Rotational deformity following intramedullary nailing may cause symptoms and require surgical correction by osteotomy. Reamed, locked intramedullary nailing may be performed, but concern about cortical blood supply and potential pulmonary dysfunction from reaming have led many surgeons to limit this and use smaller diameter nails. Slotted nails are commonly used but are less stiff in torsion than the newer unslotted nails, particularly at the lower diameters. We report two cased of recurrent femoral rotational deformity after using statically interlocked slotted intramedullary nails to correct existing femoral rotational deformities. These patients show that small diameter statically interlocked femoral nails with diminished bone-nail contact must be stiff enough in rotation to avoid potential recurrence

A total of 20 patients with a depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker II or III) who would undergo open reduction and internal fixation were randomised to have the metaphyseal void in the bone filled with either porous titanium granules or autograft bone. Radiographs were undertaken within one week, after six weeks, three months, six months, and after 12 months. The primary outcome measure was recurrent depression of the joint surface: a secondary outcome was the duration of surgery. The risk of recurrent depression of the joint surface was lower (p < 0.001) and the operating time less (p < 0.002) when titanium granules were used. The indication is that it is therefore beneficial to use porous titanium granules than autograft bone to fill the void created by reducing a depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. There is no donor site morbidity, the operating time is shorter and the risk of recurrent depression of the articular surface is less. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:836–41

Aims. There is a lack of long-term data for minimally invasive acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair. Furthermore, it is not clear if good early clinical results can be maintained over time. The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of minimally invasive AC joint reconstruction (MINAR) and compare it to corresponding short-term data. Methods. We assessed patients with a follow-up of at least five years after minimally invasive flip-button repair for high-grade AC joint dislocation. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant score and a questionnaire. Ultrasound determined the coracoclavicular (CC) distance. Results of the current follow-up were compared to the short-term results of the same cohort. Results. A total of 50 patients (three females, 47 males) were successfully followed up for a minimum of five years. The mean follow-up was 7.7 years (63 months to 132 months). The overall Constant score was 94.4 points (54 to 100) versus 97.7 points (83 to 100) for the contralateral side showing a significant difference for the operated shoulder (p = 0.013) The mean difference in the CC distance between the operated and the contralateral shoulder was 3.7 mm (0.2 to 7.8; p = 0.010). In total, 16% (n = 8) of patients showed recurrent instability. All these cases were performed within the first 16 months after introduction of this technique. A total of 84% (n = 42) of the patients were able to return to their previous occupations and sport activities. Comparison of short-term and long-term results revealed no significant difference for the Constant Score (p = 0.348) and the CC distance (p = 0.974). Conclusion. The clinical outcome of MINAR is good to excellent after long-term follow-up and no significant differences were found compared to short-term results. We therefore suggest this is a reliable technique for surgical treatment of high-grade AC joint dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):918–924

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The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes of the induced membrane technique (IMT) for the management of infected segmental bone defects, and to analyze predictive factors associated with unfavourable outcomes.

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The aims of this study were to identify means to quantify coronal plane displacement associated with distal radius fractures (DRFs), and to understand their relationship to radial inclination (RI).

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Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication after elbow trauma and can cause severe upper limb disability. Although multiple prognostic factors have been reported to be associated with the development of post-traumatic HO, no model has yet been able to combine these predictors more succinctly to convey prognostic information and medical measures to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify prognostic factors leading to the formation of HO after surgery for elbow trauma, and to establish and validate a nomogram to predict the probability of HO formation in such particular injuries.

