Aims. Hip fractures are some of the most common fractures encountered in orthopaedic practice. We aimed to identify whether perioperative hypotension is a predictor of 30-day mortality, and to stratify patient groups that would benefit from closer monitoring and early intervention. While there is literature on intraoperative blood pressure, there are limited studies examining pre- and postoperative blood pressure. Methods. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study over a one-year period from December 2021 to December 2022. Patient demographic details, biochemical results, and haemodynamic observations were taken from electronic medical records. Statistical analysis was conducted with the Cox proportional hazards model, and the effects of independent variables estimated with the Wald statistic. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated with the log-rank test. Results. A total of 528 patients were identified as suitable for inclusion. On multivariate analysis, postoperative hypotension of a systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg two to 24 hours after surgery showed an increased hazard ratio (HR) for 30-day mortality (HR 4.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3 to 8.9); p < 0.001) and was an independent risk factor accounting for sex (HR 2.7 (95% CI 1.4 to 5.2); p = 0.003), age (HR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.1); p = 0.016), American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (HR 2.7 (95% CI 1.5 to 4.6); p < 0.001), time to theatre > 24 hours (HR 2.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 4.2); p = 0.025), and preoperative anaemia (HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.0 to 5.2); p = 0.043). A preoperative SBP of < 120 mmHg was close to achieving significance (HR 1.9 (95% CI 0.99 to 3.6); p = 0.052). Conclusion. Our study is the first to demonstrate that postoperative hypotension within the first 24 hours is an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery. Clinicians should recognize patients who have a SBP of < 90 mmHg in the early postoperative period, and be aware of the increased mortality risk in this specific cohort who may benefit from a closer level of monitoring and early intervention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):189–194

An episode of hypotension is common during cemented joint replacement, and has been associated with circulatory collapse and sudden death. We studied the mechanism of hypotension in two groups of six dogs after simulated bilateral cemented arthroplasty. In one group, with no lavage, the insertion of cement and prosthesis was followed by severe hypotension, elevated pulmonary artery pressure, decreased systemic vascular resistance and a 21% reduction in cardiac output. In the other group, pulsatile intramedullary lavage was performed before the simulated arthroplasties. Hypotension was less, and although systemic vascular resistance decreased, the cardiac output did not change. The severity of the hypotension, the decrease in cardiac output and an increase in prostaglandin metabolites were related to the magnitude of pulmonary fat embolism. Pulsatile lavage prevents much of this fat embolism, and hence the decrease in cardiac output. The relatively mild hypotension after lavage was secondary to transient vasodilation, which may accentuate the hypotension caused by the decreased cardiac output due to a large embolic fat load. We make recommendations for the prevention and management of hypotension during cemented arthroplasty

Introduction: Vertebroplasty (VP) is a relatively new procedure to treat osteoporotic compression fractures of vertebral bodies. During this procedure polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) is injected into vertebral bodies. However there is the concern, that fat embolism (FE) and acute hypotension could occur as in a variety of other orthopaedic procedures. Aim: To investigate whether FE and acute hypotension are potential complications of VP using an animal model. Methods: In six sheep, 6.0 ml PMMA were injected unilaterally into the L1 vertebral body. Transœsophageal echocardiography was used to monitor the pulmonary artery for bone marrow and fat particles until 30 minutes post-operatively. Pulse, arterial and venous pressures were also recorded. The lumbar spine and the lungs were harvested post mortem. The histopathologic score, (percentage of lung fields occupied by intravascular fat globules as seen through the microscope), was calculated. Results: The first showers of echogenic material were visible approximately seven seconds after the beginning of the cement injection and lasted for about 2.5 minutes. The injection of bone cement caused a very rapid decrease in the heart rate after two seconds followed by a fall in the mean arterial pressure after 6.0 seconds. A maximum fall in heart rate was accompanied by a delayed fall in mean arterial pressure of 33.0 mmHg (P=0.0003) at 36seconds. The heat rate had returned to the baseline by 89 seconds and had increased by 10 beats/min (P=0.02) at 25 minutes. Mean arterial pressure had recovered by 209 seconds and was not different from the baseline at 25 minutes. Post mortem examination showed that no leakage of cement into the spinal cord had occurred. The histology revealed fat globules and bone marrow cells in the smaller and larger vessels throughout the lungs. The histopathologic score was 5.2 ± 0.9%. Conclusions: This study clearly showed that VP resulted in FE with a two-phase decrease in heart rate and arterial blood pressure. The first phase was probably due to an autonomic reflex and the second phase was due to the passage of fat emboli through the right heart and obstructing the lungs

