Aims. It is well described that patients with bone and joint infections (BJIs) commonly experience significant functional impairment and disability. Published literature is lacking on the impact of BJIs on mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the impact on mental health in patients with BJIs. Methods. The AO Trauma Infection Registry is a prospective multinational registry. In total, 229 adult patients with long-bone BJI were enrolled between 1 November 2012 and 31 August 2017 in 18 centres from ten countries. Clinical outcome data, demographic data, and details on infections and treatments were collected. Patient-reported outcomes using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), Parker Mobility Score, and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living were assessed at one, six, and 12 months. The SF-36 mental component subscales were analyzed and correlated with infection characteristics and clinical outcome. Results. The SF-36
Aims. Using data from the Hip Fracture Evaluation with Alternatives of Total Hip Arthroplasty versus Hemiarthroplasty (HEALTH) trial, we sought to determine if a difference in functional outcomes exists between monopolar and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA). Methods. This study is a secondary analysis of patients aged 50 years or older with a displaced femoral neck fracture who were enrolled in the HEALTH trial and underwent monopolar and bipolar HA. Scores from the Western Ontario and McMaster University Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)
Aims. Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term morbidity. Our prospective cohort study sought to understand the recovery trajectory of this injury over five years. Methods. Eligible patients at a level I trauma centre were recruited into a longitudinal registry of surgical acetabular fractures between June 2004 and August 2019. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)
Aims. To evaluate the impact of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the odds of having deep infections and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following open fractures. Methods. Patients from the Fluid Lavage in Open Fracture Wounds (FLOW) trial with Gustilo-Anderson grade II or III open fractures within the lower limb were included in this secondary analysis. Using mixed effects logistic regression, we assessed the impact of NPWT on deep wound infection requiring surgical intervention within 12 months post-injury. Using multilevel model analyses, we evaluated the impact of NPWT on the
Elective orthopaedic procedures, and particularly total hip arthroplasty (THA), in octogenarians and nonagenarians patients are burdened of several implications. Besides the comorbidities and the anesthesiological issues, legal and ethical implications are present. Some literature data show the clinical improvement of THA in elderly patient but the psychological aspects are not yet evaluated. Aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical aspects and the psychological impact in daily living in octogenarians and nonagenarians patients addressing THA. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of 81 THA in 81 patients of age more than 85 years with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Clinical aspects were evaluated using the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). The psychological issues were evaluated with the Short Form 12 (SF-12) using both the
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
Aims. While patients with psychological distress have poorer short-term outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), their longer-term function is unknown. We aimed to 1) assess the influence of preoperative mental health status on long-term functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction; and 2) analyze the change in mental health after TKA, in a cohort of patients with no history of mental health disorder, with a minimum of ten years’ follow-up. Methods. Prospectively collected data of 122 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA in 2006 were reviewed. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively at two and ten years using the Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Function Score (KSFS); Oxford Knee Score (OKS); and the Mental (MCS) and
There has been a substantial increase in the surgical treatment of unstable chest wall injuries recently. While a variety of fixation methods exist, most surgeons have used plate and screw fixation. Rib-specific locking plate systems are available, however evidence supporting their use over less-expensive, conventional plate systems (such as pelvic reconstruction plates) is lacking. We sought to address this by comparing outcomes between locking plates and non-locking plates in a cohort of patients from a prior randomized trial who received surgical stabilization of their unstable chest wall injury. We used data from the surgical group of a previous multi-centred, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing surgical fixation of acute, unstable chest wall injuries to non-operative management. In this substudy, our primary outcome was hardware-related complications and re-operation. Secondary outcomes included ventilator free days (VFDs) in the first 28 days following injury, length of ICU and hospital stay, and general health outcomes (SF-36
Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the trajectory of recovery following fixation of tibial plateau fractures up to five-year follow-up, including simple (Schatzker I-IV) versus complex (Schatzker V-VI) fractures. Patients and Methods. Patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for tibial plateau fractures were enrolled into a prospective database. Functional outcome, using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey
Aims. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of additional surgery in the lumbar spine and to describe long-term changes in patient-reported outcomes after surgery for lumbar disc herniation in adolescents and young adults. Patients and Methods. We conducted a retrospective study design on prospectively collected data from a national quality register. The 4537 patients were divided into two groups: adolescents (≤ 18 years old, n = 151) and young adults (19 to 39 years old, n = 4386). The risk of additional lumbar spine surgery was surveyed for a mean of 11.4 years (6.0 to 19.3) in all 4537 patients. Long-term patient-reported outcomes were available at a mean of 7.2 years (5.0 to 10.0) in up to 2716 patients and included satisfaction, global assessment for leg and back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, visual analogue scale for leg and back pain, EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental
Aims. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the improvement in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following total hip arthroplasty (THA), as well as the extent of any deterioration through the seven-year follow-up. The secondary aim was to identify predictors of PROM improvement and deterioration. Patients and Methods. A total of 976 patients were enrolled into a prospective, international, multicentre study. Patients completed a battery of PROMs prior to THA, at three months post-THA, and at one, three, five, and seven-years post-THA. The Harris Hip Score (HHS), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)
Aims. This study reports the mid-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed using a monoblock acetabular component with a large-diameter head (LDH) ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing. Patients and Methods. Of the 276 hips (246 patients) included in this study, 264 (96%) were reviewed at a mean of 67 months (48 to 79) postoperatively. Procedures were performed with a mini posterior approach. Clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded at regular intervals. A noise assessment questionnaire was completed at last follow-up. Results. There were four re-operations (1%) including one early revision for insufficient primary fixation (0.4%). No hip dislocation was reported. The mean University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Component Summary (MCS) score, SF-12
Introduction. The number of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed per year is increasing for reasons that are not fully explained by a growing and aging population. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of patient health status as an indication for surgery and determine if patients are undergoing surgery at a better health status than in the past. Methods. To examine how pre-operative functional health status has changed over time, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Health status was assessed using the
Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of repeat epidural steroid injections as a form of treatment for patients with insufficiently controlled or recurrent radicular pain due to a lumbar or cervical disc herniation. Patients and Methods. A cohort of 102 patients was prospectively followed, after an epidural steroid injection for radicular symptoms due to lumbar disc herniation, in 57 patients, and cervical disc herniation, in 45 patients. Those patients with persistent pain who requested a second injection were prospectively followed for one year. Radicular and local pain were assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS), functional outcome with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) or the Neck Pain and Disability Index (NPAD), as well as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-12). Results. A second injection was performed in 17 patients (29.8%) with lumbar herniation and seven (15.6%) with cervical herniation at a mean of 65.3 days . (sd. 46.5) and 47 days . (sd. 37.2), respectively, after the initial injection. All but one patient, who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy, responded satisfactorily with a mean VAS for leg pain of 8.8 mm . (sd. 10.3) and a mean VAS for arm pain of 6.3 mm . (. sd. 9) one year after the second injection, respectively. Similarly, functional outcome and HRQoL were improved significantly from the baseline scores: mean ODI, 12.3 (. sd. 12.4; p < 0.001); mean NPAD, 19.3 (. sd. 24.3; p = 0.041); mean SF-12
Introduction. The objective of this study was to verify the long-term outcome of transtrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy (ARO) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in young patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Consecutive series of 21 symptomatic ONFH patients with SLE (33 hips), aged 20 to 40 years, underwent ARO between 1980 and 1988. We reviewed the cases of 16 patients (25 hips), which represents a 76% rate of follow-up. Patients included 4 men and 12 women who had a mean age of 29 years at the time of surgery. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used for the survivorship analysis of ARO. Patients with surviving hips were evaluated by the modified Oxford hip score and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results. Twelve hips in 8 patients survived at the final follow-up. The average length of surviving was 25 years (range, 20 to 27 years). Three patients (6 hips) had died of unrelated causes without any conversion at the mean time of 9 years after ARO. Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis with the end point defined as any conversion, the survival rate at 25 years was 73.7% (95% confidence interval, 53.9 to 93.5%). Based on the classification of the modified Oxford hip score, 5 hips were classified as excellent, 2 hips were good, and the remaining 5 hips were fair. The average SF-36
Persistent post-surgical pain and associated disability are common after a traumatic fracture repair. Preliminary evidence suggests that patients' beliefs and perceptions may influence their prognosis. We sought to explore this association. We used data from the Fluid Lavage of Open Wounds trial to determine, in 1560 open fracture patients undergoing surgical repair, the association between Somatic PreOccupation and Coping (captured by the SPOC questionnaire) and recovery at 1 year. Of the 1218 open fracture patients with complete data available for analysis, 813 (66.7%) reported moderate to extreme pain at 1 yr. The addition of SPOC scores to an adjusted regression model to predict persistent pain improved the concordance statistic from 0.66 to 0.74, and found the greatest risk was associated with high SPOC scores [odds ratio: 5.63, 99% confidence interval (CI): 3.59–8.84, absolute risk increase 40.6%, 99% CI: 30.8%, 48.6%]. Thirty-eight per cent (484 of 1277) reported moderate to extreme pain interference at 1 yr. The addition of SPOC scores to an adjusted regression model to predict pain interference improved the concordance statistic from 0.66 to 0.75, and the greatest risk was associated with high SPOC scores (odds ratio: 6.06, 99% CI: 3.97–9.25, absolute risk increase: 18.3%, 95% CI: 11.7%, 26.7%). In our adjusted multivariable regression models, SPOC scores at 6 weeks post-surgery accounted for 10% of the variation in short form-12
