Aims. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the postoperative Oxford Knee Score (OKS) demonstrated a ceiling effect at one and/or two years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The secondary aim was to identify preoperative independent predictors for patients that achieved a ceiling score after TKA. Methods. A retrospective cohort of 5,857 patients undergoing a primary TKA were identified from an established arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), OKS, and EuroQoL five-dimension (EQ-5D) general health scores were collected preoperatively and at one and two years postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent preoperative predictors of patients achieving postoperative ceiling scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify a preoperative OKS that predicted a postoperative ceiling score. Results. The ceiling effect was 4.6% (n = 272) at one year which increased significantly (odds ratio (OR) 40.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 30.4 to 53.3; p < 0.001) to 6.2% (n = 363) at two years, when defined as those with a maximal score of 48 points. However, when the ceiling effect was defined as an OKS of 44 points or more, this increased to 26.3% (n = 1,540) at one year and further to 29.8% (n = 1,748) at two years (OR 21.6, 95% CI 18.7 to 25.1; p < 0.001). A preoperative OKS of 23 or more and 22 or more were predictive of achieving a postoperative ceiling OKS at one and two years when defined as a maximal score or a score of 44 or more, respectively. Conclusion. The postoperative OKS demonstrated a small ceiling effect when defined by a maximal score, but when defined by a postoperative OKS of 44 or more the ceiling effect was moderate and failed to meet standards. The preoperative OKS was an independent predictor of achieving a ceiling score. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1519–1526

Aims. Though most humeral shaft fractures heal nonoperatively, up to one-third may lead to nonunion with inferior outcomes. The Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral Fractures (RUSHU) was created to identify high-risk patients for nonunion. Our study evaluated the RUSHU’s prognostic performance at six and 12 weeks in discriminating nonunion within a significantly larger cohort than before. Methods. Our study included 226 nonoperatively treated humeral shaft fractures. We evaluated the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of RUSHU scoring using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Additionally, we determined the optimal cut-off thresholds for predicting nonunion using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. Results. The RUSHU demonstrated good interobserver reliability with an ICC of 0.78 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.83) at six weeks and 0.77 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.82) at 12 weeks. Intraobserver reproducibility was good or excellent for all analyses. Area under the curve in the ROC analysis was 0.83 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.88) at six weeks and 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.93) at 12 weeks, indicating excellent discrimination. The optimal cut-off values for predicting nonunion were ≤ eight points at six weeks and ≤ nine points at 12 weeks, providing the best specificity-sensitivity trade-off. Conclusion. The RUSHU proves to be a reliable and reproducible radiological scoring system that aids in identifying patients at risk of nonunion at both six and 12 weeks post-injury during non-surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. The statistically optimal cut-off values for predicting nonunion are ≤ eight at six weeks and ≤ nine points at 12 weeks post-injury

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to develop a reliable, effective radiological score to assess the healing of humeral shaft fractures, the Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU). The secondary aim was to assess whether the six-week RUSHU was predictive of nonunion at six months after the injury. Patients and Methods. Initially, 20 patients with radiographs six weeks following a humeral shaft fracture were selected at random from a trauma database and scored by three observers, based on the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures system. After refinement of the RUSHU criteria, a second group of 60 patients with radiographs six weeks after injury, 40 with fractures that united and 20 with fractures that developed nonunion, were scored by two blinded observers. Results. After refinement, the interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 0.87), indicating substantial agreement. At six weeks after injury, patients whose fractures united had a significantly higher median score than those who developed nonunion (10 vs 7; p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve determined that a RUSHU cut-off of < 8 was predictive of nonunion (area under the curve = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.94). The sensitivity was 75% and specificity 80% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 65% and a negative predictive value of 86%. Patients with a RUSHU < 8 (n = 23) were more likely to develop nonunion than those with a RUSHU ≥ 8 (n = 37, odds ratio 12.0, 95% CI 3.4 to 42.9). Based on a PPV of 65%, if all patients with a RUSHU < 8 underwent fixation, the number of procedures needed to avoid one nonunion would be 1.5. Conclusion. The RUSHU is reliable and effective in identifying patients at risk of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture at six weeks after injury. This tool requires external validation but could potentially reduce the morbidity associated with delayed treatment of an established nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1300–1306

