Aims. The aim of this study was to report a retrospective, consecutive series of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated with posterior minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with a mean follow-up of two years (. sd. 1.4; 0.9 to 0 3.7). Our objectives were to measure the correction of the deformity and record the peri-operative morbidity. Special attention was paid to the operating time (ORT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS) and further complications. Patients and Methods. We prospectively collected the data of 70 consecutive patients with AIS treated with MIS using three incisions and a muscle-splitting approach by a single surgeon between June 2013 and February 2016 and these were retrospectively reviewed. There were eight male and 62 female patients with a mean age of 15 years (. sd. 4.5 ) with a mean body mass index of 19.8 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 5.4). The curves were classified according to Lenke; 40 curves were type 1, 15 were type 2, three were type 3, two were type 4, eight were type 5 and two were type 6. Results. The mean primary Cobb angle was corrected from 58.9° (. sd. 12.6°) pre-operatively to 17.7° (. sd.  10.2°) post-operatively with a mean correction of 69% (. sd. 20%, p < 0.001). The mean kyphosis at T5 to T12 increased from 24.2° (. sd. 12.2°) pre-operatively to 30.1° (. sd. 9.6°, p < 0.001) post-operatively. Peri-operative (30 days) complications occurred in three patients(4.2%): one subcutaneous haematoma, one deep venous thrombosis and one pulmonary complication. Five additional complications occurred in five patients (7.1%): one superficial wound infection, one suture granuloma and three delayed deep surgical site infections. The mean ORT was 337.1 mins (. sd. 121.3); the mean EBL was 345.7 ml (. sd. 175.1) and the mean LOS was 4.6 days (. sd. 0.8). Conclusion. The use of MIS for patients with AIS results in a significant correction of spinal deformity in both the frontal and sagittal planes, with a low EBL and a short LOS. The rate of peri-operative complications compares well with that following a routine open technique. The longer term safety and benefit of MIS in these patients needs to be evaluated with further follow-up of a larger cohort of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1651–7

Debate surrounds the optimum operative treatment of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs) at the level of well fixed femoral components; lateral locking plate fixation (LLP-ORIF) or distal femoral replacement (DFR). To determine which attributed the least peri-operative morbidity and mortality we performed a retrospective cohort study of 60 consecutive unilateral PDFFs of Su types II (40/60) and III (20/60) in patients ≥60 years; 33 underwent LLP-ORIF and 27 underwent DFR. The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications and functional mobility status. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox multivariable regression analysis identified risk factors for reoperation after LLP-ORIF. Mean length of follow-up was 3.8 years (range 1.0–10.4). One-year mortality was 13% (8/60). Reoperation rate was significantly higher following LLP-ORIF: 7/33 vs 0/27, p=0.008. For the endpoint reoperation, five-year survival was better following DFR: 100% compared to 70.8% (51.8 to 89.8 95%CI) (p=0.006). For the endpoint mechanical failure (including radiographic loosening) there was no difference at 5 years: ORIF 74.5% (56.3 to 92.7); DFR 78.2% (52.3 to 100), p=0.182). Reoperation following LLP-ORIF was independently associated with medial comminution: HR 10.7 (1.45 to 79.5, p=0.020). Anatomic reduction was protective against reoperation: HR 0.11(0.013 to 0.96, p=0.046). When inadequately fixed fractures were excluded differences in survival were no longer significant: reoperation (p=0.156); mechanical failure (p=0.453). Reoperation rates are higher following LLP-ORIF of low PDFFs compared to DFR. Where adequate reduction, proximal fixation and augmentation of medial comminution is used there is no difference in survival between LLP-ORIF and DFR

Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, comparing differences in clinical outcomes between either autologous or synthetic bone grafts in the operative management of tibial plateau fractures: a traumatic pattern of injury, associated with poor long-term functional prognosis. A structured search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Bone & Joint and CENTRAL databases from inception until 07/28/2021 was performed. Randomised, controlled, clinical trials that compared autologous and synthetic bone grafts in tibial plateau fractures were included. Preclinical studies, clinical studies in paediatric patients, pathological fractures, fracture non-union or chondral defects were excluded. Outcome data was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) framework and synthesised in random-effect meta-analysis. Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidance was followed throughout. Six comparable studies involving 352 patients were identified from 3,078 records. Following ROB2 assessment, five studies (337 patients) were eligible for meta-analysis. Within these studies, more complex tibia plateau fracture patterns (Schatzker IV-VI) were predominant. Primary outcomes showed non-significant reductions in articular depression at immediate postoperative (mean difference −0.45mm, p=0.25, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): −1.21-0.31mm, I. 2. =0%) and long-term (>6 months, standard mean difference −0.56, p=0.09, 95%CI: −1.20-0.08, I. 2. =73%) follow-up in synthetic bone grafts. Secondary outcomes included mechanical alignment, limb functionality, defect site pain, occurrence of surgical site infections, secondary surgery, perioperative blood loss, and duration of surgery. Blood loss was lower (90.08ml, p<0.001, 95%CI: 41.49-138.67ml, I. 2. =0%) and surgery was shorter (16.17minutes, p=0.04, 95%CI: 0.39-31.94minutes, I. 2. =63%) in synthetic treatment groups. All other secondary measures were statistically comparable. Our findings supersede previous literature, demonstrating that synthetic bone grafts are non-inferior to autologous bone grafts, despite their perceived disadvantages (e.g. being biologically inert). In conclusion, surgeons should consider synthetic bone grafts when optimising peri-operative patient morbidity, particularly in complex tibial plateau fractures, where this work is most applicable

We describe 13 patients with cerebral palsy and lordoscoliosis/hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine who underwent a posterior spinal fusion at a mean age of 14.5 years (10.8 to 17.4) to improve sitting posture and relieve pain. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years (2.2 to 6.2). The mean pre-operative lumbar lordosis was 108. °. (80 to 150. °. ) and was corrected to 62. °. (43. °.  to 85. °. ); the mean thoracic kyphosis from 17. °. (-23. °. to 35. °. ) to 47. °. (25. °. to 65. °. ); the mean scoliosis from 82. °. (0. °. to 125. °. ) to 22. °. (0. °. to 40. °. ); the mean pelvic obliquity from 21. °. (0. °. to 38. °. ) to 3. °. (0. °. to 15. °. ); the mean sacral slope from 79. °. (54. °. to 90. °. ) to 50. °. (31. °. to 66. °. ). The mean pre-operative coronal imbalance was 5 cm (0 cm to 8.9 cm) and was corrected to 0.6 cm (0 to 3.2). The mean sagittal imbalance of -8 cm (-16 cm to 7.8 cm) was corrected to -1.6 cm (-4 cm to 2.5 cm). The mean operating time was 250 minutes (180 to 360 minutes) and intra-operative blood loss 0.8 of estimated blood volume (0.3 to 2 estimated blood volume). The mean intensive care and hospital stay were 3.5 days (2 to 8) and 14.5 days (10 to 27), respectively. Three patients lost a significant amount of blood intra-operatively and subsequently developed chest or urinary infections and superior mesenteric artery syndrome. An increased pre-operative lumbar lordosis and sacral slope were associated with increased peri-operative morbidity: scoliosis and pelvic obliquity were not. A reduced lumbar lordosis and increased thoracic kyphosis correlated with better global sagittal balance at follow-up. All patients and their parents reported excellent surgical outcomes. Lordoscoliosis and hyperlordosis are associated with significant morbidity in quadriplegic patients. They are rare deformities and their treatment is challenging. Sagittal imbalance is the major component: it can be corrected by posterior fusion of the spine with excellent functional results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:800–6

Systemic emboli released during total knee replacement have been implicated as a cause of peri-operative morbidity and neurological dysfunction. We undertook a prospective, double-blind, randomised study to compare the cardiac embolic load sustained during computer-assisted and conventional, intramedullary-aligned, total knee replacement, as measured by transoesophageal echocardiography. There were 26 consecutive procedures performed by a single surgeon at a single hospital. The embolic load was scored using the modified Mayo grading system for echogenic emboli. Fourteen patients undergoing computer-assisted total knee replacement had a mean embolic score of 4.89 (3 to 7) and 12 undergoing conventional total knee replacement had a mean embolic score of 6.15 (4 to 8) on release of the tourniquet. Comparison of the groups using a two-tailed t-test confirmed a highly significant difference (p = 0.004). This study demonstrates that computer-assisted knee replacement results in the release of significantly fewer systemic emboli than the conventional procedure using intramedullary alignment