Vertebroplasty (VP) is a new prophylactic treatment for preventing osteoporotic compression fractures of vertebral bodies. During this procedure polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is injected into several vertebral bodies. However, there is the concern, that fat embolism (FE) and acute hypotension could occur as in a variety of other orthopaedic procedures. This study was undertaken to investigate whether FE and acute hypotension are potential complications of VP using an animal model. In six sheep 6.0 ml PMMA were injected unilaterally into L1. Transesophageal echocardiography was used to monitor the pulmonary artery for bone marrow and fat particles until 30 minutes postoperatively. Pulse, arterial and venous pressure were also recorded. Post mortem the lumbar spine and the lungs were harvested. The lungs were subjected to histological evaluation. The first showers of echogenic material were visible approximately 7.0 seconds after the beginning of the cement injection and lasted for about 2.5 minutes. Injection of bone cement elicited a very rapid decrease in heart rate after 2.0 seconds followed by a fall in mean arterial pressure after 6.0 seconds. A maximum fall in heart rate was accompanied by a delayed fall in mean arterial pressure of 33.0 mmHg (P=0.0003) at 36.0 seconds. Heat rate had returned to baseline by 89.0 seconds and had increased by 10.0 beats/min (P=0.02) at 25 minutes. Mean arterial pressure had recovered by 209.0 seconds and was not different to the baseline at 25 minutes. The post mortem inspection revealed disseminated haemorrhages on the lung surface and throughout the parenchyma mainly in the caudal lobes of all six animals. No leakage of cement into the spinal cord was detected. In histology fat globules and bone marrow cells were observed in both the smaller and larger vessels throughout the lung. This study clearly shows that VP resulted in a two-phase decrease in heart rate and arterial blood pressure. The first phase was probably due to an autonomic reflex and the second phase was due to the passage of fat emboli through the right heart and obstructing the lungs

The surgical correction of scoliosis in adolescents involves considerable trauma to bone and muscle which, together with hypotensive anaesthesia, might be expected to compromise renal function. Our recent observation of acute renal failure in two such patients prompted a prospective study of renal function following 52 operations in 43 patients. Despite hypotension, blood loss, muscle damage and evidence of fat embolism, renal function was unaltered in all patients, and there was no impairment of spinal cord function. Careful attention was paid to the maintenance of circulating volume which is essential to protect renal perfusion

The operative and anaesthesic technique for 44 patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion with Harrington rod instrumentation for idiopathic scoliosis is described. There were two groups of 21 and 23 patients, matched for diagnosis and status before operation. The management of both groups was similar but in one group anaesthesia with induced hypotension was employed, using a mixture of sodium nitroprusside and trimetaphan. The mean blood loss at operation and after operation in this group was significantly lower than in the other group, with a consequent reduction in the transfusion requirement. No adverse sequelae were observed. All patients showed a drop in haemoglobin concentration after operation, despite clinically adequate blood transfusion

1. Figures relating to blood loss and post-anaesthetic progress during and after 407 orthopaedic operations performed with the aid of hexamethonium bromide are presented.

2. Two deaths from circulatory failure are examined in detail.

3. The criteria that must be observed to ensure safety are discussed.

4. Measures designed to avoid reactionary haemorrhage are enumerated.

5. Observations regarding contra-indications are presented.

Abstract. Aim. This study was aimed to look into factors responsible for delayed mobilization after lower limb arthroplasty and effect on length of stay. Methods. It is an observational study conducted at Kings Mill Hospital from August to October 2021. All patients undergoing primary knee or hip arthroplasty were included in the study, while patients with revision surgeries were excluded. A proforma was designed to record demographics and different variables including medications, type of anaesthesia, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, preop and post op pain score, fall in haemoglobin, analgesia and length of stay. Patients were assessed on day one and data was recorded in the proforma. Data was analysed using SPSS. Results. There were 60 patients (32 females and 28 males) which were included in the study. Mean age was 69.62 years. Thirty patients underwent TKA while in the rest of 30 patients THA was done. Fifty patients were mobilized on day one while 10 patients failed to mobilise. Out of different variables assessed orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, pre mobilization pain score and pain score during mobilization were found to be significant. Mean length of stay was longer in patients with delayed mobilization (P=0.018). Conclusion. Pain, dizziness and orthostatic hypotension were independent factors affecting mobilization after lower limb arthroplasty and indirectly increasing the length of stay

