Aims

Steroid injections are used for subacromial pain syndrome and can be administered via the anterolateral or posterior approach to the subacromial space. It is not currently known which approach is superior in terms of improving clinical symptoms and function. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the clinical effectiveness of a steroid injection given via the anterolateral or the posterior approach to the subacromial space.

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.

The August 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: ESWT versus surgery for fifth metatarsal stress fractures; Minimally invasive surgery versus open fusion for hallux rigidus; Diabetes and infection risk in total ankle arthroplasty; Is proximal medial gastrocnemius recession useful for managing chronic plantar fasciitis?; Fuse the great toe in the young!; Conservative surgery for diabetic foot osteomyelitis; Mental health and outcome following foot and ankle surgery.

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.

The August 2024 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Does topical vancomycin prevent fracture-related infections in closed fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation? A randomized controlled trial; Is postoperative splinting advantageous after upper limb fracture surgery?; Does suprapatellar nailing resolve knee pain?; Locking versus non-locking plate fixation in comminuted talar neck fractures: a biomechanical study using cadaveric specimens; Revolutionizing recovery metrics: PROMIS versus SMFA in orthopaedic trauma care; Dorsal hook plating of patella fractures: reliable fixation and satisfactory outcomes; The impact of obesity on subtrochanteric femur fracture outcomes; Low-dose NSAIDs (ketorolac) and cytokine modulation in orthopaedic polytrauma: a detailed analysis.

The August 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Methotrexate shows potential in reducing pain for hand osteoarthritis with synovitis; Circumferential casting versus plaster splinting in adult distal radius fractures: the CAST study findings; Surgery shows superior long-term success for Dupuytren contracture compared to needle fasciotomy and collagenase injection; Evolving trends in surgical management of wrist arthritis: a decade-long national analysis; Mid-term outcomes of three commonly used surgical reconstructions for scapholunate instability; SLAC and SNAC: what is the evidence for treatment?; Steroids for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis?; When is it safe to return to driving after distal radius fracture fixation? A prospective study.

The August 2024 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Understanding perceived leg length discrepancy post-total hip arthroplasty: the role of pelvic obliquity; Influence of femoral stem design on revision rates in total hip arthroplasty; Outcomes of arthroscopic labral treatment of femoroacetabular impingement in adolescents; Characteristics and quality of online searches for direct anterior versus posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty; Rapid return to braking after anterior and posterior approach total hip arthroplasty; How much protection does a collar provide?; Timing matters: reducing infection risk in total hip arthroplasty with corticosteroid injection intervals; Identifying pain recovery patterns in total hip arthroplasty using PROMIS data.

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

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

Background. The effect of hallux valgus (HV) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the relationship between radiographic severity of deformity and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to compare the HRQOL of female patients with HV to the UK population. The secondary aim was to assess the correlation between PROMs, including HRQOL, with radiographic severity of deformity. Methods. Weight bearing radiographic data (hallux valgus (HVA) angle; intermetatarsal (IM) angle) were measured in consecutive female patients presenting with HV. Each patient prospectively completed the Euroqol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (EQ-5D), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS-Pain) and Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Data were stratified into age ranges and compared with an EQ-5D United Kingdom general population reference dataset. Pearson R correlation values were calculated for the PROMs and radiographic deformity. Results. Between July 2015 and March 2020, 425 consecutive female patients presented with HV for consideration for surgery. EQ-5D-5L data were prospectively collected for 396 of these patients (93.2%). Females less than 65 years with HV had a statistically significantly worse quality of life compared with females of the same age group in the general population. Above the age of 65, there was no statistically significant difference in EQ-5D-5L Index score between the two groups. There was no correlation between radiographic HV deformity and HRQOL measures or MOXFQ scores. Conclusion. Female patients presenting with HV deformity have a significantly reduced quality of life compared with the UK general population. The radiographic severity of deformity did not correlate with HRQOL measures or foot and ankle specific PROMs. Foot and ankle specific clinical PROMs moderately correlate with HRQOL and may be a better marker of the negative effect of symptomatic hallux valgus deformity on quality of life

