Aims. The amount of glenoid bone loss is an important factor in deciding between soft-tissue and bony reconstruction when managing anterior shoulder instability. Accurate and reproducible measurement of glenoid bone loss is therefore vital in evaluation of shoulder instability and recommending specific treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the range methods and measurement techniques employed in clinical studies treating glenoid bone loss. Methods. A systematic review of the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was undertaken to cover a ten-year period from February 2011 to February 2021. We identified clinical studies that incorporated bone loss assessment in the methodology as part of the decision-making in the management of patients with anterior shoulder instability. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) were used. Results. A total of 5,430 articles were identified from the initial search, of which 82 studies met the final inclusion criteria. A variety of imaging methods were used: three studies did not specify which modality was used, and a further 13 used CT or MRI interchangeably. There was considerable heterogeneity among the studies that specified the technique used to quantify glenoid bone loss. A large proportion of the studies did not specify the technique used. Conclusion. This systematic review has identified significant heterogeneity in both the imaging modality and method used to measure glenoid bone loss. The recommendation is that as a minimum for publication, authors should be required to reference the specific measurement technique used. Without this simple standardization, it is impossible to determine whether any published paper should influence clinical practice or should be dismissed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):12–18

Aims. A pragmatic, single-centre, double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in a NHS teaching hospital to evaluate whether there is a difference in functional knee scores, quality-of-life outcome assessments, and complications at one-year after intervention between total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) in patients with severe isolated patellofemoral arthritis. Methods. This parallel, two-arm, superiority trial was powered at 80%, and involved 64 patients with severe isolated patellofemoral arthritis. The primary outcome measure was the functional section of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the full 24-item WOMAC, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), American Knee Society Score (AKSS), EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) quality-of-life score, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Physical Activity Rating Scale, and complication rates collected at three, six, and 12 months. For longer-term follow-up, OKS, EQ-5D, and self-reported satisfaction score were collected at 24 and 60 months. Results. Among 64 patients who were randomized, five patients did not receive the allocated intervention, three withdrew, and one declined the intervention. There were no statistically significant differences in the patients’ WOMAC function score at 12 months (adjusted mean difference, -1.2 (95% confidence interval -9.19 to 6.80); p = 0.765). There were no clinically significant differences in the secondary outcomes. Complication rates were comparable (superficial surgical site infections, four in the PFA group versus five in the TKA group). There were no statistically significant differences in the patients’ OKS score at 24 and 60 months or self-reported satisfaction score or pain-free years. Conclusion. Among patients with severe isolated patellofemoral arthritis, this study found similar functional outcome at 12 months and mid-term in the use of PFA compared with TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):310–318

Aims. A national screening programme has existed in the UK for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) since 1969. However, every aspect of screening and treatment remains controversial. Screening programmes throughout the world vary enormously, and in the UK there is significant variation in screening practice and treatment pathways. We report the results of an attempt by the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) to identify a nationwide consensus for the management of DDH in order to unify treatment and suggest an approach for screening. Methods. A Delphi consensus study was performed among the membership of BSCOS. Statements were generated by a steering group regarding aspects of the management of DDH in children aged under three months, namely screening and surveillance (15 questions), the technique of ultrasound scanning (eight questions), the initiation of treatment (19 questions), care during treatment with a splint (ten questions), and on quality, governance, and research (eight questions). A two-round Delphi process was used and a consensus document was produced at the final meeting of the steering group. Results. A total of 60 statements were graded by 128 clinicians in the first round and 132 in the second round. Consensus was reached on 30 out of 60 statements in the first round and an additional 12 in the seond. This was summarized in a consensus statement and distilled into a flowchart to guide clinical practice. Conclusion. We identified agreement in an area of medicine that has a long history of controversy and varied practice. None of the areas of consensus are based on high-quality evidence. This document is thus a framework to guide clinical practice and on which high-quality clinical trials can be developed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):209–214

