Aims. Fracture clinics are often characterised by the referral of large numbers of unselected patients with minor injuries not requiring investigation or intervention, long waiting times and recurrent unnecessary reviews. Our experience had been of an unsustainable system and we implemented a ‘Trauma Triage Clinic’ (TTC) in order to rationalise and regulate access to our fracture service. The British Orthopaedic Association’s guidelines have required a prospective evaluation of this change of practice, and we report our experience and results. Patients and Methods. We review the management of all 12 069 patients referred to our service in the calendar year 2014, with a minimum of one year follow-up during the calendar year 2015. . Results. Following the successful introduction of the TTC, only 2836 patients (23.5%) who would previously have been reviewed in the general fracture clinic were brought back to such a clinic to be seen by a surgeon. An additional 2366 patients (19.6%) were brought back to a sub-specialist injury-specific clinic. Another 2776 patients (23%) with relatively predictable injuries were reviewed by a nurse practitioner according to an established protocol or specific consultant instructions. A further 3222 patients (26.7%) were discharged from the service without attending the clinic. No significant errors or omissions occurred with the introduction of the TTC. Conclusion. We have found that our TTC allows large numbers of referrals to be reviewed and triaged safely and effectively, to the benefit and satisfaction of patients, consultants, trainees, staff and the organisation. This paper provides the first large-scale review of the instigation of a TTC, and its effect, acceptability and safety. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:503–7

To our knowledge, we are the only centre in the UK where Achilles tenotomies (TA) for CTEV Ponseti correction are performed in outpatient clinic under local anaesthetic by an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (APP) in orthopaedics. This study aims to present the outcomes and safety of this practice. Retrospective analysis of cases of idiopathic CTEV undergoing Ponseti correction January 2020 to October 2022. Demographic data: Pirani score and number of casts before boots and bar. Patients were divided into five groups: Group 1: TA performed by an Orthopaedic consultant under general anaesthetic (GA) in theatre. Group 2: TA performed by an Orthopaedic consultant under local anaesthetic (LA) in theatre. Group 3: TA performed by APP under GA in theatre. Group 4: TA performed by APP under LA in theatre. Group 5: TA performed by an APP under LA in outpatient clinic. Complications recorded: revision TA, infection, neurovascular injury or need for re-casting. Mean follow up 18 months. 45 feet included. Mean Pirani score 5.5, age started casting 33 days and total number of casts 6. No significant difference in demographic details between groups. 6, 4, 20, 5 and 10 tenotomies were performed in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively. Complications were 1 revision tenotomy from group 2, one from group 4 and 1 renewal of cast from 3. This study demonstrates that TAs performed in outpatient clinic under LA by an APP is safe and feasible. No increase in complications were observed compared to TAs performed by orthopaedic consultants

Reconfiguration of elective orthopaedic surgery presents challenges and opportunities to develop outpatient pathways to reduce surgical waiting times. Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a benign progressive fibroproliferative disorder of the fascia in the hand, which can be disabling. Percutaneous-needle-fasciotomy (PNF) can be performed successfully in the outpatient clinic. The Aberdeen hand-service has over 10 years' experience running dedicated PNF clinics. NHS Grampian covers a vast area of Scotland receiving over 11749 referrals to the orthopaedic unit yearly. 250 patients undergone PNF in the outpatient department annually. 100 patients who underwent PNF in outpatients (Jan2019–Jan2020). 79M, 21F. Average age 66 years range (29–87). 95 patients were right hand dominant. DD risk factors: 6 patients were diabetic, 2 epileptic, 87 patients drank alcohol. 76 patients had a family history of DD. Disease severity, single digit 20 patients, one hand multiple digits in 15 patients, bilateral hands in 65 patients of which 5 suffered form ectopic manifestation suggestive of Dupuytren's diasthesis. Using Tubiana Total flexion deformity score pre and post fasciotomy. Type 1 total flexion deformity (TFD) between 0–45 degrees pre PNF n=60 post N= 85, Type 2 TFD 45–90 degrees pre PNF n=18 post N=9, Type 3 TFD 90–135 pre PNF n=15 post N= 5, Type 4 TFD >135 pre PNF n=1 post PNF N=1. Using Chi-square statistical test, a significant difference was found at the p<0.05 between the pre and post PNF TFD. Complication: 8 recurrence, 1 skin tear. No patients sustained digital nerve injury. Outpatients PNF clinics are a valuable resource