Bilateral one stage total knee replacement (TKR) has a number of advantages. There is one operative procedure and anesthetic and overall recovery time is significantly reduced. It is a more cost-effective procedure in that acute hospital stay is less and although rehabilitation time is greater in the short term, overall it is less. Additionally, if there is a bilateral flexion contracture present there is an inevitable loss of extension if a single knee is operated upon as this knee will assume the position of the unoperated knee. Patients greatly prefer having both knees corrected at one operative setting rather than having to have the inconvenience and pain associated with a second operative procedure at three to six months after the first one. There are potential disadvantages to a one stage procedure. One concern has been that there is more peri-operative morbidity associated with one stage bilateral total knee replacement. In a review of 501 patients undergoing bilateral one stage total knee replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) there were no peri-operative deaths, myocardial infarctions or cerebrovascular accidents. There were arrhythmias present in 5% of patients. Fat emboli were present in 3% and 2 patients (0.4%) had pulmonary emboli. The average transfusion requirement was 2.6 units and allogeneic blood was required in 42%. There were 2 deep infections, 3 hematomas and 5 patients with delayed wound healing There was an increased incidence of major complications in patients with ASA classification 3 and with increasing age over 70 years. New data indicates peri-operative administration of hydrocortisone may mitigate lung injury as demonstrated by reduction in cytokine and desmosine levels in a randomised trial. There was also a trend toward less need for narcotic medication and better range of motion in the steroid treated group. Patient selection is important and all patients are screened pre-operatively by an internist and anesthesiologist. In over 3000 bilateral TKRs at HSS infection rate and mortality were lower than in the unilateral total knee replacement patients. Much of this is due to patient selection criteria. All patients underwent the procedure with epidural anesthesia with post-operative epidural PCA for 48 hours. All patients are discharged on warfarin and spend the operative night in the recovery room. The procedure has acceptable morbidity and great advantage in properly selected patients

Obesity is clearly a worldwide epidemic with significant social, health care and economic implications. A clear association between obesity and the need for both hip and knee replacement surgery has been demonstrated. Specifically the presence of class 3 obesity (BMI > 40) increases the incidence of THA by 8.5 times and the incidence of TKA by 32.7 times, compared with patients of normal weight. Issues related to TJA in the morbidly obese include:. Outcomes - There is a growing body of evidence to support the premise that patients undergoing either THA or TKA who are morbidly obese derive significant benefit from the surgical intervention. Specifically patient and disease specific outcome measures (WOMAC, SF-12, KSCRS, HSS) demonstrate equal change between pre-operative and post-operative scores in those patients of normal weight compared to the morbidly obese cohort. Complications - It would appear that the rate of deep infection is increased in the morbidly obese, and that the greater the BMI, the greater the risk of infection. This is important to understand and appreciate pre-operatively as the surgeon discusses the risk/benefit ratio of the operative intervention. There is little debate that performing total joint arthroplasty in the morbidly obese is technically challenging and that the potential for increased peri-operative morbidity, particularly in the form of infection is present. That being said, the realised benefit to the patient of the surgical intervention is significant, and denying surgery on the basis of obesity alone is not justified

Bilateral one stage total knee replacement has a number of advantages. There is one operative procedure and anesthetic and overall recovery time is significantly reduced. It is a more cost effective procedure in that acute hospital stay is less and although rehabilitation time is greater in the short term overall it is less. Additionally if there is a bilateral flexion contracture present there is an inevitable loss of extension if a single knee is operated upon as this knee will assume the position of the unoperated knee. Patients greatly prefer having both knees corrected at one operative setting rather than having to have the inconvenience and pain associated with a second operative procedure at three to six months after the first one. There are potential disadvantages to a one stage procedure. One concern has been that there is more peri-operative morbidity associated with one stage bilateral total knee replacement. In a review of 501 patients undergoing bilateral one stage total knee replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery there were no peri-operative deaths, myocardial infarctions or cerebrovascular accidents. There were arrhythmias present in 5% of patients. Fat emboli were present in 3% and 2 patients (0.4%) had pulmonary emboli. The average transfusion requirement was 2.6 units and allogeneic blood was required in 42%. There were 2 deep infections, 3 hematomas and 5 patients with delayed wound healing. There was an increased incidence of major complications in patients with ASA classification 3 and with increasing age over 70 years. New data indicates peri-operative administration of hydrocortisone my mitigate lung injury as demonstrated by reduction in cytokine and desmosine levels in a randomised trial. There was also a trend toward less need for narcotic medication and better range of motion in the steroid treated group. Patient selection is important and all patients are screened pre-operatively by an internist and anesthesiologist. In over 3000 bilateral TKR at HSS infection rate and mortality were lower than in the unilateral total knee replacement patients. Much of this has is due to patient selection criteria. All patients underwent the procedure with epidural anesthesia with post-operative epidural PCA for 48 hours. All patients are discharged on warfarin and spend the operative night in the recovery room. The procedure has acceptable morbidity and great advantage in properly selected patients

