In patients with a failed radial head arthroplasty (RHA), simple removal of the implant is an option. However, there is little information in the literature about the outcome of this procedure. The aim of this study was to review the mid-term clinical and radiological results, and the rate of complications and removal of the implant, in patients whose initial RHA was undertaken acutely for trauma involving the elbow. A total of 11 patients in whom removal of a RHA without reimplantation was undertaken as a revision procedure were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 8.4 years (6 to 11). The range of motion (ROM) and stability of the elbow were recorded. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The functional outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Radiological examination included the assessment of heterotopic ossification (HO), implant loosening, capitellar erosion, overlengthening, and osteoarthritis. Complications and the rate of further surgery were also recorded.Aims
Methods
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a prolonged episode of shoulder dysfunction that commences within 24 to 48 hours of a vaccination. Symptoms include a combination of shoulder pain, stiffness, and weakness. There has been a recent rapid increase in reported cases of SIRVA within the literature, particularly in adults, and is likely related to the mass vaccination programmes associated with COVID-19 and influenza. The pathophysiology is not certain, but placement of the vaccination in the subdeltoid bursa or other pericapsular tissue has been suggested to result in an inflammatory capsular process. It has been hypothesized that this is associated with a vaccine injection site that is “too high” and predisposes to the development of SIRVA.
The outcomes following nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures, and the factors which influence patient experience, remain poorly defined. We assessed the early patient-derived outcomes following these injuries and examined the effect of a range of demographic- and injury-related variables on these outcomes. In total, 101 patients (53 female, 48 male) with a mean age of 50.9 years (19 to 76) with minimally displaced GT fractures were recruited to a prospective observational cohort study. During the first year after injury, patients underwent experiential assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and assessment of associated injuries using MRI performed within two weeks of injury. The primary outcome was the one-year DASH score. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of patient demographic factors, complications, and associated injuries, on outcome.Aims
Methods
Acute distal biceps tendon repair reduces fatigue-related pain and minimizes loss of supination of the forearm and strength of flexion of the elbow. We report the short- and long-term outcome following repair using fixation with a cortical button techqniue. Between October 2010 and July 2018, 102 patients with a mean age of 43 years (19 to 67), including 101 males, underwent distal biceps tendon repair less than six weeks after the injury, using cortical button fixation. The primary short-term outcome measure was the rate of complications. The primary long-term outcome measure was the abbreviated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. Secondary outcomes included the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), EuroQol five-dimension three-level score (EQ-5D-3L), satisfaction, and return to function.Aims
Methods
To assess the characteristic clinical features, management, and outcome of patients who present to orthopaedic surgeons with functional dystonia affecting the foot and ankle. We carried out a retrospective search of our records from 2000 to 2019 of patients seen in our adult tertiary referral foot and ankle unit with a diagnosis of functional dystonia.Aims
Methods
Injuries to the hamstring muscle complex are common in athletes, accounting for between 12% and 26% of all injuries sustained during sporting activities. Acute hamstring injuries often occur during sports that involve repetitive kicking or high-speed sprinting, such as American football, soccer, rugby, and athletics. They are also common in watersports, including waterskiing and surfing. Hamstring injuries can be career-threatening in elite athletes and are associated with an estimated risk of recurrence in between 14% and 63% of patients. The variability in prognosis and treatment of the different injury patterns highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to classify injuries accurately and plan the appropriate management. Low-grade hamstring injuries may be treated with nonoperative measures including pain relief, eccentric lengthening exercises, and a graduated return to sport-specific activities. Nonoperative management is associated with highly variable times for convalescence and return to a pre-injury level of sporting function. Nonoperative management of high-grade hamstring injuries is associated with poor return to baseline function, residual muscle weakness and a high-risk of recurrence. Proximal hamstring avulsion injuries, high-grade musculotendinous tears, and chronic injuries with persistent weakness or functional compromise require surgical repair to enable return to a pre-injury level of sporting function and minimize the risk of recurrent injury. This article reviews the optimal diagnostic imaging methods and common classification systems used to guide the treatment of hamstring injuries. In addition, the indications and outcomes for both nonoperative and operative treatment are analyzed to provide an evidence-based management framework for these patients. Cite this article:
