Aims. As an alternative to external fixators, intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs) can be employed for distraction osteogenesis. While previous studies have demonstrated that typical complications of external devices, such as soft-tissue tethering, and pin site infection can be avoided with ILNs, there is a lack of studies that exclusively investigated tibial distraction osteogenesis with motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach. Methods. A total of 58 patients (median age 17 years (interquartile range (IQR) 15 to 21)) treated by unilateral tibial distraction osteogenesis for a median leg length discrepancy of 41 mm (IQR 34 to 53), and nine patients with disproportionate short stature treated by bilateral simultaneous tibial distraction osteogenesis, with magnetically controlled motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach, were retrospectively analyzed. The median follow-up was 37 months (IQR 30 to 51). Outcome measurements were accuracy, precision, reliability, bone healing, complications, and patient-reported outcome assessed by the Limb Deformity-Scoliosis Research Society Score (LD-SRS-30). Results. A median tibial distraction of 44 mm (IQR 31 to 49) was achieved with a mean distraction index of 0.5 mm/day (standard deviation 0.13) and median consolidation index of 41.2 days/cm (IQR 34 to 51). Accuracy, precision, and reliability were 91%, 92%, and 97%, respectively. New temporary range of motion limitations occurred in 51% of segments (34/67). Distraction-related equinus deformity treated by Achilles tendon lengthening was the most common major complication recorded in 16% of segments (11/67). In 95% of patients (55/58) the distraction goal was achieved with 42% unplanned additional interventions per segment (28/67). The median postoperative LD-SRS-30 score was 4.0 (IQR 3.6 to 4.3). Conclusion. Tibial distraction osteogenesis using motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach appears to be a reliable and precise procedure. Temporary joint stiffness of the knee or ankle should be expected in up to every second patient. A high rate and wide range of complications of variable severity should be anticipated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):293–302

Aims. This study presents patient-reported quality of life (QoL) over the first year following surgical debridement of long bone osteomyelitis. It assesses the bone involvement, antimicrobial options, coverage of soft tissues, and host status (BACH) classification as a prognostic tool and its ability to stratify cases into ‘uncomplicated’ or ‘complex’. Methods. Patients with long-bone osteomyelitis were identified prospectively between June 2010 and October 2015. All patients underwent surgical debridement in a single-staged procedure at a specialist bone infection unit. Self-reported QoL was assessed prospectively using the three-level EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) index score and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) at five postoperative time-points (baseline, 14 days, 42 days, 120 days, and 365 days). BACH classification was applied retrospectively by two clinicians blinded to outcome. Results. In total, 71 patients with long-bone osteomyelitis were included. There was significant improvement from time of surgery to one year postoperatively in mean EQ-VAS (58.2 to 78.9; p < 0.001) and mean EQ-5D-3L index scores (0.284 to 0.740; p < 0.001). At one year following surgery, BACH ‘uncomplicated’ osteomyelitis was associated with better QoL compared to BACH ‘complex’ osteomyelitis (mean EQ-5D-3L 0.900 vs 0.685; p = 0.020; mean EQ-VAS 87.1 vs 73.6; p = 0.043). Patients with uncomplicated bone involvement (BACH type B1, cavitary) reported higher QoL at all time-points when compared to complex bone involvement (B2, segmental or B3, osteomyelitis involving a joint). Patients with good antimicrobial options (Ax or A1) gave higher outcome scores compared to patients with multidrug-resistant isolates (A2). The need for microvascular tissue transfer (C1 and C2) did not impact significantly on QoL. Patients without major comorbidities (uncomplicated, H1) reported higher QoL compared to those with significant disease (complex, H2). Conclusion. Uncomplicated osteomyelitis, as defined by BACH, gave higher self-reported QoL when compared to complex cases. The bone involvement, antimicrobial options, and host status variables were able to stratify patients in terms of QoL. These data can be used to offer prognostic information to patients who are undergoing treatment for long bone osteomyelitis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1587–1596

Aims

Distraction osteogenesis with intramedullary lengthening devices has undergone rapid development in the past decade with implant enhancement. In this first single-centre matched-pair analysis we focus on the comparison of treatment with the PRECICE and STRYDE intramedullary lengthening devices and aim to clarify any clinical and radiological differences.

Aims

The STRYDE nail is an evolution of the PRECICE Intramedullary Limb Lengthening System, with unique features regarding its composition. It is designed for load bearing throughout treatment in order to improve patient experience and outcomes and allow for simultaneous bilateral lower limb lengthening. The literature published to date is limited regarding outcomes and potential problems. We report on our early experience and raise awareness for the potential of adverse effects from this device.

Aims

Smoking is associated with post-operative complications but smokers often under-report the amount they smoke. Our objective was to determine whether a urine dipstick test could be used as a substitute for quantitative cotinine assays to determine smoking status in patients.