Complications are an inevitable part of orthopaedic surgery, how one defines complications can have an impact on the ability to learn from them. A group of general surgeons headed by Clavien and Dindo et al.1 have previously published their classification system for surgical complications based on the type of therapy required to correct the complication. Our aim was to evaluate a modification of this classification system and its use over a 12-month period at our institution via our departmental audits, our hypothesis being that this would direct appropriate discussion around our complications and hence learning and institutional change. A modified Clavien-Dindo Classification was prospectively applied to all complications recorded in the Orthopaedic departmental quarterly audits at our institution for a 12-month period (4 audits). The audit discussion was recorded and analysed and compared with the quarterly complication audits for the preceding 12-month period. The modified Clavien-Dindo classification for surgical complications was applicable and reproducible to Orthopaedic complications in our level 1 trauma centre. It is a transparent system, objective in its interpretation and avoids the tendency to down-grade serious complications. It was easy to apply and directed discussion appropriately at our quarterly audit meetings on complications where there was a preventable outcome or important learning point. In particular modifications to VTE and Death classes allowed the unit to focus discussion on cases where complication was preventable or unexpected. The modified Clavien-Dindo classification system is an easy to use and reproducible classification system for Orthopaedic complications in our unit it directed audit discussion towards cases where complications were preventable or had a learning point

Introduction. This study aims to evaluate the effect of using different types of fixator on the quality of callus and complications during distraction osteogenesis in patients with achondroplasia. Materials and Methods. Forty-nine achondroplasia patients with a minimum follow-up of 36 months who underwent limb lengthening between 2005 and 2017 with external fixator only were included. Thirty-three of the patients underwent lengthening using classical Ilizarov frame, while spatial frame used for sixteen. Regenerate quality is evaluated according to the Li classification on the X-ray taken one month after the end of the distraction. Complications were noted in the follow-up period. Results. The mean age at the time of surgery was 8,6 years. The mean external fixation index (EFI) was 34,3 and 30,1 day/cm for spatial frame and Ilizarov frame respectively. Mean follow-up period of 161,62 months and mean fixator period of 257 days. Amount of lengthening was 7,2 cm for Ilizarov frame, and 7,5 cm for spatial frame. Rate of callus with good morphological quality seen at consolidation was 72,4% and 50% for Ilizarov and spatial frames respectively. Two groups show similar results of complication rates in terms of pin site infection, premature fibular consolidation, regenerate fracture, plastic deformation, knee contracture. However fibular nonunion rates were higher for Ilizarov-type fixator. Conclusions. Although spatial frame with computer assistance brings easier follow-up for deformity correction, Ilizarov-type external fixator show slightly higher rates of good quality callus during consolidation for patients with achondroplasia

Aim. Clavicular osteotomy was described as an adjunct to deltopectoral approach for improved exposure of the glenohumeral joint. This study aims to present contemporary outcomes and complications associated with the routine use of clavicular osteotomy by a single surgeon in a regional setting within New Zealand. Methods. A retrospective case series of patients who have undergone any shoulder arthroplasty for any indication between March 2017 to August 2022. This time period includes all patients who had clavicular osteotomy(OS) and patients over an equal time period prior to the routine use of osteotomy as a reference group (N-OS). Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and a Simple Shoulder Test (STT) were used to assess functional outcomes and were compared with the reported literature. Operative times and Complications were reviewed. Results. 66 patients were included in the study. 33 patients in the OS group and 33 in the N-OS group. No difference in age, sex, indications for operative intervention and the surgery provided was identified. No significant difference in operative time between groups (N-OS 121 minutes; OS 128 minutes). No clinically significant difference was identified in the OSS (N-OS; mean 38 vs OS 39) or the STT (N-OS 8.3 vs OS 9). The outcomes scores of both groups are in keeping with published literature. Two post operative clavicle fractures, one prominent surgical knot occurred in the OS that required further surgical intervention. Two cases of localized pain over the clavicle and one case of the prominent lateral clavicle were reported in the OS group. Two cases of localized pain over clavicle reported in the N-OS group. Conclusion. Use of clavicular osteotomy is not associated with inferior patient reported. The osteotomy introduces specific risks, however, the study provides evidence that these complications are infrequent and avoidable. Surgeons should feel confident in using this adjunct when exposure to the shoulder is difficult

