Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing was developed in the 1990s by surgeons in Birmingham, UK, as a surgical solution to the problem of osteoarthritis in younger, more active patients. Early results were promising and the procedure gained in popularity. However, adverse reports of soft-tissue reaction and failure started to appear from 2008 onwards. Surgeons may be asked to write medico-legal reports on the surgical aspects of an individual case for claimant lawyers or in defence for the NHSLA or indemnity insurers. The purpose of this article is to cover some of the aspects of the operation that may be considered in such medico-legal reports

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether the rates of revision for metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with Pinnacle components varied according to the year of the initial operation, and compare these with the rates of revision for other designs of MoM THA. Patients and Methods. Data from the National Joint Registry for England and Wales included 36 mm MoM THAs with Pinnacle acetabular components which were undertaken between 2003 and 2012 with follow-up for at least five years (n = 10 776) and a control group of other MoM THAs (n = 13 817). The effect of the year of the primary operation on all-cause rates of revision was assessed using Cox regression and interrupted time-series analysis. Results. For MoM THAs involving Pinnacle components, those undertaken between 2007 and 2012 had higher rates of revision compared with those undertaken between 2004 and 2006 (hazard ratio (HR) 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57 to 2.57; p < 0.001). For THAs undertaken during and after 2007, the number of revisions per 1000 implant-years at risk significantly increased by 5.20 (95% CI 0.52 to 9.89; p = 0.033) compared with those undertaken before this time. In the control group, THAs undertaken between 2007 and 2012 also had higher rates of revision (HR 1.77; 95% CI 1.49 to 2.10; p < 0.001), with revisions per 1000 implant-years for those undertaken during and after 2007 significantly increasing by 6.13 (95% CI 1.42 to 10.83; p = 0.016). Conclusion. The five-year revision rates were significantly increased for all primary MoM THAs undertaken from 2007 onwards. Contrary to recent reports, this finding was not specific to those involving Pinnacle acetabular components and may be explained by increased surveillance and recent lowering of the threshold for revision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:33–41

We evaluated the long-term results of a modified Spitzy shelf operation for secondary osteoarthritis in 119 hips with a mean follow-up of 23.8 years. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 25 years. Preoperative osteoarthritic change, the age at operation and shelf height were important factors in determining the outcome. Of the 61 hips in the pre-stage (three) and the initial stage (58) of osteoarthritis, 53 (87%) had good results, compared with only 30 (51%) of 58 hips with advanced osteoarthritis. Of the latter, 72% of those aged less than 25 years had good results compared with only 40% of patients aged over 25 years. The shelf height in the group with good results was significantly lower than in those with poor results. This operation is a safe procedure and indicated for acetabular dysplasia or subluxation of the hip with early osteoarthritic change in patients aged less than 25 years

In a time of limited resources, the debate continues over which types of hip prosthesis are clinically superior and more cost-effective. Orthopaedic surgeons increasingly need robust economic evidence to understand the full value of the operation, and to aid decision making on the ‘package’ of procedures that are available and to justify their practice beyond traditional clinical preference. . In this paper we explore the current economic debate about the merits of cemented and cementless total hip replacement, an issue that continues to divide the orthopaedic community. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:874–6

Between November 1983 and December 1992, 136 hips (119 patients) with coxarthritis were operated on using joint-preserving techniques based on the rationale of Pauwels’ osteotomy. The criterion for selection was a patient in whom the height of the joint space in the weight-bearing area of the hip was less than 1 mm. The mean age at operation was 48 years and the mean follow-up 109 months (60 to 171). Hips were categorised using Bombelli’s classification of osteoarthritis, into atrophic and non-atrophic types. The endpoint was defined as that at which the height of the joint space became less than 1 mm again. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the rate of survival of the non-atrophic group was significantly better than that of the atrophic group. Cox’s proportional hazard model indicated that the factors influencing the results of joint-preserving operations included Bombelli’s classification, postoperative incongruence of the joint and the height of the joint space