Deep gluteal syndrome is an increasingly recognized disease entity, caused by compression of the sciatic or pudendal nerve due to non-discogenic pelvic lesions. It includes the piriformis syndrome, the gemelli-obturator internus syndrome, the ischiofemoral impingement syndrome, and the proximal hamstring syndrome. The concept of the deep gluteal syndrome extends our understanding of posterior hip pain due to nerve entrapment beyond the traditional model of the piriformis syndrome. Nevertheless, there has been terminological confusion and the deep gluteal syndrome has often been undiagnosed or mistaken for other conditions. Careful history-taking, a physical examination including provocation tests, an electrodiagnostic study, and imaging are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. After excluding spinal lesions, MRI scans of the pelvis are helpful in diagnosing deep gluteal syndrome and identifying pathological conditions entrapping the nerves. It can be conservatively treated with multidisciplinary treatment including rest, the avoidance of provoking activities, medication, injections, and physiotherapy. Endoscopic or open surgical decompression is recommended in patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after conservative treatment or in those who may have masses compressing the sciatic nerve. Many physicians remain unfamiliar with this syndrome and there is a lack of relevant literature. This comprehensive review aims to provide the latest information about the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment. Cite this article:
Nerve transfer has become a common and often effective reconstructive strategy for proximal and complex peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb. This case-based discussion explores the principles and potential benefits of nerve transfer surgery and offers in-depth discussion of several established and valuable techniques including: motor transfer for elbow flexion after musculocutaneous nerve injury, deltoid reanimation for axillary nerve palsy, intrinsic re-innervation following proximal ulnar nerve repair, and critical sensory recovery despite non-reconstructable median nerve lesions.Abstract
Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) surgery is complex and attracts a wide variety of complications. The literature lacks consistency in reporting adverse events and complications. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of each of these complications from a literature review, and to compare them with rates from our Unit, to aid clinicians with the process of informed consent. A total of 278 consecutive total ankle arthroplasties (251 patients), performed by four surgeons over a six-year period in Wrightington Hospital (Wigan, United Kingdom) were prospectively reviewed. There were 143 men and 108 women with a mean age of 64 years (41 to 86). The data were recorded on each follow-up visit. Any complications either during initial hospital stay or subsequently reported on follow-ups were recorded, investigated, monitored, and treated as warranted. Literature search included the studies reporting the outcomes and complications of TAA implants.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a corticosteroid injection for the
treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in patients with and without Raynaud’s
phenomenon. In a prospective study, 139 patients with CTS were treated with a corticosteroid
injection (10 mg triamcinolone acetonide); 34 had Raynaud’s phenomenon and 105
did not (control group). Grip strength, perception of touch with a Semmes-Weinstein
monofilament and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaires (BCTQ) were assessed at
baseline and at six, 12 and 24 weeks after the injection. The Cold Intolerance Severity
Score (CISS) questionnaire was also assessed at baseline and 24 weeks after the
injection.Aims
Patients and Methods
The Bereiter trochleoplasty has been used in our unit for 12
years to manage recurrent patellar instability in patients with
severe trochlea dysplasia. The aim of this study was to document
the outcome of a large consecutive cohort of patients who have undergone
this operation. Between June 2002 and August 2013, 214 consecutive trochleoplasties
were carried out in 185 patients. There were 133 women and 52 men
with a mean age of 21.3 years (14 to 38). All patients were offered
yearly clinical and radiological follow-up. They completed the following
patient reported outcome scores (PROMs): International Knee Documentation
Committee subjective scale, the Kujala score, the Western Ontario
and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score and the short-form
(SF)-12. Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims. Our aim was to describe the atypical pattern of increased fatty
degeneration in the infraspinatus muscle compared with the supraspinatus
in patients with a massive rotator cuff tear. We also wished to
describe the nerve conduction and electromyography findings in these
patients. Patients and Methods. A cohort of patients undergoing surgery for a massive rotator
cuff tear was identified and their clinical records obtained. Their
MRI images were reviewed to ascertain the degree of retraction of
the torn infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles, and the degree
of fatty degeneration in both muscles was recorded. Nerve conduction studies
were also performed in those patients who showed more degeneration
in the infraspinatus than in the supraspinatus. Results. Out of a total of 396 patients who underwent surgery for a massive
rotator cuff tear between 2006 and 2015, 35 who had more severe
fatty degeneration in the infraspinatus than in the supraspinatus
were identified. There were 13 men and 22 women. Their mean age
was 67.2 years (56 to 81). A total of 20 (57%) had grade 4 fatty
degeneration as classified by Fuchs et al, in the infraspinatus.
