The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the reasons for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revisions at a tertiary hospital over a four-year period. The study aimed to identify the primary causes of TKA revisions and shed light on the implications for patient care and outcomes. The study included 31 patients who underwent revisions after primary knee arthroplasty between January 2017 and December 2020. A retrospective approach was employed, utilizing medical records and radiological findings to identify the reasons for TKA revisions. The study excluded oncology patients to focus on non-oncologic indications for revision surgeries. Patient demographics, including age and gender, were recorded. Data analysis involved categorizing the reasons for revision based on clinical assessments and radiological evidence. Among the 31 patients included in the study, 9 were males and 22 were females. The age of the patients ranged from 43 to 81, with a median age of 65 and an interquartile range of 18.5. The primary reasons for TKA revisions were identified as aseptic loosening (10 cases) and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) (13 cases). Additional reasons included revision from surgitech hemicap (1 case), patella osteoarthritis (1 case), stiffness (2 cases), patella maltracking (2 cases), periprosthetic fracture (1 case), and patella resurfacing (1 case). The findings of this retrospective cohort study highlight aseptic loosening and PJI as the leading causes of TKA revisions in the examined patient population. These results emphasize the importance of optimizing surgical techniques, implant selection, and infection control measures to reduce the incidence of TKA revisions. Future research efforts should focus on preventive strategies to enhance patient outcomes and mitigate the need for revision surgeries in TKA procedures

Routine post-operative bloods following all elective arthroplasty may be unnecessary. This retrospective cohort study aims to define the proportion of post-operative tests altering clinical management. Clinical coding identified all elective hip or knee joint replacement under Hawkes Bay District Health Board contract between September 2019-December 2020 (N=373). Uni-compartmental and bilateral replacements, procedures performed for cancer, and those with insufficient data were excluded. Demographics, perioperative technique, and medical complication data was collected. Pre- and post-operative blood tests were assessed. Outcome measures included clinical intervention for abnormal post-operative sodium (Na), creatinine (Cr), haemoglobin (Hb), or potassium (K) levels. A cost-benefit analysis assessed unnecessary testing. 350 patients were Included. Median age was 71 (range 34-92), with 46.9% male. Only 26 abnormal post-operative results required intervention (7.1%). 11 interventions were for low Na, 4 for low K, and 4 for elevated Cr. Only 7 patients were transfused blood products. Older age (p=0.009) and higher ASA (p=0.02) were associated with intervention of any kind. Abnormal preoperative results significantly predicted intervention for Na (p<0.05) and Cr (p<0.05). All patients requiring treatment for K used diuretic medication. Preoperative Hb level was not associated with need for transfusion. Overall, there were 1027 unnecessary investigations resulting in $18,307 excess expenditure. Our study identified that the majority of elective arthroplasty patients do not require routine postoperative blood testing. We recommend investigations for patients with preoperative electrolyte abnormality, those taking diuretics, and patients with significant blood loss noted intra-operatively. In future, a larger, randomised controlled trial would be useful to confirm these factors

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant impact on orthopaedic surgical operating. This multi-centre study aimed to ascertain what factors contributed to delays to theatre in patients with shoulder and elbow trauma. A retrospective cohort study of 621 upper limb (shoulder and elbow) trauma patients between 16/03/2020 and 16/09/2021 (18-months) was extracted from trauma lists in NHS Tayside, Highland and Grampian and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Median patient age =51 years (range 2-98), 298 (48%) were male and 323 (52%) female. The commonest operation was olecranon open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) 106/621 cases (17.1%), followed by distal humerus ORIF − 63/621 (10.1%). Median time to surgery was 2 days (range 0-263). 281/621 (45.2%) of patients underwent surgical intervention within 0-1 days and 555/621 patients (89.9%) had an operation within 14 days of sustaining their injury. 66/621 (10.6%) patients waited >14 days for surgery. There were 325/621 (52.3%) patients with documented evidence of delay to surgery; of these 55.6% (181/325) were due to amendable causes. 66/325 (20.3%) of these patients suffered complications; the most common being post-operative stiffness in 48.6% of cases (n=32/66). To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically explore effect of COVID-19 pandemic on upper limb trauma patients. We suggest delays to theatre may have contributed to higher rates of post-operative stiffness and require more physiotherapy during the rehabilitation phase. In future pandemic planning, we propose dedicated upper-limb trauma lists to prevent delays to theatre and optimise patients’ post-operative outcomes

Treatment of posterior malleolar (PM) ankle fractures remain controversial. Despite increasing recommendation for small PM fragment fixation, high quality evidence demonstrating improved clinical outcomes over the unfixated PM is limited. We describe the medium-to-long term clinical and radiographical outcomes in younger adult patients with PM ankle fractures managed without PM fragment fixation. A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18–55 years old admitted under our orthopaedic unit between 1st of April 2009 and 31st of October 2013 with PM ankle fractures was performed. Inclusion criteria were that all patients must mobilise independently pre-trauma, have no pre-existing ankle pathologies, and had satisfactory bimalleolar and syndesmotic stabilisation. Open fractures, talar fractures, calcaneal fractures, pilon fractures, subsequent re-injury and major complications were excluded. All PM fragments were unfixated. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) with activities of daily living (ADL) and sports subscale, visual analogue scale (VAS) and patient satisfaction ratings. Osteoarthrosis was assessed using modified Kellgren-Lawrence scale on updated weightbearing ankle radiographs. 61 participants were included. Mean follow-up was 10.26 years. Average PM size was 16.19±7.39%. All participants were evaluated for clinical outcomes, demonstrating good functional outcomes (FAAM-ADL 95.48±7.13; FAAM-Sports 86.39±15.52) and patient satisfaction (86.16±14.42%), with minimal pain (VAS 1.13±1.65). Radiographical outcomes were evaluated in 52 participants, showing no-to-minimal osteoarthrosis in 36/52 (69.23%), mild osteoarthrosis in 14/52 (26.92%) and moderate osteoarthrosis in 2/52 (3.85%). Clinical outcomes were not associated with PM fragment size, post-reduction step-off, dislocation, malleoli fractured or syndesmotic injury. PM step-off and dislocation were associated with worse radiographical osteoarthrosis. Other published medium-to-long term studies reported overall good outcomes, with no differences after small fragment fixation. The unfixated smaller posterior malleolus fragment demonstrated overall satisfactory clinical and radiographical outcomes at 10-year follow-up and may be considered a valid treatment strategy

Primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an increasingly common and safe way of treating joint disease. Robust preoperative assessment improved intraoperative techniques and holistic rehabilitation contribute to an uneventful postoperative period. Despite there being evidence against the utility of postoperative blood tests, it is still often part of routine practice. We aim to evaluate the usefulness of these tests by investigating their incidence following TJA as well as identifying preoperative risk factors for abnormal blood test results postoperatively especially pertaining to anaemia and acute kidney injury (AKI). This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who had elective TJA between January and December 2019 at a tertiary centre. An independent student's t-test and Fisher's exact test was used to compare variables between the normal and abnormal postoperative results groups. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify risk factors for an abnormal blood test result. Analyses of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine cut off values that could be suggestive of abnormal test results postoperatively. The study included 2721 patients with a mean age of 69 of which 46.6% were males. Abnormal postoperative bloods were identified in 444 (16.3%) patients. We identified age (≥65 years), female gender, ASA ≥ 3 as risk factors for developing abnormal postoperative blood tests. Preoperative haemoglobin (≤ 127 g/dL), haematocrit (≤ 0.395L/L) and potassium (≤ 3.7 mmol/L) were noted as cut-offs that could be predictive of postoperative anaemia or AKI respectively. The costs outweigh the benefits of ordering routine postoperative blood tests in TJA patients. Clinicians should risk stratify their patients and have a lower threshold for ordering blood tests in patients with one or more of the risk factors we have identified. These risk factors are age (≥65 years), females, ASA ≥ 3, preoperative haemoglobin (≤ 127 g/L), haematocrit (≤ 0.395L/L), and potassium (≤ 3.7 mmol/L)

Elderly patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture are at risk of thromboembolic events (TEV). The risk of TEV is now rare due to thromboprophylaxis. However, hip fracture treatment has evolved over the last decade. The risk of TEV may have been modified. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of symptomatic TEV following surgery for a hip fracture, in an elderly population. Retrospective cohort study of all patients > 65 years old undergoing surgery for a femoral neck or intertrochanteric hip fracture in two academic centers, between January 1st 2008 and January 1st 2019. The follow-up was fixed at 3 months. The cumulated risk of thromboembolic events was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and a predictive logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors. 3265 patients were eligible for analysis. The mean age was 83.3 ±8.1 years old and 75.6% of patients were female. The mortality was 7.55% (N=112) at 3 months. 98.53% of this cohort received thromboprophylaxis. The cumulated risk for a thromboembolic event was 3.55% at 1 month and 6.41% at 3 months (N=99). There were 9 fatal pulmonary embolisms. 89.19% thromboembolic events occurred within 20 days following surgery. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio 1.909 [1.179–3.089]), renal failure (odds ratio 1.896 [1.172–3.066]) and the use of a bridge between different types of anticoagulant (odds ratio 2.793 [1.057–7.384]) were associated with TEV. The risk of bleeding was 5.67% at 1 month and 9.38% at 3 months (N=142). 77% of bleeding events were hematomas. The risk of thromboembolic events is higher than expected in a population treated for this condition. Most thromboembolic events occur shortly following surgery. The risk of bleeding is high and most of them are hematomas. Future research could focus on the management of thromboprophylaxis in elderly patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture

The purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factors for distal construct failure (DCF) in posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We observed an increased rate of DCF when the pedicle screw in the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) was not parallel to the superior endplate of the LIV, however this has not been well studied in the literature. We hypothesise a more inferiorly angled LIV screw predisposes to failure and aim to find the critical angle that predisposes to failure. A retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients who underwent PSIF for AIS at the Starship Hospital spine unit from 2010 to 2020. On a lateral radiograph, the angle between the superior endplate of the LIV was measured against its pedicle screw trajectory. Data on demographics, Cobb angle, Lenke classification, instrumentation density, rod protrusion from the most inferior screw, implants and reasons for revision were collected. Of 256 patients, 10.9% (28) required at least one revision. The rate of DCF was 4.6% of all cases (12 of 260) and 25.7% of revisions were due to DCF. The mean trajectory angle of DCF patients compared to all others was 13.3° (95%CI 9.2° to 17.4°) vs 7.6° (7° to 8.2°), p=0.0002. The critical angle established is 11°, p=0.0076. Lenke 5 and C curves, lower preoperative Cobb angle, titanium only rod constructs and one surgeon had higher failure rates than their counterparts. 9.6% of rods protruding less than 3mm from its distal screw disengaged. We conclude excessive inferior trajectory of the LIV screw increases the rate of DCF and a screw trajectory greater than 11° predisposes to failure. This is one factor that can be controlled by the surgeon intraoperatively and by avoiding malposition of the LIV screw, a quarter of revisions can potentially be eliminated

Abstract. Background. The gold standard treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury is reconstruction (ACL-R). Graft failure is the concern and ensuring a durable initial graft with rapid integration is crucial. Graft augmentation with implantable devices (internal brace reinforcement) is a technique purported to reduce the risk of rupture and hasten recovery. We aim to compare the short-term outcome of ACL-R using augmented hamstring tendon autografts (internally braced with neoligament) and non-augmented hamstring autografts. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing augmented and non-augmented ACL-R. All procedures were performed in a single centre using the same technique. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] was used to assess patient-reported outcomes. Results. There were 70 patients in the augmented and 111 patients in the control group. Mean graft diameter in the augmented group was 8.82mm versus 8.44mm in the non-augmented. Six strand graft was achievable in 73.5% of the augmented group compared to 33% in the non-augmented group. Two graft failures were reported in the non-augmented group and none in the augmented group. Patient satisfaction rates were higher in the augmented group. There was a statistically insignificant improvement in the postoperative KOOS in the augmented group compared to the non-augmented group (p 0.6). Irrespective of augmentation status, no correlation was found between the functional score and age, or femoral tunnel width. Conclusion. Augmented ACL-R may achieve superior graft diameters, lower failure rates and better patient reported outcomes when compared to nonaugmented ACL-R. Prospective trials are needed to examine this further

Aim. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are a rare, but devastating complication. Diagnostic approaches to PJI vary greatly between different centers. Most commonly tissue biopsies and synovial fluid sampling are recommended for identification pathogens causing PJI. However, sensitivity and specificity of those techniques have been shown to be highly dependent on preanalytical factors like time and conditions of transportation, location of sampling, as well as analytical approaches and prolonged incubation for up to 14days. Sonication of explanted orthopedic devices has been shown to be more than only an addition in the diagnosis of PJI. The goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of sonication in PJI. Method. Retrospective cohort analysis of orthopedic samples sent for sonication from 29 surgical centers between 06/2014–04/2017. Until 07/2015 samples were plated on Columbia-, MacConkey-, Chocolate- and Schaedler agar*, incubated aerobically and anaerobically for up to 14 days. In 07/2015 an additional enrichment of 10ml per aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles* was introduced. The bottles were also incubated up to 14days and plated immediately if growth was detected. Results. We evaluated 698 orthopedic samples sent for sonication, of which resulted in growth of one (n=355) or several (n=15) relevant pathogens. Coagulase negative staphylococci were isolated in 162 cases; Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 67 cases, Propionibacterium spp. In 23 cases, Streptococcus spp. in 14 cases, Gram negative in 44 cases, Enterococcus spp. also in 14 cases and Candida spp. in 3 cases. The necessary time of incubation to growth was further decreased to 1.8 days (range: 0–13) days after introduction of additional incubation of sonicate fluid in blood-culture bottles. 92.7% of all positive samples showed growth before the 8th day of incubation. Conclusions. Sonication of explanted orthopedic devices and culturing of the sonicate fluid provides a fast reliable tool for diagnosing pathogens of PJI/ODAI potentially without the need for prolonged incubation for up to 14 days. The additional incubation of the sonicate fluid in automated blood-culturing systems further improves the limit of detection and the time to growth. *BioMerieux, Marcy étoile

Introduction. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was introduced to improve limb alignment, component positioning, and soft-tissue balance, yet the effect of adoption of this technology has not been established. This study was designed to evaluate whether robotic-assisted TKA leads to improved patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient satisfaction as compared to conventional TKA at 3 and 12 months. Methods. This IRB-approved single-surgeon retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data compared 113 conventional TKA patients with 145 imageless robotic-assisted TKA patients (Navio™ Surgical System, Smith&Nephew®, Memphis TN). Basic demographic information, intraoperative and postoperative data, and PROMs (SF-P, SF-M, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC Physical Function, KSS) were collected and recorded preoperatively, at 3 months, and at 12 months following surgery. Range of motion (ROM), blood loss, surgical duration, and complication rates between groups were also collected. Continuous measures such as mean difference in PROMs and ROM were compared using unpaired t-tests. Categorical measures such as the percentage of patients with complications were compared using chi-square analysis. Results. There were no baseline demographic differences or preoperative PROMs between groups. Following TKA, there were no differences between groups with respect to ROM or any of the PROMs (SF-P, SF-M, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC Physical Function, and KS scores) at 3- or 12-months. Difference between the group included larger EBL(242 vs 209 mL, p<.001) and longer surgical duration (119 vs 107minutes, p<.001) for robotic-assisted surgery. There were no differences between the two groups in total post operative complications however subgroup analysis demonstrated that the robotic assisted cohort had fewer periprosthetic joint infections (1 vs 3, p=.048) and total reoperations (1 vs 7, p=.0114). Conclusions. Imageless robotic-assisted TKA resulted in similar function and satisfaction scores when compared to conventional TKA at 3 and 12 months. While EBL and surgical duration were greater with robotic-assisted TKA, this technique resulted in fewer reoperations and periprosthetic wound infections. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Introduction. Ankle fractures in the elderly have been increasing with an ageing but active population and bring with them specific challenges. Medical co-morbidities, a poor soft tissue envelope and a requirement for early mobilisation to prevent morbidity and mortality, all create potential pitfalls to successful treatment. As a result, different techniques have been employed to try and improve outcomes. Total contact casting, both standard and enhanced open reduction internal fixation, external fixation and most recently tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing have all been proposed as suitable treatment modalities. Over the past five years popular literature has begun to herald TTC nailing as an appropriate and contemporary solution to the complex problem of high-risk ankle fragility fractures. We sought to assess whether, within our patient cohort, the outcomes seen supported the statement that TTC has equal outcomes to more traditional open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) when used to treat the high-risk ankle fragility fracture. Materials & Methods. Results of ORIF versus TTC nailing without joint preparation for treatment of fragility ankle fractures were evaluated via retrospective cohort study of 64 patients with high-risk fragility ankle fractures without our trauma centre. We aimed to assess whether results within our unit were equal to those seen within other published studies. Patients were matched 1:1 based on gender, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and ASA score. Patient demographics, AO/OTA fracture classification, intra-operative and post-operative complications, discharge destination, union rates, FADI scores and patient mobility were recorded. Results. There were 32 patients within each arm. Mean age was 78.4 (TTC) and 78.3 (ORIF). The CCI was 5.9 in each group respectively with mean ASA 2.9 (TTC) and 2.8 (ORIF). There were two open fractures within each group. Median follow up duration was 26 months. Time to theatre from injury was 8.0 days (TTC) versus 3.3 days (ORIF). There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day, one year or overall mortality at final follow up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis did however demonstrate that of those patients who died post-operatively the mean time to mortality was significantly shorter in those treated with TTC nailing versus ORIF (20.3 months versus 38.2 months, p=0.013). There was no statistical difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups (46.9% versus 25%, p=0.12). The re-operation rate was twice as high in patients treated with TTC nailing however this was not statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the FADI scores at final follow up, 72.1±12.9 (TTC) versus 67.9±13.9 (ORIF) nor post-operative mobility status. Conclusions. Within our study TTC nailing with an unprepared joint demonstrated broadly equivalent results to ORIF in the management of high-risk ankle fragility fractures; this replicates findings of previous studies. We did however observe that mean survival was significantly shorter in the TTC group than those treated with ORIF. We believe this may have been contributed to by a delay to theatre due to TTC stabilisation being treated as a sub-specialist operation in our unit at the time. We propose that both TTC and ORIF are satisfactory techniques to stabilise the frail ankle fracture however, similarly to the other fragility fractures, the priority should be on an emergent operation in a timely fashion in order to minimise the associated morbidity and mortality. Further randomised control studies are needed within the area to establish definitive results and a working consensus

