Aims. Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA) is an advised treatment for anteromedial knee osteoarthritis. While long-term survival after mUKA is well described, reported incidences of short-term surgical complications vary and the effect of surgical usage on complications is less established. We aimed to describe the overall occurrence and treatment of surgical complications within 90 days of mUKA, as well as occurrence in high-usage centres compared to low-usage centres. Methods. mUKAs performed in eight fast-track centres from February 2010 to June 2018 were included from the Lundbeck Foundation Centre for Fast-track Hip and Knee Replacement Database. All readmissions within 90 days of surgery underwent chart review and readmissions related to the surgical wound or the prosthesis were recorded. Centres were categorized as high-usage centres when using mUKA in ≥ 20% of annual knee arthroplasties. The occurrence of complications between high- and low-usage centres were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results. We included 3,757 mUKAs: 2,377 mUKAs from high-usage centres and 1,380 mUKAs from low-usage centres. Surgical complications within 90 days occurred in 69 cases (1.8%), 45 (1.9%) in high-usage centres and 24 (1.7%) in low-usage centres (odds ratio (OR) 1.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 1.8)). The most frequent complications were periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) (n = 18; 0.48%), wound-related issues (n = 14; 0.37%), and periprosthetic fractures (n = 13; 0.35%). Bearing dislocations (n = 7; 0.19%) occurred primarily in procedures from high-usage centres. In high-usage centres, seven periprosthetic fractures (0.29%) occurred compared to six (0.43%) in low-usage centres (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.20 to 2.0)). In high-usage centres, nine PJIs (0.38%) occurred compared to nine (0.65%) in low-usage centres (OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.6)). Conclusion. Surgical complications are rare after fast-track mUKA surgery and with no difference in overall occurrence of surgical complications between high- and low-usage centres, although the risk of some specific surgical complications may favour high-usage centres. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(6):457–462

Aims. Previous research has demonstrated increased early complication rates following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in obese patients, as defined by body mass index (BMI). Subcutaneous fat depth (FD) has been shown to be an independent risk factor for wound infection in cervical and lumbar spine surgery, as well as after abdominal laparotomy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased peritrochanteric FD was associated with an increased risk of complications in the first year following THA. Methods. We analyzed prospectively collected data on a consecutive series of 1,220 primary THAs from June 2013 until May 2018. The vertical soft tissue depth from the most prominent part of the greater trochanter to the skin was measured intraoperatively using a sterile ruler and recorded to the nearest millimetre. BMI was calculated at the patient’s preoperative assessment. All surgical complications occuring within the initial 12 months of follow-up were identified. Results. Females had a significantly greater FD at the greater trochanter in comparison to males (median 3.0 cm (interquartile range (IQR) 2.3 to 4.0) vs 2.0 cm (IQR 1.7 to 3.0); p < 0.001) despite equivalent BMI between sexes (male median BMI 30.0 kg/m. 2. (IQR 27.0 to 33.0); female median 29.0 kg/m. 2. (IQR 25.0 to 33.0)). FD showed a weak correlation with BMI (R² 0.41 males and R² 0.43 females). Patients with the greatest FD (upper quartile) were at no greater risk of complications compared with patients with the lowest FD (lower quartile); 7/311 (2.3%) vs 9/439 (2.1%); p = 0.820 . Conversely, patients with the highest BMI (≥ 40 kg/m. 2. ) had a significantly increased risk of complications compared with patients with lower BMI (< 40 kg/m. 2. ); 5/60 (8.3% vs 18/1,160 (1.6%), odds ratio (OR) 5.77 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1 to 16.1; p = 0.001)). Conclusion. We found no relationship between peritrochanteric FD and the risk of surgical complications following primary THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1146–1150

Aims

Depression can significantly affect quality of life and is associated with higher rates of medical comorbidities and increased mortality following surgery. Although depression has been linked to poorer outcomes following orthopaedic trauma, total joint arthroplasty and spinal surgery, we wished to examine the impact of depression in elective total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) as this has not been previously explored.

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between additional rehabilitation at the weekend, and in-hospital mortality and complications in patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Japan using a nationwide multicentre database from April 2010 to March 2018, including 572,181 patients who had received hip fracture surgery. Propensity score matching was performed to compare patients who received additional weekend rehabilitation at the weekend in addition to rehabilitation on weekdays after the surgery (plus-weekends group), as well as those who did not receive additional rehabilitation at the weekend but did receive weekday rehabilitation (weekdays-only group). After the propensity score matching of 259,168 cases, in-hospital mortality as the primary outcome and systemic and surgical complications as the secondary outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results. The plus-weekends group was significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates compared with the weekdays-only group (hazard ratio 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.8 to 0.92; p < 0.001). Systemic complications such as acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, renal failure, and sepsis were significantly lower in the plus-weekends group, whereas urinary tract infection (UTI) and surgical complications such as surgical site infection and haematoma were significantly higher in the plus-weekends group. Conclusion. Additional weekend rehabilitation was significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality, as well as acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, renal failure, and sepsis, but was also significantly associated with a higher risk of UTI and surgical complications. This result can facilitate the effective use of the limited rehabilitation resources at the weekend and improve the clinical awareness of specific complications. To establish more robust causal associations between additional rehabilitation over the weekend and clinical outcomes, further prospective studies or randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are warranted. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):872–879

While obesity is associated with an increased risk of complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of early postoperative complications has not been fully characterized. This study sought to describe the relationship between BMI and the risk of early postoperative complications, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), composite surgical, and composite medical complications. Primary, elective THAs performed from 2016–2021 were identified using the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD). The study's primary outcome was the diagnosis of PJI within 90 days of THA. Using BMI as a continuous variable, logistic regression was used to develop restricted cubic splines (RCSs) to determine the impact of BMI on PJI risk. Bootstrap simulation was used to identify an inflection point in the final RCS model. The same technique was used to characterize the effects of BMI on composite medical and surgical complications. We found that PJI risk increased exponentially beyond a BMI cutpoint of 37.4 kg/m. 2. Relative to the cutpoint, patients with a BMI of 40 or 50 kg/m. 2. were at a 1.22- and 2.55-fold increased risk of developing PJI, respectively. Surgical complications increased at a BMI of 32 kg/m. 2. and medical complications increased at a BMI of 39 kg/m. 2. Relative to these cutpoints, patients with a BMI of 50 kg/m. 2. were at a 1.36- and 2.07-fold increased risk of developing medical and surgical complications, respectively. The results of this study indicate a non-linear relationship between patient BMI and early postoperative risk of PJI, composite medical complications, and composite surgical complications following THA. The identified cutpoints with associated odds ratios can serve as tools to help risk-stratify and counsel patients seeking primary THA

Aims. Nonagenarians (aged 90 to 99 years) have experienced the fastest percent decile population growth in the USA recently, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of nonagenarians living with joint arthroplasties. As such, the number of revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in nonagenarians is expected to increase. We aimed to determine the mortality rate, implant survivorship, and complications of nonagenarians undergoing aseptic revision THAs and revision TKAs. Methods. Our institutional total joint registry was used to identify 96 nonagenarians who underwent 97 aseptic revisions (78 hips and 19 knees) between 1997 and 2018. The most common indications were aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture for both revision THAs and revision TKAs. Mean age at revision was 92 years (90 to 98), mean BMI was 27 kg/m. 2. (16 to 47), and 67% (n = 65) were female. Mean time between primary and revision was 18 years (SD 9). Kaplan-Meier survival was used for patient mortality, and compared to age- and sex-matched control populations. Reoperation risk was assessed using cumulative incidence with death as a competing risk. Mean follow-up was five years. Results. Mortality rates were 9%, 18%, 26%, and 62% at 90 days, one year, two years, and five years, respectively, but similar to control populations. There were 43 surgical complications and five reoperations, resulting in a cumulative incidence of reoperation of 4% at five years. Medical complications were common, with a cumulative incidence of 65% at 90 days. Revisions for periprosthetic fractures were associated with higher mortality and higher 90-day risk of medical complications compared to revisions for aseptic loosening. Conclusion. Contemporary revision THAs and TKAs appeared to be relatively safe in selected nonagenarians managed with multidisciplinary teams. Cause of revision affected morbidity and mortality risks. While early medical and surgical complications were frequent, they seldom resulted in reoperation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):649–656

Aims. Ilium is the most common site of pelvic Ewing’s sarcoma (ES). Resection of the ilium and iliosacral joint causes pelvic disruption. However, the outcomes of resection and reconstruction are not well described. In this study, we report patients’ outcomes after resection of the ilium and iliosacral ES and reconstruction with a tibial strut allograft. Methods. Medical files of 43 patients with ilium and iliosacral ES who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with a tibial strut allograft between January 2010 and October 2021 were reviewed. The lesions were classified into four resection zones: I. 1. , I. 2. , I. 3. , and I. 4. , based on the extent of resection. Functional outcomes, oncological outcomes, and surgical complications for each resection zone were of interest. Functional outcomes were assessed using a Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). Results. The mean age of the patients was 17 years (SD 9.1). At a mean follow-up of 70.8 months (SD 50), the mean functional outcomes were 24.2 points (SD 6.3) for MSTS and 81 points (SD 11) for TESS. The mean MSTS and TESS scores were associated with the iliac resection zone (< 0.001). Nine patients (20.9%) had local recurrence. The recurrence was not associated with the zone of iliac resection (p = 0.324). The two-year disease-free survival of the patients was 69.4%. The mean time to graft union was longer in patients with the I. 4. resection zone (p < 0.001). The complication rate was 34.9%, and nerve palsy (11.6%) was the most common. The rate of surgical complications was not associated with the resection zone. Conclusion. Reconstruction using tibial strut allograft is an efficient procedure after the resection of the ilium and iliosacral ES. Functional outcomes and complications of iliac ES depend on the resection zone, and inferior outcomes could be generally expected when more segments of the pelvic ring are resected, even if it is reconstructed. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):385–393

Abstract. Introduction. Patients presenting with loosening or a fracture between ipsilateral hip and knee replacements provide a unique reconstructive challenge. We present mid-term results of the cement-over megaprosthesis (COM) when managing these complex cases. A COM is cement-linked to the stem of a well-fixed existing implant. We report the largest series to date and show that this may be preferable to total femoral replacement in a cohort of patients who often have significant co-morbidities. Methodology. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing COM between 2002–2022 was performed. Primary outcomes were defined as implant survival, displayed with survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included mortality and surgical complications. Functional outcomes included Visual Analogue Score (VAS), EuroQol-5D-3L and Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score at one year post operatively. Results. 34 patients underwent reconstructive cement-over technique. There were 20 custom distal femur replacements and 10 custom proximal femoral replacements. Two patients were revised, with a ten year implant survival of 94%. Fifteen patients died during the study period with an mean time to death of 66 months (25–109). The mean follow up was 75 months. 11 patients (32%) developed surgical complications. Mean VAS score was 4.9 (1–10), EuroQol-5D-3L index 0.45 (−0.59 – 0.88) and MSTS score was 16.8 (2–27) in 29 patients. Conclusion. The COM technique provides good implant survivorship in complex cases with compromised bone stock and this series confirms this as an established alternative to total femoral replacement in these cases

Complications are an inevitable part of orthopaedic surgery, how one defines complications can have an impact on the ability to learn from them. A group of general surgeons headed by Clavien and Dindo et al.1 have previously published their classification system for surgical complications based on the type of therapy required to correct the complication. Our aim was to evaluate a modification of this classification system and its use over a 12-month period at our institution via our departmental audits, our hypothesis being that this would direct appropriate discussion around our complications and hence learning and institutional change. A modified Clavien-Dindo Classification was prospectively applied to all complications recorded in the Orthopaedic departmental quarterly audits at our institution for a 12-month period (4 audits). The audit discussion was recorded and analysed and compared with the quarterly complication audits for the preceding 12-month period. The modified Clavien-Dindo classification for surgical complications was applicable and reproducible to Orthopaedic complications in our level 1 trauma centre. It is a transparent system, objective in its interpretation and avoids the tendency to down-grade serious complications. It was easy to apply and directed discussion appropriately at our quarterly audit meetings on complications where there was a preventable outcome or important learning point. In particular modifications to VTE and Death classes allowed the unit to focus discussion on cases where complication was preventable or unexpected. The modified Clavien-Dindo classification system is an easy to use and reproducible classification system for Orthopaedic complications in our unit it directed audit discussion towards cases where complications were preventable or had a learning point

Introduction. We aimed to study the rates of both surgical and medical complications associated with femoral diaphysis fracture fixation with intramedullary nailing including all fracture mechanisms. Additionally, we investigated whether the trauma energy has an impact on the complication risk. Method. In this retrospective cohort study, the health records of 491 patients with 503 femoral fractures, who underwent surgery between May 2007 and May 2022 in Tampere University Hospital, were reviewed. Patients who underwent a primary operation with a reamed rigid intramedullary nail for a diaphyseal femoral fracture and whose follow-ups were organized at the same hospital district, were included. Based on those criteria, 57.5% were included for analysis (279 patients with 289 fractures). The complications were then recorded by chart review. To investigate the impact of trauma energy on complication risk, we compared complication proportions in high- and low-energy groups and calculated odds ratios. Result. The crude percentage of 30-day mortality was 2.1% (6 of 289) based on information obtained from the patients’ records. The overall proportion of complications was 22.5%. The risk of any medical complication was 2.8%, whereas the risk of surgical complication was 19.8%. The risk of complications was nearly twice as high in high-energy fractures compared to low-energy fractures, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.92, 95% CI 1.03-3.75. The risk of reoperations was significantly increased in high-energy traumas (OR 2.46, CI 1.25-5.24). Conclusion. This study reveals a 2.1% risk of thirdy-day mortality and a 22.5% risk of overall complications, predominantly of a surgical type. The complication risk, especially the risk of surgical complications, is higher among the patients with fractures caused by high-energy injury compared to low-energy fractures, highlighting the importance of timely identification of those complications for providing better postoperative care

Background. Ankle fractures associated with diabetes experience more complications following standard Open-Reduction-Internal-Fixation (ORIF) than those without diabetes. Augmented fixation strategies namely extended ORIF and hind-foot-nail (HFN) may offer better results, and early weightbearing in this group. The aim of this study was to define the population of patients with diabetes undergoing primary fixation for ankle fractures. Secondarily, to assess the utilisation of standard and augmented strategies and the effect of these choices on surgical outcomes including early post-operative weight bearing and surgical complications. Methods. A national-multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted between January to June 2019 in 56 centres (10 Major- Trauma-Centres and 46 Trauma-Units) in the United Kingdom; 1360 specifically defined complex ankle-fractures were enrolled. Demographics, fixation choice, surgical and functional outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to compare high-risk patients with/without diabetes. Results. There were 316 patients in the diabetes cohort with mean age 63.9yrs (vs. 49.3yrs in non-diabetes cohort), and greater frailty score >4 (24% vs.14% (non-diabetes cohort) (p<0.03); 7.5% had documented neuropathy. In the diabetes cohort, 79.7% underwent standard ORIF, 7.1% extended ORIF and 10.2% a HFN compared to 87.7%, 3.0% and 10.3% in the non-diabetes cohort. Surgical wound complications after standard-ORIF were higher in the diabetes cohort (15.1% vs. 8.7%) (p<0.02) but patients with diabetes who underwent augmented techniques showed little difference in surgical outcomes/complications to non-diabetes, even though early-weight- bearing rates were greater than standard-ORIF. Conclusion. Ankle fractures in diabetes occur in older, frailer patients; whilst lower than expected neuropathy rates suggest a need for improved assessment. Augmented surgical techniques may allow earlier weight-bearing without increasing complications in keeping with modern guidelines in ankle fracture management

Objectives. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 infection and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery during the global pandemic. Secondary objectives were to determine if there was a change in infection and complication profile with changes introduced in practice. Design. Multicentre retrospective national audit. Setting. UK-based study on foot and ankle patients who underwent surgery between the 13. th. January to 31. st. July 2020 – examining time periods pre- UK national lockdown, during lockdown (23. rd. March to 11. th. May 2020) and post-lockdown. Participants. All adult patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre during the study period included from 43 participating centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Main Outcome Measures. Variables recorded included demographics, surgical data, comorbidity data, COVID-19 and mortality rates, complications, and infection rates. Results. 6644 patients were included. In total 0.52% of operated patients contracted COVID-19 (n=35). The overall all cause 30-day mortality rate was 0.41%, however in patients who contracted COVID-19, the mortality rate was 25.71% (n=9); this was significantly higher for patients undergoing diabetic foot surgery (75%, n=3 deaths). Matching for age, ASA and comorbidities, the OR of mortality with COVID-19 infection was 11.71 (95% CI 1.55 to 88.74, p=0.017). There were no differences in surgical complications or infection rates prior to or after lockdown, and amongst patients with and without COVID-19 infection. After lockdown COVID-19 infection rate was 0.15% and no patient died of COVID-19 infection. Conclusions. COVID-19 infection was rare in foot and ankle patients even at the peak of lockdown. However, there was a significant mortality rate in those who contracted COVID-19. Overall surgical complications and post-operative infection rates remained unchanged during the period of this audit. Patients and treating medical personnel should be aware of the risks to enable informed decisions

Aims. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures. The objectives of this study were to define whether there is a correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and surgical complications after elective primary unilateral THA, and investigate whether access to elective THA differs within SES groups. Methods. We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study involving 202 hospitals in Ontario, Canada, over a 17-year period. Patients were divided into income quintiles based on postal codes as a proxy for personal economic status. Multivariable logistic regression models were then used to primarily assess the relationship between SES and surgical complications within one year of index THA. Results. Of 111,359 patients who underwent elective primary THA, those in the lower SES groups had statistically significantly more comorbidities and statistically significantly more postoperative complications. While there was no increase in readmission rates within 90 days, there was a statistically significant difference in the primary and secondary outcomes including all revisions due (with a subset of deep wound infection and dislocation). Results showed that those in the higher SES groups had proportionally more cases performed than those in lower groups. Compared to the highest SES quintile, the lower groups had 61% of the number of hip arthroplasties performed. Conclusion. Patients in lower socioeconomic groups have more comorbidities, fewer absolute number of cases performed, have their procedures performed in lower-volume centres, and ultimately have higher rates of complications. This lack of access and higher rates of complications is a “double hit” to those in lower SES groups, and indicates that we should be concentrating efforts to improve access to surgeons and hospitals where arthroplasty is routinely performed in high numbers. Even in a universal healthcare system where there are no penalties for complications such as readmission, there seems to be an inequality in the access to THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):589–597

Abstract. Background. Atypical femur fracture (AFF) is a well known complication of Bisphosphonate therapy. Due to prolonged suppression of bone re-modelling in these fractures, surgical complications are difficult to manage. The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of surgical complications in AFF fixations and provide algorithm for management. Method. In this retrospective 10-year study (2010–2020), we identified patients surgically treated for AFF. We included patients who underwent revision surgery for any cause. Data collection included demographics, surgical complications, details of revision surgery and time to union. Result. Out of 57 patients who were operated for AFF, 17 underwent revision fixation. The average age was 69 with only 2 males. Around two-third (64%) were sub-trochanteric fractures and method of fixation in 64% cases was intra-medullary nail. The most common complication was non-union (12), followed by stress fracture and infection in 3 and 2 cases respectively. In most cases inadequate reduction and sub-optimal fixation was perceived as cause of failure except two cases which got infected. Revision fixation in all cases included improved bone contact (non-union site osteotomy), use of bone morphogenic proteins and improved fixation with augmentation device (either nail or plate). Follow up at 1 year showed fracture union in 12 cases, remaining 5 revision fixations failed, 3 of which were managed with proximal femur replacement. Conclusion. High rate of non-union after fixation in AFF. Optimizing the fixation construct results in union in most cases. However, arthroplasty should be considered in elderly patients with poor bone quality

Aims. The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child’s distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach. Methods. A total of 30 children with a chondroblastoma of the distal femur who had been treated by intraregional curettage and bone grafting were retrospectively reviewed. An intercondylar approach was used in 16 patients (group A) and an epiphyseal approach in 14 (group B). Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and Sailhan’s functional criteria. Results. At final follow-up, the mean MSTS score was 29.1 (SD 0.9) in group A and 26.7 (SD 1.5) in group B (p = 0.006). According to Sailhan’s criteria, the knee function was good and fair in 14 (87.5%) and two (12.5%) patients of group A, and eight (57.1%) and six (42.9%) patients of group B, respectively (p = 0.062). The lesion had recurred in one patient (6.2%) in group A and four patients (28.6%) in group B. Limb shortening > 1 cm was recorded in one patient (6.2%) from group A and six patients (42.8%) from group B. Joint degeneration was noted in one patient from group A and three patients from group B. Conclusion. An intercondylar approach to a chondroblastoma of the middle two-quarters of the distal femoral epiphysis results in better outcomes than a medial or lateral epiphyseal approach: specifically, better limb function, a lower rate of recurrence, and a lower rate of physeal damage and joint degeneration. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):195–202

Aims. The present study aimed to investigate whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing joint arthroplasty have a higher incidence of adverse outcomes than those without IBD. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify eligible studies reporting postoperative outcomes in IBD patients undergoing joint arthroplasty. The primary outcomes included postoperative complications, while the secondary outcomes included unplanned readmission, length of stay (LOS), joint reoperation/implant revision, and cost of care. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model when heterogeneity was substantial. Results. Eight retrospective studies involving 29,738 patients with IBD were included. Compared with non-IBD controls, patients with IBD were significantly more likely to have overall complications (OR 2.11 (95% CI 1.67 to 2.66), p < 0.001), medical complications (OR 2.15 (95% CI 1.73 to 2.68), p < 0.001), surgical complications (OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.70), p < 0.001), and 90-day readmissions (OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.65), p < 0.001). The presence of IBD was positively associated with the development of venous thromboembolism (OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.97), p < 0.001) and postoperative infection (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.51 to 2.51), p < 0.001). In addition, patients with IBD tended to experience longer LOS and higher costs of care. Conclusion. The findings suggest that IBD is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and readmission after joint arthroplasty, resulting in longer hospital stay and greater financial burden. Surgeons should inform their patients of the possibility of adverse outcomes prior to surgery and make appropriate risk adjustments to minimize potential complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(6):362–371

Aims. The ulna is an extremely rare location for primary bone tumours of the elbow in paediatrics. Although several reconstruction options are available, the optimal reconstruction method is still unknown due to the rarity of proximal ulna tumours. In this study, we report the outcomes of osteoarticular ulna allograft for the reconstruction of proximal ulna tumours. Methods. Medical profiles of 13 patients, who between March 2004 and November 2021 underwent osteoarticular ulna allograft reconstruction after the resection of the proximal ulna tumour, were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes were measured clinically by the assessment of elbow range of motion (ROM), stability, and function, and radiologically by the assessment of allograft-host junction union, recurrence, and joint degeneration. The elbow function was assessed objectively by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and subjectively by the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) questionnaire. Results. The mean follow-up of patients was 60.3 months (SD 28.5). The mean elbow flexion-extension ROM was 95.8° (SD 21). The mean MSTS of the patients was 84.4 (SD 8.2), the mean TESS was 83.8 (SD 6.7), and the mean MEPS was 79.2 (SD 11.5). All the patients had radiological union at the osteotomy site. Symptomatic osteoarthritic change was observed in three patients (23%), one of whom ended up with elbow joint fusion. Two patients (15.4%) had recurrence during the follow-up period. Surgical complications included two allograft fractures, two plate fractures, three medial instabilities, and two infections. Conclusion. Osteoarticular ulna allograft reconstruction provides acceptable functional outcomes. Despite a high rate of complications, it is still a valuable reconstruction method, particularly in skeletally immature patients who need their distal humerus physis for the rest of hand growth. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):749–757

There has been a significant increase in the demand for arthroplasty as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and lack of beds on the green pathway. The average length of in-hospital stay following knee replacements has been successfully reduced over the years following introduction and adoption of enhanced recovery protocols. Day case arthroplasty has the potential to be efficient as well as cost-effective. We present our day case pathway for elective knee arthroplasty and early results of its adoption at a district general hospital. Our pathway was developed through a multidisciplinary input from surgeons, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, nursing staff, administrative staff, surgical care practitioners and pharmacists. Inclusion criteria were defined to identify patients suitable for cay case arthroplasty. Results of 32 patients who underwent day case partial and total knee replacement at our institution between 2018 to 2022 are presented. 31 out of 32 (97%) were discharged safely on the day of surgery. Patients were discharged at a mean of 7 hours following surgery. There were no re-admissions following discharge. There were no surgical complications at a mean follow-up of 2 years. Patient feedback revealed high levels of satisfaction and that they would recommend the pathway to others. Cost analysis revealed savings towards bed costs. Our early results demonstrate day case knee arthroplasty to be safe and cost effective. With limited resources to tackle the enormous backlog of arthroplasty, it offers the potential to make theatre utilization efficient

The Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association established the Sarcoma Guidelines Working Party to develop national guidelines for the management of Sarcoma. We asked whether surgery at a specialised centre improves outcomes. A systematic review was performed of all available evidence pertaining to paediatric or adult patients treated for bone or soft tissue sarcoma at a specialised centre compared with non-specialised centres. Outcomes assessed included local control, limb salvage rate, 30-day and 90-day surgical mortality, and overall survival. Definitive surgical management at a specialised sarcoma centre improves local control as defined by margin negative surgery, local or locoregional recurrence, and local recurrence free survival. Limb conservation rates are higher at specialised centres, due in part to the depth of surgical experience and immediate availability of multidisciplinary and multimodal therapy. A statistically significant correlation did not exist for 30-day and 90-day mortality between specialised centres and non-specialised centres. The literature is consistent with improved survival when definitive surgical treatment is performed at a specialised sarcoma centre. Evidence-based recommendation: Patients with suspected sarcoma to be referred to a specialised sarcoma centre for surgical management to reduce the risk of local recurrence, surgical complication, and to improve limb conservation and survival. Practice point: Patients with suspected sarcoma should be referred to a specialised sarcoma centre early for management including planned biopsy

Abstract. Introduction. Active, middle-aged patients with symptomatic cartilage or osteochondral defects can find themselves in a treatment gap when they have failed conservative measures but are not yet eligible for conventional arthroplasty. Data from various cohort studies suggests that focal knee resurfacing implants such as HemiCAP, UniCAP, Episealer or BioBoly are cost-effective solutions to alleviate pain, improve function and delay or eliminate the need for conventional replacement. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in order to(i) evaluate revision rates and implant survival of focal resurfacing; (ii) explore surgical complications; and (iii) evaluate various patient reported clinical outcome measures. Methodology. PubMED, Cochrane Library and Medline databases were searched in February 2022 for prospective and retrospective cohort studies evaluating any of the available implant types. Data on incidence of revision, complications and various patient reported outcome measures was sourced. Results. A total of 24 unique studies were identified with a total of 1465 enrolled patients. A revision rate of 12.97% over a 5.9 year weighted mean follow-up period was observed across all implant types. However, in one series a Kaplan-Meir survival as high as 92.6% at a 10-year follow-up period was noted. A statistically significant improvement was documented across multiple subjective clinical outcomes scores. There was a low reported incidence of post-operative complications such as aseptic loosening or deep wound infection. Conclusions. Focal femoral resurfacing appears to be a viable treatment option for focal symptomatic chondral lesions in patients beyond biological reconstruction, with low revision rates and high patient satisfaction