Objectives. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are a post-translational modification of collagen that form spontaneously in the skeletal matrix due to the presence of reducing sugars, such as glucose. The accumulation of AGEs leads to collagen cross-linking, which adversely affects bone quality and has been shown to play a major role in fracture risk. Thus, intervening in the formation and accumulation of AGEs may be a viable means of protecting bone quality. Methods. An in vitro model was used to examine the efficacy of two AGE-inhibitors, aminoguanidine (AG) and pyridoxamine (PM), on ageing human cortical bone. Mid-diaphyseal tibial cortical bone segments were obtained from female cadavers (n = 20, age range: 57 years to 97 years) and randomly subjected to one of four treatments: control; glucose only; glucose and AG; or glucose and PM. Following treatment, each specimen underwent mechanical testing under physiological conditions via reference point indentation, and AGEs were quantified by fluorescence. Results. Treatment with AG and PM showed a significant decrease in AGE content versus control groups, as well as a significant decrease in the change in indentation distance, a reliable parameter for analyzing bone strength, via two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The data suggest that AG and PM prevent AGE formation and subsequent biomechanical degradation in vitro. Modulation of AGEs may help to identify novel therapeutic targets to mitigate bone quality deterioration, especially deterioration due to ageing and in AGE-susceptible populations (e.g. diabetics). Cite this article: O. Abar, S. Dharmar, S. Y. Tang. The effect of aminoguanidine (AG) and pyridoxamine (PM) on ageing human cortical bone. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:105–110. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0135.R1

Objectives. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is being used increasingly often in the clinical setting to treat tendon-related pathologies. Yet the optimal PRP preparations to promote tendon healing in different patient populations are poorly defined. Here, we sought to determine whether increasing the concentration of platelet-derived proteins within a derivative of PRP, platelet lysate (PL), enhances tenocyte proliferation and migration in vitro, and whether the mitogenic properties of PL change with donor age. Methods. Concentrated PLs from both young (< 50 years) and aged (> 50 years) donors were prepared by exposing pooled PRP to a series of freeze-thaw cycles followed by dilution in plasma, and the levels of several platelet-derived proteins were measured using multiplex immunoassay technology. Human tenocytes were cultured with PLs to simulate a clinically relevant PRP treatment range, and cell growth and migration were assessed using DNA quantitation and gap closure assays, respectively. Results. Platelet-derived protein levels increased alongside higher PL concentrations, and PLs from both age groups improved tenocyte proliferation relative to control conditions. However, PLs from aged donors yielded a dose-response relationship in tenocyte behaviour, with higher PL concentrations resulting in increased tenocyte proliferation and migration. Conversely, no significant differences in tenocyte behaviour were detected when increasing the concentration of PLs from younger donors. Conclusion. Higher PL concentrations, when prepared from the PRP of aged but not young donors, were more effective than lower PL concentrations at promoting tenocyte proliferation and migration in vitro. Cite this article: D. R. Berger, C. J. Centeno, N. J. Steinmetz. Platelet lysates from aged donors promote human tenocyte proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:32–40. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.81.BJR-2018-0164.R1

Aims. Patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) take a long time to heal, have a high incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and widely variable functional outcomes. This variation in outcome may be explained by a lack of knowledge of adverse factors, and a subsequent shortage of appropriate interventions. . Patients and Methods. A total of 111 patients (95 men, 16 women; mean age 40.3, standard deviation 8.4) with an acute total ATR were prospectively assessed. At one year post-operatively a uniform outcome score, Achilles Combined Outcome Score (ACOS), was obtained by combining three validated, independent, outcome measures: Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score, heel-rise height test, and limb symmetry heel-rise height. Predictors of ACOS included treatment; gender; age; smoking; body mass index; time to surgery; physical activity level pre- and post-injury; symptoms; quality of life and incidence of DVT. . Results. There were three independent variables that correlated significantly with the dichotomised outcome score (ACOS), while there was no correlation with other factors. An age of less than 40 years old was the strongest independent predictor of a good outcome one year after ATR (odds ratio (OR) 0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.51), followed by female gender (OR) 4.18, 95% CI 1.01 to 17.24). Notably, patients who did not have a DVT while immobilised post-operatively had a better outcome (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.80). . Conclusion. Over the age of 40 years, male gender and having a DVT while immobilised are independent negative predictors of outcome in patients with an acute ATR. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1635–41

Aims. Spinopelvic pathology increases the risk for instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet few studies have evaluated how pathology varies with age or sex. The aims of this study were: 1) to report differences in spinopelvic parameters with advancing age and between the sexes; and 2) to determine variation in the prevalence of THA instability risk factors with advancing age. Methods. A multicentre database with preoperative imaging for 15,830 THA patients was reviewed. Spinopelvic parameter measurements were made by experienced engineers, including anterior pelvic plane tilt (APPT), spinopelvic tilt (SPT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and pelvic incidence (PI). Lumbar flexion (LF), sagittal spinal deformity, and hip user index (HUI) were calculated using parameter measurements. Results. With advancing age, patients demonstrate increased posterior APPT, decreased standing LL, decreased LF, higher pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch, higher prevalence of abnormal spinopelvic mobility, and higher HUI percentage. With each decade, APPT progressed posteriorly 2.1°, LF declined 6.0°, PI-LL mismatch increased 2.9°, and spinopelvic mobility increased 3.8°. Significant differences were found between the sexes for APPT, SPT, SS, LL, and LF, but were not felt to be clinically relevant. Conclusion. With advancing age, spinopelvic biomechanics demonstrate decreased spinal mobility and increased pelvic/hip mobility. Surgeons should consider the higher prevalence of instability risk factors in elderly patients and anticipate changes evolving in spinopelvic biomechanics for young patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):792–801

Abstract. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a well-recognised procedure to address medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA). There remains dispute on the impact of pre-operative patient factors on patient related outcome measures (PROMS). Does BMI and age affect > 2 year and > 5 year oxford knee scores (OKS) and Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS). A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Timeframe was 26/6/2014 and 25/8/2022. BMI and age were recorded. OKS and KOOS were collected at > 2 years and > 5 years. There were 81 procedures included, of these 50 had OKS and KOOS scores at > 2 years and 35 at > 5 years. Median BMI was 28.5kg/m. 2. , range was 18.6–40.8kg/m. 2. Spearman's rank for >2 year OKS was p(df)=−0.210 p=0.157, > 5 year OKS p(df)=−0.215 p=0.230. For > 2 year and > 5 year KOOS subscales there were no statistically significant associations on Spearman's rank. For age, median age was 52.5, range 26–71 years old. OKS at >2 year p(df)=0.068 p=0.664, OKS >5 years p(df)=0.065 p= 0.709. For >2 year and > 5 year KOOS subscales there were no statistically significant associations on Spearman's rank. There were no adverse outcome in patients up-to the age of 71. There were no statistically significant Spearman's rank correlations between PROMS and OKS/KOOS scores. This supports recent KOG consensus statement highlighting physiological age importance vs chronological age. Of note there were more negative associations in the BMI group compared with age

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration occurs with aging, leading to low back pain (LBP), which is one of the leading conditions of disability worldwide. With the lack of effective treatment, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) – based biomaterials have been proposed for IVD regeneration. However, the impact of donor ages on tissue repair had never been explored before in the disc field. Therefore, we aimed to address this question. For that, a decellularization protocol for bovine nucleus pulposus (NP) of different aged donors (fetus, young and old) was optimized by testing several detergents (SDS and Triton). The process efficiency was evaluated in terms of DNA and cell removal, as well as ECM preservation. Afterwards, dECMs were repopulated with bovine NP cells and cultured ex vivo. At day 7, cell behavior, ECM de novo synthesis and remodeling were evaluated [1]. Moreover, dECMs’ inflammatory response was assessed after in vivo CAM assay. Finally, inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines were analyzed in the conditioned media-derived from dECMs by using a cytokine array. As results, an optimal decellularization protocol (SDS 0.1%, 1h), efficient at removing cells and DNA from bovine NPs, while preserving ECM cues of native tissues, was developed. After repopulation, aggrecan increased in younger NPs, while collagen 2 decreased which may be indicative of matrix remodeling [1]. After in vivo CAM assay, fetal dECMs showed the highest inflammatory response. Finally, no statistically significant changes of cytokines were detected in the matrices, despite for a trend of higher IFN-α, IFN-γ and LIF in fetal dECMs, IL-1β in young dECMs and Decorin in old dECMs. Overall, this work uncovered the importance of tissue donor ages for tissue regenerative purpose, opening new avenues for the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies for IVD degeneration. Acknowledgments: FCT, EUROSPINE, ON Foundation

The use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering is well established, given their properties of self-renewal and differentiation. However, several studies have shown that these properties diminish with age, and understanding the pathways involved are important to provide regenerative therapies in an ageing population. In this PRISMA systematic review, we investigated the effects of chronological donor ageing on the senescence of MSCs. We identified 3023 studies after searching four databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Medline. Nine studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the final analyses. These studies showed an increase in the expression of p21, p53, p16, ROS, and NF- B with chronological age. This implies an activated DNA damage response (DDR), as well as increased levels of stress and inflammation in the MSCs of older donors. Additionally, highlighting the effects of an activated DDR in cells from older donors, a decrease in the expression of proliferative markers including Ki67, MAPK pathway elements, and Wnt/ -catenin pathway elements was observed. Furthermore, we found an increase in the levels of SA- -galactosidase, a specific marker of cellular senescence. Together, these findings support an association between chronological age and MSC senescence. The precise threshold for chronological age where the reported changes become significant is yet to be defined and should form the basis for further scientific investigations. The outcomes of this review should direct further investigations into reversing the biological effects of chronological age on the MSC senescence phenotype

Abstract. Purpose. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective treatment for late knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, its indications remain controversial. Young age (< 60 years) has been associated with worse outcomes. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to study the effect of age on UKA outcomes. Methods. The primary objective was to compare the UKA revision rate in young patients with that of old patients, using the age thresholds of 60 and 55 years. Secondary objectives were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and implant design. PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library were searched in June 2021. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021248322). Results. A total of 12 observational studies with 6,448 knees were included. A mean MINORS score of 19 was assigned to the review. The mean age of patients was 64.32 years, with follow-up ranging from 0.2 to 15 years. There was no significant difference in revision rate, incident or PROMs between young and old patients in the analysis for each age threshold. Further sub-analysis adjusting for implant type in mobile- and fixed-bearing prostheses also showed similar results between those above and under 60 and 55 years. Conclusion. Young age was not associated with a higher revision rate or lower functional scores. Thus, this review provides evidence that performing UKA at a younger age (< 60 years) should not be considered suboptimal. However, this finding should be applied in context, as other confounding factors need to be explored

Obesity is a known risk factor for hip osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of obesity in Australians undergoing hip replacements (HR) for osteoarthritis to the general population. A cohort study was conducted comparing data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) from 2017-18. Body mass index (BMI) data for patients undergoing primary total hip replacement and resurfacing for osteoarthritis were obtained from the AOANJRR. The distribution of HR patients by BMI category was compared to the general population, in age and sex sub-groups. During the study period, 32,495 primary HR were performed for osteoarthritis in Australia. Compared to the general population, there was a higher incidence of Class I, II, and III obesity in patients undergoing HR in both sexes aged 35 to 74 years old. Class III obese females and males undergoing HR were on average 6 to 7 years younger than their normal weight counterparts. Class III obese females and males aged 55-64 years old were 2.9 and 1.7 times more likely to undergo HR, respectively (p<0.001). There is a strong association between increased BMI and relative risk of undergoing HR. Similar findings have been noted in the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Sweden and Spain. A New Zealand Registry study and recent meta-analysis have also found a concerning trend of Class III obese patients undergoing HR at a younger age. Obese Australians are at increased risk of undergoing HR at a younger age. A national approach to address the prevalence of obesity is needed

Aims. The aims of the study were to report for a cohort aged younger than 40 years: 1) indications for HRA; 2) patient-reported outcomes in terms of the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS); 3) dislocation rate; and 4) revision rate. Methods. This retrospective analysis identified 267 hips from 224 patients who underwent an hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) from a single fellowship-trained surgeon using the direct lateral approach between 2007 and 2019. Inclusion criteria was minimum two-year follow-up, and age younger than 40 years. Patients were followed using a prospectively maintained institutional database. Results. A total of 217 hips (81%) were included for follow-up analysis at a mean of 3.8 years. Of the 23 females who underwent HRA, none were revised, and the median head size was 46 mm (compared to 50 mm for males). The most common indication for HRA was femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (n = 133), and avascular necrosis ( (n = 53). Mean postoperative HHS was 100 at two and five years. No dislocations occurred. A total of four hips (1.8%) required reoperation for resection of heterotopic ossification, removal of components for infection, and subsidence with loosening. The overall revision rate was 0.9%. Conclusion. For younger patients with higher functional expectations and increased lifetime risk for revision, HRA is an excellent bone preserving intervention carrying low complication rates, revision rates, and excellent patient outcomes without lifetime restrictions allowing these patients to return to activity and sport. Thus, in younger male patients with end-stage hip disease and higher demands, referral to a high-volume HRA surgeon should be considered. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(6):408–415

Aims. Current levels of hip fracture morbidity contribute greatly to the overall burden on health and social care services. Given the anticipated ageing of the population over the coming decade, there is potential for this burden to increase further, although the exact scale of impact has not been identified in contemporary literature. We therefore set out to predict the future incidence of hip fracture and help inform appropriate service provision to maintain an adequate standard of care. Methods. Historical data from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit (2017 to 2021) were used to identify monthly incidence rates. Established time series forecasting techniques (Exponential Smoothing and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) were then used to predict the annual number of hip fractures from 2022 to 2029, including adjustment for predicted changes in national population demographics. Predicted differences in service-level outcomes (length of stay and discharge destination) were analyzed, including the associated financial cost of any changes. Results. Between 2017 and 2021, the number of annual hip fractures increased from 6,675 to 7,797 (15%), with a rise in incidence from 313 to 350 per 100,000 (11%) for the at-risk population. By 2029, a combined average projection forecast the annual number of hip fractures at 10,311, with an incidence rate of 463 per 100,000, representing a 32% increase from 2021. Based upon these projections, assuming discharge rates remain constant, the total overall length of hospital stay following hip fracture in Scotland will increase by 60,699 days per annum, incurring an additional cost of at least £25 million per year. Approximately five more acute hip fracture beds may be required per hospital to accommodate this increased activity. Conclusion. Projection modelling demonstrates that hip fracture burden and incidence will increase substantially by 2029, driven by an ageing population, with substantial implications for health and social care services. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):62–68

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with the estimated lifetime risk of revision surgery after primary knee arthroplasty (KA). Methods. All patients from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project dataset undergoing primary KA during the period 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2019 were included. The cumulative incidence function for revision and death was calculated up to 20 years. Adjusted analyses used cause-specific Cox regression modelling to determine the influence of patient factors. The lifetime risk was calculated as a percentage for patients aged between 45 and 99 years using multiple-decrement life table methodology. Results. The estimated lifetime risk of revision ranged between 32.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 22.6 to 47.3) for patients aged 45 to 49 years and 0.6% (95% CI 0.1 to 4.5) for patients aged over 90 years. At 20 years, the overall cumulative incidence of revision (6.8% (95% CI 6.6 to 7.0)) was significantly less than that of death (66.3% (95% CI 65.4 to 67.1)). Adjusted analyses demonstrated converse effect of increasing age on risk of revision (hazard ratio (HR) 0.5 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.6)) and death (HR 3.6 (95% CI 3.4 to 3.7)). Male sex was associated with increased risks of revision (HR 1.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.2); p < 0.001) and death (HR 1.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.4); p < 0.001). Compared to patients undergoing primary KA for osteoarthritis, patients with inflammatory arthropathy had a higher risk of death (HR 1.7 (95% CI 1.7 to 1.8); p < 0.001), but were less likely to be revised (HR 0.9 (95% CI 0.7 to 1.0); p < 0.001). Patients with a greater number of comorbidities (HR 1.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.4)) and greater levels of socioeconomic deprivation (HR 1.4 (95% CI 1.4 to 1.5)) were at increased risk of death, but neither increased the risk of revision. Conclusion. The estimated lifetime risk of revision KA varied depending on patient sex, age, and underlying diagnosis. Patients aged between 45 and 49 years had a one in three risk of undergoing revision surgery within their lifetime, which decreased with age to one in 159 in those aged 90 years or more. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1313–1322

Aims. A national screening programme has existed in the UK for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) since 1969. However, every aspect of screening and treatment remains controversial. Screening programmes throughout the world vary enormously, and in the UK there is significant variation in screening practice and treatment pathways. We report the results of an attempt by the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) to identify a nationwide consensus for the management of DDH in order to unify treatment and suggest an approach for screening. Methods. A Delphi consensus study was performed among the membership of BSCOS. Statements were generated by a steering group regarding aspects of the management of DDH in children aged under three months, namely screening and surveillance (15 questions), the technique of ultrasound scanning (eight questions), the initiation of treatment (19 questions), care during treatment with a splint (ten questions), and on quality, governance, and research (eight questions). A two-round Delphi process was used and a consensus document was produced at the final meeting of the steering group. Results. A total of 60 statements were graded by 128 clinicians in the first round and 132 in the second round. Consensus was reached on 30 out of 60 statements in the first round and an additional 12 in the seond. This was summarized in a consensus statement and distilled into a flowchart to guide clinical practice. Conclusion. We identified agreement in an area of medicine that has a long history of controversy and varied practice. None of the areas of consensus are based on high-quality evidence. This document is thus a framework to guide clinical practice and on which high-quality clinical trials can be developed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):209–214

Intra-Discal Vacuum Phenomenon (IDVP) represents an intradiscal nitrogen gas accumulation where a cavity opens in a supine position, lowering intra-discal pressure and generating a bubble. IDVP has been observed in up to 20% of elderly patients and reported in almost 50% of chronic LBP patients. With a highly accurate detection on CT, its significance lacks clarity and consideration within normative data. IDVP occurs with patterns of lumbar and/or lumbopelvic morphology and associated diagnoses. Over-60s population based sample of 2020 unrelated CT abdomen scans without acute spinal presentations, with sagittal reconstructions, inclusive of T12 to femoral heads, were analyzed for IDVP and pelvic incidence (PI). Subjects with diagnostic morphological associations of the lumbar spine, including previous fracture, autofusion, transitional vertebra and listhesis, were selected out and analyzed separately. Subjects were then equally grouped into low, medium and high PI. Prevalence of lumbar spine IDVP is 41.3%. 125 cases were excluded. 1603 subjects yielded 663 IDVP. This was increased in severity towards the lumbosacral junction (L1L2 9.4%, L2L3 10.9%, L3L4 13.7%, L4L5 19.9%, L5S1 28.5%) and those with low PI, while distribution was more even with high PI. 292 had positive diagnostic associations, which were more likely to occur at the level of isthmic spondylolisthesis, adjacent to a previous fracture or suprajacent to lumbosacral transitional vertebra (p<0.05). This study has identified normative values for prevalence and severity of IDVP in a normal aging population. Morphological patterns that influence the pattern of IVDP such as pelvic incidence and diagnostic associations provide novel insights to the function of the aging spine

