Purpose. compare the radiological results in sagittal balance correction obtained with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) versus anterior-posterior osteotomy (APO) by double approach in adults. Material and Methods. between January of 2001 and July of 2009, fifty-eight vertebral osteotomies were carried out in fifty-six patients: 9 Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO), one vertebral resection osteotomy (VRO), 30 anterior-posterior osteotomies (APO) and 18 pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSO), being the lasts two groups the sample studied (48 osteotomies). The mean age of the patients was 56.3 years (17–72). Initial diagnose was: 28 posttraumathic kyphosis, 7 postsurgical kyphosis, 7 adult degenerative disease, 4 ankylosing spondylitis and 2 congenital kyphoscoliosis. We evaluated the preoperative standing radiographs, the postoperative and at final follow-up by digital measurements with iPACS system viewer (© Real Time Image, USA, 2001). The mean follow-up was 54 months (6–98), and complications were analized. Results. The group APO had a mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 67 °, a mean lumbar lordosis of −42° and a mean sagital balance of 8.6°. The group PSO had a mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 41°, a mean lumbar lordosis of −22° and a mean sagital balance of 12.3°. The mean correction in the APO group was 29° in its thoracic kyphosis, 8° of lumbar lordosis and 6.5° in its sagital balance. The mean correction in the PSO group was 12° of the thoracic kyphosis, 25 in the lumbar lordosis and 8.4 cm in the sagital balance. The local correction obtained at the osteotomy level was 28° in the APO group and 25.3° in the PSO group. There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of correction between both groups (p>0.05). In terms of complications, PSO group had lower complication rate (26.6%) comparing to ODV group (44.5%). Conclusions. APO and PSO are useful techniques to correct the global sagital balance in patients with a disturbance of the sagittal profile. The correction obtained with the PSO is similar to obtained with the APO. Patients undergoing an OSP had a lower complication rate than patients undergoing APO

Introduction. In valgus knees, ligament balance remain difficult when implanting a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), this leads some authors to systematically propose the use of constrained devices. Others prefer reserving higher constraints to cases where it is not possible to obtain final satisfactory balance: less than 5 of residual frontal laxity in extension in each compartment, and a tibiofemoral gap difference not in excess to 3mm between flexion and extension. The goal of the study was to assess if is possible to establish preoperative criteria that can predict a constrained design prosthetic implantation at surgery. Materials and Methods. A consecutive series of 93 total knee prostheses, implanted to treat a valgus deformity of more than 5 was retrospectively analysed. Preoperatively, full weight bearing long axis AP views A-P were performed: hip knee angle (HKA) averaged 195 (186 to 226), 36 knees had more than 15 of valgus, and 19 others more than 20 of valgus. Laxity was measured by stress radiographies with a TelosTM system at 100 N. Fifty-two knees had preoperative laxity in the coronal plane of more than 10. Fourteen knees had more than 5 laxity on the convex (medial) side, 21 knees had more than 10 laxity on the concave (lateral) side. Statistical assessment, using univariate analysis, identified the factors that led, at surgery, to an elevated constraint selection level; these factors of independence were tested by multivariate analysis. Logistical regression permitted the classification of the said factors by their odds ratios (OR). Results. High-constraints prostheses (CCK type) were used in 26 out of 93 TKA, the other TKA were regular posterostabilized (PS) prostheses. Statistically, the preoperative factors that led to the choice of a constrained prosthesis were: (1) valgus severity as measured by HKA (PS = (PS = 193, CCK = 198), (2) increased posterior tibial slope (PS = 4.8, CCK = 6.5), (3) low patellar height (using Blackburne and Peel index PS = 0.89, CCK = 0.77), (4) severity of laxity in valgus (PS = 2.3, CCK = 4.3). Among all these factors, the only independent one was laxity in valgus (convex side laxity) (p = 0.0008). OR analysis showed a two-fold increased probability of implanting an elevated constraints prosthesis for each one degree increment of laxity in valgus. Discussion. This study demonstrated that it was not the valgus angle severity but rather the convex medial side laxity that increased the frequency of constrained prostheses implantation. Other factors, as a low patellar height or an elevated posterior tibial slope, when associated, potentiate this possible prosthetic switch (to higher constraints) and should make surgeons aware, in these situations, of encountering difficulties when establishing ligament balance

