Purpose

Plating remains the most widely employed method for the fixation of displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and outcomes of diaphyseal clavicle fractures treated with intramedullary fixation using the Rockwood clavicle pin.

Knee warmth is a common clinical observation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This can cause concern that infection is present. The purpose of our study was to establish the pattern of knee skin temperature following uncomplicated TKA. It was a prospective study carried out between 2001 and 2004. A pocket digital surface thermometer was used.

A preliminary study established that the best site to measure knee skin temperature was superomedial to the patella and the best time was 12 noon. Patients with an increased risk of infection and those with a contralateral knee pathology or a previous surgery were excluded. Forty-eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate; the skin temperature of operated and contralateral knees was measured pre-operatively and daily during the first six weeks post-operatively. Measurements were also taken at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following surgery. During the course of the study, patients developing complications of the operated knee or any pathology of the contralateral knee were excluded.

Thirty-two patients completed the main study. Following surgery, systemic and both knees temperatures increased. Whereas systemic and contralateral knee temperatures settled within one week, the operated knee temperature took a longer time. The difference in temperature between the two knees had a mean value of +2.9°C at 7 days. This mean value decreased to +1.6°C at 6 weeks, +1.3°C at 3 months, +0.9°C at 6 months +0.3°C at 12 months and +0.04°C at 24 months. Following uncomplicated TKA, the operated knee skin temperature increases compared to the contralateral knee. This increase peaks at day 3 and diminishes slowly over several months; however, it remains statistically significant up to 6 months.

These results correlate with the findings of previous studies that showed a prolonged elevation of inflammatory markers.

Primary pyomyositis is increasing in incidence in the western world. Although a commonly encountered condition in the tropics it was not described in the USA until 1971 and the UK until 1998. The reason for the increasing incidence is not understood.

Typically pyomyositis affects the muscles around the hip and may present in a variety of ways to orthopaedic or general surgeons – occasionally leading to unnecessary operative intervention. We sought to identify the experience gained, of this condition, within a UK paediatric tertiary referral unit.

A retrospective review of cases of pyomyositis, from our institution, since 1998 was undertaken to identify demographics, presentation, diagnosis and management. Thirteen cases of pyomyositis were identified. Obturator internus was most commonly affected (n = 7). Trauma was implicated in three cases and group A staphylococcus was cultured in nine cases. Male:Female ratio ~ 3: 2. Initial working diagnosis at presentation was septic joint in eight cases, appendicitis in three cases and soft tissue abscess in two cases. Ten cases settled with antibiotics alone. One diagnostic retroperitoneal exploration was performed which may have been avoided with greater preoperative awareness of this condition. On reflection, all cases were identified by CT or MRI.

To our knowledge, this is the first UK series of pyomyositis, reflecting its increasing incidence in the western world. Its presentation is similar to other common paediatric surgical emergencies, yet its management is very different – often not requiring surgery. A greater awareness of this emerging condition is therefore essential to both general and orthopaedic surgeons in order to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention.

We present the early results of 36 primary total elbow arthroplasties using the Acclaim prosthesis. The Acclaim prosthesis was used in 46 primary total elbow arthroplasties between July 2000 and August 2002. All operations were performed or directly supervised by the two senior authors (IAT and JKS). There were 32 females and 14 males. The mean age at surgery was 64 years (range, 34–93). The underlying pathology was rheumatoid arthritis in 39, osteoarthritis in five and post-traumatic arthritis in two. The early results of 36 cases are presented at a minimum follow-up of two years. Patients were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons patient self assessment form and the range of movement of the elbow measured. The Wrightington method was used for radiographic analysis of lucencies. There was good relief of pain and range of movement improved. The mean preoperative pain score was 8.1 and decreased to 2.1 at latest follow up. The mean disability score increased from 34.2 to 66.1. The mean overall satisfaction rating following surgery was 9.3 on a visual analogue scale from zero to ten. The mean range of flexion increased from 83^oto105^o. The mean flexion gain was just over 10^o and the mean extension gain was just over 12^o. There were 11 cases of intraoperative fracture of the humeral condyle. One of these fractures failed to unite and required revision to a linked prosthesis because of persistent instability. There was one case of deep infection. There were three cases of ulnar neuropathy, one of which resolved. There was no evidence of loosening. The Acclaim total elbow arthroplasty gives good symptomatic relief and improvement in function according to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons patient self assessment form. These early results are encouraging but the frequency of intra-operative fractures is of some concern.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to establish the pattern of knee skin temperature following uncomplicated TKA.

Methods and Materials: It was a prospective study that was carried out between 2001 and 2004. A pocket digital surface thermometer was used. A preliminary study established the site and time of temperature measurement.. Patients with an increased risk of infection and those with a contralateral knee pathology or a previous surgery were excluded. Forty-eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate; the skin temperature of operated and contralateral knees was measured preoperatively and daily during the first six weeks postoperatively. Measurements were also taken at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following surgery. During the course of the study, patients developing complications of the operated knee or any pathology of the contralateral knee were excluded.

