Aims. Cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) are commonly used for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be used as a salvage procedure when fixation fails in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications of THA following failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN. Patients and Methods. Patients who underwent THA were identified from the 5% subset of Medicare Parts A/B between 2002 and 2015. A subgroup involving those with an intertrochanteric fracture that was treated using a CMN during the previous five years was identified and compared with the remaining patients who underwent THA. The length of stay (LOS) was compared using both univariate and multivariate analysis. The incidence of infection, dislocation, revision, and re-admission was compared between the two groups, using multivariate analysis adjusted for demographic, hospital, and clinical factors. Results. The Medicare data yielded 56 522 patients who underwent primary THA, of whom 369 had previously been treated with a CMN. The percentage of THAs that were undertaken between 2002 and 2005 in patients who had previously been treated with a CMN (0.346%) more than doubled between 2012 and 2015 (0.781%). The CMN group tended to be older and female, and to have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and lower socioeconomic status. The mean LOS was 1.5 days longer (5.3 vs 3.8) in the CMN group (p < 0.0001). The incidence of complications was significantly higher in the CMN group compared with the non-CMN group: infection (6.2% vs 2.6%), dislocation (8.1% vs 4.5%), revision (8.4% vs 4.3%), revision for infection (1.1% vs 0.37%), and revision for dislocation (2.2% vs 0.6%). Conclusion. The incidence of conversion to THA following failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN continues to increase. This occurs in elderly patients with increased comorbidities. There is a significantly increased risk of infection, dislocation, and LOS in these patients. Patients with failed intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation using a CMN who require THA should be made aware of the increased risk of complications, and steps need to be taken to reduce this risk. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):91–96

Aims. Assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a well-established clinical technique, but it is not available in the acute trauma setting. Thus, it cannot provide a preoperative estimation of BMD to help guide the technique of fracture fixation. Alternative methods that have been suggested for assessing BMD include: 1) cortical measures, such as cortical ratios and combined cortical scores; and 2) aluminium grading systems from preoperative digital radiographs. However, limited research has been performed in this area to validate the different methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the evaluation of BMD from digital radiographs by comparing various methods against DXA scanning. Methods. A total of 54 patients with distal radial fractures were included in the study. Each underwent posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiographs of the injured wrist with an aluminium step wedge. Overall 27 patients underwent routine DXA scanning of the hip and lumbar spine, with 13 undergoing additional DXA scanning of the uninjured forearm. Analysis of radiographs was performed on ImageJ and Matlab with calculations of cortical measures, cortical indices, combined cortical scores, and aluminium equivalent grading. Results. Cortical measures showed varying correlations with the forearm DXA results (range: Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = 0.343 (p = 0.251) to r = 0.521 (p = 0.068)), with none showing statistically significant correlations. Aluminium equivalent grading showed statistically significant correlations with the forearm DXA of the corresponding region of interest (p < 0.017). Conclusion. Cortical measures, cortical indices, and combined cortical scores did not show a statistically significant correlation to forearm DXA measures. Aluminium-equivalent is an easily applicable method for estimation of BMD from digital radiographs in the preoperative setting. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):830–839

Objectives. Fractures of the proximal femur are a common clinical problem, and a number of orthopaedic devices are available for the treatment of such fractures. The objective of this study was to assess the rotational stability, a common failure predictor, of three different rotational control design philosophies: a screw, a helical blade and a deployable crucifix. Methods. Devices were compared in terms of the mechanical work (W) required to rotate the implant by 6° in a bone substitute material. The substitute material used was Sawbones polyurethane foam of three different densities (0.08 g/cm. 3. , 0.16 g/cm. 3. and 0.24 g/cm. 3. ). Each torsion test comprised a steady ramp of 1°/minute up to an angular displacement of 10°. Results. The deployable crucifix design (X-Bolt), was more torsionally stable, compared to both the dynamic hip screw (DHS, p = 0.008) and helical blade (DHS Blade, p= 0.008) designs in bone substitute material representative of osteoporotic bone (0.16 g/cm. 3. polyurethane foam). In 0.08 g/cm. 3. density substrate, the crucifix design (X-Bolt) had a higher resistance to torsion than the screw (DHS, p = 0.008). There were no significant differences (p = 0.101) between the implants in 0.24 g/cm. 3. density bone substitute. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the clinical standard proximal fracture fixator design, the screw (DHS), was the least effective at resisting torsional load, and a novel crucifix design (X-Bolt), was the most effective design in resisting torsional load in bone substitute material with density representative of osteoporotic bone. At other densities the torsional stability was also higher for the X-Bolt, although not consistently significant by statistical analysis. Cite this article: J. D. Gosiewski, T. P. Holsgrove, H. S. Gill. The efficacy of rotational control designs in promoting torsional stability of hip fracture fixation. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:270–276. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.BJR-2017-0287.R1

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether fixation, as opposed to revision arthroplasty, can be safely used to treat reducible Vancouver B type fractures in association with a cemented collarless polished tapered femoral stem (the Exeter).

Displaced acetabular fractures in the older patient present significant treatment challenges. There is evidence the morbidity and mortality associated is similar to the fractured neck of femur cohort. Despite growing literature, there remains significant controversy regarding treatment algorithms; varying between conservative management, to fracture fixation and finally surgical fixation and simultaneous THA to allow immediate full weight bearing. £250k NIHR, Research for Patient Benefit (Ref: PB-PG-0815-20054). Trial ethical approval (17/EE/0271). After national consultation, 3 arms included; conservative management, fracture fixation and simultaneous fracture fixation with THA. Statistical analysis required minimum 12 patients/3 arms to show feasibility, with an optimum 20/arm. Inclusion criteria; patients >60 years & displaced acetabular fracture. Exclusion criteria: open fracture, THA in situ, pre-injury immobility, polytrauma. Primary outcome measure - ability recruit & EQ-5D-5L at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures (9 months); OHS, Disability Rating Index, radiographs, perioperative physiological variables including surgery duration, blood loss, complications and health economics. 11 UK level 1 major trauma centres enrolled into the trial, commenced December 2017. Failure surgical equipoise was identified as an issue regarding recruitment. Full trial recruitment (60 patients) achieved; 333 patients screened. 66% male, median age 76 (range 63–93), median BMI 25 (range 18–37), 87% full mental capacity, 77% admitted from own home. 75% fall from standing height. 60% fractures; anterior column posterior hemi-transverse. Trial feasibility confirmed December 2020. Presented data- secondary outcomes that are statistically significant in improvement from baseline for only the fix and replace arm, with acceptable trial complications. Issues are highlighted with conservative management in this patient cohort. Our unique RCT informs design and sample size calculation for a future RCT. It represents the first opportunity to understand the intricacies of these treatment modalities. This RCT provides clinicians with information on how best to provide management for this medically complex patient cohort

Appropriate surgical management of hip fractures has major clinical and economic consequences. Recently IMN use has increased compared to SHS constructs, despite no clear evidence demonstrating superiority of outcome. We therefore set out to provide further evidence about the clinical and economic implications of implant choice when considering hip fracture fixation strategies. A retrospective cohort study using Scottish hip fracture audit (SHFA) data was performed for the period 2016–2022. Patients ≥50 with a hip fracture and treated with IMN or SHS constructs at Scottish Hospitals were included. Comparative analyses, including adjustment for confounders, were performed utilising Multivariable logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes and Mann-Whitney-U tests for non-parametric data. A sub-group analysis was also performed focusing on AO-A1/A2 configurations which utilised additional regional data. Cost differences in Length of Stay (LOS) were calculated using defined costs from the NHS Scotland Costs book. In all analyses p<0.05 denoted significance. 13638 records were included (72% female). 9867 received a SHS (72%). No significant differences were identified in 30 or 60-day survival (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.05, 95%CI 0.90–1.23; p=0.532), (OR 1.10, 95%CI 0.97–1.24; p=0.138) between SHS and IMN's. There was however a significantly lower early mobilisation rate with IMN vs SHS (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.59–0.70; p<0.001), and lower likelihood of discharge to domicile by day-30 post-admission (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.71–0.84; p<0.001). Acute and overall, LOS were significantly lower for SHS vs IMN (11 vs 12 days and 20 vs 24 days respectively; p<0.001). Findings were similar across a sub-group analysis of 559 AO A1/A2 fracture configurations. Differences in LOS potentially increases costs by £1230 per-patient, irrespective of the higher costs of IMN's v SHS. Appropriate SHS use is associated with early mobilisation, reduced LOS and likely with reduced cost of treatment. Further research exploring potential reasons for the identified differences in early mobilisation are warranted

