Implant choice was changed from cemented Thompson to Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) for treatment of displaced intra-capsular neck of femur fractures in University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, United Kingdom (a major trauma center), following the NICE guidelines that advised about the use of a proven femoral stem design rather than Austin Moore or Thompson stems for hemiarthroplasties. The aim of our study was to compare the results of Thompson versus ETS hemiarthroplasty in Aintree. We initially compared 100 Thompson hemiarthroplasties that were performed before the start of ETS use, with 100 ETS hemiarthroplasties. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of patients' demographics (age, sex and ASA grade), intra-operative difficulties/complications, post op medical complications, blood transfusion, in-patient stay and dislocations. The operative time was statistically significantly longer in the ETS group (p= .0067). Worryingly, the 30 days mortality in ETS group was more than three times higher in ETS group (5 in Thompson group versus 16 in ETS group. P= .011). To corroborate our above findings we studied 100 more consecutive patients that had ETS hemiarthroplasty. The results of this group showed 30 day mortality of 8 percent. However the operative time was again significantly longer (p= .003) and there was 18 percent conversion to bipolar hemiarthropalsty. Moreover there was statistically significant increased rate of deep infection (7%, p = .03) and blood transfusion (27%, p = .007). This we feel may be due to longer and more surgically demanding operative technique including pressurised cementation in some patients with significant medical comorbidities. Our results raise the question whether ETS hemiarthoplasty implant is a good implant choice for neck of femur fracture patients. Randomised control trials are needed to prove that ETS implant is any better than Thompson hemiarthroplasty implants in this group of patients

Abstract. Background. In 2018 NICE produced their guidelines with regards to the prevention of hospital-acquired thrombosis which extended the age range to include 16- and 17-years old patients, suggesting that these patients are risk assessed and receive thromboprophylaxis if indicated. We analysed the incidence of VTE in this age group in our institution and found it to be extremely low and often not related to risk factors commonly included in adult risk assessment tools. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 13,951 patients aged 16- and 17-years of age in our admission database at the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) over a period of 7 years between 2013 and 2019. This was cross-referenced with our imaging database which identified scans carried out for suspected Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). Results. There were 1,275 admissions and 12,676-day-case attendances over the study period. Of these, 145 patients had scans for suspected VTE. 13 patients had positive scans and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of the 13 positive scans, 10 were excluded and 3 patients were included in the study. Conclusion. This study shows that the risk of VTE in the 16- and 17-year-old age group is extremely low in patients attending hospital (0.1% in admitted patients and 0.007% in day attenders). We question whether routine risk assessment for VTE in this age group, especially using existing adult tools, is efficacious. The guidance acknowledges the evidence for prescribed drugs is both lacking and the prescription for such agents being outside their Licencing Authorisation

Background. In 2009, NICE CG 88 guideline on the management of non-specific low back pain was published. We looked at whether the introduction of these guidelines has had an impact on the management of back pain within primary care. Methods. Patients with non-specific low back pain (> 6 weeks but < 12 months) attending spinal outpatient clinic in UHL between 2008 and 2011 were asked to complete questionnaires. Two groups were studied, the first prior to the publication of NICE guidelines, and the second afterwards. Patients with radicular, stenotic and red flag symptoms were excluded. Key audited treatment standards assessed included manual therapy, acupuncture, focused structured back exercise program, supervised group exercise program and lastly referral to a combined physical and psychological treatment program. Compliance with not using X-ray or MRI and treatment modalities such as injections, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, lumbar supports, traction and TENS therapy was assessed. Secondary outcomes included VAS (back, leg pain), Oswestry Disability Index, MSP and MZD. Primary outcomes analyzed using 1-sided Fisher's exact test and secondary outcomes using two sample t tests. Results. 46 patients (pre-guidelines) and 34 patients (post-guidelines) were studied. Key findings showed significant deterioration in the institution of manual therapy in the post guidelines group (p value = 0.032) and an increase in use of MRI scan in post guidelines group (p value = 0.005). Deterioration in the mean presenting VAS for leg pain in post guidelines group noted. No significant difference between groups in the mean scores for VAS for back pain, ODI, MSP and MZDI. Conclusion. Our study suggests that the introduction of NICE guidelines on the management of low back pain has not yet influenced management in primary care. This may be due to lack of awareness of its implementation or due to adherence to local guidelines

