Aims. The aim of this study was to report health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and joint-specific function in patients waiting for total hip or knee arthroplasty surgery (THA or TKA) in Northern Ireland, compared to published literature and a matched normal population. Secondary aims were to report emergency department (ED) and out-of-hours general practitioner (OOH GP) visits, new prescriptions of strong opioids, and new prescriptions of antidepressants while waiting. Methods. This was a cohort study of 991 patients on the waiting list for arthroplasty in a single Northern Ireland NHS trust: 497 on the waiting list for ≤ three months; and 494 waiting ≥ three years. Postal surveys included the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), visual analogue scores (EQ-VAS), and Oxford Hip and Knee scores to assess HRQoL and joint-specific function. Electronic records determined prescriptions since addition to the waiting list and patient attendances at OOH GP/EDs. Results. Overall, 712/991 (71.8%) responded at ≤ three months for THA (n = 164) and TKA (n = 199), and ≥ three years for THA (n = 88) and TKA (n = 261). The median EQ-5D-5L score in those waiting ≤ three months was 0.155 (interquartile range (IQR) -0.118 to 0.375) and 0.189 (IQR -0.130 to 0.377) for ≥ three years. Matched controls had a median EQ-5D-5L 0.837 (IQR 0.728 to 1.000). Compared to matched controls, EQ-5D-5L scores were significantly lower in both waiting cohorts (p < 0.001) with significant differences found in every domain. Negative scores, indicating a state “worse than death”, were present in 40% at ≤ three months and 38% at ≥ three years. Patients waiting ≥ three years had significantly more opioid (28.4% vs 15.2%; p < 0.001) and antidepressant prescriptions (15.2% vs 9.9%; p = 0.034) and significantly more joint-related attendances at unscheduled care (11.7% vs 0% with ≥ one ED attendance (p < 0.001) and (25.5% vs 2.5% ≥ one OOH GP attendance (p < 0.001)). Conclusion. Patients on waiting lists in Northern Ireland are severely disabled with the worst HRQoL and functional scores studied. The lack of deterioration in EQ-5D-5L and joint-specific scores between patients waiting ≤ three months and ≥ three years likely reflects floor effects of these scores. Prolonged waits were associated with increased dependence on strong opiates, depression, and attendances at unscheduled care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):783–794

Aims. Deprivation underpins many societal and health inequalities. COVID-19 has exacerbated these disparities, with access to planned care falling greatest in the most deprived areas of the UK during 2020. This study aimed to identify the impact of deprivation on patients on growing waiting lists for planned care. Methods. Questionnaires were sent to orthopaedic waiting list patients at the start of the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown to capture key quantitative and qualitative aspects of patients’ health. A total of 888 respondents were divided into quintiles, with sampling stratified based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD); level 1 represented the ‘most deprived’ cohort and level 5 the ‘least deprived’. Results. The least deprived cohort were older (mean 65.95 years (SD 13.33)) than the most deprived (mean 59.48 years (SD 13.85)). Mean symptom duration was lower in the least deprived areas (68.59 months (SD 112.26)) compared to the most deprived (85.85 months (SD 122.50)). Mean pain visual analogue scores (VAS) were poorer in the most compared to the least deprived cohort (7.11 (SD 2.01) vs 5.99 (SD 2.57)), with mean mood scores also poorer (6.06 (SD 2.65) vs 4.71 (SD 2.78)). The most deprived areas exhibited lower mean quality of life (QoL) scores than the least (0.37 (SD 0.30) vs 0.53 (SD 0.31)). QoL findings correlated with health VAS and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD2) scores, with the most deprived areas experiencing poorer health (health VAS 50.82 (SD 26.42) vs 57.29 (SD 24.19); GAD2: 2.94 (SD 2.35) vs 1.88 (SD 2.07)). Least-deprived patients had the highest self-reported activity levels and lowest sedentary cohort, with the converse true for patients from the most deprived areas. Conclusion. The most deprived patients experience poorer physical and mental health, with this most adversely impacted by lengthy waiting list delays. Interventions to address inequalities should focus on prioritizing the most deprived. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):777–785

Introduction

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and psychological aspects of spinal conditions play an important role in its management. Disability benefit in the social welfare system is being closely scrutinized. The PHQ9 and GAD7 are used widely in general practice to aid assessment of depression and anxiety/somatization. To date, their use in the spinal surgery out patient setting has not been assessed.

Aims. The aims of this study were to validate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds for Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Rowe score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores following arthroscopic Bankart repair, and to identify preoperative threshold values of these scores that could predict the achievement of MCID and PASS. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted on 131 consecutive patients with anterior shoulder instability who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair between January 2020 and January 2023. Inclusion criteria required at least one episode of shoulder instability and a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Preoperative and one-year postoperative scores were assessed. MCID and PASS were estimated using distribution-based and anchor-based methods, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined preoperative patient-reported outcome measure thresholds predictive of achieving MCID and PASS. Results. MCID thresholds were determined as 169.6, 6.8, 7.2, and 1.1 for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS, respectively. PASS thresholds were calculated as ≤ 480, ≥ 80, ≥ 87, and ≤ 1 for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS, respectively. Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 760 (WOSI) and ≤ 50 (Rowe) predicted achieving MCID for WOSI score (p < 0.001). Preoperative thresholds of ≤ 60 (ASES) and ≥ 2 (VAS) predicted achieving MCID for VAS score (p < 0.001). A preoperative threshold of ≥ 40 (Rowe) predicted achieving PASS for Rowe score (p = 0.005). Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 50 (ASES; p = 0.002) and ≤ 2 (VAS; p < 0.001) predicted achieving PASS for the ASES score. Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 43 (ASES; p = 0.046) and ≤ 4 (VAS; p = 0.024) predicted achieving PASS for the VAS. Conclusion. This study defined MCID and PASS values for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS scores in patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair. Higher preoperative functional scores may reduce the likelihood of achieving MCID but increase the likelihood of achieving the PASS. These findings provide valuable guidance for surgeons to counsel patients realistically regarding their expectations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1118–1124

Abstract. Introduction. Patients presenting with loosening or a fracture between ipsilateral hip and knee replacements provide a unique reconstructive challenge. We present mid-term results of the cement-over megaprosthesis (COM) when managing these complex cases. A COM is cement-linked to the stem of a well-fixed existing implant. We report the largest series to date and show that this may be preferable to total femoral replacement in a cohort of patients who often have significant co-morbidities. Methodology. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing COM between 2002–2022 was performed. Primary outcomes were defined as implant survival, displayed with survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included mortality and surgical complications. Functional outcomes included Visual Analogue Score (VAS), EuroQol-5D-3L and Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score at one year post operatively. Results. 34 patients underwent reconstructive cement-over technique. There were 20 custom distal femur replacements and 10 custom proximal femoral replacements. Two patients were revised, with a ten year implant survival of 94%. Fifteen patients died during the study period with an mean time to death of 66 months (25–109). The mean follow up was 75 months. 11 patients (32%) developed surgical complications. Mean VAS score was 4.9 (1–10), EuroQol-5D-3L index 0.45 (−0.59 – 0.88) and MSTS score was 16.8 (2–27) in 29 patients. Conclusion. The COM technique provides good implant survivorship in complex cases with compromised bone stock and this series confirms this as an established alternative to total femoral replacement in these cases

Aims. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process involving multiple cytokine pathways, leading to articular cartilage degeneration. Intra-articular therapies using pharmaceutical or autologous anti-inflammatory factors offer potential non-surgical treatment options. Autologous protein solution (APS) is one such product that uses the patient’s blood to produce a concentrate of cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study evaluated the effect of a specific APS intra-articular injection (nSTRIDE) on patient-reported outcome measures compared to saline in moderate knee OA. Methods. A parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial was conducted, where patients with unilateral moderate knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3) received either nSTRIDE or saline (placebo) injection to their symptomatic knee. The primary outcome was the difference in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total score at 12 months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included WOMAC component scores, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at all follow-up timepoints (three, six, and 12 months). Results. A total of 40 patients were analyzed (21 nSTRIDE; 19 saline) in the study. No significant difference was found between nSTRIDE and saline groups for WOMAC total score at 12 months (mean difference -10.4 (95% CI -24.4 to 3.6; p = 0.141). There were no significant differences in WOMAC or KOOS scores across all timepoints. VAS scores favoured the saline group for both rest and worst pain scales at 12 months post-injection (mean difference (worst) 12 months 21.5 (95% CI 6.2 to 36.8; p = 0.008); mean difference (rest) 12 months 17.8 (95% CI 2.2 to 33.4; p = 0.026)). There were no adverse events recorded in either study group. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates no significant differences between nSTRIDE and saline groups in KOOS and WOMAC scores over time. Notably, APS injection resulted in significantly worse pain symptoms at 12 months compared to saline injection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):907–915

Abstract. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of phonophoresis (PH) and conventional therapeutic ultrasound (US) on the functional and pain outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods. We conducted an electronic search through PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases. We screened the retrieved articles to include only English full-text randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of phonophoresis versus conventional therapeutic ultrasound on patients with knee osteoarthritis. Two reviewers screened, extracted the data, and independently assessed the quality of the included articles. Results. A total of five randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria out of 267 studies screened. Our results showed no statistically significant differences between the PH and US groups (1), (2), (3),(4), and (5). The PH group demonstrated more significant effects than the UT group in reducing VAS pain scores (P=0.009) and improving WOMAC scores, although this did not reach the level of significance (P=0.143) (5). In the long term, PH therapy was found to be superior to US in improving painless walking duration and distance VAS scores (p=0.034, 0.017) respectively, as well as walking and resting walking VAS scores (p=0.03, 0.007) respectively, which were found to be permanent (3). Conclusions. Both therapies improve pain and function. However, we suggest conducting more high-quality trials with larger sample sizes and do not recommend the use of these therapies in clinical practice due to limitations in gender selection and high risk of bias. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is an effective treatment for large Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OLT), however little is reported on an athletic population, who are likely to place higher demands on the reconstruction. The aim is to report the outcomes of large OLT (>150mm. 2. ) within an athletic population. The study population was limited to professional or amateur athletes (Tegner score >6) with an OLT of size 150mm. 2. or greater. The surgical intervention was AOT with a donor site from the lateral femoral condyle. Clinical outcomes at a minimum of 24 months included Return to Sport, VAS and FAOS Scores. In addition, graft incorporation was evaluated by MRI using MOCART scores at 12 months post-surgery. 38 athletes including 11 professional athletes were assessed. Mean follow-up was 46 months. Mean lesion size was 249mm. 2. 33 patients returned to sport at their previous level and one did not return to sport (mean return to play 8.2 months). Visual analogue scores improved from 4.53 pre-operatively to 0.63 post-operatively (p=0.002). FAOS Scores improved significantly in all domains (p< 0.001). Two patients developed knee donor site pain, and both had three osteochondral plugs harvested. Univariant analysis demonstrated no association between pre-operative patient or lesion characteristics and ability to return to sport. However, there was a strong correlation between MOCART scores and ability to return to sport (AUC=0.89). Our study suggests that AOT is a viable option in the management of large osteochondral talar defects in an athletic population, with favourable return to sport levels, patient satisfaction, and FAOS/VAS scores. The ability to return to sport is predicated upon good graft incorporation and further research is required to optimise this technique. Our data also suggests that patients should be aware of the increased risk of developing knee donor site pain when three osteochondral plugs are harvested

Abstract. Aim. To study and compare the rise of Inflammatory markers post TKR operated by Medial parapatellar approach with tourniquet (MP) and by Subvastus approach used without tourniquet. (SV). Materials and Methods. 100 patients were operated for a TKR by two experienced Arthroplasty surgeons utilising either the MP approach or the SV approach. (50 knees each). The groups were well matched as regards age, degree of deformity, obesity, pre-op knee scores and co-morbidities. The patients were managed peri-operatively in an identical manner .5 inflammatory markers viz: IL-6, AST, LDH, CRP and ESR were measured pre-operatively and at 12, 24,48 and 72 hours postoperatively. Additionally, the patients' VAS score at these intervals and Morbidity Index was determined. Results. All the 5 inflammatory markers increased post surgery in both groups. However, the rise of 4 out of the 5 inflammatory markers i(IL-6, AST, CRP, ESR) in the MP group was statistically significantly higher than in the SV group. The LDH values were similar in the two groups. The VAS scores were better in the SV group and the Morbidity Index showed a higher degree of morbidity in the MP group. Discussion. Surgical technique and approach can influence the rise of Inflammatory markers post TKR. Conclusion. The Subvastus tourniquetless approach reliably produces a lesser degree of rise in inflammatory markers post TKR than the medial parapatellar approach used with tourniquet. The subvastus approach should be utilised more to improve the immediate post-operative results following a TKR

Abstract. Background. We know that tears of the Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can cause DRUJ instability and ulnar sided wrist pain. This study shows the clinical result of patients who had arthroscopic transosseous repair of the TFCC tear with DRUJ instability. Arthroscopic repair of TFCC tear is a promising, minimally invasive surgical technique especially in patients with DRUJ instability. Materials and methods. Fifteen patients who underwent TFCC one tunnel repair form 2018–2021 were reviewed retrospectively in hospital. The proximal component of TFCC was repaired through arthroscopic one- tunnel transosseous suture technique. VAS score for pain, wrist range of motion, grip strength and post operative complications were evaluated and each patient was rated according to the DASH score. Results. The patients had a TFCC tear confirmed on MRI and was confirmed on arthroscopy by doing a hook test. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Twelve patients had normal stability of DRUJ and three patients showed mild laxity compared with the contralateral side. The mean VAS score reduced from 4.7 to 0.8 (P=0.001) and grip strength increased significantly. The quick DASH score (P=0.001)also showed significant functional improvement. No surgical related complications occurred. Conclusions. Arthroscopic one tunnel transosseous TFCC foveal repair can be an excellent and safe method for repair of TFCC tear with DRUJ instability. Its a good treatment option in terms of reliable pain relief, functional improvement and reestablishment of DRUJ stability

Abstract. Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of LIA compared to ACB in providing pain relief and reducing opiates usage in hamstring graft ACL reconstructions. Materials and Methods. In a consecutive series of hamstring graft ACL reconstructions, patients received three different regional and/or anaesthetic techniques for pain relief. Three groups were studied: group 1: general anaesthetic (GA)+ ACB (n=38); group 2: GA + ACB + LIA (n=31) and group 3: GA+LIA (n=36). ACB was given under ultrasound guidance. LIA involved infiltration at skin incision site, capsule, periosteum and in the hamstring harvest tunnel. Analgesic medications were similar between the three groups as per standard multimodal analgesia (MMA). Patients were similar in demographics distribution and surgical technique. The postoperative pain and total morphine requirements were evaluated and recorded. The postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scores (VAS) at 0hrs, 2hrs, 4hrs, weight bearing (WB) and discharge (DC). Results. There was no statistically significant difference in opiates intake amongst the three groups. When comparing VAS scores; there were no statistical difference between the groups at any of the time intervals that VAS was measured. However, the GA+LIA group hospital's LOS (m=2.31hrs, SD=0.75) was almost half that of GA+ACB group (m=4.24hrs, SD=1.08); (conditions t(72)=8.88; p=0.000). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse effects amongst the groups. Conclusion. The LIA technique provided equally good pain relief following hamstring graft ACL reconstructions when compared to ACB, while allowing for earlier rehabilitation, mobilisation and discharge

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

Hallux valgus surgery can result in moderate to severe post-operative pain requiring the use of narcotic medication. The percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy is a minimally invasive approach which offers many advantages including minimal scarring, immediate weight bearing and decreased post-operative pain. The goal of this study is to determine whether the use of narcotics can be eliminated using an approach combining multimodal analgesia, ankle block anesthesia and a minimally invasive surgical approach. Following ethics board approval, a total of 160 ambulatory patients between the ages of 18-70 with BMI ≤ 40 undergoing percutaneous hallux valgus surgery are to be recruited and randomized into Narcotic-free (NF) or Standard (S) groups. To date, 72 patients have been recruited (38 NF and 34 S). The NF group received acetaminophen, naproxen, pregabalin 75mg and 100mg Ralivia (tramadol extended release) before surgery and acetaminophen, naproxen, pregabalin 150mg one dose and Ralivia 100mg BID for five days, as well as a rescue narcotic (hydromorphone, 1mg pills) after surgery. The S group received acetaminophen and naproxen prior to surgery and acetaminophen, naproxen and hydromorphone (1mg pills) post-operatively, our current standard. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used to assess pain and narcotic consumption was recorded at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 hours and seven days post-operatively. Patients wore a smart watch to record the number of daily steps and sleep hours. A two-sided t-test was used to compare the VAS scores and narcotic consumption. During the first post-operative week, the NF group consumed in total an average of 6.5 pills while the S group consumed in total an average of 16 pills and this difference was statistically significant (p-value=0.001). Importantly, 19 patients (50%) in the NF group and four patients (12%) in the S group did not consume any narcotics post-operatively. For the VAS scores at 24, 48, 72 hours and seven days the NF group's average scores were 2.17, 3.17, 2.92, 2.06 respectively and the S group's average scores were 3.97, 4.2, 3.23, 1.97. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups at 24 and 48hours (the NF group scored lower on the VAS) with a p-value of 0.0008 and 0.04 respectively, but this difference is not considered clinically significant as the minimal clinically important difference reported in the literature is a two-point differential. The NF group walked an average of 1985.75 steps/day and slept an average of 8h01 minute/night, while the S group walked an average of 1898.26 steps/day and slept an average of 8h26 minutes/night in the first post-operative week. Hallux valgus remains a common orthopedic foot problem for which surgical treatment results in moderate to severe post-operative pain. This study demonstrates that with the use of multimodal analgesia, ultrasound guided ankle blocks and a percutaneous surgical technique, narcotic requirements decreased post-operatively. The use of long-acting tramadol further decreased the need for narcotic consumption. Despite decreased use of narcotics, this combined novel approach to hallux valgus surgery allows for early mobilization and excellent pain control

Abstract. Purpose. This study aims to compare the clinical and functional outcomes and donor site morbidity of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and peroneus longus tendon autograft in patients with complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Methods. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction from February 2018 to July 2019 were randomly allocated into two groups (hamstring and peroneus longus). Functional scores (IKDC and Lysholm scores) and pain intensity by visual analogue score were recorded preoperatively, 3, 6months, 1, and 2 years postoperatively. Donor site morbidities were assessed with thigh circumference measurements in hamstring group and ankle scoring with the American foot and ankle score in peroneus longus group. Results. Sixty patients (hamstring n = 30, peroneus n = 30) met the inclusion criteria. The functional scores (IKDC and Lysholm) did not show statistical difference among the two groups at two years follow-up (P- value>0.05). The means values for visual analogue score after two years in the hamstring and Peroneus longus group was 1±0.74 and 1.03± 1.06, respectively. In peroneus longus group, the mean foot and ankle score was 98.63±3.88 (range= 85–100). A significant difference was found in the hamstring group between operated and non-operated thigh circumferences with p- value <0.001. Conclusions. Peroneus longus tendon autograft is an easily accessible tendon for ACL reconstruction and gives comparable functional outcomes as hamstring tendon with no additional donor site morbidity in our study

Aims. Although periarticular injection plays an important role in multimodal pain management following total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is no consensus on the optimal composition of the injection. In particular, it is not clear whether the addition of a corticosteroid improves the pain relief achieved nor whether it is associated with more complications than are observed without corticosteroid. The aim of this study was to quantify the safety and effectiveness of cortocosteroid use in periarticular injection during THA. Methods. We conducted a prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involving patients scheduled for unilateral THA. A total of 187 patients were randomly assigned to receive periarticular injection containing either a corticosteroid (CS group) or without corticosteroid (no-CS group). Other perioperative interventions were identical for all patients. The primary outcome was postoperative pain at rest during the initial 24 hours after surgery. Pain score was recorded every three hours until 24 hours using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The primary outcome was assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC). Results. The CS group had a significantly lower AUC postoperatively at 0 to 24 hours compared to the no-CS group (AUC of VAS score at rest 550 ± 362 vs 392 ± 320, respectively; mean difference 158 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 58 to 257; p = 0.0021). In point-by-point evaluation, the CS group had significantly lower VAS scores at 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 48 hours. There were no significant differences in complication rates, including surgical site infection, between the two groups. Conclusion. The addition of corticosteroid to periarticular injections reduces postoperative pain without increasing complication rate following THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1297–1302

Introduction. Circular frames in the lower limbs have been removed by Specialist nurses in our clinics for the past 20 years using Entonox. This standard of care has helped reduce the burden of health care cost by avoiding removal of frames in theatres. We have recently started using Penthrox and present our encouraging initial data suggestive of superior efficacy when compared to Entonox. Materials and Methods. We included in this study the last ten patients on whom Entonox was used during frame removal and the first ten patients on whom Penthrox was used. Visual analogue pain scale was used to quantify pain at the beginning, middle and at the end of frame removal in both groups. The data was found to be normally distributed and Unpaired T test was used to analyse it. Confidence interval of 95% and p-value 0.05 deemed significant. Results. At the beginning of frame removal the Entonox group had a mean VAS score of 5.3 and Penthrox group had 3 (p-value 0.1194). During the middle of frame removal the Entonox group had a mean VAS score of 7.3 and Penthrox group had 4.5 (p-value 0.0379, statistically significant). At the end of frame removal the Entonox group had a mean VAS score of 4.2 and Penthrox group had 2.3 (p-value 0.1734). Penthrox group showed a statistically significant improvement in the mean VAS pain score when assessed in the middle of frame removal. The mean VAS score of both groups were not statistically significant at the beginning and end of frame removal. Conclusions. We found Penthrox to offer better pain relief when compared to Entonox during circular frame removal. This will encourage more patients to choose the option of frame removal in the clinic thereby reducing health care cost to the NHS. This pilot study will be followed by a multicentre comparative study where Entonox is in use in comparison to patients at Salford where the practice has shifted to Penthrox

Abstract. Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of LIA compared to ACB in providing pain relief and reducing opiates usage in hamstring graft ACL reconstructions. Materials and Methods. In a consecutive series of hamstring graft ACL reconstructions, patients received three different regional and/or anaesthetic techniques for pain relief. Three groups were studied: group 1: general anaesthetic (GA)+ ACB (n=38); group 2: GA + ACB + LIA (n=31) and group 3: GA+LIA (n=36). ACB was given under ultrasound guidance. LIA involved infiltration at skin incision site, capsule, periosteum and in the hamstring harvest tunnel. Analgesic medications were similar between the three groups as per standard multimodal analgesia (MMA). Patients were similar in demographics distribution and surgical technique. The postoperative pain and total morphine requirements were evaluated and recorded. The postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scores (VAS) at 0hrs, 2hrs, 4hrs, weight bearing (WB) and discharge (DC). Results. There was no statistically significant difference in opiates intake amongst the three groups. When comparing VAS scores; there were no statistical difference between the groups at any of the time intervals that VAS was measured. However, the GA+LIA group hospital's LOS (m=2.31hrs, SD=0.75) was almost half that of GA+ACB group (m=4.24hrs, SD=1.08); (conditions t(72)=8.88; p=0.000). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse effects amongst the groups. Conclusion. The LIA technique provided equally good pain relief following hamstring graft ACL reconstructions when compared to ACB, while allowing for earlier rehabilitation, mobilisation and discharge

