Introduction

Knee dislocations, vascular injuries and floating knee injuries can be initially managed by a external fixator. Fixator design constructs include the AO pattern and the Diamond pattern. However, these traditional constructs do not adhere to basic principles of external fixation. The Manchester pattern knee-spanning external fixator is a new construct pattern, which uses beam loading and multiplanar fixation. There is no data on any construct pattern. This study compares the stability of these designs.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Spinal tuberculosis is one of the most common presentations of skeletal tuberculosis. It is one of the major health issues of developing countries as it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pott's paraplegia is a dreaded complication which can result in permanent neurological deficit, unless treated by timely intervention. We evaluated the efficacy of transpedicular decompression and functional recovery in patients of spinal tuberculosis with neurological deficit.

A cohort of 23 patients (15 males and 8 female) with diagnosed spinal tuberculosis and having an average age of 37.5±8.4 years, satisfying our inclusion and exclusion criteria's and giving written informed consent were recruited in our study. All patients were managed by transpedicular decompression and fusion with posterior instrumentation. All the patients were followed up clinically, radiologically and hematologically. Patients were followed up at every six weeks for 4 months and thereafter at three monthly intervals to assess the long term outcomes and complications. Neurological evaluation was done by Frankel grading. Functional outcome was assessed by Visual Analog Score (VAS) and Owestry Disability Index score (ODI score).

All the patients were followed for a minimum of 27 months. At the final follow-up, there was a statistically significant improvement in VAS score and ODI score. Out of 23 patients, all except three patients showed neurological recovery.

We observed that transpedicular decompression is safe and effective approach for management of spinal tuberculosis as it allows adequate decompression of spinal cord while pedicular instrumentation provides stable spinal fixation and helps in early rehabilitation.

The accessory navicular (AN) is a separate ossification center for the tuberosity of the navicular that is present in approximately 5–14% of the general population. It produces a firm prominence on the plantar-medial aspect of the midfoot. There may be a co-existent flexible flatfoot, but there is no conclusive evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship between the two conditions. It is usually not symptomatic, and few cases necessitate operative intervention. When symptoms require surgical treatment, excision of the AN, with or without advancement of the posterior tibial tendon, usually is considered.

To describe new technique of AN excision and tibialis posterior tendon advancement (TPTA) using a bio-absorbable tenodesis screw and to investigate the outcome of this cohort in comparison to conventional simple excision.

Retrospective 2 Cohort study. Single surgeon series from single institution. All patients younger than 18 years from Jan 2000 to Aug 2012 undergoing simple excision (SE) or excision with TPTA were identified from the prospectively collected database. Case notes were reviewed and data regarding demographics, indications for surgery, presence of Pes Planus, time from presentation to surgery, length of follow-up, patient satisfaction and complications were recorded. Pain and functional outcome were measured using Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and patient reported outcome measure- Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire- Child and Teenager Version.

There were 6 patients in SE group. There were 3 males and 3 females. Mean age at surgery was 13.9 years. Surgical indication was painful swelling in all patients and in addition 1 had pes planus. There were 7 in SE & TPTA group. There were 3 males and 4 females. The mean age at surgery was 13.1 years. Surgical indication was painful swelling in all patients and in addition 1 had hind foot rigidity and 3 had pes planus. Postoperative protocol involved weight bearing with or without cast in SE group and non-weight bearing in cast for 6 weeks in TPA group. All patients reported excellent to good outcome. There were no complications and no reoperations after tendon advancement.

In conclusion, based on our study findings, we think AN excision and TP advancement is a safe and effective technique for symptomatic pain relief. It is a novel technique which achieved excellent to good outcome in our series.

Background

Nonsurgical treatment of Acromioclavicular joint dislocations is well established. Most patients treated conservatively do well, however, some of them develop persistent symptoms. We have used two different surgical reconstruction techniques for Chronic ACJ dislocation stabilization. The study evaluates the effectiveness of a braided polyester prosthetic ligament and modified Weaver-Dunn reconstruction methods.

Introduction

The Constant Score (CS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) are shoulder scoring systems routinely used in the UK. Patients with Acromio-Clavicular Joint (ACJ) and Sterno-Clavicular Joint (SCJ) injuries and those with clavicle fractures tend to be younger and more active than those with other shoulder pathologies. While the CS takes into account the recreational outcomes for such patients the weighting is very small. We developed the Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) specifically for this group of patients.

Financial impact and patient satisfaction with four different anticoagulants for hip and knee arthroplasty in patients with a previous history of VTE- A prospective randomised trial

Introduction

The conservative management of Sub-Acromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) of the shoulder includes both physiotherapy treatment and subacromial injection with local anaesthetic and steroids. The outcome from injection treatment has rarely been evaluated scientifically.

