Primary hip and knee joint replacements in Canada have been estimated to cost over $1.4 billion dollars annually, with revision surgery costing $177 million. The most common cause of revision arthroplasty surgery in Canada is infection. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a devastating though preventable complication following arthroplasty. Though variably used, antibiotic laden bone cement (ALBC) has been demonstrated to decrease PJIs following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Unfortunately, ALBC is costlier than regular bone cement (RBC). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if the routine use of ALBC in primary TKA surgery is a cost-effective practice from the perspective of the Canadian healthcare system. A decision tree was constructed using a decision analysis software (TreeAge Software, Williamstown, Massachusetts) to a two-year time horizon comparing primary TKA with either ALBC or RBC from the perspective of a single-payer healthcare system. All costs were in 2020 Canadian dollars. Health utilities were in the form of quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Model inputs for cost were derived from regional and national databases. Health utilities and probability parameters were derived from the latest literature. One-way deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed on all model parameters. The primary outcome of this analysis was an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000 per QALY. Primary TKA with ALBC (TKA-ALBC) was found to be more cost-effective compared to primary TKA with RBC (TKA-RBC). More specifically, TKA-ALBC dominated TKA-RBC as it was less costly on the long term ($11,160 vs. $11,118), while providing the same QALY (1.66). The ICER of this cost-utility analysis (CUA) was $-11,049.72 per QALY, much less than the WTP threshold of $50,000 per QALY. The model was sensitive to costs of ALBC-TKA as well as the probability of PJI following ALBC-TKA and RBC-TKA. ALBC ceased to be cost effective once the cost of ALBC was greater than $223.08 CAD per bag of cement. The routine use of ALBC in primary TKA is a cost-effective practice in the context of the Canadian healthcare system as long as the cost of ALBC is maintained at a reasonable price and the published studies to-date keep supporting the efficacy of ALBC in decreasing PJI following primary TKA. Further, this analysis is very conservative, and ALBC is likely much more cost-effective than presented. This is due to this model's revision surgery cost parameter being based on the average cost of all revision TKA surgery in Canada, regardless of etiology. Considering many PJIs require two-stage revisions, the cost parameter used in this analysis for revision surgery is an underestimate of true cost. Ultimately, this is the first cost-effectiveness study evaluating this topic from the perspective of the Canadian healthcare system and can inform future national guidelines on the subject matter

Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a common condition with an estimated prevalence of 3.3% in women greater than 40 years. Progressive in nature, symptomatic flatfoot deformity can be a debilitating condition due to pain and limited physical function; it has been shown to have one of the poorest preoperative patient reported outcome scores in foot and ankle pathologies, second to ankle arthritis. Operative reconstruction of PCFD can be performed in a single-stage manner or through multiple stages. The purpose of this study is to compare costs for non-staged (NS) flatfoot reconstructions, which typically require longer hospital stays, with costs for staged (S) reconstructions, where patients usually do not require hospital admission. To our knowledge, the comparison between single-staged and multi-staged flatfoot reconstructions has not been previously done. This study will run in conjunction with one that compares rates of complications and reoperation, as well as patient reported outcomes on function and pain associated with S and NS flatfoot reconstruction. Overall, the goal is to optimize surgical management of PCFD, by addressing healthcare costs and patient outcomes. At our academic centre with foot and ankle specialists, we selected one surgeon who primarily performs NS flatfoot reconstruction and another who primarily performs S procedures. Retrospective chart reviews of patients who have undergone either S or NS flatfoot reconstruction were performed from November 2011 to August 2021. Length of operating time, number of primary surgeries, length of hospital admission, and number of reoperations were recorded. Cost analysis was performed using local health authority patient rates for non residents as a proxy for health system costs. Rates of operating room per hour and hospital ward stay per diem in Canadian dollars were used. The analysis is currently ongoing. 72 feet from 66 patients were analyzed in the S group while 78 feet from 70 patients were analyzed in the NS group. The average age in the S and NS group are 49.64 +/− 1.76 and 57.23 +/− 1.68 years, respectively. The percentage of female patients in the S and NS group are 63.89% and 57.69%, respectively. All NS patients stayed in hospital post-operatively and the average length of stay for NS patients is 3.65 +/− 0.37 days. Only 10 patients from S group required hospital admission. The average total operating room cost including all stages for S patients was $12,303.12 +/− $582.20. When including in-patient ward costs for patients who required admission from S group, the average cost for operating room and in-patient ward admission was $14,196.00 +/− $1,070.01 after flatfoot reconstruction. The average in-patient ward admission cost for NS patients was $14,518.83 +/− $1,476.94 after flatfoot reconstruction. The cost analysis for total operating room costs for NS patients are currently ongoing. Statistical analysis comparing S to NS flatfoot reconstruction costs are pending. Preliminary cost analysis suggests that multi-staged flatfoot reconstruction costs less than single-staged flatfoot reconstruction. Once full assessment is complete with statistical analysis, correlation with patient reported outcomes and complication rate can guide future PCFD surgical management

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence the microbiological spectrum and clinical outcome of hip and knee revision arthroplasties with unexpected-positive-intraoperative-cultures (UPIC) at a single center with minimum follow up of 2 years.

