Anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (AA-THA) has a steep learning curve, with higher complication rates in initial cases. Proper surgical case selection during the learning curve can reduce early risk. This study aims to identify patient and radiographic factors associated with AA-THA difficulty using Machine Learning (ML).

Consecutive primary AA-THA patients from two centres, operated by two expert surgeons, were enrolled (excluding patients with prior hip surgery and first 100 cases per surgeon). K- means prototype clustering – an unsupervised ML algorithm – was used with two variables - operative duration and surgical complications within 6 weeks - to cluster operations into difficult or standard groups.

Radiographic measurements (neck shaft angle, offset, LCEA, inter-teardrop distance, Tonnis grade) were measured by two independent observers. These factors, alongside patient factors (BMI, age, sex, laterality) were employed in a multivariate logistic regression analysis and used for k-means clustering. Significant continuous variables were investigated for predictive accuracy using Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC).

Out of 328 THAs analyzed, 130 (40%) were classified as difficult and 198 (60%) as standard. Difficult group had a mean operative time of 106mins (range 99–116) with 2 complications, while standard group had a mean operative time of 77mins (range 69–86) with 0 complications. Decreasing inter-teardrop distance (odds ratio [OR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95–0.99, p = 0.03) and right-sided operations (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10–2.72, p = 0.02) were associated with operative difficulty. However, ROC analysis showed poor predictive accuracy for these factors alone, with area under the curve of 0.56. Inter-observer reliability was reported as excellent (ICC >0.7).

Right-sided hips (for right-hand dominant surgeons) and decreasing inter-teardrop distance were associated with case difficulty in AA-THA. These data could guide case selection during the learning phase. A larger dataset with more complications may reveal further factors.

Superior teamwork in the operating theatre is associated with improved technical performance and clinical outcomes. Yet modern rota patterns, workforce shortages, and increasing complexity of surgery, means that there is less familiarity between staff and the required choreography. Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) can successfully train surgical staff individually, however iVR team training has yet to be investigated. We aimed to design a multiplayer iVR platform for anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (AA-THA) and assess if multiplayer iVR training was superior to single player training for acquisition of both technical and non-technical skills.

An iVR platform with choreographed roles for the surgeon and scrub nurse was developed using Cognitive Task Analysis. Forty participants were randomised to individual or team iVR training. Individually- trained participants practiced alongside virtual avatar counterparts, whilst teams trained live in pairs. Both groups underwent five iVR training sessions over 6-weeks. Subsequently, they underwent a real-life assessment in which they performed AA-THA on a high-fidelity model with real equipment in a simulated theatre. Teams performed together and individually trained participants were randomly paired up. Videos were marked by two blinded assessors recording the NOTSS, NOTECHS II and SPLINTS scores - validated technical and non-technical scores assessing surgeon and scrub nurse skills. Secondary outcomes were procedure time and number of technical errors.

Teams outperformed individually trained participants for non-technical skills in the real-world assessment (NOTSS 13.1 ± 1.5 vs 10.6 ± 1.6, p =0.002, NOTECHS-II score 51.7 ± 5.5 vs 42.3 ± 5.6, p=0.001 and SPLINTS 10 ± 1.2 vs 7.9 ± 1.6, p = 0.004). They completed the assessment 28.1% faster (27.2 minutes ± 5.5 vs 41.8 ±8.9, p<0.001), and made fewer than half the number of technical errors (10.4 ± 6.1 vs 22.6 ± 5.4, p<0.001).

Multiplayer training leads to faster surgery with fewer technical errors and the development of superior non-technical skills for anterior approach total hip arthroplasty. The convention of surgeons and nurses training separately, but undertaking real complex surgery together, can be supplanted by team training, delivered through immersive virtual reality.

Superior team performance in surgery leads to fewer technical errors, reduced mortality, and improved patient outcomes. Scrub nurses are a pivotal part of this team, however they have very little structured training, leading to high levels of stress, low confidence, inefficiency, and potential for harm. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) simulation has demonstrated excellent efficacy in training surgeons. We tested the efficacy of an iVR curriculum for training scrub nurses in performing their role in an anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (AA-THA).