Aims. Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are advocated by recent British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOASTs) to efficiently manage injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of this national study is to assess the impact of these standards on patient satisfaction and clinical outcome amid the pandemic. The secondary aims are to determine the impact of the pandemic on the demographic details of injuries presenting to the VFC, and to compare outcomes and satisfaction when the BOAST guidelines were first introduced with a subsequent period when local practice would be familiar with these guidelines. Methods. This is a national cross-sectional cohort study comprising centres with VFC services across the UK. All consecutive adult patients assessed in VFC in a two-week period pre-lockdown (6 May 2019 to 19 May 2019) and in the same two-week period at the peak of the first lockdown (4 May 2020 to 17 May 2020), and a randomly selected sample during the ‘second wave’ (October 2020) will be eligible for the study. Data comprising local VFC practice, patient and injury characteristics, unplanned re-attendances, and complications will be collected by local investigators for all time periods. A telephone questionnaire will be used to determine patient satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes for patients who were discharged following VFC assessment without face-to-face consultation. Ethics and dissemination. The study results will identify changes in case-mix and numbers of patients managed through VFCs and whether this is safe and associated with patient satisfaction. These data will provide key information for future expert-led consensus on management of trauma injuries through the VFC. The protocol will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed publication. This protocol has been reviewed by the South East Scotland Research Ethics Service and is classified as a multicentre audit. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):211–215

This paper describes an audit loop. We studied patients undergoing hip and knee surgery (arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty). All the patients were ‘complex elective’. I.e. they were either ASA grade 3 or 4, or had a body mass index in excess of 40. We collected data concerning postoperative admissions to HDU, ICU and PACU (planned and unplanned rates of admission, length of stay). We also noted mortality. In the first part of the study (April 2005 to March 2006) we studied 298 patients. All patients were assessed independently by an anaesthetist on the day of surgery. A multidisciplinary preoperative assessment clinic commenced in April 2006. After this date all patients were assessed preoperatively by a multidisciplinary anaesthetic lead team (anaesthetist, orthopaedic senior house officer, nurse practitioner). The need for an HDU or ICU bed was assessed and the bed was booked at part of the pre-operative plan. In the second part of the study (May 2006 to April 2009) a further 1147 arthroplasty patients were studied. Data was again collected regarding HDU, ICU, PACU and mortality as noted above. We found statistically significant (p=0.001) reductions in the admissions to PACU (22% down to 10%) and in mortality (6.1% down to 1.2%) after the introduction of the pre assessment clinic. There was also statistically significant (p=0.01) reduction in the HDU length of stay(2.1 days to 1.6 days), ITU unplanned admissions (1.3% to 0.4%) and the ITU length of stay in days (2.3 to 1.9 days). We also estimated cost savings of nearly £50 000 in the second limb of the study. This is based on the average decrease in HDU and ICU length of stay. We recommend the use of a multidisciplinary pre assessment clinic for complex orthopaedic surgery

Introduction. Surgical treatment is justified in patients with fifth metacarpal shaft fractures with angulation exceeding 30 degrees, as these patients are prone to have shortening, restriction of movements, decreased efficiency of the flexor tendons and poor cosmetic results1,2. The authors describe a new technique where these patients can be treated in the clinic non-surgically. Material and Methods. Twenty-three patients with angulated fractures were prospectively enrolled for the study from Jan 2009 to Dec 2009. After appropriately instructing the patient, an ulnar nerve block was performed at the wrist. Once the nerve block had taken effect, the fracture was manipulated and an ulna gutter 3-point moulded splint was applied in the plaster room. The reduction was then confirmed with an x-ray. The patients were seen at 3 weeks for splint removal and for long-term follow-up at least 6 months later. Results. All the patients had a completely pain-free manipulation and complete reduction was achieved in all the patients. There were no complications related to the technique. Conclusions. In the NHS with pressure on resources, the authors suggest the treatment described above of these fractures in the clinic. It is a safe, cost-effective and easily learnt technique

Background. Many patients undergo frame removal in the outpatient setting and nitrous oxide is frequently used, but has varying effects. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether pain levels during frame removal are improved with local infiltration of local anaesthetic (LA) and to assess the effect of LA and nitrous oxide compared to nitrous oxide alone. Methodology. This was a small single centre study using patient reported questions to assess pain levels during frame removal. The test group received 5–20ml 2% lidocaine infiltrated into tissues surrounding half pins and olive wire exit sites. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire to assess pain levels and patient satisfaction following the procedure. Patients were asked to mark their pain level on a 100mm visual analogue scale giving a final pain score out of 100. Results. There were twenty three patients in the LA group but due to observed levels of increased distress without LA, the control group was restricted to 7 patients. Patient satisfaction was high and there were no complications across both groups. The LA group (N=23) had a mean pain score of 35, which was significantly lower than the mean of 62 in the N=7 control patients (unpaired t-test: p=0.010). Conclusion. Frame removal in clinic has been shown to be a safe and well tolerated procedure and this study has shown that LA does improve pain levels during frame removal. Further work to compare pain levels and patient satisfaction with alternative frame removal methods at other centres is being carried out

Aims. 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. Methods. We present a service evaluation report following the introduction of a quality-improvement themed, streamlined, clinical scaphoid pathway. Patients are offered a removable wrist splint with verbal and written instructions to remove it two weeks following injury, for self-assessment. The persistence of pain is the patient’s guide to ‘opt-in’ and to self-refer for a follow-up appointment with a senior emergency physician. On confirmation of ongoing signs of clinical scaphoid injury, an urgent outpatient ‘fast’-wrist protocol MRI scan is ordered, with instructions to maintain wrist immobilization. Patients with positive scan results are referred for specialist orthopaedic assessment via a virtual fracture clinic. Results. From February 2018 to January 2019, there were 442 patients diagnosed as clinical scaphoid fractures. 122 patients (28%) self-referred back to the emergency department at two weeks. Following clinical review, 53 patients were discharged; MRI was booked for 69 patients (16%). Overall, six patients (< 2% of total; 10% of those scanned) had positive scans for a scaphoid fracture. There were no known missed fractures, long-term non-unions or malunions resulting from this pathway. Costs were saved by avoiding face-to-face clinical review and MRI scanning. Conclusion. A patient-focused opt-in approach is safe and effective to managing the suspected occult (clinical) scaphoid fracture. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):117–122

The Trauma Triage clinic (TTC) is a Virtual Fracture clinic which permits the direct discharge of simple, isolated fractures from the Emergency Department (ED), with consultant review of the clinical notes and radiographs. This study details the outcomes of patients with such injuries over a four-year period. All TTC records between January 2014 and December 2017 were collated from a prospective database. Fractures of the radial head, little finger metacarpal, fifth metatarsal, toe phalanges and soft tissue mallet finger injuries were included. Application of the direct discharge protocol, and any deviations were noted. All records were then re-assessed at a minimum of three years after TTC triage (mean 4.5 years) to ascertain which injuries re-attended the trauma clinic, reasons for re-attendance, source of referral and any subsequent surgical procedures. 6709 patients with fractures of the radial head (1882), little finger metacarpal (1621), fifth metatarsal (1916), toe phalanges (920) and soft tissue mallet finger injures (370) were identified. 963 (14%) patients were offered in-person review after TTC, of which 45 (0.6%) underwent a surgical intervention. 299 (4%) re-attended after TTC direct discharge at a mean time after injury of 11.9 weeks and 12 (0.2%) underwent surgical intervention. Serious interventions, defined as those in which a surgical procedure may have been avoided if the patient had not undergone direct discharge, occurred in 1 patient (0.01%). Re-intervention after direct discharge of simple injuries of the elbow, hand and foot is low. Unnecessary deviations from protocol offer avenues to optimise consumption of service resources

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

Aims. We introduced a self-care pathway for minimally displaced distal radius fractures, which involved the patient being discharged from a Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) without a physical review and being provided with written instructions on how to remove their own cast or splint at home, plus advice on exercises and return to function. Methods. All patients managed via this protocol between March and October 2020 were contacted by a medical secretary at a minimum of six months post-injury. The patients were asked to complete the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), a satisfaction questionnaire, advise if they had required surgery and/or contacted any health professional, and were also asked for any recommendations on how to improve the service. A review with a hand surgeon was organized if required, and a cost analysis was also conducted. Results. Overall 71/101 patients completed the telephone consultation; no patients required surgery, and the mean and median PRWE scores were 23.9/100 (SD 24.9) and 17.0/100 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 40), respectively. Mean patient satisfaction with treatment was 34.3/40 (SD 9.2), and 65 patients (92%) were satisfied or highly satisfied. In total there were 16 contact calls, 12 requests for a consultant review, no formal complaints, and 15 minor adjustment suggestions to improve patient experience. A relationship was found between intra-articular injuries and lower patient satisfaction scores (p = 0.025), however no relationship was found between PRWE scores and the nature of the fracture. Also, no relationship was found between the type of immobilization and the functional outcome or patient satisfaction. Cost analysis of the self-care pathway V traditional pathway showed a cost savings of over £13,500 per year with the new self-care model compared to the traditional model. Conclusion. Our study supports a VFC self-care pathway for patients with minimally displaced distal radius fractures. The pathway provides a good level of patient satisfaction and function. To improve the service, we will make minor amendments to our patient information sheet. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):726–732

Aims. Despite multiple trials and case series on hip hemiarthroplasty designs, guidance is still lacking on which implant to use. One particularly deficient area is long-term outcomes. We present over 1,000 consecutive cemented Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties over a ten-year period, recording all accessible patient and implant outcomes. Methods. Patient identifiers for a consecutive cohort treated between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2011 were linked to radiographs, surgical notes, clinic letters, and mortality data from a national dataset. This allowed charting of their postoperative course, complications, readmissions, returns to theatre, revisions, and deaths. We also identified all postoperative attendances at the Emergency and Outpatient Departments, and recorded any subsequent skeletal injuries. Results. In total, 1,312 Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties were analyzed (mean age at surgery 82.8 years); 125 complications were recorded, necessitating 82 returns to theatre. These included 14 patients undergoing aspiration or manipulation under anaesthesia, 68 reoperations (5.2%) for debridement and implant retention (n = 12), haematoma evacuation (n = 2), open reduction for dislocation (n = 1), fixation of periprosthetic fracture (n = 5), and 48 revised stems (3.7%), for infection (n = 13), dislocation (n = 12), aseptic loosening (n = 9), persistent pain (n = 6), periprosthetic fracture (n = 4), acetabular erosion (n = 3), and metastatic bone disease (n = 1). Their status at ten years is summarized as follows: 1,180 (89.9%) dead without revision, 34 (2.6%) dead having had revision, 84 (6.6%) alive with the stem unrevised, and 14 (1.1%) alive having had revision. Cumulative implant survivorship was 90.3% at ten years; patient survivorship was 7.4%. Conclusion. The Thompson’s stem demonstrates very low rates of complications requiring reoperation and revision, up to ten years after the index procedure. Fewer than one in ten patients live for ten years after fracture. This study supports the use of a cemented Thompson’s implant as a cost-effective option for frail hip fracture patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):710–715

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients. Methods. A total of 1,047 limb osteomyelitis patients aged 18 years or older who underwent debridement and intraoperative culture at our clinic centre from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were included. Patient characteristics, infection eradication, and complications were analyzed between culture-negative and culture-positive cohorts. Results. Of these patients, 264 (25.2%) had negative cultures. Patients with a culture-negative compared with a culture-positive status were more likely to have the following characteristics: younger age (≤ 40 years) (113/264 (42.8%) vs 257/783 (32.8%); p = 0.004), a haematogenous aetiology (75/264 (28.4%) vs 150/783 (19.2%); p = 0.002), Cierny-Mader host A (79/264 (29.9%) vs 142/783 (18.1%); p < 0.001), antibiotic use before sampling (34/264 (12.9%) vs 41/783 (5.2%); p＜0.001), fewer taken samples (n＜3) (48/264 (18.2%) vs 60/783 (7.7%); p＜0.001), and less frequent presentation with a sinus (156/264 (59.1%) vs 665/783 (84.9%); p < 0.001). After initial treatments of first-debridement and antimicrobial, infection eradication was inferior in culture-positive osteomyelitis patients, with a 2.24-fold increase (odds ratio 2.24 (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 3.52)) in the redebridement rate following multivariate analysis. No statistically significant differences were found in long-term recurrence and complications within the two-year follow-up. Conclusion. We identified several factors being associated with the culture-negative result in osteomyelitis patients. In addition, the data also indicate that culture negativity is a positive prognostic factor in early infection eradication. These results constitute the basis of optimizing clinical management and patient consultations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):720–727

Elevated fat pads on a paediatric elbow radiograph may represent an intraarticular fracture. If no obvious fracture is visible, the injury may be treated with a collar and cuff until discomfort resolves. In some centres these patients are discharged directly from A&E, easing the load on fracture clinics and reducing the number of visits required by the patient. A retrospective study was carried out to review patient journey for children referred to clinic with elevated fat pads only and to investigate whether such a protocol could be established locally. Notes for all children attending fracture clinic in May 2018 were reviewed. X-rays for patients with any elbow injury were then reviewed. Patients with raised fat pads only were included in the study. Outcome following clinic review was recorded. 818 patients (315 new referrals) attended 15 clinics. 31 were referred with raised fat pads only. Mean age was 7.7 years with mean time to clinic of 4 days. 74.2% required no further treatment and were discharged at first clinic appointment. 8 patients were kept in cast for another 1–2 weeks due to parental apprehension, patient apprehension or patient being uncomfortable without cast. None of our patients required surgical intervention or re-attended following discharge. This study showed that patients with raised fat pads only can be treated with collar and cuff, analgesia and discharged from A&E with an advice leaflet. This would reduce the number of patients unnecessarily attending clinics thereby reducing patient distress and enabling more efficient use of clinic appointments

Myriad protocols exist for isolated Weber B lateral malleolus fractures with a congruent tibiotalar joint on initial radiographs. Stress and weight-bearing radiographs, all at various timepoints, may be employed to identify those injuries that develop significant talar shift but consensus is elusive. This study outlines a safe and reproducible protocol for such injuries, utilising a removable orthosis, immediate weight bearing and standard supine radiographs. A retrospective analysis of a prospective trauma database was analysed to identify patients with an isolated Weber B ankle fracture with adequate presentation radiographs demonstrating a congruent mortise. Patient records and radiographs were evaluated a minimum of 5 years after initial presentation to determine ankle stability, complications, and the burden on outpatient services. Between 2014 and 2016, 657 patients were referred to the specialist trauma clinic from the emergency department. Of the 657, 52 patients had inadequate ED radiographs to determine ankle congruity. At the two-week assessment, 11 of the 52 demonstrated talar shift and required intervention. Therefore 646 patients demonstrated ankle congruity at two weeks after weight bearing. No patient demonstrated talar shift at the six-week assessment. Average number of follow up appointments was 2.4 with 3.5 radiographs. Our new treatment protocol advocates discharge after a single orthopaedic assessment after two weeks of weight bearing. This study supports immediate weight-bearing of Weber B ankle fractures with a congruent mortise in an orthosis. Follow up beyond two weeks is unnecessary and our protocol offers a safe means of significantly reducing the outpatient burden

Stable Weber B fractures are typically treated non-operatively without complications but require close monitoring due to concerns over potential medial deltoid ligament injuries and the risk of delayed talar shift. Following recent evidence suggesting this is unlikely, a functional protocol with early weight bearing was introduced at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) following a pilot audit. This study aims to evaluate the risk of delayed talar shift in isolated Weber B fractures managed with functional bracing and early weight-bearing, particularly if signs of medial ligament injury are present. We conducted a retrospective review of 148 patients with isolated Weber B fractures without talar shift at presentation that were reviewed at the virtual fracture clinic at our institution between July 2019 and June 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed talar shift. Secondary outcomes were other complications and adherence to protocol. 48 patients had medial signs present and of these 1 (2%) showed possible talar shift on X-rays at 4 weeks, and was kept under review. This patient had a normal medial clear space at 3 months. No patients with medial signs not documented (n=19) or not present (n=81) had delayed talar shift. 10% of patients (n=15) had at least 1 complication: delayed union (n=2); non-union (n=3); ongoing pain (n=14). Functional bracing with early weight-bearing is a safe, effective protocol for managing isolated Weber B fractures without initial talar shift. This study concludes that the risk of delayed talar shift is low in all patients, with or without medial signs

Introduction. Patellofemoral instability is one of the most common presentations to a children's orthopaedic clinic. Recurrent patellar dislocations and instability episodes are painful, disabling and increase the risk of irreversible chondral damage. The medial patellofemoral ligament is the primary static stabiliser to prevent lateral dislocation of the patella and is almost always torn or attenuated in these cases. Reconstruction of this ligament is commonly performed using autologous hamstring tendon however there has been some interest recently in use of quadriceps tendon as a graft. Children with patellar instability also present unique challenges due to the small size of the patella and the presence of open growth plates which may require adaptations to the common techniques. Methods. Patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft were identified using electronic theatre records. Prospectively collected clinical records and imaging findings were reviewed and underlying pathology, additional procedures at time of MPFL reconstruction, current function and need for further revision surgery determined. Results. Between January 2019 and August 2023, 50 MPFL reconstructions were performed in 37 children using partial thickness quadriceps autograft. Patient age at time of surgery ranged from 5 to 17 years (median age 13 years). The technique was utilised for a variety of indications including recurrent traumatic and habitual patellofemoral instability, fixed dislocations, and revision MPFL reconstruction. Conclusion. Partial thickness quadriceps tendon autograft can be used safely to primarily reconstruct the medial patellofemoral ligament in paediatric population, including those children with open growth plates. It also has utility in revision cases following previous failed hamstring MPFL reconstruction. We have noted that the younger the child, the more distal to the physis lies the femoral point of isometricity, rendering this a safe and reproducible treatment in this age group. Use of this technique has increased in our unit as we have observed that patients seem to be satisfied with their clinical and functional outcomes with a low incidence of short- and medium-term complications

