Objectives

Sagittal alignment of the lumbosacral spine, and specifically pelvic incidence (PI), has been implicated in the development of spine pathology, but generally ignored with regards to diseases of the hip. We aimed to determine if increased PI is correlated with higher rates of hip osteoarthritis (HOA). The effect of PI on the development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) was used as a negative control.

Tapered fluted titanium stems are increasingly used for femoral revision arthroplasty. They are available in modular and non-modular forms. Modularity has advantages when the bone loss is severe, the proximal femur is mis shapen or the surgeon is unfamiliar with the implant, but it introduces the risk of fracture of the stem at the junction between it and the proximal body segment. For that reason, and while awaiting intermediate-term results of more recently introduced designs of this junction, non-modularity has attracted attention, at least for straightforward revision cases.

We review the risks and causes of fracture of tapered titanium modular revision stems and present an argument in favour of the more selective use of modular designs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1 Suppl A):50–3.

This study aimed to determine the long-term functional, clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with Schatzker IV to VI fractures of the tibial plateau treated with an Ilizarov frame. Clinical, functional and radiological assessment was carried out at a minimum of one year post-operatively. A cohort of 105 patients (62 men, 43 women) with a mean age of 49 years (15 to 87) and a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (1 to 19) were reviewed. There were 18 type IV, 10 type V and 77 type VI fractures. All fractures united with a mean time to union of 20.1 weeks (10.6 to 42.3). No patient developed a deep infection. The median range of movement (ROM) of the knee was 110^o and the median Iowa score was 85.

Our study demonstrates good long-term functional outcome with no deep infection; spanning the knee had no detrimental effect on the ROM or functional outcome.

High-energy fractures of the tibial plateau may be treated effectively with a fine wire Ilizarov fixator.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1693–7.

Adverse reaction to wear and corrosion debris is a cause for concern in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Modular junctions are a potential source of such wear products and are associated with secondary pseudotumour formation.

We present a consecutive series of 17 patients treated at our unit for this complication following metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MoP) THA. We emphasise the risk of misdiagnosis as infection, and present the aggregate laboratory results and pathological findings in this series.

The clinical presentation was pain, swelling or instability. Solid, cystic and mixed soft-tissue lesions were noted on imaging and confirmed intra-operatively. Corrosion at the head–neck junction was noted in all cases. No bacteria were isolated on multiple pre- and intra-operative samples yet the mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 49 (9 to 100) and C-reactive protein 32 (0.6 to 106) and stromal polymorphonuclear cell counts were noted in nine cases.

Adverse soft–tissue reactions can occur in MoP THA owing to corrosion products released from the head–neck junction. The diagnosis should be carefully considered when investigating pain after THA. This may avoid the misdiagnosis of periprosthetic infection with an unidentified organism and mitigate the unnecessary management of these cases with complete single- or two-stage exchange.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1024–1030.

Non-modular tapered fluted, titanium stems are available for use in femoral revision. The combination of taper and flutes on the stem provides axial and rotational stability, respectively. The material and surface properties of the stem promotes bone on-growth. If the surgeon is confident and reasonably experienced in the surgical use of this sort of design and the case is relatively straightforward, a non-modular design is effective. It also potentially reduces implant inventory, and circumvents the potential problems of taper junction corrosion and fatigue fracture. There are reports of excellent survival, good clinical and functional results and evidence of subsequent increase in proximal bone stock.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):56–9.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine whether asymmetric loading influences macrophage elastase (MMP12) expression in different parts of a rat tail intervertebral disc and growth plate and if MMP12 expression is correlated with the severity of the deformity.

The management of spinal deformity in children with univentricular cardiac pathology poses significant challenges to the surgical and anaesthetic teams. To date, only posterior instrumented fusion techniques have been used in these children and these are associated with a high rate of complications. We reviewed our experience of both growing rod instrumentation and posterior instrumented fusion in children with a univentricular circulation.

Six children underwent spinal corrective surgery, two with cavopulmonary shunts and four following completion of a Fontan procedure. Three underwent growing rod instrumentation, two had a posterior fusion and one had spinal growth arrest. There were no complications following surgery, and the children undergoing growing rod instrumentation were successfully lengthened. We noted a trend for greater blood loss and haemodynamic instability in those whose surgery was undertaken following completion of a Fontan procedure. At a median follow-up of 87.6 months (interquartile range (IQR) 62.9 to 96.5) the median correction of deformity was 24.2% (64.5° (IQR 46° to 80°) vs 50.5° (IQR 36° to 63°)).

We believe that early surgical intervention with growing rod instrumentation systems allows staged correction of the spinal deformity and reduces the haemodynamic insult to these physiologically compromised children. Due to the haemodynamic changes that occur with the completed Fontan circulation, the initial scoliosis surgery should ideally be undertaken when in the cavopulmonary shunt stage.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:94–9.

Tapered, fluted, modular, titanium stems are increasingly popular in the operative management of Vancouver B2 and selected B3 peri-prosthetic femoral fractures. We have reviewed the results at our institution looking at stem survival and clinical outcomes and compared this with reported outcomes in the literature. Stem survival at a mean of 54 months was 96% in our series and 97% for combined published cases. Review of radiology showed maintenance or improvement of bone stock in 89% of cases with high rates of femoral union. Favourable clinical outcome scores have reported by several authors. No difference in survival or clinical scores was observed between B2 and B3 fractures. Tapered stems are a useful option in revision for femoral fracture across the spectrum of femoral bone deficiency.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:17–20.

The aim of this prospective randomised study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of a cemented all-polyethylene Ultima acetabular component with those of a cementless porous-coated acetabular component (PFC) following total hip replacement (THR). A total of 287 patients received either a polyethylene acetabular component (group A) or a cobalt–chromium porous-coated component (group B) with an identical cemented femoral component and 28 mm cobalt-chromium head, thus making it the largest study of its type. Patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically using the Harris hip score (HHS). Group A comprised 183 patients (73 male, 110 female) with a mean age of 71.3 years (55 to 89). Group B comprised 104 patients (48 male, 56 female) with a mean age of 69.8 years (56 to 89). A total of 16 patients (13 in Group A, three in Group B) did not have post-operative data for analysis. The mean follow-up in group A was 7.52 years (0.4 to 15.0) and in Group B 7.87 years (0.5 to 14.0).

At final follow-up the mean HHS was similar between groups A and B (74.5 (25 to 100) and 78.0 (37 to 100), respectively; p = 0.068). The total number of revisions for any cause was 28, 17 of which were in group A and 11 in group B. The ten-year survivorship was 86.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78.4 to 92.1) and 89.2% (95% CI 78.3 to 94.8) for groups A and B, respectively (log-rank p-value = 0.938). A total of 20 cemented and two cementless acetabular components had evidence of acetabular radiolucencies or acetabular component migration at last follow-up (p = 0.001).

These results indicate that patients with a cemented all-polyethylene and cementless porous-coated polyethylene lined acetabular component have similar long-term clinical outcomes.

Tapered, fluted, modular, titanium stems have a long history in Europe and are increasing in popularity in North America. We have reviewed the results at our institution looking at stem survival and clinical outcomes. Radiological outcomes and quality of life assessments have been performed and compared to cylindrical non-modular cobalt chromium stems. Survival at five years was 94%. This fell to 85% at ten years due to stem breakage with older designs. Review of radiology showed maintenance or improvement of bone stock in 87% of cases. Outcome scores were superior in tapered stems despite worse pre-operative femoral deficiency. Tapered stems have proved to be a useful alternative in revision total hip arthroplasty across the spectrum of femoral bone deficiency.

Antibiotic impregnated articulating spacers are used in two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty to deliver local antibiotic therapy while preserving function. We have observed infection control in greater than 95% of cases with functional outcomes approaching those seen in revision for aseptic loosening. Higher failure has been observed with methicillin resistant organisms.

There is little information about the management of peri-prosthetic fracture of the humerus after total shoulder replacement (TSR). This is a retrospective review of 22 patients who underwent a revision of their original shoulder replacement for peri-prosthetic fracture of the humerus with bone loss and/or loose components. There were 20 women and two men with a mean age of 75 years (61 to 90) and a mean follow-up 42 months (12 to 91): 16 of these had undergone a previous revision TSR. Of the 22 patients, 12 were treated with a long-stemmed humeral component that bypassed the fracture. All their fractures united after a mean of 27 weeks (13 to 94). Eight patients underwent resection of the proximal humerus with endoprosthetic replacement to the level of the fracture. Two patients were managed with a clam-shell prosthesis that retained the original components. The mean Oxford shoulder score (OSS) of the original TSRs before peri-prosthetic fracture was 33 (14 to 48). The mean OSS after revision for fracture was 25 (9 to 31). Kaplan-Meier survival using re-intervention for any reason as the endpoint was 91% (95% confidence interval (CI) 68 to 98) and 60% (95% CI 30 to 80) at one and five years, respectively.

There were two revisions for dislocation of the humeral head, one open reduction for modular humeral component dissociation, one internal fixation for nonunion, one trimming of a prominent screw and one re-cementation for aseptic loosening complicated by infection, ultimately requiring excision arthroplasty. Two patients sustained nerve palsies.

Revision TSR after a peri-prosthetic humeral fracture associated with bone loss and/or loose components is a salvage procedure that can provide a stable platform for elbow and hand function. Good rates of union can be achieved using a stem that bypasses the fracture. There is a high rate of complications and function is not as good as with the original replacement.

Purpose

There is a postulated association between increased serum metal ions and pseudotumour formation in patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements. The primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pseudotumour in 31 asymptomatic patients with a large femoral head (LFH) metal-on-metal hip implant. This was compared to the prevalence of pseudotumour in 20 matched asymptomatic patients with a hip resurfacing (HRA) and 24 matched asymptomatic patients with a standard metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) total hip. A secondary objective was to assess possible correlation between increased serum metal ions and pseudotumour formation

Purpose

Dislocation after revision total hip is a common complication. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a large femoral head (36/40mm) would result in a decreased dislocation rate compared to a standard head (32mm).

Purpose

Electrothermal arthroscopic capsulorrhaphy (ETAC) was a technology introduced for orthopaedic surgery without good scientific clinical evidence supporting its use. This multicentre randomized clinical trial provides the scientific clinical evidence comparing ETAC to Open Inferior Capsular Shift (ICS), by measuring disease-specific quality of life at 2-years post-operatively, in patients with shoulder instability due to capsular redundancy.

Purpose

This prospective, expertise-based randomized clinical trial compares arthroscopic to open shoulder stabilization by measuring the disease-specific quality of life outcome in patients with traumatic unidirectional anterior shoulder instability, and determining the incidence of recurrent instability at 2-years post-operatively.

Purpose

The outcome following isolated liner exchange for revision knee arthroplasty, while an attractive option for its simplicity, has a mixed outcome reported in the literature. We report our experience in patients who had a minimum of two years follow-up.

Scapulothoracic fusion (STF) for painful winging of the scapula in neuromuscular disorders can provide effective pain relief and functional improvement, but there is little information comparing outcomes between patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic conditions. We performed a retrospective review of 42 STFs in 34 patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic conditions using a multifilament trans-scapular, subcostal cable technique supported by a dorsal one-third semi-tubular plate. There were 16 males and 18 females with a mean age of 30 years (15 to 75) and a mean follow-up of 5.0 years (2.0 to 10.6). The mean Oxford shoulder score improved from 20 (4 to 39) to 31 (4 to 48). Patients with non-dystrophic conditions had lower overall functional scores but achieved greater improvements following STF. The mean active forward elevation increased from 59° (20° to 90°) to 97° (30° to 150°), and abduction from 51° (10° to 90°) to 83° (30° to 130°) with a greater range of movement achieved in the dystrophic group. Revision fusion for nonunion was undertaken in five patients at a mean time of 17 months (7 to 31) and two required revision for fracture. There were three pneumothoraces, two rib fractures, three pleural effusions and six nonunions. The main risk factors for nonunion were smoking, age and previous shoulder girdle surgery.

STF is a salvage procedure that can provide good patient satisfaction in 82% of patients with both dystrophic and non-dystrophic pathologies, but there was a relatively high failure rate (26%) when poor outcomes were analysed. Overall function was better in patients with dystrophic conditions which correlated with better range of movement; however, patients with non-dystrophic conditions achieved greater functional improvement.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the MIS Anterolateral Approach to that of the MIS Posterolateral and MIS Direct Lateral Approach.

This review summarises the opinions and conclusions reached from a symposium on infected total knee replacement (TKR) held at the British Association of Surgery of the Knee (BASK) annual meeting in 2011. The National Joint Registry for England and Wales reported 5082 revision TKRs in 2010, of which 1157 (23%) were caused by infection. The diagnosis of infection beyond the acute post-operative stage relies on the identification of the causative organism by aspiration and analysis of material obtained at arthroscopy. Ideal treatment then involves a two-stage surgical procedure with extensive debridement and washout, followed by antibiotics. An articulating or non-articulating drug-eluting cement spacer is used prior to implantation of the revision prosthesis, guided by the serum level of inflammatory markers. The use of a single-stage revision is gaining popularity and we would advocate its use in certain patients where the causative organism is known, no sinuses are present, the patient is not immunocompromised, and there is no radiological evidence of component loosening or osteitis.

It is our opinion that single-stage revision produces high-quality reproducible results and will soon achieve the same widespread acceptance as it does in infected hip arthroplasty.

Introduction

Bearing surfaces used for total hip arthroplasty must have characteristics including bio-compatibility, low friction and low wear rate. Bearing combinations are generally characterised as Soft on Hard/Hard. In general, all newer bearing combinations have reduced wear but may present with other issues that impact on patient outcomes.

Introduction

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-beta superfamily of growth factors and are known to regulate proliferation and expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. To investigate the osteoblastic differentiation gene expressions that contribute to BMP-7 dependent ostogenesis, we performed gene expression profiling of BMP-7-treated mouse bone marrow stromal cells.

Purpose: Between 1 and 2% of knee arthroplasties are complicated by infection with its associated patient morbidity. Two stage revision remains the gold standard with the minimum interval considered acceptable between the two stages as 6 weeks, but in some cases can be considerably longer depending on the patients’ clinical response to the first stage and intravenous antibiotics. The interval between the 2 stages is to allow eradication of the causative organism, however, this can result in considerable morbidity for the patient. Patients often have a poor range of movement, instability and considerable discomfort during this time and as a result have poor mobility. Further complications can be encountered at the time of the 2nd stage with considerable scarring of the soft tissues, in part secondary to the lack of mobilisation. Traditionally, spacers which are non-articulating have been used, however, problems of instability, scarring and bone erosion have been reported in the literature. The Prostalac knee spacer constitutes an antibiotic loaded acrylic cement body with a metal on polyethylene surface and enables the patient to undergo rehabilitation in the interval between the 2 stages and may also help maintain soft tissue planes as a result. Previous published results with a mean follow up of 48 months suggest the spacer is just as successful at eradicating infection (91%) as other techniques. The aim of this study is to review 119 patients with a minimum follow up of 5 years.

Method: The Prostalac Knee spacer has 2 components, a femoral and a tibial. Each are made of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement with a small articulation of metal on polyethylene. The spacers are made from moulds so that a component of a suitable size and thickness could be made. This was a retrospective review of 119 consecutive patients. The inclusion criteria included all patients who had undergone a 2 stage revision with the Prostalac Knee spacer who had more than 5 years of follow up. Patients were assessed using the WOMAC, SF-12, Oxford Knee Score and the Knee Society Score.

Results: Thirteen patients (10.9%) out of a total of 119 had recurrence of infection. This gives an overall rate of control of infection of 89%. Of the 46 patients who completed the outcome score questionnaires with more than 5 years follow up, the mean WOMAC score was 65.9, Oxford Knee score was 61, SF-12 (physical component) was 35.7, SF-12 (mental component) was 54.8.

Conclusion: Although the Prostalac components include polyethylene and metal, they do not seem to have a detrimental impact on the rate of control of infection since our results were similar to those previously reported with other best practice techniques. It is our impression that the Prostalac functional spacer allows earlier pain free mobilisation, allowing the potential for earlier hospital discharge. The savings obtained from earlier hospital discharge greatly outweighing the increased cost of the Prostalac functional spacer system.

Purpose: The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has shown improvement in both pain control and function in recent studies. The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze functional outcomes and strength in patients following the use of the Delta III prosthesis in a single center.

Method: Patients treated by one of two surgeons were prospectively evaluated following RTSA. An independent observer administered the Constant Score, SF-12, Shoulder Osteoarthritis (SOAQ), ASES, DASH questionnaires and patient satisfaction. Isometric strength testing was performed using the Powertrack II dynamometer. Follow-up for all patients was available up to 5 years following surgery.

Results: The Delta III RTSA was performed on 51 study patients (67% female, mean age 74 (SD=10)). Improvements following surgery were noted in Quality of life (SF-12 Physical Summary= 30 to 38); shoulder disability (SOAQ= 144 to 79; ASES 7 to 15; DASH= 61 to 46; Constant 21 to 56), Symptoms (SOAQ symptoms 40 to 22), Physical impairments as determined by strength (External rotation = 3 to 5 Nm, Abduction 4 to 10 Nm); and ROM (Flexion= 51 to 115°, abduction 45 to 106°); p< 0.05. All patients had follow up between 2–5 years. Satisfaction was high (86% extremely, 3% not at all).

Conclusion: Our data demonstrates significant improvements in quality of life, symptoms, patient satisfaction and disability with reduced and high at more than 2 years following RTSA. Novel to this study is improved objective evidence of strength in functional planes of motion. This is the first Canadian study to demonstrate such improvements in patients following RTSA.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify if preoperative pain scores predict postoperative pain and functional outcomes in patients following rotator cuff surgery and if a threshold where increased risk occurs could be established. Establishing a risk threshold may help identify patients who need increased follow-up or rehabilitation.

Method: One hundred six subjects with rotator cuff pathology requiring operative intervention were prospectively followed. The pain subscale of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) was used as an indicator of pre-operative pain. Postoperative function one year following surgery was determined using the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Scores with 40% or more deficit (compared to age matched controls) were classified as poor outcomes. The relative risk (RR) of poor SST scores was calculated across different cutoffs for preoperative pain scores.

Results: Having a high preoperative pain score was associated with a poor outcome following rotator cuff surgery at both the six month and one year followup. Preoperative pain scores did predict postoperative functional scores. As preoperative pain levels increased there was a higher risk of poor functional outcomes. The RR of having a poor SST at 1-year was 2.3, if preoperative pain score was greater than 35/50.

Conclusion: The current study indicates that those patients with high preoperative pain scores (> 35/50 or > 70%) are more than twice as likely to have a poor outcome following rotator cuff surgery. This should inform patients and surgeons for postoperative expectations. Whether closer follow-up, pre-rehabilitation, more intensive postoperative rehabilitation or enhanced pain management can alter this prognosis warrants investigation.

Purpose: This prospective, randomized double-blinded clinical trial compared cemented fixation of the humeral component to uncemented/tissue-in-growth fixation in total shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder.

Method: All patients presenting with primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder requiring replacement were screened for eligibility. Patients were randomized in the operating room after glenoid preparation to the cemented or uncemented group by a computer-generated, stratified randomization procedure. Outcome measures included disease specific QOL assessment (WOOS), SF-12, ASES, MACTAR, radiographic evaluation of component fixation, operative time, complications and revision surgery. Patients were assessed by a blinded evaluator in post-operative intervals of 2 and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary endpoint was the WOOS score at 2 years.

Results: One hundred and sixty-one patients were consented and randomized for the study. There were 80 patients in the cemented and 81 patients in the uncemented group. At baseline, the groups were alike with regards to demographics and baseline evaluations. The WOOS scores at post-operative intervals of 12, 18 and 24 months showed a significant difference (p=0.009, 0.001, 0.028 respectively) in favour of the cemented group. The cemented group also had better strength (3 m p=0.038, 12 m p= 0.036, 18 m p=0.051, 24 m p=0.053) and forward flexion (6m p=0.031, 12 m p=0.04). As expected, the operative time was significantly less for the uncemented group (C = 2.26h +/−.63; U = 1.69h +/− 1.9, p= 0.03).

Conclusion: These findings provide the first evidence that cemented fixation of the humeral head provides better quality of life, strength and ROM than uncemented fixation. This was a Tier 1 Project of the JOINTs Canada group.

Purpose: Shoulder instability is a common problem affecting patients in their most active years resulting in an impact on their quality of life. The WOSI is a validated, disease-specific (shoulder instability) evaluative quality of life measure. It has not been tested for its ability to discriminate between those who require surgical care and those who do not. The purpose of this study is to determine if the WOSI can discriminate between surgical and non-surgical patients and between patients with different types of shoulder instability.

Method: Sixty patients with a confirmed diagnosis of shoulder instability were included as cases. Twenty had documented multidirectional instability requiring surgery: Group 1 Surgical MDI – 20 patients had documented recurrent traumatic anterior dislocations requiring surgery: Group 2 Surgical Anterior – 20 patients were first time anterior dislocators who were followed for a minimum one year who had no further recurrences and did not require surgery: Group 3 Non-Surgical First Time Anterior – The cases were compared to 60 age and gender matched control patients with no history of shoulder problems: Group 4 Control – WOSI scores were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA.

Results: The WOSI scores were as follows: Group 1 Surgical MDI- mean 30.5 (95% CI 23.1–37.8); Group 2 Surgical Anterior- mean 39.8 (95% CI 33.1–46.5); Group 3 Non-Surgical First time Anterior- mean 76.2 (95% CI 66.4–86.0) and Group 4 Control- mean 96.6 (95% CI 95.8–97.4). Based on the 95% Confidence Intervals, there were statistically significant differences between the two surgical groups (Group 1 Surgical MDI and Group 2 Surgical Anterior) compared to the non-surgical patients (Group 3 Non Surgical First Time Anterior) and the controls (P=0.000). There is a trend to discriminate between the two surgical groups (P=0.079).

Conclusion: The WOSI Index clearly discriminates between surgical and non-surgical patients with shoulder instability, and the control population with normal shoulders. There is a trend to discriminate between MDI and recurrent anterior traumatic dislocators.

The non-operative treatment of idiopathic clubfoot has become increasingly accepted worldwide as the initial standard of care. The Ponseti method has become particularly popular as a result of published short and long-term success rates in North America. Non-compliance with abduction bracing has been proven to be a major risk factor for recurrence of clubfoot. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify those patients who were non-compliant with the abduction bracing post casting and to then assess the rate and severity of recurrence.

One-hundred and fifty children (184 feet) with unilateral or bilateral clubfoot who were treated with the Ponseti method by the senior author from 1999 to 2008 were reviewed. We identified those patients who were non-compliant with the abduction bracing. Compliance was defined as three months full time wear followed by twelve months night-time/nap-time wear. Recurrence was classified as minor, defined as those requiring an extra-articular surgical procedure and major, requiring an intra-articular procedure.

We identified fifty children with seventy clubfeet who were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. None of these patients were compliant with brace wearing. Of the 70 feet, 40 (57%) required surgical intervention. There were 30 (43%) feet with no clinical recurrence. In 5 of the bilateral cases only one of the feet had required corrective surgery. In the 29 patients who required surgical intervention we identified 52 procedures (37 extra-articular and 15 intra-articular).

Compliance with the post correction abduction bracing protocol is crucial to avoid recurrence of a clubfoot deformity treated with the Ponseti method. Despite non-compliance however there is a significant proportion of patients who do not require any surgical intervention. We recommend initiating the Ponseti technique on all patients with clubfeet rather than being selective due to anticipated compliance issues with the family.

UK military forces have been deployed in Afghanistan since 2006 as part of the International Stabilisation Assistance Force. The Operation is supported by a 50-bedded hospital. In 2007 the Defence Medical Services introduced a massive haemorrhage policy. In asymmetric warfare gunshot wounds (GSW), improvised explosive devices (IED) and mine injuries are prevalent and we hypothesized that they would require significant blood products.

We prospectively collected data from consecutive trauma resuscitations over 3 months (January to March 2008). Pre-hospital time points, mechanism of injury, injury distribution, injury severity score (ISS), new injury severity score (NISS), surgical procedures, blood product utilisation and outcome were recorded.

115 trauma resuscitations were performed over the study period. Median pre-hospital time was 95 minutes (range 30–325), with median 64 minutes to the arrival of the Medical Emergency Response Team helicopter. The cause of injury was landmine (20), IED (31) and GSW (40); mean number of involved body systems was 1.4, 1.8 and 1.5 respectively and injured structures 2.8, 3.5 and 2.3 respectively (IED> GSW p< 0.05). Mean ISS was 16, 16.8, 14.9 and NISS 18.7, 20.9, and 17.9 respectively. Blood transfusion was required in 3 mine, 14 IED and 17 GSW casualties (mine< IED & GSW, p< 0.05) with 10.6, 11.4, and 13.9 units of blood transfused per casualty.

Injury severity for casualties is high with multiple injuries to body systems irrespective of mechanism. Anti-personnel mine injuries were significantly less likely to require transfusion. Large quantities of blood products were still required when necessary in all mechanisms of trauma. It is therefore recommended that during the pre-hospital time the major transfusion protocol should be placed on stand-by.

Purpose: Waterproof casts have been shown to be a safe and effective means of immobilization in children with minimally displaced fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine if waterproof Gore-Tex-lined casts are as effective as traditional cotton-lined casts in the immediate postoperative period after closed reduction of displaced distal radius fractures in children.

Method: We performed a retrospective review of distal radius fractures that underwent closed reduction and application of a long-arm cast between June 2004 and December 2006. A total of 124 cases were included (55 Gore-Tex; 69 traditional cotton-lined). The primary outcome measure was redisplacement in the cast. The cast index was also used to assess the quality of cast molding. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Power analyses were also conducted.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups with regards to translation of the radius or angulation of the radius on anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs at the time of injury, postreduction, or cast removal. Redisplacement as measured by the change in translation of the radius and angulation of the radius on AP and lateral radiographs from the time of reduction to cast removal was also not significantly different between the two groups. The mean cast index for the Gore-Tex and traditional cotton-lined groups was 0.882 and 0.873 respectively, which was not a significant difference.

Conclusion: A waterproof Gore-Tex-lined cast will maintain fracture reduction as well as a cotton-lined cast for closed reductions of distal radius fractures in children in the immediate postreduction period. Waterproof casts also provide extensive benefits to the patient with regards to bathing, hygiene, and participation in aquatic activities

We suggested a new concept of buffered implant fixation. It is a cementless fixation using a buffer instead of the cement between the bone and the implant. We investigated the feasibility of the buffered implant fixation using a rat model. In our previous study, we measured the amount of bone around the implant to compare the buffered implant fixation with the cemented fixation. The results showed the difference in change of Bone Volume/Total Volume (BV/TV) with time between the buffered fixation and the cemented fixation. Now, in this study, we are comparing the mechanical interface strength between two fixations.

