Aims. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the provision of arthroplasty services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This study aimed to quantify the backlog, analyze national trends, and predict time to recovery. Methods. We performed an analysis of the mandatory prospective national registry of all independent and publicly funded hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle replacements in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland between January 2019 and December 2022 inclusive, totalling 729,642 operations. The deficit was calculated per year compared to a continuation of 2019 volume. Total deficit of cases between 2020 to 2022 was expressed as a percentage of 2019 volume. Sub-analyses were performed based on procedure type, country, and unit sector. Results. Between January 2020 and December 2022, there was a deficit of 158,994 joint replacements. This is equivalent to over two-thirds of a year of normal expected operating activity (71.6%). There were 104,724 (-47.1%) fewer performed in 2020, 41,928 (-18.9%) fewer performed in 2021, and 12,342 (-5.6%) fewer performed in 2022, respectively, than in 2019. Independent-sector procedures increased to make it the predominant arthroplasty provider (53% in 2022). NHS activity was 73.2% of 2019 levels, while independent activity increased to 126.8%. Wales (-136.3%) and Northern Ireland (-121.3%) recorded deficits of more than a year’s worth of procedures, substantially more than England (-66.7%). It would take until 2031 to eliminate this deficit with an immediate expansion of capacity over 2019 levels by 10%. Conclusion. The arthroplasty deficit following the COVID-19 pandemic is now equivalent to over two-thirds of a year of normal operating activity, and continues to increase. Patients awaiting different types of arthroplasty, in each country, have been affected disproportionately. A rapid and significant expansion in services is required to address the deficit, and will still take many years to rectify. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):834–841

Aims. The outcome following the development of neurological complications after corrective surgery for scoliosis varies from full recovery to a permanent deficit. This study aimed to assess the prognosis and recovery of major neurological deficits in these patients, and to determine the risk factors for non-recovery, at a minimum follow-up of two years. Methods. A major neurological deficit was identified in 65 of 8,870 patients who underwent corrective surgery for scoliosis, including eight with complete paraplegia and 57 with incomplete paraplegia. There were 23 male and 42 female patients. Their mean age was 25.0 years (SD 16.3). The aetiology of the scoliosis was idiopathic (n = 6), congenital (n = 23), neuromuscular (n = 11), neurofibromatosis type 1 (n = 6), and others (n = 19). Neurological function was determined by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale at a mean follow-up of 45.4 months (SD 17.2). the patients were divided into those with recovery and those with no recovery according to the ASIA scale during follow-up. Results. The incidence of major deficit was 0.73%. At six-month follow-up, 39 patients (60%) had complete recovery and ten (15.4%) had incomplete recovery; these percentages improved to 70.8% (46) and 16.9% (11) at follow-up of two years, respectively. Eight patients showed no recovery at the final follow-up. The cause of injury was mechanical in 39 patients and ischaemic in five. For 11 patients with misplaced implants and haematoma formation, nine had complete recovery. Fisher’s exact test showed a significant difference in the aetiology of the scoliosis (p = 0.007) and preoperative deficit (p = 0.016) between the recovery and non-recovery groups. A preoperative deficit was found to be significantly associated with non-recovery (odds ratio 8.5 (95% confidence interval 1.676 to 43.109); p = 0.010) in a multivariate regression model. Conclusion. For patients with scoliosis who develop a major neurological deficit after corrective surgery, recovery (complete and incomplete) can be expected in 87.7%. The first three to six months is the time window for recovery. In patients with misplaced implants and haematoma formation, the prognosis is satisfactory with appropriate early intervention. Patients with a preoperative neurological deficit are at a significant risk of having a permanent deficit. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):103–111

