Aims. Intra-articular (IA) tumours around the knee are treated with extra-articular (EA) resection, which is associated with poor functional outcomes. We aim to evaluate the accuracy of MRI in predicting IA involvement around the knee. Methods. We identified 63 cases of high-grade sarcomas in or around the distal femur that underwent an EA resection from a prospectively maintained database (January 1996 to April 2020). Suspicion of IA disease was noted in 52 cases, six had IA pathological fracture, two had an effusion, two had prior surgical intervention (curettage/IA intervention), and one had an osseous metastasis in the proximal tibia. To ascertain validity, two musculoskeletal radiologists (R1, R2) reviewed the preoperative imaging (MRI) of 63 consecutive cases on two occasions six weeks apart. The radiological criteria for IA disease comprised evidence of tumour extension within the suprapatellar pouch, intercondylar notch, extension along medial/lateral retinaculum, and presence of IA fracture. The radiological predictions were then confirmed with the final histopathology of the resected specimens. Results. The resection histology revealed 23 cases (36.5%) showing IA disease involvement compared with 40 cases without (62%). The intraobserver variability of R1 was 0.85 (p < 0.001) compared to R2 with κ = 0.21 (p = 0.007). The interobserver variability was κ = 0.264 (p = 0.003). Knee effusion was found to be the most sensitive indicator of IA involvement, with a sensitivity of 91.3% but specificity of only 35%. However, when combined with a pathological fracture, this rose to 97.5% and 100% when disease was visible in Hoffa’s fat pad. Conclusion. MRI imaging can sometimes overestimate IA joint involvement and needs to be correlated with clinical signs. In the light of our findings, we would recommend EA resections when imaging shows effusion combined with either disease in Hoffa’s fat pad or retinaculum, or pathological fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):696–701

The diagnostic sub-categorization of cauda equina syndrome (CES) is used to aid communication between doctors and other healthcare professionals. It is also used to determine the need for, and urgency of, MRI and surgery in these patients. A recent paper by Hoeritzauer et al (2023) in this journal examined the interobserver reliability of the widely accepted subcategories in 100 patients with cauda equina syndrome. They found that there is no useful interobserver agreement for the subcategories, even for experienced spinal surgeons. This observation is supported by the largest prospective study of the treatment of cauda equina syndrome in the UK by Woodfield et al (2023). If the accepted subcategories are unreliable, they cannot be used in the way that they are currently, and they should be revised or abandoned. This paper presents a reassessment of the diagnostic and prognostic subcategories of cauda equina syndrome in the light of this evidence, with a suggested cure based on a more inclusive synthesis of symptoms, signs, bladder ultrasound scan results, and pre-intervention urinary catheterization.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):227–231.

Aims

Obtaining solid implant fixation is crucial in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) to avoid aseptic loosening, a major reason for re-revision. This study aims to validate a novel grading system that quantifies implant fixation across three anatomical zones (epiphysis, metaphysis, diaphysis).

Aims

To identify the incidence and risk factors for five-year same-site recurrent disc herniation (sRDH) after primary single-level lumbar discectomy. Secondary outcome was the incidence and risk factors for five-year sRDH reoperation.

Aims

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.

We reviewed 123 second-generation uncemented total hip replacements performed on 115 patients by a single surgeon between 1993 and 1994. The acetabular component used in all cases was a fully porous-coated threaded hemispheric titanium shell (T-Tap ST) with a calcium ion stearate-free, isostatically compression-moulded polyethylene liner. The titanium femoral component used was a Taperloc with a reduced distal stem. No patient was lost to follow-up. Complete clinical and radiological follow-up was obtained for all 123 hips at a mean of 14 years (12 to 16). One femoral component was revised after a fracture, and three acetabular components for aseptic loosening. No additional femoral or acetabular components were judged loose by radiological criteria. Mild proximal femoral osteolysis was identified in two hips and minor acetabular osteolysis was present in four. The mean rate of penetration of the femoral head was 0.036 mm/year (0.000 to 0.227). These findings suggest that refinements in component design may be associated with excellent long-term fixation in cementless primary total hip replacement

A total of 92 patients with symptoms for over six months due to subacromial impingement of the shoulder, who were being treated with physiotherapy, were included in this study. While continuing with physiotherapy they waited a further six months for surgery. They were divided into three groups based on the following four clinical and radiological criteria: temporary benefit following steroid injection, pain in the mid-arc of abduction, a consistently positive Hawkins test and radiological evidence of impingement. Group A fulfilled all four criteria, group B three criteria and group C two criteria. A total of nine patients improved while waiting for surgery and were excluded, leaving 83 who underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression (SAD). The new Oxford shoulder score was recorded pre-operatively and at three and 12 months post-operatively. A total of 51 patients (group A) had a significant improvement in the mean shoulder score from 18 (13 to 22) pre-operatively to 38 (35 to 42) at three months (p < 0.001). The mean score in this group was significantly better than in group B (21 patients) and C (11 patients) at this time. At one year patients in all groups showed improvement in scores, but patients in group A had a higher mean score (p = 0.01). At one year patients in groups A and B did better than those in group C (p = 0.01). Arthroscopic SAD is a beneficial intervention in selected patients. The four criteria could help identify patients in whom it is likely to be most effective

Isolated fractures of the anterior column and anterior wall are a relatively rare subgroup of acetabular fractures. We report our experience of 30 consecutive cases treated over ten years. Open reduction and internal fixation through an ilioinguinal approach was performed for most of these cases (76.7%) and percutaneous techniques were used for the remainder. At a mean follow-up of four years (2 to 6), 26 were available for review. The radiological and functional outcomes were good or excellent in 23 of 30 patients (76.7%) and 22 of 26 patients (84.6%) according to Matta’s radiological criteria and the modified Merlé d’Aubigné score, respectively. Complications of minor to moderate severity were seen in six of the 30 cases (20%) and none of the patients underwent secondary surgery or replacement of the hip

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the origin and development of the threshold for surgical intervention, highlight the consequences of residual displacement, and justify the importance of accurate measurement.

The aim of this study was to obtain detailed long-term data on the cement-bone interface in patients with cemented stems, implanted using the constrained fixation technique. A total of eight stems were removed together with adjacent bone during post-mortem examinations of patients with well-functioning prostheses. Specimens were cut at four defined levels, contact radiographs were obtained for each level, and slices were prepared for histological analysis. Clinical data, clinical radiographs, contact radiographs and histological samples were examined for signs of loosening and remodelling. The mean radiological follow-up was 9.6 years and all stems were well-fixed, based on clinical and radiological criteria. Contact radiographs revealed an incomplete cement mantle but a complete filling of the medullary canal for all implants. Various amounts of polyethylene particles were evident at the cement-bone interface of seven stems, with no accompanying inflammatory reaction. Cortical atrophy and the formation of an ‘inner cortex’ were confirmed in six of eight stems by contact radiographs and histology, but were only visible on two clinical radiographs. Our results confirm that a complete cement mantle is not essential for the survival of Müller straight stems into the mid term, and support our hypothesis that no benefit to long-term survival can be expected from modern cementing techniques

1. The literature of primary or idiopathic protrusio acetabuli is reviewed with particular reference to familial and racial influence on pathogenesis. 2. The radiological criteria of a "deep" acetabulum and of a "protruded" acetabulum are discussed. 3. Four generations of a family are presented in which all three members of the second generation showed marked protrusio acetabuli. In the remaining generations most members appeared to have abnormally deep acetabuli. 4. It is concluded that this family shows a strong familial tendency to deep or intruded acetabuli. The family tree, though incomplete, suggests a genetic influence ofa dominant type

Aims

Tibial cones are often utilized in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with metaphyseal defects. Because there are few studies evaluating mid-term outcomes with a sufficient cohort, the purpose of this study was to evaluate tibial cone survival and complications in revision TKAs with tibial cones at minimum follow-up of five years.

We studied a consecutive series of 285 uncemented total hip replacements in 260 patients using the Taperloc femoral component and the T-Tap acetabular component. The outcome of every hip was determined in both living and deceased patients. A complete clinical and radiological follow-up was obtained for 209 hips in 188 living patients, followed for a mean of 14.5 years (10 to 18.9). They were divided into two groups, obese and non-obese, as determined by their body mass index. There were 100 total hip replacements in 89 patients in the obese cohort (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m. 2. ), and 109 in 99 non-obese (body mass index < 30 kg/m. 2. ) patients. A subgroup analysis of 31 patients of normal weight (body mass index 20 kg/m. 2. to 25 kg/m. 2. ) (33 hips) and 26 morbidly obese patients (body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m. 2. ) (30 hips) was also carried out. In the obese group five femoral components (5%) were revised and one (1%) was loose by radiological criteria. Femoral cortical osteolysis was seen in eight hips (8%). The acetabular component was revised in 57 hips (57%) and a further 17 (17%) were loose. The mean Harris hip score improved from 52 (30 to 66) pre-operatively to 89 (49 to 100) at final follow-up. Peri-operative complications occurred in seven patients (7%). In the non-obese group six (6%) femoral components were revised and one (1%) was loose. Femoral cortical osteolysis occurred in six hips (6%). The acetabular component was revised in 72 hips (66%) and a further 18 (17%) were loose. The mean Harris hip score increased from 53 (25 to 73) prior to surgery to 89 (53 to 100) at the time of each patient’s final follow-up radiograph. No statistically significant difference was identified between the obese and non-obese patients with regards to clinical and radiological outcome or complications. The subgroup analysis of patients of normal weight and those who were morbidly obese showed no statistically significant difference in the rate of revision of either component. Our findings suggest there is no evidence to support withholding total hip replacement from obese patients with arthritic hips on the grounds that their outcome will be less satisfactory than those who are not obese

Aims

Open tibial fractures are limb-threatening injuries. While limb loss is rare in children, deep infection and nonunion rates of up to 15% and 8% are reported, respectively. We manage these injuries in a similar manner to those in adults, with a combined orthoplastic approach, often involving the use of vascularised free flaps. We report the orthopaedic and plastic surgical outcomes of a consecutive series of patients over a five-year period, which includes the largest cohort of free flaps for trauma in children to date.

Aims

The most important complication of treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, which can result in proximal femoral growth disturbances leading to pain, dysfunction, and eventually to early onset osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to identify morphological variants in hip joint development that are predictive of a poor outcome.

Basilar impression is a well-recognised though rare complication of osteogenesis imperfecta. Three patients, all members of the same family, with advanced basilar impression complicating osteogenesis imperfecta tarda, are described. The clinical features in these cases illustrate the natural history of this condition: from asymptomatic ventricular dilatation, through the foramen magnum compression syndrome, to death from brain-stem compression. The radiological criteria on which the diagnosis is based, are defined. Review of the literature reveals only seven previously documented cases, all in patients with mild forms of osteogenesis imperfecta. The unusually low incidence of basilar impression in osteogenesis imperfecta and its apparent restriction to patients with mild forms of the disease is discussed. The examination of close relatives of patients with basilar impression and osteogenesis imperfecta is emphasised in order to anticipate the onset of severe neurological complications

Out of a total of 91 patients with traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip treated between 1936 and 1974 in the Mansfield area, 81 patients were reviewed. The average follow-up period was 12.5 years, although there was a large number of cases with a follow-up of more than 15 years and a smaller number with a follow-up of 30 years. The overall results were surprisingly poor despite early reduction of the dislocation in the majority of cases. We found that 15 years after simple dislocation 24 per cent of the cases had a poor result by both clinical and radiological criteria, but in the more severe grades of initial injury the results became worse, with 73.3 per cent of the patients graded as fair and poor, and only 26.7 per cent graded excellent or good

Between 1993 and 2002, 58 GSB III total elbow replacements were implanted in 45 patients with rheumatoid arthritis by the same surgeon. At the most recent follow-up, five patients had died (five elbows) and six (nine elbows) had been lost to follow-up, leaving 44 total elbow replacements in 34 patients available for clinical and radiological review at a mean follow-up of 74 months (25 to 143). There were 26 women and eight men with a mean age at operation of 55.7 years (24 to 77). At the latest follow-up, 31 excellent (70%), six good (14%), three fair (7%) and four poor (9%) results were noted according to the Mayo elbow performance score. Five humeral (11%) and one ulnar (2%) component were loose according to radiological criteria (type III or type IV). Of the 44 prostheses, two (5%) had been revised, one for type-IV humeral loosening after follow-up for ten years and one for fracture of the ulnar component. Seven elbows had post-operative dysfunction of the ulnar nerve, which was transient in five and permanent in two. Despite an increased incidence of loosening with time, the GSB III prosthesis has given favourable mid-term results in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Aims

Patients with spinal pathology who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) have an increased risk of dislocation and revision. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of the Hip-Spine Classification system in these patients would result in a decreased rate of postoperative dislocation in patients with spinal pathology.

The Roger Anderson external fixator was used in the treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius in 52 patients, and the results evaluated after a follow-up averaging 58 months. The indications for its use were failure to maintain adequate closed reduction using plaster, and instability of the fracture as determined by the initial radiographs. Our radiological criteria for instability included dorsal angulation of more than 20 degrees, fractures involving the joint, radial shortening of more than 10 mm, and severe dorsal comminution. Using the Lucas modification of the Sarmiento demerit point-rating system, we found that 46 patients (89%) had good or excellent results and six (11%) were classified as fair. There were no poor results. Seven patients (14%) developed complications. None of these affected the long-term results except in one elderly woman where the pins loosened and had to be removed