Aims

Our aim was to estimate the total costs of all hospitalizations for treating periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by main management strategy within 24 months post-diagnosis using activity-based costing. Additionally, we investigated the influence of individual PJI treatment pathways on hospital costs within the first 24 months.

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Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging complication of any arthroplasty procedure. We reviewed our use of static antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (ABLCSs) for staged management of PJI where segmental bone loss, ligamentous instability, or soft-tissue defects necessitate a static construct. We reviewed factors contributing to their failure and techniques to avoid these complications when using ABLCSs in this context.

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Closed suction subfascial drainage is widely used after instrumented posterior spinal fusion in patients with a spinal deformity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of this wound drainage on the outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This was a further analysis of a randomized, multicentre clinical trial reporting on patients after posterior spinal fusion using segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. In this study the incidence of deep surgical site infection (SSI) and chronic postoperative pain at two years’ follow-up are reported.

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The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification has been developed to predict individual variations in inherent knee alignment. The impact of preoperative and postoperative CPAK classification phenotype on the postoperative clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains elusive. This study aimed to examine the effect of postoperative CPAK classification phenotypes (I to IX), and their pre- to postoperative changes on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Bone defects are frequently observed in anterior shoulder instability. Over the last decade, knowledge of the association of bone loss with increased failure rates of soft-tissue repair has shifted the surgical management of chronic shoulder instability. On the glenoid side, there is no controversy about the critical glenoid bone loss being 20%. However, poor outcomes have been described even with a subcritical glenoid bone defect as low as 13.5%. On the humeral side, the Hill-Sachs lesion should be evaluated concomitantly with the glenoid defect as the two sides of the same bipolar lesion which interact in the instability process, as described by the glenoid track concept. We advocate adding remplissage to every Bankart repair in patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion, regardless of the glenoid bone loss. When critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss occurs in active patients (> 15%) or bipolar off-track lesions, we should consider anterior glenoid bone reconstructions. The techniques have evolved significantly over the last two decades, moving from open procedures to arthroscopic, and from screw fixation to metal-free fixation. The new arthroscopic techniques of glenoid bone reconstruction procedures allow precise positioning of the graft, identification, and treatment of concomitant injuries with low morbidity and faster recovery. Given the problems associated with bone resorption and metal hardware protrusion, the new metal-free techniques for Latarjet or free bone block procedures seem a good solution to avoid these complications, although no long-term data are yet available.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1100–1110.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment.

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To determine if patient ethnicity among patients with a hip fracture influences the type of fracture, surgical care, and outcome.

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This study aimed to gather insights from elbow experts using the Delphi method to evaluate the influence of patient characteristics and fracture morphology on the choice between operative and nonoperative treatment for coronoid fractures.

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This study evaluates the association between consultant and hospital volume and the risk of re-revision and 90-day mortality following first-time revision of primary hip arthroplasty for aseptic loosening.

Aims. Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients. Methods. This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10). Results. There were significant improvements in clinical scores, in the range and strength of internal rotation and aROM compared with the preoperative values in the 26 patients (87%) who were available for long-term follow-up. These improvements were maintained between short- and long-term follow-ups. Although there was a decreased mean AHD of 7.3 mm (SD 1.5) and an increased mean Hamada grade of 1.7 (SD 0.5) at final follow-up, the rate of progression of cuff tear arthropathy remained low-grade. Comparison between the isolated SSC and combined SSC and reparable supraspinatus tear groups showed no significant differences. At final follow-up, one patient (3.8%) had undergone revision surgery to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). No neurological complications were associated with the procedure. Conclusion. Latissimus dorsi transfer for an irreparable SSC tendon tear resulted in a significant clinical improvement, particularly in pain, range and strength of internal rotation and aROM, which were maintained over a mean of 8.7 years following surgery. Given that this was a long-term outcome study, there was a low-grade progression in the rate of cuff tear arthropathy. Thus, the long-term clinical efficacy of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with irreparable SSC was confirmed as a joint-preserving procedure for these patients, suggesting it as an effective alternative to RSA in young, active patients without degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):957–963

Aims. The optimal bearing surface design for medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of fixed-bearing (FB) and mobile-bearing (MB) UKAs from a single high-volume institution. Methods. Prospectively collected data were reviewed for all primary cemented medial UKAs performed by seven surgeons from January 2006 to December 2022. A total of 2,999 UKAs were identified, including 2,315 FB and 684 MB cases. The primary outcome measure was implant survival. Secondary outcomes included 90-day and cumulative complications, reoperations, component revisions, conversion arthroplasties, range of motion, and patient-reported outcome measures. Overall mean age at surgery was 65.7 years (32.9 to 94.3), 53.1% (1,593/2,999) of UKAs were implanted in female patients, and demographics between groups were similar (p > 0.05). The mean follow-up for all UKAs was 3.7 years (0.0 to 15.6). Results. Using revision for any reason as an endpoint, five-year survival for FB UKAs was 97.2% (95% CI 96.4 to 98.1) compared to 96.0% for MB (95% CI 94.1 to 97.9; p = 0.008). The FB group experienced fewer component revisions (14/2,315, 0.6% vs 12/684, 1.8%; p < 0.001) and conversion arthroplasties (38/2315, 1.6% vs 24/684, 3.5%; p < 0.001). A greater number of MB UKAs underwent revision due to osteoarthritis progression (FB = 21/2,315, 0.9% vs MB = 16/684, 2.3%; p = 0.003). In the MB group, 12 (1.8%) subjects experienced bearing dislocations which required revision surgery. There were 15 early periprosthetic tibia fractures (0.6%) in the FB group compared to 0 for MB (p = 0.035). Conclusion. In similar patient populations, FB UKAs demonstrated slightly higher survival than a commonly used MB design. Adverse event profiles differed by bearing type, with an increased risk of bearing dislocation and OA progression with MB designs, and early periprosthetic tibia fractures for FB designs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):916–923

