Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes and the complication rate after nail and plate fixation of unstable fractures of the ankle in elderly patients. Methods. In this multicentre study, 120 patients aged ≥ 60 years with an acute unstable AO/OTA type 44-B fracture of the ankle were randomized to fixation with either a nail or a plate and followed for 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcome measures were the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, the Olerud and Molander Ankle score, the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, a visual analogue score for pain, complications, the quality of reduction of the fracture, nonunion, and the development of osteoarthritis. Results. At 24 months, the median AOFAS score was equivalent in the two groups (nail 90 (interquartile range (IQR) 82 to 100), plate 95 (IQR 87 to 100), p = 0.478). There were statistically more complications and secondary operations after nail than plate fixation (p = 0.024 and p = 0.028, respectively). There were no other significant differences in the outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion. The functional outcome after nail and plate fixation was equivalent; however, the complication rate and number of secondary operations was significantly higher after nail fixation. These results suggest that plate fixation should usually be the treatment of choice for unstable ankle fractures in the elderly. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):72–81

Aims. It is unclear whether acute plate fixation facilitates earlier return of normal shoulder function following a displaced mid-shaft clavicular fracture compared with nonoperative management when union occurs. The primary aim of this study was to establish whether acute plate fixation was associated with a greater return of normal shoulder function when compared with nonoperative management in patients who unite their fractures. The secondary aim was to investigate whether there were identifiable predictors associated with return of normal shoulder function in patients who achieve union with nonoperative management. Methods. Patient data from a randomized controlled trial were used to compare acute plate fixation with nonoperative management of united fractures. Return of shoulder function was based on the age- and sex-matched Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores for the cohort. Independent predictors of an early recovery of normal shoulder function were investigated using a separate prospective series of consecutive nonoperative displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures recruited over a two-year period (aged ≥ 16 years). Patient demographics and functional recovery were assessed over the six months post-injury using a standardized protocol. Results. Data from the randomized controlled trial consisted of 86 patients who underwent operative fixation compared with 76 patients that united with nonoperative treatment. The recovery of normal shoulder function, as defined by a DASH score within the predicted 95% confidence interval for each respective patient, was similar between each group at six weeks (operative 26.7% vs nonoperative 25.0%, p = 0.800), three months (52.3% vs 44.2%, p = 0.768), and six months post-injury (86.0% vs 90.8%, p = 0.349). The mean DASH score and return to work were also comparable at each timepoint. In the prospective cohort, 86.5% (n = 173/200) achieved union by six months post-injury (follow-up rate 88.5%, n = 200/226). Regression analysis found that no specific patient, injury, or fracture predictor was associated with an early return of function at six or 12 weeks. Conclusion. Return of normal shoulder function was comparable between acute plate fixation and nonoperative management when union was achieved. One in two patients will have recovery of normal shoulder function at three months, increasing to nine out of ten patients at six months following injury when union occurs, irrespective of initial treatment. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):522–529

Aims. This is a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the functional outcomes of plate fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of completely displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle in the active adult population. Patients and Methods. We prospectively recruited 123 patients and randomised them to either plate fixation or ESIN. Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at one to six weeks post-operatively. They were followed up at six weeks, three and six months and one year with radiographs, and their clinical outcome was assessed using both the DASH and the Constant Score. Results. Plate fixation provided a faster functional recovery during the first six months compared with ESIN, but there was no difference after one year. The duration of surgery was shorter for ESIN (mean 53.4 minutes, 22 to 120) than for plate fixation (mean 69.7 minutes, 35 to 106, p < 0.001). The recovery after ESIN was slower with increasing fracture comminution and with open reduction (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Both methods return the patients to their pre-injury functional levels, but plate fixation has a faster recovery period in comminuted fractures than ESIN. ESIN has a shorter operative time and lower infection and implant rates of failure when using 2.5 mm nails or wider, suggesting that this is the preferred method in mid-shaft fractures with no comminution, whereas plate fixation is the superior method in comminuted fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1095–1101

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of locking plate fixation, with and without an associated fibular strut allograft, for the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly osteoporotic patients. Patients and Methods. We undertook a retrospective comparison of two methods of fixation, using a locking plate without an associated fibular strut allograft (LP group) and with a fibular allograft (FA group) for the treatment of these fractures. The outcome was assessed for 52 patients in the LP group and 45 in the FA group, with a mean age of 74.3 years (52 to 89), at a mean follow-up of 14.2 months (12 to 19). The clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the range of movement. Radiological results were evaluated using the neck-shaft angle (NSA) and humeral head height (HHH). Results. The mean forward elevation in the LP and FA groups was 125.3° (. sd. 21.4) and 148.9° (. sd. 19.8), respectively (p = 0.042), while other clinical factors showed no statistically significant differences between the groups. The changes in NSA and HHH immediately after the operation and at final follow-up were significantly better in the FA group than in the LP group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.021, respectively). Conclusion. For comminuted proximal humeral fractures in osteoporotic patients, locking plate fixation with a fibular strut allograft shows satisfactory short-term results with respect to humeral head support and maintenance of reduction, and may reduce the incidence of complications associated with fixation using a locking plate alone. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:260–265

The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to compare patient reported and functional outcomes, complications and costs for displaced olecranon fractures managed with either tension band wire (TBW) or plate fixation. We performed a registered prospective randomized, single blind, single centre trial in 67 patients aged between 16–74 years with an acute isolated displaced fracture of the olecranon. Patients were randomised to either TBW (n=34) or plate fixation (n=33). The primary outcome measure was the Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at one-year. The baseline demographic and fracture characteristics of the two groups were overall comparable. The one-year follow-up was 85percnt;. There was a significant improvement in elbow function over the 12 months following injury in both groups (p<0.001). At one-year following surgery the DASH for the TBW group was not statistically different to the plate fixation group (12.8 vs 8.5; p=0.315). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of range of movement, Broberg and Morrey Score, Mayo Elbow Score or the DASH at all assessment points over the one-year following injury (all p≥0.05). Complication rates were significantly higher in the TBW group (63percnt;vs38percnt;; p=0.042), predominantly due to a significantly higher rate of symptomatic metalwork removal (50percnt;vs22percnt;; p=0.021). In active patients with an isolated displaced fracture of the olecranon, no difference was found in the patient reported outcome between TBW and plate fixation at one year following surgery. The complication rate is higher following TBW fixation due to a high rate of symptomatic metalwork removal

Introduction. Plate fixation for distal femoral fractures is a commonly used method of fracture stabilisation. Many orthopaedic surgeons traditionally do not allow their patients to weight bear for the first 6 weeks after surgery, fearing of loss of fracture reduction and metalwork failure. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the post-operative weight bearing status after plate fixation influences the outcome in terms of loss of reduction and metalwork failure. Materials & Methods. A retrospective data collection from all patients who treated in our hospital surgically for distal femoral fractures, from January 2015 until June 2017. Inclusion criteria were the operative treatment of these fractures with plate fixation. Patients who were treated with retrograde nail, primary total knee replacement or screw fixation were excluded from the study. Patient, injury and surgery demographic data was collected. The immediate post-operative weight bearing status of these patients was noted. Weight bearing status was divided into two groups – Group 1 (Non and touch weight bear – the non-weight bearing group) and Group 2 (Weight bear as tolerated / Full weight bear – the weight bearing group). Radiological data about fracture displacement or metalwork failure was collected at the six weeks and three months follow up after the operation, using a standardised measurement for displacement performed independently by two authors (EI, TA). Results. Of 70 patients, a total of 51 fractures treated with plate fixation were included to the study. The mean age of the cohort was 64.3 ±20.7 years with the majority of the patients being female (63%). Most of the patients (40%) had a complete articular distal femoral fracture, AO Type 33C. Thirty-nine patients (76%) were treated with one lateral distal femoral plate. The total number of the patients in group 1 was 32 (68%); with 17 patients (32%) in group 2. The weight bearing status did not correlate with the fracture type or the fixation type (p>0.05). None of the 6 weeks follow up radiographs revealed fracture displacement in both study groups. Four of the patients from the non-weight bearing group had >1mm displacement at the 3 months' follow-up radiographs. Fisher's exact test revealed no statistically significant difference between the two study groups in both follow-up time points (p=0.55). Two of the patients in the non-weight bearing group had their plate broken at the 3 months follow up and required revision fixation. Conclusion. By reviewing the outcomes in terms of fracture displacement and metalwork failure following plate fixation of distal femoral fractures, early weight bearing of these patients do not jeopardise the outcome of the operation

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of intramedullary nail fixation and ‘locking’ plate fixation in the treatment of extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia. Patients and Methods. An economic evaluation was conducted from the perspective of the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) and personal social services (PSS), based on evidence from the Fixation of Distal Tibia Fractures (UK FixDT) multicentre parallel trial. Data from 321 patients were available for analysis. Costs were collected prospectively over the 12-month follow-up period using trial case report forms and participant-completed questionnaires. Cost-effectiveness was reported in terms of incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained, and net monetary benefit. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of cost-effectiveness estimates. Results. Mean NHS and PSS costs were significantly lower for patients treated with an intramedullary nail than for those treated with a locking plate (-£970, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1685 to -256; p = 0.05). There was a small increase in QALYs gained in the nail fixation group (0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.06; p = 0.52). The probability of cost-effectiveness for nail fixation exceeded 90% at cost-effectiveness thresholds as low as £15 000 per additional QALY. The cost-effectiveness results remained robust to several sensitivity analyses. Conclusion. This trial-based economic evaluation suggests that nail fixation is a cost-effective alternative to locking plate fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:624–33

Aims. To synthesise the literature and perform a meta-analysis detailing the longitudinal recovery in the first two years following a distal radius fracture (DRF) managed with volar plate fixation. Materials and Methods. Three databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Following eligibility screening and quality assessment, data were extracted and outcomes were assimilated at the post-operative time points of interest. A state-of-the-art longitudinal mixed-effects meta-analysis model was employed to analyse the data. Results. The search identified 5698 articles, of which 46 study reports met the selection criteria. High levels of disability and impairment were reported in the immediate post-operative period with subsequently a rapid initial improvement followed by more gradual improvement for up to one year. The results highlight that the period associated with the greatest physical recovery is in the first three months and suggest that the endpoint of treatment outcomes is best measured at one year post-surgery. Conclusion. Clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes can be expected for 12 months, after which progress plateaus and reaches normal values. This paper adopted a novel approach to meta-analyses in that the research question was of a longitudinal nature, which required a unique method of statistical analysis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1665–76

Introduction. Metatarsocuneiform (MTC) fusion is a standard treatment for arthritis, instability, and deformity of these joint. The MTC fusion achieves a good clinical outcome, but nonunion rates up to 12% have been reported. There are different methods for fixation of first MTC joint arthrodesis. Our aim was to compare the biomechanical characteristic of internal and external fixation constructs. Hypothesis. Plantar plate fixation provides higher construct stiffness and endurance stability than intraosseous fixation. Materials & Methods. Seven pairs of fresh-frozen human specimens were used in a matched pair test. In one foot the MTC joint was supplied with a plantar plate. On the other foot intraosseous-screw fixation was perfomed. The specimen constructs were loaded in a 4 point bending test. Parameters obtained were initial stiffness and number of cycles to failure. Failure was defined as displacement of more than 3 mm plantar gapping. Results. The intraosseous-screw fixation group showed significantly (p=0.002) less cycles to failure (n=2946) than the plantare plate (n=7517). The initial stiffness was 131 N/mm for the plantare plate and 43 N/mm for the intraosseous implant (p=0.005). Discussion & Conclusion. Plantar plate fixation of the first MTC fusion created a stronger and stiffer construct than intraosseous fixation. This was likely due to the plantar and dorsal implant position. A stiffer construct can reduce the risk of non-union and shorten the period of nonweight-bearing

OBJECTIVES. In elderly patients the temporary loss of function of the upper extremity due to immobilization for treatment of unstable proximal humeral fractures is a very disabling condition. Stable fixation of such fractures allowing immediate functional aftercare may contribute to early social reintegration in this group of patients. Aim of this study is to present the surgical technique of humeral blade plate fixation and the clinical and radiographic results after fixation of unstable surgical neck fractures with this implant followed by immediate functional treatment in patients older than 60 years. PATIENTS. 20 patients (4 male, 16 female) with a mean age of 74 years (59y–93y) were included in this study and treated consecutively for an unstable/displaced surgical neck fracture with a humeral blade plate. Postoperatively functional treatment was allowed. All but one patient had a clinical and radiographic follow-up 6 weeks po. At an average final follow-up of 18,8 months (12–24 months) 4 patients had died from causes unrelated to surgery. RESULTS. Surgery was performed in all patients without local or general complications despite comorbidities. In all patients anatomic reduction and stable fixation could be achieved. 6 weeks po all patients (N=20) were free of pain at rest, 7 patients had low pain (VAS < 4) when actively moving the arm. All patients used their operated arm for ADL and were back home or in the institution they came from at the time of trauma. All fractures were deamed to be healed without implant failure. In two cases a clinically asymptomatic 1–2mm protrusion of the blade through the subchondral bone was observed, but did not required further surgery. At final follow-up (N=8) the average absolute Constant/Murley Score was 68,6 points (contralateral 71,4). Radiographically all fractures had healed without complications. Implant removal was not required. CONCLUSION. Humeral blade plate fixation combined with suture tension-banding of the rotator cuff allows indirect reduction, dynamic and stable osteosynthesis of unstable surgical neck fractures even in osteoporotic bone. In our small series, this technique has shown to be a safe and reliable therapeutic option allowing immediate functional treatment and thus early social reintegration in elderly patients

Aims. Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome. Methods. Between 1998 and 2018, 424 consecutive patients were treated with primary ORPF for proximal humerus fracture. ADROM was offered to symptomatic patients with a healed fracture at six months postoperatively. Patients were followed up retrospectively with demographic data, fracture characteristics, and complications recorded. Active range of motion (aROM), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. A total of 138 patients underwent ADROM; 111 patients were available for long-term follow-up at a mean of 10.9 years (range 1 to 20). Mean age was 50.8 years (18 to 75);79 (57.2%) were female. Mean time from primary ORPF to ADROM was 11.9 months (6 to 19). Five patients developed superficial wound infection; ten developed symptomatic osteonecrosis/post-traumatic arthrosis (ON/PTA); four underwent revision arthrolysis. Median OSS improved from 17 (interquartile range (IQR) 12.0 to 22.0) preoperatively to 40.0 (IQR 31.5 to 48.0) postoperatively, and 39.0 (IQR 31.5 to 46.5) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Median EQ-5D-3L improved from 0.079 (IQR -0.057 to 0.215) to 0.691 (IQR 0.441 to 0.941) postoperatively, and 0.701 (IQR 0.570 to 0.832) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). We found that aROM improved in all planes (p < 0.001). Among the variables assessed on multivariable analysis, a manual occupation, worsening Charlson Comorbidity Index and increasing socioeconomic deprivation were most consistently predictive of worse patient-reported outcome scores. Patients who subsequently developed ON/PTA reported significantly worse one-year and late OSS. Conclusion. ADROM in patients with persistent symptomatic stiffness following ORPF can achieve excellent short- and long-term outcomes. More deprived patients, those in a manual occupation, and those with worsening comorbidities have worse outcomes following ADROM. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):157–167

Aims. The incidence of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) continues to increase. However, there are currently few long-term studies on the complications of AFFs and factors affecting them. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the outcomes, complications, and risk factors for complication through mid-term follow-up of more than three years. Methods. From January 2003 to January 2016, 305 patients who underwent surgery for AFFs at six hospitals were enrolled. After exclusion, a total of 147 patients were included with a mean age of 71.6 years (48 to 89) and 146 of whom were female. We retrospectively evaluated medical records, and reviewed radiographs to investigate the fracture site, femur bowing angle, presence of delayed union or nonunion, contralateral AFFs, and peri-implant fracture. A statistical analysis was performed to identify the significance of associated factors. Results. The mean follow-up period was 70.2 months (36 to 191). There were 146 AFFs (99.3%) in female patients and the mean age was 71.6 years (48 to 89). The AFFs were located in the subtrochanter and shaft in 52 cases (35.4%) and 95 (64.6%), respectively. The preoperative mean anterior/lateral femoral bowing angles were 10.5° (SD 5.7°)/6.1° (SD 6.2°). The postoperative mean anterior/lateral bowing values were changed by 8.7° (SD 5.4°)/4.6° (SD 5.9°). Bisphosphonates had been used contemporarily in 115 AFFs (78.2%) for a mean of 52.4 months (1 to 204; SD 45.5) preoperatively. Nailing was performed in 133 AFFs (90.5%), and union was obtained at a mean of 23.6 weeks (7 to 85). Delayed union occurred in 41 (27.9%), and nonunion occurred in 13 (8.8%). Contralateral AFF occurred in 79 patients (53.7%), and the use of a bisphosphonate significantly influenced the occurrence of contralateral AFFs (p = 0.019). Peri-implant fractures occurred in a total of 13 patients (8.8%), and a significant increase was observed in cases with plating (p = 0.021) and high grade of postoperative anterolateral bowing (p = 0.044). Conclusion. The use of a bisphosphonate was found to be a risk factor for contralateral AFF, and high-grade postoperative anterolateral bowing and plate fixation significantly increased the occurrence of peri-implant fractures. Long-term follow-up studies on the bilaterality of AFFs and peri-implant fractures are warranted. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1648–1655

Introduction. The flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach is widely used for volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. However, patients sometimes complain of postoperative numbness at the thenar eminence. We propose this is derived from injury to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBm). Materials and methods. From March 2010 to March 2012, we performed 10 operations of volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures using the FCR approach. We detected the PCBm intraoperatively and investigated the anatomy. Results. On average, the PCBm arises from the median nerve 44 mm proximal to the distal wrist crease. It arose from the radial side of the median nerve in nine cases and the ulnar side in one case. In all cases, it ran between the FCR and the palmaris longus tendon under the antebrachial fascia. Nerve supply to the FCR sheath was not observed in the field of operation. Discussion. Numerous studies report the necessity to preserve the PCBm during carpal tunnel release surgery, but the relationship between the FCR approach and the PCBm has not been emphasized. Our results generally agree with past reports on PCBm anatomy. In our experience, the FCR tendon should be retracted to the ulnar side to prevent PCBm injury. If the FCR tendon is retracted radially, the PCBm should be detected and retracted gently. Some studies report that the PCBm joins the FCR sheath at the level of the distal wrist crease. Thus, the distal sheath incision should not be extended blindly

The augmentation of fixation with bone cement is increasingly being used in the treatment of severe osteoporotic fractures. We investigated the influence of bone quality on the mechanics of augmentation of plate fixation in a distal femoral fracture model (AO 33 A3 type). Eight osteoporotic and eight non-osteoporotic femoral models were randomly assigned to either an augmented or a non-augmented group. Fixation was performed using a locking compression plate. In the augmented group additionally 1 ml of bone cement was injected into the screw hole before insertion of the screw. Biomechanical testing was performed in axial sinusoidal loading. Augmentation significantly reduced the cut-out distance in the osteoporotic models by about 67% (non-augmented mean 0.30 mm (. sd. 0.08) vs augmented 0.13 mm (. sd. 0.06); p = 0.017). There was no statistical reduction in this distance following augmentation in the non-osteoporotic models (non-augmented mean 0.15 mm (. sd. 0.02) vs augmented 0.15 mm (. sd. 0.07); p = 0.915). In the osteoporotic models, augmentation significantly increased stability (p = 0.017). Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1406–9

Aims

Recent studies of nonoperatively treated displaced midshaft clavicular fractures have shown a high incidence of nonunion and unsatisfactory functional outcome. Some studies have shown superior functional results and higher rates of healing following operative treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome in these patients after nonoperative management with those treated with fixation.

Background. There exists no consensus opinion as to the most suitable post-operative rehabilitation and weight bearing status for proximal tibia articular fractures treated with internal fixation using plates and screws. Objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the post-operative weight bearing status is associated with loss of reduction and articular collapse. Study Design and Methods. Data was retrospectively analysed from our prospective database in a major trauma centre. Group I were non-weight bearing for the first six weeks post-operation and Group II were instructed to weight bear fully immediately post-operation. Radiographs were taken day one post-operation, at six weeks and at three months and analysed for fracture displacement and joint depression or loss of fixation. Results. 90 patients were included in the study. The follow up radiographs demonstrated no failure of fixation in either study group. One patient from the weight bearing group had >1mm joint depression (4mm) identified at the first follow up, which did not worsen by the second. Conclusions. This study shows immediate post-operative full weight bearing does not affect the fixation or cause articular collapse up to three months after surgery. We propose that patients should be encouraged to weight bear immediately post-operation

To compare the long-term outcomes of fibular nailing and plate fixation for unstable ankle fractures in a cohort of patients under the age of 65 years. Patients from a previously conducted randomized control trial comparing fibular nailing and plate fixation were contacted at a minimum of 10 years post intervention at a single study centre. Short term data were collected prospectively and long-term data were collected retrospectively using an electronic patient record software. Ninety-nine patients from one trauma centre were included (48 fibular nails and 51 plate fixations). Groups were matched for gender (p = 0.579), age (p = 0.811), body mass index (BMI)(p = 0.925), smoking status (p = 0.209), alcohol status (p = 0.679) and injury type (p = 0.674). Radiographically at an average of 2 years post-injury, there was no statistically significant difference between groups for development of osteoarthritis (p = 0.851). Both groups had 1 tibio-talar fusion (2% of both groups) secondary to osteoarthritis with no statistically significant difference in overall re-operation rate between groups identified (p = 0.518,). Forty-five percent (n=42) of patients had so far returned patient reported outcome measures at a minimum of 10 years (Fibular nail n=19, plate fixation n=23). No significant difference was found between groups at 10 years for the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (p = 0.990), the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (p = 0.288), Euroqol-5D Index (p = 0.828) and Euroqol-5D Visual Analogue Score (p = 0.769). The current study illustrates no difference between fibular nail fixation and plate fixation at a long-term follow up of 10 years in patients under 65 years old, although the study is currently under powered

Aims. To report the outcomes of patients with a fracture of the distal tibia who were treated with intramedullary nail versus locking plate in the five years after participating in the Fixation of Distal Tibia fracture (FixDT) trial. Methods. The FixDT trial reported the results for 321 patients randomized to nail or locking plate fixation in the first 12 months after their injury. In this follow-up study, we report the results of 170 of the original participants who agreed to be followed up until five years. Participants reported their Disability Rating Index (DRI) and health-related quality of life (EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire) annually by self-reported questionnaire. Further surgical interventions related to the fracture were also recorded. Results. There was no evidence of a difference in patient-reported disability, health-related quality of life, or the need for further surgery between participants treated with either type of fixation at five years. Considering the combined results for all participants, there was no significant change in DRI scores after the first 12 months of follow-up (difference between 12 and 24 months, 3.3 (95% confidence interval -1.8 to 8.5); p = 0.203), with patients reporting around 20% disability at five years. Conclusion. This study shows that the moderate levels of disability and reduced quality of life reported by participants 12 months after a fracture of the distal tibia persist in the medium term, with little evidence of improvement after the first year. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):795–800

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine trends in the management of fractures of the distal radius in Ireland over a ten-year period, and to determine if there were any changes in response to the English Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT). Patients and Methods. Data was grouped into annual intervals from 2008 to 2017. All adult inpatient episodes that involved emergency surgery for fractures of the distal radius were included. Results. In 2008 Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation accounted for 59% of operations for fractures of the distal radius, and plate fixation for 21%. In 2017, the rate of K-wire fixation had fallen to 30%, and the proportion of patients who underwent plate fixation had risen to 62%. Conclusion. There is an increasing trend towards open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of the distal radius in Ireland. This has been accompanied by a decrease in popularity for K-wire fixation. DRAFFT did not appear to influence trends in the management of fractures of the distal radius in Ireland. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1550–1556

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to establish the cost-effectiveness of the early fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Patients and Methods. A cost analysis was conducted within a randomized controlled trial comparing conservative management (n = 92) versus early plate fixation (n = 86) of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to express the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The Six-Dimension Short-Form Health Survey (SF-6D) score was used as the preference-based health index to calculate the cost per QALY at 12 months after the injury. Results. The mean 12-month SF-6D was 0.9522 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9355 to 0.9689) following conservative management and 0.9607 (95% CI 0.9447 to 0.9767) following fixation, giving an advantage for fixation of 0.0085, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.46). The mean cost per patient was £1322.69 for conservative management and £5405.32 for early fixation. This gave an ICER of £480 309.41 per QALY. For a threshold of £20 000 per QALY, the benefit of fixation would need to be present for 24 years to be cost-effective compared with conservative treatment. Linear regression analysis identified nonunion as the only factor to adversely influence the SF-6D at 12 months (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Routine plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures is not cost-effective. Nonunion following conservative management has an increased morbidity with comparable expense to early fixation. This may suggest that a targeted approach of fixation in patients who are at higher risk of nonunion would be more cost-effective than the routine fixation of all displaced fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:995–1001