Aims. Occult (clinical) injuries represent 15% of all scaphoid fractures, posing significant challenges to the clinician. MRI has been suggested as the gold standard for diagnosis, but remains expensive, time-consuming, and is in high demand. Conventional management with immobilization and serial radiography typically results in multiple follow-up attendances to clinic, radiation exposure, and delays return to work. Suboptimal management can result in significant disability and, frequently, litigation. Methods. We present a service evaluation report following the introduction of a quality-improvement themed, streamlined, clinical scaphoid pathway. Patients are offered a removable wrist splint with verbal and written instructions to remove it two weeks following injury, for self-assessment. The persistence of pain is the patient’s guide to ‘opt-in’ and to self-refer for a follow-up appointment with a senior emergency physician. On confirmation of ongoing signs of clinical scaphoid injury, an urgent outpatient ‘fast’-wrist protocol MRI scan is ordered, with instructions to maintain wrist immobilization. Patients with positive scan results are referred for specialist orthopaedic assessment via a virtual fracture clinic. Results. From February 2018 to January 2019, there were 442 patients diagnosed as clinical scaphoid fractures. 122 patients (28%) self-referred back to the emergency department at two weeks. Following clinical review, 53 patients were discharged; MRI was booked for 69 patients (16%). Overall, six patients (< 2% of total; 10% of those scanned) had positive scans for a scaphoid fracture. There were no known missed fractures, long-term non-unions or malunions resulting from this pathway. Costs were saved by avoiding face-to-face clinical review and MRI scanning. Conclusion. A patient-focused opt-in approach is safe and effective to managing the suspected occult (clinical) scaphoid fracture. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):117–122

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients. Methods. A total of 1,047 limb osteomyelitis patients aged 18 years or older who underwent debridement and intraoperative culture at our clinic centre from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were included. Patient characteristics, infection eradication, and complications were analyzed between culture-negative and culture-positive cohorts. Results. Of these patients, 264 (25.2%) had negative cultures. Patients with a culture-negative compared with a culture-positive status were more likely to have the following characteristics: younger age (≤ 40 years) (113/264 (42.8%) vs 257/783 (32.8%); p = 0.004), a haematogenous aetiology (75/264 (28.4%) vs 150/783 (19.2%); p = 0.002), Cierny-Mader host A (79/264 (29.9%) vs 142/783 (18.1%); p < 0.001), antibiotic use before sampling (34/264 (12.9%) vs 41/783 (5.2%); p＜0.001), fewer taken samples (n＜3) (48/264 (18.2%) vs 60/783 (7.7%); p＜0.001), and less frequent presentation with a sinus (156/264 (59.1%) vs 665/783 (84.9%); p < 0.001). After initial treatments of first-debridement and antimicrobial, infection eradication was inferior in culture-positive osteomyelitis patients, with a 2.24-fold increase (odds ratio 2.24 (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 3.52)) in the redebridement rate following multivariate analysis. No statistically significant differences were found in long-term recurrence and complications within the two-year follow-up. Conclusion. We identified several factors being associated with the culture-negative result in osteomyelitis patients. In addition, the data also indicate that culture negativity is a positive prognostic factor in early infection eradication. These results constitute the basis of optimizing clinical management and patient consultations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):720–727