Aims. Surgery is often delayed in patients who sustain a hip fracture and are treated with a total hip arthroplasty (THA), in order to await appropriate surgical expertise. There are established links between delay and poorer outcomes in all patients with a hip fracture, but there is little information about the impact of delay in the less frail patients who undergo THA. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of delayed surgery on outcomes in these patients. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using data from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit between May 2016 and December 2020. Only patients undergoing THA were included, with categorization according to surgical treatment within 36 hours of admission (≤ 36 hours = ‘acute group’ vs > 36 hours = ‘delayed’ group). Those with delays due to being “medically unfit” were excluded. The primary outcome measure was 30-day survival. Costs were estimated in relation to the differences in the lengths of stay. Results. A total of 1,375 patients underwent THA, with 397 (28.9%) having surgery delayed by > 36 hours. There were no significant differences in the age, sex, residence prior to admission, and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation for those with, and those without, delayed surgery. Both groups had statistically similar 30-day (99.7% vs 99.3%; p = 0.526) and 60-day (99.2% vs 99.0%; p = 0.876) survival. There was, however, a significantly longer length of stay for the delayed group (acute: 7.0 vs delayed: 8.9 days; p < 0.001; overall: 8.7 vs 10.2 days; p = 0.002). Delayed surgery did not significantly affect the rates of 30-day readmission (p = 0.085) or discharge destination (p = 0.884). The results were similar following adjustment for potential confounding factors. The estimated additional cost due to delayed surgery was £1,178 per patient. Conclusion. Delayed surgery does not appear to be associated with increased mortality in patients with an intracapsular hip fracture who undergo THA, compared with those who are treated with a hemiarthroplasty or internal fixation. Those with delayed surgery, however, have a longer length of stay, with financial consequences. Clinicians must balance ethical considerations, the local provision of orthopaedic services, and optimization of outcomes when determining the need to delay surgery in a patient with a hip fracture awaiting THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1201–1205

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To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) after tibial plateau fracture (TPF) compared to preinjury and population matched values, and what aspects of treatment were most important to patients.

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Femoral periprosthetic fractures are rising in incidence. Their management is complex and carries a high associated mortality. Unlike native hip fractures, there are no guidelines advising on time to theatre in this group. We aim to determine whether delaying surgical intervention influences morbidity or mortality in femoral periprosthetic fractures.

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Occult (clinical) injuries represent 15% of all scaphoid fractures, posing significant challenges to the clinician. MRI has been suggested as the gold standard for diagnosis, but remains expensive, time-consuming, and is in high demand. Conventional management with immobilization and serial radiography typically results in multiple follow-up attendances to clinic, radiation exposure, and delays return to work. Suboptimal management can result in significant disability and, frequently, litigation.

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Though most humeral shaft fractures heal nonoperatively, up to one-third may lead to nonunion with inferior outcomes. The Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral Fractures (RUSHU) was created to identify high-risk patients for nonunion. Our study evaluated the RUSHU’s prognostic performance at six and 12 weeks in discriminating nonunion within a significantly larger cohort than before.

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The aim of this study was to compare the early postoperative mortality and morbidity in older patients with a fracture of the femoral neck, between those who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and those who underwent hemiarthroplasty.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the association between additional rehabilitation at the weekend, and in-hospital mortality and complications in patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery.

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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.

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To determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection improves outcomes two years after acute Achilles tendon rupture.

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To evaluate the impact of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the odds of having deep infections and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following open fractures.

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The purpose of this study was to determine the weightbearing practice of operatively managed fragility fractures in the setting of publically funded health services in the UK and Ireland.

Background. Computer-assisted navigation systems for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were introduced to improve implantation accuracy and to optimize ligament balancing. Several comparative studies in the literature confirmed an effect on the component position and other studies could not confirm these results. For ligament balancing most studies found no significant influence on the clinical outcome using a navigation system for TKA. In the literature there were no reports of mid-term results after navigated TKA. With our study we wanted to show if the use of a navigation system for TKA will have an influence on the component's position and on the clinical results at 5-year follow up. Methods. We enrolled 200 patients in a prospective randomized study with a minimum follow up of 5 years. 100 TKA were operated on without using a navigation system (Group A) and 100 surgeries (Group B) were done with computer assistance. Radiological investigation by standard radiographs including a long-leg X-ray was performed with a follow up rate in Group A of 86.2% versus 80.2% in Group B. We measured the mechanical axis of the leg, lateral distal femoral angel (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), tibial slope and the alpha-angle of the patella. Clinical investigation was performed with a follow up rate in Group A of 85.7% versus 79.8% in Group B including the parameters for the range of motion (ROM), ligament balancing, anterior drawer test, feeling of instability, anterior knee pain, effusion, WOMAC Score, Insall Score and HSS Knee Score. Results. In both groups there was no aseptic loosening or difference in TKA survival rate (Group A 95.4% versus Group B 98.85% 5-year survival rate, p = 0.368). With the navigation technique the mechanical axis of the limb in the frontal plane was improved (p = 0.015; Group B: 1.67 ° ± 1.6° versus 2,44 ° ± 2.2 ° in Group A). 90% of the Group B and 81% of the Group A were within 3 ° varus/valgus deformity of the mechanical axis of the limb (p = 0.157). The accuracy of tibial slope was higher in the Group B (p = 0.001). More patients of the Group B (95% versus 79%) were within a deviation of 3 °, −7 ° tibial slope (p = 0.007). The mean deviation of 90 ° LDFA was higher (p = 0.034) in the Group A (1.89 ° versus 1.36 ° in Group B). Mean deviation of 90 ° MPTA, mean MPTA, mean LDFA and patella alpha angle were similar in both groups (p 0.253). There was no difference in ROM, ligament balancing, anterior drawer test, anterior knee pain or feeling of instability (p 0.058). Insall Knee Score total (181 Group A/191 Group B) and HSS Knee Score total (91 Group A/93 Group B) was higher with the navigated procedure in Group B (p 0.026). WOMAC total and HSS grades were similar in both groups (p 0.070). Conclusions. The accuracy of the mechanical axis of the limb and the tibial slope was higher with the navigated procedure. TKA survival rate and clinical outcomes were similar in both groups at 5-year follow up