Introduction. Non-union is agonising for patients, complex for surgeons and a costly burden to our healthcare service; as such, its management must be well defined. There is debate as to the requirements for the successful treatment of such patients, in particular, the need for additional biological therapies to ensure union. This study's primary aim was to determine if operative treatment alone was an effective treatment for the non-union of long bones in the upper and lower limbs compared to the pre-existing literature using biological therapies. Materials and Methods. A single-centre retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was performed. Inclusion was defined as patients 16 years or older with a radiologically confirmed non-union of the upper or lower limb long bones managed with surgical treatment alone between 2014–2019, with at least a 12 month follow up. Patients with bone defects or whose non-unions were treated with biological therapies were excluded from this study. The primary aim was assessed via the outcomes of union, time to union and RUST score. Results. 82 patients were included, 43 receiving percutaneous interventions and 39 receiving open interventions. Overall, a union rate of 97.56% was achieved with a mean time to union of 6.43 months. The mean RUST score increased from 6.09 at diagnosis to a final RUST score of 11.36 (p < 0.0001). Surgical factors showed that percutaneous interventions were most successful with a union rate of 100.00% with a mean time to union of 6.29 months. Augmentation surgery was associated with the shortest time to union of 4.47 months. Binary regression showed no statistically significant influence of patient factors. In 16 patients, complications were observed, including limb length discrepancy, ongoing pain and subsequent ankle problems. Conclusions. These results show non-inferior outcomes using operative treatment alone in non-union management as compared to the pre-existing literature on using biological therapies. Percutaneous interventions showed the most successful results and patient factors seemed to have little influence on this method's success. The continued use of biological therapies as a first line treatment should be questioned

INTRODUCTION. To test whether there are differences in postoperative mechanical and component alignment, and in functional results, between conventional, navigated and patient-specific total knee arthroplasties in a low-volume centre?. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Retrospective cohort study of 391 patients who received conventional, navigated or patient- specific primary cemented TKA in a low-volume hospital. RESULTS. The risk of mechanical alignment outliers was 89% lower in the navigated group compared to the conventional TKA group. There was a 63% lower risk of femoral component malalignment and a 66% lower risk of tibial component malalignment in the navigated group. No significant reduction in the risk of malalignment was seen in the patient-specific group. Total WOMAC and Oxford scores were no different between the three techniques. The patient-specific group reported better WOMAC pain scores. PSI TKA was 33% more expensive than conventional TKA and 28% more expensive than Navigated TKA. DISCUSSION. Navigated TKA improved alignment, but neither navigated nor patient-specific TKA improved functional outcomes. Patient-specific TKA was more expensive, with little additional benefit. Clinical relevance: The routine use of patient-specific instrumentation in low-volume centers is not supported by the currently available data

Radial head fractures are relatively common, representing approximately one-third of all elbow fractures. Outcomes are generally inversely proportional to the amount of force involved in the mechanism of injury, with simple fractures doing better than more comminuted ones. However, the prognosis for these fractures may also be influenced by associated injuries and patient-related factors (age, body index mass, gender, tobacco habit, etc.) The purpose of this study is to evaluate which factors will affect range of motion and function in partial radial head fractures. The hypothesis is that conservative treatment yields better outcomes. This retrospective comparative cohort study included 43 adult volunteers with partial radial head fracture, a minimum one-year follow up, separated into a surgical and non-surgical group. Risk factors were: associated injury, heterotopic ossification, worker's compensation, and proximal radio-ulnar joint implication. Outcomes included radiographic range of motion measurement, demographic data, and quality of life questionnaires (PREE, Q-DASH, MEPS). Mean follow up was 3.5 years (1–7 years). Thirty patients (70%) had associated injuries with decreased elbow extension (−11°, p=0.004) and total range of motion (−14°, p=0.002) compared to the other group. Heterotopic ossification was associated with decreased elbow flexion (−9°, p=0.001) and fractures involved the proximal radio-ulnar joint in 88% of patients. Only worker's compensation was associated with worse scores. There was no difference in terms of function and outcome between patients treated nonsurgically or surgically. We found that associated injuries, worker's compensation and the presence of heterotopic ossification were the only factors correlated with a worse prognosis in this cohort of patients. Given these results, the authors reiterate the importance of being vigilant to associated injuries

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.

Aims. To investigate the benefits of denosumab in combination with nerve-sparing surgery for treatment of sacral giant cell tumours (GCTs). Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with GCT who presented between January 2011 and July 2017. Intralesional curettage was performed and patients treated from 2015 to 2017 also received denosumab therapy. The patients were divided into three groups: Cohort 1: control group (n = 36); cohort 2: adjuvant denosumab group (n = 9); and cohort 3: neo- and adjuvant-denosumab group (n = 17). Results. There were 68 patients within the study period. Six patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 47.7 months (SD 23.2). Preoperative denosumab was found to reduce intraoperative haemorrhage and was associated with shorter operating time for tumour volume > 200 cm. 3. A total of 17 patients (27.4%) developed local recurrence. The locoregional control rate was 77.8% (7/9) and 87.5% (14/16) respectively for cohorts 2 and 3, in comparison to 66.7% (24/36) of the control group. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was significantly higher for adjuvant denosumab group versus those without adjuvant denosumab during the first two years: 100% vs 83.8% at one year and 95.0% vs 70.3% at two years. No significant difference was found for the three-year RFS rate. Conclusion. Preoperative denosumab therapy was found to reduce intraoperative haemorrhage and was associated with shorter operating times. Adjuvant denosumab was useful to prevent early recurrence during the first two years after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):177–185

Surgical site infections after total hip arthroplasty result in decreased quality of life, increased morbidity and increased health care cost. We hypothesized that the implementation of a bundle of care for total hip arthroplasty decreases the amount of surgical site infections. In this retrospective cohort study we investigated the implementation of this bundle in a University Medical Centre and its effect on perioperative surgical site infections after total hip arthroplasty and on incidence of hypothermia. In 2009 the bundle of care consisting of four elements was implemented in total hip arthroplasty in our hospital; (I) perioperative normothermia, (II) hair removal before surgery, (III) the use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and (IV) discipline on the operation room measured by door movements. For this study we used data from January 2010 – October 2013. We measured all parameters prospectively including surgical site infections within 6 weeks postoperatively. In the study period a total of 585 patients received a primary total hip arthroplasty. Bundle compliance improved significantly in 3.5 years from 71.7% in 2010 to 91.6% in 2013. Postoperative hypothermia decreased from 10.5% to 8.4% (non-significant) and SSI rate from 0.9% to 0.0% (non-significant). Implementation of this bundle of care is possible in an academic tertiary referral center. A relatively cheap solution can increase patient safety in a surgical environment. Introduction of a bundle of care resulted in a non-significant reduction of hypothermia and rate of surgical site infections in total hip arthroplasty

Aim. Corynebacterium is a rare etiologic agent of BJI. We aimed to describe this rare clinical condition and to assess treatment failure determinants. Method. All adult patients with proven Corynebacterium BJI (i.e. consistent clinical/radiological signs, AND ≥2 reliable positive bacteriological samples, AND treated as such) were included in a retrospective cohort study. After cohort description, determinants of treatment failure (i.e, infection persistence, relapse, requirement of additional surgical procedure, and BJI-related death) were determined using stepwise logistic regression and Kaplan Meier curve analysis. Results. The 51 included BJI were more frequently chronic (88.2%), orthopaedic device-related (ODI, 74.5%) and polymicrobial (78.4%). Surgery was performed in 92.2% of cases, and considered as appropriate in 76.5% of them. The main first-line antimicrobials were glycopeptides (68.6%), betalactams (50%) and/or clindamycin (10.0%). Three (5.9%) patients received daptomycin as part of first-line regimen, and 8 (15.7%) at any point of treatment. After a follow-up of 60.7 (IQR, 30.1–115.1) weeks, 20 (39.2%) treatment failures were observed, including 4 (20%) Corynebacterium-documented relapse. Independent risk factors were initial biological inflammatory syndrome (OR 16.1; p=0,030) and inappropriate surgical management (OR 7.481; p=0.036). Interestingly, all patients receiving daptomycin as part of first-line regimen failed (p<0.001), including one patient with a Corynebacterium-documented relapse with a daptomycin increased MIC. Among patients with ODI, survival curve analysis disclosed a worst prognosis in case of prosthetic joint infection (p=0.030), unappropriate surgical management (p=0.029) and daptomycin use as first-line regimen (p<0.001). Conclusions. Corynebacterium BJI is a poorly known condition, frequently chronic and polymicrobial. An important rate of failure was observed, associated with inappropriate surgical management and daptomycin use as part of first-line regimen. As described for other clinical conditions such as infective endocarditis, daptomycin should be avoid or used in combination therapy to prevent resistance selection and treatment failure

Reduction of length of stay (LOS) without compromising quality of care is a trend observed in orthopaedic departments. To achieve this goal the pathway needs to be optimised. This requires team work than can be supported by e-health solutions. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of reduction in LOS on complications and readmissions in one hospital where accelerated discharge was introduced due to the pandemic.

