Aims. COVID-19 has compounded a growing waiting list problem, with over 4.5 million patients now waiting for planned elective care in the UK. Views of patients on waiting lists are rarely considered in prioritization. Our primary aim was to understand how to support patients on waiting lists by hearing their experiences, concerns, and expectations. The secondary aim was to capture objective change in disability and coping mechanisms. Methods. A minimum representative sample of 824 patients was required for quantitative analysis to provide a 3% margin of error. Sampling was stratified by body region (upper/lower limb, spine) and duration on the waiting list. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of elective orthopaedic waiting list patients with their planned intervention paused due to COVID-19. Analyzed parameters included baseline health, change in physical/mental health status, challenges and coping strategies, preferences/concerns regarding treatment, and objective quality of life (EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2)). Qualitative analysis was performed via the Normalization Process Theory. Results. A total of 888 patients responded. Better health, pain, and mood scores were reported by upper limb patients. The longest waiters reported better health but poorer mood and anxiety scores. Overall, 82% had tried self-help measures to ease symptoms; 94% wished to proceed with their intervention; and 21% were prepared to tolerate deferral. Qualitative analysis highlighted the overall patient mood to be represented by the terms ‘understandable’, ‘frustrated’, ‘pain’, ‘disappointed’, and ‘not happy/depressed’. COVID-19-mandated health and safety measures and technology solutions were felt to be implemented well. However, patients struggled with access to doctors and pain management, quality of life (physical and psychosocial) deterioration, and delay updates. Conclusion. This is the largest study to hear the views of this ‘hidden’ cohort. Our findings are widely relevant to ensure provision of better ongoing support and communication, mostly within the constraints of current resources. In response, we developed a reproducible local action plan to address highlighted issues. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):583–593

To examine whether Natural Language Processing (NLP) using a state-of-the-art clinically based Large Language Model (LLM) could predict patient selection for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), across a range of routinely available clinical text sources. Data pre-processing and analyses were conducted according to the Ai to Revolutionise the patient Care pathway in Hip and Knee arthroplasty (ARCHERY) project protocol (. https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/5/e37092/. ). Three types of deidentified Scottish regional clinical free text data were assessed: Referral letters, radiology reports and clinic letters. NLP algorithms were based on the GatorTron model, a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) based LLM trained on 82 billion words of de-identified clinical text. Three specific inference tasks were performed: assessment of the base GatorTron model, assessment after model-fine tuning, and external validation. There were 3911, 1621 and 1503 patient text documents included from the sources of referral letters, radiology reports and clinic letters respectively. All letter sources displayed significant class imbalance, with only 15.8%, 24.9%, and 5.9% of patients linked to the respective text source documentation having undergone surgery. Untrained model performance was poor, with F1 scores (harmonic mean of precision and recall) of 0.02, 0.38 and 0.09 respectively. This did however improve with model training, with mean scores (range) of 0.39 (0.31–0.47), 0.57 (0.48–0.63) and 0.32 (0.28–0.39) across the 5 folds of cross-validation. Performance deteriorated on external validation across all three groups but remained highest for the radiology report cohort. Even with further training on a large cohort of routinely collected free-text data a clinical LLM fails to adequately perform clinical inference in NLP tasks regarding identification of those selected to undergo THA. This likely relates to the complexity and heterogeneity of free-text information and the way that patients are determined to be surgical candidates

