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Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 1, Issue 9 | Pages 568 - 575
18 Sep 2020
Dayananda KSS Mercer ST Agarwal R Yasin T Trickett RW

Aims. COVID-19 necessitated abrupt changes in trauma service delivery. We compare the demographics and outcomes of patients treated during lockdown to a matched period from 2019. Findings have important implications for service development. Methods. A split-site service was introduced, with a COVID-19 free site treating the majority of trauma patients. Polytrauma, spinal, and paediatric trauma patients, plus COVID-19 confirmed or suspicious cases, were managed at another site. Prospective data on all trauma patients undergoing surgery at either site between 16 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 was collated and compared with retrospective review of the same period in 2019. Patient demographics, injury, surgical details, length of stay (LOS), COVID-19 status, and outcome were compared. Results. There were 1,004 urgent orthopaedic trauma patients (604 in 2019; 400 in 2020). Significant reductions in time to theatre and LOS stay were observed. COVID-19 positive status was confirmed in 4.5% (n = 18). The COVID-19 mortality rate was 1.8% (n = 7). Day-case surgery comprised 47.8% (n = 191), none testing positive for COVID-19 or developing clinically significant COVID-19 symptoms requiring readmission, at a minimum of 17 days follow-up. Conclusion. The novel split-site service, segregating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, minimized onward transmission and demonstrated improved outcomes regarding time to surgery and LOS, despite altered working patterns and additional constraints. Day-surgery pathways appear safe regarding COVID-19 transmission. Lessons learned require dissemination and should be sustained in preparation for a potential second wave or, the return of a “normal” non-COVID workload. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-9:568–575


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVII | Pages 566 - 566
1 Sep 2012
Lee MC Lee JK Seong SC Lee S Jang J Lee SM Shim SH
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Summary. Revision TKA using CCK prosthesis showed comparable outcome to PS prosthesis in clinical and radiological results. Introduction. In revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the goal should be to obtain good motion, function and most importantly stability. The stability depends on remaining soft tissue and implant design. The more the ligaments retain function, the less the implant constraint is needed to achieve stability. With increased constraint, the transfer of joint reaction forces to implant-bone interface may lead to mechanical loosening of the implant. Constrained condylar knee (CCK) prosthesis provides more constraint compared with posterior stabilized (PS) prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, radiological outcome and survivorship of CCK and PS prosthesis in revision TKA. Materials and Methods. One hundred and twenty-one consecutive revision TKAs using CCK (79 knees) and PS (42 knees) were included. The mean follow-up period was 63.2 months for CCK and 64.8 months for PS. The mean age was 69.5 years and 70.6 years in CCK and PS, respectively. Range of motion (ROM), American Knee Society (AKS) score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, complications and failure rate were assessed. Radiographic measurements included tibiofemoral angle and radiolucent lines. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with an end point of re-revision surgery for any reason and compared between CCK and PS using the Log-rank test. Results. The mean range of motion improved from 97.5° to 115.9° in PS, from 89.5° to 110.1° in CCK. The mean Knee Society knee and functional scores improved from 47.6 and 36.4 to 89.7 and 66.1 with PS, from 53.5 and 41.7 to 79.2 and 66.8 with CCK. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee score also improved from 57 to 76.9 and 59.7 to 77.6, respectively. The complication rate was 7.5% (4 cases; 3 recurred infections, 1 instability) in PS and 10.3% (7 cases; 4 recurred infections, 1 periprosthetic fracture, 2 stem tip pains) in CCK. The Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis revealed that ten year survival of the components was 85.4% for PS and 80.0% for CCK. In all aspects, there were no statistical difference (a p-value of more than 0.05) between PS and CCK. Conclusion. Revision TKA using CCK prosthesis showed comparable outcome to PS prosthesis in clinical and radiological results. CCK prosthesis is a reliable and successful option for prosthesis selection in revision TKA when PS prosthesis is not enough for management of instability


