Hypothesis. Cartilage defects pretreated with marrow stimulation techniques will have an increased failure rate. The first 321 consecutive patients treated at one institution with autologous chondrocyte implantation for full-thickness cartilage defects that reached more than two years of follow-up were evaluated by prospectively collected data. Patients were grouped based on whether they had undergone prior treatment with a marrow stimulation technique. Outcomes were classified as complete failure if more than 25% of a grafted defect area had to be removed in later procedures because of persistent symptoms. Results. There were 522 defects in 321 patients (325 joints) treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation. On average, there were 1.7 lesions per patient. Of these joints, 111 had previously undergone surgery that penetrated the subchondral bone; 214 joints had no prior treatment that affected the subchondral bone and served as controls. Within the marrow stimulation group, there were 29 (26%) failures, compared with 17 (8%) failures in the control group. Conclusion. Defects that had prior treatment affecting the subchondral bone failed at a rate three times that of nontreated defects. The failure rates for drilling (28%), abrasion arthroplasty (27%), and microfracture (20%) were not significantly different—possibly because of the lower number of microfracture patients in this cohort (25 of 110 marrow-stimulation procedures). The data demonstrate that marrow stimulation techniques have a strong negative effect on subsequent cartilage repair with autologous chondrocyte implantation and, therefore, should be used judiciously in larger cartilage defects that could require future treatment with autologous chondrocyte implantation. Unlike coventional wisdom, MSTs do ‘burn bridges’

Background

Established hip and knee arthroplasty registers exist in many countries but this is not the case with spinal implants. Moreover, in the case of a rod intended to guide spinal growth in a child and then be removed, the definition of ‘failure’ (revision) used for hip or knee arthroplasty is inappropriate. How can the performance of such spinal implants be judged?

This study reports the mid-term results of a large bearing hybrid metal on metal total hip replacement (MOMHTHR) in 199 hips (185 patients) with mean follow up of 62 months. Clinical, radiological, metal ion and retrieval analysis were performed. Seventeen patients (8.6%) had undergone revision, and a further fourteen are awaiting surgery (defined in combination as failures). Twenty one (68%) failures were females. All revisions and ten (71%) awaiting revision were symptomatic. Twenty four failures (86%) showed progressive radiological changes. Fourteen revision cases showed evidence of adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). The failure cohort had significantly higher whole blood cobalt ion levels (p=0.001), but no significant difference in cup size (p=0.77), inclination (p=0.38) or cup version (p=0.12) compared to the non revised cohort. Female gender was associated with increased risk of failure (p=0.04). Multifactorial analysis demonstrated isolated raised Co levels in the absence of symptoms or XR changes were not predictive of failure (p=0.675). However the presence of pain (p<0.001) and XR changes (p<0.001) in isolation were significant predictors of failure. Wear analysis (n=5) demonstrated increased wear at the trunnion/head interface (mean out of roundness measurements 34.5 microns (normal range 8–10 microns) with normal wear levels at the articulating surfaces. Macroscopically corrosion was evident at the proximal and distal stem surfaces. Cumulative survival rate, with revision for any reason was 92.4% (95%CI: 87.4–95.4) at 5 years. Including those awaiting surgery, the revision rate would be 15.1% with 89.6% (95% CI: 83.9–93.4). Cumulative survival at 5 years. This MOMHTHR series has demonstrated unacceptable high failure rates with evidence of high wear at the head/trunnion interface and passive corrosion to the stem surface. Female gender was an independent risk factor of failure. Metal ion levels remain a useful aspect of the investigation work up but in isolation are not predictive of failure