NICE published the guidelines ‘Selection of prostheses for primary hip replacement’ in 2000. Essentially these guidelines made two recommendations: firstly to use prostheses which had attained the ‘10 year benchmark’ of a revision rate of 10% or less at 10 years, or had a minimum of three years revision rate experience that was on target to reach this benchmark; and secondly to use cemented hip prostheses to the exclusion of uncemented and hybrid prostheses. The information from the Trent Regional Arthroplasty Study (TRAS) has been used to retrospectively examine the types of hip prostheses used from 1990 – 2005, and assess the impact that the NICE guidelines have had on orthopaedic practice. This study revealed that the percentage of prostheses used which attained the ‘ten year benchmark’ has increased since the guidelines were published. In 2001, of the ten cups, which constituted 80% of the acetabular components used, only three attained this NICE benchmark, but by 2005 this number had risen to eight. Similarly in 2001, of the eight stems, which constituted almost 80% of the femoral components used, only five attained this NICE benchmark. In 2005 seven out of these eight stems had attained the minimum standard. However contrary to the recommendation made by NICE in 2000, to use cemented prostheses, the results indicate the use of uncemented prostheses has trebled (from 6.7% to 19.2%, n= 137 and 632 respectively), and the use of hybrid prostheses has more than doubled (from 8.8% to 22% of all prostheses, n= 181 and 722 respectively) since the guidelines were published. Therefore the recommendations made by NICE are not being followed, which calls the value of NICE guidelines into question

Introduction. ‘VTE disease is the new MRSA’, with much attention received in the media and the political world. Following the 2010 NICE guidelines all patients admitted to hospital should have VTE prophylaxis considered and a formal VTE risk assessment done with documentation and review in a 24 hour period. We carried out a completed audit cycle to identify our adherence to these guidelines and introduced a novel method to ensure compliance. Materials/Methods. An audit of 400 patients admitted to the orthopaedic department was carried out with review of case notes. Three key parameters were investigated: Firstly the compliance of carrying out a risk assessment for VTE disease with correct documentation, secondly investigating how many patients got re-assessed in 24 hours and finally if patients received appropriate VTE prophylaxis. The data was re-audited following the introduction of a new drug chart with a box section for VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis on the chart itself. Results. In the first cycle VTE risk assessments were carried out in 2.5% with 0% having a re-assessment in 24 hours and 93.5% of patients having correctly prescribed VTE prophylaxis. Following the new drug charts, the risk assessments were carried out in 79%, re-assessment in 50% and correct prescribed prophylaxis in 99% of the patients. Conclusions. We recommend all hospitals should have a section in the drug chart itself for VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis as this greatly improves compliance to the NICE guidelines. This ensures optimal patient care and protects the trust from litigations

The management of patients with displaced intra-capsular hip fractures is usually a hip hemiarthoplasty procedure. NICE guideline 124 published in 2011 suggested that Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery should be considered in a sub group of patients with no cognitive impairment, who walk independently and are medically fit for a major surgical procedure. The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital manages approximately 600 patients every year who have sustained a fracture of neck of femur, of which approximately 90 patients fit the above criteria. Prior to the guideline less than 20% of this sub-group were treated with a THR whereas after the guideline over 50% of patients were treated with THR, performed by sub-specialist Hip surgeons. This change was achieved by active leadership, incorporation of ‘Firebreak’ lists, looking for cases, flexible use of theatre time and operating lists and the nomination of an individual senior doctor who was tasked with a mission to improve practice. This practice is financially viable; the Trust makes over £1000 per THR for fracture. Complete outcome data at 120 days show significantly fewer patients stepping down a rung in terms of both independent living and independent walking

Abstract. Introduction. Neck of femur (NOF) fracture patients are at risk of developing venous thromboembolisms (VTE). VTE risks could be reduced by adhering to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendation for 1 month of prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin. This audit aimed to assess and improve local compliance to national guidelines on VTE prophylaxis in NOF fracture patients following discharge. Methods. A retrospective consecutive case series of all NOF fractures treated at our institution from May – July 2021 was conducted. Those not eligible for outpatient VTE prophylaxis were excluded (anticoagulated for other indications, completed prophylactic course in hospital, inpatient death, pharmacological prophylaxis contraindicated). The agent and duration of VTE prophylaxis, and the occurrence of clinically significant VTE or bleeds were recorded. A re-audit was conducted in March 2022. Results. From May – July 2021, only 1/65 (1.5%) patient was discharged on a VTE prophylaxis regime consistent with NICE guidelines (1 enoxaparin, 56 rivaroxaban, 6 apixaban; 58 35-day course, 5 28-day course). A quick-guide document summarising the standard inpatient and outpatient VTE prophylaxis regimes for various orthopaedic indications was designed and widely disseminated. In March 2022, 30/34 (88.2%) patients were discharged with enoxaparin and 24/34 (70.6%) received a 28-day course. There were no cases of clinically significant VTE or bleeds in both cycles. Conclusion. Local compliance to national guidelines improved significantly with the implementation of a standardised VTE prophylaxis protocol. Our quick-guide document is a reproducible way of communicating consensus and ensuring consistency within a department

Recent recommendations by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggest that all patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery should be assessed for the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Little is known about the incidence of symptomatic VTE after elective external fixation. We studied a consecutive series of adult patients who had undergone elective Ilizarov surgery without routine pharmacological prophylaxis to establish the incidence of symptomatic VTE. . A review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients who were treated between October 1998 and February 2011 identified 457 frames in 442 adults whose mean age was 42.6 years (16.0 to 84.6). There were 425 lower limb and 32 upper limb frames. The mean duration of treatment was 25.7 weeks (1.6 to 85.3). According to NICE guidelines all the patients had at least one risk factor for VTE, 246 had two, 172 had three and 31 had four or more. . One patient (0.23%) developed a pulmonary embolus after surgery and was later found to have an inherited thrombophilia. There were 27 deaths, all unrelated to VTE. The cost of providing VTE prophylaxis according to NICE guidelines in this group of patients would be £89 493.40 (£195.80 per patient) even if the cheapest recommended medication was used. . The rate of symptomatic VTE after Ilizarov surgery was low despite using no pharmacological prophylaxis. This study leads us to question whether NICE guidelines are applicable to these patients. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:426–30

The effect of early surgery on hip fracture outcomes has received considerable study and although it has been suggested that early surgical treatment of these fractures leads to better patient outcomes, the findings are inconclusive. The American College of Surgeon's (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) prospectively collects blinded, risk-adjusted patient-level data on surgical patients in over 600 participating hospitals worldwide. The primary objective of this study was to determine the proportion of ACS-NSQIP hospital patients that are currently being treated within the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) time to hip fracture surgery benchmark. The secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for missing the benchmark, and determine if the benchmark is associated with improved 30-day patient outcomes. Patients that underwent hip fracture surgery between 2005–2013 and entered in the ACS-NSQIP database were included in the study. Counts and proportions were used to determine how frequently the NICE benchmark was met. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of missing the NICE benchmark and determine if missing the benchmark was associated with 30-day mortality/complications rates. 26,006 patients met the study enrolment criteria. 71.4% of patients were treated within the NICE benchmark and 89.4% were treated by post-admission day two. Gender, dyspnea, infectious illness, bleeding disorders, preoperative hematocrit, preoperative platelet count, arthroplasty procedure type, race other than White, and hip fracture diagnosis were all statistically significant predictors of missing the benchmark (p<0.01). Meeting the NICE benchmark was not associated with reductions in major complications (OR=0.93, CI=0.83–1.05, p=0.23), nor a clinically significant difference in postoperative length of stay (LOS) (parameter estimate=0.77, p<0.01); however, it was associated with a decreased 30-day mortality (OR=0.88, CI=0.78–0.99, p=0.03) and the likelihood of minor complications (OR=0.92, CI=0.84–0.995, p=0.04). ACS-NSQIP hospitals are currently compatible with the NICE benchmark. However, data from the ACS-NSQIP database suggests that surgical treatment within the NICE benchmark may be unnecessarily narrow. Extending the benchmark to post-operative day two did not significantly increase the risk of 30-day mortality and minor complications; nor did it extend the average LOS. Neither the NICE benchmark, nor the extended two-day standard, was associated with reductions in major complications. The findings highlight the importance of further prospective investigation to monitor the effect of time to surgery benchmarks

Dual mobility (DM) is an established bearing option in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). The traditional mono-block DM designs have limited ability for additional fixation, whereas the modular DM designs allow additional screw fixation but limit internal diameter and have the potential to generate metal debris. We report the early results of a CoCrMo alloy mono-block implant manufactured by additive technology with a highly porous ingrowth surface to enhance primary fixation and osseointegration. Prospective follow-up of the Duplex. TM. implant first inserted in March 2016 enrolled into Beyond Compliance (BC). Primary outcome measure was all-cause revision and secondary outcomes dislocation, peri-prosthetic fracture (PPF) and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Patients were risk stratified and all considered to be high risk for instability. Complications were identified via hospital records, clinical coding linkage using national database and via BC website. 159 implants in 154 patients with a mean age 74.0 years and a maximum F/U of 7 years. Survivorship for all-cause revision 99.4% (95% CI 96.2–99.8). One femoral only revision. Mean gain in OHS 27.4. Dislocation rate 0.6% with a single event. Patients with a cemented Polished taper stem (PTS) had a Type B PPF rate of 2.1% requiring revision/fixation. Compared to conventional THA this cohort was significantly older (74.0 vs 68.3 years), more co-morbidity (ASA 3 46.5% vs 14.4%) and more non-OA indications (32.4% vs 8.5%). Every patient had at least one risk factor for falling and >50% of cohort had 4 or more risk factors using NICE tool. We believe our results demonstrate that risk stratification successfully aids implant selection to prevent dislocation in high-risk patients. This novel design has provided excellent early results in a challenging cohort where individuals are very different to the “average” THA patient. NJR data on DM has reported an increase in revision for PPF. A “perfect storm” maybe created using DM in high-risk falls risk population. This re-enforces the need to consider all patient and implant factors when deciding bearing selection

16 to 34% of the population suffer from shoulder pain, the most common cause being rotator cuff tears. NICE guidance recommends using ultrasound scan (USS) or MRI to assess these patients, but does not specify which is preferable. This study assesses the accuracy of USS and MRI in rotator cuff tears in a DGH, to establish the most appropriate imaging modality. Patients who had at least two of shoulder ultrasound, MRI or arthroscopy within a seven month period (n=55) were included in this retrospective study. Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) were calculated using arthroscopy as the true result, and kappa coefficients calculated for each pairing. 59 comparisons were made in total. Sensitivity for MRI in full supraspinatus tears was 0.83, and for USS 0.75. Specificity for MRI in these tears was 0.75, and for USS 0.83. Values were much lower in other tears, which occurred less frequently. USS and MRI completely agreed with each other 61.3% of the time. Both modalities were only completely accurate 50% of the time. Kappa coefficient between arthroscopy and MRI for supraspinatus tears was 0.658, and for USS was 0.615. There was no statistical difference between MRI and USS sensitivity or specificity (p=1), suggesting that one modality cannot be recommended over the other for full supraspinatus tears. They also do not tend to corroborate one another, suggesting that there is no benefit from doing both scans. Further research is needed to see how both modalities can be improved to increase their accuracy

Introduction of the National Hip fracture database, best practice tariff and NICE guidelines has brought uniformity of care to hip fracture patients & consequently improved outcomes. Low energy femoral shaft fractures of the elderly are not within these guidelines, but represent a similar though significantly smaller patient cohort. A retrospective review was performed at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary using theatre, coding & hip fracture databases. Data was filtered to include patients ≥75, excluding non-femoral injuries. Imaging & notes were then reviewed confirming femoral shaft fractures; excluding open, peri-prosthetic & high energy fractures. Between September 2008 and July 2016 24 patients were identified and split into two equal cohorts, before June 2011 NICE Guidelines and after. The groups were equal in terms of age (Mean: 85.25:84.67, P=0.) & sex (12 females Pre-NICE, 9 Post-Nice, P= 0.22). Our main outcome measures of length of stay were 31.89 days:26 days (p=0.38), time to surgery was 29.8hours: 28.4 hours (p=0.8) and 1-year survival rate conditional odds ratio of 1.48 (p=1.00). A secondary measure demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of post-NICE patients receiving surgery after midday 5/12:11/12 (P= 0.03). The infrequency of low energy femoral shaft fractures makes them difficult to study and production of an adequately powered study in a single centre impossible. The authors hope this work can inspire discussion and a coordinated multicentre approach to answer this question. These patients could easily be treated with the same level of enthusiasm as hip fractures

