Aims. The primary aim of this study is to quantify and compare outcomes following a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius in elderly patients (aged ≥ 65 years) who are managed conservatively versus with surgical fixation (open reduction and internal fixation). Secondary aims are to assess and compare upper limb-specific function, health-related quality of life, wrist pain, complications, grip strength, range of motion, radiological parameters, healthcare resource use, and cost-effectiveness between the groups. Methods. A prospectively registered (ISRCTN95922938) randomized parallel group trial will be conducted. Elderly patients meeting the inclusion criteria with a dorsally displaced distal radius facture will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to either conservative management (cast without further manipulation) or surgery. Patients will be assessed at six, 12, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks post intervention. The primary outcome measure and endpoint will be the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) at 52 weeks. In addition, the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, pain score (visual analogue scale 1 to 10), complications, grip strength (dynamometer), range of motion (goniometer), and radiological assessments will be undertaken. A cost-utility analysis will be performed to assess the cost-effectiveness of surgery. We aim to recruit 89 subjects per arm (total sample size 178). Discussion. The results of this study will help guide treatment of dorsally displaced distal radial fractures in the elderly and assess whether surgery offers functional benefit to patients. This is an important finding, as the number of elderly distal radial fractures is estimated to increase in the future due to the ageing population. Evidence-based management strategies are therefore required to ensure the best outcome for the patient and to optimize the use of increasingly scarce healthcare resources. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):920–928

Aims. The primary aim of this study is to assess the survival of the uncemented hydroxyapatite (HA) coated Trident II acetabular component as part of a hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a cemented Exeter stem. The secondary aims are to assess the complications, joint-specific function, health-related quality of life, and radiological signs of loosening of the acetabular component. Methods. A single-centre, prospective cohort study of 125 implants will be undertaken. Patients undergoing hybrid THA at the study centre will be recruited. Inclusion criteria are patients suitable for the use of the uncemented acetabular component, aged 18 to 75 years, willing and able to comply with the study protocol, and provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria includes patients not meeting study inclusion criteria, inadequate bone stock to support fixation of the prosthesis, a BMI > 40 kg/m. 2. , or THA performed for pain relief in those with severely restricted mobility. Results. Implant survival, complications, functional outcomes and radiological assessment up to ten years following index THA (one, two, five, seven, and ten years) will be performed. Functional assessment will include the Oxford Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire, and pain and patient satisfaction. Radiological assessment with assess for acetabula lucent lines, lysis, and loosening according to DeLee and Charnley zones. Conclusion. This study is part of a stepwise introduction of a new device to orthopaedic practice, and careful monitoring of implants should be carried out as part of the Beyond Compliance principles. The results of this study will provide functional, radiological, and survival data to either support the ongoing use of the HA acetabulum or highlight potential limitations of this new implant before wide adoption. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):782–790

Aims. Total femoral arthroplasty (TFA) is a rare procedure used in cases of significant femoral bone loss, commonly from cancer, infection, and trauma. Low patient numbers have resulted in limited published work on long-term outcomes, and even less regarding TFA undertaken for non-oncological indications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of all TFAs in our unit. Methods. Data were collected retrospectively from a large tertiary referral revision arthroplasty unit’s database. Inclusion criteria included all patients who underwent TFA in our unit. Preoperative demographics, operative factors, and short- and long-term outcomes were collected for analysis. Outcome was defined using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) outcome reporting tool. Results. Overall, 38 TFAs were identified. The mean age was 73 years (42 to 80). All patients underwent TFA for non-oncological indications, most commonly as a consequence of infection (53%) and periprosthetic fracture (26%). The mean follow-up time was ten years (0 to 26); 63% of TFAs were considered a success based upon the MSIS outcome reporting tool. The mean time between TFA and death was 8.5 years (0.2 to 19.2), with two patients dying within one year of surgery. Within the cohort, 66% suffered at least one complication, dislocation being most common (37%); 55% of the total cohort required at least one subsequent operation. In total, 70% of TFAs undertaken for infection were considered infection-free at time of final follow-up. The percentage of mobile patients improved from 52% to 65% between pre- and postoperation, with all patients being able to at least transfer from bed to chair at time of final review. Conclusion. This study is the largest in the UK assessing the use of TFA in patients with bone loss secondary to non-oncological conditions. It demonstrates that TFA has a significant complication profile, however it is favourable in terms of mortality and rehabilitation when compared to amputation and disarticulation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):888–894