Introduction. Although good mid-term results have been reported with some metal on metal hip replacements, reported complications due to metal on metal (MOM) related reactions are a cause for concern. We have assessed the early clinical outcome and results of routine metal artefact reduction MRI findings in a consecutive series of patients with a modern large head metal on metal hip replacement. Methods. 62 ASR XL Corail total hip replacements (THR) and 17 ASR resurfacings were performed at our hospital between 2005 and 2008. All patients were reviewed and assessed with an Oxford hip score (OHS), a plain radiograph and a MRI imaging was obtained on 76 (96%) hips. Implant position was assessed using Wrightington cup orientation software. Results. At a mean follow-up of 32 months, 8 ASR XL Corail THRs had been revised. 6 revisions were performed for MRI-confirmed MOM-related pathology. Histology confirmed a MOM reaction in all 6 cases. Of the 76 hips that were MRI scanned, 27 (36%) had typical features of a MOM reaction. These were classified as mild in 5 (7%), moderate in 18 (24%) and severe in 4 (5%). 78 patients completed an OHS and the mean score was 21. The mean OHS was 37 pre-operatively in those that had been revised, 19 in patients with abnormal MRI findings and 23 in those with a normal MRI. 10 patients with abnormal MRIs had a near perfect OHS (15 or less). Conclusion. The ASR XL Corail THR has an unacceptably high early failure rate. MRI detected metal debris related soft tissue related reactions were very common and often asymptomatic. We recommend that patients with this implant should be closely followed up and undergo routine metal artefact reduction MRI screening

Introduction

The optimal bearing for hip arthroplasty is still a matter of debate. in younger and more active patients ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) bearings are frequently chosen over metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearings to reduce wear and increase biocompatibility. However, the fracture risk of ceramic heads is higher than that of metal heads. This can cause serious issue, as ceramic fractures pose a serious complication often necessitating major revision surgery – a complication more frequently seen in ceramic-on-ceramic bearings. To date, there are no long-term data (> 20 years of follow-up) reporting fracture rates of the ceramic femoral heads in CoP bearings.

Introduction. Debridement, antibiotics irrigation and implant retention (DAIR) is a common management strategy for hip and knee prosthetic joint infections (PJI). However, failure rates remain high, which has led to the development of predictive tools to help determine success. These tools include KLIC and CRIME80 for acute-postoperative (AP) and acute haematogenous (AH) PJI respectively. We investigated whether these tools were applicable to a Waikato cohort. Method. We performed a retrospective cohort study that evaluated patients who underwent DAIR between January 2010 and June 2020 at Waikato Hospital. Pre-operative KLIC and CRIME80 scores were calculated and compared to success of operation. Failure was defined as: (i) need for further surgery, (ii) need for suppressive antibiotics, (iii) death due to the infection. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). Results. 117 eligible patients underwent DAIR, 53 in the AP cohort and 64 in the AH cohort. Failure rate at 2 years post-op was 43% in the AP cohort and 59% in the AH cohort. In the AP cohort a KLIC score of <4 had a DAIR failure rate of 28.6%, while those who scored ³4 had a failure rate of 72.2% (p=0.002). In the AH cohort a CRIME80 score of <3 had a DAIR failure rate of 48% while those who scored ³3 had a 100% failure rate (p<0.001). Discussion. This study represents the first external validation of the KLIC and CRIME80 scores for predicting DAIR failure in an Australasian population. The results indicate that both KLIC and CRIME80 scoring tools are valuable aids for the clinician seeking to determine the optimal management strategy in patients with AP or AH PJI

