Proximal hamstring tendon avulsion from the ischial tuberosity is a significant injury, with surgical repair shown to have superior functional outcomes compared to non-surgical treatment. However, limited data exists regarding the optimal rehabilitation regime following surgical repair. The aim of this study was to investigate patient outcomes following repair of proximal hamstring tendon avulsions between a conservative (CR) versus an accelerated rehabilitation (AR) regimen. This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) randomised 50 patients undergoing proximal hamstring tendon repair to either a braced, partial weight-bearing rehabilitation regime (CR=25) or an accelerated, unbraced regime, that permitted full weight-bearing as tolerated (AR=25). Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and at 3 and 6 months post-surgery, via patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT) and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Primary analysis was per protocol and based on linear mixed models. Both groups were matched at baseline with respect to patient characteristics. All PROMs improved (p>0.05) and, while the AR group reported a significantly better Physical Component Score for the SF-12 at 3 months (p=0.022), there were no other group differences. Peak isometric hamstrings strength and peak isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings torque symmetry were all comparable between groups (p>0.05). Three re-injuries have been observed (CR=2, AR=1). After proximal hamstring repair surgery, post-operative outcomes following an accelerated rehabilitation regimen demonstrate comparable outcomes to a traditionally conservative rehabilitation pathway, albeit demonstrating better early physical health-related quality of life scores, without an increased incidence of early re-injury.
The number of hip fracture admissions is rising; with reduced hospital bed capacity and increasing patient numbers, care pathways must be optimised to maximise inpatient bed efficiency. There is currently significant interest in improving healthcare services across all 7 days in the United Kingdom. It is unclear whether lack of allied healthcare professional review at the weekend is detrimental to hip fracture patient care. This study aims to examine whether providing 7-day physiotherapy and occupational therapy (7DPOT) service improves outcomes for fractured neck of femur patients compared to a 5-day service (5DPOT). All patients admitted with an acute neck of femur fracture were grouped into three cohorts, depending on provision of 7DPOT services: the initial cohort received 5DPOT between December 2012 and March 2013. Seven-day physiotherapy and occupational therapy was introduced for one year from October 2014 until September 2015 (2nd cohort). The service then reverted to 5DPOT between January to June 2016 (3rd cohort). The third cohort was utilised to nullify changes in the overall service which had occurred which were not attributable to 7DPOT. Data was collected prospectively using a specially designed audit tool.Introduction
Methods
Patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) have a significantly increased risk of both superficial wound infection and deep infection following arthroplasty. Debate continues as to whether treatment of pre-operative ASB reduces the risk of subsequent prosthetic joint infection. All arthroplasty units in Scotland were contacted by telephone and asked a standard series of questions regarding pre-operative urine testing in arthroplasty patients. A review of the literature was also performed.Introduction
Patients/Materials & Methods