This study assessed quality of life (QoL) in patients having external fixation for treatment of osteomyelitis and fracture-related infection (OM/FRI). Patients who had surgery for OM/FRI and who completed the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L or EQ-5D- 3L questionnaires, were identified between 2010 and 2020. Patients were followed-up for 2 years after surgery. QoL was compared between patients who had either an Ilizarov frame or a monolateral external fixator with those who did not receive external fixation.Aim
Method
To investigate the impact of waiting for surgical treatment for bone and joint infection (BJI) on patient self-reported quality of life (QoL). Patients presenting to clinic between January 2019 and February 2020 completed the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Patients were divided into three groups: surgery performed; on the waiting list for surgery; or decision for non-operative management. All patients were followed-up for 2 years. The EQ-index score was calculated and change from presentation to 1-year and 2-year follow-up was compared across the 3 groups. Mortality at final follow-up was measured in all groups.Aim
Method
Pin site infection (PSI) is a common complication of external fixators. PSI usually presents as a superficial infection which is treated conservatively. This study investigated those rare cases of PSI requiring surgery due to persistent osteomyelitis (OM), after pin removal. In this retrospective cohort study we identified patients who required surgery for an OM after PSI (Checketts-Otterburn Classification Grade 6) between 2011 and 2021. We investigated patient demographics, aetiology of the OM, pathogen and histology, treatment strategies and complications. Infection was confirmed using the 2018 FRI Consensus Definition. Successful outcome was defined as an infection-free interval of at least 24 months following surgery, which was defined as minimum follow-up.Aim
Method
Based on our experience with an anatomically shaped-femoral stem - helitorsion stem - and on the concept of rotatory locking, we presents our results in osteointegration and bone remodeling. The study is documented in a prospective study of 84 consecutive helitorsion implants with 6 years 8 month follow-up with no exclusion critera relative to age, gendre, morphology of the femur, bone density, etiology. The stem: forged titanium alloy; roughness 6.5 achieved with corundum treatment; conical proximally, cylindrical distally; double curvature in the sagittal plane; in the horizontal plane, replicates the natural helix of the femurits main feature-; HA coating(200μm) over its proximal 2/3. Stem insertion: helicoidal motion along the long axis of the femur and rotation in the horizontal plane. Rotation is mandatory. The stem is pushed down until the oval shape of the stem matches the oval shape of the femur – at each metaphyseal level – over a more or less extended height depending on the femoral morpho-type; this horizontal locking prevents further downard motion. This uncemenred helitorsion stem yelds remarkably good radiological results: there is a radiological silence. We think that is attribuable to helitorsion with ensures an even distribution of loads, and applies oblique and not perpendicular loads to the bone-implant interface