Aims. The primary aim of our study was to assess the influence of age on hip-specific outcome following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondary aims were to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and level of activity according to age. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted. All patients were fitted with an Exeter stem with a 32 mm head on highly cross-linked polyethylene (X3RimFit) cemented acetabulum. Patients were recruited into three age groups: < 65 years, 65 to 74 years, and ≥ 75 years, and assessed preoperatively and at three, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), were used to assess hip-specific outcome. EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scores were used to assess HRQoL. The Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) were used to assess level of activity. Results. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the WOMAC scores, HSS, HOOS, or EQ-5D-5L at any postoperative timepoint between the age groups. Patients aged ≥ 75 years had significantly lower physical function (p ≤ 0.010) and physical role (p ≤ 0.047) SF-36 scores at 12, 24, and 60 months, but were equal to that expect of an age-matched population. No differences according to age were observed for the other six domains of the SF-36 (p > 0.060). The ≥ 75 years group had a lower LEAS (p < 0.001) and longer TUG test times (p ≤ 0.032) compared to the < 65 years group, but older age groups had significant (p < 0.001) improvement relative to their preoperative baseline measures. Conclusion. Age did not influence postoperative hip-specific outcome or HRQoL (according to the EQ-5D) following THA. Despite a significant improvement, older patients had lower postoperative activity levels compared to younger patients, but this may be reflective of the overall physical effect of ageing. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):692–700

The study of spinopelvic anatomy and movement has received great interest as these characteristics influence the biomechanical behavior (and outcome) following hip arthroplasty. However, to-date there is little knowledge of what “normal” is and how this varies with age. This study aims to determine how dynamic spino-pelvic characteristics change with age, with well-functioning hips and assess how these changes are influenced by the presence of hip arthritis. This is an IRB-approved, cross-sectional, cohort study; 100 volunteers (asymptomatic hips, Oxford-Hip-sore>45) [age:53 ± 17 (24-87) years-old; 51% female; BMI: 28 ± 5] and 200 patients with end-stage hip arthritis [age:56 ± 19 (16-89) years-old; 55% female; BMI:28 ± 5] were studied. All participants underwent lateral spino-pelvic radiographs in the standing and deep-seated positions to determine maximum hip and spine flexion. Parameters measured included lumbar-lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence, pelvic-tilt (PT), pelvic-femoral angles (PFA). Lumbar flexion (ΔLL), hip flexion (ΔPFA) and pelvic movement (ΔPT) were calculated. The prevalence of spinopelvic imbalance (PI–LL>10?) was determined. There were no differences in any of the spino-pelvic characteristics or movements between sexes. With advancing age, standing LL reduced and standing PT increased (no differences between groups). With advancing age, both hip (4%/decade) and lumbar (8%/decade) flexion reduced (p<0.001) (no difference between groups). ΔLL did not correlate with ΔPFA (rho=0.1). Hip arthritis was associated with a significantly reduced hip flexion (82 ±;22? vs. 90 ± 17?; p=0.003) and pelvic movements (1 ± 16? vs. 8 ± 16?; p=0.002) at all ages and increased prevalence of spinopelvic imbalance (OR:2.6; 95%CI: 1.2-5.7). With aging, the lumbar spine loses its lumbar lordosis and flexion to a greater extent that then the hip and resultantly, the hip's relative contribution to the overall sagittal movement increases. With hip arthritis, the reduced hip flexion and the necessary compensatory increased pelvic movement is a likely contributor to the development of hip-spine syndrome and of spino-pelvic imbalance

Osteoarthritis is a common articular cartilage disorder and causes a significant global disease burden. Articular cartilage has a limited capacity of repair and there is increasing interest in the use of cell-based therapies to facilitate repair including the use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs). There is some evidence in the literature that suggests that advancing age is associated with declining MSC function, including reduced proliferation and differentiation potential, and greater cellular apoptosis. In our study, we first performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the effects of chronological age on the in vitro properties of MSCs, and then performed a laboratory study to investigate these properties. We initially conducted a PRISMA systematic review of the literature to review the evidence base for the effects of chronological age on the in vitro properties of MSCs including cell numbers, expansion, cell surface characterization and differentiation potential. This was followed by laboratory based experiments to assess these properties. Tissue from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery was used to isolate MSCs from the bone fragments using a method developed in our laboratory. The growth kinetics was determined by calculating the population doublings per day. Following expansion in culture, MSCs at P2 were characterised for a panel of cell surface markers using flow cytometry. The cells were positive for CD73, CD90 and CD105, and negative for CD34 and CD45. The differentiation potential of the MSCs was assessed through tri-lineage differentiation assays. Clear differences between the younger and older patients were indicated. Chronological age-related changes in MSC function have important implications on the use of these cells in clinical applications for an ageing population. The results from this study will be used to plan further work looking at the effects of chronological age on cellular senescence and identify pathways that could be targeted to potentially reverse any age-related changes

Abstract. Introduction. Little is known about employment following revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). This study aims to describe factors associated with returning to employment in patients of working age who underwent RTKA surgery. Methodology. We performed a retrospective assessment of all patients aged ≤65 who underwent RTKA at our NHS institution between 2006 and 2020. All indications and revision procedures were included. Pre-operative demographics, indication for surgery and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) were recorded. Postal questionnaires were sent to patients including patient reported outcome measures and departmental questionnaire asking patients about employment status pre- and post-operatively. Results. 132 procedures were performed in 113 patients. Median follow up was 5.5 years (2.4–9.0). Mean age was 58 (5.8) and 50% (57) were male. 62 patients undergoing 74 procedures responded to postal questionnaires and were included in the study. 53% (33) were employed prior to surgery and 61% (38) returned to work at a median of 12 weeks (3–150). Of the 24 who did not return to work, 7 reported intending to return to work. Those patients who returned to work had increased pre-operative OKS (16.9 vs 13.6) and mean improvement (16.5 vs 12.4). Conclusion. This study is limited by small numbers and its observational nature. In this population the majority of patients who wished to return to work after RTKA were able to do so. This provides some reassurance when counselling patients. Prospective studies to better understand the factors that predict return to work will be important with increasing demands from surgery

The influence of patient age on functional outcomes after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for acetabular dysplasia remains unclear, with previous studies utilising scores developed for older, arthritic patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of patient age on International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) scores, two years after PAO. Eighty-six patients (72 female, 14 male; mean age 26.9 years) who underwent PAO by a single surgeon and had completed a minimum of two years follow up were identified. Patients were categorised into three groups according to age at the time of surgery: adolescent (11–20 years; n=29), young adult (21–30 years; n=29), and mature (≥31 years; n=28). The three groups were compared with respect to baseline variables and functional outcomes (iHOT-12, EQ-5D quality of life score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, pain visual analogue score (VAS)). Multivariate regression was undertaken to assess for independent predictors of two-year iHOT-12 score. The adolescent group demonstrated a lower BMI (p=0.004) while the mature group had a greater American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score (p=0.049). There were otherwise no significant differences in baseline variables between the three groups (all p>0.05). The three groups demonstrated significant post-operative improvements across all functional outcome measures. There were no significant differences in two-year iHOT-12, EQ-5D, UCLA score or pain VAS between the three groups (all p>0.05). Regression modelling found that patient age at the time of surgery did not have an independent effect on two-year iHOT-12 score (p=0.878). We found that patient age at the time of surgery did not influence functional outcomes two years after PAO. Our results suggest that patient age should not be considered in isolation as an indication or contraindication for PAO

Abstract. Introduction. Meniscal repair is an accepted surgical option for meniscal tears. However, there remains trepidation with regard to offering such surgery to older patients. We aim to evaluate the outcomes in these such patients. Methodology. A single surgeons log was used to identify patients who underwent meniscal repair and were over the age of 40. Patients having concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were excluded. Demographic data, surgical data and outcomes (pain visual analogue score (VAS); single assessment numerical evaluation (SANE) and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome joint replacement (KOOS Jr) score) were collected prospectively. Final outcomes were collected between 6–12 months following surgery. Results. 24 meniscal tears in 22 knees (22 patients) were identified. Mean age was 52.2 (range; 40.6-70.3). Morphology of the tears were medial meniscus posterior root tear 10 (42%); medial meniscus posterior horn tear 9 (38%); lateral meniscus posterior horn tear 2 (8.3%); lateral meniscus posterior root tear 1 (4.2%); lateral meniscus body tear 1 (4.2%) and lateral meniscus anterior horn tear 1 (4.2%). Response rate was 86%. Statistically significant improvements in pain VAS (p=0.0001); SANE (p=0.0001) and KOOS Jr Score (p=0.0005) were found. 68% and 74% of patients had surpassed the MCID in their KOOS symptoms and KOOS quality of life subscales, respectively. Conclusion. Meniscal repair in patients over 40 years of age is an acceptable treatment with significant improvements in patients reported outcome measures, SANE and pain VAS

Arthroscopic hip procedures have increased dramatically over the last decade as equipment and techniques have improved. Patients who require hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement on occasion require surgery on the contralateral hip. Previous studies have found that younger age of presentation and lower Charlson comorbidity index have higher risk for requiring surgery on the contralateral hip but have not found correlation to anatomic variables. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors that predispose a patient to requiring subsequent hip arthroscopy on the contralateral hip. This is an IRB-approved, single surgeon retrospective cohort study from an academic, tertiary referral centre. A chart review was conducted on 310 primary hip arthroscopy procedures from 2009-2020. We identified 62 cases that went on to have a hip arthroscopy on the contralateral side. The bilateral hip arthroscopy cohort was compared to unilateral cohort for sex, age, BMI, pre-op alpha angle and centre edge angle measured on AP pelvis XRay, femoral torsion, traction time, skin to skin time, Tonnis grade, intra-op labral or chondral defect. A p-value <0.05 was deemed significant. Of the 62 patients that required contralateral hip arthroscopy, the average age was 32.7 compared with 37.8 in the unilateral cohort (p = 0.01) and BMI was lower in the bilateral cohort (26.2) compared to the unilateral cohort (27.6) (p=0.04). The average alpha angle was 76.3. 0. in the bilateral compared to 66. 0. in the unilateral cohort (p = 0.01). Skin to skin time was longer in cases in which a contralateral surgery was performed (106.3 mins vs 86.4 mins) (p=0.01). Interestingly, 50 male patients required contralateral hip arthroscopy compared to 12 female patients (p=0.01). No other variables were statistically significant. In conclusion, this study does re-enforce existing literature by stating that younger patients are more likely to require contralateral hip arthroscopy. This may be due to the fact that these patients require increased range of motion from the hip joint to perform activities such as sports where as older patients may not need the same amount of range of motion to perform their activities. Significantly higher alpha angles were noted in patients requiring contralateral hip arthroscopy, which has not been shown in previous literature. This helps to explain that larger CAM deformities will likely require contralateral hip arthroscopy because these patients likely impinge more during simple activities of daily living. Contralateral hip arthroscopy is also more common in male patients who typically have a larger CAM deformity. In summary, this study will help to risk stratify patients who will likely require contralateral hip arthroscopy and should be a discussion point during pre-operative counseling. That offering early subsequent or simultaneous hip arthroscopy in young male patients with large CAMs should be offered when symptoms are mild

Aims. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a very successful and cost-effective operation, yet debate continues about the optimum fixation philosophy in different age groups. The concept of the 'cementless paradox' and the UK 'Getting it Right First Time' initiative encourage increased use of cemented fixation due to purported lower revision rates, especially in elderly patients, and decreased cost. Methods. In a high-volume, tertiary referral centre, we identified 10,112 THAs from a prospectively collected database, including 1,699 cemented THAs, 5,782 hybrid THAs, and 2,631 cementless THAs. The endpoint was revision for any reason. Secondary analysis included examination of implant survivorship in patients aged over 70 years, over 75 years, and over 80 years at primary THA. Results. Cemented fixation had the lowest implant survival in all age groups, with a total ten-year survivorship of 97.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 95.8 to 97.8) in the cemented group, 97.6% (95% CI 96.9 to 98.1) in the hybrid group, and 97.9% (95% CI 96.9 to 98.6) in the cementless group. This was not statistically significant (p = 0.092). There was no age group where cemented fixation outperformed hybrid or cementless fixation. Conclusion. While all fixation techniques performed well at long-term follow-up, cemented fixation was associated with the lowest implant survival in all age groups, including in more elderly patients. We recommend that surgeons should carefully monitor their own outcomes and use fixation techniques that they are familiar with, and deliver the best outcomes in their own hands. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):206–211

Aging impairs the regenerative capacity of musculoskeletal tissues and is associated with poor healing outcomes. PolgA. D257A/D257A. (PolgA) mice present a premature aging phenotype due to the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations at rates 3 – 5 fold higher compared to wild type mice. Consequently, PolgA mice exhibit the premature onset of clinically-relevant musculoskeletal aging characteristics including frailty, osteo-sarcopenia, and kyphosis. I will present our recent findings on the use of PolgA mice to investigate the effects of aging on the regenerative capacity of bone. In particular, I will focus on the mechano-sensitivity of the regenerative process in aged bone environments and the opportunities it presents for clinical translation of mechanical intervention therapies

Introduction and Objective. Neoangiogenesis drives the replacement of mineralized cartilage by trabecular bone during bone growth regulated by molecules like e.g. VEGF, OPG and RANKL and the close interaction of progenitors of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, endothelial cells and osteoclasts/chondroclasts. The Heparan sulfate proteoglycan Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) plays a role in the interaction between osteoclasts and osteoblasts and the development of blood vessels. As the processes of osteogenesis and angiogenesis are closely related to each other in bone, we expected Sdc-1 to have an influence on vessel structure during aging. Therefore, angiogenesis at the growth plate in mice of different ages was compared and the influence of Syndecan-1 deficiency was characterized. Materials and Methods. Animals: C57BL/6 (WT) and Sdc1−/− mice were used for native bone analysis at 4, 12 and 18 month age. Femura were dissected, cryoprotected and embedded. Histology: Embedded bones were sectioned into 80um thick slices so that the 3D network of the vascularization of the bone could be visualized using an anti-Endomucin antibody and DAPI as counter staining. For semi-automatical quantification of the vessel bulbs we used a custom made software. In vitro angiogenesis: For aortic ring assay, aortic tissue was isolated from 4 month old mice, cut into 0.5mm rings and embedded in collagen type I matrix. Microvessel outgrowth was quantified after 6 days of culture. Results. We verified our custom-made software using slices of WT mice and showed that there is no variation of the number of bulbs with regard to the width of the growth plate in periphery versus center zones in all age groups which indicates a homogeneous distribution of angiogenesis throughout the interface of cartilage to newly forming bone. Furthermore, in both, WT and Sdc-1 deficient mice the number of bulbs decreased significantly with age. However, Sdc-1 knockout mice at the age of 4 and 12 month showed a highly significant decrease in angiogenesis close to the growth plate compared to WT mice, whereas in older mice these differences were gone. Quantification of microvessel outgrowth of aortic tissue revealed a significant decrease in number of vessels from rings taken from Syndecan-1 deficient mice compared to WT mice. Conclusions. Syndecan-1 has a significant impact on neoangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo during aging as demonstrated at the chondro-osseous border of the native bone, emphasizing the importance to further characterize the function of Syndecan-1 regulated processes during enchondral ossification

Aims. This study intended to investigate the effect of vericiguat (VIT) on titanium rod osseointegration in aged rats with iron overload, and also explore the role of VIT in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Methods. In this study, 60 rats were included in a titanium rod implantation model and underwent subsequent guanylate cyclase treatment. Imaging, histology, and biomechanics were used to evaluate the osseointegration of rats in each group. First, the impact of VIT on bone integration in aged rats with iron overload was investigated. Subsequently, VIT was employed to modulate the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW264.7 cells under conditions of iron overload. Results. Utilizing an OVX rat model, we observed significant alterations in bone mass and osseointegration due to VIT administration in aged rats with iron overload. The observed effects were concomitant with reductions in bone metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. To elucidate whether these effects are associated with osteoclast and osteoblast activity, we conducted in vitro experiments using MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW264.7 cells. Our findings indicate that iron accumulation suppressed the activity of MC3T3-E1 while enhancing RAW264.7 function. Furthermore, iron overload significantly decreased oxidative stress levels; however, these detrimental effects can be mitigated by VIT treatment. Conclusion. Collectively, our data provide compelling evidence that VIT has the potential to reverse the deleterious consequences of iron overload on osseointegration and bone mass during ageing. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):427–440

Abstract. Objectives. Osteoarthritis is a common articular cartilage disorder and causes a significant global disease burden. Articular cartilage has a limited capacity of repair and there is increasing interest in the use of cell-based therapies to facilitate repair including the use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs). There is some evidence in the literature that suggests that advancing age and gender is associated with declining MSC function, including reduced proliferation and differentiation potential, and greater cellular apoptosis. In our study, we first performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the effects of chronological age and gender on the in vitro properties of MSCs, and then performed a laboratory study to investigate these properties. Methods and Results. We initially conducted a PRISMA systematic review of the literature to review the evidence base for the effects of chronological age and gender on the in vitro properties of MSCs including cell numbers, expansion, cell surface characterization and differentiation potential. This was followed by laboratory-based experiments to assess these properties. Compare the extent of the effect of age on MSC cell marker expression, proliferation and pathways. Tissue from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery was used to isolate MSCs from the synovium, fat pad and bone fragments using a method developed in our laboratory. The growth kinetics was determined by calculating the population doublings per day. Following expansion in culture, MSCs at P2 were characterised for a panel of cell surface markers using flow cytometry. The cells were positive for CD73, CD90 and CD105, and negative for antibody cocktail (eg included CD34, CD45). The differentiation potential of the MSCs was assessed through tri-lineage differentiation assays. At P2 after extracting RNA, we investigate the gene analysis using Bulk seq. Clear differences between the younger and older patients and gender were indicated. Conclusions. Chronological age and gender-related changes in MSC function have important implications on the use of these cells in clinical applications for an ageing population. The results from this study will be used to plan further work looking at the effects of chronological age and gender on cellular senescence and identify pathways that could be targeted to potentially reverse any age and gender-related changes. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

There is an increasing demand worldwide for total hip arthroplasty in patients over 80 years old. This study is the largest of its kind reporting long term outcomes and clinical survivorship of patients over 80 years old undergoing THR. 13171 patients 80 years or older who underwent THR between 2000 and 2019 were included. Demographic and operative data was collected including age, sex, laterality, date of surgery and operative technique. Presence and date of complications were collected. Data was also collected for the same time period on 80910 patients aged 51–79 years undergoing THR for comparison. 4103 (31.2%) male and 9068 female (68.8%) patients were included in the 80year old cohort. Median age was 83 (IQR 81–83, range 80–98). 32682 (40.4%) male and 48227 (59.6%) females were included in the 50–79year old cohort. Median age was 68 (IQR 62–73, range 50–79). The 80 cohort was more likely to sustain post operative complications in the 6 months following surgery including DVT (81/13171 vs 364/80910, P<0.05), myocardial infarction (177/13171 vs 341/80910, P<0.05), acute renal failure (371/12800 vs 812/80910 P<0.05). The 50–79year old cohort was over twice as likely to undergo revision surgery than the 80 year old cohort (HR 2.55, 95% CI 2.216–2.932, p<0.001). Of those requiring revision surgery, the elderly cohort were more likely to undergo earlier revision surgery (378days, 95%CI 236–519d vs 1586days, 95%CI 1471–1700d, p<0.001). In those undergoing revision surgery, a higher proportion were done for infection in the 80 year old cohort (39/219 (17.8%) vs 215/2809 (7.7%), p<0.05. This study demonstrates good outcomes in terms of medical complications and a low overall risk of requiring revision surgery in patients 80years old undergoing THR. Patients over the age of 80 should be counselled on the relatively increased risk of medical complications post operatively

