Aims

To systematically review qualitative studies of patients with distal tibia or ankle fracture, and explore their experience of injury and recovery.

Introduction. Following recommendations in the NHS Plan, all Trusts in the UK now send copies of correspondence to patients as standard practice. It is not clear whether patients wish to receive such correspondence, nor whether this practices an additional workload on the NHS as patients seek clarification on the medical terminology used in their letters. Methods. We surveyed 90 consecutive patients in three Consultant Foot & Ankle surgeons' new outpatient clinics at our institution. Sixty patients received a copy of the letter sent to their GP (standard practice) and 30 patients received a letter in plain English addressed to the patient and a copy was sent to the GP (new practice). Patients were sent a cover letter explaining the study a copy of their clinic note and also a questionnaire that asked details about their preferred methods of communication. In addition qualitative interviews with 4 GP Partners were carried out to harbour their opinions. Results. 72 (80%) patients responded to the questionnaire. The majority (95%) wanted a letter about their care, but 76% preferred a letter in plain English addressed to them (new practice) rather than a copy of the letter sent to their GP (standard practice). 27% of respondents who received a copy of their GP letter stated that there were one or more words that they did not understand compared to 8.3% of respondents who received letters in simple English. Many of the patients seeking clarification identified barriers in obtaining explanation. GP's interviewed welcomed the concept of writing directly to patients and felt that this process could lead to improvements to patient care. Conclusion. The practice of copying GP letters to patients is flawed, and is not consistent with what patients' want. Central NHS dictums should receive the same level of evidenced-based scrutiny applied to clinical pathways

Aims

This is a multicentre, non-inventor, prospective observational study of 503 INFINITY fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs). We report our early experience, complications, and radiological and functional outcomes.

Aims

To assess the characteristic clinical features, management, and outcome of patients who present to orthopaedic surgeons with functional dystonia affecting the foot and ankle.

Aims

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) surgery is complex and attracts a wide variety of complications. The literature lacks consistency in reporting adverse events and complications. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of each of these complications from a literature review, and to compare them with rates from our Unit, to aid clinicians with the process of informed consent.