We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients (92 hips) who underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty for bony ankylosis in ankylosing spondylitis between September 1988 and 2002. Clinical assessment was done at follow-up, which envisages assessment of the pain, function, deformities and range of motion using the Harris Hip Score. Radiographic analysis was done. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was done at 5 and 8.5 years using the revision for the removal of femoral component, acetabular component or both due to any cause as the end point.

The mean age of the patients was 25.5 years. The mean duration of follow up was 8.5 years. The average preoperative Harris Hip Score of 49.5 improved to 82.6 post operatively. Post operatively 10 hips had mild to moderate pain. Anterior dislocation occurred in four hips (4.3 %) and sciatic nerve palsy in one hip. Heterotopic ossification was seen in 12 patients, reankylosis rate was 0%. Thirteen arthroplasties were revised due to aseptic loosening. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis with revision as end point revealed 98.8% survival at 5 years and 85.8% survival at 8.5 years 11 follow up.

Cementless THA in osseous ankylosis in ankylosing spondylitis is a worthwhile surgical intervention in bony ankylosis. Newfound mobility, manoeuvrability and improved ability to sit comfortably were the outcomes, which alleviated the patients’ daunted morale. However, the technically demanding nature of the procedure should not be underestimated.

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was performed to compare the outcome of treatment of unstable fractures of the proximal part of the femur with either a sliding hip screw or a short proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA-XS, Synthes).

Eighty one patients (April 2007 – May 2008) presenting with unstable fracture of the proximal part of the femur were randomized, at the time of admission, to fixation with use of either a short proximal femoral nail antirotation (n=42) or a sliding hip screw (n= 39). The primary outcome measure was reoperation within the first postoperative year and mortality at the end of one year. Operative time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, and any intra-operative complication were recorded for each patient. Follow-up was undertaken at 3, 6, and 12 postoperative months and yearly thereafter. Plain AP and lateral radiographs were obtained at all visits. All changes in the position of the implant, complications, or fixation failure were recorded. Hip range of motion, pain about the hip and the thigh, walking ability score and return to work status were used to compare the outcomes.

There was no significant difference between 1 year mortality rates for the two groups. Mean Operative time was significantly less in PFNA group (Mean 25 min, range 19 – 56 min) than DHS group (Mean 38 min, range 28 – 70 min). Patients treated with a PFNA experienced a shorter fluoroscopy time and less blood loss. 6 patients in DHS group had implant failure as compared to none in PFNA group. The functional outcome was also better in PFNA group.

When compared to DHS, PFNA-XS provides better functional outcome for unstable trochanteric fractures with less operative time, less blood loss and less complications, however one year mortality rate remains the same.

Introduction

We aim to assess the functional outcome, patient perceived satisfaction and implant survival at a mean follow up of 13[10–16] years following revision knee replacement.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was done on 50 patients undergoing primary cementless total hip arthroplasty to determine the effect of tranexamic acid on intra- and postoperative blood losses and on the transfusions requirements.

50 patients were randomized to tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg) given as a bolus intravenous injection or placebo (normal saline) given intravenously, 15 minutes before the incision.

The intraoperative and postoperative blood loss (at removal of the drain 24 hours after the operation) and the number of blood transfusions required were recorded. The patients were screened for deep venous thrombosis with bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging on the tenth postoperative day. The Hemoglobin level was measured preoperatively and on the 3rd postoperative day. The D-dimer levels were measured preoperatively and 24 hrs postoperatively.

Patients receiving tranexamic acid had a mean intraoperative blood loss of 410 ml (range, 300–510 ml) versus 615 ml (range, 515–750ml) (p value<0.05) in patients receiving placebo, a postoperative blood loss of 210 ml(range, 150–325ml) versus 490 ml(range, 370–540ml) (p value<0.05), and a total need for 8 blood transfusions versus 30. Only 6 out 25 patients in tranexamic acid group required blood transfusion whereas 18 out of 25 patients in the placebo group required transfusion.

In the group receiving placebo the mean fall in hemoglobin was 2.9g/dl (range, 2.5–3.2) and in the group treated with tranexamic acid 1.6 g/dl (1.3–2) (p<0.05). At 24 hrs postoperatively, mean plasma D-dimer concentration in the Tranexamic group was half of that in the control group. No patient in either group had any evidence of deep vein thrombosis on bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging done on the tenth postoperative day.

Tranexamic acid 15 mg/kg given as a single preoperative bolus dose reduces peroperative and postoperative and total blood loss, and transfusion requirements in primary cementless total hip replacement surgery without any increased risk of thrombus formation.

Adequate exposure is a prerequisite for treatment of distal humeral fractures. In this study, we compared the clinico-radiological and functional outcome of TRAP approach with that of olecranon osteotomy for distal humerus fractures.

27 patients with distal humerus fractures were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=14, TRAP approach), Group 2 (n=13, Olecranon osteotomy). All patients were operated with bi-columnar fixation. All patients were mobilized from day 2. Follow-up evaluation was done at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

All patients achieved union. The mean surgical time was higher in group 1 (120 min) as compared to group 2 (100 min). The final ROM was higher in group 1 (1160) as compared to group 2 (850). Two patients in group 2 needed posterior release. 5 patients in group 2 had hardware complications related to olecranon osteotomy and needed removal. Two patients in Group 1 had transient ulnar nerve paraesthesias. There was no difference in triceps power in both groups.

Our results demonstrate that TRAP approach is extensile and safe enough in treating these complex fractures with better final ROM and fewer complications.

Introduction

We aim to assess the functional outcome, patient satisfaction and implant survival at a mean follow up of 13[10–16] years following revision for infected total knee replacement.

25 patients in age group (25–40yrs), 15 males, 10 females were implanted with a short metaphyseal cementless stem (‘Proxima’®, Depuy) and cementless acetabular cup. The average follow up was 2.3 years (1.4–2.5 yrs). Clinical evaluation using Harris Hip Score, Radiological evaluation and Bone Mineral Density were evaluated at 2weeks, 6 months, 12 months and yearly thereafter. a new zonal method suitable for short stem was used for radiological evaluation.

The mean Harris Hip score improved from 44 to 95 at final follow up. There was no evidence of any radiolucent lines or osteolysis around the stems. All the stems showed evidence of osseointegration at one year follow up. There was no decrease in bone mineral density around the stems.

The Short Metaphyseal cementless femoral stem is a bone conserving as well as bone preserving option for young patients especially in those in whom surface replacement is not an option.

Twenty total hip arthroplasty were performed with use of a cementless cup in 17 patients and cemented cup in a cage in 3 patients for the treatment of posttraumatic osteoarthritis following acetabular fracture. The average age of the 4 women and 16 men was 49 (range, 26 to 86 years) at the time of the arthroplasty. The median interval between the time of injury and the total hip arthroplasty was 37 months (range, 8 to 144 months). The average operative time was 120 minutes and average intraoperative blood loss was 700 ml. Eight patients had previous open reduction and internal fixation of the acetabular fracture and twelve had been treated nonoperatively. Following total hip replacement, each patient was evaluated clinically and radiographically at six weeks, three months, six months and twelve months, and then yearly following total hip replacement. The average duration of clinical and radiographic follow-up was 40 months (range, 26 to 60 months).

At the time of final follow-up, of twenty acetabular components, 10 had no evidence of periacetabular radiolucency, 7 components had a partial radiolucency that was <1 mm wide, 2 had a complete radiolucency <1 mm wide and 1 component was surrounded by a complete radiolucency of >2 mm in width without showing component migration. According to Engh's criteria, 16 (80%) femoral stems had bony ingrowth and 4 (20%) stems had stable fibrous ingrowth. The average preoperative Harris hip score improved from 35 points to 78 points at the time of final followup.

Total hip arthroplasty for arthritis following acetabular fractures, technically difficult because of extensive scarring, heterotopic bone, retained internal fixation devices, and residual deformity of the acetabulum.

We conducted a retrospective study to compare the blood loss following Primary Total Knee Replacement (TKR) to see effectiveness of Tranexamic acid (TXA).v/s Cell Salvage.

This was a retrospective study conducted from Aug 2008 to Dec 2009. We compared two groups. Group A was given TXA IV (two doses – first dose before tourniquet release and second dose six hours post-operative) and in group B post op cell salvage was used. 84 knees were included in this study with 42 patients in each group. The surgical technique, implants used and post-operative Thromboprophylaxis care were same in both groups.

The corrected mean Hob drop in Group A was 1.76g/dl (Range-0.7 to 4.3) while that in Group B was 2.32g/dl (Range-0.7 to 5.3). Use of TXA lead to a 24.13% decrease in mean Hob drop and 3.7% fall in mean drain output following TKR in our study. Two thromboembolic events in the form of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) confirmed by Duplex US scan, were noted in each group. There was no difference in complication rate i.e. drain site infection and wound leaking in either group. Costs - The cost of two doses of TXA is £3.81 per patient and cost of bellovac drain was £85 per patient.

We found TXA was more effective and cheaper than autolougus blood transfusion and there was no increase in thromboembolic complications

Objective

To compare clinical parameters associated with medial parapatellar and midvastus approaches for total knee arthroplasty in the early post-operative period.