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the early postoperative mortality and morbidity in older patients with a fracture of the femoral neck, between those who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and those who underwent hemiarthroplasty. Methods. This nationwide, retrospective cohort study used data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We included older patients (aged ≥ 60 years) who underwent THA or hemiarthroplasty after a femoral neck fracture, between July 2010 and March 2022. A total of 165,123 patients were included. The THA group was younger (mean age 72.6 (SD 8.0) vs 80.7 years (SD 8.1)) and had fewer comorbidities than the hemiarthroplasty group. Patients with dementia or malignancy were excluded because they seldom undergo THA. The primary outcome measures were mortality and complications while in hospital, and secondary outcomes were readmission and reoperation within one and two years after discharge, and the costs of hospitalization. We conducted an instrumental variable analysis (IVA) using differential distance as a variable. Results. The IVA analysis showed that the THA group had a significantly higher rate of complications while in hospital (risk difference 6.3% (95% CI 2.0 to 10.6); p = 0.004) than the hemiarthroplasty group, but there was no significant difference in the rate of mortality while in hospital (risk difference 0.3% (95% CI -1.7 to 2.2); p = 0.774). There was no significant difference in the rate of readmission (within one year: risk difference 1.3% (95% CI -1.9 to 4.5); p = 0.443; within two years: risk difference 0.1% (95% CI -3.2 to 3.4); p = 0.950) and reoperation (within one year: risk difference 0.3% (95% CI -0.6 to 1.1); p = 0.557; within two years: risk difference 0.1% (95% CI -0.4 to 0.7); p = 0.632) after discharge. The costs of hospitalization were significantly higher in the THA group than in the hemiarthroplasty group (difference $2,634 (95% CI $2,496 to $2,772); p < 0.001). Conclusion. Among older patients undergoing surgery for a femoral neck fracture, the risk of early complications was higher after THA than after hemiarthroplasty. Our findings should aid in clinical decision-making in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):986–993

Aims. Pneumatic tourniquets are often used during the surgical treatment of unstable traumatic ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures with and without the use of pneumatic tourniquets. Methods. This was a population-based cohort study using data from the Danish Fracture Database with a follow-up period of 24 months. Data were linked to the Danish National Patient Registry to ensure complete information regarding reoperations due to complications, which were divided into major and minor. The relative risk of reoperations for the tourniquet group compared with the non-tourniquet group was estimated using Cox proportional hazards modelling. Results. A total of 4,050 ankle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation between 15 March 2012 and 31 December 2016 were included, with 669 (16.5%) undergoing surgery with a tourniquet and 3,381 (83.5%) without a tourniquet. The overall reoperation risk was 28.2% with an adjusted relative risk of 1.46 (95% CI 0.91 to 2.32) for group comparison. The reoperation risk due to major complications was 3.1% with a tourniquet and 4.4% without a tourniquet, resulting in an adjusted relative risk of 1.45 (95% CI 0.91 to 2.32). For minor complications, there were 24.7% and 23.9% reoperations, resulting in an adjusted relative risk of 0.99 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.17). Conclusion. We found no significant difference in the reoperation rate when comparing ankle fractures treated surgically with and without the use of pneumatic tourniquets. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):994–999

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):970–977.

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The purpose of this study was to determine the association between prior sleeve gastrectomy in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty, and 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up.

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Endoprosthetic reconstruction following distal femur tumour resection has been widely advocated. In this paper, we present the design of an uncemented endoprosthesis system featuring a short, curved stem, with the goal of enhancing long-term survivorship and functional outcomes.

Rotator cuff tears are common in middle-aged and elderly patients. Despite advances in the surgical repair of rotator cuff tears, the rates of recurrent tear remain high. This may be due to the complexity of the tendons of the rotator cuff, which contributes to an inherently hostile healing environment. During the past 20 years, there has been an increased interest in the use of biologics to complement the healing environment in the shoulder, in order to improve rotator cuff healing and reduce the rate of recurrent tears. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current evidence for the use of forms of biological augmentation when repairing rotator cuff tears.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):978–985.

Aims

Hip arthroscopy has gained prominence as a primary surgical intervention for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This study aimed to identify radiological features, and their combinations, that predict the outcome of hip arthroscopy for FAI.