Aims. To evaluate the outcomes of cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) following a fracture of the acetabulum, with evaluation of risk factors and comparison with a patient group with no history of fracture. . Patients and Methods. Between 1992 and 2016, 49 patients (33 male) with mean age of 57 years (25 to 87) underwent cemented THA at a mean of 6.5 years (0.1 to 25) following acetabular fracture. A total of 38 had undergone surgical fixation and 11 had been treated non-operatively; 13 patients died at a mean of 10.2 years after THA (0.6 to 19). Patients were assessed pre-operatively, at one year and at final follow-up (mean 9.1 years, 0.5 to 23) using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Implant survivorship was assessed. An age and gender-matched cohort of THAs performed for non-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) or avascular necrosis (AVN) (n = 98) were used to compare complications and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Results. The mean time from fracture to THA was significantly shorter for patients with AVN (2.2 years) or protrusio (2.2 years) than those with post-traumatic OA (9.4 years) or infection (8.0 years) (p = 0.03). Nine contained and four uncontained defects were managed with autograft (n = 11), bulk allograft (n = 1), or trabecular metal augment (n = 1). Initial fracture management (open reduction and internal fixation or non-operative), timing of THA (> /< one year), and age (> /< 55 years) had no significant effect on OHS or ten-year survival. Six THAs were revised at mean of 12 years (5 to 23) with ten-year all-cause survival of 92% (95% confidence interval 80.8 to 100). THA complication rates (all complications, heterotopic ossification, leg length discrepancy > 10 mm) were significantly higher following acetabular fracture compared with atraumatic OA/AVN and OHSs were inferior: one-year OHS (35.7 versus 40.2, p = 0.026); and final follow-up OHS (33.6 versus 40.9, p = 0.008). . Conclusion . Cemented THA is a reasonable option for the sequelae of acetabular fracture. Higher complication rates and poorer PROMs, compared with patients undergoing THA for atraumatic causes, reflects the complex nature of these cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1399–1408

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The aim of this study was to examine trends in the management of fractures of the distal radius in Ireland over a ten-year period, and to determine if there were any changes in response to the English Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT).

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To assess the effect of physical exercise (PE) on the histological and transcriptional characteristics of proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) in BALB/c mice.

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The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between pre- and postoperative opioid use among patients undergoing common elective orthopaedic procedures

Bone is one of the most highly adaptive tissues in the body, possessing the capability to alter its morphology and function in response to stimuli in its surrounding environment. The ability of bone to sense and convert external mechanical stimuli into a biochemical response, which ultimately alters the phenotype and function of the cell, is described as mechanotransduction. This review aims to describe the fundamental physiology and biomechanisms that occur to induce osteogenic adaptation of a cell following application of a physical stimulus. Considerable developments have been made in recent years in our understanding of how cells orchestrate this complex interplay of processes, and have become the focus of research in osteogenesis. We will discuss current areas of preclinical and clinical research exploring the harnessing of mechanotransductive properties of cells and applying them therapeutically, both in the context of fracture healing and de novo bone formation in situations such as nonunion.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;9(1):1–14.

Aims. The management of open lower limb fractures in the United Kingdom has evolved over the last ten years with the introduction of major trauma networks (MTNs), the publication of standards of care and the wide acceptance of a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical approach to management. The aims of this study were to report recent changes in outcome of open tibial fractures following the implementation of these changes. Patients and Methods. Data on all patients with an open tibial fracture presenting to a major trauma centre between 2011 and 2012 were collected prospectively. The treatment and outcomes of the 65 Gustilo Anderson Grade III B tibial fractures were compared with historical data from the same unit. . Results. The volume of cases, the proportion of patients directly admitted and undergoing first debridement in a major trauma centre all increased. The rate of limb salvage was maintained at 94% and a successful limb reconstruction rate of 98.5% was achieved. The rate of deep bone infection improved to 1.6% (one patient) in the follow-up period. . Conclusion. The reasons for these improvements are multifactorial, but the major trauma network facilitating early presentation to the major trauma centre, senior orthopaedic and plastic surgical involvement at every stage and proactive microbiological management, may be important factors. . Take home message: This study demonstrates that a systemised trauma network combined with evidence based practice can lead to improvements in patient care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:420–4