Recent NICE guidelines suggest that Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) be offered to all patients with a displaced intracapsular neck of femur fracture who: are able to walk independently; not cognitively impaired and are medically fit for the anaesthesia and procedure. This is likely to have significant logistical implications for individual departments. Data from the National Hip Fracture Database was analysed retrospectively between January 2009 and November 2011. The aim was to determine if patients with displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures admitted to a single tertiary referral orthopaedic trauma unit received a THA if they met NICE criteria. Case notes were then reviewed to obtain outcome and complication rates after surgery. Five hundred and forty-six patients were admitted with a displaced intracapsular neck of femur fracture over the described time period. Sixty-five patients met the NICE criteria to receive a THA (mean age 74 years, M:F = 16: 49); however, 21 patients had a THA. The other patients received either a cemented Thompson or bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Within the THA cohort there were no episodes of dislocation, venous thromboembolism, significant wound complications or infections that required further surgery. Within the hemiarthroplasty cohort there was 2 mortalities, 2 implant related infections, 1 dislocation and 2 required revision to a THA. There is evidence to suggest better outcomes in this cohort of patients, in terms pain and function. There is also a forecasted cost saving for departments, largely due to the relative reduction in complications. However, there were many cases (44) in our department, which would have been eligible for a THA, according to the NICE guidelines, who received a hemiarthroplasty. This is likely a reflection of the increased technical demand, and larger logistical difficulties faced by the department. We did note more complications within the hemiarthroplasty group, however, the numbers are too small to address statistical significance, and a longer follow up would be needed to further evaluate this. There is a clear scope for optimisation and improvement of infrastructure to develop time and resources to cope with the increased demand for THA for displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures, in order to closely adhere to the NICE guidelines

Introduction. Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) has seen a recent revival with third generation Metal-on-Metal prostheses and is now widely in use. However, safety and effectiveness of hip resurfacing are still questioned. We systematically reviewed peer-reviewed literature on hip resurfacing arthroplasty to evaluate implant survival and functional outcomes of hybrid Metal-on-Metal hip resurfacing Arthroplasty. Method. Electronic databases and reference lists were searched from 1988 to September 2009. Identified abstracts were checked for inclusion or exclusion by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted and summarized by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer. Main study endpoint was implant survival, which we compared with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) benchmark. We also evaluated radiological and functional outcomes, failure modes and other adverse events. Results. We identified 433 articles, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from these 24 articles, totalling 8745 resurfaced hips, providing details on five out of 11 resurfacing devices on the market. Maximum follow up was 9 years, mean follow up ranged from 0.6 to 8 years. Implant survival ranged from 88.7% to 100%. Of the 8745 hips, 276 were revised (3.2%), with fracture of the femoral neck as most frequent failure mode. With implant survival plotted against time, 10 studies showed satisfactory implant survival percentages compared to the 3 year NICE entry-benchmark. Nine of these 10 studies used the BHR implant, the other study used the Cormet 2000 implant. Discussion. None of the HRA implants used to date meet the full 10 year NICE benchmark (≥ 90% survival at 10 years follow up). If follow up is too short for the full benchmark, implants are still recommendable if they meet the NICE three year ‘entry benchmark’ (> 3 year revision rate experience, consistent with the 10-year benchmark). Compared to the 3 year NICE entry-benchmark, 10 studies showed satisfactory implant survival percentages. Nine used the BHR implant, the other study used the Cormet 2000 implant. The quality of evidence is low according to the GRADE classification. Future research has to address the most important failure mode for HRA trying to explain the large variation in the frequency of femoral neck fractures

Total hip replacement (THR) is NICE recommended for a group of patients with neck of femur fracture (NOF) and guidance published in 2011. In our institution a Hip Fracture Program was established at this time to improve patient care. An audit of the Hip Fracture Program, appropriateness of THR and management following THR was undertaken and compared to NICE standards, set at 100%, and National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) results. The case-notes for 53 patients (38 female, 15 male) undergoing THR for NOF between 2011 and 2013 were reviewed: median age 70 yrs (34–87), follow-up 28 months (3–57). All patients were initiated on a Hip Fracture Program. 92% were eligible for THR according to NICE guidance. Pre-operative pain management (67%), hourly assessment of pain in ED (4%), surgery with 48 hours (32%), pre-operative orthogeriatric review (58%) and intra-operative nerve block (38%) are areas for development, but most results are comparable to NHFD. Post-operative care is satisfactory with daily mobilisation (87%) and post-operative pain management (100%). No post-operative dislocation or infection was recorded. There was one case of post-operative DVT. This study highlights areas for improvement in hip fracture management and emphasises the benefits in implementing a Hip Fracture Program in this vulnerable patient population

Purpose. According to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) a risk assessment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) should be conducted on all patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. We looked at the patient outcome undergoing elective Ilizarov surgery in terms of symptomatic VTE occurring during or after frame management. Methods. We performed a retrospective chart review of all adult Ilizarov cases performed by a single surgeon between 2000–2011. Patient mortality was confirmed using the Demographics Batch Service. Results. There were 457 cases in 445 patients with a mean age of 42.6 years (range 16–84). There were 440 lower limb and 31 upper limb frames. 185 cases were for infection and 62 cases required flap coverage by plastic surgeons. There were 31 bone transports, 112 deformity corrections, 39 lengthening, 37 fusions, 48 stabilizations and 134 compression/distractions. The mean duration of frame treatment was 34 weeks (range 6–85). According to NICE guidelines all our cases had at least one risk factor for VTE; 243 had two, 200 had three and 28 had four or more. All cases received no pharmacological VTE prophylaxis (except 14 flap cases after 2009). There were three cases of VTE in two patients (one man with deep vein thrombosis and a 17 year-old girl with two pulmonary emboli). There were 23 deaths, all unrelated to VTE. The average cost of providing VTE prophylaxis according to NICE guidelines in this group would total £89,493.40 (£195.80 per patient). If only the first 28 days of frame treatment were covered the cost would be £14,231. Conclusion. Our reported incidence of VTE in Ilizarov surgery is low despite no pharmacological prophylaxis being used. This study challenges whether NICE guidelines are applicable to this particular group undergoing Ilizarov surgery

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidance for reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in January 2010. This guidance has had a significant impact on the management of all inpatients. It is now mandatory to risk assess every inpatient and commence appropriate treatment if indicated. The guidelines specifically exclude outpatients although NICE recognises' that lower limb cast immobilisation is a risk factor for VTE. The purpose of our study was to establish the current practice for the management of outpatients treated with lower limb casts in England. The NHS Choices website lists 166 acute hospitals in England. A telephone audit was conducted in February 2011. A member of the on call orthopaedic team was asked: 1. Are you aware of the NICE guidelines for VTE prophylaxis? 2. In your department, outpatients treated with a lower limb cast, are they risk assessed for VTE? 3. If a patient undergoes Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) for an ankle fracture and is discharged wearing a cast, are they given VTE prophylaxis? 4. If yes - for how long are they treated?. Responses were obtained from 150 eligible hospitals (1 FY1, 28 FY2, 44 ST1-ST2, 76 ST3+, 1 Consultant). 62% of responders stated that they were aware of the NICE guidance. 40% of responders stated that outpatients were routinely risk assessed for VTE. 32% of responders stated that ankle fractures treated with an ORIF and discharged wearing a cast would receive VTE prophylaxis. The duration of treatment varied from 5 days, to 6 weeks, to removal of cast. The management of patients treated with a lower limb cast is variable and inconsistent throughout England. Although there are no national guidelines for this patient group, the routine risk assessment of outpatients was higher than anticipated by the authors. We recommend that if VTE prophylaxis is commenced as an inpatient, then it should be continued until the cast is removed

This study reviewed all patients who received an EXOGEN Express bone stimulating device (BSD) to treat delayed union / non-union following operative treatment for a long bone fracture & evaluate if our results are comparable with the NICE guideline expectations. A retrospective review of records between December 2004 & January 2013 revealed 113 patients treated with a BSD. A total of 59 patients were eligible for analysis, (operative treatment for a long bone fracture with adjuvant EXOGEN BSD for non-union or delayed union). Twenty-one were open fractures. The BSD was applied at a mean of 264 days post-operatively. Thirty-five patients went on to have a 2nd operation before union was achieved. Forty-two patients went on to union following application of the BSD. Mean time to union was 293 days. Seventeen patients failed to unite by the end of the study. There were no adverse reactions to the EXOGEN BSD in this cohort. This study has shown that the use of an EXOGEN BSD is a safe, non-invasive method to successfully treat long bone non-unions following initial operative surgery, with potential cost savings (a potential saving of £48,888 to the hospital according to NICE estimations) compared to the standard re-operative management

The main purpose of preoperative blood tests is to provide information to reduce the possible harm or increase the benefit to patients by altering their clinical management if necessary. This information may help clinicians assess the risk to the patient, predict postoperative complications and establish a baseline measurement for later reference. National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidelines around the need for pre-operative blood tests related to the age of the patient, comorbidities and the complexity of the procedure they will undergo. We decided to retrospectively review the pre-operative blood requests for patients under the age of 65 who were admitted at our institution over a 2 month period for open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle or tibial plateau and manipulation under anaesthesia of the lower limb. Patients were divided into 2 groups, under the age of 40 and between 40-65 years old. Patients under the age of 18 were excluded. These surgical procedures were classified as ‘intermediate complexity’. Admission clerkings of our 63 patient cohort were reviewed to ascertain if any patients had a significant co-morbidity or past medical history. The pre operative blood tests requested for each patient were audited against the NICE recommendations. None of the patients under the age of 40 had any significant comorbidites, whilst 8 patients above the age of 40 suffered with hypertension. 95% of patients had at least one blood test carried out. All patients over the age of 40 had at least one blood test. Tests requested included full blood count (91%), urea and electrolytes (91%), coagulation (66%), liver function tests (67%), group and save (69%), CRP (70%), ESR (2%), thyroid function tests (5%) and CK (2%). Only 5 patients (5%) followed the guidelines correctly. The clinical value of testing healthy individuals before an operation is debatable. The possible benefits of routine preoperative investigations include identification of unsuspected conditions that may require treatment before surgery or a change in surgical or anaesthetic management. The American Society of Anaesthesiologists has stated that ‘routine preoperative tests (i.e. tests intended to discover a disease or disorder in an asymptomatic patient) do not make an important contribution to the process of perioperative assessment and management of the patient by the anaesthesiologist.’. The overzealous requesting of preoperative blood tests also has a financial burden upon individual institutions. Our study also showed that some blood tests, such as inflammatory markers and thyroid function tests, were inappropriately requested. Adherence to the NICE guidelines would have resulted in a significant financial saving. This review has shown that adopting the NICE guidelines may result in a decrease in the amount of unnecessary blood tests patients undergo when they attend hospital for routine, minor or intermediate surgical procedures. If these guidelines were implemented for all surgical procedures, this would undoubtedly result in a significant financial saving for the institution and the NHS as a whole. At our institution we have implemented surgical and anaesthetic team awareness and education around these guidelines in a bid to reduce the use of unnecessary testing

NICE guidelines support the use of total hip replacement (THR) in preference to cemented hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of fit and active elderly patients with a displaced intracapsular neck of femur fracture. We hypothesized that not all patients eligible for a THR received one in our unit. We performed a prospective cohort study including all consecutive hip fracture patients admitted to our unit over a 6 month period. Case notes and data from the National Hip Fracture Database were evaluated. Patients were deemed suitable for a THR if they mobilised outdoors with a maximum of one stick, had an abbreviated mental test score of 8 or greater and had an ASA score of 1 or 2. 256 patients sustained a neck of femur fracture during the study period and 36 met the inclusion criteria. 26 (72%) had cemented hemiarthroplasties and 10 (22%) had a THR. THR rates varied with the day of surgery. At our unit we have a low rate of THR for patients who fulfil the NICE criteria for suitability, however it is around the national average. This could be improved upon by increasing the availability of surgeons who are able to perform THR, especially on weekends