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the preinjury functional scores with the postinjury preoperative score and postoperative outcome scores following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery (ACLR). Methods. We performed a prospective study on patients who underwent primary ACLR by a single surgeon at a single centre between October 2010 and January 2018. Preoperative preinjury scores were collected at time of first assessment after the index injury. Preoperative (pre- and post-injury), one-year, and two-year postoperative functional outcomes were assessed by using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Score, and Tegner Activity Scale. Results. We enrolled 308 males and 263 females of mean age 27 years (19 to 46). The mean preinjury and preoperative post-injury Lysholm Knee Scores were 94 (73 to 100) and 63 (25 to 85), respectively, while the respective mean scores at one and two years postoperatively were 84 (71 to 100) and 89 (71 to 100; p < 0.001). The mean Tegner preinjury and preoperative post-injury scores were 7 (3 to 9) and 3 (0 to 6), respectively, while the respective mean scores at one and two years postoperatively were 6 (1 to 8) and 6 (1 to 9) (p < 0.001). The mean KOOS scores at preinjury versus two years postoperatively were: symptoms (96 vs 84); pain (94 vs 87); activities of daily living (97 vs 91), sports and recreation function (84 vs 71), and quality of life (82 vs 69), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Functional scores improved following ACLR surgery at two years in comparison to preoperative post-injury scores. However, at two-year follow-up, the majority of patients failed to achieve their preinjury scores. The evaluation of ACLR outcomes needs to consider the preinjury scores rather than the immediate preoperative score that is usually collected. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):46–52

Background. Masses are not uncommon in the foot and ankle. Most of these masses are benign, often leading clinicians to underestimate their potential for malignancy. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of our clinical records, on patients with histologically confirmed musculoskeletal tumours of the foot and ankle, treated in a single nstitution between 2010 and 2019. The maximum diameter of each lesion was determined through MRI or Ultrasound analysis in centimeters. To develop a scoring system we compared the risk of malignancy with five criteria: site (proximal or distal to the first TMTJ), gender, age, composition and the diameter as observed. Results. Our study included 496 patients, of whom 39 (7.9%) were identified as having malignancies. The incidence of malignancy demonstrated an increased propensity among male patients, patients over 50 years of age and lesions located proximal to the TMTJ. A ROC Analysis determined that lesions measuring over 2.85 cm had an increased risk of malignancy, with a PPV of 31.1%, a NPV of 94.2%, a Sensitivity of 0.82, and a Specificity of 0.62. These identified patterns of risk were employed to formulate a scoring system, aimed at facilitating informed clinical judgment in the referral of patients to regional tumor services. Conclusion. The new OxFAT scoring system highlights the importance of lesion size, site, age and gender of the patient in determining the risk of malignancy in lump in the foot and ankle. We propose this new scoring system to aid health care professionals in managing these patients. Based on our results any patient with a foot or ankle mass of less than 2.85cm, an OxFAT score < 4/7 and no malignant or sinister features on MRI or USS can be managed locally with excision biopsy. All other patients should be referred urgently to a Regional Tumour Service

