Aims. As an increasing number of female surgeons are choosing orthopaedics, it is important to recognize the impact of pregnancy within this cohort. The aim of this review was to examine common themes and data surrounding pregnancy, parenthood, and fertility within orthopaedics. Methods. A systematic review was conducted by searching Medline, Emcare, Embase, PsycINFO, OrthoSearch, and the Cochrane Library in November 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis were adhered to. Original research papers that focused on pregnancy and/or parenthood within orthopaedic surgery were included for review. Results. Of 1,205 papers, 19 met the inclusion criteria. Our results found that orthopaedic surgeons have higher reported rates of obstetric complications, congenital abnormalities, and infertility compared to the general population. They were noted to have children at a later age and voluntarily delayed childbearing. Negative perceptions of pregnancy from fellow trainees and programme directors were identified. Conclusion. Female orthopaedic surgeons have high rates of obstetric complications and infertility. Negative perceptions surrounding pregnancy can lead to orthopaedic surgeons voluntarily delaying childbearing. There is a need for a pregnancy-positive culture shift combined with formalized guidelines and female mentorship to create a more supportive environment for pregnancy within orthopaedic surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):857–863

Aims. The principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) are the foundation of modern medical practice. Surgeons are familiar with the commonly used statistical techniques to test hypotheses, summarize findings, and provide answers within a specified range of probability. Based on this knowledge, they are able to critically evaluate research before deciding whether or not to adopt the findings into practice. Recently, there has been an increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze information and derive findings in orthopaedic research. These techniques use a set of statistical tools that are increasingly complex and may be unfamiliar to the orthopaedic surgeon. It is unclear if this shift towards less familiar techniques is widely accepted in the orthopaedic community. This study aimed to provide an exploration of understanding and acceptance of AI use in research among orthopaedic surgeons. Methods. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out on a sample of 12 orthopaedic surgeons. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. Results. The four intersecting themes identified were: 1) validity in traditional research, 2) confusion around the definition of AI, 3) an inability to validate AI research, and 4) cautious optimism about AI research. Underpinning these themes is the notion of a validity heuristic that is strongly rooted in traditional research teaching and embedded in medical and surgical training. Conclusion. Research involving AI sometimes challenges the accepted traditional evidence-based framework. This can give rise to confusion among orthopaedic surgeons, who may be unable to confidently validate findings. In our study, the impact of this was mediated by cautious optimism based on an ingrained validity heuristic that orthopaedic surgeons develop through their medical training. Adding to this, the integration of AI into everyday life works to reduce suspicion and aid acceptance. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(9):696–703

Aims. Diabetic foot care is a significant burden on the NHS in England. We have conducted a nationwide survey to determine the current participation of orthopaedic surgeons in diabetic foot care in England. Methods. A questionnaire was sent to all 136 NHS trusts audited in the 2018 National Diabetic Foot Audit (NDFA). The questionnaire asked about the structure of diabetic foot care services. Results. Overall, 123 trusts responded, of which 117 admitted patients with diabetic foot disease and 113 had an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon. A total of 90 trusts (77%) stated that the admission involved medicine, with 53 (45%) of these admissions being exclusively under medicine, and 37 (32%) as joint admissions. Of the joint admissions, 16 (14%) were combined with vascular and 12(10%) with orthopaedic surgery. Admission is solely under vascular surgery in 12 trusts (10%) and orthopaedic surgery in 7 (6%). Diabetic foot abscesses were drained by orthopaedic surgeons in 61 trusts (52%) and vascular surgeons in 47 (40%). Conclusion. Orthopaedic surgeons make a significant contribution to both acute and elective diabetic foot care currently in the UK. This contribution is likely to increase with the movement of vascular surgery to a hub and spoke model, and measures should be put in place to increase the team based approach to the diabetic foot, for example with the introduction of a best practice tariff. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(8):618–622

Aims. Medical comorbidities are a critical factor in the decision-making process for operative management and risk-stratification. The Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) risk adjustment model is a powerful measure of illness severity for patients treated by surgeons. The HCC is utilized by Medicare to predict medical expenditure risk and to reimburse physicians accordingly. HCC weighs comorbidities differently to calculate risk. This study determines the prevalence of medical comorbidities and the average HCC score in Medicare patients being evaluated by neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeon, as well as a subset of academic spine surgeons within both specialities, in the USA. Methods. The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Database, which is based on data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ National Claims History Standard Analytic Files, was analyzed for this study. Every surgeon who submitted a valid Medicare Part B non-institutional claim during the 2013 calendar year was included in this study. This database was queried for medical comorbidities and HCC scores of each patient who had, at minimum, a single office visit with a surgeon. This data included 21,204 orthopaedic surgeons and 4,372 neurosurgeons across 54 states/territories in the USA. Results. Orthopaedic surgeons evaluated patients with a mean HCC of 1.21, while neurosurgeons evaluated patients with a mean HCC of 1.34 (p < 0.05). The rates of specific comorbidities in patients seen by orthopaedic surgeons/neurosurgeons is as follows: Ischemic heart disease (35%/39%), diabetes (31%/33%), depression (23%/31%), chronic kidney disease (19%/23%), and heart failure (17%/19%). Conclusion. Nationally, comorbidity rate and HCC value for these Medicare patients are higher than national averages for the US population, with ischemic heart disease being six-times higher, diabetes two-times higher, depression three- to four-times higher, chronic kidney disease three-times higher, and heart failure nine-times higher among patients evaluated by orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:257–260

