Aims. To describe the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis who were treated with three-column osteotomy by posterior-only approach. Methods. Hospital records of 27 patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis undergoing surgery at a single centre were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent deformity correction which involved a three-column osteotomy by single-stage posterior-only approach. Radiological parameters (local kyphosis angle (KA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), T1 slope, and pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL)), functional scores, and clinical details of complications were recorded. Results. The mean age of the study population was 13.9 years (SD 6.4). The apex of deformity was in thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine in five, 14, and eight patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 178.4 minutes (SD 38.5) and the mean operative blood loss was 701.8 ml (SD 194.4). KA (preoperative mean 70.8° (SD 21.6°) vs final follow-up mean 24.7° (SD 18.9°); p < 0.001) and TK (preoperative mean -1.48° (SD 41.23°) vs final follow-up mean 24.28° (SD 17.29°); p = 0.005) underwent a significant change with surgery. Mean Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) score improved after surgical correction (preoperative mean 3.24 (SD 0.37) vs final follow-up mean 4.28 (SD 0.47); p < 0.001) with maximum improvement in self-image and mental health domains. The overall complication rate was 26%, including two neurological and five non-neurological complications. Permanent neurological deficit was noted in one patient. Conclusion. Deformity correction employing three-column osteotomies by a single-stage posterior-only approach is safe and effective in treating isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1309–1316

Aims. High-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis is a disabling disorder for which many different operative techniques have been described. The aim of this study is to evaluate Scoliosis Research Society 22-item (SRS-22r) scores, global balance, and regional spino-pelvic alignment from two to 25 years after surgery for high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis using an all-posterior partial reduction, transfixation technique. Methods. SRS-22r and full-spine lateral radiographs were collected for the 28 young patients (age 13.4 years (SD 2.6) who underwent surgery for high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis in our centre (Scottish National Spinal Deformity Service) between 1995 and 2018. The mean follow-up was nine years (2 to 25), and one patient was lost to follow-up. The standard surgical technique was an all-posterior, partial reduction, and S1 to L5 transfixation screw technique without direct decompression. Parameters for segmental (slip percentage, Dubousset’s lumbosacral angle) and regional alignment (pelvic tilt, sacral slope, L5 incidence, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis) and global balance (T1 spino-pelvic inclination) were measured. SRS-22r scores were compared between patients with a balanced and unbalanced pelvis at final follow-up. Results. SRS-22r domain and total scores improved significantly from preoperative to final follow-up, except for the mental health domain that remained the same. Slip percentage improved from 75% (SD 15) to 48% (SD 19) and lumbosacral angle from 70° (SD 11) to 101° (SD 11). Preoperatively, 35% had global imbalance, and at follow-up all were balanced. Preoperatively, 63% had an unbalanced pelvis, and at final follow-up this was 32%. SRS-22r scores were not different in patients with a balanced or unbalanced pelvis. However, postoperative pelvic imbalance as measured by L5 incidence was associated with lower SRS-22r self-image and total scores (p = 0.029). Conclusion. In young patients with HGDS, partial reduction and transfixation improves local lumbosacral alignment, restores pelvic, and global balance and provides satisfactory long-term clinical outcomes. Higher SRS-22r self-image and total scores were observed in the patients that had a balanced pelvis (L5I < 60°) at two to 25 years follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):163–173

