees, MPA was 11.7±6.3 degrees, and DMMA was 15.5±5.3 degrees. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for intra-observer reliability was 0.829 for assessor 1 and 0.910 for assessor 2. ICC for inter-observer reliability was 0.727. Pearsons correlation revealed no link between IMA and DMAA, nor HVA and DMMA. However, there was a significant (albeit small) correlation between MPA and DMMA (r=0.337, p=0.017). Conclusion. There was reasonable reliability in measuring DMMA between authors on WBCT. Despite this, DMMA appeared to increase with increasing metatarsal pronation. The DMMA may therefore be (in part) projection artefact secondary to metatarsal pronation and surgeons should be aware of this during surgical planning

Background. Distinguishing stable from unstable ankle fractures is key to successful ankle fracture management. Gravitational stress views (GSV) may be a convenient and less painful alternative to manual stress testing. The aim of this study was to assess whether this test accurately predicts ankle instability. Methods. Patients presenting to a single trauma centre between 2011 and 2013 with an isolated fibula fracture and a an anatomically-aligned mortise on initial plain film radiographs were reviewed. After initial x-ray, patients underwent a gravity stress view. Measurements from plain film radiographs were recorded and analysed. Electronic case notes and National Imaging Archives were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 10 years post-injury. Patients were contacted to complete patient reported outcome measures (PROMS). Results. One-hundred and forty-two (142) patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Mean initial film medial clear space (MCS) measurement was 3.46mm (1.0 to 6.0) compared to GSV MCS that was 4.9mm (2.0 to 8.8) (p<0.001). No patient underwent surgery and all patients had successful conservative management with anatomical union seen at their 6 week radiograph. No patient returned with a complication related to their ankle fracture during the follow-up period. With a MCS acquired from GSV of >5mm, 65 patients would have undergone unnecessary surgical intervention. At MCS of >6mm, 26 patients would have undergone surgery unnecessarily and at a MCS of >7mm 10 patients would have had unnecessary surgery. To date, 50 patients have provided PROMs. Mean Olerud and Molander Score (OMAS) at 10 years was 86.63 (SD 23.27, 95% CI 79.47 – 93.79), Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) was 79.41 (SD 32.94, 95% CI 69.39 – 89.42) and Euroqol-5D-3L was 0.86 (SD0.22, 95% CI 0.79 – 0.93). Conclusion. Stress views may over-diagnose instability in patients with an isolated fibula fracture in an otherwise normal initial radiograph

Aims. First metatarsal Pronation is increasingly recognised as an important component of Hallux valgus (HV) and can contribute towards intraoperative malreduction, postoperative recurrence and patient reported outcome measures (1,2,3). There are numerous radiological ways to measure metatarsal rotation on plain radiographs and weight bearing CT (WBCT), however there are no clinical tests to evaluate metatarsal pronation pre- or intra-operatively. This study therefore aimed to examine the relationship between clinical pronation of the toe and metatarsal pronation. Methods. Single-centre, retrospective analysis over 5 years. Measurements were performed on WBCT images with digital reconstructions to add soft tissues. First metatarsal rotation was measured using the Metatarsal Pronation Angle as previously described (4). Toe rotation was measured by the Phalangeal Condylar Angle (PCA), the angle between the condyles of the proximal phalanx and the floor, and the Nail Plate Angle (NPA), the angle of the base of the nail plate to the floor in the coronal Plane. These were obtained from 50 feet in Hallux valgus patients, and 50 control patients with CTs done for osteochondral lesions without hallux valgus or hindfoot malalignment. Results. The HV group comprised 41 women and 9 men, mean age 52.4. Control group, 23 women and 23 male, mean age 40.25. Inter and Intra Observer reliability both excellent (ICC &gt;0.95) for all measurements. When comparing HV vs control, MPA was 11.7 vs 6.0 (p&lt;0.001), PCA 31.8 vs 4.7 (p&lt;0.001), NPA 18.3 vs 6.0 (p&lt;0.0001). NPA correlated with PCA. NPA and PCA correlate with Hallux valgus Angle (p&lt;0.001), but not with MPA (p 0.567). Conclusion. These results suggest that clinical toe pronation increases as HV angle increases but not with metatarsal pronation, which therefore cannot be used as a clinical marker. Toe pronation is similar at the base and at the nail, suggesting rotation happens at the MTPJ