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is becoming a frequent treatment of choice for patients with shoulder disorders. Complication rates after reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be three-fold that of conventional total shoulder arthroplasty especially in high risk patient populations and diagnoses like revision arthroplasty, fracture sequelae, and severe glenoid bone loss. Complications include component malposition, stiffness, neurological injury, infection, dislocation or instability, acromial or scapular spine fractures, scapular notching, and loosening of implants. Recognition of preoperative risk factors and appropriate 3D planning are essential in optimizing patient outcome and intraoperative success. Failure of reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a significant challenge requiring appropriate diagnosis of the failure mode. The most common neurological injuries involve the brachial plexus and the axillary nerve due to traction, manipulation of the arm, aberrant retractor placement, or relative lengthening of the arm. Intraoperative fractures are relatively uncommon but include the greater tuberosity, acromion, and glenoid. Tuberosity fracture can be repaired intraoperatively with suture techniques, glenoid fractures may be insignificant rim fractures or jeopardise baseplate fixation and require abandoning RSA until glenoid fracture ORIF heals and then a second stage RSA. Periprosthetic infection after RSA ranges from 1 to 10% and may be higher in revision cases and frequently is Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Dislocation was one of the most common complications after RSA approximately 5% but with increased surgeon experience and prosthetic design, dislocation rates are approaching 1–2%. An anterosuperior deltoid splitting approach has been associated with increased stability as well as subscapularis repair after RSA. Scapular notching is the most common complication after RSA. Notching may be caused by direct mechanical impingement of the humerosocket polyethylene on the scapular neck and from osteolysis from polyethylene wear. Sirveaux classified scapular notching based on the defect size as it erodes behind the baseplate towards the central post. Acromial fractures are infrequent but more common is severely eroded acromions from CTA, with osteoporosis, with excessive lengthening, and with superior baseplate screws that penetrate the scapular spine and create a stress riser. Nonoperative care is the mainstay of acromial and scapular spine fractures. Recognizing preoperative risk factors and understanding component positioning and design is essential to maximizing successful outcomes

Specific brace-fitting complications in idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) have been rarely described in published series, and usually focus on non-compliance. Our primary aim was to compare the rate of persistent pressure sores in patients fitted with Markell boots and Mitchell boots. Our additional aims were to describe the frequency of other brace fitting complications and identify age trends in these complications. A retrospective analysis of medical files of 247 idiopathic CTEV patients born between 01/01/2010 - 01/01/2021 was performed. Data was collected using a REDCap database.

Pressure sores of sufficient severity for clinician to recommend time out of brace occurred in 22.9% of Mitchell boot and 12.6% of Markell boot patients (X² =6.9, p=0.009). The overall rate of bracing complications was 51.4%. 33.2% of parents admitted to bracing non-compliance and 31.2% of patients required re-casting during the bracing period for relapse. For patients with a minimum follow-up of age 6 years, 44.2% required tibialis anterior tendon transfer. Parents admitting to non-compliance were significantly more likely to have a child who required tibialis anterior tendon transfer (X²=5.71, p=0.017). Overall rate of capsular release (posteromedial release or posterior release) was 2.0%.

Neither medium nor longterm results of Ponseti treatment in the Australian and New Zealand clubfoot have been published. Globally, few publications describe specific bracing complications in clubfoot, despite this being a notable challenge for clinicians and families. Recurrent pressure sores is a persistent complication with the Mitchell boots for patients in our center. In our population of Australian clubfoot patients, tibialis anterior tendon transfer for relapse is common, consistent with the upper limit of tibialis anterior tendon transfer rates reported globally.