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of multiple boluses of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) on the hidden blood loss (HBL) and inflammatory response following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. A total of 150 patients were allocated randomly to receive a single bolus of 20 mg/kg IV TXA before the incision (group A), a single bolus followed by a second bolus of 1 g IV-TXA three hours later (group B) or a single bolus followed by two boluses of 1 g IV-TXA three and six hours later (group C). All patients were treated using a standard peri-operative enhanced recovery protocol. Primary outcomes were HBL and the level of haemoglobin (Hb) as well as the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers of inflammation. Secondary outcomes included the length of stay in hospital and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Results. The mean HBL was significantly lower in group C (402.13 ml standard deviation (. sd). 225.97) than group A (679.28 ml. sd. 277.16, p < 0.001) or B (560.62 ml . sd. 295.22, p = 0.010). The decrease in the level of Hb between the pre-operative baseline and the level on the third post-operative day was 30.82 g/L (. sd. 6.31 g/L) in group A, 27.16 g/L (. sd. 6.83) in group B and 21.98 g/L (. sd. 3.72) in group C. This decrease differed significantly among the three groups (p < 0.01). The mean level of CRP was significantly lower in group C than in the other two groups on the second (p ≤ 0.034) and third post-operative days (p ≤ 0.014). The levels of IL-6 were significantly lower in group C than group A on the first three post-operative days (p = 0.023). The mean length of stay was significantly lower in group C than group A (p = 0.023). No VTE or other adverse events occurred. Conclusion. Multiple boluses of IV-TXA can effectively reduce HBL following primary THA. A regime of three boluses leads to a smaller decrease in the level of Hb, less post-operative inflammation and a shorter length of stay in hospital than a single bolus. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1442–9

The October 2015 Research Roundup360 looks at: Wasted implants; Biofilms revisited; Peri-operative anticoagulation not required in atrial fibrillation; Determinants in outcome following orthopaedic surgery; Patient ‘activation’ and outcomes; Neuroplasticity and nerve repair; KOOS Score in predicting injury?

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the existing literature from 2005 to 2016 reporting on the efficacy of surgical management of patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) secondary to slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Methods. The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched and screened in duplicate. Data such as patient demographics, surgical technique, surgical outcomes and complications were retrieved from eligible studies. Results. Fifteen eligible level IV studies were included in this review comprising 261 patients (266 hips). Treatment groups included arthroscopic osteochondroplasty, surgical hip dislocation, and traditional open osteotomy. The mean alpha angle corrections were 32.14° (standard deviation (. sd). 7.02°), 41.45° (. sd. 10.5°) and 6.0° (. sd. 5.21°), for arthroscopy, surgical hip dislocation, and open osteotomy groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Each group demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes across their respective scoring systems. Major complication rates were 1.6%, 10.7%, and 6.7%, for arthroscopy, surgical dislocation and osteotomy treatments, respectively. Conclusion. In the context of SCFE-related FAI, surgical hip dislocation demonstrated improved correction of the alpha angle, albeit at higher complication and revision rates than both arthroscopic and open osteotomy treatments. Further investigation, including high-quality trials with standardised radiological and clinical outcome measures for young patients, is warranted to clarify treatment approaches and safety. Cite this article: K. O. Oduwole, D. de Sa, J. Kay, F. Findakli, A. Duong, N. Simunovic, Y. Yi-Meng, O. R. Ayeni. Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement following slipped capital femoral epiphysis: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:472–480. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2017-0018.R1

Aims. Intercalary allografts following resection of a primary diaphyseal tumour have high rates of complications and failures. At our institution intercalary allografts are augmented with intramedullary cement and fixed using compression plating. Our aim was to evaluate their long-term outcomes. Patients and Methods. A total of 46 patients underwent reconstruction with an intercalary allograft between 1989 and 2014. The patients had a mean age of 32.8 years (14 to 77). The most common diagnoses were osteosarcoma (n = 16) and chondrosarcoma (n = 9). The location of the tumours was in the femur in 21, the tibia in 16 and the humerus in nine. Function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). The survival of the graft and the overall survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. The median follow-up was 92 months (4 to 288). The mean MSTS 87 score was 29.1 (19 to 35), the mean MSTS 93 score was 82.2 (50 to 100) and the mean TESS score was 81.2 (43 to 100). Overall survival of the allograft was 84.8%. A total of 15 patients (33%) had a complication. Five allografts were revised for complications and one for local recurrence. Conclusion. Intercalary allografts augmented with intramedullary cement and compression plate fixation provide a reliable and durable method of reconstruction after the excision of a primary diaphyseal bone tumour, with high levels of function and satisfaction. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:973–8

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The aim of this study was to analyze the results of two radiocapitellar prostheses in a large case series followed prospectively, with medium-term follow-up.

