Aims. Overall sagittal flexion is restricted in patients who have undergone both lumbar fusion and total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it is not evident to what extent this movement is restricted in these patients and how this influences quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which hip-lumbar mobility is decreased in these patients, and how this affects their QoL score. Methods. Patients who underwent primary THA at our hospital between January 2010 and March 2021 were considered (n = 976). Among them, 44 patients who underwent lumbar fusion were included as cases, and 44 THA patients without lumbar disease matched by age, sex, and BMI as Control T. Among those who underwent lumbar fusion, 44 patients without hip abnormalities matched by age, sex, and BMI to the cases were considered as Control F. Outcome and spinopelvic parameters were measured radiologically in extension and flexed-seated positions. Hip, lumbar, and hip-lumbar mobility were calculated as parameter changes between positions. Results. There were 20 male and 112 female patients in the case and control groups, with a mean age of 77 years (5 to 94) and a mean BMI of 24 kg/m. 2. (15 to 34). QoL score and hip-lumbar mobility were reduced in cases compared to Control T and F, and were further reduced as the number of fused levels increased. Hip-lumbar mobility was associated with reduction in activity-related QoL, mostly for those activities requiring sagittal flexion. Conclusion. This study confirmed that hip-lumbar mobility is a factor that influences activity, most of all those requiring overall sagittal flexion. Clinicians should focus on hip-lumbar mobility and counteract disability by suggesting appropriate assistive devices. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):34–41

Hallux valgus (HV) presents as a common forefoot deformity that causes problems with pain, mobility, footwear, and quality of life. The most common open correction used in the UK is the Scarf and Akin osteotomy, which has good clinical and radiological outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction when used to treat a varying degrees of deformity. However, there are concerns regarding recurrence rates and long-term outcomes. Minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery (MIS) has gained popularity, offering the potential for similar clinical and radiological outcomes with reduced postoperative pain and smaller scars. Despite this, MIS techniques vary widely, hindering comparison and standardization. This review evaluates the evidence for both open Scarf and Akin osteotomy and newer-generation MIS techniques. Fourth-generation MIS emphasizes multiplanar rotational deformity correction through stable fixation. While MIS techniques show promise, their evidence mainly comprises single-surgeon case series. Comparative studies between open and MIS techniques suggest similar clinical and radiological outcomes, although MIS may offer advantages in scar length and less early postoperative pain. MIS may afford superior correction in severe deformity and lower recurrence rates due to correcting the bony deformity rather than soft-tissue correction. Recurrence remains a challenge in HV surgery, necessitating long-term follow-up and standardized outcome measures for assessment. Any comparison between the techniques requires comparative studies. Surgeons must weigh the advantages and risks of both open and MIS approaches in collaboration with patients to determine the most suitable treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):10–18.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1120–1122.

Aims

Functional alignment (FA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to achieve balanced gaps by adjusting implant positioning while minimizing changes to constitutional joint line obliquity (JLO). Although FA uses kinematic alignment (KA) as a starting point, the final implant positions can vary significantly between these two approaches. This study used the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification to compare differences between KA and final FA positions.

Aims

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the in vivo ankle kinetic alterations in patients with concomitant chronic ankle instability (CAI) and osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT), which may offer opportunities for clinician intervention in treatment and rehabilitation.

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This study aimed to determine clinical outcomes; relationships between postoperative anterior, lateral, and posterior acetabular coverage and joint survival; and prognostic factors for joint survival after transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA).

Aims

Electromagnetic induction heating has demonstrated in vitro antibacterial efficacy over biofilms on metallic biomaterials, although no in vivo studies have been published. Assessment of side effects, including thermal necrosis of adjacent tissue, would determine transferability into clinical practice. Our goal was to assess bone necrosis and antibacterial efficacy of induction heating on biofilm-infected implants in an in vivo setting.