Purpose: To assess patients quality of life, pain, and functional limitations with with endstage ankle arthritis (EAA) and compared this to a similar cohort of patients with endstage hip arthritis (EHA). Methods: Preoperative data (Short Form SF36) was collected prospectively from patients (n=130) with end stage ankle arthritis and compared to a similar cohort of patients (n=130) with end stage hip arthritis. Patients with ankle arthritis were registered in the Canadian Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) multi-center study investigating the clinical outcome of ankle arthroplasty and fusion and patients with hip arthritis were randomly selected from the Halifax Joint Replacement Registry Database. Results: All symptom and functional SF36 subscales for patients with EAA or EHA, were approximately two standard deviations below normal population scores. All differences between ankle and hip SF36 subscales scores were less than 4 points (40% of STD) in both direct and adjusted comparisons. A direct comparison of SF36 scores revealed that patients with EAA had significantly worse mental health according to the SF36 Mental Component Summary Score (MCS) (p= 0.0059), physical limitations with work and daily activities - role physical score (p= <
0.0001), and general health (p= 0.0004). Patients with EHA reported poorer physical function (p= 0.0007) although the
The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of bilateral sequential total ankle replacement (TAR) with that of unilateral TAR. We reviewed 23 patients who had undergone sequential bilateral TAR under a single anaesthetic and 46 matched patients with a unilateral TAR. There were no significant pre-operative differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification and aetiology of the osteoarthritis of the ankle. Clinical and radiological follow-up was carried out at four months, one and two years. After four months, patients with simultaneous bilateral TAR reported a significantly higher mean pain score than those with a unilateral TAR. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score and short-form 36
Purpose: Deciding how to allocate scarce surgical resources is a worldwide issue. These decisions can be especially difficult when considering procedures aimed primarily at improving functional quality of life, such as lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR) surgery, and those procedures that can be perceived primarily as life preserving but should also have an impact on physical function, such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. A comparison of the functional outcomes of these two different procedures may provide further evidence to guide resource allocation decisions. The purpose of this study is to compare patient-reported functional outcomes following CABG and LEJR surgery using standardized, validated outcome metrics. Method: A retrospective review of prospectively collected pre and post-operative health related quality of life (SF-36) measures from patients undergoing elective CABG and elective LEJR surgery in an academic surgical center. The sample included 112 CABG patients who were matched with LEJR patients based on gender and age. Results: The mean age in the CABG group was 63 years, in the LEJR group 64 years. Seventy eight percent (78%) of the patients were male. Pre-operatively, CABG patients reported statistically higher (p<
0.05) Physical Functioning, less Bodily Pain, and superior
Introduction. Total joint arthroplasty is regarded as a highly successful procedure. However, patient outcomes and implant longevity require proper alignment and prosthesis position. Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been found to improve the accuracy of component positioning and reduce rates of revision, however there remains debate whether it provides improvements in patient reported outcomes (PROs). The purpose of our study was to compare PROs between computer-assisted and conventional TKA. Methods. A retrospective review of all total knee arthroplasty patients was conducted using a single institution's FORCE database for reporting PROs. Knee Society Score (KSS), procedure satisfaction,
The outcome in 83 patients with congenital clubfoot was evaluated at a mean age of 64 years using three validated questionnaires assessing both quality of life (short-form (SF)-36 and EQ-5D) and foot and ankle function (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Foot and Ankle questionnaire). In SF-36, male patients scored significantly better than male norms in seven of the eight domains, whereas female patients scored significantly worse than female norms in two of the eight. Male patients scored better than male norms in both the EQ-5D index (p = 0.027) and visual analogue scale (VAS) (p = 0.013), whereas female patients scored worse than female norms in the VAS (p <
0.001). Both male and female patients had a significantly worse outcome on the AAOS Core Scale than did norms. There was a significant correlation for both genders between the SF-36
A significant portion of ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis procedures performed in British Columbia are funded by the public medical services plan (MSP). However, some patients are treated privately through self-pay or by the workers compensation board (WCB), with the latter two groups being more likely to receive treatment sooner. The potential effect of payer on patient-reported outcomes and reoperation rates has not been previously explored. A retrospective chart review was performed using data from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database. N=443 patients (393 MSP, 26 self-pay, 24 WCB), treated with total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis by three subspecialty-trained surgeons in Vancouver from 1999–2003, were analyzed. Outcomes were compared, by payer, preoperatively and at long-term follow-up (6.3 years, range 2–14 years). Function was assessed using the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) Total score (primary outcome) and the AOS Pain and Difficulty subscores. Expectation and satisfaction with symptoms was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management Scale, and physical and emotional quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey in terms of the mental component summary (MCS) and