Debate continues about the best treatment for patients over 65 years with non-displaced subcapital hip fractures: internal fixation (IF) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). Surgical aggression, mortality, complications and recovery of walking ability after 1year have been compared between both treatments. Match-paired comparison of 2 retrospective cohorts. 220 patients with IF vs 220 receiving a cemented bipolar HA. Matching by age (82.6±7.16 years (65–99)), sex (74.5% women), year of intervention (2013–2021) and ASA scale (24.2% ASA II, 55.8% III, 20.0% IV). Age (p=0.172), sex (p=0.912), year of intervention (p=0.638) and ASA scale (p=0.726) showed no differences. Surgical aggression smaller in IF: Surgical time (p< 0,00001), haemoglobin/haematocrit loss (p <0,00001), need for transfusion (p<0,00008), in-hospital stay (p<0,00001). Mortality: higher in-hospital for hemiarthroplasties (12 deaths (5.5%) vs 1 (0.5%) (p=0.004) (RR=12, 1.5–91.5)). But no significant differences in 1-month (13 hemiarthroplasties, 6%, vs 9 osteosynthesis, 4.1%) and 1-year mortality (33 hemiarthroplasties, 15%, vs 35, 16%). Medical complications: no differences in urinary/respiratory infections, heart failure, ictus, myocardial infarction, digestive bleeding, pressure sores or pulmonary embolus (p=0.055). Surgical complications: no significant differences. HA: 6 intraoperative (2,7%) and 5 postoperative periprosthetic fractures (2,3%), 5 infections (2,3%), 10 dislocations (4,5%), 3 neurovascular injuries. IF: 10 acute fixation failures (4,5%), 2 infections (0,9%), 9 non-unions (4,1%), 16 ischemic necrosis (7,3%). Functional results: no significant differences; 12 patients in each group (5,5%) never walked again (p=1), 110 HA (50%) and 100 IF (45.5%) suffered worsening of previous walking ability (p=0.575), 98 HA (44%) and 108 IF patients (49%) returned to pre-fracture walking ability (p=0.339). Fixation with cannulated screws may be a better option for non-displaced femoral neck fractures because recovery of walking ability and complications are similar, while surgical aggression and in-hospital mortality are lower

Thru purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a consecutive series of conversion total hip arthroplasty (cTHA) following previous hip fractures. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent cTHAs from 2008–2017 at an urban academic teaching institution was performed. Eighty-eight patients were included in this study. The mean age at the cTHA was 66 years (range 27 to 89). 67% of the patients wre women. The mean BMI was 28 kg/m. 2. (range 17 to 41). The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 (range 0 to 9). The mean follow-up was 49 months (range 24 to 131). The mean duration from the hip fracture fixation to the cTHA was 51 months (range 10 to 144). The mean operating time was 188 minutes, (range 71 to 423) with a mean estimated blood loss of 780 ml (range 300 to 2500). Revision-type (long-stem) designs were used in 65% of the cases. The mean length of hospital stay was 8 days (range 2 to 61). The readmission rate was 37% within 90 days after the CTHAs. Of these, 57% were due to non-orthopaedic complications. There were 10 orthopaedic complications: 7 PJIs, all of which required I&D and 3 required staged revision. There were 2 dislocations treated with closed reduction and 1 case of intraoperative periprosthetic femur fracture during femoral component insertion. There was no revision for aseptic loosening within the follow-up period. The one-year mortality rate was 0%. cTHAs were associated with longer operating time, more blood loss, longer length of hospital stay, and higher readmission rates than the primary THAs in our institutional database. We believe utilizing a multi-disciplinary care protocol to optimize these patients is needed to reduce the high rate of readmissions, and the complications in this patient population