Aims. Machine learning (ML), a branch of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to learn from data and make predictions, offers a pathway towards more personalized and tailored surgical treatments. This approach is particularly relevant to prevalent joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). In contrast to end-stage disease, where joint arthroplasty provides excellent results, early stages of OA currently lack effective therapies to halt or reverse progression. Accurate prediction of OA progression is crucial if timely interventions are to be developed, to enhance patient care and optimize the design of clinical trials. Methods. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on 5 May 2024 for studies utilizing ML to predict OA progression. Titles and abstracts were independently screened, followed by full-text reviews for studies that met the eligibility criteria. Key information was extracted and synthesized for analysis, including types of data (such as clinical, radiological, or biochemical), definitions of OA progression, ML algorithms, validation methods, and outcome measures. Results. Out of 1,160 studies initially identified, 39 were included. Most studies (85%) were published between 2020 and 2024, with 82% using publicly available datasets, primarily the Osteoarthritis Initiative. ML methods were predominantly supervised, with significant variability in the definitions of OA progression: most studies focused on structural changes (59%), while fewer addressed pain progression or both. Deep learning was used in 44% of studies, while automated ML was used in 5%. There was a lack of standardization in evaluation metrics and limited external validation. Interpretability was explored in 54% of studies, primarily using SHapley Additive exPlanations. Conclusion. Our systematic review demonstrates the feasibility of ML models in predicting OA progression, but also uncovers critical limitations that currently restrict their clinical applicability. Future priorities should include diversifying data sources, standardizing outcome measures, enforcing rigorous validation, and integrating more sophisticated algorithms. This paradigm shift from predictive modelling to actionable clinical tools has the potential to transform patient care and disease management in orthopaedic practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1216–1222

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic details of patients who sustain a femoral periprosthetic fracture (PPF), the epidemiology of PPFs, PPF characteristics, and the predictors of PPF types in the UK population. Methods. This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study including adult patients presenting to hospital with a new PPF between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. Data collected included: patient characteristics, comorbidities, anticoagulant use, social circumstances, level of mobility, fracture characteristics, Unified Classification System (UCS) type, and details of the original implant. Descriptive analysis by fracture location was performed, and predictors of PPF type were assessed using mixed-effects logistic regression models. Results. In total, 720 femoral PPFs from 27 NHS sites were included. PPF patients were typically elderly (mean 79.9 years (SD 10.6)), female (n = 455; 63.2%), had at least one comorbidity (n = 670; 93.1%), and were reliant on walking aids or bed-/chair-bound prior to admission (n = 419; 61.7%). The study population included 539 (74.9%) hip PPFs, 151 (21.0%) knee PPFs, and 30 (4.2%) dividing type PPFs. For hip (n = 407; 75.5%) and knee (n = 88; 58.3%) arthroplasty UCS B type fractures were most common. Overall, 556 (86.2%) were treated in the presenting hospital and 89 (13.8%) required transfer for treatment. Female sex was the only significant predictor of fracture type (A/B1/C type versus B2/B3) for femoral hip PPFs (odds ratio 0.61 (95% confidence interval 0.41 to 0.91); p = 0.014). Sex, residence type, primary versus revision implant PPF, implant fixation, and time between arthroplasty and PPF were not found to predict fracture type for hip PPFs. Conclusion. This multicentre analysis describes patient and injury factors for patients presenting with femoral PPFs to centres across the UK. These patients are generally elderly and frail, comparable to those sustaining a hip fracture. These data can be useful in planning future services and clinical trials. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):987–996

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the pooled prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and examine whether the risk of developing PTOA after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has decreased in recent decades. Methods. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from 1 January 1980 to 11 May 2022. Patient series, observational studies, and clinical trials having reported the prevalence of radiologically confirmed PTOA after ACL injury, with at least a ten-year follow-up, were included. All studies were analyzed simultaneously, and separate analyses of the operative and nonoperative knees were performed. The prevalence of PTOA was calculated separately for each study, and pooled prevalence was reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using either a fixed or random effects model. To examine the effect of the year of injury on the prevalence, a logit transformed meta-regression analysis was used with a maximum-likelihood estimator. Results from meta-regression analyses were reported with the unstandardized coefficient (β). Results. The pooled prevalence of PTOA was 37.9% (95% CI 32.1 to 44) for operatively treated ACL injuries with a median follow-up of 14.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 10.6 to 16.7). For nonoperatively treated ACL injuries, the prevalence was 40.5% (95% CI 28.9 to 53.3), with a median of follow-up of 15 years (IQR 11.7 to 20.0). The association between the year of operation and the prevalence of PTOA was weak and imprecise and not related to the choice of treatment (operative β -0.038 (95% CI -0.076 to 0.000) and nonoperative β -0.011 (95% CI -0.101 to 0.079)). Conclusion. The initial injury, irrespective of management, has, by the balance of probability, resulted in PTOA within 20 years. In addition, the prevalence of PTOA has only slightly decreased during past decades. Therefore, further research is warranted to develop strategies to prevent the development of PTOA after ACL injuries. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1140–1148