There has recently been an increase in the number of hip replacement procedures performed through an anterior approach. Every procedure has a risk profile, and in the case of a new procedure or technique it is important to investigate the incidence of complications. The aim of this study is to identify the complications encountered in the first 100 patients treated with the minimally invasive anterior approach. This is a case series of the first 100 hips treated and were assessed for complications. These were classified according to the severity and outcome [1]. The 100 hip comprised of 98 patients; 46 males and 52 females with an average operation age on 70.1 (±9.38) years. There were 2 bilateral procedures. Specific patient selection criteria were used. All complications occurred within one month of surgery. Complications such as fracture, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cup malposition, femoral stem malposition, retained screw, excessive acetabular reaming and skin numbness were noted. Complications associated with fracture were characterized as either periprosthetic or trochanteric. Clinical outcome scores of SF36v2, WOMAC, Harris Hip and Tegner activity score were analysed at pre-operative, 6 months, 12 months 24 months and 36 months intervals. A total of 13 early complications occurred. Of these 13 complications the most common complications were trochanteric fracture, 3 instances (3.00%), periprosthetic fracture, 2 (2.00%), DVT, 2 (2.00%), numbness, 2 (2.00%) and loosening. Other complications recorded were cup malposition, 1 (1.00%), femoral stem malpositon, 1 (1.00%), retained screw, 1 (1.00%) and excessive acetabular reaming, 1 (1.00%). All fractures occurred in patients over the age of 60 years. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between all clinical outcomes measures pre-operatively and postoperatively (6, 12, 24 and 36 months). The unfamiliarity of the approach, however, increased operating time, and exposure problems, lead to trochanteric fracture

One of the most important sequelae to ageing is osteoporosis and subsequently hip fractures. Hip fractures are associated with major morbidity, mortality and costs. Most patients require surgery to restore mobility. Provision of surgery and its complications is poorly understood in South Africa. Our aim was to collect and report current hip fracture care at four centres in South Africa, as well as reporting surgical and general patient outcomes.

A three year retrospective cohort at four centres will be described, focussing on provision of surgical care, mortality, types of surgery and complications.

We identified 562 patients who had surgical intervention for fragility fractures, 66% were females. Forty nine percent had open reduction and internal fixation, 28% had hemi-arthroplasty replacement whilst 23% had total hip replacements. Twenty percent of patients had operative intervention within 36 hours of presentation to the emergency department. Mortality was 9% at 30 days. The most common complications were lower respiratory infections (29%), urinary tract infections (21%) and surgical site infections (9%).

This is the largest cohort of surgically treated hip fracture from South Africa. Proportions of patients receiving different surgical interventions such as THR are comparable to the broader literature. However a number of key performance indicators such as surgery within 36 hours are challenging to meet. Given the changing demographics of South Africa, this study provides an early insight to contemporary care and may help provide direction for broader national strategies for reporting and improving hip fracture care.

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for complications after operative management of ankle fractures. Generally, diabetic sequelae such as neuropathy and nephropathy portend greater risk; however, the degree of risk resulting from these patient factors is poorly defined. We sought to evaluate the effects of the diabetic sequelae of neuropathy, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) on the risk of complications following operative management of ankle fractures.

Using a national claims-based database we analyzed patients who had undergone operative management of an ankle fracture and who remained active in the database for at least two years thereafter. Patients were divided into two cohorts, those with a diagnosis of diabetes and those without. Each cohort was further stratified into five groups: neuropathy, CKD, PVD, multiple sequelae, and no sequelae. The multiple sequelae group included patients with more than one of the three sequelae of interest: CKD, PVD and neuropathy. Postoperative complications were queried for two years following surgery. The main complications of interested were: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), surgical site infection, hospital readmission within 90 days, revision internal fixation, conversion to ankle fusion, and below knee amputation (BKA).

