Aims. Cementing in arthroplasty for hip fracture is associated with improved postoperative function, but may have an increased risk of early mortality compared to uncemented fixation. Quantifying this mortality risk is important in providing safe patient care. This study investigated the association between cement use in arthroplasty and mortality at 30 days and one year in patients aged 50 years and over with hip fracture. Methods. This retrospective cohort study used linked data from the Australian Hip Fracture Registry and the National Death Index. Descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves tested the unadjusted association of mortality between cemented and uncemented procedures. Multilevel logistic regression, adjusted for covariates, tested the association between cement use and 30-day mortality following arthroplasty. Given the known institutional variation in preference for cemented fixation, an instrumental variable analysis was also performed to minimize the effect of unknown confounders. Adjusted Cox modelling analyzed the association between cement use and mortality at 30 days and one year following surgery. Results. The 30-day mortality was 6.9% for cemented and 4.9% for uncemented groups (p = 0.003). Cement use was significantly associated with 30-day mortality in the Kaplan-Meier survival curve (p = 0.003). After adjusting for covariates, no significant association between cement use and 30-day mortality was shown in the adjusted multilevel logistic regression (odd rati0 (OR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9 to 1.5; p = 0.366), or in the instrumental variable analysis (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.0, p=0.524). There was no significant between-group difference in mortality within 30days (hazard ratio (HR) 0.9, 95% CI 0.7to 1.1; p = 0.355) or one year (HR 0.9 95% CI 0.8 to 1.1; p = 0.328) in the Cox modelling. Conclusion. No statistically significant difference in patient mortality with cement use in arthroplasty was demonstrated in this population, once adjusted for covariates. This study concludes that cementing in arthroplasty for hip fracture is a safe means of surgical fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(3):198–204

Aims. Pelvic tilt is believed to affect the symptomology of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip by alterations in joint movement, dysplasia of the hip by modification of acetabular cover, and femoroacetabular impingement by influencing the impingement-free range of motion. While the apparent role of pelvic tilt in hip pathology has been reported, the exact effects of many forms of treatment on pelvic tilt are unknown. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of surgery on pelvic tilt in these three groups of patients. Methods. The demographic, radiological, and outcome data for all patients operated on by the senior author between October 2016 and January 2020 were identified from a prospective registry, and all those who underwent surgery with a primary diagnosis of OA, dysplasia, or femoroacetabular impingement were considered for inclusion. Pelvic tilt was assessed on anteroposterior (AP) standing radiographs using the pre- and postoperative pubic symphysis to sacroiliac joint (PS-SI) distance, and the outcomes were assessed with the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), and Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results. The linear regression model revealed a significant negative predictive association between the standing pre- and postoperative PS-SI distances for all three groups of patients (all p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in all three outcome measures between the pre- and postoperative values (p < 0.05). Conclusion. There is a statistically significant decrease in pelvic tilt after surgery in patients with OA of the hip, dysplasia, and femoroacetabular impingement. These results confirm that surgery significantly alters the pelvic orientation. Pelvic tilt significantly decreased after total hip arthroplasty, periacetabular osteotomy, and arthroscopy/surgical hip dislocation. The impact of surgery on pelvic tilt should be considered within the therapeutic plan in order to optimize pelvic orientation in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1025–1031

The benefits of cell salvage autotransfusion are well reported. There is a common non-evidenced belief amongst revision arthroplasty surgeons that auto-transfusion is potentially contraindicated in infected revisions. The aim is to study the immediate and delayed outcomes of using cell saver on patients undergoing PJI surgery. Prospective cohort service evaluation registered with the local audit department. 20 PJI cases in 18 patients where cell saver was used over a period of 4 years. Intraoperative fluid and tissue samples were taken for culture. Blood culture from salvaged blood pre and post leucodepletion filter were sent for microbiological analysis. Data on type of surgery, blood loss, further allogenic transfusion and SIRS response was collected. Success of infection clearance was assessed using 2019 MSIS ORT. Five patients receiving autologous blood in non-infection cases were used as controls. Mean age for the PJI group was 67.7 years, 67% female. 11 patients (67%) had 1st stage surgery and 5 (25%) underwent 2nd stage whereas 4 patients had single stage surgery. The mean calculated blood loss was 1398 mls (range 400–3000mls). 6 Patients required further allogenic transfusion. 16 patients received blood via a leuco-depletion filter. The same organism grown from tissues was identified in post-filter blood in 8/17 patients (47%). 2/20 have grown a different organism in post-filtered blood, _P.Acne._. 2 patients developed SIRS upon auto-transfusion, however one was thought to be secondary to cementing. The control group had 443 mls mean amount of blood loss and 1 patient developed a SIRS response. 14/20 (70%) patients had successful clearance of infection (tier 1) 2 patients died prior to undergoing 2nd stage. Using cell saver did not impact main outcome of infection clearance in PJI surgery. We would advocate its routine usage whilst avoiding direct collection of heavily contaminated blood

Aims. In order to release the contracture band completely without damaging normal tissues (such as the sciatic nerve) in the surgical treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC), we tried to display the relationship between normal tissue and contracture bands by magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) images, and to predesign a minimally invasive surgery based on the MRN images in advance. Methods. A total of 30 patients (60 hips) were included in this study. MRN scans of the pelvis were performed before surgery. The contracture band shape and external rotation angle (ERA) of the proximal femur were also analyzed. Then, the minimally invasive GMC releasing surgery was performed based on the images and measurements, and during the operation, incision lengths, surgery duration, intraoperative bleeding, and complications were recorded; the time of the first postoperative off-bed activity was also recorded. Furthermore, the patients’ clinical functions were evaluated by means of Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and Ye et al’s objective assessments, respectively. Results. The contracture bands exhibited three typical types of shape – feather-like, striped, and mixed shapes – in MR images. Guided by MRN images, we designed minimally invasive approaches directed to each hip. These approaches resulted in a shortened incision length in each hip (0.3 cm (SD 0.1)), shorter surgery duration (25.3 minutes (SD 5.8)), less intraoperative bleeding (8.0 ml (SD 3.6)), and shorter time between the end of the operation and the patient’s first off-bed activity (17.2 hours (SD 2.0)) in each patient. Meanwhile, no serious postoperative complications occurred in all patients. The mean HOS-Sports subscale of patients increased from 71.0 (SD 5.3) to 94.83 (SD 4.24) at six months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The follow-up outcomes from all patients were “good” and “excellent”, based on objective assessments. Conclusion. Preoperative MRN analysis can be used to facilitate the determination of the relationship between contracture band and normal tissues. The minimally invasive surgical design via MRN can avoid nerve damage and improve the release effect. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):776–784

Aims. The aim of this study was to estimate time to arthroplasty among patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to identify factors at enrolment to first-line intervention that are prognostic for progression to surgery. Methods. In this longitudinal register-based observational study, we identified 72,069 patients with hip and knee OA in the Better Management of Patients with Osteoarthritis Register (BOA), who were referred for first-line OA intervention, between May 2008 and December 2016. Patients were followed until the first primary arthroplasty surgery before 31 December 2016, stratified into a hip and a knee OA cohort. Data were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and multivariable-adjusted Cox regression. Results. At five years, Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that 46% (95% confidence interval (CI) 44.6 to 46.9) of those with hip OA, and 20% (95% CI 19.7 to 21.0) of those with knee OA, had progressed to arthroplasty. The strongest prognostic factors were desire for surgery (hazard ratio (HR) hip 3.12 (95% CI 2.95 to 3.31), HR knee 2.72 (95% CI 2.55 to 2.90)), walking difficulties (HR hip 2.20 (95% CI 1.97 to 2.46), HR knee 1.95 (95% CI 1.73 to 2.20)), and frequent pain (HR hip 1.56 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.73), HR knee 1.77 (95% CI 1.58 to 2.00)). In hip OA, the probability of progression to surgery was lower among those with comorbidities (e.g. ≥ four conditions; HR 0.64 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.69)), with no detectable effects in the knee OA cohort. Instead, being overweight or obese increased the probability of OA progress in the knee cohort (HR 1.25 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.37)), but not among those with hip OA. Conclusion. Patients with hip OA progressed faster and to a greater extent to arthroplasty than patients with knee OA. Progression was strongly influenced by patients’ desire for surgery and by factors related to severity of OA symptoms, but factors not directly related to OA symptoms are also of importance. However, a large proportion of patients with OA do not seem to require surgery within five years, especially among those with knee OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):792–800

Aims. Hip fractures are some of the most common fractures encountered in orthopaedic practice. We aimed to identify whether perioperative hypotension is a predictor of 30-day mortality, and to stratify patient groups that would benefit from closer monitoring and early intervention. While there is literature on intraoperative blood pressure, there are limited studies examining pre- and postoperative blood pressure. Methods. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study over a one-year period from December 2021 to December 2022. Patient demographic details, biochemical results, and haemodynamic observations were taken from electronic medical records. Statistical analysis was conducted with the Cox proportional hazards model, and the effects of independent variables estimated with the Wald statistic. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated with the log-rank test. Results. A total of 528 patients were identified as suitable for inclusion. On multivariate analysis, postoperative hypotension of a systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg two to 24 hours after surgery showed an increased hazard ratio (HR) for 30-day mortality (HR 4.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3 to 8.9); p < 0.001) and was an independent risk factor accounting for sex (HR 2.7 (95% CI 1.4 to 5.2); p = 0.003), age (HR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.1); p = 0.016), American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (HR 2.7 (95% CI 1.5 to 4.6); p < 0.001), time to theatre > 24 hours (HR 2.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 4.2); p = 0.025), and preoperative anaemia (HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.0 to 5.2); p = 0.043). A preoperative SBP of < 120 mmHg was close to achieving significance (HR 1.9 (95% CI 0.99 to 3.6); p = 0.052). Conclusion. Our study is the first to demonstrate that postoperative hypotension within the first 24 hours is an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery. Clinicians should recognize patients who have a SBP of < 90 mmHg in the early postoperative period, and be aware of the increased mortality risk in this specific cohort who may benefit from a closer level of monitoring and early intervention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):189–194

Young patients undergoing THA or hip used. HOS and iHOT33 have demonstrated to be useful in hip preservation surgery but never used in THA. The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes with HOS and iHOT33 in hip arthroscopy and THA. We conducted a retrospective study with prospective data collection of 118 consecutive young patients (<65 y.o.) between 2008 to 2012 who underwent hip arthroscopy or THA. The mean follow-up was 12.05 years. All surgeries were done by the same senior surgeon. PROMs used were iHOT-33 and HOS preoperatively, at one year and 10 years. SPSS Statistics Grad Pack 28.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Arthroscopy Group (57 patients): Mean age 35.36 years. 55.93% were male. iHOT33 mean differential improvement was 24.43 at 1 year, 70,17% exceed MCID and 49,1% SCB. HOS mean differential improvement was 16.26 at one year. 54,38 % patients exceed MCID and 49,36% SCB. At 10 years, iHOT33 mean differential improvement was 14,36 and 12.56 for HOS. Regarding complications, 3 patients underwent THA (5.26%) and 10 (17.54%) continued with groin pain. THA Group (61 patients): Mean age 52,54 years. 55.73% were male. Cementless THA was used in all patients with ceramic on ceramic used in 77%. iHOT33 mean differential improvement was 41,57 at 1 year. 95,08% patients exceed MCID and 85,25% SCB. HOS mean differential improvement was 16.57 points at one year. 85,25% patients exceed MCID and 81,97% SCB. At 10 years, iHOT33 mean differential improvement was 20,15 and 14.12 for HOS. Regarding complications, 1 patient underwent DAIR for infection (1.64%) and 1 dislocation with close reduction (1.64%). iHOT33 or HOS scores should be considered to be used in young active patients after hip preserving surgery or THA, with more predictable results at long-term in THA group

Genetic skeletal disorders constitute a rare and heterogeneous bone diseases often leading to poor quality of life. Several surgical options are available. The surgeon must deal with specific features (bone deformity, previous procedures, abnormal bone quality, stiffness or instability, muscle weakness). The questions concern the feasibility of the procedures and the surgical strategy. 55 patients (26 W, 29 M) were reviewed between 2016 and 2022. The mean age of the patients was 35 years (17–71). The diagnosis included 9 hereditary multiple exostoses, 8 osteogenesis imperfecta, 6 multiple epiphyseal dysplasia congenita, 6 achondroplasia, 4 osteopetrosis, 3 pycnodysostosis, 3 hypophosphatemic rickets, 3 fibrous dysplasia, 2 mucopolysaccharidosis, and 10 miscellaneous. 25 patients were referred for hip problems (40 hips). 4 patients (7 hips) requiring a THA have not been operated (4 planned). 4 patients (6 hips) had a proximal femoral fixation (2 osteotomies, 4 fracture fixations). 17 patients (27 hips) sustained a THA (25 primary, 2 revisions). All of them were operated by one operator, using a posterolateral approach and standard implants (including 7 dysplastic and 2 short stems). No customized implant has been used. As regard the 27 THAs, the mean follow up was 4.2 years (1–12). The early complications included 2 femoral cracks and 1 femur fracture. There were 2 revisions (1 cup loosening at 2 years, 1 stem loosening at 4 years). No infection nor dislocation occurred. All the patients were satisfied with their treatment and regain some autonomy. 3 THA were considered as unfeasible. Constitutional bone diseases need a multidisciplinary program of care. The indication for surgery is based on a mutual trust patient/surgeon, a careful evaluation of benefits/risks, and an accurate imaging to anticipate the difficulties. The expected results are a better function and quality of life, and a stability over time

Fracture of contemporary femoral stems is a rare occurrence. Earlier THR stems failed due to design issues or post manufacturing heat treatments that weakened the core metal. Our group identified and analyzed 4 contemporary fractured femoral stems after revision surgery in which electrochemical welds contributed to the failure. All four stems were proximally porous coated titanium alloy components. All failures occurred in the neck region post revision surgery in an acetabular cup exchange. All were men and obese. The fractures occurred at an average of 3.6 years post THR redo (range, 1.0–6.5 years) and 8.3 years post index surgery (range, 5.5–12.0 years). To demonstrate the effect of electrocautery on retained femoral stems following revision surgery, we applied intermittent electrosurgical currents at three intensities (30, 60, 90 watts) to the polished neck surface of a titanium alloy stem under dry conditions. At all power settings, visible discoloration and damage to the polished neck surface was observed. The localized patterns and altered metal surface features exhibited were like the electrosurgically-induced damage priorly reported. The neck regions of all components studied displayed extensive mechanical and/or electrocautery damage in the area of fracture initiation. The use of mechanical instruments and electrocautery was documented to remove tissues in all 4 cases. The combination of mechanical and electrocautery damage to the femoral neck and stem served as an initiation point and stress riser for subsequent fractures. The electrocautery and mechanical damage across the fracture site observed occurred iatrogenically during revision surgery. The notch effect, particularly in titanium alloys, due to mechanical and/or electrocautery damage, further reduced the fatigue strength at the fractured femoral necks. While electrocautery and mechanical dissection is often required during revision THA, these failures highlight the need for caution during this step of the procedure in cases where the femoral stem is retained

There is an increasing incidence of revision for periprosthetic joint infection. The addition of vancomycin to beta-lactam antimicrobial prophylaxis in joint arthroplasty may reduce surgical site infections, however, the efficacy and safety have not been established. This was a multicenter, double-blind, superiority, placebo-controlled trial. We randomized 4239 adult patients undergoing joint arthroplasty surgery to receive 1.5g vancomycin or normal saline placebo, in addition to standard cefazolin antimicrobial prophylaxis. The primary outcome was surgical site infection at 90-days from index surgery. Perioperative carriage of Staphylococcus species was also assessed. In the 4113 patients included in the modified intention-to-treat population, surgical site infections occurred in 72/2069 (3.5%) in the placebo group and 91/2044 (4. 5%) in the vancomycin group (risk ratio 1.28; 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 1.73; p value 0.11). No difference was observed between the two groups for primary hip arthroplasty procedures. A higher proportion of infections occurred in knee arthroplasty patients in the vancomycin group (63/1109 [4.7%]) compared with the placebo group (42/1124 [3.7%]; risk ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 2.23; p value 0.031). Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 11 (0.5%) patients in the placebo group and 24 (1.2%) in the vancomycin group (risk ratio 2.20; 95% confidence interval 1.08, 4.49) and acute kidney injury in 74 (3.7%) patients in the placebo group and 42 (2.1%) in the vancomycin group (risk ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.39, 0.83). Perioperative Staphylococcus aureus carriage was detected in 1089/3748 (29.1%) of patients. This is the first randomized controlled trial examining the addition of a glycopeptide antimicrobial to standard beta-lactam surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis in joint arthroplasty. The addition of vancomycin to standard cefazolin prophylaxis was not superior to placebo for the prevention of surgical site infections in hip and knee arthroplasty surgery

Obesity is a known risk factor for developing osteoarthritis and is also associated with an increased risk of developing complications post total hip replacement (THR). This study investigated the association between obesity and the risk of undergoing THR in Australia.

From July 2017 to June 2018 a National Health Survey was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to collect height and weight data on a representative sample of patients across urban and rural areas across the country. This study examined a cohort of patients undergoing primary THR utilising data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry from the same time period. Obesity classes were determined according to WHO criteria.

Body mass index (BMI) for patients undergoing THR were obtained and the distribution of THR patients by BMI category was compared to the general population, in age and sex sub-groups.

Generalised linear models assuming a binomial distribution and a log link were used to generate relative risks. Data from underweight categories, and age categories 34 years and younger, were excluded from further analyses because of small numbers.

Data from the health survey showed there were 35.6% of persons overweight and 31.3% obese. During the same period, 32,495 primary THR were performed for osteoarthritis in Australia on patients who had a BMI recorded. Of these patients 37.1% were overweight and 41.7% were obese. Compared to the general population, there was a higher incidence of Class I, II, and III obesity in patients undergoing THR in both sexes aged 35 to 74 years. Class III obese females and males aged 55–64 years were 2.9 and 1.7 times more likely to undergo HR, respectively (p<0.001). Class III obese females and males underwent THR on average 5.7 and 7.0 years younger than their normal weight counterparts, respectively.

Obese Australians are at increased risk of undergoing THR, and at a younger age. A national approach to address the prevalence of obesity, and possible prevention strategies, is needed.

The increasing infection burden after hip arthroplasty has seen a growth of two-stage exchange and the use of increasingly powerful antibiotics at the time of this procedure. We have seen an increased number of failed two-stage revisions over the past decade. This study was aimed at clarifying the outcome of failed two-stage exchange arthroplasty after periprosthetic hip infection. We identified forty-two patients who had undergone at least one prior two-stage revision hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic infection between 2000 and 2012. These patients were referred to our center and treated with a further two-stage exchange. They have been analyzed with a minimum two-year follow-up. Control of infection at two-year follow-up was seen in 57% of patients. In 43% of patients there are still ongoing issues that either required further surgery or ongoing antibiotic suppression. A regression analysis was undertaken which suggested that the immunocompromised host and polymicrobial infection were the greatest predictors of failure. The number of previous interventions, the organism involved and the duration of antibiotic therapy after the initial two-stage revision were not linked to the ultimate outcome. The failure rate of repeat revision two-stage exchange is high and novel methods of treatment including host optimization, immunomodulation, longer interval periods, novel antimicrobial methods and more powerful antibiotic therapies should be investigated

The primary treatment goal for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, a common hip condition in athletes, is to improve pain and function. In selected patients, in the short term following intervention, arthroscopic hip surgery is superior to a pragmatic NHS- type physiotherapy programme. Here, we report the three-year follow-up results from the FemoroAcetabular Impingement Trial (FAIT), comparing arthroscopic hip surgery with physiotherapy in the management of patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. Two-group parallel, assessor-blinded, pragmatic randomised controlled study across seven NHS England sites. 222 participants aged 18 to 60 years with FAI syndrome confirmed clinically and radiologically were randomised (1:1) to receive arthroscopic hip surgery (n = 112) or physiotherapy and activity modification (n = 110). We previously reported on the hip outcome score at eight months. The primary outcome measure of this study was minimum Joint Space Width (mJSW) on Anteroposterior Radiograph at 38 months post randomisation. Secondary outcome measures included the Hip Outcome Score and Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) score. Minimum Joint Space Width data were available for 101 participants (45%) at 38 months post randomisation. Hip outcome score and MRI data were available for 77% and 62% of participants respectively. mJSW was higher in the arthroscopy group (mean (SD) 3.34mm (1.01)) compared to the physiotherapy group (2.99mm (1.33)) at 38 months, p=0.017, however this did not exceed the minimally clinically important difference of 0.48mm. SHOMRI score was significantly lower in the arthroscopy group (mean (SD) 9.22 (11.43)) compared to the physiotherapy group (22.76 (15.26)), p-value <0.001. Hip outcome score was higher in the arthroscopy group (mean (SD) 84.2 (17.4)) compared with the physiotherapy group (74.2 (21.9)), p-value < 0.001). Patients with FAI syndrome treated surgically may experience slowing of osteoarthritisprogression and superior pain and function compared with patients treated non- operatively

Aims. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) with prior multiple failed surgery for reinfection represent a huge challenge for surgeons because of poor vascular supply and biofilm formation. This study aims to determine the results of single-stage revision using intra-articular antibiotic infusion in treating this condition. Methods. A retrospective analysis included 78 PJI patients (29 hips; 49 knees) who had undergone multiple prior surgical interventions. Our cohort was treated with single-stage revision using a supplementary intra-articular antibiotic infusion. Of these 78 patients, 59 had undergone more than two prior failed debridement and implant retentions, 12 patients had a failed arthroplasty resection, three hips had previously undergone failed two-stage revision, and four had a failed one-stage revision before their single-stage revision. Previous failure was defined as infection recurrence requiring surgical intervention. Besides intravenous pathogen-sensitive agents, an intra-articular infusion of vancomycin, imipenem, or voriconazole was performed postoperatively. The antibiotic solution was soaked into the joint for 24 hours for a mean of 16 days (12 to 21), then extracted before next injection. Recurrence of infection and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results. A total of 68 patients (87.1%) were free of infection at a mean follow-up time of 85 months (24 to 133). The seven-year infection-free survival was 87.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 79.4 to 95.8). No significant difference in infection-free survival was observed between hip and knee PJIs (91.5% (95% CI 79.9 to 100) vs 84.7% (95% CI 73.1 to 96.3); p = 0.648). The mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 76.1 points (63.2 to 92.4) and Hospital for Special Surgery score was 78. 2 (63.2 to 92.4) at the most recent assessment. Polymicrobial and fungal infections accounted for 14.1% (11/78) and 9.0% (7/78) of all cases, respectively. Conclusion. Single-stage revision with intra-articular antibiotic infusion can provide high antibiotic concentration in synovial fluid, thereby overcoming reduced vascular supply and biofilm formation. This supplementary route of administration may be a viable option in treating PJI after multiple failed prior surgeries for reinfection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):867–874

Aims. This study aimed to describe preoperative waiting times for surgery in hip fracture patients in Norway, and analyze factors affecting waiting time and potential negative consequences of prolonged waiting time. Methods. Overall, 37,708 hip fractures in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register from January 2014 to December 2018 were linked with data in the Norwegian Patient Registry. Hospitals treating hip fractures were characterized according to their hip fracture care. Waiting time (hours from admission to start of surgery), surgery within regular working hours, and surgery on the day of or on the day after admission, i.e. ‘expedited surgery’ were estimated. Results. Mean waiting time was 22.6 hours (SD 20.7); 36,652 patients (97.2%) waited less than three days (< 72 hours), and 27,527 of the patients (73%) were operated within regular working hours (08:00 to 16:00). Expedited surgery was given to 31,675 of patients (84%), and of these, 19,985 (53%) were treated during regular working hours. Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes 4 and 5 were more likely to have surgery within regular working hours (odds ratio (OR) 1.59; p < 0.001), and less likely to receive expedited surgery than ASA 1 patients (OR 0.29; p < 0.001). Low-volume hospitals treated a larger proportion of patients during regular working hours than high volume hospitals (OR 1.26; p < 0.001). High-volume hospitals had less expedited surgery and significantly longer waiting times than low and intermediate-low volume hospitals. Higher ASA classes and Charlson Comorbidity Index increased waiting time. Patients not receiving expedited surgery had higher 30-day and one-year mortality rates (OR 1.19; p < 0.001) and OR 1.13; p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion. There is inequality in waiting time for hip fracture treatment in Norway. Variations in waiting time from admission to hip fracture surgery depended on both patient and hospital factors. Not receiving expedited surgery was associated with increased 30-day and one-year mortality rates. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(9):710–720

Aims. The burden of revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) continues to grow. The surgery is complex and associated with significant costs. Regional rTHA networks have been proposed to improve outcomes and to reduce re-revisions, and therefore costs. The aim of this study was to accurately quantify the cost and reimbursement for a rTHA service, and to assess the financial impact of case complexity at a tertiary referral centre within the NHS. Methods. A retrospective analysis of all revision hip procedures was performed at this centre over two consecutive financial years (2018 to 2020). Cases were classified according to the Revision Hip Complexity Classification (RHCC) and whether they were infected or non-infected. Patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade ≥ III or BMI ≥ 40 kg/m. 2. are considered “high risk” by the RHCC. Costs were calculated using the Patient Level Information and Costing System (PLICS), and remuneration based on Healthcare Resource Groups (HRG) data. The primary outcome was the financial difference between tariff and cost per patient episode. Results. In all, 199 revision episodes were identified in 168 patients: 25 (13%) least complex revisions (H1); 110 (55%) complex revisions (H2); and 64 (32%) most complex revisions (H3). Of the 199, 76 cases (38%) were due to infection, and 78 patients (39%) were “high risk”. Median length of stay increased significantly with case complexity from four days to six to eight days (p = 0.006) and for revisions performed for infection (9 days vs 5 days; p < 0.001). Cost per episode increased significantly between complexity groups (p < 0.001) and for infected revisions (p < 0.001). All groups demonstrated a mean deficit but this significantly increased with revision complexity (£97, £1,050, and £2,887 per case; p = 0.006) and for infected failure (£2,629 vs £635; p = 0.032). The total deficit to the NHS Trust over two years was £512,202. Conclusion. Current NHS reimbursement for rTHA is inadequate and should be more closely aligned to complexity. An increase in the most complex rTHAs at major revision centres will likely place a greater financial burden on these units. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):559–566

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess medium-term improvements following total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to evaluate what effect different preoperative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) thresholds for treatment may have on patients’ access to THA and outcomes. Methods. Patients undergoing primary THA at our institution with an OHS both preoperatively and at least four years postoperatively were included. Rationing thresholds were explored to identify possible deprivation of OHS improvement. Results. Overall, 2,341 patients were included. Mean OHS was 19.7 (SD 8.2) preoperatively and 39.7 (SD 9.8) at latest follow-up. An improvement of at least eight-points, the minimally important change (MIC), was seen in 2,072 patients (88.5%). The mean improvement was 20.0 points (SD 10.5). If a rationing threshold of OHS of 20 points had been enforced, 90.8% of those treated would have achieved the MIC, but only 54.3% of our cohort would have had access to surgery; increasing this threshold to 32 would have enabled 89.5% of those treated to achieve the MIC while only depriving 6.5% of our cohort. The ‘rationed’ group of OHS > 20 had significantly better OHS at latest follow-up (42.6 vs 37.3; p < 0.001), while extending the rationing threshold above 32 showed postoperative scores were more significantly affected by the ceiling effect of the OHS. Conclusion. The OHS was not designed as a tool to ration healthcare, but if it had been used at our institution for this cohort, applying an OHS threshold of 20 to routine THA access would have excluded nearly half of patients from having a THA; a group in which over 85% had a significant improvement in OHS. Where its use for rationing is deemed necessary, use of a higher threshold may be more appropriate to ensure a better balance between patient access to treatment and chances of achieving good to excellent outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):196–204