Aims. Modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prostheses are designed to restore near normal kinematics including high flexion. Kneeling is a high flexion, kinematically demanding activity after TKA. The debate about design choice has not yet been informed by six-degrees-of-freedom in vivo kinematics. This prospective randomized clinical trial compared kneeling kinematics in three TKA designs. Methods. In total, 68 patients were randomized to either a posterior stabilized (PS-FB), cruciate-retaining (CR-FB), or rotating platform (CR-RP) design. Of these patients, 64 completed a minimum one year follow-up. Patients completed full-flexion kneeling while being imaged using single-plane fluoroscopy. Kinematics were calculated by registering the 3D implant models onto 2D-dynamic fluoroscopic images and exported for analysis. Results. CR-FB designs had significantly lower maximal flexion (mean 116° (SD 2.1°)) compared to CR-RP (123° (SD 1.6°)) and PS-FB (125° (SD 2.1°)). The PS-FB design displayed a more posteriorly positioned femur throughout flexion. Furthermore, the CR-RP femur was more externally rotated throughout kneeling. Finally, individual patient kinematics showed high degrees of variability within all designs. Conclusion. The increased maximal flexion found in the PS-FB and CR-RP designs were likely achieved in different ways. The PS-FB design uses a cam-post to hold the femur more posteriorly preventing posterior impingement. The external rotation within the CR-RP design was surprising and hasn’t previously been reported. It is likely due to the polyethylene bearing being decoupled from flexion. The findings of this study provide insights into the function of different knee arthroplasty designs in the context during deep kneeling and provide clinicians with a more kinematically informed choice for implant selection and may allow improved management of patients' functional expectations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):105–112

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) classification of open fractures and economic costs. Methods. Resource use was measured during the six months that followed open fractures of the lower limb in 748 adults recruited as part of two large clinical trials within the UK Major Trauma Research Network. Resource inputs were valued using unit costs drawn from primary and secondary sources. Economic costs (GBP sterling, 2017 to 2018 prices), estimated from both a NHS and Personal Social Services (PSS) perspective, were related to the degree of complexity of the open fracture based on the OTS classification. Results. Adjusted mean total NHS and PSS costs were £13,785 following treatment of complex fractures and £3,550 following treatment of simple fractures, where the open fracture wound is closed at the end of the first wound debridement, generating a mean difference of £10,235 (95% confidence interval £8,074 to £12,396). Conclusion. Following previous work correlating clinical outcomes with the OTS classification of open fractures, this study suggests that the new OTS classification also correlates with economic costs estimated from alternative study perspectives. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):408–412

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The primary aim of this trial was to compare the subsidence of two similar hydroxyapatite-coated titanium femoral components from different manufacturers. Secondary aims were to compare rotational migration (anteversion/retroversion and varus/valgus tilt) and patient-reported outcome measures between both femoral components.

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The aims of this study were first, to determine if adding fusion to a decompression of the lumbar spine for spinal stenosis decreases the rate of radiological restenosis and/or proximal adjacent level stenosis two years after surgery, and second, to evaluate the change in vertebral slip two years after surgery with and without fusion.