INTRODUCTION. Lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) is an alternative treatment to avoid fusion related adverse events, specifically adjacent segment disease. New generation of elastomeric non-articulating devices have been developed to more effectively replicate the shock absorption and flexural stiffness of native disc. This study reports 5 years clinical and radiographic outcomes, range of motion and position of the center of rotation after a viscoelastic TDR. Material and methods. This prospective observational cohort study included 61 consecutive patients with monosegmental TDR. We selected patients with intermediate functional activity according to Baecke score. Hybrid constructs had been excluded. Only cases with complete clinical and radiological follow-up at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months were included. Mean age at the time of surgery was 42.8 +7.7 years-old (27–60) and mean BMI was 24.2 kg/m² +3.4 (18–33). TDR level was L5-S1 in 39 cases and L4-L5 in 22 cases. The clinical evaluation was based on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, Short Form-36 (SF36) including
There is clear evidence to support removal of the calcific deposit in patients with calcific tendonitis, however, there is conflicting evidence as to whether concomitant subacromial decompression (SAD) is of benefit to the patient. The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective double blind randomised control trial to assess the independent effect of SAD upon the functional outcome of arthroscopic management of calcific tendonitis. During a four year period 80 patients (power calculation was performed) were recruited to the study who presented with acute calcific tendonitis of the shoulder. Forty patients were randomised to have SAD and 40 were randomised not to have a SAD in combination with arthroscopic decompression of the calcific deposit. All surgery was performed by the senior author who was blinded to the functional assessment of the patients. There were 21 male and 59 female patients with a mean age of 48.9 (32 to 75) years. The pre-operative short form 12
Purpose. There is no clear definition of a critical sized defect of the tibia. We defined it as a fracture gap at least one centimeter in length and involving over 50% of the cortical diameter. We explored if the presence of a critical-sized defect predicted reoperation, and which other factors predict reoperation in patients with the critical defect. The patient based outcomes of these patients were compared to patients without a critical defect. Method. Patients enrolled in the SPRINT trial with a critical sized defect were evaluated for secondary interventions to gain union. Other factors predicting the need for reoperation were studied. We also compared the patients with critical sized defects to the larger cohort of patients without a defect with respect to demographics, injury mechanism, fracture characteristics, and patient-based outcome. Results. Tibial diaphyseal defects of greater than or equal to one centimeter and >50% cortical circumference healed without additional surgery in 47% of cases. Fewer reoperations were required in patients treated with a reamed nail (p=0.04). The mean of the SF-36
Purpose. We explored the role of patients beliefs and attitudes towards their likelihood of recovery from severe physical trauma. Method. We developed and validated an instrument designed to capture the impact of patients beliefs and attitudes towards functional recovery from injury; the Somatic Pre-Occupation and Coping (SPOC) questionnaire. At six weeks post-surgical fixation, we administered the SPOC questionnaire to 359 consecutive patients with operatively managed tibial shaft fractures. We constructed multi-variable regression models to explore the association between SPOC scores and functional outcome at one year, as measured by return to work and Short Form-36 (SF-36)
Purpose. The measurement of functional outcomes in pelvic fracture patients remains difficult for authors. We aimed to test the construct validity, respondent burden, and patient perception of three previously published pelvic outcome questionnaires. Method. Subjects completed three pelvic specific, and three general functional outcome instruments. Time for each pelvic instrument was recorded, as was which score the patient felt best addressed their symptoms. Patients stated the three most significant impacts the pelvic fracture had on their life. Results. We recruited 33 patients, who were a mean of 61 months from surgery (13–115 months). Mobility difficulty (26), emotional stress (20), employment difficulty (15), sleep and anxiety (7), sexual function (4), were the most important consequences of their injuries. All pelvic questionnaires correlated with the
Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) is a minimally invasive treatment for vertebral fractures (VCF) aiming to correct deformity using balloon tamps and bone cement to stabilize the body. Patients with 1 - 3 non-traumatic acute VCF were enrolled within three months of diagnosis and randomly assigned to receive either BKP (N=149) or nonsurgical care (N=151). Follow-up was 2 years. The mean SF-36
Purpose: We aimed to preliminarily validate a newly developed system, the radiographic union scale for tibial (RUST) fracture healing. We hypothesized that RUST would demonstrate better inter-rater reliability than assessment of the number of cortices bridged and correlate with functional outcomes at least as strongly as surgeon’s assessment of cortical bridging. Method: Three blinded orthopaedic trauma surgeons independently assigned a RUST score and a number of cortices bridged by callus (zero to four) to each set of AP and lateral radiographs at each follow up period. RUST is scored from four (definitely not healed) to 12 (definitely healed) based on the presence or absence of callus and of a visible fracture line at the total of four cortices visible. Results: For 549 sets of reviewed radiographs, inter-rater reliability for RUST scores were found to be substantially higher than for assessment of the number of cortices bridged (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.84; 95% CI, 0.80–0.87 versus kappa = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64 – 0.81, respectively). Both methods of assessing radiographic healing were strongly correlated with weight-bearing status (r and ρ>
