Thermal stability is a key property in determining the suitability of an antibiotic agent for local application in the treatment of orthopaedic infections. Despite the fact that long-term therapy is a stated goal of novel local delivery carriers, data describing thermal stability over a long period are scarce, and studies that avoid interference from specific carrier materials are absent from the orthopaedic literature. In this study, a total of 38 frequently used antibiotic agents were maintained at 37°C in saline solution, and degradation and antibacterial activity assessed over six weeks. The impact of an initial supplementary heat exposure mimicking exothermically curing bone cement was also tested as this material is commonly used as a local delivery vehicle. Antibiotic degradation was assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, or by immunoassays, as appropriate. Antibacterial activity over time was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay.Objectives
Methods
Patient-specific (PS) implantation surgical technology has been introduced in recent years and a gradual increase in the associated number of surgical cases has been observed. PS technology uses a patient’s own geometry in designing a medical device to provide minimal bone resection with improvement in the prosthetic bone coverage. However, whether PS unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) provides a better biomechanical effect than standard off-the-shelf prostheses for UKA has not yet been determined, and still remains controversial in both biomechanical and clinical fields. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical effect between PS and standard off-the-shelf prostheses for UKA. The contact stresses on the polyethylene (PE) insert, articular cartilage and lateral meniscus were evaluated in PS and standard off-the-shelf prostheses for UKA using a validated finite element model. Gait cycle loading was applied to evaluate the biomechanical effect in the PS and standard UKAs.Objectives
Methods
The exact aetiology and pathogenesis of microdamage-induced long bone fractures remain unknown. These fractures are likely to be the result of inadequate bone remodelling in response to damage. This study aims to identify an association of osteocyte apoptosis, the presence of osteocytic osteolysis, and any alterations in sclerostin expression with a fracture of the third metacarpal (Mc-III) bone of Thoroughbred racehorses. A total of 30 Mc-III bones were obtained; ten bones were fractured during racing, ten were from the contralateral limb, and ten were from control horses. Each Mc-III bone was divided into a fracture site, condyle, condylar groove, and sagittal ridge. Microcracks and diffuse microdamage were quantified. Apoptotic osteocytes were measured using TUNEL staining. Cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), HtrA1, and sclerostin expression were analyzed.Objectives
Methods
The aim of this study was to report a retrospective, consecutive
series of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who
were treated with posterior minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with
a mean follow-up of two years ( We prospectively collected the data of 70 consecutive patients
with AIS treated with MIS using three incisions and a muscle-splitting
approach by a single surgeon between June 2013 and February 2016
and these were retrospectively reviewed. There were eight male and
62 female patients with a mean age of 15 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
We aimed to identify the pattern of nerve injury associated with
paediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus. Over a 17 year period, between 1996 and 2012, 166 children were
referred to our specialist peripheral nerve injury unit. From examination
of the medical records and radiographs were recorded the nature
of the fracture, associated vascular and neurological injury, treatment
provided and clinical course.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of the current study was to analyse the effects of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) deficiency on forces of the posterolateral corner structure and on tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) contact force under dynamic-loading conditions. A subject-specific knee model was validated using a passive flexion experiment, electromyography data, muscle activation, and previous experimental studies. The simulation was performed on the musculoskeletal models with and without PCL deficiency using a novel force-dependent kinematics method under gait- and squat-loading conditions, followed by probabilistic analysis for material uncertain to be considered.Objectives
Methods
Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for medial-compartment
osteoarthritis of the knee can be complicated by intra-operative
lateral hinge fracture (LHF). We aimed to establish the relationship
between hinge position and fracture types, and suggest an appropriate
hinge position to reduce the risk of this complication. Consecutive patients undergoing OWHTO were evaluated on coronal
multiplanar reconstruction CT images. Hinge positions were divided
into five zones in our new classification, by their relationship
to the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ). Fractures were classified
into types I, II, and III according to the Takeuchi classification.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the intermediate-term
outcomes after revision anatomical ankle ligament reconstruction
augmented with suture tape for a failed modified Broström procedure. A total of 30 patients with persistent instability of the ankle
after a Broström procedure underwent revision augmented with suture
tape. Of these, 24 patients who were followed up for more than two
years were included in the study. There were 13 men and 11 women.
Their mean age was 31.8 years (23 to 44). The mean follow-up was 38.5
months (24 to 56) The clinical outcome was assessed using the Foot
and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure
(FAAM) score. The stability of the ankle was assessed using stress
radiographs.Aims
Patients and Methods
Preservation of both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to near-normal post-operative joint mechanics and improved knee function. We hypothesised that a patient-specific bicruciate-retaining prosthesis preserves near-normal kinematics better than standard off-the-shelf posterior cruciate-retaining and bicruciate-retaining prostheses in TKA. We developed the validated models to evaluate the post-operative kinematics in patient-specific bicruciate-retaining, standard off-the-shelf bicruciate-retaining and posterior cruciate-retaining TKA under gait and deep knee bend loading conditions using numerical simulation.Objectives
Methods
The highly cross-linked polyethylene Exeter RimFit flanged cemented
acetabular component was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2010.
This study aimed to examine the rates of emergence of radiolucent
lines observed when the Rimfit acetabular component was implanted
at total hip arthroplasty (THA) using two different techniques: firstly,
the ‘rimcutter’ technique in which the flange sits on a pre-prepared
acetabular rim; and secondly, the ‘trimmed flange’ technique in
which the flange is trimmed and the acetabular component is seated
inside the rim of the acetabulum. The radiographs of 150 THAs (75 ‘rimcutter’, 75 ‘trimmed flange’)
involving this component were evaluated to assess for radiolucencies
at the cement/bone interface by three observers. Aims
Patients and Methods
In the time since Letournel popularised the surgical
treatment of acetabular fractures, more than 25 years ago, there
have been many changes within the field, related to patients, surgical
technique, implants and post-operative care. However, the long-term
outcomes appear largely unchanged. Does this represent stasis or
have the advances been mitigated by other negative factors? In this
article we have attempted to document the recent changes within
the surgery of patients with a fracture involving the acetabulum,
outline contemporary management, and identify the major problem
areas where further research is most needed. Cite this article:
Inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa (RB) is a common clinical problem, particularly in professional athletes. RB inflammation is often treated with corticosteroid injections however a number of reports suggest an increased risk of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture. The aim of this cadaveric study was to describe the anatomical connections of the RB and to investigate whether it is possible for fluid to move from the RB into AT tissue. A total of 20 fresh-frozen AT specimens were used. In ten specimens, ink was injected into the RB. The remaining ten specimens were split into two groups to be injected with radiological contrast medium into the RB either with or without ultrasonography guidance (USG).Objectives
Methods
The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical and radiological
outcomes of instrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF) performed in
patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 40 patients with RA and 134 patients without RA underwent
instrumented PLF for spinal stenosis between January 2003 and December
2011. The two groups were matched for age, gender, bone mineral
density, the history of smoking and diabetes, and number of fusion
segments. The clinical outcomes measures included the visual analogue scale
(VAS) and the Korean Oswestry Disability Index (KODI), scored before
surgery, one year and two years after surgery. Radiological outcomes
were evaluated for problems of fixation, nonunion, and adjacent
segment disease (ASD). The mean follow-up was 36.4 months in the RA
group and 39.1 months in the non-RA group.Aims
Methods
We present the results of correcting a double or triple curve
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a convex segmental pedicle
screw technique. We reviewed 191 patients with a mean age at surgery of 15 years
(11 to 23.3). Pedicle screws were placed at the convexity of each
curve. Concave screws were inserted at one or two cephalad levels
and two caudal levels. The mean operating time was 183 minutes (132
to 276) and the mean blood loss 0.22% of the total blood volume
(0.08% to 0.4%). Multimodal monitoring remained stable throughout
the operation. The mean hospital stay was 6.8 days (5 to 15).Aims
Patients and Methods
The stability of cementless acetabular components is an important
factor for surgical planning in the treatment of patients with pelvic
osteolysis after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the methods
for determining the stability of the acetabular component from pre-operative
radiographs remain controversial. Our aim was to develop a scoring
system to help in the assessment of the stability of the acetabular
component under these circumstances. The new scoring system is based on the mechanism of failure of
these components and the location of the osteolytic lesion, according
to the DeLee and Charnley classification. Each zone is evaluated
and scored separately. The sum of the individual scores from the
three zones is reported as a total score with a maximum of 10 points.
The study involved 96 revision procedures which were undertaken
for wear or osteolysis in 91 patients between July 2002 and December
2012. Pre-operative anteroposterior pelvic radiographs and Judet
views were reviewed. The stability of the acetabular component was
confirmed intra-operatively.Aims
Patients and Methods
To determine the outcomes following revision surgery of metal-on-metal
hip arthroplasties (MoMHA) performed for adverse reactions to metal
debris (ARMD), and to identify factors predictive of re-revision. We performed a retrospective observational study using National
Joint Registry (NJR) data on 2535 MoMHAs undergoing revision surgery
for ARMD between 2008 and 2014. The outcomes studied following revision were
intra-operative complications, mortality and re-revision surgery.
Predictors of re-revision were identified using competing-risk regression
modelling.Aims
Patients and Methods
To investigate the outcomes of treatment of streptococcal periprosthetic
joint infection (PJI) involving total knee and hip arthroplasties. Streptococcal PJI episodes which occurred between January 2009
and December 2015 were identified from clinical databases. Presentation
and clinical outcomes for 30 streptococcal PJIs in 30 patients (12
hip and 18 knee arthroplasties) following treatment were evaluated
from the medical notes and at review. The Kaplan-Meier survival method
was used to estimate the probability of infection-free survival.
The influence of the biofilm active antibiotic rifampin was also
assessed.Aims
Patients and Methods
