Management of highly displaced acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries remain contentious. It is unclear if delayed versus acute reconstruction has an increased risk of fixation failure and complications. The primary aim of this was to compare complications of early versus delayed reconstruction. The secondary aim was to determine modes of failure of ACJ reconstruction requiring revision surgery. A retrospective study was performed of all patients who underwent operative reconstruction of ACJ injuries over a 10-year period (Rockwood III-V). Reconstruction was classed as early (<12 weeks from injury) or delayed (≥12 weeks). Patient demographics, fixation method and
The primary aim was to determine the rate of complications and re-intervention rate in a consecutive series of operatively managed distal radius fractures. Data was retrospectively collected on 304 adult distal radius fractures treated at our institution in a year. Acute unstable displaced distal radius fractures surgically managed within 28 days of injury were included. Demographic and injury data, as well as details of complications and their subsequent management were recorded. There were 304 fractures in 297 patients. The mean age was 57yrs and 74% were female. Most patients were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (n=278, 91%), with 6% (n=17) managed with manipulation and Kirschner wires and 3% (n=9) with bridging external fixation. Twenty-seven percent (n=81) encountered a
Aims. We aimed to characterise the effect of expeditious hip fracture
surgery in elderly patients within 24 hours of admission on short-term
post-operative outcomes. Patients and Methods. Patients age 65 or older that underwent surgery for closed femoral
neck and intertrochanteric hip fractures were identified from the
American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement
Program between 2011 and 2014. Multivariable propensity-adjusted
logistic regressions were performed to determine associations between early
surgery within 24 hours and
Background. Medical complications and death are rare events following elective orthopaedic surgery. Diagnostic and operative codes are routinely collected on every patient admitted to hospital in the English NHS (hospital episode statistics, HES). This is the first study investigating rates of these events following total joint replacement (TJR) on a national scale in the NHS. Methods. All patients (585177 patients) who underwent TJR (hip arthroplasty [THR], knee arthroplasty [TKR], or hip resurfacing) between January 2005 and February 2010 in the English NHS were identified. Patients were subdivided based on Charlson co-morbidity score. HES data in the form of OPCS and ICD-10 codes were used to establish 30-day medical complication rates from myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular event (CVA), chest infection (LRTI), renal failure (RF), pulmonary embolus (PE) and inpatient 90-day mortality (MR). Results. The overall 90-day MR after THR was 0.44% (1116 of 256013 patients), after hip resurfacing 0.06% (17 in 27314), and after TKR 0.34% (1023 of 301850). MI rate was 0.39% (2257 of 585177). Of these 15.8% (356) died. CVA rate was 0.01% (53). Of these 32.1% (17) died. LRTI rate was 0.60% (3389). Of these 12.1% (410) died. RF rate was 0.35% (2066). Of these 13.9% (287) died. PE rate was 0.71% (4144). Of these 3.9% (161) died. For patients with no co-morbidities, no personal history of PE or DVT, and no
The evidence for treatment of acute complex radial head fractures with radial head replacement (RHR) predominantly comprises short to mid-term follow-up. This study describes the complications and long-term patient reported outcomes following RHR. From a single-centre trauma database we retrospectively identified 119 patients over a 16-year period who underwent primary RHR for an acute complex radial head fracture. We reviewed electronic records to document
Controversy remains as to whether the contralateral hip should be fixed in patients presenting with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). This study compares the outcomes of those patients who had prophylactic fixation with those who did not. We identified 90 consecutive patients with a mean age of 12.3 years presenting to the study centre with SCFE from a prospective operative database. The patient's notes and radiographs were retrospectively analysed for
Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip in cases of unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains contentious. Our senior author reported a 10 year series in 2006 that identified a rate of subsequent contralateral slip of 25percnt; when prophylactic fixation was not performed. This led to a change in local practice and employment of prophylactic fixation as standard. We report the 10 year outcomes following this change in practice. A prospective study of all patients who presented with diagnosis of SCFE between 2004 and 2014 in our region. Intra-operative
Tranexamic Acid (TXA) is widely used to decrease bleeding by its antifibrinolytic mechanism. Its use is widespread within orthopaedic surgery, with level one evidence for its efficacy in total hip and knee replacement surgery; significantly reducing transfusion rates without increased thromboembolic disease. There is limited evidence for its use during hip fracture surgery, and we therefore sought to investigate its effects with a prospective cohort study. We recorded intra-operative blood loss, pre and post-operative haemoglobin and creatinine levels,
There is much debate regarding the use of continuous-compartment-pressure-monitoring (CCM) in the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). We retrospectively reviewed the management of all patients (aged 15 and over) who were admitted with a fracture of the tibial diaphysis, across 3 centres, during 2013–2015. Patient demographics, pre-existing medical problems, initial treatment, subsequent complications, methods of compartment monitoring, and follow-up were all included in the data collection. We separated patients into monitored (MG) and non-monitored groups (NMG), and compared the outcomes of their treatment. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. 287 patients were included in this study (116 NMG vs. 171 MG). There were no significant differences observed in age, sex, previous medical problems, length of stay, AO classification of fracture and
Introduction. New methods to reduce inpatient stay,
Aims. Our aim was to analyse the long-term functional outcome of two
forms of surgical treatment for active patients aged >
70 years
with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. Patients
were randomised to be treated with either a hemiarthroplasty or
a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The outcome five years post-operatively
for this cohort has previously been reported. We present the outcome
at 12 years post-operatively. Patients and Methods. Initially 252 patients with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to
95.6) were included, of whom 205 (81%) were women. A total of 137
were treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty and 115 with a cemented
THA. At long-term follow-up we analysed the modified Harris Hip
Score (HHS),
Proximal femoral fractures remain the most common reason for admission to hospital following orthopaedic injury, with an annual cost of £1.7 billion to the National Health Service and social care services. Fragility fractures of the hip in the elderly are a substantial cause of mortality and morbidity. Revision surgery for any cause carries a higher morbidity, mortality, healthcare- and social economic burden. Which patients suffer failed surgery and the reasons for failure have not been established. The aim of this study was to determine which patients are at risk of failed proximal femoral fracture surgery, the mechanism and cause fo failed surgery and modifiable patient factors associated with failure of hip fracture surgery. From prospectively collected data of 795 consecutive proximal femoral fractures admitted between July 2007 and July 2008, all peri-operative and
Heterotopic ossification (HO) of the hip after injury to the central nervous system can lead to joint ankylosis. Surgery is usually delayed to avoid recurrence, even if the functional status is affected. We report a consecutive series of patients with HO of the hip after injury to the central nervous system who required surgery in a single, specialised tertiary referral unit. As was usual practice, they all underwent CT to determine the location of the HO and to evaluate the density of the femoral head and articular surface. The outcome of surgery was correlated with the pre-, peri- and post-operative findings. In all, 183 hips (143 patients) were included of which 70 were ankylosed. A total of 25 peri-operative fractures of the femoral neck occurred, all of which arose in patients with ankylosed hips and were associated with intra-articular lesions in 18 and severe osteopenia of the femoral head in seven. All the intra-articular lesions were predicted by CT and strongly associated with
Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is the second most common metabolic bone disease. Osteoarthritis (OA) affects one-third of patients with PDB. The incidence of THR (total hip replacement) and TKR (total knee replacement) is 3.1- and 1.7-fold higher in PDB patients compared to non-affected age-matched controls. No large studies or joint registry reports exist describing the outcomes following THR or TKR in patients with PDB. The objectives of this study were to investigate the outcomes following THR and TKR in patients with PDB using national joint registry data. 144 THR and 43 TKR were identified using the Scottish Arthroplasty Project from 1996–2013. For THR, the most common early
Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomy is commonly used to treat symptomatic hip dysplasia. It aims to increase the load bearing contact area of the hip to reduce the risk of subsequent osteoarthritis. In this study we assess the radiographic and clinical results of the procedure since its introduction to our unit. All patients undergoing Ganz osteotomies at our unit were followed up prospectively. Data collected included patient demographics and pre- and post-operative functional scores (Harris and Non-arthritic hip scores). In addition, acetabular correction was evaluated on pre-and post-operative radiographs (using Centre-Edge angle and Tonnis angle). Complications were also noted. Overall 50 procedures were performed between 2007 and 2013 with median follow-up of 3 years (1–7 years). The majority of patients (90%) were female. Average age at time of surgery was 32 years (17–39). There were significant improvements in pre- and post-operative median functional scores (Modified Harris Hip Score = 52 versus 63, p=0.001), Non-arthritic Hip Score = 49 versus 60, p=0.01). Median Centre Edge Angle improved from 15 degrees pre-operatively (range = 8–19 degrees) to 29 degrees post-operatively (22–36 degrees), p=0.02. Similarly, pre-operative Tonnis angle improved from 19 degrees (16–38) to 7 degrees (2–14), p=0.01. Four patients developed