0.50), moderately correlated with patient-reported functional recovery and the SF-36 Physical Functioning component scores (r and ρ>
0.30), and minimally correlated with HUI Mark II scores, return to work, and the SF-36 Role Physical component and
The primary objective of this study was to determine if surgical treatment for spinal stenosis is comparable to total hip and knee arthroplasty in improving patients’ self-reported quality of life. An age, sex and time of surgery matched cohort of patients who had undergone elective primary one-two level spinal decompression (n=90) with (n=26 /90) or without fusion for spinal stenosis (n=40 with degenerative spondylolisthesis) and elective primary total hip (n=90) and knee (n = 90) arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were compared. The primary outcome measure was the preoperative and two year postoperative Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. There was no significant difference in the mean pre-operative
Background. Deciding how to allocate scarce surgical resources is a worldwide issue. These decisions are difficult when considering procedures aimed primarily at improving functional quality of life, such as lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR) surgery, and procedures perceived as life preserving which also have impacts on physical function, such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Comparing functional outcomes of these two procedures may provide further evidence to guide resource allocation decisions. Methods. We compared patient-reported functional outcomes following CABG and LEJR surgery using standardised, validated outcome metrics. A retrospective review of prospectively collected pre- and post-operative health related quality of life (SF-36) measures were conducted from 105 patients undergoing elective CABG and 105 elective LEJR surgery patients. Patients were matched based on gender and age. Results. Pre-operatively, CABG patients reported statistically superior (p< 0.05) Physical Functioning, Bodily Pain, and
Background. Vertebral body compression fractures (VCFs) impair quality of life (QOL) and increase patient morbidity and mortality. The international, multicentre, randomised, controlled Fracture Reduction Evaluation (FREE) trial was initiated to compare effectiveness and safety of Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) to non-surgical management (NSM) for the treatment of acute painful VCFs. We describe the primary endpoint of the ongoing 2-year study. Methods. Patients with 1-3 non-traumatic VCFs (< 3 months old) were randomised to either BKP or NSM. The primary endpoint was the change in QOL as measured by the SF-36 Health Survey
Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to determine if surgical treatment for spinal stenosis is comparable to total hip arthroplasty in improving patients’ self-reported quality of life. Methods: An age, sex and time of surgery matched cohort of patients who had undergone elective primary 1–2 level spinal decompression (n=90) with (n=30/90) or without fusion for spinal stenosis (n=40 with degenerative spondylolisthesis) and elective primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis (n=90) were compared. The primary outcome measure was the preoperative and one year postoperative Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: The mean
Introduction Hallux valgus (HV) is a common foot deformity with a prevalence of up to 48%. It usually affects females and its radiographic severity is expressed by various angles, such as the HV Angle, the Inter Metatarsal Angle (IMA) and the Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle (DMAA). The aim of our study was to assess the impact that HV has on patients’ quality of life and to correlate each of the above angles to SF-36 sub-scales. Method Twenty-three female patients with a mean age of 48.5 years were included in the study. Diagnosis was established by clinical and standardised radiological examination. Patients were medically fit and the only pathology that could affect their SF-36 score was HV. They all completed in the SF-36 form on their first visit at the clinic. Statistical analysis was performed via SPSS 12.0. Results Mean radiographic angular deformities measured 35, 13, and 17 degrees for HVA, IMA, and DMAA respectively. The HVA and IMA demonstrated significant association (p=0.018) as regarding their severity, indicating that they probably interact during the progression of the deformity. The
Oxidized Zirconium (Oxinium, Smith &
Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN) is a relatively new material that features an oxidized ceramic surface chemically bonded to a tough metallic substrate. This material has demonstrated the reduced polyethylene wear characteristics of a ceramic, without the increased risk of implant fracture. The purpose of the current investigation was to assess clinical outcomes following primary total hip arthroplasty with Oxinium versus Cobalt Chrome femoral heads. One hundred uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty procedures were prospectively performed in 100 patients. There were 52 males and 48 females with mean age at the time of surgery of 51 years (SD 11, range, 19–76). Using a process of sealed envelope randomization, patients were divided into 2 groups. Each group contained fifty patients. Those in group 1 received an Oxinium femoral head (OX), while those in group 2 a cobalt-chrome femoral head (CC). The current study reports clinical outcome measures for both the OX and CC groups at a minimum follow-up of 2 years postoperatively. At the time of latest follow-up, stem survival for both groups was 98%. There was a significant improvement in all clinical outcome scores between preoperative and 2 year postoperative time periods for both bearing groups (p<
0.003). There were no significant differences between bearing groups for any of the clinical outcome scores at final follow-up (p>
0.159). Mean Harris Hip Scores at 2 years postoperatively were 92 and 92.5 for OX and CC, respectively (range; 65–100 OX, 60–100 CC). For SF-12, both the