Aims. Amputation in intractable cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) remains controversial. . The likelihood of recurrent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), residual and phantom limb pain and persistent disability after amputation is poorly described in the literature. The aims of this study were to compare pain, function, depression and quality of life between patients with intractable CRPS who underwent amputation and those in whom amputation was considered but not performed. Patients and Methods. There were 19 patients in each group, with comparable demographic details. The amputated group included 14 men and five women with a mean age of 31 years (. sd. 12) at the time of CRPS diagnosis. The non-amputated group consisted of 12 men and seven women and their mean age of 36.8 years (. sd. 8) at CRPS diagnosis. The mean time from CRPS diagnosis to (first) amputation was 5.2 years (. sd 4. 3) and the mean time from amputation to data collection was 6.6 years (. sd. 5.8). . All participants completed the following questionnaires: Short-Form (SF) 36, Short Form McGill Pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Pain Disability Index (PDI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a clinical demographic questionnaire. . Results. The amputation group showed consistently better results compared to the non-amputation group in the following parameters: median pain intensity (VAS): 80 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 13 to 92) vs 91 (IQR 85 to 100); p = 0.007; median SF-MPQ score 28 (IQR 9 to 35) vs 35 (IQR 31 to 38), p = 0.025; median PDI: 42 (IQR 11 to 64) vs 58 (IQR 50 to 62), p = 0.031; median BDI: 19 (IQR 5 to 28) vs 27 (IQR 21 to 32), p = 0.061 (borderline significant) and in six of the eight SF-36 domains. . Take home message: Amputation should be considered as a form of treatment for patients with intractable CRPS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:548–54

The aim of this study was to review the number of patients operated on for traumatic disruption of the pubic symphysis who developed radiological signs of movement of the anterior pelvic metalwork during the first post-operative year, and to determine whether this had clinical implications. A consecutive series of 49 patients undergoing internal fixation of a traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis were studied. All underwent anterior fixation of the diastasis, which was frequently combined with posterior pelvic fixation. The fractures were divided into groups using the Young and Burgess classification for pelvic ring fractures. The different combinations of anterior and posterior fixation adopted to stabilise the fractures and the type of movement of the metalwork which was observed were analysed and related to functional outcome during the first post-operative year. In 15 patients the radiographs showed movement of the anterior metalwork, with broken or mobile screws or plates, and in six there were signs of a recurrent diastasis. In this group, four patients required revision surgery; three with anterior fixation and one with removal of anterior pelvic metalwork; the remaining 11 functioned as well as the rest of the study group. We conclude that radiological signs of movement in the anterior pelvic metalwork, albeit common, are not in themselves an indication for revision surgery

A total of 14 women and seven men with a mean age of 43 years (18 to 68) who sustained a Mason type IV fracture of the elbow, without an additional type II or III coronoid fracture, were evaluated after a mean of 21 years (14 to 46). Primary treatment included closed elbow reduction followed by immobilisation in a plaster in all cases, with an additional excision of the radial head in 11, partial resection in two and suturing of the annular ligament in two. Delayed radial head excision was performed in two patients and an ulnar nerve transposition in one. The uninjured elbows served as controls. Nine patients had no symptoms, 11 reported slight impairment, and one severe impairment of the elbow. Elbow flexion was impaired by a mean of 3° (. sd. 4) and extension by a mean of 9° (. sd. 4) (p < 0.01). None experienced chronic elbow instability or recurrent dislocation. There were more degenerative changes in the formerly injured elbows, but none had developed a reduction in joint space. We conclude that most patients with a Mason type IV fracture of the elbow report a good long-term outcome

Consecutive patients with a confirmed rupture of at least one of the lateral ligaments of the ankle were randomly assigned to receive either operative or functional treatment. They were evaluated at a median of 8 years (6 to 11). In total, 370 patients were included. Follow-up was available for 317 (86%). Fewer patients allocated to operative treatment reported residual pain compared with those who had been allocated to functional treatment (16% versus 25%, RR 0.64, CI 041 to 1.0). Fewer surgically-treated patients reported symptoms of giving way (20% versus 32%, RR 0.62, CI 0.42 to 0.92) and recurrent sprains (22% versus 34%, RR 0.66, CI 0.45 to 0.94). The anterior drawer test was less frequently positive in surgically-treated patients (30% versus 54%, RR 0.54, CI 0.41 to 0.72). The median Povacz score was significantly higher in the operative group (26 versus 22, p < 0.001). Compared with functional treatment, operative treatment gives a better long-term outcome in terms of residual pain, recurrent sprains and stability

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Osteopetrosis (OP) is a rare hereditary disease that causes reduced bone resorption and increased bone density as a result of osteoclastic function defect. Our aim is to review the difficulties, mid-term follow-up results, and literature encountered during the treatment of OP.