In the early days of total hip arthroplasty, the discussion of surgical approaches centered on issues related to obtaining optimum exposure for accurate insertion and fixation of implants and appropriate restoration of hip kinematics. More recently, attention has been directed to those aspects of exposure that appear to be associated with rapid recovery, shorter lengths of stay, less pain and minimal gait disturbance. The role of less invasive (“MIS”) exposures in achieving these outcomes has been sharply and extensively debated. Currently, the Direct Anterior Approach is being used by an increasing number of surgeons to address these outcomes. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the relationship of total hip surgical approaches to peri-operative morbidity, rate of functional recovery, length of hospital stay and ultimate lower extremity function. Many factors affect the quality and rate of recovery from THA surgery. These include: 1) patient characteristics; 2) implant type; 3) surgical exposure and technique; and 4) peri-operative management. Numerous reports suggest that patient selection and effective peri-operative management have the greatest impact on the rate of recovery. The quality of the arthroplasty outcome is related to the accuracy with which the procedure is performed, regardless of the surgical approach used. Available evidence strongly suggests that the quality of the surgical technique used to perform a THA is a much more important determinant of outcome than the surgical approach used

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to know the peri-operative morbidity, clinical and radiographical outcomes of conversion THA from failed transtrochanter rotational osteotomy (TRO). Patients and methods. From 2003 January to 2009 January, there were 18 hips(18 patients) who underwent conversion THA from TRO for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) (Group I). The mean duration from TRO to conversion THA was 2.6 years. We made a matched control group of 18 primary THA for ONFH (Group II) and we evaluated perioperative morbidity and complications in each group. For the clinical evaluation, we checked Harris hip score (HHS) and WOMAC score. For the radiographical evaluation, we evaluated implant position, stability and osteolysis. Results. There was no significant differences in operation time, blood loss, hospital stay between two groups. In clinical results, there was no significant difference in postoperative HHS (p=0.986), but there was significant difference in postoperative WOMAC score. There was more significant postoperative internal rotation limitation in the Group II (p<0.001). In radiographical evaluation, there was no significant difference between two groups, except the preoperative leg length discrepancy (p=0.015). Conclusion. According to our study, there was no significant difference between conversion THA after TRO and primary THA in terms of perioperative morbidity and radiographical out come. But primary THA showed better postoperative internal rotation and better WOMAC score than conversion THA after previous TRO for ONFH

Introduction:. Circumferential arthrodesis of the spine may be achieved by posterior-only or anterior and posterior surgery. Posterior-based interbody fusions have significant limitations including unreliable improvement of segmental lordosis and variable rates of post-operative radiculopathy. Combined anterior and posterior surgery introduces significant cost and peri-operative morbidity. The purpose of this paper is to report the radiographic and clinical outcomes of posterior-based circumferential arthrodesis using a novel expandable interbody cage. Methods:. A prospective pilot clinical trial with one year follow-up of the only expandable cage approved by the FDA for interbody application. Clinical outcomes measured include ODI and VAS for back and leg. Radiographic outcomes include arthrodesis rates based upon CT scan. Statistical significance for change in health status was calculated using Student's t-test. Results:. 10 consecutive patients (11 levels) with lumbar degenerative pathology underwent circumferential arthrodesis with a transforaminal interbody approach. 10 of 11 levels were fused based upon CT scan. ODI scores improved a median of 37 to 20 at 6 months and 17 at one year (p = 0.0003). The VAS for back and leg pain likewise from 6 to 2 at 12 months (p = −.003). No patient reported an increase in leg pain from pre-op to post-op. One patient with a 2-level fusion had a non-union at 1 level requiring revision surgery. Conclusion:. Circumferential arthrodesis with a TLIF approach is an important technique for the management of lumbar degenerative pathology. The experience with a novel expandable TLIF cage demonstrates excellent results based upon clinical outcome and fusion rates. The expandable interbody cage allows in-situ height increase which is useful for optimizing clinical and radiographic outcomes in TLIF surgery

Bilateral one-stage total knee replacement has a number of advantages. There is one operative procedure and anesthetic and overall recovery time is significantly reduced. It is a more cost effective procedure in that acute hospital stay is less and although rehabilitation time is greater in the short term overall it is less. Additionally if there is a bilateral flexion contracture present there is an inevitable loss of extension if a single knee is operated upon as this knee will assume the position of the unoperated knee. Patients greatly prefer having both knees corrected at one operative setting rather than having to have the inconvenience and pain associated with a second operative procedure at three to six months after the first one. There are potential disadvantages to a one-stage procedure. One concern has been that there is more peri-operative morbidity associated with one-stage bilateral total knee replacement. In a review of 501 patients undergoing bilateral one-stage total knee replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery there were no peri-operative deaths, myocardial infarctions or cerebrovascular accidents. There were arrhythmias present in 5% of patients. Fat emboli were present in 3% and 2 patients (0.4%) had pulmonary emboli. The average transfusion requirement was 2.6 units and allogeneic blood was required in 42%. There were 2 deep infections, 3 hematomas and 5 patients with delayed wound healing. Average hospital stay was 7.2 days but this had decreased in the more recent patients. There was an increased incidence of major complications in patients with ASA classification 3 and with increasing age over 70 years. New data indicates peri-operative administration of hydrocortisone may mitigate lung injury as demonstrated by reduction in cytokine and desmosine levels in a randomised trial. Patient selection is important and all patients are screened pre-operatively by an internist and anesthesiologist. All patients underwent the procedure with epidural anesthesia with post-operative epidural PCA for 48 hours. All patients are discharged on warfarin and spend the operative night in the recovery room. The procedure has acceptable morbidity and great advantage in properly selected patients

Bone loss secondary to primary or metastatic lesions of the proximal humerus remains a challenging surgical problem. Options include preservation of the joint with stabilisation using internal fixation or resection of the tumour with prosthetic replacement. Resection of the proximal humerus often includes the greater tuberosity and adjacent diaphysis, which may result in poor function secondary to loss of the rotator cuff and/or deltoid function. Preservation of the joint with internal fixation may reduce the time in hospital and peri-operative morbidity compared with joint replacement, and result in a better functional outcome. We included 32 patients with pathological fractures of the proximal humerus in this study. Functional and radiological assessments were performed. At a mean follow-up of 17.6 months (8 to 61) there was no radiological evidence of failure of fixation. The mean revised musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 94.6% (86% to 99%). There was recurrent tumour requiring further surgery in four patients (12.5%). Of the 22 patients who were employed prior to presentation all returned to work without restrictions. The use of a locking plate combined with augmentation with cement extends the indications for salvage of the proximal humerus with good function in patients with pathological and impending pathological fractures

We have compared a new technique of computer-assisted knee arthroplasty with the current conventional jig-based technique in 70 patients randomly allocated to receive either of the methods. Post-operative CT was performed according to the Perth CT Knee Arthroplasty protocol and pre- and post-operative Maquet views of the limb were taken. Intra-operative and peri-operative morbidity data were collected and blood loss measured. Post-operative CT showed a significant improvement in the alignment of the components using computer-assisted surgery in regard to femoral varus/valgus (p = 0.032), femoral rotation (p = 0.001), tibial varus/valgus (p = 0.047) tibial posterior slope (p = 0.0001), tibial rotation (p = 0.011) and femorotibial mismatch (p = 0.037). Standing alignment was also improved (p = 0.004) and blood loss was less (p = 0.0001). Computer-assisted surgery took longer with a mean increase of 13 minutes (p = 0.0001)

Total knee replacement (TKR) is considered the “gold standard” treatment for advanced osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee with good survivorship and functional outcomes. However up to 20% of patients undergoing TKR may have unicompartmental disease only. Treatment options for medial compartment arthritis can include both unicompartmental knee replacements (UKR) and TKR. While some surgeons favor TKR with a proven track record, others prefer UKR due to more normal joint kinematics, better proprioception and better motion. There is also a higher rate of return to sports amongst patients with UKR compared to TKR. When considering all knee procedures, partial knee replacements account for 7–9%, primary TKRs for 83–88%, and revision knee replacements for 5–8%. Unicompartmental Knee Replacements comprise more than 90% of all partial knee replacement procedures. Proponents of UKR cite as advantages the preservation of normal knee kinematics, lower peri-operative morbidity, blood loss and infection risk compared with TKRs, as well as accelerated patient rehabilitation and recovery. However, partial knee replacements have a higher rate of revision than TKRs. This may be partly because they are inserted in patients with higher expectations, and partly because they are easier to revise. As a result, the volume of UKRs implanted has diminished over time and continues to decline. We compared patient reported outcomes, satisfaction and perception of normality of the knee post-operatively between UKR and TKR. A single unit and single surgeon series of patients were recruited. Data was collated for 68 well-matched patients with more than 24 months follow-up. UKR was undertaken in patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis; stable ACL and less than grade 3 lateral patellar changes of the Outerbridge classification. TKR was undertaken for the rest. The patients were assessed with validated knee scores including the Total Knee Function Questionnaire (TKFQ) which focuses on recreational and sporting outcomes as well as activities of daily living (ADL). Patient satisfaction and perception of knee normality was measured on a visual analogue scale. Thirty-four patients with a TKR and 34 patients with a UKR were analyzed. The average ages in the TKR and UKR groups were 69.25 and 67.26 years, respectively. The patients were well-matched for demographics and had equivalent pre-operative morbidities and scores. The UKR group had better WOMAC (p=0.003), SF36 (physical: p<0.001 mental: p=0.25), Oxford knee (p<0.001) and Knee Society scores (p=0.002, function: p<0.001). The UKR group showed better outcomes in the TKFQ including exercise and sport (p= 0.02), movement and lifestyle (p=0.02) and the ADL (p=0.002). There was, however, no difference in patient satisfaction scores (p=0.41) and perception of how normal the knee felt between the two groups (p=0.99). A UKR procedure confers better functional outcome in terms of recreation and sport compared to TKR procedures. While UKR is an appropriate choice in the elderly yet active patient with unicompartmental knee arthritis, satisfaction is similar to that of patients with a TKR reflecting higher pre-operative expectations. We believe that in appropriate centers, the UKR procedure is associated with excellent outcomes. UKR should have a secure place in the knee arthroplasty armamentarium provided current knowledge regarding patient selection and surgical technique is followed

Femoral shaft fractures are usually the result of high energy trauma and are often associated with poly-trauma. Inappropriate treatment results in prolonged morbidity and disability. The treatment of choice for fixation is an interlocking intramedullary nail inserted by closed technique. This study reviewed the perioperative difficulties associated with late nailing of femoral fractures at a busy trauma unit. Thirty four consecutive femoral nails were reviewed retrospectively. Delay to surgery, operative time and peri-operative morbidity was assessed. There were 27 males and 7 females. The average age was 30.5 years. Eleven patients were referred from a peripheral hospital. Motor vehicle collisions accounted for 22 fractures, and gun shot wounds for 7. There were 29 mid shaft injuries, 2 subtrochanteric and 3 distal femurs (Retrograde nails). Preoperative immobilization was by Thomas splint or skin traction. Six operations were done by a consultant, 17 by a senior registrar and 10 by a junior registrar. The average delay to theatre was 32 days (range 10–63). Nineteen femurs required open reduction. Open reduction resulted in increased operating time: 117 minutes versus 82 minutes for closed reduction. Nine patients required perioperative blood transfusion and 2 patients were admitted to high care post operatively. Leg length discrepancy post operatively ranged from 0 to 4cm. Early knee range of motion was limited. Delay to surgery was due to insufficient theatre availability, and delay in referral from peripheral hospitals. We found that the delay to surgery resulted in increased operative difficulty, operative time and perioperative morbidity. Late nailing of fractures requires meticulous preoperative planning by the entire theatre team, and careful, experienced surgical technique