Aims. To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) after tibial plateau fracture (TPF) compared to preinjury and population matched values, and what aspects of treatment were most important to patients. Methods. We undertook a retrospective, case-control study of 67 patients at mean 3.5 years (SD 1.3; 1.3 to 6.1) after TPF (47 patients underwent fixation, and 20 nonoperative management). Patients completed EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, Lower Limb Function Scale (LEFS), and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) for current and recalled prefracture status. Propensity score matching for age, sex, and deprivation in a 1:5 ratio was performed using patient level data from the Health Survey for England to obtain a control group for HRQoL comparison. The primary outcome was the difference in actual (TPF cohort) and expected (matched control) EQ-5D-3L score after TPF. Results. TPF patients had a significantly worse EQ-5D-3L utility (mean difference (MD) 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.16; p < 0.001) following their injury compared to matched controls, and had a significant deterioration (MD 0.140, 95% CI 0 to 0.309; p < 0.001) relative to their preoperative status. TPF patients had significantly greater pre-fracture EQ-5D-3L scores compared to controls (p = 0.003), specifically in mobility and pain/discomfort domains. A decline in EQ-5D-3L greater than the minimal important change of 0.105 was present in 36/67 TPF patients (53.7%). Following TPF, OKS (MD -7; interquartile range (IQR) -1 to -15) and LEFS (MD -10; IQR -2 to -26) declined significantly (p < 0.001) from pre-fracture levels. Of the 12 elements of fracture care assessed, the most important to patients were getting back to their own home, having a stable knee, and returning to normal function. Conclusion. TPFs in older adults were associated with a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL compared to preinjury level and age, sex, and deprivation matched controls for both undisplaced fractures managed nonoperatively and displaced or unstable fractures managed with internal fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):273–282

Introduction. Chronic ankle instability is a common condition that can be effectively treated with arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament reconstruction to restore ankle stability and function. The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of arthroscopic lateral ligament reconstruction using the MOXFQ, VAS, and EQ5D patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods. This prospective series included 38 patients who underwent arthroscopic lateral ligament reconstruction for chronic ankle instability between December 2019 and April 2022. All patients completed the MOXFQ, VAS, and EQ5D PROMs preoperatively, as well as at6, and 12 months postoperatively. The MOXFQ is a disease-specific PROM that assesses foot and ankle function, while the VAS measures pain and the EQ5D evaluates health-related quality of life. Results. At the 12-month follow-up, the mean MOXFQ Index score had improved significantly from 53.3 ± 23.1 preoperatively to 16.0 ±21.1 (p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean VAS score had improved from 36.2 ± 22.4 preoperatively to 14.7 ± 15.0 (p < 0.001), and the meanEQ5D score had improved from 0.55 ± 0.26 preoperatively to 0.87 ± 0.12 (p < 0.001). No major complications were observed. Conclusion. Arthroscopic lateral ligament reconstruction is an effective treatment for chronic ankle instability, with significant improvements in clinical and health-related quality of life outcomes

Aims. We assessed the value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in the prediction of adverse outcome after hip fracture. Methods. Of 1,577 consecutive patients aged > 65 years with a fragility hip fracture admitted to one institution, for whom there were complete data, 1,255 (72%) were studied. Clinicians assigned CFS scores on admission. Audit personnel routinely prospectively completed the Standardised Audit of Hip Fracture in Europe form, including the following outcomes: 30-day survival; in-hospital complications; length of acute hospital stay; and new institutionalization. The relationship between the CFS scores and outcomes was examined graphically and the visual interpretations were tested statistically. The predictive values of the CFS and Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) to predict 30-day mortality were compared using receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Results. Significant non-linear associations between CFS and outcomes were observed. Risk of death within 30 days rose linearly for CFS 1 to 5, but plateaued for CFS > 5. The incidence of complications and length of stay rose linearly for CFS 1 to 4, but plateaued for CFS > 4. In contrast, the risk of new institutionalization rose linearly for CFS 1 to 8. The AUCs for 30-day mortality for the CFS and NHFS were very similar: CFS AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.69) and NHFS AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.69). Conclusion. Use of the CFS may provide useful information on outcomes for fitter patients presenting with hip fracture, but completion of the CFS by the admitting orthopaedic team does not appear successful in distinguishing between higher CFS categories, which define patients with frailty. This makes a strong case for the role of the orthogeriatrician in the early assessment of these patients. Further work is needed to understand why patients assessed as being of mild, moderate, and severe frailty do not result in different outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):980–986

