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.

We performed a case–control study to compare the rates of further surgery, revision and complications, operating time and survival in patients who were treated with either an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated Corail bipolar femoral stem or a cemented Exeter stem for a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. The mean age of the patients in the uncemented group was 82.5 years (53 to 97) and in the cemented group was 82.7 years (51 to 99) We used propensity score matching, adjusting for age, gender and the presence or absence of dementia and comorbidities, to produce a matched cohort receiving an Exeter stem (n = 69) with which to compare the outcome of patients receiving a Corail stem (n = 69). The Corail had a significantly lower all-cause rate of further surgery (p = 0.016; odds ratio (OR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.84) and number of hips undergoing major further surgery (p = 0.029; OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.09). The mean operating time was significantly less for the Corail group than for the cemented Exeter group (59 min [12 to 136] vs 70 min [40 to 175], p = 0.001). The Corail group also had a lower risk of a peri-prosthetic fracture (p = 0.042; OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.42) . There was no difference in the mortality rate between the groups. There were significantly fewer complications in the uncemented group, suggesting that the use of this stem would result in a decreased rate of morbidity in these frail patients. Whether this relates to an improved functional outcome remains unknown.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:299–305.

Despite advances in the prevention and treatment of osteoporotic fractures, their prevalence continues to increase. Their operative treatment remains a challenge for the surgeon, often with unpredictable outcomes. This review highlights the current aspects of management of these fractures and focuses on advances in implant design and surgical technique.

The increasing need for total hip replacement (THR) in an ageing population will inevitably generate a larger number of revision procedures. The difficulties encountered in dealing with the bone deficient acetabulum are amongst the greatest challenges in hip surgery. The failed acetabular component requires reconstruction to restore the hip centre and improve joint biomechanics. Impaction bone grafting is successful in achieving acetabular reconstruction using both cemented and cementless techniques. Bone graft incorporation restores bone stock whilst providing good component stability. We provide a summary of the evidence and current literature regarding impaction bone grafting using both cemented and cementless techniques in revision THR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:98–102.

We determined the frequency, rate and extent of development of scoliosis (coronal plane deformity) in wheelchair-dependent patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who were not receiving steroid treatment. We also assessed kyphosis and lordosis (sagittal plane deformity). The extent of scoliosis was assessed on sitting anteroposterior (AP) spinal radiographs in 88 consecutive non-ambulatory patients with DMD. Radiographs were studied from the time the patients became wheelchair-dependent until the time of spinal fusion, or the latest assessment if surgery was not undertaken. Progression was estimated using a longitudinal mixed-model regression analysis to handle repeated measurements.

Scoliosis ≥ 10° occurred in 85 of 88 patients (97%), ≥ 20° in 78 of 88 (89%) and ≥ 30° in 66 of 88 patients (75%). The fitted longitudinal model revealed that time in a wheelchair was a highly significant predictor of the magnitude of the curve, independent of the age of the patient (p <  0.001). Scoliosis developed in virtually all DMD patients not receiving steroids once they became wheelchair-dependent, and the degree of deformity deteriorated over time.

In general, scoliosis increased at a constant rate, beginning at the time of wheelchair-dependency (p < 0.001). In some there was no scoliosis for as long as three years after dependency, but scoliosis then developed and increased at a constant rate. Some patients showed a rapid increase in the rate of progression of the curve after a few years – the clinical phenomenon of a rapidly collapsing curve over a few months.

A sagittal plane kyphotic deformity was seen in 37 of 60 patients (62%) with appropriate radiographs, with 23 (38%) showing lumbar lordosis (16 (27%) abnormal and seven (11%) normal).

This study provides a baseline to assess the effects of steroids and other forms of treatment on the natural history of scoliosis in patients with DMD, and an approach to assessing spinal deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes in wheelchair-dependent patients with other neuromuscular disorders.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:100–5.

We invited 1604 randomly selected women, all 75 years of age, to participate in a study on the risk factors for fracture. The women were divided into three groups consisting of 1044 (65%) who attended the complete study, 308 (19%) respondents to the study questionnaire only and 252 (16%) who did not respond. The occurrence of the life-time fracture was ascertained from radiological records in all groups and by questionnaires from the attendees and respondents.

According to the radiological records, fewer of the questionnaire respondents (88 of 308, 28.6%) and non-respondents (68 of 252, 27%) had sustained at least one fracture when compared with the attendees (435 of 1044, 41.7%; chi-squared test, p < 0.001). According to the questionnaire, fewer of the respondents (96 of 308, 31.1%) had sustained at least one previous fracture when compared with the attendees (457 of 1044, 43.7%; chi-squared test, p < 0.001).

