Aims. This study aimed to analyze kinematics and kinetics of the tibiofemoral joint in healthy subjects with valgus, neutral, and varus limb alignment throughout multiple gait activities using dynamic videofluoroscopy. Methods. Five subjects with valgus, 12 with neutral, and ten with varus limb alignment were assessed during multiple complete cycles of level walking, downhill walking, and stair descent using a combination of dynamic videofluoroscopy, ground reaction force plates, and optical motion capture. Following 2D/3D registration, tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics were compared between the three limb alignment groups. Results. No significant differences for the rotational or translational patterns between the different limb alignment groups were found for level walking, downhill walking, or stair descent. Neutral and varus aligned subjects showed a mean centre of rotation located on the medial condyle for the loaded stance phase of all three gait activities. Valgus alignment, however, resulted in a centrally located centre of rotation for level and downhill walking, but a more medial centre of rotation during stair descent. Knee adduction/abduction moments were significantly influenced by limb alignment, with an increasing knee adduction moment from valgus through neutral to varus. Conclusion. Limb alignment was not reflected in the condylar kinematics, but did significantly affect the knee adduction moment. Variations in frontal plane limb alignment seem not to be a main modulator of condylar kinematics. The presented data provide insights into the influence of anatomical parameters on tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics towards enhancing clinical decision-making and surgical restoration of natural knee joint motion and loading. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):485–496

Aims

Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients.

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):970–977.

There is still no clear consensus regarding which cup position might provide better functional performance for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study aimed to evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of acetabular mirroring reconstruction for DDH in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study reviewed 96 patients (96 hips) with unilateral Crowe type-II/III DDH undergoing either visualized navigation-assisted mirroring reconstruction with augment according to the rotation center and biomechanical structure of the contralateral normal hips (Mirroring group, 51 hips) or high hip center reconstruction (HHC group, 45 hips) in THA from 2020 to 2023. The functional and radiographic results were analyzed between the groups during a mean follow-up period of 27.5 and 28.9 months (a minimum follow-up of 12 months). The Harris hip score at the last follow-up significantly improved in both groups, while it was significantly higher in the mirroring group (P<0.001). In the HHC group, the rotation center height and greater trochanter height were significantly increased in the affected hip (P<0.001; P<0.001) and the abductor lever arm was significantly decreased in the affected hip compared to that in the contralateral normal hip (P<0.001), whereas in the mirroring group no significant statistical differences were observed between two sides. The limping occurred in 7 patients (13.7%) in the mirroring group and 14 patients (31.1%) in the HHC group (P=0.040). A multiple logistic regression demonstrated mirroring reconstruction could reduce the incidence of postoperative limping (P=0.020). Both mirroring and HHC reconstruction could improve the functional performance of THA, whereas mirroring reconstruction could offer superior biomechanical results and gait improvement as compared with HHC reconstruction, meeting the higher requirements of functional recovery

Sequelae of Legg-Calve -Perthes disease (LCPD) and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can present a coxa breva or coxa magna deformity, sometimes associated with coxa vara. This unique deformity decreases the efficiency of the abductor mechanism, causing a Trendelenburg gait and hip pain, leg length discrepancy and leads to intra- and extra-articular impingement, and eventually osteoarthritis. Several surgical techniques have been advocated to treat this kind deformity, such as great trochanter transfer, relative femoral neck lengthening. We evaluated primary results of true femoral neck-lengthening osteotomy (TFNLO) in combination with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for treatment of Coxa Breva through surgical hip dislocation (SHD). Fourteen patients with Coxa Breva received true femoral neck lengthening osteotomy in combination of PAO through SHD between March 2020 and October 2023. Ten patients with minimum 1 year followed-up were retrospectively reviewed clinically and radiographically. Eight patients had Perthes disease, 2 had DDH received closed reduction and fixation during childhood. The mean age at surgery was 16 years (range, 12 to 31 years). Clinical findings, radiographic analyses including the change in horizontal femoral offset and the leg length discrepancy as well as complications were assessed. Horizontal femoral offset improved 19.5mm(6–28mm). Limb length increase 16.8mm(11–30mm). Mean HHS increased from 80.6(66–91) to 91.8(88–96). Complication: screw broken in 1(no need operation). Asymptomatic fibrous union of the great trochanter was found in 1. No infection and joint space narrow as well as nerve palsy happened. TFNLO combined with PAO can be effective for the treatment of patients with Coxa breva. But long term follow up is warranted