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Orthopaedic departments have adopted business continuity models and guidelines for essential and non-essential surgeries to preserve hospital resources as well as protect patients and staff. These guidelines broadly encompass reduction of ambulatory care with a move towards telemedicine, redeployment of orthopaedic surgeons/residents to the frontline battle against COVID-19, continuation of education and research through web-based means, and cancellation of non-essential elective procedures. However, if containment of COVID-19 community spread is achieved, resumption of elective orthopaedic procedures and transition plans to return to normalcy must be considered for orthopaedic departments. The COVID-19 pandemic also presents a moral dilemma to the orthopaedic surgeon considering elective procedures. What is the best treatment for our patients and how does the fear of COVID-19 influence the risk-benefit discussion during a pandemic? Surgeons must deliberate the fine balance between elective surgery for a patient’s wellbeing versus risks to the operating team and utilization of precious hospital resources. Attrition of healthcare workers or Orthopaedic surgeons from restarting elective procedures prematurely or in an unsafe manner may render us ill-equipped to handle the second wave of infections. This highlights the need to develop effective screening protocols or preoperative COVID-19 testing before elective procedures in high-risk, elderly individuals with comorbidities. Alternatively, high-risk individuals should be postponed until the risk of nosocomial COVID-19 infection is minimal. In addition, given the higher mortality and perioperative morbidity of patients with COVID-19 undergoing surgery, the decision to operate must be carefully deliberated. As we ramp-up elective services and get “back to business” as orthopaedic surgeons, we have to be constantly mindful to proceed in a cautious and calibrated fashion, delivering the best care, while maintaining utmost vigilance to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 during this critical transition period. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:222–228

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate surgeons’ reported change of treatment preference in response to the results and conclusion from a randomized contolled trial (RCT) and to study patterns of change between subspecialties and nationalities. Methods. Two questionnaires were developed through the Delphi process for this cross-sectional survey of surgical preference. The first questionnaire was sent out before the publication of a RCT and the second questionnaire was sent out after publication. The RCT investigated repair or non-repair of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle during volar locked plating of distal radial fractures (DRFs). Overall, 380 orthopaedic surgeons were invited to participate in the first questionnaire, of whom 115 replied. One hundred surgeons were invited to participate in the second questionnaire. The primary outcome was the proportion of surgeons for whom a treatment change was warranted, who then reported a change of treatment preference following the RCT. Secondary outcomes included the reasons for repair or non-repair, reasons for and against following the RCT results, and difference of preferred treatment of the PQ muscle between surgeons of different nationalities, qualifications, years of training, and number of procedures performed per year. Results. Of the 100 surgeons invited for the second questionnaire, 74 replied. For the primary outcome, six of 32 surgeons (19%), who usually repaired the PQ muscle and therefore a change of treatment preference was warranted, reported a change of treatment preference based on the RCT publication. Of the secondary outcomes, restoring anatomy was the most common response for repairing the PQ muscle. Conclusion. The majority of the orthopaedic surgeons, where a change of treatment preference was warranted based on the results and conclusion of a RCT, did not report willingness to change their treatment preference. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-9:549–555

Orthopaedic surgeons are currently faced with an overwhelming number of choices surrounding total knee arthroplasty (TKA), not only with the latest technologies and prostheses, but also fundamental decisions on alignment philosophies. From ‘mechanical’ to ‘adjusted mechanical’ to ‘restricted kinematic’ to ‘unrestricted kinematic’ — and how constitutional alignment relates to these — there is potential for ambiguity when thinking about and discussing such concepts. This annotation summarizes the various alignment strategies currently employed in TKA. It provides a clear framework and consistent language that will assist surgeons to compare confidently and contrast the concepts, while also discussing the latest opinions about alignment in TKA. Finally, it provides suggestions for applying consistent nomenclature to future research, especially as we explore the implications of 3D alignment patterns on patient outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):102–108

Introduction: In 2005, 88 patients (19M/69 F, mean age 55) initially referred by their GP to a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon were seen by an Operative Podiatrist as a waiting list initiative. The mean delay between GP referral and clinic appointment was 632 days. The majority of patients were listed for a surgical procedure. The podiatrist left the Trust before any listed surgery was performed. The cohort was subsequently reviewed by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon prior to surgical intervention, creating a unique opportunity to compare podiatric and orthopaedic input in one patient group. Materials & Methods: Casenotes and clinic correspondence were identified by merging clinic datasets & retrieved in 86/88 cases. Medical records and documentation of peripheral vascular status were examined as a standard of care. Correlation of surgical decision making was examined qualitatively. Results: Circulatory status was found to be documented in 0/58 (0%) records available for patients seen by the podiatrist and 70/74 (95%) seen by the orthopaedic surgeon respectively. Vascular investigation or referral was initiated by the orthopaedic surgeon in 8 patients listed for surgery by the podiatrist. The listed procedure was postponed or cancelled by the orthopaedic surgeon in a further 11 patients (5 medically unfit for listed surgery, 4 treated conservatively & 2 unable to obtain valid consent). No written or dictated contemporaneous records were made for 23/88 (26%) of index podiatric consultations. Clinically significant drug history was documented by the podiatrist in 1/13 (8%) cases recorded by the orthopaedic surgeon. Discussion: Reasonable correlation was observed between proposed surgical interventions for forefoot problems. Poor correlation was observed for mid- and/or hind foot problems. Avoidable adverse outcomes might have been anticipated in 19/88 (22%) patients listed for surgery by the Operative Podiatrist. Conclusion: The employment of unsupervised non-medical surgical practitioners in hospital based orthopaedic practice is not appropriate