317 patients with primary total hip and total knee replacements treated in the same hospital between October 2018 and February 2021 were included. The patients were divided in two groups: the pre-pandemic group and the pandemic group. The discharge criteria were: patient feels comfortable with going back home, patient has enough support at home, no wound leakage, and independence in activities of daily living. No face-to-face surgeon or nurse follow-up was planned. Patients’ progress was monitored via the mobile application. The patients received information, education materials, postoperative exercises and a coaching via secure chat. The length of stay (LOS) and complications were assessed through questions in the app and patients filled in standard PROMs preoperatively, at 6 weeks and 3 months.

Before the pandemic, 64.8% of the patients spent 3 nights at hospital, whereas during the pandemic, 52.0% spent only 1 night. The median value changed from 3 days to 1 day. The complication rate before the pandemic of 15% dropped to 9 % during the pandemic. The readmission rate remained stable with 4% before the pandemic and 5 % during the pandemic. No difference were observed for PROMS between groups.

The results of this study showed that after a hip and knee surgery, the shortening of the LOS from three to one night resulted in less complications and a stable rate of readmissions. These results are in line with literature data on enhanced recovery after hip and knee arthroplasty.

The reduction of LOS for elective knee and hip arthroplasty during the pandemic period proved safe. The concept used in this study is transferable to other hospitals, and may have economic implications through reduced hospital costs.

Background. Coronal malalignment has been proposed as a risk factor for mechanical failure after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In response to these concerns, technologies that provide intraoperative feedback to the surgeon about component positioning have been developed with the goal of reducing rates of coronal plane malalignment and improving TKA longevity. Imageless hand-held portable accelerometer technology has been developed to address some the limitations associated with other computer assisted navigation devices including line-of-sight problems, preoperative imaging requirements, extra pin sites, up-font capital expenditures, and learning curve. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and precision of a hand-held portable navigation system versus conventional instrumentation for tibial and femoral resections in TKA. Methods. This study was a single-surgeon, retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients undergoing TKA were divided into three groups: 1) tibial and femoral resections performed with conventional intra- and extramedullary resection guides (CON group; N=84), 2) a hand-held portable navigation system (KneeAlign, OrthoAlign Inc, Aliso Viejo, CA) for tibial resection only (TIBIA group; N=78), and 3) navigation for both tibial and distal femoral resections (BOTH group; N=80). Postoperative coronal alignment of the distal femoral and proximal tibial resection were measured based on the anatomic axis from standing AP radiographs and compared between the three groups for both precision and accuracy. Malalignment was considered to be greater than 3° varus/valgus from expected resection angle. Results. Preoperative age, sex, and knee axis alignment were similar between the three groups. Mean postoperative alignment of the distal femoral resection, proximal tibial resection, and knee axis did not differ between groups (Figure 1). Increased frequencies of malalignment (±3° varus/valgus) of the femoral resection (24% CON versus 5% TIBIA and 8% BOTH; p<0.001) and knee axis (31% CON versus 8% TIBIA and 6% BOTH; p<0.001) were observed with conventional resection guides compared to both navigation groups. Conclusion. Use of a hand-held portable navigation system improved precision of the distal femoral resection and overall anatomical knee alignment after TKA

Introduction. We investigated predictors of poor outcomes following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty (MoMHA) revision surgery performed for adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD), to help inform the revision threshold and type of reconstruction. Patients and Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 346 MoMHAs revised for histologically confirmed ARMD at two specialist centres (245=hip resurfacing, 101=total hip arthroplasty). Numerous preoperative (blood metal ions and imaging) and intraoperative (findings, and components removed/implanted) factors were used to predict poor outcomes. Poor outcomes were postoperative complications (including re-revisions), 90-day mortality, and poor Oxford Hip Scores (<27/48). Multivariable logistic regression models for predicting poor outcomes were developed using stepwise selection methods. Results. Cumulative implant survival rate seven-years after ARMD revision was 87.0% (95% CI=81.0%-91.2%). Poor outcomes occurred in 39% (n=135). Shorter time (under four-years) from primary to revision surgery (odds ratio (OR)=2.12, CI=1.00–4.46) was the only preoperative predictor of poor outcomes. Pre-revision metal ions and imaging did not influence outcomes. Single-component revisions increased the risk of poor outcomes (acetabular or femoral vs. all component revisions; OR=2.99, CI=1.50–5.97). Intraoperative factors reducing the risk of poor outcomes included the posterior approach (OR=0.22, CI=0.10–0.49), revision head sizes ≥36mm (vs. <36mm: OR=0.37, CI=0.18–0.77), ceramic-on-polyethylene (OR vs. ceramic-on-ceramic=0.30, CI=0.14–0.66) and metal-on-polyethylene revision bearings (OR vs. ceramic-on-ceramic=0.37, CI=0.17–0.83). Discussion. This large cohort study demonstrated 39% of patients experience poor outcomes following MoMHA revision for ARMD. This information will help surgeons when counselling patient's pre-revision about the expected prognosis. No threshold exists for recommending ARMD revision, therefore surgeons must make decisions on an individual case basis. However, surgeons can make intraoperative decisions that influence outcomes following ARMD revision. Conclusion. We recommend optimal outcomes following ARMD revision may be achieved if surgeons use the posterior approach, revise all MoMHA components, and use ≥36mm ceramic-on-polyethylene or metal-on-polyethylene articulations

Aim. S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most frequent bacteria responsible for PJI. In patients with acute PJI (i.e. <1 month following the implantation), DAIR with exchange of removal components followed by a combination of antibiotics that includes rifampin (particularly rifampin+fluoroquinolone) are recommended. Unfortunately, some patients could not receive rifampin due to drug-drug interaction or stopped it due to an adverse event. Finally, it was unclear if the dose and the duration of rifampin influenced the prognosis. Method. We performed a retrospective cohort study in 4 hospitals and included patients with staphylococcal acute post-operative (< 1 month) PJI treated with DAIR in 2011–2016 period. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis and Kaplan Meier curves were used to determine the risk factors for treatment failure (persistence of clinical signs, new surgery w/o persistence or superinfection, infection-related death). Results. 79 patients were included (median age: 71 years IQR 53–89]; 55 men [69.6 %]; median ASA score: 2 [IQR 2–3]). Bacterial cultures revealed 65 S. aureus (82.3 %) and 15 coagulase-negative staphylococci (19.0 %) infections, including 14 methicillin-resistant isolates (17.7 %). Among all isolates, only 2 (2.5 %) were resistant to rifampin and 16 (20.3 %) were resistant to fluoroquinolone. The median duration of antimicrobial therapy was 92 days (IQR 31–152). Only 59 patients received rifampin (74.7 %), and 35 (44.3 %) the combination rifampin + fluoroquinolone. Median duration of rifampin was 56.5 days (IQR 15.8–86.0) and median dose 14.6mg/kg/d (IQR 13.0–16.7). Forty patients (50.6 %) received rifampin in the first 2 weeks and 43 patients (54.4 %) received at least 2 weeks of rifampin. Six patients (7.6 %) developed an adverse event leading to rifampin interruption. During a median follow-up of 443 days (IQR 219.5–790.5), 21 patients (26.6 %) experienced a treatment failure including 12 persistence of the initial pathogen (57.1 %) and 9 superinfections (42.9 %). An ASA score >2 (HR 2.8; 95%CI 1.26–6.15), the use of rifampin (HR 0.4; 95% CI 0.17–0.95) and the duration of rifampin treatment (HR 0.83; 95%CI 0.75–0.92 per additional week of treatment) were significant determinants of the outcome (but not methicillin-resistance). Receiving >2 weeks of rifampin prevented the failure, but an introduction during the first 2 weeks did not influence the outcome. Conclusions. In patients with staphylococcal acute PJI, the use of rifampin and its duration strongly influenced the prognosis. As 25% of patients could not receive rifampin, new drugs with anti-biofilm activity are required

First Metatarsophalangeal joint fusion has been successfully used to treat Hallux rigidus. We have attempted to evaluate commonly used methods of fixation and joint preparation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the single largest comparative study on first MTPJ fusion. We aimed to evaluate the radiological union and revision rates. We included 409 consecutive MTPJ fusions performed in 385 patients. We collected demographic, comorbidities and complication data. We evaluated the radiographs for the status of the union. Logistic regression was used to calculate the Odds ratio (OR) of non-union for the collected variables. Our union rate was 91.4% (34/409). 29.4% of our non-unions were symptomatic (10/34). Hallux valgus showed a statistically significant relation to non-union (Odds ratio 9.33, p-value 0.017). Other potential contributing factors like sex (OR1.9, p-value 0.44), diabetes (OR 0, p-value 0.99), steroid use (OR 2.07, p-value 0.44), inflammatory arthritis (OR 0, p-value 0.99) and smoking (OR 2.69, p-value 0.34) did not attain statistical significance. Further, the methods of fixation like solid screws (OR 0, p-value 0.99), plate (OR 3.6, p-value 0.187) or cannulated screws (OR 0.09, p-value 0.06) showed no correlation with non-union. We compared two techniques of joint preparation and found no significant difference in union rates (Chi-Square 1.0426, p-value 0.30). Our crude cost comparison showed the average saving to the trust per year could be 33,442.50£ by choosing screws over plate. Only Hallux Valgus had a statistically significant relation to non-union. Solid screw could be economically the most viable option and a valid alternative.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) causes significant morbidity. Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA) is the most frequent organism, and the majority are endogenous. Nasal MSSA colonisation is a proven risk factor for S. aureus infection. Decolonisation reduces PJIs but there is a paucity of evidence comparing treatments. Aims; compare 3 nasal decolonisation treatments at (1) achieving MSSA decolonisation, (2) preventing PJI.

Our hospital trust introduced MSSA screening and decolonisation prior to hip and knee arthroplasty in 2010. Data was prospectively collected since 2013, including all MSSA carriers, decolonisation treatment received, MSSA status at time of surgery and all PJIs. Prior to 2017 MSSA carriers received nasal mupirocin or neomycin, from August 2017 until August 2019 nasal octenidine was used.

During the study period 15,958 primary hip and knee replacements were performed. 3,200 (20.1%) were MSSA positive at preoperative screening and received decolonisation treatment, 698 mupirocin, 1,210 neomycin and 1,221 octenidine. Mupirocin (89.1%) and neomycin (90.9%) were more effective at decolonisation than octenidine (50.0%, P<0.0001). There was no difference in S. aureus PJI rates (P=0.452). Of those negative at original screening 9.1% were positive on the day of surgery (1,164/12,758).

MSSA decolonisation is an effective method to decrease PJI rates but there is little research into the best treatment. Both mupirocin and neomycin are more effective than octenidine at achieving MSSA decolonisation. There was poor correlation between the MSSA status after treatment and PJI rates. There is debate if treatment should be targeted by screening or if all patients she be treated without screening. Global decolonisation without screening is supported by the 26.7% of carriers that were negative at original screening in our study.

Further research is needed comparing decolonisation treatments to reduce PJI rates and avoid the risk of drug resistance.

Introduction

Frame configuration for the management of complex tibial fractures is highly variable and is dependent not only on fracture pattern and soft tissue condition but also surgeon preference. The optimal number of rings to use when designing a frame remains uncertain. Traditionally, larger, stiffer constructs with multiple rings per segment were thought to offer optimal conditions for bone healing, however, the concept of reverse dynamisation questions this approach.

Arthroscopic hip surgery is increasingly common in Australia. Hip arthroscopy is indicated for a range of diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including labral tears, capsular laxity and femoral-acetabular impingement (FAI). Despite this, previous cohort studies aiming to characterise hip pathology seen on arthroscopic examination are mostly limited to patients with known diagnoses of FAI. Therefore, little is known of the native articular wear patterns encountered in other disease states. Therefore, we aimed to define common osteochondral wear patterns for a cohort of patients managed via hip arthroscopy.

We retrospectively analysed intraoperative data for 1127 patients managed via hip arthroscopy between 2008 and 2013, for either therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Intraoperative data was categorized by location (A-E as defined by Fontana et al. 2016) and chondral damage (0-4 scale as defined by Beck et al. 2005) with respect to both acetabulum and femoral head.

Data for 1127 patients were included. Location of acetabular chondral pathology was variable with locations C₁ and D₁ representing the most common regions of damage. Labral tears predominated in locations C and D. Femoral chondral pathology was evenly distributed. The degree of femoral chondral injury was predominantly grade 1, whilst acetabular wear was evenly distributed.

Large proportions of wear were observed at the peripheral superior and anterior regions of the lunate surface of the acetabulum in keeping with prior works. However, we observed higher rates of central wear and lower rates of grade 4 acetabular damage extending into superior/posterior zones, in our cohort.

Our work characterises common articular wear patterns encountered at the time of hip arthroscopy. Further inquiry into the natural history of osteochondral lesions is needed to better understand and manage these conditions.

Diabetic foot problems are a common cause for hospitalisation in this group and up to 25% of diabetic patients will be affected. Prevalence of diabetes is rising, currently affecting 680000000 people worldwide. The enormity of this problem mandates any strategy that shortens therapeutic period and enhances success rates. Cerament G has been used in our unit as a treatment adjunct in diabetic foot treatment. Successful treatment is viewed as eradication of infection and a functional foot.

Retrospective review of 40 months practice with 115 patients. Inclusion: all diabetic feet requiring surgery Cerament G used, protocol driven Microbiology pathway. Exclusion: Primary closure not possible. Cerament G not used. Outcome assessed in three groups: Total failure (further surgery required); slow to heal (healing by secondary intention); healed without problems.

Healed 99 (eradication of infection and return to function), failure to heal 16 (success rate: 86.1%). Infection was the cause of failure in only in 2.6% (13 failures due to patient noncompliance or poor vascularity). Accepted success rate in treating osteomyelitis in diabetic feet is 68% (medical treatment only), combination of surgery and medical is 86%. Eradication of infection is the only end point return to function is not addressed. This study shows Cerament G with surgery/systemic antibiotics provides a 97.4% success rate.

Therapeutic drivers in this field have been determined traditionally by Physicians and Vascular Surgeons (resection rather than reconstructive surgery.) Our assertion is that eradicating infection in a functionally useless foot is a waste of health resources. Our strategy is always the delivery of an intact functional foot residuum. Cerament G as an adjunct allows this goal in a cost-effective manner.

Aim

Acute hematogenous periprosthetic joint infection (AHI) is a diagnosis on the rise. The management is challenging and the optimum treatment is not clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of AHI, and to study risk factors affecting treatment outcome.

There is still no clear consensus regarding which cup position might provide better functional performance for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study aimed to evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of acetabular mirroring reconstruction for DDH in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

The study reviewed 96 patients (96 hips) with unilateral Crowe type-II/III DDH undergoing either visualized navigation-assisted mirroring reconstruction with augment according to the rotation center and biomechanical structure of the contralateral normal hips (Mirroring group, 51 hips) or high hip center reconstruction (HHC group, 45 hips) in THA from 2020 to 2023. The functional and radiographic results were analyzed between the groups during a mean follow-up period of 27.5 and 28.9 months (a minimum follow-up of 12 months).

The Harris hip score at the last follow-up significantly improved in both groups, while it was significantly higher in the mirroring group (P<0.001). In the HHC group, the rotation center height and greater trochanter height were significantly increased in the affected hip (P<0.001; P<0.001) and the abductor lever arm was significantly decreased in the affected hip compared to that in the contralateral normal hip (P<0.001), whereas in the mirroring group no significant statistical differences were observed between two sides. The limping occurred in 7 patients (13.7%) in the mirroring group and 14 patients (31.1%) in the HHC group (P=0.040). A multiple logistic regression demonstrated mirroring reconstruction could reduce the incidence of postoperative limping (P=0.020).

Both mirroring and HHC reconstruction could improve the functional performance of THA, whereas mirroring reconstruction could offer superior biomechanical results and gait improvement as compared with HHC reconstruction, meeting the higher requirements of functional recovery.

Introduction

Management of deformity involving limb length discrepancy (LLD) using intramedullary devices offers significant benefits to both patients and clinicians over traditional external fixation. Following the withdrawal of the PRECICE nail, the Fitbone became the primary implant available for intramedullary lengthening and deformity correction within our service. This consecutive series illustrates the advantages and complications associated with the use of this device, and describes a novel technique modification for antegrade intramedullary lengthening nails.

Introduction. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend the use of total hip replacement (THR) for displaced intracapsular fractured neck of femur (NOF) in cognitively intact patients who were independently mobile prior to the injury. The National Joint Registry for England and Wales (NJR) has collected data on THRs performed since 2003. This retrospective cohort study explores risk factors independently associated with implant failure and perioperative mortality. Methods. NJR data recording a THR performed for acute fractured NOF between 2003 and 2010 were analysed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse the extent to which risk of implant revision was related to specific covariates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse factors affecting 90-day perioperative mortality. Significance was taken as p< 0.01. Result. A total of 4495 procedures were analysed, of which 83 (1.9%) underwent revision surgery and 144 (3.2%) patients died within 90 days. Increased risk of implant revision was associated with the use of cementless prostheses (Hazard Ratio [HR]=2.23, p=0.001), but revision risk was independent of age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, gender, head size and head material. Risk of mortality within 90 days was significantly associated with high ASA (grade 3: Odds ratio [OR]=7.20, p< 0.001, grade 4/5: OR=38.09, p< 0.001, referenced to grade 1 group) and older age (≥81 years: OR=2.04, p=0.004, referenced to 60–70 years group). Mortality risk was lower in patients who had a hybrid THR (OR=0.51 p=0.004), after risk adjustment. Conclusion. There is considerably greater risk of implant revision when cementless THR is used for managing fractured NOF. Risk of perioperative mortality is greatest in patients over 80 years with ASA grades 3 or above, and lowest with hybrid THR. This information may be used to guide the surgical management of patients with fractured neck of femur

To compare preoperative and postoperative Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scores in operated Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients with and without concomitant isthmic spondylolisthesis.