Any study concerning the risk of fracture may attract those with experience of a fracture which explains the higher previous life-time incidence among the attendees. This factor may cause bias in epidemiological studies.

We determined the age-specific incidence of a second fracture of the hip and compared it with that of a primary fracture in a study population drawn from 6331 patients admitted to Nottingham University Hospital with a primary fracture of the hip over a period of 8.5 years. The incidence of a second fracture was determined using survival analysis. The mean age-specific incidence rates of primary hip fracture were calculated using census data.

The overall incidence of a second fracture was 2.7% at one year and 7.8% at 8.5 years. That of a primary fracture was 50 per 100 000 in women aged 55 to 64 years rising to 3760 in those aged 84 years and over. The incidence of a second fracture in women aged 55 to 64 years was 2344 per 100 000. Patients of this age had a relative risk of 45 (95% confidence interval 13 to 155) for further fracture when compared with the population at risk of a first fracture. The incidence of a second fracture in women aged > 84 years was 2451 per 100 000 (relative risk 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.5 to 0.9). A similar trend was seen in men.

Patients sustaining a primary fracture of the hip between the ages of 55 and 64 years have a much greater risk of further fracture than the normal population, whereas those over 84 years have a similar risk. These findings have important implications for the provision of fracture prevention services in primary and secondary care.

Our aim in this pilot study was to evaluate the fixation of, the bone remodelling around, and the clinical outcome after surgery of a new, uncemented, fully hydroxyapatite-coated, collared and tapered femoral component, designed specifically for elderly patients with a fracture of the femoral neck.

We enrolled 50 patients, of at least 70 years of age, with an acute displaced fracture of the femoral neck in this prospective single-series study. They received a total hip replacement using the new component and were followed up regularly for two years.

Fixation was evaluated by radiostereometric analysis and bone remodelling by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Hip function and the health-related quality of life were assessed using the Harris hip score and the EuroQol-5D.

Up to six weeks post-operatively there was a mean subsidence of 0.2 mm (−2.1 to +0.5) and a retroversion of a mean of 1.2° (−8.2° to +1.5°). No component migrated after three months. The patients had a continuous loss of peri-prosthetic bone which amounted to a mean of 16% (−49% to +10%) at two years. The mean Harris hip score was 82 (51 to 100) after two years.

The two-year results from this pilot study indicate that this new, uncemented femoral component can be used for elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures of the femoral neck.

We describe the results of cemented total hip replacement in 23 patients (23 hips) with active tuberculous arthritis of the hip with a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (4 to 7). In two patients the diagnosis was proved by pre-operative biopsy, whereas all others were diagnosed on a clinicoradiological basis with confirmation obtained by histopathological examination and polymerase chain reaction of tissue samples taken at the time of surgery. All patients received chemotherapy for at least three months before surgery and treatment was continued for a total of 18 months. Post-operative dislocation occurred in one patient and was managed successfully by closed reduction. No reactivation of the infection or loosening of the implant was recorded and function of the hip improved in all patients.

Total hip replacement in the presence of active tuberculous arthritis of the hip is a safe procedure when pre-operative chemotherapy is commenced and continued for an extended period after operation.

We have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of a metal resurfacing inlay implant for osteochondral defects of the medial talar dome after failed previous surgical treatment. We prospectively studied 20 consecutive patients with a mean age of 38 years (20 to 60), for a mean of three years (2 to 5) post-surgery. There was statistically significant reduction of pain in each of four situations (i.e., rest, walking, stair climbing and running; p ≤ 0.01). The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved from 62 (interquartile range (IQR) 46 to 72) pre-operatively to 87 (IQR 75 to 95) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score improved on all subscales (p ≤ 0.03). The mean Short-Form 36 physical component scale improved from 36 (23 to 50) pre-operatively to 45 (29 to 55) at final follow-up (p = 0.001); the mental component scale did not change significantly. On radiographs, progressive degenerative changes of the opposing tibial plafond were observed in two patients. One patient required additional surgery for the osteochondral defect. This study shows that a metal implant is a promising treatment for osteochondral defects of the medial talar dome after failed previous surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1650–5.

The August 2013 Research Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: passive smoking and bone substitutes; platelet-rich plasma and osteogenesis; plantar fasciitis and platelet-rich plasma: a match made in heaven?; MRSA decolonisation decreases infection rates; gums, bisphosphonates and orthopaedics; PRAISE and partner violence; blunt impact and post-traumatic OA; and IDEAL research and implants

Correct positioning and alignment of components during primary total knee replacement (TKR) is widely accepted to be an important predictor of patient satisfaction and implant durability. This retrospective study reports the effect of the post-operative mechanical axis of the lower limb in the coronal plane on implant survival following primary TKR.

A total of 501 TKRs in 396 patients were divided into an aligned group with a neutral mechanical axis (± 3°) and a malaligned group where the mechanical axis deviated from neutral by > 3°. At 15 years’ follow-up, 33 of 458 (7.2%) TKRs were revised for aseptic loosening. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a weak tendency towards improved survival with restoration of a neutral mechanical axis, but this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.47).

We found that the relationship between survival of a primary TKR and mechanical axis alignment is weaker than that described in a number of previous reports.

In a series of 450 patients over 70 years of age with displaced fractures of the femoral neck sustained between 1995 and 1997 treatment was randomised either to internal fixation or replacement. Depending on age and level of activity the latter was either a total hip replacement or a hemiarthroplasty. Patients who were confused or bed-ridden were excluded, as were those with rheumatoid arthritis. At ten years there were 99 failures (45.6%) after internal fixation compared with 17 (8.8%) after replacement. The rate of mortality was high at 75% at ten years, and was the same in both groups at all times. Patient-reported pain and function were similar in both groups at five and ten years. Those with successfully healed fractures had more hip pain and reduction of mobility at four months compared with patients with an uncomplicated replacement, and they never attained a better outcome than the latter patients regarding pain or function.

Primary replacement gave reliable long-term results in patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck.

Peri-prosthetic osteolysis and subsequent aseptic loosening is the most common reason for revising total hip replacements. Wear particles originating from the prosthetic components interact with multiple cell types in the peri-prosthetic region resulting in an inflammatory process that ultimately leads to peri-prosthetic bone loss. These cells include macrophages, osteoclasts, osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The majority of research in peri-prosthetic osteolysis has concentrated on the role played by osteoclasts and macrophages. The purpose of this review is to assess the role of the osteoblast in peri-prosthetic osteolysis.

In peri-prosthetic osteolysis, wear particles may affect osteoblasts and contribute to the osteolytic process by two mechanisms. First, particles and metallic ions have been shown to inhibit the osteoblast in terms of its ability to secrete mineralised bone matrix, by reducing calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity and its ability to proliferate. Secondly, particles and metallic ions have been shown to stimulate osteoblasts to produce pro inflammatory mediators in vitro. In vivo, these mediators have the potential to attract pro-inflammatory cells to the peri-prosthetic area and stimulate osteoclasts to absorb bone. Further research is needed to fully define the role of the osteoblast in peri-prosthetic osteolysis and to explore its potential role as a therapeutic target in this condition.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1021–5.

The outcome of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) deteriorates with time, and additional procedures may be required. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) and total knee replacement (TKR) after HTO as well as after primary UKR. A total of 63 patients (63 knees) were studied retrospectively and divided into three groups: UKR after HTO (group A; n = 22), TKR after HTO (group B; n = 18) and primary UKR (group C; n = 22). The Oxford knee score (OKS), Knee Society score (KSS), hip–knee–ankle angles, mechanical axis and patellar height were evaluated pre- and post-operatively. At a mean of 64 months (19 to 180) post-operatively the mean OKS was 43.8 (33 to 49), 43.3 (30 to 48) and 42.5 (29 to 48) for groups A, B and C, respectively (p = 0.73). The mean KSS knee score was 88.8 (54 to 100), 88.11 (51 to 100) and 85.3 (45 to 100) for groups A, B and C, respectively (p = 0.65), and the mean KSS function score was 85.0 (50 to 100) in group A, 85.8 (20 to 100) in group B and 79.3 (50 to 100) in group C (p = 0.48). Radiologically the results were comparable for all groups except for patellar height, with a higher incidence of patella infra following a previous HTO (p = 0.02).

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1348–53.