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is being offered as a viable alternative to total hip arthroplasty (THA). For very young patients (under 30 years old), THA achieves fair results but with high revision and complication rates. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the results of HRA performed in patients under 30 years old with a long follow-up. During the inclusion period (2007–2021), we collected in a single operator database, all HRA performed in patients under 30 with a minimum follow up of 2 years. 103 HRA in 93 patients (77 male / 16 females; a mean age at operation 27.7 years (18 to 29.9)) were included. The two mean preoperative diagnoses were osteoarthritis in 54 HRA (52.5%) and DDH or hip dislocation in 19.4% (20 cases). No patient was lost to follow-up and 3 patients (5 HRA) deceased. There were 2 revisions (one for femoral aseptic loosening and one infection recurrence (pediatric osteoarthritis)). No dislocation and adverse wear-related failures were found. At a mean follow-up of 10.4 years (2–17.4), mean UCLA activity and Oxford Hip score improved respectively from 5.4 (1 to 7) and 39.9 (25–55) pre-operatively to 7.9 (3 to 10) and 15.8 (12–34) post-operatively (p<0.001). Mean Harris hip score increased from 41.6 (22–63) to 91.8 (72–100) (p<0.001). There were no radiological cases exhibiting lysis while two cases displayed limited partial radiolucency around the femoral stem. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with the endpoint revision for any reason, showed a 10.8-year survival rate of 98% (95% expected with NICE guidelines). This cohort of HRA performed under 30 is the longest follow-up ever reported in the literature. Despite a challenging cohort of patients, HRA exceeds the stricter NICE survivorship criteria. HRA remains an effective treatment with excellent functional outcomes and a very low rate of complications

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in young patients aged under 45 years with traumatic meniscal tears. Methods. We conducted a multicentre, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial in patients aged 18 to 45 years, with a recent onset, traumatic, MRI-verified, isolated meniscal tear without knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or standardized physical therapy with an optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy after three months of follow-up. We performed a cost-utility analysis on the randomization groups to compare both treatments over a 24-month follow-up period. Cost utility was calculated as incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to physical therapy. Calculations were performed from a healthcare system perspective and a societal perspective. Results. A total of 100 patients were included: 49 were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and 51 to physical therapy. In the physical therapy group, 21 patients (41%) received delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy during follow-up. Over 24 months, patients in the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group had a mean 0.005 QALYs lower quality of life (95% confidence interval -0.13 to 0.14). The cost-utility ratio was €-160,000/QALY from the healthcare perspective and €-223,372/QALY from the societal perspective, indicating that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy incurs additional costs without any added health benefit. Conclusion. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is unlikely to be cost-effective in treating young patients with isolated traumatic meniscal tears compared to physical therapy as a primary health intervention. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy leads to a similar quality of life, but higher costs, compared to physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1177–1183

Abstract. Introduction. The number of total knee replacements (TKRs) performed continues to increase and is marked in patients under the age of 60. Increased number of younger patients raises concerns about potentially increased rates of implant failure or revision. Previous studies used small cohorts with only short to medium term follow-up. This study is the largest of its kind reporting long term outcomes and clinical survivorship of patients 50 years or less undergoing TKR. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project. A total of 3727 patients 50 years or less undergoing TKR between 2000 and 2019. Data was also collected for the same time period on patients aged 50–79 years undergoing TKR for comparison. Results. Mean age for under 50 years cohort at initial TKR was 45.4 years. Primary reason for TKR was osteoarthritis (3025 cases) and 321 revisions were performed. The primary reason for revision was aseptic loosening (206 cases), or infection (18 cases). Average time to revision was 5.5 years. In the 50–79 years cohort, average age was 67.5 years. Primary reason for TKR was osteoarthritis (87776 cases) and 2997 revisions were performed. Principle reason for revision was infection (256 cases), or aseptic loosening (2042 cases). Average time to revision was 4 years. Conclusion. This study suggests long-term outcome of patients aged 50 years or less undergoing TKR remain promising. Patients should be aware of relatively higher rates of aseptic loosening requiring revision in patients aged 50 years or less undergoing TKR

Aims. The aim of this study was to gain an agreement on the management of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) up to walking age in order to provide a benchmark for practitioners and guide consistent, high-quality care for children with CTEV. Methods. The consensus process followed an established Delphi approach with a predetermined degree of agreement. The process included the following steps: establishing a steering group; steering group meetings, generating statements, and checking them against the literature; a two-round Delphi survey; and final consensus meeting. The steering group members and Delphi survey participants were all British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) members. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of the Delphi survey results. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation checklist was followed for reporting of the results. Results. The BSCOS-selected steering group, the steering group meetings, the Delphi survey, and the final consensus meeting all followed the pre-agreed protocol. A total of 153/243 members voted in round 1 Delphi (63%) and 132 voted in round 2 (86%). Out of 61 statements presented to round 1 Delphi, 43 reached ‘consensus in’, no statements reached ‘consensus out’, and 18 reached ‘no consensus’. Four statements were deleted and one new statement added following suggestions from round 1. Out of 15 statements presented to round 2, 12 reached ‘consensus in’, no statements reached ‘consensus out’, and three reached ‘no consensus’ and were discussed and included following the final consensus meeting. Two statements were combined for simplicity. The final consensus document includes 57 statements allocated into six successive stages. Conclusion. We have produced a consensus document for the treatment of idiopathic CTEV up to walking age. This will provide a benchmark for standard of care in the UK and will help to reduce geographical variability in treatment and outcomes. Appropriate dissemination and implementation will be key to its success. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):758–764

Abstract. Introduction. With respect to survivorship following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), joint registries consistently demonstrate higher revision rates for both sexes in those less than 55 years. The current study analyses the survivorship of 500 cementless TKAs performed in this age group in a high-volume primary joint unit where cementless TKA has traditionally been used for the majority of patients. Methods. This was a retrospective review of 500 consecutive TKAs performed in patients under the age of 55 between March 1994 and April 2017. The primary outcome measure for the study was all-cause revision. Secondary outcome measures included clinical, functional and radiological outcomes. Results. The all-cause revision rate was 1.6% (n=8) at a median of 55.7 months. Four were revised for infection, 2 for stiffness, 1 for aseptic loosening of the tibial component and 1 patella was resurfaced for anterior knee pain. The aseptic revision rate was 0.8% (n=4). Twenty-seven (5.4%) patients underwent a manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). Including those who underwent MUA, 6.8% (n=34) underwent other non-revision procedures. Conclusion. Survivorship in our unit in this young patient cohort was excellent with an aseptic revision rate of 0.8% at 59.7 months using a fully cementless construct. The MUA rate was higher than expected

Background. Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) is an established treatment option for end-stage ankle arthritis. We analysed at minimum, 10-year patient-reported and clinical outcomes of 156 TARs from a single centre. We specifically compared outcomes between patients under 60 and over 60 at time of surgery. Methods. Data was collected retrospectively from our departmental patient database. It included all patients who underwent a TAR by a single surgeon between 2006 and 2010 and patients were divided into those under 60 and those over 60 at the time of surgery. Patient reported outcomes (PROMs), including WOMAC, SF-36 and patient satisfaction scores and complications were analysed preoperatively and at one, two, five and over 10 years postoperatively. Results. There were 156 patients included in this analysis, 61 were under 60 (mean age 50.29) and 95 were over 60 (mean age 69.12). A total of 12 patients had revision surgery, (nine in the under 60 group) and 52 patients were deceased at the time of analysis (10 in the under 60 group). At one year the over 60 group had less pain and better functional scores (p=0.02, p=0.017). At two, five and ten years there was no statistical difference in pain and function between groups. At two years the over 60s reported less stiffness and quicker return to activities of daily living (p=0.007, p=0.001). However, at five and 10 years there was no statistical difference in any domain. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that age does not correlate with a significant difference in pain or functional outcomes in patients who have TAR, at over 10 years follow up. The higher revision rates in the younger group may correlate with higher functional demand and lower mortality rate

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has high rates of patient satisfaction; however patient expectations for recreational and sporting activities are not always met. Our study aimed to identify preoperative factors that predict whether patient expectations for sporting or recreational activity are met 12 months following THA. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected prospectively from 2015-2018 at one private hospital in Sydney. Age, gender, postcode, weight, and height were recorded preoperatively. Included participants underwent primary THA by one of the investigating surgeons. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed with an expectation fulfilment score used as the primary outcome variable. Preoperative predictor variables included: age, gender, BMI, Socio-economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Oxford Hip Score, Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, EQ-5D-5L and EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS). 1019 participants were eligible and included. 13% reported that preoperative expectations of sport or recreation were not met at 12 months. Younger age, lower preoperative EQ VAS, and higher BMI were associated with failed expectations on multivariable analysis. Odds of failed expectations increased by 2% for every one year younger in age (OR= 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.00, p=.048), by 2% for every one point lower on EQ VAS (OR=0.98, 95% CI = 0.98 to 0.99, p=.002), and by 4% for every one-point increase in BMI (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.09, p=.042). Failure to have expectations met for sporting or recreational activity was associated with younger age, poorer general health, and high BMI. With a rise in younger patients who likely have higher physical demands, a tailored preoperative education is preferable to generic models to better manage patient expectations. Younger age, higher BMI, and poorer health may predict unmet expectations for sport and recreation after THA. Tailored education in these groups should be considered

Aims. Ankle fractures are common, mainly affecting adults aged 50 years and over. To aid recovery, some patients are referred to physiotherapy, but referral patterns vary, likely due to uncertainty about the effectiveness of this supervised rehabilitation approach. To inform clinical practice, this study will evaluate the effectiveness of supervised versus self-directed rehabilitation in improving ankle function for older adults with ankle fractures. Methods. This will be a multicentre, parallel-group, individually randomized controlled superiority trial. We aim to recruit 344 participants aged 50 years and older with an ankle fracture treated surgically or non-surgically from at least 20 NHS hospitals. Participants will be randomized 1:1 using a web-based service to supervised rehabilitation (four to six one-to-one physiotherapy sessions of tailored advice and prescribed home exercise over three months), or self-directed rehabilitation (provision of advice and exercise materials that participants will use to manage their recovery independently). The primary outcome is participant-reported ankle-related symptoms and function six months after randomization, measured by the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score. Secondary outcomes at two, four, and six months measure health-related quality of life, pain, physical function, self-efficacy, exercise adherence, complications, and resource use. Due to the nature of the interventions, participants and intervention providers will be unblinded to treatment allocation. Conclusion. This study will assess whether supervised rehabilitation is more effective than self-directed rehabilitation for adults aged 50 years and older after ankle fracture. The results will provide evidence to guide clinical practice. At the time of submission, the trial is currently completing recruitment, and follow-up will be completed in 2024. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(6):499–513

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of all primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and their subsequent revision procedures in patients aged under 50 years performed at our institution. Methods. All 1,049 primary THAs which were undertaken in 860 patients aged under 50 years between 1988 and 2018 in our tertiary care institution were included. We used cemented implants in both primary and revision surgery. Impaction bone grafting was used in patients with acetabular or femoral bone defects. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to determine the survival of primary and revision THA with the endpoint of revision for any reason, and of revision for aseptic loosening. Results. The mean age of the patients at the time of the initial THA was 38.6 years (SD 9.3). The mean follow-up of the THA was 8.7 years (2.0 to 31.5). The rate of survival for all primary THAs, acetabular components only, and femoral components only at 20 years’ follow-up with the endpoint of revision for any reason, was 66.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 60.5 to 72.2), 69.1% (95% CI 63.0 to 74.4), and 83.2% (95% CI 78.1 to 87.3), respectively. A total of 138 revisions were performed. The mean age at the time of revision was 48.2 years (23 to 72). Survival of all subsequent revision procedures, revised acetabular, and revised femoral components at 15 years’ follow-up with the endpoint of revision for any reason was 70.3% (95% CI 56.1 to 80.7), 69.7% (95% CI 54.3 to 80.7), and 76.2% (95% CI 57.8 to 87.4), respectively. A Girdlestone excision arthroplasty was required in six of 860 patients (0.7%). Conclusion. The long-term outcome of cemented primary and subsequent revision THA is promising in these young patients. We showed that our philosophy of using impaction bone grafting in patients with acetabular and femoral defects is a very suitable option when treating young patients. Surgeons should realize that knowledge of the outcome of subsequent revision surgery, which is inevitable in young patients, must be communicated to this group of patients prior to their initial THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):368–375

Introduction and Objective. In multiple trauma patients, as well as in the healing of isolated fractures (Fx) with heavy bleeding (trauma haemorrhage, TH), complications occur very often. This is particularly evident in elderly patients over 65 years of age. Since these accompanying circumstances strongly influence the clinical course of treatment, the influence of age on bone regeneration after femoral fracture and severe blood loss was investigated in this study. Materials and Methods. 12 young (17–26 weeks) and 12 old (64–72 weeks) male C57BL / 6J mice per group were examined. The fracture group Fx underwent an osteotomy after applying an external fixator. The THFx group also received blood pressure-controlled trauma hemorrhage (35 mmHg for 90 minutes) and reperfusion with Ringer's solution for 30 minutes. The Sham group received only the catheter and one external fixator. μCT scans of the femora were performed in vivo after 2 weeks and ex vivo after 3 weeks. Histological and biomechanical examinations were also carried out. The statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The non-normally distributed data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney-U or Kruskal-Wallis test. Results. The histology showed less mineralized bone in the fracture gap in old animals of the Fx (25.41% [1.68%]) and THFx groups (25.50% [4.07%]) compared with the young ones (34.20% [6.36%], p = 0.003; 34.31% [5.12%], p=0.009). Moreover, a severe blood loss lead to more cartilage in both young (6.91% [5.08%]) and old animals (4.17% [1.42%]) compared to animals with only a fracture (2, 45% [1.04%], p=0.004; 2.95% [1.12%], p=0.032). In old animals (11.37 / nm. 2. [17.17 / nm. 2. ]) in contrast the young mice with an isolated fracture (33.6/nm. 2. [8.83/nm. 2. ]) fewer osteoclasts were present (p=0.009). Therefore, the severe blood loss further reduced the number of osteoclasts only in young animals (16.83/nm. 2. [6.07/nm. 2. ]) (p=0.004). In the in vivo μCT, after 2 weeks, a lower volume of bone, cortex and callus was found in old THFx animals (3.14 mm. 3. [0.64 mm. 3. ]); 1.01 mm. 3. [0.04 mm. 3. ]; 2.07 mm. 3. [0.57 mm. 3. ]) compared with the Fx animals (4.29 mm. 3. [0.74 mm. 3. ], p=0.008; 1.18 mm. 3. [0, 25 mm. 3. ], p=0.004; 3.02 mm. 3. [0.77 mm. 3. ], p=0.008) After 3 weeks, the ex vivo μCT scans also showed a reduced callus percentage in old THFx animals (61.18% [13.9 9%]), as well as a low number of trabeculae (1.81 mm. -1. [0.23 mm. -1. ]) compared to animals without blood loss (68.72% [15.71%], p = 0.030; 2.06mm. -1. [0.37mm. -1. ], p=0.041). In the biomechanical test, a reduced elasticity limit of the old THFx mice (7.75 N [3.33 N]) in contrast to the old Fx (10.24 N [3.32 N]) animals was shown (p=0.022). Conclusions. A severe blood loss has a higher negative effect on the healing, morphometry, and biomechanical properties of previously fractured femora in old compared to young individuals

Aims. Arthroplasty is being increasingly used for the management of distal humeral fractures (DHFs) in elderly patients. Arthroplasty options include total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA); both have unique complications and there is not yet a consensus on which implant is superior. This systematic review asked: in patients aged over 65 years with unreconstructable DHFs, what differences are there in outcomes, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), range of motion (ROM), and complications, between distal humeral HA and TEA?. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed via a search of MEDLINE and Embase. Two reviewers extracted data on PROMs, ROM, and complications. PROMs and ROM results were reported descriptively and a meta-analysis of complications was conducted. Quality of methodology was assessed using Wylde’s non-summative four-point system. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228329). Results. A total of 29 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) score was 19.6 (SD 7.5) for HA and 38 (SD 11.9) for TEA and the mean abbreviated version of DASH was 17.2 (SD 13.2) for HA and 24.9 (SD 4.8) for TEA. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score was the most commonly reported PROM across included studies, with a mean of 87 (SD 5.3) in HA and 88.3 (SD 5) in TEA. High complication rates were seen in both HA (22% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5 to 44)) and TEA (21% (95% CI 13 to 30), but no statistically significant difference identified. Conclusion. This systematic review has indicated PROMs and ROM mostly favouring HA, but with a similarly high complication rate in the two procedures. However, due to the small sample size and heterogeneity between studies, strength of evidence for these findings is low. We propose further research in the form of a national randomized controlled trial. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):559–566

Abstract. Osteoarthritis is a common articular cartilage disorder and causes a significant global disease burden. Articular cartilage has a limited capacity of repair and there is increasing interest in the use of cell-based therapies to facilitate repair including the use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs). There is some evidence in the literature that suggests that advancing age is associated with declining MSC function, including reduced proliferation and differentiation potential, and greater cellular apoptosis. In our study, we first performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the effects of chronological age on the in vitro properties of MSCs, and then performed a laboratory study to investigate these properties. We initially conducted a PRISMA systematic review of the literature to review the evidence base for the effects of chronological age on the in vitro properties of MSCs including cell numbers, expansion, cell surface characterization and differentiation potential. This was followed by laboratory based experiments to assess these properties. Tissue from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery was used to isolate MSCs from the infrapatellar fat pad using a method developed in our laboratory. The growth kinetics was determined by calculating the population doublings per day. Following expansion in culture, MSCs at P2 were characterised for a panel of cell surface markers using flow cytometry. The cells were positive for CD73, CD90 and CD105, and negative for CD34 and CD45. The differentiation potential of the MSCs was assessed through tri-lineage differentiation assays. Chronological age-related changes in MSC function have important implications on the use of these cells in clinical applications for an ageing population. The results from this study will be used to plan further work looking at the effects of chronological age on cellular senescence and identify pathways that could be targeted to potentially reverse any age-related changes