Failure of cephalomedullary fixation for proximal femur fractures is an uncommon event associated with significant morbidity to the patient and cost to the healthcare system. This institution changed nailing system from the PFNA (DePuy Synthes) to InterTan (Smith and Nephew) in February 2020. To assess for non-inferiority, a retrospective review was performed on 247 patients treated for unstable proximal femur fractures (AO 31 A2; A3). Patients were identified through manual review of fluoroscopic images. Stable fracture patterns were excluded (AO 31 A1). Pre/post operative imaging, demographic data, operative time and ASA scores assessed. Internal/external imaging and national joint registry data were reviewed for follow up. No significant difference was found in overall failure rate of PFNA vs InterTan (4.84% vs 3.23%; p = 0.748). Overall, short nails were more likely to fail by cut-out than long nails (7.5% vs 1.2%; p = 0.015). Nails which failed by varus cut-out had a higher tip/apex distance (TAD) (26.2mm vs 17.0mm; p < 0.001). Of concern, varus cut-out occurred in two InterTan nails with TAD of <25mm. The PFNA enjoyed a shorter operative time for both the short (59.1 vs 71.8 mins; p = 0.022) and long nails (98.8 vs 114.3 mins; p = 0.016) with no difference in 120-day survival rate. Overall failure rates of the PFNA and InterTan nailing systems were comparable. However, the failure rate of short nails in this study is concerning. Using long nails with a lag screw design for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures may reduce failure rates. Cumulative frequency analysis suggests stringent tip-apex distances of less than 21mm may reduce failure rates in lag-screw design cephulomedullary nails. This dataset suggests that unstable intertrochanteric fractures may be more reliably managed with a long cephalomedullary device

Aim. Patients with late acute periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) and treated with surgical debridement have a high failure rate. Previous studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an independent risk factor for treatment failure. We conducted a case-control study to identify predictors for failure in late acute PJI treatment in RA patients. We hypothesize that patients with RA have a higher failure rate compared to controls due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Method. Data of an international multicenter retrospective observational study was used. Late acute PJI was defined as a sudden onset of symptoms and signs of a PJI, more than 3 months after implantation. Failure of treatment was defined as persistent signs of infection, relapse with the same or reinfection with a different micro-organism, need for prosthesis removal or death. Cases with RA were matched with cases without RA based on the affected joint. A Cox survival analyses, stratified for RA, was used to calculate hazard ratio's (HR) for failure. Subgroup analyses were used to explore other predictors for treatment failure in RA patients. Results. A total of 40 patients with RA and 80 controls without RA were included. Treatment failure occurred in 65% patients with RA compared to 45% for controls (p= .052). 68% of patients with RA used immunosuppressive drugs at time of PJI diagnosis. The use or continuation of immunosuppressive drugs in PJI was not associated with a higher failure rate; neither were the duration of symptoms and causative microorganism. The time between implantation of the prosthetic joint and diagnosis of infection was longer in RA patients: median 110 (IQR 41-171) vs 29 months (IQR 7.5–101.25). Exchange of mobile components was associated with a lower risk of treatment failure (HR 0.489, 95% CI 0.242–0.989, p-value .047). Conclusions. The use of immunosuppressive drugs does not seem to be associated with a higher failure rate in patients with RA. Mobile exchange in RA patients is associated with a lower risk of failure. This might be due to the significantly older age of the prosthesis in RA patients. Future studies are needed to explore these associations and its underlying pathogenesis

Aim. Local antibiotics, delivered to the site of infection, achieve high tissue concentrations and are used as an adjunct to systemic therapy. Local gentamicin provides levels well above the minimum inhibitory concentration and may be sufficient on its own, however, the efficacy of single or combination local antibiotics has not been studied. This retrospective study evaluated the effect of combination aminoglycoside and vancomycin local antibiotic treatment compared to aminoglycoside alone in the surgical management of bone infection. Method. We studied patients with microbiologically confirmed osteomyelitis and fracture-related infection, who had implantation of antibiotic carriers as part of their surgical management. Data including patient demographics, type of surgery, microbiological characteristics, BACH score, duration of antibiotic treatment and clinical outcomes were collected. Failure of therapy was a composite of recurrence of infection, continued or new antimicrobial therapy, or reoperation with suspected or confirmed infection at one year after index surgery. Results. There were 266 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients died before the outcome endpoint at 12 months and five patients were lost to follow up so were excluded. 252 patients were included in the final analysis and were well matched with regard to demographics, BACH score and microbiology. 113 patients had treatment with aminoglycoside alone and 139 patients had combination aminoglycoside and vancomycin. There was no difference in the failure rate between groups; 10/113 (8.8%) in the aminoglycoside alone and 12/139 (8.6%) in the combination group, p = 0.934. There was no difference for reoperation, ongoing suppressive antibiotic use, or clinical suspicion of infection. Multivariate analysis showed that there was no added benefit of combination therapy (OR 1.54: 95%CI 0.59-4.04, p=0.38). BACH score and low BMI were associated with increased risk of failure (BACH OR 3.49: 95%CI 1.13-10.76, p=0.03; Low BMI OR 0.91: 95%CI 0.84-0.99, p-0.037). The form of the carrier material (pellets or injectable paste) had no effect on failure rate (p=0.434). Aminoglycoside resistance (confirmed and presumed) occurred in 39/113 (34.5%) of the aminoglycoside only group and 36/139 (25.9%) of the combination group (p=0.137). The presence of aminoglycoside resistance had no effect on failure rate (OR 0.39: 95%CI 0.05-3.01, p=0.37). Conclusions. Clinical outcome was not improved by the addition of vancomycin to aminoglycoside alone as local therapy for the management of osteomyelitis and FRI. Laboratory measured resistance, using currently accepted breakpoints, may not be relevant in local therapy