Aims. The survival of humeral hemiarthroplasties in patients with relatively intact glenoid cartilage could theoretically be extended by minimizing the associated postoperative glenoid erosion. Ceramic has gained attention as an alternative to metal as a material for hemiarthroplasties because of its superior tribological properties. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro wear performance of ceramic and metal humeral hemiarthroplasties on natural glenoids. Methods. Intact right cadaveric shoulders from donors aged between 50 and 65 years were assigned to a ceramic group (n = 8, four male cadavers) and a metal group (n = 9, four male cadavers). A dedicated shoulder wear simulator was used to simulate daily activity by replicating the relevant joint motion and loading profiles. During testing, the joint was kept lubricated with diluted calf serum at room temperature. Each test of wear was performed for 500,000 cycles at 1.2 Hz. At intervals of 125,000 cycles, micro-CT scans of each glenoid were taken to characterize and quantify glenoid wear by calculating the change in the thickness of its articular cartilage. Results. At the completion of the wear test, the total thickness of the cartilage had significantly decreased in both the ceramic and metal groups, by 27% (p = 0.019) and 29% (p = 0.008), respectively. However, the differences between the two were not significant (p = 0.606) and the patterns of wear in the specimens were unpredictable. No significant correlation was found between cartilage wear and various factors, including age, sex, the size of the humeral head, joint mismatch, the thickness of the native cartilage, and the surface roughness (all p > 0.05). Conclusion. Although ceramic has better tribological properties than metal, we did not find evidence that its use in hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder in patients with healthy cartilage is a better alternative than conventional metal humeral heads. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1273–1283

Disease modifying approaches are commonly applied in OA patients. An aging society with better life expectancies is increasing in Europe and the globe. Orthobiologics cover intraarticular hyaluronan injections and also cellular therapies. Cellular therapies range from platelet rich plasma (PRP) applications to exosomes. Short term follow-up of limited number of patients revealed favorable results in clinical cellular therapies. Most of these studies evaluated decrease of pain and increase in function. Recent basic science studies focused on the action mechanism of orthobiologic therapies however patient perspective is less studied. Our research team has recently performed a qualitative study on the patient perspective of hyaluronan injection of the knee joint. Findings of that study will be shared and future patient knowledge based options on orthobiologics will be discussed

Aims. Knowledge on total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in patients with a history of poliomyelitis is limited. This study compared implant survivorship and clinical outcomes among affected and unaffected limbs in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis undergoing TKAs. Methods. A retrospective review of our total joint registry identified 94 patients with post-polio syndrome undergoing 116 primary TKAs between January 2000 and December 2019. The mean age was 70 years (33 to 86) with 56% males (n = 65) and a mean BMI of 31 kg/m. 2. (18 to 49). Rotating hinge TKAs were used in 14 of 63 affected limbs (22%), but not in any of the 53 unaffected limbs. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analyses were completed. The mean follow-up was eight years (2 to 19). Results. The ten-year survivorship free from revision was 91% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81 to 100) in affected and 84% (95% CI 68 to 100) in unaffected limbs. There were six revisions in affected limbs: three for periprosthetic femoral fractures and one each for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), patellar clunk syndrome, and instability. Unaffected limbs were revised in four cases: two for instability and one each for PJI and tibial component loosening. The ten-year survivorship free from any reoperation was 86% (95% CI 75 to 97) and 80% (95% CI 64 to 99) in affected and unaffected limbs, respectively. There were three additional reoperations among affected and two in unaffected limbs. There were 12 nonoperative complications, including four periprosthetic fractures. Arthrofibrosis occurred in five affected (8%) and two unaffected limbs (4%). Postoperative range of motion decreased with 31% achieving less than 90° knee flexion by five years. Conclusion. TKAs in post-polio patients are complex cases associated with instability, and one in four require constraint on the affected side. Periprosthetic fracture was the main mode of failure. Arthrofibrosis rates were high and twice as frequent in affected limbs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):635–640

Aims. With up to 40% of patients having patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJ OA), the two arthroplasty options are to replace solely the patellofemoral joint via patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA), or the entire knee via total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to assess postoperative success of second-generation PFAs compared to TKAs for patients treated for PFJ OA using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and domains deemed important by patients following a patient and public involvement meeting. Methods. MEDLINE, EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL, and EBSCO were searched from inception to January 2022. Any study addressing surgical treatment of primary patellofemoral joint OA using second generation PFA and TKA in patients aged above 18 years with follow-up data of 30 days were included. Studies relating to OA secondary to trauma were excluded. ROB-2 and ROBINS-I bias tools were used. Results. A total of nine studies were included, made up of four randomized controlled trials (domain 1) and five cohort studies (domain 2). PROMs and knee function specific scores developed for reporting TKA were unable to detect any difference between PFA and TKA. There was no significant difference in complications between PFA and TKA. PFAs were found to have a better postoperative range of motion. Conclusion. TKA and PFA are both viable options for patients with primary PFJ OA. Over time, we have seen an emphasis on patient satisfaction and better quality of life. Recommending sacrificing healthy medial and lateral compartments to treat patellofemoral joint arthritis should be given further thought. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):948–956