Sixty nursing students were included in this study and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to learning the scrub nurse role for an AA-THA using either conventional training or iVR. The training was derived through expert consensus with senior surgeons, scrub nurses and industry reps. Conventional training consisted of a 1-hour seminar and 2 hours of e-learning where participants were taught the equipment and sequence of steps. The iVR training involved 3 separate hour-long sessions where participants performed the scrub nurse role with an avatar surgeon in a virtual operation. The primary outcome was their performance in a physical world practical objective assessment with real equipment. Data were confirmed parametric using the Shapiro-Wilk test and means compared using the independent samples student's t-test.

53 participants successfully completed the study (26 iVR, 27 conventional) with a mean age of 31±9 years. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics or baseline knowledge test scores between the two groups (p>0.05). The iVR group significantly outperformed the conventionally trained group in the real-world assessment, scoring 66.9±17.9% vs 41.3±16.7%, p<0.0001.

iVR is an easily accessible, low cost training modality which could be integrated into scrub nursing curricula to address the current shortfall in training. Prolonged operating times are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing serious complications. By upskilling scrub nurses, operations may proceed more efficiently which in turn may improve patient safety.

Current evidence suggests that superior surgical team performance is linked to fewer intra-operative errors, reductions in mortality and even improved patient outcomes. Virtual reality has demonstrated excellent efficacy in training surgeons and scrub nurses individually, however its impact on training teams is currently unknown. This study aimed to assess if training together (scrub nurse and surgeon) in an innovative multiplayer virtual reality program was superior to single player training for novices learning anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (AA-THA).

40 participants (20 novice surgeons (CT1-ST3 level) and 20 novice scrub nurses) were enrolled in this study and randomised to individual or team virtual reality training. Individually-trained participants played with virtual avatar counterparts, whilst teams trained live in pairs (surgeon and scrub nurse). Both groups underwent 5 VR training sessions over 6 weeks. Subsequently, they underwent a real-life assessment in which they performed AA-THA on a high-fidelity model with real equipment in a simulated operating theatre. Teams performed together and individually-trained participants were randomly paired up with a solo player of the opposite role. Videos of the assessment were marked by two blinded expert assessors. The primary outcome was team performance as graded by the validated NOTECHs II score. Secondary outcomes were procedure time and number of technical errors from an expert pre-defined protocol.

Teams outperformed individually-trained participants for non-technical skills in the real-world assessment (NOTECHS-II score 50.3 ± 6.04 vs 43.90 ± 5.90, p=0.0275). They completed the assessment 28.1% faster (31.22 minutes ±2.02 vs 43.43 ±2.71, p=0.01), and made close to half the number of technical errors when compared to the individual group (12.9 ± 8.3 vs 25.6 ± 6.1, p=0.001).

Multiplayer, team training appears to lead to faster surgery with fewer technical errors and the development of superior non-technical skills.

Evidence supporting the use of virtual reality (VR) training in orthopaedic procedures is rapidly growing. However, the impact of the timing of delivery of this training is yet to be tested. We aimed to investigate whether spaced VR training is more effective than massed VR training.

24 medical students with no hip arthroplasty experience were randomised to learning the direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty using the same VR simulation, training either once-weekly or once-daily for four sessions. Participants underwent a baseline physical world assessment on a saw bone pelvis. The VR program recorded procedural errors, time, assistive prompts required and hand path length across four sessions. The VR and physical world assessments were repeated at one-week, one-month, and 3 months after the last training session.

Baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable (p > 0.05). The daily group demonstrated faster skills acquisition, reducing the median ± IQR number of procedural errors from 68 ± 67.05 (session one) to 7 ± 9.75 (session four), compared to the weekly group's improvement from 63 ± 27 (session one) to 13 ± 15.75 (session four), p < 0.001. The weekly group error count plateaued remaining at 14 ± 6.75 at one-week, 16.50 ± 16.25 at one-month and 26.45 ± 22 at 3-months, p < 0.05. However, the daily group showed poorer retention with error counts rising to 16 ± 12.25 at one-week, 17.50 ± 23 at one-month and 41.45 ± 26 at 3-months, p<0.01. A similar effect was noted for the number of assistive prompts required, procedural time and hand path length. In the real-world assessment, both groups significantly improved their acetabular component positioning accuracy, and these improvements were equally maintained (p<0.01).

Daily VR training facilitates faster skills acquisition; however weekly practice has superior skills retention.

Knee pain is common, representing a significant socioeconomic burden. Caused by a variety of pathologies, its evaluation in primary-care is challenging. Subsequently, an over-reliance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exists. Prior to orthopaedic surgeon referral, many patients receive no, or incorrect, imaging. Electronic-triage (e-triage) tools represent an innovative solution to address this problem. The primary aim of this study was to ascertain whether an e-triage tool is capable of outperforming existing clinical pathways to determine the correct pre-hospital imaging based on knee pain diagnosis.

Patients ≥18 years with a new presentation of knee pain were retrospectively identified. The timing and appropriateness of imaging was assessed. A symptom-based e-triage tool was developed, using the Amazon LEXbotplatform, and piloted to predict five common knee pathologies and suggest appropriate imaging.

1462 patients were identified. 17% of arthroplasty patients received an ‘unnecessary MRI’, whilst 28% of arthroscopy patients did not have a ‘necessary MRI’, thus requiring a follow-up appointment, with a mean delay of three months (SD 2.6, range 0.2-20.2). Using NHS tariffs, a wasted cost through unnecessary/necessary MRIs and subsequent follow-up appointments was estimated at £45,816. The e-triage pilot was trialled with 41 patients (mean age:58.4 years, 58.5% female). Preliminary diagnoses were available for 34 patients. Using the highest proportion of reported symptoms in the corresponding group, the e-triage tool correctly identified three of the four knee pathologies. The e-triage tool did not correctly identify anterior cruciate ligament injuries (n=3). 79.2% of participants would use the tool again.

A significant number of knee pathology patients received incorrect imaging prior to their initial hospital appointment, incurring delays and unnecessary costs. A symptom-based e-triage tool was developed, with promising pilot data and user feedback. With refinement, this tool has the potential to improve wait-times and referral quality, whilst reducing costs.

Abstract

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Abstract

Patients may be able to return to higher level activities following hip arthroplasty with modern techniques and prostheses, but the Oxford hip score, the standard PROM used by the NJS exhibits severe skew and kurtosis. The commonest score is 48/48. Most patients score above 40 preventing any discrimination between approaches or prostheses. We therefore sought both subjective and objective metrics which were relevant and valid without skew or high kurtosis in postoperative patients. The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) reports energy usage in kcal/min burnt across a range of activities, condensed into a score of 0–25. A MET over 8 is considered ‘conditioning exercise’ tethered to life expectancy. A 2 point difference in average MET is considered a clinically relevant difference. Walking speed is a simple valid metric tethered to life expectancy, with a 0.1m/sec difference in walking speed equates to a clinically important difference.

Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and the MET were prospectively recorded in 221 primary hip arthroplasty procedures pre-operatively and at 1-year using a web based application. Pre and postoperative Gait analysis was undertaken on a subgroup of 34 patients, in comparison with age and sex matched controls.

Post-operatively, the OHS demonstrated significant skewed distributions with ceiling effects of 41% scoring 48/48. The MET was normally distributed around a mean of 10.3, with a standard deviation of 3.8 and no ceiling effect. Walking speed was normally distributed around a mean of 1.8m/sec, with a standard deviation was 0.15 m/sec

The MET is a simple patient reported score, which is normally distributed in patients following hip arthroplasty, around a mean of 10.3 with a standard deviation of 3.8. This valid activity metric correlates well with fast walking speed. This is also normally distributed with a standard deviation of over 0.1m/sec confirming low kurtosis. These simple measures have face validity: undertaking less active pastimes and being unable to keep up with other walkers are obviously inadvisable. The normal kurtosis of these metrics suggest that they may able to detect clinically relevant differences in outcome which are undetectable with commonly used PROMs. For surgeons developing less invasive approaches or using novel stems, these measures may detect clinically important improvements undetectable by the Oxford Hip Score.