Patte grade 3 muscle retraction was seen in 25 patients (71%). In
all, eight patients (23%) had abnormal
Recently, the use of metal-on-metal articulations
in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has led to an increase in adverse
events owing to local soft-tissue reactions from metal ions and
wear debris. While the majority of these implants perform well,
it has been increasingly recognised that a small proportion of patients
may develop complications secondary to systemic cobalt toxicity
when these implants fail. However, distinguishing true toxicity
from benign elevations in cobalt ion levels can be challenging. The purpose of this two part series is to review the use of cobalt
alloys in THA and to highlight the following related topics of interest:
mechanisms of cobalt ion release and their measurement, definitions
of pathological cobalt ion levels, and the pathophysiology, risk factors
and treatment of cobalt toxicity. Historically, these metal-on-metal
arthroplasties are composed of a chromium-cobalt articulation. The release of cobalt is due to the mechanical and oxidative
stresses placed on the prosthetic joint. It exerts its pathological
effects through direct cellular toxicity. This manuscript will highlight the pathophysiology of cobalt
toxicity in patients with metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties. Take home message: Patients with new or evolving hip symptoms
with a prior history of THA warrant orthopaedic surgical evaluation.
Increased awareness of the range of systemic symptoms associated
with cobalt toxicity, coupled with prompt orthopaedic intervention, may
forestall the development of further complications. Cite this article:
Sciatic nerve palsy following total hip arthroplasty
(THA) is a relatively rare yet potentially devastating complication.
The purpose of this case series was to report the results of patients
with a sciatic nerve palsy who presented between 2000 and 2010,
following primary and revision THA and were treated with neurolysis.
A retrospective review was made of 12 patients (eight women and
four men), with sciatic nerve palsy following THA. The mean age
of the patients was 62.7 years (50 to 72; standard deviation 6.9).
They underwent interfascicular neurolysis for sciatic nerve palsy,
after failing a trial of non-operative treatment for a minimum of
six months. Following surgery, a statistically and clinically significant
improvement in motor function was seen in all patients. The mean
peroneal nerve score function improved from 0.42 (0 to 3) to 3 (1
to 5) (p <
0.001). The mean tibial nerve motor function score
improved from 1.75 (1 to 4) to 3.92 (3 to 5) (p = 0.02).The mean
improvement in sensory function was a clinically negligible 1 out
of 5 in all patients. In total, 11 patients reported improvement
in their pain following surgery. We conclude that neurolysis of the sciatic nerve has a favourable
prognosis in patients with a sciatic nerve palsy following THA.
