Aims

This study aimed to establish the optimal fixation methods for calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fractures with different fragment thicknesses in a porcine model.

Despite being one of the most common injuries around the elbow, the optimal treatment of olecranon fractures is far from established and stimulates debate among both general orthopaedic trauma surgeons and upper limb specialists. It is almost universally accepted that stable non-displaced fractures can be safely treated nonoperatively with minimal specialist input. Internal fixation is recommended for the vast majority of displaced fractures, with a range of techniques and implants to choose from. However, there is concern regarding the complication rates, largely related to symptomatic metalwork resulting in high rates of implant removal. As the number of elderly patients sustaining these injuries increases, we are becoming more aware of the issues associated with fixation in osteoporotic bone and the often fragile soft-tissue envelope in this group. Given this, there is evidence to support an increasing role for nonoperative management in this high-risk demographic group, even in those presenting with displaced and/or multifragmentary fracture patterns. This review summarizes the available literature to date, focusing predominantly on the management techniques and available implants for stable fractures of the olecranon. It also offers some insights into the potential avenues for future research, in the hope of addressing some of the pertinent questions that remain unanswered.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):112–123.

Aims

As has been shown in larger animal models, knee immobilization can lead to arthrofibrotic phenotypes. Our study included 168 C57BL/6J female mice, with 24 serving as controls, and 144 undergoing a knee procedure to induce a contracture without osteoarthritis (OA).

Aims. Olecranon fractures are usually caused by falling directly on to the olecranon or following a fall on to an outstretched arm. Displaced fractures of the olecranon with a stable ulnohumeral joint are commonly managed by open reduction and internal fixation. The current predominant method of management of simple displaced fractures with ulnohumeral stability (Mayo grade IIA) in the UK and internationally is a low-cost technique using tension band wiring. Suture or suture anchor techniques have been described with the aim of reducing the hardware related complications and reoperation. An all-suture technique has been developed to fix the fracture using strong synthetic sutures alone. The aim of this trial is to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of tension suture repair versus traditional tension band wiring for the surgical fixation of Mayo grade IIA fractures of the olecranon. Methods. SOFFT is a multicentre, pragmatic, two-arm parallel-group, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial. Participants will be assigned 1:1 to receive either tension suture fixation or tension band wiring. 280 adult participants will be recruited. The primary outcome will be the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at four months post-randomization. Secondary outcome measures include DASH (at 12, 18, and 24 months), pain, Net Promotor Score (patient satisfaction), EuroQol five-dimension five-level score (EQ-5D-5L), radiological union, complications, elbow range of motion, and re-operations related to the injury or to remove metalwork. An economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of treatments. Discussion. There is currently no high-quality evidence comparing the clinical and cost effectiveness of the tension suture repair to the traditional tension band wiring currently offered for the internal fixation of displaced fractures of the olecranon. The Simple Olecranon Fracture Fixation Trial (SOFFT) is a randomized controlled trial with sufficient power and design rigour to provide this evidence for the subtype of Mayo grade IIA fractures. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):27–37

Aims

Distal third clavicle (DTC) fractures are increasing in incidence. Due to their instability and nonunion risk, they prove difficult to treat. Several different operative options for DTC fixation are reported but current evidence suggests variability in operative fixation. Given the lack of consensus, our objective was to determine the current epidemiological trends in DTC as well as their management within the UK.

Abstract. Background. Aim of this study is to determine the difference between re-operation rates after conventional Methods of fixation of patella fractures using Metallic implants and novel technique of all suture fixation using Ethibond or fiber tape. Methods. This is a retrospective comparative analysis involving 62 patients who had a transverse patellar fracture and underwent surgery between January 2013 to December 2021. Selected patients were divided, based on different fixation methods used, into four groups - TBW group, CC screw group, Encirclage group and Suture Fixation Group. Patients were followed till bone union was evident on radiographs. Number of patients in Metallic implant group undergoing repeat operation were compared with the patients who underwent patella fracture fixation using all suture technique. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for all continuous variables. Mean of the two groups was compared using unpaired t-test. Results. TBW was the most common method of fixation used in 41(66.1%) patients. 7 patients each underwent surgery using CC screw, Encirclage +/− TBW, and suture fixation respectively. Bone union was seen in about 85% of patients in all the groups suggesting all treatment modalities lead to good fracture healing. 15 patients(36.6%) of patients in TBW group and 3 patients(42.9%) in encirclage group had implant removal because of hardware-related complications (p<0.001). None of the patient who underwent All suture Fixation underwent re-operation. Conclusion. The results suggest that Suture fixation of patellar fractures is a valid treatment modality giving excellent results with similar bone union rates without any complications