In order to assess current opinions on the long-term outcome after primary total hip replacement, we performed a multicentre, cross-sectional survey in 22 centres from 12 European countries. Different patient characteristics were categorised into ‘decreases chances’, ‘does not affect chances’, and ‘increases chances’ of a favourable long-term outcome, by 304 orthopaedic surgeons and 314 referring practitioners. The latter were less likely to associate age older than 80 years and obesity with a favourable outcome than orthopaedic surgeons (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively) and more likely to associate age younger than 50 years with a favourable outcome (p = 0.006). Comorbidity, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor bone quality were thought to be associated with a decreased chance of a favourable outcome. We found important differences in the opinions regarding long-term outcome after total hip replacement within and between referring practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons. These are likely to affect access to and the provision of total hip replacement

Although most uncomplicated paediatric fractures do not require routine long-term follow-up with an orthopaedic surgeon, practitioners with limited experience dealing with paediatrics fractures will often defer to a strategy of unnecessary frequent clinical and radiographic follow-up. Development of an evidence-based clinical care pathway may help reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to this patient population and reduce costs to patient families and the healthcare system. A retrospective analysis including patients who presented to SickKids hospital between October 2009 and October 2014 for management of clavicle fractures was performed. Patients with previous clavicle fractures, perinatal injury, multiple fractures, non-accidental injury, underlying bone disease, sternoclavicular dislocations, fractures of the medial clavicular physis and fractures that were managed at external hospitals were excluded from the analysis. Variables including age, gender, previous injury, fracture laterality, mechanism of injury, polytrauma, surgical intervention and complications and number of clinic visits were recorded for all patients. Radiographs were analysed to determine the fracture location (medial, middle or lateral), type (simple or comminuted), displacement and shortening. 339 patients (226 males, 113 females) with an average age of 8.1 (range 0.1–17.8) were reviewed. Diagnoses of open fractures, skin tenting or neurovascular injury were rare, 0.6%, 4.1%, and 0%, respectively. 6 (1.8%) patients underwent surgical management. All decisions for surgery were made on the first consultation with the orthopaedic surgeon. For patients managed non-operatively, the mean number of clinic visits including initial consultation in the emergency department was 2.0 (±1.2). The mean number of radiology department appointments was 4.1 (± 1.0) where patients received a mean number of 4.2 (±2.9) radiographs. Complications in the non-operative group were minimal; 2 refractures in our series and no known cases of non-union. All patients achieved clinical and radiographic union and returned to sport after fracture healing. Our series suggests that the decision to treat operatively is made at the initial assessment. If no surgical indications were present at the initial assessment by the primary-care physician, then routine clinical or radiographic follow up is unnecessary. Development of a paediatric clavicle fracture pathway may reduce patient radiation exposure and reduce costs incurred by the healthcare system and patients' families without jeopardising patient outcomes

Purpose: The RCPSC Orthopaedic Specialty Committee for Residency Training and the Examination Committee for Orthopaedic Surgery requested that work be completed to assist with identifying competencies that should be included in a core curriculum for graduating orthopaedic surgery residents in Canada. The purpose of this study was to determine competencies to be of greatest importance by orthopaedic surgeons whose primary affiliation was non-university, for the purpose of developing a core curriculum in orthopaedic surgery for graduating residents within Canada. Method: A 281-item list of competencies was developed consisting of three sections: a previously validated curriculum for musculoskeletal health, Orthopaedic Specialty objectives of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, curricula representing orthopaedic programs from accredited academic orthopaedic programs within Canada and, a comprehensive procedure list. Competencies were compared to existing curricula within Canada. A content review was completed and a modified questionnaire was developed. A stratified, randomized selection of, non – university, orthopaedic surgeons rated each individual item on an integer scale 1 to 4 of increasing level of importance. Summary statistics across all respondents were given. Average mean scores and standard deviations were computed. Secondary analyses were computed in general, paediatrics, trauma and adult reconstruction. Results: 131/156 (84 %) of orthopaedic surgeons participated. 240/281 competencies (85.4%) were rated average scores of at least 3.0 suggesting probably important or important to demonstrate competency by completion of training. 41/281 items (15.6%) were given average scores between 2.0 and 2.93 thus suggesting not important. Conclusion: This study identified competencies necessary for a Core Curriculum for Orthopaedic Surgery. Complex procedures in various categories and content considered less essential for orthopaedic surgeons were rated to be less important. How curriculum is ultimately structured, delivered and implemented needs to be studied. We know that learning activities are “driven” by the evaluation of competencies. Is competency-based education on the horizon or should we be focused on assessing competencies within the current method of curriculum delivery?

The aim of this surgery was to determine current practice amongst orthopaedic surgeons in New Zealand with regard to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. All current members of the NZOA were sent a questionnaire on the numbers and proportions of grafts performed, methods of fixation, operative technique and return to sport. One hundred and ten of 140 questionnaires were returned completed. Ninety two orthopaedic surgeons were performing ACL reconstructions. Eight per cent performed patellar tendon grafts in preference to hamstring grafts, whereas 16% preferred hamstring over patellar tendon grafts. Almost 2000 patellar tendon grafts at an average of just over 20 per surgeon are performed each year compared to just over 500 hamstring grafts at an average of just over 15 per surgeon. Metal interference screws were the most common fixation device in patellar tendon and hamstring grafts. Patellar tendon grafts are the most common grafts used for ACL reconstruction with 80 % of those surveyed preferring to use patellar tendon over hamstring grafts. Metal interference screws were the most common fixation device. There is reasonable consensus regarding return to activity and sport

Aims

The number of females within the speciality of trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify: 1) current attitudes and behaviours of UK female T&O surgeons towards pregnancy; 2) any barriers faced towards pregnancy with a career in T&O surgery; and 3) areas for improvement.

