The Ilizarov method for leg lengthening was used for cosmetic reasons in 54 patients with constitutional short stature. A mean lengthening of 7 cm with a low rate of complications produced an excellent or good outcome in all the patients, including improvement in psychological disturbances related to short stature. Those who undergo the procedure must be highly motivated, fully informed and understand the technique and possible complications. We suggest that the Ilizarov method for cosmetic limb lengthening is a technique without major complications. However, it requires careful follow-up, and the involvement of orthopaedic surgeons who are familiar with use of the circular frame and are experienced in limb lengthening and correction of deformity for pathological conditions.

We have investigated the accuracy of the templating of digital radiographs in planning total hip replacement using two common object-based calibration methods with the ball placed laterally (method 1) or medially (method 2) and compared them with two non-object-based methods. The latter comprised the application of a fixed magnification of 121% (method 3) and calculation of magnification based on the object-film-distance (method 4). We studied the post-operative radiographs of 57 patients (19 men, 38 women, mean age 73 years (53 to 89)) using the measured diameter of the prosthetic femoral head and comparing it with the true value.

Both object-based methods (1 and 2) produced large errors (mean/maximum: 2.55%/17.4% and 2.04%/6.46%, respectively). Method 3 applying a fixed magnification and method 4 (object-film-distance) produced smaller errors (mean/maximum 1.42%/5.22% and 1.57%/4.24%, respectively; p < 0.01). The latter results were clinically relevant and acceptable when planning was allowed to within one implant size. Object-based calibration (methods 1 and 2) has fundamental problems with the correct placement of the calibration ball. The accuracy of the fixed magnification (method 3) matched that of object-film-distance (method 4) and was the most reliable and efficient calibration method in digital templating.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and oncological outcome of extracorporeally irradiated autografts used to reconstruct the pelvis after a P1/2 internal hemipelvectomy.

The study included 18 patients with a primary malignant bone tumour of the pelvis. There were 13 males and five females with a mean age of 24.8 years (8 to 62). Of these, seven had an osteogenic sarcoma, six a Ewing’s sarcoma, and five a chondrosarcoma. At a mean follow-up of 51.6 months (4 to 185), nine patients had died with metastatic disease while nine were free from disease. Local recurrence occurred in three patients all of whom eventually died of their disease. Deep infection occurred in three patients and required removal of their graft in two while the third underwent a hindquarter amputation for extensive flap necrosis.

The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score of the 16 patients who could be followed-up for at least 12 months was 77% (50 to 90). Those 15 patients who completed the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score questionnaire had a mean score of 71% (53 to 85).

Extracorporeal irradiation and re-implantation of bone is a valid method of reconstruction after an internal hemipelvectomy. It has an acceptable morbidity and a functional outcome that compares favourably with other available reconstructive techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1404–10

In this retrospective study we evaluated the method of acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss in 17 patients with a mean age of 36 years (10 to 58). The mean bone loss was 5.6 cm (3 to 10). In infected cases, we performed the treatment in two stages. The mean follow-up time was 43.5 months (24 to 96). The mean time in external fixation was 8.0 months (4 to 13) and the mean external fixator index was 1.4 months/cm (1.1 to 1.8). There was no recurrence of infection. The bone evaluation results were excellent in 16 patients and good in one, while functional results were excellent in 15 and good in two. The complication rate was 1.2 per patient.

We conclude that acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis is a safe, reliable and successful method for the treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss, with a shorter period of treatment and lower rate of complication.

We reviewed 34 knees in 24 children after a double-elevating osteotomy for late-presenting infantile Blount’s disease. The mean age of patients was 9.1 years (7 to 13.5).

All knees were in Langenskiöld stages IV to VI. The operative technique corrected the depression of the medial joint line by an elevating osteotomy, and the remaining tibial varus and internal torsion by an osteotomy just below the apophysis. In the more recent patients (19 knees), a proximal lateral tibial epiphysiodesis was performed at the same time.

The mean pre-operative angle of depression of the medial tibial plateau of 49° (40° to 60°) was corrected to a mean of 26° (20° to 30°), which was maintained at follow-up. The femoral deformity was too small to warrant femoral osteotomy in any of our patients. The mean pre-operative mechanical varus of 30.6° (14° to 66°) was corrected to 0° to 5° of mechanical valgus in 29 knees. In five knees, there was an undercorrection of 2° to 5° of mechanical varus. At follow-up a further eight knees, in which lateral epiphysiodesis was delayed beyond five months, developed recurrent tibial varus associated with fusion of the medial proximal tibial physis.