Aim. Two-stage replacement is a frequent procedure in patients with chronic PJI. However, results in the literature after this procedure differ, ranging from 54% to 100% of infection eradication. Positive cultures at reimplantation, when performing the second stage, are perceived as a risk factor for reinfection. This study aims to determine the impact of positive cultures during the second stage on the outcome of patients undergoing a 2-stage septic replacement and the impact of antibiotic holidays between the first and the second stage. Method. We systematically searched four databases from inception to May 31, 2022. We combined terms related to PJI, joint replacement and culture results. We analysed the risk of failure when positive cultures at second stage and performed a subgroup analysis by antibiotic holiday period. Results. We included 24 studies with 2387 patients of which 432 had positive cultures during second stage (18.09%). Global failure rate was 18.01% (430 patients). When dividing failure by culture results during second stage, we found that failure in positive group was 37.01% (161/432 patients) and failure in negative group was 13.7% (269/1953 patients). In the meta-analysis (MA) the odds ratio (OR) was 4.047 (95% CI: 2.954–5.544). When performing the subgroup analysis by antibiotic holidays we found that the rate of positive cultures without and with holidays was 21.3% and 16.05%, respectively. Failure rate without holidays was 15% (90/600 patients) and with holidays was 17.3% (202/1165 patients) (p=0.21). Failure in each group was higher when cultures were positive (without holidays, 25% vs 12.2%, p=0.0003, and with holidays 41.1% vs 12.7%, p<0.0001). In the MA we found that those studies in which antibiotic holiday was reported had higher risk of failure when cultures were positive during second stage (OR 4.798 95%IC 3.142–7.325). When studies reported no antibiotic holidays also had a higher risk of failure when cultures where positive (OR 2.225 95%CI 1.103–4.489), though it was lower. Conclusions. There exists a higher risk of failure after a two-stage septic replacement when cultures are positive during reimplantation. Patients who followed no antibiotic holidays or antibiotic holidays before reimplantation have similar failure rate when cultures are negative. In both groups they have a higher risk of failure when cultures are positive, having higher risk those positive patients in the antibiotic holidays group. Therefore, importance in detecting these patients before reimplantation is crucial to ensure higher survival rates

Hip fractures frequently occur in elderly patients with osteoporosis and are rapidly increasing in prevalence owing to an increase in the elderly population and social activities. We experienced several recent presentations of TFNA nails failed through proximal locking aperture which requires significant revision surgery in often highly co-morbid patient population. The study was done by retrospective data collection from 2013 to 2023 of all the hip fractures which had been fixed with Cephalomedullary nails to review and compare Gamma (2013–2017) and TFNA (2017–2023) failure rates and the timing of the failures. Infected and Elective revision to Arthroplasty cases were excluded. The results are 1034 cases had been included, 784 fixed with TFNA and 250 cases fixed Gamma nails. Out of the 784 patients fixed with TFNA, 19 fixation failed (2.45%). Out of the 250 cases fixed with Gamma nails, 15 fixation failed (6%). Mean days for fixation failure were 323 and 244 days in TFNA and Gamma nails respectively. We conclude that TFNA showed remarkable less failure rates if compared to Gamma nails. At point of launch, testing was limited and no proof of superiority of TFNA over Gamma nail. Several failures identified with proximal locking aperture in TFNA which can be related to the new design which had Substantial reduction in lateral thickness at compression screw aperture