Aims. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is proven to reduce blood loss following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there are limited data on the impact of similar dosing regimens in revision TKA. The purpose of this multicentre randomized clinical trial was to determine the optimal regimen to maximize the blood-sparing properties of TXA in revision TKA. Patients and Methods. From six-centres, 233 revision TKAs were randomized to one of four regimens: 1 g of intravenous (IV) TXA given prior to the skin incision, a double-dose regimen of 1 g IV TXA given both prior to skin incision and at time of wound closure, a combination of 1 g IV TXA given prior to skin incision and 1 g of intraoperative topical TXA, or three doses of 1950 mg oral TXA given two hours preoperatively, six hours postoperatively, and on the morning of postoperative day one. Randomization was performed based on the type of revision procedure to ensure equivalent distribution among groups. Power analysis determined that 40 patients per group were necessary to identify a 1 g/dl difference in the reduction of haemoglobin postoperatively between groups with an alpha of 0.05 and power of 0.80. Per-protocol analysis involved regression analysis and two one-sided t-tests for equivalence. Results. In total, one patient withdrew, five did not undergo surgery, 16 were screening failures, and 25 did not receive the assigned treatment, leaving 186 patients for analysis. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin reduction among treatments (2.8 g/dl for single-dose IV TXA, 2.6 g/dl for double-dose IV TXA, 2.6 g/dl for combined IV/topical TXA, 2.9 g/dl for oral TXA; p = 0.38). Similarly, calculated blood loss (p = 0.65) and transfusion rates (p = 0.95) were not significantly different between groups. Equivalence testing assuming a 1 g/dl difference in haemoglobin change as clinically relevant showed that all possible pairings were statistically equivalent. Conclusion. Despite the higher risk of blood loss in revision TKA, all TXA regimens tested had equivalent blood-sparing properties. Surgeons should consider using the lowest effective dose and least costly TXA regimen in revision TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(Supple 7):10–16

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in functional outcome after repair and non-repair of the pronator quadratus muscle in patients undergoing surgical treatment for a distal radial fracture with volar plating. Patients and Methods. A total of 72 patients with a distal radial fracture were included in this randomized clinical trial. They were allocated to have the pronator quadratus muscle repaired or not, after volar locked plating of a distal radial fracture. The patients, the assessor, the primary investigator, and the statistician were blinded to the allocation. Randomization was irreversibly performed using a web application that guaranteed a secure and tamper-free assignment. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, pronation strength, grip strength, the range of pronation and supination, complications, and the operating time. Results. Of the 72 patients, 63 (87.5%) completed follow-up for the primary outcome measure: 31 (86.1%) from the non-repair group and 32 (88.9%) from the repair group. At the 12-month follow-up, the mean difference in PRWE of 5.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) -4.02 to 14.96) between the repair (mean 18.38 (95% CI 10.34 to 26.41)) and non-repair group (mean 12.90 (95% CI 7.55 to 18.25)) was not statistically significant (p = 0.253). There was a statistically significant difference between pronation strength, favouring non-repair. We found no difference in the other secondary outcomes. Conclusion. We found that repairing pronator quadratus made no difference to the clinical outcome, 12 months after volar plating of a distal radial fracture. We conclude that there is no functional advantage in repairing this muscle under these circumstances and advise against it. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1498–1505

Multicentre clinical trials in trauma care are gaining prominence as a means of generating good-quality evidence to inform and influence clinical practice. We believe multicentre trials have an important role to play in supporting evidence-based practice, and further investment in such trials is justified

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We compared decompression alone to decompression with fusion surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, with or without degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). The aim was to evaluate if five-year outcomes differed between the groups. The two-year results from the same trial revealed no differences.

There is an urgent need for the staged, controlled, introduction of new technology and new procedures to surgery. A classification system in four stages is proposed, which would allow for prospective assessment of new devices or methods before they are released for use by the surgical community. The proposal recognises the unique nature of a surgical operation and its learning curve. The issues of randomisation and of informed consent are discussed, and are shown not to be barriers to clinical trials, but necessary adjuncts to orderly testing. The importance of continued surveillance of innovations is emphasised