Aims. To report the surgical outcome of patients with severe Scheuermann’s kyphosis treated using a consistent technique and perioperative management. Methods. We reviewed 88 consecutive patients with a severe Scheuermann's kyphosis who had undergone posterior spinal fusion with closing wedge osteotomies and hybrid instrumentation. There were 55 males and 33 females with a mean age of 15.9 years (12.0 to 24.7) at the time of surgery. We recorded their demographics, spinopelvic parameters, surgical correction, and perioperative data, and assessed the impact of surgical complications on outcome using the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire. Results. The mean follow-up was 8.4 years (2 to 14.9). There were 85 patients (96.6%) with a thoracic deformity. Posterior spinal fusion with closing-wedge osteotomies and hybrid instrumentation was used in 86 patients; two patients underwent combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion. The mean kyphosis was corrected from 94.5° to 47.5° (p < 0.001). Coronal and sagittal balance returned to normal. The rate of complications was 12.5%: there were no neurological deficits, implant failure, or revision surgery. SRS-22 scores improved from a mean 3.6 (1.3 to 4.1) to 4.6 (4.2 to 5.0) at two years (p < 0.001) with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Non-smokers and patients with lower preoperative SRS-22 scores showed greater improvement in their quality of life. Sagittal pelvic balance did not change after correction of the kyphosis and correlated with lumbar lordosis but not with thoracic or thoracolumbar kyphosis. Conclusion. Posterior spinal fusion using hybrid instrumentation, closing-wedge osteotomies, and iliac bone grafting achieves satisfactory correction of a severe kyphosis resulting in improvements in physical and mental health and a high degree of patient-reported satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):148–156

Aims. Neither a surgeon’s intraoperative impression nor the parameters of computer navigation have been shown to be predictive of the outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether a surgeon, with robotic assistance, can predict the outcome as assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for pain (KPS), one year postoperatively, and establish what factors correlate with poor KOOS scores in a well-aligned and balanced TKA. Methods. A total of 134 consecutive patients who underwent TKA using a dynamic ligament tensioning robotic system with a tibia first resection technique and a cruciate sacrificing ultracongruent TKA system were enrolled into a prospective study. Each TKA was graded based on the final mediolateral ligament balance at 10° and 90° of flexion: 1) < 1 mm difference in the thickness of the tibial insert and that which was planned (n = 75); 2) < 1 mm difference (n = 26); 3) between 1 mm to 2 mm difference (n = 26); and 4) > 2 mm difference (n = 7). The mean one-year KPS score for each grade of TKA was compared and the likelihood of achieving an KPS score of > 90 was calculated. Finally, the factors associated with lower KPS despite achieving a high-grade TKA (grade A and B) were analyzed. Results. Patients with a grade of A or B TKA had significantly higher mean one-year KPS scores compared with those with C or D grades (p = 0.031). There was no difference in KPS scores in grade A or B TKAs, but 33% of these patients did not have a KPS score of > 90. While there was no correlation with age, sex, preoperative deformity, and preoperative KOOS and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical scores, patients with a KPS score of < 90, despite a grade A or B TKA, had lower PROMIS mental health scores compared with those with KPS scores of > 90 (54.1 vs 50.8; p = 0.043). Patients with grade A and B TKAs with KPS > 90 were significantly more likely to respond with “my expectations were too low”, and with “the knee is performing better than expected” compared with patients with these grades of TKA who had a KPS score of < 90 (40% vs 22%; p = 0.004). Conclusion. A TKA balanced with robotic assistance to within 1 mm of difference between the medial and lateral sides in both flexion and extension had a higher KPS score one year postoperatively. Despite accurate ligament balance information, a robotic system could not guarantee excellent pain relief. Patient expectations and mental status also significantly affected the perceived success of TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):67–73

