Background. Patients presenting to fracture clinic who have had initial management of a fracture performed by Accident and Emergency (A+E) often require further intervention to correct unacceptable position. This usually takes the form of booking a patient for a general anaesthetic to have manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) or open surgery. Methods. Prospective data collection over a 6-month period. Included subjects were those that had initial management of a fracture performed by A+E, who went on to require re-manipulation in fracture-clinic. Manipulations were performed by trained plaster technicians using entonox analgesia followed by application of moulded cast. Radiographs were reviewed immediately post-manipulation by treating surgeon and patient managed accordingly. A retrospective review of radiograph images was performed by two doctors independently to grade the outcomes following manipulation. Results. 38 patients with 39 fractures included in study. Sites of fracture included 32 distal radius, 2 ankle, 1 spiral distal tibia and fibula, 3 metacarpal and 1 proximal phalanx of finger. 22 patients had anatomical/near-to anatomical reduction at post fracture-clinic manipulation of fracture and was the as well as definitive management (satisfactory outcome). 13 patients had a outcome 2 (minimally displaced but and satisfactory reduction of the fracture) at post fracture-clinic reduction. 12 of these were deemed acceptable went onto outcome 1 for definitive management with 1 going to outcome 2 (requiringed further manipulation). 4 patients had unsatisfactory reduction of fracture outcome 3 at post fracture-clinic reduction and all of these patients went onto outcome 3 (required surgery). Conclusions. This study supports the practice of possible primary reduction and if required, re-manipulation and cast moulding using only entonox analgesia, of selected patient cases fractures by trained plaster technicians. Without this intervention, almost all of these cases will have required an MUA or additionally Kirscher wire or open fixation. There is potential to utilise a plaster technician in A+E, reducing the need for further fracture clinic appointments, being more acceptable to patients and having a resultant cost-saving implication. Level of Evidence. Level 3

To ensure clinical relevance, the in vitro engineering of tissues for implantation requires artificial replacements to possess properties similar to native anatomy. Our overarching study is focussed on developing a bespoke bone-tendon in vitro model replicating the anatomy at the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon insertion site at the distal phalanx. Anatomical morphometric analysis has guided FDP tendon model design consisting of hard and soft tissue types. Here, we investigate potential materials for creation of the model's bone portion by comparison of two bone cements; brushite and genex (Biocomposites Ltd). 3D printed molds were prepared based on anatomical morphometric analysis of the FDP tendon insertion site and used to cast identical bone blocks from brushite and genex cements. Studies assessing the suitability of each cement type were conducted e.g. setting times, pH on submersion in culture medium and interaction with fibrin gels. Data was collected using qualitative imaging and qualitative measurements (N=3,n=6) for experimental conditions. Both brushite (BC) and genex (GC) cements could be cast into bespoke molds, producing individual blocks and were mixed/handled with appropriate setting times. On initial submersion in culture medium, BC caused a reduction in pH values (7.49 [control]) to 6.85) while GC remained stable (7.59). Reduction in pH value also affected fibrin gel interaction where gel was seen to be detaching/not forming around BC and medium discolouration was noted. This was not observed in GC. While GC outperformed BC in initial tests, repeated washing of BC led to pH stabilisation (7.5,3xwashes), consistent with their further use in this model. This study has compared BC and GC as materials for bone block production. Both materials show promise, and current work assessing material properties and cell proliferation are needed to inform our choice for use in our FDP-tendon-bone interface model. This research was supported by an ORUK Studentship award (ref:533). Genex was kindly provided by Biocomposites, Ltd