Introduction. The accuracy of hexapod circular external fixator deformity correction is contingent on the precision of radiographic analysis during the planning stage. The aim of this study was to compare the SMART TSF (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, Tennessee) in-suite radiographic analysis methods with the traditional manual deformity analysis methods in terms of accuracy of correction. Materials and Methods. Sawbones models were used to simulate two commonly encountered clinical scenarios. Traditional manual radiographic analysis and digital SMART TSF analysis methods were used to correct the simulated deformities. Results. The final outcomes of all six analysis methods across both simulated scenarios were satisfactory. Any differences in residual deformity between the analysis methods are unlikely to be clinically relevant. All three SMART TSF digital analyses were faster to complete than manual radiographic analyses. Conclusions. With experience and a good understanding of the software, manual radiographic analysis can be extremely accurate and remains the gold standard for deformity analysis. In-suite SMART TSF radiographic analysis is fast and accurate to within clinically relevant parameters. Surgeons can with confidence trust the SMART TSF software to provide analysis and corrections that are clinically acceptable

Aims. The aim of this study was to present the first retrieval analysis findings of PRECICE STRYDE intermedullary nails removed from patients, providing useful information in the post-market surveillance of these recently introduced devices. Methods. We collected ten nails removed from six patients, together with patient clinical data and plain radiograph imaging. We performed macro- and microscopic analysis of all surfaces and graded the presence of corrosion using validated semiquantitative scoring methods. We determined the elemental composition of surface debris using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and used metrology analysis to characterize the surface adjacent to the extendable junctions. Results. All nails were removed at the end of treatment, having achieved their intended lengthening (20 mm to 65 mm) and after regenerate consolidation. All nails had evidence of corrosion localized to the screw holes and the extendable junctions; corrosion was graded as moderate at the junction of one nail and severe at the junctions of five nails. EDS analysis showed surface deposits to be chromium rich. Plain radiographs showed cortical thickening and osteolysis around the junction of six nails, corresponding to the same nails with moderate – severe junction corrosion. Conclusion. We found, in fully united bones, evidence of cortical thickening and osteolysis that appeared to be associated with corrosion at the extendable junction; when corrosion was present, cortical thickening was adjacent to this junction. Further work, with greater numbers of retrievals, is required to fully understand this association between corrosion and bony changes, and the influencing surgeon, implant, and patient factors involved. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):599–610

Reduced cervical spine canal AP diameter is linked to the development of spinal cord injury and myelopathy. This is of particular interest to clinicians in New Zealand, given a unique socio-ethnic make-up and prevalent participation in collision sport. Our study builds upon previous unpublished evidence, by analysing normal cervical spine CT scans to explore morphological differences in the sub-axial cervical spine canal, between New Zealand European, Māori and Paciāca individuals. 670 sub-axial cervical vertebrae (C3-C7) were analysed radiographically using high resolution CT trauma scans, showing no acute pathology with respect to the cervical spine. All measurements were made uPlising mulP-planar reconstruction software to obtain slices parallel to the superior endplate at each vertebral level. Maximal canal diameter was measured in the AP and transverse planes. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). We included 250 Maori, 250 NZ European and 170 Paciāca vertebrae (455 male, 215 female). Statistically and clinically signiācant differences were found in sagittal canal diameter between all ethnicities, at all spinal levels. NZ European vertebrae demonstrated the largest AP diameter and Paciāca the smallest, at all levels. Transverse canal diameter showed no signiācant difference between ethnicities, however the raatio of AP:transverse diameter was signiācantly different at all spinal levels except C3. Subjective morphological differences in the shape of the vertebral canal were noted, with Māori and Paciāca patients tending towards a flatter, curved canal shape. A previous study of 166 patients (Coldham, G. et al. 2006) found cervical canal AP diameter to be narrower in Māori and Paciāca patients than in NZ Europeans. Our study, evaluating the normal population, conārms these differences are likely reflecPve of genuine variation between these ethniciPes. Future research is required to critically evaluate the morphologic differences noted during this study