The April 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Can you treat type IIA supracondylar humerus fractures conservatively?; Bone bruising and anterior cruciate ligament injury in paediatrics; Participation and motor abilities after treatment with the Ponseti method; Does fellowship training help with paediatric supracondylar fractures?; Supracondylar elbow fracture management (Supra Man): a national trainee collaborative evaluation of practice; Magnetically controlled growing rods in early-onset scoliosis; Weightbearing restrictions and weight gain in children with Perthes’ disease?; Injuries and child abuse increase during the pandemic over 12,942 emergency admissions.

Aims

The extended wait that most patients are now experiencing for hip and knee arthroplasty has raised questions about whether reliance on waiting time as the primary driver for prioritization is ethical, and if other additional factors should be included in determining surgical priority. Our Prioritization of THose aWaiting hip and knee ArthroplastY (PATHWAY) project will explore which perioperative factors are important to consider when prioritizing those on the waiting list for hip and knee arthroplasty, and how these factors should be weighted. The final product will include a weighted benefit score that can be used to aid in surgical prioritization for those awaiting elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty.

Aims

The present study aimed to investigate whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing joint arthroplasty have a higher incidence of adverse outcomes than those without IBD.

Controversy exists surrounding best practice for antibiotic prophylaxis in TJR. Practicing orthopedic surgeons performing TJR in Canada were surveyed to inform regarding the most common antibiotic prophylaxis practice. Cross-sectional survey of five hundred and ninety practicing Canadian orthopaedic surgeons was conducted. Three orthopaedic surgeons, and one infectious disease specialist established face and content validity of the survey. The survey was mailed to surgeons, and re-mailed to non-responders at twelve-weeks. Survey included questions pertaining to prophylaxis indications, antibiotic choice, dosing, route and timing of administration in the primary and revision setting, as well as postoperative wound drainage investigation and management. Response rate after two mail-outs was 410/590 (69.5%). 96.6% indicated routine use of systemic prophylactic antibiotics for uncomplicated primary TJR. Cefazolin was most commonly prescribed (97.3 %), with 1gm Cefazolin the most common dosage (70.2%). Vancomycin was prescribed 26% of the time as first line. 48.5% administer the antibiotic in the operating suite, and 90% administer within < sixty minutes prior to skin incision. 47.8% routinely use antibiotics in acrylic cement, and 50% use it in a commercially prepared form. Postoperative prophylaxis duration varied widely with 42% preferring twenty-four hours. 33% routinely culture serous wound drainage within one-week postoperative in the absence of redness or fever. 19.8% prescribe antibiotics if wound drainage persists beyond hospital stay. 15.6% would conduct intraoperative wound exploration if drainage persists beyond postoperative day four. 63.9% stated they routinely withhold antibiotics until they have obtained a deep tissue culture specimen in revision TJR. 74% use the same antibiotic prophylaxis regimen for both primary and revision procedures. Of responding surgeons, 47/410 (11.8%) were categorised as high volume performing > two hundred TJR’s per year, and 40/410 (9.8%) were categorised as low volume performing < twenty-five per year. Comparative results to be discussed. Opinions vary widely amongst surgeons in Canada, illustrating the controversy in what constitutes ‘best practice’. Despite available published data, a large proportion of Canadian surgeons may fall short in meeting optimal standards of care in some domains such as the dose prescribed and timing of administration. This survey also illustrates the lack of available information to guide current management of postoperative wound drainage in the face of shorter patient hospital stays. Much work is needed in this area to determine risks and benefits of these costly tests and interventions in treating arthroplasty patients

Aims

Perthes' disease (PD) is a relatively rare syndrome of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis. Treatment for Perthes' disease is controversial due to the many options available, with no clear superiority of one treatment over another. Despite having few evidence-based approaches, many patients with Perthes' disease are managed surgically. Positive outcome reporting, defined as reporting a study variable producing statistically significant positive (beneficial) results, is a phenomenon that can be considered a proxy for the strength of science. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review with the hypothesis that positive outcome reporting is frequent in studies on the treatment of Perthes' disease.

We have developed a teaching programme for non-radiologists who use fluoroscopy, which includes techniques for reducing the radiation received by the patient and the surgeon during orthopaedic procedures. The techniques resolve around the radiation protection concepts of time, distance and shielding. The programme has been very successful in reducing the total fluoroscopy times of orthopaedic surgeons; in our institute, durations have been reduced to about 10% of those before the training started. We review the aims and content of our programme

Aims. High-quality clinical research in children’s orthopaedic surgery has lagged behind other surgical subspecialties. This study used a consensus-based approach to identify research priorities for clinical trials in children’s orthopaedics. Methods. A modified Delphi technique was used, which involved an initial scoping survey, a two-round Delphi process and an expert panel formed of members of the British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery. The survey was conducted amongst orthopaedic surgeons treating children in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Results. A total of 86 clinicians contributed to both rounds of the Delphi process, scoring priorities from one (low priority) to five (high priority). Elective topics were ranked higher than those relating to trauma, with the top ten elective research questions scoring higher than the top question for trauma. Ten elective, and five trauma research priorities were identified, with the three highest ranked questions relating to the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (mean score 4.6/ 5), Perthes’ disease (4.5) and bone infection (4.5). Conclusion. This consensus-based research agenda will guide surgeons, academics and funders to improve the evidence in children’s orthopaedic surgery and encourage the development of multicentre clinical trials. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:680–4

Aims

Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance advises that MRI direct from the emergency department (ED) should be considered for suspected scaphoid fractures. This study reports the current management of suspected scaphoid fractures in the UK and assesses adherence with NICE guidance.

