Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex foot deformity with varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, forefoot varus, and collapse or hypermobility of the medial column. In its management, muscle and tendon balancing are important to address the deformity. Peroneus brevis is the primary evertor of the foot, and the strongest antagonist to the tibialis posterior. Moreover, peroneus longus is an important stabilizer of the medial column. To our knowledge, the role of peroneus brevis to peroneus longus tendon transfer in cases of PCFD has not been reported. This study evaluates patient reported outcomes including pain scores and any associated surgical complications for patients with PCFD undergoing isolated peroneus brevis to longus tendon transfer and gastrocnemius recession. Patients with symptomatic PCFD who had failed non-operative treatment, and underwent isolated soft tissue correction with peroneus brevis to longus tendon transfer and gastrocnemius recession were included. Procedures were performed by a single surgeon at a large University affiliated teaching hospital between January 1 2016 to March 31 2021. Patients younger than 18 years old, or undergoing surgical correction for PCFD which included osseous correction were excluded. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, procedures performed, and pre and post-operative patient related outcomes were collected via medical chart review and using the appropriate questionnaires. Outcomes assessed included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for foot and ankle pain as well as sinus tarsi pain (0-10), patient reported outcomes on EQ-5D, and documented complications. Statistical analysis was utilized to report change in VAS and EQ-5D outcomes using a paired t-test. Statistical significance was noted with p<0.05. We analysed 43 feet in 39 adults who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 55.4 ± 14.5 years old. The patient reported outcome mean results and statistical analysis are shown in Table one below. Mean pre and post-operative foot and ankle VAS pain was 6.73, and 3.13 respectively with a mean difference of 3.6 (p<0.001, 95% CI 2.6, 4.6). Mean pre and post-operative sinus tarsi VAS pain was 6.03 and 3.88, respectively with a mean difference of 2.1 (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.9, 3.4). Mean pre and post-operative EQ-5D Pain scores were 2.19 and 1.83 respectively with a mean difference of 0.4 (p=0.008, 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Mean follow up time was 18.8 ± 18.4 months. Peroneus brevis to longus tendon transfer and gastrocnemius recession in the management of symptomatic progressive collapsing foot deformity significantly improved sinus tarsi and overall foot and ankle pain. Most EQ-5D scores improved, but did not reach statistically significant values with the exception of the pain score. This may have been limited by our cohort size. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature describing clinical results in the form of patient reported outcomes following treatment with this combination of isolated soft tissue procedures for the treatment of PCFD. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

The influence of patient age on functional outcomes after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for acetabular dysplasia remains unclear, with previous studies utilising scores developed for older, arthritic patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of patient age on International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) scores, two years after PAO. Eighty-six patients (72 female, 14 male; mean age 26.9 years) who underwent PAO by a single surgeon and had completed a minimum of two years follow up were identified. Patients were categorised into three groups according to age at the time of surgery: adolescent (11–20 years; n=29), young adult (21–30 years; n=29), and mature (≥31 years; n=28). The three groups were compared with respect to baseline variables and functional outcomes (iHOT-12, EQ-5D quality of life score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, pain visual analogue score (VAS)). Multivariate regression was undertaken to assess for independent predictors of two-year iHOT-12 score. The adolescent group demonstrated a lower BMI (p=0.004) while the mature group had a greater American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score (p=0.049). There were otherwise no significant differences in baseline variables between the three groups (all p>0.05). The three groups demonstrated significant post-operative improvements across all functional outcome measures. There were no significant differences in two-year iHOT-12, EQ-5D, UCLA score or pain VAS between the three groups (all p>0.05). Regression modelling found that patient age at the time of surgery did not have an independent effect on two-year iHOT-12 score (p=0.878). We found that patient age at the time of surgery did not influence functional outcomes two years after PAO. Our results suggest that patient age should not be considered in isolation as an indication or contraindication for PAO

Aim. Aim of this study was to establish the first clinical results after implantation of ultrathin silver-polysiloxane-coated. 1. plates in the treatment of infected non-union of the femoral shaft. Method. As part of the REFECT study, a prospective, non-interventional analysis was conducted encompassing all patients who received internal stabilization with a silver-coated. 1. plate from 01/2023 to 09/2024 as part of the treatment for infected non-union of the femur. Standardized clinical follow-ups including PROMs (WOMAC-Index, LEF-S, EQ-5D, VAS) and X-rays were performed 3, 6, 12 (and 24) months postoperatively. For comparison, a retrospective analysis of 76 patients with infected femoral non-union, who had received a stabilization with an uncoated plate in the past 10 years, was performed. Results. The mean follow-up of the 8 included patients (mean bone defect: 3.6 cm) was 9 months (as of 04/24). Multiresistant bacteria were found in the intraoperative samples of 5 patients. The concentration of silver ions in blood serum reached a maximum of 0.014 mg/l in the laboratory controls. All patients showed a positive healing process with no sign of re-infection and no adverse procedure-associated events. Full weight bearing was achieved after an average of 4 months (n=6) with improved WOMAC-, LEF-S-, EQ-5D and VAS-score at 1-year FU. In the reference group (uncoated, mean FU: 3.5 years), there was a re-infection rate of 25 %, mostly in the first 2 years. Difficult-to-treat bacteria were detected in 22%, multiresistant Staph. epidermidis in 28% of cases. Conclusions. -. The silver-coated. 1. implants showed good biocompatibility with no evidence of procedure-associated complications. -. The use of silver-coated. 1. implants could reduce the risk of re-infection. -. Further clinical data with longer follow-up are needed to assess the long-term value of the procedure

There is very limited literature describing the outcomes of management for proximal humerus fractures with more than 100% displacement of the head and shaft fragments as a separate entity. This study aimed to compare operative and non-operative management of the translated proximal humerus fracture. A prospective cohort study was performed including patients managed at a Level 1 trauma centre between January 2010 to December 2018. Patients with 2, 3 and 4-part fractures were included based on the degree of translation of the shaft fragment (≥100%), resulting in no cortical contact between the head and shaft fragments. Outcome measures were the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), EQ-5D-5L, and radiological outcomes. Complications recorded included further surgery, loss of position/fixation, and non-union/malunion. Linear and logistic regression models were used to compare management options. There were 108 patients with a proximal humerus fracture with ≥100% translation; 76 underwent operative management and 32 were managed non-operatively with sling immobilisation. The mean (SD) age in the operative group was 54.3 (±20.2) and in the non-operative group was 73.3 (±15.3) (p<0.001). There was no association between OSS and management options (mean 38.5(±9.5) operative vs mean 41.3 (±8.5) non-operative, p=0.48). Operative management was associated with improved health status outcomes; EQ-5D utility score adjusted mean difference 0.16 (95%CI 0.04-0.27, p=0.008); EQ-5D VAS adjusted mean difference 19.2 (95%CI 5.2-33.2, p=0.008). Operative management was further associated with a lower odds of non-union (adjusted OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.09-0.97, p=0.04), malunion (adjusted OR 0.14, 95%CI 0.04-0.51, p=0.003) and complications (adjusted OR 0.07, 95%CI 0.02-0.32, p=0.001). Translated proximal humerus fractures with ≥100% displacement demonstrate improved health status and radiological outcomes following surgical fixation. Patients with this injury should be considered for operative intervention

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the impact of knee periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by assessing the patients’ long-term quality of life and explicitly their psychological wellbeing after successful treatment. Method. Thirty-six patients with achieved eradication of infection after knee PJI were included. Quality of life was evaluated with the EQ-5D and SF-36 outcome instruments as well as with an ICD-10 based symptom rating (ISR) and compared to normative data. Results. At a follow-up of 4.9± 3.5 years the mean SF-36 score was 24.82± 10.0 regarding the physical health component and 46.16± 13.3 regarding the mental health component compared to German normative values of 48.36± 9.4 (p< .001) and 50.87± 8.8 (p= .003). The mean EQ-5D index reached 0.55± 0.33 with an EQ-5D VAS rating of 52.14± 19.9 compared to reference scores of 0.891 (p< .001) and 68.6± 1.1 (p< .001). Mean scores of the ISR revealed psychological symptom burden on the depression scale. Conclusions. PJI patients still suffer from significant lower quality of life compared to normative data even years after surgically successful treatment. Future clinical studies should focus on patient-related outcome measures. Newly emerging treatment strategies, prevention methods and interdisciplinary approaches should be implemented to improve the quality of life of PJI patients

Increased collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in registries enables international comparison of patient-centered outcomes after knee and hip replacement. We aimed to investigate 1) variations in PROM improvement, 2) the possible confounding factor of BMI, and 3) differences in comorbidity distributions between registries. Registries affiliated with the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries (ISAR) or OECD membership countries were invited to report aggregate EQ-5D, OKS, OHS, HOOS-PS and KOOS-PS values. Eligible patients underwent primary total, unilateral knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis within three years and had completed PROMs preoperatively and either 6 or 12 months postoperatively, excluding patients with subsequent revisions. For each PROM cohort, Chi-square tests were performed for BMI distributions across registries and 12 predefined PROM strata (male/female, age 20-64/65-74/>75, high or low preoperative PROM scores). Comorbidity distributions were reported for available comorbidity indexes. Thirteen registries from 9 countries contributed data, n~130000 knee (range 140 to 79848) and n~113000 hip (range 137 to 85281). Mean EQ-5D index values (10 registries) ranged from 0.53 to 0.71 (knee) and 0.50 to 0.70 (hips) preoperatively and 0.78 to 0.85 (knee) and 0.83 to 0.87 (hip) postoperatively. Mean OKS (6 registries) ranged from 19.3 to 23.6 preoperatively and 36.2 to 41.2 postoperatively. Mean OHS (7 registries) ranged from 18.0 to 23.2 preoperatively and 39.8 to 44.2 postoperatively. Four registries reported KOOS-PS and three reported HOOS-PS. Proportions of patients with BMI >30 ranged from 35 to 62% (10 knee registries) and 16 to 43% (11 hip registries). For both knee and hip registries, distributions of patients across six BMI categories differed significantly among registries (p30 were for patients in the youngest age groups (20 to 64 and 65 to 74 years) with the lowest baseline scores. Additionally, females with lowest preoperative PROM scores had highest BMI. These findings were echoed for the OHS and OKS cohorts. Proportions of patients with ASA scores ≥3 ranged from 7 to 42% (9 knee registries) and 6 to 35% (8 hip registries). PROM-score improvement varies between international registries, which may be partially explained by differences in age, sex and preoperative scores. BMI and comorbidity may be relevant to adjust for

Aim. To investigate self-reported quality of life (QoL) in patients with osteomyelitis referred to a specialist centre in the UK and investigate the relationship between QoL and BACH classification. Method. All patients newly referred to a specialist bone infection clinic at a single tertiary centre within the UK between January 2019 and February 2020 were prospectively included. Diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made according to the presence of clinical and radiological criteria for ≥6 months. An EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and visual analogue score (VAS) were completed during the initial clinic appointment. Long-bone osteomyelitis was classified by the attending orthopaedic surgeon using the BACH classification system as either uncomplicated, complex or with limited options available.1 Patients managed non-operatively were subclassified into those who were (i) unfit to receive an operation or (ii) fit and well with stable disease. EQ-5D index scores were compared to a published UK value set of 41 chronic health conditions within the UK.2. Results. 201 patients were referred during the study period, with 159 (79.1%) patients diagnosed with long-bone osteomyelitis and 16 (8.0%) with osteomyelitis of the pelvic bones. Patients with pelvic osteomyelitis reported lower EQ-5D index scores compared to long-bone osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.097 vs. 0.435, p<0.001) but similar VAS (60.2 vs. 54.6, p=0.37). Long-bone and pelvic osteomyelitis gave the 40th and 41st lowest EQ-5D scores respectively when compared to 41 other chronic health conditions including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, liver disease and malignancy. Patients classified as having uncomplicated long-bone osteomyelitis reported significantly higher QoL compared to those classified as complex osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.527 vs. 0.401, p<0.05; VAS: 66.9 vs. 58.4, p<0.05). Patients who were not fit for surgery due to co-morbidity reported similar QoL scores compared to those patients with complex osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.293, p=0.07; VAS: 46.6, p=0.06). Patients with stable disease who did not require surgery, gave significantly better QoL scores when compared to the other classifications of osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.746, p<0.01; VAS: 81.9, p<0.01). Conclusions. Patient reported QoL in osteomyelitis correlates with disease complexity as classified according to the BACH classification system. Patients with pelvic and long-bone osteomyelitis rate their QoL lower than patients with other chronic diseases

Introduction. This study assesses self-reported quality of life (QoL) in patients with osteomyelitis referred to a specialist centre in the UK. Materials and Methods. All patients newly referred to a specialist tertiary bone infection clinic within the UK between January 2019 and February 2020 were prospectively included. Diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made according to the presence of clinical and radiological criteria for ≥6 months. An EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and visual analogue score (VAS) were completed during the initial clinic appointment. Long-bone osteomyelitis was classified by the attending orthopaedic surgeon using the BACH classification system as either uncomplicated, complex or with limited options available. Patients managed non-operatively were subclassified into those who were (i) unfit to receive an operation or (ii) fit and well with stable disease. EQ-5D index scores were compared to a published UK value-set of 41 chronic health conditions within the UK. Results. 201 new patients were referred during the study period. 159 (79.1%) met the criteria for long-bone osteomyelitis and 16 (8.0%) for osteomyelitis of the pelvic bones. Patients with pelvic osteomyelitis reported lower EQ-5D index scores compared to long-bone osteomyelitis (EQ-5D:0.097 vs. 0.435, p<0.001) but similar VAS (60.2 vs. 54.6, p=0.37). Long-bone and pelvic osteomyelitis gave the lowest EQ-5D scores respectively when compared to 41 other chronic health conditions including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, liver disease and malignancy. Patients classified as having uncomplicated long-bone osteomyelitis reported significantly higher QoL compared to those classified as complex osteomyelitis (EQ-5D:0.527 vs. 0.401, p<0.05; VAS: 66.9 vs. 58.4, p<0.05). Patients not fit for surgery due to co-morbidity reported similar QoL scores compared to those patients with complex osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.293, p=0.07; VAS: 46.6, p=0.06). Patients with stable disease who did not require surgery, gave significantly better QoL scores when compared to the other classifications of osteomyelitis (EQ-5D: 0.746, p<0.01; VAS: 81.9, p<0.01). Conclusions. Patient reported QoL in osteomyelitis correlates with disease complexity as classified according to the BACH classification system. Patients with pelvic and long-bone osteomyelitis rate their QoL lower than patients with other major chronic diseases

Introduction. Management of Vancouver type B1 and C periprosthetic fractures in elderly patients requires fixation and an aim for early mobilisation but many techniques restrict weightbearing due to re-fracture risk. We present the clinical and radiographic outcomes of our technique of total femoral plating (TFP) to allow early weightbearing whilst reducing risk of re-fracture. Methods. A single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed including twenty-two patients treated with TFP for fracture around either hip or knee replacements between May 2014 and December 2017. Follow-up data was compared at 6, 12 and 24 months. Primary outcomes were functional scores (Oxford Hip or Knee score (OHS/OKS)), Quality of Life (EQ-5D) and satisfaction at final follow-up (Visual Analogue Score (VAS)). Secondary outcomes were radiographic fracture union and complications. Results. Mean OHS and OKS was 50.25, EQ-5D score was >4 for all modalities, VAS was 64.4/100. Radiographs demonstrated bony union in 58% at 3 months and 76% at 6 months. We identified no case of re-fracture however non-union occurred in 4 patients. No other operative complications were identified. Conclusion. These results suggest that TFP may be a safe, viable option for management of periprosthetic fractures around stable implants allowing the benefit of early weightbearing, satisfactory outcomes and low re-fracture risk

Proximal humerus fracture dislocations are amongst the most severe proximal humerus injuries, presenting a challenging management problem. The aim of this study was to report on the long-term outcomes of the management of proximal humerus fracture dislocations. Patients with a proximal humerus fracture dislocation managed at a Level 1 trauma centre from January 2010 to December 2018 were included. Patients with an isolated tuberosity fracture dislocation or a pathological fracture were excluded. Outcome measures were the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), EQ-5D-5L, return to work, and radiological outcomes. Complications recorded included further surgery, loss of position/fixation, non-union/malunion, and avascular necrosis. A total of 69 patients were included with a proximal humerus fracture dislocation in the study period; 48 underwent surgical management and 21 were managed with closed reduction alone. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 59.7 (±20.4), and 54% were male. Overall patients reported a mean OSS of 39.8 (±10.3), a mean EQ-5D utility score of 0.73 (±0.20), and 78% were able to return to work at a median of 1.2 months. There was a high prevalence of complications in both patients managed operatively or with closed reduction (25% and 38% respectively). In patients undergoing surgical management, 21% required subsequent surgery. Patient reported outcome measures post proximal humerus fracture dislocations do not return to normal population levels. These injuries are associated with a high prevalence of complications regardless of management. Appropriate patient counselling should be undertaken before embarking on definitive management

