Frozen shoulder is a common condition that affects the working population. The longevity and severity of symptoms often results in great economic burden to health services and absence from work. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate whether early intervention with arthroscopic capsular release resulted in improvement of symptoms and any potential economic benefit to society. Patients were recruited prospectively. Data was gathered by way of questionnaire to ascertain demographics, previous primary care treatment and absence from work. Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) was also calculated. Arthroscopic capsular release was performed and further data gathered at four week post-operative follow up. Economic impact of delay to treatment and cost of intervention was calculated using government data from the national tariff which costs different forms of treatment. Statistical analysis was then performed on the results. Twenty five patients enrolled. Mean pre-operative OSS: 37.4 (range 27–58, SD 7.4). Mean post-operative OSS: 15.9 (range 12–22, SD 2.3). P<0.01. Mean improvement in OSS: 21.5 (range 12–38, SD 7.1). The cost of non-operative treatment per patient was £3954. The cost of arthroscopic capsular release per patient was £1861, a difference of £2093. There were no complications. Arthroscopic capsular release improved shoulder function on OSS within four weeks. The cost of arthroscopic capsular release is significantly less than the cost of treating the patients non-operatively. Early surgical intervention may improve symptoms quickly and reduce economic burden of the disease. A randomised controlled trial comparing timings of intervention would further elucidate potential benefits

Plantar fasciitis is thought to be a self limiting condition best treated by conservative measures, but despite this many patients have a prolonged duration of symptoms and for some surgery may be indicated. Partial plantar fascial release is reported to have a short term success rate of up 80%, but anecdotally this was not thought to represent local experience. An audit of long term patient reported outcomes following surgery was performed. A total of 26 patients (29 feet) were identified retrospectively and case notes were reviewed for each patient. Patients were contacted by letter and invited to complete two validated patient reported outcome score questionnaires (foot and ankle visual analogue scale (VAS) and MOXFQ). The average age of the patients was 42.4(range 28–61) for males and 46.2 (range 33–60) for female patients, with a female:male ratio of 2.7:1. Preoperative treatments included orthotics (29), steroid injections (23), physiotherapy (21) and cast immobilisation (11). The average duration of treatment prior to surgical intervention was 3.1 years (range 1–5). All patients were reviewed post operatively and discharged from follow up at an average of 31 weeks, at which time 38% remained symptomatic. We conclude that the results from open partial plantar fascial release are poor and it is a technique of dubious clinical value

The best surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis remains uncertain. Recently radiofrequency microtenotomy (RFMT) has been proposed as a suitable surgical treatment. We aim to compare open release with RFMT and present the results of our randomised controlled trial. Patients with symptoms of tennis elbow for at least 6 months who had failed to respond to conservative management were included in the trial. They were randomised to open release or RFMT. Outcome measures included grip strength, pain and DASH scores. 41 patients were randomised, 23 to RFMT and 18 to open release, 2 patients withdrew from the study. Our results show that both treatments give a significant benefit at all time points for DASH and pain scores, but only open release gives a significant improvement in grip strength. Comparing the two treatments the only significant difference is the open group have better pain scores at 6 weeks, but this is not seen at later follow up. In conclusion both groups have shown benefit from the treatments, but one is not shown to be clearly superior

Introduction. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the commonest peripheral nerve compression neuropathy. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is a very successful operation. Failed CTR mainly presents as persistence of symptoms, recurrence and new symptoms. The commonest presentation is persistence of symptoms suggested to be due to inadequate release of transverse carpal ligament (TCL) [3], and ante brachial fascia (ABF) [2]. Aim. We were looking at the rate of recurrence after CTR and the levels of skills of the primary surgeon. Materials and method. In a retrospective study we reviewed 49 cases of failed CTR in Kent and Sussex area in the South East of England covering the period between 1978 and 2008. The data was generated from the revision open CTR operation notes following referral to the specialist hand surgeon in the region. Results. There is 34 female and 13 male with age range of 41 to 90. The time between primary CTR to revision CTR is 3 months to 30 years. In our series, more than 55% was due to persistence. Incomplete division of TCL was noted in over 55% of cases and intact ABF in 34% of cases. In 49% of cases of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome post CTR the primary surgery was done by GPs. Conclusion. This questions the role of GPs with special interest (GPSI) and surgical care practitioners as surgeons. Is this “a tip of the iceberg” This initiative is target driven not patient centred

