Few previous studies showed that the conventional total knee replacement (TKR) has affection to the same side of talar tilt (TT). We expected to prevent this problem by the computer-assisted (CAS) TKR. The purpose of this study was to compare between pre and post-operative talar tilt and ankle clinical assessment on the CAS TKR and the Conventional TKR in 28 patients (56 knees) whom underwent bilateral TKR. 28 patients, 56 knees, whom underwent both CAS total knee replacement (TKR) and conventional total knee replacement (TKR), in both knees, with the combination of Gap Balance and Measurement Resection techniques performed by one surgeon (P. Sriphirom) at Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok. The post-operative has a 12 months follow-up for ankle radiographic finding by tibiotalar angle (TTA), tibial articular surface angle (TAS), and talar tilt (TT) = (TAS-TTA) and for ankle clinical assessment by foot functional index (FFI) from pre-operation and post-operation from both groups. The study also compares the CAS TKR with the Conventional TKR for pre-operation and post-operation. 56 knees, 28 patients, mean age = 67.79 years whom underwent bilateral TKR by the Conventional group and the CAS group had pre-operative TT (TT = TAS − TTA). The Conventional group = 1.5 (−5, 8), the CAS group = 0.5 (−5, 8), P value = 0.65. On post-operative TT the Conventional group = 0.0 (−5, 3), the CAS group = 1.0 (−3, 8), the P value = 0.4. The comparison of pre-operative TT and post-operative TT in the Conventional group, the P value = 0.01. On pre-operative TT and post-operative TT in the CAS group, the P value = 0.65. TT was significantly different in the Conventional group but was not significantly different in the CAS group. The ankle clinical assessment by foot functional index (FFI), which are (1) Pain, (2) Difficulty living, and (3) Daily life activity limitation. The pre-operative FFI in the Conventional group = 1.85 (0.81, 6.88) and pre-operative FFI in the CAS group = 1.91 (0.24, 66.5), the P value = 0.57. The post-operative FFI in the Conventional group = 1.68 (0.24, 7.0) and post-operative FFI in the CAS group = 1.65 (0.24, 6.76), the P value = 0.04, which showed a significantly different between the post-operative FFI from both groups. In the Conventional group the post-operative FFI was not significantly different from pre-operative FFI, the P value = 0.2 but for the CAS group the post-operative FFI was not significantly different from pre-operative FFI, the P value = 0.04. This study showed that the conventional TKR effected to post-operative talar, tilt but CAS TKR has less effect and was not significantly different to ankle joint. Finally, the study needs to be conducted on more patients and to be observed on a longer term follow-up

Instrumented fusion for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) has been challenged recently with high impact trials demonstrating similar changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and less morbidity/cost with laminectomy alone. Randomized trials often fail, however, to evaluate a heterogeneous population of patients. A standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) was created as a decision aid for surgeons based on the radiographic stability and clinical presentation of patients. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of those patients who followed the decision aid with respect to fusion/no fusion to those who did not. Patients were prospectively enrolled from eleven different Canadian institutions and followed from 2015–2019. A degenerative spondylolisthesis instability classification system (DSIC) was created using best available evidence stratifying patients into three different subtypes (1. stable degenerative spondylolisthesis, 2. potentially unstable spondylolisthesis and 3. unstable spondylolisthesis). The decision aid recommends laminectomy alone for group 1 patients, posterolateral fusion with pedicle screws in type 2 patients and pedicle screw and interbody fusion for type 3 patients. One year changes in HRQOL, length of hospital stay (LOS), medication use and surgical time were compared between each group and in context of whether the treatment fell within the decision aid recommendation. Statistics were performed with STATA software. There were 394 patients initially enrolled and 334 (84.8%) with full one year data available for comparison. There were 95 type 1 (stable), 224 type 2 (potentially unstable) and 75 type 3 (unstable) patients initially classified. Baseline Ostwestry disability index (ODI), EQ-5D, and SF-12 MCS scores were significantly worse for type 3 patients versus type 1 patients. One hundred and eight patients were treated within the recommendations of the DSIC system (108/334, 32.3%). Surgeons performed interbody fusions in 141 patients (42%) rather than follow DSIC recommending a less invasive approach. There were no significant differences EQ-5D, SF-12 PCS/MCS, PHQ-9 or ODI at one year between patient groups. There was a trend towards shorter operating times for those patients following the DSIC system (195 minutes non-followers versus 180 followers, p=0.078) and reduced hospital stay (4.46 days non-followers versus 3.98 followers, p=0.065). There were no significant clinical differences in outcome at 1 year whether patients underwent decompression alone, decompression/posterolateral fusion or interbody fusion regardless of the stability classification. Surgeons were more likely to perform potentially unnecessary interbody fusions even in those patients with stable or potentially unstable spondylolisthesis. Although not statistically significant, there is some suggestion that following the DSIC system based on best evidence recommendations leads to more judicious/responsible use of hospital resources. Further study is required to determine why surgeons are more likely to choose more invasive, higher rigidity constructs in patients with LDS

Knee dislocations are a rare but serious cause of trauma. The aim of this study was to establish current demographics and injury patterns/associations in multi-ligament (MLI) knee injuries in the United Kingdom.

A National survey was sent out to trauma & orthopaedic trainees using the British Orthopaedic Trainees Association sources in 2018. Contributors were asked to retrospectively collect a data for a minimum of 5 cases of knee dislocation, or multi-ligament knee injury, between January 2014 and December 2016. Data was collected regarding injury patterns and surgical reconstructions.

73 cases were available for analysis across 11 acute care NHS Trusts. 77% were male. Mean age was 31.9 (SD 12.4; range 16–69). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 28.3 (SD 7.0; range 19–52). Early (<3 weeks) reconstruction was performed in 53% with 9 (23%) patients under-going procedures for arthrofibrosis. Late (>12 weeks) reconstruction took place in 37% with one (3.7%) patient under-going arthroscopic arthrolysis. 4% had delayed surgery (3–12 weeks) and 5% had early intervention with delayed ACL reconstruction. For injuries involving 3 or more ligament injuries graft choices were ipsilateral hamstring (38%), bone-patella tendon-bone (20%), allograft (20%), contralateral hamstring (17%) and synthetic grafts in 18%.

Multi-ligament knee injuries are increasingly being managed early with definitive reconstructions. This is despite significant risk of arthrofibrosis with early surgery. Ipsilateral and contralateral hamstring grafts make up the bulk of graft choice however allograft (20%) and synthetic grafts (18%) remain popular.

Introduction. Treatment of non-union in open tibial fractures Gustilo-Anderson(GA)-3A/3B fractures remains a challenging problem. Most of these can be dealt using treatment methods that requires excision of the non-union followed by bone grafting, masquelet technique, or acute shortening. Circular fixators with closed distraction or bone transport also remains a useful option. However, sometimes due to patient specific factors these cannot be used. Recently antibiotic loaded bone substitutes have been increasingly used for repairing infected non-unions. They provide local antibiotic delivery, fill dead space, and act as a bone conductive implant, which is resorted at the end of a few months. We aimed to assess the outcome of percutaneous injection of bone substitute while treating non-union of complex open tibial fractures. Materials & Methods. Three cases of clinical and radiological stiff tibial non-union requiring further intervention were identified from our major trauma open fracture database. Two GA-3B cases, treated with a circular frame developed fracture-related-infection(FRI) manifesting as local cellulitis, loosened infected wires/pins with raised blood-markers, and one case of GA-3A treated with an intramedullary nail. At the time of removal of metalwork/frame, informed consent was obtained and Cerament-G. TM. (bone-substitute with gentamicin) was percutaneously injected through a small cortical window using a bone biopsy(Jamshedi needle). All patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated in a well-fitting air-cast boot and using crutches. They were followed up at 6 weekly intervals with clinical assessment of their symptoms and radiographs. Fracture union was assessed using serial radiographs with healing defined as filling of fracture gap, bridging callus and clinical assessment including return to full painless weight bearing. Results. Follow-up at 6 months showed all fractures had healed with no defect or gaps with evidence of new trabecular bone and significant resorption of Cerament-G. TM. at final follow-up. There was no evidence of residual infection with restoration of normal limb function. Fractures with no internal fixation showed a mild deformity that had developed during the course of the healing, presumed due to mild collapse in the absence of fixation. These were less than 10 degrees in sagittal and coronal planes and were clinically felt to be insignificant by the patients. Conclusions. Cerament-G's unique combination of high dose antibiotics and hydroxy apatite matrix provided by calcium sulphate might help provide an osteoconductive environment to allow these stiff non-unions to heal. The matrix appears to provide a scaffold-like structure that allows new bone in-growth with local release of antibiotics helping reduce deep-seated infections. The final deformation at fracture site underlines the need for fixation- and it is very unlikely that this technique will work in mobile nonunions. Whilst similar fractures may heal without the use of bone substitute injections, the speed of healing in presence of significant fracture gap suggests the use of these bone substitutes did help in our cases. Further studies with a larger cohort, including RCTs, to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique compared to other methods are needed

In older patients (>75 years of age), with an intact rotator cuff, requiring a total shoulder replacement (TSR) there is, at present, uncertainty whether an anatomic TSR (aTSR) or a reverse TSR (rTSR) is best for the patient. This comparison study of same age patients aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of older patients (≥75 years) who received either an aTSR or a rTSA. Consecutive patients with a minimum age of 75 years who received an aTSR (n=44) or rTSR (n=51) were prospectively studied. Pre- and postoperative clinical evaluations included the ASES score, Constant score, SPADI score, DASH score, range of motion (ROM) and pain and patient satisfaction for a follow-up of 2 years. Radiological assessment identified glenoid and humeral component osteolysis, including notching with a rTSR. Postoperative improvement for ROM and all clinical assessment scores for both groups was found. There were significantly better patient reported outcome scores (PROMs) in the aTSR group compared with the rTSR patients (p<0.001). Both groups had only minor osteolysis on radiographs. No revisions were required in either group. The main complications were scapular stress fractures for the rTSR patients and acromioclavicular joint pain for both groups. This study of older patients (>75 years) demonstrated that an aTSR for a judiciously selected patient with good rotator cuff muscles can lead to a better clinical outcome and less early complications than a rTSR

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the reasons for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revisions at a tertiary hospital over a four-year period. The study aimed to identify the primary causes of TKA revisions and shed light on the implications for patient care and outcomes. The study included 31 patients who underwent revisions after primary knee arthroplasty between January 2017 and December 2020. A retrospective approach was employed, utilizing medical records and radiological findings to identify the reasons for TKA revisions. The study excluded oncology patients to focus on non-oncologic indications for revision surgeries. Patient demographics, including age and gender, were recorded. Data analysis involved categorizing the reasons for revision based on clinical assessments and radiological evidence. Among the 31 patients included in the study, 9 were males and 22 were females. The age of the patients ranged from 43 to 81, with a median age of 65 and an interquartile range of 18.5. The primary reasons for TKA revisions were identified as aseptic loosening (10 cases) and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) (13 cases). Additional reasons included revision from surgitech hemicap (1 case), patella osteoarthritis (1 case), stiffness (2 cases), patella maltracking (2 cases), periprosthetic fracture (1 case), and patella resurfacing (1 case). The findings of this retrospective cohort study highlight aseptic loosening and PJI as the leading causes of TKA revisions in the examined patient population. These results emphasize the importance of optimizing surgical techniques, implant selection, and infection control measures to reduce the incidence of TKA revisions. Future research efforts should focus on preventive strategies to enhance patient outcomes and mitigate the need for revision surgeries in TKA procedures

THA in patients with acetabular bone defects is associated with a high risk of dislocation. Dual mobility (DM) cups are known to prevent and treat chronic instability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dislocation rate and survival of jumbo DM cups. This was a retrospective, continuous, multicenter study of all the cases of jumbo DM cup implantation between 2010 and 2017 in patients with acetabular bone loss (Paprosky 2A: 46%, 2B: 32%, 2C: 15% and 3A: 6%). The indications for implantation were revisions for aseptic loosening of the cup (n=45), aseptic loosening of the femoral stem (n=3), bipolar loosening (n=11), septic loosening (n=10), periprosthetic fracture (n=5), chronic dislocation (n=4), intraprosthetic dislocation (n=2), cup impingement (n=1), primary posttraumatic arthroplasty (n=8), and acetabular dysplasia (n=4). The jumbo cups used were COPTOS TH (SERF), which combines press-fit fixation with supplemental fixation (acetabular hook, two superior flanges with one to four screws, two acetabular pegs). A bone graft was added in 74 cases (80%). The clinical assessment consisted of the Harris hip score. The primary endpoint was surgical revision for aseptic acetabular loosening or the occurrence of a dislocation episode. In all, 93 patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 5.3 ± 2.3 years [0, 10]. As of the last follow-up, the acetabular cup had been changed in five cases: three due to aseptic loosening (3.2%) and two due to infection (2.1%). The survivorship free of aseptic loosening was 96.8%. Three patients (3%) suffered a dislocation. At the last follow-up visit, the mean HSS scores were 72.15, (p < 0.05). Use of a jumbo DM cup in cases of acetabular bone defects leads to satisfactory medium-term results with low dislocation and loosening rates

Survival of sepsis has been documented worldwide, but little is documented about the long-term health outcomes of multifocal sepsis from acute musculoskeletal infection - the first study of its kind in New Zealand. Children admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) from 1. st. January 2002 to 31. st. December 2017 with a musculoskeletal focus of infection were identified from hospital coding data. Notes review from discharge to present day determined survival and morbidity. Present-day clinical assessment of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems along with questionnaires on health-related quality of life, mental health and sleep were performed. Seventy patients were studied. Seven children died acutely (five Pasifika and two Māori children) indicating 10% mortality. Long-term survival was favourable with no recorded deaths after discharge. Recurrence/chronic infection occurred in 23%, a mean of 1.1 year after discharge. Growth disturbance occurred in 18%, a mean of 3 years after discharge. The hip joint and proximal femur have the worst complications. Children under 2 years are most at risk of long-term disability. No patients had chronic respiratory illness beyond 90 days. Fifteen children had symptoms of acute neurological impairment, three of whom had permanent brain injury. Twenty-six survivors (41%) were assessed a mean of 8.2 years after discharge. Health-related quality of life scores were on par with normative data. Six patients and eight parents screened positive for moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Paediatric multifocal musculoskeletal sepsis can result in complex illness with long hospital stay and multi-organ complications. Māori and Pasifika children, those under two and those involving the proximal femur/or hip are most at risk. Other outcomes are favourable with no evidence of chronic lung disease or poor quality of life. A period of rehabilitation for children with identified acquired brain injury should be part of discharge planning

This study aimed to identify long-term physical and psychosocial health outcomes in children with overwhelming musculoskeletal sepsis. Children admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) from 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2017 with a musculoskeletal focus of infection were identified. A medical notes review was completed to determine survival and morbidity. Present-day clinical assessment of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems along with questionnaires on health-related quality of life, mental health and sleep were performed. 70 patients were identified over 15 years. Seven children died acutely (five Pasifika and two Māori children) indicating 10% mortality. Recurrence/chronic infection affected 23%. Growth disturbance affected 18%. The hip joint and proximal femur suffered the worst long-term complications. Children under 2 years most at risk of long-term disability. No patients had chronic respiratory illness beyond 90 days. Fifteen children had symptoms of acute neurological impairment, three of whom had permanent acquired brain injury. Twenty-six survivors (41%) were assessed a mean of 8.2 years (SD 4.5, range 2– 18 years) after discharge. Health-related quality of life scores were on par with normative data. All patients who underwent pulmonary function tests had normal results. Six patients and eight parents screened positive for moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Paediatric multifocal musculoskeletal sepsis can result in complex illness with multi-organ complications for some children. Māori and Pasifika children are most at risk. Children under 2 years and those with proximal femur and/or hip involvement are most likely to have chronic musculoskeletal sequelae and permanent disability. Other outcomes are favourable with no evidence of chronic lung disease or mean reduced quality of life. A period of rehabilitation for children with identified acquired brain injury should be part of discharge planning

Aim. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2-[. 18. F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (. 18. F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography, paired with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) are two indicated advanced imaging modalities in the complicated diagnostic work-up of osteomyelitis. PET/MRI is a relatively novel hybrid modality with suggested applications in musculoskeletal infection imaging. The goal of this study was to assess the value of hybrid . 18. F-FDG PET/MRI for chronic osteomyelitis diagnosis and surgical planning. Method. Five suspected chronic osteomyelitis patients underwent a prospective . 18. F-FDG single-injection/dual-imaging protocol with hybrid PET/CT and hybrid PET/MR. Diagnosis and relevant clinical features for the surgeon planning treatment were compared. Subsequently, 36 patients with . 18. F-FDG PET/MRI scans for suspected osteomyelitis were analysed retrospectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined with the clinical assessment as the ground truth. Standardized uptake values (SUV) were measured and analysed by means of receiver operating characteristics (ROC). Results. The consensus diagnosis was identical for PET/CT and PET/MRI in the prospective cases, with PET/CT missing one clinical feature. The retrospective analysis yielded a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 78%, 100%, and 86% respectively. Area under the ROC curve was .736, .755, and.769 for the SUVmax, target to background ratio, and SUVmax_ratio respectively. These results are in the same range and not statistically different compared to diagnostic value for . 18. F-FDG PET/CT imaging of osteomyelitis in literature. Conclusions. Based on our qualitative comparison, reduced radiation dose, and the diagnostic value that was found, the authors propose . 18. F-FDG PET/MRI as an alternative to . 18. F-FDG PET/CT in osteomyelitis diagnosis, if available

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common injuries that represent 17% of all adult upper extremity fractures. Some fractures deemed appropriate for nonsurgical management following closed reduction and casting exhibit delayed secondary displacement (greater than two weeks from injury) and require late surgical intervention. This can lead to delayed rehabilitation and functional outcomes. This study aimed to determine which demographic and radiographic features can be used to predict delayed fracture displacement. This is a multicentre retrospective case-control study using radiographs extracted from our Analytics Data Integration, Measurement and Reporting (DIMR) database, using diagnostic and therapeutic codes. Skeletally mature patients aged 18 years of age or older with an isolated DRF treated with surgical intervention between two and four weeks from initial injury, with two or more follow-up visits prior to surgical intervention, were included. Exclusion criteria were patients with multiple injuries, surgical treatment with fewer than two clinical assessments prior to surgical treatment, or surgical treatment within two weeks of injury. The proportion of patients with delayed fracture displacement requiring surgical treatment will be reported as a percentage of all identified DRFs within the study period. A multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess case-control comparisons, in order to determine the parameters that are mostly likely to predict delayed fracture displacement leading to surgical management. Intra- and inter-rater reliability for each radiographic parameter will also be calculated. A total of 84 age- and sex-matched pairs were identified (n=168) over a 5-year period, with 87% being female and a mean age of 48.9 (SD=14.5) years. Variables assessed in the model included pre-reduction and post-reduction radial height, radial inclination, radial tilt, volar cortical displacement, injury classification, intra-articular step or gap, ulnar variance, radiocarpal alignment, and cast index, as well as the difference between pre- and post-reduction parameters. Decreased pre-reduction radial inclination (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.54; Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.43 – 0.64) and increased pre-reduction volar cortical displacement (OR = 1.31; CI = 1.10 – 1.60) were significant predictors of delayed fracture displacement beyond a minimum of 2-week follow-up. Similarly, an increased difference between pre-reduction and immediate post reduction radial height (OR = 1.67; CI = 1.31 – 2.18) and ulnar variance (OR = 1.48; CI = 1.24 – 1.81) were also significant predictors of delayed fracture displacement. Cast immobilization is not without risks and delayed surgical treatment can result in a prolong recovery. Therefore, if reliable and reproducible radiographic parameters can be identified that predict delayed fracture displacement, this information will aid in earlier identification of patients with DRFs at risk of late displacement. This could lead to earlier, appropriate surgical management, rehabilitation, and return to work and function

Aim. Studies have shown that retention of antibiotic cement spacer in selected elderly patients with low functional demand represents a viable option for periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) treatment. 1,2. . The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy in infection treating among modular taylored preformed and hand-made antibiotic spacers. Our hypothesis is that modular tailored preformed spacer provides a better rate of infection resolution, better radiological and functional outcomes compared to hand-made spacers. Materials and methods. We identified 48 patients treated with antibiotic cement spacer for shoulder chronic infection between 2015 and 2021 in our institution; (13 hand-made spacers and 35 modular tailored preformed spacers). We collected data about comorbidities, associated microorganism, infection resolution, clinical and radiographic evaluation. Results. The mean age at surgery was 63.2 years, (45.8% female − 54.2% male), mean BMI 28.3. The mean time of infection diagnosis after first surgery was 30 months; (31.2% infection after ORIF in proximal humeral fractures, 68.8% PJI after shoulder arthroplasty). The main pathogens were Propionibacterium Acnes (37.5%), Staphylococcus Epidermidis (29.2%), Staphylococcus Aureus (16.7%), negative intraoperative coltures (14.6%), Enterococcus (4.17%), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (4.17%). The mean time of antibiotic spacer retention was 18 months: 23 patients (47.9%) underwent second stage surgery for prosthesis implantation; 2 removed the spacer because of spacer dislocation, 2 died during follow up; while 21 patients still hold the antibiotic spacer (17 patients in treatment with prefabricated spacers and 4 with self-constructed spacer). The mean value for clinical assessment for patients with modular tailored preformed spacer were: Constant Score 34 – QuickDASH 40 – SST 33 – ASES Score 66 – VAS 2. Patients treated with hand-made spacer registered the following scores: Constant Score 20 – QuickDASH 51 – SST 25 – ASES Score 38 – VAS 6. Two patients presented fracture of the spacer (one hand-made spacer and one tailored preformed). Conclusions. According to our data patients treated with modular tailored preformed antibiotic spacer show better functional outcomes. Patients are more likely to retain the spacer as a permanent implant, avoiding the risks of a second stage surgery in those low-demanding patients, achieving a reasonable satisfying quality of shoulder motion without pain

Introduction. W. ide . A. wake . L. ocal . A. naesthetic . N. o . T. ourniquet (WALANT) is a well- established day case procedure for carpal tunnel release with several advantages and enhanced post-operative recovery. Use of Local anaesthesia with Adrenaline using a 27G needle allows a bloodless field and distraction techniques achieve patient comfort during the procedure. Objectives. This retrospective, observational cohort study assesses patient satisfaction and undertakes functional evaluation using the validated Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) following WALANT technique for carpal tunnel release (CTR). The BCTQ has a symptom severity scale based on 11 items and a functional status scale of 8 elements. Further we compare surgical outcomes between techniques of WALANT and traditional CTR. Patient and Methods. We included 30 consecutive patients, 15 in each arm who either underwent traditional CTR with the use of Tourniquet or with the WALANTtechnique. Data was collected from Electronic Patient Records and hand therapy assessments. A satisfaction questionnaire and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was utilized to evaluate subjective outcomes. Functional outcomes was assessed by BCTQ scoring system and clinical review. Microsoft Excel was used for analysis. Results. 100% of patients in the WALANT group stated they were satisfied with the operation. Relief from night pain and sleep disturbance were the most improved symptoms. BCTQ and clinical assessment evaluation between both groups revealed comparable results with no significant difference. Conclusion. With advantages of no tourniquet related pain, increased patient satisfaction and functional outcomes on the BCTQ scores, WALANT technique has the potential to be the standard technique for CTR

Aims. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and delayed medical and surgical examinations where attendance is required in person. Our article aims to outline the validity of online assessment, the range of benefits to both candidate and assessor, and the challenges to its implementation. In addition, we propose pragmatic suggestions for its introduction into medical assessment. Methods. We reviewed the literature concerning the present status of online medical and surgical assessment to establish the perceived benefits, limitations, and potential problems with this method of assessment. Results. Global experience with online, remote virtual examination has been largely successful with many benefits conferred to the trainee, and both an economic and logistical advantage conferred to the assessor or organization. Advances in online examination software and remote proctoring are overcoming practical caveats including candidate authentication, cheating prevention, cybersecurity, and IT failure. Conclusion. Virtual assessment provides benefits to both trainee and assessor in medical and surgical examinations and may also result in cost savings. Virtual assessment is likely to be increasingly used in the post-COVID world and we present recommendations for the continued adoption of virtual examination. It is, however, currently unable to completely replace clinical assessment of trainees. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(2):111–118

Introduction. Torsional malalignment syndrome (TMS) is a unique combination of rotational deformities in the lower limb, often leading to severe patellofemoral joint pain and disability. Surgical management of this condition usually consists of two osteotomies in each affected limb, with simultaneous correction of both femoral anteversion and external tibial torsion. However, we believe that a single supratubercular osteotomy followed by tibial derotation with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) can be used to provide a significant improvement in both appearance and function. Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective case analysis in which we will be reviewing 16 osteotomies performed by one surgeon between 2006 and 2017. The study includes 11 patients with a mean age of 16.7 ± 0.8 years. Pre and post-operatively, patients were fully evaluated through history and physical examination, and CT rotational profiling. Statistical analyses were performed in order to determine whether or not any observed clinical or cosmetic improvements were statistically significant. Results. The results show significant improvements in scores reported on post-operative functional assessment, with mean Oxford Knee Score (OKS) increasing by 18.3 and mean Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) also increasing by 31.4. In addition to this, post-operative clinical assessment showed a reduced thigh-foot angle (TFA) in all cases, by a mean value of 31.9o. The angle of the transmalleolar axis (TMA) was successfully reduced in 14/16 cases, by a mean value of 8.6o. Statistical analysis showed all of these results to be statistically significant where p<0.05. Conclusions. The results show that supratubercular osteotomy, followed by gradual correction with TSF, can be used to provide a significant improvement in both appearance and function for patients suffering from TMS

There is increasing evidence that patients with ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral graft harvest are at greater risk of rupture (12.5%) on their contralateral compared to their surgical side (7.9%). The purpose of this study is to re-evaluate patients from a previous study comparing ipsi- versus contralateral graft harvest to compare ACL rupture rate at a minimum 10 year follow-up. An attempt to contact all participants from a previously published study was made to invite them to return for a follow-up. The assessment included an International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Clinical Assessment (IKDC), isokinetic concentric knee flexion and extension strength testing, as well as the ACL-Quality of life (ACL-QOL). A chart review was conducted to identify or confirm subsequent ipsi- or contralateral knee surgeries. In patients with ipsilateral graft, 3/34 (8.8%) re-ruptured and 3/34 (8.8%) had contralateral rupture. In the contralateral group, 1/28 (3.6%) re-ruptured and 2/28 (7.1%) had contralateral rupture. The relative risk (RR) of re-rupture with ipsilateral graft was 2.47 compared to using the contralateral site (p=0.42). RR of rupture on the contralateral side when ipsilateral graft was used was 1.23 compared to the alternate approach. Current contact information was unavailable for 21 patients. Of the 47 remaining, 37 were consented (79%). No difference in the ACL-QOL between groups (ipsilateral 68.4±24.4, contralateral 80.1±16.0, p=0.17) was observed. There were no differences in knee flexion strength between groups (peak torque flexion affected leg: ipsilateral 77.8nm/kg±27.4, contralateral: 90.0 nm/kg±35.1; p=0.32; Unaffected leg: ipsilateral: 83.3 nm/kg±30.2 contralateral 81.7 nm/kg±24.4; p= 0.89). This study suggests that using the contralateral hamstring in ACL rupture is not associated with an increase in ACL rupture on either side. The risk of ACL injury was low in all limbs; therefore, a larger study would be required to definitively state that graft side had no impact

When compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US) performed by experienced users is an inexpensive tool that has good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing rotator cuff (RC) tears. However, many practitioners are now utilizing in-office US with little to no formal training as an adjunct to clinical evaluation in the management of RC pathology. The purpose of our study was to determine if US without formal training is effective in managing patients with a suspected RC tear. This was a single centre prospective observational study. Five fellowship-trained surgeons each examined 50 participants referred for a suspected RC tear (n= 250). Patients were screened prior to the consultation and were included if ≥ 40 years old, had an MRI of their affected shoulder, had failed conservative treatment of at least 6 months, and had ongoing pain and disability. Patients were excluded if they had glenohumeral instability, evidence of major joint trauma, or osteonecrosis. After routine clinical exam, surgeons recorded their treatment plan (“No Surgery”, “Uncertain”, or “Surgery”). Surgeons then performed an in-office diagnostic US followed by an MRI and documented their treatment plan after each imaging study. Interrater reliability was analyzed using a kappa statistic to compare clinical to ultrasound findings and ultrasound findings to MRI, normal and abnormal categorization of biceps, supraspinatus, and subscapularis. Following clinical assessment, the treatment plan was recorded as “No Surgery” in 90 (36%), “Uncertain” in 96 (39%) of cases, “Surgery” in 61 (25%) cases, and incomplete in 3 (2%). In-office US allowed resolution of 68 (71%) of uncertain cases with 227 (88%) of patients having a definitive treatment plan. No patients in the “No Surgery” group had a change in treatment plan. After MRI, 16 (6%) patients in the “No Surgery” crossed-over to the “Surgery” group after identification of full-thickness tears, larger than expected tears or alternate pathology (e.g., labral tear). The combination of clinical examination and in-office US may be an effective method in the initial management of patients with suspected rotator cuff pathology. Using this method, a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan was established in 88% of patients with the remaining 12% requiring an MRI. A small percentage (6%) of patients with larger than expected full-thickness rotator cuff tears and/or alternate glenohumeral pathology (e.g., labral tear) would be missed at initial evaluation

Limb symmetry on a battery of functional tests is becoming more common as a clinical rehabilitation tool serving as a proxy assessment for readiness to return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The predictive capability of each included test for determining the likelihood of a second ACL injury is not well known. This study combines 14 established functional tests into a comprehensive return-to-sport assessment (RTSA). Study purpose: to determine if any of the functional tests were independently related to a second ACL injury occurring after the patient was cleared for return to sport. The RTSA was administered to 226 individuals after primary, unilateral ACLR who were followed for at least 24 months (51% female; mean ± SD age, 18.9 ± 4.0 years at RTSA, 9.4 ± 2.4 months post-surgery). The RTSA included 14 tests that involved calculation of Limb Symmetry Indices (LSI): leg press [LP], eccentric hamstring strength [HS], hip adductor strength [HA], Y Balance Test (anterior [YANT], posteromedial [YPM], posterolateral [YPL]), single hop [SH], triple hop [TH], crossover hop [CH], 6 meter timed hop [TiH], lateral hop [LH], medial hop [MH], vertical jump [VJ], single leg squat [SLS]. LSI averaged values of three trials for each leg for LP, HS, HA, SH, TH, CH, TiH, LH, MH, VJ, and SLS. The lowest bilateral difference across three trials was used for YANT, YPM, and YPL. Logistic regression using backward elimination was used to predict the odds of a second non-contact ACL injury using the RTSA, sex, age, and months post-surgery at RTSA as the independent variables. Twenty-five (11%) patients returned to have a subsequent ACL surgery. Twenty of the 25 experienced a second non-contact ACL injury (70% female; 10 ipsilateral, 10 contralateral). Of the 14 female athletes, there were eight contralateral and six ipsilateral tears. In males, there were two contralateral and four ipsilateral tears. The mean time from surgery to injury was 20.5 ± 9.8 months. Age (OR; 95%CI: 0.75; 0.58, 0.92), LP (0.97; 0.93, 0.99), YANT (1.21; 1.02, 1.43), and TiH (1.10; 1.01, 1.20) were found to be significantly associated with the odds of re-injury. Age, YANT, and the LSI of LP and TiH have a statistically significant impact on the odds of a second ACL injury after ACL reconstruction. YANT has an OR of 1.21, indicating that a 1cm increase in asymmetry will increase the likelihood of re-injury by 21%, holding all else constant. A 1% increase in the TiH LSI results in a 10% increase in the odds of re-injury. The risk of re-injury decreases as age increases. The OR for LP symmetry was near 1.0 and therefore may not have a clinically relevant effect on re-injury risk. Although LSI is a straightforward, quantitative measure, clinicians should not solely rely on it as a proxy for recovery of knee function. Many tests are available for clinical assessments, but this study found only a few of the tests to have significant associations with a subsequent ACL injury following return to play after ACL reconstruction

The “Toddler Fracture” is an un-displaced oblique distal tibia fracture seen in children 9–36months of age presenting with refusal to walk, often after an unwitnessed or minor injury. Diagnosis is often made clinically, because initial x-rays are negative in up to 50% of patients, and then confirmed by the presence of periosteal reaction on follow up x-ray 7–10 days later. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has shown excellent ability to detect distal radius, clavicle and other extremity fractures and published case reports suggest that POCUS can also detect Toddler Fractures. The objective of this proof of concept study was to establish the feasibility and preliminary sensitivity and specificity of POCUS in the diagnosis of Toddler Fractures, and to characterize the POCUS findings in patients presenting with clinical Toddler Fractures. This was a prospective reviewer-blinded cross-sectional study of patients presenting to the emergency department of a paediatric tertiary care centre with presumed toddler fractures. All patients with suspected toddler fracture underwent lower limb x-ray. Those enrolled in the study also underwent POCUS of both lower extremities by a specialized provider. Treating clinicians were blinded to ultrasound results, and study sonographers were blinded to x-ray results. Study patients were then seen in paediatric orthopaedic follow up clinics 7–10 days later, and clinical assessment and follow up x-ray were performed as necessary to confirm diagnosis. Toddler Fracture was confirmed in 5 of 27 patients enrolled in the study. Preliminary results demonstrate that these POCUS findings were detected on the scan in all 5 confirmed toddler fractures. Three of these patients had an initial positive x-ray and 2 went on to have toddler fracture confirmed on follow up x-ray and orthopaedic assessment. POCUS findings consistent with a toddler fracture were found to be cortical disruption and periosteal hematoma. POCUS may be a useful adjunct to confirming a diagnosis of a toddler fracture when clinical suspicion is high and initial x-ray is negative. This pilot study provides positive impetus for further prospective study. The use of POCUS to confirm toddler fracture can decrease further radiation exposure to patients, allow early guidance to families on the management and expected recovery, and has potential to decrease burden on families and the healthcare system by potentially eliminating unnecessary follow-up appointments. Future study will help to better guide diagnostic and technical criteria, and provide guidance for appropriate medical education in this technique and interpretation

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common paediatric hip condition and is a major cause of hip replacement or osteoarthritis in young adults. Due to potential impact on quality of life, every child is checked at birth for unstable hips. Should instability be detected, or the infant has other DDH risk factors, they are referred for an ultrasound exam and orthopaedic surgeon consultation. Since the implementation of a DDH screening program at our institution, the Radiology Department has seen a dramatic increase in hip ultrasounds performed. While helping prevent the complications of missed DDH diagnoses, this program has placed strain on radiology resources, and often families must attend multiple appointments before receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment. To mitigate this, we have implemented a pilot point-of-care DDH clinic, where an ultrasound technician performs hip ultrasound exams using a portable ultrasound in the orthopaedic clinic in conjunction with surgeon consultation. The aim of this clinic is to enable diagnosis and treatment in one appointment, reduce referral-to-treatment delays, wait times, and decrease costs and travel time for families while also alleviating strain on radiology resources. A point-of-care DDH test clinic was implemented in the Orthopaedic Department at our institution. Patients referred with suspected/confirmed DDH attended a single orthopaedic clinic appointment. An ultrasound technician was present to perform scans in conjunction with the orthopaedic surgeon's clinical assessment. Surveys were distributed at the end of the appointment to collect feedback on the family's satisfaction with the program, as well as other pertinent demographic information (i.e. occupation, geographic location, travel time to hospital). To date, 40 patients have attended the pilot clinic. Families spent an average 61.3 minutes (range 15–420 minutes) traveling to the hospital for an appointment (122.6 minutes round-trip). This program reduced the number of hospital visits for DDH screening from three (initial consultation, radiology, follow-up) to one per patient, saving an average 245.2 minutes of travel time to/from the hospital per family. Appointment time averaged 35.9 minutes and families rated their satisfaction with appointment length an average of 9.6/10 (35/40 families rated satisfaction 10/10, 1 = very unsatisfied, 10 = very satisfied). Additionally, 33/40 families were also asked to rate their satisfaction with check-in/check-out processes (average 9.4/10), ultrasound screening (average 9.9/10), and time with specialist (average 9.9/10). Satisfaction scores did not differ based on variables such as survey taker's gender, occupation, or geographic location. The pilot point-of-care ultrasound DDH clinic has considerably reduced the number of clinic visits and travel time for families, reduced aggregate clinic wait times, and has resulted in high family satisfaction. This specialized clinic may have potential to free up hospital staff time and resources, possibly decreasing wait times in other clinical areas, ultimately improving quality of care for patients and families across our institution