Driven by increasing emphasis on problem-based and self-directed learning, medical students and doctors in orthopedic specialty training rely increasingly on the internet as learning resource. As students or residents performance on physical examination may be less supervised in comparison to other clinical skills (for example surgical competence), online videos may provide a valuable source for education of physical examination skills. Cognitive psychological research has shown that videos can help viewers to understand techniques and manage the sequential steps of physical examination and approach to patients. YouTube is the largest open-access video platform available and provides access to thousands of educational videos on orthopedics-related topics. VuMedi, G9MD, and Orthobullets are examples of online platforms requiring user-registration with video content that is more directly focused on orthopedic topics. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy and quality of instructional videos on the physical examination of the elbow and identify factors influencing the educational usefulness. A YouTube, VuMedi, Orthobullets, and G9MD search was performed on October 7, 2018 for videos on the physical examination of the elbow. We included both basic examination and disease specific tests. The included videos were rated for accuracy and quality by two independent authors using a modified version of a validated scoring system. Inter-rater reliability was analyzed using mean difference and intra-class correlation coefficient. Twenty-three out of 126 videos were indicated as useful for educational purposes. Accuracy, quality and total scores were statistically significant higher for videos from specialized platforms compared to YouTube: 16.5 (95% CI 16 to 17) vs. 12.816 (95% CI 12.3 to 13.3) respectively. Video accuracy and quality were highly variable and did not correlate. The number of days online, views, and likes showed no or weak correlation with accuracy and quality. For the total score, our assessment tool showed excellent inter-rater reliability of 0.93 (95% CI 0.09–0.95) and a mean difference of 0.024 point between the two observers (p=0.871). There is considerable variation in accuracy and quality of online available videos on the physical examination of the elbow. We indicated 23 educationally useful videos and provided an assessment method. This assessment method can be useful for both viewers to assess reliability of a video and educators interested in creating videos

We studied the merits of physical examination after inversion injury of the ankle in 160 consecutive patients. They had an explanatory operation if they had a positive arthrogram and/or positive signs on a delayed physical examination. To determine the interobserver variation in delayed physical examination, five different examiners were asked to give independent assessment of the injury. Those with limited clinical experience produced more accurate results when physical examination was performed at five days after the injury, rather than within 48 hours. The specificity and sensitivity of delayed physical examination for the presence or absence of a lesion of an ankle ligament were found to be 84% and 96%, respectively. The interobserver agreement for the delayed physical examination of the ankle was good (kappa values 0.5, 0.6, 0.6 and 1.0). Delayed physical examination gives information of diagnostic quality which is equal to that of arthrography, and causes little discomfort to the patient

Purpose: In evaluating injury severity of acute medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, the current standard is to perform a history and physical examination and static MRI of the injured joint. With recent advances in dynamic MR imaging technology, we hypothesized that concurrent physical examination and dynamic MRI of the knee joint in patients with acute MCL injuries is feasible and would provide new insight into the injured joint kinematics while correlating to clinical and diagnostic imaging criteria for injury severity. Method: 10 patients (5 male, 5 female) with isolated, unilateral, acute MCL injuries were prospectively enrolled in the study. An orthopedic surgeon performed initial physical examination and clinical grading. Dynamic MRI with concurrent physical examination was performed in a 1.5T wide-bore magnet and compared to the uninjured knee as a control. The dynamic MR imaging data was compared with morphologic MCL changes on static MRI, with dynamic examination of the contralateral knee and with the clinical grading of MCL injury. The width of the medial joint space and the opening angle between the femur and tibia were measured. Results: Clinically, one patient had grade 1 and nine had grade 2 injuries. Using morphologic MRI criteria there were nine grade 2 and one grade 3 injuries. Mean and median medial opening angles of all affected knees was 2.8/2.5 mm and 2.8/2.6°, respectively, as compared to 1.8/1.8 mm and 2.2/2.1° in the normal side. Measurements of medial joint-space opening showed little quantitative difference between grade 1, 2 and 3 injuries. Interobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients) varied from 0.9 to 0.93. Conclusion: Dynamic MR imaging with concurrent physical examination is feasible and correlates to clinical and morphologic grading of severity. Our study suggests that traditional clinical grading systems of MCL injuries overestimate medial joint space opening