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A borderline dysplastic hip can behave as either stable or unstable and this makes surgical decision making challenging. While an unstable hip may be best treated by acetabular reorientation, stable hips can be treated arthroscopically. Several imaging parameters can help to identify the appropriate treatment, including the Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof (FEAR) index, measured on plain radiographs. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and the sensitivity of FEAR index on MRI compared with its radiological measurement.

Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess all evidence comparing the Thompson monoblock hemiarthroplasty with modular unipolar implants for patients requiring hemiarthroplasty of the hip with respect to mortality and complications. Methods. A literature search was performed to identify all relevant literature. The population consisted of patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip for fracture. The intervention was hemiarthroplasty of the hip with a comparison between Thompson and modular unipolar prostheses. Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PROSPERO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The study designs included were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), well designed case control studies and retrospective or prospective cohort studies. Studies available in any language, published at any time until September 2015 were considered. Studies were included if they contained mortality or complications. Results. The initial literature search identified 4757 items for examination. Four papers were included in the final review. The pooled odds ratio for mortality was 1.3 (95% confidence Interval 0.78 to 2.46) favouring modular designs. The pooled odds ratio for post-operative complications was 1.1 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.55) favouring modular designs. Outcomes were reported at 12 or six months. These papers all contained potential sources of bias and significant clinical heterogeneity. Conclusion. The current evidence comparing monoblock versus modular implants in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty is weak. Confidence intervals around the pooled odds ratios are broad and incorporate a value of one. Direct comparison of outcomes from these papers is fraught with difficulty and, as such, may well be misleading. A well designed randomised controlled trial would be helpful to inform evidence-based implant selection. Cite this article: A. L. Sims, A. J. Farrier, M. R. Reed, T. A. Sheldon. Thompson hemiarthroplasty versus modular unipolar implants for patients requiring hemiarthroplasty of the hip: A systematic review of the evidence. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:–513. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2016-0256.R1

Aims. To address the natural history of severe post-tuberculous (TB) kyphosis, with focus upon the long-term neurological outcome, occurrence of restrictive lung disease, and the effect on life expectancy. . Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective clinical review of prospectively collected imaging data based at a single institute. A total of 24 patients of Southern Chinese origin who presented with spinal TB with a mean of 113° of kyphosis (65° to 159°) who fulfilled inclusion criteria were reviewed. Plain radiographs were used to assess the degree of spinal deformity. Myelography, CT and MRI were used when available to assess the integrity of the spinal cord and canal. Patient demographics, age of onset of spinal TB and interventions, types of surgical procedure, intra- and post-operative complications, and neurological status were assessed. . Results. All except one of the 24 patients were treated with anti-TB chemotherapy when they were first diagnosed with spinal TB. They subsequently received surgery either for neurological deterioration, or deformity correction in later life. The mean follow-up was 34 years (11 to 59) since these surgical interventions. Some 16 patients (66.7%) suffered from late neurological deterioration at a mean of 26 years (8 to 49) after the initial drug treatment. The causes of neurological deterioration were healed disease in nine patients (56.2%), re-activation in six patients (37.5%) and adjacent level spinal stenosis in one patient (6.3%). The result of surgery was worse in healed disease. Eight patients without neurological deterioration received surgery to correct the kyphosis. The mean correction ranged from 97° to 72°. Three patients who were clinically quiescent with no neurological deterioration were found to have active TB of the spine. Solid fusion was achieved in all cases and no patient suffered from neurological deterioration after 42 years of follow-up. On final follow-up, six patients were noted to have deceased (age range: 47 years to 75 years). Conclusion. Our study presents one of the longest assessments of spinal TB with severe kyphosis. Severe post-TB kyphosis may lead to significant health problems many years following the initial drug treatment. Early surgical correction of the kyphosis, solid fusion and regular surveillance may avoid late complications. Paraplegia, restrictive lung disease and early onset kyphosis might relate to early death. Clinically quiescent disease does not mean cure. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1381–8