Aims. To assess the effect of age on clinical outcome and revision rates in patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A consecutive series of 811 ankles (789 patients) that underwent TAA between May 2003 and December 2013 were enrolled. The influence of age on clinical outcome, including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and pain according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed. In addition, the risk for revision surgery that includes soft tissue procedures, periarticular arthrodeses/osteotomies, ankle joint debridement, and/or inlay exchange (defined as minor revision), as well as the risk for revision surgery necessitating the exchange of any of the metallic components or removal of implant followed by ankle/hindfoot fusion (defined as major revision) was calculated. Results. A significant improvement in the AOFAS hindfoot score and pain relief between the preoperative assessment and the last follow-up was evident. Age had a positive effect on pain relief. The risk for a minor or major revision was 28.7 % at the mean follow-up of 5.4 years and 11.0 % at a mean follow-up of 6.9 years respectively. The hazard of revision was not affected by age. Conclusion. The clinical outcome, as well as the probability for revision surgery following TAA, is comparable between younger and older patients. The overall revision rate of the Hintegra total ankle is comparable with other three component designs. TAA should no longer be reserved for low demand elderly patients, but should also be recognized as a viable option for active patients of younger age. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):925–932

Aims. Current American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines for treating femoral fractures in children aged two to six years recommend early spica casting although some individuals have recommended intramedullary stabilization in this age group. The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment and family burden of care of spica casting and flexible intramedullary nailing in this age group. Methods. Patients aged two to six years old with acute, non-pathological femur fractures were prospectively enrolled at one of three tertiary children’s hospitals. Either early closed reduction with spica cast application or flexible intramedullary nailing was accomplished under general anaesthesia. The treatment method was selected after discussion of the options by the surgeon with the family. Data were prospectively collected on patient demographics, fracture characteristics, complications, pain medication, and union. The Impact on Family Scale was obtained at the six-week follow-up visit. In all, 75 patients were included in the study: 39 in the spica group and 36 in the nailing group. The mean age of the spica group was 2.71 (2.0 to 6.9) years and the mean age of the nailing group was 3.16 (2.0 to 6.9) years. Results. All fractures healed without evidence of malunion or more than 2.0 cm of shortening. The mean Impact on Family score was 70.2 for the spica group and 63.2 (55 to 99) for the nailing group, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024) in a univariate analysis suggesting less impairment of the family in the intramedullary nailing group. There was no significant difference between pain medication requirements in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Two patients in the spica group and one patient in the intramedullary nailing group required additional treatment under anaesthesia. Conclusion. Both early spica casting and intramedullary nailing were effective methods for treating femoral fractures in children two to six years of age. Intramedullary stabilization provides an option in this age group that may be advantageous in some social situations that depend on the child’s mobility. Fracture treatment should be individualized based on factors that extend beyond anatomical and biological factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1056–1061

Aims. This study aims to determine the rate of and risk factors for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after operative management of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) in older adults. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of 182 displaced TPFs in 180 patients aged ≥ 60 years, over a 12-year period with a minimum follow-up of one year. The mean age was 70.7 years (SD 7.7; 60 to 89), and 139/180 patients (77.2%) were female. Radiological assessment consisted of fracture classification; pre-existing knee osteoarthritis (OA); reduction quality; loss of reduction; and post-traumatic OA. Fracture depression was measured on CT, and the volume of defect estimated as half an oblate spheroid. Operative management, complications, reoperations, and mortality were recorded. Results. Nearly half of the fractures were Schatzker II AO B3.1 fractures (n = 85; 47%). Radiological knee OA was present at fracture in 59/182 TPFs (32.6%). Primary management was fixation in 174 (95.6%) and acute TKA in eight (4.4%). A total of 13 patients underwent late TKA (7.5%), most often within two years. By five years, 21/182 12% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.0 to 16.7) had required TKA. Larger volume defects of greater depth on CT (median 15.9 mm vs 9.4 mm; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with TKA requirement. CT-measured joint depression of > 12.8 mm was associated with TKA requirement (area under the curve (AUC) 0.766; p = 0.001). Severe joint depression of > 15.5 mm (hazard ratio (HR) 6.15 (95% CI 2.60 to 14.55); p < 0.001) and pre-existing knee OA (HR 2.70 (95% CI 1.14 to 6.37); p = 0.024) were independently associated with TKA requirement. Where patients with severe joint depression of > 15.5 mm were managed with fixation, 11/25 ultimately required TKA. Conclusion. Overall, 12% of patients aged ≥ 60 years underwent TKA within five years of TPF. Severe joint depression and pre-existing knee arthritis were independent risk factors for both post-traumatic OA and TKA. These features should be investigated as potential indications for acute TKA in older adults with TPFs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):28–37

Aims. Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has greatly improved the durability of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients because of its improved wear characteristics. Few studies have followed this population into the second decade, and therefore the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical outcome for THA patients 50 years of age and younger at a minimum of 15 years postoperatively. The second purpose was to evaluate the radiological findings secondary to wear or mechanical failure of the implant. Methods. Between October 1999 and December 2005, 105 THAs were performed in 95 patients (53 female, 42 male) aged 50 years and younger (mean 42 years (20 to 50)). There were 87 patients (96 hips) that were followed for a minimum of 15 years (mean 17.3 years (15 to 21)) for analysis. Posterior approach was used with cementless fixation with a median head size of 28 mm. HXLPE was the acetabular bearing for all hips. Radiographs were evaluated for polyethylene wear, radiolucent lines, and osteolysis. Results. Clinical outcomes showed significant improvement of mean Harris Hip Scores from 52.8 (SD 13.5) preoperatively to 94.8 (SD 7.6) postoperatively. One hip was revised for recurrent instability, and there were no infections. No hips were revised for mechanical loosening or osteolysis. Mean polyethylene linear wear was 0.04 mm/year and volumetric wear was 6.22 mm. 3. /year, with no significant differences between head size or material. Osteolysis was not present in any of the hips. Conclusion. The use of HXLPE in THA for patients aged 50 years and younger has performed exceptionally well without evidence of significant wear causing mechanical loosening or necessitating revision. The radiolucent lines of the acetabular component must be followed to determine the prognostic significance. This investigation represents the longest clinical follow-up of a large, consecutive cohort of patients aged 50 years or younger with THA using HXLPE. This long-term analysis found negligible polyethylene wear, no incidence of aseptic loosening, and excellent clinical outcomes at and beyond 15 years of follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):78–83

Aims. To evaluate mid-to long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of endoprosthetic reconstruction after resection of malignant tumours arising around the knee, and to investigate the risk factors for unfavourable PROMs. Methods. The medical records of 75 patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, and 44 patients who were alive and available for follow-up (at a mean of 9.7 years postoperatively) were included in the study. Leg length discrepancy was measured on whole-leg radiographs, and functional assessment was performed with PROMs (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Comprehensive Outcome Measure for Musculoskeletal Oncology Lower Extremity (COMMON-LE)) with two different aspects. The thresholds for unfavourable PROMs were determined using anchor questions regarding satisfaction, and the risk factors for unfavourable PROMs were investigated. Results. The thresholds for favourable TESS and COMMON were 64.8 and 70.4 points, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age at surgery (p = 0.004) and postoperative leg length discrepancy (p = 0.043) were significant risk factors for unfavourable TESS results, while age at surgery (p < 0.001) was a significant risk factor for unfavourable COMMON-LE results. Following receiver operating characteristic analysis, the threshold for both TESS and COMMON-LE was 29 years of age at surgery. Additionally, a leg length discrepancy of 8.2 mm was the threshold for unfavourable TESS. Conclusion. Patients aged > 29 years at the time of surgery require appropriate preoperative counselling and adequate postoperative physical and socioemotional support. Reconstruction equivalent to the length of the resected bone can reduce the risk of functional disabilities in daily living. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):906–913

The 22 year survivorship of metal on metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (RSA) is reported to be 94.3% with expert surgeons, in males with head sizes greater than 48mm. The 2023 National Joint Registry (NJR) report estimates survivorship of all RSA at 19 years to be 85%. This estimate includes all designs, head sizes and females. Our aim was to estimate the survivorship of RSA currently available for implantation (males only, head size >48mm, MatOrtho Adept or Smith and Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)) in those under 55 years, performed by all surgeons, compared to conventional THR. We performed a retrospective analysis of the NJR. We included all males under 55 years who had undergone BHR or Adept RSA with head size greater than 48mm. Propensity score matching was used to produce two comparable groups of patients for RSA or conventional THR. We matched in a 3:1 ratio (THR:RSA) using sex, ASA, BMI group, age at primary procedure, surgeon volume, diagnosis and surgeon grade as covariates. The primary analysis was survivorship at 18 years. Time-to-revision was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox's proportional hazard models were used to investigate between group differences. 4839 RSA were available for analysis. After matching the RSA and THR groups were well balanced in terms of covariates. Survivorship at 18 years was 93.7% (95% CI 89.9,96.2) in the RSA group and 93.9% (90.5,96.0) in the THR group. Despite these similar estimates the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.40 (95% CI 1.18, 1.67 p<0.001) in favour of THR. Survivorship of the currently available RSA in males under 55 was 93.7% at 18 years, however THR survivorship was superior to RSA. These results, generalisable to UK practice, should be set against perceived benefits in functional status offered in RSA when counselling patients

Aims. To provide normative data that can assess spinal-related disability and the prevalence of back or leg pain among adults with no spinal conditions in the UK using validated questionnaires. Methods. A total of 1,000 participants with equal sex distribution were included and categorized in five age groups: 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 to 69 years. Individuals with spinal pathologies were excluded. Participants completed the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22r), visual analogue scale (VAS) for back/leg pain, and the EuroQol five-dimension index (EQ-5D/VAS) questionnaires, and disclosed their age, sex, and occupation. They were also categorized in five professional groups: doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, office workers, and manual workers. Results. The mean age of all participants was 43.8 years (20 to 69). There was no difference in the SRS-22r, EQ-5D, or VAS scores among male and female participants (p > 0.05). There was incremental decrease in SRS-22r total scores as the age increased. The mean EQ-5D index score (0.84) ranged little across the age groups (0.72 to 0.91) but reduced gradually with increasing age. There was difference between the SRS-22r total score (4.51), the individual domain scores, and the EQ-5D score (index: 0.94 and VAS: 89) for the doctors’ group compared to all other occupational categories (p < 0.001). Doctors had a younger mean age of participants, which may explain their improved spinal health. There was no difference in the total or sub-domain SRS-22r and EQ-5D scores between the other four occupational groups. Conclusion. This study provides the first normative data for the SRS-22r, EQ-5D, and VAS for back/leg pain questionnaires among adults in the UK. We recorded an excellent correlation between the three assessment tools with individuals who reported less back and leg pain having better quality of life and greater function. The participants’ age, rather than their sex or profession, appears to be the major determinant for spinal health and quality of life. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):130–134

Seniors make up 16.9 percent of the Canadian population. Furthermore, the number of Canadians who are 65 years or older is increasing at an average rate of 20 percent every 5 years. In 2017, Sing etal reported that there is an increasing number of patients undergoing degenerative scoliosis surgery with the largest increase attributed to patients aged 65–69 years followed by those aged 70–74 years. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of undergoing spinal surgery to correct degenerative spinal scoliosis in the ever-growing number of elderly patients. We hypothesize that age is not an independent prognostic factor of patients' outcomes followings degenerative scoliosis surgery. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data within the Canadian Spine Outcome and Research Network (CSORN) was conducted. Data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS. ANOVA was used to analyze continuous variables while Chi Square test was used to analyze categorical variables. Significance level was p < 0.05. There were 165 patients identified from the registry who met the inclusion criteria, 94 patients (57 %) were female. There were 102 (61.8 %) patients who were 65 years or older. The overall average age was 66.6 years (range 35–84, SD 8.6). There were 27 intra-operative complications, 44 peri-operative complications and 18 post operative complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the two age groups with regards to risk of developing intra-operative, perioperative and post operative complications. Patients who underwent degenerative scoliosis surgery reported an average improvement of 2.95±3.32, 3.64±3.50, 16.84±20.44 points on the back-pain scale, leg pain scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) respectively, there was no statistically significant differences in these measures between the two age groups. As the number of patients undergoing degenerative scoliosis surgery increases, clinicians will need to determine which factors will significantly impact patients' outcomes following surgery. This study shows that age is not an independent prognostic factor when it comes to patients' outcomes following degenerative scoliosis surgery. In the future, research should examine the impact of age in conjunction with factors such as frailty, comorbidities and functional status on patient outcomes

Aims. MRI has been suggested as an objective method of assessing anterior crucate ligament (ACL) graft “ligamentization” after reconstruction. It has been proposed that the MRI appearances could be used as an indicator of graft maturity and used as part of a return-to-sport assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between MRI graft signal and postoperative functional scores, anterior knee laxity, and patient age at operation. Methods. A consecutive cohort of 149 patients who had undergone semitendinosus autograft ACL reconstruction, using femoral and tibial adjustable loop fixations, were evaluated retrospectively postoperatively at two years. All underwent MRI analysis of the ACL graft, performed using signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and the Howell score. Functional outcome scores (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, and IKDC objective) were obtained and all patients underwent instrumented side-to-side anterior laxity differential laxity testing. Results. Two-year postoperative mean outcome scores were: Tegner 6.5 (2 to 10); Lysholm 89.8 (SD 10.4; 52 to 100); and IKDC subjective 86.8 (SD 11.8; 51 to 100). The objective IKDC score was 86% A (128 patients), 13% B (19 patients), and 1% C (two patients). Mean side-to-side anterior laxity difference (134 N force) was 0.6 mm (SD 1.8; -4.1 to 5.6). Mean graft SNQ was 2.0 (SD 3.5; -14 to 17). Graft Howell scores were I (61%, 91 patients), II (25%, 37 patients), III (13%, 19 patients), and IV (1%, two patients). There was no correlation between either Howell score or SNQ with instrumented anterior or Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores, nor was any correlation found between patient age and ACL graft SNQ or Howell score. Conclusion. The two-year postoperative MRI appearances of four-strand, semitendinosus ACL autografts (as measured by SNQ and Howell score) do not appear to have a relationship with postoperative functional scores, instrumented anterior laxity, or patient age at surgery. Other tools for analysis of graft maturity should be developed. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):569–575

Introduction and Objective. Chronic tendinopathy is a multifactorial disease and a common problem in both, athletes and the general population. Mechanical overload and in addition old age, adiposity, and metabolic disorders are among the risk factors for chronic tendinopathy but their role in the pathogenesis is not yet unequivocally clarified. Materials and Methods. Achilles tendons of young (10 weeks) and old (100 weeks) female rats bred for high (HCR) and low (LCR) intrinsic aerobic exercise capacity were investigated. Both Achilles tendons of 28 rats were included and groups were young HCR, young LCR, old HCR, and old LCR (n = 7 tendons per group/method). In this rat model, genetically determined aerobic exercise capacity is associated with a certain phenotype as LCR show higher body weight and metabolic dysfunctions in comparison to HCR. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate alterations in gene expression. For histological analysis, semi-automated image analysis and histological scoring were performed. Results. Age-related downregulation of tenocyte marker genes (Tenomodulin), genes related to matrix modelling and remodeling (Collagen type 1, Collagen type 3, Elastin, Biglycan, Fibronectin, Tenascin C), and Transforming growth factor beta 3 (Tgfb3) were detected in tendons from HCR and LCR. Furthermore, inflammatory marker Cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2) was downregulated, while Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 2 (Ptges2) was upregulated in tendons from old HCR and old LCR. No significant alteration was seen in Interleukin 6 (Il6), Interleukin 1 beta (Il1b), and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfa). Histological analysis revealed that Achilles tendons of old rats had fewer and more elongated tenocyte nuclei compared to young rats, indicating a reduced metabolic activity. Even though higher content of glycosaminoglycans as a sign of degeneration was found in tendons of old HCR and LCR, no further signs of tendinopathy were detectable in histological evaluation. Conclusions. Overall, aging seems to play a prominent role in molecular and structural alterations of Achilles tendon tissue, while low intrinsic exercise capacity did not cause any changes. Even though tendinopathy was not present in any of the groups, some of the shown age-related changes correspond to single characteristics of chronic tendon disease. This study gives an insight into tendon aging and its contribution to molecular and cellular changes in Achilles tendon tissue

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been demonstrated in aging and osteoarthritic tissues. We investigated knee joints of prematurely aging mitochondrial DNA mutator mice (PolgD275A) to evaluate a relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and osteoarthritis. Cartilage damage was evaluated using OARSI histopathology grading and osteoclast numbers were quantified by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining in wild type, heterozygous and homozygous PolgD275A mice. Subchondral cortical plate and epiphyseal trabecular bone structures were determined by micro-computed tomography. Apoptosis in cartilage and subchondral bone tissues was studied using an indirect TUNEL method. Homozygous mutants displayed osteopenia of the epiphyseal trabecular bone and subchondral cortical plate in comparison to wild type and heterozygous mutants. Subchondral osteopenia was associated with a strong increase of osteoclast numbers (0.88±0.30/mm bone perimeter) compared to heterozygous (0.25±0.03/mm) and wild type mice (0.12±0.04/mm). Wild type mice as well as hetero- and homozygous mutants displayed low-grade cartilage degeneration due to loss of cartilage proteoglycans. In contrast, chondrocyte hypertrophy was more abundant in the homozygous mice. There were no differences in chondrocyte apoptosis rates between groups. Prematurely ageing mtDNA mutator mice with or without further mechanic or metabolic stimuli might serve as a valuable model for further experimental studies on aging-induced osteoporotic OA phenotype

Aims. When the present study was initiated, we changed the treatment for late-detected developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) from several weeks of skin traction to markedly shorter traction time. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate this change, with special emphasis on the rate of stable closed reduction according to patient age, the development of the acetabulum, and the outcome at skeletal maturity. Methods. From 1996 to 2005, 49 children (52 hips) were treated for late-detected DDH. Their mean age was 13.3 months (3 to 33) at reduction. Prereduction skin traction was used for a mean of 11 days (0 to 27). Gentle closed reduction under general anaesthesia was attempted in all the hips. Concurrent pelvic osteotomy was not performed. The hips were evaluated at one, three and five years after reduction, at age eight to ten years, and at skeletal maturity. Mean age at the last follow-up was 15.7 years (13 to 21). Results. Stable closed reduction was obtained in 36 hips (69%). Open reduction was more often necessary in patients ≥ 18 months of age at reduction (50%) compared with those under 18 months (24%). Residual hip dysplasia/subluxation occurred in 12 hips and was significantly associated with avascular necrosis (AVN) and with high acetabular index and low femoral head coverage the first years after reduction. Further surgery, mostly pelvic and femoral osteotomies to correct subluxation, was performed in eight hips (15%). The radiological outcome at skeletal maturity was satisfactory (Severin grades 1 or 2) in 43 hips (83%). Conclusions. Gentle closed reduction can be attempted in children up to three years of age, but is likely to be less successful in children aged over 18 months. There is a marked trend to spontaneous improvement of the acetabulum after reduction, even in patients aged over 18 months and therefore simultaneous pelvic osteotomy is not always necessary