Aim. The gold standard treatment for late acute hematogenous (LAH) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is surgical debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR). However, this strategy is still controversial in the case of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as some studies report a higher failure rate. The aim of the present study is to report the functional outcomes and cure rate of LAH PJI following TKA treated by means of DAIR at a long-term follow-up. Method. A consecutive prospective cohort consisting of 2,498 TKA procedures was followed for a minimum of 10 years (implanted between 2005 and 2009). The diagnosis of PJI and classification into LAH was done in accordance with the Zimmerli criteria (NEJM 2004). The primary outcome was the failure rate, defined as death before the end of antibiotic treatment, a further surgical intervention for treatment of infection was needed and life-long antibiotic treatment or chronic infection. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Surgical management, antibiotic treatment, the source of infection (primary focus) and the microorganisms isolated were also assessed. Results. Among the 2,498 TKA procedures, 10 patients were diagnosed with acute hematogenous PJI during the study period (0.4%). All those 10 patients were operated by means of DAIR, which of course included the polyethylene exchange. They were performed by a knee surgeon and/or PJI surgeon. The failure rate was 0% at the 8.5 years (SD, 2.4) follow-up mark. The elapsed time between primary total knee replacement surgery and the DAIR intervention was 4.7 years (SD, 3.6). DAIR was performed at 2.75 days (SD 1.8) of the onset of symptoms. The most common infecting organism was S. aureus (30%) and E. coli (30%). There were 2 infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci and 2 culture-negative PJI. All culture-positive PJI microorganisms were susceptible to anti-biofilm antibiotics. The source of infection was identified in only 3 cases. The mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 11.4 weeks (SD 1.9). The postoperative clinical outcomes were excellent, with a mean KSS of 84.1 points (SD, 14.6). Conclusions. Although the literature suggests that TKA DAIR for acute hematogenous periprosthetic joint infection is associated with high rates of failure, the results presented here suggest a high cure rate with good functional outcomes. Some explanations for this disparity in results may be the correct diagnosis of LHA, not misdiagnosing acute chronic PJI, and a thorough debridement by surgeons specialized in PJI

Introduction. In recent years, many studies demonstrated the efficacy of an early switch to oral antibiotics after surgical treatment in orthopaedic related infections. However, large analyses on periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are lacking. Material and Methods. We conducted a retrospective observational multicenter study in patients diagnosed with an early postoperative PJI (i.e less than 3 months after the index arthroplasty) treated with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR). Patients from Europe and the USA were included. These two cohorts served as a quasi-randomised trial since an early oral antibiotic switch is routine practice in Europe versus a long duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment in the USA. Failure was defined as the clinical need for: i) a second DAIR, ii) implant removal, iii) suppressive antibiotic treatment or iv) infection related death. Results. A total of 668 patients were included. 277 received IV antibiotics for <14 days, 232 were given IV antibiotics between 14 - 27 days and 159 received IV antibiotics for >27 days. The overall 1-year failure rate within the 3 groups was 41.5%, 44.4% and 42.1%, respectively (P 0.80), and mainly comprised the need for a second DAIR. The results did not change when analyzing patients with or without obesity, the causative microorganism or the type of oral antibiotics. Conclusion. In early postoperative PJIs, a longer duration of IV antibiotic treatment is not associated with a lower failure rate of a DAIR procedure

Aim. Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is recommended for acute postoperative and late acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI). There are two recommend scores to predict its outcome, KLIC and CRIME 80 scores respectively. They have not been widely adopted for decision making. We aim to evaluate them in predicting DAIR failure in our cohort. Method. All patients submitted to DAIR after total hip or knee PJI, between 2010 and 2021, with a minimum one-year follow-up, were retrospectively evaluated. We excluded tumoral total joint replacements. KLIC score was applied to acute PJIs and CRIME 80 to late acute (LA) PJI. LA PJI was defined as the development of acute symptoms occurring ≥ 3 months after implantation. Repeat DAIR was performed as needed. Failure was defined as the need for implant removal, amputation, infection related death and suppressive antibiotic therapy. Results. We included 102 patients. The overall failure rate was 35.5% (36/102). There was no significant difference for the rate of failure in patients that had one DAIR and those who repeated DAIR - 32.5% (26/80) vs. 45.5% (10/22) (p=0.26). There were no significant correlations between KLIC or CRIME 80 scores and failure rates (p=0.54 and p=0.93 respectively, figure 1). Focusing specifically on the cohort who underwent repeat DAIR (n=22), KLIC and CRIME-80 score were also not associated with failure (p= 0.44 and p=0.50 respectively, figure 1). No host, pathogen or antibiotic treatment related factors were found to predict failure. Conclusions. In our cohort KLIC- and CRIME-80 scores failed to be predictive of DAIR failure, even in the cohort that needed repeat DAIR. We were unable to find any independent failure risk factors. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

The demand for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has grown significantly in recent years. The two major fixation methods for stems in revision TKA include cemented and ‘hybrid’ fixation. We explore the optimal fixation method using data from recent, well-designed comparative studies. We performed a systematic review of comparative studies published within the last 10 years with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. To allow for missing data, a random-effects meta-analysis of all available cases was performed. The odds ratio (OR) for the relevant outcome was calculated with 95% confidence intervals. The effects of small studies were analyzed using a funnel plot, and asymmetry was assessed using Egger's test. The primary outcome measure was all-cause failure. Secondary outcome measures included all-cause revision, aseptic revision and radiographic failure. There was a significantly lower failure rate for hybrid stems when compared to cemented stems (p = 0.006) (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-0.87). Heterogeneity was 4.3% and insignificant (p = 0.39). There was a trend toward superior hybrid performance for all other outcome measures including all-cause re-revision, aseptic re-revision and radiographic failure. Recent evidence suggests a significantly lower failure rate for hybrid stems in revision TKA. There is also a trend favoring the use of hybrid stems for all outcome variables assessed in this study. This is the first time a significant difference in outcome has been demonstrated through systematic review of these two modes of stem fixation. We therefore recommend the use, where possible, of hybrid stems in revision TKA

Aim. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the current evidence for or against this up-and-coming treatment modality. Method. A comprehensive literature search in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. Exclusion criteria included patients < 18 years of age, follow-up <11 months, and a score < 6 on the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool. Results. 15 articles, encompassing 631 PJIs in 626 patients, were included in the final analysis, all level IV case series. The quality of many studies was impeded by a retrospective design (14/15), a relative small study population (10 out of 15 studies had less than 50 patients), selection bias, and remarkable heterogeneity in terms of catheter type, antibiotic type, dose and duration of IA antibiotics and techniques of surgical revision. 347 were chronic infections, 66 acute infections and 218 unknown. The majority was treated with single-stage revision with adjuvant IA antibiotic infusion (499/631, 79.1%). The remaining PJIs were treated with stand-alone IA antibiotic infusion (77/631, 12.2%), DAIR with adjuvant IA antibiotic infusion (36/631, 5.7%) or two-stage revision with adjuvant IA antibiotic infusion (19/631, 3.0%). Mean duration of IA antibiotic infusion was 19 days (range 3–50), although most patients received a combination of both IA and systemic (IV or PO) antibiotics. An overall failure rate (defined as failures of infection eradication/total PJIs) of approximately 11% was found. The use of IA antibiotic infusion as a stand-alone treatment was associated with a higher failure rate. In total 117 complications occurred in 631 cases (18.5%). Of these, 71 were non-catheter-related (60.7%) and 46 were catheter-related (39.3%). The most common catheter-related complications were premature loss of the catheter (18/46), developing a fistula (5/46), and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels (12/46). Conclusions. Due to the lack of comparative studies the (added) benefit of IA antibiotic infusion in the treatment of PJI remains uncertain. From a theoretical point of view it seems likely that is should not be used as a stand-alone treatment. A prospective randomized controlled trial using a well-described infusion protocol is needed to see if the potential benefits justify the increased costs, labour and catheter-related complications of this treatment modality

