We report a case of fatal haemorrhage following a low-energy fracture of the pubic ramus in an 85-year-old woman.
We have investigated the role of the penetration of saline on the shear strength of the cement-stem interface for stems inserted at room temperature and those preheated to 37°C using a variety of commercial bone cements. Immersion in saline for two weeks at 37°C reduced interfacial strength by 56% to 88% after insertion at room temperature and by 28% to 49% after preheating of the stem. The reduction in porosity as a result of preheating ranged from 71% to 100%. Increased porosity correlated with a reduction in shear strength after immersion in saline (r = 0.839, p <
0.01) indicating that interfacial porosity may act as a fluid conduit.
Polished, tapered stems are now widely used for cemented total hip replacement and many such designs have been introduced. However, a change in stem geometry may have a profound influence on stability. Stems with a wide, rectangular proximal section may be more stable than those which are narrower proximally. We examined the influence of proximal geometry on stability by comparing the two-year migration of the Exeter stem with a more recent design, the CPS-Plus, which has a wider shoulder and a more rectangular cross-section. The hypothesis was that these design features would increase rotational stability. Both stems subsided approximately 1 mm relative to the femur during the first two years after implantation. The Exeter stem was found to rotate into valgus (mean 0.2°,
In this cross-over study, we evaluated two types of knee brace commonly used in the conservative treatment of osteoarthritis of the medial compartment. Twelve patients confirmed radiologically as having unilateral osteoarthritis of the medial compartment (Larsen grade 2 to grade 4) were studied. Treatment with a simple hinged brace was compared with that using a valgus corrective brace. Knee kinematics, ground reaction forces, pain and function were assessed during walking and the Hospital for Special Surgery scores were also determined. Significant improvements in pain, function, and loading and propulsive forces were seen with the valgus brace. Treatment with a simple brace showed only significant improvements in loading forces. Our findings suggest that although both braces improved confidence and function during gait, the valgus brace showed greater benefit.
Clinical experience of impaction bone grafting for revision knee arthroplasty is limited, with initial stability of the tibial tray emerging as a major concern. The length of the stem and its diameter have been altered to improve stability. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the type of stem, support of the rim and graft impaction on early stability of the tray. We developed a system for impaction grafting of trays which we used with morsellised bone in artificial tibiae. Trays with short, long thick or long thin stems were implanted, with or without support of the rim. They were cyclically loaded while measuring relative movement. Long-stemmed trays migrated 4.5 times less than short-stemmed trays, regardless of diameter. Those with support migrated 2.8 times less than those without. The migration of short-stemmed trays correlated inversely with the density of the impacted groups. That of impaction-grafted tibial trays was in the range reported for uncemented primary trays. Movements of short-stemmed trays without cortical support were largest and sensitive to the degree of compaction of the graft. If support of the rim was sufficient or a long stem was used, impacted morsellised bone graft achieved adequate initial stability.
Diabetes mellitus is considered an indicator of poor prognosis for acute ankle fractures, but this risk may be specific to an identifiable subpopulation. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with both diabetes mellitus and an acute, closed, rotational ankle fracture. Patients were individually matched to controls by age, gender, fracture type, and surgical
We prospectively reviewed 24 patients (35 feet) who had been treated by a Scarf osteotomy and Akin closing-wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus between June 2000 and June 2002. There were three men and 21 women with a mean age of 46 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up time was 20 months. Our results showed that 50% of the patients were very satisfied, 42% were satisfied, and 8% were not satisfied. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved significantly from 52 points pre-operatively to 89 at follow-up (p <
0.001). The intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles improved from the mean pre-operative values of 15° and 33° to 9° and 14°, respectively. These improvements were significant (p <
0.0001). The change in the distal metatarsal articular angle was not significant (p = 0.18). There was no significant change in the mean pedobarographic measurements of the first and second metatarsals after surgery (p = 0.2). The mean pedobarographic measurements of the first and second metatarsals at more than one year after surgery were within the normal range. Two patients had wound infections which settled after the administration of antibiotics. One patient had an intra-operative fracture of the first metatarsal and one required further surgery to remove a long distal screw which was irritating the medial sesamoids. We conclude that the Scarf osteotomy combined with the Akin closing-wedge osteotomy is safe and effective for the treatment of hallux valgus.