Aims. The modified Radiological Union Scale for Tibia (mRUST) fractures score was developed in order to assess progress to union and define a numerical assessment of fracture healing of metadiaphyseal fractures. This score has been shown to be valuable in predicting radiological union; however, there is no information on the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this index for various cut-off scores. The aim of this study is to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and cut-off points of the mRUST score for the diagnosis of metadiaphyseal fractures healing. Methods. A cohort of 146 distal femur fractures were retrospectively identified at our institution. After excluding AO/OTA type B fractures, nonunions, follow-up less than 12 weeks, and patients aged less than 16 years, 104 sets of radiographs were included for analysis. Anteroposterior and lateral femur radiographs at six weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and final follow-up were separately scored by three surgeons using the mRUST score. The sensitivity and specificity of mean mRUST score were calculated using clinical and further radiological findings as a gold standard for ultimate fracture healing. A receiver operating characteristic curve was also performed to determine the cut-off points at each time point. Results. The mean mRUST score of ten at 24 weeks revealed a 91.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 92.6% accuracy of predicting ultimate fracture healing. A cut-off point of 13 points revealed 41.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 46.9% accuracy at the same time point. Conclusion. The mRUST score of ten points at 24 weeks can be used as a viable screening method with the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for healing of metadiaphyseal femur fractures. However, the cut-off point of 13 increases the specificity to 100%, but decreases sensitivity. Furthermore, the mRUST score should not be used at six weeks, as results show an inability to accurately predict eventual fracture healing at this time point. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):796–805

Introduction

It has been contentious whether an anatomic double-bundle technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)is superior to that of a single-bundle technique. It has been hypothesized in the literature that the double-bundle technique could provide function closer to that of the anatomical knee joint. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes after single-bundle ACLR versus double-bundle ACLR. We hypothesized that the double-bundle technique would not be superior to the single-bundle technique.

The primary aim was to assess whether patients waiting 6-months or more for a total hip (THA) or knee (KA) arthroplasty had a deterioration in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary aims were to assess change in level of frailty and the number living in a state worse than death (WTD). Eight-six patients waiting for a primary TKA or KA for more than 6-months were selected at random from waiting lists in three centres. Patient demographics, waiting time, EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scores (EQ-VAS), Rockwood clinical frailty score (CFS) and SF-36 subjective change in HRQoL were recorded at the time of and for a timepoint 6-months prior to assessment. The study was powered to the EQ-5D (primary measure of HRQoL). There were 40 male and 46 female patients with a mean age of 68 (33 to 91) years; 65 patients were awaiting a THA and 21 a TKA. The mean waiting time was 372 (226 to 749) days. The EQ-5D index deteriorated by 0.222 (95%CI 0.164 to 0.280, p<0.001). The EQ-VAS also deteriorated by 10.8 (95%CI 7.5 to 14.0, p<0.001). CFS progressed from a median of 3 to 4 (p<0.001). The number of patients WTD increased from seven to 22 (p<0.001). Thirty-one(36%) patients felt their HRQoL was much worse and 28 (33%) felt it was somewhat worse. Patients waiting more than 6-months had a clinically significant deterioration in their HRQoL and demonstrated increasing level of frailty with more than a quarter living in a health state WTD

This international multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to assess: 1) prevalence of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients, 2) effect on mortality, and 3) clinical factors associated mortality among COVID-19-positive patients. A collaboration among 112 centres in 14 nations collected data on all patients with a hip fracture between 1st March-31st May 2020. Patient, injury and surgical factors were recorded, and outcome measures included admission duration, COVID-19 and 30-day mortality status. There were 7090 patients and 651 (9.2%) were COVID-19-positive. COVID-19 was independently associated with male sex (p=0.001), residential care (p<0.001), inpatient fall (p=0.003), cancer (p=0.009), ASA grade 4–5 (p=0.008; p<0.001), and longer admission (p<0.001). Patients with COVID-19 had a significantly lower chance of 30-day survival versus those without (72.7% versus 92.6%, p<0.001), and COVID-19 was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality risk (p<0.001). Increasing age (p=0.028), male sex (p<0.001), renal (p=0.017) and pulmonary disease (p=0·039) were independently associated with higher 30-day mortality risk in patients with COVID-19 when adjusting for confounders. The prevalence of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients was 9% and was independently associated with a three-fold increased 30-day mortality risk. Clinical factors associated with mortality among COVID-19-positive hip fracture patients were identified for the first time. This is the largest study, and the only global cohort, reporting on the effect of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients. The findings provide a benchmark against which to determine vaccine efficacy in this vulnerable population and are especially important in the context of incomplete vaccination programmes and the emergence of vaccine-resistant strains