Aims. The primary aim of this paper was to outline the processes involved in building the Partners Arthroplasty Registry (PAR), established in April 2016 to capture baseline and outcome data for patients undergoing arthroplasty in a regional healthcare system. A secondary aim was to determine the quality of PAR’s data. A tertiary aim was to report preliminary findings from the registry and contributions to quality improvement initiatives and research up to March 2019. Methods. Structured Query Language was used to obtain data relating to patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) from the hospital network’s electronic medical record (EMR) system to be included in the PAR. Data were stored in a secure database and visualized in dashboards. Quality assurance of PAR data was performed by review of the medical records. Capture rate was determined by comparing two months of PAR data with operating room schedules. Linear and binary logistic regression models were constructed to determine if length of stay (LOS), discharge to a care home, and readmission rates improved between 2016 and 2019. Results. The PAR captured 16,163 THAs and TKAs between April 2016 and March 2019, performed in seven hospitals by 110 surgeons. Manual comparison to operating schedules showed a 100% capture rate. Review of the records was performed for 2,603 random operations; 2,298 (88.3%) had complete and accurate data. The PAR provided the data for three abstracts presented at international conferences and has led to preoperative mental health treatment as a quality improvement initiative in the participating institutions. For primary THA and TKA surgeries, the LOS decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and the rate of home discharge increased significantly (p < 0.001) between 2016 and 2019. Readmission rates did not correlated with the date of surgery (p = 0.953). Conclusion. The PAR has high rates of coverage (the number of patients treated within the Partners healthcare network) and data completion and can be used for both research purposes and quality improvement. The same method of creating a registry that was used in the PAR can be applied to hospitals using similar EMR systems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):90–98

In this study we hypothesised that anxiety/depression, one of five dimensions in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement tool EQ-5D, could predict outcome after total hip replacement surgery. Pre-operative and one-year post-operative data from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register, including 6158 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the hip, were analysed. In order to examine the association between anxiety and outcome with respect to pain and satisfaction an analysis of covariance was used. The pre-operative EQ-5D anxiety/depression dimension was a strong predictor for pain relief and patient satisfaction (p < 0.001). Orthopaedic surgeons involved in the care of patients eligible for total hip replacement surgery should be aware that mental health may influence post-operative pain and HRQoL. An appropriate assessment of mental health may enable a modification in the way these patients are managed in order to optimise the outcome after joint replacement surgery

Aims. We performed a meta-analysis investigating the association between preoperative psychological distress and postoperative pain and function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods. Pubmed/Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library were searched for studies on the influence of preoperative psychological distress on postoperative pain and physical function after TKA. Two blinded reviewers screened for eligibility and assessed the risk of bias and the quality of evidence. We used random effects models to pool data for the meta-analysis. Results. Six prospective cohort studies, with a total of 1525 patients, were included. The random effects models showed significantly poorer outcomes in patients who preoperatively had elevated scores on the pain catastrophizing scale, worse 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) mental health score, symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, and somatization dysfunction. After 12 months, the standard mean difference for pain was −0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI) −1.04 to −0.44) and −0.56 (95% CI −0.80 to −0.32) for function. Conclusion. Preoperative pain catastrophizing, mental distress, symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, and somatoform disorders appear to adversely affect pain and function after TKA. Some patients undergoing TKA may therefore need psychological support to improve the outcome and quality of life

Aims. A significant percentage of patients remain dissatisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether the sequential addition of accelerometer-based navigation for femoral component preparation and sensor-guided ligament balancing improved complication rates, radiological alignment, or patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) compared with a historical control group using conventional instrumentation. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 371 TKAs performed by a single surgeon sequentially. A historical control group, with the use of intramedullary guides for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided ligament balancing, was compared with a group using accelerometer-based navigation for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided balancing (group 1), and one using navigated femoral resection and sensor-guided balancing (group 2). Primary outcome measures were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) scores measured preoperatively and at six weeks and 12 months postoperatively. The position of the components and the mechanical axis of the limb were measured postoperatively. The postoperative range of motion (ROM), haematocrit change, and complications were also recorded. Results. There were 194 patients in the control group, 103 in group 1, and 74 in group 2. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between the groups. Patients in group 2 had significantly higher baseline mental health subscores than control and group 1 patients (53.2 vs 50.2 vs 50.2, p = 0.041). There were no significant differences in any PROMs at six weeks or 12 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the rate of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA), complication rates, postoperative ROM, or blood loss. There were fewer mechanical axis outliers in groups 1 and 2 (25.2%, 14.9% respectively) versus control (28.4%), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). Conclusion. The sequential addition of navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-guided ligament balancing did not improve short-term PROMs, radiological outcomes, or complication rates compared with conventional techniques. The costs of these added technologies may not be justified. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):24–30

