The UK falls behind other European countries in the early detection of Developmental Dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and there remains controversy surrounding screening strategies for early detection. Clinical detection of DDH is challenging and recognised to be dependent on examiner experience. No studies exist assessing the number of personnel currently involved in such assessments.

Our objective was to study the current screening procedure by studying a cohort of new-born babies in one teaching hospital and assess the number of health professionals involved in neonatal hip assessment and the number of examinations undertaken during one period by each individual.

This was a retrospective observational study assessing all babies born consecutively over a 14-week period in 2020. Record of each initial baby check was obtained from Maternity or Neonatal Badger. Follow-up data on ultrasound or orthopaedic outpatient referrals were obtained from clinical records.

1037 babies were examined by 65 individual examiners representing 9 different healthcare professional groups. The range of examinations conducted per examiner was 1- 97 with a mean of 15.9 examinations per person. 49% individuals examined 5 or less babies across the 14 weeks, with 18% only performing 1 examination. Of the 5 babies (0.48%) treated for DDH, one was picked up on neonatal assessment.

In a system where so many examiners are involved in neonatal hip assessment the experience is limited for most examiners. It is unsurprising that high current rates of late presentation of DDH are observed locally, which are in accordance with published national experience.

Prophylactic pinning of the contralateral hip in unilateral Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) persists as a source of debate with the majority of surgeons selecting this option in a proportion of patients whom they regard as at increased risk of a subsequent slip.

Universal prophylactic pinning was introduced in our region in 2005 after an audit of ten years local practice identified 25% of unilateral cases presented with a subsequent slip. This study reports our experience between 2005 and 2020.

In this prospective study, 44 patients presented with 55 affected hips compared with 60 patients with 67 affected hips in the original study. Two patients were excluded as their initial slip had not been treated in our unit. Of the 42 hips seven were bilateral, 34 of the 35 unilateral hips underwent prophylactic pinning. The one exception subsequently underwent prophylactic pinning due to developing pain.

Consistent with our original series, at a minimum follow up of 13 months there have been no complications of infection, fracture, chondrolysis or avascular necrosis subsequent to prophylactic pinning.

Over 25 years 70 patients have undergone prophylactic pinning without complication. On the premise that 25% of our unpinned hips presented with subsequent slips before instituting our policy we estimate that we have prevented 17 subsequent slips over 25 years including the consequences which can be significant. We continue to advocate universal prophylactic pinning as an effective and safe practice in the management of SUFE.

Historically avoidance of avascular necrosis (AVN) has been the primary objective in the management of an acute unstable slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE). When achieved through pinning in situ it was invariably associated with significant malunion. With increasing appreciation of the consequences of femoroacetabular impingement, modern techniques aim to correct deformity and avoid AVN.

Exactly what constitutes an acute unstable SUFE is a source of debate but should represent 5–10% of all cases.

This audit reviewed cases over the past 25 years treated in one region. Of 89 patients with 113 slips, 21 hips were recorded as unstable. During this period the management has evolved from closed reduction and stabilization through pinning in situ, to open reduction.

Radiographic outcomes following these three treatment methods were compared with record of any subsequent surgery in the form of osteotomy or total hip arthroplasty.

Currently the lowest reported incidence of AVN in patients with an acute unstable slip is associated with the Parsch technique which combines open arthrotomy, digital reduction and screw fixation. Early outcomes with this technique are in accordance with those reported in the literature and represents a significant improvement in outcome when compared to earlier techniques used in the management of the severe unstable SUFE.

Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip in cases of unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains contentious. Our senior author reported a 10 year series in 2006 that identified a rate of subsequent contralateral slip of 25percnt; when prophylactic fixation was not performed. This led to a change in local practice and employment of prophylactic fixation as standard. We report the 10 year outcomes following this change in practice.

A prospective study of all patients who presented with diagnosis of SCFE between 2004 and 2014 in our region. Intra-operative complication and post-operative complication were the primary outcomes. 31 patients presented during the study period: 16 male patients and 15 female patients. The mean age was 12.16 (8–16, SD 2.07). 25 patients had stable SCFE and 5 had unstable SCFE. Stability was uncertain in 1 patient. 25 patients had unilateral SCFE and 6 had bilateral SCFE. 24 patients who had unilateral SUFE had contralateral pinning performed. 1 unilateral SCFE did not have contralateral pinning performed as there was partial fusion of physis on contralateral side.

In the hips fixed prophylactically there was 1 cases of transient intraoperative screw penetration into the joint and 1 case of minor wound dehiscence. There were no cases or chondrolysis or AVN. There were no further contralateral slips. This change in practice has been adopted with minimal complication. The fixation of the contralateral side is not without risk but by adopting this model the risk of subsequent slip has been reduced from 25percnt; to 0percnt;.