Aims. Complex elbow fracture-dislocations often result in suboptimal outcomes and necessitate a thorough understanding of injury patterns to guide effective management and reduce adverse sequelae. The Wrightington Classification System (WCS) offers a comprehensive approach and considers both bony and soft-tissue disruption, providing clearer guidance for treatment. This is the first external study to assess the reliability of the WCS for elbow fracture-dislocations. Methods. A blinded study of patients with elbow fracture-dislocations at a single institution between December 2014 and December 2022 was conducted. Five assessors with a range of experience, including orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists, independently classified injuries using the WCS across three image methods: plain radiograph, 2D CT, and 2D and 3D CT reconstruction images, on two occasions with an eight-week interval. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were evaluated using kappa statistics and the Landis and Koch criteria. Results. A total of 73 patients were included in the study. Interobserver reliability was moderate, with mean kappa values of 0.518 (95% CI 0.499 to 0.537), 0.557 (95% CI 0.537 to 0.577), and 0.582 (95% CI 0.562 to 0.601), for radiographs, 2D CT, and 2D and 3D CT reconstructions, respectively. Intraobserver agreement was substantial (mean kappa 0.695 (SE 0.067), 0.729 (SE 0.071), and 0.777 (SE 0.070) for radiographs, 2D CT, and 3D CT reconstructions, respectively). Conclusion. The WCS is a reliable and valuable tool for characterizing elbow fracture-dislocations and guiding surgical interventions. This study found moderate reliability in using the WCS, with higher reliability with combined 2D and 3D CT imaging. Further refinement within the WCS in differentiating between coronoid avulsions, basal, anteromedial, and/or anterolateral facet injuries may help improve reliability and reproducibility. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):188–192

Aims

The aim of the present study was to analyze the oncological and neurological outcome of patients undergoing interdisciplinary treatment for primary malignant bone and soft-tissue tumours of the spine within the last seven decades, and changes over time.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the necessity of revising the acetabular component in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) who require revision of the femoral component. The hypothesis was that revision of both the acetabular and femoral components and using a dual-mobility acetabular component would provide a lower postoperative risk of dislocation, without increasing perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a deep learning-based model for classification of hip fractures to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

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.

Aims

The primary aims of this study were to determine the time to sonographic correction of decentred hips during treatment with Pavlik harness for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and investigate potential risk factors for a delayed response to treatment.

Aims

The aim of this study was to perform an incremental cost-utility analysis and assess the impact of differential costs and case volume on the cost-effectiveness of robotic arm-assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (rUKA) compared to manual (mUKA).

Objectives. Acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement have been shown to have a high rate of complications. Anatomic suprapectineal plating systems have been developed to manage these injuries with good short-term outcomes, however long-term maintenance of anatomical reduction and functional outcomes is yet to be established. Efficacy of maintenance of reduction and functional outcomes at a minimum of 5-years follow-up is the aim of this study. Design and Methods. A retrospective cohort study examining patients aged over 16 years following fixation of acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement at a trauma centre in the United Kingdom. All patients had acetabular fracture fixation with an anatomically designed suprapectineal plate. Patients were admitted from March 2014 to January 2017. Primary outcomes included objective radiological outcomes such as reduction quality, maintenance of reduction, metalwork failure, complications (such as reoperation, neurological deficit and mortality) and subjective patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) using the Oxford Hip Score and EuroQol EQ5D Score at a minimum of 5-years post-operatively. Results. 16 patients met our eligibility criteria in this cohort. Post-operative mean Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at a minimum of 5-years was 40.5 (SD 11.9) with a median score of 45. Post-operative mean EuroQol EQ-5D scores at a minimum of 5-years were 0.83 (SD 0.25). Comparison of OHS and EQ5D at 1-year and 5-years showed no significant difference (OHS p = 0.27 / EQ5D p = 0.128). Radiographic outcomes were assessed with AP and Judet plain radiographs at a minimum of 5-years follow-up. Rate of conversion to total hip replacement was 6.25%. 56.3% showed some evidence of dome comminution with 18.8% demonstrating dome impaction. 93.7% showed evidence of quadrilateral plate involvement. 12.5% showed evidence of femoral head injury. Conclusion. Maintenance of reduction and functional and patient reported outcomes using anatomically contoured suprapectineal plates do not change significantly between 1 year and 5 years follow-up

Aims

This study aimed to determine clinical outcomes; relationships between postoperative anterior, lateral, and posterior acetabular coverage and joint survival; and prognostic factors for joint survival after transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA).

Aims

There has been limited literature regarding outcomes of acetabular rim syndrome (ARS) with persistent acetabular os in the setting of acetabular dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to characterize a cohort of adolescent and young adult patients with ARS with persistent os and compare their radiological and clinical outcomes to patients with acetabular dysplasia without an os.

Lisfranc injuries were previously described as fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints. With advancements in modern imaging, subtle Lisfranc injuries are now more frequently recognized, revealing that their true incidence is much higher than previously thought. Injury patterns can vary widely in severity and anatomy. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieve good outcomes. The original classification systems were anatomy-based, and limited as tools for guiding treatment. The current review, using the best available evidence, instead introduces a stability-based classification system, with weightbearing radiographs and CT serving as key diagnostic tools. Stable injuries generally have good outcomes with nonoperative management, most reliably treated with immobilization and non-weightbearing for six weeks. Displaced or comminuted injuries require surgical intervention, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) being the most common approach, with a consensus towards bridge plating. While ORIF generally achieves satisfactory results, its effectiveness can vary, particularly in high-energy injuries. Primary arthrodesis remains niche for the treatment of acute injuries, but may offer benefits such as lower rates of post-traumatic arthritis and hardware removal. Novel fixation techniques, including suture button fixation, aim to provide flexible stabilization, which theoretically could improve midfoot biomechanics and reduce complications. Early findings suggest promising functional outcomes, but further studies are required to validate this method compared with established techniques. Future research should focus on refining stability-based classification systems, validation of weightbearing CT, improving rehabilitation protocols, and optimizing surgical techniques for various injury patterns to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1431–1442.