Few surgical techniques to reconstruct the abductor mechanism of the hip have been reported, with outcomes reported only from case reports and small case series from the centres that described the techniques. As in many of our revision THA patients the gluteus maximus was affected by previous repeat posterior approaches, we opted to reconstruct the abductor mechanism using a vastus lateralis to gluteus medius transfer. We report the results of such reconstructions in seven patients, mean age 66 (range, 53–77), five females, presenting with severe abductor deficiency (MRC grade 1–2). Five patients had previous revision THA, two with a proximal femoral replacement, one patient had a primary THA after a failed malunited trochanteric fracture, and one patient had a native hip with idiopathic fatty infiltration of glutei of >90%. All patients had instrumented gait analysis, and surface electromyography (EMG) of the glutei, TFL, and vastus muscles simultaneously before surgery and at each post-op follow-up. Postoperatively, patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated and were requested to wear an abduction brace for the first six weeks after surgery to protect the transfer. All patients improved after surgery and reached an abductor power of 3 or more. All patients walked without support six months after surgery and were satisfied with the result. Abductor function continued to improve beyond one year of follow-up, and some patients reached an abductor power of 5. EMG demonstrated that the transferred vastus lateralis started firing synchronously with gluteus medius after three months post-surgery, suggesting adaptation to its new function. No knee extension weakness was recorded. One patient complained of lateral thigh numbness and was dissatisfied with the cosmetic look of her thigh after surgery. Our preliminary results are encouraging and comparable with those achieved by the originators of the technique

Dislocation following revision THA remains a leading cause of failure. Integrity of the abductor muscles is a major contributor to stability. Large diameter heads (LDH), Dual Mobility (DM) and Constrained Acetabular Liners (CAL) are enhanced stability options but the indication for these choices remains unclear. We assessed an algorithm based on Gluteus Medius (GM) deficiency to determine bearing selection. Default choice with no GM damage was a LDH. GM deficiency with posterior muscle intact received DM and CAL for GM complete deficiency with loss of posterior muscle. Consecutive revision THA series followed to determine dislocation, all-cause re-revision and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). 311 revision THA with mean age 70 years (32–95). At a mean follow-up of 4.8 years overall dislocation rate 4.1% (95%CI 2.4–7.0) and survivorship free of re-revision 94.2% (95%CI 96.3–91.0). Outcomes:. Group 1 - LDH (36 & 40mm) n=164 / 4 dislocations / 7 re-revisions. Group 2 - DM n=73 / 3 dislocations / 4 re-revisions. Group 3 - CAL n=58 / 5 dislocations / 7 re-revisions. Group 4 - Other (28 & 32mm) n=16 / 1 dislocation / no re-revisions. Mean pre-op OHS: 19.6 (2–47) and mean post-op OHS: 33.9 (4–48). Kaplan-Meier analysis at 60 months dislocation-free survival was 96.1% (95% CI: 93.0–97.8). There was no difference between survival distributions comparing bearing choice (p=0.46). Decision making tools to guide selection are limited and in addition soft tissue deficiency has been poorly defined. The posterior vertical fibres of GM have the greatest lateral stabiliser effect on the hip. The algorithm we have used clearly defined indication & implant selection. We believe our outcomes support the use of an enhanced stability bearing selection algorithm

Aims

Precise implant positioning, tailored to individual spinopelvic biomechanics and phenotype, is paramount for stability in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite a few studies on instability prediction, there is a notable gap in research utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of developing an AI algorithm tailored to individual spinopelvic mechanics and patient phenotype for predicting impingement.

Background. Mobile apps have shown promise in helping people to self-manage conditions like chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, it is unclear who benefits most, why, and under what circumstances. This limits our understanding of how to maximize the potential of mobile app technology. Aim. This study aimed to test and refine programme theories about how mobile apps support people to self-manage CLBP in a real-world setting. The theories were based on a previously published realist review. Methods. A realist evaluation was conducted using one-to-one realist interviews by telephone with participants who had used the Curable app to self-manage their CLBP for three months. The interviews were guided by programme theories from the realist review. Analysis of the interviews used abductive and retroductive logic to create chains of inferences, which were then developed into context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs). These CMOCs offered causal explanations about who might benefit from a mobile app to self-manage CLBP, why and in what circumstances. Results. Ten interviews were conducted (nine with people with CLBP who trialled the app and one with a founding member of Curable LLC). Twenty CMOCs were created that identified key mechanisms such as agency, control and reassurance that interact with contextual factors such as acceptance, internal capacity, and a biopsychosocial approach to pain management. These factors influence whether a person with CLBP will benefit from a mobile app for self-management. Conclusions. Twenty CMOCs were created to support three programme theories centering around concepts of empowerment, burden of care, and timing. Conflicts of interest. None. Sources of funding. R Hunter's work was supported by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal Studentship Award [2018]. Presented at: 13th Congress of the European Pain Federation (EFIC), September 2023, Budapest, Hungary