The relationship between the bone mineral density (BMD) and Charcot arthropathy is unclear. Prospectively, 55 consecutive diabetic patients presenting with a Charcot arthropathy of the foot or ankle were classified as having a fracture, dislocation, or a combination fracture-dislocation pattern of initial destruction. In these groups we used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to compare the peripheral bone of the affected and unaffected limbs. The clinical data relating to diabetes and related major comorbidities and the site of the arthropathy (ankle, hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot) were also compared. There were 23 patients with a fracture pattern, 23 with a dislocation pattern, and nine with a combination. The age-adjusted odds ratio for developing a Charcot joint with a fracture pattern as opposed to a dislocation pattern in patients with osteopenia was 9.5 (95% confidence interval 2.4 to 37.4; p = 0.0014). Groups also differed as to the site of the arthropathy. Fracture patterns predominated at the ankle and forefoot whereas dislocations did so in the midfoot. Diabetic Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle differs according to the pattern of the initial destruction. The fracture pattern is associated with peripheral deficiency of BMD. The dislocation pattern is associated with a normal BMD.
Bilateral, uncemented hip replacements were performed on a 45-year-old woman with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis. The hips showed degenerative changes and protrusio acetabuli. Difficulties were encountered especially during preparation of the femoral canal. At ten-year follow-up she has an excellent clinical and radiological result with no sign of osteolysis. Uncemented hip replacement, while technically demanding, can be successful in the intermediate term for patients with this condition.
The Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) arthroplasty is a metal-on-metal prosthesis for which no medium- or long-term results have been published. Despite this, it is increasing in popularity as an alternative to stemmed prostheses for younger patients. Since the fixation of the socket is conventional, the major concern is long-term failure of the femoral component. This can be predicted by the use of roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA). We have therefore undertaken such a study of the BHR femoral component over a period of two years. Twenty patients (22 hips) underwent a standard BHR procedure. Migration of the femoral component was measured by RSA at intervals of three, six, 12 and 24 months. At 24 months the total three-dimensional migration of the head was 0.2 mm. This was not statistically significant. Previous studies have shown that implants which loosen quickly have rapid early migration. Our results therefore suggest that the BHR femoral component is an inherently stable device which is likely to perform well in the long term.
We present a review of 553 patients who underwent surgery for intractable sciatica ascribed to prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc. One surgeon in one institution undertook or supervised all the operations over a period of 16 years. The total number of primary discectomies included in the study was 531, of which 42 subsequently required a second operation for recurrent sciatica, giving a revision rate of 7.9%. Factors associated with reoperation were analysed. A contained disc protrusion was almost three times more likely to need revision surgery, compared with extruded or sequestrated discs. Patients with primary protrusions had a significantly greater straight-leg raise and reduced incidence of positive neurological findings compared with those with extruded or sequestrated discs. These patients should therefore be selected out clinically and treated by a more enthusiastic conservative programme, since they are three times more likely to require revision surgery.
We have treated seven children with relapsed infantile Blount’s disease by elevation of the hemiplateau using the Ilizarov frame. Three boys and four girls with a mean age of 10.5 years were reviewed at a mean of 29 months after surgery. All had improved considerably and were pleased with the results. The improvements in radiological measurements were statistically significant (p <
0.001). Three-dimensional CT reconstruction was useful for planning surgery. There were no major complications. The advantages of this technique are that in addition to elevation of the hemiplateau, rotational deformities and limb-length discrepancies may be addressed.
The association between vitamin-D-resistant rickets and linear sebaceous naevus syndrome is extremely rare. Only eight cases have been described in the English literature and in none were the skeletal aspects addressed. We present three new cases and describe the musculoskeletal features. The details and outcome of surgery for correction of the deformities are discussed. The disturbances of metabolism of vitamin D and the effects of pharmacological treatment are also described.
We review the results of a modified quadricepsplasty in five children who developed stiffness of the knee after femoral lengthening for congenital short femur using an Ilizarov external fixator which spanned the knee. All had a full range of movement of the knee before lengthening was undertaken. Unifocal lengthening was carried out in the distal metaphysiodiaphyseal region of the distal femur with a mean gain of 6.5 cm. The mean percentage lengthening was 24%. At the end of one year after removal of the Ilizarov frame and despite intensive physiotherapy all patients had stiffness. Physiotherapy was continued after the quadricepsplasty and, at the latest follow-up (mean 27 months), the mean active flexion was 102° (80 to 130). The gain in movement ranged from 50° to 100°. One patient had a superficial wound infection which settled after a course of oral antibiotics. None developed an increased extension lag after surgery and all were very satisfied with the results. Quadricepsplasty is a useful procedure for stiffness of the knee after femoral lengthening which has not responded to physiotherapy.