Aims

The first metatarsal pronation deformity of hallux valgus feet is widely recognized. However, its assessment relies mostly on 3D standing CT scans. Two radiological signs, the first metatarsal round head (RH) and inferior tuberosity position (ITP), have been described, but are seldom used to aid in diagnosis. This study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of these two signs for a more convenient and affordable preoperative assessment and postoperative comparison.

Introduction. The evaluation of treatment modalities for distal femur periprosthetic fractures (DFPF) post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has predominantly focused on functional and radiological outcomes in existing literature. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the functional and radiological efficacy of locking plate (LP) and retrograde intramedullary nail (IMN) treatments, while incorporating mortality rates. Method. Twenty patients (15 female, 5 male) with a minimum 24-month follow-up period, experiencing Lewis-Rorabeck type-2 DFPF after TKA were included. These patients underwent either LP (n=10) or IMN (n=10). The average follow-up duration was 48 months (range: 24–192). Treatment outcomes, including functional scores, alignment, union time, complications, and mortality rates, were assessed and compared between LP and IMN groups. Clinical examination findings pre-treatment and at final follow-up, along with two-way plain radiographs, were utilized. Statistical analyses comprised Student's t-test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with a 95% confidence interval. Result. At final follow-up, the LP group demonstrated a mean Knee Society score of 67.2 ± 16.1, while the IMN group exhibited a score of 72.8 ± 9.4(P = 0.58). No statistically significant differences were observed in alignment between the groups[aLDFA (anatomical lateral distal femoral angle), P = 0.31; aPDFA (anatomical posterior distal femoral angle), P = 0.73]. The mean time to union was 3.7 ± 0.8 months for LP and 3.9 ± 0.6 months for IMN (P = 0.62). Complications such as infection occurred in 1 LP patient, and non-union was observed in 2 LP patients, while no complications were noted in IMN group(P < 0.01). Mortality rates were notably lower in the IMN group compared to the LP group across various time intervals. Conclusion. Both LP and IMN treatments yielded similar functional scores, alignment, and union time for DFPF post-TKA. However, the lower incidence of complications and mortality rates associated with IMN treatment suggest its superiority in managing DFPF following TKA

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. Methods. The CNN was trained and tested on radiographs sourced from 11 hospitals in Australia and externally validated on radiographs from the Netherlands. Each radiograph was paired with corresponding CT scans to serve as the reference standard based on dual independent evaluation by trained researchers and attending orthopaedic surgeons. Presence of a fracture, classification (non- to minimally displaced; two-part, multipart, and glenohumeral dislocation), and four characteristics were determined on 2D and 3D CT scans and subsequently allocated to each series of radiographs. Fracture characteristics included greater tuberosity displacement ≥ 1 cm, NSA ≤ 100°, shaft translation (0% to < 75%, 75% to 95%, > 95%), and the extent of articular involvement (0% to < 15%, 15% to 35%, or > 35%). Results. For detection and classification, the algorithm was trained on 1,709 radiographs (n = 803), tested on 567 radiographs (n = 244), and subsequently externally validated on 535 radiographs (n = 227). For characterization, healthy shoulders and glenohumeral dislocation were excluded. The overall accuracy for fracture detection was 94% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.98) and for classification 78% (AUC 0.68 to 0.93). Accuracy to detect greater tuberosity fracture displacement ≥ 1 cm was 35.0% (AUC 0.57). The CNN did not recognize NSAs ≤ 100° (AUC 0.42), nor fractures with ≥ 75% shaft translation (AUC 0.51 to 0.53), or with ≥ 15% articular involvement (AUC 0.48 to 0.49). For all objectives, the model’s performance on the external dataset showed similar accuracy levels. Conclusion. CNNs proficiently rule out proximal humerus fractures on plain radiographs. Despite rigorous training methodology based on CT imaging with multi-rater consensus to serve as the reference standard, artificial intelligence-driven classification is insufficient for clinical implementation. The CNN exhibited poor diagnostic ability to detect greater tuberosity displacement ≥ 1 cm and failed to identify NSAs ≤ 100°, shaft translations, or articular fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1348–1360

Aims

The aim of this study was to create artificial intelligence (AI) software with the purpose of providing a second opinion to physicians to support distal radius fracture (DRF) detection, and to compare the accuracy of fracture detection of physicians with and without software support.

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 risk factors for recurrent instability (RI) following a primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (PTASD) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of RI in a large cohort of patients managed nonoperatively after PTASD and to develop a clinical prediction model.