Despite the vast quantities of published artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that target trauma and orthopaedic applications, very few progress to inform clinical practice. One key reason for this is the lack of a clear pathway from development to deployment. In order to assist with this process, we have developed the Clinical Practice Integration of Artificial Intelligence (CPI-AI) framework – a five-stage approach to the clinical practice adoption of AI in the setting of trauma and orthopaedics, based on the IDEAL principles (. https://www.ideal-collaboration.net/. ). Adherence to the framework would provide a robust evidence-based mechanism for developing trust in AI applications, where the underlying algorithms are unlikely to be fully understood by clinical teams. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):507–512

Objectives. To explore whether orthopaedic surgeons have adopted the Proximal Fracture of the Humerus: Evaluation by Randomisation (PROFHER) trial results routinely into clinical practice. Methods. A questionnaire was piloted with six orthopaedic surgeons using a ‘think aloud’ process. The final questionnaire contained 29 items and was distributed online to surgeon members of the British Orthopaedic Association and British Elbow and Shoulder Society. Descriptive statistics summarised the sample characteristics and fracture treatment of respondents overall, and grouped them by whether they changed practice based on PROFHER trial findings. Free-text responses were analysed qualitatively for emerging themes using Framework Analysis principles. Results. There were complete responses from 265 orthopaedic and trauma surgeons who treat patients with proximal humeral fractures. Around half (137) had changed practice to various extents because of PROFHER, by operating on fewer PROFHER-eligible fractures. A third (43) of the 128 respondents who had not changed practice were already managing patients non-operatively. Those who changed practice were more likely to be younger, work in a trauma unit rather than a major trauma centre, be specialist shoulder surgeons and treat fewer PROFHER-eligible fractures surgically. This group gave higher scores when assessing validity and applicability of PROFHER. In contrast, a quarter of the non-changers were critical, sometimes emphatically, of PROFHER. The strongest theme that emerged overall was the endorsement of evidence-based practice. Conclusion. PROFHER has had an impact on surgeons’ clinical practice, both through changing it, and through underpinning existing non-operative practice. Although some respondents expressed reservations about the trial, evidence from such trials was found to be the most important influence on surgeons’ decisions to change practice. Cite this article: L. Jefferson, S. Brealey, H. Handoll, A. Keding, L. Kottam, I. Sbizzera, A. Rangan. Impact of the PROFHER trial findings on surgeons’ clinical practice: An online questionnaire survey. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:590–599. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.610.BJR-2017-0170

Aims. Hand trauma, consisting of injuries to both the hand and the wrist, are a common injury seen worldwide. The global age-standardized incidence of hand trauma exceeds 179 per 100,000. Hand trauma may require surgical management and therefore result in significant costs to both healthcare systems and society. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common following all surgical interventions, and within hand surgery the risk of SSI is at least 5%. SSI following hand trauma surgery results in significant costs to healthcare systems with estimations of over £450 per patient. The World Health Organization (WHO) have produced international guidelines to help prevent SSIs. However, it is unclear what variability exists in the adherence to these guidelines within hand trauma. The aim is to assess compliance to the WHO global guidelines in prevention of SSI in hand trauma. Methods. This will be an international, multicentre audit comparing antimicrobial practices in hand trauma to the standards outlined by WHO. Through the Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network (RSTN), hand surgeons across the globe will be invited to participate in the study. Consultant surgeons/associate specialists managing hand trauma and members of the multidisciplinary team will be identified at participating sites. Teams will be asked to collect data prospectively on a minimum of 20 consecutive patients. The audit will run for eight months. Data collected will include injury details, initial management, hand trauma team management, operation details, postoperative care, and antimicrobial techniques used throughout. Adherence to WHO global guidelines for SSI will be summarized using descriptive statistics across each criteria. Discussion. The Hand and Wrist trauma: Antimicrobials and Infection Audit of Clinical Practice (HAWAII ACP) will provide an understanding of the current antimicrobial practice in hand trauma surgery. This will then provide a basis to guide further research in the field. The findings of this study will be disseminated via conference presentations and a peer-reviewed publication. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):361–366

Background and study purpose. Low back pain with no identified underlying cause is categorised as primary musculoskeletal pain by the International Association for the Study of Pain. In April 2021, the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) published updated guidance for the management of primary chronic pain conditions in England. As part of the De-STRESS pain study, we explored the perspectives of GPs on the updated guideline and impact upon clinical practice. Methods and results. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 GPs in England. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques. GPs agreed with the recommendations restricting pharmacological options for pain management and reflected that they now had an expert reference to back-up their decision-making and could use the guidance in potentially difficult conversations with patients. Frustration was expressed by GPs about the lack of alternative options to medication, as the non-pharmacological recommendations were difficult to implement, had lengthy waiting lists, or were unavailable in their locality. Conclusion. Although GPs discussed benefits of the updated NICE guideline in potentially reducing prescriptions of ineffective and potentially harmful medications, frustration about the lack of alternative strategies added to the difficulties encountered in managing people with persistent back pain in primary care. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: This study was funded by Versus Arthritis – grant number 22454; Carolyn A Chew-Graham is part-funded by NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West Midlands

Spinal surgery deals with the treatment of different pathological conditions of the spine such as tumors, deformities, degenerative disease, infections and traumas. Research in the field of vertebral surgery can be divided into two main areas: 1) research lines transversal to the different branches; 2) specific research lines for the different branches. The transversal lines of research are represented by strategies for the reduction of complications, by the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques, by the development of surgical navigation systems and by the development of increasingly reliable systems for the control of intra-operative monitoring. Instead, specific lines of research are developed within the different branches. In the field of oncological pathology, the current research concerns the development of in vitro models for the study of metastases and research for the study of targeted treatment methods such as electrochemotherapy and mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts. Research in the field of spinal deformities is focused on the development of increasingly minimally invasive methods and systems which, combined with appropriate pharmacological treatments, help reduce trauma, stress and post-operative pain. Scaffolds based on blood clots are also being developed to promote vertebral fusion, a fundamental requirement for improving the outcome of vertebral arthrodesis performed for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. To improve the management and the medical and surgical treatment of vertebral infections, research has focused on the definition of multidisciplinary strategies aimed at identifying the best possible treatment path. Thus, flow-charts have been created which allow to manage the patient suffering from vertebral infection. In addition, dedicated silver-coated surgical instrumentation and bone substitutes have been developed that simultaneously guarantee mechanical stability and reduce the risk of further local infection. In the field of vertebral traumatology, the most recent research studies have focused on the development of methods for the biostimulation of the bone growth in order to obtain, when possible, healing without surgery. Methods have also been developed that allow the minimally invasive percutaneous treatment of fractures by means of vertebral augmentation with PMMA, or more recently with the use of silicone which from a biomechanical point of view has an elastic modulus more similar to that of bone. It is clear that scientific research has changed clinical practice both in terms of medical and surgical management of patients with spinal pathologies. The results obtained stimulate the basic research to achieve even more. For this reason, new lines of research have been undertaken which, in the oncology field, aim at developing increasingly specific therapies against target receptors. Research efforts are also being multiplied to achieve regeneration of the degenerated intervertebral disc and to develop implants with characteristics increasingly similar to those of bone in order to improve mechanical stability and durability over time. Photodynamic therapies are being developed for the treatment of infections in order to reduce the use of antibiotic therapies. Finally, innovative lines of research are being launched to treat and regenerate damaged nerve structures with the goal, still far from today, of making patients with spinal cord injuries to walk

Aims. Our aim, using English Hospital Episode Statistics data before during and after the Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT), was to assess whether the results of the trial affected clinical practice. Patients and Methods. Data were grouped into six month intervals from July 2005 to December 2014. All patient episodes in the National Health Service involving emergency surgery for an isolated distal radial fracture were included. Results. Clinical practice in England had not changed in the five years before DRAFFT: 75% of patients were treated with plate fixation versus 12% with Kirschner (K)-wires. After the publication of the trial, the proportion of patients having K-wire fixation rose to 42% with a concurrent fall in the proportion having fixation with a plate to 48%. The proportion of ‘other’ procedures stayed the same. Take home message. It appears that surgeons in the United Kingdom do change their practice in response to large, pragmatic, multicentre clinical trials in musculoskeletal trauma. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:410–13

Introduction. THR is one of the most frequently performed operations nationally. A large number of prostheses are available, and the procedure is therefore associated with variation in practice and outcomes. NICE guidelines aim to standardise best practice, and are informed by separate, independent bodies, such as the NJR and ODEP, which monitor data about the implants used and their performance. This study aims to determine whether clinical practice and component use has changed since the publication of NJR data. Methods. NJR reports from 2006–2014 were analysed, with record made of the different prostheses used in THR, noting ODEP ratings of components used. Analysis was also performed by component type (i.e. cemented and cementless stems and cups), and combinations of components, according to their frequency of use in a given year. The Kruksal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. Results. Analysis revealed that the number of components used with an A ODEP rating has increased from 2006–2014. However, there was no significant change (p=0.37) in the use of these components when expressed as a percentage of total procedures performed. Use of ODEP B, C and unclassified prostheses does not appear to have declined. During the period of study there has been a 9% rise in the number of implant combinations used, and a 37.9% rise in the number of implant combinations used fewer than 10 times annually, though these procedures now account for a lower percentage of the total performed annually. Discussion. Our analysis demonstrates that there has been limited change in practice since the publication of NJR data. A large variety of implants and products persist without evidence of long-term success. Furthermore, many components are used infrequently, raising concerns that surgeons may be less familiar with their nuances. There is a significant risk of higher costs due to increased primary expenditure and complications leading to avoidable, early revision. Conclusion. We conclude that NJR data publication does not directly influence clinical practice

Background. Evidence-based practice advocates utilising best current research evidence, while reflecting patient preference and clinical expertise in decision making. Successfully incorporating this evidence into practice is a complex process. Based on recommendations of existing guidelines and systematic evidence reviews conducted using the GRADE approach, treatment pathways for common spinal pain disorders were developed. Aims. The aim of this study was to identify important potential facilitators to the integration of these pathways into routine clinical practice. Methods. A 22 person stakeholder group consisting of patient representatives, clinicians, researchers and members of relevant clinical interest groups took part in a series of moderated focus groups, followed up with individual, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results. Participants identified a number of issues which were categorized into broad themes. Common facilitators to implementation included continual education and synthesis of research evidence which is reflective of everyday practice; as well as the use of clear, unambiguous messages in recommendations. Meeting additional training needs in new or extended areas of practice was also recognized as an important factor. Different stakeholders identified specific areas which could be associated with successful uptake. Patients frequently defined early involvement in a shared decision making process as important. Clinicians identified case based examples and information on important prognostic indicators as useful tools to aiding decisions. Conclusion. A number of potential implementation strategies were identified. Further work will examine the impact of these and other important factors on the integration of evidence-based treatment recommendations into clinical practice

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the type and the dosage regimer the antibiotics administered prophylactically or curatively in six orthopaedic departments of «KAT» hospital. Material-Method: Our study group consisted of 1231 patients who were hospitalized between September and November 2003. 1002 patients were treated surgically whilst 229 patients were managed conservatively. Among the patients who were operated 270 underwent THR or TKR, 306 patients were operated for NOF fracture, 195 patients were admitted because of long-bone fractures, 30 patients were operated for fracture or chronic deformity of the hand or the foot, 26 patients for open fractures, 52 patients underwent spine surgery and finally 53 patients were admitted for metal work removal. Results: All patients were given antibiotics as prophylaxis for a period of 1–7 days 8 patients received antibiotics based on the cultures whilst 113 patients received empiric chemotherapy for some kind of infection. The microbiology lab recorded the microflora in every department and the percentage of resistance of the most important pathogens. Those were: 47% Gram(+) (45% staphylococcus) and 53% Gram(−). Of the identified staphylococci 44% were MR. MRSA-CNS was detected to be completely resistant to b-lactams and at a percentage up to 80% to amynoglycosides. The percentage of resistance of Pseudomonas was 55% to quinolones, 48% to aminoglycosides and 90% to b-lactams. We did notice that the use of the antibiotics was not based on a specific antibiotic policy and in a high percentage; the empirical use of chemotherapy was not documented on the laboratory data. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the modern scientific data regarding the antibiotic treatment; the rational use of antibiotics in clinical practice requires the implementation of policies, the continuous education of the doctors as well as the intervention for proper prescriptions

Objective: To evaluate viscosupplementation by intraarticular injection of Orthovisc® Vs. Synvisc® (Molecular Weight 1.55 and 6 Million Daltons, respectively) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in clinical practice in Israel. Methods: We performed a prospective evaluation of all patients treated with either Orthovisc® or Synvisc® by the senior author during a 2 year period. All patients suitable for hyaluronic acid injections were included in the study. Patients bought either product at their own expense and preference. A total of 1566 injections were performed involving 522 knees. Patients were divided into two groups; one consisting of 277 patients who purchased Orthovisc® and a second consisting of 245 patients who purchased Synvisc®. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed pain. The senior author performed all injections and sterile injection protocol was strictly adhered to. Knees were injected at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. Patients were assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3 & 4 weeks and 3, 6 & 12 months following initial visit. Results: Both products were found to be of clinical benefit and have an acceptable safety profile. No difference in VAS values was found between the two groups. The calculated Power of Study for detection of a one-pain unit difference was 99.9% (α=0.05). This power was maintained through the first three visits and later declined. Conclusion Our findings question the impact of hyaluronic acid molecular weight in alleviating osteoarthritic knee pain

We present results obtained in patients treated in Italy with BMP7/OP-1, Eptotermin alpha) carried by type 1 collagen (Osigraft) in an observational, prospective, multicentre, non-randomised study. OP-1/collagen is the first human recombinant BMP/OP approved for clinical use in tibial non-union refractory to autograft (Europe) or in long-bone non-unions (US, Australia and Canada). A prospective, randomised, controlled clinical study demonstrated that OP-1 has clinical and radiographic efficacy in tibial non-union comparable to autograft, with better tolerability. Non-randomised trials have shown a high clinical efficacy of OP-1 in complex recalcitrant long-bone non-unions as well. Data on some of the patients treated in Italy with OP-1 from June 2002 –to December 2003 have been collected; we evaluated the data from 45 patients (18 surgeons) with a diagnosis of long-bone non-union (69%, in 81% atrophic/oligotrophic), delayed union (18%) or bone defect/cyst (7%). The mean age was 43±17 years (range 5–76 years) and the mean number of previous surgeries was 2.3±2.3 (range 0–13), with a disease duration from the original trauma of 18.9±20 months (range 1–93 months). Of the patients, 25% had previously received an autograft. In some patients (34%) complications were present (osteomyelitis, infections etc); in 53.3% of cases OP-1 was mixed with other agents (including 31% association with iliac crest autograft). Radiographic analysis at 9 months (in PA patients only) has shown that Osigraft is efficacious in 78.6% of patients (67.9% union and 3.7% marked bone bridges); radiographic unions were reported in 34.8% at 4–5 months and in 60% at 6–8 months. In Osigraft-only treated patients, radiographic union at 9 months was 82.4% (plus 3.6 % marked bone bridges). Treatment failure was reported in eight of 45 patients (19.5%), including four cases in which Osigraft was mixed with iliac crest autograft; in four patients mechanical stability was insufficient,in three postoperative osteomyelitis developed and in one a silent osteomyelitis was present and considered the cause of the failure. No adverse events (AE) were reported. Even if this study has limitations because it is observational, not randomised and no protocol was applied, as all naturalistic studies, it give us information about current clinical practice. The radiographic results observed were comparable with those reported in the literature in randomised and non-clinical series, indicating an efficacy of Osigraft close to 80 %, expecially in cases where the drug was used without autograft. The complete absence of AE is also relevant. The analysis of the failures reaffirm some basic principles that have to be respected such as mechanical stability, bone continuity and contact with vital/non-infected bone tissue

The goals of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in medicine are to promote best practices and reduce variations. Ideally they should improve physician performance and patient outcomes. Although controversy exists about the definition of a high quality guideline and how guidelines will be used in our health care system, there is a call for their use to help improve quality patient care. Guidelines related to musculoskeletal topics should be developed by national orthopaedic organisations and subspecialty societies using the best available clinical evidence. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has, since 2007, developed nine evidence-based guidelines in the areas of hand, sports, foot/ankle, shoulder, paediatrics and total joint replacement. The keys to successful guideline development include an expert methodologist, an experienced evidence analysis staff, strict adherence to established rules to minimise bias, and strong communication with relevant subspecialty societies. The AAOS process allows any individual or group to submit a potential topic for consideration. A physician workgroup of 5-8 members is selected after wide advertisement of the topic. Workgroup members must have no relevant financial conflicts of interest to the topic and are required to fill out an enhanced disclosure form. The workgroup is comprised of orthopaedic surgeons and other specialists with expertise in the topic. There are two in-person meetings between which the staff finds and analyses the data to support the specific initial questions. The final document is 300-350 pages. There is a period of peer review by relevant societies as well as a period of public commentary followed by the formal committee and Board approval. The final guideline is disseminated widely via press releases, subspecialty societies, AAOS meetings, webinars, JBJS, JAAOS, and related questions on resident and member national examinations. These guidelines now form the basis for future AAOS quality initiatives

Abstract

MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) rods are used in the surgical treatment of children with early onset scoliosis. The magnetically controlled lengthening mechanism enables rod distractions without the need for repeated invasive surgery. The CE certification of these devices was suspended in March 2021 due, primarily, to performance evidence gaps in the documents provided by the manufacturer to regulators and notified bodies. MAGEC rods are therefore not permitted for use in countries requiring CE marking. This was a survey of 18 MAGEC rod surgeons in the UK about their perception of the impact of the CE suspension on the clinical management of their patients. Unsurprisingly, virtually all perceived a negative impact, reflecting the complexity of this patient group. Reassuringly, these surgeons are highly experienced in alternative treatment methods.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):155–157.

Dual mobility (DM) is an established bearing option in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). The traditional mono-block DM designs have limited ability for additional fixation, whereas the modular DM designs allow additional screw fixation but limit internal diameter and have the potential to generate metal debris. We report the early results of a CoCrMo alloy mono-block implant manufactured by additive technology with a highly porous ingrowth surface to enhance primary fixation and osseointegration.

Prospective follow-up of the Duplex^TM implant first inserted in March 2016 enrolled into Beyond Compliance (BC). Primary outcome measure was all-cause revision and secondary outcomes dislocation, peri-prosthetic fracture (PPF) and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Patients were risk stratified and all considered to be high risk for instability. Complications were identified via hospital records, clinical coding linkage using national database and via BC website.

159 implants in 154 patients with a mean age 74.0 years and a maximum F/U of 7 years. Survivorship for all-cause revision 99.4% (95% CI 96.2–99.8). One femoral only revision. Mean gain in OHS 27.4. Dislocation rate 0.6% with a single event. Patients with a cemented Polished taper stem (PTS) had a Type B PPF rate of 2.1% requiring revision/fixation. Compared to conventional THA this cohort was significantly older (74.0 vs 68.3 years), more co-morbidity (ASA 3 46.5% vs 14.4%) and more non-OA indications (32.4% vs 8.5%). Every patient had at least one risk factor for falling and >50% of cohort had 4 or more risk factors using NICE tool.

We believe our results demonstrate that risk stratification successfully aids implant selection to prevent dislocation in high-risk patients. This novel design has provided excellent early results in a challenging cohort where individuals are very different to the “average” THA patient. NJR data on DM has reported an increase in revision for PPF. A “perfect storm” maybe created using DM in high-risk falls risk population. This re-enforces the need to consider all patient and implant factors when deciding bearing selection.

The aim was to examine the descriptive epidemiology of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, with respect to geography and time. We extracted all children with a diagnosis of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis from the Clinical Practice Research Database between 1990 and 2014 (24 years). CPRD is the world's largest database of primary care, which encompasses 8% of the UK population. CPRD was linked to Hospital Episode Statistics, and a validation algorithm applied to maximise sensitivity and specificity of the cases finding methodology. Poisson confidence intervals were calculated, and poison regression used. 596 cases of SCFE were identified. The internal validation algorithm supported a SCFE diagnosis in 88% cases. The age and sex distribution of cases mirrored that in the literature, offering external validity to the cases identified. There was no significant change in the incidence of SCFE over the 24-year study period, with the overall incidence being 4.8 cases per 100,00 0–16 year olds. There was no significant geographic variation in SCFE within the UK. There was a positive association with rising socioeconomic deprivation (p<0.01). There was no seasonal variation in presentation. This study found no evidence to support the common belief that SCFE incidence is increasing, and for the first time demonstrated an association with socioeconomic deprivation. The results are important for considering the feasibility of intervention studies, and offer insights into the disease aetiology

Aim

Successful management of native Joint septic arthritis (SA) hinges on the timely initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy coupled with thorough joint debridement. Since 2018 we have implemented a protocol for empirical antibiotic in patients with suspected SA recommending amoxicillin/clavulanate (and cotrimoxazole in cases of beta-lactams allergy) based on local flora. Nevertheless we have recently found that institutional compliance to the protocol is only about 50% and many physicians are still choosing alternative wider spectrum regimens.

The aim of this study is to assess whether current clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients treated for this condition justify an update or whether previous recommendations are still valid.

Purpose: Clinical practice guideline (CPG) concordant treatment (Ctx) has been shown to be more effective than CPG discordant care (Dtx) in a heterogeneous cohort of patients with acute lower back pain (ALBP). However, patients with underlying spine pathology (e.g. stenosis, disc degeneration, facet joint arthropathy) or without identifiable spine pathology may all present solely with ALBP. At present, it is unknown if underlying spine pathology influences the outcome of Ctx. The purpose of this study was to determine if Ctx is more effective than Dtx in patients with differing underlying spine pathology who present with ALBP. Method: A Two-arm, randomized control trial with stratified analysis. Inclusion: Ages 19–59; QTFSD I, II ALBP < 4 weeks. Exclusion: “Red Flag” conditions, comorbidities contraindicating Ctx. The primary outcome was the difference between Ctx and Dtx Roland Morris Disability (RDQ) scores at 16 weeks post baseline between study groups. Secondary outcomes: differences in Bodily Pain (BP), Physical Functioning (PF) SF-36 domain scores at 16 weeks. Patients were assessed by a spine physician and randomized to Ctx or Dtx. Patients were stratified on the basis of CT or MRI evidence of:. spinal stenosis;. disc degeneration;. facet joint arthropathy; or. no identifiable pathology. Hospital / University Ethics approval was obtained. Results: Eighty-eight patients were recruited; 39 in Ctx & 38 in Dtx group completed the study. Baseline prognostic variables were evenly distributed between groups. Outcomes: mean difference in 16 week RDQ, BP and PF scores between Ctx and Dtx was statistically greatest in group 4 (p< 0.001). There was no significant clinical improvement in RDQ, BP or PF scores in either the Ctx or Dtx in group 2. Conclusion: Ctx was more effective than Dtx in patients with no identifiable spine pathology and ineffective and equivalent to Dtx in patients with underlying disc degeneration

The Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association established the Sarcoma Guidelines Working Party to develop national guidelines for the management of Sarcoma. We asked whether surgery at a specialised centre improves outcomes. A systematic review was performed of all available evidence pertaining to paediatric or adult patients treated for bone or soft tissue sarcoma at a specialised centre compared with non-specialised centres. Outcomes assessed included local control, limb salvage rate, 30-day and 90-day surgical mortality, and overall survival.

Definitive surgical management at a specialised sarcoma centre improves local control as defined by margin negative surgery, local or locoregional recurrence, and local recurrence free survival. Limb conservation rates are higher at specialised centres, due in part to the depth of surgical experience and immediate availability of multidisciplinary and multimodal therapy. A statistically significant correlation did not exist for 30-day and 90-day mortality between specialised centres and non-specialised centres. The literature is consistent with improved survival when definitive surgical treatment is performed at a specialised sarcoma centre.

Evidence-based recommendation: Patients with suspected sarcoma to be referred to a specialised sarcoma centre for surgical management to reduce the risk of local recurrence, surgical complication, and to improve limb conservation and survival.

Practice point: Patients with suspected sarcoma should be referred to a specialised sarcoma centre early for management including planned biopsy.