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

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

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

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

Abstract

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.

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

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

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

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

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

An audit was carried out to assess the management of patients with fragility fractures in fracture clinic and primary care. NICE guidelines advise these patients require treatment for osteoporosis if 75 years or older, and a DEXA scan if below this age. Distal radius and proximal humeral fractures were identified in a retrospective review of letters from 10 fracture clinics. Current medication of all patients ≥ 75 years was accessed and DEXA scan requests identified for patients < 75 years. There were 69 fragility fractures: 53 distal radius and 16 proximal humerus. 4 letters (6%) mentioned fragility fracture and advised treatment and 3 (3%) correctly advised a DEXA scan. Only 3 of 25 (10%) patients ≥ 75yrs not previously on osteoporosis medication had treatment started by their GPs. 3 of a possible 29 (10%) patients < 75 years were referred for a DEXA scan. A text box highlighting fragility fractures and NICE guidelines was added to all clinic letters for patient ≥ 50 years old. Re-audits showed an improvement in management of these fractures, with 45% of patients ≥ 75 years being started on treatment and 39% of patients < 75 years being referred for a DEXA scan

Recent NICE guidelines have suggested abandoning the Thompson hemiarthroplasty (TH) in favour of a ‘proven prosthesis’ such as the Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS). This is controversial because of significant cost implications and limited research assessing outcomes of the ETS. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment of intracapsular neck of femur fractures with the TH. Between 2002 and 2006 (minimum 5 year follow-up), 431 cemented TH's were performed. Death rate at 1 year and 5 years were 26.0% and 67.7% respectively. Dislocation (1.4%) and infection (0.2%) rates were low and revision rate was 1.2%. Comparison was made to Bipolar hemiarthroplasties over the same period (total 194). These had lower rates of dislocation (0.5%) and infection (0.5%) with a significantly higher (3.6%) revision rate. We feel that the TH remains the current gold standard treatment for intracapsular fractures, in appropriate patients, due to low complication and revision rates. Modern implants may provide better function or longevity, but there is no evidence in the literature to support abandoning the TH. Surgeons should assess patients and decide on its use, despite NICE guidelines, as it remains a cost effective treatment method, particularly for older, less mobile and cognitively impaired patients

Dupuytren's contracture is a common condition affecting 25% of men over the age of 65. With less advanced disease or with patients not suitable for a general or regional anaesthetic needle fasciotomy is the surgical option of choice. The aim of this audit is to see whether the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust comply with the NICE guidelines. All patients who underwent needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from December 2008 and November 2010 were identified. The case notes of these patients were reviewed. In a 23 month period 9 patients (13 fingers), underwent needle fasciotomy. There were 6 female and 3 male patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 70 years (61-84 years). Of the 13 MCPJ contractures 12 had a full correction. At the PIPJ 5 of the 8 had a full correction. Of the one contracture affecting the DIPJ, this was fully corrected. None of the patients undergoing needle fasciotomy had any complications recorded. At a minimum follow up 4 months and a mean follow up of 14 months, none of our patients have returned to the unit with recurrence of disease. In our unit needle fasciotomy is a safe and effective in correcting deformity. To date we have no complications or recurrence. None of these patients have returned for further surgery. We are compliant with the NICE guidelines

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

Introduction. Ankle fractures are one of the commonest orthopaedic injuries. A substantial proportion of these are treated non-operatively at outpatient clinics with cast immobilization. Recent literature and NICE guidelines suggest risk assessment and provision of appropriate thromboembolism in patients with lower limb casts. We conducted this survey to assess the current practice in UK regarding thromboembolism prophylaxis in these patients. Materials/Methods. A telephonic survey was carried out on junior doctors within orthopaedic departments of 56 hospitals across the UK. A questionnaire was completed regarding venous thromboembolism risk assessment, prophylaxis and hospital guidelines etc. Results. Eighty-four percent (n=47) hospitals didn't routinely use any prophylaxis for these patients while 7% (n=4) hospitals used chemo-prophylaxis. Only 5.3% (n=3) hospitals had DVT prophylaxis guidelines regarding these patients while other 9% (n=5) hospitals were in process of developing such guidelines. In 64% (n=36) hospitals, no formal DVT risk assessment was carried out. Fifty percent (n=28) of the responders expressed that a DVT prophylaxis was not required in these patients, thirty-four percent (n=19) had opinion that prophylaxis should be prescribed, seven percent (n=4) said that prophylaxis was only required in the presence of additional DVT risk. Conclusion. A large variation exists across NHS hospitals and a poor risk assessment is being carried out in these patients. Development of local guidelines and extension of national guidelines to include high risk outpatients may improve the situation

Thromboprophylaxis is of particular interest to the NHS due to the number of deaths from preventable hospital-acquired venous thrombo-embolism, considerable treatment cost and related long-term morbidities. In compliance with current NICE guidelines, our departmental protocol for chemical thromboprophylaxis changed from aspirin to clexane. We present a review of the use of both these chemical agents in our hip fracture patients; assessing duration of wound ooze, incidence of symptomatic PE and DVT and thrombocytopaenia. Prospective study of surgically treated hip fractures patients on chemical thromboprophylaxis postoperatively over a 7 month period. Of 224 patients reviewed, 110 fitted our inclusion criteria; 78 on Clexane and 32 on aspirin. Mean patient age: 82.6 years(48–100). Mean hospital stay: 30d ays(6–80). Female predominance (3:1). Mean duration of wound ooze: 6.9 days (1–24) for aspirin and 5.6 days (0–15) for clexane. Symptomatic DVTs: 1(3%) for aspirin and 3(3.8%) for clexane. Symptomatic PE: 0 for aspirin and 1(1.3%) for clexane. Thrombocytopenia: 0 for both groups. Mean duration of wound ooze for both groups was approximately 1 week. Low but significant incidence of thrombo-embolism. Thromboembolism-deterrent-stockings were observed to be unreliable mainly due to skin problems and compliance

Aim. The aim of this study was to review the referral pattern of Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) in the Mersey region. We were interested in the referrals that came from other specialties [not primary care] and how they were managed before being finally referred on to the Tumour Unit. Methods. This was a retrospective review of 175 patients with a histological diagnosis of a STS. Case notes were reviewed and information was collected about the management by the first referred specialty doctor and the length of time to be referred to the specialist unit. Results. Only 19 % of the patients (33/175) were direct referrals from primary care to the Tumour Unit. They were seen at a median time of 13 days (mean 17.2 days; range 1–89 days). 26% (45/175) had an unplanned excision at the hospital where they were initially seen. The median time from their first hospital appointment to the referral to the Tumour Unit was 61.5 days (mean 109.5 days; range 22–667 days). 55% (97/175) were referred from another hospital without definitive management. The median time from their first hospital appointment to the referral to the Tumour Unit was 24 days (mean 51.3 days; range 2–605 days). Conclusion. In the Mersey region, most cases of STS are still being referred from other hospitals. 26% of the patients underwent unplanned excision and this group had the longest delay in presenting to the Tumour unit. The awareness of the NICE guidelines on Sarcoma referral needs to be improved at Primary and Secondary care settings in the Mersey region to avoid delayed referrals and unplanned excisions. Direct referrals to our unit are being seen within the recommended 14 days from referral

Following the recommendation of NICE guidelines (CG124) we have recently started using cemented smooth tapered stem hemiarthroplasty as our standard management of intra-capsular neck of femur fractures. Prior to publication of the above guidelines the standard implant utilised was Thompson Hemiarthroplasty prosthesis. The cost implications of this change have not been fully appreciated and the benefit of these changes in ASA grade 3–4 patients has not previously been analysed. We identified a cohort of 89 patients admitted with displaced intra-capsular neck of femur fracture with an ASA grade 3–4. These underwent hip hemiarthroplaties at our centre over a period of 12 months (before and after guideline implementation). Data regarding in-hospital mortality, dislocation, reoperation and place of discharge were retrospectively collected and analysed. Our cohort included 46 patients who underwent a Thompsons Hemiarthroplasty, 30 patients who had a cemented smooth tapered stem hemiarthroplasty and 13 patients who had an Austin-moore Hemiarthroplasty. In-patient mortality rates were highest in the Austin-moore group, followed by the Thompsons group compared to none in the smooth tapered stem group. However, this was not statistically significant. One patient in the Thompsons group and one patient in the smooth tapered group had multiple dislocations and re-operations, compared with none in the Austin-moore group. In terms of percentage of patients who were discharged home from hospital the smooth tapered stem group had a percentage that was more than twice that of the Thompson's which was in turn higher than that found in the Austin-moore group. In conclusion, our data suggests that in patients with an ASA grade of 3–4 there is no significant benefit from using cemented smooth tapper stems when performing a Hip Hemiarthroplasty compared with a well performed Thompsons and that the cost savings of this is significant. We accept that our current numbers are relatively small and further work is needed