Aims. To clarify the effectiveness of the induced membrane technique (IMT) using beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for reconstruction of segmental bone defects by evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes, and the effect of defect size and operated site on surgical outcomes. Methods. A review of the medical records was conducted of consecutive 35 lower limbs (30 males and five females; median age 46 years (interquartile range (IQR) 40 to 61)) treated with IMT using β-TCP between 2014 and 2018. Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS) was examined preoperatively and at final follow-up to clarify patient-centered outcomes. Bone healing was assessed radiologically, and time from the second stage to bone healing was also evaluated. Patients were divided into ≥ 50 mm and < 50 mm defect groups and into femoral reconstruction, tibial reconstruction, and ankle arthrodesis groups. Results. There were ten and 25 defects in the femur and tibia, respectively. Median LEFS improved significantly from 8 (IQR 1.5 to 19.3) preoperatively to 63.5 (IQR 57 to 73.3) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Bone healing was achieved in all limbs, and median time from the second stage to bone healing was six months (IQR 5 to 10). Median time to bone healing, preoperative LEFS, or postoperative LEFS did not differ significantly between the defect size groups or among the treatment groups. Conclusion. IMT using β-TCP provided satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes for segmental bone defects in the lower limbs; surgical outcomes were not influenced by bone defect size or operated part. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):456–461

The number of clinical negligence claims in the UK is constantly increasing. As a specialty, trauma and orthopaedic surgery has one of the highest numbers of negligence claims. 1. This study analyses NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) claims in trauma and orthopaedics between 2004 and 2014. . A formal request was made to the NHSLA under the Freedom of Information Act in order to obtain all data related to claims against orthopaedic surgery. It was found that the number of claims, and percentage of successful claims, has been constantly increasing over this period, with compensation paid of over £349 million.* Errors in clinical management accounted for the highest number of closed claims (2933 claims), costing over £119 million.*. The level of compensation paid out has a significant financial impact on the NHS. Reforms need to be made in order to tackle the high cost of legal fees generated by these claims, which further drain the limited resources available to the NHS

Aims. There is a lack of long-term data for minimally invasive acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair. Furthermore, it is not clear if good early clinical results can be maintained over time. The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of minimally invasive AC joint reconstruction (MINAR) and compare it to corresponding short-term data. Methods. We assessed patients with a follow-up of at least five years after minimally invasive flip-button repair for high-grade AC joint dislocation. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant score and a questionnaire. Ultrasound determined the coracoclavicular (CC) distance. Results of the current follow-up were compared to the short-term results of the same cohort. Results. A total of 50 patients (three females, 47 males) were successfully followed up for a minimum of five years. The mean follow-up was 7.7 years (63 months to 132 months). The overall Constant score was 94.4 points (54 to 100) versus 97.7 points (83 to 100) for the contralateral side showing a significant difference for the operated shoulder (p = 0.013) The mean difference in the CC distance between the operated and the contralateral shoulder was 3.7 mm (0.2 to 7.8; p = 0.010). In total, 16% (n = 8) of patients showed recurrent instability. All these cases were performed within the first 16 months after introduction of this technique. A total of 84% (n = 42) of the patients were able to return to their previous occupations and sport activities. Comparison of short-term and long-term results revealed no significant difference for the Constant Score (p = 0.348) and the CC distance (p = 0.974). Conclusion. The clinical outcome of MINAR is good to excellent after long-term follow-up and no significant differences were found compared to short-term results. We therefore suggest this is a reliable technique for surgical treatment of high-grade AC joint dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):918–924