Background. Surgical intervention for hallux valgus and hallux rigidus is an option for patients presenting with severe pain and deformity. Literature suggest that patients with high Pain Catastrophisation Scores (PCS) have poorer outcomes in spinal and to a lesser extent in arthroplasty surgery. There is however very little evidence pertaining to foot and ankle surgery. Aim. We aimed to study whether catastrophisation as measured by PCS influenced the outcomes following surgery for Hallux valgus and rigidus. Methodology. Ethical approval for this prospective portfolio study was obtained from NRES Committee South Central and Oxford. Approval was granted from the local R&D department prior to data collection. All patients listed for surgery for hallux pathology to the four senior authors were invited to participate. Recruitment into the study started in September 2017 and is ongoing. Pain catastrophising score (PCS), Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (Mox-FQ), Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires were completed Pre-op (baseline), and at 3, 6 and 12- months post-surgery. Results. 93 patients with minimum follow-up of 6 months were analysed using SPSS software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of the patients was 58.5 years and 83% were women. 70% of the patients had surgery for hallux valgus and rest for rigidus. Both PROMS and PCS improved significantly following surgical intervention. Patients with higher pre-operative PCS had a worse 6-month PROM score and more pain. Conclusion. This study confirms that pre-operative catastrophisation as demonstrated by a high PCS score has an adverse effect on outcomes following hallux surgery. Risk stratifying patients based on their Pre-op PCS scores may be a useful strategy to identify those at risk of poorer outcomes. We recommend that behavioural change interventions should be considered to try to improve outcomes in patients with pre-op PCS

Background. Recent large studies of third-generation minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery (MIS) have demonstrated significant improvement in clinical and radiological outcomes. It remains unknown whether these clinical and radiological outcomes are maintained in the medium to long-term. The aim of this study was to investigate the five-year clinical and radiological outcomes following third-generation MIS hallux valgus surgery. Methods. A retrospective observational single surgeon case series of consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated third-generation percutaneous Chevron and Akin osteotomies (PECA) for hallux valgus with a minimum 60 month clinical and radiographic follow up. Primary outcome was radiographic assessment of the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) pre-operatively, 6 months and ≥60 months following PECA. Secondary outcomes included the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, patient satisfaction, Euroqol-5D Visual Analogue Scale and Visual Analogue Scale for Pain. Results. Between 2012 and 2014, 126 consecutive feet underwent isolated third-generation PECA. The mean follow up was 68.8±7.3 (range 60–88) months. There was a significant improvement in radiographic deformity correction; IMA improved from 13.0±3.0 to 6.0±2.6, (p < 0.001) and HVA improved from 27.5±7.6 to 7.8±5.1. There was a statistically significant but not clinically relevant increase of 1.2±2.6° in the HVA between 6 month and ≥60 month radiographs. There was an increase in IMA of 0.1±1.6º between 6 month and ≥60 month radiographs which was not statistically or clinically significant. MOXFQ Index score at ≥follow up was 10.1±17.0. The radiographic recurrence rate was 2.6% at final follow up. The screw removal rate was 4.0%. Conclusion. Radiological deformity correction following third-generation PECA is maintained at a mean follow up of 68.8 months with a radiographic recurrence rate of 2.6%. Clinical PROMs and patient satisfaction levels are high and comparable to other third-generation studies with shorter duration of follow up

Aims. The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate and functional outcomes of bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Additionally, we evaluated the rate of graft incorporation and identified associated predisposing factors using CT scan. Methods. We reviewed a total of 37 ankles (34 patients) that had undergone bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts. A CT scan was performed one year after bone grafting to check the status of graft incorporation. For accurate analysis of cyst volumes and their postoperative changes, 3D-reconstructed CT scan processed with 3D software was used. For functional outcomes, variables such as the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale score and the visual analogue scale for pain were measured. Results. Out of 37 ankles, graft incorporation was successful in 30 cases. Among the remaining seven cases, four (10.8%) exhibited cyst re-progression, so secondary bone grafting was needed. After secondary bone grafting, no further progression has been noted, resulting in an overall 91.9% success rate (34 of 37) at a mean follow-up period of 47.5 months (24 to 120). The remaining three cases (8.1%) showed implant loosening, so tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was performed. Functional outcomes were also improved after bone grafting in all variables at the latest follow-up (p < 0.05). The mean incorporation rate of the grafts according to the location of the cysts was 84.8% (55.2% to 96.1%) at the medial malleolus, 65.1% (27.6% to 97.1%) at the tibia, and 81.2% (42.8% to 98.7%) at the talus. Smoking was identified as a significant predisposing factor adversely affecting graft incorporation (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Bone grafting for periprosthetic bone cysts following primary TAA is a reliable procedure with a satisfactory success rate and functional outcomes. Regular follow-up, including CT scan, is important for the detection of cyst re-progression to prevent implant loosening after bone grafting. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5):475–481