Aims. The Bankart and Latarjet procedures are two of the most common surgical techniques to treat anterior shoulder instability with satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes. However, the outcomes in the adolescent population remain unclear, and there is no information regarding the arthroscopic Latarjet in this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the arthroscopic Bankart and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures in the management of anterior shoulder instability in adolescents. Methods. We present a retrospective, matched-pair study of teenagers with anterior glenohumeral instability treated with an arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) or an arthroscopic Latarjet (AL) procedure with a minimum two-year follow-up. Preoperative demographic and clinical features, factors associated with dislocation, and complications were collected. Recurrence, defined as dislocation or subluxation, was established as the primary outcome. Clinical and functional outcomes were analyzed using objective (Rowe), and subjective (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE)) scores. Additionally, the rate of return to sport was assessed. Results. A total of 51 adolescents were included, of whom 46 (92%) were male, with 17 (33%) in the Latarjet group and 34 (66%) in the Bankart group. The mean age at time of surgery was 18 years (15 to 19). There were no intraoperative complications. At a median follow-up of nine years (IQR 2 to 18), recurrence was observed in 12 patients in the Bankart group (35.3%) and one patient in the Latarjet group (5.9%) (p = 0.023). Satisfactory postoperative outcomes were obtained, with mean Rowe, WOSI, and SANE scores noted at 95 (10 to 100), 325 (25 to 1,975), and 87.5 (10 to 100), respectively. Most patients (29 in the Bankart group (85.3%) and 16 in the Latarjet group (94.1%)) were able to return to sport (p = 0.452). Conclusion. The ABR and AL procedures both obtain satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes in the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability in adolescents with a low complication rate. However, the ABR is associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1041–1048

Aims. The incidence of limb fractures in patients living with HIV (PLWH) is increasing. However, due to their immunodeficiency status, the operation and rehabilitation of these patients present unique challenges. Currently, it is urgent to establish a standardized perioperative rehabilitation plan based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of ERAS in the perioperative period of PLWH with limb fractures. Methods. A total of 120 PLWH with limb fractures, between January 2015 and December 2023, were included in this study. We established a multidisciplinary team to design and implement a standardized ERAS protocol. The demographic, surgical, clinical, and follow-up information of the patients were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results. Compared with the control group, the ERAS group had a shorter operating time, hospital stay, preoperative waiting time, postoperative discharge time, less intraoperative blood loss, and higher albumin and haemoglobin on the first postoperative day. The time to removal of the urinary catheter/drainage tube was shortened, and the drainage volume was also significantly reduced in the ERAS group. There was no significant difference in the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on postoperative return to the ward, but the ERAS group had lower scores on the first, second, and third postoperative days. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications, other than 10% more nausea and vomiting in the control group. The limb function scores at one-year follow-up were similar between the two groups, but time to radiological fracture union and time to return to physical work and sports were significantly reduced in the ERAS group. Conclusion. The implementation of a series of perioperative nursing measures based on the concept of ERAS in PLWH with limb fracture can significantly reduce the operating time and intraoperative blood loss, reduce the occurrence of postoperative pain and complications, and accelerate the improvement of the functional status of the affected limb in the early stage, which is worthy of applying in more medical institutions. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(11):647–658

Aims. Dual-mobility acetabular components (DMCs) have improved total hip arthroplasty (THA) stability in femoral neck fractures (FNFs). In osteoarthritis, the direct anterior approach (DAA) has been promoted for improving early functional results compared with the posterolateral approach (PLA). The aim of this study was to compare these two approaches in FNF using DMC-THA. Methods. A prospective continuous cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing operation for FNF using DMC by DAA or PLA. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Parker score at three months and one year. Perioperative complications were recorded, and radiological component positioning evaluated. Results. There were 50 patients in the DAA group and 54 in the PLA group. The mean HHS was 85.5 (SD 8.8) for the DAA group and 81.8 (SD 11.9) for the PLA group (p = 0.064). In all, 35 patients in the DAA group and 40 in the PLA group returned to their pre-fracture Parker score (p = 0.641) in both groups. No statistically significant differences between groups were found at one year regarding these two scores (p = 0.062 and p = 0.723, respectively). The DAA was associated with more intraoperative complications (p = 0.013). There was one dislocation in each group, and four revisions for DAA and one for PLA, but this difference was not statistically significant. There were also no significant differences regarding blood loss, length of stay, or operating time. Conclusion. In DMC-THA for FNF, DAA did not achieve better functional results than PLA, either at three months or at one year. Moreover, DAA presented an increased risk of intra-operative complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):133–138

Aims. Surgical approaches to cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remain controversial. The purpose of the present study was to analyze and compare the long-term neurological recovery following anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PLF) based on > ten-year follow-up outcomes in a single centre. Methods. Included in this retrospective cohort study were 48 patients (12 females; mean age 55.79 years (SD 8.94)) who were diagnosed with cervical OPLL, received treatment in our centre, and were followed up for 10.22 to 15.25 years. Of them, 24 patients (six females; mean age 52.88 years (SD 8.79)) received ADF, and the other 24 patients (five females; mean age 56.25 years (SD 9.44)) received PLF. Clinical data including age, sex, and the OPLL canal-occupying ratio were analyzed and compared. The primary outcome was Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the secondary outcome was visual analogue scale neck pain. Results. Compared with the baseline, neurological function improved significantly after surgery in all patients of both groups (p < 0.001). The JOA recovery rate in the ADF group was significantly higher than that in the PLF group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative cervical pain between the two groups (p = 0.387). The operating time was longer and intraoperative blood loss was greater in the PLF group than the ADF group. More complications were observed in the ADF group than in the PLF group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Long-term neurological function improved significantly after surgery in both groups, with the improvement more pronounced in the ADF group. There was no significant difference in postoperative neck pain between the two groups. The operating time was shorter and intraoperative blood loss was lower in the ADF group; however, the incidence of perioperative complications was higher. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):768–775

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment. Methods. Patients who underwent surgery for complex radial head fractures (Mason type III, ≥ three fragments) were divided into two groups (ORIF and RHA) and propensity score matching was used to individually match patients based on patient characteristics. Ultimately, 84 patients were included in this study. After a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2.0 to 9.5), patients were invited for clinical and radiological assessment. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score were evaluated. Results. Patients treated with ORIF showed significantly better postoperative range of motion for flexion and extension (121.1° (SD 16.4°) vs 108.1° (SD 25.8°); p = 0.018). Postoperative functional scores also showed significantly better results in the ORIF group (MEPS 90.1 (SD 13.6) vs 78 (SD 20.5); p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the complication rate (RHA 23.8% (n = 10) vs ORIF 26.2% (n = 11)). Implant-related complications occurred in six cases (14.3%) in the RHA group and in five cases (11.9%) in the ORIF group. Conclusion. Irrespective of the patient’s age, sex, type of injury, or number of fracture fragments, ORIF of the radial head should be attempted initially, if a stable reconstruction can be achieved, as it seems to provide a superior postoperative outcome for the patient compared to primary RHA. If reconstruction is not feasible, RHA is still a viable alternative. In the surgical treatment of complex radial head fractures, reconstruction shows superior postoperative outcomes compared to RHA. Good postoperative results can be achieved even after failed reconstruction and conversion to secondary RHA. Therefore, we encourage surgeons to favour reconstruction of complex radial head fractures, regardless of injury type or number of fragments, as long as a stable fixation can be achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1158–1164

Aims. Pelvic discontinuity is a rare but increasingly common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This single-centre study evaluated the performance of custom-made triflange acetabular components in acetabular reconstruction with pelvic discontinuity by determining: 1) revision and overall implant survival rates; 2) discontinuity healing rate; and 3) Harris Hip Score (HHS). Methods. Retrospectively collected data of 38 patients (39 hips) with pelvic discontinuity treated with revision THA using a custom-made triflange acetabular component were analyzed. Minimum follow-up was two years (mean 5.1 years (2 to 11)). Results. There were eight subsequent surgical interventions. Two failures (5%) of the triflange acetabular components were both revised because of deep infection. There were seven (18%) patients with dislocation, and five (13%) of these were treated with a constraint liner. One patient had a debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedure. In 34 (92%) hips the custom-made triflange component was considered stable, with a healed pelvic discontinuity with no aseptic loosening at midterm follow-up. Mean HHS was 80.5 (48 to 96). Conclusion. The performance of the custom triflange implant in this study is encouraging, with high rates of discontinuity healing and osteointegration of the acetabular implant with no aseptic loosening at midterm follow-up. However, complications are not uncommon, particularly instability which we successfully addressed with constrained liners. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):867–876

Aims. Arthroplasty is being increasingly used for the management of distal humeral fractures (DHFs) in elderly patients. Arthroplasty options include total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA); both have unique complications and there is not yet a consensus on which implant is superior. This systematic review asked: in patients aged over 65 years with unreconstructable DHFs, what differences are there in outcomes, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), range of motion (ROM), and complications, between distal humeral HA and TEA?. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed via a search of MEDLINE and Embase. Two reviewers extracted data on PROMs, ROM, and complications. PROMs and ROM results were reported descriptively and a meta-analysis of complications was conducted. Quality of methodology was assessed using Wylde’s non-summative four-point system. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228329). Results. A total of 29 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) score was 19.6 (SD 7.5) for HA and 38 (SD 11.9) for TEA and the mean abbreviated version of DASH was 17.2 (SD 13.2) for HA and 24.9 (SD 4.8) for TEA. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score was the most commonly reported PROM across included studies, with a mean of 87 (SD 5.3) in HA and 88.3 (SD 5) in TEA. High complication rates were seen in both HA (22% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5 to 44)) and TEA (21% (95% CI 13 to 30), but no statistically significant difference identified. Conclusion. This systematic review has indicated PROMs and ROM mostly favouring HA, but with a similarly high complication rate in the two procedures. However, due to the small sample size and heterogeneity between studies, strength of evidence for these findings is low. We propose further research in the form of a national randomized controlled trial. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):559–566

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the absolute synovial polymorphonuclear neutrophil cell (PMN) count for the diagnosis or exclusion of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, 147 consecutive patients with acute or chronic complaints following THA and TKA were included. Diagnosis of PJI was established based on the 2018 International Consensus Meeting criteria. A total of 39 patients diagnosed with PJI (32 chronic and seven acute) and 108 patients with aseptic complications were surgically revised. Results. Using receiver operating characteristic curves and calculating the area under the curve (AUC), an optimal synovial cut-off value of 2,000 PMN/µl was determined (AUC 0.978 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.946 to 1)). Using this cut-off, sensitivity and specificity of absolute synovial PMN count for PJI were 97.4% (95% CI 91.2 to 100) and 93.5% (95% CI 88.9 to 98.1), respectively. Positive and negative predictive value were 84.4% (95% CI 72.7 to 93.9) and 99.0% (95% CI 96.7 to 100), respectively. Exclusion of 20 patients with acute complications improved specificity to 97.9% (95% CI 94.6 to 100). Different cut-off values for THA (< 3,600 PMN/µl) and TKA (< 2,000 PMN/µl) were identified. Absolute synovial PMN count correlated strongly with synovial alpha-defensin (AD) (r = 0.759; p < 0.001). With a positive AD result, no additional PJI could be identified in any case. Conclusion. Absolute synovial PMN count is a widely available, rapid, cost-effective, and accurate marker in PJI diagnostics, whereas synovial AD appears to be a surrogate parameter of absolute synovial PMN count. Despite limitations in the early postoperative phase, wear, and rheumatic diseases in confirming PJI, an absolute synovial PMN count below 2,000/µl is highly suitable for ruling out PJI, with specific cut-off values for THA and TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):373–381