We identified 210,069 patients who underwent operative ankle fracture treatment; 174,803 had no history of diabetes, and 35,266 were diabetic. The diabetic cohort was subdivided as follows: 7,506 without identified sequelae, 8,994 neuropathy, 4,961 CKD, 1,498 PVD, and 12,307 with multiple sequelae.

Compared to non-diabetics, diabetics without sequelae had significantly higher odds of DVT, infection, readmission, revision internal fixation and conversion to ankle fusion (OR range 1.21 – 1.58, p values range Compared to uncomplicated diabetics, diabetics with neuropathy alone and diabetics with multiple sequelae were found to have significantly higher odds of all complications (OR range 1.18 – 31.94, p values range < 0.001 - 0.034). Diabetics with CKD were found to have significantly higher odds of DVT, readmission, and BKA (OR range 1.34 – 4.28, p values range < 0.001 - 0.002). Finally, diabetics with PVD were found to have significantly higher odds of DVT, readmission, conversion to ankle fusion, and BKA (OR range 1.62 - 9.69, p values range < 0.001 - 0.039).

Diabetic patients with sequelae of neuropathy, CKD or PVD generally had higher complication rates than diabetic patients without these diagnoses. Unsurprisingly, diabetic patients with multiple sequalae are at the highest risk of complications and had the highest odds ratios of all complications. While neuropathy is known to be associated with postoperative complications, our analysis demonstrates that CKD represents a significant risk factor for multiple complications following the operative management of ankle fractures and has rarely been discussed in prior studies.

Introduction

A common acute orthopaedic presentation is an ulcerated or infected foot secondary to diabetic neuropathy. Surgical debridement or amputation are often required to manage this complication of diabetes. International literature indicates that amputation may lead to further complications and an increased mortality rate. The aim of this study is to investigate the mortality rate associated with different surgical interventions. This will inform surgical management of patients presenting with acute foot complications from diabetes.

Paediatric bone and joint infections remain common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to determine the complication rate and incidence of disseminated infection in paediatric bone and joint infections in an LMIC setting. Secondly, we aimed to elucidate factors associated with complications and disseminated disease.

We retrospectively reviewed our database for children that presented with bone and joint infections between September 2015 and March 2019. Data were extracted to identify factors that were associated with development of complications and disseminated infection.

We analysed 49 children. The median age at presentation was 6 years (range 1 month to 12 years). Locally advanced disease was present in 13 children (27%). The remaining 36 children were evenly divided (18/49 each, 37%) between isolated AHOM and SA, respectively. Disseminated disease was present in 16 children (33%) and was associated with locally advanced disease, an increase in number of surgeries and an increased length of stay. Twenty-six complications were documented in 22 (45%) children. Chronic osteomyelitis developed in 15/49 (31%) cases, growth arrest in 5/49 (10%), and pathological fracture, DVT and septic shock in 2/49 (4%) each. Complicated disease was associated with locally advanced disease, a higher number of surgeries, disseminated disease and an increased length of stay. Sixty five percent of cases cultured Staphylococcus aureus, while 25% (12/49) were culture negative. The median time from admission to surgery was one day, and the median time from onset of symptoms to surgery was seven days.

We found a high complication rate. One third of patients had locally advanced disease, and this was associated with the development of complications and disseminated disease. Further studies are needed to be able to predict which children will have poor outcomes.

Surgeons must explain the risk of complications to prospective patients and get informed consent. If a complication that occurred was omitted in the process or given the wrong risk level, culpability of the surgeon is judged in court against what a “reasonable patient” would like to know to give or refuse consent.

ObjectivesThe concept “reasonable patient” is widely used, no attempt has been made to define it objectively. We assessed insight of patients, presumed “reasonable”, about risks of certain complications after they underwent one of five orthopaedic procedures.

Questionnaire was administered with procedures: femur IMN, tibia IMN, ankle ORIF, distal radius ORIF and hip arthroplasty. Four common/serious complications were chosen per procedure, and matched against life events with documented risk levels.