Summary. Metastatic spinal disease is a common entity of much debate in terms of ideal surgical treatment. The introduction of MIS can be a game-changer in the treatment of MSD due to less peri-operative morbidity and allowing earlier radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Introduction. Less invasive techniques have always been welcome for management of patients with ‘Metastatic Spinal Disorders’. This is because these patients can be poor candidates for extensive / major invasive surgery even though radiologically, there may be an indication for one. The aim of the treatment with Minimal Invasive Fixation (MIS) systems is mainly for ‘pain relief’ than to radically decrease tumour burden or to achieve near total spinal cord decompression, which could be major presentations in these patients. These procedures address the ‘spinal instability’ very well and they can address pain associated with compression fractures resulting from metastatic disease from a solid organ as well as multiple myeloma with minimal complications. These procedures can be combined with radiology and chemotherapy without much concern for wound problems in the way of infection or dehiscence. They also have a great advantage of timing of adjunct therapy closer to the index procedure. The disadvantage, however, are they do not allow thorough decompression of the spinal cord. There could also be problem in addressing patients who have severe vertebral height loss or loss of integrity of the anterior column where anterior column reconstruction may be required. There is a risk of inadequate fixation or implant loosening or failure. We aim to examine the results of MIS surgery in our department and support the rationale for its use. Patients and Methods. We prospectively collected data of patients who underwent MIS posterior instrumentation for MSD. Between June 2011 and December 2012, 10 patients presented with acute motor deficit, instability and/or threatening radiological features. Effectiveness of MIS was assessed in terms of operative parameters and clinical outcomes. Results. No patient suffered intra-operative complications. The median surgical time was 198 minutes (range: 149 – 403), median blood loss was 100 ml (range: 60 – 400). All patients maintained full neurological function and reported effective pain reduction. All patients were discharged with a median hospital stay was 13 days (range: 4 – 45) post-surgery. 9 patients started oncological treatment as planned. The median time in 7 patients who had radiotherapy post-surgery was 23 days (range: 20 – 40). Chemotherapy was initiated in 4 patients at a median of 9 days post-surgery (range: 6 – 23). No patient as yet has required open procedure due to progression of the disease. Discussion/Conclusion. We have shown that satisfactory outcomes are achievable with MIS in a selected group of patients with MSD. While our results are limited by small study size, we have been able to improve patient quality of living through minimally invasive intervention. By reducing surgical morbidity and enabling early implementation of oncological treatment, MIS has the potential to re-evaluate multi-disciplinary decision making for early surgery in MSD

Malpositioning of the component of a total knee implant and malalignment of the leg is one of the significant factors for the outcome after Total Knee Arthroplasty. Previous studies have shown that the use of a navigation system can improve these. This article presents the initial results of a prospective and non-randomised study describing navigated implantation in TKA with special reference to soft tissue balancing in knees with posttraumatic deformity. The secondary objective is to found out reproducibility of the software. Methods: Since January 2004, 15 patients with post-traumatic arthrosis of the knee and axial malalignment of more than 15 degrees, pre operative arc of motion 75 degrees admitted to our senior author for TKA have been followed up prospectively. The data were collected over a period of 25 months. Apart from the usual clinical evaluations, no patients had CT of the leg prior to the operation & postoperatively. Intra-operative and peri-operative morbidity data were collected and blood loss measured. Results: A postoperative leg axis between 3 degrees varus and 3 degrees valgus was obtained in all of the navigated knees after soft tissue balancing. The alignment of the components using computer-assisted surgery in regard to femoral varus/valgus, femoral rotation, tibial varus/valgus, tibial posterior slope, tibial rotation are reproducible and consistent. Computer-assisted surgery took longer with a mean increase of 31 minutes for kinematic data acquition. Intraoperatively we achieved range of motion more than 120 degrees. No patient required manipulation postoperatively for improving range of motion. Conclusion: These results support that the precise surgical reconstruction of the mechanical axis of the knee and proper alignment of the component is achievable in patients who suffered posttraumatic deformities and secondary arthrosis by using an intraoperative navigation system. It has been mentioned in the literature that minor deviations in the insertion point of Intramedullary instrumentation during TKA may result in malalign-ment of several degrees [Nuno-Siebrecht 2000], which can be avoided with these soft ware