To document and assess the available evidence regarding single bundle, hamstrings autograft preparation techniques for Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and provide graft preparation options for different clinical scenarios. Three online databases (Embase, PubMed and Ovid [MEDLINE]) were searched from database inception until April 10, 2021. The inclusion criteria were English language studies, human studies, and operative technique studies for single bundle hamstrings autograft preparation for ACLR. Descriptive characteristics, the number of tendons, number of strands, tendon length, graft length and graft diameter were recorded. The methodological quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) instrument and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system for non-randomized and randomized studies, respectively. The initial search yielded 5485 studies, 32 met the inclusion criteria. The mean MINORS score across all nonrandomized studies was 8.2 (standard deviation, SD 6.6) indicating an overall low quality of evidence. The mean MINORS score for comparative studies was 17.4 (SD 3.2) indicating a fair quality of evidence. The GRADE assessment for risk of bias in the randomized study included was low. There were 2138 knees in 1881 participants, including 1296 (78.1%) males and 363 (21.9%) females recorded. The mean age was 30.3 years. The mean follow-up time was 43.9 months when reported (range 16-55 months). Eleven studies utilized the semitendinosus tendon alone, while 21 studies used both semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. There were 82 (3.8%) two-strand grafts, 158 (7.4%) three-strand grafts, 1044 (48.8%) four-strand grafts, 546 (25.5%) five-strand grafts, and 308 (14.4%) six-strand grafts included. Overall, 372 (19.7%) participants had a single-tendon ACLR compared to 1509 (80.2%) participants who had a two-tendon ACLR. The mean graft diameter was 9.4mm when reported. The minimum semitendinosus and gracilis tendon lengths necessary ranged from 210-280mm and 160-280mm respectively. The minimum graft length necessary ranged from 63-120mm except for an all-epiphyseal graft in the paediatric population that required a minimum length of 50mm. The minimum femoral, tibial, and intra-articular graft length ranged from 15-25mm, 15-35mm and 20-30mm respectively. Thirteen studies detailed intra-operative strategies to increase graft size such as adding an extra strand or altering the tibial and/or femoral fixation strategies to shorten and widen the graft. Two studies reported ACL reinjury or graft failure rate. One study found no difference in the re-injury rate between four-, five- and six-strand grafts (p = 0.06) and the other found no difference in the failure rate between four- and five- strand grafts (p = 0.55). There was no difference in the post-operative Lysholm score in 3 studies that compared four- and five-strand ACLR. One of the five studies that compared post-operative IKDC scores between graft types found a difference between two- and three- strand grafts, favoring three-strand grafts. There are many single bundle hamstrings autograft preparation techniques for ACLR that have been used successfully with minimal differences in clinical outcomes. There are different configurations that may be utilized interchangeably depending on the number, size and length of tendons harvested to obtain an adequate graft diameter and successful ACLR