A study was made of the mechanics of blood-bearing in a series of patients treated with a cast-brace for fracture of the distal femur. Knee hinges incorporating strain-gauges, a simple force-plate on the floor and a standardised weight-bearing test were used to record axial loads through the cast-brace itself and through the fracture during the phases of healing. The cast-brace carried loads of only 10 to 20 per cent of body weight and functioned mainly as an antibuckling hinged tube. Patterns of weight-bearing recovery showed that the fracture itself limited loads to safe levels. A measure of the recovery of strength at the fracture was determined and termed the "fracture load index". Graphs obtained in this way demonstrated four biomechanical phases of bony union which correlated well with the stages of clinical healing. The clinical application of these results have led to improvements in the design of braces and the use of a cylinder cast-brace for fractures of the distal half of the femoral shaft and of a new type of brace with a hinge at the hip attached to the thigh cast for fractures of the proximal shaft. A simple clinical test is described by which it is possible to monitor the healing of fractures in cast-braces

Cost is a factor in the choice of prosthetic components in joint replacement. For a given performance, the least expensive components are the most cost-effective. When evaluating a new prosthesis with an unknown outcome, the use of an economic model allows estimation of potential cost-effectiveness. We used published data for the survival of cemented total hip replacements from Sweden, and cost and demographic information from New South Wales, Australia, in such a model. In young active total hip recipients a new prosthetic design which offered a 90% improvement in survivorship over 15 years and a 15% reduction in the cost of revision surgery, could be sold at a price of 2 to 2.5 times that of conventional cemented components such as the Charnley Low Friction Arthroplasty and still be cost-effective. Using more likely estimates of the improved performance of new technology, however, the upper limit of cost-effectiveness is an increase of 1.5 to 1. Only a very small increase in the cost of a prosthesis could ever be justified for older patients of either sex. Most of the potential benefits of a better level of survivorship appear towards the end of the 15-year period. The results of modelling may be incorporated in clinical trial design. Given the known performance of some well-established and relatively inexpensive designs of prostheses, very large randomised studies would be required to prove an improvement in performance

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The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hospital-level service characteristics on hip fracture outcomes and quality of care processes measures.

We studied the safety of combining the postoperative use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with low-dose heparin. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial we reviewed the complications in 235 patients after total hip replacement, all treated with low-dose heparin and either indomethacin or a placebo. The incidence and type of complications in the two groups were nearly equal; indomethacin-treated patients had no increase in complications related to bleeding. Postoperative bleeding into drains was marginally greater in the indomethacin group, although the difference was not statistically significant. We conclude that treatment with indomethacin and low-dose heparin after hip replacement does not significantly increase the bleeding or other complications. We also found that patients receiving indomethacin were mobilised an average of one day before those on placebo

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To compare the functionality of adults with displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures treated either operatively or nonoperatively and to compare the relative risk of nonunion and reoperation between the two groups.

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The aim of this study was to explore whether time to surgery affects functional outcome in displaced proximal humeral fractures

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Recent studies of nonoperatively treated displaced midshaft clavicular fractures have shown a high incidence of nonunion and unsatisfactory functional outcome. Some studies have shown superior functional results and higher rates of healing following operative treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome in these patients after nonoperative management with those treated with fixation.

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Pin-site infection remains a significant problem for patients treated by external fixation. A randomized trial was undertaken to compare the weekly use of alcoholic chlorhexidine (CHX) for pin-site care with an emollient skin preparation in patients with a tibial fracture treated with a circular frame.

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The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of anterior knee pain after antegrade tibial nailing using suprapatellar and infrapatellar surgical approaches

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The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a percutaneous radiofrequency heat lesion at the medial branch of the primary dorsal ramus with a sham procedure, for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain.

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Surgical treatment of hip fracture is challenging; the bone is porotic and fixation failure can be catastrophic. Novel implants are available which may yield superior clinical outcomes. This study compared the clinical effectiveness of the novel X-Bolt Hip System (XHS) with the sliding hip screw (SHS) for the treatment of fragility hip fractures.

A group of 109 patients with unilateral low back pain for over three months were randomised to receive one of three types of injection treatment: cortisone and local anaesthetic injected into two facet joints (28), the same mixture around two facet joints (39), or physiological saline into two facet joints (42). The effect of the treatment was evaluated in relation to work attendance, pain, disability and movements of the lumbar spine. Patients were examined one hour and two and six weeks after treatment and also completed a questionnaire after three months. A significant improvement was observed in work attendance, pain and disability scores, but this was independent of the treatment given and movements of the lumbar spine were not improved. Of the 70 patients with initial pain relief after injection, 36% reported persisting benefit at the three month follow-up, independent of the mode of treatment given. We conclude that facet joint injection is a non-specific method of treatment and the good results depend on a tendency to spontaneous regression and to the psychosocial aspects of back pain.