Background. Trochanteric fractures account for up to 20% of all periprosthetic fractures occurring during or after total hip arthroplasties (THAs). They are frequently managed conservatively except in cases with significant displacement. There is a paucity of literature describing the indications and results of operative or non-operative management of these fractures. Methods. 173 trochanteric fractures occurred in 171 patients, after all primary THAs performed from 1989–2017. Mean age at fracture was 64-years, with 65% being female. Mean follow-up was 7.6-years. Patient's radiographs and Harris Hip Scores (HHS) were recorded. There were 85 (49%) intraoperative and 88 postoperative fractures. Mean time from THA to fracture was 66 months for the postoperative group. 79 (46%) cases were fixed (68 intraoperative, 11 postoperative). Fixation was considered at the discretion of the surgeon. Within the 88 postoperative fractures, 30 were associated with polyethylene wear and osteolysis. 77 were initially treated conservatively and 11 were immediately fixed (8 revisions due to osteolysis, and 3 fracture fixations due to disability associated to displacement >1cm). 19 of the 30 postoperative fractures associated with polyethylene wear and osteolysis, eventually underwent revision. Results. Trochanteric union rate was 45% in the non-operative group, and 86% in the operative group (p<0.01). No patient undergoing trochanteric fracture fixation required fixation revision; however the reoperation rate for painful hardware was 6.3%. The non-operative group required unplanned fracture fixation in 3 cases: 2 associated to instability; and 1 due to pain, and displacement >1cm. The median HHS at last follow-up significantly improved when comparing the fixation and non-fixation groups (90 vs 81.5, respectively. p=0.02). Conclusions. Trochanteric fracture operative management was associated with high union rates and improved functional outcomes. When possible, intraoperative fractures should be treated with fixation; postoperative fractures were commonly treated non-operatively except in cases with osteolysis, instability or displacement greater >1cm. Summary. Operative management of periprosthetic trochanteric fractures resulted in increased fracture union rates and it improved functional outcomes. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of a robotic preparation for acetabular metal augments in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Mako robotic arm reaming was used in 7 DDH to prepare the bony cavities for both Trident PSL cups and Tritanium acetabular wedge augments in six hips with Crowe 2 or 3 DDH. In CT-based planning, a properly sized cup was placed in the original acetabulum, and the same sized cup was also placed to fit the superolateral acetabular defect. The coordinates of the planned positions of cup and augment were recorded to manage the robotic arm reaming. After registration of the patient's pelvis, robotic reaming was performed first for the augment, then, for the cup by changing the target position of reaming as planned. The accuracy of the cup and augment placement was assessed on postoperative CT. To evaluate the feasibility of the robotic procedure, the OR time and blood loss were compared with those of 13 patients who received the same cup and augment systems with a conventional technique. All procedures were done without fracture or fixation failure. There were no differences in OR time or blood loss between the two procedures. Postoperative CT measurements of the distance between the cup center and the augment sphere center showed less than 2mm difference from the Mako preoperative planning. Although a longer time of follow up evaluation is mandatory, our robotic acetabular augment preparation technique is accurate and feasible

Aims

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered the preferred treatment for displaced proximal femoral neck fractures. However, in many countries this option is economically unviable. To improve outcomes in financially disadvantaged populations, we studied the technique of concomitant valgus hip osteotomy and operative fixation (VOOF). This prospective serial study compares two treatment groups: VOOF versus operative fixation alone with cannulated compression screws (CCSs).

Aims

United Classification System (UCS) B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures in total hip arthroplasties (THAs) have been commonly managed with modular tapered stems. No study has evaluated the use of monoblock fluted tapered titanium stems for this indication. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a monoblock stems on implant survivorship, postoperative outcomes, radiological outcomes, and osseointegration following treatment of THA UCS B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures.