FAI may cause pain or functional impairment for an individual, as well as potentially resulting in arthritis and degeneration of the hip joint. Results from recent randomised control trials demonstrate the superiority of surgery over physiotherapy in patients with FAI. However, there is paucity of evidence regarding which factors influence outcomes for FAI surgery, most notably on patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs). Our study looks to explore factors influencing the outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for FAI utilising data from the Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry. This study is a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively via the NAHR database. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria, who underwent surgery between January 2011 and September 2019 were identified and included in the study. Follow-up data was captured in September 2020 to allow a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Patients consenting to data collection received questionnaires to determine EQ-5D Index and iHOT-12 scores preoperatively and at 6 months, 1, 2- and 5-year follow-up. Changes in outcome scores were analysed for all patients and sub-analysis was performed looking at the influence of; FAI morphological subtype, age, and sex, on outcome scores. Our cohort included 4,963 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for FAI. There was significant improvement from pre-operative PROMs when compared with those at 6 and 12 months. Pre-operatively, and at 12-month follow-up, iHOT-12 scores were significantly better for the cam / mixed groups compared to the pincer group (p<0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, pincer pathology and a high-grade chondral lesion were associated significantly poorer iHOT-12 improvement at 6 and 12 months (p<0.05). Age (<40 vs >40) demonstrated no statistical significance when considering 12 months outcome scores. This study demonstrates that hip arthroscopy is an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic FAI and shows statistically significant improvements at 12 months. The findings of this study are relevant to orthopaedic surgeons who manage young adults with hip pathology. This will help them to; predict which patients may benefit from operative intervention, and better inform patients, when undertaking shared decision making

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of first-generation annealed highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 29 patients (35 hips) who underwent THA between December 2000 and February 2002. The survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hip joint function was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Two-dimensional polyethylene wear was estimated using Martell’s Hip Analysis Suite. We calculated the wear rates between years 1 and 5, 5 and 10, 10 and 15, and 15 and final follow-up. Results. The mean follow-up period was 19.1 years (SD 0.6; 17.3 to 20.1). The 19-year overall survival rate with the end point of all-cause revision was 97.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 100). The mean JOA score improved from 43.2 (SD 10.6; 30 to 76) before surgery to 90.2 (SD 6.4; 76 to 98) at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). There was no osteolysis or loosening of the acetabular or femoral components. The overall steady-state wear rate was 0.013 mm/year (SD 0.012). There was no hip with a steady-state wear rate of > 0.1 mm/year. There was no significant difference in wear rates for each period. We found no significant correlation between the wear rate and age, body weight, BMI, or cup inclination. Conclusion. First-generation annealed HXLPE shows excellent wear resistance and no acceleration of wear for approximately 20 years, with low all-cause revision rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):200–205

Aims. This study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic, multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an informal caregiver training programme to support the recovery of people following hip fracture surgery. Methods. This will be a mixed-methods feasibility RCT, recruiting 60 patients following hip fracture surgery and their informal caregivers. Patients will be randomized to usual NHS care, versus usual NHS care plus a caregiver-patient dyad training programme (HIP HELPER). This programme will comprise of three, one-hour, one-to-one training sessions for the patient and caregiver, delivered by a nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist. Training will be delivered in the hospital setting pre-patient discharge. It will include practical skills for rehabilitation such as: transfers and walking; recovery goal setting and expectations; pacing and stress management techniques; and introduction to the HIP HELPER Caregiver Workbook, which provides information on recovery, exercises, worksheets, and goal-setting plans to facilitate a ‘good’ recovery. After discharge, patients and caregivers will be supported in delivering rehabilitation through three telephone coaching sessions. Data, collected at baseline and four months post-randomization, will include: screening logs, intervention logs, fidelity checklists, quality assurance monitoring visit data, and clinical outcomes assessing quality of life, physical, emotional, adverse events, and resource use outcomes. The acceptability of the study intervention and RCT design will be explored through qualitative methods with 20 participants (patients and informal caregivers) and 12 health professionals. Discussion. A multicentre recruitment approach will provide greater external validity across population characteristics in England. The mixed-methods approach will permit in-depth examination of the intervention and trial design parameters. The findings will inform whether and how a definitive trial may be undertaken to test the effectiveness of this caregiver intervention for patients after hip fracture surgery. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):909–920