We have used total hip replacement combined with cemented intramedullary nailing to treat a selected group of nine patients with pathological fractures of the proximal femur and impending fractures of the shaft due to metastases. One patient died from cardiopulmonary failure on the third postoperative day, but the others were able to walk within the first week after operation. Complications included one recurrent dislocation of the THR and one fracture of an osteolytic lesion of the femoral shaft during nail insertion. Both were managed successfully. The hybrid osteosynthesis which we describe is an alternative to the use of tumour or long-stem prostheses; it has the advantage of preserving bone stock and muscle attachments

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Displaced, comminuted acetabular fractures in the elderly are increasingly common, but there is no consensus on whether they should be treated non-surgically, surgically with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or with acute total hip arthroplasty (THA). A combination of ORIF and acute THA, an approach called ’combined hip procedure’ (CHP), has been advocated and our aim was to compare the outcome after CHP or ORIF alone.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a salvage procedure using a 95° angled blade plate for failed osteosynthesis of atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures associated with the long-term use of bisphosphonates. These were compared with those for failed osteosynthesis of subtrochanteric fractures not associated with bisphosphonate treatment.

The purpose of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics of a previously unreported finding: posterior iliac offset at the sacroiliac joint and to assess its association with pelvic instability as measured by initial displacement and early implant loosening or failure. Radiographs from 42 consecutive patients with a mean age of 42 years (18 to 77; 38 men, four women) and mean follow-up of 38 months (3 to 96) with Anteroposterior Compression II injuries, were retrospectively reviewed. Standardised measurements were recorded for the extent of any diastasis of the pubic symphysis, widening of the sacroiliac joint, static vertical ramus offset and a novel measurement (posterior offset of the ilium at the sacroiliac joint identified on axial CT scan). Pelvic fractures with posterior iliac offset exhibited greater levels of initial displacement of the anterior pelvis (anterior sacroiliac widening, pubic symphysis diastasis and static vertical ramus offset, p < 0.001,0.034 and 0.028, respectively). Pelvic fractures with posterior ilium offset also demonstrated higher rates of implant loosening regardless of fixation method (p = 0.05). Posterior offset of the ilium was found to be a reliable and reproducible measurement with substantial inter-observer agreement (kappa = 0.70). Posterior offset of the ilium on axial CT scan is associated with greater levels of initial pelvic displacement and early implant loosening.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1535–9.

We report the outcome of 84 nonunions involving long bones which were treated with rhBMP-7, in 84 patients (60 men: 24 women) with a mean age 46 years (18 to 81) between 2003 and 2011. The patients had undergone a mean of three previous operations (one to 11) for nonunion which had been present for a mean of 17 months (4 months to 20 years). The nonunions involved the lower limb in 71 patients and the remainder involved the upper limb. A total of 30 nonunions were septic. Treatment was considered successful when the nonunion healed without additional procedures. The relationship between successful union and the time to union was investigated and various factors including age and gender, the nature of the nonunion (location, size, type, chronicity, previous procedures, infection, the condition of the soft tissues) and type of index procedure (revision of fixation, type of graft, amount of rhBMP-7) were analysed. The improvement of the patients’ quality of life was estimated using the Short Form (SF) 12 score.

