Aims

To investigate if preoperative CT improves detection of unstable trochanteric hip fractures.

Aims

Despite limited clinical scientific backing, an additional trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) has been advocated when treating unstable trochanteric fractures with a sliding hip screw (SHS). We aimed to explore whether the TSP would result in less post operative fracture motion, compared to SHS alone.

Aims

Hip fracture commonly affects the frailest patients, of whom many are care-dependent, with a disproportionate risk of contracting COVID-19. We examined the impact of COVID-19 infection on hip fracture mortality in England.

The avulsion fracture of the V-th metatarsal and Jones fractures often show delayed and non-union. The tension belt osteosynthesis shows often soft tissue problems due to the thin soft tisshe covering. A new minimal invasive method with the 3,5mm XXS nail and the clinical results are presented. Percutaneously the fracture is reduced with a K-wire as a joy stick. This or if the direction needed is different a second K-wire as guide is introduced and with a canulated 3,5 mm drill the place for the nail is prepared. Proximal and distal to the fracture one threaded wire locking and fracture compression through the nail (proximal longitudinal holes) are performed. 77 patients with a XXS nail fixation of MT V fractures were treated from July 1999 to Jan.2006. Clinical and radiological re-examination at 1 to 6 years were performed. The AOFAS was 22 pre- and 96 postoperatively. No pseudarthrosis but in 53 patients implant removal was done in part due to local discomfort. This was strictly correlated to the length of the threaded wires to the bone surface. 95% reached pretrauma activity levels. Satisfaction was 9 from 10 points. The XXS nails allow a percutaneous stable fixation of the avulsion and Jones fractures of the V-th metatarsus. The complication rate is low

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is an established and effective intervention for osteoarthritis of the hip in the young active patient, relying on the principle of femoral bone-stock preservation. A recognised mode of failure is neck thinning leading to radiological evidence of neck collapse and clinical failure. We report on a series of these slow-neck-failure patients and highlight the increased incidence of this phenomenon in post-menopausal female patients. This is a single operator, single implant series; 172 cases were identified from databases at our institution. 76 were female, mean (SD) age 52 (7) years. 96 were male, mean (SD) age 51(12) years. 15 (8.7%) patients required revision. 12 (80%) were female, 9 (75%) of these were due to slow neck failure. In the men one patient developed ALVAL requiring removal of his bilateral hip resurfacings, the other failure mode was early femoral neck failure. Mean time to failure was 6 months in men and 37 months in women. This difference in failure rates is also seen in the NJR figures. This review confirms the relatively high incidence of premature failure in post-menopausal females. NICE guidance in 2003, currently under review, stated that resurfacing is indicated in male patients up to 65 and female patients up to 60. As a result of this study we are currently advising post-menopausal patients that this risk of early failure may make total hip replacement a preferable option to resurfacing arthroplasty

The longitudinal midline and medial-parapatellar incision are commonly used in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Medial-parapatellar incision n offers a smaller wound, avoids creation of thin skin flaps and easier exposure in obese patients. This incision creates a lateral skin flap which may be subject to poor blood supply and delayed wound healing. We undertook a Randomised Controlled Trial (n=20) comparing midline and medial-parapatellar incisions. Cutaneous blood-flow was measured using a Doppler Imager. Interstitial fluid measurements for lactate, pyruvate, lactate/pyruvate ratio and glucose were obtained from subcutaneous microdialysis catheters. Wound cosmesis was graded and skin sensation tested. Immediately post-op there was no significant difference in subcutaneous blood flow, but by day 3 patients with medial-parapatellar incisions showed greater bloodflow than midline incisions, particularly on the medial side (387 vs 278units p=0.148). At both day 1 and 3 post-op the lateral flap of the medial parapatellar incision showed decreased blood flow compared to the medial side, though these failed to reach significance. In contrast the midline incision showed no discernable difference in blood flow between the medial and lateral flaps. Concentrations of subcutaneous glucose increased from 4 hours post-op in the midline group, returning to baseline by 24hours. In contrast, the parapatellar group remained at base line throughout. Lactate concentrations increased over time in both groups peaking at 12hours post-op. No difference was noted between incision types with regard to wound cosmesis. We conclude that the use of a medial-parapatellar incision results in only minimal biochemical changes, which are unlikely to alter wound healing. Medial-parapatellar incision is therefore a safe alternative to a midline incision and can be utilised in appropriate complex cases to aid surgical exposure

Introduction. We present a series of patients who have had secondary reconstruction of war injuries to the upper and lower limbs, sustained during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Material and Methods. All patients were seen at the combined Peripheral Nerve Injuries Clinic at the Defence Medical Centre for Rehabilitation, Headley Court. All surgery was performed at Odstock Hospital. Procedures include scar excision and neurolysis (all patients), release of scar contractures, tenolysis, tendon transfers, revision nerve grafts, excision of neuroma, and soft tissue reconstruction using pedicled or free flaps. Results. 24 patients have been treated at the time of submission. We have using 13 free flaps (1 free groin flap, 9 anterolateral thigh, 3 parascapular, with 4 as through-flow flaps) and 1 pedicled groin flap, with no flap losses. There were 6 amputation stump revisions (1 above elbow, 5 below knee). The majority (n=23) have had nerve recovery distal to the level of injury following revision surgery. Conclusions. Nerve repairs recover following neurolysis (and revision nerve graft if necessary) with provision of good soft tissue cover. Release of scar contractures with flap cover allows healing of chronic wounds and permits mobilisation of joints. Thin fasciocutaneous flaps provide good contour and can be elevated more easily than skin grafted muscle flaps for secondary surgery. Free or regional flaps are preferable to local flaps in high energy-transfer military wounds. Immediate complex reconstruction is not always appropriate in multiply-injured patients

Aims

Complex joint fractures of the lower extremity are often accompanied by soft-tissue swelling and are associated with prolonged hospitalization and soft-tissue complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vascular impulse technology (VIT) on soft-tissue conditioning in comparison with conventional elevation.

Posterolateral spinal fusion (PSLSF) in rabbits is a challenging model for bone substitutes because the transverse processes are extremely thin and the space to be filled with bone is greater than critical and meiopragic in terms of vascularity. Several investigators have shown beneficial effects of PRP in bone and soft-tissue healing processes. However, controversial results have been reported in clinical setting analysing the effectiveness of PRP. Aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of PRP in experimental model of PLSF in rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 20 White females New Zeland Rabbits were used. Seven rabbits (Group 1) had PRP plus carrier on the right side (Group 1A) and plus carrier and fresh bone marrow on the left side (Group 1B). Seven rabbits (Group 2) had carrier alone on the right side (Group 2A) and carrier plus fresh bone marrow on the left side (Group 2B). Six rabbits (Group 3) had sham operation on both right and left sides. Animals were sacrificed 6 months after surgery and the lumbar spine submitted to radiolographic and histologic analysis. Vascular density (VD) was also assessed in the different zone of the grafted material. RESULTS. Radiographs showed a complete fusion in 83% of group 1A and in 83% of group 1B, and in 86% of group 2A and 2B. Pseudarthrosis or non union, was observed in 1 specimen of group 1B and 2A and in all specimens of group 3 (sham). In contrast to radiographic results, no specimen showed a complete bony bridge between the transverse processes on histologic analysis. VD was significantly greater in the periapophyseal compared to the interapophyseal region of the graft material. However, no significant difference was found in the VD between groups. CONCLUSIONS. In this study PRP alone, or augmented with fresh bone marrow, failed to induce a histologically proved bony fusion in the PLSF model. Factors which may influence the effectiveness of PRP should be further addressed before applying PRP in the clinical setting

The purpose of this study was to validate the usefulness of SPECT/CT as an evaluation method for determining treatment and prognosis for patellofemoral cartilage lesions, based on MRI and arthroscopic findings. From August 2009 to February 2010, SPECT/CT was performed on 80 patients (24 male and 56 female, average 53.3 years old) with chronic anterior knee pain who had no degenerative changes or patellar malalignment on plain radiographs. Radioisotope uptake findings on patellofemoral joint from SPECT/CT were classified into three grades by one nuclear medicine specialist. In the patients who demonstrated poor improvements after conservative treatments, MRI and arthroscopy were performed. Patellofemoral cartilage conditions under arthroscopic finding (ICRS grades) were compared with SPECT/CT grading. In all cases, there were increased uptakes on patellofemoral joints. Eighteen cases showed low uptake (Group 1), 22 cases showed medium uptake (Group 2) and 40 cases high uptake (Group 3). At the follow-up examination after mean 1.7 months, 16 cases of Group 1 (89%), 14 cases of Group 2 (64%) and 28 cases of Groups3 (70%) responded positively to the conservative treatments. For those 22 cases showing poor improvement, MRI and arthroscopy were done. Damage or thinning of patellofemoral cartilage, subchondral cyst, edema and fissuring were observed in every case that underwent MRI. Every arthroscopic case was found that there was patellofemoral cartilage damage. Each of ICRS grade I and grade II was found in 2 cases from Group 1. Two cases of grade II, 4 cases of grade III, and 2 cases of grade IV were found in Group 2. Two cases of grade II, 4 cases of grade III, and 6 cases of grade IV were found in Group 3. There was significant difference in the success rate of conservative treatment between SPECT/CT grade 1 and 2 or 3. And there was significant association between SPECT/CT grade and ICRS grade (P=0.034). SPECT/CT could be a useful modality in determining the treatment and prognosis for patellofemoral cartilage lesions compared with MRI and arthroscopic findings

Introduction. The MITCH PCR is an anatomic, flexible, horse-shoe shaped acetabular component, with 2 polar fins. The rationale of the PCR cup design is to reproduce a near-physiological stress distribution in the bone adjacent to the prosthesis. The thin composite cup is designed to fuse and flex in harmony with the surrounding bony structure. Only the pathological acetabular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone of the horseshoe-shaped, load-bearing portion of the acetabular socket is replaced, thus preserving viable bone stock. The PCR is manufactured from injection moulded carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK), with a two layer outer surface comprising hydroxyapatite and plasma sprayed commercially pure titanium. It is implanted in conjunction with a large diameter low wear femoral head, producing a bearing that will generate minimal wear debris with relatively inert particles. Pre-clinical mechanical testing, finite element analysis and biocompatibility studies have been undertaken. FEA evaluation predicts preservation of host bone density in the load bearing segments. A pilot clinical study was completed on a proto-type version of the PCR cup (the “Cambridge” cup), achieving excellent 5 and 10 year results. Subjects and Methods. We report the three-year results from a two-centre, prospective clinical evaluation study of the MITCH PCR cup. Patient outcome has been assessed using standardised clinical and radiological examinations and validated questionnaires. The change in physical level of activity and quality of life has been assessed using the Oxford Hip Score, Harris Hip score and the EuroQol-5D score, at scheduled time-points. Serial radiographs have been analysed to monitor the fixation and stability of the components. Results and Conclusions. In total 25 PCR cups were implanted by 3 surgeons. There were 12 men and 13 women. The mean patient age at time of surgery was 67 years (range 57–74). An Accolade TMZF stem was used as the femoral component in 19 patients and an Exeter stem in 6. The mean Oxford Hip score improved from 19.8 pre-operatively to 45 at the latest follow-up. The mean Euroqol-5D score improved from 62.6 to 83.6 and the Harris Hip score improved from 49.9 to 90.6. Three adverse events were noted in 2 patients (2 chest infections and 1 deep vein thrombosis). One revision of the acetabular component was performed at 21 months for squeaking. This has been investigated and modification of the articular geometry has resolved the problem on in-vitro testing

Introduction. Vitamin E stabilization of radiation crosslinked UHMWPE is done by (1) blending into the resin powder, consolidating and irradiating or (2) diffusing into already consolidated and irradiated UHMWPE and terminally gamma sterilizing. With blending, a higher radiation dose is required for crosslinking to the same level as virgin UHMWPE. With diffusion, the vitamin E amount used is not limited by the crosslink density, but, vitamin E is exposed to terminal sterilization dose of 25–40 kGy, less than the 100–150 kGy used with blending, which may decrease the grafting of the antioxidant onto the polymer. We investigated the efficiency of grafted vitamin E against squlene-initiated accelerated aging. Methods. Medical grade GUR1050 UHMWPE with vitamin E (0.1 wt%) was irradiated to 150 kGy. Tibial knee insert preforms were irradiated to 100 kGy, diffused with vitamin E using a doping and homogenization procedure. This UHMWPE was used either before or after gamma sterilization. One set of machined blocks (10 × 10 × 6 mm; n = 6) were extracted in boiling hexane for 4 days, then dried. The extracted blocks were doped with squalene at 120°C for 2 hours. One block each was analyzed after doping. The rest were accelerated aged at 70°C and 5 atm. of oxygen for 6 (n = 2) and 14 days (n = 3). Thin sections (150 micron thick) were microtomed and analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to determine a vitamin E index (1245–1275 cm. −1. normalized to 1850–1985 cm. −1. ) and an oxidation index (1700 cm. −1. normalized to 1370 cm. −1. ) after extraction with boiling hexane for 16 hours and drying. Results. After extraction, 92% of the original vitamin E was removed from diffused and sterilized UHMWPE and 99% of the vitamin E was removed from the diffused and unsterilized UHMWPE. Vitamin E content of the blended, irradiated UHMWPEs could not be detected. As a result of accelerated aging in the presence of squalene, all extracted vitamin E-stabilized UHMWPEs showed increased oxidation except diffused, sterilized UHMWPE. The small amount grafted vitamin E in these samples (8%, ∼0.02 wt%) protected irradiated UHMWPE under these conditions. All vitamin E-stabilized, extracted UHMWPEs showed higher oxidative stability than irradiated and melted virgin UHMWPE in the presence of squalene. In the blended, irradiated UHMWPE, there was less effective vitamin E compared to the diffused, sterilized UHMWPE due to the high dose irradiation. Conclusions. Radiation grafting of vitamin E onto UHMWPE was effective against squalene initiated oxidation in accelerated aging. Vitamin E-diffused, sterilized UHMWPE showed no oxidation and diffused, unsterilized UHMWPE and blended, irradiated UHMWPE showed higher oxidative resistance than irradiated/melted UHMWPE

INTRODUCTION. The lifetime of UHMWPE implants may be limited by wear and oxidative degeneration. Wear produced particles are in general biologically active, and may induce osteolysis. As threshold of PE wear rate below which osteolysis is rarely observed is postulated to be less tahn 0.1 mm per year. Moreover, PE delamination and breakage are consequences of the embrittlement of the PE due to oxidation. Both demonstrate, that improving the clinical behaviour of UHMWPE means reduction of wear particles. The first can be achieved by cross-linking the second by the anti-oxidative stabiliser vitamin E. The highly cross-linked PE vitamys ® used for the isoelastic monobloc cup RM Pressfit (Mathys AG Bettlach, Bettlach, Switzerland) is mixed with 0.1% of synthetic vitamin E and is the first and only highly cross-linked PE used in total hip replacement that meets all requirements for the best grade UHMWPE in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break. METHODS AND MATERIAL. With the first implantation of RM Pressfit vitamys® a prospective multicentre study was started. So far 256 cases in 7 clinics from Europe and New Zealand are included. This report presents the first clinical experiences of one Swiss clinic from the multicentre study. Prospective data collection includes Harris Hip score (HHS), patient satisfaction and radiographic analysis. Clinical and radiographic follow-up is done after 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months, and thereafter for long-term results. Standardized documentation of surgery and postoperative course is performed. RESULTS. 81 patients were included in the study. Mean age at implantation is 69 years. The indication was primary OA in 57% and secondary OA in 36%, the others were treated either for necrosis, fracture or hip dysplasia. 68% of the patients received a 36mm femoral head, 31% a 32mm and 1% a 28mm. Intraoperatively two minor complications occurred, one femur and one trochanter fissure. No complications occurred during implantation of the cup. Most of the cups (59%) were implanted with an inclination of 40°-50°, 30% with 35°-40°. There were no signs of early loosening and a good Harris Hip Score was achieved. DISCUSSION. The principals of this monobloc cup with its isoelastic property and the thin titanium coating is a proven concept. Ihle et al. (JBJS 2008) reported 91% survival rate with revision for aseptic loosening as endpoint after 20 years. They found an increase of cup revisions after 14 to 16 years after implantation due to osteolysis probably due to PE wear. At short term, we haven't encountered any problems related to the implantation of this cup. So far one patient in the entire multicentre study needed a stem revision after periprosthetic femur fracture. To prove the durability of this novel material a follow-up of 14 years and more will be required

Aims

Dual plating of distal femoral fractures with medial and lateral implants has been performed to improve construct mechanics and alignment, in cases where isolated lateral plating would be insufficient. This may potentially compromise vascularity, paradoxically impairing healing. This study investigates effects of single versus dual plating on distal femoral vascularity.

Objectives

External fixators are the traditional fixation method of choice for contaminated open fractures. However, patient acceptance is low due to the high profile and therefore physical burden of the constructs. An externalised locking compression plate is a low profile alternative. However, the biomechanical differences have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the axial and torsional stiffness of the externalised titanium locking compression plate (ET-LCP), the externalised stainless steel locking compression plate (ESS-LCP) and the unilateral external fixator (UEF).

Objectives

A successful outcome following treatment of nonunion requires the correct identification of all of the underlying cause(s) and addressing them appropriately. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and frequency of causative factors in a consecutive cohort of nonunion patients in order to optimise the management strategy for individual patients presenting with nonunion.

We evaluated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) on the remodelling of callus in a rabbit gap-healing model by bone morphometric analyses using three-dimensional quantitative micro-CT. A tibial osteotomy with a 2 mm gap was immobilised by rigid external fixation and LIPUS was applied using active translucent devices. A control group had sham inactive transducers applied. A region of interest of micro-CT was set at the centre of the osteotomy gap with a width of 1 mm. The morphometric parameters used for evaluation were the volume of mineralised callus (BV) and the volumetric bone mineral density of mineralised tissue (mBMD). The whole region of interest was measured and subdivided into three zones as follows: the periosteal callus zone (external), the medullary callus zone (endosteal) and the cortical gap zone (intercortical). The BV and mBMD were measured for each zone.

In the endosteal area, there was a significant increase in the density of newly formed callus which was subsequently diminished by bone resorption that overwhelmed bone formation in this area as the intramedullary canal was restored. In the intercortical area, LIPUS was considered to enhance bone formation throughout the period of observation. These findings indicate that LIPUS could shorten the time required for remodelling and enhance the mineralisation of callus.

The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical distribution and incidence of fatigue injuries of the femur in physically-active young adults, based upon MRI studies. During a period of 70 months, 1857 patients with exercise-induced pain in the femur underwent MRI of the pelvis, hips, femora, and/or knees.

Of these, 170 patients had a total of 185 fatigue injuries, giving an incidence of 199 per 100 000 person-years. Bilateral injuries occurred in 9% of patients. The three most common sites affected were the femoral neck (50%), the condylar area (24%) and the proximal shaft (18%). A fatigue reaction was seen in 57%, and a fracture line in 22%. There was a statistical correlation between the severity of the fatigue injury and the duration of pain (p = 0.001). The location of the pain was normally at the site of the fatigue injury. Fatigue injuries of the femur appear to be relatively common in physically-active patients.