We report the follow-up of a cohort of 86 patients who underwent total hip replacement (THR) with custom-made stem prosthesis. Fixation mode, cemented (group 1) or uncemented (group 2) is based on the bone quality. Aspects of physical health and changes in mental health are documented using 3 patient-administered questionnaires, pre-operatively and 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) and SF-36, multi-purpose, short-form health survey were used. Globally HHS increases significantly (p<
0.01). In group 1 up to 3 months post-operatively and in group 2 up to 1 year. (p <
0.05). In group 2 HHS is significantly higher 6 months and 1 year postoperatively (p<
0.05). No significant differences in HOOS subscores between subjects of group 1 and 2 for subsequent time points were found. The scores related to Pain and Symptoms increased significantly 6 weeks after THR (p<
0.01). Sports and recreation scores increased significantly up to 3 months after THR (p<
0.01). Activities of daily living, and Quality of Life (QoL) improved up to 6 months after surgery (p<
0.01). No significant difference between the 2 groups in QoL was observed. The
In the litterature patients suffering Mb. Scheuermann (MS) have been reported to experience more back pain and other back related constrains compared to subjects matched for age and sex. We have been unable to find publications on health-related quality of life by SF-12 or SF-36 in MS. The aim of the present study was to compare health-related quality of life status in MS to the background population. Materials and Methods: The present cohorts are derived from The Danish Twin Registry and consist of all Danish twins born from 1931 through 1982. This twin cohort has been shown to very closely resemble the general Danish population. A total of 46,418 twins received and 75% returned a questionnaire of which 34,007(97.3 %) answered the question ‘Have you been diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease?’ Included in the questionnaire were the standardised questions for The Medical Outcome Study Short Form-12 (SF-12), from which we calculated the SF-12
Background: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the quality of life in post traumatic amputees in comparison with a limb salvage group, using peer-reviewed studies in these areas. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies on lower limb amputation and limb reconstruction following trauma. A manual review of the literature and abstracts was also conducted. Only studies having more than 24 months of follow up, and those using generic scales using physical and psychological parameters (SIP or SF36), were included. Two reviewers performed the search, inclusion, and data extraction independently. Results: 214 studies were identified after extensive searching, Eleven studies fulfilled all the inclusion criteria, reviewing the outcomes of 1874 patients including 899 cases of amputation and 975 cases of reconstruction. Outcome assessments were based on two generic scales of measurement for quality of life, namely SIP or SF 36. In the studies using SF36, the mean
Purpose: Tibial shaft fractures are a common injury. Tibial nailing is the current standard of care for these injuries, yet there is little information regarding patient based outcomes after nailing. We sought to determine the 1 year patient based outcomes and return to activities for patients with tibia fractures in a randomized trial of reamed and unreamed nail insertion. Method: Over a 5 year period 1226 patients with 842 closed and 406 open tibial shaft fractures were enrolled in a randomized trial comparing reamed with unreamed tibial nail insertion in 29 trauma centers and had one year follow-up. The average age was 39±16 years and 74% were male. Patient based outcomes were determined using the validated Short Form-36 (SF-36)
Purpose: Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) is a minimally invasive treatment for acute vertebral compression fractures (VCF) that aims both to correct associated vertebral deformity (reduce) and stabilize the fracture by injecting bone cement. We performed the first multicenter randomized trial to assess the effect of BKP. Method: Patients with 1–3 non-traumatic vertebral compression fractures diagnosed within 3 months were randomly assigned to receive either BKP (N=149) or usual nonsurgical care (NSC) (N=151). Measurements of quality of life, back pain and function, days of disability and bed rest were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: The primary outcome measure, the difference between groups in change from baseline scores in the
Purpose. The prevalence of focal chondral lesions reported inthe literature during knee arhroscopy can be as high as 63%. Of these, more than half are either grade III or grade IV lesions (Outerbridge). Full thickness cartilage lesions ranging from 2cm2 to 10cm2 are the most challenging to treat. To goal of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of pain, function and quality of life, along with radiological outcomes of cartilage repair using microfracture, autologous minced cartilage and polymeric scaffold. Method. A cohort of thirty-eight patients with Outerbridge grade III or IV cartilage injuries larger than 2cm2 in the knee's femoral condyle, trochlea or patella were prospectively folowed since 2008. They were all treated with microfracture, fresh minced autologous cartilage grafting and a polymeric scaffold technique through mini-arthrotomy of the knee. Autografts and scaffolds were secured to subchondral bone using fibrin glue and tran-sosseous resorbable sutures. Patients were evaluated pre and postoperatively using VAS scores for pain, WOMAC and IKDC scores for knee function and SF-36 questionnaire for quality of life. Clinical evaluations were done by physical examination, and imaging was done using X-Rays, MRI and arthro-CT. Results. Mean follow-up time was14.64.6 months. Mean age was 48.39.3 years old. Pre-op lesions averaged 3.51.5 cm2. VAS pain scores were significantly reduced after surgery (7,62 to 2,52.3, p<. 0001). Improvement in knee function using IKDC score improved from 26,717.5 to 55,415.3, p<. 001). In addition, WOMAC total scores showed significant reduction from 55,520.3 to 27,517.6. SF-36 quality of life
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of knee pain in the aging population and presents with higher odds with increased BMI. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become the standard of care for the treatment of OA. Over “719,000 TKA's were performed in 2010 in the USA alone, with dramatic economic burden- costing 16,000 USD per TKA” (CDC 2012). Over the past two decades, this cost was compounded by the unknown increasing rate of primary TKA and cannot be explained by the expanding population or worldwide obesity epidemic. These facts raise two key questions: are patients' quality of life expectations higher and driving the TKA rate up, or have surgeons changed their indications and started to operate on less disabled people? Our study aimed to determine the average functional profile for patients undergoing TKA using patient reported Outcome Measure (SF-36), to document if preoperative SF-36 scores have changed over the past two decades, and lastly to asses if patient pre-operative SF-36 scores are lower in in the USA vs the rest of the world. A literature search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed extracting data from publishing year 1966 to 2016 with a search date of Dec 12, 2016. Two independent reviewers revised the abstracts and excluded articles with: no TKA, revision TKA, no pre-op SF-36, no SF-36 reported, incomplete scores to calculate SF-36, duplicates, review article, meta-analysis, letter to the editor, conference proceeding or abstract, disagreements were resolved with a third reviewer. All languages were included to maximize the catchment of data. All remaining articles were independently read and excluded if they did not provide data required for our study. Included articles were analyzed for data including: for year of patient enrollment, location (USA vs. non-USA), pre-operative SF-36 mental (MCS) and
Purpose: To report the clinical and radiographic prospective results of a consecutive series of patient with a minimum two year follow-up with the Charite Total Disc Arthroplasty (TDA). Method: Between 2001 and 2005, sixty patients underwent a Charite TDA (Depuy Spine, Raynham, MA) at either L4-5 or L5-S1. The primary indication for surgery was discogenic low back pain confirmed by provocative discography. Clinical assessment was carried out preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12 months, and once a year thereafter using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and SF-36. Radiographic analysis included: angle of sagittal rotation, translation of the rostral vertebra onto the caudal vertebra, anterior vertical motion (AVM), middle vertical motion (MVM), posterior vertical motion (PVM), pre- and post-operative lumbar lordosis, disc height and subsidence of the TDA. The radiographic measurements were performed using the GE Medical Systems Centricity PACS Software Version 1.0. Results: There were 36 female and 24 male patients with a mean age of 39 (range 21–59). The mean duration of low back pain was 70 months. Twenty-five percent claimed work compensation status. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 days. A statistical significant improvement was demonstrated between the mean pre-operative ODI (50) and all post-operative intervals (p<
0.0001) which had declined to 27.7 by one year. Similarly, pre-operative VAS back pain (8.0), leg pain (6.1), SF-36
Introduction: Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty has evoked substantial controversy with regard to whether it provides superior outcomes compared with conventional total hip arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to compare the results of a minimal invasive direct anterior approach (MIDA) with those of a conventional lateral transgluteal approach (CLT). Methods: 120 patients (120 hips) admitted for unilateral total hip arthroplasty were randomized to undergo surgery via minimal invasive direct anterior or conventional lateral transgluteal approach. Patients with a body mass index of more than 35, previous hip surgery, preoperative neurological deficits and with an age of more than 80 years were excluded. Two surgeons performed all procedures. To estimate muscle damage serum creatinkinase was assessed. Blood loss was calculated according to Rosencher by comparing preoperative to postoperative hematocrit. Postoperative pain and the ability to perform the activities of daily living were recorded in a dairy via modified WOMAC first on a daily basis, then on each second day and finally once a week for a total of 12 weeks. WOMAC questionnaire and SF-36 were administered at 6 weeks and 3 months follow-up. Results: The groups were similar demographically. Patients in MIDA group had significantly less total blood loss (p = 0.006), postoperative blood levels of creatinine kinase were significantly lower (p = 0.001). Operative time was similar in both groups, we found no difference in component placement.
Introduction: Clubfoot – Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) – is one of the most common congenital conditions requiring orthopaedic surgery. However little is known about the impact on health-related quality of life in these patients. A score on physical- and mental-health is used for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to compare health-related quality of life in CTEV to a background population. Materials and Methods: The Odense based Danish Twin Registry (DTR) is unique as it contains data on all 73,000 twin pairs born in Denmark over the last 130 years. All 46,418 twins born from 1931 through 1982 received an Omnibus questionnaire in the spring of 2002. The incidence of CTEV was self-reported. Included in the questionnaire were questions for The Medical Outcome Study Short Form-12 (SF-12). We calculated SF-12
Purpose: The treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) remains a challenge. Fresh Osteo-chondral Allograft is a method that has been used for the treatment of larger lesions, with the advantage of transplanting living cartilage that is biologically attached to the subchondral bone. The purpose of this clinical series is to prospectively review the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients that have undergone a Fresh Osteochondral Allograft. Method: Between January 2003 and January 2007, 17 feet in 8 male and 8 female patients at a mean age of 35.8 (15–53) years underwent fresh osteochondral talar allo-grafting by a single surgeon. Data was prospectively collected, including preoperative and postoperative AOFAS, AOS, AAOS foot &