A total of 68 nonunions (80.9%) healed with no need for further procedures at a mean of 5.4 months (3 to 10) post-operatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the factors affecting union suggested that only infection significantly affected the rate of union (p = 0.004).Time to union was only affected by the number of previous failed procedures (p = 0.006). An improvement of 79% and 32.2% in SF-12 physical and mental score, respectively, was noted within the first post-operative year.

Rh-BMP-7 combined with bone grafts, enabled healing of the nonunion and improved quality of life in about 80% of patients. Aseptic nonunions were much more likely to unite than septic ones. The number of previous failed operations significantly delayed the time to union.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:997–1003.

Gunshot injuries to the shoulder are rare and difficult to manage. We present a case series of seven patients who sustained a severe shoulder injury to the non-dominant side as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We describe the injury as ‘suicide shoulder’ caused by upward and outward movement of the gun barrel as the trigger is pulled. All patients were male, with a mean age of 32 years (21 to 48). All were treated at the time of injury with initial repeated debridement, and within four weeks either by hemiarthroplasty (four patients) or arthrodesis (three patients). The hemiarthroplasty failed in one patient after 20 years due to infection and an arthrodesis was attempted, which also failed due to infection. Overall follow-up was for a mean of 26 months (12 to 44). All four hemiarthroplasty implants were removed with no feasible reconstruction ultimately possible, resulting in a poor functional outcome and no return to work. In contrast, all three primary arthrodeses eventually united, with two patients requiring revision plating and grafting. These patients returned to work with a good functional outcome. We recommend arthrodesis rather than replacement as the treatment of choice for this challenging injury.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:820–4.

Our aim was to compare the one-year post-operative outcomes following retention or removal of syndesmotic screws in adult patients with a fracture of the ankle that was treated surgically. A total of 51 patients (35 males, 16 females), with a mean age of 33.5 years (16 to 62), undergoing fibular osteosynthesis and syndesmotic screw fixation, were randomly allocated to retention of the syndesmotic screw or removal at three months post-operatively. The two groups were comparable at baseline.

One year post-operatively, there was no significant difference in the mean Olerud–Molander ankle score (82.4 retention vs 86.7 removal, p = 0.367), the mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (88.6 vs 90.1, p = 0.688), the mean American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons foot and ankle score (96.3 vs 94.0, p = 0.250), the mean visual analogue pain score (1.0 vs 0.7, p = 0.237), the mean active dorsiflexion (10.2° vs 13.0°, p = 0.194) and plantar flexion (33.6° vs 31.3°, p = 0.503) of the ankle, or the mean radiological tibiofibular clear space (5.0 mm vs 5.3 mm, p = 0.276) between the two groups. A total of 19 patients (76%) in the retention group had a loose and/or broken screw one year post-operatively.

We conclude that removal of a syndesmotic screw produces no significant functional, clinical or radiological benefit in adult patients who are treated surgically for a fracture of the ankle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1699–1705.

Epidemiological studies enhance clinical practice in a number of ways. However, there are many methodological difficulties that need to be addressed in designing a study aimed at the collection and analysis of data concerning fractures and other injuries. Most can be managed and errors minimised if careful attention is given to the design and implementation of the research.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:863–7.

In a series of 450 patients over 70 years of age with displaced fractures of the femoral neck sustained between 1995 and 1997 treatment was randomised either to internal fixation or replacement. Depending on age and level of activity the latter was either a total hip replacement or a hemiarthroplasty. Patients who were confused or bed-ridden were excluded, as were those with rheumatoid arthritis. At ten years there were 99 failures (45.6%) after internal fixation compared with 17 (8.8%) after replacement. The rate of mortality was high at 75% at ten years, and was the same in both groups at all times. Patient-reported pain and function were similar in both groups at five and ten years. Those with successfully healed fractures had more hip pain and reduction of mobility at four months compared with patients with an uncomplicated replacement, and they never attained a better outcome than the latter patients regarding pain or function.

Primary replacement gave reliable long-term results in patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck.