Objectives. Congenital cruciate ligament deficiency is a rare condition that may occur in isolation or in association with longitudinal limb deficiencies such as fibular hemimelia or proximal femoral focal deficiency. Often anomalies of the menisci and their attachments can be very abnormal and impact on surgical management by standard techniques. Arthroscopic surgical knee reconstruction is undertaken to improve symptomatic instability and/or to stabilise and protect the knee for future planned limb lengthening surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the arthroscopic findings of patients undergoing surgery for congenital cruciate ligament deficiency, and specifically to determine the frequency and types of meniscal anatomical variations seen in these cases. Methods. Patients undergoing surgery for congenital cruciate ligament deficiency were identified from a prospectively collated database. Diagnosis was confirmed through review of the clinical notes and imaging. Operative notes and 4K saved arthroscopic images and video recordings for these cases were reviewed. Results. Over a six-year period (July 2017 – September 2023), 42 patients underwent surgery for congenital ligament deficiency and tibiofemoral instability (45 surgical episodes). Median age of patients at time of surgery was 10 years (range 4 – 17 years). The most frequent diagnosis was congenital longitudinal limb deficiency syndromes in 27 cases, with the most frequent being fibular hemimelia. Isolated congenital ligament deficiency without any other associated extra-articular manifestations occurred in 11 cases. Absence of meniscal root attachments or hypertrophy of meniscofemoral ligaments acting as ‘pseudo-cruciates’ were seen in over 25% of patients. In isolated ACL deficiency these were injured causing onset of instability symptoms and pain following trauma. Often these abnormal structures required addressing to allow surgical reconstruction. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that there are often meniscal variations seen in association with congenital absence or hypoplasia of the cruciate ligaments. In these patients hypertrophied meniscofemoral ligaments may act as cruciate-like structures and play a role in providing a degree of sagittal plane stability to the knee. However, when the knee becomes unstable to the point that cruciate ligament reconstruction is indicated, these meniscal variants may often require stabilisation using complex meniscal root repair techniques or variations to standard cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques to accommodate the variant anatomy

The aims were to assess whether vitamin D deficiency influenced mortality risk for patients presenting with a hip fracture. A retrospective study was undertaken including all patients aged over 50 years that were admitted with a hip fracture to a single centre during a 24-month period. Serum vitamin D levels were assessed. Patient demographics and perioperative variables and mortality were collected. Cox regression analysis (adjusting for confounding) was utilised to determine the independent association between serum vitamin D level and patient mortality. The cohort consisted of 2075 patients with a mean age of 80.7 years and 1471 (70.9%) were female. 1510 (72.8%) patients had a serum vitamin D level taken, of which 876 (58.0%) were deficient (<50nmol/l). The median follow up was 417 (IQR 242 to 651) days. During follow up there were 464 (30.7%) deaths. Survival at 1 year was significantly (p = 0.003) lower for patients who were vitamin D deficient (71.7%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 68.6 to 74.9) compared to those who were not (79.0%, 95% CI 75.9 to 82.3). Vitamin D deficiency was also independently associated with an increased mortality risk at 2-years (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.71, p = 0.03), but not at 1-year (p = 0.08). Hip fracture patients with vitamin D deficiency had an increased mortality risk. This risk was independent of confounders at 2 years. The role of measuring vitamin D levels in these patients is unclear. Improved public health policy about vitamin D may be required to reduce deficiency in this patient population

Osteoporosis following ovariectomy has been suggested to modulate bone response to polyethylene wear debris. In this work, we evaluate the influence of estrogen deficiency on experimental particle-induced osteolysis. Polyethylene (PE) particles were implanted onto the calvaria of wild-type (WT), sham-ovariectomized (OVX), OVX mice and OVX mice supplemented with estrogen (OVX+E2) (12 mice per group). Sham-implanted mice served as internal controls. After 14 days, seven skulls per group were analyzed with a high-resolution micro-computed tomography (CT) and by histomorphometry, and for tartrate-specific alkaline phosphatase. Five calvariae per group were cultured for the assay of IL-1, IL-6, TNF- and RANKL secretion using quantitative ELISA. The expression of RANKL and OPG mRNA were evaluated using real-time PCR. As assessed by CT and by histomorphometry, PE particles induced an extensive bone resorption and an intense inflammatory reaction in WT, sham-OVX and OVX+E2 mice. In OVX mice group, these features appeared considerably attenuated. In WT, sham-OVX and OVX+E2 mice, PE particles induced an increase in serum IL-6, in TNF-and RANKL local concentrations, and resulted in a two-fold increase in RANKL/OPG mRNA ratio. Conversely, these parameters remained unchanged in OVX mice after PE implantation. The combination of two well-known bone resorptive mechanisms ultimately attenuated osteolytic response, suggesting a protective effect of estrogen deficiency on particle-induced osteolysis. This paradoxical phenomenon was associated with a downregulation of pro-resorptive cytokines. It is hypothesized that excessive inflammatory response was controlled, illustrated by the absence of increase of serum IL-6 in OVX mice after PE implantation

Introduction

Aim of this study was to review a single surgeon series and analyse the results of hip reconstruction and compare them to an historical cohort.

Introduction

Neck of femur (NOF) fractures are one of the predominant reasons for hospital admissions in patients >65 year. These fractures are associated with a poor outcome; end to independent living in 60% of patients and a 6 month mortality of 30%. Previous studies have shown show elements of under/mal-nutrition on admission. In addition, their nutritional status shows some deterioration thereafter. The aim of this present study is to examine if the nutritional status of patients with NOF fracture admitted at our institution is associated with a larger post-operative haemoglobin drop. This is compared to an independent living age matched control group from the same geographical area.

Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is a common cause of knee pain and disability in the paediatric population. Patella alta, lateralised tibial tubercle, medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) deficiency, genu valgum and trochlear dysplasia are well known risk factors. A prospective database was created including patients referred through our physiotherapy pathway following first-time patella dislocation. Patella alta and lateralisation of the tibial tuberosity was treated with a Fulkerson-type tibial tubercle osteotomy(TTO). Medial patellofemoral ligament was reconstructed using quads tendon autograft pull-down technique. A modified Sheffield protocol was used postoperatively allowing weightbearing in a hinged knee brace. Forty patients were identified with 8 patients having bilateral presentations. Male to female ratio was 12:28 with an age range of 4–17 years. Eight patients had congenital PFI, five patients acquired PFI through traumatic patella dislocation and twenty-seven patients developed PFI from recurrent dislocations. Structural abnormalities were found in 38(95%) of patients. Patella alta (Caton-Deschamps index >1.2) was identified in 19(47%) patients, genu valgum in 12(30%) patients, increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance(TT-TG>20mm) was present in 9(22.5%) patients and persistent femoral anteversion(> 20 deg) in 7(17%) patients. Eight patients were treated with TTO and MPFL reconstruction, three patients with MPFL reconstruction alone and five patients had guided growth for genu valgum correction. Ten patients are awaiting surgery. No postoperative patients had recurrence of PFI at their latest follow up. PFI is a common problem in the adolescent paediatric population with identifiable structural abnormalities. Correcting structural pathology with surgery leads to predictable and safe outcomes

Deficiency in the gluteus medius and minimus abductor muscles is a well-recognised cause of hip pain and considerable disability. These patients present a management challenge, with no established consensus for surgical intervention. Whiteside in 2012 described a surgical technique for gluteus maximus tendon transfer, with successful outcomes reported. This study is the largest known case series to date of patients undergoing gluteus maximus tendon transfer with clinical and patient reported outcomes measured. 13 consecutive patients were included in the study. All patients had clinical evidence of abductor dysfunction together with MRI evidence of gluteal atrophy and fat infiltration. All patients underwent gluteus maximus transfer with surgery performed according to the procedure described by Whiteside. Patients were followed up with both clinical assessment and patient questionnaires conducted. Mean age was 69 (range 54–82) with 9 patients (69%) having previous Hardinge approach to the affected hip. 6 patients (46%) reported they were satisfied overall with the procedure and 5 patients (38%) were unsatisfied. 7 patients (54%) had improvements in visual analogue scale of pain and 5 patients (54%) reported overall improvements in function. Mean Oxford Hip Score on follow up was 20/48 (range 5–48) and trendelenberg test was positive in 11 patients (85%). No differentiating variable could be identified between patients with positive and negative outcomes (Assessed Variables: Age, sex, BMI, aetiology and gluteus maximus muscle thickness). Clinical outcomes were varied following gluteus maximus tendon transfer for chronic hip abductor dysfunction. Results are considerably less promising than pre-existing studies would suggest

Limb length deficiency, secondary to trauma or infection, is a common reason for referral to our tertiary service. After experiencing troubles with the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD), we changed implant to the magnet operated Precice nail. We evaluated the safety and reliability of this novel device and compared it to our early ISKD results. To minimise variables, we selected femurs only. In total, we reviewed medical and radiographic records of 20 cases (8 ISKD, 12 Precise) from 2010–2015. At each postoperative visit, the accuracy and precision of distraction and complications were recorded. Accuracy reflected how close the measured lengthening was to the prescribed distraction at each postoperative visit. Precision reflected how close the repeated measurements were to each other over the course of total lengthening period. No patients were lost to follow-up (1–3.5 years). With the Precice nail (2012–2015), 11/12 were male and 10/12 were caused by trauma. The mean age was 34. Mean total lengthening was 38mm (range, 29–53mm), with an accuracy of 98percnt; and precision of 92percnt;. All patients achieved target lengthening at a rate of 1mm lengthening per day. In one case, the Precice nail fractured and this was revised successfully. With the ISKD group (2010–2012), 8/8 had complications (magnet jamming, nail breakage, equinus contractures and claw toes), with 25percnt; achieving accurate lengthening and precision of 38percnt;. Our results so far have justified our change in implant choice and, in our experience, support the Precice nail as being safe and precise

Introduction. The options for the treatment of the young active patient with unicompartmental symptomatic osteoarthritis and pre-existing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) deficiency are limited. Patients with ACL deficiency and end-stage medial compartment osteoarthritis are usually young and active. The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKA) is a well established treatment option in the management of symptomatic end-stage medial compartmental osteoarthritis, but a functionally intact ACL is a pre-requisite for its satisfactory outcome. If absent, high failure rates have been reported, primarily due to tibial loosening. Previously, we have reported results on a consecutive series of 15 such patients in whom the ACL was reconstructed and patients underwent a staged or simultaneous UKA. The aim of the current study is to provide an update on the clinical and radiological outcomes of a large, consecutive cohort of patients with ACL reconstruction and UKA for the treatment of end-stage medial compartment osteoarthritis and to evaluate, particularly, the outcome of those patients under 50. Methods. This study presents a consecutive series of 52 patients with ACL reconstruction and Oxford UKA performed over the past 10 years (mean follow-up 3.4 years). The mean age was 51 years (range: 36–67). Procedures were either carried out as Simultaneous (n=34) or Staged (n=18). Changes in clinical outcomes were measured using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the change in OKS (OKS=Post-op − Pre-op) and the American Knee Society Score (AKSS). Fluoroscopy assisted radiographs were taken at each review to assess for evidence of loosening, radiolucency progression, (if present), and component subsidence. Results. Five year survival was 90%. At last follow-up, the mean outcome scores for the group were: OKS 40 (SD: 8.3), objective AKSS 77 (SD: 16.1), functional AKSS 93 (SD: 13.7) and OKS of 11. Complications were recorded in three patients, (one early infection requiring a two-stage revision, a bearing dislocation and progression of OA in the lateral compartment). 25 patients, whose procedure occurred under the age of 50, had mean outcome scores of: OKS 38 (SD: 7.7), objective AKSS 73 (SD: 20.2), functional AKSS 93 (SD: 11.9) and OKS 12. No patients had radiological evidence of component loosening. Discussion and Conclusion. This study has demonstrated that combined ACL reconstruction and Oxford UKA provide good medium-term clinical and radiological results. The mobile bearing used in the Oxford knee minimises wear and our radiographic study has seen no suggestions of loosening

We explored the role of iron overload, deficiency of vitamin C and alcohol abuse in the aetiology of cervical and intertrochanteric fractures of the neck of the femur as a result of minor trauma. We studied prospectively 72 patients (45 men, 27 women). Levels of serum iron markers, vitamin C and alcohol markers were measured. Consumption of alcohol was estimated using questionnaires. The findings were compared with those of an age- and gender-matched control group. The mean age of the men was 59.5 years and of the women 66.9 years, with a male predominance. In the men, iron overload, as shown by high levels of serum ferritin (p < 0.001) and deficiency of vitamin C (p < 0.03), as well as abuse of both Western and the traditional type of alcohol, appear to be important aetiological factors. In women, alcohol abuse was also common, but iron markers and levels of vitamin C did not differ significantly from the control group

Background:. External fixators are not as well tolerated around the femur when compared to the tibia. Lengthening with an intramedullary device is therefore attractive. Method:. We reviewed all cases of femoral lengthening performed at our unit from 2007 to 2014. Cases of non-unions, concurrent deformities, congenital limb deficiencies and lengthening with an unstable hip were excluded. This left 33 cases for review. Healing index, implant tolerance and complications were compared. Results and Discussion:. In 20 cases the Precice lengthening nail was used and in 13 cases the LRS external fixator system. The desired length was achieved in all cases in the Precice group and in 12 of 13 cases in the LRS group. The Precice group had a more rapid return to full weight bearing. The mean healing index was 31.3 days/cm in the Precice and 47.1 days/cm in the LRS group. There was an increased incidence of complications with LRS lengthening, including pin site infections and regenerate deformity. Implant tolerance and the patients' perception of the cosmetic result were better with the Precice treatment. Conclusion:. We conclude excellent functional results with fewer complications and greater patient satisfaction in femoral lengthening with a Precice intramedullary nail

Aims

There is no consensus on the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Hemiarthroplasty has been widely used in patients when non-surgical treatment is not possible. There is, despite extensive use, limited information about the long-term outcome. Our primary aim was to report ten-year patient-reported outcome after hemiarthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures. The secondary aims were to report the cumulative revision rate and risk factors for an inferior patient-reported outcome.

Aims

Malreduction of the syndesmosis has been reported in up to 52% of patients after fixation of ankle fractures. Multiple radiological parameters are used to define malreduction; there has been limited investigation of the accuracy of these measurements in differentiating malreduction from inherent anatomical asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of positive malreduction standards within the syndesmosis of native, uninjured ankles.

Introduction. While clinically successful for decades, CR TKA is persistently compromised by inconsistent PCL function. Problems of mid-flexion instability, incomplete knee flexion, erratic kinematic behavior and posterior instability, not seen with PS devices, raise concerns about the consistency of the technique, and the devices used. Most TKA systems offer at least 2 different geometries of tibial inserts to address this clinical problem. We hypothesize these problems are a result of compromise of PCL anatomy. To avoid compromise to the PCL 3 steps are required: 1) The slope of tibial resection must be less than 5°; 2) the depth of tibial resection must be based off the insertion footprint of the PCL, not the deficiencies of the tibial articular surface; and 3) the tibial insert must be modified to allow intraoperative balancing of the PCL. Results. The CR Slope ™ implants and technique (Exactech) (“Posterior Cruciate Referencing Technique (PCRT)”) reflect this philosophy and have allowed consistent surgical intervention without PCL release and without multiple inserts. We present data identifying, the footprint, and the instrument and technique modifications that allow for predictable identification of the depth and angle of resection. At 2 years post implantation in the first 100 patients implanted, the study group has demonstrated similar operative time, LOS and Oxford knee scores (OKS), while ROM averaged 5° greater, and time to achieved flexion was decreased. Conclusion. The PCRT offers a new conceptual and clinical approach to predictable CR TKA

Between July 2000 and December 2002, 263 consecutive patients across 5 surgical centers underwent to a revision surgery of a failed acetabular component in which TM acetabular components were used. There were 150 women and 113 men with a mean age of 69.5 years. The indication for acetabular revision was aseptic loosening in 186 cases (70.7%). Clinical evaluations were performed using the Harris hip score, the WOMAC and UCLA activity scale. Implant and screw position, polyethylene wear, radiolucent lines, gaps, and osteolysis were assessed. Preoperatively, acetabular bone deficiency was categorized using the classification of Paprosky et al. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric correlations. Standard life table was constructed, and the survival rate was calculated by means of Kaplan-Meier method. The overall mean follow-up was 73.6 months (range, 60–84 months), and no patient was lost to follow-up. The preoperative HHS rating improved from a mean of 43.6 ± 11.4 before revision, to a mean of 82.1 ± 10.7. None of the patients was re-revised for loosening. The cumulative prosthesis survival was 99.2% at 5 years. There was no correlation found between the various degrees of acetabular bony defect and the magnitude of clinical results (independent of pre-revision Paprosky grade). The use of component augments allowed us to minimize the volume of morsellized allograft used for defect repair. TM acetabular component demonstrates promising midterm results similar to those reported by other authors

Introduction. Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MOMHR) is a good surgical indication for young active patients. However, it cannot be used in patients with an excessively short femoral head/neck. To address these cases, a new surgical technique has been developed comprising femoral head augmentation using impacted morcellized bone grafts. Methods. 32 osteoarthritis patients who had severe congenital insufficiency of the femoral head/neck were treated with MOMHR combined with femoral head augmentation. Mean patient age was 49 ± 9 years (18–66). The required amount of augmentation was calculated on preoperative X-rays and confirmed during surgery. Using specially designed instrumentation, bone chips produced while reaming the socket and trimming the head were impacted onto the head to achieve the desired reconstruction and lengthening. Finally, the femoral component was cemented. Results. Mean head lengthening was 12 ± 2mm. Mean follow-up was 4.2 years (3–6). Mean preoperative Harris hip score was 58, increasing to 95 at follow-up (p<0.05). Mean leg lengthening was 2.2cm (p=0.001). In all Gruen zones, bone mineral density (BMD) decreased during the first 3 months. At 2 years, in zone 1, mean BMD increased to 96.8% (p=0.009) and to 102.1% in zone 7 (p=0.05). A correlation was found between valgus positioning of the femoral components and increased BMD (p=0.005). To date, only 1 patient has been revised due to socket loosening. Discussion and conclusions. This bone grafting technique expands the use of MOMHR to patients with severe deficiencies of the femoral head, thereby leading to a more anatomical reconstruction with a full recovery of function and BMD of the proximal femur

Introduction. Acetabular bone deficiency presents one of the most challenging problems during revision hip arthroplasty. A variety of surgical options and techniques are available including impaction bone grafting. We present our medium to long-term experience of 68 consecutive hips in 64 patients who had acetabular revision using impacted cancellous bone grafting with bone cement with a mean follow up of 10.5 ±3.75) years (range 5.1 to 17.7 years). Methods. Patients' undergoing acetabular bone grafting during revision hip arthroplasty prior to insertion of a cemented cup between 1993 and 2000 were evaluated. Pre-operative, immediate post-operative, 1 year post-op and final follow-up radiographs were evaluated. The pre-operative bone loss was graded according to the AAOS and Paprosky classifications. The presence of radiolucencies, alignment and incorporation of bone graft were evaluated. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to assess clinical outcome. 13 patients who were unable to attend the department were contacted for a telephone interview. Analysis of the Data was carried out using SPSS17 [SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois]. Results. 64 consecutive patients (68 hips) were evaluated with an average age of 69.9 (± 10.24) years. At the mean follow up of 10.5 years [5.1–17.7 years] Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis predicted a rate of survival of the acetabular component of 95.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 92 to 99) at 10 years, with revision for any reason as the endpoint. The median Harris hip score at final follow up was 79.5 [IQR 67.9–80.45]. Neither the extent of initial defect or acetabular inclination were related to clinical outcome or predicted further revision. Progression of the radiololucent zones between the cement bone interface was a predictor of loosening and further revision. Discussion. Our findings have shown that acetabular revision using impacted cancellous bone graft and a cemented acetabular component remains a reliable and successful technique for patients with poor femoral bone stock

The reconstruction of lower limb defects after oncological reconstructions is still a problem in limb salvage surgery. Large bony defects need to be treated with sound and durable reconstructions. During recent decades, the life expectancy of patients affected with cancer has improved considerably because of advances in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal treatment and radiotherapy. This improvement requires greater reliability in the reconstructive procedure in order to avoid mechanical failure during prolonged survival of the patient. The author experience with modular megaprosthesis by Link (megasystem C) allowed us to present a rapid, effective and functional solution. From June 2001 to December 2007 225 patients have been operated with a megaprosthesis C for tumoral resection. The new megaprosthesis C by Link represents a wide-ranging system that can afford a large variety of reconstructions in the inferior limb, from very short replacement of 5 cm in proximal femur, to a total femur and proximal tibia replacement. Modularity is represented by 1 cm increase in length. The different options of cemented and not cemented stem may be used with intraoperative decision. In cemented stem a rough collar seals the osteotomy and prevents polyethylene debris from entering the femoral canal by inducing a scar tissue around the stem entrance (so-called purse-string effect). Moreover in patients with solitary lesions and very good prognosis an allograft-prosthesis composite can be performed with improved clinical results on walking and function. Of the 225 patients that underwent tumoral resection and reconstruction with a modular megaprosthesis approximately 43% (97 cases) were operated for metastatic disease. Among these cases 55 cases were proximal femoral recontructions, 39 cases were distal femoral reconstructions and 3 cases were proximal tibial reconstructions. All cases were performed with cemented stems. We experienced a 7% of postoperative infections, 2% of dislocations of proximal femoral prosthesis and 3% of mechanical failures. While infections and dislocation rates were in the average for this surgery, mechanical failures were relatively high. We should consider that in patients with relatively long resections and muscle deficiency the mechanical stress exerted on the prosthesis can explain this kind of mechanical failure. However the new design of morse tapers have annulled these problems

Several studies have reported the assessment of the femoral head coverage on plane radiograph and CT data in supine position, though young patients with the dysplastic hip often have symptoms during activities such as standing, walking, and running. On the other hand, some investigators have used a method of CT which allows standardization of the femoral head coverage against an anterior pelvic plane based on the anterior superior iliac spines and the pubic tubercle. We believe both the weight-bearing position and the standardized position to be more relevant for diagnosis and preoperative surgical assessment. So, we show the femoral head coverage in standardized position using 3D-CT method and in weight-bearing position using the plane radiograph and the three-dimensional lower extremity alignment assessment system before and after Curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO). Especially the covered volume of the femoral head, a new concept, using the three-dimensional lower extremity alignment assessment system which differs from the affected area and is measured by the ratio of the covered area in the medial part of the line connecting the anterior point of the acetabulum with the posterior to the femoral head area in each axial slice, superior slices than the slice passing through the femoral head center, obtained from the reproduced 3D model of the pelvis and the femur in standing position allows us to integrate various measurements reported by past researchers. We studied the consecutive 16 patients treated with CPO. In standardized position the sagittal sectional angles on the slice passing through the femoral head center using 3D-CT method gave us how the anterior, lateral, and posterior coverage was lack compared with normal subjects and whether the adequate transfer of the rotated fragment was performed after operation. The covered volume of the femoral head decides generally the deficiency or the adequateness. In standing position, though the pelvic tilt changes, the femoral head coverage on plane radiograph, representation by the CE angle, the VCA angle, AHI and ARO, was significantly improved, and the covered volume of the femoral head was significantly improved from 25.7% preoperatively to 51.1% postoperatively. Our study showed the improvement of the femoral head coverage, including the covered volume of the femoral head as a new concept, after CPO in weight-bearing and standardized position. The morphological and functional assessment of the femoral head coverage on both pre- and post-CPO should be performed because we can obtain the objective information in standardized position and the femoral head coverage in standing position is closely connected with the pain

Our aim was to correlate the health status with objective and radiological outcomes in patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of both bones of the forearm. We assessed 23 patients (24 fractures) subjectively, objectively and radiologically at a mean of 34 months (11 to 72). Subjective assessment used the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and musculoskeletal functional attachment (MFA) questionnaires. The range of movement of the forearm and wrist, grip and pinch strength were measured objectively and standardised radiographs were evaluated. In general, patients reported good overall function based on the DASH (mean 12; range 0 to 42) and MFA (mean 19; range 0 to 51) scores. However, pronation and grip and pinch strength were significantly decreased (p < 0.005). These deficiencies correlated with poorer subjective outcomes. Operative stabilisation of fractures of the radius and ulna led to a reliably acceptable functional outcome. However, despite these generally satisfactory results, the outcome scores worsened with reduction in the range of movement of the forearm and wrist