In this study we compare survivorship and patient reported outcome measures in robotically assisted versus conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). This paper investigates the hypothesis that implant survival and PROMS following THAs performed with robotic assistance were not different to outcomes following conventional THAs. Data included all patients undergoing THA for osteoarthritis between 19 April 2016 and 31 December 2020. Analysis of PROMS outcomes was restricted to those who had completed PROMS data preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. There were 157,647 procedures, including 3567 robotically assisted procedures, available for comparison of revision rates. 4557 procedures, including 130 robotically assisted procedures, had PROMS data available. The revision rate of primary THA performed with robotic assistance was not statistically different from THA performed by conventional methods (4 year cumulative percent revision 3.1% v 2.7%; HR = 1.05, p=0.67). The Oxford Hip Score, VAS for pain and the EQ-VAS score for overall health showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. The EQ-5D Utility Score showed an improved score (median score 1 v 0.88; OR = 1.58, p=0.007) for the robotically assisted group compared to the conventional group. Robotic assisted THA was not associated with significant improvement in early revision or joint-specific PROMs. The findings may have been biased, in either direction, by unmeasured patient, surgeon, hospital and prosthesis factors. The findings (including the difference in health-related quality of life) may have also been influenced by lack of blinding. Future research should include methods to minimise these biases

Introduction. By utilising the inherent variability achievable with circular frames, surgeons can manage a wide spectrum of complex injuries, and can deal with deformity at multiple levels, in multiple planes. The aim of this study was to assess functional outcomes utilising patients reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients being treated with circular (Ilizarov) frame fixation for complex lower limb injuries and assess these results in conjunction with the observed postoperative alignment of the patients’ limbs. Materials & Methods. Cases were identified using a prospectively collected database of adult patients presenting between July 2018 and August 2021. Functional outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), the 5-level EQ-5D (EQ5D5L), the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS), the Olerud-Molendar Ankle Score (OMAS), and the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS). Postoperative radiographs were analysed for fracture union and to quantify malunion (as described in Dror Paleys Principles of Deformity Correction). Results. The mean AOFAS, EQ5D5L, LKSS and OMAS scores showed an initial drop from pre-op to early time points and then steady increase over the early, mid, late and frame-off time points, with a resultant score higher than pre-op. Malunion was found in 35 (41.7%) patients, 7 patients had a malunion within 5 degrees of normal, 15 from 5–10 degrees of normal, 12 from 10–15 degrees of normal and 2 out with 15 degrees of normal. Conclusions. Circular frame fixation is an attractive option in complex lower limb trauma where alternative fixation methods are unsuitable. Whilst post-operative success to the surgeon might be determined radiographically, patient reported outcomes give a functionally important, objective measure of the success of the surgery to the patient

The prevalence of gluteal tendinopathy (GT) associated with osteoarthritis of the hip is difficult to determine as it is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as trochanteric bursitis. Its relationship to total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcomes is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of GT at the time of hip arthroplasty and examine the relationship between GT and patient reported outcomes (PROMS) before and after THA. Patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis between August 2017 and August 2020 were recruited. Tendinopathy was assessed and graded at time of surgery. PROMS included the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), HOOS JR, EQ-5D, and were collected preoperatively and at one year after THA. Satisfaction with surgery was also assessed at 1 year. 797 patients met eligibility criteria and were graded as Grade 1: normal tendons (n =496, 62%), Grade 2: gluteal tendinopathy but no tear (n=222, 28%), Grade 3: partial/full thickness tears or bare trochanter (n=79, 10%). Patients with abnormal gluteal tendons were older (p=0.001), had a higher mean BMI (p=0.01), and were predominately female (p=0.001). Patients with higher grade tendinopathy had statistically significant inferior PROMS at one year, OHS score (44.1 v 42.9 v 41.3, p 0.001) HOOS JR (89.3 V 86.3 V 85.6 p 0.005). Increasing gluteal tendon grade was associated with a greater incidence of problems with mobility (p=0.001), usual activities (p=0.001) and pain (p=0.021) on EQ5D. There was a 3 times relative risk of overall dissatisfaction with THA in the presence of gluteal tears. This study demonstrated that gluteal tendinopathy was commonly observed and associated with inferior 1-year PROMS in patients undergoing THA for OA. Increasing degree of tendinopathy was a negative prognostic factor for worse functional outcomes and patient satisfaction

Introduction. Schatzker V & VI tibial plateau fractures are serious life-changing injuries often resulting in significant complications including post-traumatic arthritis. Reported incidence of secondary TKA following ORIF of all tibial plateau fractures is 7.3% and 13% for Schatzker V & VI tibial. This study reports a 15-year single centre experience of CEF of Schatzker V & VI fractures including PROMs and incidence of secondary TKA. This study was approved by the local Institutional board. Materials & Methods. All patients from 2007 – 2022 with Schatzker V or VI fractures treated with CEF were identified from a departmental limb reconstruction registry and included in this retrospective study. Patients’ demographics were collected from electronic institutional patient system. Further data was collected for secondary intervention, adverse events, and alignment at discharge. All deceased patients at the time of the study were excluded. Each participant completed a questionnaire about secondary intervention, EQ-5D-3L and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Results. 90 patients (from 130 eligible) with an average age of 58.3 years completed the questionnaire. At an average follow up of 7.4 years (SD=3.8) the incidence of secondary TKA was 7.8%. There was no significant correlation between articular incongruity and the incidence of secondary TKA. The mean OKS score was 31.7 (SD=13.3). The mean EQ-VAS was 69.3 (SD=23.3) and the mean EQ-5D Index was 0.595 (SD=0.395), both were significantly lower than UK normal population means. Conclusions. This study is probably one of the largest and with the longest follow-up reporting the outcomes of Schatzker V and VI fractures treated with CEF. It appears that articular incongruity has no significant correlation with secondary TKA. Patients reported EQ-5D-3L scores were significantly lower than those for the normal UK population, and the average EQ-VAS has deteriorated with time. This study would be relevant in counselling and consenting patients with this severe injury

Higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation have been associated with worse health outcomes. The influence of socioeconomic deprivation on patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) has not previously been investigated. A total of 217 patients (171 female, 46 male; median age 23.4 years) who underwent PAO by a single surgeon were identified. Patients were categorised into three groups according to their New Zealand Deprivation (NZDep) Index: minimal deprivation (NZDep Index 1–3, n=89), moderate deprivation (NZDep Index 4–6, n=94), and maximal deprivation (NZDep Index 7–10, n=34). The three groups were compared with respect to baseline variables, surgical details, complications, and pre-operative and two-year post-operative functional scores (including International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), EQ-5D quality of life score, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score). Multivariate regression was undertaken to assess for the effect of NZDep Index on patient outcomes. Patients in the maximal deprivation group were more likely to be Māori (p<0.001) and have surgery in a public rather than a private hospital (p=0.004), while the minimal deprivation group demonstrated a lower BMI (p=0.005). There were otherwise no other significant differences in baseline variables, surgical details, complications, nor pre-operative or two-year post-operative functional scores between the three groups (all p>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified a higher NZDep Index to be independently predictive of a lower pre-operative UCLA activity score (p=0.014) and a higher two-year iHOT-12 score (p<0.001). Our results demonstrate an inequality in access to PAO, with patients exposed to higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation under-represented in our study population. When provided access to PAO, these vulnerable patients achieve significant functional improvement at least as great as patients with less socioeconomic deprivation. Initiatives to improve access to hip preservation care in socioeconomically deprived populations appear warranted

The aim of this study was to determine the long term 20 year survival and outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO). 100 consecutive subjects underwent HTO under the care of a single surgeon between 2000 and 2002, consented to participation in a prospective study and completed preoperative WOMAC scores. Subjects were reviewed at 10 years, and again at a minimum of 20 years after surgery. PROMS included further surgery, WOMAC scores, Oxford Knee Score (OHS), KOOS, and EQ-5D, and satisfaction with surgery. 20 year survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meir analysis, and failure defined as proceeding to subsequent knee arthroplasty. The mean age at HTO was 50 years (range 26-66), and 72% were males. The 5, 10, and 20 year survival of the HTO was 88%, 76%, 43% respectively. On multiple regression analysis HTO failure was associated with poor preoperative WOMAC score of 45 or less (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.7-6.0, p=0.001), age at surgery of 55 or more (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.0, p=0.004), and obesity (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.4, p=0.023). In patients who met all criteria of preoperative WOMAC score of 45 or less, age <55 years and body mass index of <30 HTO survival was 100%, 94%, and 59% at 5, 10 and 20 years respectively. Of those who had not proceeded to TKA the mean Oxford Score was 40, KOOS Pain score was 91 and KOOS function score was 97. 97% reported they were satisfied with the surgery and 88% would have the same surgery again under the same circumstances. At 20 years after HTO 43% had not proceeded to knee arthroplasty, and were continuing to demonstrate high subjective scores and satisfaction with surgery. HTO survival was higher in those under 55 years, with BMI <30 and baseline WOMAC score of >45 at 59% HTO survival over 20 years. HTO may be considered a viable procedure to delay premature knee arthroplasty in carefully selected subjects

Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis is a common entity and increasing in prevalence. Limited evidence is available regarding patient reported outcomes comparing primary vs revision surgery for those undergoing lumbar decompression, with or without fusion. Evidence available suggest a lower rate of improvement in the revision group. The aim of this study was to assess patient reported outcomes in patients undergoing revision decompression, with or without fusion, when compared to primary surgery. Patient data was collected from the Canadian Spine Outcomes Research Network (CSORN) database. Patients undergoing lumbar decompression without or without fusion were included. Patients under 18, undergoing discectomy, greater than two level decompressions, concomitant cervical or thoracic spine surgery were excluded. Demographic data, smoking status, narcotic use, number of comorbidities as well as individual comorbidities were included in our propensity scores. Patients undergoing primary vs revision decompression were matched in a four:one ratio according to their scores, whilst a separate matched cohort was created for those undergoing primary vs revision decompression and fusion. Continuous data was compared using a two-tailed t-test, whilst categorical variables were assessed using chi-square test. A total of 555 patients were included, with 444 primary patients matched to 111 revision surgery patients, of which 373 (67%) did not have fusion. Patients undergoing primary decompression with fusion compared to revision patients were more likely to answer yes to “feel better after surgery” (87.8% vs 73.8%, p=0.023), “undergo surgery again” (90.1% vs 76.2%, P=0.021) and “improvement in mental health” (47.7% vs 28.6%, p=0.03) at six months. There was no difference in either of these outcomes at 12 or 24 months. There was no difference between the groups ODI, EQ-5D, SF 12 scores at any time point. Patients undergoing primary vs revision decompression alone showed no difference in PROMs at any time point. In a matched cohort, there appears to be no difference in improvement in PROMS between patients undergoing primary vs revision decompression, with or without fusion, at two year follow-up. This would suggest similar outcomes can be obtained in revision cases

Introduction. We aimed to determine whether there are differences in patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcome between local flap versus free flap. Materials and Methods. All patients admitted with lower limb open fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Patient notes were assessed for demographics, time to fracture union, wound healing and patient-reported QoL with EQ-5D-5L, alongside a novel flap assessment tool. Results. A total of 40 patients had flap reconstruction of their lower limb injury; 23 local flap (Group I) and 17 free flaps (Group II). The average length of follow-up was 33.8 months. Group I - 10 revisions of flaps (43.5%) and 14 surgical complications (60.9%). Fracture union was 171 days and wound healing 130 days. EQ-5D index and EQVAS scores were 0.709 and 79.3, respectively. Group II – 8 revision of flaps (47.1%) and 12 surgical complications (70.6%). Fracture union was 273 days and wound healing 213 days. EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS scores were 0.525 and 57.2, respectively. Aesthetic appeal - 48% Group I vs. 66% Group II. Significant differences were found between the two flap groups with higher scores for daily living in Group I (p–0.007) compared to higher overall flap ratings in Group II (p–0.049). Both groups were comparable in terms of complications, while flap congestion and dehiscence were more common with free flaps. statistical interrogation did not elicit significance (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Local flap and free flap techniques offer distinct advantages. Local flaps have a better surgical outcome and patient-reported QoL in the first few years post soft tissue reconstruction. Differences between local and free reconstructive techniques in terms of patient health and function are ameliorated in the longer term

