Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) experience significant postoperative pain. This impedes early mobilization and delays hospital discharge. A prospective audit of 1081 patients undergoing primary TKA during 2008 was completed. All patients followed a programme including preoperative patient education, pre-emptive analgesia, spinal/epidural anaesthesia with propofol sedation, intra-articular soft tissue wound infiltration, postoperative high volume ropivacaine boluses with an intra-articular catheter and early mobilization. Primary outcome measure was length of stay. Secondary outcomes were verbal analogue pain scores on movement, time to mobilization, nausea and vomiting scores, urinary catheterization for retention, need for rescue analgesia, range of motion at discharge and six weeks postoperatively. The median day of discharge was postoperative day four. Median pain score on mobilization was three for first postoperative night, day one and two. 35% of patients ambulated on the day of surgery and 95% of patients within 24 hours. 79% patients experienced no nausea or vomiting. Catheterization rate was 6.9%. Rescue analgesia was required in 5% of cases. The median day of discharge was postoperative day four. Median range of motion was 85° on discharge and 93° at six weeks postoperatively. This comprehensive care plan provides satisfactory postoperative analgesia allowing early safe ambulation and discharge.

Acetabular fractures present a challenge. Anatomical reduction can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, in elderly patients with complex fracture patterns and osteoporotic bone stock, “fix and replace” has become an option in the management of these injuries. This involves ORIF of the acetabulum to enable insertion of a press fit cup and subsequent cemented femoral stem at the index surgery. A Retrospective analysis of all operatively managed acetabular fractures by a regional Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma service (01/01/2018-30/05/2023) STATA used for analysis. 34 patients undergoing “fix and replace” surgery. Of the 133 patients managed with ORIF, 21 subsequently required Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Mean follow up was 2.7 years versus 5.1. There was no statistical significance between the two groups with regards to BMI or sex. Mean age in the “fix and replace” group was 68 compared to 48 in the ORIF and subsequent THA group. This reached statistical significance between the two groups (p=0.001).ASA and Charlson Comorbidity Index (3 and 3 in “fix and replace” and 2 and 1.2 in ORIF to THA group) and Charlson Comorbidity Index both were statistically significantly different (p=0.006 and p=0.027, respectively). High energy mechanism of injury accounted for 56% of the “fix and replace” group compared to 48% in the ORIF to THA. 74% of “fix and replace” were associated fractures compared to 53% of ORIF to THA. Wait to surgery was 3 days for “fix and replace” while 186 days was the mean wait time from listing to THA for the ORIF to THA group. Complication rate was 41% versus 43% in the two groups. 14% in the ORIF to THA group developed PJI versus 6% in “fix and replace”. Fix and replace allows early mobilisation in frailer, elderly patients. Our results show fewer returns to theatre and less PJI in patients having arthroplasty as part of “fix and replace” than subsequent to Open reduction internal fixation

We compared two conservative methods of treating Weber B1 (Lauge-Hansen supination-eversion 2) isolated fractures of the lateral malleolus in 65 patients. Treatment by immediate weight-bearing and mobilisation resulted in earlier rehabilitation than immobilisation for four weeks in a plaster cast. There was no significant difference in the amount of pain experienced or in the requirement for analgesics and early mobilisation was not associated with any complications. We therefore advocate early mobilisation for these stable ankle fractures

Stable fixation after a corrective supracondylar osteotomy in adults is difficult because of the irregularity of the area of bony contact, displacement of the fragments, the predominance of cortical bone, and the need for early mobilisation. We have used the Ilizarov apparatus for fixation in 15 patients who were treated by complex osteotomies with displacement of fragments for cubitus varus or valgus. Most patients with cubitus varus required medial displacement with rotation of the distal fragment. Those with cubitus valgus required lateral shift of the distal fragment to reduce the medial prominence of the elbow that would otherwise result. All osteotomies united within the expected time without loss of correction, despite early mobilisation. Complications related to the fixation were few and had resolved at the long-term follow-up

Coronal plane fractures of the posterior femoral condyle, also known as Hoffa fractures, are rare. Lateral fractures are three times more common than medial fractures, although the reason for this is not clear. The exact mechanism of injury is likely to be a vertical shear force on the posterior femoral condyle with varying degrees of knee flexion. These fractures are commonly associated with high-energy trauma and are a diagnostic and surgical challenge. Hoffa fractures are often associated with inter- or supracondylar distal femoral fractures and CT scans are useful in delineating the coronal shear component, which can easily be missed. There are few recommendations in the literature regarding the surgical approach and methods of fixation that may be used for this injury. Non-operative treatment has been associated with poor outcomes. The goals of treatment are anatomical reduction of the articular surface with rigid, stable fixation to allow early mobilisation in order to restore function. A surgical approach that allows access to the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle is described and the use of postero-anterior lag screws with or without an additional buttress plate for fixation of these difficult fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1165–71

The CALEDonian Technique™, promoting enhanced recovery after surgery, is a multimodal multidisciplinary technique. This has demonstrated excellent analgesic control allowing early mobilisation and discharge following TKA, whilst maintaining patient safety. All patients follow a planned programme beginning with pre-operative out-patient education at the pre-assessment visit. An anaesthetic regimen consisting of pre-emptive analgesia is combined with a spinal/epidural with propofol sedation. Intra-articular local anaesthetic soft tissue wound infiltration by the surgeon under direct vision is supplemented by post-operative high volume intermittent boluses via an intra-articular catheter. Early active mobilisation is positively encouraged. A prospective audit of over 1000 patients demonstrated 35% of patients mobilised on day 0 and 95% by day 1, with rescue analgesia required in only 5% of cases. 79% of patients experienced no nausea or vomiting helping reduce length of stay from six to four postoperative days. A catheterisation rate of 7%, a DVT rate of 0.6% and a PE rate of 0.5% remained within or below previously published levels. Laboratory studies examining the performance of the epidural filter and injection technique used for the post-operative intra-articular injections demonstrated this to be robust and effective at preventing bacterial ingress. This in-vitro data is supported by clinical results demonstrating no increase in the deep infection rate of 0.7% since the implementation of the technique at our institution. We conclude that the CALEDonian Technique™ effectively and safely improves patient post-operative recovery following TKA

Secure fixation of displaced proximal fractures of the humerus is a challenging problem. A total of 32 patients with acutely displaced three- or four-part proximal fractures of the humerus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate. There were 23 women and nine men with a mean age of 59.9 years (18 to 87). Data were collected prospectively and the outcomes were assessed using the Constant score. The mean follow-up was for 11 months (3 to 24). In 31 patients (97%) the fracture united clinically and radiologically at a mean of 10 weeks (8 to 24). The mean Constant score at final review was 66.5 (30 to 92). There was no significant difference in outcome when comparing patients aged more than 60 years (18 patients) with those aged less than 60 years (14 patients) (t-test, p = 0.8443). There was one case each of nonunion, malunion and a broken screw in the elderly population. This plate provides an alternative method of fixation for fractures of the proximal humerus. It provides a stable fixation in young patients with good-quality bone sufficient to permit early mobilisation. Failure of the screws to maintain fixation in the elderly remains a problem

Background:. In 1931, Gaenslen reported treatment of haematogenous calcaneal osteomyelitis through an incision on the sole of the heel, without the use of antibiotics. We have modified his approach to allow shorter healing times and early mobilisation in a modern series of cases. Method:. Sixteen patients with Cierny-Mader Stage IIIB chronic osteomyelitis were treated with split-heel incision, calcaneal osteotomy, radical excision, local antibiotics, direct skin closure and parenteral antibiotics. 4 patients had diabetic foot infection with neuropathy, 5 had infection after open injuries, 4 had haematogenous osteomyelitis and 3 had Grade 4 pressure ulceration with bone involvement. 14 had sinuses/ulcers and 12 had undergone previous surgery. Primary outcomes were eradication of infection, time to sinus/ulcer healing, mobility and need for modified shoes. Results:. Mean hospital stay was 19.2 days (7–44). 14 patients had no recurrence of infection at final follow-up (minimum 12 months; mean 53 months). Ulcers healed between 4 and 15 weeks. 2 patients with recurrent infection required amputation. Of the 14 salvaged patients, 10 mobilised unaided. 9 required modified shoes. Conclusion:. This protocol gave effective control of infection, ulcer healing and mobilisation within an acceptable time, but amputation remains a risk

Early weight-bearing of patients with ankle fractures is associated with good outcomes. There are a number of potential advantages to early mobilisation including reduced hospital stay and earlier return to work and regular daily activities. However, many surgeons have not incorporated this into their routine ankle fracture protocol, particularly for patients managed operatively; potentially due to concerns regarding loss of reduction. We hypothesised that ankle fractures managed fully weight-bearing would have good outcomes and a low rate of loss of reduction. All ankle fractures presenting to our department over a 15-month period were studied prospectively. Patients were instructed to mobilise fully weight-bearing as able, either immediately postoperatively (for those fractures considered unstable that underwent operative intervention), or at the first fracture clinic review (if stable and managed conservatively). Only patients with syndesmotic injuries and those with neuropathy or psychiatric illness were excluded. The effectiveness of this management protocol was assessed by clinical and radiographic review following fracture union. 847 patients were included, of whom 25% were over the age of 65. 33% of fractures were unstable and therefore managed operatively, 66% were stable and therefore managed in casts or with functional bracing. In every case the radiographs showed maintenance of anatomical mortise and fracture reduction at the time of union, good patient reported outcomes were also recorded. Early weight-bearing of patients with ankle fractures, whether managed conservatively or operatively, results in very low rates of loss of reduction and should be considered routine management for the majority of patients

We treated 19 patients with established nonunion of the radius and/or ulna by the excision of avascular bone and the grafting of blocks of corticocancellous bone from the iliac crest, augmented by rigid plate fixation under compression. This allowed early mobilisation, and bony union was achieved between three and 24 months after operation in all but one of the patients. The single failure was attributed to the excessive length of the defect (100 mm) and inadequate fixation

Introduction/Aim. Thromboembolism is a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality, the risk of which increases in orthopaedic patients with lower limb immobilisation. It was therefore, our aim to identify a difference in symptomatic thromboembolism by treating acute Achilles tendon rupture patients with conventional non-weight bearing plaster versus functional weight bearing mobilisation. Methodology. The notes of 91 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were reviewed. The patients demographics, treatment modality (non-weight bearing plaster versus weight bearing boot), and predisposing risk factors were analysed. From the 91 patients, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing immobilisation cast. From these 50 patients, 3 then underwent surgery and were therefore excluded from the results. 41 patients were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Patients who did have a symptomatic thromboembolic event had an ultrasound scan to confirm a deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb, or a CT-scan to confirm pulmonary embolism. Results. Out of the 47 patients who were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing plaster cast, 9 patients (19.1 %) had a thromboembolic event. Out of the 41 patients who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation, 2 patients (4.8%) had a thromboembolic event. Thus, patients who were treated in a non-weight bearing plaster had a significantly higher risk of developing thromboembolism (p value of <0.05) and an increased risk ratio of 24% compared to those who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Conclusion. There is a significant decrease in the clinical incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated conservatively with early mobilisation in the functional weight bearing boot compared to those treated in a non-weight bearing cast

We reviewed our results and complications of using a pre-bent 1.6mm Kirschner wire (K-wire) for extra-articular metacarpal fractures. The surgical procedure was indicated for angulation at the fracture site in a true lateral radiograph of at least 30 degrees and/or in the presence of a rotatory deformity. A single K-wire is pre-bent in a lazy-S fashion with a sharp bend at approximately 5 millimetres and a longer smooth curve bent in the opposite direction. An initial entry point is made at the base of the metacarpal using a 2.5mm drill by hand. The K-wire is inserted blunt end first in an antegrade manner and the fracture reduced as the wire is passed across the fracture site. With the wire acting as three-point fixation, early mobilisation is commenced at the metacarpo-phalangeal joint in a Futuro hand splint. The wire is usually removed with pliers post-operatively at four weeks in the fracture clinic. We studied internal fixation of 18 little finger and 2 ring finger metacarpal fractures from November 2007 to August 2009. The average age of the cohort was 25 years with 3 women and 17 men. The predominant mechanism was a punch injury with 5 diaphyseal and 15 metacarpal neck fractures. The time to surgical intervention was a mean 13 days (range 4 to 28 days). All fractures proceeded to bony union. The wire was extracted at an average of 4.4 weeks (range three to six weeks). At an average follow up of 8 weeks, one fracture had to be revised for failed fixation and three superficial wound infections needed antibiotic treatment. With this simple and minimally invasive technique performed as day-case surgery, all patients were able to start mobilisation immediately. The general outcome was good hand function with few complications

We have reviewed 20 women and three men aged 22 to 73 years, who had sustained a Mason type-IIb fracture of the neck of the radius 14 to 25 years earlier. There were 19 patients with displacement of the fractures of 2 mm to 4 mm, of whom 13 had been subjected to early mobilisation and six had been treated in plaster for one to four weeks. Of four patients with displacement of 4 mm to 8 mm, three had undergone excision and one an open reduction of the head of radius. A total of 21 patients had no subjective complaints at follow-up, but two had slight impairment and occasional elbow pain. The mean range of movement and strength of the elbow were not impaired. The elbows had a higher prevalence of degenerative changes than the opposite side, but no greater reduction of joint space. Mason type-IIb fractures have an excellent long-term outcome if operation is undertaken when the displacement of the fracture exceeds 4 mm

To assess the stability of the hip after acetabular fracture, dynamic fluoroscopic stress views were taken of 41 acetabular fractures that met the criteria for non-operative management. These included roof arcs of 45°, a subchondral CT arc of 10 mm, displacement of less than 50% of the posterior wall, and congruence on the AP and Judet views of the hip. There were three unstable hips which were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The remaining 38 fractures were treated non-operatively with early mobilisation and delayed weight-bearing. At a mean follow-up of 2.7 years, the results were good or excellent in 91% of the cases. Three fair results were ascribed to the patients’ other injuries. Dynamic stress views can identify subtle instability in patients who would normally be considered for non-operative treatment

In a prospective, randomised study we have compared the pertrochanteric external fixator (PF) with the sliding hip screw (SHS) in 100 consecutive patients who were allocated randomly to the two methods of treatment. Details of the patients and the patterns of fracture were similar in both groups. Follow-up was for six months. Use of the PF was associated with significantly less blood loss, a shorter operating time, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospitalisation (p < 0.001), earlier mobilisation (p < 0.001) and a reduced rate of mechanical complications (p < 0.01). Superficial infection was significantly more common with the PF (p < 0.01), but without long-term adverse consequences. There were no differences in the healing of the fracture, mortality or final functional outcome. Our results indicate that the external fixator is an effective and safe device for treating pertrochanteric fractures and should be considered as a useful alternative to conventional fixation with the sliding hip screw

A series of 103 acute fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna in 101 patients was reviewed to determine their frequency. The Regan-Morrey classification, treatment, associated injuries, course and outcomes were evaluated. Of the 103 fractures, 34 were type IA, 17 type IB, ten type IIA, 19 type IIB, ten type IIIA and 13 type IIIB. A total of 44 type-I fractures (86%) were treated conservatively, while 22 type-II (76%) and all type-III fractures were managed by operation. At follow-up at a mean of 3.4 years (1 to 8.9) the range of movement differed significantly between the types of fracture (p = 0.002). Patients with associated injuries had a lower Mayo elbow performance score (p = 0.03), less extension (p = 0.03), more pain (p = 0.007) and less pronosupination (p = 0.004), than those without associated injuries. The presence of a fracture of the radial head had the greatest effect on outcome. An improvement in outcome relative to that of a previous series was noted, perhaps because of more aggressive management and early mobilisation. While not providing complete information about the true details of a fracture and its nature, the Regan-Morrey classification is useful as a broad index of severity and prognosis

Introduction. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality, the risk of which increases in orthopaedic patients with lower limb immobilisation. This incidence should in theory reduce if the patients are ambulatory early in the treatment phase. The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify a difference in the incidence of symptomatic VTE by treating acute Achilles tendon rupture patients with conventional non-weight bearing plaster versus functional weight bearing mobilisation. Methodology. The notes of 91 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were retrospectively reviewed and prospectively followed. The patients' demographics, treatment modality (non-weight bearing plaster versus weight bearing boot), and the type of plaster immobilisation was compared to assess whether they affect the incidence of clinical VTE. The predisposing risk factors were also analysed between the treatment groups. Out of 91 patients, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated conservatively in a conventional non-weight bearing immobilisation cast. From these 50 patients, 3 then underwent surgery and were therefore excluded from the results. On the other hand, 41 patients were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation (Vacupad). Patients who did have a symptomatic thromboembolic event also had an ultrasound scan to confirm a deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb or a CT-scan to confirm pulmonary embolism. Results. Out of the 47 patients who were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing plaster cast, 9 patients had a thromboembolic event (19.1%). On the other hand, out of the 41 patients who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation, only 2 patients had a symptomatic thromboembolic event (4.2%). This was statistically significant (p=0.012). This shows that patients who are treated in a non-weight bearing plaster have about five times increased risk of developing a sypmptomatic VTE compared to those treated by functional weight bearing mobilisation. There was however no difference in the predisposing factors in patients who developed VTE compared to those who did not. Conclusion. The incidence of symptomatic VTE after acute Achilles tendon rupture is high and under-recognised. Asymptomatic VTE after this injury is probably even higher. There is a significant decrease in the clinical incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated conservatively with early mobilisation in the functional weight bearing boot compared to those treated in a non-weight bearing cast. There is a need for further research to define the possible benefit of thromboprophylaxis in patients treated by non-weight bearing plasters

