There is little evidence examining the relationship between anatomical landmarks, radiological placement of the tunnels and long-term clinical outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of intra-operative landmarks for placement of the tunnels in single-bundle reconstruction of the ACL using four-strand hamstring tendon autografts.

Isolated reconstruction of the ACL was performed in 200 patients, who were followed prospectively for seven years with use of the International Knee Documentation Committee forms and radiographs. Taking 0% as the anterior and 100% as the posterior extent, the femoral tunnel was a mean of 86% (sd 5) along Blumensaat’s line and the tibial tunnel was 48% (sd 5) along the tibial plateau. Taking 0% as the medial and 100% as the lateral extent, the tibial tunnel was 46% (sd 3) across the tibial plateau and the mean inclination of the graft in the coronal plane was 19° (sd 5.5).

The use of intra-operative landmarks resulted in reproducible placement of the tunnels and an excellent clinical outcome seven years after operation. Vertical inclination was associated with increased rotational instability and degenerative radiological changes, while rupture of the graft was associated with posterior placement of the tibial tunnel. If the osseous tunnels are correctly placed, single-bundle reconstruction of the ACL adequately controls both anteroposterior and rotational instability.

To compare hallux valgus surgery performed by orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists within the same Health Authority, a consecutive series of 50 patients operated on within the orthopaedic department for hallux valgus was compared with a group operated on by the podiatry surgeons within the same time period.

This retrospective study was performed by analysis of the case notes and radiographs. Data was collected on patient age, sex, comorbidity, anaesthetic, surgery, surgeon grade, post-operative rehabilitation and complications. Pre and post operative hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were measured.

Patient demographics showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. All but one patient in the orthopaedic group had a general anaesthetic whilst regional anaesthesia (ankle block) performed by the operating surgeon was used in all cases in the podiatry group.

There were 4 different operations in the orthopaedic group (Mitchells, Chevron, bunionectomy, Wilsons) compared with 2 in the podiatry group (Scarf, Kellers). Pre-operative radiological measurements revealed comparable groups with the correction obtained better in the podiatry group (HV angle 15° vs 10°; IM angle 7° vs 4°).

There were 13 complications in the podiatry group compared with 8 in the orthopaedic group.

9 patients in the podiatry group underwent re-operation to remove metalwork whilst no patients in the orthopaedic group required further surgery.

Within our region, orthopaedic and podiatry surgeons operate on the same type of patients with hallux valgus in respect to age, sex, comorbidity and radiological abnormality. There is marked difference in the anaesthetic techniques used. Correction obtained in the podiatry group was slightly better but at the expense of a higher complication and re-operation rate.