The objective of this study was to compare items from musculoskeletal outcome questionnaires with items generated by pre- and post-operative ankle arthrodesis and arthroplasty patients (patient-selected portion of the Patient-Specific Index (PASI-P)) to determine if existing questionnaires address patients' concerns. Patients (n=142) completed the PASI-P. Items from 6 standardised questionnaires (AAOS, patient-reported portion of AOFAS, FFI, LEFS, SMFA, WOMAC) and PASI-P were matched by 3 reviewers to corresponding categories in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF classification hierarchy codes broad first categories and increasingly detailed second, third, and fourth categories. The standardised questionnaires were then compared to the ‘gold standard’ of PASI-P.Purpose
Materials/Methods
Young, high-demand patients with large post-traumatic tibial osteochondral defects are difficult to treat. Fresh osteochondral allografting is a joint-preserving treatment option that is well-established for such defects. Our objectives were to investigate the long-term graft survivorships, functional outcomes and associated complications for this technique. We prospectively recruited patients who had received fresh osteochondral allografts for post-traumatic tibial plateau defects over 3cm in diameter and 1cm in depth with a minimum of 5 years follow-up. The grafts were retrieved within 24 hours, stored in cefalozolin/bacitracin solution at 4°C, non-irradiated and used within 72 hours. Tissue matching was not performed but joints were matched for size and morphology. Realignment osteotomies were performed for malaligned limbs. The Modified Hospital for Knee Surgery Scoring System (MHKSS) was used for functional outcome measure. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with conversion to TKR as end point for graft failure.Introduction
Methods
The Kotz Modular Femoral Tibial Replacement system has been one of the most widely utilised uncemented modular systems for bone and joint reconstruction after tumour resection. We have identified a significant incidence of mechanical failure and breakage of the prosthesis. The purpose of this investigation is to review the modes of implant failure and the outcomes after prosthetic revision for a broken Kotz prosthesis. Over 20 years there were 121 distal femoral, 55 proximal tibial, 47 proximal femoral and 12 total femoral replacements performed.Background
Methods
Varus positioning of cemented ‘composite beam’ stems is associated with increased risks of aseptic loosening and stem fracture. We investigated whether the incidence of varus malalignment of the Exeter polished, double taper design in a multicentre prospective study adversely affected outcome after total hip replacement (THR). A multicentre prospective study of 1189 THR was undertaken to investigate whether there is an association between surgical outcome and femoral stem malalignment. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Oxford hip score (OHS) at five years. Secondary outcomes included the rate of dislocation and revision, stem subsidence, quality of cementing. 938 (79.89%) were followed-up at five years.Introduction
Materials & Methods
Studies on soil mechanics have established that when vibration is applied to an aggregate, it results in more efficient alignment of particles and reduces the energy required to impact the aggregate. Our aim was to develop a method of applying vibration to the bone impaction process and assess its effect on the mechanical properties of the impacted graft. Phase 1. Eighty bovine femoral heads were milled using the Noviomagus bone mill. The graft was then washed using a pulsed lavage normal saline system over a sieve tower. A vibration impaction device was developed which housed two 15V DC motors with eccentric weights attached inside a metal cylinder. A weight was dropped onto this from a set height 72 times so as to replicate the bone impaction process. A range of frequencies of vibration were tested, as measured using an accelerometer housed in the vibration chamber. Each shear test was then repeated at four different normal loads so as to generate a family of stress-strain curves. The Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope from which the shear strength and interlocking values are derived was plotted for each test. Phase 2. Experiments were repeated with the addition of blood so as to replicate a saturated environment as is encountered during operative conditions. Relatively dry graft impacted with the addition of vibration showed improved shear strength at all frequencies of vibration when compared to impaction without vibration. In our system the optimal frequency of vibration was 60 Hz. Under saturated conditions the addition of vibration is detrimental the shear strength of the aggregate. This is secondary to decreased interlocking between particles and may be explained by the process of liquefaction.
An osteochondral defect in the knees of young active patients represents a treatment challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Early studies with allogenic cartilage transplantation showed this tissue to be immunologically privileged, showed fresh grafts to maintain hyaline cartilage, and surviving chondrocytes several years after implantation. Between January 1978 and October 1995 we enrolled 63 patients in a prospective non-randomised study of fresh osteochondral allografts for post-traumatic distal femur defects in our institute. Five international patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded from this study. The indications for the procedure were: patients younger than 50 years of age having unipolar post-traumatic defects, or osteochondritis dissecans larger than three cm in diameter and one cm in depth.Background
Methods
Pathologic humerus fractures secondary to metastases are associated with significant pain, morbidity, loss of function, and diminished quality of life. Here we report our experience with stabilisation using intramedullary polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement and non-locking plates. A retrospective review was undertaken of patients treated at a tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre from 1989 to 2009. Patients who underwent surgery for an impending or completed pathologic humerus fracture with a diagnosis of metastatic disease or myeloma were included. All patients underwent intralesional curettage of the tumour followed by fixation with intramedullary PMMA and plating.Introduction
Methods
