Aims. The aims were to assess whether preoperative joint-specific function (JSF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were associated with level of clinical frailty in patients waiting for a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or knee arthroplasty (KA). Methods. Patients waiting for a THA (n = 100) or KA (n = 100) for more than six months were prospectively recruited from the study centre. Overall,162 patients responded to the questionnaire (81 THA; 81 KA). Patient demographics, Oxford score, EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) score, EuroQol visual analogue score (EQ-VAS), Rockwood Clinical Frailty Score (CFS), and time spent on the waiting list were collected. Results. There was a significant correlation between CFS and the Oxford score (THA r = −0.838; p < 0.001, KA r = −0.867; p < 0.001), EQ-5D index (THA r = −0.663, p =< 0.001; KA r = −0.681; p =< 0.001), and EQ-VAS (THA r = −0.414; p < 0.001, KA r = −0.386; p < 0.001). Confounding variables (demographics and waiting time) where adjusted for using multiple regression analysis. For each 8.5 (THA, 95% CI 7.1 to 10.0; p < 0.001) and 9.9 (KA, 95% CI 8.4 to 11.4; p < 0.001) point change in the Oxford score, there was an associated change in level of the CFS. For each 0.16 (THA, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.22; p < 0.001) and 0.20 (KA, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.27; p < 0.001) utility change in EQ-5D, there was an associated change in level of the CFS. EQ-VAS (THA, B = −11.5; p < 0.001, KA B = −7.9; p = 0.005) was also associated with CFS. Conclusion. JSF and HRQoL in patients awaiting THA or KA for more than six months, were independently associated with level of clinical frailty. With further prospective studies, clinical frailty may prove to be a useful metric to assist in the prioritization of arthroplasty waiting lists. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):241–249

Up to 20 percent of patients remain dissatisfied after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Understanding the reasons for dissatisfaction post TKA may allow for better patient selection and optimized treatment for those who remain dissatisfied. The association between function, mobility and satisfaction are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between post-TKA satisfaction and i) pre-operative, ii) post-operative, and iii) change in knee joint function during gait. Thirty-one patients scheduled to receive primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis were recruited and visited the Dynamics of Human Motion laboratory for instrumented walking gait analysis (using a synchronized NDI Optotrak motion capture system and AMTI force platforms in the walkway) at two time points, first within the week prior to their surgery, and second at approximately one year after surgery. At their post-operative visit, patients were asked to indicate their satisfaction with their knee prosthesis on a scale from zero to 100, with zero being totally unsatisfied and 100 being completely satisfied. Knee joint mechanics during gait at both time points were characterized by discriminant scores, the projection of their three-dimensional knee angles and moments during gait onto an existing discriminant model that was created to optimize separation of severe knee OA and healthy asymptomatic gait patterns. This discriminant model was created using data from 73 healthy participants and 73 with severe knee OA, and includes the magnitude and pattern features (captured with principal component analysis) of the knee adduction and flexion moment, and the magnitude of the knee flexion angle during gait. Larger discriminant scores indicate improved function toward healthy patterns, and smaller scores indicate more severe function. Associations between post-operative satisfaction and pre, post and change in discriminant scores were examined using Pearson correlation analyses. We also examined associations between satisfaction and pre-operative BMI, EQ5D and Oxford 12 scores, as well as changes in these scores from pre to post-TKA. Discriminant scores representing knee joint function during gait significantly improved on average after surgery (P =0.05). While overall knee joint function improved after primary TKA surgery, the amount of improvement in function was not reflected in post-operative patient satisfaction. However, the pre-operative function of the patient was negatively associated with satisfaction, indicating that patients with higher pre-operative function are overall less satisfied with their TKA surgery, regardless of any functional improvement due to the surgery. Interestingly, the only significant association with post-operative satisfaction was knee joint function, and the relationship between function and patient satisfaction following TKA appears to relate only to the baseline functional state of the patient, and not with functional improvement. This suggests that dissatisfaction post-surgery is more likely reflecting the unmet expectations of a higher functioning patient, and has implications for the need for improved understanding of pre-operative patient functional variability in TKA triage and expectation management

Aims. Distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs) are commonly used for the correction of valgus deformities and lateral compartment osteoarthritis. However, the impact of a DFO on subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) function remains a subject of debate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a unilateral DFO on subsequent TKA function in patients with bilateral TKAs, using the contralateral knee as a self-matched control group. Methods. The inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent simultaneous or staged bilateral TKA after prior unilateral DFO between 1972 and 2023. The type of osteotomy performed, osteotomy hardware fixation, implanted TKA components, and revision rates were recorded. Postoperative outcomes including the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), Tegner Activity Scale score, and subjective knee preference were also obtained at final follow-up. Results. A total of 21 patients underwent bilateral TKA following unilateral DFO and were followed for a mean of 31.5 years (SD 11.1; 20.2 to 74.2) after DFO. The mean time from DFO to TKA conversion was 13.1 years (SD 9.7) with 13 (61.9%) of DFO knees converting to TKA more than ten years after DFO. There was no difference in arthroplasty implant systems employed in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees (p > 0.999). At final follow-up, the mean FJS-12 of the DFO-TKA knee was 62.7 (SD 36.6), while for the TKA-only knee it was 65.6 (SD 34.7) (p = 0.328). In all, 80% of patients had no subjective knee preference or preferred their DFO-TKA knee. Three DFO-TKA knees and two TKA-only knees underwent subsequent revision following index arthroplasty at a mean of 12.8 years (SD 6.9) and 8.5 years (SD 3.8), respectively (p > 0.999). Conclusion. In this self-matched study, DFOs did not affect subsequent TKA function as clinical outcomes, subjective knee preference, and revision rates were similar in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees at mean 32-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1013–1019

During aging, tendons demonstrate substantial disruptions in homeostasis, leading to impairments in structure-function. Impaired tendon function contributes to substantial declines quality of life during aging. Aged tendons are more likely to undergo spontaneous rupture, and the healing response following injury is impaired in aged tendons. Thus, there is a need to develop strategies to maintain tendon homeostasis and healing capacity through the lifespan. Tendon cell density sharply declines by ∼12 months of age in mice, and this low cell density is retained in geriatric tendons. Our data suggests that this decline in cellularity initiates a degenerative cascade due to insufficient production of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components needed to maintain tendon homeostasis. Thus, preventing this decline in tendon cellularity has great potential for maintaining tendon health. Single cell RNA sequencing analysis identifies two changes in the aged tendon cell environment. First, aged tendons primarily lose tenocytes that are associated with ECM biosynthesis functions. Second, the tenocytes that remain in aged tendons have disruptions in proteostasis and an increased pro-inflammatory phenotype, with these changes collectively termed ‘programmatic skewing'. To determine which of these changes drives homeostatic disruption, we developed a model of tenocyte depletion in young animals. This model decreases tendon cellularity to that of an aged tendon, including decreased biosynthetic tenocyte function, while age-related programmatic skewing is absent. Loss of biosynthetic tenocyte function in young tendons was sufficient to induce homeostatic disruption comparable to natural aging, including deficits in ECM organization, composition, and material quality, suggesting loss biosynthetic tenocytes as an initiator of tendon degeneration. In contrast, our data suggest that programmatic skewing underpins impaired healing in aged tendons. Indeed, despite similar declines in the tenocyte environment, middle-aged and young-depleted tendons mount a physiological healing response characterized by robust ECM synthesis and remodeling, while aged tendons heal with insufficient ECM

Aims. Young adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) largely have different indications for surgery, preoperative function, and postoperative goals compared to a standard patient group. The aim of our study was to describe young adult THA preoperative function and quality of life, and to assess postoperative satisfaction and compare this with functional outcome measures. Methods. A retrospective cohort analysis of young adults (aged < 50 years) undergoing THA between May 2018 and May 2023 in a single tertiary centre was undertaken. Median follow-up was 31 months (12 to 61). Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and focus group-designed questionnaires were distributed. Searches identified 244 cases in 225 patients. Those aged aged under 30 years represented 22.7% of the cohort. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (50; 45.5%) and Perthes’ disease (15; 13.6%) were the commonest indications for THA. Results. Preoperatively, of 110 patients, 19 (17.2%) were unable to work before THA, 57 (52%) required opioid analgesia, 51 (46.4%) were reliant upon walking aids, and 70 (63.6%) had sexual activity limited by their pathology. One patient required revision due to instability. Mean OHS was 39 (9 to 48). There was a significant difference between the OHS of cases where THA met expectation, compared with the OHS when it did not (satisfied: 86 (78.2%), OHS: 41.2 (36.1%) vs non-satisfied: 24 (21%), OHS: 31.6; p ≤ 0.001). Only one of the 83 patients (75.5%) who returned to premorbid levels of activity did so after 12 months. Conclusion. Satisfaction rates of THA in young adults is high, albeit lower than commonly quoted figures. Young adults awaiting THA have poor function with high requirements for mobility aids, analgesia, and difficulties in working and undertaking leisure activities. The OHS provided a useful insight into patient function and was predictive of satisfaction rates, although it did not address the specific demands of young adults undertaking THA. Function at one year postoperatively is a good indication of overall outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):304–311

Matrix-bound vesicles (MBVs) are embedded within osteoid and function as the site of initial mineral formation. However, they remain insufficiently characterised in terms of biogenesis, composition and function while their relationship with secreted culture medium EVs (sEVs) such as exosomes remains debated. We aimed to define the biogenesis and pro-mineralisation capacity of MBVs and sEVs to understand their potential in regenerative orthopaedics. sEVs and MBVs isolated from conditioned medium (differential ultracentrifugation) and ECM (collagenase digestion and differential ultracentrifugation) of mineralising MC3T3 pre-osteoblast and human bone marrow MSC cultures were characterised by nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, nano-flow cytometry, super resolution microscopy (ONI) and TEM. Immunoprecipitated populations positive for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a putative marker of mineralisation capacity, were also characterised. Collagen binding efficiency was evaluated using MemGlow staining. Results reported were comparative across both cell lines. Western blots indicated MBV fractions were positive for markers of endosomal biogenesis (CD9, CD81, ALIX, TSG101) and pro-mineralising proteins (ALP, Pit1, Annexin II, Annexin V), with Annexin V and CD9 present in immunoprecipitated ALP-positive fractions. MBVs were significantly larger than sEVs (p<0.05) and contained a higher amount of ALP (p<0.05) with a significant increase from day 7 to day 14 of cellular mineralisation (p<0.05). This mirrored the pattern of electron-dense vesicles seen via TEM. Super resolution single vesicle analysis revealed for the first-time co-expression of ALP with markers of endosomal biogenesis (CD9, CD63, CD81, ALIX) and Annexin II in both vesicle types, with higher co-expression percentage in MBVs than sEVs. MBVs also exhibited preferential collagen binding. Advanced imaging methods demonstrated that contrary to opinions in the field, MBVs appear to possess exosomal markers and may arise via endosomal biogenesis. However, it was evident that a higher proportion of MBVs possessed machinery to induce mineralisation and were enriched in mineral-dense material

Aims. Psychological status may be an important predictor of outcome after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychological distress on postoperative health-related quality of life, joint function, self-assessed pain, and sports ability in patients undergoing PAO. Methods. In all, 202 consecutive patients who underwent PAO for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at our institution from 2015 to 2017 were included and followed up at 63 months (SD 10) postoperatively. Of these, 101 with complete data sets entered final analysis. Patients were assessed by questionnaire. Psychological status was measured by Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), health-related quality of life was raised with 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), hip functionality was measured by the short version 0f the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), Subjective Hip Value (SHV), and Hip Disability and Outcome Score (HOS). Surgery satisfaction and pain were assessed. Dependent variables (endpoints) were postoperative quality of life (SF-36, HOS quality of life (QoL)), joint function (iHOT-12, SHV, HOS), patient satisfaction, and pain. Psychological distress was assessed by the Global Severity Index (GSI), somatization (BSI Soma), depression (BSI Depr), and anxiety (BSI Anx). Influence of psychological status was assessed by means of univariate and multiple multivariate regression analysis. Results. In multiple multivariate regression, postoperative GSI, BSI Soma, and BSI Depr had a negative effect on postoperative SF-36 (e -2.07, -3.05, and -2.67, respectively; p < 0.001), iHOT-12 (e -1.35 and -4.65, respectively; p < 0.001), SHV (e -1.20 and -2.71, respectively; p < 0.001), HOS QoL (e -2.09 and -4.79, respectively; p < 0.001), HOS Function (e -1.00 and -3.94, respectively; p < 0.001), and HOS Sport (e -1.44 and -5.29, respectively; p < 0.001), and had an effect on postoperative pain (e 0.13 and 0.37, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Psychological distress, depression, and somatization disorders affect health-related quality of life, perceived joint function, and sports ability. Pain perception is significantly increased by somatization. However, patient satisfaction with surgery is not affected. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):758–765

Abstract. Introduction. The extent to which hip arthroscopy (HA) treatments influence sexual function is not well described and limited to small cohorts. This study aims to describe trends in self-reported reported sexual function before and after HA. Methods. Adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent HA between 1/01/2012 and 31/10/2020 were extracted from the UK Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry. International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) questionnaires were collected pre-operatively and at 6 and 12 months. The iHOT-12 then asks asking patients to quantify ‘how much trouble they experience with sexual activity because of their hip?’ with responses converted to a continuous scale (0–100) to measure function. Results. Of 7639 procedures (59% female, mean age 36.5 years (SD 11)), 91% (5616 of 6151 respondents) indicated pre-operatively that questions about sexual activity were relevant to them (male 93%, female 90%, p < 0.001). Overall, mean pre-operative sexual function increased from 42.0 (95%CI 41.2 to 42.8, n=5267) to 61.8 (60.6 to 63.1, n=2393) at 6 months, and 62.1 (60.8 to 63.5, n=2246) at 12 months post-operatively. At 12 months, both sexes saw significant improvement in their pre-operative sexual function scores (p<0.0001). Males started from significantly higher baseline sexual function (53.3 vs 34.2) and achieved higher scores by 12 months (68.8 vs 58.0) compared to female patients. There was no significant difference in pre- or post-operative scores when comparing younger (<40 years) and older (>40 years). Conclusions. Most patients can expect to experience improvement in their sexual function following hip arthroscopy, regardless of sex or age group

Aims. Internal hemipelvectomy without reconstruction of the pelvis is a viable treatment for pelvic sarcoma; however, the time it takes to return to excellent function is quite variable. Some patients require greater time and rehabilitation than others. To determine if psoas muscle recovery is associated with changes in ambulatory function, we retrospectively evaluated psoas muscle size and limb-length discrepancy (LLD) before and after treatment and their correlation with objective functional outcomes. Methods. T1-weighted MR images were evaluated at three intervals for 12 pelvic sarcoma patients following interval hemipelvectomy without reconstruction. Correlations between the measured changes and improvements in Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and gait speed outcomes were assessed both independently and using a stepwise multivariate regression model. Results. Increased ipsilesional psoas muscle size from three months postoperatively to latest follow-up was positively correlated with gait speed improvement (r = 0.66). LLD at three months postoperatively was negatively correlated with both TUG (r = -0.71) and gait speed (r = -0.61). Conclusion. This study suggests that psoas muscle strengthening and minimizing initial LLD will achieve the greatest improvements in ambulatory function. LLD and change in hip musculature remain substantial prognostic factors for achieving the best clinical outcomes after internal hemipelvectomy. Changes in psoas size were correlated with the amount of functional improvement. Several patients in this study did not return to their preoperative ipsilateral psoas size, indicating that monitoring changes in psoas size could be a beneficial rehabilitation strategy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):323–330

Risk factors for poor outcomes after total knee replacement (TKR) have been identified, but the underlying causes are not fully understood. The aim of this research was to establish the relationship between measurable gait parameters and patients' subjective function, pre and post total knee replacement. 25 subjects underwent gait analysis, before and one year following total knee replacement. Patient reported function was investigated using the Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee Outcome Survey (KOS). Gait analysis was performed using infrared cameras and reflective marker clusters. Correlation between motion analysis data and patient reported function was investigate. Whilst multiple gait parameters correlated with KOS score preoperatively, there was no correlation after TKR. Three preoperative measurements correlated with the improvement in score a subject achieved following surgery: These were preoperative rate of extension in swing, total range of flexion from heel strike and time point of maximum stance extension. Our results suggest that whilst preoperatively there is a close relationship between knee biomechanical function and patient reported function, after TKR factors other than biomechanical function determine patient outcomes

Aims. The aim of the LightFix Trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes for one year after the treatment of impending and completed pathological fractures of the humerus using the IlluminOss System (IS), and to analyze the performance of this device. Methods. A total of 81 patients with an impending or completed pathological fracture were enrolled in a multicentre, open label single cohort study and treated with IS. Inclusion criteria were visual analogue scale (VAS) Pain Scores > 60 mm/100 mm and Mirels’ Score ≥ 8. VAS pain, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Upper Limb Function, and The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Group Bone Metastases Module (QLQ-BM22) scores were all normalized to 100, and radiographs were obtained at baseline and at 14, 30, 90, 180, and 360 days postoperatively. Results. The mean VAS pain score decreased significantly from 84 (SD 15) to 50 (SD 29), 38 (SD 30), 31 (SD 29), 31 (SD 29), and 21 (SD 23) between the baseline and follow-up times (p < 0.001). The mean MSTS function scores significantly increased from 27 (SD 19) to 52 (SD 22), 60 (23), 67 (SD 23), 72 (SD 26), and 83 (SD 14) (p < 0.001). The pain and functional subscales of the QLQ-BM22 also significantly improved at most times. A total of 12 devices broke, giving an unadjusted device fracture rate of 15%. Conclusion. Stabilization with the IS decreased pain and improved function with consistent results during the first postoperative year. IS is a new, minimally invasive type of internal fixation. The use of the IS alone may be better for impending rather than completed pathological fractures, and may be better in completed fractures if an added plate or more than the usual number of locking screws is required. Caution is warranted regarding its use alone in patients with a completed pathological fracture due to the rate of breakage of the device. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1485–1492

To investigate temporal changes in synovial lymphatic system (SLS) drainage function after Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a non-invasive ACL rupture model was used to induce the PTOA phenotype without altering the SLS structure. We have created a non-invasive ACL rupture model in the right knee (single overload impact) of 12- week-old C57bl/6 male mice to mimic the ACL rupture-induced PTOA development. 70 kDa-TxRedDextran were injected into the right knee of the mice at 0, 1, 2, and 4 wks post modeling (n=5/group), and the fluorescence signal distribution and intensity were measured by the IVIS system at 1 and 6 hrs post-injection. After 24 hrs, the drainage lymph nodes and whole knee joint were harvested and subjected to ex vivo IVIS imaging and immunofluorescence detection respectively. Manual ACL rupture was induced by 12N overloaded force and validated by a front drawer test. Intraarticular clearance of TxRed-Dextran detected by the IVIS was significantly reduced at 1, and 2 wks at a level of 43% and 55% respectively but was not significantly different from baseline levels at 4 wks (89%). TxRed-Dextran signal in draining lymph nodes was significantly reduced at 1 week at the level of but not for 2 and 4 wks compared to baseline levels (week 1–29%, week 2–50%, week 4–94%). TxRed-Dextran particle was significantly enriched in the synovium at 1, 2 wks but was not significantly different from baseline levels at 4 wks rupture-post ACL rupture (Particle numbers: Sham Ctrl-34 ±14, week 1, 113 ± 17; week 2, 89 ± 13; week 4, 46 ± 18; mean ± SD). We observed the drainage function of SLS significantly decreased at 1 and 2 wks after the ACL rupture, and was slowly restored at 4 wks post-injury in a non-invasive ACL rupture model. Early impairment of SLS drainage function may lead to accumulation of inflammatory factors and promote PTOA progression

Nerve transfer is an emerging treatment to restore upper limb function in people with tetraplegia. The objective of this study is to examine if a flexible collage sheet (FCS) can act as epineurial-like substitute to promote nerve repair in nerve transfer. A preclinical study using FCS was conducted in a rat model of sciatic nerve transection. A prospective case series study of nerve transfer was conducted in patients with C5-C8 tetraplegia who received nerve transfer to restore upper limb function. Motor function in the upper limb was assessed pre-treatment, and at 6-,12-, and 24-months post-treatment. Macroscopic assessment in preclinical model showed nerve healing by FCS without encapsulation or adhesions. Microscopic examination revealed that a new, vascularised epineurium-like layer was observed at the FCS treatment sites, with no evidence of inflammatory reaction or nerve compression. Treatment with FCS resulted in well-organised nerve fibres with dense neurofilaments distal to the coaptation site. Axon counts performed proximal and distal to the coaptation site showed that 97% of proximal axon count of myelinated axons regenerated across the coaptation site after treatment with CND. In the proof of concept clinical study 17 nerve transfers were performed in five patients. Nerve transfers included procedures to restore triceps function (N=4), wrist/finger/thumb extension (N=6) and finger flexion (N=7). Functional motor recovery (MRC ≥3) was achieved in 76% and 88% of transfers at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The preclinical study showed that FCS mimics epineurium and enable to repair nerve resembled to normal nerve tissue. Clinical study showed that patients received nerve transfer with FCS experienced consistent and early return of motor function in target muscles. These results provide proof of concept evidence that CND functions as an epineurial substitute and is promising for use in nerve transfer surgery

Aims. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are usually cultured in a normoxic atmosphere (21%) in vitro, while the oxygen concentrations in human tissues and organs are 1% to 10% when the cells are transplanted in vivo. However, the impact of hypoxia on MSCs has not been deeply studied, especially its translational application. Methods. In the present study, we investigated the characterizations of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in hypoxic (1%) and normoxic (21%) atmospheres with a long-term culture from primary to 30 generations, respectively. The comparison between both atmospheres systematically analyzed the biological functions of MSCs, mainly including stemness maintenance, immune regulation, and resistance to chondrocyte apoptosis, and studied their joint function and anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis (OA) rats constructed by collagenase II. Results. We observed that long-term hypoxic culture surpassed normoxic atmosphere during hUC-MSCs culture in respect of promoting proliferation, anti-tumorigenicity, maintaining normal karyotype and stemness, inhibiting senescence, and improving immunoregulatory function and the role of anti-apoptosis in chondrocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the transplantation of long-term hypoxic hUC-MSCs (Hy-MSCs) had a better therapeutic effect on OA rats compared with the hUC-MSCs cultured in the normoxic atmosphere (No-MSCs) in terms of the improved function and swelling recovery in the joints, and substantially inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, which effectively alleviated cartilage damage by reducing the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13). Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that Hy-MSCs possess immense potential for clinical applications via promoting stemness maintenance and enhancing immunoregulatory function. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):763–777

The choice of whether to perform antegrade intramedullary nailing (IMN) or plate fixation (PF) poses a conundrum for the surgeon who must strike the balance between anatomical restoration while reducing elbow and shoulder functional impairment. Most humeral middle third shaft fractures are amenable to conservative management given the considerable acceptable deformity and anatomical compensation by patients. This study is concerned with the patient reported outcomes regarding shoulder and elbow function for IMN and PF respectively. A prospective cohort study following up all the cases treated surgically for middle third humeral fractures from 2016 to 2022 at a single centre. Telephonically an analogue pain score, an American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score for shoulder function and the Oxford Elbow score (OES) for elbow function were obtained. One hundred and three patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty four patients participated in the study, fifteen had IMN (62.5%) and nine had PF (37.5%.). The shoulder function outcomes showed no statistical difference with an average ASES score of sixty-six for the IMN group and sixty-nine for the PF group. Women and employed individuals expressed greater functional impairment. Hand dominance has no impact on the scores of elbow and shoulder function post operatively. The impairment of abduction score post antegrade nailing was higher in the antegrade nailing group than the plated group. The OES demonstrated greater variance in elbow function in the PF group with the IMN group expressing greater elbow disfunction. This study confirms that treatment of middle third humerus shaft fractures by plate fixation is marginally superior to antegrade intramedullary nailing in preserving elbow function and abduction ability

Aims. Perthes’ disease (PD) is a childhood hip disorder that can affect the quality of life in adulthood due to femoral head deformity and osteoarthritis. There is very little data on how PD patients function as adults, especially from the patients’ perspective. The purpose of this study was to collect treatment history, demographic details, the University of California, Los Angeles activity score (UCLA), the 36-Item Short Form survey (SF-36) score, and the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (HOOS) of adults who had PD using a web-based survey method and to compare their outcomes to the outcomes from an age- and sex-matched normative population. Methods. The English REDCap-based survey was made available on a PD study group website. The survey included childhood and adult PD history, UCLA, SF-36, and HOOS. Of the 1,182 participants who completed the survey, the 921 participants who did not have a total hip arthroplasty are the focus of this study. The mean age at survey was 38 years (SD 12) and the mean duration from age at PD onset to survey participation was 30.8 years (SD 12.6). Results. In comparison to a normative population, the PD participants had significantly lower HOOS scores across all five scales (p < 0.001) for all age groups. Similarly, SF-36 scores of the participants were significantly lower (p < 0.001) for all scales except for age groups > 55 years. Overall, females, obese participants, those who reported no treatment in childhood, and those with age of onset > 11 years had significantly worse SF-36 and HOOS scores. Pairwise correlations showed a strong positive correlation within HOOS scales and between HOOS scales and SF-36 scales, indicating construct validity. Conclusion. Adult PD participants had significantly worse pain, physical, mental, and social health than an age- and sex-matched normative cohort. The study reveals a significant burden of disease on the adult participants of the survey, especially females. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1304–1312

Aims. The aim was to assess whether robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had greater knee-specific outcomes, improved fulfilment of expectations, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared with manual TKA (mTKA). Methods. A randomized controlled trial was undertaken (May 2019 to December 2021), and patients were allocated to either mTKA or rTKA. A total of 100 patients were randomized, 50 to each group, of whom 43 rTKA and 38 mTKA patients were available for review at 12 months following surgery. There were no statistically significant preoperative differences between the groups. The minimal clinically important difference in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score was defined as 7.5 points. Results. There were no clinically or statistically significant differences between the knee-specific measures (WOMAC, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS)) or HRQoL measures (EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS)) at 12 months between the groups. However, the rTKA group had significantly (p = 0.029) greater improvements in the WOMAC pain component (mean difference 9.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0 to 18.4) over the postoperative period (two, six, and 12 months), which was clinically meaningful. This was not observed for function (p = 0.248) or total (p = 0.147) WOMAC scores. The rTKA group was significantly (p = 0.039) more likely to have expectation of ‘Relief of daytime pain in the joint’ when compared with the mTKA group. There were no other significant differences in expectations met between the groups. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction with their knee (p = 0.464), return to work (p = 0.464), activities (p = 0.293), or pain (p = 0.701). Conclusion. Patients undergoing rTKA had a clinically meaningful greater improvement in their knee pain over the first 12 months, and were more likely to have fulfilment of their expectation of daytime pain relief compared with patients undergoing mTKA. However, rTKA was not associated with a clinically significant greater knee-specific function or HRQoL, according to current definitions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5):450–459

Young adult hip pathology commonly affects patients of reproductive age. The extent to which hip arthroscopy (HA) treatments influence sexual function is not well described and limited to small cohorts. This study aims to describe trends in self-reported reported sexual function before and after HA. Adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent HA between 1. st. January 2012 and 31. st. October 2020 were extracted from the UK Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry. International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) questionnaires were collected pre-operatively and at 6 and 12 months. Patients are first asked if ‘questions about sexual activity are relevant to them’. The iHOT-12 then asks asking patients to quantify ‘how much trouble they experience with sexual activity because of their hip?’ with responses converted to a continuous scale (0–100) to measure function. Chi-squared and t-tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables respectively. Of 7639 procedures (59% female, mean age 36.5 years (SD 11)), 91% (5616 of 6151 respondants) indicated pre-operatively that questions about sexual activity were relevant to them (male 93%, female 90%, p < 0.001). Overall, mean pre-operative sexual function increased from 42.0 (95%CI 41.2 to 42.8, n=5267) to 61.8 (60.6 to 63.1, n=2393) at 6 months, and 62.1 (60.8 to 63.5, n=2246) at 12 months post-operatively. At 12 months, both sexes saw significant improvement in their pre-operative sexual function scores (p<0.0001). Males started from significantly higher baseline sexual function (53.3 vs 34.2) and achieved higher scores by 12 months (68.8 vs 58.0) compared to female patients. There was no significant difference in pre- or post-operative scores when comparing younger (<40 years) and older (>40 years). Most patients can expect to experience improvement in their sexual function following hip arthroscopy, regardless of sex or age group

Smartphone-based apps that measure step-count and patient reported outcomes (PROMs) are being increasingly used to quantify recovery in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, optimum patient-specific activity level before and during THA early-recovery is not well characterised. This study investigated 1) correlations between step-count and PROMs and 2) how patient demographics impact step-count preoperatively and during early postoperative recovery. Smartphone step-count and PROM data from 554 THA patients was retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 64±10yr, BMI was 29±13kg/m2, 56% were female. Mean daily step count was calculated over three time-windows: 60 days prior to surgery (preop), 5–6 weeks postop (6wk), and 11–12 weeks postop (12wk). Linear correlations between step-count and HOOS12 Function and UCLA activity scores were performed. Patients were separated into three step-count levels: low (<2500steps/day), medium (2500-5500steps/day), and high (>5500steps/day). Age >65years, BMI >30, and sex were used for demographic comparisons. Student's t-tests determined significant differences in mean step-counts between demographic groups and in mean PROMs between step-count groups. UCLA correlated with step-count at all time-windows (p<0.01). HOOS12 Function correlated with step-count preoperatively and at 6wk (p<0.01). High vs low step count individuals had improved UCLA scores preoperatively (∆1.8,p<0.001), at 6wk (∆1.1,p<0.05), and 12wk (∆1.6,p<0.01), and improved HOOS12 Function scores preoperatively (∆8.4,p<0.05) and at 6wk (∆8.8,p<0.001). Younger patients had greater step-count preoperatively (4.1±3.0k vs 3.0±2.5k, p<0.01) and at 12wk (5.1±3.3k vs 3.6±2.9k, p<0.01). Males had greater step-count preoperatively (4.1±3.0k vs. 3.0±2.7k, p<0.001), at 6wk (4.5±3.2k vs 2.6±2.5k, p<0.001), and at 12wk (5.2±3.6k vs. 3.4±2.5k, p<0.001). Low BMI patients had greater step-count at 6wk (4.3±3.3k vs. 2.6±2.7k, p<0.01) and 12wk (5.0±3.6k vs. 3.6±2.6k, p<0.05). Daily step-count is significantly impacted by patient demographics and correlates with PROMs, where patients with high step count exhibit improved PROMs. Generic recovery profiles may therefore not be appropriate for benchmarking across diverse populations

Despite total knee arthroplasty demonstrating high levels of success, 20% of patients report dissatisfaction with their result. Wellness Stasis Socks are embedded with a proprietary pattern of neuro-receptor activation points that have been proven to activate a precise neuro-response, as according to the pattern theory of haptic perception, which stimulates improvements in pain and function. Technologies that manipulate this sensory environment, such as textured insoles, have proven to be effective in improving gait patterns in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In regard to patients undergoing TKA using this new technology may prove beneficial as an adjunct to recovery as many patients suffer from further deficits to their proprioceptive system caused by ligamentous damage and alterations to mechanoreceptors during procedure. We hypothesized that the Wellness Stasis Socks are a safe, cost-effective and easily scalable strategy to support TKA patients through their recovery. Double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Randomization using a computer-generated program . All study coordinators, healthcare personel and patients were blinded to patient groups. All surgical procedures were conducted by the same technique and orthopaedic surgeon. Intervention group: Wellness Stasis socks containing receptor point-activation technology. Control group: indentical appearing Wellness Stasis socks without receptor point-activation technology. Sock use during the waking hours . All additional post-operative protocols remained consistent between groups including same facility physiotherapy . Additional modalities (ice machines, soft-tissue massages, acupuncture) were prohibited. WOMAC questionnaire completed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks to assess pain, stiffness and physical function. G. *. Power software to determine minimum sample of 50 in each group. No patients were lost to follow up and all followed study protocol. Data analysis using SPSS software. P-values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals are reported to assess clinical relevance of the finding. Physical status classifications were compared using t-test. Within-subject and between-subject differences in the mean WOMAC were analyzed by ANOVA. Cramer's V statistical analysis noted that other variables of Sex, BMI, ASA classification and Age were not statistically different between the control and intervention groups. No statistical difference between groups in Preop Womac scores. The data showed a consistent improvement in Womac scores for pain and stiffness at 2 weeks post op in the interventional group over the control group. The womac scores assessing physical function showed a consistent improvement at both 2 and 6 weeks post op in the intervention group compared to the control group. There were no complications in either group associated the sock use. The intervention proved to be a low cost and safe additional intervention post operatively from TKA to help patients improve with regard to pain, stiffness and physical function. This study suggests this modality can be added to the list of other commonly used post op interventions such as cryocuffs, physiotherapy, and relaxation techniques as safe post op interventions to help patients improve post op TKA and can act as an adjunct in providing non narcotic pain control