Distal femoral physeal fractures in children have a high incidence of physeal arrest, occurring in a mean of 40% of cases. The underlying nature of the distal femoral physis may be the primary cause, but other factors have been postulated to contribute to the formation of a physeal bar. The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of contributing factors to physeal bar formation, in particular the use of percutaneous pins across the physis.

We reviewed 55 patients with a median age of ten years (3 to 13), who had sustained displaced distal femoral physeal fractures. Most (40 of 55) were treated with percutaneous pinning after reduction, four were treated with screws and 11 with plaster. A total of 40 patients were assessed clinically and radiologically after skeletal maturity or at the time of formation of a bar. The remaining 15 were followed up for a minimum of two years.

Formation of a physeal bar occurred in 12 (21.8%) patients, with the rate rising to 30.6% in patients with high-energy injuries compared with 5.3% in those with low-energy injuries. There was a significant trend for physeal arrest according to increasing severity using the Salter-Harris classification. Percutaneous smooth pins across the physis were not statistically associated with growth arrest.

The dysplasia cup, which was devised as an adjunct to the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing system, has a hydroxyapatite-coated porous surface and two supplementary neutralisation screws to provide stable primary fixation, permit early weight-bearing, and allow incorporation of morcellised autograft without the need for structural bone grafting.

A total of 110 consecutive dysplasia resurfacing arthroplasties in 103 patients (55 men and 48 women) performed between 1997 and 2000 was reviewed with a minimum follow-up of six years. The mean age at operation was 47.2 years (21 to 62) and 104 hips (94%) were Crowe grade II or III.

During the mean follow-up of 7.8 years (6 to 9.6), three hips (2.7%) were converted to a total hip replacement at a mean of 3.9 years (2 months to 8.1 years), giving a cumulative survival of 95.2% at nine years (95% confidence interval 89 to 100). The revisions were due to a fracture of the femoral neck, a collapse of the femoral head and a deep infection. There was no aseptic loosening or osteolysis of the acetabular component associated with either of the revisions performed for failure of the femoral component. No patient is awaiting a revision.

The median Oxford hip score in 98 patients with surviving hips at the final review was 13 and the 10th and the 90th percentiles were 12 and 23, respectively.

Total hip replacement (THR) is a very common procedure undertaken in up to 285 000 Americans each year. Patient satisfaction with THR is very high, with improvements in general health, quality of life, and function while at the same time very cost effective. Although the majority of patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their THR, 27% experience some discomfort, and up to 6% experience severe chronic pain. Although it can be difficult to diagnose the cause of the pain in these patients, this clinical issue should be approached systematically and thoroughly. A detailed history and clinical examination can often provide the correct diagnosis and guide the appropriate selection of investigations, which will then serve to confirm the clinical diagnosis made.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:70–3.

This paper reviews the current knowledge relating to the management of adult patients with congenital hip disease. Orthopaedic surgeons who treat these patients with a total hip replacement should be familiar with the arguments concerning its terminology, be able to recognise the different anatomical abnormalities and to undertake thorough pre-operative planning in order to replace the hip using an appropriate surgical technique and the correct implants and be able to anticipate the clinical outcome and the complications.

Pre-operative planning for total hip replacement (THR) is challenging in hips with severe acetabular deformities, including those with a hypoplastic acetabulum or severe defects and in the presence of arthrodesis or ankylosis. We evaluated whether a Rapid Prototype (RP) model, which is a life-sized reproduction based on three-dimensional CT scans, can determine the feasibility of THR and provide information about the size and position of the acetabular component in severe acetabular deformities. THR was planned using an RP model in 21 complex hips in five men (five hips) and 16 women (16 hips) with a mean age of 47.7 years (24 to 70) at operation. An acetabular component was implanted successfully and THR completed in all hips. The acetabular component used was within 2 mm of the predicted size in 17 hips (80.9%). All of the acetabular components and femoral stems had radiological evidence of bone ingrowth and stability at the final follow-up, without any detectable wear or peri-prosthetic osteolysis. The RP model allowed a simulated procedure pre-operatively and was helpful in determining the feasibility of THR pre-operatively, and to decide on implant type, size and position in complex THRs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1458–63.