After micro CT scanning, the specimens were used for mechanical push-out test to measure the interface shear strength at the buffer-bone or cement-bone interface. The distal side of the femur was carefully removed to expose the whole distal region of the implant while the proximal side of femur was cut carefully with diamond saw (Metsaw, R& B Inc., Korea) until the proximal end of cement or buffer is exposed. The femur was embedded into a push-out jig with a plaster. The push-out jig was mounted in a material testing machine (KSU-10M, Kyungsung testing machine, Korea) and loaded at a rate of 0.01mm/s. The apparent interface strength was calculated by dividing the peak force by the surface area of the buffer or cement.

After 2 weeks, the apparent interface strength is 217.0 ± 280.0(average ± standard deviation) for buffer and 472.4 ± 381.1 for cement; after 4 weeks, 92.9 ± 67.6 and 268.1 ± 197.9; after 12 weeks, 441.9 ± 467.1 and 201.8 ± 132.3, respectively. The buffered fixation showed gain in strength with time while the cemented fixation showed reverse tendency but the interaction by ANOVA was not significant (p=0.125). Even though the excellence of buffer fixation was not clearly confirmed because of small sample size and high variance, the feasibility of the buffer fixation was shown.

However, further studies are necessary to improve the buffered implant fixation. To enhance the cell adhesion and biocompatibility, it is necessary to modify the surface of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) such as by plasma treatment or biological coating. Also, an animal test using a higher level animal such as dog or pig is necessary.

Purpose: Use of six-axis analysis and computer assisted deformity correction via a circular external fixator is a new method for deformity correction. We investigated its accuracy and safety in reconstruction of femoral deformity in children and young adults.

Method: We retrospectively reviewed all cases including the indications for use and the methodology of application of the computer assisted six-axis analysis and circular external fixator for reconstruction of 22 femora in 20 patients. Twelve patients were female, and 8 were male. The average age was 13.9 (range, 5.9–24.6). Etiology included traumatic (7), idiopathic (6), multiple enchondromatosis (2), rickets (2), congenital femoral deficiency (2), spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (1), congenital pseudohypoparathyroidisim (1), and multifocal osteomyelitis (1). Clinical and radiographic data were analyzed.

Results: Average follow-up was 14.4 months (range, 4.5–32). Average time in frame was 6.2 months (range, 2.6–19). Bone lengthening of 3.9 cm (range, 1–8.5) was performed in 12 femora. In genu valgum patients, the mLDFA improved from a mean of 73.7° to a mean of 89°. In genu varum patients, the mLDFA improved from a mean of 99.8° to a mean of 89.5°. Complications included pin tract infection in 6, knee stiffness in 3, delayed union in 2, skin irritation in 1, posterior knee subluxation in 2, both of which had stable knees preoperatively. One patient was lost to follow-up and returned back with deformity. No complications occurred in 8 patients.

Conclusion: Computer assisted femoral deformity correction with six-axis analysis and application of circular external fixator is a useful technique with the advantage of managing multiplanar deformities in children and young adults. It has the potential complications of the use of any external fixator. Close follow-up is necessary to avoid subluxation of the knee joint even in patients with stable knees. Accurate and safe correction can be achieved in almost all patients.

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) usually involves a single condyle or plateau. The medial femoral condyle is most often involved and spontaneous osteonecrosis of medial tibial plateau is a rare condition, representing only 2 % of all necrosis reported in the knee. Therefore, SPONK with both involvement of medial femoral condyle(MFC) and medial tibial plateau(MTP) might be extremely rare. SPONK in each MFC or MTP respectively might be extended into corresponding side of the knee at their advanced final stage, howevere, in that situations, significant degenerative change would accompany and it might be difficult to differentiate final staged SPONK form severe osteoarthritis. To the best of our knowledge, SPONK affecting both medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau without significant secondary osteoarthritis changes is not reported, even though it was difficult to know which occurred first. We experienced 3 patients with histologically proven osteonecrosis of the medial tibial condyle and medial tibial plateau, and report their radiologic features. All 3 patients showed similar ridiograhic patterns. Medial portion of medial tibial plateau and lateral portion of medial femoral condyle showed longitudinal fracture like-subchondral collapse. Standing anteroposterior radiograph at 30 degree knee flexion showed well fitted features such as “locked” medial condyle. Varus angulation was present. Significant degenerative changes was not shown except for subchondral sclerosis. T1-weighted coronal and Fat suppressed T2-weighted MR images showed subchondral collapse with ill-defined diffuse bone marrow edema changes on both tibial and femoral condyles. At surgical findings, longitudinal track-like groove was shown in both medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau. Articular cartilage was denuded and showed glistening surface with bone defect of lateral side of medial femoral condyle and medial side of tibial articular surface. Histological analysis shows necrotic bone, surrounded by an area of fibrovascular granulation tissue on both femoral and tibial sides. Total knee arthoplasty was performed in all 3 patients. As a result of very low prevalence of both involvement of MFC and MTP and limited number of our cases, we could not conclude that radiologic features in our cases are typical radiologic pattern of both involvement. However, based on our cases, we believe that this characteristic radiologic features may considered as one of the possible various radiologic findings of simultaneous involvement in MFC and MTP and allow diagnosis for SPONK with both involvement in MFC and MTP to be facilitated.

Purpose: Porous tantalum has been shown to be very effective in achieving bone ingrowth. However, in some circumstances, bone quality or quantity is insufficient to allow adequate bone ingrowth. We hypothesized that the addition of alendronate to porous tantalum would enhance the ability of porous tantalum to achieve bone ingrowth in these challenging situations, such as when a gap exists between the implant and bone. We evaluated the effect of alendronate coated porous tantalum on new bone formation in an animal model incorporating a gap between implant and bone.

Method: Thirty-six cylindrical porous tantalum implants were bilaterally implanted into the distal femur of 18 rabbits for 4 weeks. There were 3 groups of implants inserted; a control group of porous tantalum with no coatings, porous tantalum with micro-porous calcium phosphate coating, and porous tantalum coated with micro-porous calcium phosphate and alendronate. Subcutaneous fluorescent labeling was used to track new bone formation. Bone formation was analyzed by backscattered electron microscopy and fluorescent microscopy on undecalcified samples.

Results: The relative increase in mean volume of gap filling, bone ingrowth and total bone formation was 143% (p< 0.001), 259% (p< 0.001) and 193% (p< 0.001) respectively in the alendronate coated porous tantalum compared with the uncoated porous tantalum controls. The relative increase in the percentage of new bone-implant contact length was increased by 804% on average in the alendronate coated porous tantalum compared with the uncoated tantalum controls.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the significant enhancement of bone-implant gap filling and bone ingrowth which can be achieved by coating porous tantalum with alendronate. It is proposed that, when faced with the clinical problem of revision joint replacement in the face of bone loss (at the hip, knee or elsewhere), the addition of an alendronate-delivery surface coating would enhance biological fixation of the implant and promote the healing of bone defects.

The cemented and cementless implant fixations are popular in orthopaedic arthroplasty. However, these implant fixations have some problems such as cement failure, wear debris, stress shielding, revision and so on. To overcome these problems, we are developing a new concept of buffered implant fixation which uses a bone-friendly buffer between the implant and the bone. In this study, we performed a finite element analysis to evaluate the buffered implant fixation in comparison with cemented and cementless implant fixations in mechanical aspects. In addition, we investigated the effect of buffer taper angle to the stress distribution in the buffered implant fixation.

Three-dimensional FEA of the cemented, cementless and buffered fixation were performed using the ABAQUS program. In these FEA, the ‘standardized femur’, which is the composite femur model supplied by Pacific Research Lab., was used as the bone model and the CPT stem and the Versys Fibermetal Midcoat stem were modeled for the cemented fixation and the cementless fixation, respectively. These three-dimensional models were meshed using the tetrahedral elements with 4 nodes (C3D4) and the additional contact definitions. The buffered implant fixation is similar with the polished cemented fixation except the material between the implant and the bone. The polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was selected as the buffer material. Also, several taper angles of buffer were simulated to change the stress distributions in the buffered fixation. The external load three times of mean body weight (74.3 kg) was cyclically loaded at the femoral head with the angle of 20° in adduction and 6° in flexion while the distal end of femur was fixed.

In the buffered implant fixation, the taper-locked effects were observed. The buffered fixation had greater cyclic compression for the bone compared to the cemented fixation. Also, the failure probability of the buffer in the buffered fixation was less than that of the cement in the cemented fixation. The risk factors in the buffer were 0.148 for the tension and 0.176 for the compression while, the risk factors of cement in the polished cemented implant fixation were over than 1. Moreover, the buffered fixation had widely distributed compression compared to the cementless fixation and the stress distribution could be modified easily to change the taper angle of buffer. The FEA results showed that the buffered implant fixation would provide an appropriate mechanical environment.

The anterior pelvic plane has been introduced as a concept of the reference plane to image free navigation-assisted cup placement of total hip arthroplasty. With the neutral pelvis, the anteversion relative to the conventional coordinate system is equal to the that of relation to the anatomical coordinate system. This is the rationale of image free navigation system. But, currently, two major concerns about image-free navigation assisted total hip arthroplasty are tilting of anatomic coordinate system and the cutaneous palpation procedure. Therefore, it was the goal of this study to provide both the bone anterior pelvic plane (Bone_APP) and the overlying soft tissue plane (Soft_APP) simultaneously, and to find possible correlations of biometrical parameters and effect of ante-version were an additional motivation of this study. 23 Korean adult patients underwent image-free navigation-assisted total hip arthroplasty. The tilting of Bone_APP, soft tissue thickness on ASIS, pubis, and then tilting of Soft_APP, and anteversion of cup were measured with reconstructed CT and 3D workstation system.

The average age was 66.1 years, the average height was 162.5cm at a weight of 59.2 kg. The average body mass index was 22.3. And the average lumbar lordosis was measured as 30.4 degrees. The soft tissue on the level of the pubis was 17.6 mm thicker than that on the level of ASIS in average. In all cases, Soft_APP was positive, that is from 3.5 to 16.5 degrees of backward rotation. We also found a high-intersubject variability in the Bone_APP from 13.4 of forward rotatation to 23 degrees of backward rotation. Overall, there are no correlation between biometrical parameters and difference of navigated data to others measured on CT. Averaged navigated data was 22.4 degrees. The average anatomic, operative, and planar anteversion were 29.2, 27.2 and 21.3 degrees respectively. The value of anteversion measured on the transverse plane and sagittal plane shows higher than navigated anteversion in paired comparison. This could be comprehended that the navigation system had under-estimated the anteversion than that of transverse and sagittal plane, This means navigation assessed pelvic plane as back ward tilting rather than forward tilting intraoperatively.

None of cases showed the Bone_APP was parallel to conventional coordinate system. Comparing the variable bone APP tilt, all of cases showed an backward tilted soft tissue plane. There were no correlation between bone APP and biometrical parameters. Overall, navigated data were less than anatomic and operative anteversion. Rather than anatomic coordinate system (Bone-APP), backward tilting due to overlying soft tissue (Soft-APP) might to make the navigated data have the tendency to under-estimated the anteversion of cup measured with CT. In conclusion, anterior pelvic plane does not satisfactory reliability with should be easily identified during operation. Image-free navigation system would take into account variations of individuals including both bone tilt and soft tissue plane.

Introduction and Objectives: We analyzed the physical and health status of patients with ankle arthritis that underwent arthrodesis or total ankle replacement and determined which alternative provided a greater perception of improvement in quality of life and whether there was any difference in the perception of the patients that underwent either of these two procedures.

Materials and Methods: This is a comparative-prospective study in patients that underwent arthrodesis (16 cases) or total ankle replacement (14 cases) in which clinical-functional variables were assessed by means of the AOFAS score and quality of life was measured using SF-36 at 2 years of follow-up and this was compared with preoperative assessment.

Results: The study was carried out with 2 series of comparable patients, both surgical techniques showed a statistically significant improvement on clinical assessment and on quality of life assessment in comparison with preoperative status after 2 years of follow-up. The group of patients that underwent arthrodesis changed from mid-range AOFAS values of 37.12 to 45.62 (p=0.055) and mid-range SF-36 values of 32.96 to 46.25 (p=0.008). The group that underwent arthroplasties changed from mid-range AOFAS values of 33 to 62 (p=0.024) and mid-range SF-36 values of 33.62 to 59.84 (p=0.001). The improvement was statistically greater in the group that underwent arthroplasties than in the group that underwent arthrodesis (p=0.48 for AOFAS, and p=0.026 for SF-36)

Discussion and Conclusions: Both procedures are good treatment options, they ‘significantly improve patient’s status both clinically and in their perception of their health and quality of life. The medium term perception of quality of life and general health on the part of patients with ankle arthritis is better when they undergo ankle arthroplasty than when they undergo surgical fusion.

We report the outcome at ten to 15 years of two-stage revision for hip infection in 99 patients using the Prostalac articulated hip spacer system.

All the patients were contacted to determine their current functional and infection status using the Oxford-12, Short form-12, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index questionnaires. A total of 11 of the 99 patients had a further infection, of whom seven responded to repeat surgery with no further sequelae. The mean interval between the stages was five months (1 to 36). We were able to review 48 living patients, with a mean age of 72 years (46 to 86), 34 (71%) of whom provided health-related quality-of-life outcome scores.

The mean follow-up was 12 years (10 to 15). The long-term success rate was 89% and with additional surgery this rose to 96%. The mean global Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score was 80.6 (sd 18.3). The mean Oxford-12 score was 74.0 (sd 22.3), and the mean Short form-12 score was 53.1 (sd 9.4) (mental) and 33.5 (sd 13.5) (physical). The mean satisfaction score was 90.5 (sd 15.3).

Two-stage revision for hip infection using a Prostalac interim spacer offers a predictable and lasting solution for patients with this difficult problem.

There is an ever-increasing clinical need for the regeneration and replacement of tissue to replace soft tissue lost due to trauma, disease and cosmetic surgery. A potential alternative to the current treatment modalities is the use of tissue engineering applications using mesenchymal stem cells that have been identified in many tissue including the infrapatellar fat pad. In this study, stem cells isolated from the infrapatellar fat pad were characterised to ascertain their origin, and allowed to undergo adipogenic differentiation to confirm multilineage differentiation potential.

The infrapatellar fat pad was obtained from total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. Cells were isolated and expanded in monolayer culture. Cells at passage 2 stained strongly for CD13, CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105 (mesenchymal stem cell markers). The cells stained poorly for LNGFR and STRO1 (markers for freshly isolated bone marrow derived stem cells), and sparsely for 3G5 (pericyte marker). Staining for CD34 (haematopoetic marker) and CD56 (neural and myogenic lineage marker) was negative.

For adipogenic differentiation, cells were cultured in adipogenic inducing medium consisting of basic medium with 10ug/ml insulin, 1uM dexamthasone, 100uM indomethacin and 500uM 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine. By day 16, many cells had lipid vacuoles occupying most of the cytoplasm. On gene expression analyses, the cells cultured under adipogenic conditions had almost a 1,000 fold increase in expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 (PPAR gamma-2) and 1,000,000 fold increase in expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Oil red O staining confirmed the adipogenic nature of the observed vacuoles and showed failure of staining in control cells.

Our results show that the human infrapatellar fat pad is a viable potential autogeneic source for mesenchymal stem cells capable of adipogenic differentiation as well as previously documented ostegenic and chondrogenic differentiation. This cell source has potential use in tissue engineering applications.

Purpose of Study: We aimed to reduce the work intensity involved in auditing high volume procedures (eg knee arthroscopy) by developing and validating a tool which uses routinely acquired hospital data, to target those patients most likely to have developed an undesirable post-operative outcome.

Methodology: The work was a collaboration effort between the Orthopaedic and Clinical Effectiveness departments. During the period 1997–2003, 2926 elective knee arthroscopies were identified as having been performed in our unit. Linkage of routinely collected data held on the hospital’s computerized Patient Administrative System (PAS), hospital theatre system and A& E system, with data from the Office of National Statistics concerning death, high-lighted 183 cases (Core group) meeting one or more of four indicators: readmission < 28 days, return to theatre < 28 days, return to A& E < 28 days, and length of stay 4+ days (Graph 1). The accuracy of the tool to identify undesirable post-operative outcomes was made comparing the Core group and a Random sample (N=240).

Results: Accuracy of OPCS-4 coding for arthroscopic procedure performed was 77.1% in the core group and 96.4% in the random sample. The new tool yielded a sensitivity of 38% and specificity of 95%. Where major complications were concerned the sensitivity rose to 100%. For major complications the proposed model indicated a 0.6% complication rate vs 0.5% actual rate. For minor complications the proposed model indicated a 1.4% rate vs 3.8% actual rate. Overall complication rate within our unit was comparable to the published literature.

Conclusion: The tool has achieved its aim of identifying all major complications and undesirable events, along with many minor complications. As the tool identifies additional information it must be used as an aid to identifying patients for case note review. However, in our study it reduced the number needed to less than 7% of the total.

Fractures of the odontoid in children with an open basilar synchondrosis differ from those which occur in older children and adults. We have reviewed the morphology of these fractures and present a classification system for them.

There were four distinct patterns of fracture (types IA to IC and type II) which were distinguished by the site of the fracture, the degree of displacement and the presence or absence of atlantoaxial dislocation. Children with a closed synchondrosis were classified using the system devised by Anderson and D’Alonzo. Those with an open synchondrosis had a comparatively lower incidence of traumatic brain injury, a higher rate of missed diagnosis and a shorter mean stay in hospital. Certain subtypes (type IA and type II) are likely to be missed on plain radiographs and therefore more advanced imaging is recommended. We suggest staged treatment with initial stabilisation in a Halo body jacket and early fusion for those with unstable injuries, severe displacement or neurological involvement.

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Therefore, the purpose of this in-vitro biomechanical study was conducted to determine the effects of simulated tears and subsequent repairs of the rotator cuff tendons on joint kinematics.

Eight paired fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens (mean age: 66.0 ± 8.7 years) were tested using a custom loading apparatus designed to simulate unconstrained motion of the humerus. Cables were sutured to the rotator cuff tendons and the deltoid. Loads were applied to the cables based on variable ratios of electromyographic (EMG) data and average physiological cross-sectional area (pCSA) of the muscles. An electromagnetic tracking device (Flock of Birds, Ascension Technologies, VT) was used to provide real-time feedback of abduction angle, to which the loading ratio was varied correspondingly. 2 and 4cm tears were made starting at the rotator cuff interval and extending posteriorly. Specimens were randomised to receive either single or double suture anchor repair. In order to quantify repeatability, five successive tests on each of the intact, torn, and repaired cases were performed. Statistical significance was established using One- and Two-way Repeated Measured ANOVAs (p< 0.05).

Rotator cuff tears caused alteration in glenohumeral kinematics. A 2cm tear caused the humerus to consistently move posterior through the arc of abduction; however, as the tear increased to 4cm the humerus moved anteriorly, returning towards the intact state. Double row suture anchor repairs more accurately reproduced the kinematics of the intact specimen compared to single row suture anchor repair.

The initial posterior displacement in the plane of elevation with the sectioning of the supraspinatus is related to the diminished anterior moment on the glenohumeral joint. As the tear proceeds into the infraspinatus, the anterior and posterior forces become more balanced and a return to near normal intact kinematics was observed. This study demonstrates that double row suture anchor repair more accurately reproduces active shoulder kinematics of the intact shoulder specimens.

This study compared the effect of a computer-assisted and a traditional surgical technique on the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint during passive abduction after hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder for the treatment of fractures. We used seven pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders to create simulated four-part fractures of the proximal humerus, which were then reconstructed with hemiarthroplasty and reattachment of the tuberosities. The specimens were randomised, so that one from each pair was repaired using the computer-assisted technique, whereas a traditional hemiarthroplasty without navigation was performed in the contralateral shoulder. Kinematic data were obtained using an electromagnetic tracking device.

The traditional technique resulted in posterior and inferior translation of the humeral head. No statistical differences were observed before or after computer-assisted surgery.

