Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(4):256–258.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between additional rehabilitation at the weekend, and in-hospital mortality and complications in patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery.

Aims

It is unclear whether mortality outcomes differ for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery who are readmitted to the index hospital where their surgery was performed, or to another hospital.

Aims

This study was designed to develop a model for predicting bone mineral density (BMD) loss of the femur after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using artificial intelligence (AI), and to identify factors that influence the prediction. Additionally, we virtually examined the efficacy of administration of bisphosphonate for cases with severe BMD loss based on the predictive model.

Aim. Skeletal tuberculosis (TB) accounts for up to one third of cases of extra-pulmonary TB but comprises a minority of osteoarticular infection in areas with low TB incidence. Consequently, unexpected cases may receive surgical management targeted at non-tuberculous orthopaedic infections. This study reviewed treatment and outcomes of non-spinal osteoarticular TB to assess outcomes from modern surgical techniques. Method. All patients with a diagnosis of non-spinal osteoarticular TB between 2009–2017 from one tertiary referral centre were included. Retrospective review of surgical intervention, antibiotic treatment and outcome was conducted. Results. Fourteen patients with an average age of 48 (range 20–77) were identified; all were HIV-negative. Articular infections affected 7 patients, including one prosthetic joint infection. Osteomyelitis affecting the carpus, femur, tibia, olecranon and metatarsals was diagnosed in the remaining patients. Only 4 patients had radiological findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB, and only 3 had a history of prior TB or TB exposure. In 2 cases, symptom exacerbation was associated with local steroid injection. Diagnostic biopsy was employed in 5 cases, of whom 4 proceeded to medical management. Diagnosis was made following positive culture in 86% of cases; all TB isolates were fully sensitive. 71% of cases underwent surgical treatment according to best practice for biofilm-forming infection, including excision of osteomyelitis with local antibiotic therapy for three patients, and first-stage excision with spacer implantation for four patients. Quadruple therapy for an average of 8.5 months, range 6–12 months, was administered. Patients were followed up for a mean of 15.2 months. Half of the patients treated with surgery reported ongoing pain at 3 months and 4 patients underwent further surgery for persistent signs of infection (2 for probable persistent TB, 2 for bacterial super-infection). Conclusions. The role of surgical debridement in management of osteoarticular TB is unclear. In patients with a previous history of TB exposure a pre-operative diagnosis of TB could prevent unnecessary surgery and therefore prevent associated post-operative complications including bacterial super-infection and pain. Pre-op biopsy should therefore be considered in all patients with a history of TB exposure

Background and purpose. The musculoskeletal system is a common, but often overlooked, cause of chest pain. Little is known about the efficacy of spinal manipulation for this condition. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relative effectiveness of two conservative treatment approaches for acute musculoskeletal chest pain, 1) a spinal manipulation-based therapy as a typical example of chiropractic treatment and 2) self-management as an example of minimal intervention. Methods and results. In a non-blinded, randomised controlled trial set at an emergency cardiology department and four outpatient chiropractic clinics, 115 consecutive patients with acute chest pain and no clear medical diagnosis at initial presentation were included. After a baseline evaluation, patients with musculoskeletal chest pain were randomized to four weeks of chiropractic treatment or self-management, with post-treatment questionnaire follow-up four and 12 weeks later. Primary outcome measures were numeric change in pain intensity (11-point box numerical rating scale) and self-perceived change in pain (7-point ordinal scale). Secondary measures included Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores, change in pain intensity (chest, thoracic spine, neck and shoulder/arm), and self-perceived change in general health. Preliminary results will be available at the time of presentation. Conclusions. This is the first randomised controlled trial assessing chiropractic treatment versus a minimal intervention in patients with musculoskeletal chest pain. Results will indicate whether chiropractic treatment is a useful option for patients with musculoskeletal chest pain, but the design does not allow for standardisation of treatment or identification of potentially active ingredients of care

Aims

Patient-reported outcome measures have become an important part of routine care. The aim of this study was to determine if Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures can be used to create patient subgroups for individuals seeking orthopaedic care.

Aims

Some patients presenting with hip pain and instability and underlying acetabular dysplasia (AD) do not experience resolution of symptoms after surgical management. Hip-spine syndrome is a possible underlying cause. We hypothesized that there is a higher frequency of radiological spine anomalies in patients with AD. We also assessed the relationship between radiological severity of AD and frequency of spine anomalies.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the rates of surgical complications, reoperations, and readmissions following herniated lumbar disc surgery, and to investigate the impact of sociodemographic factors and comorbidity on the rate of such unfavourable events.

Objectives

We have increased the dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) in our enhanced total joint recovery protocol at our institution from 15 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg (maximum 2.5 g) as a single, intravenous (IV) dose. We report the clinical effect of this dosage change.

Using the General Practice Research Database, we examined the temporal changes in the rates of primary total hip (THR) and total knee (TKR) replacement, the age at operation and the female-to-male ratio between 1991 and 2006 in the United Kingdom.

We identified 27 113 patients with THR and 23 843 with TKR. The rate of performance of THR and TKR had increased significantly (p < 0.0001 for both) during the 16-year period and was greater for TKR, especially in the last five years. The mean age at operation was greater for women than for men and had remained stable throughout the period of study. The female-to-male ratio was higher for THR and TKR and had remained stable.

The data support the notion that the rate of joint replacement is increasing in the United Kingdom with the rate of TKR rising at the highest rate. The perception that the mean age for TKR has decreased over time is not supported.

Peri- and sub-prosthetic fractures, or pathological fractures below an existing well-fixed femoral component, with or without an ipsilateral knee replacement, present a difficult surgical challenge.

We describe a simple solution, in which a custom-made prosthesis with a cylindrical design is cemented proximally to the stem of an existing, well-fixed femoral component. This effectively treats the fracture without sacrificing the good hip. We describe five patients with a mean age of 73 years (60 to 81) and a mean follow-up of 47 months (6 to 108).

The mean overlap of the prosthesis over the femoral component was 7.5 cm (5.5 to 10). There have been no mechanical failures, no new infections and no re-operations. We suggest that in highly selected cases, in which conventional fixation is not feasible, this technique offers a durable option and avoids the morbidity of a total femoral replacement.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in high-risk orthopaedic patients. A total of 58 patients had a retrievable inferior vena cava filter placed as an adjunct to chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, most commonly for a history of previous deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, polytrauma, or expected prolonged immobilisation. In total 56 patients (96.6%) had an uncomplicated post-operative course. Two patients (3.4%) died in the peri-operative period for unrelated reasons.

Of the 56 surviving patients, 50 (89%) were available for follow-up. A total of 32 filters (64%) were removed without complication at a mean of 37.8 days (4 to 238) after placement. There were four filters (8%) which were retained because of thrombosis at the filter site, and four (8%) were retained because of incorporation of the filter into the wall of the inferior vena cava. In ten cases (20%) the retrievable filter was left in place to continue as primary prophylaxis. No patient had post-removal thromboembolic complications.

A retrievable inferior vena cava filter, as an adjunct to chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, was a safe and effective means of reducing the acute risk of pulmonary embolism in this high-risk group of patients. Although most filters were removed without complications, thereby avoiding the long-term complications that have plagued permanent indwelling filters, a relatively high percentage of filters had to be left in situ.