A retrospective study of a prospective cohort of 464 individuals undergoing AIS surgery between 2008 and 2018 was performed. All patients undergoing surgery for AIS with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. We excluded patients with prior or concomitant surgery for spondylolisthesis. HRQoL scores were measured using the SRS-22 questionnaire. Comparisons were performed between AIS patients with vs. without concomitant spondylolisthesis treated non-surgically.

AIS surgery was performed for 36 patients (15.2 ±2.5 y.o) with concomitant isthmic spondylolisthesis, and 428 patients (15.5 ±2.4 y.o) without concomitant spondylolisthesis. The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, preoperative and postoperative Cobb angles. Preoperative and postoperative HRQoL scores were similar between the two groups. HRQoL improved significantly for all domains in both groups, except for pain in patients with spondylolisthesis. There was no need for surgical treatment of the spondylolisthesis and no slip progression during the follow-up duration after AIS surgery.

Patients undergoing surgical treatment of AIS with non-surgical management of a concomitant isthmic spondylolisthesis can expect improvement in HRQoL scores, similar to that observed in patients without concomitant spondylolisthesis.

Increased femoral head size reduces the rate of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). With the introduction of highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in THA there has been a trend towards using larger size femoral heads in relatively smaller cup sizes, theoretically increasing the risk of liner fracture, wear, or aseptic loosening. Short to medium follow-up studies have not demonstrated a negative effect of using thinner HXLPE liners. However, there is concern that these thinner liners may prematurely fail in the long-term, especially in those with thinner liners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival and revision rates of HXLPE liners in primary THA, as well as the effect of liner thickness on these outcomes. We hypothesized that there would be no significant differences between the different liner thicknesses.

We performed a retrospective database analysis from a single center of all primary total hip replacements using HXLPE liners from 2010 and earlier, including all femoral head sizes. All procedures were performed by fellowship trained arthroplasty surgeons. Patient characteristics, implant details including liner thickness, death, and revisions (all causes) were recorded. Patients were grouped for analysis for each millimeter of PE thickness (e.g. 4.0-4.9mm, 5.0-5.9mm). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were estimated with all-cause and aseptic revisions as the endpoints.

A total of 2354 patients (2584 hips) were included (mean age 64.3 years, min-max 19-96). Mean BMI was 29.0 and 47.6% was female. Mean follow-up was 13.2 years (range 11.0-18.8). Liner thickness varied from 4.9 to 12.7 mm. Seven patients had a liner thickness <5.0mm and 859 had a liner thickness of <6.0mm. Head sizes were 28mm (n=85, 3.3%), 32mm (n=1214, 47.0%), 36mm (n=1176, 45.5%), and 40mm (n=109, 4.2%), and 98.4% were metal heads. There were 101 revisions, and in 78 of these cases the liner was revised. Reason for revision was instability/dislocation (n=34), pseudotumor/aseptic lymphocyte-dominant vasculitis associated lesion (n=18), fracture (n=17), early loosening (n=11), infection (n=7), aseptic loosening (n=4), and other (n=10). When grouped by liner thickness, there were no significant differences between the groups when looking at all-cause revision (p=0.112) or aseptic revision (p=0.116).

In our cohort, there were no significant differences in all-cause or aseptic revisions between any of the liner thickness groups at long-term follow-up. Our results indicate that using thinner HXPE liners to maximize femoral head size in THA does not lead to increased complications or liner failures at medium to long term follow-up. As such, orthopedic surgeons can consider the use of larger heads at the cost of liner thickness a safe practice to reduce the risk of dislocation after THA when using HXLPE liners.

Aim

To describe the management of PJI due to S. aureus in CRIOAcs in 2019 and to particularly focus on the evaluation of the efficacy of DAIR regarding control of infection and risk factors for failure up to 12 months.

Aims: The diagnosis of a prosthetic joint infection is difþcult, but crucial for appropriate treatment. Scintigraphy with speciþc markers for infection (labeled white cells or immunoglobulin-G) has been reported as a more reliable diagnostic tool than clinical assessment (fever, þstula), laboratory studies [polynuclear neutrophils blood count (PNC), erythrocyte rate sedimentation (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP)], and preoperative aspiration. Methods: In the þrst part of this study, we retrospectively reviewed 230 patients admitted with a suspected prosthetic joint infection and compared the validity of these different diagnostic tools. 209 patients had an infection. Results: Pain, fever, ESR, and PNC are unreliable for identifying occult infection. The presence of a þstula is inconstant, but when present is very reliable to detect infection. Our study revealed sensitivity, speciþcity, positive and negative predictive value as follows: CRP: 97%, 81%, 98%, 71% respectively; aspiration: 82%, 94%, 99%, 43% respectively, and labelled scintigraphy 74%, 76%, 91%, 44% respectively. In the second part, we reviewed 23 articles which included 1,722 prosthetic joints with preoperative evaluation of infection. Conclusions: Both our study and the literature review indicate that CRP and joint aspiration are the best tools to diagnose prosthetic joint infection.

Aims: To assess whether patients undergoing one or two level open decompression of their lumbar spinal stenosis could have an interspinous device inserted with equal or less risk of complications and whether patient satisfaction is improved.

Background: The reported incidence of lumbar spinal stenosis [LSS] varies [1.7% to 8%], as do the results of open surgical decompression. Implanting interspinous devices [ID] to relieve symptoms of LSS is a newer concept which has good short term results.

Patients: Data was collected from 48 consecutive patients undergoing one or two level decompressions for symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis from February 2008 to March 2009.

Methods: Retrospective case note analysis of clinic letters, operation notes and inpatient stays was carried out. Two types of interspinous device (BacJac and X-stop) were used and the results have been collated.

Results: 29 open decompressions [22 one level, 7 two level] were performed compared to 19 interspinous device insertions [7 one level, 9 two level]. Surgery was performed for patients with leg pain although 27 patients had concomitant back pain.

The average age of the patients for open decompression (63yrs +/− 11) compared to interspinous device (63yrs +/− 9) was equal. Male to female ratio for Open Vs ID [1.4:1 Vs 1.1:1] did not differ significantly (p = 0.39). The ASA grades were higher for the interspinous device group with an average of 2.5 compared to 2.1 in the open group.

The length of anaesthetic was on average shorter for the interspinous devices, which included a higher proportion of 2 level decompressions. The average length of stay on average was identical at 1.3 days, complications were similar [5% Vs 7%] with patient satisfaction higher [81% Vs 68%], although statistically insignificant [p=0.79]

Conclusion: There are certain criteria advised by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to aid in selection of suitable patients for interspinous device insertion. 10 of the 29 patients for open decompression fitted these criteria.

Interspinous device insertion is a less invasive procedure and can be carried out on patients with a higher anaesthetic risk, even being performed under sedation. It should be considered for patients with symptoms of LSS instead of open decompression as there is no effect on length of stay or complication rate and there is a trend toward a decrease in anaesthetic time with improved patient satisfaction in the short term.

Aim. Early fracture-related infections (FRIs) are a common entity in hospitals treating trauma patients. It is important to be aware of the consequences of FRI in order to be able to counsel patients about the expected course of their disease. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the recurrence rate, to establish the number of secondary surgical procedures needed to gain control of the initial infection, and to identify predictors for recurrence in patients with early FRI. Method. A retrospective multicentre cohort study was conducted in two level 1 trauma centres. All patients between January 1st 2015 to July 1st 2020 with confirmed FRI with an onset of <6 weeks after initial fracture fixation were included. Recorded data included patient demographics, trauma mechanism, clinical and laboratory findings, surgical procedure, microbiology, and follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess predictors for recurrent FRI. Results. A total of 166 patients were included in this study with a median age of 54.0 years (IQR 33.0–64.0). The cohort consisted of a majority of males (66.3%). Recurrence of FRI at one year follow-up was 11.4% and the overall recurrence rate within a median follow-up time of 24.0 months (IQR 15.4–36.9) was 18.1%. A total of 49.4% of patients needed at least one secondary procedure in order to treat the ongoing FRI, of whom 12.6% required at least three additional procedures. Predictors for recurrent FRI were use of an intramedullary nail during index operation (OR 4.343 (95% CI 1.448–13.028), p=0.009), need for at least one additional washout and debridement (OR 1.908 (95% CI 1.102–3.305), p=0.021), and a decrease in Injury Severity Score (ISS) (inverted OR 1.058 (95% CI 1.002–1.118), p=0.042). Conclusions. An FRI recurrence rate of 18.1% and need for at least one additional surgical procedure to gain control of the initial infection of 49.4% were seen in our cohort. Predictors for recurrent FRI were respectively the use of an intramedullary nail during index operation, need for secondary procedures, and a decrease in ISS. Results of this study can be used for preoperative counselling of early FRI patients

INTRODUCTION

Dislocation is a major complication post total hip replacement (THR) and a common cause for revision. Jameson et al (2012) studied 35,000 cemented Exeter (Stryker) THRs demonstrating the risk of revision was significantly influenced by the acetabular component design. This led 3 surgeons in a single hospital group to make a mass move from using the hooded Exeter Low Profile (LP) cup to the better performing Contemporary Flanged (CF) component. The purpose of this study was to show whether this change was associated with a fall in dislocation rates.