We evaluated 56 patients for neurological deficit after enucleation of a histopathologically confirmed schwannoma of the upper limb. Immediately after the operation, 41 patients (73.2%) had developed a new neurological deficit: ten of these had a major deficit such as severe motor or sensory loss, or intolerable neuropathic pain. The mean tumour size had been significantly larger in patients with a major neurological deficit than in those with a minor or no deficit. After a mean 25.4 months (12 to 85), 39 patients (70%) had no residual neurological deficit, and the other 17 (30%) had only hypoaesthesia, paraesthesiae or mild motor weakness. This study suggests that a schwannoma in the upper limb can be removed with an acceptable risk of injury to the nerve, although a transient neurological deficit occurs regularly after the operation. Biopsy is not advised. Patients should be informed pre-operatively about the possibility of damage to the nerve: meticulous dissection is required to minimise this

Aims. COVID-19-related patient care delays have resulted in an unprecedented patient care backlog in the field of orthopaedics. The objective of this study is to examine orthopaedic provider preferences regarding the patient care backlog and financial recovery initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. An orthopaedic research consortium at a multi-hospital tertiary care academic medical system developed a three-part survey examining provider perspectives on strategies to expand orthopaedic patient care and financial recovery. Section 1 asked for preferences regarding extending clinic hours, section 2 assessed surgeon opinions on expanding surgical opportunities, and section 3 questioned preferred strategies for departmental financial recovery. The survey was sent to the institution’s surgical and nonoperative orthopaedic providers. Results. In all, 73 of 75 operative (n = 55) and nonoperative (n = 18) providers responded to the survey. A total of 92% of orthopaedic providers (n = 67) were willing to extend clinic hours. Most providers preferred extending clinic schedule until 6pm on weekdays. When asked about extending surgical block hours, 96% of the surgeons (n = 53) were willing to extend operating room (OR) block times. Most surgeons preferred block times to be extended until 7pm (63.6%, n = 35). A majority of surgeons (53%, n = 29) believe that over 50% of their surgical cases could be performed at an ambulatory surgery centre (ASC). Of the strategies to address departmental financial deficits, 85% of providers (n = 72) were willing to work extra hours without a pay cut. Conclusion. Most orthopaedic providers are willing to help with patient care backlogs and revenue recovery by working extended hours instead of having their pay reduced. These findings provide insights that can be incorporated into COVID-19 recovery strategies. Level of Evidence: III. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):562–568

Nerve damage is a complication of THA and TKA procedures. The incidence of subclinical nerve injury following arthroplasty is unknown. The aim was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic nerve deficits in an arthroplasty population group, and the incidence of post-operative changes in nerve function. A Secondary aim was to identify the nature of any deficits. And the association between nerve deficits and history of backache. A non-randomised prospective series of patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were studied at a single hospital. The peroneal nerve was investigated using nerve conduction in forty patients. Twenty patients had upper limb testing to differentiate between a polyneuropathy or isolated lower limb neuropathy. Nerve function deficits were detected in the peroneal nerve in fifteen patients pre-operatively and fifteen post-operatively, of those twelve had A waves detected suggestive of a generalised neuropathy. Ten patients who had upper limb testing had a conduction defect (five had asymptomatic Carpal tunnel). There was a positive correlation between presence of post-operative deficit and age(r=0.389, p=0.013). A negative correlation was found for presence of post-operative A waves and BMI(r=−0.370, p=0.019). The prevalence of pre-operative subclinical peroneal neuropathy is much higher than expected in this group (37.5%) of arthroplasty patients. There is a strong correlation between presence of post-operative conduction abnormalities and age. There is no relationship between peripheral neuropathy and history of backache or residual post-operative deficit

Objectives. To employ a simple and fast method to evaluate those patients with neurological deficits and misplaced screws in relatively safe lumbosacral spine, and to determine if it is necessary to undertake revision surgery. Methods. A total of 316 patients were treated by fixation of lumbar and lumbosacral transpedicle screws at our institution from January 2011 to December 2012. We designed the criteria for post-operative revision scores of pedicle screw malpositioning (PRSPSM) in the lumbosacral canal. We recommend the revision of the misplaced pedicle screw in patients with PRSPSM = 5′ as early as possible. However, patients with PRSPSM < 5′ need to follow the next consecutive assessment procedures. A total of 15 patients were included according to at least three-stage follow-up. Results. Five patients with neurological complications (PRSPSM = 5′) underwent revision surgery at an early stage. The other ten patients with PRSPSM < 5′ were treated by conservative methods for seven days. At three-month follow-up, only one patient showed delayed onset of neurological complications (PRSPSM 7′) while refusing revision. Seven months later, PRSPSM decreased to 3′ with complete rehabilitation. Conclusions. This study highlights the significance of consecutively dynamic assessments of PRSPSMs, which are unlike previous implementations based on purely anatomical assessment or early onset of neurological deficits.and also confirms our hypothesis that patients with early neurological complications may not need revision procedures in the relatively broad margin of the lumbosacral canal. Cite this article: X-J. Lin. Treatment strategies for early neurological deficits related to malpositioned pedicle screws in the lumbosacral canal: A pilot study. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:46–51

We have studied, prospectively, 116 patients with motor deficits associated with herniation of a lumbar disc who underwent microdiscectomy. They were studied during the first six months and at a mean of 6.4 years after surgery. Before operation, muscle weakness was mild (grade 4) in 67% of patients, severe (grade 3) in 21% and very severe (grade 2 or 1) in 12%. The muscle which most frequently had severe or very severe weakness was extensor hallucis longus, followed in order by triceps surae, extensor digitorum communis, tibialis anterior, and others. At the latest follow-up examination, 76% of patients had complete recovery of strength. Persistent weakness was found in 16% of patients who had had a mild preoperative deficit and in 39% of those with severe or very severe weakness. Muscle strength was graded 4 in all patients with persistent weakness, except for four with a very severe preoperative deficit affecting the L5 or S1 nerve root. They showed no significant recovery. Excluding this last group, the degree of recovery of motor function was inversely related to the preoperative severity and duration of muscle weakness. The patients’ subjective functional capacity was not directly related to the degree of recovery except in those with persistent severe or very severe deficit

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of neurological deficit following excision of spinal neurofibromas. Methods: Retrospective case series, combined with contemporary neurological examination and outcome questionnaires. Results: 46 patients (26 males, 20 females) with a mean age of 46 between the years of 1985 – 2005. The incidence of neurological deficit subsequent to nerve sectioning to remove the tumour was 28/46 (60.9%) in the acute period. In the long term this reduced to 28%. Conclusions: Despite the sectioning of nerves during surgery motor or sensory deficit was surprisingly rare. It was mainly sensory and recovered with time. This is presumably due to neural plasticity and dermatomal overlap. These results provide useful information for surgeons to counsel their patients preoperatively