Aim. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) management of complex bone and joint infections (BJI) is increasingly implemented but studies evaluating this approach are scarce. We assessed the effectiveness of our MDT by analyzing the adherence to its treatment decisions. Method. A cohort study was conducted comprising patients with complex BJI of which the management was discussed during MDT meetings between 2015 and 2022 in a tertiary care academic hospital. Patient characteristics and MDT data were obtained from electronic patient records. Results. The analysis included 1321 MDT case decisions on 509 patients. During the study period, the number of patients discussed by the MDT increased from 2.7 to 5.5 per meeting. The percentage of discussed patients with BJI other than prosthetic joint infections (PJI) increased from 26% to 52%. The overall adherence rate to MDT decisions was 92.1%. Reasons for non-adherence were disagreement with the MDT whether cure was achieved or not (34%), new clinical information that was not available during the MDT meeting (12%), preference for suppressive antibiotic treatment over surgery (8%) or not recorded in the patient file (46%). Conclusions. Over the years, the MDT meeting content expanded from mainly PJI to all complex BJI. The high adherence rate to MDT decisions was indicative of an effective MDT. Analysis of adherence is a useful tool to evaluate an MDT and can be used to improve its quality. Different aspects of an MDT need to be evaluated to fully determine its impact and to help improve the care for patients with complex BJI

Pelvic tilt (PT) is always described as the pelvic orientation along the transverse axis, yet four PT definitions were established based on different radiographic landmarks: anterior pelvic plane (PT. a. ), the centres of femoral heads and sacral plate (PT. m. ), pelvic outlet (PT. h. ), and sacral slope (SS). These landmarks quantify a similar concept, yet understanding of their relationships is lacking. Some studies referred to the words “pelvic tilt” for horizontal comparisons, but their PT definitions might differ. There is a demand for understanding their correlations and differences for education and research purposes. This study recruited 105 sagittal pelvic radiographs (68 males and 37 females) from a single clinic awaiting their hip surgeries. Hip hardware and spine pathologies were examined for sub-group analysis. Two observers annotated four PTs in a gender-dependent manner and repeated it after six months. The linear regression model and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied with a 95% significance interval. The SS showed significant gender differences and the lowest correlations to the other parameters in the male group (-0.3< r <0.2). The correlations of SS in scoliosis (n = 7) and hip implant (female, n = 18) groups were statistically different, yet the sample sizes were too small. PT. m. demonstrated very strong correlation to PT. h. (r > 0.9) under the linear model PT. m. = 0.951 × PT. h. - 68.284. The PT. m. and PT. h. are interchangeable under a simple linear regression model, which enables study comparisons between them. In the male group, SS is more of a personalised spinal landmark independent of the pelvic anatomy. Female patients with hip implant may have more static spinopelvic relationships following a certain pattern, yet a deeper study using a larger dataset is required. The understanding of different PTs improves anatomical education

Aim. The aim of our study was to analyze putative genes for virulence factors of Cutibacterium isolates obtained from implant-associated infections. Methods. We analyzed 64 isolates of Cutibacterium spp. (C. acnes (53/64), C. avidum (6/64), C. granulosum (4/64), C. namnetense (1/64)) using NextSeq 550 (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) and performed genomic analysis of 24 genes associated with virulence factors (VFs) of C. acnes previously reported in the literature. Most isolates were obtained from implant-associated infections (IAI) between 2012–2021 at the Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana. Additionally, we included the first C. namnetense isolated in our laboratory from surgical site infection. Results. C. acnes and C. namnetense have the highest number of VFs among those examined. The VFs gntK (shikimate kinase) and HYL-IB / II (hyaluronate lyase) are absent in phylotype IA. 1. (sequence types (ST) A, C, D according to the SLST scheme). Repressor gene of porphyrin synthesis, deoR is present in all Cutibacterium spp. isolates. The phylotypes II and IB show a similar distribution of VFs, with the presence of the VFs rcsB (compound for biofilm formation) and HYL-IA (hyaluronate lyase), which are absent in other C. acnes phylotypes and other Cutibacterium spp. In phylotypes IA. 1. and IB, the sequence of genes encoding VFs dsA1 and dsA2 does not have 100% genomic coverage, possibly indicating homologs between species. The isolates of C. acnes and C. namnetense possess all three CAMP (1,2,4) factors, which are not detected in other Cutibacterium spp. However, further analysis revealed species-specific CAMP factors in C. avidum and C. granulosum. Both species also have similar other genes for VFs, mainly encoding heat shock proteins and lipases, while VFs related to biofilm production are mostly absent (rcsB, ytpA). Conclusion. We found several differences in the distribution of VFs among Cutibacterium spp. isolated from IAI