Introduction and Objective

The most common paediatric orthopaedic injury requiring hospital admission is a femoral fracture. There is debate regarding the optimal surgical technique for fixing femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12 years. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have issued relevant guidelines, however, there is limited evidence to support these. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the complication rate following flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plate fixation and external fixation (EF) for traumatic femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12.

This study investigates the use of the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) score in a hip arthroplasty population and its ability to capture additional benefit beyond the maximum Oxford Hip Score (OHS).

OHS, EuroQol-5D index (EQ-5D), and the MET were prospectively recorded in 221 primary hip arthroplasty procedures pre-operatively and at 1-year. The distribution was examined reporting the presence of ceiling & floor effects. Validity was assessed correlating the MET with the other scores using Spearman's rank and determining responsiveness using the standardised response mean (SRM). A subgroup of 93 patients scoring 48/48 on the OHS were analysed by age group, sex, BMI and pre-operative MET using the other two metrics to determine if differences could be established despite all scoring identically on the OHS.

117 total hip and 104 hip resurfacing arthroplasty operations were included. Mean age was 59.4 ± 11.3. Post-operatively the OHS and EQ-5D demonstrate significant negatively skewed distributions with ceiling effects of 41% and 53%, respectively. The MET was normally distributed post-operatively with no ceiling effect. Weak-moderate but statistically significant correlations were found between the MET and the other two metrics both pre & post-operatively. Responsiveness was excellent, SRM for OHS: 2.01, EQ-5D: 1.06 and MET: 1.17. In the 48/48 scoring subgroup, no differences were found comparing groups with the EQ-5D, however significantly higher MET scores were demonstrated for patients aged <60 (12.7 vs 10.6, p=0.008), male patients (12.5 vs 10.8, p=0.024) and those with pre-operative MET scores >6 (12.6 vs 11.0, p=0.040).

The MET is normally distributed in patients following hip arthroplasty, recording levels of activity which are undetectable using the OHS. As a simple, valid activity metric, it should be considered in addition to conventional PROMs in order to capture the entire benefit experienced following hip arthroplasty.

Background

In the United Kingdom, over 1 million elective surgeries were cancelled due to COVID-19, resulting in over 1.9 million people now waiting more than 4 months for their procedure – 3x the number last year. To address this backlog, the healthcare service has been asked to develop locally-designed ‘COVID-light’ facilities. In our local system, 822 patients awaited orthopaedic surgery when elective surgery was permitted to resume. The phased return of service required a careful and pragmatic prioritisation of patients, to protect resources, patients, and healthcare workers.

Background

Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is a high stakes procedure with complex equipment and multiple steps. For rTKA using the ATTUNE system revising femoral and tibial components with sleeves and stems, there are over 240 pieces of equipment that require correct assembly at the appropriate time. Due to changing teams, work rotas, and the infrequency of rTKR, scrub nurses may encounter these operations infrequently and often rely heavily on company representatives to guide them. In turn, this delays and interrupts surgical efficiency and can result in error. This study investigates the impact of a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) curriculum on training scrub nurses in technical skills and knowledge of performing a complex rTKA, to improve efficiency and reduce error.

Clavicular hook plates have been used over the last decade in the treatment of lateral clavicular fractures with good rates of union reported throughout the literature. Fewer studies have reported the functional outcome of these patients and some have reported potential soft tissue damage post plate removal. We aimed to review the functional outcomes alongside union rates in patients treated with hook plates for lateral clavicular fractures.