Same day home (SDH) discharge in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has increased in popularity in recent years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the causes and predictors of failed discharges in planned SDH patients. A consecutive cohort of patients who underwent total knee (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) that were scheduled for SDH discharge between April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, causes of failed discharge, perioperative variables, 30-day readmissions and 6-month reoperation rates were collected. Multivariate regression analysis was undertaken to identify independent predictors of failed discharge. The cohort consisted of 527 consecutive patients. One hundred and one (19%) patients failed SDH discharge. The leading causes were postoperative hypotension (20%) and patients who were ineligible for the SDH pathway (19%). Two individual surgeons, later operative start time (OR 1.3, 95% CI, 1.15-1.55, p=0.001), ASA class IV (OR 3.4, 95% CI, 1.4-8.2; p=0.006) and undergoing a THA (OR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.2-3.1, p=0.004) were independent predictors of failed SDH discharge. No differences in age, BMI, gender, surgical approach or type of anesthetic were found (p>0.05). The 30-day readmission or 6-month reoperation were similar between groups (p>0.05). Hypotension and inappropriate patient selection were the leading causes of failed SDH discharge. Significant variability existed between individual surgeons failed discharge rates. Patients undergoing a THA, classified as ASA IV or had a later operative start time were all more likely to fail SDH discharge

Aims. Day-case arthroplasty is gaining popularity in Europe. We report outcomes from the first 12 months following implementation of a day-case pathway for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an NHS hospital. Methods. A total of 47 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 24 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) patients were selected for the day-case arthroplasty pathway, based on preoperative fitness and agreement to participate. Data were likewise collected for a matched control group (n = 58) who followed the standard pathway three months prior to the implementation of the day-case pathway. We report same-day discharge (SDD) success, reasons for delayed discharge, and patient-reported outcomes. Overall length of stay (LOS) for all lower limb arthroplasty was recorded to determine the wider impact of implementing a day-case pathway. Results. Patients on the day-case pathway achieved SDD in 47% (22/47) of THAs and 67% (16/24) of UKAs. The most common reasons for failed SDD were nausea, hypotension, and pain, which were strongly associated with the use of fentanyl in the spinal anaesthetic. Complications and patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Following the introduction of the day-case pathway, the mean LOS reduced significantly by 0.7, 0.6, and 0.5 days respectively in THA, UKA, and total knee arthroplasty cases (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Day-case pathways are feasible in an NHS set-up with only small changes required. We do not recommend fentanyl in the spinal anaesthetic for day-case patients. An important benefit seen in our unit is the so-called ‘day-case effect’, with a significant reduction in mean LOS seen across all lower limb arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):900–908

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) improves the quality of life of osteoarthritic and rheumatoid arthritis patients, however, is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain. There are multiple methods of managing postoperative pain that include epidural anesthesia but it prevents early mobilization and results in postoperative hypotension and spinal infection. Controlling local pain pathways through intra-articular administration of analgesics is a novel method and is inexpensive and simple. Hence, we assess the effects of postoperative epidural bupivacaine injection along with intra-articular injection in total knee replacement patients. The methodology included 100 patients undergoing TKA randomly divided into two groups, one administered with only epidural bupivacaine injection and the other with intra-articular cocktail injection. The results were measured based on a 10-point pain assessment scale, knee's range of motion (ROM), and Lysholm knee score. The VAS score was lower in the intra-articular cocktail group compared to the bupivacaine injection group until the end of 1-week post-administration (p<0.01). Among inter-group comparisons, we observed that the range of motion was significantly more in cocktail injection as compared to the bupivacaine group till the end of one week (p<0.05). Lysholm's score was significantly more in cocktail injection as compared to the bupivacaine group till the end of one week (p<0.05). Our study showed that both epidural bupivacaine injection and intra-articular injection were effective in reducing pain after TKA and have a comparable functional outcome at the end of 4 weeks follow up. However, the pain relief was faster in cases with intra-articular injection, providing the opportunity for early rehabilitation. Thus, we recommend the use of intra-articular cocktail injection for postoperative management of pain after total knee arthroplasty, which enables early rehabilitation and faster functional recovery of these patients