Aims. The metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score examines patient performance in relation to energy expenditure before and after knee arthroplasty. This study assesses its use in a knee arthroplasty population in comparison with the widely used Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and EuroQol five-dimension index (EQ-5D), which are reported to be limited by ceiling effects. Methods. A total of 116 patients with OKS, EQ-5D, and MET scores before, and at least six months following, unilateral primary knee arthroplasty were identified from a database. Procedures were performed by a single surgeon between 2014 and 2019 consecutively. Scores were analyzed for normality, skewness, kurtosis, and the presence of ceiling/floor effects. Concurrent validity between the MET score, OKS, and EQ-5D was assessed using Spearman’s rank. Results. Postoperatively the OKS and EQ-5D demonstrated negative skews in distribution, with high kurtosis at six months and one year. The OKS demonstrated a ceiling effect at one year (15.7%) postoperatively. The EQ-5D demonstrated a ceiling effect at six months (30.2%) and one year (39.8%) postoperatively. The MET score did not demonstrate a skewed distribution or ceiling effect either at six months or one year postoperatively. Weak-moderate correlations were noted between the MET score and conventional scores at six months and one year postoperatively. Conclusion. In contrast to the OKS and EQ-5D, the MET score was normally distributed postoperatively with no ceiling effect. It is worth consideration as an arthroplasty outcome measure, particularly for patients with high expectations. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(3):129–137

Abstract. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) can be completed using paper and postal services (pPROMS) or via computer, tablet or smartphone (ePROMs). We have investigated whether there are differences in scores depending on the method of PROMs acquisition for the Oxford Knee (OKS) and the EQ-5D scores, at one and two years post operatively. Patient demographics, mode of preferred data collection and pre-and post-operative PROMs for Total Knee Replacements (TKRs) performed between 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018 were collected. During the study period, 1573 patients underwent TKRs. The average OHS and EQ-5D pre-operatively scores was 19.47 and 0.40 respectively. 71.46% opted to undertake post-operative questionnaires using ePROMs. The remaining 28.54% opted for pPROMS. The one and two-year OHS for ePROMS patients increased to 37.64 and 39.76 while the OHS scores for pPROMS patients were 35.71 and 36.83. At the one and two-year post-operative time intervals, a Mann-Whitney test showed statistical significance between the modes of administration for OHS (P-Value = 0.044 and 0.01 respectively). The one and two-year EQ-5D for ePROMS patients increased to 0.76 and 0.78 while the EQ-5D scores for pPROMS patients were 0.73 and 0.76. The P-Value for Mann-Whitney tests comparing the modes of administration for EQ-5D were 0.04 and 0.07 respectively. There is no agreed mode of PROMs data acquisition for the OKS and EQ-5D Scores. While we have demonstrated an apparent difference in scores depending on the mode of administration, further work is required to establish the influence of potentially confounding factors

Disease specific or generic Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) can be completed by patients using paper and postal services (pPROMS) or via computer, tablet or smartphone (ePROMs) or by hybrid data collection, which uses both paper and electronic questionnaires. We have investigated whether there are differences in scores depending on the method of PROMs acquisition for the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the EQ-5D scores, at one and two years post operatively. Patients for this study were identified retrospectively from a prospectively compiled arthroplasty database held at the study centre. Patient demographics, mode of preferred data collection and pre- and post-operative PROMs for Total Hip Replacements (THRs) performed at this centre between 1. st. January 2018 and 31. st. December 2018 were collected. During the study period, 1494 patients underwent THRs and had complete one and two-year PROMs data available for analysis. All pre-operative scores were obtained by pPROMS. The average OHS and EQ-5D pre-operatively scores were 19.51 and 0.36 respectively. 72.02% of the patients consented to undertake post-operative questionnaires using ePROMs. The remaining 27.98% opted for pPROMS. The one and two-year OHS for ePROMS patients increased to 41.31 and 42.14 while the OHS scores for pPROMS patients were 39.80 and 39.83. At the one and two-year post-operative time intervals, a Mann-Whitney test showed statistical significance between the modes of administration for OHS (P-Value =0.044 and 0.01 respectively). The one and two-year EQ-5D for ePROMS patients increased to 0.83 and 0.84 while the EQ-5D scores for pPROMS patients were 0.79 and 0.81. The P-Value for Mann-Whitney tests comparing the modes of administration for EQ-5D were 0.13 and 0.07 respectively. Within Orthopaedics, PROMs have become the most widely used instrument to assess patients’ subjective outcomes. However, there is no agreed mode of PROMs data acquisition. While we have demonstrated an apparent difference in scores depending on the mode of administration, further work is required to establish the influence of potentially confounding factors such as patient age, gender and familiarity with computer technology

Introduction. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recognized as crucial in evaluating the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). New Knee Society Score (NKSS), introduced in 2011, is reported to be an effective, such outcome measure. Forgotten Joint score (FJS), introduced in 2012, has been validated but has only a few studies in literature reporting upon it. In a normal population without arthritis, the FJS is reported to be between 50–95, a higher score representing better status. Our aim was to determine 1) the FJS at 1-year post TKA, distributing patients in 2 groups of FJS less than/more than 50; assessing its ceiling and floor effect 2) the influence of age, sex, BMI, diabetes, thyroid, type of deformity, pre/post-operative flexion and 3) to compare and correlate FJS with NKSS and its sub-scores - Objective knee score(OKS) and Subjective knee score(SKS). Methods. We enrolled 181 patients (222 knees), who had primary TKA performed by the same surgeon at Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, between June 2016 to February 2017. NKSS was administered to each patient preoperatively. At 1 year, they were prospectively called for review and NKSS and FJS were administered. 151 patients attended the review clinic and 17 patients completed the forms with the help of their physiotherapist and sent them via email. 13 patients who could not do either, were excluded from the study. Thus, we had 168 patients (207 knees) whose complete data was analyzed. Of 168 patients, 37 were males and 131 were females, with an average age of 67 years (37–85). Patients were divided into two groups based on their FJS score - Group A (FJS<50) and Group B (FJS≥50). The demographics and NKSS in both groups were compared. The study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Raw data statistics for FJS was determined and unpaired t-test used to compare all parameters in Groups A and B. Correlation of NKSS to FJS was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test. Results. 1). FJS at 1 year: The median FJS at 1 year was 68.8 (IQR 41.7, mean 68, SD 25.3, range 0–100). It exhibited a 14% ceiling and 0.5% floor effect. There were 49 (24%) TKAs in Group A and 158 (76%) TKAs in Group B. 2). Comparison of parameters of age, sex, BMI, diabetes, thyroid disorder, type and severity of deformity and pre/post-operative flexion between the two groups showed no difference (unpaired t-test p>0.05) for each parameter, with the numbers available. 3).  . In Group A, the median values of NKSS, OKS and SKS were 174, 94 and 87 respectively as compared to the corresponding median values of 198, 98 and 100 in Group B. The difference in their corresponding values was seen to be significant (p<0.005). For both groups, the change in scores from preoperative to postoperative values was significant for NKSS (median of 73 vs 69, p=0.003) & SKS (median of 39 vs 30, p=0.006) but not for OKS (median of 47 vs 46, p=0.655). Correlation of the FJS to NKSS at 1 year was seen to be significant (p<0.005), the strength of correlation was found to be moderate (r=0.43). Each sub-score also showed significant correlation (p<0.005), which was weak to moderate (r=0.32 to 0.43). Conclusion. Mean FJS at 1-year post TKA was 68 which compares well with a mean of 72 reported in the normal population without arthritis. It exhibited 14% ceiling and 0.5% floor effects. FJS was not influenced by age, sex, BMI, co-morbidities, type/extent of deformity or pre/post-operative flexion range. Patients with higher FJS also had higher NKSS and higher OKS/SKS values but change in scores was significant only for NKSS & SKS. We observed a moderately positive correlation of FJS with NKSS at 1 year