Aims. Conventional patient-reported surveys, used for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), are limited by subjectivity and recall bias. Objective functional evaluation, such as gait analysis, to delineate a patient’s functional capacity and customize surgical interventions, may address these shortcomings. This systematic review endeavours to investigate the application of objective functional assessments in appraising individuals undergoing THA. Methods. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied. Eligible studies of THA patients that conducted at least one type of objective functional assessment both pre- and postoperatively were identified through Embase, Medline/PubMed, and Cochrane Central database-searching from inception to 15 September 2023. The assessments included were subgrouped for analysis: gait analysis, motion analysis, wearables, and strength tests. Results. A total of 130 studies using 15 distinct objective functional assessment methods (FAMs) were identified. The most frequently used method was instrumented gait/motion analysis, followed by the Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG), 6 minute walk test, timed stair climbing test, and various strength tests. These assessments were characterized by their diagnostic precision and applicability to daily activities. Wearables were frequently used, offering cost-effectiveness and remote monitoring benefits. However, their accuracy and potential discomfort for patients must be considered. Conclusion. The integration of objective functional assessments in THA presents promise as a progress-tracking modality for improving patient outcomes. Gait analysis and the TUG, along with advancing wearable sensor technology, have the potential to enhance patient care, surgical planning, and rehabilitation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):764–774

Patients' perspective and experience is heavily modulated by their understanding of their pre-operative disability along with their overall coping strategy and life philosophy. Given that evidence-based practice is relying on patient-reported outcomes more and more, the orthopaedic community must be diligent in differentiating patients that may have the same objective outcome but vary widely on a patient-reported subjective basis. In clinical practice, patient selection is often a sensitive, experience-based decision process that screens for catastrophization, recognizing that certain patients will not benefit from a simple surgery. It is well appreciated that patient's catastrophization can affect their subjective outcome but there is little reported literature on this abstract concept. The study set out to determine if post-operative outcomes correlated with pre-operative catastrophization scales. This current study set out to look at a cohort of complex consecutive foot and ankle cases and describe the relationship between Patient Catastrophizing Score (PCS) and multiple functional outcomes that are used commonly in foot and ankle specifically (SF-12 & FAOS). The PCS has three subcategory rumination, helplessness and magnification. A single institution undertook recruitment in consecutive patients within three surgeon's practice. In the end, 46 patients were found to be eligible in the study with an average age of 54.72 ± 14.41 years-old, a majority female 30 / 46 (65.22%), a minority employed at the pre-operative visit 19/46 (41%) and with an average BMI of 26.2 ± 5.56. We found that the mental component of the SF12 had a statistically significant negative effect with the rumination score (r=−1.03) (p = 0.01) and the helplessness score (r=−1.05) (0.001). There was no statistically significant effect for the physical component of the SF-12. Looking at the FAOS Pain component, it correlated was significantly with the PCS rumination (Multivariate : r= −7.6 (p=0.002) Univariate: r=−2 (0.03)) and helplessness (Multivariate : r=−6.73 (p=0.01) Univariate: r=−1.5 (p=0.03)). Otherwise the FAOS ADL component showed correlation as well with the PCS rumination (Multivariate: r=−4.67 (p=0.02) Univariate : r=−1.85 (p=0.01)), helplessness (Multivariate r=−5.89 (p = 0.01) Univariate r=−1.81 (p = 0.001)) and total score (Multivariate : r=3.74 (p=0.02) Univariate r=−0.75 (p=0.01)). The FAOS Quality of life component was statistically significant for the rumination score (Univariate r=−11.59) (p < 0.05) and the helplessness score (Univariate r=−9.65) (p = 0.002) also the PCS total (Univariate r=8.54) (p = 0.0003). As layed out in our hypothesis, this study did show an association between an increase patient catastrophizing score pre-operatively and a worse outcome in the following scores: Mental component of SF12, FAOS Pain, FAOS ADL and FAOS Quality of life components. This is an association and no causality can be proven within the limits of this current pilot study, but remains alarming. In elective surgeries, catastrophization should be screened for using the PCS form and potentially modulated pre-operatively with the help of allied health therapist while a patient is on the waitlist

In the field of hand surgery, physicians are working to improve patient satisfaction by offering several minor procedures in the physician's office via the WALANT method. We seek to investigate the degree of patient satisfaction, out of pocket cost, convenience and comfort experienced with in-office hand procedures. A ten question survey consisting of a ten-point Likert scale of agreement and questions asking for a numerical answer was administered via phone call to 33 patients treated with minor hand operations in the office setting in the United States. There were 18 male and 15 female respondents with an average age of 65.59±12.64 years. Respondents underwent procedures including trigger finger release (18), needle aponeurotomy (7), and other minor hand operations. Survey responses indicated strong agreement with questions 1-3 and 6–8, with responses averaging 9.60±0.23 in these positive metrics. Questions 4 and 5, which asked whether the surgery and recovery period were painful, respectively, averaged 2.65±0.49, indicating a mild level of disagreement that either was “painful”. Additionally, most patients responded that they did not take time off work (12) or are not currently employed (11). Other respondents (3) reported taking between one to five days off work post-operatively. 27 respondents also reported an out of pocket cost averaging $382±$976, depending on insurance coverage. Patients reported a small degree of pain in the operative and post-operative period, a high degree of comfort and convenience and a high degree of satisfaction. Likewise, the patient-reported out of pocket cost was far lower than comparable surgical costs in alternate settings. These results support the use of in-office procedures for minor hand surgeries from a patient perspective and indicate a nearly universal intent to repeat any future hand operations in the office setting

Aims. This study aimed to investigate patients’ attitudes towards day-case hip and knee arthroplasty and to describe patient characteristics associated with different attitudes, with the purpose of providing an insight into the information requirements for patients that surgeons should address when informing patients about day-case surgery. Methods. A total of 5,322 patients scheduled for hip or knee arthroplasty between 2016 and 2022 were included in the study. Preoperatively, patients were asked if they were interested in day-case surgery (‘Yes’, ‘Do not know’, ‘No’). Patient demographics including age, BMI, sex, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) were examined within each attitude group. Additionally, changes in attitude were assessed among patients who had completed the questionnaire in association with prior hip or knee arthroplasty. Results. Of the surveyed patients, 41.8% were interested in day-case surgery (n = 2,222), 20.8% responded ‘Do not know’ (n = 1,105), and 37.5% were not interested (n = 1,995). Patients who were not interested had a higher mean age (‘No’, 70.2 years (SD 10.0) vs ‘Yes’, 65.2 years (SD 10.7)), with a majority being female (‘No’, 71.9% female (n = 1,434) vs ‘Yes’, 48.6% female (n = 1,081)). Approximately 20% of patients responded ‘Do not know’ regardless of age, sex, and PROMs. Patients reporting anxiety/depression based on EQ-5D-3L more frequently answered ‘No’ (56.9%; 66/116) compared to those not experiencing anxiety/depression (34.9%; 1,356/3,890). Among patients who responded ‘Do not know’ before their first surgery, over 70% changed their attitude to either ‘Yes’ (29.9%; 38/127) or ‘No’ (40.9%; 52/127) at their subsequent surgery. Conclusion. From 2016 to 2022, 58.3% of hip and knee arthroplasty patients expressed uncertainty or no interest in day-case surgery. In connection with current initiatives to increase the number of day-case arthroplasty procedures, there should be a focus on informing patients to address the prevalent negative or uncertain attitude. Further research is needed to investigate what preoperative information patients consider crucial in their decision-making process regarding day-case surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):3–9

Aims. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) demonstrates the most feared complication after total joint replacement (TJR). The current work analyzes the demographic, comorbidity, and complication profiles of all patients who had in-hospital treatment due to PJI. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the in-hospital mortality of patients with PJI and analyze possible risk factors in terms of secondary diagnosis, diagnostic procedures, and complications. Methods. In a retrospective, cross-sectional study design, we gathered all patients with PJI (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 code: T84.5) and resulting in-hospital treatment in Germany between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2022. Data were provided by the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System in Germany. Demographic data, in-hospital deaths, need for intensive care therapy, secondary diagnosis, complications, and use of diagnostic instruments were assessed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for in-hospital mortality were calculated. Results. A total of 52,286 patients were included, of whom 1,804 (3.5%) died. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, the most frequent comorbidities, were not associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Cardiac diseases as atrial fibrillation, cardiac pacemaker, or three-vessel coronary heart disease showed the highest risk for in-hospital mortality. Postoperative anaemia occurred in two-thirds of patients and showed an increased in-hospital mortality (OR 1.72; p < 0.001). Severe complications, such as organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), or septic shock syndrome showed by far the highest association with in-hospital mortality (OR 39.20; 95% CI 33.07 to 46.46; p < 0.001). Conclusion. These findings highlight the menace coming from PJI. It can culminate in multi-organ failure, SIRS, or septic shock syndrome, along with very high rates of in-hospital mortality, thereby highlighting the vulnerability of these patients. Particular attention should be paid to patients with cardiac comorbidities such as atrial fibrillation or three-vessel coronary heart disease. Risk factors should be optimized preoperatively, anticoagulant therapy stopped and restarted on time, and sufficient patient blood management should be emphasized. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):367–373

Aims. The aims of this study were to assess quality of life after hip fractures, to characterize respondents to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and to describe the recovery trajectory of hip fracture patients. Methods. Data on 35,206 hip fractures (2014 to 2018; 67.2% female) in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register were linked to data from the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway. PROMs data were collected using the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) scoring instrument and living patients were invited to respond at four, 12, and 36 months post fracture. Multiple imputation procedures were performed as a model to substitute missing PROM data. Differences in response rates between categories of covariates were analyzed using chi-squared test statistics. The association between patient and socioeconomic characteristics and the reported EQ-5D-3L scores was analyzed using linear regression. Results. The median age was 83 years (interquartile range 76 to 90), and 3,561 (10%) lived in a healthcare facility. Observed mean pre-fracture EQ-5D-3L index score was 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.803 to 0.810), which decreased to 0.66 at four months, to 0.70 at 12 months, and to 0.73 at 36 months. In the imputed datasets, the reduction from pre-fracture was similar (0.15 points) but an improvement up to 36 months was modest (0.01 to 0.03 points). Patients with higher age, male sex, severe comorbidity, cognitive impairment, lower income, lower education, and those in residential care facilities had a lower proportion of respondents, and systematically reported a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The response pattern of patients influenced scores significantly, and the highest scores are found in patients reporting scores at all observation times. Conclusion. Hip fracture leads to a persistent reduction in measured HRQoL, up to 36 months. The patients’ health and socioeconomic status were associated with the proportion of patients returning PROM data for analysis, and affected the results reported. Observed EQ-5D-3L scores are affected by attrition and selection bias mechanisms and motivate the use of statistical modelling for adjustment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):394–400