Renal Osteodystrophy is a type of metabolic bone disease characterized by bone mineralization deficiency due to electrolyte and endocrine abnormalities. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to experience falls and fractures due to renal osteodystrophy and the high prevalence of risk factors for falls. Treatment involves medical management to resolve the etiology of the underlying renal condition, as well as management (and prevention) of pathological fractures. A 66-year-old female patient, with severe osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis, has presented with multiple fractures along the years. She was submitted to bilateral proximal femoral nailing as fracture treatment on the left and prophylactically due to pathological bone injury on the right, followed by revision of the left nail with a longer one after varus angulation and fracture distal to the nail extremity. Meanwhile, the patient suffered a pathological fracture of the radial and cubital diaphysis and was submitted to conservative treatment with cast, with consolidation of the fracture. Posteriorly, she re-fractured these bones after a fall and repeated the conservative treatment. Clinical management: There is a multidisciplinary approach to manage the chronic illness of the patient, including medical management to resolve the etiology and consequences of her chronic kidney disease, pain control, conservative or surgical fracture management and prevention of falls. The incidence of chronic renal disease is increasing and the patients with this condition live longer than previously and are more physically active. Thus, patients may experience trauma as a direct result of increased physical activity in a setting of weakened pathologic bone. Their quality of life is primarily limited by musculoskeletal problems, such as bone pain, muscle weakness, growth retardation, and skeletal deformity. A multidisciplinary approach is required to treat these patients, controlling their chronic diseases, managing fractures and preventing falls

The aim of this study is to print 3D polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds at high and low temperature (HT/LT) combined with salt leaching to induced porosity/larger pore size and improve material degradation without compromising cellular activity of printed scaffolds. PCL solutions with sodium chloride (NaCl) particles either directly printed in LT or were casted, dried, and printed in HT followed by washing in deionized water (DI) to leach out the salt. Micro-Computed tomography (Micro-CT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed for morphological analysis. The effect of the porosity on the mechanical properties and degradation was evaluated by a tensile test and etching with NaOH, respectively. To evaluate cellular responses, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on the scaffolds and their viability, attachment, morphology, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation were assessed. Micro-CT and SEM analysis showed that porosity induced by the salt leaching increased with increasing the salt content in HT, however no change was observed in LT. Structure thickness reduced with elevating NaCl content. Mass loss of scaffolds dramatically increased with elevated porosity in HT. Dog bone-shaped specimens with induced porosity exhibited higher ductility and toughness but less strength and stiffness under the tension in HT whereas they showed decrease in all mechanical properties in LT. All scaffolds showed excellent cytocompatibility. Cells were able to attach on the surface of the scaffolds and grow up to 14 days. Microscopy images of the seeded scaffolds showed substantial increase in the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) network and elongation of the cells. The study demonstrated the ability of combining 3D printing and particulate leaching together to fabricate porous PCL scaffolds. The scaffolds were successfully printed with various salt content without negatively affecting cell responses. Printing porous thermoplastic polymer could be of great importance for temporary biocompatible implants in bone tissue engineering applications

Our study seeks to determine whether characteristics of radiographs taken post-reduction of a forearm fracture can indicate future risk of refracture or loss of reduction. We hypothesize that reducing forearm fractures too precisely may be counterproductive and provide less benefit than reductions left slightly offset prior to cast immobilization. We conducted a retrospective review of 1079 pediatric patients treated for forearm fractures between January 2014 and September 2021 in a 327 bed regional medical center. Percent fracture displacement, location, orientation, comminution, fracture line visibility and angle of angulation were determined by AP and lateral radiographs. Percent fracture displacement was derived by: (Displacement of Bone Shafts / Diameter) x 100% = %Fracture Displacement. Patients treated with closed reduction were reduced from a mean displacement of 29.26±36.18% at an angulation of 22.67±16.57 degrees to 7.88±9.07% displacement and 3.89±6.68 degrees angulation post-reduction. Patients developing complications including a loss of reduction or refracture were found to have post-operative radiographs with a lower percent displacement (0.50±1.12) than those not developing complications (8.65±9.21)(p=0.0580). Post-reduction angulation (p=1.000), average reduction in angulation (p=1.000) and average reduction in displacement percent(p=0.2102) were not significantly associated with development of complications. Percent displacement of radial shafts was seen to be the most important metric to monitor in post-operative radiographs for patients undergoing closed reduction of a forearm fracture. We theorize a slight displacement provides greater surface area for osteoblastic expansion and callus formation leading to a decreased risk of refracture or loss of reduction. While our sample size precludes our ability to measure the ideal amount of post-reduction displacement for optimal healing, our results demonstrate that some degree of shaft displacement is required for optimal healing conditions

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes continuous mechanical forces. Mechanical stimuli applied on scaffolds resembling a part of the human bone tissue affects the osteogenesis [1]. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is a piezoelectric material that responds to mechanical stimulation producing an electrical signal, which in turn promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone-forming cells by opening voltage-gated calcium channels [2]. In this study we examined the biological behavior of pre-osteoblastic cells seeded onto lyophilized piezoelectric PEDOT-containing scaffolds applying uniaxial compression. Two different concentrations of PEDOT (0.10 and 0.15% w/v) were combined with a 5% w/v poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and 5% w/v gelatin, casted into wells, freeze dried and crosslinked with 2% v/v (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and 0.025% w/v glutaraldehyde. The scaffolds were physicochemically characterized by FTIR, measurement of the elastic modulus, swelling ratio and degradation rate. The cell-loaded scaffolds were subjected to uniaxial compression with a frequency of 1 Hz and a strain of 10% for 1 h every second day for 21 days. The loading parameters were selected to resemble the in vivo loading situation [3]. Cell viability and morphology on the PEDOT/PVA/gelatin scaffolds was determined. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the collagen and calcium production were determined. The elastic modulus of PEDOT/PVA/gelatin scaffolds ranged between 1 and 5 MPa. The degradation rate indicates a mass loss of 15% after 21 days. The cell viability assessment displays excellent biocompatibility, while SEM images display well-spread cells. The ALP activity at days 3, 7 and 18 as well as the calcium production are higher in the dynamic culture compared to the static one. Moreover, energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of calcium phosphate in the extracellular matrix after 14 days. The results demonstrate that PEDOT/PVA/gelatin scaffolds promote the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblastic cells under mechanical stimulation, thus favoring bone regeneration

Is Non-Weight-Bearing Necessary? (INWN) is a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing immediate protected weight-bearing (IWB) with non-weight-bearing cast immobilisation (NWB) following ankle fracture fixation (ORIF). This trial compares; functional outcomes, complication rates and performs an economic analysis to estimate cost-utility. IWB within 24hrs was compared to NWB, following ORIF of all types of unstable ankle fractures. Skeletally immature patients and tibial plafond fractures were excluded. Functional outcomes were assessed by the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and RAND-36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) taken at regular follow-up intervals up to one year. A cost-utility analysis via decision tree modelling was performed to derive an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER). A standard gamble health state valuation model utilising SF-36 scores was used to calculate Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) for each arm. We recruited 160 patients (80 per arm), aged 15 to 94 years (M = 45.5), 54% female. Complication rates were similar in both groups. IWB demonstrated a consistently higher OMAS score, with significant values at 6 weeks (MD=10.4, p=0.005) and 3 months (MD 12.0, p=0.003). Standard gamble utility values demonstrated consistently higher values (a score of 1 equals perfect health) with IWB, significant at 3 months (Ẋ = 0.75 [IWB] / 0.69 [NWB], p=0.018). Cost-utility analysis demonstrated NWB is €798.02 more expensive and results in 0.04 fewer QALYs over 1 year. This results in an ICER of −€21,682.42/QALY. This negative ICER indicates cost savings of €21,682.42 for every QALY (25 patients = 1 QALY gain) gained implementing an IWB regime. IWB demonstrates a superior functional outcome, greater cost savings and similar complication rates, compared to NWB following ankle fracture fixation

Introduction and Objective. Ankle fractures are common and affect young adults as well as the elderly. An unstable ankle fracture treatment typically involves surgical fixation, immobilisation, and modified weight-bearing for six weeks. Non-weight bearing (NWB) cast immobilisation periods were used to protect the soft tissue envelope and osteosynthesis. This can have implications on patient function and may reduce independence, mobility and return to work. Newer trends in earlier mobilisation compete with traditional NWB doctrine, and weak consensus exists as to the best postoperative strategy. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion (ROM) exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rates. Materials and Methods. A pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 hours versus non-weight-bearing (NWB) and immobilisation in a cast for six weeks, following ORIF of all types of unstable adult ankle fractures (lateral malleolar, bimalleolar, trimalleolar with or without syndesmotic injury). The exclusion criteria are skeletal immaturity and tibial plafond fractures. The primary outcome measure is the functional Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes include wound infection (deep and superficial), displacement of osteosynthesis, the full arc of ankle motion (plantar flexion and dorsal flection), RAND-36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scoring, time to return to work and postoperative hospital length of stay. Results. We recruited 160 patients with an unstable ankle fracture. Participants’ ages ranged from 15 to 94 years (M = 45.5, SD = 17.2), with 54% identified as female. The mean time from injury to surgical fixation was 1.3 days (0 to 17 days). Patients in the immediate weight-bearing group had a 9.5-point higher mean OMAS at six weeks postoperatively (95% CI 1.48, 17.52) P = 0.021. The complications rate was similar in both groups. The rate of surgical site infection was 4.3%. One patient had DVT, and another patient had a pulmonary embolism; both were randomised to NWB. Length of hospital stay (LOS) was 1 ± 1.5 (0, 12) for the IWB group vs 1.5 ± 2.5 (0, 19) for the NWB group. Conclusions. There is a paucity of quality evidence supporting the postoperative management regimes used most commonly in clinical practice. To our knowledge, immediate weight-bearing (IWB) following ORIF of all types of unstable ankle fractures has not been investigated in a controlled prospective manner in recent decades. In this large multicentre, randomised controlled trial, we investigated immediate weight-bearing following ORIF of all ankle fracture patterns in the usual care condition using standard fixation methods. Our result suggests that IWB following ankle fracture fixation is safe and resulted in a better functional outcome. Once anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation is achieved, we recommend IWB in all types of ankle fractures in a compliant patient

Introduction. Intraarticular calcaneal fractures often need open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plate osteosynthesis. The wound complication is one of the common problems encountered following this and affects the outcome adversely. Our study was done to assess how far postoperative slab/cast can avert wound complications. Methods. Out of 42 patients with unilateral intraarticular calcaneal fractures, 20 were offered postoperative slab/cast and this was continued for six weeks. The remaining 22 patients were not offered any plaster. All patients were followed-up for two years. Results. The incidence of wound dehiscence was 2 in the plaster group as well as 8 in the non-plaster group and this was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Also, significantly lower heel widening was reported in the plaster group (p = 0.03). Although, there was no significant difference in the patient-reported outcome (Maryland Foot Score) and the incidence of pain between the two groups, the occurrence of neurological deficit following surgery and the postoperative range of movements were comparable in these two groups. Conclusion. Thus, it may be concluded that postoperative plaster application for the initial six weeks could be a low-cost yet effective way to reduce wound complications following plate osteosynthesis in intraarticular calcaneal fractures

Objectives. We aimed to examine the characteristics of deep venous flow in the leg in a cast and the effects of a wearable neuromuscular stimulator (geko; FirstKind Ltd) and also to explore the participants’ tolerance of the stimulator. Methods. This is an open-label physiological study on ten healthy volunteers. Duplex ultrasonography of the superficial femoral vein measured normal flow and cross-sectional area in the standing and supine positions (with the lower limb initially horizontal and then elevated). Flow measurements were repeated during activation of the geko stimulator placed over the peroneal nerve. The process was repeated after the application of a below-knee cast. Participants evaluated discomfort using a questionnaire (verbal rating score) and a scoring index (visual analogue scale). Results. The geko device was effective in significantly increasing venous blood flow in the lower limb both with a plaster cast (mean difference 11.5 cm/sec. -1. ; p = 0.001 to 0.13) and without a plaster cast (mean difference 7.7 cm/sec. -1. ; p = 0.001 to 0.75). Posture also had a significant effect on peak venous blood flow when the cast was on and the geko inactive (p = 0.003 to 0.69), although these differences were less pronounced than the effect of the geko (mean difference 3.1 cm/sec. -1. (-6.5 to 10)). The geko device was well tolerated, with participants generally reporting only mild discomfort using the device. Conclusion. The geko device increases venous blood flow in the lower limb, offering a potential mechanical thromboprolylaxis for patients in a cast. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:179–85

Lower limb fractures are commonly treated with cast immobilization, and as a main consequence of strict immobilization this typically leads to loss in muscle mass, decrease of bone density and decline in functional abilities. Body-worn sensors are increasingly used to assess outcome in clinical trials by providing objective mobility parameters in a real-world environment. The aim of this study is to investigate the usability aspects and potential changes in mobility parameters in partial-immobilization patients in real-world conditions. Six healthy young males (age 22.2 ± 1.2 years; weight 76.5 ± 6.7 kg, height 185.8 ± 6.1 cm. Mean ± standard deviation) wore a leg cylinder cast with walker boot to immobilize their dominant leg for two consecutive weeks. Subjects were asked to continuously wear a tri-axial accelerometer on the waist (actibelt) during waking hours for 6 weeks including 2 weeks before, during and after cast immobilisation. The total amount of days of continuous recording was 339 days with a total wearing time of 120 days. Software packages which allow to detect steps and to estimate real-world walking speed were used to analyse the accelerometry data. It was suspected that knee immobilization would affect strongly the wave form of the signal with an impact on the accuracy of the speed algorithm, whereas the step detection should be more robust. This effect was confirmed in a preliminary study performed to quantify the accuracy under immobilization conditions. On the other hand, step numbers are known to be sensitive to fluctuations in wearing time which was not uniform throughout the entire study. We concluded that in this setting step frequency is the most reliable parameter. Step frequency showed a systematic decrease in the values during the immobilization period which recovered to pre-immobilisation values after cast removal. This confirms the usability of accelerometry and sensitivity of its mobility parameters for clinical outcome assessment

Abstract. Objectives. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rates. Methods. A pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 hours versus NWB and immobilisation in a cast for six weeks, following ORIF of all types of unstable adult ankle fractures. The exclusion criteria are skeletal immaturity and tibial plafond fractures. The primary outcome measure is the functional Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes include wound infection, displacement of osteosynthesis, the full arc of ankle motion, RAND-36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scoring, time to return to work and postoperative hospital length of stay. Results. We recruited 160 patients with an unstable ankle fracture. Participants’ ages ranged from 15 to 94 years (M = 45.5, SD = 17.2), with 54% identified as female. The mean time from injury to surgical fixation was 1.3 days (0 to 17 days). Patients in the IWB group had a 9.5-point higher mean OMAS at six weeks postoperatively (95% CI 1.48, 17.52) P = 0.021 with a similar result at three months. The complications rate was similar in both groups. The rate of surgical site infection was 4.3%. One patient had DVT, and another patient had a PE, both were randomised to NWB. Length of hospital stay was 1 ± 1.5 (0, 12) for the IWB group vs 1.5 ± 2.5 (0, 19) for the NWB group. Conclusion. In this large multicentre RCT, we investigated WB following ORIF of all ankle fracture patterns in the usual care condition using standard fixation methods. Our result suggests that IWB following ankle fracture fixation is safe and resulted in a better functional outcome

Background. Avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal are some of the commonest foot injuries. The robust scientific evidence on the optimal non-operative treatment of these fractures is scant. We designed and conducted a prospective randomised non-inferiority controlled trial of symptomatic treatment versus cast immobilisation with the null hypothesis that cast immobilisation gave substantial benefit over the symptomatic treatment in terms of patient reported outcome measures(PROMs). The alternative hypothesis was that symptomatic treatment was not inferior. Methods. The primary outcome was the validated Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) score ranging from 0 to 100. The non-inferiority boundary was set at −10 points. Power sizing determined a minimum of 12 patients per group. Anticipating a significant loss to follow up, 60 patients of 16 years of age or older were randomised to receive either below knee walking cast immobilisation (n = 24) or symptomatic double- elasticated bandage (n = 36) for 4 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were EuroQol-5D, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores. Data was analysed at the baseline, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post injury by a clinician blinded to a treatment arm. Results. Symptomatic treatment proved to be non-inferior to cast immobilisation treatment in terms of VAS FA at baseline, 4 weeks and 6 months. Secondary outcomes showed similar comparative values between two treatment groups. Loss to follow up reached 43% at 6 months. The imputation of missing data was done and confirmed the non-inferiority of symptomatic treatment. Conclusions. Cast immobilisation does not appear to give benefits over symptomatic treatment of these injuries in terms of validated PROMs in adults. A significant loss to follow up should be expected with these fractures in medium term. Level of Evidence. II. Approval. NRES Yorkshire and the Humber reference: 11/YH/0297. Disclosure. This study was supported with a small research grant from a British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society

Introduction and Objective. Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that poorer outcomes could be associated with non-weight bearing protocols and immobilisation. Traditional non-weight bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the complication rate and functional outcomes of early weight-bearing (EWB) versus late weight-bearing (LWB) following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis of controlled trials and comparative cohort studies. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched inclusive of all date up to the search time. We included all studies that investigated the effect of weight-bearing following adults ankle fracture fixation by any means. All ankle fracture types, including isolated lateral malleolus fractures, isolated medial malleolus fractures, bi-malleolar fractures, tri-malleolar fractures and Syndesmosis injuries, were included. All weight-bearing protocols were considered in this review, i.e. immediate weight-bearing (IMW) within 24 hours of surgery, early weight-bearing (EWB) within three weeks of surgery, non-weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks from the surgery date (or late weight-bearing LWB). Studies that investigated mobilisation but not weight-bearing, non-English language publications and tibial Plafond fractures were excluded from this systematic review. We assessed the risk of bias using ROB 2 tools for randomised controlled trials and ROBINS-1 for cohort studies. Data extraction was performed using Covidence online software and meta-analysis by using RevMan 5.3. Results. After full-text review, fourteen studies (871 patients with a mean age ranged from 35 to 57 years) were deemed eligible for this systematic review; ten randomised controlled trials and four comparative cohort studies. Most of the included studies were rated as having some concern with regard to the risk of bias. There is no important difference in the infection rate between protected EWB and LWB groups (696 patients in 12 studies). The risk ratio (RR) is 1.30, [95% CI 0.74 to 2.30], I. 2. = 0%, P = 0.36). Other complications were rare. The Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) was the widely used patient-reported outcome measure after ankle fracture fixation among the studies. The result of the six weeks OMAS analysis (three RCTs) was markedly in favour of the early weight-bearing group (MD = 10.08 [95% CI 5.13 to 15.02], I. 2. = 0%P = <0.0001). Conclusions. The risk of postoperative complications is an essential factor when considering EWB. We found that the overall incidence of surgical site infection was 6%. When comparing the two groups, the incidence was 5.2% and 6.8% for the LWB and EWB groups. This difference is not clinically important. On the other hand, significantly better early functional outcome scores were detected in the EWB group. These results are not without limitations. Protected early weight-bearing following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures is potentially safe and improve short-term functional outcome. Further good-quality randomised controlled trials would be needed before we could draw a more precise conclusion