Aims. A high rate of suicide has been reported in patients who sustain fractures, but the association remains uncertain in the context of other factors. The aim of this study was to examine the association between fractures and the risk of suicide in this contextual setting. Patients and Methods. We performed a case-control study of patients aged 40 years or older who died by suicide between 2000 and 2011. We included patients’ demographics, physical and mental health problems, and socioeconomic factors. We performed conditional logistic regression to evaluate the associations between fractures and the risk of suicide. Results. We included a total of 34 794 patients who died by suicide and 139 176 control patients. We found that fractures as a homogenous group (adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43 to 1.53), and specifically pelvic (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.68 to 2.47) and spinal fractures (aOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.43 to 1.64), were associated with a higher risk of suicide. In addition, we found that patients who had a lower income, had never married, had lower levels of educational attainment, or had coexistent physical and mental conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis-related disorders had a higher risk of suicide. Conclusion. Fractures, specifically those of the hip and spine, were associated with an increased risk of suicide. The findings suggest that greater clinical attention should be given to this risk in patients with fractures, especially for those with additional risk factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:780–6

Aims. For this retrospective cohort study, patients aged ≤ 30 years (very young) who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) were compared with patients aged ≥ 60 years (elderly) to evaluate the rate of revision arthroplasty, implant survival, the indications for revision, the complications, and the patient-reported outcomes. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary THA between January 2000 and May 2015 from our institutional database. A total of 145 very young and 1359 elderly patients were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years (1 to 18). Logistic generalized estimating equations were used to compare characteristics and the revision rate. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves and hazard rates were created using Cox regression. Results. The overall revision rate was 11% (16/145) in the very young and 3.83% (52/1359) in the elderly groups (odds ratio (OR) 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43 to 4.63). After adjusting for the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, gender, and a history of previous surgery in a time-to-event model, the risk of revision remained greater in the very young (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.48, 95% CI 1.34 to 4.58). Survival at ten years was 82% (95% CI, 71 to 89) in the very young and 96% (95% CI, 94 to 97) in the elderly group (p < 0.001). The very young had a higher rate of revision for complications related to metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing surfaces (p < 0.001). At last follow-up, the very young group had higher levels of physical function (p = 0.002), lower levels of mental health (p = 0.001), and similar levels of pain (p = 0.670) compared with their elderly counterparts. Conclusion. The overall revision rate was greater in very young THA patients. This was largely explained by the use of MoM bearings. Young patients with non-MoM bearings had high survivorship with similar complication profiles to patients aged ≥ 60 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:867–74

Aims. Cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) offers the potential for strong biological fixation compared with cemented TKA where fixation is achieved by the mechanical integration of the cement. Few mid-term results are available for newer cementless TKA designs, which have used additive manufacturing (3D printing). The aim of this study was to present mid-term clinical outcomes and implant survivorship of the cementless Stryker Triathlon Tritanium TKA. Methods. This was a single institution registry review of prospectively gathered data from 341 cementless Triathlon Tritanium TKAs at four to 6.8 years follow-up. Outcomes were determined by comparing pre- and postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR) scores, and pre- and postoperative 12-item Veterans RAND/Short Form Health Survey (VR/SF-12) scores. Aseptic loosening and revision for any reason were the endpoints which were used to determine survivorship at five years. Results. At mid-term follow-up, the mean KOOS JR score improved significantly from 33.14 (0 t0 85, standard deviation (SD) 21.88) preoperatively to 84.12 (15.94 to 100, SD 20.51) postoperatively (p < 0.001), the mean VR/SF-12 scores improved significantly from physical health (PH), 31.21 (SD 5.32; 23.99 to 56.77) preoperatively to 42.62 (SD 10.72; 19.38 to 56.82) postoperatively (p < 0.001) and the mental health (MH), 38.15 (SD 8.17; 19.06 to 60.75) preoperatively to 55.09 (SD 9.64; 19.06 to 66.98) postoperatively (p < 0.001). A total of 11 revisions were undertaken, with an overall revision rate of 2.94%, including five for periprosthetic joint infection (1.34%), three for loosening (0.80%), two for instability (0.53%), and one for pain (0.27%). The overall survivorship was 97.06% and survivorship for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 98.40%, with a 99.5% survivorship of the 3D-printed tibial component. Conclusion. This 3D-printed cementless total knee system shows excellent survivorship at mid-term follow-up. This design and the ability to obtain cementless fixation offers promise for excellent long-term durability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):32–37

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiological measurements, and total hip arthroplasty (THA)-free survival in patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for mild, moderate, or severe developmental dysplasia of the hip. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective study involving 336 patients (420 hips) who underwent PAO by a single surgeon at an academic centre. After exclusions, 124 patients (149 hips) were included. The preoperative lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) was used to classify the severity of dysplasia: 18° to 25° was considered mild (n = 20), 10° to 17° moderate (n = 66), and < 10° severe (n = 63). There was no difference in patient characteristics between the groups (all, p > 0.05). Pre- and postoperative radiological measurements were made. The National Institute of Health’s Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) outcome measures (physical function computerized adaptive test (PF CAT), Global Physical and Mental Health Scores) were collected. Failure was defined as conversion to THA or PF CAT scores < 40, and was assessed with Kaplan–Meier analysis. The mean follow-up was five years (2 to 10) ending in either failure or the latest contact with the patient. Results. There was no significant difference in PROMs for moderate (p = 0.167) or severe (p = 0.708) groups compared with the mild dysplasia group. The numerical pain scores were between 2 and 3 units in all groups at the final follow-up (all, p > 0.05). There was no significant difference (all, p > 0.05) in the proportion of patients achieving target correction for the LCEA between groups. The mean correction was 12° in the mild, 15° in the moderate (p = 0.135), and 23° in the severe group (p < 0.001). Failure-free survival at five years was 100% for mild, 79% for moderate, and 92% for severely dysplastic hips (p = 0.225). Conclusion. Although requiring less correction than hips with moderate or severe dysplasia, we found PAO for mild dysplasia to be associated with promising PROMs, consistent with that of the general United States population, and excellent survivorship at five years. Future studies should compare these results with the outcome after arthroscopy of the hip in patients with mild dysplasia. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):16–22

The June 2013 Knee Roundup. 360 . looks at: knee arthroplasty in diabetic patients; whether TKR is a timebomb; the use of antidepressants for knee OA; trochleoplasty; articulated spacers; mental health and joint replacement; and the use of physiotherapy for meniscal tear

Up to 20% of patients are not satisfied with the outcome following total knee replacement (TKR). This study investigated the pre- and post-operative predictors of dissatisfaction in a large cohort of patients undergoing TKR. We assessed 1217 consecutive patients between 2006 and 2008 both before operation and six months after, using the Short-form (SF)-12 health questionnaire and the Oxford Knee Score. Detailed information concerning comorbidity was also gathered. Satisfaction was measured at one year when 18.6% (226 of 1217) of patients were unsure or dissatisfied with their replacement and 81.4% (911 of 1217) were satisfied or very satisfied. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of dissatisfaction. Significant (p < 0.001) predictors at one year included the pre-operative SF-12 mental component score, depression and pain in other joints, the six-month SF-12 score and poorer improvement in the pain element of the Oxford Knee Score. Patient expectations were highly correlated with satisfaction. Satisfaction following TKR is multifactorial. Managing the expectations and mental health of the patients may reduce dissatisfaction. However, the most significant predictor of dissatisfaction is a painful total knee replacement

