Introduction. This study aimed to compare MIPO and IMNr in the treatment of supracondylar femur fracture following TKA in respect of fracture healing, complications and functional results. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was made of 32 supracondylar femur fractures classified according to the Rorabeck classification, comprising 20 cases treated with MIPO and 12 with IMNr. The two techniques were compared in respect of ROM, KSS, SF-12 scores, intraoperative blood loss, surgery time, and radiological examination findings. Results. No significant difference was determined between the two groups in respect of age, gender and fracture type, or in the median time to union (MIPO 4.3 months, IMNr 4.2 mths) (p >0.05). In the MIPO group, 2 patients had delayed union, so revision surgery was applied. The mean postoperative ROM was comparable between IMNr and MIPO (86.2 °vs 86 °, p > 0.05). The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) and SF-12 score did not differ between the IMN and MIPO groups. (p>0.05). Reduction quality in the sagittal plane was better in the MIPO group and no difference was determined in coronal alignment. Greater shortening of the lower extremity was seen in the IMNr group than in the MIPO group. (20.3 vs 9.3mm, p<0.05). Perioperative blood loss was greater (2 units vs.1.2 units) and mean operating time was longerin the MIPO group. (126.5 min vs 102.2 min, p<0.05). Conclusion. In patients with good bone stock, supracondylar femur fracture following TKA can be treated successfully with IMN or MIPO. IMN has the advantage of less blood loss and a shorter operating time. Reduction quality may be improved with the MIPO technique. Both surgery techniques can be successfully used by orthopaedic surgeons taking a case-by-case approach

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus (SCFH) are the most common type of paediatric elbow fractures. Due to beliefs that non-operatively managed SCFH may displace further from the original position, they are monitored with repeated radiographs and a large number are unnecessarily surgically pinned. Very limited evidence currently exists to support these beliefs. This study aimed to determine the incidence of late “significant” displacement (requiring surgical management) of non-operatively managed paediatric SCFH, and whether they necessitate close radiographic follow-up. Patients aged ≤16, with a SCFH, were included in this retrospective cohort study. All were initially managed non-operatively with at least one follow-up radiograph within six weeks of injury. Data from four consecutive years (2013–2016) was collected using the hospital's radiology database. Two observers independently analysed patient radiographs and classified fractures by the Gartland and AO systems. The incidence of late displacement was determined using follow-up radiographs and clinic notes. Of the 164 patients included in the study, one patient (Gartland Type II, AO Type III) suffered late displacement at two weeks, requiring surgical fixation. One further patient (AO Type II) had a persistent cubitus varus deformity (Baumann's angle 90°), with no long-term functional deficit. Incidence of late displacement was 0.6% (n=1). Our findings suggest that stable Gartland Type I/AO Type I and II fractures do not require repeated radiographic follow-up. However, some Gartland Type II/AO Type III fractures require monitoring. This could considerably reduce the financial costs for the healthcare system, and inconvenience to families, associated with repeated follow-ups

Pelvic bone defect in patients with severe congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) lead to abnormalities in lumbar spine and lower limb alignment that can determine total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients' outcome. These variables may be different in uni- or bilateral CDH. We compared the clinical outcome and the spinopelvic and lower limb radiological changes over time in patients undergoing THA due to uni- or bilateral CHD at a minimum follow-up of five years. Sixty-four patients (77 hips) undergoing THA due to severe CDH between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed: Group 1 consisted of 51 patients with unilateral CDH, and group 2, 113 patients (26 hips) with bilateral CDH. There were 32 females in group 1 and 18 in group 2 (p=0.6). The mean age was 41.6 years in group 1 and 53.6 in group 2 (p<0.001). We compared the hip, spine and knee clinical outcomes. The radiological analysis included the postoperative hip reconstruction, and the evolution of the coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters assessing the pelvic obliquity (PO) and the sacro-femoro-pubic (SFP) angles, and the knee mechanical axis evaluating the tibio-femoral angle (TFA). At latest follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 88.6 in group 1 and 90.7 in group 2 (p=0.025). Postoperative leg length discrepancy of more than 5 mm was more frequent in group 1 (p=0.028). Postoperative lumbar back pain was reported in 23.4% of the cases and knee pain in 20.8%, however, there were no differences between groups. One supracondylar femoral osteotomy and one total knee arthroplasty were required. The radiological reconstruction of the hip was similar in both groups. The PO angle improved more in group 1 (p=0.01) from the preoperative to 6-weeks postoperative and was constant at 5 years. The SFP angle improved in both groups but there were no differences between groups (p=0.5). 30 patients in group 1 showed a TFA less than 10º and 17 in group 2 (p=0.7). Although the clinical outcome was better in terms of hip function in patients with bilateral CDH than those with unilateral CDH, the improvement in low back and knee pain was similar. Patients with unilateral dysplasia showed a better correction of the PO after THA. All spinopelvic and knee alignment parameters were corrected and maintained over time in most cases five years after THA

Introduction and Objective. In anticipation of reduced workload and need for minimisation of staff contact with infectious patients during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Cairns Hospital reduced the junior orthopaedic staffing and absolved team structure. Materials and Methods. We performed a retrospective audit of our department's workload during a predetermined three week period during the 2020 lockdown and in 2019. Results. 699 patient referrals from Emergency Department were captured; 358 in 2019 and 341 in 2020, a decrease of 4.7%. The same proportion were admitted (64.5%); similar numbers required operative intervention; 51.7% (2019) vs 50.1% (2020). There was a small reduction in spine and neck of femur fracture presentations (2% and 0.9% respectively). Common presentations such as supracondylar fractures and distal radius fractures remained nearly unchanged (increased 0.7% and 0.2% respectively). Overall, the referred patients’ demographics were essentially unchanged. Department workforce was reduced by 45% (20 vs 11 doctors). Elective operating, excluding category 1, was suspended, resulting in an overall reduction of total admissions and operations by 29.7%. The average length of stay of inpatients increased by 25.3% (2.5 vs 3.16 days). Conclusions. During lockdown, the acute orthopaedic burden remained almost unchanged. Despite a reduction in inpatient patient load, the average length of stay increased. This was multifactorial, including staffing reduction disproportional to workload, loss of team structure and continuity of care, and government enforced restrictions to the Cape York region. This can be used in future for planning the staffing allocation if further lockdowns are enforced during this, or future, pandemic

Introduction. Pediatric femoral fracture including supracondylar and subtrochantric fracture constitutes 1.6% of all pediatrics fractures. 1. Elastic nails remain the standard treatment of choice in mid shaft transverse femoral fracture in children weighting less than 45kg. 2. But in subtrochantric and spiral femoral fracture, failure rate of TENS nails are quite high. 3. . Material and methods. We retrospectively reviewed 30 subtrochantric fracture in children (average age 9 years) treated with bridge plate by mini invasive approach. Result. All fracture united well in average 14 weeks. Single complication was 5mm limb lengthening due to fixation in traction on fracture table in one case. We strongly recommend bridge plate in complex femoral fracture in children

It is common belief that consolidated intramedullary nailed trochanteric femur fractures can result in secondary midshaft or supracondylar fractures, involving the distal screws, when short or long nails are used, respectively. In addition, limited data exists in the literature to indicate when short or long nails should be selected for treatment. The aim of this biomechanical cadaveric study was to investigate short versus long Trochanteric Femoral Nail Advanced (TFNA) fixation in terms of construct stability and generation of secondary fracture pattern following trochanteric fracture consolidation. Eight intact human cadaveric femur pairs were assigned to 2 groups of 8 specimens each for nailing using either short or long TFNA with blade as head element. Each specimen was first biomechanically preloaded at 1 Hz over 2000 cycles in superimposed synchronous axial compression to 1800 N and internal rotation to 11.5 Nm. Following, internal rotation to failure was applied over an arc of 90° within 1 second under 700 N axial load. Torsional stiffness, torque at failure, angle at failure and energy at failure were evaluated. Fracture patterns were analyzed. Outcomes in the groups with short and long nails were 9.7±2.4 Nm/° and 10.2±2.9 Nm/° for torsional stiffness, 119.8±37.2 Nm and 128.5±46.7 Nm for torque at failure, 13.5±3.5° and 13.4±2.6° for angle at failure, and 887.5±416.9 Nm° and 928.3±461.0 Nm° for energy at failure, respectively, with no significant differences between them, P≥0.167. Fractures through the distal locking screw occurred in 5 and 6 femora instrumented with short and long nails, respectively. Fractures through the lateral entry site of the head element were detected in 3 specimens within each group. For short nails, fractures through the distal shaft region, not interfacing with the implant, were detected in 3 specimens. From biomechanical perspective, the risk of secondary peri-implant fracture after intramedullary nailed trochanteric fracture consolidation is similar when using short or long TFNA. Moreover, for both nail versions the fracture pattern does not unexceptionally involve the distal locking screw

Adequate range of knee motion is critical for successful total knee arthroplasty. While aggressive physical therapy is an important component, manipulation may be a necessary supplement. There seems to be a lack of consensus with variable practices existing in managing stiff postoperative knees following arthroplasty. Hence we did a postal questionnaire survey to determine the current practice and trend among knee surgeons throughout the United Kingdom. A postal questionnaire was sent out to 100 knee surgeons registered with British Association of Knee Surgeons ensuring that the whole of United Kingdom was well represented. The questions among others included whether the surgeon used Manipulation Under Anaesthaesia (MUA) as an option for stiff postoperative knees; timing of MUA; use of Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) post-manipulation. We received 82 responses. 46.3% of the respondents performed MUA routinely, 42.6% sometimes, and 10.9% never. Majority (71.2%) performed MUA within 3 months of the index procedure. 67.5% routinely used CPM post-manipulation while 7.3% of the respondents applied splints or serial cast post MUA. 41.5% of the surgeons routinely used Patient Controlled Analgaesia +/− Regional blocks. Majority (54.8%) never performed open/arthroscopic debridement of fibrous tissue for adhesiolysis. Knee manipulation requires an additional anaesthetic and may result in complications such as: supracondylar femur fractures, wound dehiscence, patellar tendon avulsions, haemarthrosis, and heterotopic ossification. Moreover studies have shown that manipulation while being an important therapeutic adjunct does not increase the ultimate flexion that can be achieved which is determined by more dominant factors such as preoperative flexion and diagnosis. Manipulation should be reserved for the patient who has difficult and painful flexion in the early postoperative period

Flexion Deformity of knee is the most common deformity in post polio residual deformity. Wilson's release, supracondylar osteotomy etc have been described for its treatment. We present our result of fractional hamstring lengthening followed by gradual distraction using threaded rod in hollow tube to treat flexion deformity of knee. This retrospective study included 150 cases (80 males and 70 females) with the mean of 15 years (8-22yrs). The mean duration of deformity was 6 years (2 – 14yrs) with mean follow up 0f 3 years. The mean preoperative flexion deformity was 45degree (110 – 30 degree) with a mean pre operative further flexion of 110 degree (130 – 90) .20 cases were had a crawling gait and 10 cases were wheel chair bound. Flexion got corrected to 0 degree in 110 cases (P value <0.01). Post operative mean arc of motion was 80degree We had 10 cases who could not tolerate plaster and hence were put on traction . 20 cases had knee stiffness on removal of plaster which could not improve on physiotherapy. 10 cases had superficial infection cured with dressings. Our findings indicate that this method is very effective in the treatment of flexion deformity of knee with complication of knee stiffness in older cases

Summary Statement. We present a simple and useful geometrical equation system to carry out the pre-operative planning and intra-operative assessments for total knee arthroplasty. These methods are extremely helpful in severely deformed lower limbs. Introduction. Total knee arthroplasty is a highly successful surgery for most of the patients with knee osteoarthritis. With commercial instruments and jigs, most surgeons can correct the deformity and provided satisfactory results. However, in cases with severe extra-articular deformity, the instruments may mislead surgeons in making judgment of the true mechanical axis. We developed a geometrical equation system for pre-operative planning and intra-operative measurement to perform correct bony cuts and achieve good post-operative axis. Patients & Methods. From 2008 to 2012, twenty-four patients with severe extra-articular deformities of low limbs underwent total knee arthroplasties for osteoarthritis. The deformities included malunion of femoral or tibial shafts with angulation, non-union of femoral supracondylar fractures, failed high tibia osteotomies, severe bowing of femurs, and other post-traumatic sequelae. The intra-medullary or extra-medullary guide devices were not possible to provide correct axis in these cases. For pre-operative planning, we analyzed the deformities on triple-film scanography and standing anterior-posterior and lateral X-ray films. The angles needed to be corrected in coronal and sagittal planes were measured. A geometrical equation system was applied to calculate the thickness of the proximal tibia cut and distal femoral cut. If the flexion contracture was presented, the degree of necessary elevation of joint line was also calculated. Intra-operatively, the degree of rotation of anterior and posterior femoral cuts was assessed after proximal tibial and distal femoral cuts. The sizes of prosthesis were judged according to the balance between flexion and extension gaps. A 3-in-1 jig was used for chamfering of the femur. After fine-tuning of bony cuts and balancing of soft tissue, the prostheses were cemented. The conventional intra-medullary and extra-medullary guiding devices were not used during the whole procedure. Results. All of the patients achieved satisfactory results in the aspect of pain relief and functional outcomes. All patients had good post-operative axis in coronal plane (varus or valgus deformity < 3 degrees). Twenty-two patients (92%) achieved good sagittal alignments (deformity < 3 degrees). The results were compatible with those in the patient population without those severe deformities. There was no major complication among these patients. Discussion/Conclusion. In this series, we present a simple and useful geometrical equation system to carry out the pre-operative planning and intra-operative assessments for total knee arthroplasty. These methods are extremely helpful in severely deformed lower limbs. Optimal post-operative alignments were achieved in this series and no major complication was found

Objectives

We have observed clinical cases where bone is formed in the overlaying muscle covering surgically created bone defects treated with a hydroxyapatite/calcium sulphate biomaterial. Our objective was to investigate the osteoinductive potential of the biomaterial and to determine if growth factors secreted from local bone cells induce osteoblastic differentiation of muscle cells.