Prompt mobilisation after the Fracture neck of femur surgery is one of the important key performance index (‘KPI caterpillar charts’ 2021) affecting the overall functional outcome and mortality. Better control of peri-operative blood pressure and minimal alteration of renal profile as a result of surgery and anaesthesia may have an implication on early post-operative mobilisation. Aim was to evaluate perioperative blood pressure measurements (duration of fall of systolic BP below the critical level of 90mmHg) and effect on the post-operative renal profile with the newer short acting spinal anaesthetic agent (prilocaine and chlorprocaine) used alongside the commonly used regional nerve block. 20 patients were randomly selected who were given the newer short acting spinal anaesthetic agent along with a regional nerve block between May 2019 and February 2020. Anaesthetic charts were reviewed from all patients for data collection. The assessment criteria for perioperative hypotension: Duration of systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm of Hg and change of pre and post operative renal functions. Only one patient had a significant drop in systolic BP less than 90mmHg (25 minutes). 3 other patients had a momentary fall of systolic BP of less than 5 minutes. None of the above patients had mortality and had negligible change in pre and post op renal function. Only one patient in this cohort had elevation of post-operative creatinine levels but did not have any mortality. Only 1 patient died on day 3 post operatively who had multiple comorbidities and was under evaluation for GI cancer. Even in this patient the peri-operative blood pressure was well maintained (never below 90mmHg systolic) and post-operative renal function was also shown to have improved (309 pre-operatively to 150 post-operatively) in this patient. The use of short-acting spinal anaesthesia has shown to be associated with a better control of blood pressure and end organ perfusion, less adverse effects on renal function leading to early mobilisation and a more favourable patient outcome with reduced mortality, earlier mobilisation, shorter hospital stay and earlier discharge in this elderly patient cohort

Using a computer-based quality assurance program, we analysed peri-operative data on 160 patients undergoing one-stage bilateral hip or knee arthroplasties under regional anaesthesia with routine anaesthetic monitoring and only using peripheral intravenous access for peri-operative safety. We monitored defined intra-operative adverse events such as hypotension, myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmias, hypovolaemia, hypertension and early post-operative complications. We also determined post-operative hip and knee function, and patient satisfaction with different aspects of the anaesthetic management. Those patients undergoing one-stage bilateral arthroplasties were matched according to a cross-stratification which used three variables (American Society of Anesthesiologists’ physical status scoring system, age and joint replaced) to patients undergoing unilateral hip or knee arthroplasties. Serious intra-operative adverse events were, with the exception of intra-operative hypotension, very infrequent in patients undergoing bilateral (nine adverse events) as well as unilateral arthroplasties (five adverse events). Early post-operative complications were also infrequent in both groups. However, the risks of receiving a heterologous blood transfusion (odds ratio 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 5.0, estimated by exact conditional logistic regression) or vasoactive drugs (odds ratio 3.9; 95% CI 2.0 to 7.8) were significantly greater for patients undergoing bilateral operations. Patient satisfaction with anaesthesia was high; all patients who underwent the one-stage bilateral operation would choose the same anaesthetic technique again