Background. Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) is the most frequently used implant in management of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. There is a known statistical relationship between a tip-apex distance (TAD) >25mm and higher rate of implant failure. Our aim was to analyse all DHS procedures performed in our trust from seventeen months and compare their TAD values to the acceptable standard of ≤25mm. Methods. All patients undergoing DHS between April 2020-August 2021 were identified from our theatre system. Additionally, those presenting to hospital with implant failures were included. Patient demographics, date of surgery, fracture classification (AO) and date/mode of failure were recorded. Intraoperative fluoroscopy images were reviewed to calculate TAD, screw location and neck shaft angles by two independent observers. Results. 215 patients were identified, five of which were excluded due to inadequate fluoroscopy. Failure was seen in 3.3% of the cohort (n=7), of which 71.4% had an unacceptable TAD. In total, 21 patients (10%) had TAD >25mm, of whom 12 had superiorly and 15 had posteriorly placed screws. There were no failures in patients with a TAD of <20mm whereas a TAD >30mm had 50% failure rate. Conclusion. This audit reinforces the importance of aiming for a low TAD (preferably <20mm) intraoperatively. It is also desirable to avoid superiorly and significantly posteriorly placed screws. Implications. Complex hip revision surgery in the elderly bears substantial financial implications to the NHS and, more importantly, causes prolonged morbidity to the patient. Adhering to established standards will ensure reduced implant failure and best patient care

There is no consensus for the appropriate surgical management of chronic ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb. A systematic review of Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ePub Ahead of Print was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Items in Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and formal protocol registered with PROSPERO. Two authors collated data from 10 studies that met strict inclusion criteria, using various surgical techniques in 131 thumbs. Results were heterogenous and metanalysis of results not possible. These data were, therefore, qualitatively assessed and synthesised. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Direct repair, reconstruction with free tendon or bone-tissue-bone grafts and arthrodesis all demonstrated favourable outcomes with Patient Reported Outcome Measures. Direct repair can be safely performed more than two months following injury, with a positive mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 13.5 despite evidence of radiographic osteoarthritis. Arthrodesis should be considered in heavy manual laborers or those at risk of osteoarthritis as it provides significant reduction in pain (Mean Visual Analogue Score of 1.2) when compared to other methods. Free tendon grafting has been criticised for failure rates and poor functional grip strength, however collated analysis of 97 patients found a single graft rupture and mean grip strength of 97% (of the contralateral thumb). Bone-tissue-bone grafting was the least effective method across all outcome measures. Studies included were at high risk of bias, however, it can be concluded that delayed direct repair can be performed safely, while arthrodesis may benefit certain patient subgroups. New findings suggest poor efficacy of bone-tissue-bone grafts, but that free tendon grafting with palmaris longus are in fact safe with good restoration of grip strength. The optimal graft and configuration are yet to be determined for reconstructive methods

This study aimed to identify the success rate of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in a large prospective cohort of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The ability for different PJI classification systems to predict DAIR success was assessed. A prospective, multicenter study of PJIs occurring between July 2014 and December 2017 in 27 hospitals across Australia and New Zealand was performed. First time PJIs following primary TKA that were managed with DAIR were analyzed. DAIR success was defined as the patient being alive with documented absence of clinical or microbiological evidence of infection and no ongoing antibiotics for the index joint at 2-year follow-up. Multivariate analysis was performed for multiple PJI classification systems to assess their ability to predict DAIR success using their respective definitions of “early” PJI (Coventry ≤1 month, International Consensus Meeting ≤90 days or Auckland <1 year), or as hematogenous versus chronic PJI (Tsukayama). 189 PJIs were managed with DAIR, with an overall success rate of 45% (85/189). Early PJIs had a higher rate of DAIR success when analyzed according to the Coventry system (adjusted odds ratio = 3.85, p = 0.008), the ICM system (adjusted odds ratio = 3.08, p = 0.005) and the Auckland system (adjusted odds ratio = 2.60, p = 0.01). DAIR success was lower in both hematogenous (adjusted odds ratio = 0.36, p = 0.034) and chronic PJIs (adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, p = 0.003) occurring more than one year since the primary TKA. DAIR success is highest when performed in infections occurring within one year of the primary TKA. Late infections had a high DAIR failure rate irrespective of their classification as hematogenous or chronic. Time since primary is a useful predictor of DAIR success