Introduction. There are concerns that patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) currently used for adults requiring, undergoing or after undergoing lower limb reconstruction (LLR) are not adequately capturing the range of experiences important to these patients. The ‘Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Lower Limb Reconstruction’ (PROLLIT) study developed a conceptual framework of outcomes identified as important and relevant by adult LLR patients. This review explored whether existing PROMs address these outcomes, and exhibit content validity in this population. Materials & Methods. A range of key PROMs was selected (n=32). Systematic and hand-searches were employed to find studies assessing content validity of these PROMs in the adult LLR population, along with PROM content and development information. A systematic review of content validity of the measures was carried out following ‘COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments’ (COSMIN) guidance, alongside conceptual mapping of the content of the PROMs against the PROLLIT conceptual framework. Results. The searches uncovered very few content validity studies assessing the PROMs when applied in adult LLR patients. The COSMIN review found that these measures lacked content validity when applied in this population. The conceptual mapping found that PROMs did not capture all concepts identified as important and relevant in the PROLLIT framework. Conclusions. Existing PROMs applied in the adult LLR population lack content validity and fail to adequately capture relevant outcomes for this patient group. There is a need for a new, dedicated PROM designed for adult LLR patients

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is a bone conserving alternative to total hip arthroplasty. We present the early 1 and 2-year clinical and radiographical follow-up of a novel ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) HRA in a multi-centric Australian cohort. Patient undergoing HRA between September 2018 and April 2021 were prospectively included. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) in the form of the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), HOOS Jr, WOMAC, Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and UCLA Activity Score were collected preoperatively and at 1- and 2-years post-operation. Serial radiographs were assessed for migration, component alignment, evidence of osteolysis/loosening and heterotopic ossification formation. 209 patients were identified of which 106 reached 2-year follow-up. Of these, 187 completed PROMS at 1 year and 90 at 2 years. There was significant improvement in HOOS (p< 0.001) and OHS (p< 0.001) between the pre-operative, 1-year and 2-years outcomes. Patients also reported improved pain (p<0.001), function (p<0.001) and reduced stiffness (p<0.001) as measured by the WOMAC score. Patients had improved activity scores on the UCLA Active Score (p<0.001) with 53% reporting return to impact activity at 2 years. FJS at 1 and 2-years were not significantly different (p=0.38). There was no migration, osteolysis or loosening of any of the implants. The mean acetabular cup inclination angle was 41.3° and the femoral component shaft angle was 137°. No fractures were reported over the 2-year follow-up with only 1 patient reporting a sciatic nerve palsy. There was early return to impact activities in more than half our patients at 2 years with no early clinical or radiological complications related to the implant. Longer term follow-up with increased patient numbers are required to restore surgeon confidence in HRA and expand the use of this novel product. In conclusion, CoC resurfacing at 2-years post-operation demonstrate promising results with satisfactory outcomes in all recorded PROMS

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have failed to highlight differences in function or outcome when comparing knee replacement designs and implantation techniques. Ankle-worn inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to remotely measure and monitor the bi-lateral impact load of patients, augmenting traditional PROMs with objective data. The aim of this study was to compare IMU-based impact loads with PROMs in patients who had undergone conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), and robotic-assisted TKA (RA-TKA). 77 patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty (29 RA-TKA, 37 TKA, and 11 UKA) for osteoarthritis were prospectively enrolled. Remote patient monitoring was performed pre-operatively, then weekly from post-operative weeks two to six using ankle-worn IMUs and PROMs. IMU-based outcomes included: cumulative impact load, bone stimulus, and impact load asymmetry. PROMs scores included: Oxford Knee Score (OKS), EuroQol Five-dimension with EuroQol visual analogue scale, and the Forgotten Joint Score. On average, patients showed improved impact load asymmetry by 67% (p=0.001), bone stimulus by 41% (p<0.001), and cumulative impact load by 121% (p=0.035) between post-operative week two and six. Differences in IMU-based outcomes were observed in the initial six weeks post-operatively between surgical procedures. The mean change scores for OKS were 7.5 (RA-TKA), 11.4 (TKA), and 11.2 (UKA) over the early post-operative period (p=0.144). Improvements in OKS were consistent with IMU outcomes in the RA-TKA group, however, conventional TKA and UKA groups did not reflect the same trend in improvement as OKS, demonstrating a functional decline. Our data illustrate that PROMs do not necessarily align with patient function, with some patients reporting good PROMs, yet show a decline in cumulative impact load or load asymmetry. These data also provide evidence for a difference in the functional outcome of TKA and UKA patients that might be overlooked by using PROMs alone

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective surgery performed for knee osteoarthritis. Despite this success up to 20% of patients are less than fully satisfied. Rotating platform (RP) bearings have demonstrated significant reduction in rates of wear in laboratory studies but thus far have failed to demonstrate a clinical difference compared to fixed bearing (FB) arthroplasty in patients. This may be due to studies limited by small sample size and single centre design. Additionally, no studies have utilised modern patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as PKIP to investigate differences between these bearings. A non-randomised, prospective, multi-centre study was conducted across centres in Australia, United Kingdom and the United States from November 2012 to May 2015. Knee prosthesis included were the RP and FB models of the PFC Sigma Knee (Depuy, Synthes) and the ATTUNE Knee (Depuy, Synthes). Data was collected on pre-arthroplasty interventions, demographics and PROMs. PROMs included were the KOOS, OKS, EQ53DL and PKIP. Participants were followed-up for 2 years. A total of 1,718 patients were recruited across 27 centres. 959 participants underwent a FB TKA, 759 participants underwent a RP TKA. No significant difference was found between RP and FB in change from baseline at 2 years across any parameter in all PROMs investigated at 2 years. Body Mass Index pre-operatively was the biggest indicator of change from baseline at 2 years. Our data demonstrates similar improvements in the short-term in both RP and TKA across all PROMs. Patients reported similar scores in satisfaction, confidence, mobility and stability in the PKIP PROM for both RP and FB groups. We have not found any evidence to suggest that RP TKA is disadvantageous at 2 years, and this is reassuring for any surgeon looking to utilise this bearing type in practice. Our data does not demonstrate a clinical advantage in RP TKA over FB TKA at 2 years in any PROM

Psoas tendinopathy is a potential cause of groin pain after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The direct anterior approach (DAA) is becoming increasingly popular as the standard approach for primary THA due to being a muscle preserving technique. It is unclear what the prevalence is for the development of psoas-related pain after DAA THA, how this can influence patient reported outcome, and which risk factors can be identified. This retrospective case control study of prospectively recorded data evaluated 1784 patients who underwent 2087 primary DAA THA procedures between January 2017 and September 2019. Psoas tendinopathy was defined as (1) persistence of groin pain after DAA THA and was triggered by active hip flexion, (2) exclusion of other causes such as dislocation, infection, implant loosening or (occult) fractures, and (3) a positive response to an image-guided injection with xylocaine and steroid into the psoas tendon sheath. Complication-, re-operation rates, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were measured. Forty-three patients (45 hips; 2.2%) were diagnosed with psoas tendinopathy according to the above-described criteria. The mean age of patients who developed psoas tendinopathy was 50.8±11.7 years, which was significantly lower than the mean age of patients without psoas pain (62.4±12.7y; p<0.001). Patients with primary hip osteoarthritis were significantly less likely to develop psoas tendinopathy (14/1207; 1.2%) in comparison to patients with secondary hip osteoarthritis to dysplasia (18/501; 3.6%) (p<0.001) or FAI (12/305; 3.9%) (p<0.001). Patients with psoas tendinopathy had significantly lower PROM scores at 6 weeks and 1 year follow-up. Psoas tendinopathy was present in 2.2% after DAA THA. Younger age and secondary osteoarthritis due to dysplasia or FAI were risk factors for the development of psoas tendinopathy. Post-operatively, patients with psoas tendinopathy often also presented with low back pain and lateral trochanteric pain. Psoas tendinopathy had an important influence on the evolution of PROM scores

Introduction. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has demonstrated significant benefits, including improved accuracy of component positioning compared to conventional jig-based TKA. However, previous studies have often failed to associate these findings with clinically significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide a more nuanced assessment of a patient's functional recovery after TKA. This study aims to compare outcomes of patients undergoing robotic-assisted and conventional TKA in the early postoperative period using conventional PROMS and wearable sensors. Method. 100 patients with symptomatic end-stage knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary TKA were included in this study (44 robotic-assisted TKA and 56 conventional TKA). Functional outcomes were assessed using ankle-worn IMUs and PROMs. IMU- based outcomes included impact load, impact asymmetry, maximum knee flexion angle, and bone stimulus. PROMs, including Oxford Knee Score (OKS), EuroQol-Five Dimension (EQ-5D-5L), EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) were evaluated at preoperative baseline, weeks 2 to 6 postoperatively, and at 3-month postoperative follow-up. Results. By postoperative week 6, when compared to conventional TKA, robotic-assisted TKA was associated with significant improvements in maximum knee flexion angle (118o ± 6.6 vs. 113o ± 5.4; p=0.04), symmetrical loading of limbs (82.3% vs.22.4%; p<0.01), cumulative impact load (146.6% vs 37%; p<0.01), and bone stimulus (25.1% vs 13.6%; p<0.01). Whilst there were no significant differences in PROMs (OKS, EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS, and FJS-12) at any time point between the two groups, when comparing OKS subscales, significantly more robotic-assisted TKA patients achieved an ‘excellent’ outcome at 6 weeks compared to conventional (47% vs 41%, p= 0.013). Conclusions. IMU-based metrics detected an earlier return to function among patients that underwent robotic-assisted TKA compared to conventional TKA that PROMs were unable to detect within the first six weeks of surgery

Introduction. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has gained momentum in the orthopaedic literature. The GOAL-LD (Gait Outcomes Assessment List for Limb Deformity) incorporates the framework of The WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and correlates highly with the Paediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) when applied in a limb reconstruction setting. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia, supported by The University of Melbourne is designing and implementing a Limb Reconstruction Registry, prospectively enrolling patients with a number of key conditions and provide a mechanism for capturing surgical data and PROMs at regular follow-up intervals. LimbDREAM (The Limb Reconstruction Registry of Experience, Aspiration and Measures) has begun recruiting participants, and this paper serves as a narrative review of our design and implementation process. Materials & Methods. After provision of a research grant, audit was conducted to examine local case mix and estimate recruitment based on conditions selected. Literature review was focussed on (i) registries in the paediatric limb reconstruction domain and (ii) use of PROMs across conditions selected. A high-level process-flow chart was constructed in order to inform governance and staffing requirements in addition to REDCap Database structure. Local as well as scalable deployment was considered. Alpha and beta testing was performed by principal and associate investigators prior to participant recruitment. Results. Audit identified 6 condition streams for inclusion: Congenital limb deficiencies, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, bone dysplasias, bone tumours, amputation, and complex deformity of other etiology. Literature review identified 20 PROMs used across these conditions, with limited validation studies and significant implementation heterogeneity. REDCap database design took longer than anticipated (planned 10 months, actual 18 months) before being recruitment ready, due to the complexity of ensuring data collection logic would work across highly diverse patient journeys. Initial recruitment across all streams has been promising. Email and text message reminders have proved helpful in increasing survey return rates. Conclusions. Prospective collection of PROMs as well as surgical data via a standardized dataset will provide the basis for future condition-specific research, with the ability to support nested trials. Implementation requires forethought with regard to time frames and staffing for non-automated steps as well as data integrity review. The next phase of the LimbDREAM project will be to integrate use of the Registry into our weekly Limb Reconstruction Meeting to ensure that operative plans and data are captured close to the point of care

The use of cementless acetabular components is currently the gold standard for treatment in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Porous coated cups have a low modulus of elasticity that enhances press-fit and a surface that promotes osseointegration. Monoblock acetabular cups represent a subtype of uncemented cup with the liner moulded into the metal shell, minimizing potential backside wear and eliminating the chance of mal-seating. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term clinical and radiographic performances of a modular cup with that of a monoblock cup, with particular interest in the advent of lucent lines and their correlation with clinical outcomes. In this multi-surgeon, prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 86 patients undergoing unilateral THA were recruited. Participants were randomized to either a porous-coated, modular metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) acetabular component (n=46) or a hydroxyapatite (HA)- and titanium-coated monoblock shell with ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing (n=42). The porous-coated cup had an average pore size of 250 microns with an average volume porosity of 45%, whereas the monoblock shell had an average pore size of 300 microns with an average volume porosity of 48% and a HA coating thickness of 80 nm. There were no baseline demographic differences between both groups regarding sex, age, body mass index (BMI), or American Society of Anaesthesia (ASA) class (p>0.05). All of the sockets were under-reamed by 1 mm. Radiographs and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Hip Score, were available for evaluation at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. A radiolucent distance between the cup and acetabulum of ≥0.5 mm was defined as gap if it was diagnosed from outset or as radiolucency if it had sclerotic edges and was found on progressive x-ray analyses. Thirty-two gaps (69%) were found in the modular cup group and 28 (6%) in the monoblock one (p=0.001). Of the former, 17 filled the gaps whereas 15 turned into a radiolucency at final assessment. Of the latter, only 1 of the gaps turned into a radiolucency at final follow-up (p 0.05) in both groups. Only the porous-coated cup was an independent predictor of lucent lines (OR:0.052, p=0.007). No case underwent revision surgery due to acetabular loosening during the study period. Only 2 cases of squeaking were reported in the CoC monoblock shell. Both porous-coated modular and hydroxyapatite-coated monoblock cups showed successful clinical results at short-term follow-up, however, the former evidenced a significantly higher rate of radiolucent line occurrence, without any association with PROMs. Since these lines indicate the possibility of future cup loosening, longer follow-up and assessment are necessary

In the United Kingdom's National Joint Registry 2018 Annual Report, the combination of a POLARSTEM hip stem and R3 acetabular component has the lowest revision rate of any total hip arthroplasty (THA) construct combination at 7 years. Although revision rates remain a crucial measure of an implant combination's performance, there is increasingly more attention being given to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which often reflect the endpoints that patients’ themselves consider of paramount importance in choosing to undergo THA. Therefore, the current analysis was undertaken to better understand the PROMs-based performance of this combination. Bespoke implant reports were requested for the POLARSTEM/R3 combination with OXINIUM™ heads and highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) bearing. Reports used data from the National Health Service PROMs programme, which collected the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), EQ-5D and EQ-VAS. Health gain scores, calculated as differences between preoperative and 6-month post-operative scores, were adjusted to account for any differences in patient demographics between comparative groups. The mean OHS adjusted health gain score for the construct combination was 22.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.4 – 23.1; n = 1799 patients) compared to 21.2 (95% CI: 21.2 – 21.3; n = 111,055). For EQ-5D, the scores were 0.462 (95% CI: 0.451 – 0.473; n = 1685) for the construct and 0.434 (95% CI: 0.433 – 0.436; n = 102,448) for the class average. For EQ-VAS, the construct had adjusted scores of 14.2 (95% CI: 13.4 – 14.9; n = 1605) compared to the class average of 11.4 (95% CI: 11.3 – 11.5; n = 98,610). There were also more patients who rated their satisfaction as ‘excellent’ in the specific construct group. Comparisons were statistically significant in all cases (p < 0.001). In conclusion, in addition to excellent mid-term survivorship, the POLARSTEM/R3 construct combination has demonstrated superior PROMs that may improve patient outcomes

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have partnered to advance international patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) collection and reporting standards for hip and knee arthroplasty. This project is part of the OECD's Patient-Reported Indicator Survey (PaRIS) initiative, which aims to address the need for internationally comparable patient-reported outcome and experience measures in order to better monitor health system performance and drive continuous improvement. PROMs are in varying stages of implementation across OECD health systems, with differences in collection and reporting practices across existing programs. CIHI and the OECD are leading an international working group for PROMs in hip and knee replacement surgery in order to build consensus on PROMs data collection standards and develop indicators for international reporting. Working group members include patient representatives, clinicians, national arthroplasty registries, the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries (ISAR), experts in PROMs measurement, and government representatives of several OECD member countries. Activities of the working group focus on two main priorities: 1) Use existing PROMs programs to maximize pilot comparable reporting in OECD's Health at a Glance 2019 report, and 2) Advance new PROMs standards and data collection to maximize comparable reporting beyond Health at a Glance 2019. An environmental scan of PROMs in hip and knee arthroplasty found that a number of countries are collecting this data, however, there are variations in survey instruments as well as administration and reporting methods within and across countries. As part of priority 1, the working group has achieved consensus on a number of aspects around pilot reporting. The project is compiling data from existing PROMs programs in order to report results in the Health at a Glance 2019 publication. For priority 2, the most notable challenge is establishing an agreement across countries on common survey tools, as well as a minimum data set that works for all, given the disparities of existing collection across countries. Many international programs lack the flexibility to change PROMs tools or collections methods, and have concerns regarding the break in trend for PROMs data within their own countries if they were to change methods. The project is exploring the use of crosswalks and other opportunities for comparable reporting, such as the use of single-item anchor questions. To date, the working group continues to develop consensus on international standards for PROMs collection and reporting. Results of the international consensus building and work to date will be shared. PROMs incorporate the patient's perspective into the delivery of treatments and care – such as hip and knee arthroplasty – that aim to improve a patient's quality of life. Alignment of standards in PROMs collection across countries will make comparable data available for reporting, in order to inform quality improvement initiatives within health systems to provide better care for patients. CIHI and the OECD will continue to work with member countries to develop international data collection and reporting standards for PROMs, and encourage the adoption of common approaches across countries

Purpose. Despite total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful surgical procedure with end-stage knee osteoarthritis, approximately 20% of the patients who underwent primary TKA were still dissatisfied with the outcome. Thereby, numerous literatures have confirmed the relationship between soft tissue balancing and clinical result to improve this pressing issue. Recently, there has been an increased research interest in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after TKA. However, there is little agreement on the association between soft tissue balancing and PROMs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether intraoperative soft tissue balancing affected PROMs after primary TKA. We hypothesized that soft tissue balancing would be a predictive factor for postoperative PROMs at one-year post-surgery. Patients and Methods. The study included 20 knees treated for a varus osteoarthritic deformity using a cruciate-retaining TKA (Scorpio NRG) with a polyethylene insert thickness of 8 mm retrospectively. Following the osteotomy using the measured resection technique, the extension gap was measured with a femoral trial by using an electric tensor. This instrument could estimate the soft tissue balance applying continuous distraction force simultaneously from 0 to 40 lbf with an accuracy of the 0.1 lbf. We evaluated the association between a distraction force required for an extension gap of 8 mm, and the following potentially affected factors at one year postoperatively: knee flexion angle using a protractor with one degree increments; radiographic parameters of component alignment, namely the femoral and tibial component medial angle; and the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM). This is a disease-specific and self-administered questionnaire, reflecting the specificity of the Japanese cultural lifestyle, consisting of 25 items scored from 0 to 100 points, with 100 points being worst. Outcomes. The median knee flexion angle was 130 degrees with the femoral and tibial component of 97 and 89 degrees, respectively. For an extension gap of 8 mm, a verified value of a distraction force did not demonstrate a correlation with, knee flexion angle (p = 0.29) or with the femoral (p = 0.20), and tibial component position (p = 0.09). The median JKOM totaled 20 points across 4 domains: pain and stiffness, condition in daily life, general activities, and health conditions with 5, 8, 2.5, and 2 points respectively. There was significant correlation between a required force and the JKOM (r. s. = 0.53, p = 0.02), and notably the domain of health conditions exhibited the highest coefficient of determination (r. s. = 0.54, p = 0.01). Discussion. This study highlights that distraction force for an extension gap of 8 mm is an independent variable in component position or knee flexion angle. We found that soft tissue balancing could influence short term postoperative PROMs. Our results will contribute to a better understanding of outcomes after TKA. This is a particularly critical issue as feasible strategies to avoid a persistent joint stiffness would improve long-term function after TKA and patient satisfaction

Introduction. The global rapid growth of the aging population has some likelihood to create a serious crisis on health-care and economy at an unprecedented pace. To extend Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) in a number of countries, it is desired more than ever to investigate characteristic and prognosis of numerous diseases. This enlightenment and recent studies on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) will drive the increasing interest in the quality of life among the world. The demand for primary THAs by 2030 would rise up to 174% in USA. It is expected that the number of the elderly will surge significantly in the future, thus more septuagenarian and octogenarian are undergoing THA. Moreover, HALE of Japanese female near the age of 75 years, followed to Singapore, is still increasing. Therefore, concerns exist about the PROMs of performing THA in this age-group worldwide. Nevertheless almost the well-established procedure, little agreement has been reached to the elderly. We aimed to clarify the mid-term PROMs after THA over 75-year old. Methods. Between 2005 and 2013, we performed 720 consecutive primary cemented THAs through a direct lateral approach. Of these, 503 female patients (655 hips) underwent THA for treatment of osteoarthritis, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years, were retrospectively enrolled into the study. We excluded 191 patients (252 hips) aged less than 65-year at the time of surgery and 58 patients (60) because of post-traumatic arthritis or previous surgery (37), or lack of data (23). Thus, 343 hips remained eligible for our study, contributed by 254 patients. We investigated Quality-adjusted life year (QALY), EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level scale (EQ-5D) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip-Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ, which was a disease-specific and self-administered questionnaire, reflecting the specificity of the Japanese cultural lifestyle) in patients aged 75 years or older (154 hips, Group-E) compared with those aged 65 to 74 years (189 hips, Group-C) retrospectively. We evaluated the association between patients aged 75 years or older and the following potential risk factors, using logistic regression analysis: age, number of vertebral fractures (VFs), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant for the Mann-Whitney U test. Results. At a mean follow-up duration of 7.2 years, QALY, EQ-5D and JHEQ for the domain of patient satisfaction were significantly greater for Group-E than Group-C; however, there were no significant differences in JHEQ for pain, movement and mental-health between groups. On multivariate analysis, the age (odds ratio [OR] 2.48, p < .01 for EQ-5D; OR .32, p < .01 for JHEQ satisfaction), VFs (OR 1.63, p < .01 for satisfaction) and ASA-PS (OR .64, p = .31 for EQ-5D) were independent predictive risk factors for patients aged 75-year or older. Conclusions. Based on mid-term follow-up of PROMs study, we suggest that cemented THA can lead to the extension of HALE towards the super aged society and our results can be applied to a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study related frailty

Aim. To assess the influence of route of antibiotic administration on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) of individuals treated for hip and knee infections in the OVIVA multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Method. This study was designed to determine whether oral antibiotic therapy is non-inferior to intravenous (IV) therapy when given for the first six weeks of treatment for bone and joint infections. Of the 1054 participants recruited from 26 centres, 462 were treated for periprosthetic or native joint infections of the hip or knee. There were 243 participants in the IV antibiotic cohort and 219 in the oral cohort. Functional outcome was determined at baseline through to one year using the Oxford Hip/Knee Score (OHS/OKS) as joint-specific measures (0 the worse and 48 the best). An adjusted quantile regression model was used to compare functional outcome scores. Results. Of the 214 participants in the hip sub-group, 110 were randomized to IV antibiotics and 104 to oral. Of the 248 participants in the knee cohort, 133 were treated with IV antibiotics and 115 with oral. The OHS/OKS questionnaire response rate was 68%. Baseline median OHS of the hip sub-group was 14 (Interquartile range [IQR]:8–22) for the IV cohort and 12 (IQR:7–22) for the oral cohort. The one-year median OHS was 35 (IQR: 23–44) for the IV cohort and 27 (IQR:16–40) for the oral cohort with no significant difference between cohorts (p=0.181). The baseline median OKS of the knee sub-group, was 14 (IQR:8–23) for the IV cohort and 12 (IQR:8–21) for the oral cohort. The one-year median OKS was 24 (IQR: 15–35) for the IV cohort and 27 (IQR:17–38) for the oral cohort with a statistically significant difference in favour of oral therapy (p=0.036). Conclusions. At one year, there was improvement in functional outcome of patients treated with either IV or oral antibiotics in this RCT. It suggests that joint function generally improved progressively following the start of treatment irrespective of the route of antibiotic therapy. Functional outcome of patients with hip infections was similar irrespective of the route of antibiotic therapy, whereas there was statistically greater improvement in functional outcome of patients with knee infections treated with oral antibiotics. The PROMS findings of this trial support the clinical findings (i.e. infection eradication rates) and suggest that there is no advantage of using prolonged intravenous therapy as compared to oral therapy in the early treatment of infections around the hip and knee joint

Bone and joint infections are not only common but their management can be technically complex. They carry significant healthcare costs and are a daunting experience for patients [1]. Frequently, multiple operations are required in order to treat the infection. Each surgical intervention usually results in greater bone loss, worsening skin and soft tissue scarring and increasingly diverse and resistant micro- organisms [2]. Specialist bone infection units involving highly integrated orthopaedic and plastic surgery, as well as infection physicians, may improve patient outcomes [3–4]. However, it is difficult to determine the hierarchy of factors contributing to outcome of treatment. This problem is confounded by a lack of structured, prospective data collection in many units around the world. In 2014, we designed a modular database which allows collection of patients’ details, components of the disease, the treatment, microbiology, histology, clinical outcome and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS). The registry was implemented in November 2014 and has already demonstrated its function as a Hospital-wide service evaluation tool. Over 200 patients have been referred to the unit and their baseline demographic information registered. Their progress through the bone infection unit patient pathway is prospectively monitored with use of the registry and data collection ongoing. We aim to present the preliminary clinical outcomes of these 200 patients including surgical procedures performed, key microbiology results, antibiotic treatment regimens and patient reported outcomes. Our goal is to demonstrate that a bone infection registry is an integral part of infection management clinical practice. It can be used for designing service provision, assist in allocating healthcare resources and expand the evidence base for specialist bone infection units in managing complex orthopaedic infections

Introduction. The outcomes programme of our institution has been developed from a system first used at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust 15 years ago. The system was implemented at our institution when it opened in 2004, and has been used to collect data on over 17,000 joint replacement operations so far. A bespoke database is used to collect, analyse and report outcome data. Methods. An integrated system allows the collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS), patient satisfaction scores, radiological assessment, and medical or surgical complications. Functionality allows the transfer of data from existing clinical management programmes, and the generation of customised letters and questionnaires to send to patients. Analysis of data and report production is fully automated. Data is collected pre-operatively, during the inpatient stay, and post-operatively at 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months. Results are disseminated to the surgeons, the senior management team and the Clinical Governance Committee. Results. Response rates exceed 95% pre-operatively, 90% at 6 weeks and 6 months post-operatively and exceed 80% at 1 year and 2 year follow up. Data on over 17,000 joint replacement surgery have been compared to published literature. The results demonstrate high patient satisfaction and low complication rates. Discussion. This is an established outcome programme, effectively providing feedback to all involved in the care of our patients. Surgeons are thus able to identify where to invest efforts to improve their performance and management to assess the standard of service, monitor quality and promote the institution to healthcare purchasers as a cost-effective treatment centre. Patients can review the performance and the outcome of the health service at this centre prior to deciding where they have their treatment

Introduction. The need for the stringent surveillance of new devices was recognised by the NICE review of hip replacement surgery in 2000 and led to the Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) developing criteria for post-marketing surveillance (PMS) studies. This requirement has been reinforced by the recent recall of ASR devices. Methods. The South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre's (EOC's) comprehensive outcomes programme has been adapted to manage and coordinate multi-centre, multi-surgeon, PMS studies. The system allows any schedule and combination of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS), clinical and radiological assessments, and complications to be collected. Typically, PROMS are collected pre-operatively and yearly by post. Baseline clinical assessment is undertaken pre-operatively, with baseline radiological assessments pre- and post-operatively. Subsequent clinical and radiological assessments are usually obtained at the ODEP-mandated time points of 3, 5, 7 and 10 years post-operatively. Patients are telephoned twice yearly to document complications and any impending change of address. Results. EOC co-ordinated studies extend the ODEP criteria to provide high quality evidence on implant survivorship and patient outcome. In one study, over 500 subjects are under review. The operations were undertaken by twelve surgeons, at three centres. At 3 years participant withdrawal is 4%, mortality 4%, loss to follow-up 1% and revisions 0.5%. Average annual return of PROMS is 94%, and the percentage of invited patients returning for a 3 year review is 81%. Discussion. The EOC system provides a cost-effective method for the long-term follow-up of implants through multi-site, multi-surgeon national, and international, PMS studies. Participation by high-volume centres facilitates both rapid recruitment of study participants and the infrastructure required to maintain consistent data quality. The acquired information gives timely information to surgeons, manufacturers and healthcare purchasers. We advocate adoption of the EOC PMS model for all new implants that are introduced to the UK market

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate machine-learning-based computerized adaptive tests (CATs) for the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and its subscales.

Aims

Deprivation underpins many societal and health inequalities. COVID-19 has exacerbated these disparities, with access to planned care falling greatest in the most deprived areas of the UK during 2020. This study aimed to identify the impact of deprivation on patients on growing waiting lists for planned care.

Aims

Patients undergoing limb reconstruction surgery often face a challenging and lengthy process to complete their treatment journey. The majority of existing outcome measures do not adequately capture the patient-reported outcomes relevant to this patient group in a single measure. Following a previous systematic review, the Stanmore Limb Reconstruction Score (SLRS) was designed with the intent to address this need for an effective instrument to measure patient-reported outcomes in limb reconstruction patients. We aim to assess the face validity of this score in a pilot study.

Aims

Elective orthopaedic services have had to adapt to significant system-wide pressures since the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019. Length of stay is often recognized as a key marker of quality of care in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Expeditious discharge is key in establishing early rehabilitation and in reducing infection risk, both procedure-related and from COVID-19. The primary aim was to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic length of stay following hip and knee arthroplasty at a high-volume, elective orthopaedic centre.