Aims. Despite numerous studies focusing on periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), there are no robust data on the risk factors and timing of metachronous infections. Metachronous PJIs are PJIs that can arise in the same or other artificial joints after a period of time, in patients who have previously had PJI. Methods. Between January 2010 and December 2018, 661 patients with multiple joint prostheses in situ were treated for PJI at our institution. Of these, 73 patients (11%) developed a metachronous PJI (periprosthetic infection in patients who have previously had PJI in another joint, after a lag period) after a mean time interval of 49.5 months (SD 30.24; 7 to 82.9). To identify patient-related risk factors for a metachronous PJI, the following parameters were analyzed: sex; age; BMI; and pre-existing comorbidity. Metachronous infections were divided into three groups: Group 1, metachronous infections in ipsilateral joints; Group 2, metachronous infections of the contralateral lower limb; and Group 3, metachronous infections of the lower and upper limb. Results. We identified a total of 73 metachronous PJIs: 32 PJIs in Group 1, 38 in Group 2, and one in Group 3. The rate of metachronous infection was 11% (73 out 661 cases) at a mean of four years following first infection. Diabetes mellitus incidence was found significantly more frequently in the metachronous infection group than in non-metachronous infection group. The rate of infection in Group 1 (21.1%) was significantly higher (p = 0.049) compared to Groups 2 (6.2%) and 3 (3%). The time interval of metachronous infection development was shorter in adjacent joint infections. Concordance between the bacterium of the first PJI and that of the metachronous PJI in Group 1 (21/34) was significantly higher than Group 2 (13/38; p = 0.001). Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that metachronous PJI occurs in more than one in ten patients with an index PJI. Female patients, diabetic patients, and patients with a polymicrobial index PJI are at significantly higher risk for developing a metachronous PJI. Furthermore, metachronous PJIs are significantly more likely to occur in an adjacent joint (e.g. ipsilateral hip and knee) as opposed to a more remote site (i.e. contralateral or upper vs lower limb). Additionally, adjacent joint PJIs occur significantly earlier and are more likely to be caused by the same bacteria as the index PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):294–300

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with five-year cancer-related mortality in patients with limb and trunk soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) and develop and validate machine learning algorithms in order to predict five-year cancer-related mortality in these patients. Methods. Demographic, clinicopathological, and treatment variables of limb and trunk STS patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database from 2004 to 2017 were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors significantly associated with five-year cancer-related mortality. Various machine learning models were developed and compared using area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and decision curve analysis. The model that performed best on the SEER testing data was further assessed to determine the variables most important in its predictive capacity. This model was externally validated using our institutional dataset. Results. A total of 13,646 patients with STS from the SEER database were included, of whom 35.9% experienced five-year cancer-related mortality. The random forest model performed the best overall and identified tumour size as the most important variable when predicting mortality in patients with STS, followed by M stage, histological subtype, age, and surgical excision. Each variable was significant in logistic regression. External validation yielded an AUC of 0.752. Conclusion. This study identified clinically important variables associated with five-year cancer-related mortality in patients with limb and trunk STS, and developed a predictive model that demonstrated good accuracy and predictability. Orthopaedic oncologists may use these findings to further risk-stratify their patients and recommend an optimal course of treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):702–710

Aims. Contemporary outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in patients with inflammatory arthritis have not been well studied. This study examined the implant survivorship, complications, radiological results, and clinical outcomes of THA in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Methods. We identified 418 hips (350 patients) with a primary diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis who underwent primary THA with HXLPE liners from January 2000 to December 2017. Of these hips, 68% had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 286), 13% ankylosing spondylitis (n = 53), 7% juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (n = 29), 6% psoriatic arthritis (n = 24), 5% systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 23), and 1% scleroderma (n = 3). Mean age was 58 years (SD 14.8), 66.3% were female (n = 277), and mean BMI was 29 kg/m. 2. (SD 7). Uncemented femoral components were used in 77% of cases (n = 320). Uncemented acetabular components were used in all patients. Competing risk analysis was used accounting for death. Mean follow-up was 4.5 years (2 to 18). Results. The ten-year cumulative incidence of any revision was 3%, and was highest in psoriatic arthritis patients (16%). The most common indications for the 15 revisions were dislocations (n = 8) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI; n = 4, all on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)). The ten-year cumulative incidence of reoperation was 6.1%, with the most common indications being wound infections (six cases, four on DMARDs) and postoperative periprosthetic femur fractures (two cases, both uncemented femoral components). The ten-year cumulative incidence of complications not requiring reoperation was 13.1%, with the most common being intraoperative periprosthetic femur fracture (15 cases, 14 uncemented femoral components; p = 0.13). Radiological evidence of early femoral component subsidence was observed in six cases (all uncemented). Only one femoral component ultimately developed aseptic loosening. Harris Hip Scores substantially improved (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Contemporary primary THAs with HXLPE in patients with inflammatory arthritis had excellent survivorship and good functional outcomes regardless of fixation method. Dislocation, PJI, and periprosthetic fracture were the most common complications in this cohort with inflammatory arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):768–774

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity had a detrimental effect on the long-term performance and survival of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs). Methods. This study reviewed prospectively collected functional outcome scores and revision rates of all medial UKA patients with recorded BMI performed in Christchurch, New Zealand, from January 2011 to September 2021. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were the primary outcome of this study, with all-cause revision rate analyzed as a secondary outcome. PROMs were taken preoperatively, at six months, one year, five years, and ten years postoperatively. There were 873 patients who had functional scores recorded at five years and 164 patients had scores recorded at ten years. Further sub-group analysis was performed based on the patient’s BMI. Revision data were available through the New Zealand Joint Registry for 2,323 UKAs performed during this time period. Results. Obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m. 2. ) were 3.1 years younger than non-obese patients (BMI < 30 kg/m. 2. ) at the time of surgery (mean age of obese patients 65.5 years (SD 9.7) and mean age of non-obese patients 68.6 years (SD 10.1)). Preoperatively, obese patients tended to have significantly lower functional scores than non-obese patients, which continued at five and ten years postoperatively. At these timepoints, obese patients had significantly lower scores for most PROMs measured compared to non-obese patients. However, there was no significant difference in the improvement of any of these scores after surgery between obese and non-obese patients. There was no significant difference in revision rates between obese and non-obese patients at any time. All-cause revision rate for obese patients was 0.73 per 100 observed component years compared to 0.67 in non-obese patients at ten years. There was also no significant difference in the aseptic loosening rate between groups. Conclusion. Our study supports the use of UKAs in obese patients, with similar benefit and survival compared to non-obese patients at ten years

Aims. Understanding of open fracture management is skewed due to reliance on small-number lower limb, specialist unit reports and large, unfocused registry data collections. To address this, we carried out the Open Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study, and report the demographic details and the initial steps of care for patients admitted with open fractures in the UK. Methods. Any patient admitted to hospital with an open fracture between 1 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 was included, excluding phalanges and isolated hand injuries. Institutional information governance approval was obtained at the lead site and all data entered using Research Electronic Data Capture. Demographic details, injury, fracture classification, and patient dispersal were detailed. Results. In total, 1,175 patients (median age 47 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 65), 61.0% male (n = 717)) were admitted across 51 sites. A total of 546 patients (47.1%) were employed, 5.4% (n = 63) were diabetic, and 28.8% (n = 335) were smokers. In total, 29.0% of patients (n = 341) had more than one injury and 4.8% (n = 56) had two or more open fractures, while 51.3% of fractures (n = 637) occurred in the lower leg. Fractures sustained in vehicle incidents and collisions are common (38.8%; n = 455) and typically seen in younger patients. A simple fall (35.0%; n = 410) is common in older people. Overall, 69.8% (n = 786) of patients were admitted directly to an orthoplastic centre, 23.0% (n = 259) were transferred to an orthoplastic centre after initial management elsewhere, and 7.2% were managed outwith specialist units (n = 81). Conclusion. This study describes the epidemiology of open fractures in the UK. For a decade, orthopaedic surgeons have been practicing in a guideline-driven, network system without understanding the patient features, injury characteristics, or dispersal processes of the wider population. This work will inform care pathways as the UK looks to the future of trauma networks and guidelines, and how to optimize care for patients with open fractures. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):746–752

Aims. Shoulder arthroplasty is effective in the management of end-stage glenohumeral joint arthritis. However, it is major surgery and patients must balance multiple factors when considering the procedure. An understanding of patients’ decision-making processes may facilitate greater support of those considering shoulder arthroplasty and inform the outcomes of future research. Methods. Participants were recruited from waiting lists of three consultant upper limb surgeons across two NHS hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants who were awaiting elective shoulder arthroplasty. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Systematic coding was performed; initial codes were categorized and further developed into summary narratives through a process of discussion and refinement. Data collection and analyses continued until thematic saturation was reached. Results. Two overall categories emerged: the motivations to consider surgery, and the information participants used to inform their decision-making. Motivations were, broadly, the relief of pain and the opportunity to get on with life and regain independence. When participants’ symptoms and restrictions prevented them enjoying life to a sufficient extent, this provided the motivation to proceed with surgery. Younger participants tended to focus on maintaining employment and recreational activities, and older patients were eager to make the most of their remaining lifetime. Participants gathered information from a range of sources and were keen to optimize their recovery where possible. An important factor for participants was whether they trusted their surgeon and were prepared to delegate responsibility for elements of their care. Conclusion. Relief of pain and the opportunity to get on with life were the primary reasons to undergo shoulder arthroplasty. Participants highlighted the importance of the patient-surgeon relationship and the need for accurate information in an accessible format which is relevant to people of different ages and functional demands. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(7):543–549