Aims

To develop prediction models using machine-learning (ML) algorithms for 90-day and one-year mortality prediction in femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients aged 50 years or older based on the Hip fracture Evaluation with Alternatives of Total Hip arthroplasty versus Hemiarthroplasty (HEALTH) and Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trials.

Objectives. The paradoxical migration of the femoral neck element (FNE) superomedially against gravity, with respect to the intramedullary component of the cephalomedullary device, is a poorly understood phenomenon increasingly seen in the management of pertrochanteric hip fractures with the intramedullary nail. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of bidirectional loading on the medial migration phenomenon, based on unique wear patterns seen on scanning electron microscopy of retrieved implants suggestive of FNE toggling. Methods. A total of 18 synthetic femurs (Sawbones, Vashon Island, Washington) with comminuted pertrochanteric fractures were divided into three groups (n = 6 per group). Fracture fixation was performed using the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) implant (Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland; n = 6). Group 1 was subjected to unidirectional compression loading (600 N), with an elastomer (70A durometer) replacing loose fracture fragments to simulate surrounding soft-tissue tensioning. Group 2 was subjected to bidirectional loading (600 N compression loading, 120 N tensile loading), also with the elastomer replacing loose fracture fragments. Group 3 was subjected to bidirectional loading (600 N compression loading, 120 N tensile loading) without the elastomer. All constructs were tested at 2 Hz for 5000 cycles or until cut-out occurred. The medial migration distance (MMD) was recorded at the end of the testing cycles. Results. The MMDs for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 1.02 mm, 6.27 mm, and 5.44 mm respectively, with reliable reproduction of medial migration seen in all groups. Bidirectional loading groups showed significantly higher MMDs compared with the unidirectional loading group (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Our results demonstrate significant contributions of bidirectional cyclic loading to the medial migration phenomenon in cephalomedullary nail fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures. Cite this article: G. W. Law, Y. R. Wong, A. K-S. Yew, A. C. T. Choh, J. S. B. Koh, T. S. Howe. Medial migration in cephalomedullary nail fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures: A biomechanical analysis using a novel bidirectional cyclic loading model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:313–322. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0271.R1

Aims

This work aimed at answering the following research questions: 1) What is the rate of mechanical complications, nonunion and infection for head/neck femoral fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, and subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly USA population? and 2) Which factors influence adverse outcomes?

Aims

With increasing burden of revision hip arthroplasty (THA), one of the major challenges is the management of proximal femoral bone loss associated with previous multiple surgeries. Proximal femoral arthroplasty (PFA) has already been popularized for tumour surgeries. Our aim was to describe the outcome of using PFA in these demanding non-neoplastic cases.

Aims

In UK there are around 76,000 hip fractures occur each year 10% to 15% of which are undisplaced intracapsular. There is considerable debate whether internal fixation is the most appropriate treatment for undisplaced fractures in older patients. This study describes cannulated hip screws survivorship analysis for patients aged ≥ 60 years with undisplaced intra-capsular fractures.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues moving to the outpatient arena, and may be feasible for some conversion and revision scenarios. Controversy surrounds appropriate patient selection. The purpose of this study is to report complications associated with outpatient revision and conversion THA, and to determine if comorbidities are associated with complications or overnight stay. From June 2013 through March 2018, 43 patients (44 hips) underwent conversion (n=9) or revision (n=35) THA at a free-standing ambulatory surgery center. Mean patient age was 58.4 years, and 52% of patients were male. Conversion procedures were failed fracture fixation with retained hardware and all involved both femoral and acetabular replacement. Revision procedures involved head only in one, head and liner in 20, cup and head in 8, stem only in one, stem and liner in 4, and full revision in one. Forty-one (93%) were discharged same day without incident, none required transfer to acute facility, and 3 required overnight stay with 2 of these for convenience and only one for a medical reason, urinary retention. Three patients with early superficial infection, including 2 diagnosed by positive intraoperative cultures, were successfully treated with oral antibiotics. There were no major complications, readmissions, or subsequent surgeries within 90 days. One or more major comorbidities were present in 15 patients (34%) including 1 valvular disease, 7 arrhythmia, 2 thromboembolism history, 3 obstructive sleep apnea, 3 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2 asthma, 4 frequent urination, and 1 renal disease. The single patient who stayed overnight for a medical reason had no major medical comorbidities. Outpatient arthroplasty, including revision THA in some scenarios, is safe for many patients. Presence of medical comorbidities was not associated with risk of complications. The paradigm change of patient education, medical optimization, and a multimodal program to mitigate risk of blood loss and reduce need for narcotics facilitates performing arthroplasty safely in an outpatient setting