1. A systematic collection of the clinical findings in fifty patients with pyrophosphate synovitis,among some 300 patients with obscure disorder of the knee, has been made over a period of eighteen months. The numbers of men and women were equal, the mean age being seventy years (range thirty-seven to ninety), and the mean age at the onset of symptoms fifty-nine years.

2. A difference in the clinical picture between the sexes was found. In men an acute synovitis predominated, in women chronic joint complaints.

3. A high incidence of accompanying disease was found, but none had a significant relationship to the arthropathy, although the high frequency (20 per cent) of synovitis following an acute severe illness of some other kind was striking.

4. No specific radiological sign except for calcifications in articular cartilage and menisci was found in these patients, and no relationship to osteoarthrosis could be established.

5. The great variability of symptoms and the surprisingly high incidence attracts attention to pyrophosphate synovitis as a cause of joint symptoms, especially in elderly patients.

Arthroplasty of the hip using an interposed multi-layered cap of amniotic membrane is reported in 28 patients with tuberculous arthritis. The disease had been present from one to seven years, and five patients had multiple discharging sinuses. Follow-up was from 30 to 46 months. Amniotic tissue caused no inflammatory reaction, or obvious rejection, and 25 patients were free of symptoms, with a good range of movement and a stable joint. The three failures were caused by dislocation, fracture of the femoral neck and extra-articular bone formation respectively. Amniotic arthroplasty seems to be capable of providing a painless, mobile and stable joint in patients with tuberculosis of the hip.

Therapeutic injection of facet joints is now widely practised, but British experience has been infrequently reported. We studied the results of injecting facet joints with a corticosteroid preparation in 50 patients suffering from the "facet syndrome". Our series included a number of extra-articular injections and these "failed injections" provide a useful control group. Results indicate that only intra-articular injections are effective; certainty of joint penetration can be ensured only by the routine use of joint arthrography.

Low lumbar pain with radiation into the leg is a common symptom pattern caused by a number of pathological processes. Isolated disc resorption is one such entity which can be readily identified and is amenable to surgical treatment. This study consisted of two groups of patients. Group I were 50 patients suffering from isolated disc resorption at L5--S1 with ill-defined low backache extending into the buttocks and down one or both legs, but not into the feet. Clinical signs of nerve root dysfunction were found in 16 per cent of patients. Radiographic changes with loss of disc height, facet over-riding and intrusion into the nerve root canal and intervertebral foramen were common and frequently associated with sclerosis of the vertebral end-plate. Group II were a series of 45 patients with isolated disc resorption independently reviewed an average of 45 months after surgical decompression of the S1 (98 per cent) or lower lumbar nerve roots. Based on objective grading by the clinician and subjective assessment by the patient complete success was achieved in 62 per cent of the patients and partial success in 24 per cent. Provided there is full appreciation of the pathological anatomy, strict diagnostic criteria and meticulous surgery, decompression of the nerve root canal is a useful surgical procedure in severely disabled patients suffering from isolated disc resorption.

We have developed an apparatus to measure the anteroposterior stability of the knee to forces of up to 250 N, applied at 20 degrees of flexion. We measured anterior laxity at 200 N, anterior stiffness at 50 N and total laxity at +/- 200 N. A study of cadaveric knees revealed that the soft tissues surrounding the bones had a significant influence on the force-displacement curve, and emphasised that differences between injured and normal pairs of knees are much more important than the absolute values of the parameters. In 61 normal volunteers we found no significant left to right differences in anterior laxity at 200 N and anterior stiffness at 50 N. In 92 patients with unilateral anterior cruciate deficiency there were significant differences (p less than 0.0005) in anterior laxity, anterior stiffness and total laxity, the injured-normal differences averaging 6.7 mm, 1.3 N/mm, and 8.1 mm respectively.

In order to determine the usefulness of MRI in assessing autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) the first 57 patients (81 chondral lesions) with a 12-month review were evaluated clinically and with specialised MRI at three and 12 months.