Recurrent anterior shoulder instability (RASI) is related to progressive bone loss on the glenoid and on the humeral head. Bone deficit magnitude is a well-recognized predictor of recurrence of instability after an arthroscopic Bankart surgery, but the best way to measure it is unknown. In this study, we want to determine which measurement method is the best predictor of recurrence of instability and function. For 10 years now, all patients undergoing surgery for RASI in 4 centers are included in a prospective study: the LUXE cohort. Patients with a pre-operative CT-scan and a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. ISIS score was used to stratify patients. WOSI and Quick-Dash questionnaires were used to characterise function. Bone defects were assessed using the Clock method, the Glenoid Ratio, the Humeral Ratio, the Glenoid Track method and the angle of engagement in the axial plane. A total of 262 patients are now included in the LUXE study. One hundred and three patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis with a majority of male (79%) and a mean age is 28 years old. The median number of dislocations prior to surgery was 6. Seventy patients had an arthroscopic Bankart repair and 33 patients underwent an open Latarjet procedure. The ISIS score for these groups were of 2.7 and 4.8 respectively (p<0.001). The mean bone defect on the glenoid was of 1h51 with the Clock method (range: 0h-4h48; SD=1h46) and of 9% for the glenoid ratio (0–37%, 10%). On the humeral side, the bone defect was of 1h59 (0h-4h08; 0h49) for the Humeral clock method, 15% (0–36%; 6%) with the ratio method and 71 degrees of external rotation (SD=30 degrees) with the angle of engagement measurement. On the combined evaluations, 53 patients presented an off-track lesion, with mean combined hours of 3h53 (SD= 2h13). The greatest correlation obtained was between the glenoid ratio and the glenoid clock method (r=0.919, p<0.001). Eighteen patients had a recurrence of shoulder dislocation after the initial surgery, leading to a recurrence rate of 23% in arthroscopic surgery versus six percent after a Latarjet (OR= 4.6, p=0.034). No bone defect was correlated to Latarjet failure. For the arthroscopic group, the risk of recurrence was related to a smaller angle of engagement of the Hill-Sachs (p=0.05), a smaller Humeral clock measurement (p=0.034) and a longer follow-up (p=0.006). No glenoid or combined measurements were correlated with arthroscopic procedure failure. Recurrence of dislocation was associated to worst function according to the WOSI (1036 vs 573, p=0.002) and DASH (32 vs 15, p=0.03). Even with lower ISIS score, arthroscopic procedures are still leading to high risk of recurrence in this “all comer” consecutive cohort study AND it is related to humeral side parameters. Recurrence is also affecting daily function and creating higher anxiety related to the shoulder

In 139 patients with burst fractures of the thoracic, thoracolumbar or lumbar spine, the least sagittal diameter of the spinal canal at the level of injury was measured by computerised tomography. By multiple logistic regression we investigated the joint correlation of the level of the burst fracture and the percentage of spinal canal stenosis with the probability of an associated neurological deficit. There was a very significant correlation between neurological deficit and the percentage of spinal canal stenosis; the higher the level of injury the greater was the probability. The severity of neurological deficit could not be predicted

Introduction. Cauda Equina is a condition requiring urgent operative intervention to avoid debilitating long term neurological compromise. The recommended maximium time delay before lack of surgical decompression results in persisting neurological deficit has been suggested to be 24 hrs and more recent studies have even indicated 48 hours as acceptable. We wanted to assess if any persisting neurological deficit occurred in our practice when treated at 12 hours or less. Aim. To assess if patients treated within half of the maximum recommended time for surgical decompression following cauda equina i.e 12 hours, are still pre-disposed to persisting neurological compromise. Methods. We reviewed all patients who underwent a spinal decompression for cauda equina, based on clinical presentation, examination and magnetic resonance imaging at our institution. Over a seven year period, seven patients were found to have operative findings consistent with cauda equina syndrome. The clinical presentation, time from presentation to operative decompression and type of procedure done, as well as the clinical review at follow up, were noted. Results. The time from presentation to operation was 8 hours 30 mins to 11 hours 48 in 6 patients and 25 hrs in one patient. All seven patients had resolution of symptoms except for dermatomal sensory deficit. Two patients had some recurrence of sciatica, two of these patients having similar operations done at the same level within 18 months. Discussion. Our study shows that urinary compromise resolves with early decompression but that persisting neurological symptoms in the form of sensory deficit can persist even when decompression is performed within 12 hours. We conclude that early decompression is necessary but it does not alleviate all neurological symptoms

Aim: To evaluate the outcome of late anterior decompression in patients with dorsal and lumbar spinal injuries with neurological deficit. Background: Anterior decompression and bone graft stabilisation of the spinal injuries allows direct decompression of the spinal canal and provides favourable environment for neurological and functional recovery. Proponents of both early and delayed decompression have shown favourable results. However, what is unclear is the timing of the surgery. Methods: A prospective study of 12 patients with spinal injuries, who had anterior decompression a minimum of 4 weeks after the injury (mean 7.5 weeks). 5 had incomplete and 7 had complete neurological deficit at presentation. The indication for the operation was persistent neurological deficit with retropulsed fragment of bone causing canal compromise. Anterior stablisation after decompression was by means of a tri-cortical iliac crest graft or a rib graft. Results: 8 males, 4 females with average age 26.8 years. 7 lumbar and 5 dorsal spine injuries. Average follow-up of 5.5 years with minimum of 5 years. Post-operative improvement was seen only in patients who sustained injury at the lumbar level, with 6 of the 7 patients regaining normal bladder and bowel function after decompression. Immediate post-operative improvements obtained in the Kyphotic angle were not maintained probably due to the settling of the graft, so posterior or anterior stabilisation may be needed in addition to anterior bone grafting to prevent worsening of the kyphotic angle. Conclusion: Delayed anterior decompression of the lumbar spine in patients who had spinal fractures, is an effective procedure, which may help neurological recovery, especially of the bowel and bladder function

Introduction: Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma is an uncommon clinical problem which may lead to severe and permanent neurological deficit. The treatment options for spinal cord compression by extradural haematoma in the anticoagulated patient are limited. The majority of cases reported have been treated surgically. 1. Operative intervention carries a potential risk of extending the haematoma with further deterioration of the neurological deficit. Methods: A case of paraplegia following spontaneous epidural haemorrhage is reported with a review of the prognostic factors that determine likely improvement in neurological function post-surgery. Case report: A 59-year old man was referred to the regional Spinal Trauma Centre with a 34-hour history of severe lower back pain of sudden onset and 14 hour history of neurological deficit in both legs and urinary overflow incontinence. He had undergone aortic valve replacement two years previously, with subsequent anticoagulation with Warfarin. Examination showed complete paraplegia below L3 with grade 1 power on hip flexion only. On catheterisation, the residual volume of urine was 1200mls. The INR was 3.5. An MRI of the spine showed epidural haematoma that extended from the level of T11 to L5. The patient was treated non-operatively. On discharge at 10 weeks he had normal sensation to L3 and grade 5-power on left knee extension and grade 4-power on the right. There was no motor recovery distal to this. He had a hypotonic neurological bladder with sufficient resting tone in the sphincter to prevent incontinence. Discussion: Although associated with a definite mortality, surgical decompression of the spinal cord and evacuation of the haematoma improves neurological outcome and is the treatment of choice. 1. The decision to treat non-operatively should be based on the duration and severity of the neurological deficit. A literature review identifies neurological deficit greater than 12 hours and severe neurological deficit on presentation are poor prognostic indicators. 2. The prognosis for neurological recovery in this case was poor. In a patient with severe coexisting medical problems these factors can assist when making the decision to operate on an individual patient with spinal epidural haematoma

Introduction: The optimal treatment for acute thoracolumbar burst fractures remains controversial, particularly in the patient with minimal or no neurologic deficit. While this group could be treated conservatively, at Burwood we prefer to utilise short segment instrumented stabilisation. We wished to review the indications for surgical intervention and the outcomes in this group with emphasis on safety, rate of rehabilitation, function, and pain levels. Methods: The clinical notes and X-rays were reviewed for 34 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures with minimal or no neurologic deficit, and treated by Dick fixator between August 1995 and September 2001. A questionnaire was mailed to all patients. Results: At presentation this group had a mean age of 30.7 yrs (range 16–59), mean kyphotic deformity (Cobb method) of 16.1°, decrease in vertebral body anterior height of 40.9%, and decrease in canal area of 41.2%. Operative fixation was successful in greatly improving both height and kyphosis. No major complication such as metal-ware breakage, thromboembolism, deep infection, or neurologic deterioration was encountered. Average operating time was 71 min, time to discharge was 8.4 days, except where an associated injury limited mobility (17.1 days). Questionnaires were returned by 29 of 34 patients at a mean of 3 years post-injury. All of these had returned to work or usual level of activity at 14.3 weeks (4–36 wks). Pain was experienced never or occasionally by 18 (62%), in relation to activity by 9 (31%), and on most days by 2 (7%). The average visual analog pain score was 2.1/10. No patient required regular or opioid analgesia. Discussion: This form of operative fixation appeared to benefit this group of patients by allowing rapid rehabilitation with early mobilisation, discharge, and return to work. Pain frequency and severity were both low at medium term follow up and no major complication was encountered

INTRODUCTION: The optimal treatment for acute thoracolumbar burst fractures remains controversial, particularly in the patient with minimal or no neurologic deficit. While this group could be treated conservatively, at Burwood we prefer to utilise short segment instrumented stabilisation. We wished to review the indications for surgical intervention and the outcomes in this group with emphasis on safety, rate of rehabilitation, function, and pain levels. METHODS: The clinical notes and X-rays were reviewed for 34 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures with minimal or no neurologic deficit, and treated by Dick fixator between August 1995 and September 2001. A questionnaire was mailed to all patients. RESULTS: At presentation this group had a mean age of 30.7 years (range 16–59), mean kyphotic deformity (Cobb method) of 16.1°, decrease in vertebral body anterior height of 40.9%, and decrease in canal area of 41.2%. Operative fixation was successful in greatly improving both height and kyphosis. No major complication such as metalware breakage, thromboembolism, deep infection, or neurologic deterioration was encountered. Average operating time was 71 minutes, time to discharge was 8.4 days, except where an associated injury limited mobility (17.1 days). Questionnaires were returned by 29 of 34 patients at a mean of three years post-injury. All of these had returned to work or usual level of activity at 14.3 weeks (4–36 weeks). Pain was experienced never or occasionally by 18 (62%), in relation to activity by 9 (31%), and on most days by 2 (7%). The average visual analog pain score was 2.1/10. No patient required regular or opioid analgesia. DISCUSSION: This form of operative fixation appeared to benefit this group of patients by allowing rapid rehabilitation with early mobilisation, discharge, and return to work. Pain frequency and severity were both low at medium term follow-up and no major complication was encountered

Introduction: Pseudoarthrosis in Ankylosing spondylitis is often misdiagnosed as infection. It is a slow progressing lesion resulting in a kyphosis and slow onset weakness of the lower limbs. We are presenting our strategy and experience in treating 9 patients with such a lesion. Method: 9 patients age range from 40–55 years who presented with pseudoarthrosis of the ankylosed spine underwent back-front surgery during 2001–204. 6 patients had dorsal spine lesion, 2 had dorso-lumbar junctional lesion and 1 had cervico-dorsal junctional lesion. 8/9 patients had insidious onset with progressive weakness of both lower limb. 1 patient had an acute onset with deformity. 7/9 patients had neurodeficit (Frankel C) 1/9 had complete paraplegia. All patients underwent posterior kyphosis correction and decompression of the spinal cord. During posterior decompression 8/9 patients had an incidental dural tear due to adherence fractured lamina. The dura was repaired primarily or patch graft. 5/9 patients had single stage back and front surgery. The rest of the patients had staged surgery. The front surgery was excision of the tough fibrotic psuedoarthosis and reconstruction using strut graft/cage. Results: Average duration of surgery was 4 ½ hours (3 ½ to 6 hours). Blood loss was 800 ml (600–1300 ml). All patients required blood transfusion. Primary dural repair was done in 7/8 cases, patch graft in 3/8 cases, ceiling with fusion glue and fat graft in 1 patient. 5 patients who had less that 1000 ml blood loss during posterior surgery had same stage anterior reconstruction. Rest of the patient had 2 staged surgery. 4/9 patients had previous THR B/L. All patients showed rapid improvement in the neurological status and at 3 months follow up all were Frankel E. Conclusion: The surgical outcome of the ankylosing spondylitis patients with Andersson lesion with neurological deficit is encouraging. Excision of the pseudoarthroses anteriorly and posterior spinal stabilization resulted in full recovery of the deficit. However there were difficulties encountered during the posterior decompression due to adhesions of the posterior elements to the dura