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of patients who were revised using a custom-made triflange acetabular component (CTAC) for component loosening and pelvic discontinuity (PD) after previous total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. Data were extracted from a single centre prospective database of patients with PD who were treated with a CTAC. Patients were included if they had a follow-up of two years. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), modified Oxford Hip Score (mOHS), EurQol EuroQoL five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) utility, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), including visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, were gathered at baseline, and at one- and two-year follow-up. Reasons for revision, and radiological and clinical complications were registered. Trends over time are described and tested for significance and clinical relevance. Results. A total of 18 females with 22 CTACs who had a mean age of 73.5 years (SD 7.7) were included. A significant improvement was found in HOOS (p < 0.0001), mOHS (p < 0.0001), EQ-5D-3L utility (p = 0.003), EQ-5D-3L NRS (p = 0.013), VAS pain rest (p = 0.008), and VAS pain activity (p < 0.0001) between baseline and final follow-up. Minimal clinically important improvement in mOHS and the HOOS Physical Function Short Form (HOOS-PS) was observed in 16 patients (73%) and 14 patients (64%), respectively. Definite healing of the PD was observed in 19 hips (86%). Complications included six cases with broken screws (27%), four cases (18%) with bony fractures, and one case (4.5%) with sciatic nerve paresthesia. One patient with concurrent bilateral PD had revision surgery due to recurrent dislocations. No revision surgery was performed for screw failure or implant breakage. Conclusion. CTAC in patients with THA acetabular loosening and PD can result in stable constructs and significant improvement in functioning and health-related quality of life at two years' follow-up. Further follow-up is necessary to determine the mid- to long-term outcome. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(2):53–61

Aims. To provide normative data that can assess spinal-related disability and the prevalence of back or leg pain among adults with no spinal conditions in the UK using validated questionnaires. Methods. A total of 1,000 participants with equal sex distribution were included and categorized in five age groups: 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 to 69 years. Individuals with spinal pathologies were excluded. Participants completed the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22r), visual analogue scale (VAS) for back/leg pain, and the EuroQol five-dimension index (EQ-5D/VAS) questionnaires, and disclosed their age, sex, and occupation. They were also categorized in five professional groups: doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, office workers, and manual workers. Results. The mean age of all participants was 43.8 years (20 to 69). There was no difference in the SRS-22r, EQ-5D, or VAS scores among male and female participants (p > 0.05). There was incremental decrease in SRS-22r total scores as the age increased. The mean EQ-5D index score (0.84) ranged little across the age groups (0.72 to 0.91) but reduced gradually with increasing age. There was difference between the SRS-22r total score (4.51), the individual domain scores, and the EQ-5D score (index: 0.94 and VAS: 89) for the doctors’ group compared to all other occupational categories (p < 0.001). Doctors had a younger mean age of participants, which may explain their improved spinal health. There was no difference in the total or sub-domain SRS-22r and EQ-5D scores between the other four occupational groups. Conclusion. This study provides the first normative data for the SRS-22r, EQ-5D, and VAS for back/leg pain questionnaires among adults in the UK. We recorded an excellent correlation between the three assessment tools with individuals who reported less back and leg pain having better quality of life and greater function. The participants’ age, rather than their sex or profession, appears to be the major determinant for spinal health and quality of life. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):130–134

Aims. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical relevance of increased facet joint distraction as a result of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for trauma. Patients and Methods. A total of 155 patients (130 men, 25 women. Mean age 42.7 years; 16 to 87) who had undergone ACDF between 1 January 2001 and 1 January 2016 were included in the study. Outcome measures included the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Lateral cervical spine radiographs taken in the immediate postoperative period were reviewed to compare the interfacet distance of the operated segment with those of the facet joints above and below. Results. There was a statistically significant relationship between greater facet distraction and increased NDI and VAS pain scores. This was further confirmed by Spearman correlation, which showed evidence of a moderate correlation between both NDI score and facet joint distraction (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.34; p < 0.001) and VAS score and facet distraction (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.52; p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a discernible transition point between outcome scores. Significantly worse outcomes, in terms of both NDI scores (17.8 vs 8.2; p < 0.001) and VAS scores (4.5 vs 1.3; p < 0.001), were seen with facet distraction of 3 mm or more. Patients who went on to have a posterior fusion also had increased NDI and VAS scores, independent of facet distraction. Conclusion. After undergoing ACDF for the treatment of cervical spine injury, patients with facet joint distraction of 3 mm or more have worse NDI and VAS pain scores. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1201–7