Aim. To investigate the impact of waiting for surgical treatment for bone and joint infection (BJI) on patient self-reported quality of life (QoL). Method. Patients presenting to clinic between January 2019 and February 2020 completed the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Patients were divided into three groups: surgery performed; on the waiting list for surgery; or decision for non-operative management. All patients were followed-up for 2 years. The EQ-index score was calculated and change from presentation to 1-year and 2-year follow-up was compared across the 3 groups. Mortality at final follow-up was measured in all groups. Results. 188 patients were included. Of these, 98 had an operation performed, 50 were on the waiting list for surgery but did not receive an operation and 40 were treated non-operatively. At presentation, all three groups had similar EQ-5D-5L index scores (surgery:0.412 SD0.351; waiting list:0.510 SD0.320; non-operative management: 0.467 SD0.354; p=0.269). There was a significant improvement in QoL in patients who underwent surgery when compared to their pre-operative state (mean increase of EQ-index score +0.241 in the first year (SD0.333, p<0.001) and +0.259 (SD0.294, p<0.001) in the second year. Patients on the waiting list for surgery had a small time-dependent decrease in EQ-index score at 1 year (−0.077, SD0.282, p=0.188) and 2 years (−0.140, SD0.359, p=0.401). Patients treated non-operatively had similar changes in EQ-index scores at 1 year (−0.052, SD0.309, p=0.561) and 2 years (−0.146, SD 0.234, p=0.221). Patients who had surgery had significantly better QoL at 2-years after treatment compared to other groups (mean EQ-index scores: surgery performed 0.671 vs. waiting list 0.431, p<0.001; surgery performed vs. non-operative management 0.348, p<0.001). Mortality in the operated group was 3.1%, which was similar to patients who were on the waiting list for surgery (6.5%, p=0.394) but lower than patients who were non-operatively managed (14.7%, p=0.014). Conclusions. The Covid-19 pandemic created long waiting times for some patients. Selecting patients with BJI who can safely wait for surgery is difficult. QoL for patients with BJI deteriorates over time if surgery is delayed or not performed. When patients decline surgery, they should be counselled that their QoL is likely to be impaired over time. The relationship between waiting time and mortality merits further study

Introduction:. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is becoming an increasingly popular option in single compartment osteoarthritis. As a result, diverse second operations including revisions to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) will also increase. The objective of this study is to investigate the distribution of causes of second operations after UKA. Methods:. We retrospectively reviewed 695 UKAs performed on 597 patients between January 2003 and December 2011. Except in one case, all UKAs were replaced at the medial compartment of the knee. The UKAs were performed on 559 (80.4%) women's knees and 136 (19.6%) men's knees. The mean age at the time of UKA was 61.5 years. The mobile-bearing designs were those that were predominantly implanted (n = 628 mobile, 90.2%; n = 67 fixed). The mean interval between UKA and second operation was 14.1 months. Results:. In our study, the burden of a second operation after the initial UKA was 7.3%, and the total number of second operations was 51 (n = 45 mobile, n = 6 fixed). The most common cause of a second operation after a mobile-bearing UKA was the dislocation of the meniscal bearing (34.8%), followed by component loosening (21.7%), the formation of a cement loose body (15.2%), unexplained pain (13%), infection (6.5%), periprosthetic fracture (4.3%), and others (4.4%). For the fixed-bearing UKA, the causes of a second operation were loosening (n = 2), unexplained pain (n = 2), and bearing wear (n = 1). The main causes of either a revision UKA or a conversion to TKA were multiform operations that included bricement, internal fixation for a periprosthetic fracture, isolated bearing changes, open debridement with bearing changes, or implant removal due to early infection. Conversions to TKA during the second operation were performed in 17 cases. Discussion and conclusion:. The most common cause of a second operation after a mobile-bearing UKA was the dislocation of the bearing, followed by component loosening and the formation of a cement loose body. After a fixed-bearing UKA, component loosening and unexplained pain were the most common. A cause-based approach to the primary and failed UKA may be helpful to minimize the possibility of a second operation and to give rise to a successful outcome of a revision TKA

Studies of operation notes have shown they can vary in quality and affect patient safety. This audit compares the quality of operation notes against standards set by the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Orthopaedic Association. Information from operation notes was collected prospectively over a two-week period. All operations performed were included and trainees from the region coordinated data collection in 9 hospitals. Data from 1091 operation notes was reviewed. A number of standards were nearly met including legibility (98.4%), the name of operating surgeon (99.3%) and operation title (99.1%). However a number of standards were not met and those with potential patient safety implications include availability on the ward (88.8%), documentation of type of anaesthetic used (78.6%), diagnosis (73.4%) and findings (80.1%). In addition, the postoperative instructions recorded the need for and type of postoperative antibiotics or venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in only 49.7% and 48.8% of cases respectively. The quality of operation notes studied across the region in this period was variable. Software programmes meant some hospitals had better results for date, time and patient identification details. Following this study, awareness of the standards combined with additional local measures may improve the quality of operation notes

All surgical operations have the potential for contamination, and the equipment used can harbour bacteria. We collected samples from 100 elective primary hip and knee arthroplasties. These showed rates of contamination of 11.4% for the sucker tips, 14.5% for light handles, 9.4% for skin blades and 3.2% for the inside blades used during surgery; 28.7% of gloves used for preparation were also contaminated. Of the samples taken from the collection bags used during hip arthroplasty, 20% grew bacteria, which represents a significant microbial reservoir. Also, 17% of theatre gowns were contaminated at the end of the operation. Contamination was found in 10% of the needles used during closure of the fascia. Overall, 76% of the organisms grown were coagulase-negative staphylococcus. A total of 63% of operations showed contamination in the field of operation. Some changes in practice are suggested. Follow-up for a minimum of two years revealed one deep infection but the organism was not identified as a contaminant. These data provide a baseline for studying the bacteriology of the surgery of revision arthroplasty

Time at the surgical ‘coal-face’ has been reduced by introduction of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) significantly impacting training opportunity. Our null hypothesis was that duration of surgery is significantly longer if a trainee were performing the operation despite supervision or level of trainee experience. Cemented hip hemiarthroplasty was chosen as our index procedure as complexity is largely comparable between cases. 461 patients were identified on the hospital trauma database. Data were augmented by information regarding level of surgeon, assistant and time of surgery from the hospital theatre database. There was no significant difference in registrar and consultant operative times, mean time 69 and 72 minutes respectively. SHOs were significantly slower (mean 80 minutes, p=0.0006). Junior (ST5 or less) registrars were significantly slower (mean 81minutes, p=0.0002) whereas senior registrars were not. Supervision level had no effect on duration of senior registrar operations but when junior registrars were consultant supervised they were not significantly slower (mean 75 minutes, p=0.09). Supervised operating therefore reduces time variability and should be promoted within a climate of training. Increase in mean operative time in registrars and SHOs is insignificant within a day's operating and is unlikely to lead to cancellations of cases

Preoperative planning is important – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is perhaps useful to consider the process of preoperative planning in three areas: 1) the patient, 2) the hip, and 3) the operative environment.

The Patient - The patient must first be an appropriate candidate for surgery. By this, they should have confirmed arthritis of the hip by radiograph and physical exam and should have failed conservative management. They should have pain and/or physical disability that impair their activities of daily living. They should be fit and willing to undergo surgery. Their expectations of surgical outcome should be reasonable and the anticipated net clinical benefit of the procedure should outweigh the risks.

There are several patient variables that should be optimised prior to surgery. Blood glucose control in diabetics should be tightly controlled prior to surgery as failure to do so results in an increased risk of infection. Anemia should be ascertained in the history and diagnosed with a CBC if suspected. Reasons for anemia should be addressed and hemoglobin should be optimised preoperatively. Nutrition is important to reduce the risk of infection. Be aware of paradoxical malnutrition in the obese. Understand if the patient has an allergy to penicillin and what specifically the reaction is. Patients with a history that is not characteristic of an IgE mediated response should be offered a cephalosporin. The patient's risk of bleeding or clot as well as their tolerance of specific anticoagulants should be understood and planned for regarding the postoperative anticoagulant. Assess the patient for risk of dislocation.

The Hip - Assessment of the hip is important. An AP of the pelvis and lateral of the hip should be obtained in all cases. Any pelvic obliquity should be assessed in relation to leg length discrepancy, and, if necessary, a 3-foot standing x-ray should be obtained. Leg length and offset should be assessed carefully. Beware of the patient with the operative hip presenting as the longer leg as it is difficult to shorten a hip via THA and the net effect of the intervention is most often lengthening. Patients with low offset should be planned for carefully so that low offset components are available. Patients with high offset need corresponding high offset implants in order to avoid leg lengthening. The acetabulum should be assessed for true center of rotation and orientation, as well as for dysplasia or deficiency. The femur should be assessed for shape, offset and neck angle, as well as for any proximal or distal mismatch. Be prepared to remove hardware that will be in the way.

Template all your cases. The most experienced surgeons still template for THA. Have a Plan A and a Plan B for every case

The Operative Environment - The surgeon is ultimately in control of the operative environment. Make sure that the implants anticipated and sizes are available. I personally put them in the room before the case. Ensure that qualified assistants and nurses are available. Know in advance and communicate when high BMI patients are involved. Display the radiographs and anticipated plan and make sure the team is aware of it. Ensure that antibiotics and tranexamic acid (if not contra-indicated) are administered at a timely fashion. Tell the staff in the time out that traffic flow is important and should be reduced to a minimum. Plan to close one of the doors during the case. Make sure protective covering is available and worn, such as protective eyewear and hair covers.

Introduction. Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common extremity fractures encountered in A&E departments and general adult fracture clinics. Over the last 10 years the rate of operation for distal radial fractures has been steadily increasing. Staff within our unit felt that formal teaching, particularly of new medical staff, with regards to fracture reduction and appropriate cast application could result in a reduction in operation rates. Methods. Retrospective data was extracted from FORD (Fracture Outcome and Research Database). Data included: the number of fractures in a 6 month period, number of fractures undergoing ORIF in that period, fracture configuration, patient demographics, and mechanism of injury. All patients undergoing ORIF had their radiographs assessed by 2 separate reviewers. Information regarding adequate fracture reduction, adequate cast application (using Gap Index calculation), and appropriate plaster cast moulding was recorded. Formal teaching was then given to the next group of medical staff rotating through the unit, and the same data was collected prospectively for that 6 month period. Exclusion criteria included bilateral injuries, and polytrauma patients. Results. A total of 1712 distal radial fractures were treated in our unit over the 12 month period, with 71 undergoing ORIF in the first 6 months and 37 in the second 6 months. Our study found that formal teaching and education of medical staff significantly reduced the operation rate for distal radial fractures in our unit. This effect was most significant for extra-articular, dorsally angulated fractures of the distal radius. Conclusion. In today's busy hospital environment it is sometimes all too easy to overlook the training of junior medical staff, our study proves that just 1 hour of basic training at the beginning of an attachment can have significant benefits to both the unit and, more importantly, the patients

Introduction. Simulation is increasingly perceived as an important component of surgical training. Cadaveric simulation offers an experience that can closely simulate operating on a living patient. We have explored the feasibility of providing cadaveric training for the whole curriculum for trauma and orthopaedic surgery speciality trainees, before they perform those operations on living patients. Methods. An eight station surgical training centre was designed and built adjacent to the mortuary of a University Hospital. Seven two-day courses for foot and ankle, knee, hip, spine, shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, and trauma surgery were designed and delivered. These courses, designed for 16 trainees, were delivered by eight consultant trainers and a course director. Each was structured to allow every trainee to perform each standard operation in the curriculum for that respective subspecialty. We designed the courses to maximise simulated operating time for the trainees and to minimise cost. We surveyed trainers and trainees after the courses to qualitatively assess their value. Results. We found that it was possible to create a state-of-the-art surgical training centre in a University Hospital with a business model that could be replicated. It was possible to deliver cadaveric surgical training to trainees, early in their experience in that subspecialty, such that they learn the principles of each operation in the curriculum in the course of two days. This required some very intense work: for example the foot and ankle course included 30 surgical procedures. Trainees and trainers rated this experience as very high quality training and judge that it will substantially affect the safety and value of future training with living patients. Conclusion. We suggest that our findings support the idea of cadaveric training for all trainees before operating on living patients. We are implementing this in our training programme

We have been using 3-dimensional CAD software for preoperative planning as a desktop tool daily. In ordinary cases, proper size stems and cups can be decided without much labor but in our population, many arthritic hip cases have dysplastic condition and they often come to see us for hip replacement after severe defects were created over the acetabulum. It is often the case that has Crowe's type III, IV hips with leg length difference. For those cases preoperative planning using 3D CAD is a very powerful tool. Although we only have 2-dimensional display with our computer during preoperative planning, 3 dimensional geometries are not so difficult to be understood, because we can turn the objects with the mouse and can observer from different directions. We can also display their sections and can peep inside of the geometries. It is quite natural desire that a surgeon wishes to see the planed geometries as a 3-dimensional materials. For some complicated cases, we had prepared plastic model and observed at the theater for better understanding. When we ask for a model service, each model costs $2,500. We also have small scale desk top rapid processing tool too, however it takes 2 days to make one side of pelvis. Observation of the geometries using 3-dimensional display can be its substitute without much cost and without taking much time. The problem of using 3D display had been the special goggle to mask either eye alternatively. In the present paper, we have used a 3D display which has micro arrays of powerful prism to deriver different image for each eye without using any goggle. Method. After preoperative planning, 2 images were prepared for right eye and left eye giving 2-3 degree's parallax. These images were encoded into a special AVI file for 3-dimensional display. To keep fingers away from the device, several scenes were selected and 3-dimensional slide show was endlessly shown during the surgery. Result. Cup geometries with screws had been prepared and cup position with screws direction were very useful. The edge of acetabulum and cup edge are well compared then could obtain a better cup alignment. Screws are said to be safe if they were inserted in upper posterior quadrant. However so long as the cluster cup was used, when the cup was given 30 degrees anterior rotation, 25 mm screw was still acceptable using CAT angiography. Conclusion. Three dimensional display without goggle was a useful tool to observe preoperative planning inside the operation theater

Introduction. Distal femur fractures have traditionally been stabilized with either lateral locking plate or retrograde intramedullary nail. Dual-plates and nail-plate combination fixation have the theoretical biomechanical advantage, faster union and allows patients to weight bear immediately. The aim of this study is to compare single vs combination fixation, and evaluate outcomes and complications. Method. We retrospectively reviewed all patients over 60, admitted to Christchurch Hospital, between 1st Jan 2016 and 31st Dec 2022, with an AO 33A/33B/33C distal femur fracture. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, operation details, and follow up data were recorded. Primary outcomes are union rate, ambulatory status at discharge, and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes include quality of reduction, operation time and rate of blood transfusions. Results. 114 patients were included. (92 single fixation, 22 combination fixation). Baseline demographic data and fracture characteristics did not differ between the cohorts. There was no difference in the rate of union or time to union between the two cohorts. Combination fixation patients were allowed to weight-bear as tolerated significantly more than single fixation patients (50% vs 18.9%, p=0.003). There was no difference in length of hospital stay, transfusion, complication and mortality rates. Medial translation of the distal articular block was significantly lower in the combination fixation cohort (1.2% vs 3.4%, p=0.021). Operation time was significantly longer in the combination fixation cohort (183mins vs 134mins, p<0.001). Discussion. The results show no difference in achieving union or time to union, despite better quality of fracture reduction with dual fixation. This differs to previously published literature. The clear benefit of combination fixation is immediate weight-bearing. As expected, operation times were longer with combination fixation, however this did not translate to more complications. Conclusion. Combination fixation allows earlier weight bearing, at the cost of longer operation times

The purpose of this study is to assess the long term results of combined ACL reconstruction and unicompartmental knee replacements (UKR). These patients have been selected for this combined operation due to their combination of instability symptoms from an absent ACL and unicompartmental arthritis. Retrospective review of 44 combined UKR and ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon. Surgeries included both medial and lateral UKR combined with either revision ACL reconstruction or primary ACL reconstruction. Patient reported outcomes were obtained preoperatively, at one year, 5 years and 10 years. Revision rate was followed up over 13 years for a mean of 7.4 years post-surgery. The average Oxford score at one year was 43 with an average increase from pre-operation to 1 year post operation of 15. For the 7 patients with 10 year follow up average oxford score was 42 at 1 year, 43 at 5 years and 45 at 10 years. There were 5 reoperations. 2 for revision to total knee arthroplasty and 1 for an exchange of bearing due to wear. The other 2 were the addition of another UKR. For those requiring reoperation the average time was 8 years. Younger more active patients presenting with ACL deficiency causing instability and unicompartmental arthritis are a difficult group to manage. Combining UKR and ACL reconstruction has scant evidence in regard to long term follow up but is a viable option for this select group. This paper has one of the largest cohorts with a reasonable follow up averaging 7.4 years and a revision rate of 11 percent. Combined unilateral knee replacements and ACL reconstruction can be a successful operation for patients with ACL rupture causing instability and unicompartmental arthritis

BACKGROUND. Theatre-listed trauma patients routinely require two ‘group and save’ blood-bank samples, in case they need perioperative transfusion. The Welsh Blood Service (WBS) need patients to have one recorded sample from any time in the last 10 years. A second sample, to permit cross-matching and blood issuing, must be within 7 days of transfusion (or within 48 hours if the patient is pregnant, or has been transfused within the last 3 months). The approximate cost of processing a sample is £15.00. AIM. To investigate whether routine pretransfusion blood sampling for trauma admissions exceeds requirements. METHODS. Electronic records were used to collect pretransfusion sampling data for all adult non-elective trauma patients listed for theatre under a trauma and orthopaedics consultant between 1/1/2023-31/1/2023. Data were collected on unnecessary samples, rejected samples and total excess samples. RESULTS. 113 patients (mean age[±SD] 64.09[±19.96]) underwent 132 procedures. On average, unnecessary sampling occurred at a rate of 0.48 samples per operation, equating to a cost of £945.00/month. Samples were rejected by the laboratory at a rate of 0.25 samples per operation. Common reasons for rejection were ‘patient date of birth discrepancy’ (between sample and request form), ‘patient address discrepancy’ and ‘signature discrepancy’. Overall, total excessive sampling occurred at a rate of 0.60 samples per operation. CONCLUSION. Nearly half of trauma patients undergo unnecessary blood testing in anticipation of potential perioperative transfusion. This has implications for sustainability, financial cost and patient welfare. This signals poor understanding of WBS requirements and is an area that requires improvement

Aims. To compare the efficacy of decompression alone (DA) with i) decompression and fusion (DF) and ii) interspinous process device (IPD) in the treatment of lumbar stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Outcomes of interest were both patient-reported measures of postoperative pain and function, as well as the perioperative measures of blood loss, operation duration, hospital stay, and reoperation. Methods. Data were obtained from electronic searches of five online databases. Included studies were limited to randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) which compared DA with DF or IPD using patient-reported outcomes such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), or perioperative data. Patient-reported data were reported as part of the systematic review, while meta-analyses were conducted for perioperative outcomes in MATLAB using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Forest plots were generated for visual interpretation, while heterogeneity was assessed using the I. 2. -statistic. Results. A total of 13 articles met the eligibility criteria. Of these, eight compared DA with DF and six studies compared DA with IPD. Patient-rated outcomes reported included the ODI and ZCQ, with mixed results for both types of comparisons. Overall, there were few statistically significant and no clinically significant differences in patient-rated outcomes. Study quality varied greatly across the included articles. Meta-analysis of perioperative outcomes revealed DF to result in greater blood loss than DA (MD = 406.74 ml); longer operation duration (MD = 108.91 min); and longer postoperative stay in hospital (MD = 2.84 days). Use of IPD in comparison to DA led to slightly reduced operation times (MD = –25.18 min), but a greater risk of reoperation compared to DA (RR = 2.70). Conclusion. Currently there is no evidence for the use of DF or IPD over DA in both patient-rated and perioperative outcomes. Indeed, both procedures can potentially lead to greater cost and risk of complications, and therefore, a stronger evidence base for their use should be established before they are promoted as routine options in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis

Aim. We reviewed a cohort of individuals with recurrent orthopaedic infection to describe the relative rates of microbial persistence vs re-infection at recurrence surgery. Method. A cohort of 125 individuals with recurrent infection (prosthetic joint infection, fracture-related infection and osteomyelitis) from two centres in the UK between 2007 and 2021. Electronic patient records were reviewed to identify culture results from surgical samples at index surgery and the next operation for recurrent infection. Antibiotic sensitivity results were recorded as sensitive, intermediate or resistant according to contemporary sensitivity testing guidelines. Results. Among patients with recurrent infection, 78/125 (62.4%) were male, with a median age 64 years (IQR 51–73y). 76 had prosthetic joint infection, and 49 had fracture related infection or osteomyelitis. Culture results at index procedure showed the most frequently isolated species were Staphylococci (Table 1). A single species was isolated in 75/125 (60%) and mixed species in 36/125 (28.8%). No organisms were cultured in 14/125 (11.2%). At re-operation 48/125 (38.4%) individuals had an organism from the same species or group as at the index operation. In 49/125 (39.2%), none of the organisms isolated at re-operation were grown at first operation. In 28/125 (22.4%), re-operative cultures yielded no growth. For each species isolated at the index procedure, the proportion with the same, different or no organisms isolated at the next procedure were reviewed (Table 1). Staphylococci (including S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci) and Pseudomonas species showed the highest rate of persistence at the species level. Among coagulase-negative staphylococci, changes in antimicrobial sensitivity that make it unclear if these infections were truly persistent, or represented re-infection. Conclusions. Infection with different organisms was seen at similar rates (39.2% vs 38.4%) to persistent infection with the same species in this cohort. Staphylococcus aureus is the organism most likely to be persistently identified in recurrent infections

Aims. The use of fluoroscopy in orthopaedic surgery creates risk of radiation exposure to surgeons. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help mitigate this. The primary aim of this study was to assess if current radiation protection in orthopaedic trauma is safe. The secondary aims were to describe normative data of radiation exposure during common orthopaedic procedures, evaluate ways to improve any deficits in protection, and validate the use of electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) in assessing radiation dose in orthopaedic surgery. Methods. Radiation exposure to surgeons during common orthopaedic trauma operations was prospectively assessed using EPDs and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Normative data for each operation type were calculated and compared to recommended guidelines. Results. Current PPE appears to mitigate more than 90% of ionizing radiation in orthopaedic fluoroscopic procedures. There is a higher exposure to the inner thigh during seated procedures. EPDs provided results for individual procedures. Conclusion. PPE currently used by surgeons in orthopaedic trauma theatre adequately reduces radiation exposure to below recommended levels. Normative data per trauma case show specific anatomical areas of higher exposure, which may benefit from enhanced radiation protection. EPDs can be used to assess real-time radiation exposure in orthopaedic surgery. There may be a role in future medical wearables for orthopaedic surgeons. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):907–912

Introduction. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can be managed through a variety of different surgical approaches from closed reduction to simple tenotomies of the adductors and through to osteotomies of the femur and pelvis. The rate of redislocation following open reduction for the treatment of DDH may be affected by the number of intraoperative surgeons. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 109 patients who underwent open reduction with or without bony osteotomies as a primary intervention between 2013 and 2023. We measured the number of redislocations and number of operating surgeons (either 1 or 2 operating surgeons) to assess for any correlation. 109 patients were identified and corresponded to 121 primary hip operations, the mean age at operation was 82.2 months (range 6 to 739 months). During the 10-year period 7 hip redislocations were identified. Results. Of the 7 redislocated hips, the rate of redislocation was found to be higher in patients who had undergone surgery via a single surgeon (5 redislocations) compared to the dual surgeon cohort (2 redislocations), though this did not reach statistical significance. Redislocation was more common in female patients and right laterality 7.2% and 8.7% respectively, though this again did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions. We conclude that a single surgeon approach, female gender and right laterality are potential risk factors for redislocation following open reduction. Further investigation utilising a larger sample size would be required to appropriately explore these potential risk factors further

The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the adequacy of informed consent documentation in the trauma setting for distal radius fracture surgery compared with the elective setting for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a large public hospital and (2) to explore the relevant guidelines in New Zealand relating to consent documentation. Consecutive adult patients (≥16 years) undergoing operations for distal radius fractures and elective TKA over a 12-month period in a single-centre were retrospectively identified. All medical records were reviewed for the risks and complications recorded. The consent form was analysed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index readability scores. A total of 133 patients undergoing 134 operations for 135 distal radius fractures and 239 patients undergoing 247 TKA were included. Specific risks of surgery were recorded significantly less frequently for distal radius fractures than TKA (43.3% versus 78.5%, P < 0.001). Significantly fewer risks were recorded in the trauma setting compared to the elective (2.35 ± 2.98 versus 4.95 ± 3.33, P < 0.001). The readability of the consent form was 40.5 using the FRES and 10.9 using the SMOG index, indicating a university undergraduate level of reading. This study has shown poor compliance in documenting risks of surgery during the informed consent process in an acute trauma setting compared to elective arthroplasty. Institutions must prioritise improving documentation of informed consent for orthopaedic trauma patients to ensure a patient-centred approach to healthcare

The primary objective is to compare revision rates for lumbar disc replacement (LDR) and fusion at the same or adjacent levels in Ontario, Canada. The secondary objectives include acute complications during hospitalization and in 30 days, and length of hospital stay. A population-based cohort study was conducted using health administrative databases including patients undergoing LDR or single level fusion between October 2005 to March 2018. Patients receiving LDR or fusion were identified using physician claims recorded in the Ontario Health Insurance Program database. Additional details of surgical procedure were obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information hospital discharge abstract. Primary outcome measured was presence of revision surgery in the lumbar spine defined as operation greater than 30 days from index procedure. Secondary outcomes were immediate/ acute complications within the first 30 days of index operation. A total of 42,024 patients were included. Mean follow up in the LDR and fusion groups were 2943 and 2301 days, respectively. The rates of revision surgery at the same or adjacent levels were 4.7% in the LDR group and 11.1% in the fusion group (P=.003). Multivariate analysis identified risk factors for revision surgery as being female, hypertension, and lower surgeon volume. More patients in the fusion group had dural tears (p<.001), while the LDR group had more “other” complications (p=.037). The LDR group had a longer mean hospital stay (p=.018). In this study population, the LDR group had lower rates of revision compared to the fusion group. Caution is needed in concluding its significance due to lack of clinical variables and possible differences in indications between LDR and posterior decompression and fusion

Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common, accounting for approximately 5% of all fractures. Approximately 30% require surgical intervention which can range from open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) to shoulder arthroplasty (including hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, (TSA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)). The aim of this study was to assess trends in operative interventions for PHF in an Australian population. Data was retrospectively collected for patients diagnosed with a PHF and requiring surgical intervention between January 2001 and December 2020. Data for patients undergoing ORIF were extracted from the Medicare database, while data for patients receiving arthroplasty for PHF were obtained from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). Across the study period, ORIF was the most common surgical procedure for management of PHFs. However, since 2019, RTSA has surpassed ORIF as the most common surgical procedure to treat PHFs, accounting for 51% of operations. While the number of RTSA procedures for PHF has increased, ORIF and shoulder hemiarthroplasty has significantly reduced since 2007 (p < 0.001). TSA has remained uncommon across the follow-up period, accounting for less than 1% of all operations. Patients younger than 65 years were more likely to receive ORIF, while those aged 65 years or greater were more likely to receive hemiarthroplasty or RTSA. While the number of ORIF procedures has increased during the period of interest, it has diminished as a proportion of overall procedure volume. RTSA is becoming increasingly popular, with decreasing utilization of hemiarthroplasty, and TSA for fracture remaining uncommon. These trends provide information that can be used to guide resource allocation and health provision in the future. A comparison to similar data from other nations would be useful

The Victorian state government introduced a trial electronic scooter sharing scheme on 1. st. February 2022 in inner city Melbourne. Despite epidemiological data from other jurisdictions that show these devices are associated with significant trauma. This is a descriptive study from the largest trauma centre in Victoria demonstrating the “scope of the problem” after introduction of this government-approved, ride sharing scheme. Retrospective case series. Our hospital orthopaedic department database was searched from 1/1/2021 to 30/6/22 to identify all presentations associated with electronic scooter trauma, the mechanism of injury and admission information was confirmed via chart review. Data collected included: mode of arrival, alcohol/drug involvement, hospital LOS, injury severity score, ICU admission, list of injuries, operations undertaken, surgical procedures, discharge destination, death. In the 12 months prior to and 5 months since introduction of the ride share scheme, 43 patients were identified. 18 patients (42% of our cohort) presented in the 5 months since ride sharing was introduced, and 25 patients in the preceding 12 months. 58% were found to be alcohol or drug affected. All patients were admitted to hospital, 14% of which included ICU admission. 44% were polytrauma admissions. Median hospital length of stay was 2 days. The longest individual hospital stay was 69 days. No patients in this series died. There were 49 surgical procedures in 35 patients including neurosurgical, plastics and maxillofacial operations. Mean Injury Severity Score was 10. Despite data demonstrating their danger in other jurisdictions, the Victorian state government approved a trial of an electronic scooter ride share scheme in inner Melbourne in February 2022. These devices are associated with a significant trauma burden and the rate has increased since the introduction of the ride-sharing scheme. This data may be combined with other hospital data and could be used to inform policy makers