Functional outcomes are important for patients with bone tumors undergoing lower extremity endoprosthetic reconstruction; however, there is limited empirical evidence evaluating function longitudinally. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in function over time in patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstructions of the proximal femur, distal femur and proximal tibia. We conducted a secondary analysis of functional outcome data from the Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery (PARITY) trial. Patient function was assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score 93 (MSTS) and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), which were administered preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Both instruments are scored from 0-100, with higher scores indicated greater function. Mean functional scores were evaluated over time and we explored for differences among patients undergoing proximal femur reconstructions (PFR), distal femur reconstructions (DFR) and proximal tibia reconstructions (PTR). The patient-importance of statistically significant differences in function was evaluated utilizing the minimally important difference (MID) of 12 for the MSTS and 11 for the TESS. We explored for differences in change scores between each time interval with paired t-tests. Differences based on endoprosthetic reconstruction undertaken were evaluated by analysis of variance and post-hoc comparisons using the Tukey test. A total of 573 patients were included. The overall mean MSTS and TESS scores were 77.1(SD±21) and 80.2(SD±20) respectively at 1-year post-surgery, demonstrating approximately a 20-point improvement from baseline for both instruments. When evaluating change scores over time by type of reconstruction, PFR patients experienced significant functional improvement during the 3-6 and 6-12 month follow-up intervals, DFR patients demonstrated significant improvements in function at each follow-up interval, and PTR patients reported a significant decrease in function from baseline to 3 months, and subsequent improvements during the 3-6 and 6-12 month intervals. On average, patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction of the lower extremity experience important improvements in function from baseline within the first year. Patterns of functional recovery varied significantly based on type of reconstruction performed. The results of this study will inform both clinicians and patients about the expected rehabilitation course and functional outcomes following endoprosthetic reconstruction of the lower extremity

Distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) fusion using a k-wire has been the gold standard treatment for DIPJ arthritis. Recent studies have shown similar patient outcomes with the headless compression screws (HCS), however there has been no cost analysis to compare the two. Therefore, this study aims to 1) review the cost of DIPJ fusion between k-wire and HCS 2) compare functional outcome and patient satisfaction between the two groups. A retrospective review was performed over a nine-year period from 2012-2021 in Counties Manukau. Cost analysis was performed between patients who underwent DIPJ fusion with either HCS or k-wire. Costs included were surgical cost, repeat operations and follow-up clinic costs. The difference in pre-operative and post-operative functional and pain scores were also compared using the patient rate wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE). Of the 85 eligible patients, 49 underwent fusion with k-wires and 36 had HCS. The overall cost was significantly lower in the HCS group which was 6554 New Zealand Dollars (NZD), whereas this was 10408 NZD in the k-wire group (p<0.0001). The adjusted relative risk of 1.3 indicate that the cost of k-wires is 1.3 times more than HCS (P=0.0053). The patients’ post-operative PRWHE pain (−22 vs −18, p<0.0001) and functional scores (−38 vs −36, p<0.0001) improved significantly in HCS group compared to the k-wire group. Literatures have shown similar DIPJ fusion outcomes between k-wire and HCS. K-wires often need to be removed post-operatively due to the metalware irritation. This leads to more surgical procedures and clinic follow-ups, which overall increases the cost of DIPJ fusion with k-wires. DIPJ fusion with HCS is a more cost-effective with a lower surgical and follow-up costs compared to the k-wiring technique. Patients with HCS also tend to have a significant improvement in post-operative pain and functional scores