In this retrospective case series, 21 patients with traumatic lateral third clavicular fractures were included. 15 had Neer type II fractures, 4 Neer type III fractures, 1 patient had a Neer type I fracture and 1 radiograph was not able to be classified. All patients were treated with clavicular hook plates at the same district general hospital by five experienced surgeons between March 2010 and February 2015 adhering to the same surgical protocol. All patients had standard physiotherapy and post operative follow up. Plates were removed when radiological union was achieved in all but one patient who had the plate removed before union was achieved due to prolonged non-union. Patients were followed up post plate removal and evaluated clinically using the Oxford Shoulder Score. Their post plate radiographs were assessed by an independent radiologist and bony union documented.

21 patients were included. Mean age was 40 (range 14–63) with a male:female ratio of 17:4. Mean follow up was 5 months post injury (1–26 months). The hook plate remained in situ for a mean time of 4.3 months (2–16 months). One patient developed a post-operative wound infection treated with antibiotics, 2 patients developed adhesive capsulitis, one patient had not achieved bony union prior to hook plate removal at 16 months, however did achieve union 2 months post plate removal, two patients required revision plating. All patients achieved bony union eventually with good alignment and no displacement of the acromioclavicular joint seen on the most recent post operative radiographs. Post plate removal Oxford Shoulder Scores indicated good shoulder function with a mean score of 41.5 (maximum score possible 48 and the range of scores for our cohort was 30–47).

Our data would support the use of hook plates in the treatment of lateral clavicular fractures. All patients achieved union eventually with good alignment and this was reflected in the good functional outcome scores. This study is limited in its small cohort and short-term follow up. More research is required to examine the long term consequences of hook plate surgery in a larger patient population.

The aim of this study is to use a defined population of patients with meningococcal septicaemia to calculate the incidence of orthopaedic complications.

Medical records and radiographs were analyzed retrospectively for all patients admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children from 01/01/2001 to 31/12/2012 with meningococcal septicaemia.

Of the 130 patients with meningococcal septicaemia alive at discharge, 10 developed orthopaedic sequelae, representing an overall incidence in this patient population of 7.7%.

9 patients required an amputation, mostly in the lower limb, 16/22 (72.7%). 48 growth plate abnormalities were identified in 8 patients. 39 (81.3%) The most commonly affected was the distal tibia (38.5%). 10 ankles were identified as having a varus malalignment. 6 patients had documented leg length discrepancy

Using a clearly defined denominator this study has identified an incidence of orthopaedic sequelae following meningococcal septicaemia of 7.7%.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggested that the incidence of growth disturbance is approximately 3%.

This study highlights the underestimation of orthopaedic complications following meningococcal septicaemia. Close follow up of at risk patients should be considered to reduce the potential impact of these debilitating injuries.

Meningococcal infection is the most common infective cause of death in children and causes significant morbidity in survivors.

Patients admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children from 01/01/2001 to 31/12/2012 with a primary diagnosis of meningococcal septicaemia were reviewed.

A total of 10 (7.7%) of 130 patients developed orthopaedic complications. Those affected were significantly younger (p < 0.05), remained on PICU for longer (p < 0.001) and boys had a greater risk of developing orthopaedic complications (risk ratio: 3.1; 95% CI: 0.69–14.14). 9 patients required an amputation, 16/22 (72.7%) in the lower limb. Patient requiring amputation had multiple limb involvement. 48 growth plate abnormalities were identified in 8 patients, 39 (81.3%) in the lower limb, most commonly in the distal tibia.

This study has identified a high incidence of musculoskeletal morbidity. Close surveillance of these patients is recommended to identify growth arrest before the onset of clinically significant deformity. It identifies a defined population of patients with meningococcal septicaemia using admission to PICU as an entry criterion allowing accurate determination of the incidence and characteristics of the skeletal consequences of this condition.

Introduction

This study investigated the binding agent Calcium/Sodium Alginate fibre gel and the addition of autogenic bone marrow aspirate (BMA) on bone growth into a porous HA scaffold implanted in an ovine femoral condyle critical-sized defect. Our hypothesis was that Alginate fibre gel would have no negative effect on bone formation and osteoconduction within the scaffold and that BMA would augment the incorporation of the graft with the surrounding bone at 6 and 12 weeks post implantation.