We report our early experience with distracting external fixation used to offload the hip after avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head secondary to severe slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE).

A case series of five patients treated in a tertiary centre is reported. Electronic case records and radiographs were reviewed. Data recorded included demographics, initial presentation, timing of head collapse, timing and duration of distraction and outcome including referral to adult arthoplasty services.

Mean age at presentation was 12 years (range 12–15). 4 were females. Initial treatment in 4 cases was a delayed cuneiform osteotomy and pinning, one patient underwent serendipitous reduction and percutaneous pinning. Mean duration to initial surgery was 10 days (range 5–16). All patients had femoral head collapse at a mean of 148 days from time of presentation. 2 patients required backing out of screws due to intra-articular protrusion. All patients underwent distraction at a mean 193 days from presentation. Average distraction achieved was 10 mm and duration of application was 125 days (range 91–139)

All patients experienced improvement or resolution of pain but persistence of poor function, characterised by fixed adduction and limb length discrepancy. 3 patients were referred to adult arthroplasty services.

This may be an effective treatment option for pain associated with AVN post SUFE. However, in our experience normal anatomy and function of the hip is not restored if performed after collapse of the femoral head. Consideration should be given to application of the distractor either at the time of initial fixation or prior to femoral head collapse. Authors believe that timing of the application of the distractor is critical for a successful outcome and recommend a prospective study with large numbers.

Blood loss following total hip replacement is a major contributor to increase morbidity and length of stay. Various techniques have been described to reduce its occurrence. We now follow a set protocol, combining rivaroxaban for thrombo-prophylaxis and tranexamic acid to reduce immediate postoperative bleeding.

Introduction:

Two-stage revision is a widely accepted and performed intervention for septic total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with an infection eradication rate exceeding 90% in most studies. The ‘2-in-1’ single stage revision has recently been reported to have favourable results.

Introduction

Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) has been designed to treat complex tibial, foot and ankle deformities using computer software. We have performed various osteotomies in combination with different soft tissue procedures, with the use of TSF.

Current health economics forces the clinician to consider the cost of treatment. Currently in Fife Hospitals, all lower limb injuries likely to require operative treatment are admitted from the Accident and Emergency department on the day of injury. The aim of this investigation was to see if non-emergency trauma cases could be managed pre-operatively as outpatients to reduce costs.

We prospectively recorded all patients admitted with lower limb trauma excluding neck of femur fractures, requiring operative treatment over an eleven-week period. The senior author reviewed all patients and a clinical judgment was made as to whether the patient could have been safely managed as an outpatient pre-operatively.

61 patients met the inclusion criteria. Average age 41.8 (Range 8-66). The three most common fractures were 23(38%) ankle fractures, 15(25%) tibial fractures and 8(13%) femoral shaft fractures. 28(46%) fractures were deemed safe to have been managed preoperatively on an outpatient basis. 14/23(61%) ankle fractures were deemed safe to be discharged home. The average pre-operative stay was 1.38 nights (Range 1-4 nights).

By initiating a simple policy of allowing uncomplicated ankle fracture patients to wait at home and return on the morning of surgery it is possible to reduce inpatient occupancy by 64 nights per year in our department. At a cost of £518 per patient per night, this could result in a saving of around £33,000 in unnecessary overnight inpatient stays. In order to achieve this, clear clinical guidance for admitting doctors is necessary and further prospective research should be conducted into the risk/benefit of implementing this policy.

A single centre, prospective study of 196 closed tibial diaphyseal fractures treated by monolateral external fixation. Surgical management of all patients followed a protocol of the senior author (PBMT), with regard to technique and fracture reduction. Operations were performed by several different surgeons including the senior author. A definitive fixator was used as a reduction tool in 34 cases, and a separate fracture reduction device was used in 162 patients. Follow-up was in a dedicated external fixator clinic by the senior author until one year post-fracture healing. Fracture healing was determined by fracture stiffness measurements. 196 tibial fractures in 196 patients, average age 29 (range 12-80). 111 right sided and 85 left sided. 166 male and 30 female. 116 fractures due to low energy and 80 due to high energy.