Introduction

Distal femur fracture fixation in elderly presents significant challenges due to osteoporosis and associated comorbidities. There has been an evolution in the management of these fractures with a description of various surgical techniques and fixation methods; however, currently, there is no consensus on the standard of care. Non-union rates of up to 19% and mortality rates of up to 26 % at one year have been reported in the literature. Delay in surgery and delay in mobilisation post-operatively have been identified as two main factors for high rate of mortality. As biomechanical studies have proved better stability with dual plating or nail-plate combination, a trend has been shifting for past few years towards rigid fixation to allow early mobilisation. Our study aims to compare outcomes of distal femur fractures managed with either single plate (SP), dual plating (DP) or nail-plate construct (NP).

Dislocation post THA confers a higher risk of re-dislocation (Kotwal et al, 2009). The dual mobility (DM) cup design (1974) was aimed at improving the stability by increasing the femoral head to neck ratio (Cuthbert et al., 2019) combining the ideas of low friction arthroplasty with increased jump distance associated with a big head arthroplasty.

Understand the dislocation rates, rates of aseptic loosening, infection rate and revision rates between the 2 types of constructs to provide current and up-to date evidence.

Medline, pubmed, embase and Cochrane databases were used based on PRISMA guidelines. RevMan software was used for the meta-analysis. Studies (English literature) which used DM construct with atleast 6 months follow-up used as intervention and non DM construct as control were included. 2 independent reviewers conducted the review with a third reviewer in case of difference in opinion regarding eligibility. Primary outcome was dislocation rate and secondary outcome was rate of revision.

564 articles identified out of which 44 articles were screened for full texts and eventually 4 systematic review articles found eligible for the study. Thus, study became a review of systematic reviews. From the 4 systematic reviews, another 35 studies were identified for data extraction and 13 papers were used for meta-analysis. Systematic reviews evaluated, projected an average follow up of 6-8 years with significantly lower dislocation rates for DM cups. The total number of patients undergoing DM cup primary THA were 30,559 with an average age 71 years while the control group consisted of 218,834 patients with an average age of 69 years. DM group had lower rate of dislocation (p < 0.00001), total lower rate of cup revision (p < 0.00001, higher incidence of fracture (p>0.05).

DM THA is a viable alternative for conventional THA. The long-term results of DM cups in primary THA need to be further evaluated using high quality prospective studies and RCTs.

Abstract

C. Difficile infections in elderly patients with hip fractures is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic regimens with penicillin and its derivatives is a leading cause. Antibiotic prophylactic preferences vary across different hospitals within NHS. We compared two antibiotic prophylactic regimens - Cefuroxime only prophylaxis and Teicoplanin with Gentamicin prophylaxis in fracture neck of femur surgery, and evaluated the incidence of C. Difficile diarrhea and Surgical Site Infection (SSI).

To assess the Surgical Site Infection and C. Difficile infection rate associated with different regimens of antibiotics prophylaxis in fracture neck of femur surgery.

Data was analyzed retrospectively. Neck of femur fracture patients treated surgically from 2009 in our unit were included. Age, gender, co morbidities, type of fracture, operation, ASA grade was collected. 1242 patients received Cefuroxime only prophylaxis between January 2009 and December 2012 (Group 1) and 486 patients received Teicoplanin with Gentamicin between October 2015 and March 2017 (Group 2). There were 353 males and 889 female patients in Group 1 and 138 males and 348 female patients in Group 2. The co morbidities in both groups were comparable. Incidence of C. Difficile diarrhea and Surgical Site Infection (SSI) was noted. Statistical analysis with chi square test was performed to determine the ‘p’ value.

C. Diff diarrhea rate in Group 2 was 0.41 % as compared to 1.29 % in Group 1. The Surgical Site Infection (SSI) rate in Group 2 was 0.41 % as compared to 3.06 % in Group 1. The comparative results were statistically significant (p = 0.0009).

Prophylactic antibiotic regimen of Teicoplanin with Gentamicin showed significant reduction in C. Difficile diarrhea & Surgical Site Infection in fracture neck of femur patients undergoing surgery.

Abstract

Current perception is that standard Cefuroxime only [C4] based prophylaxis regimen demonstrated higher association with C Difficile (C. Diff) diarrhoea. This has prompted change in antibiotics prophylaxis combination regimens like Flucloxacillin-Gentamycin (F-G], Teicoplanin- Gentamycin [T-G] and single dose Cefuroxime-Gentamycin [C-G]. The current study was done to investigate the association of C. Diff diarrhoea and surgical site infection (SSI) rate with Cefuroxime only regimen prophylaxis in fracture neck of femur surgery. A retrospective analysis for 2009–2012 was performed for 1502 neck of femur fracture patients undergoing surgery. The factors studied were ASA grade, SSI, C. Diff diarrhoea rates in patients with Cefuroxime (induction plus two doses) based prophylactic regimen. The data was obtained from coding department and further streamlined based on microbiology. 1242 patients were included in the study who received Cefuroxime only regimen. The Male : Female distribution was 353 : 889. The average ASA grade was 3. The analysis demonstrated that C. Diff diarrhoea rate in the study population was 1.29%. The SSI rate stood at 3.06% with superficial infection at 2.5 % and deep at 0.56 %. Our single centre based study demonstrated low C. Difficile related diarrhoea rates with Cefuroxime only regimen. The SSI rates were also low as compared to the current literature thus concluding that Cefuroxime only antibiotic regimen can safely be administered in neck of femur surgery.

Introduction

Very limited treatment options are available for osteoarthritis and most of them are for symptoms of osteoarthritis not for cause. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have the ability to differentiate into cells of the chondrogenic lineage, have emerged as a candidate cell type with great potential for cell-based articular cartilage repair technologies. We conducted a study to see the effect of direct injection of stem cells on artificially created osteoarthritis model in rabbits.

Introduction: Posterior dislocation of replacement hips may occur during extreme hip flexion and adduction. Hip braces restrict movement, but they are uncomfortable and have a low patient compliance. Knee braces are more comfortable, and also restrict hip movement, by tightening the hamstrings. This study investigated the effect of a knee brace on hip movement.

Methods: A magnetic tracker was used to measure the movement of 20 normal hips in 20 volunteers, aged 25–62. Sensors were attached over the iliac spine and lateral thigh. Subjects were asked to lie on a couch and flex and adduct their hip three times with their knee bent and three times with their knee braced in extension. During each movement the tracker recorded hip flexion and adduction angles, with an accuracy of 0.15 degrees.

Results: With the knee flexed, the mean hip flexion angle was 66.00 (SD 11.0). With the knee braced, the mean hip flexion angle was 35.30 (SD 15.4). Hence the knee brace reduced hip flexion by 46 % (30.70) (paired t-test, P < < 0.001).

With the knee flexed, the mean hip adduction angle was 23.70 (SD 7.1). With the knee braced, the mean hip adduction angle was 21.60 (SD 5.6). Hence the knee brace reduced hip adduction by 9 % (2.10). This was not significant (paired t-test, P = 0.3).

Discussion: These results indicate that a knee brace can restrict hip flexion by almost 50%. This information may be useful for patients in whom restriction of hip flexion provides hip stability. As the knee brace is more comfortable than the hip brace, a better patient compliance is expected.

Aim: The carpal bone arrangement can be described as a matrix of two rows and three columns. There a various theories as to how the bones within the matrix move during ulna to radial deviation. One theory suggests that there are two types of wrist movement, namely Row & Column¹.

The aim of this study was to investigation how the rotational axis of the wrist moves as the hand goes from full ulna to full radial deviation.

Materials and Methods: Ulna to radial deviation was assessed in 50 normal wrists in 25 normal subjects aged 19 to 57. Movement was measured with a Polhemus Fastrak (TM) magnetic tracking system. The system has translational and rotational measurement accuracies of 1 mm and 1 degree respectively. Subjects placed their palms on a flat wooded stool and had movement sensors attached over their 3rd metcarpal and distal radius. These sensors then recorded movement as the hand moved from full ulna to full radial deviation.

Results: The mean range of movement was 45 degrees (SD 7). In full ulna deviation the wrist rotational axis was in the region of the lunate. As the hand moved towards radial deviation, the axis moved distally. At the end of the movement the mean distal displacement was 21 mm (SD 15). In 32 wrists the distal displacement was accompanied by mean displacement towards the ulna of 12 mm (SD 8). In 18 wrists the distal displacement was accompanied by a mean displacement towards the radius of 8 mm (SD 5).

Conclusion: The rotational axis position indicates how the wrist is moving during radial deviation. In early movement, when the axis is proximal, there is a high degree of sideways translation. In later movement, when the axis is distal, there is more rotational movement. In some cases the axis moved distally and toward the radius, whereas in other cases it moved distally and toward the ulna. This spectrum of movement may support the theory of 2 types of carpal movement. i.e. Column movers and row movers¹.

Introduction: Posterior dislocation of replacement hip joints may occur during hip flexion and adduction. A hip brace is commonly used for recurrent dislocations in patients awaiting revision surgery or when unfit for it. However, these hip braces are cumbersome and have a low patient compliance.

Knee braces are more comfortable to wear, and they also restrict hip movement by tightening the hamstrings. With this background we investigated the effect of a knee brace, applied in full extension, on hip flexion and adduction.

Methods: The movement of 20 normal hips in 20 healthy volunteers aged 25–62, were assessed using a magnetic tracking system (Polhemus Fastrak). One tracking sensor was attached near the anterior superior iliac spine and another one on the lateral aspect of the thigh at a fixed distance from the knee joint. Subjects were then asked to lie on a couch and flex and adduct their hip three times each with the knee bent and then with their knee braced in extension. Two sets of three readings were recorded. During each movement the tracker recorded hip flexion and adduction angles, with a measurement accuracy of 0.15 degrees.

Results: With a flexed knee, the mean hip flexion angle was 66.0 degrees (CI95 = 61.1, 70.8). With the knee braced, the mean hip flexion angle was 35.3 (CI95 = 28.5, 42.1). Hence the knee brace reduced hip flexion by 46% (30.7 deg). A paired t-test found this highly significant, with P < < 0.001.

With a flexed knee, the mean hip adduction angle was 23.7 degrees (CI95 = 20.6, 26.9). With the knee braced, the mean hip adduction angle was 21.6 (CI95 = 19.2, 24.1). Hence the knee brace reduced hip adduction by 9% (2.1 deg). A paired t-test found this was not significant with P = 0.3.

Conclusion: The results indicate that a knee brace can restrict hip flexion by almost 50%. This information may be useful for patients in whom restriction of hip flexion provides hip stability. As the knee brace is more comfortable than the hip brace, a better patient compliance is expected.

Posterior dislocation of replacement hips may occur during hip flexion and adduction. Whilst hip braces can restrict hip movement, they are cumbersome and have a low patient compliance. Knee braces are more comfortable to wear and also restrict hip movement by tightening the hamstrings. This study investigated the effect of a knee brace on hip flexion and adduction.

The movement of 20 normal hips in 20 healthy volunteers aged 25–62, were assessed using a magnetic tracking system (Polhemus Fastrak). Tracking sensors were attached over the iliac crest and lateral thigh. Subjects were asked to lie on a couch and flex and adduct their hip three times with their knee bent. A knee brace was then applied and the hip movements were repeated with the knee extended. During each movement the tracker recorded hip flexion and adduction angles with an accuracy of 0.15 degrees.

When the knee was flexed, the mean hip flexion angle was 66.00 (CI95 = 61.1, 70.8). When the knee was braced, the mean hip flexion angle was 35.30 (CI95 = 28.5, 42.1). Hence the knee brace reduced hip flexion by 46 % (30.70). A paired t-test found this highly significant (P < 0.001).

When the knee was flexed, the mean hip adduction angle was 23.70 (CI95 = 20.6, 26.9). When the knee was braced, the mean hip adduction angle was 21.60 (CI95 = 19.2, 24.1). Hence the knee brace reduced hip adduction by 9 % (2.10). A paired t-test found this was not significant (P = 0.3).

These results indicate that a knee brace can restrict hip flexion by almost 50%. This information may be useful for patients in whom restriction of hip flexion provides hip stability. As the knee brace is more comfortable than the hip brace, a better patient compliance can be expected.

Introduction We review our experience with the use of plate and screw (C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle) method of fixation in the treatment of 300 patients with disorders of the craniovertebral junction during a 17-year period at our center. We previously described this method of fixation in 1994.

Methods Between 1988 and 2004, 250 patients with atlantoaxial instability were treated with the use of a plate and screw method of fixation at our institution. The various aetiologies of atlantoaxial instability were congenital, trauma and rheumatoid arthritis. All patients had mobile, completely reducible atlantoaxial subluxation. The male: female ratio was 3:1. C1 lateral mass screw and C2 pedicle screw were anchored to a plate bilaterally. For 3 months postoperatively, a hard cervical collar was used. The mean follow-up period was 42 months (range, 4 mo–17 yr). Recently, we have modified the technique by distracting the lateral facet joints, placing a cage bilaterally and then performing the lateral mass fixation for a subgroup of 50 patients with either fixed atlantoaxial joint subluxation or basilar invagination.

Results Three patients died in the postoperative phase. Successful stabilization of the atlantoaxial region was documented with dynamic radiography in the other patients. In one patient, one screw was found to be broken 18 months after surgery; however, firm bony fusion was documented in this patient. There were no neurological, vascular, or infective complications.

Discussion Segmental fixation of lateral masses with plate and screw method of fixation with the use of intra-articular bone grafts in patients with atlantoaxial instability yielded a 100% fusion rate with a low incidence of complications. Direct application of screws into the thick and large cortico-cancellous lateral masses of atlas and axis provides a biomechanically strong fixation of the region.

Introduction: Stabilization and bone grafting are the basic principles in the treatment of fracture non-union. Percutaneous bone marrow grafting has been suggested as an alternative source of osteogenic cells with an osteoindutive effect. Our aim is to assess prospectively, the efþcacy of percutanous bone marrow grafting in atrophic tibial non-union. Methods: 20 patients with established atrophic tibial non-union on the waiting list for surgical treatment were recruited. Under local anaesthesia bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest and injected into the fracture site. All patients were immobilized in above knee casts. A second injection was repeated at 6 weeks if there was no evidence of callous formation. The procedure was considered a failure if there was no union at six weeks following a third injection. Results: 19 patient were followed up clinically and radiologically until deþnite bone union or failure. Union occurred in 15 patients (75%), with an average time to union following the þrst injection of 14 weeks (range 6–22). Four patients showed no evidence of union. There were no cases of infection or complication at the donor or recipient site. Discussion: Percutanous bone marrow grafting is effective in inducing bone union. It is a minimally invasive technique and could be performed under local anaesthesia, with minimal cost and the potential to avoid a larger surgical procedure. All our patients were on the waiting list for open bone grafting but only 20% of them needed this. We recommend this technique for atrophic tibial non-unions with minimal deformity.

Introduction

To achieve tibiotalocalcaneal arthodesis, implants described range from external fixator, compression screws and anterior plate and the more recent retrograde calcaneal locked intramedullary nail. Our aim is to assess the outcome of the AO cannulated blade plate for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis.

Patients and methods

Four tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodeses were performed in three patients. The operative technique involves lateral approach to the distal fibula that was osteotomised and used as bone graft. The articular cartilage of ankle and subtalar joint was removed using an osteotome and congruent surfaces achieved. AO cannulated blade plate was applied on the lateral aspect to achieve compression. The postoperative protocol included a plaster cast for three months, followed by mobilization out of plaster.

Results and discussion

At the mean follow up of 10 months (range five to fourteen months) all patients were pain free on full weight bearing. The union was achieved at three months which was confirmed clinically and radiologically. There was no infection, wound breakdown, or loss of position at the ankle or subtalar joints. Mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle/hindfoot score was 21 and postoperative score 83. We conclude that the cannulated blade plate is an alternate technique for tibiotalocalcaneal arthodesis, with no moulding of the implant required to attain satisfactory alignment.

Stabilization and bone grafting are the basic principles in the treatment of fracture non-union, however, infection is always a concern. Percutaneous bone marrow grafting has been suggested as an alternative, which provides a source of osteogenic cells with osteoinductive effect.

This prospective study evaluates the efficacy of percutanous bone marrow grafting in patients with tibial non-union while on the waiting list for open surgical procedures. 21 adult patients with established tibial non-union were recruited. The average age of fracture non-union was 12 months (range 6–36). Infected cases, deformed non-unions and gap non-unions were excluded. Eleven were hypertrophic and ten atrophic type of non-union.

Under local anaesthesia, bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crests using a 16 G sternal puncture needle. 3–5ml marrow was aspirated and injected immediately into and about the non-union site. Subsequent aspirations were performed 1 cm posterior to the previous site until a maximum of 15 ml marrow was injected. Patients were immobilised in a plaster cast. Radiographs were repeated at 6 weeks interval. A second injection was repeated at 6 weeks if there was no evidence of callus formation.

The procedure was considered a failure, if there was no union at six weeks following the third injection. Bone marrow could not be aspirated in one patient. 19 patients were followed up clinically and radiologically until there was definite bone union or failure.

Bone union was achieved in 15 patients out of 20 (75%), with an average time to union following the first injection 14 weeks (range 6–22 ). Two of the patients needed only one injection, nine needed two injections, and four patients needed three injections to unite. 4 patients (20%) showed no evidence of union.

There were no complications at the donor or recipient site.

We conclude that percutanous bone marrow grafting is a safe, simple, and reliable method of treating tibial non-union with minimal deformity.

The relationship between heterotopic bone formation and the morphological type of osteoarthritis was examined after 43 hip replacements. Of the 43 hips studied, nine were atrophic, 19 were normotrophic, and 15 were hypertrophic. The incidence of heterotopic bone formation in the atrophic type was 11%, in the normotrophic type 32%, and in the hypertrophic type 87%. The difference between each type was statistically significant (p less than 0.001).