A review of current literature describes varying 10-year survival rates for the Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (Biomet Orthopedics Inc, Warsaw, Ind). Application of rigorous indications and meticulous surgical technique are two factors considered to reduce revision rates. A retrospective case-note review was conducted for 96 patients (128 knees) aged 42–89 (mean 57) who had an Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement for medial compartment osteoarthritis between January 2000 and January 2011. All procedures were performed, or directly supervised, by one 5 surgeons. The aim of the study was to ascertain the rate of revision to bicompartmental knee replacement and any associated contributory factors. Of the 128 unicompartmental knees, 10.9% were revised to either mobile- or fixed-bearing total knee replacements due to septic (0.5%) and aseptic (1.5%) loosening, patello-femoral pain (3.9%), periprosthetic fracture (0.8%) and bearing dislocation (3.1%). Of those knees requiring revision, mean patient age was 73 years, 50% had wound complications and 42% were performed by senior trainees. All patients had intact ACL and medial osteoarthritis. Mean time to revision was 2.7 years. In conclusion, revision of the unicompartmental knee was related to patient age > 65 years and early
The treatment for trochanteric femoral fractures is still challenging. Since 2005, we are using 2 new implants: Gamma3™ nail and the PFN-A™. All patients with a fracture of the trochanteric area were included in an observational study during 3 years. Objectives were radiographics and clinics (complications) comparaison of these 2 new devices. We included 426 patients (236 Gamma3™ nails, 190 PFN-A™). We faced the epidemiological data, per and
Introduction. Between 2002–2009 we operatively treated 193 acetabular fracture. Among these 44 both-columns fractures according to the classification of Letournel and Judet have been reviewed in order to evaluate the results. These fractures are rare, difficult to treat and often have poor clinical results. Patients and Methods. 44 cases of ORIF of displaced both columns fractures have been studied at a mean 37 months follow-up (range, 13 to 76 months) after the injury. 40 hips were operated with the ilioinguinal approach alone, 1 with Kocker Langenbeck and Smith petersen combined. The 3 remaining hips were operated with a double Kocher-Langenbeck and ilioinguinal approach. Every case was evalueted on X-rays according to Matta criteria and clinically with the Harris hip score and the WOMAC score. Results. The mean Harris hip score has been 85,8% (range 30%–100%) while the mean WOMAC score has been 88,3 points (range 39,1–100). The main complications were 4 early post-traumatic arthritis operated by hip replacement. One patient instead developed a gastric carcinoma. Discussion. The rate of anatomical reduction decreased with the complexity of the fracture, the age, and the interval between the injury and the reduction. The clinical result was adversely affected by associated injuries of the femoral head, an older age of the patient. It was positively affected by an anatomical reduction and postoperative congruity between the femoral head and the acetabular roof. Conclusions. These findings indicate that in many patients who have a complex acetabular fracture the hip joint can be preserved and post-traumatic osteoarthritis can be avoided if an anatomical reduction is achieved. Both column acetabular fractures can be reduced with a combined surgical approaches or with ilioinguinal alone. We used the ilioinguinal approach alone in 91% of cases reaching good results, even comparing Letournel and Matta's results. Surgeon experience and a long learning curve can help in decision making and in obtaining an anatomical reduction with a low rate of
BACKGROUND. From 1995 the cost of litigation to the National Health Service (NHS) from surgical procedures has been over 1.3 billion GBP. Spinal patients can present diagnostic challenges and the consequences of delayed diagnosis and surgical complications can be devastating. As a consequence these patients represent a high risk when surgeons seek to indemnify themselves. We therefore, aim to highlight the litigation patterns for these injuries within the United Kingdom. METHOD. Data was obtained from the NHS Litigation Authority from 2002 to 2010 which was analysed. RESULTS. Of the 236 claims, 144 were related to trauma or acute diagnostic issues and 92 from elective surgery. The total financial burden to the NHS came to 60.5 million GBP/72.5 million Euros. Of this sum 42.8 million GBP/51.3 million Euros were paid in damages, and the remaining 29% in legal costs. The financial costs were on average similar for trauma and elective cases. The most frequent cause of successful litigation for trauma were, missed fractures (41.7%), missed cauda equina (23.6%) and spinal infection (11.8%). The emergency department (43.8%), orthopaedic surgery (28.5%) and Medicine (13.9) bore the brunt of the claims. For elective surgery, Spinal Damage(19.8%), failure in Post-Operative Care (15.4%), Infection (11%) and Wrong Level Surgery, Cauda Equina and Surgical Failure at 9.9%. were likely to result in a successful claim, and the litigation burden was felt by the orthopaedic(60.4%), Neurosurgery(18.7%) and other surgical disciplines (11%). CONCLUSION. Acute spinal fractures, cord compression and infection should be considered in patients in the emergency department setting, with appropriate examination and investigations for uncertainty. A lack of awareness of at risk cases increases the likelihood of a pay-out and sums involved. For elective spinal surgery, a failure in the consenting process and the technical skill of the surgeon are likely to result in a pay-out. A failure to identify
Introduction. Orthopaedic surgeons are frequently asked to perform a revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients over 80 years of age. Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes after revision THA in patients 80 years or older and compare them to a cohort of patients less than 80 years of age. Methods. We reviewed all revision THAs performed in our institution from 3/1996 to 12/2008. We compared intra- and