Introduction. Two randomised trials concluded cast type (above or below elbow) makes no significant difference in the re-displacement rate of paediatric forearm fractures involving the distal third of the radius. This has not, however, led to the universal use of below elbow casts. In particular we noted one trial reported significant re-displacement in 40% or more of cases, which was much higher than we would expect. To review the radiological outcomes and need for re-manipulation of paediatric distal forearm fractures treated with closed manipulation under anaesthesia in our institution, in part for subsequent comparison with published results. All forearm fractures treated at a specialist children's hospital in one year were reviewed retrospectively. Based on the methodology of one trial, we included all fractures involving the distal third of the radius, with or without an ulna fracture, which underwent closed manipulation. Outcomes were radiological alignment using existing radiographs and need for re-manipulation. Cast type was at the discretion of the treating surgeon. The radiological criteria for re-displacement were based on published methodology. 79 children underwent manipulation, 71 receiving above elbow casts and 8 below elbow casts. Radiologically 21% of injuries treated in an above elbow cast re-displaced (15/71) compared to 38% of those in below elbow plasters (3/8). In 2 cases the re-displacement was treated with re-manipulation. The preference in our institution was clearly for above elbow casts in this injury pattern. The small number of below elbow casts in our series limits any comparisons. Our rate of re-displacement using above elbow casts was half that of one of the published studies, so the existing literature is not consistent with our experience

Objectives. The evidence base to inform the management of Achilles tendon rupture is sparse. The objectives of this research were to establish what current practice is in the United Kingdom and explore clinicians’ views on proposed further research in this area. This study was registered with the ISRCTN (ISRCTN68273773) as part of a larger programme of research. Methods. We report an online survey of current practice in the United Kingdom, approved by the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and completed by 181 of its members. A total of ten of these respondents were invited for a subsequent one-to-one interview to explore clinician views on proposed further research in this area. Results. The survey showed wide variations in practice, with patients being managed in plaster cast alone (13%), plaster cast followed by orthoses management (68%), and orthoses alone (19%). Within these categories, further variation existed regarding the individual rehabilitation facets, such as the length of time worn, the foot position within them and weight-bearing status. The subsequent interviews reflected this clinical uncertainty and the pressing need for definitive research. Conclusions. The gap in evidence in this area has resulted in practice in the United Kingdom becoming varied and based on individual opinion. Future high-quality randomised trials on this subject are supported by the clinical community. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:65–9

Abstract. Objectives. Assess and characterise the suitability of a novel silk reinforced biphasic 3D printed scaffold for osteochondral tissue regeneration. Methods. Biphasic hybrid scaffolds consisted of 3D printed poly(ethylene glycol)-terephthalate-poly(butylene terephthalate)(PEGT/PBT) scaffold frame work (pore size 0.75mm), which has been infilled with a cast and freeze dried porous silk scaffold (5×5×2mm. 3. ), in addition to a seamless silk top layer (1mm). Silk scaffolds alone were used as controls. Both the biphasic and control scaffolds were characterised via uniaxial compression testing (strain rate 0.1mm/min), and the potential biocompatibility of the scaffolds was tested via in vitro culture of seeded bone marrow stromal cells post fabrication. Results. Uniaxial compression testing showed that the biphasic scaffolds (N=4) initially demonstrated similar behaviour on a stress-strain curve to a silk scaffold alone control group (N=6), until a strain of 30% was reached. After 30% strain, load was transitioned from the silk only chondral layer to the 3D printed PEGT/PBT scaffold which resisted further compression and exhibited a significantly greater compressive modulus of 12.6±0.9MPa compared to 0.113±0.01MPa (p<0.001) in the silk scaffold control group. Following 24hours of seeding, no difference was noticed in cell adhesion behaviour under fluorescent microscopy between silk scaffolds and biphasic scaffolds (n=5). Discussion. The use of 3D printing within this novel scaffold provides a solid framework and increases its versatility. The reinforced silk not only provides the secondary Porous structure to the 3D printed scaffold for the bone phase, but also a superficial layer for the cartilage phase. This unique structure has the potential to fill a niche within osteochondral tissue regeneration, especially with the possibility for its use within personalised medicine. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that the novel silk reinforced biphasic 3D printed scaffold is biocompatible and has suitable mechanical properties for osteochondral tissue regeneration. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Ponseti method has become the most common and validated initial non-operative and/or minimally invasive treatment modality of idiopathic clubfoot regardless of the severity of the deformity worldwide. Despite hundreds of publications in the literature favoring Ponseti method, the data about secondary procedures performed in the follow-up period of clubfoot and their incidence remains sparse and given as small details in the articles. The objective of this study was to analyse our incidence of secondary procedures performed in the midterm followup period of idiopathic clubfoot patients treated with Ponseti method and review of the relevant literature. For this purpose 86 feet of 60 patients with idiopathic clubfoot who were treated with original Ponseti method were enrolled in this retrospective case control study. Unilateral ankle foot orthosis (AFO) was used rather than standart bar-connected foot abduction orthosis varying from 12 months to 25 months in the follow-up period and 74 of 86 (86%) feet required percutaneous achilles tenotomy. The average age of initial cast treatment was 12.64 days (range 1 to 102 days). The mean follow-up time was 71 months (range 19 to 153 months). Thirty seven feet of 24 patients recieved secondary procedures (43%) consisting of; supramalleolary derotational osteotomy (SMDO) (1 patient/2 feet), complete subtalar release (3 patients/5 feet), medial opening lateral closing osteotomy (double osteotomy) (2 patients/3 feet), double osteotomy with transfer of tibialis anterior tendon (TTAT) (2 patients/3 feet), partial subtalar release (PSTR) (3 patients/5 feet), PSTR with SDO (1 patient/1 foot), posterior release (PR) with repeated achillotomy (1 patient/2 feet), TTAT (6 patients/10 feet), TTAT with PR (2 patients/2 feet), TTAT with Vulpius procedure (1 patient/1 foot) and TTAT with SMDO (2 patients/3 feet) respectively. The amount of percutaneous achilles tenotomy (86%) in our study correlated with the literature which ranged from 80 to 90 %. The transfer of tibialis anterior tendon continued to be the most performed secondary procedure both in our study (51%) and in the literature, but the amount of total secondary procedures in our study (43%) was determined to be higher than the literature data varying from 7 to 27 percent which may be due to unilateral AFO application after Ponseti method for idiopathic clubfoot deformity in our study

Objectives. There are various pin-in-plaster methods for treating fractures of the distal radius. The purpose of this study is to introduce a modified technique of ‘pin in plaster’. Methods. Fifty-four patients with fractures of the distal radius were followed for one year post-operatively. Patients were excluded if they had type B fractures according to AO classification, multiple injuries or pathological fractures, and were treated more than seven days after injury. Range of movement and functional results were evaluated at three and six months and one and two years post-operatively. Radiographic parameters including radial inclination, tilt, and height, were measured pre- and post-operatively. Results. The average radial tilt was 10.6° of volar flexion and radial height was 10.2 mm at the sixth month post-operatively. Three cases of pin tract infection were recorded, all of which were treated successfully with oral antibiotics. There were no cases of pin loosening. A total of 73 patients underwent surgery, and three cases of radial nerve irritation were recorded at the time of cast removal. All radial nerve palsies resolved at the six-month follow-up. There were no cases of median nerve compression or carpal tunnel syndrome, and no cases of tendon injury. Conclusion. Our modified technique is effective to restore anatomic congruity and maintain reduction in fractures of the distal radius. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:176–180