It is well described that patients with bone and joint infections (BJIs) commonly experience significant functional impairment and disability. Published literature is lacking on the impact of BJIs on mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the impact on mental health in patients with BJIs. The AO Trauma Infection Registry is a prospective multinational registry. In total, 229 adult patients with long-bone BJI were enrolled between 1 November 2012 and 31 August 2017 in 18 centres from ten countries. Clinical outcome data, demographic data, and details on infections and treatments were collected. Patient-reported outcomes using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), Parker Mobility Score, and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living were assessed at one, six, and 12 months. The SF-36 mental component subscales were analyzed and correlated with infection characteristics and clinical outcome.Aims
Methods
Global literature suggests that female surgical trainees have lower rates of independent operating (operative autonomy) than their male counterparts. The objective of this study was to identify any association between gender and lead/independent operating in speciality orthopaedic trainees within the UK national training programme. This was a retrospective case-control study using electronic surgical logbook data from 2009 to 2021 for 274 UK orthopaedic trainees. Total operative numbers and level of supervision were compared between male and female trainees, with correction for less than full-time training (LTFT), prior experience, and time out during training (OOP). The primary outcome was the percentage of cases undertaken as lead surgeon (supervised and unsupervised) by UK orthopaedic trainees by gender.Aims
Methods
There is little published on the outcomes after restarting elective orthopaedic procedures following cessation of surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the reported perioperative mortality in patients who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection while undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery was 18% to 20%. The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcomes, complications, and risk of developing COVID-19 in 2,316 consecutive patients who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery in the latter part of 2020 and comparing it to the same, pre-pandemic, period in 2019. A retrospective service evaluation of patients who underwent elective surgical procedures between 16 June 2020 and 12 December 2020 was undertaken. The number and type of cases, demographic details, American society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, BMI, 30-day readmission rates, mortality, and complications at one- and six-week intervals were obtained and compared with patients who underwent surgery during the same six-month period in 2019.Aims
Methods
As the world continues to fight successive waves of COVID-19 variants, we have seen worldwide infections surpass 100 million. London, UK, has been severely affected throughout the pandemic, and the resulting impact on the NHS has been profound. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on theatre productivity across London’s four major trauma centres (MTCs), and to assess how the changes to normal protocols and working patterns impacted trauma theatre efficiency. This was a collaborative study across London’s MTCs. A two-month period was selected from 5 March to 5 May 2020. The same two-month period in 2019 was used to provide baseline data for comparison. Demographic information was collected, as well as surgical speciality, procedure, time to surgery, type of anaesthesia, and various time points throughout the patient journey to theatre.Aims
Methods
This study assesses patient barriers to successful telemedicine care in orthopaedic practices in a large academic practice in the COVID-19 era. In all, 381 patients scheduled for telemedicine visits with three orthopaedic surgeons in a large academic practice from 1 April 2020 to 12 June 2020 were asked to participate in a telephone survey using a standardized Institutional Review Board-approved script. An unsuccessful telemedicine visit was defined as patient-reported difficulty of use or reported dissatisfaction with teleconferencing. Patient barriers were defined as explicitly reported barriers of unsatisfactory visit using a process-based satisfaction metric. Statistical analyses were conducted using analysis of variances (ANOVAs), ranked ANOVAs, post-hoc pairwise testing, and chi-squared independent analysis with 95% confidence interval.Aims
Methods