ankle worksheets and SF-36 scores. Statistical analysis consisted of one tailed student T-test with alpha set a 5%. All patients were followed up clinically and radiographically by x-ray and CT scan. Results: Average follow up was 3.2 (0.9–6.2) years. All scoring systems showed significant improvement postoperatively, except for AAOS shoe comfort scores, and the Mental Component Summary of the SF-36 questionnaire. The AOFAS score improved significantly (p=0.0001) from a mean score of 53.4 (30–71) to 86.3 (72–96). AOS pain scores improved significantly (p=0.0053) from a mean score of 45.4 (8.7–72.2) to 24.1 (4.2–58.9). AOS disability score improved significantly (p=0.0013) from a mean of 53.8 (7.8–77.3) to 25.9 (6.6 – 62.5). The AAOS foot &
ankle core scale (standardized mean) improved significantly (p=0.0015) from a mean of 52.3 (21–81) to 80.1 (56–99). The AAOS foot &
ankle core scale (normative score) improved significantly (p=0.0016) from a mean of 16.9 (−9 to 40) to 39.5 (20–55). The SF-36
Purpose: To report the clinical and radiographic prospective results of a consecutive series of patient with a minimum two year follow-up with the Charite Total Disc Arthroplasty (TDA). Methods: Between 2001 and 2005 sixty patients underwent a Charite TDA (Depuy Spine, Raynham, MA) at either L4–5 or L5-S1. The primary indication for surgery was discogenic low back pain confirmed by provocative discography. Clinical assessment was carried out preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12 months, and once a year thereafter using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and SF-36. Radiographic analysis included: angle of sagittal rotation, translation of the rostral vertebra onto the caudal vertebra, anterior vertical motion (AVM), middle vertical motion (MVM), posterior vertical motion (PVM), pre- and post-operative lumbar lordosis, disc height and subsidence of the TDA. The radiographic measurements were performed using the GE Medical Systems Centricity PACS Software Version 1.0. Results: There were 36 female and 24 male patients with a mean age of 39 (range 21–59). The mean duration of low back pain was 70 months. Twenty-five percent claimed work compensation status. The mean post-operative hospital stay was 4.8 days. A statistical significant improvement was demonstrated between the mean pre-operative ODI (50) and all post-operative intervals (p<
0.0001) which had declined to 27.7 by one year. Similarly, pre-operative VAS back pain (8.0), leg pain (6.1), SF-36
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and complications of normal weight, class one obese (BMI=30-34.9 kg/m2) and superobese (BMI≥50 kg/m2) primary total knee replacement (TKR) patients. Method. Between January 1995 and December 2005, 4104 primary TKR were performed in our centre. Patients were stratified for their obesity level according the World Health Organisation (WHO) and current surgical literature classification. Sixty-seven superobese patients (group one) were identified. They were matched with normal weight (group two) and class one obese (group three) primary TKR patients for sex, age, side, preoperative diagnosis, implants used, time since surgery and preoperative SF-12 mental component summary score (MCS). Patient clinical outcomes (WOMAC, SF-12 and Knee Society scores), radiographs, complications, readmissions, and revisions rates were compared for normal BMI, class one obese and superobese patients. Results. The mean BMI of our primary TKR patients was 32,6. Using the WHO BMI classification, 0.3% were underweight, 10.4% normal weight, 30.1 % overweight, 31.0 % class 1 obesity, 16.5 % class 2 obesity, 9.8 % class 3 obesity and 1.9 % superobese. Superobese population (n=67) was 61.59.2 yo, with sex ratio at 5.1 (F=56;M=11), preoperative SF-12 MCS at 52.610.6. Their preoperative diagnosis was osteoarthritis (n=62) or inflammatory arthritis (n=5). All groups were equal (n=67) and were similar for these characteristics. Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 7.33.2 yrs. Superobese patients presented lower preoperative SF-12
Objectives: (i) To compare and correlate outcome in Sanders Type 2 Os Calcis fractures using two disease-specific scores (Kerr-Atkin score &
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle society score) and a general quality of life score (short form 36 health status questionnaire). (ii) To compare results of operative with non operative treatment, in this group of patients. Design: Retrospective study using a combination of case notes, plain x-rays and CT scan films review along with current clinical assessment. Patients: 30 patients with 32 fractures of Os Calcis (Sanders type 2) were identified. These patients were treated during 1994–1997 with mean follow up of 40 months. Intervention: 16 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a lateral approach. The remaining 14 patients were managed non operatively. Treatment modality was decided by consultant preference. Outcome measurements: Kerr-Atkin score, AOFAS score, SF36. Results: We found an extremely significant correlation (p,.001, Spearman) between the two disease specific scores. AOFAS score showed a stronger correlation with
No studies have focused on the relationships between pathological changes in the subsynovial connective tissue and clinical or neurophysiological findings in patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Twenty-five consecutive patients (mean age 58.8±10 years; range 39–79) operated on for idiopathic CTS were evaluated before surgery and six month later. The indication for surgery was the presence of symptoms despite a three-month trial of conservative management. Mean duration of symptoms was 5.3±4.6 years (range 0.5–15). On admission, demographic and medical history data were recorded from all the patients. Subsequently, patients underwent preoperative physical examination and an outcome set including a mixed historic and objective scale (Hi-Ob), the Italian version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and the official Italian version of the SF-36 questionnaire was administered. The baseline diagnostic work-up included standard radiographs of the hand and wrist, blood examination and neurophysiological testing. Patients underwent open carpal tunnel release and thickened synovium from the flexor digitorum superficialis tendons was harvested. The number of cells, the number, diameter and density of the vessels, and the total surface of angiogenetic foci were measured. On the SF-36 questionnaire, the preoperative