Purpose: To quantify how well the physical examination of the shoulder predicts patient-reported functional outcome in a cohort of patients with previous proximal humerus fractures. Method: Potential subjects were identified from a recent study cohort of proximal humerus fracture patients treated within the past six years. The cohort consisted of all fracture types and treatment modalities. Participants underwent a focused physical examination of their injured shoulder containing the components of the Constant-Murley shoulder score: range of motion for forward flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation, and abduction strength measured by an IsoBex muscle strength analyzer. Participants also completed the following patient-reported functional outcome questionnaires: Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Forward- and backward-stepwise linear regression was used to assess the relationship between the functional outcomes and the physical exam measurements. Results: Thirty-one subjects with a mean age of 70 ± 8 years participated. Sixteen patients were previously treated with ORIF and 15 were treated with sling immobilization. The mean physical examination measures were: flexion 117° ± 31°, abduction 117° ± 37°, internal rotation 7° ± 2°, external rotation 7° ± 4°, and strength 6 ± 5 Newtons. The mean functional outcome scores were: DASH 21 ± 19, ASES 82 ± 17, SST 8 ± 3, and Oxford 20 ± 8. Using linear regression, adjusted R-squared statistics suggest components of the physical exam can explain 38% of the Oxford, 50% of the DASH, 58% of the SST, and 70% of the ASES variance. Abduction strength was a significant predictor for all functional outcomes. Combinations of flexion, abduction, or internal rotation were also significant predictors depending on the outcome instrument being modeled. Conclusion: Physical exam of the shoulder accounts for differing amounts of patient-reported functional outcome variance. Abduction strength is the most consistent predictor of functional outcome within this cohort of proximal humerus fracture patients

Background:. The origin of a valgus deformity affects the algorithmic and individualized approach used in total knee arthroplasty in valgus knees. We developed a new physical examination technique, the swing test, to evaluate whether valgus malalignment is present when the knee flexes. Methods:. We performed the swing test on 44 valgus knees in 44 consecutive patients, and we conducted traditional malalignment analysis on each patient's long-film radiographs and computed tomography images to evaluate origin of valgus deformity. We did a diagnostic test to compare the results of the swing test with those of traditional malalignment analysis. Results:. For the swing test, there were positive findings in 22 cases and negative findings in the other 22 cases, whereas for traditional malalignment analysis, there were positive findings in 26 cases and negative findings in 18. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the swing test were 84.6%, 100%, and 90.9%, respectively. Conclusions:. The swing test is an effective technique in evaluating whether valgus deformity exists when the knee is flexed. Level of Evidence: Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence

To test the knowledge of clinicians in Orthopaedic clinics and Emergency departments of the surface anatomical landmarks that should be examined during assessment of foot and ankle injuries. Specifically trained assessors observed 109 clinicians examining 6 anatomical landmarks on uninjured subjects. Each landmark was chosen for their relevance in assessment of foot and ankle injuries. The landmarks were the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, fibula head, navicular, base of the 5th metatarsal and the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL). Two participants failed to identify a single landmark. Of 109 assessed, 27% correctly identified all 6 landmarks. The average correctly identified by each clinician was 4.1 with a standard deviation of 1.5 and range of 0–6. One hundred and seven clinicians correctly identified the lateral malleolus, the most consistently identified. The most poorly identified landmark was the ATFL, by 45%. The knowledge of surface anatomy overall by junior Orthopaedic and Emergency clinicians was found to be poor and only seems to significantly improve once higher specialty training is reached. Despite the potential for subjectivity and bias the authors believe the methodology is sufficient to demonstrate a lacking in anatomical knowledge amongst clinicians. Poor anatomical knowledge leads to inaccurate examination. This can lead to incorrect diagnoses or even mal-treatment of patients. Clinicians are becoming more reliant on potentially unnecessary and expensive imaging investigations. They have neglected the basic art of physical examination based on sound knowledge of human anatomy. At present, the authors believe that the anatomical teaching in undergraduate medicine is inadequate

Aim: To test the knowledge of clinicians in orthopaedic clinics and emergency departments of the surface anatomical landmarks, that should be examined during assessment of foot and ankle injuries. Methods: Specifically trained assessors observed 109 clinicians examining 6 anatomical landmarks on uninjured subjects. Each landmark was chosen for its relevance to assessment of foot and ankle injuries. The landmarks were the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, fibula head, navicular, base of the 5th metatarsal and the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). Results: 2 participants failed to identify a single landmark. Of 109 assessed, 27% correctly identified all 6 landmarks. The average correctly identified by each clinician was 4.1 (sd: 1.5 and range: 0–6). 107 correctly identified the lateral malleolus, the most consistently identified. The most poorly identified landmark was the ATFL, by 44%. Discussion: The knowledge of surface anatomy of junior orthopaedic and emergency clinicians was found to be poor and only seems to significantly improve once higher specialty training is reached. Despite the potential for subjectivity and bias the authors believe the methodology is sufficient to demonstrate a lack of anatomical knowledge amongst clinicians. Poor anatomical knowledge leads to inaccurate examination. This can lead to incorrect diagnoses or even maltreatment of patients. Clinicians are becoming more reliant on unnecessary and expensive imaging investigations. They have neglected the basic art of physical examination based on sound knowledge of human anatomy. At present, the authors believe that the anatomical teaching in undergraduate medicine is inadequate

Purpose: Complete distal biceps tendon ruptures (DBTRs) require prompt surgical management for optimal functional and aesthetic outcome. Waiting for confirmatory diagnostic imaging can often delay timely surgical referral of these injuries. The need exists for a valid and reliable diagnostic tool to expedite appropriate referrals for surgery.

Method: Based on the hypothesis that complete distal biceps tendon rupture leads to an objectively measurable increase in the “biceps crease interval” (BCI) due to proximal retraction of the musculotendinous complex, three independent examiners established “normal” biceps crease intervals (N-BCI) for 80 males (average age = 43 years) with no history of biceps injury. Given acceptable inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.70), a mean N-BCI value was established and a normal biceps crease ratio (N-BCR) between right and left arms was calculated. Correlations with arm dominance, biceps circumference, and age were determined. Diagnostic N-BCI and N-BCR thresholds were applied to 23 consecutive patients presenting with a possible complete DBTR to determine the diagnostic value of the BCI Test. A definitive diagnosis was confirmed at surgery and/or by radiographic imaging.

Results: The BCI Test had acceptable inter-rater reliability (ICC= 0.794, p = < 0.001). The mean N-BCI for both dominant and non-dominant arms was 4.8 +/− 0.6 cm. The mean N-BCR was 1.0 +/− 0.1. Applied to an injured population, using a diagnostic threshold of two standard deviations above “normal” values (BCI > 6.0 cm, BCR > 1.2), the BCI Test had a sensitivity of 92% and a diagnostic accuracy of 93%.

Conclusion: The BCI Test is an objective, valid and reliable test that can be used by clinicians to facilitate rapid diagnosis and surgical referral of suspected complete DBTRs.

Telehealth has the potential to change the way we approach patient care. From virtual consenting to reducing carbon emissions, costs, and waiting times, it is a powerful tool in our clinical armamentarium. There is mounting evidence that remote diagnostic evaluation and decision-making have reached an acceptable level of accuracy and can safely be adopted in orthopaedic surgery. Furthermore, patients’ and surgeons’ satisfaction with virtual appointments are comparable to in-person consultations. Challenges to the widespread use of telehealth should, however, be acknowledged and include the cost of installation, training, maintenance, and accessibility. It is also vital that clinicians are conscious of the medicolegal and ethical considerations surrounding the medium and adhere strictly to the relevant data protection legislation and storage framework. It remains to be seen how organizations harness the full spectrum of the technology to facilitate effective patient care.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):843–849.

The OpenAI chatbot ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) application that uses state-of-the-art language processing AI. It can perform a vast number of tasks, from writing poetry and explaining complex quantum mechanics, to translating language and writing research articles with a human-like understanding and legitimacy. Since its initial release to the public in November 2022, ChatGPT has garnered considerable attention due to its ability to mimic the patterns of human language, and it has attracted billion-dollar investments from Microsoft and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The scope of ChatGPT and other large language models appears infinite, but there are several important limitations. This editorial provides an introduction to the basic functionality of ChatGPT and other large language models, their current applications and limitations, and the associated implications for clinical practice and research.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):587–589.

The February 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360. looks at: Arthroscopic capsular release or manipulation under anaesthesia for frozen shoulder?; Distal biceps repair through a single incision?; Distal biceps tendon ruptures: diagnostic strategy through physical examination; Postoperative multimodal opioid-sparing protocol vs standard opioid prescribing after knee or shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized clinical trial; Graft healing is more important than graft technique in massive rotator cuff tear; Subscapularis tenotomy versus peel after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty; Previous rotator cuff repair increases the risk of revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty; Conservative versus operative treatment of acromial and scapular spine fractures following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Aims. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a swift adoption of telehealth in orthopaedic surgery. This study aimed to analyze the satisfaction of patients and surgeons with the rapid expansion of telehealth at this time within the division of adult reconstructive surgery at a major urban academic tertiary hospital. Methods. A total of 334 patients underging arthroplasty of the hip or knee who completed a telemedicine visit between 30 March and 30 April 2020 were sent a 14-question survey, scored on a five-point Likert scale. Eight adult reconstructive surgeons who used telemedicine during this time were sent a separate 14-question survey at the end of the study period. Factors influencing patient satisfaction were determined using univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression modelling. Results. A total of 68 patients (20.4%) and 100% of the surgeons completed the surveys. Patients were “Satisfied” with their telemedicine visits (4.10/5.00 (SD 0.98)) and 19 (27.9%) would prefer telemedicine to in-person visits in the absence of COVID-19. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression modelling revealed that patients were more likely to be satisfied if their surgeon effectively responded to their questions or concerns (odds ratio (OR) 3.977; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.260 to 13.190; p = 0.019) and if their visit had a high audiovisual quality (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.052 to 6.219; p = 0.042). Surgeons were “Satisfied” with their telemedicine experience (3.63/5.00 (SD 0.92)) and were “Fairly Confident” (4.00/5.00 (SD 0.53)) in their diagnostic accuracy despite finding the physical examinations to be only “Slightly Effective” (1.88/5.00 (SD 0.99)). Most adult reconstructive surgeons, seven of eight (87.5%) would continue to use telemedicine in the future. Conclusion. Telemedicine emerged as a valuable tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients undergoing arthroplasty and their surgeons were satisfied with telemedicine and see a role for its use after the pandemic. The audiovisual quality and the responsiveness of physicians to the concerns of patients determine their satisfaction. Future investigations should focus on improving the physical examination of patients through telemedicine and strategies for its widespread implementation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):196–204

Aims. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can be managed effectively with non-surgical interventions when diagnosed early. However, the likelihood of surgical intervention increases with a late presentation. Therefore, an effective screening programme is essential to prevent late diagnosis and reduce surgical morbidity in the population. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological literature from the last 25 years in the UK. Articles were selected from databases searches using MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, and Cochrane; 13 papers met the inclusion criteria. Results. The incidence of DDH within the UK over the last 25 years is 7.3/1,000 live births with females making up 86% of the DDH population (odds ratio 6.14 (95% confidence interval 3.3 to 11.5); p < 0.001). The incidence of DDH significantly increased following the change in the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) guidance from 6.5/1,000 to 9.4/1,000 live births (p < 0.001). The rate of late presentation also increased following the changes to the NIPE guidance, rising from 0.7/1,000 to 1.2/1,000 live births (p < 0.001). However, despite this increase in late-presenting cases, there was no change in the rates of surgical intervention (0.8/1,000 live births; p = 0.940). Conclusion. The literature demonstrates that the implementation of a selective screening programme increased the incidence of DDH diagnosis in the UK while subsequently increasing the rates of late presentation and failing in its goal of reducing the rates of surgical intervention for DDH. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):635–642

Aims. Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients. Methods. This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10). Results. There were significant improvements in clinical scores, in the range and strength of internal rotation and aROM compared with the preoperative values in the 26 patients (87%) who were available for long-term follow-up. These improvements were maintained between short- and long-term follow-ups. Although there was a decreased mean AHD of 7.3 mm (SD 1.5) and an increased mean Hamada grade of 1.7 (SD 0.5) at final follow-up, the rate of progression of cuff tear arthropathy remained low-grade. Comparison between the isolated SSC and combined SSC and reparable supraspinatus tear groups showed no significant differences. At final follow-up, one patient (3.8%) had undergone revision surgery to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). No neurological complications were associated with the procedure. Conclusion. Latissimus dorsi transfer for an irreparable SSC tendon tear resulted in a significant clinical improvement, particularly in pain, range and strength of internal rotation and aROM, which were maintained over a mean of 8.7 years following surgery. Given that this was a long-term outcome study, there was a low-grade progression in the rate of cuff tear arthropathy. Thus, the long-term clinical efficacy of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with irreparable SSC was confirmed as a joint-preserving procedure for these patients, suggesting it as an effective alternative to RSA in young, active patients without degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):957–963

Hip Osteoarthritis (HOA) is the most common joint disorder and a major cause of disability in the adult population, leading to total hip replacement (THR). Recently, evidence has mounted for a prominent etiologic role of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in the development of early OA in the non-dysplastic hip. FAI is a pathological mechanical process, caused by abnormalities of the acetabulum and/or femur leading to damage the soft tissue structures. FAI can determine chondro-labral damage and groin pain in young adults and can accelerate HOA progression in middle-aged adults. The aim of the study was to determine if the presence of calcium crystal in synovial fluid (SF) at the time of FAI surgery affects the clinical outcomes to be used as diagnostic and predictive biomarker. 49 patients with FAI undergoing arthroscopy were enrolled after providing informed consent; 37 SFs were collected by arthrocentesis at the time of surgery and 35 analyzed (66% males), median age 35 years with standard deviation (SD) 9.7 and body mass index (BMI) 23.4 kg/m. 2. ; e SD 3. At the time of surgery, chondral pathology using the Outerbridge score, labral pathology and macroscopic synovial pathology based on direct arthroscopic visualization were evaluated. Physical examination and clinical assessment using the Hip disability & Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) were performed at the time of surgery and at 6 months of follow up. As positive controls of OA signs, SF samples were also collected from cohort of 15 patients with HOA undergoing THR and 12 were analysed. 45% FAI patients showed CAM deformity; 88% presented labral lesion or instability and 68% radiographic labral calcification. 4 patients out of 35 showed moderate radiographic signs of OA (Kellegren-Lawrence score = 3). Pre-operative HOOS median value was 61.3% (68.10-40.03) with interquartile range (IQR) of 75-25% and post-operative HOOS median value 90% with IQR 93.8-80.60. In both FAI and OA patients the calcium crystal level in SFs negatively correlated with glycosaminoglycan (component of the extracellular matrix) released, which is a marker of cartilage damage (Spearman rho=-0.601, p<0.001). In FAI patients a worst articular function after surgery, measured with the HOOS questionnaire, was associated with both acetabular and femoral chondropathy and degenerative labral lesion. Moreover, radiographic labral calcification was also significantly associated with pain, worst articular function and labral lesion. Calcium crystal level in SFs was associated with labral lesions and OA signs. We concluded that the levels of calcium crystals in FAI patients are correlated with joint damage, OA signs and worst post-operative outcome. The presence of calcium crystals in SF of FAI patients might be a potential new biomarker that might help clinicians to make an early diagnosis, evaluate disease progression and monitor treatment response

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are rare and life-altering injuries that remain difficult to treat clinically due to a paucity of evidence guiding surgical management and timing. The purpose of this study was to compare injury specific functional outcomes following early versus delayed surgical reconstruction in MLKI patients to help inform timing decisions in clinical practice. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients with MLKIs at a single academic level 1-trauma center was conducted. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an MLKI, underwent reconstructive surgery either prior to 6wks from injury or between 12weeks and 2 years from injury, and had at least 12months of post-surgical follow-up. Patients with a vascular injury, open injuries or associated fractures were excluded. Study participants were stratified into early (12 weeks - 2 years from injury). The primary outcome was patient reported, injury specific, quality of life in the form of the Multiligament Quality of Life questionnaire (MLQOL) and its four domains (Physical Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Activity Limitations and Societal Involvement). We secondarily analyzed differences in the need for manipulation under anesthesia, and reoperation rates, as well as radiographic Kellgren Lawrence (KL) arthritis grades, knee laxity grading and range of motion at the most recent follow-up. A total of 131 patients met our inclusion criteria, all having had surgery between 2006 and 2019. There were 75 patients in the early group and 56 in the delayed group. The mean time to surgery was 17.6 ± 8.0 days in the early group versus 279 ± 146.5 days in the delayed. Mean postoperative follow-up was 58 months. There were no significant differences between early and delayed groups with respect to age (34 vs. 32.8 years), sex (77% vs 63% male), BMI (28.3 vs 29.7 kg/m2), or injury mechanism (p>0.05). The early surgery group was found to include more patients with lateral sided injuries (n=49 [65%] vs. n=23 [41%]; p=0.012), a higher severity of Schenck Classification (p=0.024) as well as nerve injuries at initial presentation (n=35 [49%] vs n=8 [18%]; p0.05), when controlling for age, sex, Schenck classification, medial versus lateral injury, and nerve injury status. In terms of our secondary outcomes, we found that the early group underwent significantly more manipulations under anesthesia compare with the delayed group (n=24, [32%] vs n=8 [14%], p=0.024). We did not identify a significant difference in physical examination laxity grades, range of motion, KL grade or reoperation rates between groups (p>0.05). We found no difference in patient reported outcomes between those who underwent early versus delayed surgery following MLKI reconstruction. In our secondary outcomes, we found significantly more patients in the early surgery group required a manipulation under anesthesia following surgery, which may indicate a propensity for arthrofibrosis after early MLKI reconstruction