Objective. Surgical treatment of trigger finger is usually performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia n this study we present our results of surgical treatment of trigger finger performed with an ophthalmic knife which is less invasive for patient and easer for surgeon. Material and Method. 19 gauges microvitreoretinal ophthalmic knifes have a rhombus like edge with both sharp sides. The length of the knife's cutting side is 3 mm at each side. There were 40 women and 10 men with a mean age of 51.7 ± 5.7 (min: 40 max: 62). The thumb was involved in 32, the index finger in 10, and the middle in 8 patients. The procedure can be performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia. The surface landmarks of the proximal and distal edges of the A1 pulley are marked on the skin. Percutaneous placement of a 25-gauge needle 5mm proximal to the PDC marked the distal extent of the release. The duration of procedure was under five minutes. Clinical examination was repeated on the postoperative 3rd day, 10th day and patients were re-examined or spoken to by telephone at a mean follow-up of 6.4 months. Results. Of the 50 digits treated, there was complete resolution of symptoms in 45 digits (90%). 3 thumbs had residual grade 1–2 triggering at the second follow up. 2 patients with locked trigger thumbs had persistent, despite relief of the triggering. Discussion. In this study we noted that percutaneous release with a 19 gauges MVR ophthalmic knife is a safe, cheap, quick, less scaring and comfortable treatment

Objectives. For a long time lateral release (LR) was performed as a standard procedure both, for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and patellofemoral instability (PFI). However, recent biomechanical studies have shown that LR is not useful for decreasing the lateral force onto the patella, but is increasing not only medial but also lateral PFI. Furthermore, pain on palpation over the lateral patellofemoral joint space can result in patients treated with extensive LR. We postulate that in case of persistent PFI or PFPS after failed LR the reconstruction of the lateral retinaculum as an addition of the reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is necessary in terms of decreasing medial PFI as well as lateral pain. Materials and Methods. In between 03/07 and 04/09 we have seen a total of 25 patients (20 f, 5 m) with persistent PFI and palpatory pain over the lateral retinaculum due to unsuccessful treatment of PFI with a LR. These patients have undergone revision surgery with an anatomical reconstruction of the released lateral retinaculum in combination with a reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in an aperture-technique using the gracilis tendon. The average age at time of operation was 26.2 ± 9.8 years. Preoperatively, as well as 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, clinical examinations were performed and subjective as well as objective scores (Kujala-, Tegner-, IKDC-score) were evaluated. Regarding radiological parameters measurement of patellar tilt and shift was carried out on axial radiographs before and after the operation. Results. During the first twelve months after the operation only one redislocation could be recorded. Pain on palpation over the reconstructed lateral retinaculum was remaining in four patients (16%). Although several patients complained about persistent patellofemoral pain on exertion or after enduring flexion of the knee, all of them reported about an improvement of their pain situation. This fact is reflected in a highly significant improved but still moderate IKDC- (from 46.5 ± 14.9 to 68.9 ± 22.7, p<0.001) and Kujala-score (from 47.7 ± 15.3 to 74.8 ± 24.8, p<0.001) at the one year follow up. As far as sports activity is concerned, a statistically significant improvement of the Tegner-score up to 4.7 ± 2.4 (preoperative 2.3 ± 1.5, p<0.001) could be achieved. The radiological analysis showed a highly significant decrease of both, patellar tilt (from 15.4 ± 6.5 to 10.3 ± 6.2, p<0.001) and patellar shift (from 4.3 ± 3.3 to 2.5 ± 1.3, p=0.002). Conclusions. After one or more unsuccessful previous efforts of stabilizing the patella by LR, the technique performed in this essay leads to a considerable improvement of subjective scores and objective clinical and radiological parameters as well as sports activity