Midline skin incision and medial arthrotomy for knee arthroplasty may be preformed in flexion or extension. Anatomical studies have revealed a risk to the infra patellar branch of the saphenous nerve. This study addresses. whether sensory loss is greater following skin incision in flexion or extension. The area of sensory loss six months following knee arthroplasty. Null hypothesis- there is no detectable difference in sensation before and after knee arthroplasty. Pilot study- light touch, sharp touch and two point discrimination were evaluated pre-operatively, at one week, six weeks and six months postoperatively in twelve patients recruited prospectively. Randomization was achieved using an envelope system. Six patients underwent approach and closure in flexion and six in extension. Prospective cohort study – 50 patients underwent sensory mapping for light touch and sharp touch pre-operatively. These control results were compared with the post-operative findings at six months. All measurements were standardised to anatomical landmarks with the knee in 90 degrees flexion. There is a constant area of sensory loss lateral to the midline scar, which shows some recovery with time. The sensory loss affects both light and sharp touch. Initially, this is in a similar distribution anteriorly and laterally extending from the superior pole of the patella to the tibial tubercle, approximately 2cm lateral to the midline. The loss is most marked immediately after surgery. There is a noticeable recovery in sharp touch by six weeks. The recovery in light touch is slower and less complete at the six month review. There is no demonstratable difference in sensory loss regardless of whether the incision is made in flexion or extension, (p=0.1). Lateral sensory loss is a constant feature in this series six months following knee arthroplasty. Patients may benefit from pre-operative counselling regarding the likelihood of lateral cutaneous sensory deficit following knee arthroplasty

A 14 year-old-female, underwent a T3-L3 instrumented posterior spinal fusion for a double major curve. Surgery under controlled hypotensive anesthesia was uneventful, with normal somatosensory and motor potentials. After instrumentation, patient underwent a normal wake-up test. The preoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit was 15.1g/dl with 41%, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 400cc and postoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit were 9.7g/dl and 31% respectively. Clinical examination was normal immediately postoperatively, on the first postoperative day and the beginning of the second postoperative day. At the end of POD 2, the patient started to feel both lower extremities “heavy” and sensitive to touch. She developed generalized proximal lower extremity weakness and was unable to stand. She was also unable to void after catheter removal. At this stage, her hemoglobin had dropped from 10 g/dl on POD 1 to 7.3 g/dl. Her haemoglobin fell to 6.2 g/dl the next day with a haematocrit of 18%. No significant bleeding was noticed, and other than lightheadedness, no haemodynamic changes were noted. Transfusion was performed correcting the haemoglobin to 9.3 g/dl and haematocrit to 27%. Compressive etiology was ruled out by post-operative myelogram-CT. Patient was discharged on POD 13 and was neurologically intact at three month follow-up. Discussion: Delayed neurological deficits have been reported, and are associated most frequently with epidural haematomas. Postoperative hypotension as the etiological factor has been reported only in an adult patient. As cord compression was ruled-out the only event we can correlate with the beginning of the neurological deficit is the unexplained acute drop in haemoglobin levels on the second day, possibly impairing normal cord oxygenation. If this is not the case, we would have to accept false negative results for the three standard methods currently available for spinal cord monitoring during surgery. In this case, the normal postoperative neurological exams, performed during the first 48 hours after surgery, and the subjective symptoms the patient experienced associated with the beginning of motor deficit, leads us to conclude that the injury happened on the second day in relation to the postoperative anaemia. Although we believe children tolerate low levels of haemoglobin, transfusion policies might have to be reconsidered as the cord may be transiently at risk for ischemic events after deformity correction