The December 2024 Spine Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Rostral facet joint violations in robotic- and navigation-assisted pedicle screw placement; The inhibitory effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids on spinal fusion: an animal model;L5-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is associated with increased revisions compared to L4-L5 TLIF at two years; Immediate versus gradual brace weaning protocols in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomized clinical trial; Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an individualized, progressive walking, and education intervention for the prevention of low back pain recurrence in Australia (WalkBack): a randomized controlled trial; Usefulness and limitations of intraoperative pathological diagnosis using frozen sections for spinal cord tumours; Effect of preoperative HbA1c and blood glucose level on the surgical site infection after lumbar instrumentation surgery; How good are surgeons at achieving their alignment goals?

The December 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Tibiotalar sector and lateral ankle instability; Isolated subtalar fusion and correction of progressive collapsing foot deformity; Diabetic control and postoperative complications following ankle fracture fixation; Are insoles of any benefit for plantar fasciitis?; Postoperative foot shape and patient-reported outcome following surgery for progressing collapsing foot deformity; Calcaneo-stop procedure for symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children.

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Calcaneal osteomyelitis remains a difficult condition to treat with high rates of recurrence and below-knee amputation, particularly in the presence of severe soft-tissue destruction. This study assesses the outcomes of single-stage orthoplastic surgical treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis with large soft-tissue defects.

As advancements in total knee arthroplasty progress at an exciting pace, two areas are of special interest, as they directly impact implant design and surgical decision making. Knee morphometry considers the three-dimensional shape of the articulating surfaces within the knee joint, and knee phenotyping provides the ability to categorize alignment into practical groupings that can be used in both clinical and research settings. This annotation discusses the details of these concepts, and the ways in which they are helping us better understand the individual subtleties of each patient’s knee.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1363–1368.

Lisfranc injuries were previously described as fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints. With advancements in modern imaging, subtle Lisfranc injuries are now more frequently recognized, revealing that their true incidence is much higher than previously thought. Injury patterns can vary widely in severity and anatomy. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieve good outcomes. The original classification systems were anatomy-based, and limited as tools for guiding treatment. The current review, using the best available evidence, instead introduces a stability-based classification system, with weightbearing radiographs and CT serving as key diagnostic tools. Stable injuries generally have good outcomes with nonoperative management, most reliably treated with immobilization and non-weightbearing for six weeks. Displaced or comminuted injuries require surgical intervention, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) being the most common approach, with a consensus towards bridge plating. While ORIF generally achieves satisfactory results, its effectiveness can vary, particularly in high-energy injuries. Primary arthrodesis remains niche for the treatment of acute injuries, but may offer benefits such as lower rates of post-traumatic arthritis and hardware removal. Novel fixation techniques, including suture button fixation, aim to provide flexible stabilization, which theoretically could improve midfoot biomechanics and reduce complications. Early findings suggest promising functional outcomes, but further studies are required to validate this method compared with established techniques. Future research should focus on refining stability-based classification systems, validation of weightbearing CT, improving rehabilitation protocols, and optimizing surgical techniques for various injury patterns to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1431–1442.

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease. PA28γ is a member of the 11S proteasome activator and is involved in the regulation of several important cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. This study aimed to explore the role of PA28γ in the occurrence and development of OA and its potential mechanism.

Aims

The first metatarsal pronation deformity of hallux valgus feet is widely recognized. However, its assessment relies mostly on 3D standing CT scans. Two radiological signs, the first metatarsal round head (RH) and inferior tuberosity position (ITP), have been described, but are seldom used to aid in diagnosis. This study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of these two signs for a more convenient and affordable preoperative assessment and postoperative comparison.

Aims

Lower limb fractures are common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and represent a significant burden to the existing orthopaedic surgical infrastructure. In high income country (HIC) settings, internal fixation is the standard of care due to its superior outcomes. In LMICs, external fixation is often the surgical treatment of choice due to limited supplies, cost considerations, and its perceived lower complication rate. The aim of this systematic review protocol is identifying differences in rates of infection, nonunion, and malunion of extra-articular femoral and tibial shaft fractures in LMICs treated with either internal or external fixation.