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVII | Pages 58 - 58
1 Sep 2012
Migaud H Amzallag M Pasquier G Gougeon F Vasseur L Miletic B Girard J
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Introduction. In valgus knees, ligament balance remain difficult when implanting a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), this leads some authors to systematically propose the use of constrained devices. Others prefer reserving higher constraints to cases where it is not possible to obtain final satisfactory balance: less than 5 of residual frontal laxity in extension in each compartment, and a tibiofemoral gap difference not in excess to 3mm between flexion and extension. The goal of the study was to assess if is possible to establish preoperative criteria that can predict a constrained design prosthetic implantation at surgery. Materials and Methods. A consecutive series of 93 total knee prostheses, implanted to treat a valgus deformity of more than 5 was retrospectively analysed. Preoperatively, full weight bearing long axis AP views A-P were performed: hip knee angle (HKA) averaged 195 (186 to 226), 36 knees had more than 15 of valgus, and 19 others more than 20 of valgus. Laxity was measured by stress radiographies with a TelosTM system at 100 N. Fifty-two knees had preoperative laxity in the coronal plane of more than 10. Fourteen knees had more than 5 laxity on the convex (medial) side, 21 knees had more than 10 laxity on the concave (lateral) side. Statistical assessment, using univariate analysis, identified the factors that led, at surgery, to an elevated constraint selection level; these factors of independence were tested by multivariate analysis. Logistical regression permitted the classification of the said factors by their odds ratios (OR). Results. High-constraints prostheses (CCK type) were used in 26 out of 93 TKA, the other TKA were regular posterostabilized (PS) prostheses. Statistically, the preoperative factors that led to the choice of a constrained prosthesis were: (1) valgus severity as measured by HKA (PS = (PS = 193, CCK = 198), (2) increased posterior tibial slope (PS = 4.8, CCK = 6.5), (3) low patellar height (using Blackburne and Peel index PS = 0.89, CCK = 0.77), (4) severity of laxity in valgus (PS = 2.3, CCK = 4.3). Among all these factors, the only independent one was laxity in valgus (convex side laxity) (p = 0.0008). OR analysis showed a two-fold increased probability of implanting an elevated constraints prosthesis for each one degree increment of laxity in valgus. Discussion. This study demonstrated that it was not the valgus angle severity but rather the convex medial side laxity that increased the frequency of constrained prostheses implantation. Other factors, as a low patellar height or an elevated posterior tibial slope, when associated, potentiate this possible prosthetic switch (to higher constraints) and should make surgeons aware, in these situations, of encountering difficulties when establishing ligament balance


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1201 - 1205
1 Nov 2023
Farrow L Clement ND Mitchell L Sattar M MacLullich AMJ

Aims

Surgery is often delayed in patients who sustain a hip fracture and are treated with a total hip arthroplasty (THA), in order to await appropriate surgical expertise. There are established links between delay and poorer outcomes in all patients with a hip fracture, but there is little information about the impact of delay in the less frail patients who undergo THA. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of delayed surgery on outcomes in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using data from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit between May 2016 and December 2020. Only patients undergoing THA were included, with categorization according to surgical treatment within 36 hours of admission (≤ 36 hours = ‘acute group’ vs > 36 hours = ‘delayed’ group). Those with delays due to being “medically unfit” were excluded. The primary outcome measure was 30-day survival. Costs were estimated in relation to the differences in the lengths of stay.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 4, Issue 8 | Pages 602 - 611
21 Aug 2023
James HK Pattison GTR Griffin J Fisher JD Griffin DR

Aims

To evaluate if, for orthopaedic trainees, additional cadaveric simulation training or standard training alone yields superior radiological and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation or hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture.

Methods

This was a preliminary, pragmatic, multicentre, parallel group randomized controlled trial in nine secondary and tertiary NHS hospitals in England. Researchers were blinded to group allocation. Overall, 40 trainees in the West Midlands were eligible: 33 agreed to take part and were randomized, five withdrew after randomization, 13 were allocated cadaveric training, and 15 were allocated standard training. The intervention was an additional two-day cadaveric simulation course. The control group received standard on-the-job training. Primary outcome was implant position on the postoperative radiograph: tip-apex distance (mm) (DHS) and leg length discrepancy (mm) (hemiarthroplasty). Secondary clinical outcomes were procedure time, length of hospital stay, acute postoperative complication rate, and 12-month mortality. Procedure-specific secondary outcomes were intraoperative radiation dose (for DHS) and postoperative blood transfusion requirement (hemiarthroplasty).