The opposable thumb is one of the defining characteristics of human anatomy and is involved in most activities of daily life. Lack of optimal thumb motion results in pain, weakness, and decrease in quality of life. First carpometacarpal (CMC1) osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common sites of OA. Current clinical diagnosis and monitoring of CMC1 OA disease are primarily aided by X-ray radiography; however, many studies have reported discrepancies between radiographic evidence of CMC1 OA and patient-related outcomes of pain and disability. Radiographs lack soft-tissue contrast and are insufficient for the detection of early characteristics of OA such as synovitis, which play a key role in CMC OA disease progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) are alternative options that are excellent for imaging soft tissue pathology. However, MRI has high operating costs and long wait-times, while 2D-US is highly operator dependent and provides 2D images of 3D anatomical structures. Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging may be an option to address the clinical need for a rapid and safe point of care imaging device. The purpose of this research project is to validate the use of mechanically translated 3D-US in CMC OA patients to assess the measurement capabilities of the device in a clinically diverse population in comparison to MRI. Four CMC1-OA patients were scanned using the 3D-US device, which was attached to a Canon Aplio i700 US machine with a 14L5 linear transducer with a 10MHz operating frequency and 58mm. Complimentary MR images were acquired using a 3.0 T MRI system and LT 3D coronal photon dense cube fat suppression sequence was used. The volume of the synovium was segmented from both 3D-US and MR images by two raters and the measured volumes were compared to find volume percent differences. Paired sample
This study aimed to examine the effect of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) on the ankle and subtalar joints via analysis of static radiographic alignment. We hypothesised that surgical alteration of the alignment of the proximal tibia would result in compensatory distal changes. 35 patients recruited as part of the wider Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre Versus Arthritis HTO study between 2011 and 2018 had pre- and postoperative full-length weightbearing radiographs taken of their lower limbs. In addition to standard alignment measures of the limb and knee (mechanical tibiofemoral angle, Mikulicz point, medial proximal tibial angle), additional measures were taken of the ankle/subtalar joints (lateral distal tibial angle, ground-talus angle, joint line convergence angle of the ankle) as well as a novel measure of stance width. Results were compared using a paired
Introduction. Genu valgum is a common presentation in paediatric patients with congenital limb deformities. The aim of this study is to assess the outcome of guided growth surgery in paediatric patients referred via our physiotherapy pathway with isolated genu valgum and associated patellar instability. Materials & Methods. Patients were identified from our prospective patellar instability database. Inclusion criteria was acquired or congenital genu valgum associated with patellar instability in skeletally immature patients. The mechanical lateral-distal femoral angle was assessed on long leg alignment radiographs (mLDFA <85 degrees). Surgical treatment was the placement of a guided growth plate (PediPlate, OrthoPediatrics, USA) on the medial distal femoral physis (hemi-epiphysiodesis). KOOS-child scores were collected pre-operatively and post-operatively (minimum at 6 months). Results. Eleven patients (seven female) with mean age of 12(range 5–15) were identified. Five patients had congenital talipes equinovarus(CTEV), one fibular hemimelia, one di-George syndrome, one septic growth arrest and three had idiopathic genu valgum. Pre- and post-operative KOOS-child scores showed overall improvement: 58(range 36–68) to 88(65–99) and knee symptoms subscores: 64(43–71) to 96(68–100) p<0.01,
Introduction. Knee dislocations, vascular injuries and floating knee injuries can be initially managed by a external fixator. Fixator design constructs include the AO pattern and the Diamond pattern. However, these traditional constructs do not adhere to basic principles of external fixation. The Manchester pattern knee-spanning external fixator is a new construct pattern, which uses beam loading and multiplanar fixation. There is no data on any construct pattern. This study compares the stability of these designs. Materials & Methods. Hoffman III (Stryker, USA) external fixation constructs were applied to articulated models of the lower limb, spanning the knee with a diamond pattern and a Manchester pattern. The stiffness was loaded both statically and cyclically with a Bose 3510 Electroforce mechanical testing jig (TA Instruments). A ramp to load test was performed initially and cyclical loading for measurement of stiffness over the test period. The results were analysed with a paired
Abstract. Background. Aim of this study is to determine the difference between re-operation rates after conventional Methods of fixation of patella fractures using Metallic implants and novel technique of all suture fixation using Ethibond or fiber tape. Methods. This is a retrospective comparative analysis involving 62 patients who had a transverse patellar fracture and underwent surgery between January 2013 to December 2021. Selected patients were divided, based on different fixation methods used, into four groups - TBW group, CC screw group, Encirclage group and Suture Fixation Group. Patients were followed till bone union was evident on radiographs. Number of patients in Metallic implant group undergoing repeat operation were compared with the patients who underwent patella fracture fixation using all suture technique. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for all continuous variables. Mean of the two groups was compared using unpaired
Malalignment is a common complication following tibial surgery, occurring in 10% of fractures. This is associated with prolonged healing time and non-union. It occurs due to inability to maintain a satisfactory reduction. A reduction device, such as the Staffordshire Orthopaedic Reduction Machine (STORM), permits the surgeon to manipulate the fracture and hold it reduced. A retrospective parallel case series was undertaken of all patients undergoing tibial nails over a six-year period from 2014 to 2021. Patient demographics were obtained from medical records. Operative times obtained from the theatre IT system and included the time patient entered theatre and surgical start and finish times for each case. Anteroposterior and lateral long leg post-operative radiographs were reviewed. Angulation was measured in both coronal and sagittal planes, by two separate orthopaedic surgeons. A reduction was classified to be ‘mal-aligned’ if the angle measured was greater than 5 degrees. One tailed unpaired
SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 causing pneumonia and resulting in a pandemic, commonly known as COVID-19. This pandemic led to significant changes to our daily lives due to restrictions, such as social distancing, quarantining, stay at home orders and closure of restaurants and shops among other things. The psychological effects of this uncertainty as well as of these changes to our lives have been shown to be significant. This study is a prospective study investigating the mental effects of the pandemic on hand and wrist patients seen in our clinic during this pandemic. A prospective database on wrist pain was used to identify patients seen in our hand clinic from January 1, 2018 to December 10, 2021. All participants had been diagnosed with either radial sided wrist pain or ulnar side wrist pain. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale was used to assess the mental health of our participants before and during this pandemic. An independent samples
Intimate partner violence (IPV) causes significant morbidity and its unlikely to be reported compared to other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). For early detection, understanding Orthopaedic injuries from GBV is vital. This study assesses the pattern of musculoskeletal injuries from GBV and determines the factors associated with it. It is a retrospective observational study of patients aged ≥18 years, with GBV-related acute Orthopaedic injuries. Data was reviewed from January 2021 to December 2021, including, demographic information, soft tissue and bony injuries, relationship to assailant, substance abuse and the day and time of injury. Frequencies and percentages for categorical data were analysed. Chi-square test was used to calculate association.
Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis is gradually becoming attractive, as it requires a single anesthesia and hospitalization. However, there are concerns about the potential complications following this surgical option. The purpose of this study is to compare the short-term major and minor complications and assess the readmission rate, between patients treated with same-day bilateral THA and those with staged procedures within a year. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis that underwent simultaneous or staged (within a year) bilateral total THA in our institution, between 2016-2020. Preoperative patient variables between the two groups were compared using the 2-sample
Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis is a common entity and increasing in prevalence. Limited evidence is available regarding patient reported outcomes comparing primary vs revision surgery for those undergoing lumbar decompression, with or without fusion. Evidence available suggest a lower rate of improvement in the revision group. The aim of this study was to assess patient reported outcomes in patients undergoing revision decompression, with or without fusion, when compared to primary surgery. Patient data was collected from the Canadian Spine Outcomes Research Network (CSORN) database. Patients undergoing lumbar decompression without or without fusion were included. Patients under 18, undergoing discectomy, greater than two level decompressions, concomitant cervical or thoracic spine surgery were excluded. Demographic data, smoking status, narcotic use, number of comorbidities as well as individual comorbidities were included in our propensity scores. Patients undergoing primary vs revision decompression were matched in a four:one ratio according to their scores, whilst a separate matched cohort was created for those undergoing primary vs revision decompression and fusion. Continuous data was compared using a two-tailed
This study aims to 1) determine reported cannabis use among patients waiting for thoracolumbar surgery and to 2) identify demographics and health differences between cannabis-users and non-cannabis users. This observational cohort study is a retrospective national multicenter review data from the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network registry. Patients were dichotomized as cannabis users and non-cannabis users. Variables of interest: age, sex, BMI, smoking status, education, work status, exercise, modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), the Numerical Rating Scales (NRS) for leg and back pain, tingling/numbness scale, SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire - Mental Health Component (MCS), use of prescription cannabis, recreational cannabis, and narcotic pain medication. Continuous variables were compared using an independent
This study aims to 1) determine reported cannabis use among patients waiting for thoracolumbar surgery and to 2) identify demographics and health differences between cannabis-users and non-cannabis users. This observational cohort study is a retrospective national multicenter review data from the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network registry. Patients were dichotomized as cannabis users and non-cannabis users. Variables of interest: age, sex, BMI, smoking status, education, work status, exercise, modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), the Numerical Rating Scales (NRS) for leg and back pain, tingling/numbness scale, SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire - Mental Health Component (MCS), use of prescription cannabis, recreational cannabis, and narcotic pain medication. Continuous variables were compared using an independent
It has been reported that 60-85% of patients who undergo PAO have concomitant intraarticular pathology that cannot be addressed with PAO alone. Currently, there are limited diagnostic tools to determine which patients would benefit from hip arthroscopy at the time of PAO to address intra-articular pathology. This study aims to see if preoperative PROMs scores measured by IHOT-33 scores have predictive value in whether intra-articular pathology is addressed during PAO + scope. The secondary aim is to see how often surgeons at high-volume hip preservation centers address intra-articular pathology if a scope is performed during the same anesthesia event. A randomized, prospective Multicenter trial was performed on patients who underwent PAO and hip arthroscopy to treat hip dysplasia from 2019 to 2020. Preoperative PROMs and intraoperative findings and procedures were recorded and analyzed. A total of 75 patients, 84% Female, and 16% male, with an average age of 27 years old, were included in the study. Patients were randomized to have PAO alone 34 patients vs. PAO + arthroscopy 41 patients during the same anesthesia event. The procedures performed, including types of labral procedures and chondroplasty procedures, were recorded. Additionally, a two-sided student
Prior to the introduction of steroid management in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the prevalence of scoliosis approached 100%, concomitant with progressive decreases in pulmonary function. As such, early scoliosis correction (at 20-25°) was advocated, prior to substantial pulmonary function decline. With improved pulmonary function and delayed curve progression with steroid treatment, the role of early surgery has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to compare the post-operative outcomes of early versus late scoliosis correction in DMD. We hypothesize that performing later surgery with larger curves would not lead to worse post-operative complications. Retrospective cohort study. Patients with DMD who underwent posterior scoliosis correction, had pre-operative pulmonary function testing, and at least 1-year post-operative follow-up, were included; divided into 2 Groups by pre-operative curve angle – 1: ≤45°, 2: >45°. Primary outcome was post-operative complications by Clavien-Dindo (CD) grading. Secondary outcomes included: age at surgery, forced vital capacity (FVC), steroid utilization, fractional shortening (FS) by echocardiogram, surgery duration, blood transfusion requirements, ICU length of stay (LOS), days intubated post-operatively, hospital LOS, infection, curve correction. Two-tailed
There is limited literature on the effects of socioeconomic factors on outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). In the setting of hip or knee arthroplasty, patients of a lower socioeconomic status demonstrate poorer post-operative satisfaction, longer lengths of stay, and larger functional limitations. It is important to ascertain whether this phenomenon is present in ankle arthritis patients. This is the first study to address the weight of potential socioeconomic factors in affecting various socioeconomic classes, in terms of how they benefit from ankle arthroplasty. This is retrospective cohort study of 447 patients who underwent a TAA. Primary outcomes included pre-operative and final follow-up AAOS pain, AAOS disability, and SF-36 scores. We then used postal codes to determine median household income using Canadian 2015 census data. Incomes were divided into five groups based on equal amounts over the range of incomes. This method has been used to study medical conditions such as COPD and cardiac disease. These income groups were then compared for differences in outcome measures. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired