Acetabular fractures present a challenge. Anatomical reduction can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, in elderly patients with complex fracture patterns and osteoporotic bone stock, “fix and replace” has become an option in the management of these injuries. This involves ORIF of the acetabulum to enable insertion of a press fit cup and subsequent cemented femoral stem at the index surgery. A Retrospective analysis of all operatively managed acetabular fractures by a regional Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma service (01/01/2018-30/05/2023) STATA used for analysis. 34 patients undergoing “fix and replace” surgery. Of the 133 patients managed with ORIF, 21 subsequently required Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Mean follow up was 2.7 years versus 5.1. There was no statistical significance between the two groups with regards to BMI or sex. Mean age in the “fix and replace” group was 68 compared to 48 in the ORIF and subsequent THA group. This reached statistical significance between the two groups (p=0.001).ASA and Charlson Comorbidity Index (3 and 3 in “fix and replace” and 2 and 1.2 in ORIF to THA group) and Charlson Comorbidity Index both were statistically significantly different (p=0.006 and p=0.027, respectively). High energy mechanism of injury accounted for 56% of the “fix and replace” group compared to 48% in the ORIF to THA. 74% of “fix and replace” were associated fractures compared to 53% of ORIF to THA. Wait to surgery was 3 days for “fix and replace” while 186 days was the mean wait time from listing to THA for the ORIF to THA group. Complication rate was 41% versus 43% in the two groups. 14% in the ORIF to THA group developed PJI versus 6% in “fix and replace”. Fix and replace allows early mobilisation in frailer, elderly patients. Our results show fewer returns to theatre and less PJI in patients having arthroplasty as part of “fix and replace” than subsequent to Open reduction internal fixation.
Data was collected for patients referred to the orthopaedic department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital with metatarsalgia who subsequently received an ultrasound. Patients found to have a Morton's neuroma were divided into groups based on its size. A total of 90 patients received an ultrasound scan and neuroma was confirmed in 58 with an alternative diagnosis found in 32 patients and a total of 42 were included in the final analysis. All 14 patients with neuroma < 6mm reported resolution of symptoms. 4 (28.5%) underwent surgical excision as first line, 1 (7%) received a single corticosteroid injection and 9 (64%) were treated with metatarsal bars. There were 27 patients with neuroma > 6mm; 8 (29.6%) underwent surgical excision as first line treatment, 5 (18.5%) received metatarsal bars and 14 (51.9%) received injections. 7 (25.9%) patients reported resolution of symptoms after 1 injection, 1 (3.7%) patient required 2 injections and 1 (3.7%) patient required 3 injections to achieve resolution. 5 (18.5%) patients required surgical excision following ongoing symptoms despite non-surgical treatment. 9 (33.3%) reported resolution of symptoms following injection. 5 (18.5%) reported resolution of symptoms following use of metatarsal bars. A total of 71% of patients with a neuroma measuring < 6mm reported full resolution of symptoms with non-surgical treatment. For patients with neuroma >6mm, 64.3% had resolution of symptoms with injections alone and 18.5% required surgical excision despite injection. In conclusion, there is a benefit to offering non-surgical treatment as first line in patients with a neuroma regardless of size.