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are rare and life-altering injuries that remain difficult to treat clinically due to a paucity of evidence guiding surgical management and timing. The purpose of this study was to compare injury specific functional outcomes following early versus delayed surgical reconstruction in MLKI patients to help inform timing decisions in clinical practice. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients with MLKIs at a single academic level 1-trauma center was conducted. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an MLKI, underwent reconstructive surgery either prior to 6wks from injury or between 12weeks and 2 years from injury, and had at least 12months of post-surgical follow-up. Patients with a vascular injury, open injuries or associated fractures were excluded. Study participants were stratified into early (<6wks from injury) and delayed surgical intervention (>12 weeks – 2 years from injury). The primary outcome was patient reported, injury specific, quality of life in the form of the Multiligament Quality of Life questionnaire (MLQOL) and its four domains (Physical Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Activity Limitations and Societal Involvement). We secondarily analyzed differences in the need for manipulation under anesthesia, and reoperation rates, as well as radiographic Kellgren Lawrence (KL) arthritis grades, knee laxity grading and range of motion at the most recent follow-up. A total of 131 patients met our inclusion criteria, all having had surgery between 2006 and 2019. There were 75 patients in the early group and 56 in the delayed group. The mean time to surgery was 17.6 ± 8.0 days in the early group versus 279 ± 146.5 days in the delayed. Mean postoperative follow-up was 58 months. There were no significant differences between early and delayed groups with respect to age (34 vs. 32.8 years), sex (77% vs 63% male), BMI (28.3 vs 29.7 kg/m. 2. ), or injury mechanism (p>0.05). The early surgery group was found to include more patients with lateral sided injuries (n=49 [65%] vs. n=23 [41%]; p=0.012), a higher severity of Schenck Classification (p=0.024) as well as nerve injuries at initial presentation (n=35 [49%] vs n=8 [18%]; p<0.001). Multivariable linear regression analyses of the four domains of the MLQOL did not demonstrate an independent association with early versus delayed surgery status (p>0.05), when controlling for age, sex, Schenck classification, medial versus lateral injury, and nerve injury status. In terms of our secondary outcomes, we found that the early group underwent significantly more manipulations under anesthesia compare with the delayed group (n=24, [32%] vs n=8 [14%], p=0.024). We did not identify a significant difference in physical examination laxity grades, range of motion, KL grade or reoperation rates between groups (p>0.05). We found no difference in patient reported outcomes between those who underwent early versus delayed surgery following MLKI reconstruction. In our secondary outcomes, we found significantly more patients in the early surgery group required a manipulation under anesthesia following surgery, which may indicate a propensity for arthrofibrosis after early MLKI reconstruction

Aims. We aimed to determine hip-related quality of life and clinical findings following treatment for neonatal hip instability (NHI) compared with age- and sex-matched controls. We hypothesized that NHI would predispose to hip discomfort in long-term follow-up. Methods. We invited those born between 1995 and 2001 who were treated for NHI at our hospital to participate in this population-based study. We included those that had Von Rosen-like splinting treatment started before one month of age. A total of 96 patients treated for NHI (75.6 %) were enrolled. A further 94 age- and sex-matched controls were also recruited. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire was completed separately for both hips, and a physical examination was performed. Results. The mean follow-up was 18.2 years (14.6 to 22.0). The HAGOS scores between groups were similar and met statistical and clinical significance only in the Symptoms subscale (mean difference 3.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 7.29; p = 0.033). Those patients who had undergone treatment for NHI had a higher frequency of positive flexion-adduction-internal rotation test (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6; p = 0.014), resisted straight leg rise test (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 14.9; p = 0.014), and also experienced more pain in the groin during passive end range hip flexion (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.3; p = 0.015) than controls. Conclusion. NHI predisposes to hip discomfort in clinical tests, but no clinically relevant differences in experience of pain, physical function, and hip-related quality of life could be observed between the treated group and matched controls in 18 years of follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1767–1773