Aims

The aim of the study was to apply 3D measurements for fracture displacement in minimally to moderately displaced acetabular fractures treated nonoperatively, and to evaluate whether this measurement can be used to estimate the likelihood of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) at follow-up.

Aims. Sagittal lumbar pelvic alignment alters with posterior pelvic tilt (PT) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The individual value of pelvic sagittal inclination (PSI) following rebalancing of lumbar-pelvic alignment is unknown. In different populations, PT regresses in a linear relationship with pelvic incidence (PI). PSI and PT have a direct relationship to each other via a fixed individual angle ∠γ. This study aimed to investigate whether the new PI created by acetabular component positioning during THA also has a linear regression relationship with PT/PSI when lumbar-pelvic alignment rebalances postoperatively in patients with Crowe type III/IV DDH. Methods. Using SPINEPARA software, we measured the pelvic sagittal parameters including PI, PT, and PSI in 61 patients with Crowe III/IV DDH. Both PSI and PT represent the pelvic tilt state, and the difference between their values is ∠γ (PT = PSI + ∠γ). The regression equation between PI and PT at one year after THA was established. By substituting ∠γ, the relationship between PI and PSI was also established. The Bland-Altman method was used to evaluate the consistency between the PSI calculated by the linear regression equation (ePSI) and the actual PSI (aPSI) measured one year postoperatively. Results. The mean PT and PSI changed from preoperative values of 7.0° (SD 6.5°) and -8.0° (SD 6.7°), respectively, to 8.4° (SD 5.5°) and -4.5° (SD 5.9°) at one year postoperatively. This change shows that the pelvis tilted posteriorly following THA. In addition, when lumbar-pelvic alignment rebalanced, the linear regression equation between PI and PT was PT = 0.45 × PI - 10.5°, and PSI could be expressed as PSI = 0.45 × PI - 10.5° - ∠γ. The absolute difference between ePSI and aPSI was less than 5° in 55 of 61 patients (90.16%). Conclusion. The new PI created by the positioning of the acetabular component significantly affects the PSI when lumbar-pelvic alignment changes and rebalances after THA in patients with Crowe III/IV DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):149–156

Aims. In this study, we aimed to evaluate incidence trends and potential risk factors associated with Perthes’ disease in Denmark, using publicly available data. Methods. Our population-based case-control study used data from the Danish National Patient Register and Danish Civil Registration System, accessed through the publicly available Danish Biobank Register, to identify 1,924,292 infants born between 1985 and 2016. We estimated age-specific incidence rates for four birth periods of equal duration (1985 to 1992, 1993 to 2000, 2001 to 2008, and 2009 to 2016) and investigated associations with perinatal conditions, congenital malformations, coagulation defects, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Results. We identified 2,374 (81.6% male) diagnosed with Perthes’ disease aged between two and 12 years, corresponding to an overall incidence of 12.1 per 100,000 live births relative to the year of birth. The incidence declined across all four birth periods, irrespective of sex or age at diagnosis. Several perinatal conditions were associated with higher Perthes’ disease risk. Children with reported birth injuries (vs no reported injuries) exhibited the highest risk (relative risk (RR) 7.48 (95% CI 3.37 to 16.63)) followed by those with versus without coagulation defects (RR 4.77 (95% CI 1.79 to 12.69)). Children diagnosed with syndromic (RR 2.90 (95% CI 2.08 to 4.04)) or non-syndromic major congenital malformations (RR 1.86 (95% CI 1.55 to 2.23)) (vs those with no malformation diagnosis) were also associated with higher Perthes’ disease risk. The development of Perthes’ disease was positively associated with several ASD and ADHD diagnoses. However, once adjusting for the sex of the child and period of birth, the associations with ASD and ADHD were no longer significant. Conclusion. Using publicly available data, we observed a declining incidence of Perthes’ disease in Denmark over a 32-year study period. Our findings also confirm positive associations between Perthes’ disease and various perinatal conditions, coagulation defects, and congenital malformations, highlighting potential aetiological pathways for further investigation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):268–276

Aims

To evaluate the concurrent use of vancomycin and ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims

Complex elbow fracture-dislocations often result in suboptimal outcomes and necessitate a thorough understanding of injury patterns to guide effective management and reduce adverse sequelae. The Wrightington Classification System (WCS) offers a comprehensive approach and considers both bony and soft-tissue disruption, providing clearer guidance for treatment. This is the first external study to assess the reliability of the WCS for elbow fracture-dislocations.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of reinfection in patients after two-stage revision of an infected megaprosthesis (MPR) implanted after resection of a bone tumour.

Aims. HIV and musculoskeletal injuries both disproportionately affect individuals living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to a significant number of fractures in HIV-positive patients. Despite this, little is known about the long-term outcomes for these patients. This prospective cohort study investigated whether HIV infection is associated with fracture-related infections (FRIs). Methods. All adult patients between September 2017 and December 2018 who received intramedullary nail fixation of lower limb fractures in two tertiary referral hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa, were deemed eligible. In total, 358 participants were recruited for this study, 33 of whom were lost to follow-up. Of the 325 participants, 37 (11.4%) developed a total of 39 FRIs over the study period; 25 were early FRIs (64.1%) and 14 were late FRIs (35.9%). Participants were followed up for a minimum of 24 months. Throughout follow-up, participants were monitored for FRIs. These were categorized as early FRIs (< 90 days) and late FRIs (> 90 days). Results. Overall, 71 participants (21.8%) were HIV-positive and 254 participants were HIV-negative (78.2%). In the HIV-positive population, 15 participants (21.1%) suffered 16 FRIs: seven early FRIs (9.9%) and nine late FRIs (7.0%). In the HIV-negative population, 22 participants (8.7%) experienced 23 FRIs, 18 were early FRIs (7.1%), and five participants experienced late FRIs (2.0%). On univariate and multivariate regression, being HIV-positive increased a participant’s likelihood of suffering late FRIs, and FRIs overall. HIV status made no significant difference to early FRI rates. Conclusion. Contrary to recent evidence, this study demonstrates an association between HIV and an increased risk of a patient developing late FRIs. However, there was no significant difference in early FRI rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):221–228

Aims

Over time, the locking mechanism of Modular Universal Tumour and Revision System (MUTARS) knee arthroplasties changed from polyethylene (PE) to polyether-ether-ketone Optima (PEEK) and metal-on-metal (MoM) in an attempt to reduce the risk of mechanical failure. In this study, we aimed to assess the cumulative incidence of locking mechanism revision for symptomatic instability by type of material, and assess potential associated risk factors.

Aims

Older adults with hip fractures are at high risk of experiencing complications after surgery, but estimates of the rate of specific complications vary by study design and follow-up period. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of complications in older adults after hip fracture surgery.

Hip fractures commonly occur in older patients, with high levels of frailty and comorbidity. Many of these patients have limited mobility before their fracture, and even after surgery, their mobility may remain limited. It is therefore not surprising that they are at a high risk of developing pressure sores, particularly on their heels, and a variety of devices and interventions have been proposed to reduce this risk. Foam or air mattresses, designed to reduce contact pressure on the patient’s whole body, are now routinely used in many healthcare systems. However, there is wide variation in their design. We developed the WHiTE 14;PRESSURE 3 trial to address the lack of evidence in this area. This is a three-arm multicentre randomized trial including health economic evaluation and recruiting patients from NHS hospitals in the UK. The trial compares standard strategies for the prevention of pressure sores with standard care plus a constant low-pressure device and with standard care plus a heel off-loading device. This annotation describes the development of this trial.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):135–138.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability, against an accepted international standard, of a linked hip fracture registry and routinely collected administrative dataset in England to embed and deliver randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Aims. The aims of this study, using a porcine model of multiple trauma, were to investigate the expression of microRNAs at the fracture site, in the fracture haematoma (fxH) and in the fractured bone, compared with a remote unfractured long bone, to characterize the patterns of expression of circulating microRNAs in plasma, and identify and validate messenger RNA (mRNA) targets of the microRNAs. Methods. Two multiple trauma treatment strategies were compared: early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopaedics (DCO). For this study, fxH, fractured bone, unfractured control bone, plasma, lung, and liver samples were harvested. MicroRNAs were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction arrays, and the identified mRNA targets were validated in vivo in the bone, fxH, lung, and liver tissue. Results. MicroRNA expression was associated with the trauma treatment strategy and differed depending on the type of sample. In the ETC group, a more advanced fracture healing response, as reflected by the expression of osteogenic microRNAs, was seen compared with the DCO group. DCO treatment resulted in a more balanced immune response in the systemic circulation as represented by significant upregulations of several anti-inflammatory microRNAs. The in vivo validation of the abundance of putative mRNA targets reflected the levels of microRNAs which were identified. Conclusion. Local and systemic microRNA patterns of expression were identified, specific for the treatment strategy in multiple trauma, which corresponded with the expression of mRNA at the fracture site and in target organs. These findings match clinical observations and offer insights into the cellular communication which may underlie the effects of using different surgical strategies in patients with multiple trauma, both locally and systemically. We also identified a systemic involvement of microRNAs in multiple trauma which may include distant cellular communication between injured tissues. Further research may further describe the temporospatial role of circulating microRNAs after multiple trauma, their potential role in communication between organs, and prospective therapeutic applications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):193–203

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the necessity of revising the acetabular component in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) who require revision of the femoral component. The hypothesis was that revision of both the acetabular and femoral components and using a dual-mobility acetabular component would provide a lower postoperative risk of dislocation, without increasing perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Aims. Worldwide controversy exists on the optimal treatment of stable dysplastic hips. The most common treatment options are abduction brace treatment and active surveillance. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effect of active surveillance in stable hip dysplasia, by investigating the percentage of Graf IIb stable dysplastic hips that recover spontaneously without abduction brace treatment. The second aim was to identify prognostic factors for spontaneous recovery of stable dysplastic hips. Methods. A single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted at the Máxima Medical Center between 1 March 2019 and 1 March 2023. Infants aged three to 4.5 months at the first outpatient clinic visit, diagnosed with Graf IIb hip dysplasia, and treated with active surveillance were included. Spontaneous recovery was defined as infants who had a normalized hip on ultrasound (α-angle ≥ 60°) after six weeks of active surveillance without receiving abduction brace treatment. Baseline infant characteristics and ultrasound measurements were used as potential predictor variables for spontaneous recovery in logistic regression analyses. Results. A total of 508 infants with Graf IIb stable dysplastic hips were included. Overall, 473 infants (93.1%) recovered spontaneously with active surveillance. Of the remaining 35 infants, 25 infants (4.9%) received six weeks and ten infants (2.0%) received 12 weeks of additional Pavlik harness treatment until hip normalization. In univariate and multivariate analyses, an impaired hip abduction was negatively associated (OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.93); p = 0.033) and being a firstborn child positively associated (OR 2.20 (95% CI 1.04 to 4.63); p = 0.042) with spontaneous recovery. Conclusion. The majority of Graf IIb stable dysplastic hips recover spontaneously in infants aged three to 4.5 months after six weeks of active surveillance. We recommend active surveillance with ultrasound as primary treatment for these infants. However, care must be taken with active surveillance in infants with a limited hip abduction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):261–267

Aims

Overall sagittal flexion is restricted in patients who have undergone both lumbar fusion and total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it is not evident to what extent this movement is restricted in these patients and how this influences quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which hip-lumbar mobility is decreased in these patients, and how this affects their QoL score.

Aims. The primary aims of this study were to determine the time to sonographic correction of decentred hips during treatment with Pavlik harness for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and investigate potential risk factors for a delayed response to treatment. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of infants with decentred hips who underwent a comprehensive management protocol with Pavlik harness between 2012 and 2016. Ultrasound assessments were performed at standardized intervals and time to correction from centring of the femoral head was quantified. Hips with < 40% femoral head coverage (FHC) were considered decentred, and hips with > 50% FHC and α angles > 60° were considered corrected. Survival analyses using log-rank tests and Cox regression were performed to investigate potential risk factors for delayed time to correction. Results. A total of 108 infants (158 hips) successfully completed the bracing protocol and were included in the study. Mean age at treatment initiation was 6.9 weeks (SD 3.8). All included hips centred within two weeks of treatment initiation. At two, five, eight, and 12 weeks following centring of the femoral head, 13% (95% CI 8 to 19), 67% (95% CI 60 to 74), 98% (95% CI 95 to 99), and 99% (95% CI 98 to 100) of hips had cumulatively achieved sonographic correction, respectively. Low α angles at presentation were found to be a risk factor for delayed time to correction (hazard ratio per 1° decrease in α angle 1.04 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.06); p = 0.006). Conclusion. The majority of decentred hips undergoing Pavlik treatment achieved sonographic correction within eight weeks of centring and radiological severity at presentation was a predictor for slower recovery. These findings provide valuable insights into hip development during Pavlik treatment and will inform the design of future prospective studies investigating the optimal time required in harness. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):118–123

Aims. Dislocation is a major concern following total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA). Both dual-mobility components and standard acetabular components with large femoral heads are used to reduce the risk of dislocation. We investigated whether dual-mobility components are superior to standard components in reducing the two-year dislocation and revision risk in a propensity-matched sample from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register (DHR). Methods. This population-based cohort study analyzed data from the DHR and the Danish National Patient Register. We included all patients undergoing primary THA for OA from January 2010 to December 2019 with either dual-mobility or standard acetabular components with metal-on-polyethylene or ceramic-on-polyethylene articulations with a 36 mm femoral head. The samples were propensity score-matched on patient and implant characteristics. The primary outcome was the difference in the absolute risk of dislocation within two years, with a secondary outcome of the difference in the absolute risk of revision surgery of any cause within the same timeframe. The cumulative incidence of dislocation was calculated using the Aalen-Johansen estimator, while the difference in absolute risk was estimated using absolute risk regression (ARR). Results. We included 4,499 patients with dual-mobility components and 4,499 patients with standard components after propensity score-matching. Both groups had a mean age of 75 years (SD 8.5), included approximately 60% females, and had a two-year survival of 95.3% (95% CI 94.6 to 95.9). The dual-mobility group was 80% less likely to dislocate within two years (ARR 0.20 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.28); p < 0.001), with no significant difference in the risk of revision compared to standard components (ARR 1.15 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.48); p = 0.293). Conclusion. Dual-mobility components are associated with a reduced risk of dislocation and with no significant difference in the risk of revision for any cause within two years of THA when compared to standard acetabular components with 36 mm femoral heads. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):50–57

Aims. Tibial fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) can present surgical challenges. It has been suggested that appropriate fixation in at least two of the three anatomical zones (epiphysis, metaphysis, and diaphysis) is essential for implant survival. However, supporting clinical data are lacking. In this retrospective case-control study, we investigated the relationship between zonal fixation of hybrid rTKA tibial components and re-revision total knee arthroplasty for aseptic loosening (rrTKA-AL). Methods. All consecutive rTKAs with hybrid tibial components (May 2006 to December 2020) were screened for subsequent rrTKA-AL. A control group was randomly selected from the remaining cohort. Postoperative radiographs of rTKAs were scored in random order by three blinded observers for zonal fixation in the epiphysis (bone resection level below, at, or above fibular head; 0 to 2), metaphysis (number of sufficiently cemented zones; 0 to 4), and diaphysis (canal filling ratio (CFR); %). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to quantify the agreement between observers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between zonal fixation and rrTKA-AL. Results. Overall, 33 patients underwent a further rrTKA-AL from a total of 1,173 rTKAs where hybrid tibial components (2.8%) were used. Patients requiring rrTKA-AL had a significantly lower epiphyseal bone resection level (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.76; p = 0.006), lower number of adequately cemented zones (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.79; p = 0.004), but no difference in CFR (p = 0.858). Furthermore, patients needing rrTKA-AL had more frequently previous revisions (p = 0.047), a higher rate of a prior use of a stemmed tibial component (p = 0.011), and a higher Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute classification (p < 0.001). Agreement of zonal fixation between observers was good (ICC 0.79 to 0.87). Conclusion. Patients in need of subsequent rrTKA-AL had lower epiphyseal bone resection levels and a lower number of sufficiently metaphyseal cemented zones following rTKA. These results emphasize the importance of appropriate metaphyseal fixation at rTKA. With this information, orthopaedic surgeons can identify patients at greater risk for rrTKA-AL and optimize their surgical technique in revision knee arthroplasty surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):65–71

Aims. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are often the preferred forms of treatment for patients with atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head when conservative treatment fails. Little has been reported about the survival of HA and TSA for this indication. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in revision rates between HA and TSA in these patients, to determine whether one of these implants has a superior survival and may be a better choice in the treatment of this condition. Methods. Data from 280 shoulders with 159 primary HAs and 121 TSAs, which were undertaken in patients with atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head between January 2014 and January 2023 from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI), were included. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were undertaken. Results. Within four years of follow-up, a total of 15 revisions were required, involving seven HAs (4%) and eight TSAs (7%). This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.523). Two HAs were revised because of progressive glenoid erosion, and three TSAs were revised for loosening of the glenoid component. The cumulative percentages of revision of HA and TSA were 6% and 8%, respectively (HR 1.1 (95% CI 0.5 to 2.7)). Conclusion. We found no significant difference in short- to mid-term implant survival between the use of a HA and a TSA in the treatment of atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head, without significant glenoid wear. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):97–102

Hallux valgus (HV) presents as a common forefoot deformity that causes problems with pain, mobility, footwear, and quality of life. The most common open correction used in the UK is the Scarf and Akin osteotomy, which has good clinical and radiological outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction when used to treat a varying degrees of deformity. However, there are concerns regarding recurrence rates and long-term outcomes. Minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery (MIS) has gained popularity, offering the potential for similar clinical and radiological outcomes with reduced postoperative pain and smaller scars. Despite this, MIS techniques vary widely, hindering comparison and standardization. This review evaluates the evidence for both open Scarf and Akin osteotomy and newer-generation MIS techniques. Fourth-generation MIS emphasizes multiplanar rotational deformity correction through stable fixation. While MIS techniques show promise, their evidence mainly comprises single-surgeon case series. Comparative studies between open and MIS techniques suggest similar clinical and radiological outcomes, although MIS may offer advantages in scar length and less early postoperative pain. MIS may afford superior correction in severe deformity and lower recurrence rates due to correcting the bony deformity rather than soft-tissue correction. Recurrence remains a challenge in HV surgery, necessitating long-term follow-up and standardized outcome measures for assessment. Any comparison between the techniques requires comparative studies. Surgeons must weigh the advantages and risks of both open and MIS approaches in collaboration with patients to determine the most suitable treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):10–18.