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic medication commonly used to reduce peri-operative bleeding. Increasingly, topical administration as an intra-articular injection or peri-operative wash is being administered at concentrations between 10–100mg/ml. This study investigated effects of TXA on human periarticular tissues and primary cell cultures using clinically relevant concentrations. Tendon, synovium and cartilage obtained from routine orthopaedic surgeries were used ex vivo or cultured for in vitro studies using various concentrations of TXA. They were stained with 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide and imaged using confocal microscopy to identify the proportion of live and dead cells. The in vitro effect of TXA on primary cultured tenocytes, synovial like fibroblast (FLS) cells and chondrocytes was investigated using cell viability assays (MTT), fluorescent microscopy and multi-protein apoptotic arrays for cell death. There was significant (p<0.01) increase in cell death in all tissue treated with 100mg/ml TXA, ex vivo. MTT assays revealed significant (p<0.05) decrease in cell viability following treatment with 50 or 100mg/ml of TXA within 4 hours of all cell types cultured in vitro. Additionally, there was significant (p<0.05) increase in cell apoptosis detected by fluorescent microscopy within 1 hour of exposure to TXA. Furthermore, multi-protein apoptotic arrays detected increased apoptotic proteins within 1 hour of TXA treatment in tenocytes and FLS cells. Our study provides evidence of TXA cytotoxicity to human peri-articular tissues ex vivo and in vitro at concentrations and durations of treatment routinely used in clinical environments. Clinicians should therefore show caution when considering use of topical TXA administration

Introduction. Distal tibial fractures are notoriously difficult to treat and a lack of consensus remains on the best approach. This study examined clinical and functional outcomes in such patients treated definitively by circular external fixation (Ilizarov). Patients and Methods: Between July 2011 and May 2016, patients with fractures extending to within 1 muller square of the ankle were identified from our prospective Ilizarov database. Existing data was supplemented by review of clinical records. Fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA classification. Functional outcome data, including general measures of health related quality of life (SF-12 and Euroqol) and limb specific scores (Olerud and Molander Score and Lysholm scores) had been routinely collected for part of the study period. Patients in whom this had not been collected were asked to complete these by post. Adverse events were documented according to Paley's classification of: problems, obstacles and complications. Results. 142 patients with 143 fractures were identified, 40 (28%) were open, 94 (66%) were intra-articular, 85 (59%) were tertiary referrals. 32% were type 1, 28%, type 2 and 40% type 3 AO/OTA severity. 139 (97%) of the fractures united (2 non-unions, 1 amputation and 2 delayed unions who remain in frames), at a median of 165 days (range 104 to 429, IQR 136 to 201). 62% united by 6 months, 87% by 9 months and 94% by 1 year. Both non-unions have united with further treatment. Closed fractures united more rapidly than open (median 157 vs 185 days; p=0.003) and true Pilon (43C3) fractures took longer to unite other fractures (median 156 vs 190 days; p<0.001). 34% of patients encountered a problem, 12% an obstacle and 10% a complication. Of the complications, 6 (4%) were minor, 5 (3.5%) major not interfering with the goals of treatment and 4 (3%) major interfering with treatment goals (including the 2 patients with non-union and 1 who underwent amputation as well as 1 significant mal-union). This will increase to 4% if the 2 delayed unions fail to unite. Overall 56% reported good or excellent ankle scores at last report, 28% fair and 16% poor. Closed, extra-articular and non-43C3 fractures had better functional outcome scores than open, intra-articular and 43C3 fractures respectively. Conclusions. This study demonstrates a high union and low serious complication rate, suggesting that external ring fixation is a safe and effective treatment for these injuries. *Judged best paper*

