INTRODUCTION. There are many factors which contribute to function after TKA. In this study we focus on the effect of varus-valgus (VV) balancing measured externally. A loose knee can show instability (Sharkey 2014) while too tight, flexion can be limited. Equal lateral-medial balancing at surgery leads to a better result (Unitt 2008; Gustke 2014), which is generally the surgical goal. Indeed similar varus and valgus laxity angles have been found in most studies in vitro (Markolf 2015; Boguszewski 2015) and in vivo (Schultz 2007; Clarke 2016; Heesterbeek 2008). The angular ranges have been 3–5 degrees at 10–15 Nm of knee moment, females having the higher angles. The goal of this study was to measure the varus and valgus laxity, as well as the functional outcome scores, of two cohorts; well-functioning total knees after at least one year follow-up, and subjects with healthy knees in a similar age group to the TKR's. Our hypothesis was that the results will be equal in the two groups. METHODS & MATERIALS. 50 normal subjects average age 66 (27 male, 23 female) and 50 TKA at 1 year follow-up minimum average age 68 years (16 male, 34 female) were recruited in this IRB study. The TKA's were performed by one surgeon (PAM) of one TKA design, balancing by gap equalization. Subjects completed a KSS evaluation form to determine functional, objective, and satisfaction scores. Varus and valgus measurements were made using the Smart Knee Fixture (Figure 1)(Borukhov 2016) at 20 deg flexion with a moment of 10 Nm. RESULTS. The statistical results are summarized in table 1. There was no significant difference in either varus or valgus laxity between the two groups (p= 0.9, 0.3 respectively). Pearson's correlation coefficient between varus and valgus laxity of the healthy group was 0.42, while for the TKA group was 0.55. In both cohorts varus laxity was significant higher than valgus laxity (p= 0.001 for healthy subjects and p=0.0001 for TKA). The healthy group had higher functional and objective KSS scores (p= 0.005, and p=0.004 respectively), but the same satisfaction scores as the TKA (p=0.3) (Table 2). No correlation was found between the total laxity of the TKA group and the KSS scores (functional, objective and satisfaction). Total laxity in females was significantly higher than in males in the healthy group, but no differences was found in the TKA group. DISCUSSION. The hypothesis of equal varus and valgus angles in the 2 groups was supported. The larger varus angle implied a less stiff lateral collateral compared with the medial collateral. If the TKA's were balanced equally at surgery, it is possible there was ligament remodeling over time. However the functional scores were inferior for the TKA compared with normal. This finding has not been highlighted in the literature so far. The causes could include weak musculature (Yoshida 2013), non-physiologic kinematics due to the TKA design, or the use of rigid materials in the TKA. The result presents a challenge to improve outcomes after TKA. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

There are many factors which contribute to function after TKA. In this study we focus on the effect of varus-valgus (VV) balancing measured externally. A loose knee can show instability (Sharkey 2014) while too tight, flexion can be limited. Equal lateral-medial balancing at surgery leads to a better result (Unitt 2008; Gustke 2014), which is generally the surgical goal. Indeed similar varus and valgus laxity angles have been found in most studies in vitro (Markolf 2015; Boguszewski 2015) and in vivo (Schultz 2007; Clarke 2016; Heesterbeek 2008). The angular ranges have been 3–5 degrees at 10–15 Nm of knee moment, females having the higher angles. The goal of this study was to measure the varus and valgus laxity, as well as the functional outcome scores, of two cohorts; well-functioning total knees after at least one year follow-up, and subjects with healthy knees in a similar age group to the TKR's. Our hypothesis was that the results will be equal in the two groups. 50 normal subjects average age 66 (27 male, 23 female) and 50 TKA at 1 year follow-up minimum average age 68 years (16 male, 34 female) were recruited in this IRB study. The TKA's were performed by one surgeon (PAM) of one TKA design, balancing by gap equalization. Subjects completed a KSS evaluation form to determine functional, objective, and satisfaction scores. Varus and valgus measurements were made using the Smart Knee Fixture (Borukhov 2016) at 20 deg flexion with a moment of 10 Nm. The statistical results demonstrated that there was no significant difference in either varus or valgus laxity between the two groups (p= 0.9, 0.3 respectively). Pearson's correlation coefficient between varus and valgus laxity of the healthy group was 0.42, while for the TKA group was 0.55. In both cohorts varus laxity was significant higher than valgus laxity (p= 0.001. e. −5. for healthy subjects and p=0.0001 for TKA). The healthy group had higher functional and objective KSS scores (p= 0.005. e. −4. , and p=0.004. e. −5. respectively), but the same satisfaction scores as the TKA (p=0.3). No correlation was found between the total laxity of the TKA group and the KSS scores (functional, objective and satisfaction). Total laxity in females was significantly higher than in males in the healthy group, but no differences was found in the TKA group. The hypothesis of equal varus and valgus angles in the 2 groups was supported. The larger varus angle implied a less stiff lateral collateral compared with the medial collateral. If the TKA's were balanced equally at surgery, it is possible there was ligament remodeling over time. However the functional scores were inferior for the TKA compared with normal. This finding has not been highlighted in the literature so far. The causes could include weak musculature (Yoshida 2013), non-physiologic kinematics due to the TKA design, or the use of rigid materials in the TKA. The result presents a challenge to improve outcomes after TKA