Training time in Trauma & Orthopaedics is pressured. In this action research project, we develop a feedback/self-reflection model for trainers and trainees, emphasising the contribution both groups make to training, to maximise cohesion and efficacy.

Starting in 2013, trainees completed anonymous feedback forms after each 6-month post. The 18-point quantitative questionnaire covers four training domains: WBA engagement, teaching/feedback, research/audit, operative training.

Consultant trainers completed a once-off corresponding 18-point self-reflection questionnaire. Additionally, trainers were asked for their expectations of and advice for trainees.

Individual trainer profiles were generated from trainee feedback questionnaires, allowing comparison between trainer-group-average, trainer-specific and trainer-self-reflection scores across 18 fields. Trainer profiles were uploaded to ISCP and used for recognition of trainer status for SOAR. This data provided basis for local service provision review with amendments to maximise training efficacy.

Results of thematic analysis of trainer feedback was shared with the trainee group. This and subsequent group self-reflection formed the basis of our ‘Trainee Charter’.

Trainee feedback illustrates high levels of satisfaction with local training (average global score 4.2/5). Strengths included ‘feedback’ and ‘operative teaching’; relative weaknesses included ‘research time’ and ‘OPD teaching’.

The ‘Trainee Charter’ details specific desirable behaviours that embody eight trainee-qualities consistently identified by trainers as important, including ‘honesty’ and ‘being organised’. The charter emphasises trainee contribution to training.

For the first time, trainers have the benefit of serial and individualised feedback. Trainees are better informed and empowered in relation to maximising their own training. Most importantly, both halves of the training-team are explicitly acknowledged.

Following the neonatal examination the 6–8 week ‘GP check’ forms the second part of selective surveillance for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in the UK. We aim to investigate the effectiveness of this 6–8 week examination for DDH.

This is a observational study including all infants born in our region over 5 years. Early presentation was defined as diagnosis within 14 weeks of birth and late presentation after 14 weeks. Treatment record for early and late DDH as well as referrals for ultrasound (US) following the 6–8 week check were analysed. The attendance at the 6–8 week examination in those patients who went on to present with a late DDH was also analysed.

23112 live births, there were 141 confirmed cases of DDH. 400 referrals for ultrasound were received from GP; 6 of these had a positive finding of DDH. 27 patients presented after 14 weeks and were classified as late presentations. 25 of these patients had attended the 6–8 week examination and no abnormality had been identified. The sensitivity of the examination was 19.4%, its specificity was 98% and it had a positive predictive value of 1.5%

For many years the 6–8 week ‘check’ has been thought of as a safety net for those children with DDH not identified as neonates, however we found that 4 out of every 5 children with DDH were not identified. It is essential efforts are made to impove detection as the long term consequences of late presentation can be life changing.

Introduction

There is limited evidence assessing the effect of the Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) on gait improvements in diplegic cerebral palsy. In particular, the effect of the AFO on vertical forces during gait has not been reported. Appropriate vertical ground reaction forces are crucial in enabling children with CP to walk efficiently. This study investigated the effect of AFO application on the vertical forces in gait, particularly the second vertical peak in force (FZ2) in late stance. The force data was compared with the barefoot walk.

The initial management of slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) can determine the occurrence of longterm disability due to complications. Previous surveys have concentrated on orthopaedic surgeons with a specialist paediatric interest. In many units in Scotland, the initial responsibility for management may be an admitting trauma surgeon with a different subspecialty interest.

All Orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland participating in acute admitting were invited to complete a web based survey to ascertain current practice in the initial management of adolescents presenting with SUFE.

92/144 (64%) of surgeons approached responded. When faced with a severe stable slip, 53% of respondents were happy to pin in situ, whilst 47% would refer either to a colleague or specialist paediatric unit. With an unstable slip of similar magnitude, 38% would self-treat, 18% refer to a colleague and 44% refer to a paediatric orthopaedic unit. Of those treating, 58% stated their treatment was selected irrespective of timing of presentation. 79% of respondents had treated 5 or less cases in the preceding 5 years with 7% more than 10 cases. Universal prophylactic pinning was supported in 29%, selective in 62% and never in 9%.

The responses obtained confirm the variance in management of SUFE that exists amidst acute admitting units in Scotland. Management of a stable slip is uncontroversial except possibly in severe cases. This contrasts with the acute unstable slip, in which various factors are thought to influence the outcome, such as instability and the issue of timing, which are not universally appreciated.