Aims

While residual fixed flexion deformity (FFD) in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been associated with worse functional outcomes, limited evidence exists regarding FFD changes. The objective of this study was to quantify FFD changes in patients with medial unicompartmental knee arthritis undergoing UKA, and investigate any correlation with clinical outcomes.

Understanding spinopelvic mechanics is important for the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite significant advancements in appreciating spinopelvic balance, numerous challenges remain. It is crucial to recognize the individual variability and postoperative changes in spinopelvic parameters and their consequential impact on prosthetic component positioning to mitigate the risk of dislocation and enhance postoperative outcomes. This review describes the integration of advanced diagnostic approaches, enhanced technology, implant considerations, and surgical planning, all tailored to the unique anatomy and biomechanics of each patient. It underscores the importance of accurately predicting postoperative spinopelvic mechanics, selecting suitable imaging techniques, establishing a consistent nomenclature for spinopelvic stiffness, and considering implant-specific strategies. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to personalize care.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1206–1215.

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the level of upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) in frail patients undergoing surgery for adult spine deformity (ASD). Methods. Patients with adult spinal deformity who had undergone T9-to-pelvis fusion were stratified using the ASD-Modified Frailty Index into not frail, frail, and severely frail categories. ASD was defined as at least one of: scoliosis ≥ 20°, sagittal vertical axis (SVA) ≥ 5 cm, or pelvic tilt ≥ 25°. Means comparisons tests were used to assess differences between both groups. Logistic regression analyses were used to analyze associations between frailty categories, UIV, and outcomes. Results. A total of 477 patients were included (mean age 60.3 years (SD 14.9), mean BMI 27.5 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.8), mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 1.67 (SD 1.66)). Overall, 74% of patients were female (n = 353), and 49.6% of patients were not frail (237), 35.4% frail (n = 169), and 15% severely frail (n = 71). At baseline, differences in age, BMI, CCI, and deformity were significant (all p = 0.001). Overall, 15.5% of patients (n = 74) had experienced mechanical complications by two years (8.1% not frail (n = 36), 15.1% frail (n = 26), and 16.3% severely frail (n = 12); p = 0.013). Reoperations also differed between groups (20.2% (n = 48) vs 23.3% (n = 39) vs 32.6% (n = 23); p = 0.011). Controlling for osteoporosis, baseline deformity, and degree of correction (by sagittal age-adjusted score (SAAS) matching), frail and severely frail patients were more likely to experience mechanical complications if they had heart failure (odds ratio (OR) 6.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 26.7); p = 0.008), depression (OR 5.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 25.7); p = 0.048), or cancer (OR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4); p = 0.004). Frail and severely frail patients experienced higher rates of mechanical complication than ‘not frail’ patients at two years (19% (n = 45) vs 11.9% (n = 29); p = 0.003). When controlling for baseline deformity and degree of correction in severely frail and frail patients, severely frail patients were less likely to experience clinically relevant proximal junctional kyphosis or failure or mechanical complications by two years, if they had a more proximal UIV. Conclusion. Frail patients are at risk of a poor outcome after surgery for adult spinal deformity due to their comorbidities. Although a definitively prescriptive upper instrumented vertebra remains elusive, these patients appear to be at greater risk for a poor outcome if the upper instrumented vertebra is sited more distally. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1342–1347

Aims

Developmental cervical spinal stenosis (DcSS) is a well-known predisposing factor for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) but there is a lack of consensus on its definition. This study aims to define DcSS based on MRI, and its multilevel characteristics, to assess the prevalence of DcSS in the general population, and to evaluate the presence of DcSS in the prediction of developing DCM.

Aims

Treatment of high-grade limb bone sarcoma that invades a joint requires en bloc extra-articular excision. MRI can demonstrate joint invasion but is frequently inconclusive, and its predictive value is unknown. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of direct and indirect radiological signs of intra-articular tumour extension and the performance characteristics of MRI findings of intra-articular tumour extension.