Residual pain after total hip due to a number of causes both local to and replacement may be distant from the hip. We describe pain related to the psoas muscle after total hip replacement in nine patients. All presented with characteristic symptoms. We describe the key features and management. Gratifying results were achieved with treatment. This diagnosis should be considered when assessing patients with pain after total hip replacement.
We undertook a prospective, randomised study of 135 total knee arthroplasties to determine the most accurate and reliable technique for alignment of the tibial prosthesis. Tibial resection was guided by either intramedullary or extramedullary alignment jigs. Of the 135 knees, standardised postoperative radiographs suitable for assessment were available in 100. Correct tibial alignment was found in 85% of the intramedullary group compared with 65% of the extramedullary group (p = 0.019). We conclude that intramedullary guides are superior to extramedullary instruments for alignment of the tibial prosthesis.
The pathogenesis of aseptic loosening of total joint prostheses is not clearly understood. Two features are associated with loosened prostheses, namely, particulate debris and movement of the implant. While numerous studies have evaluated the cellular response to particulate biomaterials, few have investigated the influence of movement of the implant on the biological response to particles. Our aim was therefore to test the hypothesis that excessive mechanical stimulation of the periprosthetic tissues induces an inflammatory response and that the addition of particulate biomaterials intensifies this. We allocated 66 adult Beagle dogs to four groups as follows: stable implants with (I) and without (II) particulate polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and moving implants with (III) and without (IV) particulate PMMA. They were then evaluated at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 weeks. The stable implants were well tolerated and a thin, fibrous membrane of connective tissue was observed. There was evidence of positive staining in some cells for interleukin-6 (IL-6). Addition of particulate PMMA around the stable implants resulted in an increase in the fibroblastic response and positive staining for IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). By contrast, movement of the implant resulted in an immediate inflammatory response characterised by large numbers of histiocytes and cytokine staining for IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6. Introduction of particulate PMMA aggravated this response. Animals with particulate PMMA and movement of the implant have an intense inflammatory response associated with accelerated bone loss. Our results indicate that the initiation of the inflammatory response to biomaterial particles was much slower than that to gross mechanical instability. Furthermore, when there was both particulate debris and movement, there was an amplification of the adverse tissue response as evidenced by the presence of osteolysis and increases in the presence of inflammatory cells and their associated cytokines.
There is a need for the accurate measurement of the outcome after knee surgery. The Oxford Knee Score is being increasingly used since it is reported to be short, simple, inexpensive and validated. We sent the questionnaire to 346 patients awaiting surgery to the hip or lumbar spine. Only 11% of 141 patients with proximal pathology who denied knee problems gave a maximum score. Their mean score was substantially lower than expected at 28.7 (maximum 48), and was significantly lower than the score of 36.5 obtained from patients after total knee replacement. We therefore suggest that the frequent coexistence of hip or spinal pathology will significantly alter both the absolute score and any improvement to be expected after knee surgery. Although sensitive to disability originating from the knee the Oxford Knee Score is not sufficiently specific since it is heavily influenced by more proximal pathology.
Discitis is uncommon in children and presents in different ways at different ages. It is most difficult to diagnose in the uncommunicative toddler of one to three years of age. We present 11 consecutive cases. The non-specific clinical features included refusal to walk (63%), back pain (27%), inability to flex the lower back (50%) and a loss of lumbar lordosis (40%). Laboratory tests were unhelpful and cultures of blood and disc tissue were negative. MRI reduces the diagnostic delay and may help to avoid the requirement for a biopsy. In 75% of cases it demonstrated a paravertebral inflammatory mass, which helped to determine the duration of the oral therapy given after initial intravenous antibiotics. At a mean follow-up of 21 months (10 to 40), all the spines were mobile and the patients free from pain. Radiological fusion occurred in 20% and was predictable after two years. At follow-up, MRI showed variable appearances: changes in the vertebral body usually resolved at 24 months and recovery of the disc was seen after 34 months.