Aims. Deprivation underpins many societal and health inequalities. COVID-19 has exacerbated these disparities, with access to planned care falling greatest in the most deprived areas of the UK during 2020. This study aimed to identify the impact of deprivation on patients on growing waiting lists for planned care. Methods. Questionnaires were sent to orthopaedic waiting list patients at the start of the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown to capture key quantitative and qualitative aspects of patients’ health. A total of 888 respondents were divided into quintiles, with sampling stratified based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD); level 1 represented the ‘most deprived’ cohort and level 5 the ‘least deprived’. Results. The least deprived cohort were older (mean 65.95 years (SD 13.33)) than the most deprived (mean 59.48 years (SD 13.85)). Mean symptom duration was lower in the least deprived areas (68.59 months (SD 112.26)) compared to the most deprived (85.85 months (SD 122.50)). Mean pain visual analogue scores (VAS) were poorer in the most compared to the least deprived cohort (7.11 (SD 2.01) vs 5.99 (SD 2.57)), with mean mood scores also poorer (6.06 (SD 2.65) vs 4.71 (SD 2.78)). The most deprived areas exhibited lower mean quality of life (QoL) scores than the least (0.37 (SD 0.30) vs 0.53 (SD 0.31)). QoL findings correlated with health VAS and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD2) scores, with the most deprived areas experiencing poorer health (health VAS 50.82 (SD 26.42) vs 57.29 (SD 24.19); GAD2: 2.94 (SD 2.35) vs 1.88 (SD 2.07)). Least-deprived patients had the highest self-reported activity levels and lowest sedentary cohort, with the converse true for patients from the most deprived areas. Conclusion. The most deprived patients experience poorer physical and mental health, with this most adversely impacted by lengthy waiting list delays. Interventions to address inequalities should focus on prioritizing the most deprived. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):777–785

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the patterns of symptoms and insufficiency fractures in patients with tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) to allow the early diagnosis of this rare condition. Methods. The study included 33 patients with TIO who were treated between January 2000 and June 2022. The causative tumour was detected in all patients. We investigated the symptoms and evaluated the radiological patterns of insufficiency fractures of the rib, spine, and limbs. Results. The mean age of the patients was 57 years (24 to 87), and the mean duration of pain from onset to time of presentation was 3.9 years (0.75 to 23). The primary symptoms were low back pain (ten patients), chest wall pain (eight patients), and hip pain (eight patients). There were symptoms at more sites at the time of presentation compared with that at the time of the onset of symptoms. Bone scans showed the uptake of tracer in the rib (100%), thoracic and lumbar vertebrae (83%), proximal femur (62%), distal femur (66%), and proximal tibia (72%). Plain radiographs or MRI scans identified femoral neck fractures in 14 patients, subchondral insufficiency fractures of the femoral head and knee in ten and six patients, respectively, distal femoral fractures in nine patients, and proximal tibial fractures in 12 patients. Thoracic or lumbar vertebral fractures were identified in 23 of 29 patients (79.3%) when using any imaging study, and a biconcave deformity was the most common type of fracture. Conclusion. Insufficiency fractures in patients with TIO caused spinal pain, chest wall pain, and periarticular pain in the lower limbs. Vertebral fractures tended to be biconcave deformities, and periarticular fractures of the hips and knees included subchondral insufficiency fractures and epiphyseal or metaphyseal fractures. In patients with a tumour, the presence of one or more of these symptoms and an insufficiency fracture should suggest the diagnosis of TIO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):568–574