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues moving to the outpatient arena, and may be feasible for some conversion and revision scenarios. Controversy surrounds appropriate patient selection. The purpose of this study is to report complications associated with outpatient revision and conversion THA, and to determine if comorbidities are associated with complications or overnight stay. From June 2013 through March 2018, 43 patients (44 hips) underwent conversion (n=12) or revision (n=32) THA at a free-standing ambulatory surgery center. Mean patient age was 58.4 years, and 52% of patients were male. Conversion procedures were for failed resurfacing in two, failed hemiarthroplasty in one, and failed fracture fixation with retained hardware in 9. Revision procedures involved head only in one, head and liner in 20, cup and head in 7, stem only in 2, and stem and liner in 2. Forty-four (93%) were discharged same day without incident, none required transfer to acute facility, and 3 required overnight stay with 2 of these for convenience and only one for a medical reason, urinary retention. Three patients with early superficial infection were successfully treated with oral antibiotics. There were no major complications, readmissions, or subsequent surgeries within 90 days. One or more major comorbidities were present in 17 patients (39%) including 1 valvular disease, 8 arrhythmia, 2 thromboembolism history, 3 obstructive sleep apnea, 6 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2 asthma, 4 frequent urination, and 1 renal disease. The single patient who stayed overnight for a medical reason had no major medical comorbidities. Outpatient arthroplasty, including revision THA in some scenarios, is safe for many patients. Presence of medical comorbidities was not associated with risk of complications. The paradigm change of patient education, medical optimization, and a multimodal program to mitigate risk of blood loss and reduce need for narcotics facilitates performing arthroplasty safely in an outpatient setting

Objectives. The Sliding Hip Screw (SHS) is commonly used to treat trochanteric hip fractures. Fixation failure is a devastating complication requiring complex revision surgery. One mode of fixation failure is lag screw cut-out which is greatest in unstable fracture patterns and when the tip-apex distance of the lag screw is > 25 mm. The X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System (X-Bolt Orthopaedics, Dublin, Ireland) is a new device which aims to reduce this risk of cut-out. However, some surgeons have reported difficulty minimising the tip-apex distance with subsequent concerns that this may lead to an increased risk of cut-out. Patients and Methods. We measured the tip-apex distance from the intra-operative radiographs of 93 unstable trochanteric hip fractures enrolled in a randomised controlled trial (Warwick Hip Trauma Evaluation, WHiTE One trial). Participants were treated with either the sliding hip screw or the X-Bolt dynamic hip plating system. We also recorded the incidence of cut-out in both groups, at a median follow-up time of 17 months. Results. There was a significantly increased tip-apex distance with the use of the X-Bolt (mean difference 3.7mm (95% confidence interval 1.58 to 5.73); SHS mean 17.1 mm, X-Bolt mean 20.8; p = 0.001. However, this was not associated with an increased incidence of cut-out at a median follow-up time of 17 months, with three cut-outs (6%) in the SHS group and 0 (0%) in the X-Bolt group. Conclusion. The X-Bolt is a safe implant with no increased risk for cut-out. Concerns about minimising the tip-apex distance may be justified but do not appear to be clinically important. Cite this article: M. A. Fernandez, A. Aquilina, J. Achten, N. Parsons, M. L. Costa, X. L. Griffin. The tip-apex distance in the X-Bolt dynamic plating system. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–207. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2015-0016.R2