There were 230 participants 163 males and 67 females. We found 19.1% of patients above age 40 and 33.3% with tertiary education wouldn't accept nerve injury as reported in literature. With infection risk, 18.1% above 40 and 52.9% with pre-tertiary education would not accept. All patients below 40 and 7.4% pre-tertiary education wouldn't accept the risk of death as reported. However, 37.1% above 40 and 76.9% with pre-tertiary education would accept that risk at a higher level.

It is hard to predict what risk of complication a patient may accept. This study highlights that some patients will not accept risks as reported in literature, even though they need the procedure. Therefore, surgeons need to explain complications fully, so that patients knowingly accepts or refuses consent. The subset of patients who are not willing to accept any level of risk, should be the subject of another study.

There has recently been an increase in the number of hip replacement procedures performed through an anterior approach. Every procedure has a risk profile, and in the case of a new procedure or technique it is important to investigate the incidence of complications. The aim of this study is to identify the complications encountered in the first 100 patients treated with the minimally invasive anterior approach. This is a case series of the first 100 hips treated and were assessed for complications. These were classified according to the severity and outcome [1]. The 100 hip comprised of 98 patients; 46 males and 52 females with an average operation age on 70.1 (±9.38) years. There were 2 bilateral procedures. Specific patient selection criteria were used. All complications occurred within one month of surgery. Complications such as fracture, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cup malposition, femoral stem malposition, retained screw, excessive acetabular reaming and skin numbness were noted. Complications associated with fracture were characterised as either periprosthetic or trochanteric. Clinical outcome scores of SF36v2, WOMAC, Harris Hip and Tegner activity score were analysed at pre-operative, 6 months, 12 months 24 months and 36 months intervals. A total of 13 early complications occurred. Of these 13 complications the most common complications were trochanteric fracture, 3 instances (3.00%), periprosthetic fracture, 2 (2.00%), DVT, 2 (2.00%), numbness, 2 (2.00%) and loosening. Other complications recorded were cup malposition, 1 (1.00%), femoral stem malpositon, 1 (1.00%), retained screw, 1 (1.00%) and excessive acetabular reaming, 1 (1.00%). All fractures occurred in patients over the age of 60 years. There were no dislocations. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between all clinical outcomes measures pre-operatively and postoperatively (6, 12, 24 and 36 months). The unfamiliarity of the approach, however, increased operating time, and exposure problems, lead to trochanteric fracture

The primary objective is to compare revision rates for lumbar disc replacement (LDR) and fusion at the same or adjacent levels in Ontario, Canada. The secondary objectives include acute complications during hospitalization and in 30 days, and length of hospital stay.

A population-based cohort study was conducted using health administrative databases including patients undergoing LDR or single level fusion between October 2005 to March 2018. Patients receiving LDR or fusion were identified using physician claims recorded in the Ontario Health Insurance Program database. Additional details of surgical procedure were obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information hospital discharge abstract. Primary outcome measured was presence of revision surgery in the lumbar spine defined as operation greater than 30 days from index procedure. Secondary outcomes were immediate/ acute complications within the first 30 days of index operation.

A total of 42,024 patients were included. Mean follow up in the LDR and fusion groups were 2943 and 2301 days, respectively. The rates of revision surgery at the same or adjacent levels were 4.7% in the LDR group and 11.1% in the fusion group (P=.003). Multivariate analysis identified risk factors for revision surgery as being female, hypertension, and lower surgeon volume. More patients in the fusion group had dural tears (p<.001), while the LDR group had more “other” complications (p=.037). The LDR group had a longer mean hospital stay (p=.018).

In this study population, the LDR group had lower rates of revision compared to the fusion group. Caution is needed in concluding its significance due to lack of clinical variables and possible differences in indications between LDR and posterior decompression and fusion.

Introduction

The surgical management of late PJI was usually done in two stages with the placement of a temporary cement spacer. The development of one-stage surgical care raises questions about the two-stage strategy. The objectives of this study are to identify the complications related to the presence of the cement spacer within a two-stage strategy. The septic recurrence rate is also evaluated after a minimum follow-up of two years.