Improvement 12 months after operation was found subjectively (37.6 to 51.9) and in knee function levels (from 85% International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) III/IV to 61% I/II). The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores showed an initial deterioration at three months (56% IKDC A/B) but marked improvement at 12 months (88% A/B).

The MRI at three months showed 82% of patients with at least 50% defect fill, 59% with a normal or nearly normal signal at repair sites, 71% with a mild or no effusion and 80% with a mild or no underlying bone-marrow oedema. These improved at 12 months to 93%, 93%, 94% and 91%, respectively.

The overall MR score at 12 months suggested production of normal or nearly normal cartilage in 82%, corresponding to a subjective improvement in 81% of patients and 88% IKDC A/B scores. Second-look surgery and biopsies in 15 patients (22 lesions) showed a moderate correlation of MRI with visual scoring; 70% of biopsies showed hyaline and hyaline-like cartilage. Thus, MRI at 12 months is a reasonable non-invasive means of assessment of ACI.

Biodegradable implants made from polyglycolic and polylactic acid co-polymers undergo degradation by hydrolysis which results in loss of their mechanical strength. The degradation of 1.5 mm polyglycolide rods (Biofix) was studied after intramedullary and subcutaneous implantation in rabbits. Two weeks after implantation there was a 73% reduction in strength of the intramedullary implants and a 64% reduction in the subcutaneous implants. Polyglycolide implants were compared with Kirschner wires for intramedullary fixation of extra-articular fractures in the hand. In one group of patients fractures were fixed with a 1.5 mm intramedullary rod and in a similar group a Kirschner wire was used. In both a wire loop was added for extra fixation. At six months there was no significant difference between the two groups. There were no allergic reactions to the polyglycolide implants.

We performed a randomised trial on 37 hips (33 patients) with early-stage osteonecrosis (ON). After the initial clinical evaluation, including plain radiography and MRI, 18 hips were randomly assigned to a core-decompression group and 19 to a conservatively-treated group. All the patients were regularly followed up by clinical evaluation, plain radiography and MRI at intervals of three months. Hip pain was relieved in nine out of ten initially symptomatic hips in the core-decompression group but persisted in three out of four initially painful hips in the conservatively-treated group at the second assessment (p < 0.05). At a minimum follow-up of 24 months, 14 of the 18 core-decompressed hips (78%) and 15 of the 19 non-operated hips (79%) developed collapse of the femoral head. By survival analysis, there was no significant difference in the time to collapse between the two groups (log-rank test p = 0.79). Core decompression may be effective tin symptomatic relief, but is of no greater value than conservative management in preventing collapse in early osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

We report the use of a new method of locked intramedullary flexible osteosynthesis (LIFO) in the treatment of 118 unstable fractures of the femur and tibia. The implant utilises a set of flexible pins with a separate locking device for their proximal ends. The LIFO system proved capable of stabilising unstable fractures, and most of the complications occurred during the early testing. At follow-up, 19 of 21 femoral fractures had healed; one become infected and one showed defective callus. Of the 78 tibial shaft fractures, five failed to consolidate and five had inadequate callus. Reaming of the tibial medullary canal was never necessary. Of 28 open fractures only one became infected. The system was most difficult to use in comminuted distal fractures of the tibia, with five failures of healing in 19 cases; these cases require considerable technical proficiency. The flexibility of the system appears to promote earlier consolidation of open fractures, and normal consolidation times for fractures with interfragmentary gaps of up to 10 to 12 mm. A comparative study of callus density in tibial fractures showed a mean improvement of 50 days in cases treated by the LIFO system compared with similar cases treated by rigid nailing.

A consecutive series of 31 displaced fractures of the proximal humerus were randomly selected for treatment either by closed manipulation or by transcutaneous reduction and external fixation. Follow-up assessed the quality of reduction and healing as well as the functional outcome. The external fixation method gave better reduction, safer healing and superior function.