Results: Thirty-two patients completed the main study. Following surgery, systemic and both knees temperatures increased. Whereas systemic and contralateral knee temperature settled within one week, the operated knee temperature took a longer time. The difference in temperature between the two knees had a mean value of +2.9^oC at 7 days. This mean value decreased to +1.6^oC at 6 weeks, +1.3^oC at 3 months, +0.9^oC at 6 months +0.3°C at 12 months and +0.04°C at 24 months.

Conclusion: Following uncomplicated TKA, the operated knee skin temperature increases compared to the contra-lateral knee. This increase diminishes slowly over several months; however, it remains statistically significant up to 6 months.

Displaced comminuted intra-and extra-articular fractures of distal radius require anatomical reduction for optimum results.

To assess clinical, functional and radiological results of volar-ulnar tension band plating of dorsally displaced comminuted fractures of distal radius, we used volar-ulnar tension band plating technique (without bone grafting) and early mobilisation to treat dorsally displaced and comminuted fractures of distal radius in 47 patients with an average age of 48 years (range, 19–76 years).

Volar tilt, radial height, ulnar inclination and volar cortical angles were measured on the unaffected side. AO volar plate was pre-contoured to match the volar cortical angle of the unaffected side. The horizontal arm of the plate was fixed to the distal fragment first. When the longitudinal arm of the plate was brought onto the radial shaft, the displaced distal fragment was levered out anteriorly to restore the normal volar tilt. Adjustment in ulnar inclination and radial height can be made by medio-lateral and cephalo-caudal movement of the longitudinal arm of the plate.

The average follow-up was 26 months (range 12–41 months). According to Gartland and Werley’s system 25 patients had excellent, 15 had good, 7 had fair functional results. The median Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 10 (range 0–60). Average grip strength as percentage of the unaffected side was 80 %. Average Palmarflexion was 61 degrees, Dorsiflexion 66 degrees, Ulnar deviation 34 degrees, Radial deviation 19 degrees, Supination 74 degrees and Pronation 80 degrees. According to Lidstrom and Frykman’s radiological scoring system 39 patients had excellent and 8 had good anatomical results.

Conclusion: This relatively new technique has given good results in majority of patients. We recommend its use in displaced and comminuted fractures of distal radius in physiologically young patients with high need and demand.

Introduction and Aims: Severe Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is a difficult condition to treat; a two-stage technique has been advocated by some surgeons for such cases. The present study set out to determine the early results of this technique.

Method: Thirteen patients (11 with primary and two with recurrent disease) with a severe Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint were treated by geometric correction (in line distraction followed by angular correction) using the OrthofixTM mini external fixator followed by its removal and partial fasciectomy (without collateral ligament or volar plate release). The mean duration of distraction was 14 days.

Results: In the PIP joint the mean true fixed flexion deformity pre-operatively was 75 degrees (range 45–90). At a mean follow-up of 21 months, the mean residual flexion deformity was 35 degrees (range 10–90). The mean arc of motion increased from 26 (range 10–55) to 51 degrees (range 0–90). At follow-up, the mean arc of motion was 33 degrees (range 0–70) and 73 degrees (range 45–110) at the distal interphalangeal and meta-carpophalangeal joints respectively. There were no cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy or neurovascular damage. One patient had a fracture of the proximal phalanx and a second patient had an early recurrence, which led to a poor clinical outcome. The rest had an excellent clinical outcome according to the Michigan Hand Questionnaire.

Conclusion: Although the technique is challenging, the early results are promising and we recommend it for the management of this difficult problem.

Introduction: Displaced intra and extra-articular fractures of distal radius require anatomical reduction in physiologically young patients.

Material and methods: We used volarulnar tension band plating technique (without bone grafting) and early mobilisation to treat dorsally displaced and comminuted fractures of distal radius in 47 physiologically young patients with an average age of 48 years (range, 19–76 years).

Volar tilt, radial height, ulnar inclination and volar cortical angles were measured on the unaffected side. AO volar plate was pre-contoured to match the volar cortical angle of the unaffected side. Horizontal arm of the plate was þxed to distal fragment þrst. When the longitudinal arm of the plate was brought onto the radial shaft, the displaced distal fragment was levered out anteriorly to restore the normal volar tilt, ulnar inclination and radial height.

Results: The average follow-up was 26 months. According to Gartland and Worleyñs system 26 patients had excellent, 14 had good, 6 had fair and 1 had poor results. The median Disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score was 10 (range, 0–60). According to Lidstrom and Frykmanñs radiological scoring system 39 patients had excellent and 8 had good anatomical results.

Conclusion:We believe this technique is technically demanding and requires good understanding of anatomy and force transmission in an intact and fractured distal radius. This relatively new technique of volarulnar tension band plating of distal radius has given good results in majority of patients. We recommend its use in displaced and comminuted fractures in physiologically young patients with high need and demand.