Background

Although thigh pain is an annoying problem after total hip arthroplasty (THA), little information has been known about its natural course.

It is recognised that as the severity of hallux valgus (HV) worsens, so do the clinical and radiological signs of arthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

However, few studies specifically document the degenerate changes. The purpose of this study is to determine if intraoperative mapping of articular erosive lesions of the first MTP joint can be correlated to clinical and/or radiographic parameters used during the preoperative assessment of the HV deformity.

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity had a detrimental effect on the long-term performance and survival of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs). Methods. This study reviewed prospectively collected functional outcome scores and revision rates of all medial UKA patients with recorded BMI performed in Christchurch, New Zealand, from January 2011 to September 2021. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were the primary outcome of this study, with all-cause revision rate analyzed as a secondary outcome. PROMs were taken preoperatively, at six months, one year, five years, and ten years postoperatively. There were 873 patients who had functional scores recorded at five years and 164 patients had scores recorded at ten years. Further sub-group analysis was performed based on the patient’s BMI. Revision data were available through the New Zealand Joint Registry for 2,323 UKAs performed during this time period. Results. Obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m. 2. ) were 3.1 years younger than non-obese patients (BMI < 30 kg/m. 2. ) at the time of surgery (mean age of obese patients 65.5 years (SD 9.7) and mean age of non-obese patients 68.6 years (SD 10.1)). Preoperatively, obese patients tended to have significantly lower functional scores than non-obese patients, which continued at five and ten years postoperatively. At these timepoints, obese patients had significantly lower scores for most PROMs measured compared to non-obese patients. However, there was no significant difference in the improvement of any of these scores after surgery between obese and non-obese patients. There was no significant difference in revision rates between obese and non-obese patients at any time. All-cause revision rate for obese patients was 0.73 per 100 observed component years compared to 0.67 in non-obese patients at ten years. There was also no significant difference in the aseptic loosening rate between groups. Conclusion. Our study supports the use of UKAs in obese patients, with similar benefit and survival compared to non-obese patients at ten years

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the preinjury functional scores with the postinjury preoperative score and postoperative outcome scores following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery (ACLR). Methods. We performed a prospective study on patients who underwent primary ACLR by a single surgeon at a single centre between October 2010 and January 2018. Preoperative preinjury scores were collected at time of first assessment after the index injury. Preoperative (pre- and post-injury), one-year, and two-year postoperative functional outcomes were assessed by using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Score, and Tegner Activity Scale. Results. We enrolled 308 males and 263 females of mean age 27 years (19 to 46). The mean preinjury and preoperative post-injury Lysholm Knee Scores were 94 (73 to 100) and 63 (25 to 85), respectively, while the respective mean scores at one and two years postoperatively were 84 (71 to 100) and 89 (71 to 100; p < 0.001). The mean Tegner preinjury and preoperative post-injury scores were 7 (3 to 9) and 3 (0 to 6), respectively, while the respective mean scores at one and two years postoperatively were 6 (1 to 8) and 6 (1 to 9) (p < 0.001). The mean KOOS scores at preinjury versus two years postoperatively were: symptoms (96 vs 84); pain (94 vs 87); activities of daily living (97 vs 91), sports and recreation function (84 vs 71), and quality of life (82 vs 69), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Functional scores improved following ACLR surgery at two years in comparison to preoperative post-injury scores. However, at two-year follow-up, the majority of patients failed to achieve their preinjury scores. The evaluation of ACLR outcomes needs to consider the preinjury scores rather than the immediate preoperative score that is usually collected. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):46–52

Aims. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to elective orthopaedic services. The primary objective of this study was to examine changes in functional scores in patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Secondary objectives were to investigate differences between these groups and identify those in a health state ‘worse than death’ (WTD). Methods. In this prospective cohort study, preoperative Oxford hip and knee scores (OHS/OKS) were recorded for patients added to a waiting list for THA, TKA, or UKA, during the initial eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and repeated at 14 months into the pandemic (mean interval nine months (SD 2.84)). EuroQoL five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) index scores were also calculated at this point in time, with a negative score representing a state WTD. OHS/OKS were analyzed over time and in relation to the EQ-5D-5L. Results. A total of 174 patients (58 THA, 74 TKA, 42 UKA) were eligible, after 27 were excluded (one died, seven underwent surgery, 19 non-responders). The overall mean OHS/OKS deteriorated from 15.43 (SD 6.92), when patients were added to the waiting list, to 11.77 (SD 6.45) during the pandemic (p < 0.001). There were significantly worse EQ-5D-5L index scores in the THA group (p = 0.005), with 22 of these patients (38%) in a health state WTD, than either the TKA group (20 patients; 27% WTD), or the UKA group (nine patients; 21% WTD). A strong positive correlation between the EQ-5D-5L index score and OHS/OKS was observed (r = 0.818; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that an OHS/OKS lower than nine predicted a health state WTD (88% sensitivity and 73% specificity). Conclusion. OHS/OKS deteriorated significantly among patients awaiting lower limb arthroplasty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 51 patients were in a health state WTD, representing 29% of our entire cohort, which is considerably worse than existing pre-pandemic data. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(3):138–145

Aims. The primary aim was to assess whether robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) had a greater early knee-specific outcome when compared to manual TKA (mTKA). Secondary aims were to assess whether rTKA was associated with improved expectation fulfilment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction when compared to mTKA. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was undertaken, and patients were randomized to either mTKA or rTKA. The primary objective was functional improvement at six months. Overall, 100 patients were randomized, 50 to each group, of whom 46 rTKA and 41 mTKA patients were available for review at six months following surgery. There were no differences between the two groups. Results. There was no difference between rTKA and mTKA groups at six months according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) functional score (mean difference (MD) 3.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) -5.6 to 13.1); p = 0.425). There was a greater improvement in the WOMAC pain score at two months (MD 9.5 (95% CI 0.6 to 18.3); p = 0.037) in the rTKA group, although by six months no significant difference was observed (MD 6.7 (95% CI -3.6 to 17.1); p = 0.198). The rTKA group were more likely to achieve a minimal important change in their WOMAC pain score when compared to the mTKA group at two months (n = 36 (78.3%) vs n = 24 (58.5%); p = 0.047) and at six months (n = 40 (87.0%) vs n = 29 (68.3%); p = 0.036). There was no difference in satisfaction between the rTKA group (97.8%; n = 45/46) and the mTKA group (87.8%; n = 36/41) at six months (p = 0.096). There were no differences in EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) utility gain (p ≥ 0.389) or fulfilment of patient expectation (p ≥ 0.054) between the groups. Conclusion. There were no statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences in the change in WOMAC function between mTKA and rTKA at six months. rTKA was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving a clinically important change in knee pain at two and six months, but no differences in knee-specific function, patient satisfaction, health-related quality of life, or expectation fulfilment were observed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):961–970

Aims. To map literature on prognostic factors related to outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), to identify extensively studied factors and to guide future research into what domains need further exploration. Methods. We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The search string included multiple synonyms of the following keywords: "revision TKA", "outcome" and "prognostic factor". We searched for studies assessing the association between at least one prognostic factor and at least one outcome measure after rTKA surgery. Data on sample size, study design, prognostic factors, outcomes, and the direction of the association was extracted and included in an evidence map. Results. After screening of 5,660 articles, we included 166 studies reporting prognostic factors for outcomes after rTKA, with a median sample size of 319 patients (30 to 303,867). Overall, 50% of the studies reported prospectively collected data, and 61% of the studies were performed in a single centre. In some studies, multiple associations were reported; 180 different prognostic factors were reported in these studies. The three most frequently studied prognostic factors were reason for revision (213 times), sex (125 times), and BMI (117 times). Studies focusing on functional scores and patient-reported outcome measures as prognostic factor for the outcome after surgery were limited (n = 42). The studies reported 154 different outcomes. The most commonly reported outcomes after rTKA were: re-revision (155 times), readmission (88 times), and reinfection (85 times). Only five studies included costs as outcome. Conclusion. Outcomes and prognostic factors that are routinely registered as part of clinical practice (e.g. BMI, sex, complications) or in (inter)national registries are studied frequently. Studies on prognostic factors, such as functional and sociodemographic status, and outcomes as healthcare costs, cognitive and mental function, and psychosocial impact are scarce, while they have been shown to be important for patients with osteoarthritis. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(5):338–356

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hip shape and mid-term function in Perthes’ disease. It also explored whether the modified three-group Stulberg classification can offer similar prognostic information to the five-group system. Methods. A total of 136 individuals aged 12 years or older who had Perthes’ disease in childhood completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Mobility score (function), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) (function), EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) score (quality of life), and the numeric rating scale for pain (NRS). The Stulberg class of the participants’ hip radiographs were evaluated by three fellowship-trained paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Hip shape and Stulberg class were compared to PROM scores. Results. A spherical hip was associated with the highest function and quality of life, and lowest pain. Conversely, aspherical hips exhibited the lowest functional scores and highest pain. The association between worsening Stulberg class (i.e. greater deviation from sphericity) and worse outcome persisted after adjustment for age and sex in relation to PROMIS (predicted mean difference -1.77 (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.70 to -0.83)), NAHS (-5.68 (95% CI -8.45 to -2.90)), and NRS (0.61 (95% CI 0.14 to 1.08)), but not EQ-5D-5L (-0.03 (95% CI -0.72 to 0.11)). Conclusion. Patient-reported outcomes identify lower function, quality of life, and higher pain in aspherical hips. The magnitude of symptoms deteriorated with time. Hip sphericity (i.e. the modified three-group classification of spherical, oval, and aspherical) appeared to offer similar levels of detail to the five-group Stulberg classification. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):711–716

Aims. The objectives of this study were to investigate the patient characteristics and mortality of Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) subgroups divided into two groups according to femoral component stability and to compare postoperative clinical outcomes according to treatment in Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures. Methods. A total of 126 Vancouver type B fractures were analyzed from 2010 to 2019 in 11 associated centres' database (named TRON). We divided the patients into two Vancouver type B subtypes according to implant stability. Patient demographics and functional scores were assessed in the Vancouver type B subtypes. We estimated the mortality according to various patient characteristics and clinical outcomes between the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and revision arthroplasty (revision) groups in patients with unstable subtype. Results. The one-year mortality rate of the stable and unstable subtype of Vancouver type B was 9.4% and 16.4%. Patient demographic factors, including residential status and pre-injury mobility were associated with mortality. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and Revision in either Vancouver B subtype. Patients treated with revision had significantly higher Parker Mobility Score (PMS) values (5.48 vs 3.43; p = 0.00461) and a significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) values (1.06 vs 1.94; p = 0.0399) for pain than ORIF in the unstable subtype. Conclusion. Among patients with Vancouver type B fractures, frail patients, such as those with worse scores for residential status and pre-injury mobility, had a high mortality rate. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and those treated with revision. However, in the unstable subtype, the PMS and VAS values at the final follow-up examination were significantly better in patients who received revision. Based on postoperative activities of daily life, we therefore recommend evision in instances when either treatment option is feasible. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):38–46

Aims. Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been used due to its financial advantages, overall resource usage, and convenience for the patient. The training model where a trainee performs the first TKA, followed by the trainer surgeon performing the second TKA, is a unique model to our institution. This study aims to analyze the functional and clinical outcomes of bilateral simultaneous TKA when performed by a trainee or a supervising surgeon, and also to assess these outcomes based on which side was done by the trainee or by the surgeon. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of all simultaneous bilateral TKAs performed by a single surgeon in an academic institution between May 2003 and November 2017. Exclusion criteria were the use of partial knee arthroplasty procedures, staged bilateral procedures, and procedures not performed by the senior author on one side and the trainee on another. Primary clinical outcomes of interest included revision and re-revision. Primary functional outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and patient satisfaction scores. Results. In total, 315 patients (630 knees) were included for analysis. Of these, functional scores were available for 189 patients (378 knees). There was a 1.9% (n = 12) all-cause revision rate for all knees. Overall, 12 knees in ten patients were revised, and both right and left knees were revised in two patients. The OKS and patient satisfaction scores were comparable for trainees and supervising surgeons. A majority of patients (88%, n = 166) were either highly likely (67%, n = 127) or likely (21%, n = 39) to recommend bilateral TKAs to a friend. Conclusion. Simultaneous bilateral TKA can be used as an effective teaching model for trainees without any significant impact on patient clinical or functional outcomes. Excellent functional and clinical outcomes in both knees, regardless of whether the performing surgeon is a trainee or supervising surgeon, can be achieved with simultaneous bilateral TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(1):29–34

Aims. The use of 3D printing has become increasingly popular and has been widely used in orthopaedic surgery. There has been a trend towards an increasing number of publications in this field, but existing literature incorporates limited high-quality studies, and there is a lack of reports on outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review with Level I evidence on the application and effectiveness of 3D printing. Methods. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used for the search criteria were ((3d print*) OR (rapid prototyp*) OR (additive manufactur*)) AND (orthopaedic). The inclusion criteria were: 1) use of 3D printing in orthopaedics, 2) randomized controlled trials, and 3) studies with participants/patients. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration Tool and PEDro Score. Pooled analysis was performed. Results. Overall, 21 studies were included in our study with a pooled total of 932 participants. Pooled analysis showed that operating time (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001), bone union time (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.040), accuracy (p < 0.001), and functional scores (p < 0.001) were significantly improved with 3D printing compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in complications. Conclusion. 3D printing is a rapidly developing field in orthopaedics. Our findings show that 3D printing is advantageous in terms of operating time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, bone union time, pain, accuracy, and function. The use of 3D printing did not increase the risk of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):807–819

Aims. Golf is a popular pursuit among those requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to determine if participating in golf is associated with greater functional outcomes, satisfaction, or improvement in quality of life (QoL) compared to non-golfers. Methods. All patients undergoing primary THA over a one-year period at a single institution were included with one-year postoperative outcomes. Patients were retrospectively followed up to assess if they had been golfers at the time of their surgery. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent association of preoperative golfing status on outcomes. Results. The study cohort consisted of a total of 308 patients undergoing THA, of whom 44 were golfers (14%). This included 120 male patients (39%) and 188 female patients (61%), with an overall mean age of 67.8 years (SD 11.6). Golfers had a greater mean postoperative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) (3.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9 to 5.5); p < 0.001) and EuroQol visual analogue scale (5.5 (95% CI 0.1 to 11.9); p = 0.039). However, there were no differences in EuroQoL five-dimension score (p = 0.124), pain visual analogue scale (p = 0.505), or Forgotten Joint Score (p = 0.215). When adjusting for confounders, golfers had a greater improvement in their Oxford Hip Score (2.7 (95% CI 0.2 to 5.3); p < 0.001) compared to non-golfers. Of the 44 patients who reported being golfers at the time of their surgery, 32 (72.7%) returned to golf and 84.4% of those were satisfied with their involvement in golf following surgery. Those who returned to golf were more likely to be male (p = 0.039) and had higher (better) preoperative health-related QoL (p = 0.040) and hip-related functional scores (p = 0.026). Conclusion. Golfers had a greater improvement in their hip-specific function compared to non-golfers after THA. However, less than three-quarters of patients return to golf, with male patients and those who had greater preoperative QoL or hip-related function being more likely to return to play. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):145–151

Background. Patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been lower than after a similar procedure, total hip arthroplasty. Poor subjective outcomes after TKA may be partially explained by abnormal kinematics patterns after TKA. The purpose of this study was to analyse rotational kinematics patterns in knees that had undergone posterior stabilized (PS)-TKA, and to clarify the relationships between rotational kinematics patterns and patient satisfaction, as well as between rotational kinematics patterns and knee function. Materials & Methods. A total of 49 osteoarthritis knees after primary PS-TKA (NexGen LPS-Flex fixed bearing knee system) were included in this study; deformed valgus, severe flexion contractures, and highly unstable knees were excluded. We used a computer navigation system and measured knee kinematics after each surgery was completed. A single investigator gently applied a manual range of motion from full extension to flexion. The angle of the internal rotation of the tibia was measured automatically at 0º, 30º, 45º, 60º, and 90º, along with maximum extension and flexion. We categorized the post-operative rotational kinematics patterns for individual cases, focusing on the initial knee flexion from 0–30º. Type A corresponded to an increased internal rotation angle of the tibia during the initial knee flexion (screw home-like movement). Type B corresponded to an increased external or an unchanged rotation angle of the tibia. We examined the range of motion (ROM) at 6 months after surgery and assessed the 2011 Knee Society Score (2011 KSS) at ≥1 year following surgery. Statistical analysis. The difference between the two groups was compared using a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Analyses were performed with JMP statistical software v8.0 (SAS Institute). A p-value of <0.05 was regarded as significant. Results. The tibia exhibited an average of 5º of internal rotation at initial knee flexion. The type A kinematics pattern achieved a better ROM and functional activity score (2011 KSS) than the type B kinematics pattern. Discussion. Modern TKA implants have been designed to reproduce normal knee kinematics to achieve better patient satisfaction and knee function. However, few reports have described the relationship between the rotational kinematics patterns at initial knee flexion and patient satisfaction. In our study, the type A postoperative rotational kinematics pattern (screw home-like movement) had better ROM and functional activity score than the type B kinematics pattern. The movement toward the internal rotation of the tibia during initial knee flexion might be important in achieving better clinical results after PS-TKA

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine how changes in functional shoulder score (Constant Score) affected the values of the SF-36 score, to determine the amount of functional score change to be considered relevant. Material and Method: 427 patients were included. All of them were assessed with a functional shoulder score (Constant Score) and fulfilled SF-36 score. Mean age was of 50,61(18–85), 200 of them were male and 227 female. 280 were considered to be active while 147 were retired as far as working status is concerned. There were 191 patients with university studies and 236 with primary studies. Primary diagnosis was cuff disorders in 265 patients, old-fracture in 43, degenerative in 72 and instability in 34. Correlations were performed with Spearman’s rho and regression models were evaluated. Results: There was a moderate but significant correlation between the total Constant Score and PF_NORM (0,511) and US standardized physical component (US STPH) (0,491) of the SF-36. For every point of increase in the Constant score the SF-36 increases 0,235 points. Looking into the different items of the Constant Score, Activities of daily living (ADL) and strength presented the stronger correlation with SF-36 (0,428, 0,411). In the regression model, every point of increase of pain, ADL, forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation means an increase of 0,472, 0,39, 0,84, 0,82 and 0,86 of the US STPH of the SF-36. Conclusions: Whenever the outcome of any shoulder treatment is analyzed it has to be taken into account that for every point of increase of the Total Constant Score just 0,235 points of the US SPTH of the SF-36 increase. Depending on the mean value of the US SPTH of the SF-36 of the population studied, the relevant increase of Constant Score can be calculated. Mobility improvements seem to have more influence that pain changes as far as increasing the US SPTH of the SF-36 is concerned

Due to shorter hospital stays and faster patient rehabilitation Unicompartmental Knee Replacements (UKR) are now considered more cost effective than Total Knee Joint Replacements (TKJR). Obesity however, has long been thought of as a relative contraindication to UKR due to an unproven theoretical concern of early loosening. This study is a retrospective review of patient reported outcome scores and revision rates of all UKR with recorded BMI performed by the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) from January 2011 and September 2021. Patient reported outcome scores were taken preoperatively, at 6 months, 1 year, 5 years and 10 years post operatively. These included WOMAC, Oxford, HAAS, UCLA, WHOQOL, normality, pain and patient satisfaction. 873 patients had functional scores recorded at 5 years and 164 patients had scores recorded at 10 years. Further sub-group analysis was performed based on patient BMI of <25, 25–30, 30–35 and >35. Revision data was available for 2377 UKRs performed in Christchurch during this period. Both obese (BMI >30) and non-obese (BMI <30) patients had significantly improved post-operative scores compared to preoperative. Pre-operatively obese patients had significantly lower functional scores except for pain and UCLA. All functional scores were lower in obese patients at 5 years but this did not meet minimum clinical difference. At 10 years, there was significantly lower HAAS, satisfaction and WOMAC scores for obese patients but no difference in Oxford, normality, WHOQOL, UCLA and pain scores. There was no significant difference in the improvement from pre-operative scores between obese and non-obese patients. All cause revision rate for obese patients at 10 years was 0.69 per 100 observed component years compared to 0.76 in non-obese. This was not statistically significant. Our study proves that UKR is an excellent option in obese patients with post-operative improvement in functional scores and 10 year survivorship equivalent to non-obese patients

Background. Patients who undergo either primary or revision total ankle replacement (TAR) expect improvements in pain, function and quality of life. The goal of this study was to measure the functional outcome improvements and the difference in patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing primary total ankle replacements compared to revision TAR. Methods. A single-center prospective cohort study was undertaken between 2016 and 2022. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Patients undertook the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MoxFQ) and EQ-5D health quality questionnaires pre-operatively, at 6 months and yearly for life. The Mann Whitney test was undertaken for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 165 primary and 71 revision ankle replacements were performed between 2016 and 2022. The mean age was 71 years for primary replacements and 69 years for revisions. The INFINITY was utilized in the majority of primary total ankle replacements. Revision replacements were either the INBONE II or INVISION and they were most often revising the MOBILITY implant. The main indication for revision was aseptic loosening (83%). Other causes included infection, malalignment and insert wear. The overall MoxFQ improved by a mean of 46.5 for primaries and 40.2 for revisions. The EQ-5D score also showed overall improvements with the mean difference in mobility increasing by 1.6. Conclusion. Both primary and revision ankle replacements result in improved functional scores at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. In this cohort with the implants used, both primary and revision ankle replacements demonstrate similar improvements in functional scores

Higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation have been associated with worse health outcomes. The influence of socioeconomic deprivation on patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) has not previously been investigated. A total of 217 patients (171 female, 46 male; median age 23.4 years) who underwent PAO by a single surgeon were identified. Patients were categorised into three groups according to their New Zealand Deprivation (NZDep) Index: minimal deprivation (NZDep Index 1–3, n=89), moderate deprivation (NZDep Index 4–6, n=94), and maximal deprivation (NZDep Index 7–10, n=34). The three groups were compared with respect to baseline variables, surgical details, complications, and pre-operative and two-year post-operative functional scores (including International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), EQ-5D quality of life score, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score). Multivariate regression was undertaken to assess for the effect of NZDep Index on patient outcomes. Patients in the maximal deprivation group were more likely to be Māori (p<0.001) and have surgery in a public rather than a private hospital (p=0.004), while the minimal deprivation group demonstrated a lower BMI (p=0.005). There were otherwise no other significant differences in baseline variables, surgical details, complications, nor pre-operative or two-year post-operative functional scores between the three groups (all p>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified a higher NZDep Index to be independently predictive of a lower pre-operative UCLA activity score (p=0.014) and a higher two-year iHOT-12 score (p<0.001). Our results demonstrate an inequality in access to PAO, with patients exposed to higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation under-represented in our study population. When provided access to PAO, these vulnerable patients achieve significant functional improvement at least as great as patients with less socioeconomic deprivation. Initiatives to improve access to hip preservation care in socioeconomically deprived populations appear warranted

Distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) fusion using a k-wire has been the gold standard treatment for DIPJ arthritis. Recent studies have shown similar patient outcomes with the headless compression screws (HCS), however there has been no cost analysis to compare the two. Therefore, this study aims to 1) review the cost of DIPJ fusion between k-wire and HCS 2) compare functional outcome and patient satisfaction between the two groups. A retrospective review was performed over a nine-year period from 2012-2021 in Counties Manukau. Cost analysis was performed between patients who underwent DIPJ fusion with either HCS or k-wire. Costs included were surgical cost, repeat operations and follow-up clinic costs. The difference in pre-operative and post-operative functional and pain scores were also compared using the patient rate wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE). Of the 85 eligible patients, 49 underwent fusion with k-wires and 36 had HCS. The overall cost was significantly lower in the HCS group which was 6554 New Zealand Dollars (NZD), whereas this was 10408 NZD in the k-wire group (p<0.0001). The adjusted relative risk of 1.3 indicate that the cost of k-wires is 1.3 times more than HCS (P=0.0053). The patients’ post-operative PRWHE pain (−22 vs −18, p<0.0001) and functional scores (−38 vs −36, p<0.0001) improved significantly in HCS group compared to the k-wire group. Literatures have shown similar DIPJ fusion outcomes between k-wire and HCS. K-wires often need to be removed post-operatively due to the metalware irritation. This leads to more surgical procedures and clinic follow-ups, which overall increases the cost of DIPJ fusion with k-wires. DIPJ fusion with HCS is a more cost-effective with a lower surgical and follow-up costs compared to the k-wiring technique. Patients with HCS also tend to have a significant improvement in post-operative pain and functional scores