Following the Montgomery ruling, consent is now a matter of law. The medical professionals have to show proof that risks and implications and material risks are explained to the patient and that they have accepted to go ahead with surgery. We devised a free web based programme (Background of study
Materials and Methods
Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstructions are often performed using gracilis autografts, this can be associated with donor site morbidity and complications. The use of synthetic material can circumvent a harvest operation and have previously been demonstrated to be effective in other types of reconstructive procedures and may be effective in MPFL reconstruction. We report our experience and clinical results with the use of FiberTape (FT) in MPFL reconstruction and compare it to the same surgical technique using standard autografts. Data were collected prospectively in 50 MPFL reconstructions. The first 27 underwent reconstruction using autograft; the following 23 patients were treated with FT. All patients were clinically and radiologically assessed and underwent pre- and post-operative scoring using the Kujala score, Bartlett score, Modified Tegner activity rating scale, SF 12 score and Lysholm score. Statistical significance was tested between groups using ANOVA with repeated measures.Background of study
Materials and Methods
The TruFit® plug is a cylindrical scaffold designed to bridge defects in articular cartilages. It is a porous structure with interconnected pores, which gives it the capability of providing a framework for the ingrowth new tissue and remodelling to articular cartilage and bone. The aim of this study was to assess the radiological incorporation of TruFit® Plugs using MRI. Between December 2007 & August 2009, 22 patients underwent treatment of a chondral or osteochondral lesion using one or more TruFit Plugs. At a minimum of 2 years, 10 patients (12 lesions) were MRI scanned and assessed with a modified MOCART Scoring system by an independent Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist. 8 patients were no longer contactable and 4 patients declined MRI as their knee was asymptomatic. 8 of 12 lesions showed congruent articular cartilage cover with a surface of a similar thickness and signal to the surrounding cartilage and reconstitution of the subchondral bone plate. 2 lesions had a thicker congruent articular surface with a similar signal to the surrounding articular cartilage without restoration of the subchondral bone plate. 2 lesions showed no graft incorporation at all and were filled with granulation tissue. Full incorporation of the bony portion of the plug had occurred in only 3 lesions with partial incorporation in 7 lesions. The remaining portion of these 7 lesions looked cystic on MRI. The MRI appearances of the TruFit® Plug at 2 years are encouraging with the majority (83%) showing good restoration of the articular surface with tissue of similar thickness, congruity and signal as the surrounding articular cartilage. However complete incorporation of the TruFit® Plug is rare and cystic change is common. The significance of this cystic change is not clear.
Patients who are symptomatic with concurrent acetabular dysplasia and proximal femoral deformity may have Perthes disease. Osteotomies to correct both the acetabular and proximal femur deformities may optimise biomechanics and improve pain and function. In this study, we assessed the long-term results for such a combined procedure. We included patients who underwent concurrent pelvic and proximal femoral osteotomies by the senior surgeon (JNOH) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. A modified triple pelvic interlocking osteotomy was performed to correct acetabular inclination and/or version with a concurrent proximal femoral osteotomy to correct valgus/varus and/or rotational alignment. We assessed functional scores, radiological paramenters, arthroplasty conversion rate, time interval before conversion to arthroplasty and other associated complications.Introduction
Methods
Perthes disease is associated with coxa breva, plana and magna, and a high riding prominent greater trochanter causing abductor shortening and weakness, leg shortening and extra-articular impingement. A trochanteric advancement with an infero-lateralizing sliding osteotomy of the proximal femur would lengthen femoral neck, improve abductor length and strength, relieve impingement and improve leg length. We assessed the mid-term outcomes for this procedure. We included patients who underwent the operation by the senior author (JNOH) with more than 2 years follow-up. The osteotomies were performed under image intensifier guidance and fixed with blade plate or locking plates. We assessed functional scores, radiological changes in neck length, Tonnis grading for arthritis and evidence of progression in femoral head avascular necrosis, time interval for conversion to hip arthroplasty and associated complications.Introduction
Method
Despite studies into patient consent and their understanding of the potential risks of trauma surgery, no study has looked at the patient's understanding of the procedure involved with neck of femur fracture surgery. Prospective analysis of 150 patients who had operative fixation of neck of femur fractures in a district general hospital. Patients were asked on the third post-operative day to select which procedure they had undergone from a diagram of four different neck of femur surgeries (cannulated screws, cephalomedullary nail, dynamic hip screw and hemiarthroplasty). Exclusion criteria for patient selection - mini mental score of < 20 and confusion secondary to delirium.Background
Method
Many patients who had previous proximal femoral osteotomies develop deformities that may not be amenable to total hip replacement (THR) with standard off-the-shelf femoral stems. Previous studies have shown high revision rates (18% at 5–10 years follow-up). Computer-assisted-design computer-assisted-manufacture (CAD-CAM) femoral stems are indicated but the results are not known. We assessed the clinical results of THR using CAD-CAM femoral stems specifically for this group of patients. We included patients with previous proximal femoral osteotomy and significant deformity who underwent THR with CAD-CAM femoral stem operated by the senior author (AHN) from 1997 with a minimum of 5 years follow-up. We noted revision rates, associated complications and functional outcome. Radiological outcomes include assessment for loosening defined as development of progressive radiolucent lines around implant or implant migration.Introduction
Methods
Brachial plexus blocks are used widely to provide intra-operative and post-operative analgesia. Their efficacy is well established, but little is known about discharging patients with a numb or weak arm. We need to quantify the risk of complications for improved informed consent. To assess whether patients can be safely discharged from hospital before the brachial plexus block has worn off and record any complications and concerns.Introduction
Objectives