The aim of our study was to compare the clinical versus radiological diagnosis of patients suffering from a Morton's neuroma. Clinical assessments and pre operative radiological imaging of patients who underwent operative procedures for an excision of a Morton's neuroma were retrospectively compared. This review included 43 excised Morton's neuromas from 36 different patients over a period of 68 months, performed by one surgical team. The commonest clinical symptoms were those of pain or tingling on the plantar aspect of the affected webspace on direct palpation (100%), pain of weight bearing (91%) which was relieved by rest (81%) and pain on stretching the toes (79%). The most sensitive clinical sign was a Mulder's click. Our results showed that clinical assessment was the most sensitive method of diagnosing these neuromas (98%). All of our patients had at least one mode of radiological investigation. Ultrasonography was the commonest requested single imaging modality in our series. It was found to have a sensitivity of 90% (28/31). This imaging technique has the disadvantage of being operator dependant, as highlighted by the fact that one of our patients had a correct radiological diagnosis after a repeat ultrasound to the affected area was requested. Magnetic Resonance Image scan is a more expensive technique as it has the advantage of producing static reproducible images. As a single imaging modality, it was found to have a sensitivity of 92% (12/13) in our series. 3 patients had both imaging modalities; initial ultrasound failed to convincingly diagnose a neuroma in 2 cases and in the other case, the initial MRI did not show any pathology. In all these cases, the repeat imaging techniques confirmed the clinical diagnosis. We conclude that there is no absolute requirement for ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging in patients who clinically are suspected to have a Morton's neuroma, as the clinical examination was found to be the most sensitive method of diagnosis. We suggest that the two main indications for performing some form of imaging is (a) an unclear clinical assessment and (b) cases when more than one webspace appears to be affected. An ultrasound of the webspaces should be the radiological investigation of choice, followed by a magnetic resonance scanning if any uncertainty still remains

Introduction. Acetabular labral pathology is now recognized as a more common injury than previously thought. With cost constraints of MRI and invasiveness of MRI arthrogram, physical examination remains essential for diagnosis. Most tests for labral pathology are currently done in the supine position. We have developed the “twist test,” which is done with the patient standing and can evaluate the patient in functional, weight bearing position. The purpose of this study is to describe the twist test and compare its reliability to MRI arthrogram. Material and methods. Between June 2009 and August 2010, the twist test was performed on all patients presenting to our clinic with complaint of hip pain. 371 patients had the twist test performed. Of these, 247 had an MRI arthrogram (MRA) of the affected hip. The twist test results were compared with MRA findings. A labral tear, degeneration, fraying and paralabral cyst were considered as a positive MRA. The twist test is done with the patient facing the examiner, toes pointing forward. The patient bends their knees to 30 degrees and performs a windshield wiper like action with maximal excursion to the left and right. If the patient tolerates this, then the patient first gets on the unaffected leg, again with the knee bent at 30 degrees, and “does the twist” one-legged, with the examiner holding their hands gently for balance. The test is then repeated on the affected hip. A positive test is groin pain on the affected hip, apprehension with performing the test on the affected hip, or gross range of motion deficits on the affected hip compared with the unaffected side. Results. Among 160 patients with positive twist test, 154 patients had positive MRA and 6 had negative MRA. Among 87 patients with negative twist test, 72 had positive MRA and 15 had negative MRA. In comparison with MRA, the sensitivity and specificity of twist test for labral injury were 68.14% and 71.5% respectively. Positive predictive value (precision) of twist test for diagnosis of labral lesion was 96.25% and the accuracy was 68.4%. Conclusions. Physical examination tests for hip pathology are an important screening tool. Current tests include the McCarthy test and the impingement test. We introduce a new test for hip labral pathology, which is done standing. In our study, the twist test had a high positive predictive value (96.25%), so this test can be beneficial for ruling out labral pathology. An added benefit is that this test is quick to perform, so it could be incorporated into a general sports physical screening examination