Aims. Ganz’s studies made it possible to address joint deformities on both the femoral and acetabular side brought about by Perthes’ disease. Femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) was developed to improve joint congruency, along with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), which may enhance coverage and containment. The purpose of this study is to show the clinical and morphological outcomes of the technique and the use of an implemented planning approach. Methods. From September 2015 to December 2021, 13 FHROs were performed on 11 patients for Perthes’ disease in two centres. Of these, 11 hips had an associated PAO. A specific CT- and MRI-based protocol for virtual simulation of the corrections was developed. Outcomes were assessed with radiological parameters (sphericity index, extrusion index, integrity of the Shenton’s line, lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA), Tönnis angle), and clinical parameters (range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)). Early and late complications were reported. Results. The mean follow-up was 39.7 months (standard deviation (SD) 26.4). The mean age at surgery was 11.4 years (SD 1.6). No major complications were recorded. One patient required a total hip arthroplasty. Mean femoral head sphericity increased from 46.8% (SD 9.34%) to 70.2% (SD 15.44; p < 0.001); mean LCEA from 19.2° (SD 9.03°) to 44° (SD 10.27°; p < 0.001); mean extrusion index from 37.8 (SD 8.70) to 7.5 (SD 9.28; p < 0.001); and mean Tönnis angle from 16.5° (SD 12.35°) to 4.8° (SD 4.05°; p = 0.100). The mean VAS improved from 3.55 (SD 3.05) to 1.22 (1.72; p = 0.06); mean Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score from 14.55 (SD 1.74) to 16 (SD 1.6; p = 0.01); and mean mHHS from 60.6 (SD 18.06) to 81 (SD 6.63; p = 0.021). The EQ-5D-5L also showed significant improvements. Conclusion. FHRO associated with periacetabular procedures is a safe technique that showed improved functional, clinical, and morphological outcomes in Perthes’ disease. The newly introduced simulation and planning algorithm may help to further refine the technique. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):40–46

Aims

Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (R-UKA) has been proposed as an approach to improve the results of the conventional manual UKA (C-UKA). The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the studies comparing R-UKA and C-UKA in terms of clinical outcomes, radiological results, operating time, complications, and revisions.

The April 2024 Spine Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Lengthening behaviour of magnetically controlled growing rods in early-onset scoliosis: a multicentre study; LDL, cholesterol, and statins usage cause pseudarthrosis following lumbar interbody fusion; Decision-making in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis of L4/L5; Does the interfacing angle between pedicle screws and support rods affect clinical outcomes after posterior thoracolumbar fusion?; Returning to the grind: how workload influences recovery post-lumbar spine surgery; Securing the spine: a leap forward with s2 alar-iliac screws in adult spinal deformity surgery.

The April 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Safety of arthroscopy combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy for osteochondritis of the talus; Bipolar allograft transplantation of the ankle; Identifying risk factors for osteonecrosis after talar fracture; Balancing act: immediate versus delayed weightbearing in ankle fracture recovery; Levelling the field: proximal supination osteotomy’s efficacy in severe and super-severe hallux valgus; Restoring balance: how adjusting the tibiotalar joint line influences movement after ankle surgery.

Aims. The study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement and partial excision in patients with traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and to identify prognostic factors associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients arthroscopically diagnosed with Palmer 1 A lesions who underwent arthroscopic debridement and partial excision from March 2009 to February 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The poor outcome group was defined as patients whose preoperative and last follow-up clinical score difference was less than the minimal clinically important difference of the DASH score (10.83). Baseline characteristics, arthroscopic findings, and radiological factors (ulnar variance, MRI, or arthrography) were evaluated to predict poor clinical outcomes. Results. A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean follow-up period of 29.8 months (SD 14.4). The mean DASH score improved from 36.5 (SD 21.5) to 16.7 (SD 14.3), the mean MWS from 59.7 (SD 17.9) to 79.3 (SD 14.3), and the mean VAS pain score improved from 5.9 (SD 1.8) to 2.2 (SD 2.0) at the last follow-up (all p < 0.001). Among the 114 patients, 16 (14%) experienced poor clinical outcomes and ten (8.8%) required secondary ulnar shortening osteotomy. Positive ulnar variance was the only factor significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes (p < 0.001). Positive ulnar variance was present in 38 patients (33%); among them, eight patients (21%) required additional operations. Conclusion. Arthroscopic debridement alone appears to be an effective and safe initial treatment for patients with traumatic central TFCC tears. The presence of positive ulnar variance was associated with poor clinical outcomes, but close observation after arthroscopic debridement is more likely to be recommended than ulnar shortening osteotomy as a primary treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):380–386

The April 2024 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Impaction bone grafting for femoral revision hip arthroplasty with the Exeter stem; Effect of preoperative corticosteroids on postoperative glucose control in total joint replacement; Tranexamic acid in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism; Bisphosphonate use may be associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic hip fracture; A balanced approach: exploring the impact of surgical techniques on hip arthroplasty outcomes; A leap forward in hip arthroplasty: dual-mobility bearings reduce groin pain; A new perspective on complications: the link between blood glucose and joint infection risks.