Abstract. Introduction. All-tissue quadriceps tendon (QT) is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to hamstrings tendon (HT) and bone-tendon-bone (BTB) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The relatively short graft length however dictates that one, or both, ends rely on suture fixation. The strength of this construct is therefore extremely important. This study evaluates whether the use of a novel fixation technique can improve the tensile properties of the construct compared to a Krackow suture, and a looped tendon (suture free) gold standard. Methods. Eighteen porcine flexor tendons were tested, across three groups; suture-tape Krackow, looped tendon, and the novel ‘strain suture’. Biomechanical testing simulated the different stages of ACL graft preparation and loading (60N preload for 10 minutes, 10 cycles from 10N to 75N, and 1000 cycles from 100N to 400N). Elongation and load to failure were recorded, and stiffness calculated for each construct. Results. The mean elongation was significantly improved for the strain suture compared to the suture tape Krackow for preload, 10 cycle and 1000 cycle testing protocols respectively (1.36mm vs 4.93mm, p<001; 0.60mm vs 2.72mm, p<0.001; 2.95mm vs 29.08mm, p<0.001). Compared with the looped tendon, the strain suture demonstrated similar results for preload and 10 cycle elongation, but greater elongation during the 1000 cycle stage. Stiffness of the latter two constructs was similar. Conclusions. Augmentation of the suture fixation using this novel technique provides a construct that is significantly superior to currently practised suture techniques, and similar in elongation and stiffness to a looped graft

The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a well-established procedure in the management of symptomatic hip dysplasia. The associated Smith-Petersen exposure offers excellent visualization of the acetabulum and control of acetabular osteotomy and mobilization. The traditional exposure of the true pelvis involves osteotomy of the iliac wing in order to mobilize the sartorial and inguinal ligament insertion. However, full osteotomy of the iliac spine may necessitate screw fixation if a relatively large segment of bone is included. A known complication with screw fixation of the iliac wing osteotomy involves failure of fixation and screw back out. Moreover, the screw may be irritative to the patient even in the setting of adequate fixation. A larger osteotomy may also injure the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it travels near the anterior superior spine. To minimize the risk of these potential complications, a wafer osteotomy may be used to develop a sleeve of tissue involving the sartorial insertion. Markings may be made so that the curvilinear incision is centered about the anterior-superior iliac spine (ASIS). The sartorial sleeve also mobilizes the entirety of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve medially as it runs and branches to varying degrees in a fatty tissue layer in the tensor-sartorius interval directly beneath the subcutaneous layer, thereby affording protection throughout the procedure. When the ASIS is first osteotomized as a several millimeter-thick mobile fragment and reflected, the sartorius attachment to the mobile fragment of the wafer osteotomy may be preserved. Furthermore, the wafer osteotomy may be re-fixed to the stable pelvis during closure with simple heavy suture fixation alone, avoiding screw insertion or associated removal. Because only a wafer or bone is taken during the spine osteotomy, more bone is available at the ASIS for fixation of the mobile fragment after repositioning. In this technical note, we describe the wafer osteotomy technique in further detail. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore whether time to surgery affects functional outcome in displaced proximal humeral fractures

Introduction. Hip abductor tendon tears have been referred to as “rotator cuff tears of the hip,” and are a recognized etiology for persistent, often progressive, lateral hip pain, weakness, and limp. Multiple repair techniques and salvage procedures for abductor tendon tears have been reported in the literature; however, re-tear remains a frequent complication following surgical repair. This study compares the short-term outcomes of open abductor tendon repairs with decortication and suture fixation (DSF) compared to a modified technique repair into a bone trough (BT), to determine best surgical results for large abductor tendon avulsions. Additionally, surgical treatment of small tears versus large tears was examined. Methods. The outcomes of 37 consecutive hip abductor tendon repairs treated between January 2009 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Large tears were defined as detachment of 33–100% of the gluteus medius insertion. There were 15 DSF and 10 BT cases. Postoperative pain, ability to perform single leg stance, hip abduction, and Trendelenburg lurch, were examined. Small tears (12 cases) were defined as having no gluteus medius avulsion from the trochanteric insertion and were comprised of longitudinal tears (repaired side-by-side) and isolated gluteus minimus tears (repaired by tenodesis to the overlying gluteus medius). Standard statistical analyses were utilized. Type I error for all analyses was set at α=0.05. Results. When comparing large tear repair outcomes, repairs into a BT had superior outcomes to repairs with DSF: 0 (BT) versus 6 (DSF, 40%) failure rate (p<0.05), and greater reductions in pain at one-year post surgery (Δ VAS: BT, −5.70±0.97 | DSF: −2.73±0.69; p<0.01), ability to perform a single leg stance and hip abduction (90% and 100% vs 47% and 73%) (p<0.05). Clinical strength ratings were higher for repairs into a BT, but this did not reach statistical significance. When comparing large to small tear repair outcomes, small tears were found to have lower VAS pain scores and higher clinical strength ratings during both the pre-op and 1-year post-op time points (p<0.05). A higher percentage of those with small tears were able to perform a single leg stance and hip abduction (100%) compared to those with large tears (64% and 78% respectively) (p<0.05). A significantly higher frequency of residual lurch was also observed for those with large tears; 56% compared to small tears at 0%. Conclusions. Utilizing a BT repair significantly improved surgical results for large abductor tendon avulsions. Level of evidence: Therapeutic level IV case series

Aims

The traditional transosseus flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer for patients with Achilles tendinopathy requires two incisions to harvest a long tendon graft. The use of a bio-tenodesis screw enables a short graft to be used and is less invasive, but lacks supporting evidence about its biomechanical behaviour. We aimed, in this study, to compare the strength of the traditional transosseus tendon-to-tendon fixation with tendon-to-bone fixation using a tenodesis screw, in cyclical loading and ultimate load testing.

We present a case series of patients who underwent 3 or 4 part proximal humerus fracture fixation using an intra-osseous suture technique. 18 patients are included in the study with follow up data obtained ranging from 1 to 4 years. Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) and range of movement measurements were taken for all patients. The mean OSS for the group was 50/60 with a mean forward flexion of 140°, abduction of 132°, external rotation of 48° and internal rotation to the level 10. th. thoracic vertebra. Three patients developed adhesive capsulitis, 2 requiring subsequent arthroscopic release. This data compares favourably to outcomes reported in the literature with hemiarthroplasty or locking plate fixation. An activity based costing analysis estimated that the treatment costs for proximal humerus fractures was approximately £2,055 when performing a soft tissue reconstruction, £3,114 when using a locking plate and £4,679 when performing a hemiarthroplasty. This demonstrates a significant financial saving when using intra-osseous fixation compared to other fixation techniques. We advocate the use of the intra-osseous suture fixation technique for certain 3 and 4 part fractures. It gives good functional outcomes, significant cost savings and potentially makes revision procedures easier when compared to other fixation techniques

Objectives

This study evaluated the mechanical performance, under low-load cyclic loading, of two different knotless suture anchor designs: sutures completely internal to the anchor body (SpeedScrew) and sutures external to the anchor body and adjacent to bone (MultiFIX P).

Aims

To compare radiographic failure and re-operation rates of anatomical coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstructional techniques with non-anatomical techniques after chronic high grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries.

A total of 22 patients with a tibial avulsion fracture involving the insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with grade II or III posterior laxity were reduced and fixed arthroscopically using routine anterior and double posteromedial portals. A double-strand Ethibond suture was inserted into the joint and wrapped around the PCL from anterior to posterior to secure the ligament above the avulsed bony fragment. Two tibial bone tunnels were created using the PCL reconstruction guide, aiming at the medial and lateral borders of the tibial bed. The ends of the suture were pulled out through the bone tunnels and tied over the tibial cortex between the openings of the tunnels to reduce and secure the bony fragment. Satisfactory reduction of the fracture was checked arthroscopically and radiographically.

The patients were followed-up for a mean of 24.5 months (19 to 28). Bone union occurred six weeks post-operatively. At final follow-up, all patients had a negative posterior drawer test and a full range of movement. KT-1000 arthrometer examination showed that the mean post-operative side-to-side difference improved from 10.9 mm (standard deviation (sd) 0.7) pre-operatively to 1.5 mm (sd 0.6) (p = 0.001). The mean Tegner and the International Knee Documentation Committee scores improved significantly (p = 0.001). The mean Lysholm score at final follow-up was 92.0 (85 to 96).

We conclude that this technique is convenient, reliable and minimally invasive and successfully restores the stability and function of the knee.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1220–5.

Objectives

Subtotal or total meniscectomy in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee results in a high risk of future osteoarthritis. Meniscal allograft transplantation has been performed for over thirty years with the scientifically plausible hypothesis that it functions in a similar way to a native meniscus. It is thought that a meniscal allograft transplant has a chondroprotective effect, reducing symptoms and the long-term risk of osteoarthritis. However, this hypothesis has never been tested in a high-quality study on human participants. This study aims to address this shortfall by performing a pilot randomised controlled trial within the context of a comprehensive cohort study design.

In this study, we describe a morphological classification for greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus. We divided these fractures into three types: avulsion, split and depression. We retrospectively reviewed all shoulder radiographs showing isolated greater tuberosity fractures in a Level I trauma centre between July 2007 and July 2012. We identified 199 cases where records and radiographs were reviewed and included 79 men and 120 women with a mean age of 58 years (23 to 96). The morphological classification was applied to the first 139 cases by three reviewers on two occasions using the Kappa statistic and compared with the AO and Neer classifications. The inter- and intra-observer reliability of the morphological classification was 0.73 to 0.77 and 0.69 to 0.86, respectively. This was superior to the Neer (0.31 to 0.35/0.54 to 0.63) and AO (0.30 to 0.32/0.59 to 0.65) classifications. The distribution of avulsion, split and depression type fractures was 39%, 41%, and 20%, respectively. This classification of greater tuberosity fractures is more reliable than the Neer or AO classifications. These distinct fracture morphologies are likely to have implications in terms of pathophysiology and surgical technique.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:646–51.