Introduction

Ankle replacement is a major surgery with significant soft tissue dissection and bleeding. The skin quality is often poor in these patients due to age, edema, venous congestion, arteriopathy or previous procedures and soft tissue injury. The chances of wound infection increase with delayed wound healing. Absorbent non-adherent dressing (ABD) and VAC dressing applied in theatre after ankle replacement were assessed in a cohort of 147 patients with wound complications, pain, satisfaction and length of stay as outcome measures.

Aim. Diagnosing Fracture-Related Infections (FRI) is challenging. White blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy is considered the best nuclear imaging technique to diagnose FRI; a recent study by our group found a diagnostic accuracy of 92%. However, many centers use . 18. F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (. 18. F-FDG-PET/CT) which has several logistic advantages. Whether . 18. F-FDG-PET/CT has better diagnostic performance than white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy is uncertain. Therefore, we aimed: 1) to determine the diagnostic performance of . 18. F-FDG-PET/CT for diagnosing FRI (defined as infection following an open fracture or fracture surgery) and 2) to determine cut-off values of standardized uptake values (SUV) that result in optimal diagnostic performance. Method. This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients who received . 18. F-FDG-PET/CT to diagnose FRI in two level 1 trauma centers. Baseline demographic- and surgical characteristics were retrospectively reviewed. The reference standard consisted of at least 2 representative microbiological culture results or the presence or absence of clinical confirmatory FRI signs in at least 6 months of clinical follow-up. A nuclear medicine specialist, blinded to the reference standard, re-reviewed all scans. Additionally, SUVs were measured using the “European Association of Nuclear Medicine Research Ltd. (EARL)” reconstructed . 18. F-FDG-PET/CT scans. Volume of interests were drawn around the suspected- and corresponding contralateral area to obtain the absolute values (SUVmax) and the ratio between suspected and contralateral area (SUVratio). Diagnostic accuracy of the re-reviewed scans was calculated (sensitivity and specificity). Additionally, diagnostic characteristics of the SUV measurements were plotted in the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). The sensitivity and specificity at the optimal threshold was deducted from the AUROC with the Q-point method. Results. 158 . 18. F-FDG-PET/CTs were included. Mean age was 46.2 years, 71.5% was male. Most cases (56.3%) were tibial shaft- or ankle fractures. Sixty patients (38.0%) had FRI. The sensitivity and specificity of the FDG-PET/CT scan was 70.0% (95% CI 56.8–81.2) and 79.6% (95% CI 70.3–87.1) respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was 76.0% (95% CI 68.5–82.4). AUROCs of SUVmax and SUVratio were 0.80 (95% CI 0.73–0.87) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.64–0.81), respectively. The optimal SUVmax threshold of 4.2 resulted in 80.0% sensitivity and 71.3% specificity, while an SUVratio of 2.9 resulted in 58.3% sensitivity and 80.9% specificity. Conclusions. The . 18. F-FDG-PET/CT has a sensitivity of 70.0%, specificity of 79.6% and a diagnostic accuracy of 76.0%. This makes . 18. F-FDG-PET/CT less accurate than WBC scintigraphy in diagnosing FRI, although adding SUV measurements may possibly increase its diagnostic accuracy

Aims. Due to its indolent clinical behaviour, the treatment paradigm of atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs) in the long bones is slowly shifting from intralesional resection (curettage) and local adjuvants, towards active surveillance through wait-and-scan follow-up. In this retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary referral centre, we studied the natural behaviour of ACT lesions by active surveillance with MRI. Clinical symptoms were not considered in the surveillance programme. Methods. The aim of this study was to see whether active surveillance is safe regarding malignant degeneration and local progression. In total, 117 patients were evaluated with MRI assessing growth, cortical destruction, endosteal scalloping, periosteal reaction, relation to the cortex, and perilesional bone marrow oedema. Patients received up to six follow-up scans. Results. At the time of the first follow-up MRI, 8% of the lesions showed growth (n = 9), 86% remained stable (101), and 6% decreased in size (n = 7). During the third follow-up, with a mean follow-up time of 60 months (SD 23), 24 patients were scanned, of whom 13% had lesions that had grown and 13% lesions that had decreased in size. After 96 months (SD 37), at the sixth follow-up MRI, 100% of the lesions remained stable. None of the lesions showed malignant progression and although some lesions grew in size (mean 1 mm (SD 0.8)), no malignant progression occurred. Conclusion. We conclude that active surveillance with MRI is safe for ACTs in the long bones in the short- and mid-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):86–92

Aims. This study aimed to compare the performance of survival prediction models for bone metastases of the extremities (BM-E) with pathological fractures in an Asian cohort, and investigate patient characteristics associated with survival. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 469 patients, who underwent surgery for BM-E between January 2009 and March 2022 at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Postoperative survival was calculated using the PATHFx3.0, SPRING13, OPTIModel, SORG, and IOR models. Model performance was assessed with area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, Brier score, and decision curve analysis. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors contributing to survival. Results. The SORG model demonstrated the highest discriminatory accuracy with AUC (0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 0.85)) at 12 months. In calibration analysis, the PATHfx3.0 and OPTIModel models underestimated survival, while the SPRING13 and IOR models overestimated survival. The SORG model exhibited excellent calibration with intercepts of 0.10 (95% CI -0.13 to 0.33) at 12 months. The SORG model also had lower Brier scores than the null score at three and 12 months, indicating good overall performance. Decision curve analysis showed that all five survival prediction models provided greater net benefit than the default strategy of operating on either all or no patients. Rapid growth cancer and low serum albumin levels were associated with three-, six-, and 12-month survival. Conclusion. State-of-art survival prediction models for BM-E (PATHFx3.0, SPRING13, OPTIModel, SORG, and IOR models) are useful clinical tools for orthopaedic surgeons in the decision-making process for the treatment in Asian patients, with SORG models offering the best predictive performance. Rapid growth cancer and serum albumin level are independent, statistically significant factors contributing to survival following surgery of BM-E. Further refinement of survival prediction models will bring about informed and patient-specific treatment of BM-E. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):203–211

Aims. Achievement of accurate microbiological diagnosis prior to revision is key to reducing the high rates of persistent infection after revision knee surgery. The effect of change in the microorganism between the first- and second-stage revision of total knee arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) on the success of management is not clear. Methods. A two-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted to review the outcome of patients who have undergone two-stage revision for treatment of knee arthroplasty PJI, focusing specifically on isolated micro-organisms at both the first- and second-stage procedure. Patient demographics, medical, and orthopaedic history data, including postoperative outcomes and subsequent treatment, were obtained from the electronic records and medical notes. Results. The study cohort consisted of 84 patients, of whom 59.5% (n = 50) had successful eradication of their infection at a mean follow-up of 4.7 years. For the 34 patients who had recurrence of infection, 58.8% (n = 20) had a change in isolated organism, compared to 18% (n = 9) in the infection eradication group (p < 0.001). When adjusting for confound, there was no association when the growth on the second stage was the same as the first (odd ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49 to 12.50; p = 0.269); however, when a different organism was identified at the second stage, this was independently associated with failure of treatment (OR 8.40, 95% CI 2.91 to 24.39; p < 0.001). There were no other significant differences between the two cohorts with regard to patient demographics or type of organisms isolated. Conclusion. Change in the identified microorganism between first- and second-stage revision for PJI was associated with failure of management. Identification of this change in the microorganism prior to commencement of the second stage may help target antibiotic management and could improve the success of surgery in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(9):720–727

Aims. In the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) can request radiographs. After a radiologically diagnosed fracture, patients are immediately referred to the emergency department (ED). Since 2020, the Máxima Medical Centre has implemented a new care pathway for minor trauma patients, referring them immediately to the traumatology outpatient clinic (OC) instead of the ED. We investigated whether this altered care pathway leads to a reduction in healthcare consumption and concomitant costs. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, patients were included if a radiologist diagnosed a fracture on a radiograph requested by the GP from August to October 2019 (control group) or August to October 2020 (research group), on weekdays between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm. The study compared various outcomes between groups, including the length of the initial hospital visit, frequency of hospital visits and medical procedures, extent of imaging, and healthcare expenses. Results. A total of 634 patients were included. The results show a median reduction of 25 minutes in duration of initial hospital visits, one fewer hospital visit, overall fewer medical procedures, and a decrease in healthcare costs of €303.40 per patient in the research group compared to the control group. No difference was found in the amount of imaging. Conclusion. The implementation of the new care pathway has resulted in a substantial reduction in healthcare use and costs. Moreover, the pathway provides advantages for patients and helps prevent crowding at the ED. Hence, we recommend immediately referring all minor trauma patients to the traumatology OC instead of the ED. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):728–734