Tissue engineering is a rapidly expanding field of research. Bone and cartilage engineering are being undertaken in an attempt to treat osteoarthritis and repair bone defects. In spite of extensive research little successful clinical application of this work has been seen. There are however many advances in the field that one day may have therapeutic interest. One particular area of interest is the potential for using osteophyte tissue in repairing osteoarthritic defects. Osteophytes represent an attempt by the body to regenerate bone and cartilage. They present an obvious source of cells for tissue engineering. Research ay QUT has shown that cells within the osteophytes are a better source of bone and cartilage regeneration in the laboratory than matched patient’s bone marrow stem cells. Osteoarthritis remains the ultimate challenge for orthopaedic tissue engineering. Understanding the chemical and mechanical signals occurring in osteoarthritis presents opportunities for targeted drug delivery and potential slowing of disease. We have identified changes within the MMP profile of cells at the osteochondral junction. Subchondral sclerosis appears to be associated with changes in the nature of chondrocytes deep within the cartilage layer. This transformation of chondrocytes into osteoblast-like tissue in many ways mimics the changes seen in the growth plate once maturity is reached. Understanding the parallels between these processes may help answer some of the mechanisms of the development of osteoarthritis. This talk will discuss the above topics as well as other areas of interest to an orthopaedic surgeon working within a group of 10 cell biologists

Aims

A multicentre, randomized, clinician-led, pragmatic, parallel-group orthopaedic trial of two surgical procedures was set up to obtain high-quality evidence of effectiveness. However, the trial faced recruitment challenges and struggled to maintain recruitment rates over 30%, although this is not unusual for surgical trials. We conducted a qualitative study with the aim of gathering information about recruitment practices to identify barriers to patient consent and participation to an orthopaedic trial.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the current evidence relating to the benefits of virtual reality (VR) simulation in orthopaedic surgical training, and to identify areas of future research.

This paper offers a summary of the ethical guide for the European orthopaedic community; the full report will be published in the EFORT Journal.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1130–2.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of training on the arthroscopic performance of a group of medical students and to determine whether all students could be trained to competence. Thirty-three medical students with no previous experience of arthroscopy were randomised to a ‘Trained’ or an ‘Untrained’ cohort. They were required to carry out 30 episodes of two simulated arthroscopic tasks (one shoulder and one knee). The primary outcome variable was task success at each episode. Individuals achieved competence when their learning curve stabilised. The secondary outcome was technical dexterity, assessed objectively using a validated motion analysis system. Six subjects in the ‘Untrained’ cohort failed to achieve competence in the shoulder task, compared with one in the ‘Trained’ cohort. During the knee task, two subjects in each cohort failed to achieve competence. Based on the objective motion analysis parameters, the ‘Trained’ cohort performed better on the shoulder task (p < 0.05) but there was no significant difference for the knee task (p > 0.05).

Although specific training improved the arthroscopic performance of novices, there were individuals who could not achieve competence despite focused training.These findings may have an impact on the selection process for trainees and influence individual career choices.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a devastating complication that is very difficult to treat. Whilst uncommon, the condition is frequently encountered by extremity surgeons. The author has considerable experience of dealing with CRPS and, with three clinical cases, will describe how the condition is diagnosed and treated. The very real clinical situation of timing for surgery in patients who have suffered from CRPS is also to be discussed.

Hip replacement is a very successful operation and the outcome is usually excellent. There are recognised complications that seem increasingly to give rise to litigation. This paper briefly examines some common scenarios where litigation may be pursued against hip surgeons. With appropriate record keeping, consenting and surgical care, the claim can be successfully defended if not avoided. We hope this short summary will help to highlight some common pitfalls. There is extensive literature available for detailed study.

London's Air Ambulance (LAA) was first set-up in 1989 as a direct result of a Royal College of Surgeons of England Report highlighting poor trauma care provision. Since its inception, the service's mission is to be an innovative and effective provider of advanced pre-hospital care. The service provides a senior Doctor and senior Paramedic to the scene of any incident within the M25 by helicopter, during the day, and by fast-response car at night. The vast majority of doctors are usually Emergency Medicine Physicians or Anaesthetists. During a 6-month tenure, doctors will usually have completed a number of procedures, which include rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia, pre-hospital blood transfusion, and, procedural sedation. In terms of innovations, the organisation was the first in the UK to provide a 24/7 service. It was also the first to start pre-hospital Rapid Sequence Induction of Anaesthesia for the severely injured; Resuscitative Thoracotomy for the victims of penetrating trauma; and pre-hospital Blood Transfusion for shocked polytrauma patients. The service also has a very thorough induction programme, for new Doctors and Paramedics, and a highly structured Clinical Governance process. The post offers a unique and privileged opportunity to treat the most severely injured at the roadside.

Multiple myeloma may be associated with extensive bone destruction, impending or present pathological fracture, and intractable pain. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually effective, but surgical intervention may sometimes be required.

We analyzed the surgical technique and the functional and oncological outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma who underwent surgery in our services between 1993-2004.

There were 19 males and 15 females (age range 49– 75 years) who had destructive bone lesions located at the humerus (n=17), acetabulum (n=5), femur (n=5), or tibia (n=7). Indications for surgery included pathological fracture (n=20), impending pathological fracture (n=11), and intractable pain (n=3). Nineteen patients underwent marginal tumor resection, reconstruction with cemented hardware, and adjuvant radiation therapy and 15 patients underwent wide tumor resection with endoprosthetic reconstruction. All patients reported immediate and substantial postoperative pain relief. Function was good/excellent in 23 patients (68%), moderate in eight (23%), and poor in three (9%). Two patients (5.9%) had local tumor recurrence treated with local excision and adjuvant radiotherapy, with no evidence of further recurrence at 21 and 26 months, respectively. Thirty one (91%) patients survived > 1 year, 23 (68%) > 2 years, and 15 (44%) > 3 years postoperatively. All reconstructions remained stable at the most recent follow-ups.

