There is a paucity of published literature regarding the long-term outcomes of the modern generations of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Between 1999 and 2001, we recruited 63 patients into a randomised controlled trial of arthrodesis vs TJA. The 2 year results were published in 2005. At a mean follow-up 15.2 years (range 13.2–17.2), all patients from the original trial were contacted. Data were collected in the form of visual analogue score for pain (VAS), visual-Analogue-Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) as well as information on any revision procedures. Data were available from all surviving patients (66 toes 53 patients). There was no difference in pain scores between the arthrodesis group and arthroplasty group 7.4 ± 15.7 vs 15.7 ± 19.7 (p=0.06). There was also no difference in the VAS FA scores as a whole 88.9 ± 12.9 vs 86.1 ± 17.1 (p = 0.47), or when divided into its 3 components (pain, function and other complaints). There was however a significant difference with regards to patient satisfaction with the arthrodesis group outperforming the TJA group: 95.5 ± 10.4 vs 83.6 ± 20.9 (p<0.01). There was a significantly higher rate of revision surgery in the TJA group when compared to the arthrodesis group (p= 0.009). At 15 years the patients that underwent arthrodesis were more satisfied and had a greater survivorship compared to TJA, however there was no difference in outcome with regards to pain or function between the two groups. Based on the results of this study arthrodesis remains the ‘gold standard’ due to excellent pain relief, high function and low risk of revision surgery

Reduced length of stay (LOS) is logistically, economically and physiologically beneficial. Although a high proportion of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients are suitable for same day admission (SDA), removable barriers persist in many centres. This study aimed to determine factors limiting SDA and quantify the impact of implementing both SDA and a targeted enhanced recovery programme on length of stay. This single-centre retrospective cohort study collected data on elective TJA patients aged <60. Qualitative service reviews identified opportunities for optimisation. Improvements were implemented in 2017, including: obtaining consent at the pre-assessment clinic and robustly assessing suitability for SDA. A targeted rapid recovery program was implemented in June 2018. Data was collected prior to changes in 2017, and following changes in 2018. 106 of 108 screened patients were eligible for inclusion. There were no significant between-year differences in baseline health characteristics. Significantly greater proportions of 2018 patients were consented at their pre-assessment clinic (56% vs 8.9%, p<0.001) and assessed as suitable for SDA (94% vs 57.1%, p<0.001). Pre-operative LOS was significantly reduced in 2018 for both total hip replacements (median [IQR]: 0[0,0] vs 1[1,1], p<0.001) and total knee replacements (median [IQR]: 0[0,0] vs 0[0,1], p=0.002). The departmental mean LOS improved from 4.7 days to 3.7 days following SDA. This was further shortened to 3.2 days after introduction of the rapid recovery program. When a larger proportion of patients were deemed suitable for SDA, this correlated with reduction of LOS. The department now performs above national standards in both of these parameters