For decades the treatment of chronic post-traumatic osteomyelitis associated with bone exposure has been one of the most serious problems in the field of orthopaedic surgery. “Sterilisation” of the osteomyelitic site, that is radical débridement of all infected tissue, is the basic requirement of the treatment; in the past, the remaining defect of the débrided area was closed with skin grafts, which were removed in a further stage when the infection had cleared; then the defect was filled with muscle flap and bone graft of various types. Both soft tissue and osseous reconstruction took a relatively long period of time, requiring several-stage treatment. Over the years, introduction of microsurgery led to free muscle flaps and skin graft in one reconstruction setting in the 1970s and thin fascio-cutaneous flap reconstruction in the 1980s, allowing a shorter period of hospitalisation and an improvement in patients’ lifestyle. We performed a retrospective study of 22 patients treated for chronic osteomyelitis (middle or distal 1/3 of the leg, n=10; tarsus, n=6; forearm, n=6) by means of free vascularised bone graft or composite grafts between 1992 and 2003. In most of them a two-stage treatment was performed (resection and sterilisation in the first stage and bone transfer in the second one); in others a one-stage treatment was performed. In 78.5% of cases the infection was cured without requiring secondary procedures; revision of the flap was carried out in 12.3% of cases. In only one case leg amputation under the knee was necessary. In spite of advanced treatment protocols, persisting infection and residual functional deficit is not rare. Over the years the approach has changed. The application of microsurgical tissue transfers for reconstruction of the extremities allows repair of significant bone and soft-tissue defects. A wide variety of free flaps offers the potential to reconstruct nearly any defect of the limbs. The total array of flaps and their indications is beyond the scope of a single discussion, but this paper focuses on a few flaps that have found application for coverage and functional restoration of the limbs. Microsurgical transfers allow more radical débridement of the area affected by osteomyelitis with low peri-operative morbidity, reducing the number of procedures required to obtain bony union and subsequently effect a quick “return to work”. In management of chronic, post-traumatic osteomyelitis with soft-tissue loss, we prefer a well-vascularised muscle flap rather than a fascio-cutaneous flap (its important vascular supply helps reduce bacterial contamination)

The incidence of hip fractures is rising, and at the same time the patients are getting increasingly frail and elderly. Patients in Europe have a median hospitalization time of as much as 28 days, and the peri-operative morbidity and mortality is high. 1. Most interventional studies have been unimodal with very heterogeneous results and at present, limited data are available from multimodal intervention according to the established principles of fast-track care. 2. This study has very positive results with a reduction in hospitalization from 21 till 11 days. Anaesthesiological intervention in a fast track regimen must be peri-operative in such a high-risk group of patients. Early operation is probably preferable. 3. Pre-operative regional analgesia potentially reduces cardiovascular morbidity, if instituted immediately after arrival. 4. The effect of regional anaesthesia and postoperative regional analgesia on morbidity and mortality in hip fracture patients may be advantageous. 5. . Postoperative epidural analgesia can be provided without restrictions on patient mobility and rehabilitation, provides superior dynamic pain relief and reducing the influence of pain as a restricting factor on physiotherapy. 6. A potential effect of intra-operative volume optimization has been shown, although the effect on morbidity and mortality is unclear. 7. No information exists for postoperative fluid therapy regimens, but fluid excess is probably important to avoid. 8. Hip fracture patients often suffer from malnutrition at the time of admission and protein and energy supplementation potentially reduces mortality and morbidity. 9. Therefore a short perioperative fasting period combined with aggressive peri-operative oral nutrition and anaesthesia and analgesia techniques, that minimizes catabolism and PONV seems rational. Since mortality and morbidity is so high these patients should be treated in close cooperation between surgeons and anaesthesiologists both in the pre and postoperative phase. 10. , as established practice in other high risk patients. Mortality is not the optimal parameter the for success of intervention in this population, as effects are extremely difficult to document, since as much as 50–75 % of the perioperative mortality may be unrelated to the treatment regimen. 11. . The cumulated evidence for the peri-operative care of this patient group is scarce and fast-track rehabilitation regimens should look to other operational procedures for available evidence. 12. Future research should focus on broadening the evidence for relevant pre-operative optimization, the influence of regional analgesia on rehabilitation potential and optimized peri-operative fluid therapy, transfusion and nutrition regimens