The Adams-Berger reconstruction is an effective technique for treating distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Graft preparation techniques vary amongst surgeons with insufficient evidence to support one technique over another. Our study evaluated the biomechanical properties of four graft preparation techniques. Extensor tendons were harvested from fresh frozen porcine trotters obtained from a local butcher shop and prepared in one of three configurations (n=5 per group): tendon only; tendon prepared with non-locking, running suture (2-0 FiberLoop, Arthrex, Naples, FL) spaced at 6 mm intervals; and tendon prepared with suture spaced at 12 mm intervals. A fourth configuration of suture alone was also tested. Tendons were allocated in a manner to ensure comparable average diameters amongst groups. Biomechanical testing occurred using custom jigs simulating radial and ulnar tunnels attached to a Bose Electroforce 3510 mechanical testing machine (TA Instruments). After being woven through the jigs, all tendons were sutured end-to-end with 2-0 PROLENE suture (Ethicon). Tendons then underwent a staircase cyclic loading protocol (5-25 Newtons [N] at 1 hertz [Hz] for 1000 cycles, then 5-50 N at 1 Hz for 1000 cycles, then 5-75 N at 1 Hz for 1000 cycles) until graft failure; if samples did not fail during the protocol, they were then loaded to failure. Samples were visually inspected for mode of failure after the protocol. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare average tendon diameter; post-hac Tuhey tests were used to compare elongation and elongation rate. Survival to cyclic loading was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log rank. Statistical significance was set at a = 0.05. The average tendon diameter of each group was not statistically different [4.17 mm (tendon only), 4.33 mm (FiberLoop spaced 6 mm), and 4.30 mm (FiberLoop spaced 12 mm)]. The average survival of tendon augmented with FiberLoop was significantly higher than tendon only, and all groups had significantly improved survival compared to suture only. There was no difference in survival between FiberLoop spaced 6 mm and 12 mm. Elongation was significantly lower with suture compared to tendon augmented with FiberLoop spaced 6 mm. Elongation rate was significantly lower with suture compared to all groups. Modes of failure included rupture of the tendon, suture, or both at the simulated bone and suture and/or tendon interface, and elongation of the entire construct without rupture. In this biomechanical study, augmentation of porcine tendons with FiberLoop suture spaced at either 6 or 12 mm for DRUJ reconstruction significantly increased survival to a staircase cyclic loading protocol, as suture material was significantly stiffer than any of the tendon graft configurations

Aim. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) and surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the most severe complications in joint arthroplasty. Decolonization measures prior to elective orthopedic surgeries have shown to reduce the risk of infection especially in patient identified as carriers of S. aureus. However additional screening measures can be difficult to implement in daily routine. The objective was to study the influence of universal decolonization with polihaxanid on SSI rates. Method. Between January 2017 and December 2018 patients scheduled for hip or knee joint arthroplasty in 5 participating orthopedic centers received polyhexanid containing decolonization set consisting of oral, nasal and wipes. Patients were instructed to perform a 5 day decolonization regimen 4 days prior to surgery. SSIs were recorded according to modified CDC criteria for a surveillance period of 90days after surgery. Results. During the study period, 4437 decolonization sets were distributed to patients. 1869 patients consented to participate in the study and provide detailed feedback on compatibility and compliance. Overall SSI rate was 0.87 per 100 surgeries prior to introduction of the decolonization, while it was 0.97 per 100 surgeries during the period of decolonization and 0.59 per 100 surgeries in those using the decolonization set. SSI rates due to Staphylococcus aureus were 0.32 per 100 surgeries, 0.21 per 100 surgeries and 0.05 per 100 surgeries respectively. In patients receiving an elective hip-joint arthroplasty SSI rate was 0.93 per 100 surgeries prior to introduction, while it was 1.17 per 100 surgeries during the intervention period and 0.96 per 100 surgeries in patients that used the decolonization set. However SSI rates due to Staphylococcus aureus were 0.30 per 100 surgeries, 0.14 per 100 surgeries and 0.10 per 100 surgeries respectively. In patients receiving, an elective knee-joint arthroplasty SSI rate was 0.52 per 100 surgeries prior to introduction, while it was 0.53 per 100 surgeries during the intervention period and 0.12 per 100 surgeries in patients that used the decolonization set. However, SSI rates due to Staphylococcus aureus were 0.20 per 100 surgeries, 0.13 per 100 surgeries and 0.00 per 100 surgeries respectively. In addition to these preliminary results, we will provide and present a further analysis of the study results. Conclusions. Polyhexanid based universal decolonization measures were safely implemented. Universal decolonization with polyhexanid might have a benefit on S. aureus SSI rates in patients with joint arthroplasty, especially in elective knee arthroplasty. Further evaluations are needed