Primary total hip replacement (THR) is a successful and common operation which orthopaedic trainees must demonstrate competence in prior to completion of training. This study aimed to determine the impact of operating surgeon grade and level of supervision on the incidence of 1-year patient mortality and all-cause revision following elective primary THR in a large UK training centre. National Joint Registry (NJR) data for all elective primary THR performed in a single University Teaching Hospital from 2005–2020 were used, with analysis performed on the 15-year dataset divided into 5-year temporal periods (B1 2005–2010, B2 2010–2015, B3 2015–2020). Outcome measures were mortality and revision surgery at one year, in relation to lead surgeon grade, and level of supervision for trainee-led operations. 9999 eligible primary THR were undertaken, of which 5526 (55.3%) were consultant led (CL), and 4473 (44.7%) trainees led (TL). Of TL, 2404 (53.7%) were non-consultant supervised (TU), and 2069 (46.3%) consultant supervised (TS). The incidence of 1-year patient mortality was 2.05% (n=205), and all-cause revision was 1.11% (n=111). There was no difference in 1-year mortality between TL (n=82, 1.8%) and CL (n=123, 2.2%) operations (p=0.20, OR 0.78, CI 0.55–1.10). The incidence of 1-year revision was not different for TL (n=56, 1.3%) and CL (n=55, 1.0%) operations (p=0.15, OR 1.37, CI 0.89–2.09). Overall, there was no temporal change for either outcome measure between TL or CL operations. A significant increase in revision within 1-year was observed in B3 between TU (n=17, 2.7%) compared to CL (n=17, 1.0%) operations (p=0.005, OR 2.81, CI 1.35–5.87). We found no difference in 1-year mortality or 1-year all-cause revision rate between trainee-led primary THR and consultant-led operations over the entire fifteen-year period. However, unsupervised trainee led THR in the most recent 5-year block (2015–2020) has a significantly increased risk of early revision, mainly due to instability and prosthetic joint infection. This suggests that modern surgical training is having a detrimental effect on THR patient outcomes. More research is needed to understand the reasons if this trend is to be reversed

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have benefits for hospitals and uptake in the UK is increasing. The National Joint Registry (NJR) monitors implant and surgeon performance and relies on accuracy of data. NJR data are used for identification of potential outliers for both mortality and revision; analyses are adjusted for age, sex, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists score (ASA) and cases with some indications are excluded from analyses. In October 2020, the Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust “went live” on an EHR, almost eradicating paper from the Trust. This included stopping use of paper NJR forms by creating a bespoke electronic template. We sought to identify discrepancies between operation notes and data input to the NJR in variables that may influence potential outlier analyses. Data input to the NJR from 15/10/2020 to 18/10/2022 for hip procedures were provided by NEC Software Solutions. NJR data were compared to those recorded on operation notes. There were 1067 hip procedures recorded in the NJR (946 primary THRs). Of the primary THRs, discrepancies in indication between NJR and operation note were identified in 139 (15%) cases. Common discrepancies included cases being recorded as osteoarthritis where the true indication was acute trauma (n=63), avascular necrosis (n=14), metastatic cancer/malignancy (n=6) and 21 cases with no recorded indication. We identified 88 cases where the ASA recorded in the NJR differed from the anaesthetic chart. Other inaccuracies were identified including 23 cases missing type of procedure (e.g., primary or revision) and one where revision surgery had been recorded as primary. We identified at least 83 cases that should have been excluded from NJR mortality analyses but were not. Given the low incidence of mortality following primary THR, these cases (with increased risk of death) have the potential to incorrectly identify the hospital as a potential outlier. Discrepancies in ASA may also impact on both revision and mortality outlier calculations. We urge caution to hospitals in the implementation of EHRs and advise regular audit of data sent to the NJR

Aims. In order to release the contracture band completely without damaging normal tissues (such as the sciatic nerve) in the surgical treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC), we tried to display the relationship between normal tissue and contracture bands by magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) images, and to predesign a minimally invasive surgery based on the MRN images in advance. Methods. A total of 30 patients (60 hips) were included in this study. MRN scans of the pelvis were performed before surgery. The contracture band shape and external rotation angle (ERA) of the proximal femur were also analyzed. Then, the minimally invasive GMC releasing surgery was performed based on the images and measurements, and during the operation, incision lengths, surgery duration, intraoperative bleeding, and complications were recorded; the time of the first postoperative off-bed activity was also recorded. Furthermore, the patients’ clinical functions were evaluated by means of Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and Ye et al’s objective assessments, respectively. Results. The contracture bands exhibited three typical types of shape – feather-like, striped, and mixed shapes – in MR images. Guided by MRN images, we designed minimally invasive approaches directed to each hip. These approaches resulted in a shortened incision length in each hip (0.3 cm (SD 0.1)), shorter surgery duration (25.3 minutes (SD 5.8)), less intraoperative bleeding (8.0 ml (SD 3.6)), and shorter time between the end of the operation and the patient’s first off-bed activity (17.2 hours (SD 2.0)) in each patient. Meanwhile, no serious postoperative complications occurred in all patients. The mean HOS-Sports subscale of patients increased from 71.0 (SD 5.3) to 94.83 (SD 4.24) at six months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The follow-up outcomes from all patients were “good” and “excellent”, based on objective assessments. Conclusion. Preoperative MRN analysis can be used to facilitate the determination of the relationship between contracture band and normal tissues. The minimally invasive surgical design via MRN can avoid nerve damage and improve the release effect. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):776–784

Aims. Cemented hemiarthroplasty is an effective form of treatment for most patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip. However, it remains unclear whether there are subgroups of patients who may benefit from the alternative operation of a modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty – the aim of this study was to investigate this issue. Knowledge about the heterogeneity of treatment effects is important for surgeons in order to target operations towards specific subgroups who would benefit the most. Methods. We used causal forest analysis to compare subgroup- and individual-level treatment effects between cemented and modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty in patients aged > 60 years with an intracapsular fracture of the hip, using data from the World Hip Trauma Evaluation 5 (WHiTE 5) multicentre randomized clinical trial. EuroQol five-dimension index scores were used to measure health-related quality of life at one, four, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. Our analysis revealed a complex landscape of responses to the use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty in the 12 months after surgery. There was heterogeneity of effects with regard to baseline characteristics, including age, pre-injury health status, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption. This heterogeneity was greater at the one-month mark than at subsequent follow-up timepoints, with particular regard to subgroups based on age. However, for all subgroups, the effect estimates for quality of life lay within the confidence intervals derived from the analysis of all patients. Conclusion. The use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty is expected to increase health-related quality of life compared with modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty for all subgroups of patients aged > 60 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):656–661

Aims. The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) was introduced in 1997 to address the needs of young active patients using a historically proven large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing. A single designer surgeon’s consecutive series of 130 patients (144 hips) was previously reported at five and ten years, reporting three and ten failures, respectively. The aim of this study was to extend the follow-up of this original cohort at 25 years. Methods. The study extends the reporting on the first consecutive 144 resurfacing procedures in 130 patients for all indications. All operations were undertaken between August 1997 and May 1998. The mean age at operation was 52.1 years (SD 9.93; 17 to 76), and included 37 female patients (28.5%). Failure was defined as revision of either component for any reason. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Routine follow-up with serum metal ion levels, radiographs, and Oxford Hip Scores (OHSs) was undertaken. Results. Overall implant survival was 83.50% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 0.90) at 25 years, and the number at risk was 79. Survival in male patients at 25 years was 89.5% (95% CI 0.83 to 0.96) compared to 66.9% for female patients (95% CI 0.51 to 0.83). Ten additional failures occurred in the period of ten to 25 years. These involved an adverse reaction to metal debris in four patients, a periprosthetic femoral neck fracture affecting five patients, and aseptic loosening in one patient. The median chromium levels were 49.50 nmol/l (interquartile range (IQR) 34 to 70), and the median cobalt serum levels were 42 nmol/l (IQR 24.50 to 71.25). The median OHS at last follow-up was 35 (IQR 10 to 48). During the 25-year study period, 29 patients died. Patient survival at 25 years was 75.10% (95% CI 0.67 to 0.83). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that MoM hip resurfacing using the BHR provides a durable alternative to total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly in younger male patients with osteoarthritis wishing to maintain a high level of function. These results compare favourably to the best results for THAs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(6):540–547

Industries such as agriculture, construction and military have stringent rules about hearing protection due to the risk of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Due to the use of power tools, orthopaedic staff may be at risk of the same condition. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have clear standards as to what is deemed acceptable occupational noise levels on an A-weighted and C weighted scale. This review is aimed to assess evidence on noise exposure testing within Orthopaedic theatres to see if it exceeds the HSE regulations. A targeted search of online databases PUBMED and EMBASE was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) principles. This review was registered prospectively in PROSPERO. An eligibility criterion identifying clinical studies which assessed noise exposure for Orthopaedic staff in theatres were included. Noise exposure data was extracted from these studies and a comparison was made with A weighted and C weighted acceptable exposure levels as quoted in the HSE regulations. Fourteen papers were deemed eligible, which reviewed 133 Orthopaedic operations and 64 Orthopaedic instruments. In total, 61% (81 of 132) of Orthopaedic operations and 70% (45 of 64) of instruments exceeded the noise regulations on an A weighted scale. 22% (10 of 46) of operations exceeded the maximum C weighted peak acceptable noise level. Orthopaedic instruments and operations can exceed safe occupational noise levels. NHS Trusts have clear policies about noise exposure in the workplace but have yet to identify Orthopaedic theatres as a potential at risk area. Orthopaedic staff need education, monitoring and protection whereas Employers and Occupational Health should consider assessments to identify at risk staff in Orthopaedic theatres and offer preventative methods from NIHL

Aims. The aim of this study was to understand the experience of mature patients who undergo a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), a major hip-preserving surgical procedure that treats symptomatic hip dysplasia by realigning the acetabulum. Our aim was to improve our understanding of how the operation affected the lives of patients and their families, with a long-term goal of improving their experience. Methods. We used a phenomenological approach with in-depth, semi-structured interviews to investigate the experience of seven female patients, aged between 25 and 40 years, who underwent a PAO. A modified homogeneity sampling approach coupled with criterion sampling was used. Inclusion criteria involved having at least one child at home and being in a committed relationship with a spouse or partner. Results. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed five major themes: feelings of frustration before having a treatment plan; fear of the operation; the importance of understanding the procedure in order to feel in control of their care; feelings of helplessness, dependence, and depression during recovery; and the need for support during recovery. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that both the physical and psychosocial burdens of undergoing a PAO are great, with a major impact on the patient and their family. Many important issues lie outside the scope of what healthcare teams currently address. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):781–785

Superior team performance in surgery leads to fewer technical errors, reduced mortality, and improved patient outcomes. Scrub nurses are a pivotal part of this team, however they have very little structured training, leading to high levels of stress, low confidence, inefficiency, and potential for harm. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) simulation has demonstrated excellent efficacy in training surgeons. We tested the efficacy of an iVR curriculum for training scrub nurses in performing their role in an anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (AA-THA). Sixty nursing students were included in this study and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to learning the scrub nurse role for an AA-THA using either conventional training or iVR. The training was derived through expert consensus with senior surgeons, scrub nurses and industry reps. Conventional training consisted of a 1-hour seminar and 2 hours of e-learning where participants were taught the equipment and sequence of steps. The iVR training involved 3 separate hour-long sessions where participants performed the scrub nurse role with an avatar surgeon in a virtual operation. The primary outcome was their performance in a physical world practical objective assessment with real equipment. Data were confirmed parametric using the Shapiro-Wilk test and means compared using the independent samples student's t-test. 53 participants successfully completed the study (26 iVR, 27 conventional) with a mean age of 31±9 years. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics or baseline knowledge test scores between the two groups (p>0.05). The iVR group significantly outperformed the conventionally trained group in the real-world assessment, scoring 66.9±17.9% vs 41.3±16.7%, p<0.0001. iVR is an easily accessible, low cost training modality which could be integrated into scrub nursing curricula to address the current shortfall in training. Prolonged operating times are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing serious complications. By upskilling scrub nurses, operations may proceed more efficiently which in turn may improve patient safety

The Posterior and Lateral approaches are most commonly used for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in the United Kingdom (UK). Fewer than 5% of UK surgeons routinely use the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA). DAA THA is increasing, particularly among surgeons who have learned the technique during overseas fellowships. Whether DAA offers long-term clinical benefit is unclear. We undertook a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected 10-year, multi-surgeon, multi-centre implant surveillance study data for matched cohorts of patients whose operations were undertaken by either the DAA or posterior approach. All operations were undertaken using uncemented femoral and acetabular components. The implants were different for the two surgical approaches. We report the pre-operative, and post operative six-month, two-year, five-year and 10-year Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and 10-year revision rates. 125 patients underwent DAA THA; these patients were matched against those undergoing the posterior approach through propensity score matching for age, gender and body mass index. The 10-year revision rate for DAA THA was 3.2% (4/125) and 2.4% (3/125) for posterior THA. The difference in revision rate was not statistically significant. Both DAA and Posterior THA pre-operative OHS were comparable at 19.85 and 19.12 respectively. At the six-month time point, there was an OHS improvement of 20.89 points for DAA and 18.82 points for Posterior THA and this was statistically significant (P-Value <0.001). At the two, five and 10-year time-points the OHS and OHS improvement from the pre-operative review were comparable. At the 10-year time point post-op the OHS for DAA THA was 42.63, 42.10 for posterior THA and the mean improvement from pre-op to 10-years post op was 22.78 and 22.98 respectively. There was no statistical difference when comparing the OHS or the OHS mean improvements at the two, five and 10-year point. Whilst there was greater improvement and statistical significance during the initial six month time period, as time went on there was no statistically significant difference between the outcome measures or revision rates for the two approaches

Aims. Although there are various pelvic osteotomies for acetabular dysplasia of the hip, shelf operations offer effective and minimally invasive osteotomy. Our study aimed to assess outcomes following modified Spitzy shelf acetabuloplasty. Methods. Between November 2000 and December 2016, we retrospectively evaluated 144 consecutive hip procedures in 122 patients a minimum of five years after undergoing modified Spitzy shelf acetabuloplasty for acetabular dysplasia including osteoarthritis (OA). Our follow-up rate was 92%. The mean age at time of surgery was 37 years (13 to 58), with a mean follow-up of 11 years (5 to 21). Advanced OA (Tönnis grade ≥ 2) was present preoperatively in 16 hips (11%). The preoperative lateral centre-edge angle ranged from -28° to 25°. Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, using conversions to total hip arthroplasty as the endpoint. Risk factors for joint space narrowing less than 2 mm were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results. The mean Merle d'Aubigné clinical score improved from 11.6 points (6 to 17) preoperatively to 15.9 points (12 to 18) at the last follow-up. The survival rates were 95% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 99) and 86% (95% CI 50 to 97) at ten and 15 years. Multivariate Cox regression identified three factors associated with radiological OA progression: age (hazard ratio (HR) 2.85, 95% CI 1.05 to 7.76; p = 0.0398), preoperative joint space (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.35 to 4.29; p = 0.0029), and preoperative OA (HR 8.34, 95% CI 0.94 to 73.77; p = 0.0466). Conclusion. Modified Spitzy shelf acetabuloplasty is an effective joint-preserving surgery with a wide range of potential indications. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):932–941

Aims. The Exeter V40 femoral stem is the most implanted stem in the National Joint Registry (NJR) for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). In 2004, the 44/00/125 stem was released for use in ‘cement-in-cement’ revision cases. It has, however, been used ‘off-label’ as a primary stem when patient anatomy requires a smaller stem with a 44 mm offset. We aimed to investigate survival of this implant in comparison to others in the range when used in primary THAs recorded in the NJR. Methods. We analyzed 328,737 primary THAs using the Exeter V40 stem, comprising 34.3% of the 958,869 from the start of the NJR to December 2018. Our exposure was the stem, and the outcome was all-cause construct revision. We stratified analyses into four groups: constructs using the 44/00/125 stem, those using the 44/0/150 stem, those including a 35.5/125 stem, and constructs using any other Exeter V40 stem. Results. In all 328,737 THAs using an Exeter V40 stem, the revision estimate was 2.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7 to 2.8). The 44/00/125 stem was implanted in 2,158 primary THAs, and the ten-year revision estimate was 4.9% (95% CI 3.6 to 6.8). Controlling for age, sex, year of operation, indication, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade demonstrated an increased overall hazard of revision for constructs using the 44/00/125 stem compared to constructs using other Exeter V40 femoral stems (hazard ratio 1.8 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.3)). Conclusion. Although the revision estimate is within the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ten-year benchmark, survivorship of constructs using the 44/00/125 stem appears to be lower than the rest of the range. Adjusted analyses will not take into account ‘confounding by indication’, e.g. patients with complex anatomy who may have a higher risk of revision. Surgeons and patients should be reassured but be aware of the observed increased revision estimate, and only use this stem when other implants are not suitable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):504–510

Aims. This study reports mid-term outcomes after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) exclusively in a borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) population to provide a contrast to published outcomes for arthroscopic surgery of the hip in BHD. Methods. We identified 42 hips in 40 patients treated between January 2009 and January 2016 with BHD defined as a lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) of ≥ 18° but < 25°. A minimum five-year follow-up was available. Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) including Tegner score, subjective hip value (SHV), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were assessed. The following morphological parameters were evaluated: LCEA, acetabular index (AI), α angle, Tönnis staging, acetabular retroversion, femoral version, femoroepiphyseal acetabular roof index (FEAR), iliocapsularis to rectus femoris ratio (IC/RF), and labral and ligamentum teres (LT) pathology. Results. The mean follow-up was 96 months (67 to 139). The SHV, mHHS, WOMAC, and Tegner scores significantly improved (p < 0.001) at last follow-up. According to SHV and mHHS, there were three hips (7%) with poor results (SHV < 70), three (7%) with a fair score (70 to 79), eight (19%) with good results (80 to 89), and 28 (67%) who scored excellent (> 90) at the last follow-up. There were 11 subsequent operations: nine implant removals due to local irritation, one resection of postoperative heterotopic ossification, and one hip arthroscopy for intra-articular adhesions. No hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty at last follow-up. The presence of preoperative labral lesions or LT lesions did not influence any PROMs at last follow-up. From the three hips that had poor PROMs, two have developed severe osteoarthritis (> Tönnis II), presumably due to surgical overcorrection (postoperative AI < -10°). Conclusion. PAO is reliable in treating BHD with favourable mid-term outcomes. Concomitant LT and labral lesions did not negatively influence outcomes in our cohort. Technical accuracy with avoidance of overcorrection is essential in achieving successful outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):735–742

Emerging evidence from different countries around the world is increasingly associating hip and knee replacements performed during the summer months with an increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI). We aimed to synthesise evidence on this phenomenon globally. A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE from inception until August 2021 for relevant original articles without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects models to estimate and compare the pooled odds ratio (OR) and the confidence interval (CI) of operations undertaken during the summer season as defined by study authors. Five studies from Canada, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA (n= 2) met the inclusion criteria. Data involving 1,589,207 primary hip and knee replacements, were included in the meta-analysis. There were 5985 superficial SSIs, out of total 420121 operations during the summer season, equating to a risk of 1.4%. During the other 3 seasons, there were 15364 Superficial SSIs out of 1169086 total operations, a risk of 1.3%. The pooled OR highlighted increased odds of developing superficial SSI for patients who underwent joint replacements during the summer months (OR 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.05 – 1.60, P < 0.0001); with evidence of significant heterogeneity. Our preliminary meta-analysis suggests a 29% increased chance of having an SSI if the joint replacement was performed in the summer months. A high degree of heterogeneity was evident which warrants further exploration. Given the concerning consequences of developing wound infections after joint replacements, these findings may have important implications for informing individual patient-surgeon preoperative consent, surgical planning, and guiding future research

Aims. In UK there are around 76,000 hip fractures occur each year 10% to 15% of which are undisplaced intracapsular. There is considerable debate whether internal fixation is the most appropriate treatment for undisplaced fractures in older patients. This study describes cannulated hip screws survivorship analysis for patients aged ≥ 60 years with undisplaced intra-capsular fractures. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients aged ≥ 60 years who had cannulated screws fixation for Garden I and II fractures in a teaching hospital between March 2013 and March 2016. The primary outcome was further same-side hip surgery. Descriptive statistics were used and Kaplan-Meier estimates calculated for implant survival. Results. A total of 114 operations were performed on 112 patients with a mean age of 80.2 years (SD 8.9). The 30-day and one-year mortality were 1% (n = 1) and 13% (n = 15), respectively. Median follow-up was 6.6 years (interquartile range 6.0 to 7.3). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a survivorship of 95% at one year and 90% at five years (95% confidence interval 84% to 95%) for cannulated screws. Nine patients underwent further hip surgery: four revision to total hip arthroplasty, one revision to hemiarthroplasty, three removals of screws, and one haematoma washout. Posterior tilt was assessable in 106 patients; subsequent surgery was required in two of the six patients identified with a posterior angle > 20° (p = 0.035 vs angle < 20°). Of the 100 patients with angle < 20°, five-year survivorship was 91%, with seven patients requiring further surgery. Conclusion. This study of cannulated hip screw fixation for undisplaced fractures in patients aged ≥ 60 years reveals a construct survivorship without further operation of 90% at five years. Cannulated screws can be considered a safe reliable treatment option for Garden I and II fractures. Caution should be taken if posterior tilt angle on lateral view exceeds 20°, due to a higher failure rate and reoperation, and considered for similar management to Garden III and IV injuries. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):182–188

The current evidence favors replacement for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in the older patients. Controversies remain whether total hip replacement (THR), or hemiarthroplasty (HA) would result in better outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes, and the complications in patients who underwent THR or HA for displaced femoral neck fractures. There were 345 consecutive patients who had undergone either a THR or HA at a single institution. THR was done in 137, and HA was done in 208 patients, respectively. Standard peri-operative data were collected. The mean values for the data in the THR group are: age 69 years, ASA 2.7, OR time was 99 minutes, estimated blood loss 354 ml, and the length of stay 8 days. The mean values for the data in the HA group are: age 75 years, ASA 3.0, OR time 88 minutes, estimated blood loss 200 ml, and the length of stay 10 days. The overall complications were 8.8% (THR), and 9.1% (HA), respectively. The mortality rates for the patients were: at the 1-year (9.5% THR vs 16.3% HA), at the 3-year (15.3% THR vs 24.0% HA), and at the 5-year (19.7% THR vs 26.9% HA), respectively. Our data demonstrated similar peri-operative data and short-term complications between the two groups. There was a difference in the mortality rates between the two groups at all 3-time intervals following the surgery. This could be a reflection of the patient selection bias for each of the operations