Introduction and Aims: Successful cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) is well documented, with increasing reports in elderly patients. Concerns exist with respect to the ability to achieve and maintain long-term cementless femoral fixation in this patient population. This study reviews the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a tapered porous femoral component in cementless THA in elderly patients. Method: Forty-nine hips in 47 patients over 74 years of age underwent primary cementless THA with a tapered stem between April 1996 and April 2000. All femoral heads were sent to pathology. Radiographs, Harris hip scores and clinical data were evaluated. Revision status was known for all hips. Results: Average age: 79 years, mean follow-up was 46 months. Six patients died during the study (mean 40 months) all THA unrelated. Twenty-two peri-operative variances occurred. There were no dislocations. Three irrigation and drainage procedures were performed, and no revisions. Mean post-operative HHS improved by 33, with 87 percent of patients having no or minimal pain. We identified two cases of stem subsidence to a stable position with no progressive radiolucencies. Mean length of stay was 4.5 days. One patient required intensive care, 52 percent were discharged to home. Metastatic cancer was identified in one femoral head. Conclusion: Using revision status as an end-point, the success rate was 100 percent. No peri-operative deaths or significant orthopaedic complications were identified. Advanced age and Dorr C anatomy is not a contraindication for tapered cementless THA. The femoral head should routinely be sent to pathology

Aims. Acetabular fractures in older adults lead to a high risk of mortality and morbidity. However, only limited data have been published documenting functional outcomes in such patients. The aims of this study were to describe outcomes in patients aged 60 years and older with operatively managed acetabular fractures, and to establish predictors of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. We conducted a retrospective, registry-based study of 80 patients aged 60 years and older with acetabular fractures treated surgically at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne Hospital. We reviewed charts and radiological investigations and performed patient interviews/examinations and functional outcome scoring. Data were provided by the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR). Survival analysis was used to describe conversion to THA in the group of patients who initially underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with conversion to THA. Results. Seven patients (8.8%) had died at a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range (IQR) 12 to 25), of whom four were in the acute THA group. Eight patients (10%) underwent acute THA. Of the patients who underwent ORIF, 17/72 (23.6%) required conversion to THA at a median of 10.5 months (IQR 4.0 to 32.0) . After controlling for other factors, transport-related cases had an 88% lower rate of conversion to THA (hazard ratio (HR) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.91). Mean standardized Physical Component Summary Score (PCS-12) of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was comparable with the general population (age-/sex-matched) by 12 to 24 months. Over half of patients working prior to injury (14/26) returned to work by six months and two-thirds of patients (19/27) by 12 months. Conclusion. Patients over 60 years of age managed operatively for displaced acetabular fractures had a relatively high mortality rate and a high conversion rate to THA in the ORIF group but, overall, patients who survived had mean PCS-12 scores that improved over two years and were comparable with controls. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1735–1742

Aims. With recent progress in cancer treatment, the number of advanced-age patients with spinal metastases has been increasing. It is important to clarify the influence of advanced age on outcomes following surgery for spinal metastases, especially with a focus on subjective health state values. Methods. We prospectively analyzed 101 patients with spinal metastases who underwent palliative surgery from 2013 to 2016. These patients were divided into two groups based on age (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), Barthel index (BI), and EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) score were assessed at study enrolment and at one, three, and six months after surgery. The survival times and complications were also collected. Results. In total, 65 patients were aged < 70 years (mean 59.6 years; 32 to 69) and 36 patients were aged ≥ 70 years (mean 75.9 years; 70 to 90). In both groups, the PS improved from PS3 to PS1 by spine surgery, the mean BI improved from < 60 to > 80 points, and the mean EQ-5D score improved from 0.0 to > 0.7 points. However, no significant differences were found in the improvement rates and values of the PS, BI, and EQ-5D score at any time points between the two groups. The PS, BI, and EQ-5D score improved throughout the follow-up period in approximately 90% of patients in each group. However, the improved PS, BI, and EQ-5D scores subsequently deteriorated in some patients, and the redeterioration rate of the EQ-5D was significantly higher in patients aged ≥ 70 than < 70 years (p = 0.027). Conclusion. Palliative surgery for spinal metastases improved the PS, activities of daily living, and quality of life, regardless of age. However, clinicians should be aware of the higher risk of redeterioration of the quality of life in advanced-age patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1709–1716

Aims. Ageing-related incompetence becomes a major hurdle for the clinical translation of adult stem cells in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aims to investigate the effect of stepwise preconditioning on cellular behaviours in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from ageing patients, and to verify their therapeutic effect in an OA animal model. Methods. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from ageing patients and preconditioned with chondrogenic differentiation medium, followed by normal growth medium. Cellular assays including Bromodeoxyuridine / 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), β-Gal, Rosette forming, and histological staining were compared in the manipulated human mesenchymal stem cells (hM-MSCs) and their controls. The anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rabbit models were locally injected with two millions, four millions, or eight millions of hM-MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring was performed to measure the pathological changes in the affected joints after staining. Micro-CT analysis was conducted to determine the microstructural changes in subchondral bone. Results. Stepwise preconditioning approach significantly enhanced the proliferation and chondrogenic potential of ageing hMSCs at early passage. Interestingly, remarkably lower immunogenicity and senescence was also found in hM-MSCs. Data from animal studies showed cartilage damage was retarded and subchondral bone remodelling was prevented by the treatment of preconditioned MSCs. The therapeutic effect depended on the number of cells applied to animals, with the best effect observed when treated with eight millions of hM-MSCs. Conclusion. This study demonstrated a reliable and feasible stepwise preconditioning strategy to improve the safety and efficacy of ageing MSCs for the prevention of OA development. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(1):10–21

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes and the complication rate after nail and plate fixation of unstable fractures of the ankle in elderly patients. Methods. In this multicentre study, 120 patients aged ≥ 60 years with an acute unstable AO/OTA type 44-B fracture of the ankle were randomized to fixation with either a nail or a plate and followed for 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcome measures were the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, the Olerud and Molander Ankle score, the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, a visual analogue score for pain, complications, the quality of reduction of the fracture, nonunion, and the development of osteoarthritis. Results. At 24 months, the median AOFAS score was equivalent in the two groups (nail 90 (interquartile range (IQR) 82 to 100), plate 95 (IQR 87 to 100), p = 0.478). There were statistically more complications and secondary operations after nail than plate fixation (p = 0.024 and p = 0.028, respectively). There were no other significant differences in the outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion. The functional outcome after nail and plate fixation was equivalent; however, the complication rate and number of secondary operations was significantly higher after nail fixation. These results suggest that plate fixation should usually be the treatment of choice for unstable ankle fractures in the elderly. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):72–81

An international Consensus Group has by a Delphi approach identified the topic of host factors affecting pin site infection to be one of the top 10 priorities in external fixator management. The aim of this study was to report the frequency of studies reporting on specific host factors as a significant association with pin site infection. Host factors to be assessed was: age, smoking, BMI and any comorbidity, diabetes, in particular. The intention was an ethological review, data was extracted if feasible, however no meta-analysis was performed. A systematic literature search was performed according to the PRISMA-guidelines. The protocol was registered before data extraction in PROSPERO. The search string was based on the PICO criterias. A logic grid with key concept and index terms was made. A search string was built assisted by a librarian. The literature search was executed in three electronic bibliographic databases, including Embase MEDLINE (1111 hits) and CINAHL (2066 hits) via Ovid and Cochrane Library CENTRAL (387 hits). Inclusion criteria: external fixation, >1 pin site infection, host factor of interest, peer-reviewed journal. Exclusion criteria: Not written in English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian, animal or cadaveric studies, location on head, neck, spine, cranium or thorax, editorials or conference abstract. The screening process was done using Covidence. A total of 3564 titles found. 3162 excluded by title and abstract screening. 140 assessed for full text eligibility. 11 studies included for data extraction. The included studies all had a retrospective design. Three identified as case-control studies. Generally the included studies was assessed to have a high risk of bias. A significant associations between pin site infection for following host factors: a) increased HbA1C level in diabetic patients; b) congestive heart failure in diabetic patients; c) less co-morbidity; d) preoperative osteomyelitis was found individually. This systematic literature search identified a surprisingly low number of studies examining for risk of pin site infection and host factors. Thus, this review most of all serves to demonstrate a gap of evidence about correlation between host factors and risk of pin site infection, and further studies are warranted

Aims. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) reliably improves shoulder pain and function for a variety of indications. However, the safety and efficacy of RSA in elderly patients is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to report the mortality, morbidity, complications, reoperations, and outcomes of primary RSA in patients aged > 80 years. Patients and Methods. Between 2004 and 2013, 242 consecutive primary RSAs were performed in patients aged > 80 years (mean 83.3 years (. sd. 3.1)). Of these, 53 were lost to follow-up before two years and ten had died within two years of surgery, leaving 179 for analysis of survivorship, pain, motion, and strength at a minimum of two years or until revision surgery. All 242 patients were considered for the analysis of 90-day, one-year, and overall mortality, medical complications (90-day and overall), surgical complications, and reoperations. The indications for surgery included rotator cuff arthropathy, osteoarthritis, fracture, the sequela of trauma, avascular necrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. A retrospective review of the medical records was performed to collect all variables. Survivorship free of revision surgery was calculated at two and five years. Results. One patient (0.4%) died within the first 90 days. A total of 45 patients (19%) were known to have died at the time of the final follow-up, with a median time to death of 67.7 months (interquartile range 40.4 to 94.7) postoperatively. Medical complications occurred in six patients (3%) and surgical complications occurred in 21/179 patients (12%). Survivorship free from revision was 98.9% at two years and 98.3% at five years; survivorship free from loosening was 99.5% at final follow-up. The presence of peripheral vascular disease correlated with a higher complication rate. Conclusion. Primary RSA was safe and effective in patients aged > 80 years, with a relatively low rate of medical and surgical complications. Thus, age alone should not be a contraindication to primary RSA in patients aged > 80 years. However, a careful evaluation of comorbidities is required in this age group when considering primary RSA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1520–1525

Abstract. Introduction. Medial fix bearing unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) designs are consider safe and effective implants with many registries data and big cohort series showing excellent survivorship and clinical outcome comparable to that reported for the most expensive and surgically challenging medial UKR mobile bearing designs. However, whether all polyethylene tibial components (all-poly) provided comparable results to metal-backed modular components during medial fix bearing UKR remains unclear. There have been previous suggestions that all-poly tibia UKR implants might show unacceptable higher rates of early failure due to tibial component early loosening especially in high body max index (BMI) patients. This study aims to find out the short and long-term survival rate of all-poly tibia UKR and its relationship with implant thickness and patient demographics including sex, age, ASA and BMI. Material and Methods. we present the results of a series of 388 medial fixed bearing all-polly tibia UKR done in our institution by a single surgeon between 2007–2019. Results. We found out excellent implant survival with this all-poly tibia UKR design with 5 years survival rate: 96.42%, 7 years survival rate: 95.33%, and 10 years survival rate: 91.87%. Only 1.28% had early revision within 2 years. Conclusion. Fixed bearing medial all-poly tibia UKR shows excellent survivor rate at 2, 5, 7 and 10 years follow up and the survival rate is not related with sex, age, BMI, ASA grade or implant thickness. Contrary to the popular belief, we found out that only 1.71% of all implants was revised due to implant loosening

Aims. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients younger than six months of age with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) managed by either a Pavlik harness or Tübingen hip flexion splint. Methods. Records of 251 consecutive infants with a mean age of 89 days (SD 47), diagnosed with DDH between January 2015 and December 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria for patients with DDH were: younger than 180 days at the time of diagnosis; ultrasound Graf classification of IIc or greater; treatment by Pavlik harness or Tübingen splint; and no prior treatment history. All patients underwent hip ultrasound every seven days during the first three weeks of treatment and subsequently every three to four weeks until completion of treatment. If no signs of improvement were found after three weeks, the Pavlik harness or Tübingen splint was discontinued. Statistical analysis was performed. Results. The study included 251 patients with Graf grades IIc to IV in 18 males and 233 females with DDH. Mean follow-up time was 22 months (SD 10). A total of 116 hips were graded as Graf IIc (39.1%), nine as grade D (3.0%), 100 as grade III (33.7%), and 72 as grade IV (24.2%). There were 109 patients (128 hips) in the Pavlik group and 142 patients (169 hips) in the Tübingen group (p = 0.227). The Tübingen group showed a 69.8% success rate in Graf III and Graf IV hips while the success rate was significantly lower in the Pavlik group, 53.9% (p = 0.033). For infants older than three months of age, the Tübingen group showed a 71.4% success rate, and the Pavlik group a 54.4% success rate (p = 0.047). Conclusion. The Tübingen splint should be the preferred treatment option for children older than three months, and for those with severe forms of DDH such as Graf grade III and IV, who are younger than six months at time of diagnosis. The Tübingen hip flexion splint is a valid alternative to the Pavlik harness for older infants and those with more severe DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):991–998

Introduction. Primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed in younger patients raise concerns regarding the potential for accelerated polyethylene wear, aseptic loosening, and thus revision TKA at a younger age. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term implant survivorship, functional outcomes, and pain relief of primary TKA performed in patients under 35 years of age. Methods. A retrospective review of our institutional registry identified 185 TKAs performed in 119 patients under the age of 35 between 1985 and 2010. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Patients were contacted for two serial questionnaires in 2011–2012 and again in 2018. Implant survivorship was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves and Cox proportional hazard model. The median age was 26.1 (21.5–30.1) years, with a BMI of 23.5 (20.4–26.6) kg/m. 2. Median follow-up was 13.9 (8.5–19.8) years. Results. Implant survivorship at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 83%, 72%, 52%, and 39% respectively. Inflammatory diagnoses had improved survivorship relative to osteoarthritis (p=0.028). Increasing age at primary TKA (HR 1.3), varus-valgus constrained devices (HR 1.7), and hinge-type prostheses (HR 6.4) were associated with revision TKA. The most common indications for revision were periprosthetic joint infection (26%), aseptic loosening (22%), and instability (22%). Median time to revision was 4.3 (1.2–11.0) years. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement scores were 76.3 (63.8–92.0) points at most recent follow-up. 74% of patients reported mild or no pain, 73% ambulated without assistive devices, and 51% could ambulate unlimited distances at most recent follow-up. Conclusions. Patients under the age of 35 years who underwent primary TKA had significant pain relief and continued functional ability in the long-term. However, implant survivorship was 52% at 15 years. The use of constrained implants, non-inflammatory diagnoses, and increasing age at primary TKA were risk factors for revision surgery. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the location of the insertion point of the AT into the posterior aspect of the calcaneus and the PF. Two hundred and two feet were evaluated from MRI scans. Ninety-seven women and one hundred and five men with a mean age of 40.15±18.58 were included in this study. Two independent investigators measured the horizontal distance from the most anterior point of the calcaneus to the most posterior part of the PF (A), including the horizontal length of the calcaneus (B). Moreover, distance between the most inferior point of the calcaneus and the most inferior part of the AT insertion into the calcaneus (C) and height of the posterior aspect of the calcaneus (D) were measured. Patients were divided into three groups based on age (I - patients younger than 18, II − 18–65, III - older than 65The all obtained mean values showed high sexual dimorphism between genders. However, when standardized ratios were compared, no statistically significant sexual differences were noted (p>0.05). Although previous studies have reported a correlation between the PF, age and gender, this correlation was not found in our study. Based on the obtained results, this study concludes that age and sex do not influence the morphology of the PF. However, aging strongly affects the location of the AT insertion point. Therefore, we believe this is the key factor which influence the relationship between the AT and PF

Aims. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteocytes is impaired by oxidative stress, which is associated with age-related bone loss. Ageing is accompanied by the accumulation of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs). However, it is still unknown whether AOPP accumulation is involved in the impairment of osteocytes’ GJIC. This study aims to investigate the effect of AOPP accumulation on osteocytes’ GJIC in aged male mice and its mechanism. Methods. Changes in AOPP levels, expression of connexin43 (Cx43), osteocyte network, and bone mass were detected in 18-month-old and three-month-old male mice. Cx43 expression, GJIC function, mitochondria membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation were detected in murine osteocyte-like cells (MLOY4 cells) treated with AOPPs. The Cx43 expression, osteocyte network, bone mass, and mechanical properties were detected in three-month-old mice treated with AOPPs for 12 weeks. Results. The AOPP levels were increased in aged mice and correlated with degeneration of osteocyte network, loss of bone mass, and decreased Cx43 expression. AOPP intervention induced NADPH oxidase activation and mitochondrial dysfunction, triggered ROS generation, reduced Cx43 expression, and ultimately impaired osteocytes’ GJIC, which were ameliorated by NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin, mitochondria-targeted superoxide dismutase mimetic (mito-TEMPO), and ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine. Chronic AOPP loading accelerated the degradation of osteocyte networks and decreased Cx43 expression, resulting in deterioration of bone mass and mechanical properties in vivo. Conclusion. Our study suggests that AOPP accumulation contributes to age-related impairment of GJIC in osteocytes of male mice, which may be part of the pathogenic mechanism responsible for bone loss during ageing. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):413–425

Aims. As the population ages, there is projected to be an increase in the level of demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in octogenarians. We aimed to explore whether those aged ≥ 80 years achieved similar improvements in physical function to younger patients while also comparing the rates of length of stay (LOS), discharge to rehabilitation, postoperative complications, and mortality following TKA in older and younger patients. Patients and Methods. Patients from one institution who underwent primary elective TKA between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2014 were dichotomized into those ≥ 80 years old (n = 359) and those < 80 years old (n = 2479) for comparison. Multivariable regression was used to compare the physical status component of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), LOS, discharge to rehabilitation, complications, and mortality between the two groups. Results. Both age groups demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in their self-reported physical health relative to their baseline with no clinically relevant difference noted between them. Being ≥ 80 years old was associated with a 0.58-day increase in LOS and older patients were more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation (odds ratio (OR) 3.06, p < 0.001). Medical complications and mortality were higher in elderly patients (OR 1.92 for complications, p < 0.001; hazard ratio 3.40 for death, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between age group and experiencing a postoperative surgical or wound-related complication. Conclusion. Those aged over 80 years achieved a statistically significant lower median SF-12 physical score than the younger group, after adjusting for the preoperative score, but this difference of 4.46 was not considered to be clinically meaningful. However, clinicians should be aware that the elderly are at a higher risk of experiencing longer hospital stays, postoperative medical complications, and mortality. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1463–70

Ageing is associated with a gradual and progressive bone loss, which predisposes to osteoporosis. Given the close relationship between the involutional bone loss and the underlying mechanism of osteoporosis, improving the understanding of the bone ageing process can lead to enhanced preventive and therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis. To facilitate this understanding, we develop a spatio-temporal atlas of ageing bone in the femur. We applied our method to a cohort of 11,576 Caucasian women (20–97 years). We amalgamated data from three different studies: 5095 women from the UK Biobank study, 1609 women from the OPUS study, and 5112 women from the MRC-Hip study. The scans are collected using either a Hologic QDR 4500A (Waltham, MA), a Lunar GE iDXA (Madison, WI), or a Lunar GE Prodigy (Madison, WI). Pixel BMD maps were exported using APEX v3.2 and Encore v16 for scans collected on Hologic Inc. and Lunar Corp., respectively. The method utilises a thin plate spline (TPS) registration to warp each scan to a reference mean shape. This image warping, termed Region Free Analysis (RFA), aims to eliminate morphological variation and establish a correspondence between pixel coordinates. At each pixel coordinate, the BMD evolution with ageing was modelled using smooth quantile curves. We deployed the R-package ‘VGAM’ to fit the smooth quantile curves. Cortical thinning was observed consistently with ageing around the shaft from the 60th onwards. A widespread bone loss was also observed in the trochanteric area. Quantile regression curves demonstrated different rates of bone loss at different anatomic locations. For example, bone loss was observed consistently in the mid-femoral neck, while bone mass was preserved the most in the inferior cortex. The developed atlas provides new insights into the spatial bone loss patterns, for which the conventional DXA analysis is insensitive