Aims. Distraction osteogenesis with intramedullary lengthening devices has undergone rapid development in the past decade with implant enhancement. In this first single-centre matched-pair analysis we focus on the comparison of treatment with the PRECICE and STRYDE intramedullary lengthening devices and aim to clarify any clinical and radiological differences. Methods. A single-centre 2:1 matched-pair retrospective analysis of 42 patients treated with the STRYDE and 82 patients treated with the PRECICE nail between May 2013 and November 2020 was conducted. Clinical and lengthening parameters were compared while focusing radiological assessment on osseous alterations related to the nail’s telescopic junction and locking bolts at four different stages. Results. Osteolysis next to the telescopic junction was observed in 31/48 segments (65%) lengthened with the STRYDE nail before implant removal compared to 1/91 segment (1%) in the PRECICE cohort. In the STRYDE cohort, osteolysis initially increased, but decreased or resolved in almost all lengthened segments (86%) after implant removal. Implant failure was observed in 9/48 STRYDE (19%) and in 8/92 PRECICE nails (9%). Breakage of the distal locking bolts was found in 5/48 STRYDE nails (10%) compared to none in the PRECICE cohort. Treatment-associated pain was generally recorded as mild and found in 30/48 patients (63%) and 39/92 (42%) in the STRYDE and PRECICE cohorts, respectively. Temporary range of motion (ROM) limitations under distraction were registered in 17/48 (35%) segments treated with the STRYDE and 35/92 segments (38%) treated with the PRECICE nail. Conclusion. Osteolysis and periosteal reaction, implant breakage, and pain during lengthening and consolidation is more likely in patients treated with the STRYDE nail compared to the PRECICE nail. Temporary ROM limitations during lengthening occurred independent of the applied device. Implant-related osseous alterations seem to remodel after implant removal. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):88–96

The prevalence of alcohol and opioids in severely injured patients has been widely reported from 30-80%. However, despite the increasing global misuse of stimulant drugs, there is a paucity of literature regarding the presence of stimulant drugs in trauma patients. The primary aim of this study was to define the prevalence of stimulant drugs that were detected in patients who presented to Level One Trauma Centers throughout North America, and their effect on length of stay and mortality. Our triage criteria for admittance to the regional trauma centre are based on the recommendations by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, who now recommend toxicology screening on every patient. This was a retrospective analysis of data from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program, including all patients presenting emergently to participating Level 1 Trauma Centers from January 2017 to December 2018. A stimulant drug was defined as the detection of cocaine, amphetamine, or methamphetamine. Adults aged 18-64 years were included. Patient risk factors were included adjusted for in the analysis: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), alcohol screening results and smoking status. Univariate analysis was performed for all variables. Multivariable logistic regression and liner regression were used for mortality and length of stay, respectively. Of a total of 110,561 patients included in the study, 15,958 patients (14.4%) had positive screens for stimulants. The average age in the stimulants cohort was 40.8 years, with a 77.6% male preponderance, BMI of 26.9, blood alcohol content of 0.07, and ISS of 11.3. The control cohort was comparable, though 71.1% male (p<0.001) Patients who tested positive for stimulants had 1.79 times (95% CI, 1.09-2.93) the odds of dying in the emergency department as the control group (p=0.02). Following transfer from the emergency department, the odds ratio for deaths in hospital (OR=1.02, 95% CI 0.90-1.15) was comparable to the control group (p=0.78). The mean length of stay was significantly higher in the stimulant group (2.84 days) compared to the control group (1.79 days) (p<.001). In the Intensive Care Unit, length of stay was 0.64 days in the stimulant group versus 1.65 in the control (p=0.48). Stimulant misuse is a relevant issue in the trauma population, associated with a longer hospital stay and higher mortality in the emergency department. The continued routine drug screening of trauma patients may be beneficial in trauma centers, to implement preventative measures and optimise resource allocation

Conferences centered around surgery suffers from gender disparity with male faculty having a more dominant presence in meetings compared to female faculty. Orthopedic Surgery possibly suffers the most from this problem of all surgical specialties, and is reflective of a gender disparity in the field. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of “manels”, or male-only sessions, in eight major Orthopedic Surgery meetings hosted in 2021 and to quantify the differences in location of practice, academic position, years of practice, and research qualifications between male and female faculty. Eight Orthopedic conferences organized by major Orthopedic associations (AAOS, COA, OTA, EFORT, AAHKS, ORS, NASS, and AOSSM) from February 2021 to November 2021 were analyzed. Meeting information was retrieved from the conference agendas, and details of chairs and speakers were obtained from Linkedin, Doximity, CPSO, personal websites, and Web of Science. Primary outcomes included: one) percentage of male faculty in all included sessions and two) overall percentage of manels. Secondary outcomes included one) percentage of male speakers and chairs in all included sessions, two) overall percentage of male-chair and male-speaker only sessions. Comparisons for outcomes were made between conferences and session topics (adult reconstruction hip, adult reconstruction knee, practice management/rehabilitation, trauma, sports, general, pediatrics, upper extremity, musculoskeletal oncology, foot and ankle, spine, and miscellaneous). Mean number of sessions for male and female were compared after being stratified into quartiles based on publications, sum of times cited, and H-indexes. Data was analyzed with non-parametric analysis, chi-square tests, or independent samples t-tests using SPSS version 28.0.0.0 with a p-value of < 0 .05 being considered statistically significant. Of 193 included sessions, 121 (62.3%) were manels and the mean percentage of included faculty that was male was 88.9% Apart from the topics of practice management/rehabilitation and musculoskeletal oncology, male representation was very high. Additionally, most included conferences had an extremely high percentage of male representation apart from meetings hosted by the COA and ORS. Non-manel sessions had a greater mean number of chairs (p=0.006), speakers (p < 0 .001), and faculty (p < 0 .001) than manel sessions. Of 1080 total included faculty members, 960 (88.9%) were male. Male faculty were more likely to be Orthopedic surgeons than female faculty (p < 0 .001) while also more likely to hold academic rank as a professor. Mean number of sessions between male and female faculty within their respective quartiles of H-indexes, sum of times cited, and number of publications did not reach statistical significance. Mean years of practice between male and female faculty was also not significantly different. There is a high prevalence of manels and an overall lack of female representation in Orthopedic meetings. Orthopedic associations should aim to make efforts to increase gender equity in future meetings