Thirty cruciate ligaments were retrieved from either cadavers or limbs which had been amputated. Each specimen was sectioned and stained to demonstrate the presence of collagen, nerves and vessels. All 30 specimens contained an interconnecting band of collagen fibres between the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Vascular structures were present in all specimens and nerve fibres were identified in 26 (86%). We have called this structure the ‘intercruciate band’. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments should no longer be thought of in isolation, but together as a ‘cruciate complex’.
Between January 1987 and December 1988 there were 7575 births in the Swansea maternity unit. Of these 823 (10.9%) were considered to be at ‘high risk’ for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Static ultrasound examination was performed in each case and the results classified on the basis of the method of Graf. A total of 117 type III–IV hips in 83 infants was splinted using the Aberdeen splint. Radiographs of these hips were taken at six and 12 months. Hilgenreiner’s measurements of the acetabular angle were made in all cases and the development of the femoral capital epiphysis was assessed by measuring the epiphyseal area. The effect of splintage on the acetabular angle and the epiphyseal area between the normal and abnormal splinted hips was compared. Radiographs of 16 normal infants (32 normal unsplinted hips) were used as a control group. This cohort has now been followed up for a minimum of nine years. There have been no complications as a result of splintage. The failure rate was 1.7% or 0.25 per 1000 live births. No statistical difference was found when comparing the effect of splintage on the acetabular angle and epiphyseal area between normal and abnormal splinted hips and normal unsplinted hips. Our study has shown that while the Aberdeen splint had a definite but small failure rate, it was safe in that it did not produce avascular necrosis. The current conventional view that a low rate of splintage is always best is therefore brought into question if the Aberdeen splint is chosen for the management of neonatal DDH.
Children with a mucopolysaccharidosis or mucolipidosis suffer progressive disability of the hands, particularly in relation to dysfunction of the median nerve. This is an increasing problem because bone-marrow transplantation has dramatically improved survival without apparently changing the musculoskeletal manifestations. We have reviewed 48 children with these syndromes who required carpal tunnel decompression, recording symptoms, signs, radiological, electrophysiological and operative findings, histology and upper-limb function. In these children the carpal tunnel syndrome differs from that seen in adults. Symptoms are rare but signs such as decreased sweating, pulp atrophy, thenar wasting and manual clumsiness are much more common. At operation, the flexor retinaculum was thickened and a mass of white tenosynovium engulfed the flexor tendons. Most patients had some definite nerve constriction with a thickened epineurium. Functional improvement was seen after early decompression, with some benefit from simultaneous tendon release. Regular physiotherapy helped to maintain increased hand movement. We describe our assessment protocol, the physiotherapy and operative regime and the standard functional review which helps to maximise function in the hands and upper limbs of these children.
We have studied retrospectively 37 hips in 36 children at an average of 91 months after simultaneous open reduction and Salter innominate osteotomy for developmental hip dysplasia. At the latest review 97.3% were clinically and 83.8% radiologically good or excellent. In three hips (8%) there were signs of avascular necrosis, but only one had been symptomatic. There were no cases of recurrent posterior displacement.
The early diagnosis of aseptic loosening of a total hip replacement by plain radiography, scintigraphy and arthrography has been shown to be unreliable. It has been suggested that it may be possible to distinguish between a secure and a loose prosthesis using a vibration technique. We have assessed the use of this technique in vitro using models of early and late loosening. Late loosening with an unstable prosthesis can be reliably detected by vibration analysis, but this method was shown to have a very poor diagnostic sensitivity in early loosening when there is no obvious prosthetic instability.
We performed a retrospective study of the factors affecting the outcome of Weber type-C ankle fractures in 43 patients reviewed at two to nine years after injury. We determined the functional result in relation to the use of a diastasis screw, the accuracy of reduction, the presence of tibiotalar dislocation, and of injury to the medial side of the ankle by medial malleolar fracture or deltoid ligament rupture. We assessed the use of a diastasis screw as appropriate or inappropriate on the basis of an anatomical study performed by Boden et al (1989). The diastasis screw was used unnecessarily in 19 of the 31 patients so treated, but this did not appear to affect the final functional result. The worse functional results were in ankles dislocated at the initial injury, and in those with medial malleolar fractures as opposed to those with deltoid ligament ruptures. The best results were after accurate reduction of the fibula and the syndesmosis, and greater increase in the width of the syndesmosis was associated with a worse result. Our results suggest that an increase of more than 1.5 mm in syndesmosis width is unacceptable. We recommend that when the deltoid ligament is ruptured, a diastasis screw should be used if the fibular fracture is more than 3.5 cm above the top of the syndesmosis. When a medial malleolar fracture has been rigidly repaired a diastasis screw is required if the fibular fracture is more than 15 cm above the syndesmosis.
Isolated wear of the polyethylene tibial component led to failure in five of a series of 108 uncemented porous-coated knee replacements. The clinical features included pain, effusion and instability with progressive varus deformity. In all cases there was extensive wear on the medial side of the polyethylene surface of the prosthesis. The mechanism of such wear is complex, being due in part to the unconstrained nature of the joint and the incongruity of its surfaces. Other design characteristics may have contributed.
Transverse fractures of the sacrum with neurological complications have been studied in four patients illustrating the following features: diagnosis is often delayed, there are radiological difficulties in making the diagnosis, and the indications for surgery are not well defined. Specific radiographic views are recommended. All the cases presented in this report responded well to conservative management.
We used ultrasonography to study 26 hips with slipped capital femoral epiphyses. In recently slipped epiphyses the ultrasound image revealed a step at the anterior physeal outline (mean 6.4 mm), diminished distance between the anterior acetabular rim and the femoral metaphysis (mean 4.3 mm) and an effusion. As metaphyseal remodelling progressed the physeal step decreased. The femoral neck appeared straighter in hips which had been symptomatic for longer than three weeks. It was possible to measure posterior epiphyseal displacement without projectional errors and the method was accurate in diagnosing minimal slip and in staging displacement. The suggested criteria are, less than 7 mm for a mild slip, 7 to 11 mm for a moderate slip and more than 11 mm for a severe slip. We recommend ultrasonography for the diagnosis, staging and follow-up management of slipped upper femoral epiphysis.
A computer-based image analysis system has been developed as a research tool in total hip replacement. The system has been programmed to take multiple measurements from coronal plane radiographs. Poor quality radiographic images can be enhanced and standardised. The measurements which can be obtained include stem subsidence, cup migration, cup wear, and stem loosening. Reproducibility and accuracy were +/- 0.01 mm and +/- 0.5 mm respectively. The present application is in retrospective research, but prospective monitoring of radiographs is planned.
Since 1981, during operations for spinal deformity, we have routinely used electrophysiological monitoring of the spinal cord by the epidural measurement of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in response to stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve. We present the results in 1168 consecutive cases. Decreases in SEP amplitude of more than 50% occurred in 119 patients, of whom 32 had clinically detectable neurological changes postoperatively. In 35 cases the SEP amplitude was rapidly restored, either spontaneously or by repositioning of the recording electrode; they had no postoperative neurological changes. One patient had delayed onset of postoperative symptoms referrable to nerve root lesions without evidence of spinal cord involvement, but there were no false negative cases of intra-operative spinal cord damage. In 52 patients persistent, significant, SEP changes were noted without clinically detectable neurological sequelae. None of the many cases which showed falls in SEP amplitude of less than 50% experienced neurological problems. Neuromuscular scoliosis, the use of sublaminar wires, the magnitude of SEP decrement, and a limited or absent intra-operative recovery of SEP amplitude were identified as factors which increased the risk of postoperative neurological deficit.
Ten normal neonatal hips were examined in stillborn babies. At first, forcible Barlow manoeuvres did not produce subluxation or dislocation, but by repeated examination a previously stable joint could be rendered unstable. Dissection of the hips showed that the vacuum fit between the femur and the acetabulum was an important factor in neonatal hip stability. The posterior capsule was not a strong or, in itself, an important structure. It is postulated that the capsule and the labrum act together as 'O' rings to maintain the vacuum fit; it is possible that repeated examinations, by producing an effusion, could break the seal and allow instability.
We compared the mechanical properties of carbon fibre composite bone plates with those of stainless steel and titanium. The composite plates have less stiffness with good fatigue properties. Tissue culture and small animal implantation confirmed the biocompatibility of the material. We also present a preliminary report on the use of the carbon fibre composite plates in 40 forearm fractures. All fractures united, 67% of them showing radiological remodelling within six months. There were no refractures or mechanical failures, but five fractures showed an unexpected reaction; this is discussed.