Aims. Due to the recent rapid expansion of scooter sharing companies, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of electric scooter (e-scooter) injuries. Our purpose was to conduct a systematic review to characterize the demographic characteristics, most common injuries, and management of patients injured from electric scooters. Methods. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using variations of the term “electric scooter”. We excluded studies conducted prior to 2015, studies with a population of less than 50, case reports, and studies not focused on electric scooters. Data were analyzed using t-tests and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results. We studied 5,705 patients from 34 studies. The mean age was 33.3 years (SD 3.5), and 58.3% (n = 3,325) were male. The leading mechanism of injury was falling (n = 3,595, 74.4%). Injured patients were more likely to not wear a helmet (n = 2,114; 68.1%; p < 0.001). The most common type of injury incurred was bony injuries (n = 2,761, 39.2%), of which upper limb fractures dominated (n = 1,236, 44.8%). Head and neck injuries composed 22.2% (n = 1,565) of the reported injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (n = 455; 2.5%), lacerations/abrasions/contusions (n = 500; 7.1%), intracerebral brain haemorrhages (n = 131; 1.9%), and concussions (n = 255; 3.2%). Standard radiographs comprised most images (n = 2,153; 57.7%). Most patients were treated and released without admission (n = 2,895; 54.5%), and 17.2% (n = 911) of injured patients required surgery. Qualitative analyses of the cost of injury revealed that any intoxication was associated with higher billing costs. Conclusion. The leading injuries from e-scooters are upper limb fractures. Falling was the leading mechanism of injury, and most patients did not wear a helmet. Future research should focus on injury characterization, treatment, and cost. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):674–683

Introduction. The Tour de France, commonly recognised and the hardest physical endurance event on the planet, is an iconic cycling competition with a history of ever impressive performances and increasingly notable injuries. This study aims to methodologically catalogue and analyse injuries sustained by professional riders over a span of six years and understand the operative workload created by this prestigious race. (2018–2023). Methods. Data was gathered from multiple publicly available sources, including pro-cycling stats, news articles, team press releases and independent medical reports. Each injury was categorized by year, rider, and injury type. Results. From 2018–2023, there was a significant diversity in both injured body part and mechanism of injury. Of the 124 recorded race ending incidents clavicle fractures accounted 19.4%, laceration/contusions 12.1%, patella fractures 10.5% and elbow fractures 7.3%. Other. notable other body areas undergoing surgical intervention were hand fractures 5.6%, pelvic fractures 2.4% and femoral fracture 1.6%. At a mean of 20.67 injuries per tour, this accounts for almost exactly one race ending injury per day where an athlete finishes the day on the operating table, rather than the team bus. Discussion. The Tour de France's rigorous challenges are mirrored in its injury statistics. Over six years, clavicle fractures were most prevalent, likely due to cyclists' instinct to brace during crashes. Lacerations, contusions, and patella fractures also featured prominently. Alarmingly, each race stage averaged an injury severe enough for surgical intervention. This data highlights the imperative need for enhanced protective measures, race regulations, and medical preparedness to protect these elite athletes