We have evaluated the quality of life and functional outcome after unilateral primary total hip replacement (THR). Between 5 January 1998 and 31 July 2000, we recruited a consecutive series of 627 patients undergoing this procedure and investigated them prospectively. Each was assessed before operation and reviewed after six months, 18 months, three years and five years. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Harris Hip scores were evaluated at each appointment. All dimensions of the SF-36 except for mental health and general health perception, improved significantly after operation and this was maintained throughout the follow-up. The greatest improvement was seen at the six-month assessment. On average, women reported lower SF-36 scores pre-operatively, but the gender difference did not continue post-operatively. The Harris Hip scores improved significantly after operation, reaching a plateau after 18 months. The improved quality of life was sustained five years after THR

We compared patient-reported outcomes of the Kinemax fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee replacement in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised to the fixed- or the mobile-bearing prosthesis via a sealed envelope method after the bone cuts had been made in the operating theatre. Randomisation was stratified by centre and diagnosis. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at eight to 12 weeks, one year and two years post-operatively. Validated questionnaires were used which included the Western Ontario MacMasters University, Short-Form 12, Mental Health Index-5, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Knee-Related Quality of Life and Function in Sport and Recreation scales and a validated scale of satisfaction post-operatively. In total, 242 patients (250 knees) with a mean age of 68 years (40 to 80) were recruited from four NHS orthopaedic centres. Of these, 132 patients (54.5%) were women. No statistically significant differences could be identified in any of the patient-reported outcome scores between patients who received the fixed-bearing or the mobile-bearing knee up to two-years post-operatively

In a prospective study between August 2002 and August 2005, we studied the quantitative clinical and radiological outcome 36 months after percutaneous vertebroplasty for intractable type-II osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures which had been unresponsive to conservative treatment for at least eight weeks. We also examined the quality of life (QoL). The clinical follow-up involved the use of a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS, 0 to 10), the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) QoL questionnaire and an anamnestic questionnaire before and at seven days (PI-NRS only), and one, three, 12 and 36 months post-operatively. A total of 30 consecutive patients received percutaneous vertebroplasty for 62 vertebral compression fractures with a mean time between fracture and treatment of 7.7 months (2.2 to 39). An immediate, significant and lasting reduction in the average and worst back pain was found, represented by a decrease of 3.1 and 2.7 points after seven days and 3.1 and 2.8 points after 36 months, respectively (p < 0.00). Comparison of the pre- and post-vertebroplasty scores on the various SF-36 domains showed an ultimate significant increase in six of eight domains and both summary scores. Asymptomatic leakage of cement was found in 47 of 58 (81%) of treated vertebrae. Two minor complications occurred, an asymptomatic pulmonary cement embolism and a cement spur along the needle track. Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of chronic vertebral compression fractures results in an immediate, significant and lasting reduction in back pain, and overall improvement in physical and mental health

Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is the total resection of a vertebra containing a tumour. Many authors have investigated patient-reported outcomes after routine spinal surgery and surgery for tumours in general. However, this is the first report of patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and satisfaction, after en bloc vertebral resection for a spinal tumour. Of the 54 patients who underwent TES for a primary tumour between 1993 and 2010, 19 died and four were lost to follow-up. In January 2012, a questionnaire was sent to the 31 surviving patients. This included the short form-36 to assess HRQoL and questions about the current condition of their disease, activities of daily living (ADL) and surgery. The response rate was high at 83.9% (26/31 patients). We found that most patients were satisfied and maintained good performance of their ADLs. . The mental health status and social roles of the HRQoL scores were nearly equivalent to those of healthy individuals, regardless of the time since surgery. There was significant impairment of physical health in the early post-operative years, but this usually returned to normal approximately three years after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1693–8

The June 2023 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Machine learning to identify surgical candidates for hip and knee arthroplasty: a viable option?; Poor outcome after debridement and implant retention; Can you cement polyethylene liners into well-fixed acetabular shells in hip revision?; Revision stem in primary arthroplasties: the Exeter 44/0 125 mm stem; Depression and anxiety: could they be linked to infection?; Does where you live affect your outcomes after hip and knee arthroplasties?; Racial disparities in outcomes after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty are substantially mediated by socioeconomic disadvantage both in black and white patients.