We hypothesised that cells obtained via a Reamer–Irrigator–Aspirator (RIA) system retain substantial osteogenic potential and are at least equivalent to graft harvested from the iliac crest. Graft was harvested using the RIA in 25 patients (mean age 37.6 years (18 to 68)) and from the iliac crest in 21 patients (mean age 44.6 years (24 to 78)), after which ≥ 1 g of bony particulate graft material was processed from each. Initial cell viability was assessed using Trypan blue exclusion, and initial fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis for cell lineage was performed. After culturing the cells, repeat FACS analysis for cell lineage was performed and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for osteocalcin, and Alizarin red staining to determine osteogenic potential. Cells obtained via RIA or from the iliac crest were viable and matured into mesenchymal stem cells, as shown by staining for the specific mesenchymal antigens CD90 and CD105. For samples from both RIA and the iliac crest there was a statistically significant increase in bone production (both p < 0.001), as demonstrated by osteocalcin production after induction.

Medullary autograft cells harvested using RIA are viable and osteogenic. Cell viability and osteogenic potential were similar between bone grafts obtained from both the RIA system and the iliac crest.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1269–74.

The June 2013 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: failure in metal-on-metal arthroplasty; minimal hip approaches; whether bisphosphonates improve femoral bone stock following arthroplasty; whether more fat means more operative time; surgical infection; vascularised fibular graft for osteonecrosis; subclinical SUFE; and dentists, hips and antibiotics.

The aim of this study was to determine the comorbid risk factors for failure in young patients who undergo fixation of a displaced fracture of the femoral neck. We identified from a prospective database all such patients ≤ 60 years of age treated with reduction and internal fixation. The main outcome measures were union, failure of fixation, nonunion and the development of avascular necrosis.

There were 122 patients in the study. Union occurred in 83 patients (68%) at a mean follow-up of 58 months (18 to 155). Complications occurred in 39 patients (32%) at a mean of 11 months (0.5 to 39). The rate of nonunion was 7.4% (n = 9) and of avascular necrosis was 11.5% (n = 14). Failures were more common in patients over 40 years of age (p = 0.03). Univariate analysis identified that delay in time to fixation (> 24 hours), alcohol excess and pre-existing renal, liver or respiratory disease were all predictive of failure (all p < 0.05). Of these, alcohol excess, renal disease and respiratory disease were most predictive of failure on multivariate analysis.

Younger patients with fractures of the femoral neck should be carefully evaluated for comorbidities that increase the risk of failure after reduction and fixation. In patients with a history of alcohol abuse, renal or respiratory disease, arthroplasty should be considered as an alternative treatment.

Coronal plane fractures of the posterior femoral condyle, also known as Hoffa fractures, are rare. Lateral fractures are three times more common than medial fractures, although the reason for this is not clear. The exact mechanism of injury is likely to be a vertical shear force on the posterior femoral condyle with varying degrees of knee flexion. These fractures are commonly associated with high-energy trauma and are a diagnostic and surgical challenge. Hoffa fractures are often associated with inter- or supracondylar distal femoral fractures and CT scans are useful in delineating the coronal shear component, which can easily be missed. There are few recommendations in the literature regarding the surgical approach and methods of fixation that may be used for this injury. Non-operative treatment has been associated with poor outcomes. The goals of treatment are anatomical reduction of the articular surface with rigid, stable fixation to allow early mobilisation in order to restore function. A surgical approach that allows access to the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle is described and the use of postero-anterior lag screws with or without an additional buttress plate for fixation of these difficult fractures.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1165–71.

Minimally invasive total knee replacement (MIS-TKR) has been reported to have better early recovery than conventional TKR. Quadriceps-sparing (QS) TKR is the least invasive MIS procedure, but it is technically demanding with higher reported rates of complications and outliers. This study was designed to compare the early clinical and radiological outcomes of TKR performed by an experienced surgeon using the QS approach with or without navigational assistance (NA), or using a mini-medial parapatellar (MP) approach. In all, 100 patients completed a minimum two-year follow-up: 30 in the NA-QS group, 35 in the QS group, and 35 in the MP group. There were no significant differences in clinical outcome in terms of ability to perform a straight-leg raise at 24 hours (p = 0.700), knee score (p = 0.952), functional score (p = 0.229) and range of movement (p = 0.732) among the groups. The number of outliers for all three radiological parameters of mechanical axis, frontal femoral component alignment and frontal tibial component alignment was significantly lower in the NA-QS group than in the QS group (p = 0.008), but no outlier was found in the MP group.

In conclusion, even after the surgeon completed a substantial number of cases before the commencement of this study, the supplementary intra-operative use of computer-assisted navigation with QS-TKR still gave inferior radiological results and longer operating time, with a similar outcome at two years when compared with a MP approach.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:906–10.