Introduction. Activity scales are used throughout orthopaedics as a component of PROMs. Tegner Activity Scale is commonly used and is validated in various knee injuries in adults. It has a reading age of 18 years presenting an understanding problem for children. An alternative is HSS-PediFABS, but this looks at specific skills like running, cutting, pivoting rather than sporting level. Our aim was to determine if children understood TAS and whether their answers compared to how their parents scored them and determine if our suggested sporting levels were more appropriate for them. Method. We created a study form to compare levels given by children and their parent. We added our own suggested levels, with a reading age of 9, created by a discussion group of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Following ethics approval, a sample size was determined via power calculation. All patients over 7 and their parents presenting to the orthopaedic clinic at SCH over a 4-month period were asked to fill out the TAS, baseline questions and rank the new suggested sporting levels. Results. 51 patients and their parents were recruited, with a mean age of 13 (±0.31, 8–17). 35% female. The mean TAS score for children rating themselves was 7.04 (±0.32, 2–10) vs 6.43 (±0.37, 0–10) for parents rating the child (p=0.31). The average weekly activity time rated by children was 6.72 hours (±0.84, 0–30) vs 7.48 (±1.02, 0–36) rated by the parent (p=0.68). Our suggested levels for paediatric patients were ordered correctly by both groups (mode score). The mean new activity level for children was 4.9 (±0.24, 2–9) vs 4.81 (±0.26, 1–8) by their parent(p=0.79). The mean score difference for TAS was 1.42 vs 1.2 in the new score (p=0.38). Conclusion. Paediatric patients had difficulty understanding the TAS and there was poor agreement of activity levels between patients and parents

According to the Scottish Arthroplasty Project the mean inpatient LoS following a Total Hip Replacement (THR) has fallen from 10.3 days in 2001 to only 3.9 days. This reduction in patient LoS has lead units in the UK to follow the example of centres around the world in offering THR as a day case procedure. In this study we examine data gathered from the first 18 months of day case THR within a district general hospital elective orthopaedics unit. Data was collected prospectively from all patients undergoing THR within our district general hospital elective orthopaedic unit. Patients were selected to day case THR group via consultant review at outpatient clinic and anaesthetic assessment at pre-assessment clinics. Between August 2018 and February 2020 (18 months) 40 patients successfully underwent day case THR. None of the patients discharged home where readmitted within the next 30 days. The average age of successful day case THRs was 60 years old. The at 6 months post-op mean OHS was 45.1 and at 1 year post-op the mean score was 47.2. The average improvement in OHS was 21.1 at 6 months and 26.9 at 1 year post-op. All of the patients successfully discharged as day cases where satisfied with their care and all but one would recommend it to their friends and family. We have shown that day case THR is not only possible within an NHS district general hospital but gives exceptional patient outcomes with excellent patient satisfaction

International literature reports a 30% lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV, domestic abuse). Many of those affected have little interaction with healthcare. Since a third of abused patients sustain musculoskeletal injuries, the fracture clinic has potential for identifying victims of abuse. The aim was to identify the proportion of fracture clinic patients who had suffered IPV within the past year. A prospective questionnaire study of patients in three UK adult fracture clinics was conducted. There were no gender/age exclusions and the target sample size was 278. This study had ethics approval and the questionnaire used is validated in this population. Of 336 respondents, 46% were females with 63% aged over 40 (212/336). The total prevalence of IPV within the preceding 12 months was 9% (29/336). The lifetime prevalence of IPV amongst respondents was 20% (68/336). 38% of patients suffering from IPV had been physically abused by their partner (11/29 vs. 7% in controls, p<0.001). None of the patients were being seen for an injury related to abuse. Two thirds of respondents thought that staff should ask routinely about IPV (64% 216/336) but only 5% had been asked about abuse (18/336). This is the first study in the UK investigating prevalence of IPV in orthopaedics. There is a high lifetime prevalence of abuse in fracture clinic patients. Patients are willing to disclose abuse within the fracture clinic setting and are supportive of staff asking about abuse. This presents an opportunity to identify those at risk in this vulnerable population