Background. To evaluate the causes and modes of complications after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), and to identify its prevention and treatment method by analyzing the complications after UKA. Materials and Methods. A total of 1,576 UKAs were performed between January 2002 and December 2014 at a single-institution. Postoperative complications occurred in 89 knees (83 patients, 5.6%), and 86 of them were found in females and 3 in males. Their mean age was 61 years (range, 46 to 81 years) at the time of initial UKA and 66 years (range, 46 to 82 years) at the time of revision surgery. We analyzed the complications after UKA retrospectively andinvestigated the proper methods of treatment (Table 1). Results. A total of 89 complications (5.6%) occurred afterUKA. Regarding the type of complications after UKA, there were bearing dislocation (n=42), component loosening (n=23), 11 cases of femoral component loosening, 8 cases of tibial component loosening, and 4 cases of both femoral and tibial component loosening, periprosthetic fracture (n=6), polyethylene wear/ destruction (n=3), progression of arthritis to the other compartment (n=3), medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury (n=2), impingement (n=2), infection (n=5), ankylosis (n=1), and unexplained pain (n=2) (Table 2). The most common complication after UKA was mobile bearing dislocation in mobile-bearing type and loosening of prosthesis in fixed-bearing type, but polyethylene wear and progression of arthritis were relatively rare. The mean interval from UKA to the occurrence of complications was 4 years and 6 months (range, 0 [during operation] to 12 years). Of those complications following UKA, 58 knees were treated with conversion TKA, 1 with revision UKA, and 21 with simple bearing change. Complications in the remaining knees were treated with arthroscopic management (n=2), open reduction and internal fixation (n=3), closed reduction and internal fixation (n=1), manipulation (n=1), and MCL repair (n=2) (Table 3). Discussion. In this single-center study, we reviewed the causes and types of complications (n=89) that occurred following UKA (n=1,576) and investigated optimal treatment methods. The incidence and type of complications were also compared among patients classified according to gender, medial/lateral UKA, and implant design and type. The strengths of this study include that all the patients were enrolled from the same institution and the sample size (UKA cases and complication cases) was relatively large compared to that in previous publications. The most common complication following UKA was bearing dislocation in the mobile-bearing knees and component loosening in the fixed-bearing knees. The incidence of polyethylene wear and progression of arthritis to the other compartment was relatively low. The results of our study are in some discrepancy with those of studies involving Western patients. This can be attributed to the differences in patient characteristics such as lifestyle and in the type and design of implant used. Conclusion. Thorough understanding of UKA, proper patient selection, appropriate implant choice are essential to reduce complications following UKA and obtain satisfactory outcomes. We suggest that complications following UKA should be treated differently according to the type and cause of complication and conversion TKA can be the most effective treatment when revision operation is determined necessary

Abstract

Introduction

Circular frames for ankle fusion are usually reserved for complex clinical scenarios. Current literature is heterogenous and difficult to interpret. We aimed to study the indications and outcomes of this procedure in detail.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is performed under general anesthesia (GA) or spinal anesthesia (SA). The first objective of this study was to determine which patient factors are associated with receiving SA versus GA. The second objective was to discern the effect of anesthesia type on short-term postoperative complications and readmission. The third objective was to elucidate factors that impact the effect of anesthesia type on outcome following arthroplasty.

This retrospective cohort study included 108,905 patients (median age, 66 years; IQR 60-73 years; 56.0% females) who underwent primary THA for treatment of primary osteoarthritis in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database during the period of 2013-2018. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate variables associated with anesthesia type and outcomes following arthroplasty.

Anesthesia type administered during THA was significantly associated with race. Specifically, Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive SA compared to White patients (White: OR 1.00; Black: OR 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-0.75; Hispanic: OR 0.81; CI, 0.75-0.88), while Asian patients were more likely to receive SA (OR 1.44, CI 1.31-1.59). Spinal anesthesia was associated with increased age (OR 1.01; CI 1.00-1.01). Patients with less frailty and lower comorbidity were more likely to receive SA based on the modified frailty index ([mFI-5]=0: OR 1.00; mFI-5=1: OR 0.90, CI 0.88-0.93; mFI-5=2 or greater: OR 0.86, CI 0.83-0.90) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (ASA=1: OR 1.00; ASA=2: OR 0.85, CI 0.79-0.91; ASA=3: OR 0.64, CI 0.59-0.69; ASA=4-5: OR 0.47; CI 0.41-0.53). With increased BMI, patients were less likely to be treated with SA (OR 0.99; CI 0.98-0.99).

Patients treated with SA had less post-operative complications than GA (OR 0.74; CI 0.67-0.81) and a lower risk of readmission than GA (OR 0.88; CI 0.82-0.95) following THA. Race, age, BMI, and ASA class were found to affect the impact of anesthesia type on post-operative complications. Stratified analysis demonstrated that the reduced risk of complications following arthroplasty noted in patients treated with SA compared to GA was more pronounced in Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients compared to White patients. Furthermore, the positive effect of SA compared to GA was stronger in patients who had reduced age, elevated BMI, and lower ASA class.

Among patients undergoing THA for management of primary osteoarthritis, factors including race, BMI, and frailty appear to have impacted the type of anesthesia received. Patients treated with SA had a significantly lower risk of readmission to hospital and adverse events within 30 days of surgery compared to those treated with GA. Furthermore, the positive effect on outcome afforded by SA was different between patients depending on race, age, BMI, and ASA class. These findings may help to guide selection of anesthesia type in subpopulations of patients undergoing primary THA.

In reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), a high complication rate is noted in the international literature (24.7%), and limited local literature is available. The complications in our developing health system, with high HIV, tuberculosis and metabolic syndrome prevalence may be different from that in developed health systems where the literature largely emanates from. The aim of this study is to describe the complications and complication rate following RSA in a South African cohort.

An analytical, cross-sectional study was done where all patients’ who received RSA over an 11 year period at a tertiary hospital were evaluated. One-hundred-and-twenty-six primary RSA patients met the inclusion criteria and a detailed retrospective evaluation of their demographics, clinical variables and complication associated with their shoulder arthroplasty were assessed. All fracture, revision and tumour resection arthroplasties were excluded, and a minimum of 6 months follow up was required.

A primary RSA complication rate of 19.0% (24/126) was noted, with the most complications occurring after 90 days at 54.2% (13/24). Instability was the predominant delayed complication at 61.5% (8/13) and sepsis being the most common in the early days at 45.5% (5/11). Haematoma formation, hardware failure and axillary nerve injury were also noted at 4.2% each (1/24).

Keeping in mind the immense difference in socioeconomical status and patient demographics in a third world country the RSA complication rate in this study correlates with the known international consensus. This also proves that RSA is still a suitable option for rotator cuff arthropathy and glenohumeral osteoarthritis even in an economically constrained environment like South Africa.

The purpose of this study was to report all complications during the first consecutive 865 cases of bikini incision direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed by a single surgeon. The secondary aims of the study are to report our clinical outcomes and implant survivorship. We discuss our surgical technique to minimize complication rates during the procedure.

We undertook a retrospective analysis of our complications, clinical outcomes and implant survivorship of 865 DAA THA's over a period of 6 years (mean = 5.1yrs from 2.9 to 9.4 years).

The complication rates identified in this study were low. Medium term survival at minimum 2-year survival and revision as the end point, was 99.53% and 99.84% for the stem and acetabular components respectively. Womac score improved from 49 (range 40-58) preoperatively to 3.5(range 0-8.8) and similarly, HHS scores improved from 53(range 40-56) to 92.5(range 63-100) at final follow-up (mean = 5.1 yrs) when compared to preoperative scores.

These results suggest that bikini incision DAA technique can be safely utilised to perform THA.