Objectives. Deep bone and joint infections (DBJI) are directly intertwined with health, demographic change towards an elderly population, and wellbeing. The elderly human population is more prone to acquire infections, and the consequences such as pain, reduced quality of life, morbidity, absence from work and premature retirement due to disability place significant burdens on already strained healthcare systems and societal budgets. DBJIs are less responsive to systemic antibiotics because of poor vascular perfusion in necrotic bone, large bone defects and persistent biofilm-based infection. Emerging bacterial resistance poses a major threat and new innovative treatment modalities are urgently needed to curb its current trajectory. Materials and Methods. We present a new biphasic ceramic bone substitute consisting of hydroxyapatite and calcium sulphate for local antibiotic delivery in combination with bone regeneration. Gentamicin release was measured in four setups: 1) in vitro elution in Ringer’s solution; 2) local elution in patients treated for trochanteric hip fractures or uncemented hip revisions; 3) local elution in patients treated with a bone tumour resection; and 4) local elution in patients treated surgically for chronic corticomedullary osteomyelitis. Results. The release pattern in vitro was comparable with the obtained release in the patient studies. No recurrence was detected in the osteomyelitis group at latest follow-up (minimum 1.5 years). Conclusions. This new biphasic bone substitute containing antibiotics provides safe prevention of bone infections in a range of clinical situations. The in vitro test method predicts the in vivo performance and makes it a reliable tool in the development of future antibiotic-eluting bone-regenerating materials. Cite this article: M. Stravinskas, P. Horstmann, J. Ferguson, W. Hettwer, M. Nilsson, S. Tarasevicius, M. M. Petersen, M. A. McNally, L. Lidgren. Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin eluted from a regenerating bone graft substitute: In vitro and clinical release studies. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:427–435. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0108.R1

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The aims of this study were to identify means to quantify coronal plane displacement associated with distal radius fractures (DRFs), and to understand their relationship to radial inclination (RI).

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Occult (clinical) injuries represent 15% of all scaphoid fractures, posing significant challenges to the clinician. MRI has been suggested as the gold standard for diagnosis, but remains expensive, time-consuming, and is in high demand. Conventional management with immobilization and serial radiography typically results in multiple follow-up attendances to clinic, radiation exposure, and delays return to work. Suboptimal management can result in significant disability and, frequently, litigation.

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The aims of this study were to report the outcomes of patients with a complex fracture of the lower limb in the five years after they took part in the Wound Healing in Surgery for Trauma (WHIST) trial.

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Posterior column plating through the single anterior approach reduces the morbidity in acetabular fractures that require stabilization of both the columns. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of posterior column plating through the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) in the management of acetabular fractures.

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Ankle fracture fixation is commonly performed by junior trainees. Simulation training using cadavers may shorten the learning curve and result in a technically superior surgical performance.

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To evaluate if, for orthopaedic trainees, additional cadaveric simulation training or standard training alone yields superior radiological and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation or hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture.

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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.

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Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication after elbow trauma and can cause severe upper limb disability. Although multiple prognostic factors have been reported to be associated with the development of post-traumatic HO, no model has yet been able to combine these predictors more succinctly to convey prognostic information and medical measures to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify prognostic factors leading to the formation of HO after surgery for elbow trauma, and to establish and validate a nomogram to predict the probability of HO formation in such particular injuries.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of revision for distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) performed as a primary procedure for native knee fractures using data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Arthroplasty Registry (AOANJRR).

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The purpose was to compare operative treatment with a volar plate and nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and over in a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Aims. Demineralised bone matrix (DBM) is rarely used for the local delivery of prophylactic antibiotics. Our aim, in this study, was to show that a graft with a bioactive glass and DBM combination, which is currently available for clinical use, can be loaded with tobramycin and release levels of antibiotic greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus without interfering with the bone healing properties of the graft, thus protecting the graft and surrounding tissues from infection. Materials and Methods. Antibiotic was loaded into a graft and subsequently evaluated for drug elution kinetics and the inhibition of bacterial growth. A rat femoral condylar plug model was used to determine the effect of the graft, loaded with antibiotic, on bone healing. Results. We found that tobramycin loaded into a graft composed of bioglass and DBM eluted antibiotic above the minimum inhibitory concentration for three days in vitro. It was also found that the antibiotic loaded into the graft produced no adverse effects on the bone healing properties of the DBM at a lower level of antibiotic. Conclusion. This antibiotic-loaded bone void filler may represent a promising option for the delivery of local antibiotics in orthopaedic surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1126–31