(Introduction). In Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), closed drains have been conventionally used to prevent hematoma. Recently reported “no-drain” methods have been demonstrated to be safe and effective, especially for decreasing hemorrhage. However, there has been no report of a major study on a no-drain method in simultaneous bilateral TKA, only a few small studies. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of no-drain placement in simultaneous bilateral TKA. (Methods). Our study included 75 patients (150joints) with preoperative hemoglobin(Hb) level of at least 11.0 g/dl who underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA performed by the same surgeon in our department between January 2012 and December 2013. There were 12men and 63women, of average age 70.7 ± 7.9years (mean ± SD) and BMI 25.6± 3.8 (mean ± SD). Among them 72 patients had knee osteoarthritis and 3 patients had rheumatoid arthritis. The patella was not replaced in any of the cases. TKAs were performed separately on each knee. A tourniquet was applied between the initial skin incision and the postoperative dressing, and 1000 mg of tranexamic acid was injected into each joint after wound closure. (Results). The surgical time per patient was 136.6 ± 30.3 minutes (mean ± SD). The Hb levels (mean ± SD) were 13.0 ± 1.1 g/dl before surgery, 10.9 ± 1.2 g/dl on the day after surgery. The estimated total blood loss until the day after surgery was 558.4 ± 253.9 ml (mean ± SD). No patient experienced hypotension requiring vasopressor or rapid fluid therapy between the end of surgery and the day after surgery, and no complication caused by a sudden change of hemodynamics was found in any case of bilateral TKA. A gait training/range of motion exercise while bearing full load of the body weight was initiated from the day after surgery. This allowed patients to be discharged from our hospital in an average of 6.1days (range 5–11days)after surgery. There were no serious complications that occurred within three months after surgery. (Discussion). In cases of TKA with closed drain, even in unilateral surgery, excessive hemorrhage may be discharged through drain tubes for the first few hours after surgery. Hypotension caused by postoperative sudden hemorrhage or burden on the cardiovascular system seem to be major issues. In this study, simultaneous bilateral TKA were performed without suction drainage. The estimated blood loss until the day after surgery was approximately 560 ml. As sudden hypotension causing shock was not found, the post-operative hemorrhage seemed to have gradually progressed naturally. So we did not need the blood transfusion or rapid fluid therapy to any patient. This is one of the advantage of no-drainage method. (Conclusion). The simultaneous bilateral TKA without drain placement can be applied safely

Purpose: Cement implantation syndrome characterized by hypotension, hypoxemia, cardiac arrhythmia or arrest has been reported in the literature. Pulmonary embolization is thought to be the main reason. In our institute, however, we have not experienced major hypotension during THA. To improve longevity of THA, interface bioactive bone cement technique combined with modern cementing technique has been used in our institute. Main principle of this technique is smearing hydroxyapatite granules on the dry bony surface followed by cement pressurization. The purpose of the present study was to monitor blood pressure soon after cementing. Method: The present study includes 91 cases of primary THA with an average age at operation of 64 years old (ranging 35 to 85). Under general anesthesia, both components were cemented using antero-lateral approach. Systolic arterial blood pressure was monitored until 5 minutes with 1 minute interval. The maximum regulation (MR%) was calculated as (maximum change blood pressure – blood pressure before cement insertion) divided by blood pressure before cement insertion. Results: No major complications such as cardiac arrest were observed. In most of the cases, blood pressure increased until 4 minutes for the acetabular side and 2 minutes for the femoral side, and then returned to the blood pressure before cement insertion gradually. In the acetabular side, MR% was 10±13 (−19–40)%. In 52 joints (57.1%), MR% was between 10 to 40 %. In the femoral side, MR% was 5±12 (−20 to 31)%. In 32 joints (35.2%), MR% was between 10 to 31 %. Conclusion: In the present study, major hypotension was not observed. Blood pressure increases if left ventricle reacts to the pulmonary hypertension caused by micro-embolization. If major pulmonary embolization occurs, blood pressure decrease because left ventricle can not compensate for major pulmonary hypertension caused by mayor pulmonary embolization. By good cementing technique which includes washing out debris or fat and obtaining dry bony surface just before cementing, blood pressure soon after cementing was increased

