Management of Vancouver type B1 and C periprosthetic fractures in elderly patients requires fixation and an aim for early mobilisation but many techniques restrict weightbearing due to re-fracture risk. We present the clinical and radiographic outcomes of our technique of total femoral plating (TFP) to allow early weightbearing whilst reducing risk of re-fracture. A single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed including twenty-two patients treated with TFP for fracture around either hip or knee replacements between May 2014 and December 2017. Follow-up data was compared at 6, 12 and 24 months. Primary outcomes were functional scores (Oxford Hip or Knee score (OHS/OKS)), Quality of Life (EQ-5D) and satisfaction at final follow-up (Visual Analogue Score (VAS)). Secondary outcomes were radiographic fracture union and complications.Introduction
Methods
Atypical femoral fracture non-union (AFFNU) is both, rare (3–5 per 1000 proximal femur fractures) and difficult to treat. Lack of standardised guidelines leads to a variability in fixation constructs, use of bone grafting and restricted weight bearing protocols, which are not evidence based. We hypothesised that there is no change in union rates without the use of bone grafting and immediate weight bearing post-operatively does not lead to increased complications. A retrospective review of all consecutively treated AFFNU cases between March 2015 to December 2019 was carried out. 9 patients with a mean age of 63.87 years and M:F ratio of 7:2 met the inclusion criteria. Primary outcome variable was radiographic union at 12 months after revision surgery. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon. Fixation construct, neck-shaft angle, use of bone graft and immediate postoperative weight bearing protocols were recorded. Radiographic union was achieved in 7 of 9 patients (78%) after first revision surgery. 1 patient achieved union after 2nd revision surgery and 1 patient died in the early post-operative period due to pulmonary embolism. No bone grafting was used in any of the patients and weight-bearing as tolerated was allowed from the first post-operative day. The mean neck-shaft angle after non-union surgery was 136 degrees.Materials & Methods
Results
Osteotomy is a key step in distraction osteogenesis. Various techniques of osteotomy have been described with its own benefits and pitfalls. Percutaneous osteotomy using multiple drill holes is one of the most widely used osteotomy techniques. It still remains a challenge however to keep the drill holes aligned prior to the osteotomy. Moreover, the efficacy of percutaneous irrigation practice to keep the temperature low during drilling with this technique is also debatable. With an aim to overcome these challenges, we are introducing a device called the Double Barrel Drill Sleeve (DBDS) to perform percutaneous osteotomies. We attempted to compare this method to the conventional multiple drill holes technique using laboratory experiments and clinical data. DBDS has two adjacent parallel barrels that can fit 3.2 to 3.5 mm diameter drill bits. It has a guide member at the drilling end that can be inserted through a pre drilled hole at the near and far cortices of a bone. This provides a constant rotating point for drilling of holes through the barrels. An osteotomy simulation was performed to compare percutaneous drilling with DBDS vis-a-vis a conventional single drill sleeve (SDS) by qualified orthopaedic surgeons, mainly to assess the drilling patterns of both techniques. Percutaneous drilling was done on PVC pipes wrapped in thick sponge to simulate tubular bone with surrounding soft tissue. We also assessed the effect of indirect irrigation on temperature during drilling using the DBDS against a control group on a cadaveric bone model. Ultimately we reviewed our patients who had undergone osteotomy for distraction osteogenesis with DBDS and the conventional technique, and compared their outcomes.Introduction
Materials & Methods
A number of classification systems exist for posterior malleolus fractures of the ankle. The reliability of these classification systems remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of three commonly utilised fracture classification systems of the posterior malleolus. 60 patients across 2 hospitals sustaining an unstable ankle fracture with a posterior malleolus fragment were identified. All patients underwent radiographs and computed tomography of their injured ankle. 9 surgeons including pre-ST3 level, ST3-8 level, and consultant level applied the Haraguchi, Rammelt, and Mason & Molloy classifications to these patients, at two timepoints, at least 4 weeks apart. The order was randomised between assessments. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Intra-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa and standard error (SE). Inter-rater reliability (Fleiss’ Kappa) was calculated for the Haraguchi classification as 0.522 (95% CI 0.490 – 0.553), for the Rammelt classification as 0.626 (95% CI 0.600 – 0.652), and the Mason & Molloy classification as 0.541 (95% CI 0.514 – 0.569). Intra-rater reliability (Cohen's Kappa) was 0.764 (SE 0.034) for the Haraguchi, 0.763 (SE 0.031) for the Rammelt, 0.688 (SE 0.035) for the Mason & Molloy classification. This study reports the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for three classification systems for posterior malleolus fractures. Based on definitions by Landis & Koch (1977), inter-rater reliability was rated as ‘moderate’ for the Haraguchi and Mason & Molloy classifications; and ‘substantial’ for the Rammelt classification. Similarly, the intra-rater reliability was rated as ‘substantial’ for all three classifications.