Aims. Elevated blood cobalt levels secondary to metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasties are a suggested risk factor for developing cardiovascular complications including cardiomyopathy. Clinical studies assessing patients with MoM hips using left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have found conflicting evidence of cobalt-induced cardiomyopathy. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is an echocardiography measurement known to be more sensitive than LVEF when diagnosing early cardiomyopathies. The extent of cardiovascular injury, as measured by GLS, in patients with elevated blood cobalt levels has not previously been examined. Methods. A total of 16 patients with documented blood cobalt ion levels above 13 µg/l (13 ppb, 221 nmol/l) were identified from a regional arthroplasty database. They were matched with eight patients awaiting hip arthroplasty. All patients underwent echocardiography, including GLS, investigating potential signs of cardiomyopathy. Results. Patients with MoM hip arthroplasties had a mean blood cobalt level of 29 µg/l (495 nmol/l) compared to 0.01 µg/l (0.2 nmol/l) in the control group. GLS readings were available for seven of the MoM cohort, and were significantly lower when compared with controls (-15.5% vs -18% (MoM vs control); p = 0.025)). Pearson correlation demonstrated that GLS significantly correlated with blood cobalt level (r = 0.8521; p < 0.001). However, there were no differences or correlations for other echocardiography measurements, including LVEF (64.3% vs 63.7% (MoM vs control); p = 0.845). Conclusion. This study supports the hypothesis that patients with elevated blood cobalt levels above 13 µg/l in the presence of a MoM hip implant may have impaired cardiac function compared to a control group of patients awaiting hip arthroplasty. It is the first study to use the more sensitive parameter of GLS to assess for any cardiac contractile dysfunction in patients with a MoM hip implant and a normal LVEF. Larger studies should be performed to determine the potential of GLS as a predictor of cardiac complications in patients with MoM arthroplasties. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):51–58

Aims. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the influence of patellar resurfacing following cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the incidence of anterior knee pain, knee-specific patient-reported outcome measures, complication rates, and reoperation rates. Methods. A systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) according to search criteria. Search terms used included: arthroplasty, replacement, knee (Mesh), TKA, prosthesis, patella, patellar resurfacing, and patellar retaining. RCTs that compared patellar resurfacing versus unresurfaced in primary TKA were included for further analysis. Studies were evaluated using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network assessment tool for quality and minimization of bias. Data were synthesized and meta-analysis performed. Results. There were 4,135 TKAs (2,068 resurfaced and 2,027 unresurfaced) identified in 35 separate cohorts from 33 peer-reviewed studies. Anterior knee pain rates were significantly higher in unresurfaced knees overall (odds ratio (OR) 1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 2.83; p = 0.006) but more specifically associated with CR implants (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.52; p = 0.030). There was a significantly better Knee Society function score (mean difference (MD) -1.98; 95% CI -1.1 to -2.84; p < 0.001) and Oxford Knee Score (MD -2.24; 95% CI -0.07 to -4.41; p = 0.040) for PS implants when patellar resurfacing was performed, but these differences did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference for these scores. There were no significant differences in complication rates or infection rates according to implant design. There was an overall significantly higher reoperation rate for unresurfaced TKA (OR 1.46 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.06); p = 0.030) but there was no difference between PS or CR TKA. Conclusion. Patellar resurfacing, when performed with CR implants, resulted in lower rates of anterior knee pain and, when used with a PS implant, yielded better knee-specific functional outcomes. Patellar resurfacing was associated with a lower risk of reoperation overall, but implant type did not influence this. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):622–634

Aims. For rare cases when a tumour infiltrates into the hip joint, extra-articular resection is required to obtain a safe margin. Endoprosthetic reconstruction following tumour resection can effectively ensure local control and improve postoperative function. However, maximizing bone preservation without compromising surgical margin remains a challenge for surgeons due to the complexity of the procedure. The purpose of the current study was to report clinical outcomes of patients who underwent extra-articular resection of the hip joint using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis. Methods. We reviewed 15 patients over a five-year period (January 2017 to December 2022) who had undergone extra-articular resection of the hip joint due to malignant tumour using a custom-made osteotomy guide and 3D-printed endoprosthesis. Each of the 15 patients had a single lesion, with six originating from the acetabulum side and nine from the proximal femur. All patients had their posterior column preserved according to the surgical plan. Results. Postoperative pathological assessment revealed a negative surgical margin was achieved in all patients. At final follow-up, 13.3% (2/15) died and no recurrence occurred. The overall survival was 81.7% at five years. None of the patients showed any signs of aseptic loosening, and no wound healing issues were observed. In total, 20% (3/15) developed complications, with two cases of early hip dislocation and one case of deep infection. The cumulative incidence of mechanical and non-mechanical failure in this series was 13.7% and 9.3%, respectively, at five years. In this cohort, the mean time to full weightbearing was 5.89 (SD 0.92) weeks and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24.1 (SD 4.4). Conclusion. For patients with a hip joint tumour who met the inclusion criteria and were deemed suitable for posterior column preservation, a custom-made osteotomy guide combined with 3D-printed endoprosthesis is worth performing when treating patients who require extra-articular resection of the hip joint, as it can achieve adequate margin for local control, maximize bone preservation to maintain pelvic ring integrity, reduce the risk of complications by simplifying the surgical procedure, and allow for more precise reconstruction for better function. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1027–1036

Aims. Isolated acetabular liner exchange with a highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) component is an option to address polyethylene wear and osteolysis following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the presence of a well-fixed acetabular shell. The liner can be fixed either with the original locking mechanism or by being cemented within the acetabular component. Whether the method used for fixation of the HXLPE liner has any bearing on the long-term outcomes is still unclear. Methods. Data were retrieved for all patients who underwent isolated acetabular component liner exchange surgery with a HXLPE component in our institute between August 2000 and January 2015. Patients were classified according to the fixation method used (original locking mechanism (n = 36) or cemented (n = 50)). Survival and revision rates were compared. A total of 86 revisions were performed and the mean duration of follow-up was 13 years. Results. A total of 20 patients (23.3%) had complications, with dislocation alone being the most common (8.1%; 7/86). Ten patients (11.6%) required re-revision surgery. Cementing the HXLPE liner (8.0%; 4/50) had a higher incidence of re-revision due to acetabular component liner-related complications than using the original locking mechanism (0%; 0/36; p = 0.082). Fixation using the original locking mechanism was associated with re-revision due to acetabular component loosening (8.3%; 3/36), compared to cementing (0%; 0/50; p = 0.038). Overall estimated mean survival was 19.2 years. There was no significant difference in the re-revision rate between the original locking mechanism (11.1%; 4/36) and cementing (12.0%; 6/50; p = 0.899). Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the revision-free survival of HXLPE fixed with the original locking mechanism and cementing was 94.1% and 93.2%, respectively, at ten years, and 84.7% and 81.3%, respectively, at 20 years (p = 0.840). Conclusion. The re-revision rate and the revision-free survival following acetabular component liner exchange revision surgery using the HXLPE liner were not influenced by the fixation technique used. Both techniques were associated with good survival at a mean follow-up of 13 years. Careful patient selection is necessary for isolated acetabular component liner exchange revision surgery in order to achieve the best outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):59–65

Aims. Vascular compromise due to arterial injury is a rare but serious complication of a proximal humeral fracture. The aims of this study were to report its incidence in a large urban population, and to identify clinical and radiological factors which are associated with this complication. We also evaluated the results of the use of our protocol for the management of these injuries. Methods. A total of 3,497 adult patients with a proximal humeral fracture were managed between January 2015 and December 2022 in a single tertiary trauma centre. Their mean age was 66.7 years (18 to 103) and 2,510 (72%) were female. We compared the demographic data, clinical features, and configuration of those whose fracture was complicated by vascular compromise with those of the remaining patients. The incidence of vascular compromise was calculated from national population data, and predictive factors for its occurrence were investigated using univariate analysis. Results. A total of 18 patients (0.5%) had a proximal humeral fracture and clinical evidence of vascular compromise, giving an annual incidence of 0.29 per 100,000 of the population. Their mean age was 68.7 years (45 to 92) and ten (56%) were female. Evidence of a mixed pattern neurological deficit (brachial plexus palsy) (odds ratio (OR) 380.6 (95% CI 85.9 to 1,685.8); p < 0.001), complete separation of the proximal shaft from the humeral head with medial displacement (OR 39.5 (95% CI 14.0 to 111.8); p < 0.001), and a fracture-dislocation (OR 5.0 (95% CI 1.6 to 15.3); p = 0.015) were all associated with an increased risk of associated vascular compromise. A policy of reduction and fixation of the fracture prior to vascular surgical intervention had favourable outcomes without vascular sequelae. Conclusion. The classic signs of distal ischaemia are often absent in patients with proximal injuries to major vessels. We were able to identify specific clinical and radiological ‘red flags’ which, particularly when present in combination, should increase the suspicion of a fracture with an associated vascular injury, and facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate combined orthopaedic and vascular intervention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):842–848

Aims. Both anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA and rTSA) provide functional improvements. A reported benefit of aTSA is better range of motion (ROM). However, it is not clear which procedure provides better outcomes in patients with limited foward elevation (FE). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of aTSA and rTSA in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), an intact rotator cuff, and limited FE. Methods. This was a retrospective review of a single institution’s prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database for TSAs undertaken between 2007 and 2020. A total of 344 aTSAs and 163 rTSAs, which were performed in patients with OA and an intact rotator cuff with a minimum follow-up of two years, were included. Using the definition of preoperative stiffness as passive FE ≤ 105°, three cohorts were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and follow-up: stiff aTSAs (85) to non-stiff aTSAs (85); stiff rTSAs (74) to non-stiff rTSAs (74); and stiff rTSAs (64) to stiff aTSAs (64). We the compared ROMs, outcome scores, and complication and revision rates. Results. Compared with non-stiff aTSAs, stiff aTSAs had poorer passive FE and active external rotation (ER), whereas there were no significant postoperative differences between stiff rTSAs and non-stiff rTSAs. There were no significant differences in preoperative function when comparing stiff aTSAs with stiff rTSAs. However, stiff rTSAs had significantly greater postoperative active and passive FE (p = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively), and active abduction (p = 0.001) compared with stiff aTSAs. The outcome scores were significantly more favourable in stiff rTSAs for the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California, Los Angeles score, and the Constant score, compared with stiff aTSAs. When comparing the proportion of stiff aTSAs versus stiff rTSAs that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit, stiff rTSAs achieved both at greater rates for all measurements except active ER. The complication rate did not significantly differ between stiff aTSAs and stiff rTSAs, but there was a significantly higher rate of revision surgery in stiff aTSAs (p = 0.007). Conclusion. Postoperative overhead ROM, outcome scores, and rates of revision surgery favour the use of a rTSA rather than aTSA in patients with glenohumeral OA, an intact rotator cuff and limited FE, with similar rotational ROM in these two groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1303–1313

Aims. The use of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components has increased during the past decade. The initial design of cementless metal-backed patellar components had shown high failure rates due to many factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of a second-generation cementless, metal-backed patellar component of a modern design. Methods. This was a retrospective review of 707 primary TKAs in 590 patients from a single institution, using a cementless, metal-backed patellar component with a mean follow-up of 6.9 years (2 to 12). A total of 409 TKAs were performed in 338 females and 298 TKAs in 252 males. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (34 to 87) and their mean BMI was 34.3 kg/m. 2. (18.8 to 64.5). The patients were chosen to undergo a cementless procedure based on age and preoperative radiological and intraoperative bone quality. Outcome was assessed using the Knee Society knee and function scores and range of motion (ROM), complications, and revisions. Results. A total of 24 TKAs (3.4%) in 24 patients failed and required revision surgery, of which five were due to patellar complications (0.71%): one for aseptic patellar loosening (0.14%) and four for polyethylene dissociation (0.57%). A total of 19 revisions (2.7%) were undertaken in 19 patients for indications which did not relate to the patella: four for aseptic tibial loosening (0.57%), one for aseptic femoral loosening (0.14%), nine for periprosthetic infection (1.3%), one for popliteus impingement (0.14%), and four for instability (0.57%). Knee Society knee and function scores, and ROM, improved significantly when comparing pre- and postoperative values. Survival of the metal-backed patellar component for all-cause failure was 97.5% (95% confidence interval 94.9% to 100%) at 12 years. Conclusion. The second-generation cementless TKA design of metal-backed patellar components showed a 97.5% survival at 12 years, with polyethylene dissociation from the metal-backing being the most common cause of patellar failure. In view of the increased use of TKA, especially in younger, more active, or obese patients, these findings are encouraging at mean follow-up of seven years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1279–1285

Aims. There is no level I evidence dealing with the optimal period of immobilization for patients with a displaced distal radial fracture following closed reduction. A shorter period might lead to a better functional outcome due to less stiffness and pain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this period could be safely reduced from six to four weeks. Methods. This multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) included adult patients with a displaced distal radial fracture, who were randomized to be treated with immobilization in a cast for four or six weeks following closed reduction. The primary outcome measure was the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score after follow-up at one year. Secondary outcomes were the abbreviated version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score after one year, the functional outcome at six weeks, 12 weeks, and six months, range of motion (ROM), the level of pain after removal of the cast, and complications. Results. A total of 100 patients (15 male, 85 female) were randomized, with 49 being treated with four weeks of immobilization in a cast. A total of 93 completed follow-up. The mean PRWE score after one year was 6.9 (SD 8.3) in the four-week group compared with 11.6 (SD 14.3) in the six-week group. However, this difference of -4.7 (95% confidence interval -9.29 to 0.14) was not clinically relevant as the minimal clinically important difference of 11.5 was not reached. There was no significant difference in the ROM, radiological outcome, level of pain, or complications. Conclusion. In adult patients with a displaced and adequately reduced distal radial fracture, immobilization in a cast for four weeks is safe, and the results are similar to those after a period of immobilization of six weeks. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):993–999

Aims. The number of patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy has increased. In many countries, public hospitals have limited capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for elective treatment and a need for supplementary private healthcare. It is uncertain whether the management of patients and the outcome of treatment are equivalent in public and private hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the management and patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy in public and private hospitals in Norway, and to assess whether the effectiveness of the treatment was equivalent. Methods. This was a comparative study using prospectively collected data from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. A total of 4,750 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy and were followed for 12 months were included. Case-mix adjustment between those managed in public and private hospitals was performed using propensity score matching. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) between baseline and 12 months postoperatively. A mean difference in improvement of the NDI score between public and private hospitals of ≤ 15 points was considered equivalent. Secondary outcome measures were a numerical rating scale for neck and arm pain and the EuroQol five-dimension three-level health questionnaire. The duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complications were also recorded. Results. The mean improvement from baseline to 12 months postoperatively of patients who underwent surgery in public and private hospitals was equivalent, both in the unmatched cohort (mean NDI difference between groups 3.9 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 5.6); p < 0.001) and in the matched cohort (4.0 points (95% CI 2.3 to 5.7); p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed similar results. The duration of surgery and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in public hospitals. Those treated in private hospitals reported significantly fewer complications in the unmatched cohort, but not in the matched cohort. Conclusion. The clinical effectiveness of surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy performed in public and private hospitals was equivalent 12 months after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):64–71