Aims. This study investigates the use of the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score in a young hip arthroplasty population, and its ability to capture additional benefit beyond the ceiling effect of conventional patient-reported outcome measures. Methods. From our electronic database of 751 hip arthroplasty procedures, 221 patients were included. Patients were excluded if they had revision surgery, an alternative hip procedure, or incomplete data either preoperatively or at one-year follow-up. Included patients had a mean age of 59.4 years (SD 11.3) and 54.3% were male, incorporating 117 primary total hip and 104 hip resurfacing arthroplasty operations. Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and the MET were recorded preoperatively and at one-year follow-up. The distribution was examined reporting the presence of ceiling and floor effects. Validity was assessed correlating the MET with the other scores using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and determining responsiveness. A subgroup of 93 patients scoring 48/48 on the OHS were analyzed by age, sex, BMI, and preoperative MET using the other metrics to determine if differences could be established despite scoring identically on the OHS. Results. Postoperatively the OHS and EQ-5D demonstrate considerable negatively skewed distributions with ceiling effects of 41.6% and 53.8%, respectively. The MET was normally distributed postoperatively with no relevant ceiling effect. Weak-to-moderate significant correlations were found between the MET and the other two metrics. In the 48/48 subgroup, no differences were found comparing groups with the EQ-5D, however significantly higher mean MET scores were demonstrated for patients aged < 60 years (12.7 (SD 4.7) vs 10.6 (SD 2.4), p = 0.008), male patients (12.5 (SD 4.5) vs 10.8 (SD 2.8), p = 0.024), and those with preoperative MET scores > 6 (12.6 (SD 4.2) vs 11.0 (SD 3.3), p = 0.040). Conclusion. The MET is normally distributed in patients following hip arthroplasty, recording levels of activity which are undetectable using the OHS. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(5):317–326

Aims. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate machine-learning-based computerized adaptive tests (CATs) for the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and its subscales. Methods. We developed CAT algorithms for the OHS, OKS, OSS, overall OES, and each of the OES subscales, using responses to the full-length questionnaires and a machine-learning technique called regression tree learning. The algorithms were evaluated through a series of simulation studies, in which they aimed to predict respondents’ full-length questionnaire scores from only a selection of their item responses. In each case, the total number of items used by the CAT algorithm was recorded and CAT scores were compared to full-length questionnaire scores by mean, SD, score distribution plots, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation (ICC), and the Bland-Altman method. Differences between CAT scores and full-length questionnaire scores were contextualized through comparison to the instruments’ minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Results. The CAT algorithms accurately estimated 12-item questionnaire scores from between four and nine items. Scores followed a very similar distribution between CAT and full-length assessments, with the mean score difference ranging from 0.03 to 0.26 out of 48 points. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and ICC were 0.98 for each 12-item scale and 0.95 or higher for the OES subscales. In over 95% of cases, a patient’s CAT score was within five points of the full-length questionnaire score for each 12-item questionnaire. Conclusion. Oxford Hip Score, Oxford Knee Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, and Oxford Elbow Score (including separate subscale scores) CATs all markedly reduce the burden of items to be completed without sacrificing score accuracy. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):786–794

Background. The Fracture Fixation Assessment Tool score (FFATs) was developed as an objective evaluation of post-operative fracture fixation radiographs as a means of appraisal and education. The tool has proven validity, simple to use and based upon AO principles of fracture fixation. This study has been designed to assess how FFATs changes throughout the training program in the UK. Methods. The local trauma database of a district general hospital, with trauma unit status was used to identify cases. Although FFATs is designed to apply to any fracture fixation, Weber B ankle fractures were selected as common injuries, which constitute indicative cases in T&O training. Grade of the primary surgeon and supervision level were both stratified. The initial and intraoperative radiographs were anonymised and presented to the assessor who had been blinded to the identity and grade of the surgeon, for scoring using FFATs. Results. 293 fractures around the ankle were identified from the Database between 2013 and 2016. After applying the inclusion criteria of Weber B fractures operatively fixed, Specialist training registrars and consultants, there were 99 cases for evaluation. These were grouped by training experience into 4 groups. (ST3-4, ST5-6, ST7-8, Consultants) and demonstrated a trend of increasing scores with experience level with a dip in consultant scores, albeit not statistically significant due to low numbers of cases at higher training grades. Conclusions. We present our first experience of using FFATs in a uniform series of fractures in surgeons of different training grades. There is a trend to increasing scores throughout training with a dip in consultant scores likely reflecting increased complexity of cases. Implications. FFATs could prove to be an invaluable appraisal tool for teaching and mentoring surgeons in training both locally in the United Kingdom and remotely overseas

This study aims to correlate Oxford shoulder score (OSS) to EQ5D score in healthy patients presenting to a shoulder clinic with shoulder pain. OSS and EQ5D scores were collected prospectively from 101 consecutive patients presenting with shoulder pain in a shoulder clinic at one specialist centre. Patients with ASA > 2 and other significant joint arthritis were excluded from the study. Scores were collected from electronic patient records. Spearman's rho correlation of oxford shoulder scores and EQ5D scores was completed. Mean age of subjects was 51.8 (range 19.1–81.9) years, 55 of 101 subjects were men (54%). Median OSS was 26 (range 3–48) and median EQ5D score was 0.76 (range 0–0.76). Correlation for all patients was 0.624 (Sig p<0.001). This study demonstrates a strong correlation between Oxford shoulder scoring and EQ5D in a fit and well shoulder surgery clinic population. It is possible that Oxford shoulder scores may be a useful indicator of quality of life in healthy shoulder clinic patients presenting with shoulder pain

Introduction. Patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been reported to be significantly better than after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The same has been observed for the capacity to forget during daily life activities about the operated joint. Recently a new patient reported outcome score, the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) a twelve item questionaire, has been used to evaluate postoperative outcome in joint arthroplasty. A better FJS-12 score was measured in THA than in TKA objectivating the intuitive feeling that the joint was more forgotten in THA than in TKA. Hypothesis. A higher preoperative FJS-12 score is the reason for a higher postoperative FJS-12 score in THA compared to TKA. Materials and methods. FJS-12 scores were prospectively collected in 75 THA and 75 TKA preoperatively and one year postoperative. Patients were stratified according to age and BMI. Effect size of treatment was calculated using the FJS-12. Results. No preoperative difference in mean (SD) FJS-12 was observed for THA (24(17) versus TKA (22(15)). The mean (SD) postoperative FJS-12 was significantly higher for THA (79(25)) than for TKA (73(22)). Effect size of treatment was 3.4 for TKA and 3.2 for THA. Mean (SD) for men in THA (89(25)) was significantly higher than for men in TKA (74(22)). Discussion. Postoperative differences in forgotten joint feeling after THA compared to TKA can not be explained by a preoperative difference. TKA is an effective surgery as measured by the effect size of treatment. Male TKA patients have worst outcome than male THA patients. This can probably be explained by mechanical or proprioceptive differences in between both types of arthroplasty

Aims. The main objective of this study was to examine whether the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) demonstrated floor or ceiling effects when used to measure outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty in a large national cohort. Secondary objectives were to assess its pain and function subscales, and to identify independent predictors for patients achieving a postoperative ceiling score following shoulder arthroplasty. Methods. Secondary database analysis of the National Joint Registry (NJR), which included 48,270 patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, was conducted. The primary outcome measure was the OSS. Secondary outcome measures were the OSS-Function Component Subscale and OSS-Pain Component Subscale. Floor and ceiling effects were considered to be present if > 15% of patients scored either the lowest or highest possible score. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors for scoring the highest possible OSS score postoperatively. Results. Preoperatively, 1% of patients achieved the lowest possible OSS score (0) and 0.4% of patients achieved the highest possible score (48). Postoperatively, < 1% of patients achieved the lowest score at all timepoints, but the percentage achieving the highest score at six months was 8.3%, at three years 16.9%, and at five years 17%. Male patients, those aged between 60 and 89 years, and those undergoing an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) were more likely to contribute to the ceiling effect seen in the OSS questionnaire. Pain and function subscales exhibited greater ceiling effects at three years and five years when compared with the overall OSS questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis showed that sex, procedure type, and preoperative OSS score were independent predictors for scoring the highest possible OSS at years. Conclusion. Based on NJR patient-reported outcome measures data, the OSS does not exhibit a ceiling effect at six months, but does at three years and five years, in part due to outcome scores of ATSA. Preoperative OSS, age, male sex, and ATSA are independent predictors of achieving a ceiling score. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1717–1724

We compared the ceiling effects of two patient-rating scores, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and a physician-rating score, the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS) in assessing the outcome of surgical treatment of an unstable distal radial fracture. A total of 77 women with a mean age of 64.2 years (50 to 88) who underwent fixation using a volar locking plate for an unstable distal radial fracture between 2011 and 2013 were enrolled in this study. All completed the DASH and PRWE questionnaires one year post-operatively and were assessed using the MMWS by the senior author. The ceiling effects in the outcome data assessed for each score were estimated. The data assessed with both patient-rating scores, the DASH and PRWE, showed substantial ceiling effects, whereas the data assessed with MMWS showed no ceiling effect. Researchers should be aware of a possible ceiling effect in the assessment of the outcome of the surgical treatment of distal radial fractures using patient-rating scores. It could also increase the likelihood of a type II error. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1651–6

Aims. The Uppföljningsprogram för cerebral pares (CPUP) Hip Score distinguishes between children with cerebral palsy (CP) at different levels of risk for displacement of the hip. The score was constructed using data from Swedish children with CP, but has not been confirmed in any other population. The aim of this study was to determine the calibration and discriminatory accuracy of this score in children with CP in Scotland. Methods. This was a total population-based study of children registered with the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway Scotland. Displacement of the hip was defined as a migration percentage (MP) of > 40%. Inclusion criteria were children in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III to V. The calibration slope was estimated and Kaplan-Meier curves produced for five strata of CPUP scores to compare the observed with the predicted risk of displacement of the hip at five years. For discriminatory accuracy, the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was estimated. In order to analyze differences in the performance of the score between cohorts, score weights, and subsequently the AUC, were re-estimated using the variables of the original score: the child’s age at the first examination, GMFCS level, head shaft angle, and MP of the worst hip in a logistic regression with imputation of outcomes for those with incomplete follow-up. Results. The discriminatory accuracy of the score in the new population of 367 children was high (AUC 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 0.86)). The calibration of the score was insufficient (slope 0.48 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.65)), and the absolute risks of displacement of the hip in this population were overestimated. The AUC increased with re-estimated weights (0.85 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.91)). Conclusion. The CPUP Hip Score had a high ability to discriminate between children at different levels of risk for displacement of the hip. The score overestimated the absolute risks of displacement in this population, which may have resulted from differences in the way children were initially registered in the two programmes. The results are promising, but the score weights may need re-estimation before its clinical application in Scotland. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):640–644

Aims. The Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) tool designed to assess artificial prosthesis awareness during daily activities following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) is the minimum cut-off value that corresponds to a patient’s satisfactory state-of-health. Despite the validity and reliability of the FJS-12 having been previously demonstrated, the PASS has yet to be clearly defined. This study aims to define the PASS of the FJS-12 following primary THA. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary elective THA from 2019 to 2020, and answered both the FJS-12 and the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR) questionnaires one-year postoperatively. HOOS, JR score was used as the anchor to estimate the PASS of FJS-12. Two statistical methods were employed: the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve point, which maximized the Youden index; and 75th percentile of the cumulative percentage curve of patients who had the HOOS, JR score difference larger than the cut-off value. Results. This study included 780 patients. The mean one-year FJS-12 score was 65.42 (SD 28.59). The mean one-year HOOS, JR score was 82.70 (SD 16.57). A high positive correlation between FJS-12 and HOOS, JR was found (r = 0.74; p<0.001), making the HOOS, JR a valid external anchor. The threshold score of the FJS-12 that maximized the sensitivity and specificity for detecting a PASS was 66.68 (area under the curve = 0.8). The cut-off score value computed with the 75th percentile approach was 92.20. Conclusion. The PASS threshold for the FJS-12 at one year following primary THA was 66.68 and 92.20 using the ROC curve and 75th percentile approaches, respectively. These values can be used to achieve consensus about meaningful postoperative improvement to maximize the utility of the FJS-12 to evaluate and counsel patients undergoing THA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(4):307–313

There is no consensus on how to evaluate and grade pin site infection. A precise, objective and reliable pin site infectious score is warranted. The literature was reviewed for pin site infection classification systems, The Modified Gordon Score (MGS) grade 0-6 was used. The aim was to test the reliability of The Modified Gordon Infection Score. The observed agreement and inter-rater reliability were investigated between nurse and doctors. MGS was performed in the outpatient clinic at Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark on 1472 pin sites in 119 patients by one nurse and one of three orthopaedic surgeons blinded to each other's judgement. The data was stored in a Red Cap Database for further statistical analysis. The observed agreement between the nurse and the 3 orthopaedic surgeons was evaluated with a one-way random-effect model with interclass correlation with absolute agreement. Furthermore the observed agreement for each of the 3 surgeons with the nurse was calculated. The distribution of MGS infection grade in the 1472 pin sites was: Grade 0; n=1372, Grade 1; n=32, Grade 2; n=39, Grade 3; n=24, Grade 4; n=5, Grade 5; n=0, Grade 6; n=0. The observed agreement between the nurse and the surgeons was calculated as 98%. The ICC estimated between nurse and the surgeons was 0,8943 (ICC >0,85 = reliable). The grading was done by three different doctors with an agreement with the nurse as follows. Rater1 (n=416) =99,5 %, Rater2 (n=1440) =97,4%, Rater3 (n=1440) =96,6%. A limitation to this study is that the dataset represents mostly clean pin sites with MGS 0. Only 100 pin sites had signs of superficial infection MGS 1-4 none above 4. We found that the MGS infection score is highly reliable for low grade infections but we cannot conclude on reliability in severe infections

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine how changes in functional shoulder score (Constant Score) affected the values of the SF-36 score, to determine the amount of functional score change to be considered relevant. Material and Method: 427 patients were included. All of them were assessed with a functional shoulder score (Constant Score) and fulfilled SF-36 score. Mean age was of 50,61(18–85), 200 of them were male and 227 female. 280 were considered to be active while 147 were retired as far as working status is concerned. There were 191 patients with university studies and 236 with primary studies. Primary diagnosis was cuff disorders in 265 patients, old-fracture in 43, degenerative in 72 and instability in 34. Correlations were performed with Spearman’s rho and regression models were evaluated. Results: There was a moderate but significant correlation between the total Constant Score and PF_NORM (0,511) and US standardized physical component (US STPH) (0,491) of the SF-36. For every point of increase in the Constant score the SF-36 increases 0,235 points. Looking into the different items of the Constant Score, Activities of daily living (ADL) and strength presented the stronger correlation with SF-36 (0,428, 0,411). In the regression model, every point of increase of pain, ADL, forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation means an increase of 0,472, 0,39, 0,84, 0,82 and 0,86 of the US STPH of the SF-36. Conclusions: Whenever the outcome of any shoulder treatment is analyzed it has to be taken into account that for every point of increase of the Total Constant Score just 0,235 points of the US SPTH of the SF-36 increase. Depending on the mean value of the US SPTH of the SF-36 of the population studied, the relevant increase of Constant Score can be calculated. Mobility improvements seem to have more influence that pain changes as far as increasing the US SPTH of the SF-36 is concerned