Understanding of open fracture management is skewed due to reliance on small-number lower limb, specialist unit reports and large, unfocused registry data collections. To address this, we carried out the Open Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study, and report the demographic details and the initial steps of care for patients admitted with open fractures in the UK. Any patient admitted to hospital with an open fracture between 1 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 was included, excluding phalanges and isolated hand injuries. Institutional information governance approval was obtained at the lead site and all data entered using Research Electronic Data Capture. Demographic details, injury, fracture classification, and patient dispersal were detailed.Aims
Methods
The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study was performed to provide clarity in open fracture management previously skewed by small, specialist centre studies and large, unfocused registry investigations. We report the current management metrics of open fractures across the UK. Patients admitted to hospital with an open fracture (excluding phalanges or isolated hand injuries) between 1 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 were included. Institutional information governance approval was obtained at the lead site and all data entered using Research Electronic Data Capture software. All domains of the British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Open Fracture Management were recorded.Aims
Method
Lower limb amputation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Reflecting the predominance of vascular or diabetic disease as a cause for lower limb amputation, much of the available literature excludes lower limb amputation secondary to trauma in the reporting of complication rates. This paucity in the literature represents a research gap in describing the incidence of complications in lower limb amputation due to trauma, which we aim to address. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all traumatic lower limb amputations secondary to trauma from a regional multidisciplinary amputee service at Queen Mary's Hospital. Electronic patient records and paper notes were consulted for evidence of re-operation, infection (superficial or deep), phantom limb pain and neuroma. 222 patients were screened and 108 included in the data analysis.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Non-union is debilitating, costly and affects 2–8% of intramedullary fixed fractures. Clinical data suggest that percutaneous interfragmentary screws offer a less invasive alternative to exchange nailing. This study aimed to assess their efficiency with biomechanical analyses. A tibia was prepared for finite element analysis by creating a fracture of AO classification 42A2b, prior to reaming and insertion of an intramedullary nail. A callus was modelled as granulation tissue and gait loads were applied. The model was validated against published data and with sensitivity studies. The effects of weightbearing, fracture gap and angle, percutaneous screws and exchange nailing were compared through quantification of interfragmentary motion and strain, with the latter used to gauge healing performance via mechano-regulation theory.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Non-union is agonising for patients, complex for surgeons and a costly burden to our healthcare service; as such, its management must be well defined. There is debate as to the requirements for the successful treatment of such patients, in particular, the need for additional biological therapies to ensure union. This study's primary aim was to determine if operative treatment alone was an effective treatment for the non-union of long bones in the upper and lower limbs compared to the pre-existing literature using biological therapies. A single-centre retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was performed. Inclusion was defined as patients 16 years or older with a radiologically confirmed non-union of the upper or lower limb long bones managed with surgical treatment alone between 2014–2019, with at least a 12 month follow up. Patients with bone defects or whose non-unions were treated with biological therapies were excluded from this study. The primary aim was assessed via the outcomes of union, time to union and RUST score.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Non-unions often arise because of high strain environments at fracture sites. Revision fixation, bone grafting and biologic treatments to treat long bone fracture non-union can be expensive and invasive. Percutaneous strain reduction screws (PSRS) can be inserted as a day-case surgical procedure to supplement primary fixation at a fraction of the cost of traditional treatments. Screw insertion perpendicular to the plane of a non-union can resist shear forces and achieve union by modifying the strain environment. A multi-centre retrospective study was undertaken to confirm the results of the initial published case series, ascertain whether this technique can be adopted outside of the developing institution and assess the financial impact of this technique. Retrospective analysis was performed for all PSRS cases used to treat un-united long bone fractures in four level 1 trauma centres from 2016 to 2020. All patients were followed up until union was achieved or further management was required. Demographic data was collected on patients, as were data about their injuries, initial management and timings of all treatments received. A comparative cost analysis was performed comparing patients treated with PSRS and with traditional non-union surgery methods.Introduction
Materials and Methods
The first death in the UK caused by COVID-19 occurred on 5 March 2020. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of major trauma and orthopaedic patients admitted in the early COVID-19 era. A prospective trauma registry was reviewed at a Level 1 Major Trauma Centre. We divided patients into Group A, 40 days prior to 5 March 2020, and into Group B, 40 days after.Aims
Methods
Antibiotic-eluting calcium compounds can be used to deliver antibiotics in the management of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Described omplications include wound drainage, heterotopic ossification(HO) as well as hypercalcaemia which is potentially life threatening. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of hypercalcaemia and other complications between two calcium based antibiotic delivery systems. A retrospective study was performed. Thirty two patients treated with Stimulan or Cerament Calcium based antibiotic delivery system between August 2014 to January 2017 were included. Seven patients received Cerament, 21 cases received Stimulan and one patient received both. The volume used as well as pre- and post-operative serum calcium were recorded as well as any wound related complications and radiologic changes suggestive of heterotopic ossification. The postoperative serum adjusted Calcium were taken weekly during the initial post operative period. Patients with overactive parathyroid disease and pre-existing renal disease were excluded.Aim
Method
Plate fixation for distal femoral fractures is a commonly used method of fracture stabilisation. Many orthopaedic surgeons traditionally do not allow their patients to weight bear for the first 6 weeks after surgery, fearing of loss of fracture reduction and metalwork failure. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the post-operative weight bearing status after plate fixation influences the outcome in terms of loss of reduction and metalwork failure. A retrospective data collection from all patients who treated in our hospital surgically for distal femoral fractures, from January 2015 until June 2017. Inclusion criteria were the operative treatment of these fractures with plate fixation. Patients who were treated with retrograde nail, primary total knee replacement or screw fixation were excluded from the study. Patient, injury and surgery demographic data was collected. The immediate post-operative weight bearing status of these patients was noted. Weight bearing status was divided into two groups – Group 1 (Non and touch weight bear – the non-weight bearing group) and Group 2 (Weight bear as tolerated / Full weight bear – the weight bearing group). Radiological data about fracture displacement or metalwork failure was collected at the six weeks and three months follow up after the operation, using a standardised measurement for displacement performed independently by two authors (EI, TA).Introduction
Materials & Methods
There exists no consensus opinion as to the most suitable post-operative rehabilitation and weight bearing status for proximal tibia articular fractures treated with internal fixation using plates and screws. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the post-operative weight bearing status is associated with loss of reduction and articular collapse.Background
Objectives
Intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures is commonplace and freehand techniques are increasingly popular. The standard freehand method has the knee of the injured leg flexed over a radio-lucent bolster. This requires the imaging C-arm to swing from antero-posterior to lateral position several times. Furthermore, guide wire placement; reaming and nail insertion are all performed well above most surgeons' shoulder height. If instead the leg is hung over the edge of the table, the assistant must crouch and hold the leg until the nail is passed beyond the fracture. We describe a method of nailing which is easier both for the surgeons and the (often inexperienced) radiographer and present a series of 87 consecutive cases managed with this technique.
Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is an established and effective intervention for osteoarthritis of the hip in the young active patient, relying on the principle of femoral bone-stock preservation. A recognised mode of failure is neck thinning leading to radiological evidence of neck collapse and clinical failure. We report on a series of these slow-neck-failure patients and highlight the increased incidence of this phenomenon in post-menopausal female patients. This is a single operator, single implant series; 172 cases were identified from databases at our institution. 76 were female, mean (SD) age 52 (7) years. 96 were male, mean (SD) age 51(12) years. 15 (8.7%) patients required revision. 12 (80%) were female, 9 (75%) of these were due to slow neck failure. In the men one patient developed ALVAL requiring removal of his bilateral hip resurfacings, the other failure mode was early femoral neck failure. Mean time to failure was 6 months in men and 37 months in women. This difference in failure rates is also seen in the NJR figures. This review confirms the relatively high incidence of premature failure in post-menopausal females. NICE guidance in 2003, currently under review, stated that resurfacing is indicated in male patients up to 65 and female patients up to 60. As a result of this study we are currently advising post-menopausal patients that this risk of early failure may make total hip replacement a preferable option to resurfacing arthroplasty.
In addition, we measured ankle and brachial pressures in a separate group of 39 patients with the limb in three different positions: flat with the knee in extension (ABPI 1), raised with the knee in extension (ABPI 2), and finally with the knee flexed to 90° (ABPI 3).
ABPI measurements were calculated in the standard fashion, the mean ABPI in each limb position being 1.17 (ABPI 1), 0.87 (ABPI 2) and 0.83 (ABPI 3) respectively.