Although it requires further improvement, the computer-assisted approach appears to allow glenohumeral kinematics to more closely replicate those of the native joint, potentially improving the function of the shoulder and extending the longevity of the prosthesis.

Purpose: To investigate the potential value of titanium anterior interbody cages compared to morselized rib graft for anterior interbody fusion in combination with posterior instrumentation, correction and fusion for Scheuermann’s kyphosis.

Methods and Materials: A Non-Randomised historic cohort study of two surgical techniques in matched subjects was carried out.15 patients with identical pre-operative radiographic and physical variables (age, gender, height, weight, BMI ) were managed with combined anterior release, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, correction and fusion . Group A (n=8) had morsilized rib graft inserted into each intervertebral disc space. Group B (n=7) had titanium interbody cages packed with bone graft inserted at each level. The posterior instrumentation extended from T2 to L2 in both groups. Pre- and post-operative curve morphometry was studied on plain radiographs by two independent observers. The indices studied included Cobb angle, Ferguson’s angle(FA) , Voutsinas index(VI), Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA), Sacral Inclination (SI) and Lumbar Lordosis (LL). Interbody Fusion was assessed at final follow up. Each patient was reviewed at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 60 months following surgery with standing radiographs. Wilcoxon-matched pairs test and Mann-Whit-ney test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The average follow-up for groups A was 70 and Group B,66 months. For the whole group, the pre-operative : postoperative median Cobb angle, FA, VI, SVA and SI were 86: 42degrees, 50 : 28.4degrees, 28.7 :13, −3.5 : −4.0 centimetres and 40 : 34 degrees respectively. There were significant differences for all variables [p< 0.01] indicating good correction. At four-year follow-up, fusion criteria were satisfied in 12 / 15 cases (80%). Three patients had distal junctional kyphosis. There was no significant difference with respect to the variables between the two groups and both retained the post-operative correction achieved.

Conclusion: There was no significant advantage in the use of anterior titanium interbody cages over the use of morselized rib graft in the surgical management of Scheuermann’s Kyphosis.

Purpose: To identify patients in whom anterior scoliosis correction was not possible and to determine pre-operative factors that may predict such an outcome.

Methods: From 1999–2005, 257 patients were listed for anterior correction with the Kaneda Anterior Spine System (KASS). Of these 246 were completed successfully. However in 11 cases it was not possible to complete the procedure.

We performed a retrospective review of case notes and X-rays. A control group of 22 patients, in whom anterior surgery was completed, matched to age, sex and type of curve, was used.

Results: Two reasons for abandoning anterior instrumentation were identified; loss of cord signal (7) and failure to achieve adequate correction after anterior release and reduction (4).

Of the seven patients with lost signal three were syndromic and four were associated with syrinx. In all seven, loss of signal occurred on clamping of segmental vessels. All seven had no residual neurological deficit post-operatively and had uncomplicated posterior correction the following week.

All four patients in whom inadequate correction was achieved after anterior release and repositioning had idiopathic curves. Of these two were thoracic and two were thoracolumbar. Mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 67 (range 59–85) compared to a mean of 56 (range 42–68) in the control group. Mean pre-operative stiffness index was 91% (range 85%–100%) compared to a mean stiffness index of 65% (range 53–80) in the control population.

Conclusion: Whilst a successful outcome is achieved in a majority of KASS instrumentations we have identified two reasons why anterior surgery has to be abandoned. Whilst one often cannot pre-operatively anticipate intra-operative loss of cord signal, we found that in cases with an underlying syrinx there is a particular risk of this occurrence. Our experience has shown particularly stiff curves (Stiffness index ≥ 85%) may not be suitable for stand-alone anterior surgery.

Introduction: There has been an increasing use of orthotic knee braces in the management of knee injuries. To ensure the biomechanics of the knee are not adversely affected, it is important that orthotic knee braces accurately provide the desired angle of immobilisation. The objective of our study was to measure the actual knee flexion angles for a lockable orthotic knee brace, and measure the resulting knee flexion moment.

Materials and methods: Eight healthy male volunteers participated in the study looking at six different types of knee immobilisation: locked in 0, 10, 20, 30 degrees of knee flexion, with the brace unlocked, and without a brace. Force and 3-dimensional motion data were collected using a single Kistler force plate and an eight-camera Qualisys ProReflex motion analysis system.

Results: The kinematic knee flexion angles were significantly different when compared with the angles set at the orthotic knee brace for 0 degrees (p=0.001) and 10 degrees (p=0.011). The kinematic knee flexion angle when no brace was used was significantly different from the angle for the unlocked orthotic knee brace (p= 0.003). The knee flexion moment was directly proportional to the knee flexion angle. There was a statistically significant difference between the knee flexion moment for the six types of immobilisation (p< 0.001).

Discussion: The knee flexion angles measured using the kinematic data did not always correspond with the angle set at the orthotic knee brace. These findings highlight inadequacies in the design of lockable orthotic knee braces, especially at low flexion angles of 0 and 10 degrees. The resulting higher actual knee flexion angles were associated with greater knee flexion moments and joint reaction forces at the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. This can, at best result in increased energy expenditure and decreased agility, and at worse potentially augment injuries to the knee.

Introduction: Achieving durable implant–host bone fixation is the major challenge in uncemented revision hip arthroplasty when significant bone stock deficiencies are encountered. The purpose of this study was 1) to develop an experimental model which would simulate the clinical revision hip scenario and 2) determine the effects of alendronate coating on porous tantalum on gap filling and bone ingrowth in the experimental model.

Methods: Thirty-six porous tantalum plugs were implanted into the distal femur, bilaterally of 18 rabbits for four weeks. There were 3 groups of plugs inserted; control groups of porous tantalum plugs (Ta) with no coating, a 2^nd control group of porous tantalum plugs with micro-porous calcium phosphate coating, (Ta-CaP) and porous tantalum plugs coated with alendronate (Ta-CaP-ALN). Subcutaneous fluorochrome labelling was used to track new bone formation. Bone formation was analysed by backscattered electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy on undecalcified histological sections.

Results: The relative increase in mean volume of gap filling, bone ingrowth and total bone formation was 124 %, 232 % and 170 % respectively in Ta-CaP-ALN compared with the uncoated porous tantalum (Ta) controls, which was statistically significant. The contact length of new bone formation on porous tantalum implants in Ta-CaP-ALN was increased by 700% (8-fold) on average compared with the uncoated porous tantalum (Ta) controls.

Discussion: Alendronate coated porous tantalum significantly modulated implant bioactivity compared with controls. This study has demonstrated the significant enhancement of bone-implant gap filling and bone ingrowth, which can be achieved by coating porous tantalum with alendronate. It is proposed that, when faced with the clinical problem of revision joint replacement in the face of bone loss, the addition of alendronate as a surface coating would enhance biological fixation of the implant and promote the healing of bone defects.