The August 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Comparing augmented and nonaugmented locking-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures in the elderly; Elevated five-year mortality following shoulder arthroplasty for fracture; Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol reduces discharge times compared with inhaled general anaesthesia in shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized controlled trial; The influence of obesity on outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; Humeral component version has no effect on outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial; What is a meaningful improvement after total shoulder arthroplasty by implant type, preoperative diagnosis, and sex?; The safety of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review; Mortality and subsequent fractures of patients with olecranon fractures compared to other upper limb osteoporotic fractures.

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.

Aims

Hip arthroscopy has gained prominence as a primary surgical intervention for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This study aimed to identify radiological features, and their combinations, that predict the outcome of hip arthroscopy for FAI.

Aims

Spinopelvic pathology increases the risk for instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet few studies have evaluated how pathology varies with age or sex. The aims of this study were: 1) to report differences in spinopelvic parameters with advancing age and between the sexes; and 2) to determine variation in the prevalence of THA instability risk factors with advancing age.

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The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes and factors contributing to failure of transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA), a type of spherical periacetabular osteotomy, for advanced osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia.

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The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the pooled incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (total joint replacement (TJR)) and to evaluate the risk factors and complications associated with POUR.

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To systematically review the predominant complication rates and changes to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for shoulder instability.

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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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Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Complications associated with fixation include screw perforation, varus collapse, and avascular necrosis of the humeral head. To address these challenges, various augmentation techniques to increase medial column support have been developed. There are currently no recent studies that definitively establish the superiority of augmented fixation over non-augmented implants in the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation or bone-graft augmentation versus those who underwent locking-plate fixation without augmentation for proximal humeral fractures.

Aims

In metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasties and resurfacings, mechanically induced corrosion can lead to elevated serum metal ions, a local inflammatory response, and formation of pseudotumours, ultimately requiring revision. The size and diametral clearance of anatomical (ADM) and modular (MDM) dual-mobility polyethylene bearings match those of Birmingham hip MoM components. If the acetabular component is satisfactorily positioned, well integrated into the bone, and has no surface damage, this presents the opportunity for revision with exchange of the metal head for ADM/MDM polyethylene bearings without removal of the acetabular component.

Introduction. Tibial nerve anatomy has not been studied profoundly in comparison to Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS). Assuming symptoms are caused by an anatomical variant or mechanical cause regarding the tibial nerve, it is essential to investigate the anatomy of this structure taking in consideration that surgical and conservative treatments have shown poor results. Methods. 40 lower-leg specimens were obtained. Dissection started 20 centimeters proximal to the Dellon-McKinnon (DM) line towards the medial aspect of the naviculo-cuneiform joint distally. Anteriorly, dissection began at the tibio-talar medial gutter until the medial aspect of the Achilles tendon posteriorly. The plantar aspect extended from medial to lateral within the parameters previously described, ending at the level of the second metatarsal. Results. The flexor retinaculum had a denser consistency in 22.5% of the cases and the average length was 51.9 mm. The flexor retinaculum as an independent structure was found absent and 77.2% of cases as undistinguished extension of the crural fascia. The lateral plantar nerver (LPN) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) nerve shared same origin in 80% of cases, 34.5% bifurcated proximal to the DM line, 31.2% distally and 34.3% at the same level. The medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) emerged proximal to the DM line in 100% of specimens. The medial plantar nerve (MPN) has its origin proximal to the DM line in 95% of cases. Conclusion. The flexor retinaculum is an extension of the crural fascia and not an independent structure. The LPN and ADM have the same origin in most cases and this presents as an important finding that must be studied in detail for clinical correlations between the motor and sensatory affections of the ADM and LPN respectively. Finally, the branches of the MCN and MPN are the most constant in their distribution and proximal origin in relation to the Dellon-McKinnon line