Aim. to compare the medium term clinical and functional results of total hip arthroplasty after intertrochanteric osteotomy and primary total hip replacement. Material and methods. We compared 2 groups of patients: Group I-93 patients with total hip arthroplasty after intertrochanteric osteotomy and Group II-93 patients with primary total hip arthroplasty. The patients in the control group (Group II) were randomly chosen from the cases operated by the same surgical team using the same kind of implant like those in Group I. The osteotomies were of different types: medial displacement (27), varisation(19), valgisation (18), flexion(25), rotational (4). The demographic parameters were similar in the 2 groups. Technical intraoperative challenges were noted. The Harris Score was determined at 12 months and 3 years after surgery. Clinical and radiological check-ups were performed each year. The duration of each surgical procedure was recorded. Complications were noted during the entire follow-up. The mean follow-up was 77 months. Results. The average time interval between osteotomy and total hip replacement was 76 months. The average Harris Score (HHS) at 1 year after surgery was 88 in Group I and 93 in Group II. At 3 years, the average values of HHS were 85 in the first group and 92 in the second. After an average follow-up of 6 years, 6 patients in group I (6,45%) required revision arthroplasty, while in the second group this procedure was not necessary. The indication of revision was loosening of the femoral component in 4 cases and of both components in 2 cases. The duration of a total hip arthroplasty after an ostheotomy was almost two times longer than a primary total hip replacement. In most cases, the surgical procedure implicated removal of a blade plate or others fixation devices, reaming of the femur, osteotomies of the greater trochanter, reverse osteotomies of the intertrochanteric region and the use of special design (thin or curved) femoral stems. In group I, intraoperative complications included fractures of the femoral diaphysis, fractures of the greater trochanter, false passage for the femoral component and malposition of the femoral stem. Postoperative complications consist in dislocations, early loosening, heterotopical ossifications, wound sepsis, etc. Conclusions. Total hip arthroplasties after intertrochanteric osteotomies have clinical results a little bit inferior of those of primary total hip replacements, but the difference is not significative. The survival rate of prosthesis implanted after intertrochanteric osteotomies at 6 years is significantly inferior. Both the intraoperative and postoperative complications rates are far superior of those of the primary arthroplasties

Aims. Our aim, using English Hospital Episode Statistics data before during and after the Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT), was to assess whether the results of the trial affected clinical practice. Patients and Methods. Data were grouped into six month intervals from July 2005 to December 2014. All patient episodes in the National Health Service involving emergency surgery for an isolated distal radial fracture were included. Results. Clinical practice in England had not changed in the five years before DRAFFT: 75% of patients were treated with plate fixation versus 12% with Kirschner (K)-wires. After the publication of the trial, the proportion of patients having K-wire fixation rose to 42% with a concurrent fall in the proportion having fixation with a plate to 48%. The proportion of ‘other’ procedures stayed the same. Take home message. It appears that surgeons in the United Kingdom do change their practice in response to large, pragmatic, multicentre clinical trials in musculoskeletal trauma. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:410–13

There is an ongoing revolution in the use of data within orthopaedics and medicine in general, with an imperative for surgeons to be involved from the bottom up and better define the data collection culture. The use of registries plays a major role in the development of “big data” in orthopaedics. There are multiple examples that are already set up and running, both those inspired and set up by clinicians or those where the main stakeholders may lay people, with some input from clinicians. The British Limb Reconstruction society is no exception, with registries for lengthening nails and pilon fractures due to roll out imminently. The BLRS has tasked this years BOA clinical leadership fellow to investigate the current state of registries among the specialist orthopaedic societies. In particular, comparison of the already well established registries and national audits with the development of registry projects in the smaller societies. The issues of funding, consent, infrastructure and governance each infer particular challenges when translating the methods of the larger registries to the needs and resources of a smaller group. We have aimed to consider these challenges in relation to the set-up of the BLRS registries in order to better understand the potential future pitfalls and opportunities

The previous bioabsorbable plates have had several issues with regard to clinical usage for fractures. The aims of this study were to demonstrate the clinical results of novel bioabsorbable plates made of hydroxyapatite/poly-L-lactide and titanium plates for metacarpal fractures and to compare mechanical properties of them in a fracture model. The subjects were 33 metacarpal diaphyseal fractures of 27 consecutive patients treated with bioabsorbable plates. The mean age was 35.8 (17–78), 22 male and 5 female was included. The mean follow up period was 7.4months (2–14). All cases achieved bone union, and there were no complication especially for aseptic swelling etc. Furthermore, we compared the mechanical properties of bioabsorbable and titanium plates. There were no significant differences in 6 month postoperative clinical results including total range of active motion and % of the contralateral grip strength between patients receiving bioabsorbable and titanium plates. The bending strength and stiffness of one-third tubular bioabsorbable plate constructs were comparable with those of titanium plates for 1.5mm screws, and those of semi-tubular bioabsorbable plates were comparable with those of titanium plates for 2.0mm screws. The torsional strength of semi-tubular bioabsorbable plates was significantly greater than that of titanium plates for 2.0mm screws