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_9 | Pages 3 - 3
1 May 2014
Wood R Granville-Chapman J Clasper J
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Surgical planning is the first step in operative fracture management. Complex situations are often faced which pose difficulties on both technical and logistic fronts. Surgical planning is the first step in operative fracture management. The degree of planning that is required is therefore determined by a number of factors including: the nature of the injury mechanism and its concomitant physiological insult, complexity of the fracture and region, expertise of the surgical team and equipment limitations. This paper explores a novel planning process in orthopaedic trauma surgery based upon British Military Doctrine. The seven questions of surgical planning represent a novel method that draws inspiration from the combat estimate process. It benefits from a global approach that encompasses logistic as well as surgical constraints. This, in turn, allows the surgical team to form an understanding of the nature of the fracture in order to develop, document and deliver a surgical plan. This has benefits for the operating surgeon, operating room practitioners and trainees alike and ultimately can result in improved patient care


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_9 | Pages 6 - 6
1 May 2014
MacLeod K Freeman H Tate A Eardley W
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Best Practice Tariff (BPT) recommends operation for hip fracture within 36 hours. Anticoagulation reversal often delays this. Audit of our service, to establish the impact on BPT of anticoagulation reversal, showed a loss of revenue and delays. Subsequently an ‘early trigger’ Intravenous Vitamin K (IVK) pathway was introduced and re-audit completed. Hip fracture patients admitted over a 32-month period were reviewed. Primary outcome was time to theatre for warfarinised and non-warfarinised patients. This was analysed using independent t-tests. A change in practice, involving nurse led administration of 2mg IVK in the Emergency Department prior to knowledge of the coagulation screen, was instigated. Three months later a re-audit occurred. In the first audit cycle, 83 patients were admitted on warfarin with a median time to theatre of 49.7 hours. 21% of these patients gained BPT. Following protocol change, over three months, 14 warfarinised hip fracture patients were admitted. Twelve patients achieved satisfactory reversal; eight with one IVK administration. Median time to theatre was 33.9h. Compliance with BPT in terms of delay due to anticoagulation was 86%. Our audit demonstrates that ‘early-trigger’ IVK reduces delays to theatre and helps reduce BPT related financial loss. It enables high quality patient-centred care within financial constraints


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVII | Pages 173 - 173
1 Sep 2012
Adib F Ochiai D Donovan S
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Introduction. Acetabular labral pathology is now recognized as a more common injury than previously thought. With cost constraints of MRI and invasiveness of MRI arthrogram, physical examination remains essential for diagnosis. Most tests for labral pathology are currently done in the supine position. We have developed the “twist test,” which is done with the patient standing and can evaluate the patient in functional, weight bearing position. The purpose of this study is to describe the twist test and compare its reliability to MRI arthrogram. Material and methods. Between June 2009 and August 2010, the twist test was performed on all patients presenting to our clinic with complaint of hip pain. 371 patients had the twist test performed. Of these, 247 had an MRI arthrogram (MRA) of the affected hip. The twist test results were compared with MRA findings. A labral tear, degeneration, fraying and paralabral cyst were considered as a positive MRA. The twist test is done with the patient facing the examiner, toes pointing forward. The patient bends their knees to 30 degrees and performs a windshield wiper like action with maximal excursion to the left and right. If the patient tolerates this, then the patient first gets on the unaffected leg, again with the knee bent at 30 degrees, and “does the twist” one-legged, with the examiner holding their hands gently for balance. The test is then repeated on the affected hip. A positive test is groin pain on the affected hip, apprehension with performing the test on the affected hip, or gross range of motion deficits on the affected hip compared with the unaffected side. Results. Among 160 patients with positive twist test, 154 patients had positive MRA and 6 had negative MRA. Among 87 patients with negative twist test, 72 had positive MRA and 15 had negative MRA. In comparison with MRA, the sensitivity and specificity of twist test for labral injury were 68.14% and 71.5% respectively. Positive predictive value (precision) of twist test for diagnosis of labral lesion was 96.25% and the accuracy was 68.4%. Conclusions. Physical examination tests for hip pathology are an important screening tool. Current tests include the McCarthy test and the impingement test. We introduce a new test for hip labral pathology, which is done standing. In our study, the twist test had a high positive predictive value (96.25%), so this test can be beneficial for ruling out labral pathology. An added benefit is that this test is quick to perform, so it could be incorporated into a general sports physical screening examination


