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

Introduction. Acetabular labral pathology is now recognized as a more common injury than previously thought. With cost constraints of MRI and invasiveness of MRI arthrogram, physical examination remains essential for diagnosis. Most tests for labral pathology are currently done in the supine position. We have developed the “twist test,” which is done with the patient standing and can evaluate the patient in functional, weight bearing position. The purpose of this study is to describe the twist test and compare its reliability to MRI arthrogram. Material and methods. Between June 2009 and August 2010, the twist test was performed on all patients presenting to our clinic with complaint of hip pain. 371 patients had the twist test performed. Of these, 247 had an MRI arthrogram (MRA) of the affected hip. The twist test results were compared with MRA findings. A labral tear, degeneration, fraying and paralabral cyst were considered as a positive MRA. The twist test is done with the patient facing the examiner, toes pointing forward. The patient bends their knees to 30 degrees and performs a windshield wiper like action with maximal excursion to the left and right. If the patient tolerates this, then the patient first gets on the unaffected leg, again with the knee bent at 30 degrees, and “does the twist” one-legged, with the examiner holding their hands gently for balance. The test is then repeated on the affected hip. A positive test is groin pain on the affected hip, apprehension with performing the test on the affected hip, or gross range of motion deficits on the affected hip compared with the unaffected side. Results. Among 160 patients with positive twist test, 154 patients had positive MRA and 6 had negative MRA. Among 87 patients with negative twist test, 72 had positive MRA and 15 had negative MRA. In comparison with MRA, the sensitivity and specificity of twist test for labral injury were 68.14% and 71.5% respectively. Positive predictive value (precision) of twist test for diagnosis of labral lesion was 96.25% and the accuracy was 68.4%. Conclusions. Physical examination tests for hip pathology are an important screening tool. Current tests include the McCarthy test and the impingement test. We introduce a new test for hip labral pathology, which is done standing. In our study, the twist test had a high positive predictive value (96.25%), so this test can be beneficial for ruling out labral pathology. An added benefit is that this test is quick to perform, so it could be incorporated into a general sports physical screening examination

Aims

The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes of the induced membrane technique (IMT) for the management of infected segmental bone defects, and to analyze predictive factors associated with unfavourable outcomes.

INTRODUCTION. Musicians' hand problems are as old as music itself. These problems involve functional motor disorders which have been underestimated by musicians, who do not want to accept the possibility of reducing their professional activity and doctors who are either not knowledgeable about musicians' characteristics or underestimate this artistic activity. The aim of this study is to determine the causes of the pathologies instrumentalist musicians have, and their distribution according to age group, instrument and type of music, and thus infer the main risk factors in the occurrence of medical problems related to musicians' activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We consider musicians those who devote themselves to the study, teaching and playing of a musical instrument. In Argentina there are about 50.000 instrumental musicians. Since over 14 years the members of “Las Manos del Músico” have treated 574 musicians. The 84% of the medical problems related to the playing of the instrument. Ages are between 13 and 78 years. The musicians treated belong to different conservatories, symphonic and popular orchestras. Each musician was studied with the same protocol, filled in by the same professional. Variables such as type of music, age, sex, instrument, dominance andrelated variables were taken into account. RESULTS. The 47% of those treated are devoted to popular music and the 53% to classical music. The prevailing age group is 31–40 years, there being a variation between popular and classical performers (43% in the case of classical performers and 39% in that of popular performers). Traumatic pathology is of the 16%, and a clear predominance of chronic pathology (78%) was observed with 43% of musculotendinous injuries, 16% of nervous pathology andb18.% of joint pathology. Focal dystonia affected to 15% of the musicians treated. Within the musculotendinous pathology a 50% was due to overuse syndromes. CONCLUSIONS. In 86% of the cases the causes of injuries in musicians' upper extremity are related to the playing of the instrument. There is a clear predominance of chronic injuries, overuse syndromes, in a young age group (20 to 40 years). The diagnosis of this injuries must be based on an exhaustive physical examination, knowledge of the different instruments and of the most frequent injuries caused by each instrument. In order to get satisfactory results in the treatment and prevention of these injuries, it is necessary to create a space for communication, exchange and interdisciplinary reflection between hand and orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists and psychologists, as well as musician teachers. The challenge is to combine two parallel experiences, that of specialized medicine with that of the workers of the music culture, generating a link between science and art in order to improve the ways of preventing and treating the injuries of this professional group

We reviewed 23 patients who had had 25 Darrach procedures for traumatic or post-traumatic disorders of the wrist at a mean follow-up of 75.5 months (36 to 121). The mean age at the time of operation was 61.1 years (34 to 82). All patients were reviewed in person. Assessment included a history, a questionnaire on patient satisfaction and a detailed physical examination. Standardised radiographs of both wrists were taken with the patient’s hands in a resting position and during maximal grip. Convergence of the distal ulnar stump towards the distal radius during maximal grip (dynamic radio-ulnar convergence) was seen in 14 wrists including five with actual contact (dynamic radio-ulnar impingement), but this produced symptoms in only two cases. The presence of dynamic radio-ulnar convergence did not correlate with grip strength, pinch strength, range of movement or wrist score, but was associated with increased length of excision of the distal ulna. Nineteen of the 23 patients were satisfied with the procedure. Dynamic radio-ulnar convergence is common after the Darrach procedure, but is rarely symptomatic; resection of the distal ulna remains a reliable procedure in the older patient with pain and loss of movement. Excision of the lower end of the ulna should be restricted to the least required to restore full rotation

Goal. The goal of this prospective, non-randomized study is to compare functional and life-quality changes in primary total hip replacement (THR) with minimally invasive anterior (MIA) and direct lateral (DL) approach in six months follow-up. Materials and Methods. Sixty (30 MIA and 30 DL) consecutive patients underwent primary THR were operated by the same senior surgeon. Patients completed functional and life-quality scores (Oxford Hip Score, Harris Hip Score, EQ-5D) before operation and four times (2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months) after THR. Physical examination was taken all times. 15–15 patients underwent MRI examination to adjudge status of abductor muscles. The average patient age was approximately equal in both group. Results. The average OHS values were 13,4; 27,5; 40,9; 45,3; 47,5 in MIA and 15,3; 25,3; 39,7; 43,8; 45 in DL, the average HHS values 43,1; 68,7; 85,3; 91,9; 96,7 in MIA and 43; 58,2; 81,5; 90,2; 93,9 in DL, the average EQ-VAS 41,1; 72,5; 85,9; 87,8; 92,4 in MIA and 55,6; 67,8; 80,6; 84; 91,3 in DL consecutively. In MIA group both functional and life-quality scores showed better results, but for the 3rd postoperative month increases were approximately equal. Abductor muscle strength was significantly greater in MIA group in this period. In the 6th postoperative week Trendelenburg-sign was detected in 24 cases (80%) in DL and in 2 cases (6,7%) in MIA group, but in MIA patients were greater trochanter fractures, which had gone healing and limping was not detected 3 months after surgery. 3 months after surgery Trendelenburg-sign was detected in 2 cases in DL group. In follow-up period residual trochanteric pain was detected in 3 cases in DL but none in MIA group. Two weeks after THR climbing a flight of stairs was normal and public transport could be used by 80% of patients in MIA group. Distance walk was unlimited, support had not needed, daily activities were easy. There were 7 operative complications in MIA group, including 2 greater trochanter fracture, 1 haematoma and 4 transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy, which showed change for the better after 6 months. Postoperative hip dislocation was not detected. In DL group MRI represented fatty infiltration and atrophy of abductor muscles in most cases. Conclusions. Besides the fact that our learning curve may influence the results. It seems that earlier mobilisation and faster postoperative recovery can be achieved by MIA approach, which have many financial and social benefits. It preserves muscles and tendons, which probably can influence the long-term results. By preventing abductor muscles can assure better gait pattern. Of course additional long-term studies are needed

We have carried out a prospective study of 17 patients (14 women, 3 men) of mean age 48 years (21 to 76) with transcervical fractures of the femur using MRI to detect early evidence of avascular necrosis of the head. Two fractures were Garden stage I, 12 stage II, and three stage III. We performed internal fixation under radiological control at a mean of five days (2 to 15) after injury using a titanium cannulated cancellous screw or a titanium compression hip screw. MRI was performed at one, six and 12 months and then yearly after operation. T1- and T2-weighted images were obtained by a spin-echo technique. The duration of follow-up of patients who did not subsequently require replacement of the head of the femur was from 2 to 5 years (mean 3.2). One month after operation eight of the 17 hips showed a band of low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images indicating lesions in the femoral head away from the fracture line. These were of three types: type I was a small infarct at the superolateral region of the femoral head and was seen in three hips; type II was a shallow lesion from the superolateral region to the fovea of the femoral head (three hips); and type III was a large lesion occupying most of the femoral head (two hips). No further changes were seen in the MRI after six months from operation. Collapse of the femoral head did not occur in the three hips with type-I lesions, but two of the three type-II hips and both type-III hips subsequently collapsed. At the final follow-up the three hips with a type-I lesion and one with a type-II were still asymptomatic but radiography showed sclerosis in the femoral head corresponding to the MRI lesions. The nine hips which showed no changes on MRI at one month had no abnormal findings on physical examination, radiography or MRI at final follow-up

Aims

The modified Radiological Union Scale for Tibia (mRUST) fractures score was developed in order to assess progress to union and define a numerical assessment of fracture healing of metadiaphyseal fractures. This score has been shown to be valuable in predicting radiological union; however, there is no information on the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this index for various cut-off scores. The aim of this study is to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and cut-off points of the mRUST score for the diagnosis of metadiaphyseal fractures healing.

Aims

Tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries about the knee that have the potential to affect patients’ long-term function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a musculoskeletal focus to assess the long-term outcome, as compared to a short-term outcome baseline, of tibial plateau fractures treated using modern techniques.

Aims

Osseointegrated prosthetic limbs allow better mobility than socket-mounted prosthetics for lower limb amputees. Fractures, however, can occur in the residual limb, but they have rarely been reported. Approximately 2% to 3% of amputees with socket-mounted prostheses may fracture within five years. This is the first study which directly addresses the risks and management of periprosthetic osseointegration fractures in amputees.

Aims

The aim of this study was to record the incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA), the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) after surgery for a fracture of the acetabulum, in our centre.

Aims

To analyse the influence of upper extremity trauma on the long-term outcome of polytraumatised patients.

Aims

Amputation in intractable cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) remains controversial.

The likelihood of recurrent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), residual and phantom limb pain and persistent disability after amputation is poorly described in the literature. The aims of this study were to compare pain, function, depression and quality of life between patients with intractable CRPS who underwent amputation and those in whom amputation was considered but not performed.

Objectives

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are often used to evaluate the outcome of treatment in patients with distal radial fractures. Which PROM to select is often based on assessment of measurement properties, such as validity and reliability. Measurement properties are assessed in clinimetric studies, and results are often reviewed without considering the methodological quality of these studies. Our aim was to systematically review the methodological quality of clinimetric studies that evaluated measurement properties of PROMs used in patients with distal radial fractures, and to make recommendations for the selection of PROMs based on the level of evidence of each individual measurement property.

This study compares the outcomes of two methods of fixation of displaced fractures of the radial neck. The 58 patients with a mean age of 38.5 years (18 to 56), were treated in a non randomised study with screws (n = 29) or a plate and screws (n = 29) according to the surgeon’s preference.

The patients were reviewed at one year. Radiographs and functional evaluations were carried out up to one year post-operatively, using the Broberg and Morrey functional evaluation score, range of movement, and assessment of complications.

The mean functional scores did not differ significantly between groups (90 (55 to 100) vs 84; 50 to 100, p = 0.09), but the mean range of forearm rotation in screw group was significantly better than in the plate group (152°; 110° to 170° vs 134°; 80° to 170°, p = 0.001). Although not statistically significant, the screw group had a lower incidence of heterotopic ossification than the plate group (n = 1) than the plated group (n = 3) and the pathology was graded as less severe.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:830–5

The Essex-Lopresti injury (ELI) of the forearm is a rare and serious condition which is often overlooked, leading to a poor outcome.

The purpose of this retrospective case study was to establish whether early surgery can give good medium-term results.

From a group of 295 patients with a fracture of the radial head, 12 patients were diagnosed with ELI on MRI which confirmed injury to the interosseous membrane (IOM) and ligament (IOL). They were treated by reduction and temporary Kirschner (K)-wire stabilisation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). In addition, eight patients had a radial head replacement, and two a radial head reconstruction.

All patients were examined clinically and radiologically 59 months (25 to 90) after surgery when the mean Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS) was 88.4 (78 to 94), the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) 86.7 (77 to 95) and the mean disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score 20.5 (16 to 31): all of these indicate a good outcome.

In case of a high index of suspicion for ELI in patients with a radial head fracture, we recommend the following: confirmation of IOM and IOL injury with an early MRI scan; early surgery with reduction and temporary K-wire stabilisation of the DRUJ; preservation of the radial head if at all possible or replacement if not, and functional bracing in supination. This will increase the prospect of a good result, and avoid the complications of a missed diagnosis and the difficulties of late treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1385–91.

Patients with transfemoral amputation (TFA) often experience problems related to the use of socket-suspended prostheses. The clinical development of osseointegrated percutaneous prostheses for patients with a TFA started in 1990, based on the long-term successful results of osseointegrated dental implants.

Between1999 and 2007, 51 patients with 55 TFAs were consecutively enrolled in a prospective, single-centre non-randomised study and followed for two years. The indication for amputation was trauma in 33 patients (65%) and tumour in 12 (24%). A two-stage surgical procedure was used to introduce a percutaneous implant to which an external amputation prosthesis was attached. The assessment of outcome included the use of two self-report questionnaires, the Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA) and the Short-Form (SF)-36.

The cumulative survival at two years’ follow-up was 92%. The Q-TFA showed improved prosthetic use, mobility, global situation and fewer problems (all p < 0.001). The physical function SF-36 scores were also improved (p < 0.001). Superficial infection was the most frequent complication, occurring 41 times in 28 patients (rate of infection 54.9%). Most were treated effectively with oral antibiotics. The implant was removed in four patients because of loosening (three aseptic, one infection).

Osseointegrated percutaneous implants constitute a novel form of treatment for patients with TFA. The high cumulative survival rate at two years (92%) combined with enhanced prosthetic use and mobility, fewer problems and improved quality of life, supports the ‘revolutionary change’ that patients with TFA have reported following treatment with osseointegrated percutaneous prostheses.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:106–13.

The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical distribution and incidence of fatigue injuries of the femur in physically-active young adults, based upon MRI studies. During a period of 70 months, 1857 patients with exercise-induced pain in the femur underwent MRI of the pelvis, hips, femora, and/or knees.

Of these, 170 patients had a total of 185 fatigue injuries, giving an incidence of 199 per 100 000 person-years. Bilateral injuries occurred in 9% of patients. The three most common sites affected were the femoral neck (50%), the condylar area (24%) and the proximal shaft (18%). A fatigue reaction was seen in 57%, and a fracture line in 22%. There was a statistical correlation between the severity of the fatigue injury and the duration of pain (p = 0.001). The location of the pain was normally at the site of the fatigue injury. Fatigue injuries of the femur appear to be relatively common in physically-active patients.

The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome after a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in active patients aged over 70 years without osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip, randomised to receive either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip replacement (THR). We studied 252 patients of whom 47 (19%) were men, with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6). They were randomly allocated to be treated with either a cemented hemiarthroplasty (137 patients) or cemented THR (115 patients). At one- and five-year follow-up no differences were observed in the modified Harris hip score, revision rate of the prosthesis, local and general complications, or mortality. The intra-operative blood loss was lower in the hemiarthroplasty group (7% > 500 ml) than in the THR group (26% > 500 ml) and the duration of surgery was longer in the THR group (28% > 1.5 hours versus 12% > 1.5 hours). There were no dislocations of any bipolar hemiarthroplasty and eight dislocations of a THR during follow-up.

Because of a higher intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001), an increased duration of the operation (p < 0.001) and a higher number of early and late dislocations (p = 0.002), we do not recommend THR as the treatment of choice in patients aged ≥ 70 years with a fracture of the femoral neck in the absence of advanced radiological osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip.

We report the functional and socioeconomic long-term outcome of patients with pelvic ring injuries.

We identified 109 patients treated at a Level I trauma centre between 1973 and 1990 with multiple blunt orthopaedic injuries including an injury to the pelvic ring, with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥ 16. These patients were invited for clinical review at a minimum of ten years after the initial injury, at which point functional results, general health scores and socioeconomic factors were assessed.

In all 33 isolated anterior (group A), 33 isolated posterior (group P) and 43 combined anterior/posterior pelvic ring injuries (group A/P) were included. The mean age of the patients at injury was 28.8 years (5 to 55) and the mean ISS was 22.7 (16 to 44).

At review the mean Short-Form 12 physical component score for the A/P group was 38.71 (22.12 to 56.56) and the mean Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome subjective score was 67.27 (12.48 to 147.42), being significantly worse compared with the other two groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.024, respectively). A total of 42 patients (39%) had a limp and 12 (11%) required crutches. Car or public transport usage was restricted in 16 patients (15%). Overall patients in groups P and A/P had a worse outcome. The long-term outcome of patients with posterior or combined anterior/posterior pelvic ring injuries is poorer than of those with an isolated anterior injury.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:548–53.