We retrospectively evaluated 18 patients with a mean age of 37.3 years (14 to 72) who had undergone pelvic reconstruction stabilised with a non-vascularised fibular graft after resection of a primary bone tumour. The mean follow-up was 10.14 years (2.4 to 15.7). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 76.5% (50% to 100%). Primary union was achieved in the majority of reconstructions within a mean of 22.9 weeks (7 to 60.6). The three patients with delayed or nonunion all received additional therapy (chemotherapy/radiation) (p = 0.0162). The complication rate was comparable to that of other techniques described in the literature.

Non-vascularised fibular transfer to the pelvis is a simpler, cheaper and quicker procedure than other currently described techniques. It is a biological reconstruction with good results and a relatively low donor site complication rate. However, adjuvant therapy can negatively affect the outcome of such grafts.

We describe a retrospective review of 38 cases of reconstruction following resection of the metaphysiodiaphysis of the lower limb for malignant bone tumours using free vascularised fibular grafts. The mean follow-up was for 7.6 years (0.4 to 18.4). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 27.2 (20 to 30). The score was significantly higher when the graft was carried out in a one-stage procedure after resection of the tumour rather than in two stages. Bony union was achieved in 89% of the cases. The overall mean time to union was 1.7 years (0.2 to 10.3).

Free vascularised fibular transfer is a major operation with frequent, but preventable, complications which allows salvage of the limb with satisfactory functional results.

We describe the technique and results of medial submuscular plating of the femur in paediatric patients and discuss its indications and limitations. Specifically, the technique is used as part of a plate-after-lengthening strategy, where the period of external fixation is reduced and the plate introduced by avoiding direct contact with the lateral entry wounds of the external fixator pins. The technique emphasises that vastus medialis is interposed between the plate and the vascular structures.

A total of 16 patients (11 male and five female, mean age 9.6 years (5 to 17)), had medial submuscular plating of the femur. All underwent distraction osteogenesis of the femur with a mean lengthening of 4.99 cm (3.2 to 12) prior to plating. All patients achieved consolidation of the regenerate without deformity. The mean follow-up was 10.5 months (7 to 15) after plating for those with plates still in situ, and 16.3 months (1 to 39) for those who subsequently had their plates removed. None developed a deep infection. In two patients a proximal screw fractured without loss of alignment; one patient sustained a traumatic fracture six months after removal of the plate.

Placing the plate on the medial side is advantageous when the external fixator is present on the lateral side, and is biomechanically optimal in the presence of a femoral defect. We conclude that medial femoral submuscular plating is a useful technique for specific indications and can be performed safely with a prior understanding of the regional anatomy.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:137–42.

Squeaking arising from a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip replacement (THR) may cause patient concern and in some cases causes patients to seek revision surgery. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence of squeaking and the incidence of revision surgery for squeaking. A total of 43 studies including 16 828 CoC THR that reported squeaking, or revision for squeaking, were entered into the analysis. The incidence of squeaking was 4.2% and the incidence of revision for squeaking was 0.2%. The incidence of squeaking in patients receiving the Accolade femoral stem was 8.3%, and the incidence of revision for squeaking in these patients was 1.3%.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:181–7.

Bone preservation and physiological distribution of forces on the proximal femur are key elements in introducing a successful uncemented total hip replacement. In order to achieve this, in the mid 1990s, we developed an ultra short proximal loading custom-made component with a lateral flare, a high femoral neck osteotomy and without a diaphyseal stem.

We report the outcome of 129 custom-made hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented short femoral components inserted into 109 patients between June 1995 and May 2004. The mean age of the patients was 51 years (21 to 71) and the mean follow-up was eight years (4.9 to 14.1). Bone behaviour around the implant was studied on the post-operative radiographs. The mean Harris hip score improved from 44 (8 to 66) pre-operatively to 95 (76 to 100) at final follow-up. The Western Ontario MacMaster University Osteoarthritis index was 93 of 100 at final review. None of the patients reported thigh pain. A total of five hips were revised, three for polyethylene liner exchange and two for complete revision of the acetabular component. No femoral components were revised. The radiological changes in the proximal femur were generally good, as evidenced by spot welds both on the medial and lateral aspects of the femur. No component migrated. The presence of a lateral flare and use of a high osteotomy of the femoral neck provided good clinical and radiological results. The absence of a diaphyseal portion of the stem did not impair stability.

Using radiography and computer tomography (CT) we studied the morphology of 83 hips in 69 Caucasian adults with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A previously published series of 310 hips with primary osteoarthritis was used as a control group. According to the Crowe classification, 33 of the dysplastic hips were graded as class I, 27 as class II and 23 as class III or class IV.

The intramedullary femoral canal had reduced mediolateral and anteroposterior dimensions in all groups compared with the control group. Only in Crowe class II hips was the femoral neck-shaft angle increased. The proximal femur had more anteversion in all the developmental dysplasia of the hip groups, ranging from 2° to 80°. Templated measurement of acetabular dimensions for plain radiography closely matched measurements taken by CT.

The results of our study confirm the observations previously confined to the Japanese population.

Revision surgery of the hip was performed on 114 hips using an extensively porous-coated femoral component. Of these, 95 hips (94 patients) had a mean follow-up of 10.2 years (5 to 17). No cortical struts were used and the cortical index and the femoral cortical width were measured at different levels.

There were two revisions for aseptic loosening. Survivorship at 12 years for all causes of failure was 96.9% (95% confidence interval 93.5 to 100) in the best-case scenario. Fibrous or unstable fixation was associated with major bone defects. The cortical index (p = 0.045) and the lateral cortical thickness (p = 0.008) decreased at the proximal level over time while the medial cortex increased (p = 0.001) at the proximal and distal levels. An increase in the proximal medial cortex was found in patients with an extended transtrochanteric osteotomy (p = 0.026) and in those with components shorter than 25 cm (p = 0.008).

The use of the extensively porous-coated femoral component can provide a solution for difficult cases in revision surgery. Radiological bony ingrowth is common. Although without clinical relevance at the end of follow-up, the thickness of the medial femoral cortex often increased while that of the lateral cortex decreased. In cases in which a shorter component was used and in those undertaken using an extended trochanteric osteotomy, there was a greater increase in thickness of the femoral cortex over time.

Total hip replacement for high dislocation of the hip joint remains technically difficult in terms of preparation of the true acetabulum and restoration of leg length. We describe our experience of cementless total hip replacement combined with a subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy in 20 hips with Crowe grade IV dislocation with a mean follow-up of 8.1 years (4 to 11.5). There was one man and 17 women with a mean age of 55 years (44 to 69) at the time of the operation.

After placment of the acetabular component at the site of the natural acetabulum, a cementless porous-coated cylindrical femoral component was implanted following a subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy.

The mean Japanese Orthopedic Association hip score improved from a mean of 38 (22 to 62) to a mean of 83 points (55 to 98) at the final follow-up. The mean lengthening of the leg was 14.8 mm (−9 to 34) in patients with iliofemoral osteoarthritis and 35.3 mm (15 to 51) in patients with no arthritic changes. No nerve palsy was observed.

Total hip replacement combined with subtrochanteric shortening femoral osteotomy in this situation is beneficial in avoiding nerve injury and still permits valuable improvement in inequality of leg length.

Ten patients, who were unsuitable for limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail, underwent lengthening with a submuscular locking plate. Their mean age at operation was 18.5 years (11 to 40). After fixing a locking plate submuscularly on the proximal segment, an external fixator was applied to lengthen the bone after corticotomy. Lengthening was at 1 mm/day and on reaching the target length, three or four screws were placed in the plate in the distal segment and the external fixator was removed. All patients achieved the pre-operative target length at a mean of 4.0 cm (3.2 to 5.5). The mean duration of external fixation was 61.6 days (45 to 113) and the mean external fixation index was 15.1 days/cm (13.2 to 20.5), which was less than one-third of the mean healing index (48 days/cm (41.3 to 55). There were only minor complications.

Lengthening with a submuscular locking plate can successfully permit early removal of the fixator with fewer complications and is a useful alternative in children or when nailing is difficult.

We retrospectively evaluated eight patients who underwent arthrodesis of the knee using cannulated screws. There were six women and two men, with a mean age of 53 years. The indications for arthrodesis were failed total knee arthroplasty, septic arthritis, tuberculosis, and recurrent persistent infection. Solid union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 6.1 months. One patient required autogenous bone graft for delayed union. One suffered skin necrosis which was treated with skin grafting. The mean limb-length discrepancy was 3.1 cm. On a visual analogue scale, the mean pain score improved from 7.9 to 3.3. According to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score quality of life items, the mean score improved from 38.3 pre-operatively to 76.6 at follow-up. Cannulated screws provide a high rate of union in arthrodesis of the knee with minimal complications, patient convenience, and a simple surgical technique.