Decision-making regarding operative versus non-operative treatment of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures in the absence of neurological deficits is controversial, and evidence from trials is sparse. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials comparing operative treatment to non-operative treatment in the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures. With the assistance of a medical librarian, an electronic search of Medline Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials was performed. Trials were included if they: were randomided, had radiologically confirmed thoracolumbar (T10-L3) burst fractures, had no neurological deficit, compared operative and non-operative management (regardless of modality used), and had participants aged 18 and over. We examined the following outcomes: pain, using a visual analogue scale (VAS), where 0=no pain and 100=worst pain; function, using the validated Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ); and Kyphosis (measured in degrees). Two randomised trials including 79 patients (41 operative vs. 38 non-operative) were identified. Both trials had similar quality, patient characteristics, outcome measures, rates of follow up, and times of follow up (mean=47 months). Individual patient data meta-analysis (a powerful method of meta-analysis) was performed, since data was made available by the authors. There were no between-group differences in sex, level of fracture, mechanism of injury, follow up rates or baseline pain, kyphosis and RMDQ scores, but there was a borderline difference in age (mean 44 years in operative group vs. 39 in non-operative group, p=0.046). At final follow up, there were no between group differences in VAS pain (25 in operative group vs. 22 non-operative, p=0.63), RMDQ scores (6.1 in operative group vs. 5.8 non-operative, p=0.85), or change in RMDQ scores from baseline (4.8 in operative group vs. 5.3 non-operative, p=0.70). But both kyphosis at final follow up (11 degrees vs. 16 degrees, p=0.009) and reduction in kyphosis from baseline (1.8 degrees vs. -3.3 degrees, p=0.003) were better in the operative group. Operative management of thoracolumbar burst fractures appears to improve kyphosis, but does not improve pain or function

Purpose. Compartment syndrome is a limb threatening condition. Prior research has been limited by an inability to assess functional and histologic changes in muscle over time. This study was designed to assess and quantify functional deficits and histologic changes following acute compartment syndrome of the lower limb in a novel rat model. Method. Twenty-three male Wistar rats were trained to perform an incentive-based standard task on an optical gait tracking system. Animals were then randomized to three groups: Control (n=4), Sham (n=4) and Compartment Syndrome (CS, n=15). Control and sham animals had no elevation of intracompartmental pressure, while CS animals had elevated intracompartmental pressure to 30mmHg for 180 minutes in the anterior compartment of the left hind limb using a saline infusion technique. Following intervention, gait analysis was performed at 2hrs, 24hrs, 48hrs, 72hrs and 7days following injury. Several parameters for the injured hind limb were analyzed including: print area, print intensity, maximum contact timing, duty cycle and stance phase time. A 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc analysis was performed. The EDL muscle was harvested (n=17), fixed in formalin and prepared with an H&E stain. Mid-muscle sections were analyzed by a blinded senior pathologist for cell infiltration, necrosis and regeneration. Results. Function Changes: Mean print intensity was 96.5518.7 at 48hrs for CS animals, compared to 145.538.2 in control animals and 144.9612.71 in sham animals (p<0.001). At the 2hrs, 24hrs, and 48hrs time intervals post injury the CS animals showed significant decreases in print width (p<0.001), maximum contact (p<0.001), mean print intensity (p<0.001) and stance phase (p<0.01). There were no significant differences between baseline and 72hr results for any gait parameter (p>0.05). Histologic Changes: Cellular infiltration was noted at 24hrs, peaked at 48hrs and was still present at 7 days to a lesser degree. Necrosis began as early as 24hrs post injury and also peaked by 48hrs and returned to baseline levels by 7days. Minor regenerative changes were identified as early as 24hrs however the majority of changes were identified at 7 days post-injury. Conclusion. Developing and evaluating animal models for the study of compartment syndrome is essential for better understanding the condition and testing new treatment modalities. Gait analysis was a reproducible means of assessing function after compartment syndrome. Animals demonstrated an antalgic gait pattern demonstrated by decreased stance phase, decreased print intensity, and increased print width, with recovery demonstrated by 72hrs post-injury. Defining the histologic changes such as necrosis, cellular infiltration and regeneration associated with compartment syndrome has allowed us to further understand the evolving pathology of compartment syndrome over time. This study facilitates the evaluation of functional and histologic testing for the evaluation of new therapeutic interventions