Introduction: The ideal regimen for safe and effective post operative pain relief inspinal surgery remains elusive. Numerous studies have been conducted comparing epidural with patient controlled analgesia with no firm conclusion as to which is best. Aims: To determine the efficacy of acute pain relief between surgical placed epidural catheter and patient controlled analgesia for lumbar spinal surgery. Method: A 42 month retrospective survey of 82 spinal surgery patients case notes and anaesthetic charts performed by a consultant spinal surgeon and his registrar from 2002 to 2005. There were 34 epidural and 48 PCA patients. Visual analogue Score (0–10) at 6 hourly intervals up to 36 hours, complications and age of patient were looked at. Exclusion criteria for epidural were dural tear, history of hypotension, unexplained neurological symptoms, and bleeding disorders and surgeon choice. Epidural infusion consisted of bupivacaine 0.1% with 5mls loading dose and 10mls/ hour infusion and PCA consisted of morphine sulphate 2mg/ml with a 1ml loading dose and 5 minute lockout interval.All patients were on standard analgesia which included oromorph 5mg four hourly orally and paracetamol 1gram six hourly as required orally. No radiographic evidence of epidural catheter placement was performed. Post-operative complications which included hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness were monitored. Results: The average age for the epidural group was 46.9 and PCA group 49.8. The most striking finding was that the average pain score at each six hourly interval waslower in the epidural group. This was significant in the first 18 hours post-operatively.However, 3 complications occurred in the epidural group which included hypotension. In addition, 3 epidural infusions were stopped and changed to PCA most likely due to improper placement of catheter. There were no complications with the PCA group. Conclusion: This observational study demonstrates clinically and statistically that in the acute post-operative phase and up to 36 hours that epidural analgesia for lumbar spine surgery is more effective than PCA. From this survey, the risk of epidural was higher, although no serious complications occurred. Surgeon placement of catheter is also important in the effective delivery of epidural pain relief. The lower efficacy of the PCA may have been due to poor patient understanding of the concept of PCA and thereforeits

Background. Cement implantation syndrome characterized by hypotension, hypoxemia, cardiac arrhythmia or arrest has been reported in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to monitor blood pressure soon after cementing. Methods. The present study includes 178 cases 204 joints of primary THA with an average age at operation of 64.5 years old (ranging 35 to 89). Under general anesthesia, both components were cemented using antero-lateral approach. Systolic arterial blood pressure during cementing acetabular and femoral components was monitored until 5 minutes with 1 minute interval. The maximum regulation ratio (MRR) was calculated as (maximum change blood pressure – blood pressure before cement insertion) divided by blood pressure before cement insertion. Results. No major complications such as cardiac arrest were observed. In most of the cases, blood pressure increased until 4 minutes for the acetabular side and 2 minutes for the femoral side, and then returned to the blood pressure before cement insertion gradually. In the acetabular side, average MRR was 11.2% (SD, 15.9; range, −26 to 80). Ｉn the femoral side, MRR was 6.4% (SD, 14.9; range, −31 to 65). There was statistical correlation between categories of MRR in the acetabular side and age at operation, the status of bleeding control of the acetabular side. When the bleeding control was judged as complete, blood pressure showed less tendency to decrease. When the bleeding control was judged as good, blood pressure showed more tendency to decrease. Conclusion. In the present study, major hypotension was not observed. Using third generation and IBBC cementing technique, when the bleeding control was judged as complete in the acetabular side, blood pressure showed less tendency to decrease

Aims. Diabetes mellitus is the most common co-morbidity associated with necrotising fasciitis. This study aims to compare the clinical presentation, investigations, Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score, microbiology and outcome of management of this condition in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Patients and Methods. The medical records of all patients with surgically proven necrotising fasciitis treated at our institution between 2005 and 2014 were reviewed. Diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis was made on findings of ‘dishwater’ fluid, presence of greyish necrotic deep fascia and lack of bleeding on muscle dissection found intra-operatively. Information on patients’ demographics, presenting symptoms, clinical signs, investigations, treatment and outcome were recorded and analysed. Results. A total of 127 patients with surgically proven necrotising fasciitis were included in this study. In all, 78 (61.4%) were diabetic and 49 (38.6%) were non-diabetic. Diabetics tended to have polymicrobial infections (p = 0.03), renal impairment (p < 0.001), end-stage renal disease (p = 0.001) and multiple co-morbidities (p < 0.001). They presented atypically, with less tenderness (p = 0.042) and less hypotension (p = 0.034). This resulted in higher rates of misdiagnosis (p = 0.038) and a longer time to surgery (p = 0.05) leading to longer hospital stays (p = 0.043) and higher rates of amputation (p = 0.045). However, the rate of mortality is comparable (p = 0.525). A LRINEC score of > 8 appears to be more sensitive in diabetic patients (p < 0.001). However, the increased sensitivity in diabetic patients may be related to hyperglycemia and electrolyte abnormalities associated with renal impairment in these patients. Conclusion. The LRINEC score must be used with caution in diagnosing necrotising fasciitis in diabetic patients. A high index of suspicion is key to the early diagnosis and subsequent management of these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1563–8