Goal. The goal of this prospective, non-randomized study is to compare functional and life-quality changes in primary total hip replacement (THR) with minimally invasive anterior (MIA) and direct lateral (DL) approach in six months follow-up. Materials and Methods. Sixty (30 MIA and 30 DL) consecutive patients underwent primary THR were operated by the same senior surgeon. Patients completed functional and life-quality scores (Oxford Hip Score, Harris Hip Score, EQ-5D) before operation and four times (2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months) after THR. Physical examination was taken all times. 15–15 patients underwent MRI examination to adjudge status of abductor muscles. The average patient age was approximately equal in both group. Results. The average OHS values were 13,4; 27,5; 40,9; 45,3; 47,5 in MIA and 15,3; 25,3; 39,7; 43,8; 45 in DL, the average HHS values 43,1; 68,7; 85,3; 91,9; 96,7 in MIA and 43; 58,2; 81,5; 90,2; 93,9 in DL, the average EQ-VAS 41,1; 72,5; 85,9; 87,8; 92,4 in MIA and 55,6; 67,8; 80,6; 84; 91,3 in DL consecutively. In MIA group both functional and life-quality scores showed better results, but for the 3rd postoperative month increases were approximately equal. Abductor muscle strength was significantly greater in MIA group in this period. In the 6th postoperative week Trendelenburg-sign was detected in 24 cases (80%) in DL and in 2 cases (6,7%) in MIA group, but in MIA patients were greater trochanter fractures, which had gone healing and limping was not detected 3 months after surgery. 3 months after surgery Trendelenburg-sign was detected in 2 cases in DL group. In follow-up period residual trochanteric pain was detected in 3 cases in DL but none in MIA group. Two weeks after THR climbing a flight of stairs was normal and public transport could be used by 80% of patients in MIA group. Distance walk was unlimited, support had not needed, daily activities were easy. There were 7 operative complications in MIA group, including 2 greater trochanter fracture, 1 haematoma and 4 transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy, which showed change for the better after 6 months. Postoperative hip dislocation was not detected. In DL group MRI represented fatty infiltration and atrophy of abductor muscles in most cases. Conclusions. Besides the fact that our learning curve may influence the results. It seems that earlier mobilisation and faster postoperative recovery can be achieved by MIA approach, which have many financial and social benefits. It preserves muscles and tendons, which probably can influence the long-term results. By preventing abductor muscles can assure better gait pattern. Of course additional long-term studies are needed

The aims of this study were to undertake a prospective randomised trial to compare functional outcome, and range of motion after treatment of medial collateral ligament injuries by either early unprotected mobilisation or mobilisation with a hinged brace. Patients were randomised into either unprotected mobilisation or mobilisation with a hinged brace. Assessments occurred at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Outcome measures included validated questionnaires (International Knee Documentation Committee and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scores), range of motion measurements and strength testing. Eighty six patients (mean age 30.4) were recruited. There were 53 men and 33 women. The mode of injury was sport in 56 patients (65%) with football, rugby and skiing being the most common types of sport involved. The mean time to return to full weight bearing was 3 weeks in both groups. The mean time to return to work was 4.6 weeks in the braced group and 4.1 weeks in the non-braced group (p=0.79). Return to running was at a mean of 14.3 weeks in the braced group and 12.8 weeks in the non-braced group (p=0.64). Return to full sport was 22 weeks in the braced group and 22.1 weeks in the non-braced group (p=0.99). There was no significant difference in range of movement or pain scores between the two groups at 2,6,12 and 24 weeks. The use of a hinged knee brace does not influence recovery after a medial collateral injury

Stable fixation of fractures of the distal radius can be achieved by using two 2.0 mm titanium plates placed on the radial and intermediate columns angled 50° to 70° apart. We describe our results with this method in a prospective series of 74 fractures (58 severely comminuted) in 73 consecutive patients. Early postoperative mobilisation was possible in all except four wrists. All of the 73 patients, except two with other injuries, returned to work and daily activities with no limitations. The anatomical results were excellent or good in 72 patients and fair in one. Our discussion includes details of important technical considerations based on an analysis of the specific complications which were seen early in the series