Aims. Iliopsoas impingement occurs in 4% to 30% of patients after undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite a relatively high incidence, there are few attempts at modelling impingement between the iliopsoas and acetabular component, and no attempts at modelling this in a representative cohort of subjects. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel computational model for quantifying the impingement between the iliopsoas and acetabular component and validate its utility in a case-controlled investigation. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent THA surgery that included 23 symptomatic patients diagnosed with iliopsoas tendonitis, and 23 patients not diagnosed with iliopsoas tendonitis. All patients received postoperative CT imaging, postoperative standing radiography, and had minimum six months’ follow-up. 3D models of each patient’s prosthetic and bony anatomy were generated, landmarked, and simulated in a novel iliopsoas impingement detection model in supine and standing pelvic positions. Logistic regression models were implemented to determine if the probability of pain could be significantly predicted. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the model’s sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Results. Highly significant differences between the symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts were observed for iliopsoas impingement. Logistic regression models determined that the impingement values significantly predicted the probability of groin pain. The simulation had a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 100%, and an AUC of 0.86. Conclusion. We developed a computational model that can quantify iliopsoas impingement and verified its accuracy in a case-controlled investigation. This tool has the potential to be used preoperatively, to guide decisions about optimal cup placement, and postoperatively, to assist in the diagnosis of iliopsoas tendonitis. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):3–12

Aims. The use of multimodal non-opioid analgesia in hip fractures, specifically acetaminophen combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has been increasing. However, the effectiveness and safety of this approach remain unclear. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes among patients with hip fractures who preoperatively received either acetaminophen combined with NSAIDs, NSAIDs alone, or acetaminophen alone. Methods. This nationwide retrospective cohort study used data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We included patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent surgery for hip fractures and received acetaminophen combined with NSAIDs (combination group), NSAIDs alone (NSAIDs group), or acetaminophen alone (acetaminophen group) preoperatively, between April 2010 and March 2022. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and complications. Secondary outcomes were opioid use postoperatively; readmission within 90 days, one year, and two years; and total hospitalization costs. We used propensity score overlap weighting models, with the acetaminophen group as the reference group. Results. We identified 93,018 eligible patients, including 13,068 in the combination group, 29,203 in the NSAIDs group, and 50,474 in the acetaminophen group. Propensity score overlap weighting successfully balanced patient characteristics among the three groups, with no significant difference in in-hospital mortality rates observed among the groups (combination group risk difference 0.0% (95% CI -0.5 to 0.4%); NSAIDs group risk difference -0.2% (95% CI -0.5 to 0.2%)). However, the combination group exhibited a significantly lower risk of in-hospital complications than the acetaminophen group (risk difference -1.9% (95% CI -3.2 to -0.6%)) as well as a significantly lower risk of deep vein thrombosis (risk difference -1.4% (95% CI -2.2 to -0.7%)). Furthermore, total hospitalization costs were higher in the NSAIDs group than in the acetaminophen group (difference USD $438 (95% CI 249 to 630); p < 0.001). No significant differences in other secondary outcomes were observed among the three groups. Conclusion. The combination of acetaminophen with NSAIDs appears to be safe and advantageous in terms of reducing in-hospital complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):849–857

Aims. Fractures of the distal radius are common, and form a considerable proportion of the trauma workload. We conducted a study to examine the patterns of injury and treatment for adult patients presenting with distal radius fractures to a major trauma centre serving an urban population. Methods. We undertook a retrospective cohort study to identify all patients treated at our major trauma centre for a distal radius fracture between 1 June 2018 and 1 May 2021. We reviewed the medical records and imaging for each patient to examine patterns of injury and treatment. We undertook a binomial logistic regression to produce a predictive model for operative fixation or inpatient admission. Results. Overall, 571 fractures of the distal radius were treated at our centre during the study period. A total of 146 (26%) patients required an inpatient admission, and 385 surgical procedures for fractures of the distal radius were recorded between June 2018 and May 2021. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall from a height of one metre or less. Of the total fractures, 59% (n = 337) were treated nonoperatively, and of those patients treated with surgery, locked anterior-plate fixation was the preferred technique (79%; n = 180). Conclusion. The epidemiology of distal radius fractures treated at our major trauma centre replicated the classical bimodal distribution described in the literature. Patient age, open fractures, and fracture classification were factors correlated with the decision to treat the fracture operatively. While most fractures were treated nonoperatively, locked anterior-plate fixation remains the predominant method of fixation for fractures of the distal radius; this is despite questions and continued debate about the best method of surgical fixation for these injuries. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(8):623–627

Aims. While mechanical alignment (MA) is the traditional technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its potential for altering constitutional alignment remains poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify unintentional changes to constitutional coronal alignment and joint line obliquity (JLO) resulting from MA. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 700 primary MA TKAs (643 patients) performed between 2014 and 2017. Lateral distal femoral and medial proximal tibial angles were measured pre- and postoperatively to calculate the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA), JLO, and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) phenotypes. The primary outcome was the magnitude and direction of aHKA, JLO, and CPAK alterations. Results. The mean aHKA and JLO increased by 0.1° (SD 3.4°) and 5.8° (SD 3.5°), respectively, from pre- to postoperatively. The most common phenotypes shifted from 76.3% CPAK Types I, II, or III (apex distal JLO) preoperatively to 85.0% IV, V, or VI (apex horizontal JLO) postoperatively. The proportion of knees with apex proximal JLO increased from 0.7% preoperatively to 11.1% postoperatively. Among all MA TKAs, 60.0% (420 knees) were changed from their constitutional alignments into CPAK Type V, while 40.0% (280 knees) either remained in constitutional Type V (5.0%, 35 knees) or were unintentionally aligned into other CPAK types (35.0%; 245 knees). Conclusion. Fixed MA targets in TKA lead to substantial changes from constitutional alignment, primarily a significant increase in JLO. These findings enhance our understanding of alignment alterations resulting from both unintended changes to knee phenotypes and surgical resection imprecision. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):109–116

Aims. The aim of this study was to perform the first population-based description of the epidemiological and health economic burden of fracture-related infection (FRI). Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of operatively managed orthopaedic trauma patients from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016, performed in Queensland, Australia. Record linkage was used to develop a person-centric, population-based dataset incorporating routinely collected administrative, clinical, and health economic information. The FRI group consisted of patients with International Classification of Disease 10th Revision diagnosis codes for deep infection associated with an implanted device within two years following surgery, while all others were deemed not infected. Demographic and clinical variables, as well as healthcare utilization costs, were compared. Results. There were 111,402 patients operatively managed for orthopaedic trauma, with 2,775 of these (2.5%) complicated by FRI. The development of FRI had a statistically significant association with older age, male sex, residing in rural/remote areas, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, lower socioeconomic status, road traffic accident, work-related injuries, open fractures, anatomical region (lower limb, spine, pelvis), high injury severity, requiring soft-tissue coverage, and medical comorbidities (univariate analysis). Patients with FRI had an eight-times longer median inpatient length of stay (24 days vs 3 days), and a 2.8-times higher mean estimated inpatient hospitalization cost (AU$56,565 vs AU$19,773) compared with uninfected patients. The total estimated inpatient cost of the FRI cohort to the healthcare system was AU$156.9 million over the ten-year period. Conclusion. The results of this study advocate for improvements in trauma care and infection management, address social determinants of health, and highlight the upside potential to improve prevention and treatment strategies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):77–85

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe and compare joint-specific and generic health-related quality of life outcomes of the first versus second knee in patients undergoing staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) for osteoarthritis. Methods. This retrospective cohort study used Australian national arthroplasty registry data from January 2013 to January 2021 to identify participants who underwent elective staged BTKA with six to 24 months between procedures. The primary outcome was Oxford Knee Score (OKS) at six months postoperatively for the first TKA compared to the second TKA, adjusted for age and sex. Secondary outcomes compared six-month EuroQol five-dimension five-level (EQ-5D-5L) domain scores, EQ-5D index scores, and the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) between knees at six months postoperatively. Results. The cohort included 635 participants (1,270 primary procedures). Preoperative scores were worse in the first knee compared to the second for all instruments; however, comparing the first knee at six months postoperatively with the second knee at six months postoperatively, the mean between-knee difference was minimal for OKS (-0.8 points; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.4 to -0.2), EQ-VAS (3.3; 95% CI 1.9 to 4.7), and EQ-5D index (0.09 points; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.12). Outcomes for the EQ-5D-5L domains ‘mobility’, ‘usual activities’, and ‘pain/discomfort’ were better following the second TKA. Conclusion. At six months postoperatively, there were no clinically meaningful differences between the first and second TKA in either the joint-specific or overall generic health-related quality of life outcomes. However, individual domain scores assessing mobility, pain, and usual activities were notably higher after the second TKA, likely reflecting the cumulative improvement in quality of life after both knees have been replaced. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):202–209