The relatively prolonged survival of patients with multiple myeloma justifies an aggressive surgical approach, which is safe and associated with good local tumor control and functional outcome.

Despite increasing scientific investigation, the best method for preventing post-operative deep-vein thrombosis remains unclear. In the wake of the publication of the Pulmonary Embolism Prevention trial and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) on the prevention of thromboembolism, we felt that it was timely to survey current thromboprophylactic practices. Questionnaires were sent to all consultants on the register of the British Orthopaedic Association. The rate of response was 62%. The survey showed a dramatic change in practice towards the use of chemoprophylaxis since the review by Morris and Mitchell in 1976. We found that there was a greater uniformity of opinion and prescribing practices in Scotland, consistent with the SIGN guidelines, than in the rest of the UK. We argue in favour of the use of such documents which are based on a qualitative review of current scientific literature.

Patients most at risk of osteoporosis are post-menopausal women. However, for many such women, presentation of osteoporosis is only made following their first fragility fracture. Often in the UK, osteoporosis investigation occurs following discharge, and any subsequent secondary prevention starts in the community. This may result in patients with osteoporosis not being investigated or not receiving correct prophylactic treatment.

143 post-menopausal women (av. age 77.7 years) starting secondary osteoporosis prophylaxis following fragility fractures requiring operative intervention were included in this retrospective study. Osteoporosis was defined by DEXA scan using the WHO criteria (122 hip fractures and 21 wrist fractures), following the UK's national guidelines for osteoporosis prophylaxis. Treatment was started following discussion and explanation of treatment with each patient, and either commenced by the surgical team during the acute hospital admission with the fracture, or in an out-patient setting within 6 weeks of the fracture by an orthopaedic specialist nurse. To check compliance, either the patient themselves or the patients' family physician was contacted.

Results showed that 120 of the women (83.9%, 102 hip fractures, and 18 wrist fractures) were still compliant with secondary osteoporosis prophylaxis at an average follow-up of 200 days (5 hip fractures lost to follow-up, 0 wrist fractures). 12 women with hip fractures died (0 wrist fractures), and 6 women stopped taking their prophylaxis (3 hip fractures, 3 wrist fractures): 4 for medical reasons, and 2 for unknown reasons. No women sustained further fractures.

Few studies have previously investigated compliance of osteoporosis secondary prevention, and our results compare favorably. We therefore recommend the prompt commencement of secondary prevention treatment by the orthopaedic surgical team following osteoporotic fractures.

Introduction: The mini C arm is a surgeon operated fluoroscopic device for use in the operating theatre for extremity orthopaedic surgery. There have been no studies comparing the radiation dose of the mini C arm and the conventional C arm.

The aim of this study was to determine if the exposure to patient and surgeon was decreased with use of the mini C arm.

Methods: This was a case-control study. Operations performed with the mini C arm were matched for type, complexity and operator with cases performed with the conventional C arm. The number of exposures and the total time of exposure were measured, and the skin dose and scatter calculated.

Results: There were 16 case-control pairs. There was a significantly greater number of exposures taken by the surgeon operated mini C arm (p=0.02), but there was still a significantly lower exposure to the surgeon with the mini C arm (p=0.004). There was no significant difference in the patient skin dose (p=0.21).

Conclusions: The surgeon operated mini C arm results in a greater exposure time and number of exposures. Despite this, the mini C arm exposes the surgeon to less radiation compared to the conventional C arm in extremity orthopaedics. The radiation exposure with the mini C arm is approximately half that of the conventional C arm. The increased number of exposures may occur because surgeons are more trigger happy with the mini C arm, or because there are technical problems with achieving a useful image. The mini C arm should be used for extremity orthopaedics whenever possible to decrease the radiation exposure.

Aims. The purpose of this survey study was to examine the demographic and lifestyle factors of women currently in orthopaedic surgery. Methods. An electronic survey was conducted of practising female orthopaedic surgeons based in the USA through both the Ruth Jackson Society and the online Facebook group “Women of Orthopaedics”. Results. The majority of surveyed female orthopaedic surgeons reported being married (76.4%; 285/373) and having children (67.6%; 252/373). In all, 66.5% (247/373) were collegiate athletes; 82.0% (306/373) reported having no female orthopaedic surgeon mentors in undergraduate and medical school. Their mean height is 65.8 inches and average weight is 147.3 lbs. Conclusion. The majority of female orthopaedic surgeons did not have female mentorship during their training. Additionally, biometrically, their build is similar to that of the average American woman. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):419–425

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the consensus best practice approach for the investigation and management of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the UK with musculoskeletal infection (including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, tenosynovitis, fasciitis, and discitis). This consensus can then be used to ensure consistent, safe care for children in UK hospitals and those elsewhere with similar healthcare systems. Methods. A Delphi approach was used to determine consensus in three core aspects of care: 1) assessment, investigation, and diagnosis; 2) treatment; and 3) service, pathways, and networks. A steering group of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons created statements which were then evaluated through a two-round Delphi survey sent to all members of the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS). Statements were only included (‘consensus in’) in the final agreed consensus if at least 75% of respondents scored the statement as critical for inclusion. Statements were discarded (‘consensus out’) if at least 75% of respondents scored them as not important for inclusion. Reporting these results followed the Appraisal Guidelines for Research and Evaluation. Results. A total of 133 children’s orthopaedic surgeons completed the first survey, and 109 the second. Out of 43 proposed statements included in the initial Delphi, 32 reached ‘consensus in’, 0 ‘consensus out’, and 11 ‘no consensus’. These 11 statements were then reworded, amalgamated, or deleted before the second Delphi round of eight statements. All eight were accepted as ‘consensus in’, resulting in a total of 40 approved statements. Conclusion. In the many aspects of medicine where relevant evidence is not available for clinicians to base their practice, a Delphi consensus can provide a strong body of opinion that acts as a benchmark for good quality clinical care. We would recommend clinicians managing children with musculoskeletal infection follow the guidance in the consensus statements in this article, to ensure care in all medical settings is consistent and safe. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):815–820

Escalating health care expenditure worldwide is driving the need for effective resource decision-making, with medical practitioners increasingly making complex resource decisions within the context of patient care. Despite raising serious legal and ethical issues in practice, this has attracted little attention in Australia, or internationally. In particular, it is unknown how orthopaedic surgeons perceive their obligations to the individual patient, and the wider community, when rationing care, and how they reconcile competing obligations. This research explores legal and ethical considerations, and resource allocation by Australian orthopaedic surgeons, as a means of achieving public health cost containment driven by macro-level policy and funding decisions. This research found that Australian orthopaedic surgeon's perceptions, and resource allocation decision making, can be explained by understanding how principles of distributive justice challenge, and shift, the traditional medical paradigm. It found that distributive justice, and challenges of macro level health policy and funding decisions, have given rise to two new medical paradigms. Each which try to balance the best interests of individual patients with demands in respect of the sustainability of the health system, in a situation where resources may be constrained. This research shows that while bedside rationing has positioned the medical profession as the gate keepers of resources, it may have left them straddling an increasingly irreconcilable void between the interests of the individual patient and the wider community, with the sustainability of the health system hanging in the balance

The attitudes of orthopaedic surgeons regarding radiology reporting is not well-described in the literature. We surveyed Orthopaedic Surgeons in Australia and New Zealand to assess if they routinely review formal radiology reports. An anonymized, 14 question online survey was distributed to consultant surgeons of the Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Associations (AOA, NZOA). Two hundred respondents completed the survey (Total number of Fellows: 283 NZOA, 1185 AOA). 18.5% of respondents always reviewed the formal Radiology report, 44.5% most of the time, 35% sometimes and 2% never. By imaging modality, MRI reports were the most frequently reviewed (92%), followed by ultrasound (74%) and nuclear medicine (63%). Only 10% of surgeons consulted formal reports for plain radiography. 55% of surgeons were still likely to disagree with the MRI report, followed by 46% for plain radiography. In cases of disagreement, only 21% of surgeons would always contact the reporting radiologist. The majority of Surgeons (85.5%) think there should be more collaboration between the disciplines, although only 50.5% had regular attendance of a Radiologist at their departmental audit. This survey reveals that the majority of orthopaedic surgeons are not routinely reading radiology reports. This points towards a need for further interdisciplinary collaboration. To our knowledge, this is the first survey directly assessing attitudes of orthopaedic surgeons towards radiology reports

Abstract. Introduction. Specialist Spinal Services provide operative and non-operative management strategies for a variety of conditions ranging from simple pathologies to complex disabling conditions. The existing spinal hub and spoke model implemented in 2015 nationally across the NHS. We aim to assess the effectiveness and pitfalls of the Spinal hub and spoke model in this questionnaire-based study. Methods. We conducted a prospective questionnaire-based study in the Northwest England and attendees of the BOA conference in 2021. Questionnaires included from the hospitals with no local spinal services and those with on-site services were excluded. Questions specific to initial assessment, referrals process, MRI availability, and awareness of Spine Hub and Spoke model. Results. Data collected from 254 orthopaedic surgeons including residents from different regions. Ninety per cent of initial assessments done in the emergency department by doctors without spinal experience. The spinal referral process took between 4–12 hours to receive an opinion. The initial advice given by middle grades of hub following the spinal referrals. 86% of hospitals had no provision to obtain MRI scans out of hours. 90% of orthopaedic surgeons were not confident to convey spine referral outcomes and review them in local clinics. Only 46% surgeons satisfaction with the current model. 78% of middle grades were not aware of the Hub and spoke model. Conclusions. Our survey identified that orthopaedic surgeons expressed the need for local spinal services for non-urgent cases. Based on this survey we recommend a restructuring of the hub and spoke model across hospitals in the NHS

Introduction. The vast majority of orthopaedic surgeons use C-arm fluoroscopy in the operating theatre when building a circular external fixator. In the absence of previous research in this area, we hypothesised that the surgeon who builds a circular external fixator is exposed to a greater amount of radiation purely as a result of the presence of the metallic fixator in the x-ray beam. The aim of our study therefore was to investigate how the presence of a circular external fixator affects the radiation dose to the surgeon and the surgical assistant. Materials & Methods. A simulated environment was created using a radiolucent operating table, an acrylic lower limb phantom (below knee segment), various configurations of metalic circular external fixation, and a standard size C-arm image intensifier. The variables investigated were 1. the amount of metal in the beam 2. the orientation of the beam (PA vertical vs lateral) 3. the horizonal distance of the person from the beam (surgeon vs assistant) and 4. the vertical distance of the various body parts from the beam (e.g. thyroid, groin). In terms of radiation dose, we recorded two things : 1. the dose produced by the image intensifier 2. the dose rate at standardised positions in the operating theatre. The latter was done using a solid-state survey sensor. These positions represented both where the surgeon and surgical assistant typically stand plus the heights of their various body regions relative to the operating table. Results. The effect of the presence of the circular external fixator : all frame constructs tested resulted in a statistically significant greater radiation dose both produced by the image intensifier and received by the surgical team. The effect of the beam orientation : the PA (vertical) orientation resulted in a statistically significant greater radiation dose for the surgeon than did the lateral orientation, but made no difference for the assistant. The effect of horizontal distance from the beam : unsurprisingly, the surgeon (who was closer to the beam) received a statistically significant greater radiation dose than the assistant. The effect of vertical distance from the beam : for the surgeon, the dose received was highest at the level of the phantom leg / frame, whilst for the assistant there was no statistically significant difference for any level. Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the radiation dose rate to the orthopaedic surgeon when building a circular external fixator. We found that the surgeon does indeed receive a ‘double whammy’ because the image intensifier puts out a greater amount of radiation plus the metalic frame scatters more of the x-ray beam. Whilst the amounts are relatively small, we think that it's important to quantify doses that orthopaedic surgeons receive to ensure optimal radiation practices

Aims. Physician burnout and its consequences have been recognized as increasingly prevalent and important issues for both organizations and individuals involved in healthcare delivery. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the patterns of self-reported wellness in orthopaedic surgeons and trainees from multiple nations with varying health systems. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of 774 orthopaedic surgeons and trainees in five countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and USA) was conducted in 2019. Respondents were asked to complete the Mayo Clinic Well-Being Index and the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index in addition to 31 personal/demographic questions and 27 employment-related questions via an anonymous online survey. Results. A total of 684 participants from five countries (Australia (n = 74), Canada (n = 90), New Zealand (n = 69), UK (n = 105), and USA (n = 346)) completed both of the risk assessment questionnaires (Mayo and Stanford). Of these, 42.8% (n = 293) were trainees and 57.2% (n = 391) were attending surgeons. On the Mayo Clinic Well-Being Index, 58.6% of the overall sample reported feeling burned out (n = 401). Significant differences were found between nations with regards to the proportion categorized as being at risk for poor outcomes (27.5% for New Zealand (19/69) vs 54.4% for Canada (49/90) ; p = 0.001). On the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index, 38.9% of the respondents were classified as being burned out (266/684). Prevalence of burnout ranged from 27% for Australia (20/74 up to 47.8% for Canadian respondents (43/90; p = 0.010). Younger age groups (20 to 29: RR 2.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39 to 4.58; p = 0.002); 30 to 39: RR 2.40 (95% CI 1.36 to 4.24; p = 0.003); 40 to 49: RR 2.30 (95% CI 1.35 to 3.9; p = 0.002)) and trainee status (RR 1.53 (95% CI 1.15 to 2.03 p = 0.004)) were independently associated with increased relative risk of having a ‘at-risk’ or ‘burnout’ score. Conclusions. The rate of self-reported burnout and risk for poor outcomes among orthopaedic surgeons and trainees varies between countries but remains unacceptably high throughout. Both individual and health system characteristics contribute to physician wellness and should be considered in the development of strategies to improve surgeon wellbeing. Level of Evidence: III. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):932–939

The aim of this study was to investigate surgeons’ reported change of treatment preference in response to the results and conclusion from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and to study patterns of change between subspecialties and nationalities. Two questionnaires were developed through the Delphi process for this cross-sectional survey of surgical preference. The first questionnaire was sent out before the publication of a RCT and the second questionnaire was sent out after publication. The RCT investigated repair or non-repair of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle during volar locked plating of distal radial fractures (DRFs). Overall, 380 orthopaedic surgeons were invited to participate in the first questionnaire, of whom 115 replied. One hundred surgeons were invited to participate in the second questionnaire. The primary outcome was the proportion of surgeons for whom a treatment change was warranted, who then reported a change of treatment preference following the RCT. Secondary outcomes included the reasons for repair or non-repair, reasons for and against following the RCT results, and difference of preferred treatment of the PQ muscle between surgeons of different nationalities, qualifications, years of training, and number of procedures performed per year. Of the 100 surgeons invited for the second questionnaire, 74 replied. For the primary outcome, 6 of 32 surgeons (19%), who usually repaired the PQ muscle and therefore a change of treatment preference was warranted, reported a change of treatment preference based on the RCT publication. Of the secondary outcomes, restoring anatomy was the most common response for repairing the PQ muscle. The majority of the orthopaedic surgeons, where a change of treatment preference was warranted based on the results and conclusion of a RCT, did not report willingness to change their treatment preference

Demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing as it remains the gold-standard treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. While magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the knee are not indicated for diagnosing knee OA, they are commonly ordered prior to the referral to an orthopaedic surgeon. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of patients who underwent an MRI in the two years prior to their primary TKA for OA. Secondary outcomes included determining patient and physician associations with increased MRI usage. This is a population-based cohort study using billing codes in Ontario, Canada. All patients over 40 years-old who underwent a primary TKA between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2017 were included. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS and included the Cochran-Armitage test for trend of MRI prior to surgery, and predictive multivariable regression model. Significance was set to p<0.05. There were 172,689 eligible first-time TKA recipients, of which 34,140 (19.8%) received an MRI in the two years prior to their surgery. The majority of these (70.8%) were ordered by primary care physicians, followed by orthopaedic surgeons (22.5%). Patients who received an MRI were younger and had fewer comorbidities than patients who did not (p<0.001). MRI use prior to TKA increased from 15.9% in 2008 to 20.1% in 2017 (p<0.0001). Despite MRIs rarely being indicated for the work-up of knee OA, nearly one in five patients have an MRI in the two years prior to their TKA. Reducing the use of this prior to TKA may help reduce wait-times for surgery