This is a retrospective study of six children with ununited scaphoid fractures treated conservatively. Their mean age was 12.8 years (9.7 to 16.3). Five had no early treatment. Radiological signs of nonunion were found at a mean of 4.6 months (3 to 7) after injury. Treatment consisted of cast immobilisation until clinical and radiological union. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was for 67 months (17 to 90). We assessed the symptoms, the range of movement of the wrist and the grip strength to calculate the Modified Mayo Wrist score. The fracture united in all patients after a mean period of immobilisation of 5.3 months (3 to 7). Five patients were pain free; one had mild pain. All returned to regular activities, and had a range of movement and grip strength within 25% of normal, resulting in an excellent Modified Mayo Wrist score. Prolonged treatment with cast immobilisation resulted in union of the fracture and an excellent Modified Wrist Score in all patients

We performed a prospective, randomised study on 57 patients older than 60 years of age with unstable, extra-articular fractures of the distal radius to compare the outcome of immobilisation in a cast alone with that using supplementary, percutaneous pinning. Patients treated by percutaneous wires had a statistically significant improvement in dorsal angulation (mean 7°), radial length (mean 3 mm) and radial inclination (mean 3 mm) at one year. However, there was no significant difference in functional outcome in terms of pain, range of movement, grip strength, activities of daily living and the SF-36 score except for an improved range of movement in ulnar deviation in the percutaneous wire group. One patient developed a pin-track infection which required removal of the wires at two weeks. We conclude that percutaneous pinning of unstable, extra-articular fractures of the distal radius provides only a marginal improvement in the radiological parameters compared with immobilisation in a cast alone. This does not correlate with an improved functional outcome in a low-demand, elderly population

There is a high risk of venous thromboembolism when patients are immobilised following trauma. The combination of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) with graduated compression stockings is frequently used in orthopaedic surgery to try and prevent this, but a relatively high incidence of thromboembolic events remains. Mechanical devices which perform continuous passive motion imitate contractions and increase the volume and velocity of venous flow. In this study 227 trauma patients were randomised to receive either treatment with the Arthroflow device and LMWH or only with the latter. The Arthroflow device passively extends and plantarflexes the feet. Patients were assessed initially by venous-occlusion plethysmography, compression ultrasonography and continuous wave Doppler, which were repeated weekly without knowledge of the category of randomisation. Those who showed evidence of deep-vein thrombosis underwent venography for confirmation. The incidence of deep-vein thrombosis was 25% in the LMWH group compared with 3.6% in those who had additional treatment with the Arthroflow device (p < 0.001). There were no substantial complications or problems of non-compliance with the Arthroflow device. Logistic regression analysis of the risk factors of deep-vein thrombosis showed high odds ratios for operation (4.1), immobilisation (4.3), older than 40 years of age (2.8) and obesity (2.2)

Introduction. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality, the risk of which increases in orthopaedic patients with lower limb immobilisation. This incidence should in theory reduce if the patients are ambulatory early in the treatment phase. The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify a difference in the incidence of symptomatic VTE by treating acute Achilles tendon rupture patients with conventional non-weight bearing plaster versus functional weight bearing mobilisation. Methodology. The notes of 91 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were retrospectively reviewed and prospectively followed. The patients' demographics, treatment modality (non-weight bearing plaster versus weight bearing boot), and the type of plaster immobilisation was compared to assess whether they affect the incidence of clinical VTE. The predisposing risk factors were also analysed between the treatment groups. Out of 91 patients, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated conservatively in a conventional non-weight bearing immobilisation cast. From these 50 patients, 3 then underwent surgery and were therefore excluded from the results. On the other hand, 41 patients were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation (Vacupad). Patients who did have a symptomatic thromboembolic event also had an ultrasound scan to confirm a deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb or a CT-scan to confirm pulmonary embolism. Results. Out of the 47 patients who were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing plaster cast, 9 patients had a thromboembolic event (19.1%). On the other hand, out of the 41 patients who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation, only 2 patients had a symptomatic thromboembolic event (4.2%). This was statistically significant (p=0.012). This shows that patients who are treated in a non-weight bearing plaster have about five times increased risk of developing a sypmptomatic VTE compared to those treated by functional weight bearing mobilisation. There was however no difference in the predisposing factors in patients who developed VTE compared to those who did not. Conclusion. The incidence of symptomatic VTE after acute Achilles tendon rupture is high and under-recognised. Asymptomatic VTE after this injury is probably even higher. There is a significant decrease in the clinical incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated conservatively with early mobilisation in the functional weight bearing boot compared to those treated in a non-weight bearing cast. There is a need for further research to define the possible benefit of thromboprophylaxis in patients treated by non-weight bearing plasters

This paper reports the cost of outpatient venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following 388 injuries of the lower limb requiring immobilisation in our institution, from a total of 7408 new patients presenting between May and November 2011. Prophylaxis was by either self-administered subcutaneous dalteparin (n = 128) or oral dabigatran (n = 260). The mean duration of prophylaxis per patient was 46 days (6 to 168). The total cost (pay and non-pay) for prophylaxis with dalteparin was £107.54 and with dabigatran was £143.99. However, five patients in the dalteparin group required nurse administration (£23 per home visit), increasing the cost of dalteparin to £1142.54 per patient. The annual cost of VTE prophylaxis in a busy trauma clinic treating 12 700 new patients (2010/11), would be £92 526.33 in the context of an income for trauma of £1.82 million, which represents 5.3% of the outpatient tariff. Outpatient prophylaxis in a busy trauma clinic is achievable and affordable in the context of the clinical and financial risks involved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:673–7

This paper investigates whether cortical comminution and intra-articular involvement can predict displacement in distal radius fractures by using a classification that includes volar comminution as a separate parameter. A prospective multicentre study involving non-operative treatment of distal radius fractures in 387 patients aged between 15 and 74 years (398 fractures) was conducted. The presence of cortical comminution and intra-articular involvement according to the Buttazzoni classification is described. Minimally displaced fractures were treated with immobilisation in a cast while displaced fractures underwent closed reduction with subsequent immobilisation. Radiographs were obtained after reduction, at 10 to 14 days and after union. The outcome measure was re-displacement or union. In fractures with volar comminution (Buttazzoni type 4), 96% (53 of 55) displaced. In intra-articular fractures without volar comminution (Buttazzoni 3), 72% (84 of 117) displaced. In extra-articular fractures with isolated dorsal comminution (Buttazzoni 2), 73% (106 of 145) displaced while in non-comminuted fractures (Buttazzoni 1), 16 % (13 of 81 ) displaced. A total of 32% (53 of 165) of initially minimally displaced fractures later displaced. All of the initially displaced volarly comminuted fractures re-displaced. Displacement occurred in 31% (63 of 205) of fractures that were still in good alignment after 10 to 14 days. . Regression analysis showed that volar and dorsal comminution predicted later displacement, while intra-articular involvement did not predict displacement. Volar comminution was the strongest predictor of displacement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:978–83

We randomly allocated 60 consecutive patients with fractures of the waist of the scaphoid to percutaneous fixation with a cannulated Acutrak screw or immobilisation in a cast. The range of movement, the grip and pinch strength, the modified Green/O’Brien functional score, return to work and sports, and radiological evidence of union were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Patients were followed sequentially for one year. Those undergoing percutaneous screw fixation showed a quicker time to union (9.2 weeks vs 13.9 weeks, p < 0.001) than those treated with a cast. There was a trend towards a higher rate of nonunion in the non-operative group, although this was not statistically significant. Patients treated by operation had a more rapid return of function and to sport and full work compared with those managed conservatively. There was a very low complication rate. We recommend that all active patients should be offered percutaneous stabilisation for fractures of the waist of the scaphoid

Introduction/Aim. Thromboembolism is a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality, the risk of which increases in orthopaedic patients with lower limb immobilisation. It was therefore, our aim to identify a difference in symptomatic thromboembolism by treating acute Achilles tendon rupture patients with conventional non-weight bearing plaster versus functional weight bearing mobilisation. Methodology. The notes of 91 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were reviewed. The patients demographics, treatment modality (non-weight bearing plaster versus weight bearing boot), and predisposing risk factors were analysed. From the 91 patients, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing immobilisation cast. From these 50 patients, 3 then underwent surgery and were therefore excluded from the results. 41 patients were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Patients who did have a symptomatic thromboembolic event had an ultrasound scan to confirm a deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb, or a CT-scan to confirm pulmonary embolism. Results. Out of the 47 patients who were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing plaster cast, 9 patients (19.1 %) had a thromboembolic event. Out of the 41 patients who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation, 2 patients (4.8%) had a thromboembolic event. Thus, patients who were treated in a non-weight bearing plaster had a significantly higher risk of developing thromboembolism (p value of <0.05) and an increased risk ratio of 24% compared to those who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Conclusion. There is a significant decrease in the clinical incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated conservatively with early mobilisation in the functional weight bearing boot compared to those treated in a non-weight bearing cast

Introduction. The standard practice of uncomplicated total ankle replacement (TAR) involves post-operative immobilisation. Periprosthetic fracture is a well-recognised complication following ankle arthroplasty. It occurs predominantly as a stress reaction on the medial tibial metaphysis during the post-operative rehabilitation period. Occasionally it occurs during surgery. We present fractures from a single-centre series of Mobility TARs. Materials and Methods. We have 133 TARs with 3 to 48 months' follow-up. 28 patients were excluded for the following reasons: other major procedure performed concurrently (osteotomy or tendon transfer), custom prosthesis, revision surgery, fusion conversions, or patients involved in a separate RCT (n = 16). We do not routinely immobilise patients post-operatively but allow partial to full weight-bearing as able. Outcome scores were compared to those without fractures. Results. 105 patients were included in the study. Nine (8.6%) patients sustained a periprosthetic fracture with no history of significant trauma. One of these was intra-operative; this was a posterior tibial fracture noticed on post-operative radiographs. The remainder (n = 8) were tibial metaphyseal stress fractures, all occurring within the first three months, most (n = 6) within six weeks. One occurred on the sixth post-op day and was managed in cast. Seven were asymptomatic at diagnosis and managed non-operatively; one was fixed at three months due to radiological medial migration of the talus and one was fixed at seven months due to progression to symptomatic non-union. The remainder united. Between those with and without fractures, there was no significant difference in age (mean 61.4 vs. 62.1, p = 0.387), diagnosis leading to arthroplasty (OA, RA, PTOA), or outcome scores (12 months: 83 vs. 78, p = 0.237). Conclusion. Periprosthetic fracture remains a significant complication of total ankle arthroplasty. However, in our series, they do not lead to increased morbidity or worse outcome scores than patients without fractures and most can be managed non-operatively

We retrospectively reviewed 183 children with a simple fracture of the distal radius, with or without fracture of the ulna, treated by closed reduction and cast immobilisation. The fracture redisplaced after an initial, acceptable closed reduction in 46 (25%). Complete initial displacement was identified as the most important factor leading to redisplacement. Other contributing factors were the presence of an ipsilateral distal ulnar fracture, and the reduction of completely displaced fractures under deep sedation or local haematoma block. We recommend that completely displaced fractures of the distal radius in children should be reduced under general anaesthesia, and fixed by primary percutaneous Kirschner wires even when a satisfactory closed reduction has been achieved

Objectives . A rigorous approach to developing, delivering and documenting rehabilitation within randomised controlled trials of surgical interventions is required to underpin the generation of reliable and usable evidence. This article describes the key processes used to ensure provision of good quality and comparable rehabilitation to all participants of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing surgery with conservative treatment of proximal humeral fractures in adults. Methods . These processes included the development of a patient information leaflet on self-care during sling immobilisation, the development of a basic treatment physiotherapy protocol that received input and endorsement by specialist physiotherapists providing patient care, and establishing an expectation for the provision of home exercises. Specially designed forms were also developed to facilitate reliable reporting of the physiotherapy care that patients received. Results. All three initiatives were successfully implemented, alongside the measures to optimise the documentation of physiotherapy. Thus, all participating sites that recruited patients provided the sling immobilisation leaflet, all adhered to the physiotherapy protocol and all provided home exercises. There was exemplary completion of the physiotherapy forms that often reflected a complex patient care pathway. These data demonstrated equal and high access to and implementation of physiotherapy between groups, including the performance of home exercises. Conclusion . In order to increase the validity and relevance of the evidence from trials of surgical interventions and meet international reporting standards, careful attention to study design, conduct and reporting of the intrinsic rehabilitation components is required. The involvement of rehabilitation specialists is crucial to achieving this. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:335–40

A high rate of complications is associated with open reduction and internal fixation of Sanders type 4 fractures of the calcaneum. We assessed the long-term outcome of 83 Sanders type 4 comminuted intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in 64 patients who underwent non-operative treatment between 1999 and 2005. Each fracture was treated by closed reduction and immobilisation in a long leg cast. Patients were reviewed every three months in the first year, and every six months thereafter. At each visit, the involved ankles were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) criteria. The degree of fracture healing and the presence of osteoarthritis were assessed. At a mean follow-up of 51 months (24 to 70) the mean AOFAS score was 72 (52 to 92). Osteoarthritis was scored radiologically using Graves’ classification and was evident in the subtalar joints of 75 ankles (90%) on x-ray and in all ankles on CT scans, of which 20 were grade 0 or 1, 39 grade 2, and 24 grade 3. A non-operative approach to treating these fractures may be simpler, less expensive, easier to administer with fewer complications, and may be better tolerated than surgery, by many patients

Fractures of the scaphoid are most common in young men; immobilisation in a cast usually means a long period away from work and athletic activities. Early rigid fixation has been shown to promote a rapid functional recovery, but open reduction and internal fixation is technically demanding with the dangers of damage to the radiocarpal ligaments, the scaphotrapezial joint, and the blood supply of the scaphoid. For minimally displaced or undisplaced B1 or B2 fractures, these problems can be overcome by percutaneous fixation. We report our technique and the results of a pilot study in 15 patients. There was no immobilisation; patients were allowed movement soon after operation, but union was obtained in all at a mean of 57 days (38 to 71). The range of movement after union was equal to that of the contralateral limb and grip strength was 98% of the contralateral side at three months. Patients were able to return to sedentary work within four days and to manual work within five weeks. Our initial results show that percutaneous scaphoid fixation for acute fractures is satisfactory and gives rapid functional recovery

We undertook a prospective, controlled trial which compared two rehabilitation programmes for 86 patients who sustained two-part fractures of the proximal humerus. Patients were randomised either to receive immediate physiotherapy within one week (group A) or delayed physiotherapy after three weeks of immobilisation in a collar and cuff sling (group B). At 16 weeks after the fracture, patients in group A had less pain (p < 0.01) and had greater shoulder function (p < 0.001) than those in group B. At 52 weeks, the differences between the groups had reduced. Although group A still had greater shoulder function and less pain, there was no statistical difference when compared with group B. By analysis of the area under the curve, an overall measure up to the 52-week period, group A experienced less pain as measured by the SF36 general health questionnaire and had improved shoulder function. Our results show that patients with two-part fractures of the proximal humerus who begin immediate physiotherapy, experience less pain. The gains in shoulder function persist at 52 weeks which suggests that patients do not benefit from immobilisation before beginning physiotherapy

Between 1992 and 2000, 57 patients with 57 isolated fractures of the medial malleolus were treated conservatively by immobilisation in a cast. The results were assessed by examination, radiography and completion of the short form-36 questionnaire and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score. Of the 57 fractures 55 healed without further treatment. The mean combined dorsi- and plantar flexion was 52.3° (25° to 82°) and the mean short form-36 and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores 48.1 (28 to 60) and 89.8 (69 to 100), respectively. At review there was no evidence of medial instability, dermatological complications, malalignment of the mortise or of post-traumatic arthritis. Isolated fractures of the medial malleolus can obtain high rates of union and good functional results with conservative treatment. Operation should be reserved for bi- or trimalleolar fractures, open fractures, injuries which compromise the skin or those involving the plafond or for patients who develop painful nonunion

A total of 14 women and seven men with a mean age of 43 years (18 to 68) who sustained a Mason type IV fracture of the elbow, without an additional type II or III coronoid fracture, were evaluated after a mean of 21 years (14 to 46). Primary treatment included closed elbow reduction followed by immobilisation in a plaster in all cases, with an additional excision of the radial head in 11, partial resection in two and suturing of the annular ligament in two. Delayed radial head excision was performed in two patients and an ulnar nerve transposition in one. The uninjured elbows served as controls. Nine patients had no symptoms, 11 reported slight impairment, and one severe impairment of the elbow. Elbow flexion was impaired by a mean of 3° (. sd. 4) and extension by a mean of 9° (. sd. 4) (p < 0.01). None experienced chronic elbow instability or recurrent dislocation. There were more degenerative changes in the formerly injured elbows, but none had developed a reduction in joint space. We conclude that most patients with a Mason type IV fracture of the elbow report a good long-term outcome

We evaluated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) on the remodelling of callus in a rabbit gap-healing model by bone morphometric analyses using three-dimensional quantitative micro-CT. A tibial osteotomy with a 2 mm gap was immobilised by rigid external fixation and LIPUS was applied using active translucent devices. A control group had sham inactive transducers applied. A region of interest of micro-CT was set at the centre of the osteotomy gap with a width of 1 mm. The morphometric parameters used for evaluation were the volume of mineralised callus (BV) and the volumetric bone mineral density of mineralised tissue (mBMD). The whole region of interest was measured and subdivided into three zones as follows: the periosteal callus zone (external), the medullary callus zone (endosteal) and the cortical gap zone (intercortical). The BV and mBMD were measured for each zone. In the endosteal area, there was a significant increase in the density of newly formed callus which was subsequently diminished by bone resorption that overwhelmed bone formation in this area as the intramedullary canal was restored. In the intercortical area, LIPUS was considered to enhance bone formation throughout the period of observation. These findings indicate that LIPUS could shorten the time required for remodelling and enhance the mineralisation of callus

Background:. Segmental defects of long bones are notoriously demanding and difficult to treat. We evaluate nine cases where the Masquelet induced membrane technique to substitute bone loss has been used. We discuss the method compared to other types of bone reconstruction and share our tips and tricks to reduce treatment time and improve patient comfort. Method:. Eight patients (nine injuries) operated between 2011 and 2014 were included. Four were infected. Outcome was time-to weight-bearing, consolidation, complications, bone grafting. Results:. All patients were weight bearing fully after 270 days. Mean time to weight bearing was 225 days. Time to full weight bearing was shorter in patients where nails were used to stabilize the construct: median 115 (range 0–268) compared to plates: median 244 (range 219–271). All but two cases went on to full consolidation. Three cases needed grafting, one was misaligned. There were no amputations, no persistent infections, and no implant failures. Discussion:. The induced membrane technique is a relevant alternative to traditional bone substitution in select cases, yet somewhat unpredictable in its course and prolonged immobilisation is often required. Conclusion:. Nailing seems to improve the outcome by reducing treatment time and volume of bone graft needed and should be considered when feasible

Arthordesis of small joints of the foot is a commonly performed procedure in orthopaedics. A variety of fixation devices have been used for this purpose. Nickel-Titanium Memory compression staples for arthrodesis have been used in our institute since June 2003. We report the results of the procedure over a period of 7years involving 252 feet in 232 consecutive patients who underwent arthrodesis or an osteotomy fixation using compression staples. The patients were evaluated to determine the period of immobilization in cast and the time to radiographic joint fusion. The emphasis of this study was to validate the safety of the implant for fusion of small joints of the foot, as well as to determine whether there is a demonstrable trend in time to fusion and period of immobilization required. The average time to fusion was 7.2 weeks, the average period of immobilisation was 6.5 weeks. Successful union was achieved in 98% cases. We report the follow up results, finer technical aspects of the procedure and pitfalls to avoid whilst performing the fusions

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of plaster/splint immobilisation of the knee/ankle on driving performance in healthy individuals. Methods & Materials. Twenty-three healthy drivers performed a series of emergency brake tests in a driving simulator having applied above knee plaster casts, below knee plaster casts, or a knee brace with increasing restriction. Results. Our study showed that compared to braking normally, total brake reaction time was significantly longer when wearing an above knee plaster cast, below knee plaster cast or a knee brace with zero degrees of freedom (p<0.001). Increases in movement time from accelerator to brake accounted for some of the increase in the total brake reaction time. However, unexpectedly thinking time also increased with the level of restriction (p<0.001). Conclusion. These results suggest that all patients wearing a plaster cast or knee brace are significantly impaired in their ability to perform an emergency stop. We suggest changes to the legislation that prevents patients driving with lower limb plaster casts or knee braces