Aims. Periprosthetic fungal infections are rare and account for 1–2% of all periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). This study aims at presenting treatment details, clinical and microbiological results in a large single centre cohort. Methods. We retrospectively identified 29 patients (9 total knee replacements (TKA) and 20 total hip replacements (THA) treated for a fungal infection between 2007 and 2019. Microbiological findings, patient demographics and complications were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics; non-parametric analysis were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-Test. Infection-free survival was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and differences in survival were analysed using the log-rank test. The p value was set at p<0.05 with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) provided. Results. 28% (8/29) suffered from reinfection. The reinfection-free survival probability was 65% (95% CI 45–85) after a median follow- up period of 28 months (IQR 6 – 39). With the numbers we had, we were not able to detect a difference between THA and TKA re-infections (p=0.517). Four patients underwent amputation, 3 patients had a definitive girdlestone hip and eight patients died after a median of 5 months after first-stage surgery (IQR 1–7). All patients treated had positive synovial fluid or tissue cultures for Candida species. In 22 /29 patients C. albicans, in 3 patients C. parapsilosis, in 2 patients C. glabrata and in 1 patient each C. famata, C. dubliniensis and C. gulliermondii. Polymicrobial bacterial infection was found in 86% of patients with staphylococci in 20 patients, E. coli in 2 patients, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, pseudomonas, acinetobacter and achromobacter species in 1 patient each. When investigating risk factors for reinfection, with the numbers we had we were not able to find a significant difference for patients with polymicrobial infection (p=0.974), azole-resistant Candida (p=0.491), tobacco users (p=0.175), or diabetics (p=0.54). Furthermore, median age (73 vs. 72, p=0.756) and Charlson comorbidity score (6 (interquartile range (IQR) 4–8) vs. 8 (IQR 5–10), p=0.184) were not different between the groups while on the other hand there was a trend for a higher body mass index in patients with reinfection (34 (IQR 31–38) vs. 28 (IQR 25–33), p=0.075). Conclusions. Fungal PJI is associated with poor reinfection free survival, frequent revisions, and high mortality. All infections were caused by Candida spp. in which azole-resistance most be considered when planning treatment. While polymicrobial infection complicated treatment there was no difference in survival. A higher BMI and comorbidity score might be associated with higher risk for reinfections

Introduction. Neck of femur (NoF) fractures have an inherent 6.5% 30-day mortality as per National hip fracture database(2019). Several studies have demonstrated a higher mortality rate in covid positive NoFs but have been unable to demonstrate whether there are risk factors that contribute to the risk of mortality in this patient group or whether COVID is solely responsible for the higher mortality. Aims. To assess risk factors that are concurrently present in a fracture NoF cohort that may contribute to higher mortality in COVID positive patients. Methods. A cross sectional, retrospective study was performed for a period of 1 year starting from 1st March 2020. All surgically treated neck of femur fracture patients having an isolated intra/extracapsular fracture were included in the study. Data fields recorded- patient demographics, date and time of admission, ward discharge, surgery, mode of surgery (fixation/arthroplasty), prehospital AMTS score, residential status and mobility, ASA grade as per anaesthetist's records, date of death (if deceased), cause of death (as per death certificate/ postmortem / coroner's report). Analysis of mortality was carried out by creating a matched comparison group for each risk factor as well as some combinations. Results. 344 patients were surgically treated for a neck of femur fracture in our DGH during the period of 1st March 2020 to 28th February 2021. 46 patients did not receive a COVID swab (reasons unknown) and were excluded from the study. 35 patients had a COVID-19 RT PCR positive test during their hospital stay and 264 patients remained negative. There were 12 deaths in COVID positive patients (34%) and 53 deaths in COVID negative patients (20%) within the time frame of the study. For each risk factor matched group COVID was seen to confer higher mortality in general. There was no mortality in ASA 1 or 2 patients. Mortality rates in matched groups for age and ASA revealed 23.8% mortality in COVID positive as opposed to 17.3% in COVID negative for ASA 3 and 33.3% mortality in COVID positive vs. 28% in ASA 4. 11 out of the 12 COVID positive patients who died had an AMTS score >6. No correlation was seen between COVID positive deaths and preinjury residential status, type of fracture or surgery offered, or preinjury mobility. The average length of hospital stay was much higher for COVID positive patients (19.5days) as compared to 9.5 days for COVID negative patients. Conclusion. Matched group analysis show that there is a 37.5% increase in COVID positive neck of femur fracture mortality in ASA 3 patients, the same number falls to 17.8% for ASA 4 patients. These figures are much lower compared to other studies in the UK. There is a need to understand the real cause of death in this subset and to improve death certification so that we can differentiate between patients whose mortality is ‘due to’ or ‘With’ COVID