Aims. This is a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the functional outcomes of plate fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of completely displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle in the active adult population. Patients and Methods. We prospectively recruited 123 patients and randomised them to either plate fixation or ESIN. Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at one to six weeks post-operatively. They were followed up at six weeks, three and six months and one year with radiographs, and their clinical outcome was assessed using both the DASH and the Constant Score. Results. Plate fixation provided a faster functional recovery during the first six months compared with ESIN, but there was no difference after one year. The duration of surgery was shorter for ESIN (mean 53.4 minutes, 22 to 120) than for plate fixation (mean 69.7 minutes, 35 to 106, p < 0.001). The recovery after ESIN was slower with increasing fracture comminution and with open reduction (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Both methods return the patients to their pre-injury functional levels, but plate fixation has a faster recovery period in comminuted fractures than ESIN. ESIN has a shorter operative time and lower infection and implant rates of failure when using 2.5 mm nails or wider, suggesting that this is the preferred method in mid-shaft fractures with no comminution, whereas plate fixation is the superior method in comminuted fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1095–1101

The MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) system is used increasingly in the management of early-onset scoliosis. Good results have been published, but there have been recent reports identifying implant failures that may be associated with significant metallosis surrounding the implants. This article aims to present the current knowledge regarding the performance of this implant, and the potential implications and strategies that may be employed to identify and limit any problems. We urge surgeons to apply caution to patient and construct selection; engage in prospective patient registration using a spine registry; ensure close clinical monitoring until growth has ceased; and send all explanted MAGEC rods for independent analysis. The MAGEC system may be a good instrumentation system for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis. However, it is innovative and like all new technology, especially when deployed in a paediatric population, robust systems to assess long-term outcome are required to ensure that patient safety is maintained. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:708–13

Objectives. The radiographic union score for tibial (RUST) fractures was developed by Whelan et al to assess the healing of tibial fractures following intramedullary nailing. In the current study, the repeatability and reliability of the RUST score was evaluated in an independent centre (a) using the original description, (b) after further interpretation of the description of the score, and (c) with the immediate post-operative radiograph available for comparison. Methods. A total of 15 radiographs of tibial shaft fractures treated by intramedullary nailing (IM) were scored by three observers using the RUST system. Following discussion on how the criteria of the RUST system should be implemented, 45 sets (i.e. AP and lateral) of radiographs of IM nailed tibial fractures were scored by five observers. Finally, these 45 sets of radiographs were rescored with the baseline post-operative radiograph available for comparison. Results. The initial intraclass correlation (ICC) on the first 15 sets of radiographs was 0.67 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.71). However, the original description was being interpreted in different ways. After agreeing on the interpretation, the ICC on the second cohort improved to 0.75. The ICC improved even further to 0.79, when the baseline post-operative radiographs were available for comparison. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the RUST scoring system is a reliable and repeatable outcome measure for assessing tibial fracture healing. Further improvement in the reliability of the scoring system can be obtained if the radiographs are compared with the baseline post-operative radiographs. Cite this article: Mr J.M. Leow. The radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures: Reliability of the outcome measure at an independent centre. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:116–121. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000628

Aims. The treatment of late presenting fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children remains controversial. . Methods. We report on the outcome for 16 children who presented with a fracture of the lateral humeral epicondyle at a mean of 7.4 weeks (3 to 15.6) after injury and were treated surgically. Results. The mean follow-up was four years (1.1 to 8.9), at which time the mean age of the patients was 8.7 years (3.2 to 17.8). . The mean Dhillon functional score improved from 3.3 to 5.6 and the mean overall scores improved from 5.6 to 8.5. . A total of seven patients had a fishtail deformity and eight had partial lateral epiphyseal closure. None had avascular necrosis. MRI showed an abnormal cartilage signal, incongruence of the joint surface and partial premature closure of the lateral physis in four patients. . Discussion. Neither age at the time of injury, the time interval between injury and operation, nor the pre-operative function were correlated with the incidence of complications. . These results support the use of internal fixation for children with a lateral humeral epicondylar fracture with a delayed presentation. Take home message: Open reduction and internal fixation yielded a satisfactory outcome within 16 weeks in children with a lateral humeral epicondylar fracture with a delayed presentation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:244–8