Failure of union of the tibia with a large defect is difficult to treat, especially in the presence of sepsis and adherent scars. Conventional methods of fixation and bone grafting are not easily applicable. Experiments on Macaca monkeys showed that a vascularised pedicle graft of the shaft of the ipsilateral fibula could be fixed across a defect in the tibia and remain viable, even if it was isolated from surrounding soft tissues. Transfer of part of the shaft of the ipsilateral fibula on a vascular and muscle pedicle was carried out in 11 patients with large tibial defects and sepsis. There was one failure because of severe infection, but the other 10 patients gained sound union in about four months. The tibia was then protected by a caliper for the 18 months of full reconstitution. The bone infection healed and there was no evidence of avascular necrosis. Although the salvaged limbs were scarred, stiff and ugly, none of the patients suffered from pain, recurrent oedema or persistent infection.

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess and compare active rotation of the forearm in normal subjects after the application of a short-arm cast (SAC) in the semisupination position and a long-arm cast (LAC) in the neutral position. A clinical study was also conducted to compare the functional outcomes of using a SAC in the semisupination position with those of using a LAC in the neutral position in patients who underwent arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal repair. Methods. A total of 40 healthy right-handed volunteers were recruited. Active pronation and supination of the forearm were measured in each subject using a goniometer. In the retrospective clinical study, 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic foveal repair were included. The wrist was immobilized postoperatively using a SAC in the semisupination position (approximately 45°) in 16 patients and a LAC in 24. Clinical outcomes were assessed using grip strength and patient-reported outcomes. The degree of disability caused by cast immobilization was also evaluated when the cast was removed. Results. Supination was significantly more restricted with LACs than with SACs in the semisupination position in male and female patients (p < 0.001 for both). However, pronation was significantly more restricted with SACs in the semisupination position than with LACs in female patients (p = 0.003) and was not significantly different in male patients (p = 0.090). In the clinical study, both groups showed improvement in all parameters with significant differences in grip strength, visual analogue scale scores for pain, modified Mayo Wrist Score, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score. No significant postoperative differences were noted between LACs and SACs in the semisupination position. However, the disability caused by immobilization in a cast was significantly higher in patients who had a LAC on the dominant hand (p < 0.001). Conclusion. We found that a SAC in the semisupination position is as effective as a LAC in restricting pronation of the forearm. In addition, postoperative immobilization with a SAC in the semisupination position resulted in comparable pain scores and functional outcomes to immobilization with a LAC after TFCC foveal repair, with less restriction of daily activities. Therefore, we recommend that surgeons consider using a SAC in the semisupination position for postoperative immobilization following TFCC foveal repair for dorsal instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):249–256

Aims. 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. Methods. We conducted a randomized, multicentre clinical trial on adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for AIS using segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. A total of 90 consecutive patients were randomized into a ‘drain’ or ‘no drain’ group at the time of wound closure, using the sealed envelope technique (1:1). The primary outcomes in the initial study were the change in the level of haemoglobin in the blood postoperatively and total blood loss. A secondary outcome was the opioid consumption immediately after surgery. The aim of this further study was to report the rate of deep SSI and persistent postoperative pain, at two years' follow-up. Results. As previously reported, the mean 48-hour opioid consumption was significantly higher in the no drain group (2.0 mg/kg (SD 0.8) vs 1.4 mg/kg (SD 0.7); p = 0.005). There were no delayed deep SSIs. At two years’ follow-up, the mean Scoliosis Research Society 24-item questionnaire (SRS-24) total score did not differ between the groups (4.11 (SD 0.47) vs 4.16 (SD 0.33); p = 0.910). The mean SRS-24 pain score was 4.28 (SD 0.48) in the no drain group compared with 4.33 (SD 0.66) in the drain group (p = 0.245). Seven patients (19%) in the no drain group and six in the drain group (14%) reported moderate to severe pain (numerical rating scale ≥ 4) at two years’ follow-up (p = 0.484). The general self-image domain score was significantly higher in the no drain group compared with the drain group (4.02 (SD 0.74) vs 4.59 (SD 0.54); p < 0.001). Conclusion. The main finding in this study was that more severe pain immediately after surgery did not result in a higher incidence of chronic pain in the no drain group compared with the drain group. Back pain and health-related quality of life at two years’ follow-up did not differ between the groups. The patient-reported self-image domain was significantly better in the no drain group compared with the drain group. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1176–1181