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolomic profile of synovial fluid in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases regarding a possible diagnostic approach. Also, further information about the metabolic composition of synovial fluid in PJI may point to future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Method. Patients with a clinical suspicion of a prosthesis infection who underwent a joint puncture in our outpatient department or ward were included. After sample preparation, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were performed at 310 K on an AVANCE™ NeoBruker Ultrashield 600 MHz spectrometer. Bruker Topspin version 4.0.2 was used for NMR data acquisition. The spectra for all samples were automatically processed (exponential line broadening of 0.3 Hz), phased, and referenced using TSP at 0.0 ppm. In total, 37 metabolites were analysed using a volume of 200 µl per synovial sample. The PJI and aseptic cases were assigned according to the EBJIS criteria. Results. In total, 76 samples were included in the final analysis with 48 PJI cases and 28 aseptic cases. Five measured metabolites have shown an area under the curve (AUC) over 0.8, with Taurine (AUC 0.8558, p<0.0001) and Glutamine (AUC 0.8333, p<0.0001) showing the best diagnostic performance. When combining two metabolites, the AUC indicated even higher diagnostic performance: Glucose/Glycogen (AUC 0.9073, p<0.0001), Taurine/Mannose (AUC 0.9073, p<0.0001), Mannose/Glycogen (AUC 0.8992, p<0.0001) and Taurine/Glucose (AUC 0.8956, p<0.0001). Conclusions. While NMR as a method in PJI diagnostics is currently not broadly available for daily clinical work, our results indicate that certain synovial metabolites and their combinations can be used for PJI diagnosis

Aim. Quadrupled hamstring anterior cruciate ligament plasties (4xHp) have been described as having a higher risk of infection than bone patellar tendon bone plasties (BPTBp). There are 2 theories that might explain this phenomenon. One is the presence of sutures in a 4xHp that could act as a foreign body, The other is the more complex preparation of a 4xHp that might lead to higher contamination rates during the process. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the formation of biofilm in these plasties and to compare it between a 4xHp and a BPTBp. The hypothesis was that the presence of sutures in 4xHp would increase the amount of biofilm present in them in comparison to BPTBp. Method. A descriptive in vitro study was conducted. One 4xHp and one BPTBp were prepared. They were subsequently divided into 8 fragments. Three of them were reserved for negative control, and the rest were contaminated with a strain of S. Epidermidis (ATCC 35984) 10–5. Finally, a quantitative analysis was carried out by means of microcalorimetry and sonication with plating. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was carried out by means of electron microscopy. Results. In isothermal microcalorimetry, both contaminated plasties showed the same growth dynamics with a population peak (200uW) at 8h. No significant differences were found between the bacterial growth profiles of 4xHp and BPTBp. The product of sonication was plated and the number of colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) was counted at 24 hours. No significant differences were detected between the 4×Hp (mean +/− sem = 3,5×107 +/− 3450000) and the BPTBp (4,6 ×107 +/− 1,455e+7). With a p value of 0.6667, there were no differences of significance (Mann-Whitney test). In the samples analyzed with electron microscopy, no specific biofilm growth pattern was identified upon comparing BPTBp with 4xHp. Conclusions. There were no significant differences at either the quantitative or qualitative level when comparing bacterial growth in BPTBp and 4xHp. Therefore, the presence of sutures in 4xHp cannot be established as a predisposing factor to higher infection rates. These findings may be justified in the sense that the plasties themselves already behave like foreign bodies. Therefore, the presence of sutures does not increase the possibility of biofilm forming on their surface