Our findings suggest that surgery should not be delayed for >
12
months following injury. Cite this article:
There is conflicting evidence about the functional
outcome and rate of satisfaction of super-elderly patients (≥ 80 years
of age) after carpal tunnel decompression. We compiled outcome data for 756 patients who underwent a carpal
tunnel decompression over an eight-year study period, 97 of whom
were super-elderly, and 659 patients who formed a younger control
group (<
80 years old). There was no significant difference between
the super-elderly patients and the younger control group in terms
of functional outcome according to the mean (0 to 100) QuickDASH
score (adjusted mean difference at one year 1.8; 95% confidence
interval (CI) -3.4 to 7.0) and satisfaction rate (odds ratio (OR)
0.78; 95% CI 0.34 to 1.58). Super-elderly patients were, however,
more likely to have thenar muscle atrophy at presentation (OR 9.2,
95% CI 5.8 to 14.6). When
In an initial randomised controlled trial (RCT)
we segregated 180 patients to one of two knee positions following total
knee replacement (TKR): six hours of knee flexion using either a
jig or knee extension. Outcome measures included post-operative
blood loss, fall in haemoglobin, blood transfusion requirements,
knee range of movement, limb swelling and functional scores. A second
RCT consisted of 420 TKR patients randomised to one of three post-operative
knee positions: flexion for three or six hours post-operatively,
or knee extension. Positioning of the knee in flexion for six hours immediately
after surgery significantly reduced blood loss (p = 0.002). There
were no significant differences in post-operative range of movement,
swelling, pain or outcome scores between the various knee positions
in either study. Post-operative knee flexion may offer a simple
and cost-effective way to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements
following TKR. We also report a cautionary note regarding the potential risks
of prolonged knee flexion for more than six hours observed during
clinical practice in the intervening period between the two trials,
with 14 of 289 patients (4.7%) reporting lower limb sensory neuropathy
at their three-month review. Cite this article:
Diabetes mellitus is recognised as a risk factor
for carpal tunnel syndrome. The response to treatment is unclear,
and may be poorer than in non-diabetic patients. Previous randomised
studies of interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome have specifically
excluded diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate
the epidemiology of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients,
and compare the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression with non-diabetic
patients. The primary endpoint was improvement in the QuickDASH
score. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 11.3% (176 of 1564).
Diabetic patients were more likely to have severe neurophysiological
findings at presentation. Patients with diabetes had poorer QuickDASH
scores at one year post-operatively (p = 0.028), although the mean
difference was lower than the minimal clinically important difference
for this score. After controlling for underlying differences in
age and gender, there was no difference between groups in the magnitude of
improvement after decompression (p = 0.481). Patients with diabetes
mellitus can therefore be expected to enjoy a similar improvement
in function.
We describe 261 peripheral nerve injuries sustained
in war by 100 consecutive service men and women injured in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Their mean age was 26.5 years (18.1 to 42.6), the
median interval between injury and first review was 4.2 months (mean
8.4 months (0.36 to 48.49)) and median follow-up was 28.4 months
(mean 20.5 months (1.3 to 64.2)). The nerve lesions were predominantly
focal prolonged conduction block/neurapraxia in 116 (45%), axonotmesis
in 92 (35%) and neurotmesis in 53 (20%) and were evenly distributed
between the upper and the lower limbs. Explosions accounted for
164 (63%): 213 (82%) nerve injuries were associated with open wounds.
Two or more main nerves were injured in 70 patients. The ulnar,
common peroneal and tibial nerves were most commonly injured. In
69 patients there was a vascular injury, fracture, or both at the
level of the nerve lesion. Major tissue loss was present in 50 patients:
amputation of at least one limb was needed in 18. A total of 36 patients
continued in severe neuropathic pain. This paper outlines the methods used in the assessment of these
injuries and provides information about the depth and distribution
of the nerve lesions, their associated injuries and neuropathic
pain syndromes.
A 60-year-old man developed severe neuropathic pain and foot-drop in his left leg following resurfacing arthroplasty of the left hip. The pain was refractory to all analgesics for 16 months. At exploration, a PDS suture was found passing through the sciatic nerve at several points over 6 cm and terminating in a large knot. After release of the suture and neurolysis there was dramatic and rapid improvement of the neuropathic pain and of motor function. This case represents the human equivalent of previously described nerve ligation in an animal model of neuropathic pain. It emphasises that when neuropathic pain is present after an operation, the nerve related to the symptoms must be inspected, and that removal of a suture or irritant may lead to relief of pain, even after many months.
We present an illustrative case using a modification of the Gaines procedure for the surgical management of patients with spondyloptosis. It involves excision of the inferior half of the body of L5 anteriorly combined with posterior reduction and fusion.