There is a lack of evidence as to the best way to deliver rehabilitation following TKA. Previous work has suggested that postoperative physiotherapy applied to all patients is not effective at improving one-year post-surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to target physiotherapy to those at risk of poor outcome following TKA, and to determine if a therapist-led intervention offered superior results compared to a home-exercise based protocol in this ‘at risk’ group. The Targeted Rehabilitation to Improve Outcomes (TRIO) study was a prospective randomised controlled trial run at 15-centres in the UK. Patients were identified as ‘potential poor outcome’ based on an Oxford Knee Score (OKS) classification at 6-weeks post-surgery and randomised to either therapist-led or home-exercise based protocols. Patients were reviewed by a physiotherapist and commenced 18-exercise sessions over 6-weeks. The therapist-led group undertook a progressive functional protocol (modified weekly in 1-1 contact sessions) in contrast to the static home-exercise based regime. Evaluation took place following rehabilitation intervention, then at 6-months and 1-year post-surgery. Primary outcome was comparative group OKS at 1-year. Secondary outcomes included, ‘worst’ and ‘average’ pain scores, OXS and EQ-5D, and satisfaction questionnaire. Health economic (cost-utility) analysis was undertaken from NHS perspective up to 1-year post-surgery. Incremental cost per Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) were calculated from intervention costs, patient reported primary and secondary care usage, and EQ-5D data. 4264 patients were screened, 1296 were eligible, 334 patients were randomised, 8 were lost to follow-up, therapy compliance was >85%. Clinically meaningful improvement in OKS (between baseline and 1-year) was seen in both arms (p < 0 .001). Between group difference in 1-year OKS was 1.91 (95%CI, −0.17–3.99) points favouring the therapist-led arm (p=0.07). Incorporating all time point data, between group difference in OKS was 2.25 points (95%CI, 0.61–3.90, p=0.008). Small, non-significant reductions (< 5 %) in both worst and average pain scores were observed favouring the therapist-led group. Enhanced satisfaction with pain relief (OR 1.65, p < 0 .02), ability to perform daily functional tasks (OR 1.66, p < 0 .02), and perform heavy functional tasks (OR 1.6, p=0.04) was reported in the therapist-led group. There was a small non-significant difference of 0.02 points (95%CI −0.02–0.06) between groups in EQ-5D, resulting in a £12,125 cost per QALY of delivering the therapist led intervention with a 57% chance of being cost-effective at the standard UK policy threshold of £20,000 per QALY. TRIO is the largest randomised trial of physiotherapy following TKA, and the first to target rehabilitation to patients at risk of poor outcomes. Both therapist-led and home-exercise based rehabilitation groups made clinically meaningful improvements in outcome by 1-year. We observed a modest difference in OKS in favour of therapist-led rehabilitation compared to the home-exercises which was not statistically significant. The relatively tight confidence intervals suggests that any difference which might exist is too small to be clinically relevant. Patient satisfaction with outcome was however higher in those that received greater physiotherapist contact. While cost per QALY estimates were below UK policy threshold, this result is uncertain and insufficient to make accept-decline recommendations

Instrumented fusion for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) has been challenged recently with high impact trials demonstrating similar changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and less morbidity/cost with laminectomy alone. Randomized trials often fail, however, to evaluate a heterogeneous population of patients. A standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) was created as a decision aid for surgeons based on the radiographic stability and clinical presentation of patients. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of those patients who followed the decision aid with respect to fusion/no fusion to those who did not. Patients were prospectively enrolled from eleven different Canadian institutions and followed from 2015–2019. A degenerative spondylolisthesis instability classification system (DSIC) was created using best available evidence stratifying patients into three different subtypes (1. stable degenerative spondylolisthesis, 2. potentially unstable spondylolisthesis and 3. unstable spondylolisthesis). The decision aid recommends laminectomy alone for group 1 patients, posterolateral fusion with pedicle screws in type 2 patients and pedicle screw and interbody fusion for type 3 patients. One year changes in HRQOL, length of hospital stay (LOS), medication use and surgical time were compared between each group and in context of whether the treatment fell within the decision aid recommendation. Statistics were performed with STATA software. There were 394 patients initially enrolled and 334 (84.8%) with full one year data available for comparison. There were 95 type 1 (stable), 224 type 2 (potentially unstable) and 75 type 3 (unstable) patients initially classified. Baseline Ostwestry disability index (ODI), EQ-5D, and SF-12 MCS scores were significantly worse for type 3 patients versus type 1 patients. One hundred and eight patients were treated within the recommendations of the DSIC system (108/334, 32.3%). Surgeons performed interbody fusions in 141 patients (42%) rather than follow DSIC recommending a less invasive approach. There were no significant differences EQ-5D, SF-12 PCS/MCS, PHQ-9 or ODI at one year between patient groups. There was a trend towards shorter operating times for those patients following the DSIC system (195 minutes non-followers versus 180 followers, p=0.078) and reduced hospital stay (4.46 days non-followers versus 3.98 followers, p=0.065). There were no significant clinical differences in outcome at 1 year whether patients underwent decompression alone, decompression/posterolateral fusion or interbody fusion regardless of the stability classification. Surgeons were more likely to perform potentially unnecessary interbody fusions even in those patients with stable or potentially unstable spondylolisthesis. Although not statistically significant, there is some suggestion that following the DSIC system based on best evidence recommendations leads to more judicious/responsible use of hospital resources. Further study is required to determine why surgeons are more likely to choose more invasive, higher rigidity constructs in patients with LDS