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVII | Pages 421 - 421
1 Sep 2012
Young L Kent M Rehmatullah N Chojnowski A
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Purpose. To analyse the early results of unconstrained pyrocarbon joint replacements in patients with osteo-arthritis of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints. Background. Silicone arthroplasty, as introduced by Swanson in 1962 has remained the most popular procedure to treat arthritis of the metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP) joints. However, despite providing good pain relief, they have shown to demonstrate breakage rates up to 82% at 5 years. This is of great concern in the osteoarthritis (OA) patient group, who tend to be younger and have higher functional demands compared to their rheumatoid counterparts. The newer unconstrained pyrolytic carbon MCP joint prostheses may therefore be more suitable in OA patients whose soft tissue constraints are intact and whose hand function is strong. This study is the first to analyse the results of this implant in a cohort of OA patients only, with prospective data. Methods. 19 primary pyrocarbon metacarpo-phalangeal joint replacements, in 11 patients (5 men and 6 women) were reviewed, with prospective data collection. The diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in all patients. The mean age at operation was 66.4 years (range 55–82 years). 2 patients underwent concomitant trapiezectomy and one underwent DIPJ fusion. All patients were right hand dominant −75% underwent surgery in their dominant hand. Eleven of the nineteen joints were performed in the index finger, with the remainder in the middle finger. Mean follow up is 22.1 months (range 11–37). Results. At the 3 month post-operative hand therapy assessment, the arc of motion had improved from a mean of 32 degrees to 45 degrees and flexion had improved from a mean of 51 degrees to 66 degrees. Grip strength improved from a mean 20 to 27Kg. DASH scores significantly improved from a mean of 40 to 10 (p=0.01). All patients were satisfied with their outcomes and would have the surgery again. Pre-operative radiographs demonstrated joint narrowing in all patients but no evidence of heterotopic ossification, cystic change or erosions. Post-operatively, there has been no radiographic evidence of joint dislocation, resorption stress-shielding, loosening, migration or heterotopic ossification. There were three intra-operative complications of phalangeal fractures that were immediately treated with a cerclage wire. In one patient there has been a fracture of the proximal phalangeal implant at 14 months which was asymptomatic. One patient has required revision for mal-rotation of the implant leading to loss of index finger supination. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate excellent early results of pyrocarbon MCP joint arthroplasty in OA patients


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 2 | Pages 271 - 278
1 Feb 2021
Chang JS Ravi B Jenkinson RJ Paterson JM Huang A Pincus D

Aims

Echocardiography is commonly used in hip fracture patients to evaluate perioperative cardiac risk. However, echocardiography that delays surgical repair may be harmful. The objective of this study was to compare surgical wait times, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and healthcare costs for similar hip fracture patients evaluated with and without preoperative echocardiograms.

Methods

A population-based, matched cohort study of all hip fracture patients (aged over 45 years) in Ontario, Canada between 2009 and 2014 was conducted. The primary exposure was preoperative echocardiography (occurring between hospital admission and surgery). Mortality rates, surgical wait times, postoperative LOS, and medical costs (expressed as 2013$ CAN) up to one year postoperatively were assessed after propensity-score matching.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 1, Issue 5 | Pages 103 - 114
13 May 2020
James HK Gregory RJH Tennent D Pattison GTR Fisher JD Griffin DR

Aims

The primary aim of the survey was to map the current provision of simulation training within UK and Republic of Ireland (RoI) trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) specialist training programmes to inform future design of a simulation based-curriculum. The secondary aims were to characterize; the types of simulation offered to trainees by stage of training, the sources of funding for simulation, the barriers to providing simulation in training, and to measure current research activity assessing the educational impact of simulation.

Methods

The development of the survey was a collaborative effort between the authors and the British Orthopaedic Association Simulation Group. The survey items were embedded in the Performance and Opportunity Dashboard, which annually audits quality in training across several domains on behalf of the Speciality Advisory Committee (SAC). The survey was sent via email to the 30 training programme directors in March 2019. Data were retrieved and analyzed at the Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, UK.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 2 | Pages 162 - 169
1 Feb 2020
Hoellwarth JS Tetsworth K Kendrew J Kang NV van Waes O Al-Maawi Q Roberts C Al Muderis M

Aims

Osseointegrated prosthetic limbs allow better mobility than socket-mounted prosthetics for lower limb amputees. Fractures, however, can occur in the residual limb, but they have rarely been reported. Approximately 2% to 3% of amputees with socket-mounted prostheses may fracture within five years. This is the first study which directly addresses the risks and management of periprosthetic osseointegration fractures in amputees.

Methods

A retrospective review identified 518 osseointegration procedures which were undertaken in 458 patients between 2010 and 2018 for whom complete medical records were available. Potential risk factors including time since amputation, age at osseointegration, bone density, weight, uni/bilateral implantation and sex were evaluated with multiple logistic regression. The mechanism of injury, technique and implant that was used for fixation of the fracture, pre-osseointegration and post fracture mobility (assessed using the K-level) and the time that the prosthesis was worn for in hours/day were also assessed.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 1 | Pages 42 - 47
1 Jan 2020
Jayakumar P Teunis T Vranceanu AM Williams M Lamb S Ring D Gwilym S

Aims

Patient engagement in adaptive health behaviours and interactions with their healthcare ecosystem can be measured using self-reported instruments, such as the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) and the Effective Consumer Scale (ECS-17). Few studies have investigated the influence of patient engagement on limitations (patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). First, we assessed whether patient engagement (PAM-13, ECS-17) within two to four weeks of an upper limb fracture was associated with limitations (the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Physical Function computer adaptive test (PROMIS UE PF) scores) measured six to nine months after fracture, accounting for demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Secondly, we assessed the association between patient engagement and experience (numerical rating scale for satisfaction with care (NRS-C) and satisfaction with services (NRS-S) six to nine months after fracture.

Methods

A total of 744 adults with an isolated fracture of the proximal humerus, elbow, or distal radius completed PROMs. Due to multicollinearity of patient engagement and psychosocial variables, we generated a single variable combining measures of engagement and psychosocial factors using factor analysis. We then performed multivariable analysis with p < 0.10 on bivariate analysis.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 6 | Pages 715 - 723
1 Jun 2019
Jayakumar P Teunis T Williams M Lamb SE Ring D Gwilym S

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with limitations in function, measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), six to nine months after a proximal humeral fracture, from a range of demographic, injury, psychological, and social variables measured within a week and two to four weeks after injury.

Patients and Methods

We enrolled 177 adult patients who sustained an isolated proximal humeral fracture into the study and invited them to complete PROMs at their initial outpatient visit within one week of injury, between two and four weeks, and between six to nine months after injury. There were 128 women and 49 men; the mean age was 66 years (sd 16; 18 to 95). In all, 173 patients completed the final assessment. Bivariate analysis was performed followed by multivariable regression analysis accounting for multicollinearity using partial R2, correlation matrices, and variable inflation factor.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1668 - 1673
1 Dec 2016
Konda SR Goch AM Leucht P Christiano A Gyftopoulos S Yoeli G Egol KA

Aims

To evaluate whether an ultra-low-dose CT protocol can diagnose selected limb fractures as well as conventional CT (C-CT).

Patients and Methods

We prospectively studied 40 consecutive patients with a limb fracture in whom a CT scan was indicated. These were scanned using an ultra-low-dose CT Reduced Effective Dose Using Computed Tomography In Orthopaedic Injury (REDUCTION) protocol. Studies from 16 selected cases were compared with 16 C-CT scans matched for age, gender and type of fracture. Studies were assessed for diagnosis and image quality. Descriptive and reliability statistics were calculated. The total effective radiation dose for each scanned site was compared.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 3 | Pages 420 - 424
1 Mar 2016
Wordsworth M Lawton G Nathwani D Pearse M Naique S Dodds A Donaldson H Bhattacharya R Jain A Simmons J Hettiaratchy S

Aims

The management of open lower limb fractures in the United Kingdom has evolved over the last ten years with the introduction of major trauma networks (MTNs), the publication of standards of care and the wide acceptance of a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical approach to management. The aims of this study were to report recent changes in outcome of open tibial fractures following the implementation of these changes.

Patients and Methods

Data on all patients with an open tibial fracture presenting to a major trauma centre between 2011 and 2012 were collected prospectively. The treatment and outcomes of the 65 Gustilo Anderson Grade III B tibial fractures were compared with historical data from the same unit.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1252 - 1257
1 Sep 2014
Habib M Tanwar YS Jaiswal A Singh SP Sinha S lal H

In order to achieve satisfactory reduction of complex distal humeral fractures, adequate exposure of the fracture fragments and the joint surface is required. Several surgical exposures have been described for distal humeral fractures. We report our experience using the anconeus pedicle olecranon flip osteotomy approach. This involves detachment of the triceps along with a sliver of olecranon, which retains the anconeus pedicle. We report the use of this approach in ten patients (six male, four female) with a mean age of 38.4 years (28 to 51). The mean follow-up was 15 months (12 to 18) with no loss to follow-up. Elbow function was graded using the Mayo Score. The results were excellent in four patients, good in five and fair in one patient. The mean time to both fracture and osteotomy union was 10.6 weeks (8 to 12) and 7.1 weeks (6 to 8), respectively. We found this approach gave reliably good exposure for these difficult fractures enabling anatomical reduction and bicondylar plating without complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1252–7.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 1 | Pages 101 - 105
1 Jan 2013
Penn-Barwell JG Bennett PM Fries CA Kendrew JM Midwinter MJ Rickard RF

The aim of this study was to report the pattern of severe open diaphyseal tibial fractures sustained by military personnel, and their orthopaedic–plastic surgical management.The United Kingdom Military Trauma Registry was searched for all such fractures sustained between 2006 and 2010. Data were gathered on demographics, injury, management and preliminary outcome, with 49 patients with 57 severe open tibial fractures identified for in-depth study. The median total number of orthopaedic and plastic surgical procedures per limb was three (2 to 8). Follow-up for 12 months was complete in 52 tibiae (91%), and half the fractures (n = 26) either had united or in the opinion of the treating surgeon were progressing towards union. The relationship between healing without further intervention was examined for multiple variables. Neither the New Injury Severity Score, the method of internal fixation, the requirement for vascularised soft-tissue cover nor the degree of bone loss was associated with poor bony healing. Infection occurred in 12 of 52 tibiae (23%) and was associated with poor bony healing (p = 0.008). This series characterises the complex orthopaedic–plastic surgical management of severe open tibial fractures sustained in combat and defines the importance of aggressive prevention of infection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:101–5.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 1, Issue 4 | Pages 50 - 55
1 Apr 2012
O’Neill F Condon F McGloughlin T Lenehan B Coffey C Walsh M

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine if a synthetic bone substitute would provide results similar to bone from osteoporotic femoral heads during in vitro testing with orthopaedic implants. If the synthetic material could produce results similar to those of the osteoporotic bone, it could reduce or eliminate the need for testing of implants on bone.

Methods

Pushout studies were performed with the dynamic hip screw (DHS) and the DHS Blade in both cadaveric femoral heads and artificial bone substitutes in the form of polyurethane foam blocks of different density. The pushout studies were performed as a means of comparing the force displacement curves produced by each implant within each material.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 1, Issue 6 | Pages 118 - 124
1 Jun 2012
Grawe B Le T Williamson S Archdeacon A Zardiackas L

Objectives

We aimed to further evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of two locking screws versus three standard bicortical screws in synthetic models of normal and osteoporotic bone.

Methods

Synthetic tubular bone models representing normal bone density and osteoporotic bone density were used. Artificial fracture gaps of 1 cm were created in each specimen before fixation with one of two constructs: 1) two locking screws using a five-hole locking compression plate (LCP) plate; or 2) three non-locking screws with a seven-hole LCP plate across each side of the fracture gap. The stiffness, maximum displacement, mode of failure and number of cycles to failure were recorded under progressive cyclic torsional and eccentric axial loading.