Introduction. From 2004 to 2015, elective lumbar fusions increased by 62% in the US. The largest increases were for among age 65 or older (139% in volume) and scoliosis (187%) [1]. Age is a well known factor of osteoporosis. The load-sharing may exceed the pedicular screws constructs in aging spine and lead to non-union and re-do. Surgical options may increase the screw purchase (e.g.: augmentation, extensions) at supplementary risks. Pedicular screw are known to cause vascular, nerve root or cord injuries. Facing these pitfalls, the surgeon's experience and rule of thumbs are the most deciding factors for the surgical planning. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of a patient specific tool, designed to plan a safe pedicular trajectory and to provide an intraoperative screw pullout strength estimate. Materials and Methods. Clinical QCT were taken for nine cadaveric spines (82 y. [61; 87], 6 females, 3 males). The experimental maximum axial pullout resistance (FMax) of twenty-seven pedicular screws inserted (nine T12, nine L4 and nine L5) was obtained as described in a previous study [2]. A custom 3D-WYSIWYG software simulated a medio-lateral surgical insertion technique in the QCTs coordinates reference, respecting the cortical walls. Repeatable density, morphometric and hardware parameters were recorded for each vertebrae. A statistical model was built to match predictive and experimental data. Preliminary results. Experimental FMax(N) were [104;953] (359 ±223). A further displacement of 1,81mm ±0,35 halved the experimental FMax. Predictive FMax(N) were [142;862] (359 ±220). A high positive correlation between experimental and predictive FMax was revealed (Pearson, ρ = 0.93, R2 = 0.87, p < .001, figure 1). Absolute differences ranged between 3N and 177N. Discussion. A high screw purchase in primary fixation is paramount to achieve spine surgical procedures (e.g.: kyphosis, scoliosis) and postoperative stability for vertebrae fusion. High losses of screw purchase by bone plastic deformation, begin with tiny pullouts. Theses unwanted intraoperative millimetric over-displacements are hard to avoid when monitoring at the same time tens of screws surrounded by bleedings. This advocates for including predictive FMax for each implantable pedicular screw in the surgical planning decision making process to prevent failures and assess risks. For the first time, this study presents an experimentally validated statistical model for FMax prediction with a safe trajectory definition tool, including patients’ vertebrae and hardware properties and referring to the patient's clinical 3D quantitative imagery. The model was able to differentiate between bone quality and vertebrae variations. More extensive model validation is currently ongoing to interface with robotics & navigation systems and to produce meshes for 3D printing of sterilizable insertion guides

Purpose and Background. Both overall spine shape and the size and shape of individual vertebrae undergo rapid growth and development during early childhood. Motor development milestones such as age of walking influence spine development, with delayed ambulation linked with spinal conditions including spondylolysis. However, it is unclear whether associations between motor development and spine morphology persist into older age. Therefore, these associations were examined using data from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development, a large nationally-representative British cohort, followed up since birth in 1946. Methods and Results. Statistical shape modelling was used to characterise spinal shape (L5-T10) and identify modes of variation in shape (SM) from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry images of the spine taken at age 60–64 years (N=1327 individuals; 51.8% female). Associations between walking age in months (reported by mothers at 2 years) and SMs were examined with adjustment for sex, birthweight, socioeconomic position, height, lean mass and fat mass. Later onset of independent walking was weakly associated with greater lordosis (SM1; P=0.05) and more uniform antero-posterior vertebral size along the spine (SM6, P=0.07). Later walking age was also associated with smaller relative anterior-posterior vertebral dimensions (SM3) among women whereas the opposite was found for men (P <0.01 for sex interaction). Conclusions. Spinal morphology in early old age was associated with the age that individuals began walking independently in childhood, potentially due to altered mechanical loading. This suggests that motor development may have a persisting effect on clinically-relevant features of spine morphology throughout life. Conflict of interest: None. Funded by the UK Medical Research Council (Grant MR/L010399/1) which supported FRS, SGM and AVP

Total knee replacement (TKA) is one of the most successful procedures in orthopaedic surgery. Although originally limited to more elderly and less active individuals, the inclusion criteria for TKA have changed, with ever younger, more active and heavier patients receiving TKA. This broadening of indications coincided with the widespread adoption of modular cemented and cementless TKA systems in the 1980's, and soon thereafter wear debris related osteolysis and associated prosthetic loosening became major modes of failure for TKA implants of all designs. Initially, tibial components were cemented all polyethylene monoblock constructs. Subsequent long-term follow-up studies of some of these implant designs have demonstrated excellent durability in survivorship studies out to twenty years. While aseptic loosening of these all polyethylene tibial components was a leading cause of failure in these implants, major polyethylene wear-related osteolysis around well-fixed implants was rarely (if ever) observed. Cemented metal-backed nonmodular tibial components were first introduced to allow for improved tibial load distribution and protection of the underlying (often osteoporotic) bone. Eventually, modularity between the polyethylene tibial component and the metal-backed tray was introduced in the mid-80s mainly to facilitate screw fixation for cementless implants. These designs also provided intraoperative versatility by allowing interchange of various polyethylene thicknesses, and also aided the addition of stems and wedges. Modular vs. All Polyethylene Tibial Components in Primary TKA: Kremers et al. reviewed 10,601 adult (>18 years) patients with 14,524 condylar type primary TKA procedures performed at our institution between 1/1/1988 and 12/31/2005 and examined factors effecting outcome. The mean age was 68.7 years and 55% were female. Over an average 9 years follow-up, a total of 865 revisions, including 252 tibia revisions were performed, corresponding to overall survival of 89% (Confidence intervals (CI): 88%, 90%) at 15 years. In comparison to metal modular designs, risk of tibial revision was significantly lower with all polyethylene tibias (HR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.5). With any revision as the endpoint, there were no significant differences across the 18 designs examined. Similarly, there were no significant differences across the 18 designs when we considered revisions for aseptic loosening, wear, osteolysis. Among patient characteristics, male gender, younger age, higher BMI were all significantly associated with higher risk of revisions (p<0.008). In a more recent review from our institution of over 11, 600 primary TKA procedures, Houdek et al. again showed that all polyethylene tibial components had superior survivorship vs. metal backed designs, with a lower risk of revision for loosening, osteolysis or component fracture. Furthermore, results for all polyethylene designs were better for all BMI subgroups except for those <25 BMI where there was no difference. All polyethylene results were also better for all age groups except for those under age <55 where there again was no difference. Finally, in a recently published meta-analysis of 28 articles containing data on 95,847 primary TKA procedures, all polyethylene tibial components were associated with a lower risk of revision and adverse outcomes. The available current data support the use of all polyethylene tibial designs in TKA in all patients regardless of age and BMI. In all patients, (not just older individuals) use of an all polyethylene tibial component is an attractive and more cost effective alternative, and is associated with the better survivorship and lower risk of revision than seen with modular metal backed tibial components

The early revision rate in elective Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) three years after surgery in elderly patients over 80 years is significantly lower for cemented stems in the German Arthroplasty Register (EPRD): cemented 3,1% (3.0 – 3.2) vs. uncemented 4.2% (4.1 – 4.3; p < 0.001). However, the mortality rate in elderly patients is elevated for cemented fixation. This study presents a detailed analysis of the influence of stem type and fixation on revision and mortality rate in this patient cohort.

Elective primary THA cases for primary Coxarthrosis using uncemented cups from the EPRD data base were analysed (n₀= 37,183). Four stem type groups were compared: cementless, cementless with collar, cementless short, and cemented. Stems with at least 300 cases at risk three years after surgery were analysed individually. The reference stem was determined as the stem with the lowest revision rate and at least 1000 cases under surveillance 3 years after surgery (n₃ = 28,637).

The revision rate for cemented stems (2.5% [2.2–1.81] was lower than for uncemented (4.5% [4.2–4.9]; p<0.001) and uncemented short stems (4.2% [3.1–5.7]; p=0.002). The revision rate of uncemented collared stems (2.3% [1.5–3.6]) was similar to cemented stems (p=0.89) and lower than for uncemented stems (p=0.02). One year mortality showed no sig. differences between the groups (p>0.17): cemented 3.2% [2.9–3.6], uncemented 3.4% [3.1–3.7], uncemented short 3.5% [2.5–4.9], uncemented collar 2.0% [1.2–3.2].

“Cementless” and “cementless short” stems should not be used in patients over 80 years due to the higher revision risk. If cementing should be avoided, “cementless collared” stems seem to be a good alternative combined with a tendency for a lower one year mortality rate.

We aimed to determine the rate of and risk factors for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requirement after operative management of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) in older adults.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 182 operatively managed TPFs in 180 patients ≥60 years old over a 12-year period with minimum follow up 1 year. Data including patient demographics, clinical frailty scores, mechanism of injury, management, reoperation and mortality were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed for: Schatzker classification; pre-existing knee osteoarthritis (KOA); severe joint depression >15mm; and development of PTOA. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed. Regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for radiographic indication for TKA and actual TKA.

Forty-seven percent were Schatzker II fractures. Radiographic KOA was present at fracture in 32.6%. Fracture fixation was performed in 95.6% cases and acute TKA in 4.4%. Thirteen patients underwent late TKA (7.5%). At five-years, 11.8% (6.0-16.7 95% CI) had required TKA and 20.9% (14.4-27.4 95% CI) had a radiographic indication for TKA. Severe joint depression and pre-existing KOA were associated with worse survival for endpoints radiographic indication for TKA and actual TKA. Severe joint depression (HR 2.49(1.35-4.61 95% CI), p=0.004), pre-existing KOA (HR 2.23(1.17-4.23), p=0.015) and inflammatory arthropathy (HR 2.4(1.04-5.53), p=0.039) were independently associated with radiographic indication for TKA.

In conclusion, severe joint depression and pre-existing arthritis are independent risk factors for both severe PTOA and TKA after TPFs in older adults. These features should be considered as an indication for primary management with acute TKA.

The transition from shutdown of elective orthopaedic services to the resumption of pre-COVID-19 activity presents many challenges. These include concerns about patient safety, staff safety, and the viability of health economies. Careful planning is necessary to allow patients to benefit from orthopaedic care in a safe and sustainable manner.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):807–810.

Abstract. Objectives. Oil-based fluids can be used to enhance the properties of polyethylene materials. For example, vitamin E infused polyethylene has a superior oxidation resistance and Lipiodol infused polyethylene has an enhanced X-ray attenuation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term influence of oily fluid on the chemical, physical and tensile properties of polyethylene. Methods. An accelerated ageing procedure (an elevated temperature (80. °. C) for four weeks in air. 1. ) was used to investigate the oxidative stability (ASTM F2012-17). 2. , tensile (ISO 527). 3. and thermal properties. 4. of oil treated polyethylene (n=5, GUR 1050, Celanese, Germany)and compared with clinically used polyethylene controls (oil-free standard and thermally treated polyethylene). All the experiments were performed on aged and unaged specimens in accordance to international standards and compared to currently available literature. A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed using a custom MATLAB code (R2017a, USA); with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results. Samples treated with an oil (Vitamin E or Lipiodol) had a higher oxidation stability than currently used medical grade polyethylene, indicated by a smaller increase in oxidation index after ageing (Vitamin E 36%, Lipiodol 40%, untreated 136 %, thermally treated 164%). The mechanical degradation of oil treated polyethylene was also less significant than the untreated controls, as all the tensile properties of oil treated polyethylene after ageing were significantly higher than the standard controls (p>0.05). There was also no alteration in the percentage crystallinity of oil treated samples after ageing. Conclusion. The result of this study indicate that the presence of an oily fluid in polyethylene does not reduce its oxidative stability or tensile properties, providing improved material properties for long term implant applications. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Management of the pathologic long-head biceps tendon remains controversial. Biceps tenotomy is a simple intervention but may result in visible deformity and subjective cramping. Comparatively, biceps tenodesis is technically challenging, and has increased operative times, and a more prolonged recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of popeye deformity following biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis, identify predictors for developing a deformity, and compare subjective and objective outcomes between those that have one and those that do not. Data for this study were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial comparing tenodesis versus tenotomy in the treatment of lesions of the long head of biceps tendon. Patients 18 years of age or older with an arthroscopy confirmed biceps lesion were randomized to one of these two techniques. The primary outcome measure for this sub-study was the rate of a popeye deformity at 24-months post-operative as determined by an evaluator blinded to group allocation. Secondary outcomes were patient reported presence/absence of a popeye deformity, satisfaction with the appearance of their arm, as well as pain and cramping on a VAS. Isometric elbow flexion and supination strength were also measured. Interrater reliability (Cohen's kappa) was calculated between patient and evaluator on the presence of a deformity, and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of its occurrence. Linear regression was performed to identify if age, gender, or BMI were predictive of satisfaction in appearance if a deformity was present. Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned to each group of which 42 in the tenodesis group and 45 in the tenotomy group completed a 24-month follow-up. The incidence of popeye deformity was 9.5% (4/42) in the tenodesis group and 33% (15/45) in the tenotomy group (18 male, 1 female) with a relative risk of 3.5 (p=0.016). There was strong interrater agreement between evaluator and patient perceived deformity (kappa=0.636; p<0.001). Gender tended towards being a significant predictor of having a popeye with males having 6.6 greater odds (p=0.090). BMI also tended towards significance with lower BMI predictive of popeye deformity (OR 1.21; p=0.051). Age was not predictive (p=0.191). Mean (SD) satisfaction score regarding the appearance of their popeye deformity was 7.3 (2.6). Age was a significant predictor, with lower age associated with decreased satisfaction (F=14.951, adjusted r2=0.582, p=0.004), but there was no association with gender (p=0.083) or BMI (p=0.949). There were no differences in pain, cramping, or strength between those who had a popeye deformity and those who did not. The risk of developing a popeye deformity was 3.5 times higher after tenotomy compared to tenodesis. Male gender and lower BMI tended towards being predictive of having a deformity; however, those with a high BMI may have had popeye deformities that were not as visually apparent to an examiner as those with a lower BMI. Younger patients were significantly less satisfied with a deformity despite no difference in functional outcomes at 24 months. Thus, biceps tenodesis may be favored in younger patients with low BMI to mitigate the risk of an unsatisfactory popeye deformity

Objectives. This study aimed to assess the effect of age and osteoporosis on the proliferative and differentiating capacity of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in female rats. We also discuss the role of these factors on expression and migration of cells along the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4) / stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1) axis. Methods. Mesenchymal stem cells were harvested from the femora of young, adult, and osteopenic Wistar rats. Cluster of differentiation (CD) marker and CXCR-4 expression was measured using flow cytometry. Cellular proliferation was measured using Alamar Blue, osteogenic differentiation was measured using alkaline phosphatase expression and alizarin red production, and adipogenic differentiation was measured using Oil red O. Cells were incubated in Boyden chambers to quantify their migration towards SDF-1. Data was analyzed using a Student’s t-test, where p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results. CD marker expression and proliferation of the MSCs from the three groups was not significantly different. The young MSCs demonstrated significantly increased differentiation into bone and fat and superior migration towards SDF-1. The migration of SDF-1 doubled with young rats compared with the adult rats (p = 0.023) and it was four times higher when compared with cells isolated from ovariectomized (OVX) osteopenic rats (p = 0.013). Conclusion. Young rat MSCs are significantly more responsive to osteogenic differentiation, and, contrary to other studies, also demonstrated increased adipogenic differentiation compared with cells from adult and ostopenic rats. Young-rat-derived cells also showed superior migration towards SDF-1 compared with MSCs from OVX and adult control rats. Cite this article: A. Sanghani-Kerai, L. Osagie-Clouard, G. Blunn, M. Coathup. The influence of age and osteoporosis on bone marrow stem cells from rats. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:289–297. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.74.BJR-2017-0302.R1

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the implant survival and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a consecutive series of patients aged less than 50 years at the time of arthroplasty using the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing system (BHR), with a minimum follow-up of ten years. Patients and Methods. A total of 226 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip, who underwent BHR and presented to a single surgeon, were included in the study. Survival of the implant was confirmed by cross-checking with the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. Kaplan–Meier survival curves with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were constructed. Pre- and postoperative PROMs were compared with t-tests, and postoperative scores were compared using anchor analysis with age and gender matched normative data. Results. At median follow-up of 12 years (interquartile range (IQR) 10 to 13), six BHRs were revised, with a cumulative rate of survival of 96.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 94.2 to 99.4) at 15 years, and with a significantly lower (p = 0.019) cumulative rate of revision than the national average for the same device at ten years. Most revisions (n = 4) were undertaken early, less than three years postoperatively, and occurred in women. Patient-reported general health (Veteran’s Rand-36), disease state (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), function (modified Harris Hip Score) and level of activity (Tegner activity score) maintained significant (p < 0.01 for each) improvements beyond ten years postoperatively and were equal to, or exceeded, age- and gender-matched normative data in more than 80% of the patients. Conclusion. Longer term PROMs after BHR, from a single surgeon, for patients aged less than 50 years remain under-reported. We found that the outcome after a BHR, at a minimum of ten years postoperatively, remained satisfactory, particularly for self-reported hip function

Young, active patients with end-stage medial osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency present a treatment challenge for surgeons. Current surgical treatment options include high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with or without ACL reconstruction, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with ACL reconstruction, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A recent systematic review reported a much higher rate of complications in HTO combined with ACL reconstruction than with UKA-ACL (21.1% vs 2.8%), while survivorship between the two procedures was similar. UKA offers several advantages over TKA, namely faster recovery, lower blood loss, lower rate of postoperative complications, better range of motion, and better knee kinematics. However, UKA has classically been contraindicated in the presence of ACL deficiency due to reported concerns over increased incidence aseptic loosening tibia. However, as a majority of patients presenting with this pathology are young and active, concerns about implant longevity with TKRA and loss of bone stock have arisen. As a result, several authors have described combining ACL reconstruction with medial UKA to decrease the tibiofemoral translation-related stress on the tibial component, thereby decreasing aseptic loosening-related failures. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes and survivorship of combined medial UKA and ACL reconstruction (UKA-ACL) with those of a matched TKA cohort. We hypothesized that UKA-ACL patients would have better functional outcomes than TKA patients while maintaining similar survivorship. Material and Methods. We conducted a case-control study establishing UKA-ACL as the study group and TKA as the control group by a single senior surgeon between October 2005 and January 2015. We excluded patients who were over the age of 55 at the time of surgery and those who had less than two-year follow-up. A total of 21 patients (23 knees) were ultimately included in each group. Propensity matching was for age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched control group of TKA cases. Surgical technique. UKA-ACL. This patient's had an arthroscopy to allow for tunnel preparation in the standard fashion and then the graft was passed and fixed on the femoral side. An MIS medial incision was then made to allow for insertion of the Oxford mobile-bearing unicompartmental prosthesis (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN). Primary choice of ACL graft was autogenous ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis tendons, which was available I and 6 of the cases were revision from previous Gore-Tex synthetic ligament reconstruction. Results. Preoperatively, baseline questionnaires demonstrated that the TKA group had scored significantly lower on the symptom subscore of the KOOS. There was no difference between the groups in the rest of the KOOS subscores, (the UCLA, and the Tegner. All scores (UCLA, and Tegner – TBC post stats) improved significantly after surgery in both groups. Improvement in each subscore of the KOOS surpassed the minimal clinically important difference in both the UKA-ACL and TKA groups. At latest follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups on the KOOS, UCLA or Tegner, showing that our UKA-ACL patients fared as our TKA patients. This confirms that UKA-ACL is an important tool in dealing with young patients with end-stage medial OA and ACL deficiency and offers an option that leads to less bone loss and potentially easier future revision. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) for symptomatic hip dysplasia in patients aged younger than 21 years at the time of surgery. Patients and Methods. We evaluated 31 patients (37 hips) aged younger than 21 years at the time of surgery retrospectively. There were 29 female and two male patients. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 17.4 years (12 to 21). The mean follow-up was 17.9 years (7 to 30). The RAO was combined with a varus or valgus femoral osteotomy or a greater trochanteric displacement in eight hips, as instability or congruence of the hip could not be corrected adequately using RAO alone. Results. The mean Merle d’Aubigné clinical score improved significantly from 15.4 to 17.2 (p < 0.0001). The mean centre-edge (CE) angle improved from -2.6° to 26°, the mean acetabular roof angle improved from 3.0° to 5.2°, and the mean head lateralization index improved from 0.68 to 0.62. Progression of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) was seen in seven hips, but no patient underwent total hip arthroplasty. Conclusion. RAO is an effective form of correction for a severely dysplastic hip in adolescent and young adult patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:390–395

Introduction. In patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), anomalous extra-spinal left-right skeletal length asymmetries in upper limbs, periapical ribs, and ilia beg the question as to whether these bilateral asymmetries are connected in some way with pathogenesis. The upper arm and iliac length asymmetries correlate significantly with adjacent spinal curve severity respectively in thoracic and lower (thoracolumbar and lumbar) spine. In lower limbs, skeletal length asymmetries and proximo-distal disproportion are unrelated to spinal curve severity. Overall, these observations raise questions about mechanisms that determine skeletal bilateral symmetry of vertebrates in health and disorder, and whether such mechanisms are involved in the cause of this disease. We investigated upper arm length (UAL) asymmetries in two groups of right-handed girls aged 11–18 years, with right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (RT-AIS, n=98) from preoperative and screening referrals (mean Cobb angle 45°) and healthy controls (n=240). Methods. Right and left UAL were measured with a Harpenden anthropometer of the Holtain equipment, by one of four observers (RGB, AAC, RKP, FJP). UAL asymmetry was calculated as UAL difference, right minus left, in mm. Repeatability of the measurements was assessed by technical error of the measurement (TEM) and coefficient of reliability (R). Results. In girls with RT-AIS, UAL asymmetry was greater than it was in healthy girls (mean 5·9 mm vs 2·5 mm, ANOVA p<0·001, correcting for age), regressed negatively with age (p<0·001, r= –0·374), and correlated significantly with Cobb angle (r=0·342, p=0·001) and apical vertebral rotation (Perdriolle, r=0·291, p=0·004). In healthy girls, UAL asymmetry was unrelated to age. Plotted against years after estimated menarcheal age, right UAL overgrowth reduced significantly for girls with RT-AIS (r= –0·312, p=0·006, n=76) but not for healthy girls (r=0·000, p=0·985, n=121), which was a significant finding (p=0·052, ANOVA). Conclusions. The abnormal overgrowth of right upper arm length may be secondary, or pathogenetically associated with the RT-AIS trunk deformity. The negative regression of UAL asymmetry may result from (1) older girls having less residual growth and/or (2) a transient, or resolving, asymmetry process common to arm and trunk. We hypothesise that the pathogenetic process of RT-AIS may include two components: a transient bilateral asymmetry process and growth velocity, both of which affect trunk and arm growth. In the spine, these rarely lead to scoliosis resolution because biomechanical, postural, melatonin-signalling, and other factors sustain and aggravate the curve. Four pathomechanisms may induce the asymmetry process in trunk and arms involving (1) neuromuscular function, (2) motor cortex, (3) sympathetic nervous system, and (4) intrinsic time-tallies in growth plates, some of which suggest therapeutic possibilities

The increasing number of total hip arthroplasty (THA) used in young patients will inevitably lead to more revision procedures at younger ages, especially since the outcome of primary THA in young patients is already inferior compared to older patients. However, these data are lacking in literature. The aim of this study was to determine the survival of both acetabular and femoral components placed during primary and revision hip arthroplasty in patients under 55 years using Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) data. All primary THA registered in the LROI between 2007–2018 in patients under 55 years were selected (n=25,682). Subsequent cup- and stem revision procedures were included. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to estimate the survival probability of primary and revised cup- and stem components. Mean follow-up of primary cups and stems was 5.8 years (SD 3.2) and 5.9 years (SD 3.2), respectively. In total, 659 cup revision procedures and 532 stem revision procedures were registered. Most common reason for cup revision was acetabular loosening (n=163), most common reason for stem revision was femoral loosening (n=202). Primary cup survival for any reason at 10 years follow-up was 96.1% (95%CI: 95.7–96.4). For primary stems, 10 year survival for any reason was 97.1% (95%CI: 96.7–97.3). Mean follow-up of all revision procedures was 4.1 years (SD 2.9). Out of 659 cup revisions, 113 cup re-revisions were registered. Survival of revised cups, with end-point cup re-revision for any reason was 82.2% (95%CI: 78.8–85.1) at 5 years follow-up. Out of 532 stem revisions, 89 stem re-revisions were registered. For revised stems, survival at 5 year follow-up, with endpoint stem re-revision for any reason was 82.0% (95%CI: 78.2–85.2). The outcome of revised acetabular and femoral components is worrisome, with a survival of 82% at 5 years follow-up. This information is valuable to provide realistic expectations for these young patients at time of primary THA

Background. With an ageing population, the incidence of traumatic injuries in those aged over 65 years is increasing. As a result, strategies for dealing with these patients must be developed. At present the standard management of open tibial fractures is described by the BOAST4 guidelines. We describe our experience of managing elderly patients presenting with open tibial fractures to our Major Trauma Centre. Methods. Patients were identified via prospectively collected national and departmental databases. Data collated included patient demographics, injury details, orthopaedic and plastic surgery operative details, and long term outcomes. Results. Between April 2013 and January 2016, 97 patients aged over 65 were admitted with open fractures, 38 of these were open tibial fractures. 10 patients required soft tissue reconstruction for Gustillo and Anderson IIIB tibial fractures (age range 67–95). In this group there were 4 midshaft (AO 42), 1 proximal (AO 41) and 5 distal (AO 43) fractures. Five patients were treated with internal fixation and 5 with circular frames. The median length of hospital stay was 33 days (range 16–113 days), 50% longer than comparable patients under 65. Four patients received pedicled local flaps and six underwent free tissue transfer. Of the 6 patients treated with free tissue transfer, one required pre-operative femoral angioplasty. There were no flap losses. Two patients had fasciocutaneous flaps, one an EDB flap and one gastrocnemius flap. All patients went on to unite and return to their pre-morbid weight-bearing status (2 using frames, 3 using sticks, 5 independent). Discussion. Although the literature suggests a significantly higher complication rate in elderly patients with open fractures, we have demonstrated comparable rates of flap survival and bony union to those observed in younger patients. Challenges are presented in terms of patient physiology and these must be carefully managed pre- and post-operatively. These challenges are reflected in the significantly longer length of stay in comparably injured patients under the age of 65

Introduction. Patients with FNF may be treated by either total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). Utilizing American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) data, we aimed to evaluate outcomes in FNF treatment. Methods. Medicare patients with FNF treated with HA or THA reported to the AJRR database from 2012–2019 and CMS claims data from 2012–2017 were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. “Early” was defined as less than 90 days from index procedure. A logistic regression model, including index arthroplasty, age, sex, stem fixation method, hospital size. 1. , hospital teaching affiliation. 1. , and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), was utilized to determine associations between index procedure and revision rates. Results. Of 75,333 FNF procedures analyzed, 82.2% had HA. 8.4% had cemented fixation. 36.9% had cementless fixation. Fixation was unknown for 41,225 (54.7%) patients. 90-day readmissions rates were 1.3% for both cohorts. Both the early revision rate (0.9% HA vs. 1.3% THA, p<0.0001) as well as the overall revision rate (1.5% HA vs. 2.3% THA, p<0.0001) were higher in the THA cohort. The three most common reasons for any revision were instability (26%), infection (21%), and periprosthetic fracture (15%). Higher rates of any revision were associated with cementless fixation (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.20–1.57) and increased age (OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.96–0.97). THA and increased age were risk factors for early and any revision for instability. Cementless fixation, female sex, and decreased age were associated with lower revision rates for infection. Conclusion. The most common surgical treatment for FNF reported to the AJRR was cementless stem fixation and hemiarthroplasty. The higher revision rates for FNF treatment with THA warrant further investigation. The use of cemented femoral fixation in this patient population may be under-utilized. These data provide a benchmark of US practice for reference and comparison to other practices throughout US and the world

Aims. To explore the of age of onset distribution for Perthes’ disease of the hip, with particular reference to gender, laterality and conformity to the lognormal distribution. Patients and Methods. A total of 1082 patients were identified from the Liverpool Perthes’ Disease Register between 1976 and 2010, of which 992 had the date of diagnosis recorded. In total, 682 patients came from the geographical area exclusively served by Alder Hey Hospital, of which 673 had a date of diagnosis. Age of onset curves were analysed, with respect to the predefined subgroups. Results. The age of onset demonstrated a positive skew with a median of 5.8 years (interquartile range 4.6 to 7.5). Disease onset was a mean five months earlier in girls (p = 0.01) and one year earlier in those who went on to develop bilateral disease (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the age of onset between geographical districts with differing incidence rates. The entire dataset (n = 992) conformed to a lognormal distribution graphically and with the chi-squared test of normality (p = 0.10), but not using the Shapiro-Wilk test (p = 0.01). The distribution for the predefined geographical subgroup (n = 673) conformed well to a lognormal distribution (chi-squared p = 0.16, Shapiro-Wilk p = 0.08). Given the observed lognormal distribution it was assumed that Perthes’ disease followed on incubation period consistent with a point-source disease exposure. The incubation period was further examined using Hirayama’s method, which suggested that the disease exposure may act in the prenatal period. Conclusion. The age of onset in Perthes’ disease conforms to a lognormal distribution, which allows comparisons with infectious disease epidemiology. Earlier onset in girls and those who develop bilateral disease may offer clues to understanding the aetiological determinants of the disease. The analysis suggests that an antenatal aetiological determinant may be responsible for disease. Take home message: Perthes’ disease age of onset conforms to a lognormal model, which is most typical of infectious diseases. The shape of the distribution suggests that an aetiological trigger in the pre-natal period may be an important determinant of disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:710–14

Introduction. Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) lost its popularity because of excessive wear of the ASR M/M design. Now that causes of wear have been identified, it remains an attractive treatment option for young patients because of its bone-conserving nature, the preservation of bone mineral density, a low dislocation rate, and its biomechanical precision. Methods. We assessed the long-term clinical outcomes of 1074 patients (1321 hips) who were implanted with hybrid Conserve. ®. Plus HRA, with 556 surgeries performed in patients younger than 50 years of age (average, 41.6 years) compared to 765 surgeries performed in patients 50 years or older (average, 58.1 years). 74% of the patients were male. There were no exclusion criteria. The <50 group had a larger proportion of dysplasia and hips operated during the first generation of surgical technique. Results. The mean elapse time after surgery was 15.6 years (range 7.4 to 22.5 years). We found no difference in UCLA pain, walking and function scores between the two groups except for a slightly higher activity level in the younger group (7.4 vs. 7.2, p=0.0172). Quality of life SF-12 scores were also comparable. Although we found better survivorship rates for the group of older patients (Log-rank test p=0.0107 – Figure 1) between the younger and older patients (Table 1), this difference was largely explained by the greater proportion of dysplasia (p=0.0001) and 1. st. generation hips (p=0.044) in the <50 group. The rate of post-operative complications (dislocations, sepsis, neve palsies, blood-related and others) was not significantly different between groups (p=0.3738). However, the complication rate dropped significantly (p=0.0390) in both groups from 6.4% for the first and 2. nd. generations of surgical technique (n=670) to 3.8% with the 3. rd. generation of surgical technique (n=651). Conclusions. The long-term results of metal-on-metal HRA meet and even surpass the original expectations in young and active adults, with survivorship rates far superior to those reported in registries for conventional total hip arthroplasty. However, the etiologic characteristics (particulartly hip dysplasia in women of small size, but not osteonecrosis) of this demanding population also affect the results of HRA with a lower survivorship compared with that of older patients. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Aims. For this retrospective cohort study, patients aged ≤ 30 years (very young) who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) were compared with patients aged ≥ 60 years (elderly) to evaluate the rate of revision arthroplasty, implant survival, the indications for revision, the complications, and the patient-reported outcomes. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary THA between January 2000 and May 2015 from our institutional database. A total of 145 very young and 1359 elderly patients were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years (1 to 18). Logistic generalized estimating equations were used to compare characteristics and the revision rate. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves and hazard rates were created using Cox regression. Results. The overall revision rate was 11% (16/145) in the very young and 3.83% (52/1359) in the elderly groups (odds ratio (OR) 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43 to 4.63). After adjusting for the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, gender, and a history of previous surgery in a time-to-event model, the risk of revision remained greater in the very young (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.48, 95% CI 1.34 to 4.58). Survival at ten years was 82% (95% CI, 71 to 89) in the very young and 96% (95% CI, 94 to 97) in the elderly group (p < 0.001). The very young had a higher rate of revision for complications related to metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing surfaces (p < 0.001). At last follow-up, the very young group had higher levels of physical function (p = 0.002), lower levels of mental health (p = 0.001), and similar levels of pain (p = 0.670) compared with their elderly counterparts. Conclusion. The overall revision rate was greater in very young THA patients. This was largely explained by the use of MoM bearings. Young patients with non-MoM bearings had high survivorship with similar complication profiles to patients aged ≥ 60 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:867–74

Aims. Sarcopenia is characterized by a generalized progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. This systematic review primarily evaluated the effects of sarcopenia on postoperative functional recovery and mortality in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery, and secondarily assessed the methods used to diagnose and define sarcopenia in the orthopaedic literature. Methods. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies involving sarcopenic patients who underwent defined orthopaedic surgery and recorded postoperative outcomes were included. The quality of the criteria by which a diagnosis of sarcopenia was made was evaluated. The quality of the publication was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results. A total of 365 studies were identified and screened, 26 full-texts were reviewed, and 19 studies were included in the review. A total of 3,009 patients were included, of whom 2,146 (71%) were female and 863 (29%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 75.1 years (SD 7.1). Five studies included patients who underwent spinal surgery, 13 included hip or knee surgery, and one involved patients who underwent fixation of a distal radial fixation. The mean follow-up was 1.9 years (SD 1.9; 5 days to 5.6 years). There was wide heterogeneity in the measurement tools which were used and the parameters for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in the studies. Sarcopenia was associated with at least one deleterious effect on surgical outcomes in all 19 studies. The postoperative rate of mortality was reported in 11 studies (57.9%) and sarcopenia was associated with poorer survival in 73% (8/11) of these. The outcome was most commonly assessed using the Barthel Index (4/19), and sarcopenic patients recorded lower scores in 75% (3/4) of these. Sarcopenia was defined using the gold-standard three parameters (muscle strength, muscle quantity or quality, and muscle function) in four studies (21%), using two parameters in another four (21%) and one in the remaining 11 (58%). The methodological quality of the studies was moderate to high. Conclusion. There is much heterogeneity in the reporting of the parameters which are used for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, and evaluating the outcome of orthopaedic surgery in sarcopenic patients. However, what data exist suggest that sarcopenia impairs recovery and increases postoperative mortality, especially in patients undergoing emergency surgery. Further research is required to develop processes that allow the accurate diagnosis of sarcopenia in orthopaedics, which may facilitate targeted pre- and postoperative interventions that would improve outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):321–330

INTRODUCTION. Patients less than 60 years old have been reported to have a higher risk of revision following total hip arthroplasty (THA) than older patient cohorts, possibly to due higher activity, a higher incidence of deformity and greater probability of prior surgery. Ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces have been proposed for use in young and active individuals due to their low wear, low risk of adverse biologic reaction, and long-term survivorship. We assessed the clinical results and long-term survivorship of uncemented ceramic-on-ceramic THA in a young patient population. METHODS. For the six year period from May 1999 to March 2005, 278 hip replacements in 244 patients less than 60 yeas of age at the time of surgery were performed using alumina ceramic-ceramic bearings. All hips had uncemented titanium femoral and acetabular components. The ceramic liner was fixed to the shell with an 18-degree flush-mounted taper design. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically. Attempts were made to contact all patients who had not been seen in the prior 3 years. Of the 278 hips, 17 hips (16 patients) remain lost to follow-up, leaving 261 hips (228 patients; 155 hips in men, 106 hips in women) for assessment. Mean age of the patients was 46.2 years at the time of surgery (range 17.8 to 59.9 years). 17% of hips had at least one previous hip surgery. Mean time following surgery was 9.75 years (range 2 to 16.8 years). RESULTS. At mean 9.75 year follow-up, none of these 261 hips experienced early or late deep infection or dislocation. Four patients died of causes unrelated to their arthroplasty at a mean of 6.1 years, all with well functioning constructs. Nine hips (3%) were revised: 2 stems and 2 cups failed to osseointegrate; 1 modular neck component sustained a modular neck fracture; and ceramic fracture occurred in 1 femoral head and 3 liners. Three of the 4 patients with fracture sustained severe trauma from life-threatening injuries. CONCLUSION. Total hip arthroplasty in young patients demonstrates excellent survivorship when uncemented titanium implants are coupled with ceramic-ceramic bearings

Industrialized countries experience a population aging. Elderly patients, due to the experienced immunity, have a constant pro-inflammatory milieu. Little is known on how adaptive immunity impacts the tissue homeostasis and regeneration. The standardized housing of lab animals is specific pathogen free (SPF). However, this housing condition hinders antigen exposure and thus an aging of the adaptive immune system. We hypothesized that exposure to antigens and a developing adaptive immunity will impact tissue homeostasis and regeneration in mice. Mice kept under SPF housing or non-SPF were examined towards their immune status via flow cytometry, bone structure via microCT and bone competence via biomechanical torsional testing. MSCs from these mice were analyzed regarding their differentiation potential and ECM production under various immune cell signaling. Bone regeneration was analyzed in vivo in a mouse osteotomy model. The memory and effector compartment of the adaptive immunity was significantly increased in mice under non-SPF housing. This housing led to an increased femoral cortical thickness and torsional stiffness (p<0,05), whereas the tissue mineral density was not affected. The differentiation potential of stem cells under the influence of an aged immune milieu was significantly reduced. Bone formation was highly affected by the immune status and availed of a naïve immune cell milieu. Adaptive immunity directly impacts bone tissue formation, by exhibiting a constant stress, leading to structural differences in bone tissue organization as well as mechanical competence. For experimental settings, it appears highly relevant if mouse models have had the chance to develop an experienced immune system

Aims. Periprosthetic fracture is a significant complication of total hip and knee arthroplasty. This study aimed to describe the survival of patients sustaining periprosthetic femoral fractures and compare this with that of the general population, as well as to identify the factors that influence survival. Patients and Methods. A total of 151 patients (women: men 116:35, mean age 74.6 years, standard deviation 11.5) that sustained a periprosthetic fracture between January 2005 and October 2012 were retrospectively analysed. Epidemiological data, comorbidities, type of surgical management, type of implant, and mortality data were studied. Results. The mean survival time was 77 months (95% confidence interval 71 to 84; numbers at risk: 73) and was lower than that of the general population. The risk analyses showed that previous cardiac disease, particularly ischaemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure, age over 75 years and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores above 3 were associated with a significantly higher mortality. Conclusions. Periprosthetic fractures carry a high risk of post-operative mortality. Our data demonstrate that advanced age (> 75 years) and previous cardiac disease are associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality. The ASA score is an appropriate instrument for risk stratification. Pre-operative cardiac status should be optimised before surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:921–6

Aims. To compare operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged over 65 years. Methods. A total of 100 patients were randomized in this non-inferiority trial, comparing cast immobilization with operation with a volar locking plate. Patients with displaced AO/OTA A and C fractures were eligible if one of the following were found after initial closed reduction: 1) dorsal angulation > 10°; 2) ulnar variance > 3 mm; or 3) intra-articular step-off > 2 mm. Primary outcome measure was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) after 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), EuroQol-5 dimensions 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), range of motion (ROM), grip strength, “satisfaction with wrist function” (score 0 to 10), and complications. Results. In all, 89 women and 11 men were included. Mean age was 74 years (65 to 91). Nonoperative treatment was non-inferior to operation with a five-point difference in median QuickDASH after 12 months (p = 0.206). After three and six months QuickDASH favoured the operative group (p = 0.010 and 0.030). Median values for PRWHE were 19 (interquartile range (IRQ) 10 to 32) in the operative group versus ten (IQR 1 to 31) in the nonoperative group at three months (p = 0.064), nine (IQR 2 to 20) versus five (IQR 0 to 13) (p = 0.020) at six months, and two (IQR 0 to 12) versus zero (IQR 0 to 8) (p = 0.019) after 12 months. Range of motion was similar between the groups. The EQ-5D-5L index score was better (mean difference 0.07) in the operative group at three and 12 months (p = 0.008 and 0.020). The complication rate was similar (p = 0.220). The operated patients were more satisfied with wrist function (median 8 (IQR 6 to 9) vs 6 (IQR 5 to 7) at three months, p = 0.002; 9 (IQR 7 to 9) vs 8 (IQR 6 to 8) at six months, p = 0.002; and 10 (IQR 8 to 10) vs 8 (IQR 7 to 9) at 12 months, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Nonoperative treatment was non-inferior to operative treatment based on QuickDASH after one year. Patients in the operative group had a faster recovery and were more satisfied with wrist function. Results from previous trials comparing operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly vary between favouring the operative group and showing similar results between the treatments. This randomized trial suggests that most elderly patients may be treated nonoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):247–255

The study sought to determine the results of labral restoration among patients over age 60 compared to a cohort of younger adults. 21 consecutive patients over age 60 undergoing labral repair with minimum one-year follow-up were compared to a contemporaneous group of 21 patients age 18–55 matched for gender, degree of chondral damage, and associated FAI or dysplasia. Follow-up averaged 18.9 months (12 to 24 months). The study group averaged 63.2 years (61 to 71); with 20 FAI and one dysplasia. 19 had acetabular articular damage (2 grade IV, 11 grade III, 5 grade II, 1 grade I) and 6 had femoral changes (1 grade IV, 5 grade 3). The control group averaged 35.8 years (20 to 54). Average improvement among the study group was 28.1 points modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and 37.5 points iHOT; and among the control group, 21.2 points mHHS and 37.1 points iHOT. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the amount of improvement, with statistically and clinically significant improvement noted in both. Two study group patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) at average 10 months with one control group THA at 11 months. All three converted to THA had combined grade IV acetabular and grade III femoral damage. There were no repeat arthroscopies and no complications in either group. We conclude that patients over age 60 can benefit from arthroscopic labral repair with improved outcomes, modest rates of conversion to THA, and small risk of complication. Results are comparable to younger adults. Combined bipolar grade IV or grade III articular damage is a harbinger of conversion to THA, regardless of age

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of return to work (RTW) after revision lower limb arthroplasty in patients of working age in the United Kingdom. Patients and Methods. We assessed 55 patients aged ≤ 65 years after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). There were 43 women and 12 men with a mean age of 54 years (23 to 65). We also reviewed 30 patients after revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There were 14 women and 16 men with a mean age of 58 years (48 to 64). Preoperatively, age, gender, body mass index, social deprivation, mode of failure, length of primary implant survival, work status and nature, activity level (University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score), and Oxford Hip and Knee Scores were recorded. Postoperatively, RTW status, Oxford Hip and Knee Scores, EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), UCLA score, and Work, Osteoarthritis and Joint-Replacement Questionnaire (WORQ) scores were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Results. Overall, 95% (52/55) of patients were working before their revision THA. Afterwards, 33% (17/52) RTW by one year, 48% (25/52) had retired, and 19% (10/52) were receiving welfare benefit. RTW was associated with age, postoperative Oxford Hip Score, early THA failure (less than two years), mode of failure dislocation, and contralateral revision (p < 0.05). No patient returned to work after revision for dislocation. Only age remained a significant factor on multivariate analysis (p = 0.003), with 79% (11/14) of those less than 50 years of age returning to work, compared with 16% (6/38) of those aged fifty years or over. Before revision TKA, 93% (28/30) of patients were working. Postoperatively only 7% (2/28) returned to work by one year, 71% (20/28) had retired, and 21% (6/28) were receiving welfare benefits. UCLA scores improved after 43% of revision THAs and 44% of revision TKAs. Conclusion. After revision THA, age is the most significant predictor of RTW: only 16% of those over 50 years old return to work. Fewer patients return to work after early revision THA and none after revision for dislocation. After revision TKA, patients rarely return to work: none return to heavy or moderate manual work. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1043–53

The use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) has been critical to the success of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). They have made possible the evaluations of new implants, materials and surgical techniques that have been essential to the development of these technologies. PROMS have had a major impact on the decisions that surgeons make regarding treatment and care of patients. However, there are serious limitations of PROMS. They are useless in the first few weeks after surgery. They provide very little objective functional information to which health care providers can respond in the early, critical post-operative period. PROMS do not objectively measure specific outcome measures (e.g. ROM, distance walked). PROMS are also cumbersome and time consuming to use. Joint specific surface sensors are emerging to allow objective measurements of specific functional outcomes of knee surgery. This allows an examination of the factors that might affect these functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of age, gender, BMI and pain following TKA on ROM and activity measured using a joint specific surface sensor. Methods. 40 patients who underwent primary cruciate retaining TKA using the same implant system and patient specific instrumentation (PSI) were followed for 3 weeks with a knee specific surface sensor (TracPatch. tm. ). The device was applied one day following surgery. Standard post-TKA care protocols were used. The ROM and distance walked was measured by the device. The relationship of these outcomes to patients’ age, gender, BMI and pain were examined. Results. All but one patient tolerated the device. This patient had a superficial, transient skin reaction to the adhesive and was not included in the study. Patients under 60 regained more motion and were more active in the first 3 weeks after surgery than patients 60–69 and patients 70+. Gender had no significant impact on ROM or activity for each age group. BMI under 30 had no impact on ROM or activity. BMI over 40 had a significant impact on both ROM and activity. Pain had very little impact on ROM and moderate impact on activity in the first 3 weeks after surgery. Summary. Joint specific sensors are becoming available to provide objective measurements of a joint's function. The knee specific sensors used in this study measured the number of steps taken and ROM in patients who underwent a primary, cruciate retaining TKA. The device was liked and well tolerated by patients. ROM was affected by age and BMI, but not by gender or, to a significant degree, by pain. The device will be useful in focusing therapy on those patients who most need it. Use of the device has the potential of making post-surgical care more effective and cost efficient

Introduction. Expanded indications and patient demand have significantly increased the number of TKA performed in young and active patients under age 55. While improved materials have decreased the likelihood of early catastrophic wear, concerns remain with the performance and survivorship of TKA implants in this patient population. Therefore, the purpose this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes, complications, and implant survivorship of TKAs performed in patients under age 55. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 1194 primary TKA performed for the diagnosis of primary knee osteoarthritis performed at our institution between 2013–2016. There were 291 TKA performed in patients under age 55. Patients were excluded if they had 1) prior history of fracture, 2) renal disease, 3) inflammatory joint disease, and 4) required therapeutic anticoagulation. The primary outcome of interest was rate of revision at 30 days, 1, 2, and 5-year time points. Secondary outcomes included postoperative transfusion rate, calculated blood loss, length of stay(LOS), rate of DVT/PE, readmission and reoperation. Results. Patients under 55 were more likely to be obese and have a lower comorbidity burden. Overall, 31 patients required revision (2.6%; 97.4% survivorship at 5 years). Patients under 55 had significantly higher revision rate at 1(2.4%vs.0.9%; p=0.024), 2(3.8%vs.1.55%; p=0.02) and 5 years (5.5%vs.2.2%; p=0.004). The principal diagnosis for early revision in young patients were 1) instability, 2) infection, and 3) aseptic loosening. There was no difference in rate of transfusion, DVT/PE, LOS and readmissions between the 2 groups. Patients under 55 had a higher rate of all-cause reoperation at all time points. Multivariate regression showed patients under 55 were at significantly higher risk for revision at the latest time point (OR 2.51; p=0.012). Discussion. Despite improvements in the wear characteristics of TKA implants, young and active patients remained at higher risk of early revision compared to older patients even at 1, 2, and 5 years. The data should be used to counsel young prospective TKA patients about the early risk of reoperation and non-wear related complications

Objectives. Cellular movement and relocalisation are important for many physiologic properties. Local mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from injured tissues and circulating MSCs aid in fracture healing. Cytokines and chemokines such as Stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF-1) and its receptor chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) play important roles in maintaining mobilisation, trafficking and homing of stem cells from bone marrow to the site of injury. We investigated the differences in migration of MSCs from the femurs of young, adult and ovariectomised (OVX) rats and the effect of CXCR4 over-expression on their migration. Methods. MSCs from young, adult and OVX rats were put in a Boyden chamber to establish their migration towards SDF-1. This was compared with MSCs transfected with CXCR4, as well as MSCs differentiated to osteoblasts. Results. MSCs from OVX rats migrate significantly (p < 0.05) less towards SDF-1 (9%, . sd. 5%) compared with MSCs from adult (15%, . sd. 3%) and young rats (25%, . sd. 4%). Cells transfected with CXCR4 migrated significantly more towards SDF-1 compared with non-transfected cells, irrespective of whether these cells were from OVX (26.5%, . sd. 4%), young (47%, . sd. 17%) or adult (21%, . sd. 4%) rats. Transfected MSCs differentiated to osteoblasts express CXCR4 but do not migrate towards SDF-1. Conclusions. MSC migration is impaired by age and osteoporosis in rats, and this may be associated with a significant reduction in bone formation in osteoporotic patients. The migration of stem cells can be ameliorated by upregulating CXCR4 levels which could possibly enhance fracture healing in osteoporotic patients. Cite this article: A. Sanghani-Kerai, M. Coathup, S. Samazideh, P. Kalia, L. Di Silvio, B. Idowu, G. Blunn. Osteoporosis and ageing affects the migration of stem cells and this is ameliorated by transfection with CXCR4. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–365. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.66.BJR-2016-0259.R1

Late presentation of DDH continues to remain a major problem particularly in the developing countries. Femoro-Acetabular Zones (FAZ) system is created to find a relation between acetabular maturity and severity of dislocation, in one hand, and the success of closed reduction, on the other hand. We hypnosis that the lower the acetabular index and the closer the femoral head to the acetabulum, the more likely the success of treatment. Thus, a retrospective study was performed on late diagnosed DDH hips that underwent closed treatment at a particular hospital in the Middle East. FAZ are drawn on the AP view of the pelvic x-ray and is based on a perpendicular from the acetabular index at the lateral margin of the superior acetabular rim then another perpendicular to Perkin's line is drawn. This gives three zones, graded I-III. The center of femoral metaphysis is identified denoting the position of the femoral head in relation to the zone classification. FAZ system was applied on 65 pelvic radiographs; mean patient age was 24 months (range: 12 to 36 months) with a minimum follow up of 3 years. Overall, 37 of 65 hips (57%) achieved a satisfactory outcome (Severin I&II), while 22 hips (33%) were found to be unsatisfactory (Severin III). 6 hips (10%) needed an open reduction (p-value 0.001). FAZ could perfectly predict the successful cases. FAZ system is a simple and novel classification and if employed, could reasonably predict the outcome of non-surgical treatment of DDH after walking age

We have investigated whether a system of four inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to the segments of the lower limbs could provide useful information about the kinematics of limb segment movement in gait in a healthy population. Four IMUs were attached to participants over their clothes. Participants then walked at their self-selected speed for 10 metres along a corridor and back. IMUs were removed, data downloaded on to a computer and ranges of motion were calculated for thigh, calf and knee, in addition to stride duration. 128 participants were recruited aged 18–97. There was little variation in most angle parameters up to age of 80. The relationships between angle and age are non-linear. There was a slight increase in stride duration with age of about 0.1% per year. The study concentrated on active subjects, with no specific co-morbidities that might affect gait. Results obtained may represent what is achievable for any given age, and approximate to changes that occur due to primary ageing. We propose that, after the age 80, peak muscle power declines below a threshold, such that muscular activity required to move a limb approaches the peak power available, and that it is the decline in peak muscle power that ultimately limits gait in active older people. Walking ability is important in maintaining independence as people age. It would be more effective to encourage exercises to maintain normal gait at a much earlier age. Deviations from the normal range could be identified early, and appropriate intervention given

Introduction. In the United States, cementless femoral fixation remains the dominant mode of fixation for femoral neck fractures, despite strong worldwide registry data that supports cemented fixation. The reason for this discrepancy remains unknown, controversial and often difficult to compare due to multiple variables. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a matched cohort of patients undergoing arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures and assess outcomes of revisions, periprosthetic fractures and mortality. Methods. This is an exact matched cohort study. Cemented fixation cases were exact matched to cementless fixation cases in a 1:1 fashion based on age, sex and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Outcome variables included: revision for periprosthetic fracture; all cause revision and mortality at any time point; all cause revision and mortality within 1-year and within 90-days. The primary independent variable was femoral fixation (cemented, cementless) and covariates included race (black, white, other), ethnicity (hispanic, non-hispanic), teaching status (minor, major, nonteaching) and bedsize (1–99, 100–399, >=400). Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 64,283 femoral neck fractures were evaluated. 17,138 cementless femoral stems were matched exactly to cemented femoral stems based on age, gender and Charleston comorbidity index (CCI). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared to cementless femoral fixation, cemented fixation was associated with a 20% reduction in overall revision (OR 0.796, 0.675–0.939), a 30% reduction in revision at 1 year (OR: 0.709, 0.589–0.854) and a 86% reduction in revision for periprosthetic fracture (OR: 0.144, 0.07–0.294). However, cemented stem fixation was associated with a 23% (OR: 1.33, 1.134–1.338) and 16% (OR: 1.232, 1.134–1.338) increase in mortality at 90 days and 1 year post op respectively. Conclusions. In this exact matched cohort study, risk of early revision and revision for PPFx was dramatically reduced at all time points with the use of cemented stem fixation for elective THA and FNF. However, the increased risk of 90d and 1 year mortality following cemented stem fixation in the elective population warrants further investigation

Aims. Little is known about employment following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aims to identify factors which predict return to work following TKA in patients of working age in the United Kingdom. Patients & Methods. We prospectively assessed 289 patients (289 TKAs) aged ≤ 65 years who underwent TKA between 2010 and 2013. There were 148 women. The following were recorded pre-operatively: age, gender, body mass index, social deprivation, comorbidities, indication for surgery, work status and nature of employment, activity level as assessed by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). The intention of patients to return to work or to retire was not assessed pre-operatively. At a mean of 3.4 years (2 to 4) post-operatively, the return to work status, OKS, the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score, UCLA activity score and Work, Osteoarthritis and joint-Replacement (WORQ) score were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results. Of 261 patients (90%) who were working before TKA, 105 (40%) returned to any job, including 89 (34%) who returned to the same job at a mean of 13.5 weeks (2 to 104) post-operatively. A total of 108 (41%) retired following TKA and 18 remained on welfare. Patients not working before the operation did not return to work. Median UCLA scores improved in 125 patients (58%) from 4 (mild activity) to 6 (moderate activity) (p < 0.001). Significant (p < 0.05) factors which were predictive of return to any work included age, heavy or moderate manual work, better post-operative UCLA, OKS and EQ-5D general health scores. Significant predictive factors of return to the same work included age, heavy or moderate manual work and post-operative OKS. Multivariate analysis confirmed heavy or moderate manual work and age to independently predict a return to either any or the same work. All patients aged < 50 years who were working pre-operatively returned to any work as did 60% of those aged between 50 and 54 years, 50% of those aged between 55 and 59 years and 24% those aged between 60 and 65 years. . Conclusion. If working pre-operatively, patients aged < 50 years invariably returned to work following TKA, but only half of those aged between 50 to 60 years returned. High post-operative activity levels and patient reported outcome measures do not predict return to work following TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1037–46

Aims. We carried out a further study of the long-term results of the cemented Exeter femoral component in patients under the age of 40 with a mean follow-up of 13.6 years (10 to 20). Patients and Methods. We reviewed our original cohort of 104 cemented Exeter stems in 78 consecutive patients with a mean age of 31 years (16 to 39). Only one patient was lost to radiological follow-up. Results. A total of six patients (eight hips) had died for reasons unrelated to their surgery. There had been one further periprosthetic fracture from a fall and one fractured femoral stem. No revisions for aseptic loosening were undertaken during the whole study period. Overall, 11 hips had progressive radiolucent lines in one or more zones. The Kaplan Meier survival percentages at ten and 17 years were 97.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91.3 to 99.1) and 92.1% (95% CI 74.1 to 97.8) with revision for any reason as the endpoint, and 100% at both ten and 17 years with aseptic loosening (95% CI 83.8 to 100) as the endpoint. No additional hips were classified as radiologically loose. Conclusion. The Exeter femoral component continues to function satisfactorily in young patients for up to 17 years after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:192–8