Scheuermann's kyphosis is a structural deformity of the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine, which can result in severe pain, neurological compromise and cosmetic dissatisfaction. Modern surgical techniques have improved correction through a posterior-only or antero-posterior approach but can result in significant morbidity. We present our results of the surgical management of severe Scheuermann's kyphosis by a single surgeon with respect to deformity correction, global balance parameters, functional outcomes and complications at latest follow-up. We included 49 patients, of which 46 had thoracic and 3 had thoracolumbar kyphosis. Surgical indications included persistent back pain, progressive deformity, neurological compromise and poor self-image. Fourty-seven patients underwent posterior-only and 2 antero-posterior spinal arthrodesis utilising Chevron-type osteotomies and hybrid instrumentation. Mean age at surgery was 16.0 years with mean postoperative follow-up of 4.5 years. Mean kyphosis corrected from 92.1o to 46.9o (p<0.001). Concomitant scoliosis was eliminated in all of the 28 affected patients. Coronal and sagittal balance was corrected in all patients. Mean blood loss was 24% total blood volume. Mean operation time was 4.3 hours with mean inpatient stay of 9 days. SRS-22 questionnaire improved from a mean preoperative score of 3.4 to 4.6 at 2 years, with high treatment satisfaction rates. Complications included one toxic septicaemia episode but otherwise no wound infections, no junctional deformity, no loss of correction and no requirement for re-operation. Posterior spinal arthrodesis with the use of hybrid instrumentation can safely achieve excellent correction of severe Scheuermann's kyphosis helping to relieve back pain, improve functional outcomes and enhance self-image

Abstract. Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) for the management of bone defects in long bones is an established technique. Problems with bone regeneration are a common occurrence and literature is full of different modalities to enhance regenerate formation and quality. Strontium Ranelate (SR) has a dual mode of action and enhances bone formation in addition to decreasing osteoclastic activity. Due to this dual mode of action as well as ease of administration in a suspension form, it makes an ideal drug in scenarios where realignment of bone homeostasis towards positive bone balance is desirable. We studied the relationship of administration of SR with rate of regenerate progression, docking site union and complications associated with bone transport in 48 patients undergoing bone transport for management of bone defects. The findings of our retrospective observation study indicated that compliant use of SR was associated with good regenerate progression, decreased problems with docking site union and decreased the need for additional interventions

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The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to predict the mortality, and the extent and time of neurological recovery from the time of the onset of symptoms and MRI grade, in patients with the cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES). This has not previously been investigated.

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To explore staff experiences of a multicentre pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing intramedullary nails and circular frame external fixation for segmental tibial fractures.

Competition ratios for Core Surgical Training (CST) and Higher Specialist Training in Trauma & Orthopaedic (T&O) surgery have decreased over the last 5 years. Whilst multifactorial, one reason thought to contribute to career decision- making, is junior doctors' experience whilst working in that specialty. This study aimed to identify ‘who’ is currently working on the “1st on call” tier in T&O in the UK, and what clinical activities are undertaken. Collaborators were recruited between 12/09/2015 – 17/01/2016 via the BOTA networks. Data was prospectively collected between 18/01/2015 and 22/01/2015. Each collaborator completed a coded clinical activity diary for all doctors on the “1st on call” rota for T&O in their hospital. Activity parameters included doctor grade, rota gaps, operative and clinic exposure, on call activity, and ward cover. 221 collaborators submitted clinical activity data regarding 933 junior doctors from 100 T&O departments in the UK. 30 rota gaps were identified. The mean number of junior tier doctors was 9 (range 1–23). The “Lost Tribe” comprised Foundation Year 2 (26%), Core Surgical Trainee (19%), Trust Grade (20%), and locum doctors (13%), amongst other grades. During the study period, 2.5% of the ‘Lost Tribe’s' time was allocated to clinic, 2.7% to theatre, 27% to ward cover and 34.6% to zero sessions. Doctors-in-training make up a minority of the workforce and as such, the T&O profession need to do more to ensure that junior doctors are exposed to clinics and operative lists to specifically address the balance between training and service delivery

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We report the long-term outcomes of the UK Heel Fracture Trial (HeFT), a pragmatic, multicentre, two-arm, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial.