Aims. Head-taper corrosion is a cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recent reports have described an increasing number of V40 taper failures with adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR). However, the real incidence of V40 taper damage and its cause remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of ALTR in a consecutive series of THAs using a V40 taper and identify potentially related factors. Methods. Between January 2006 and June 2007, a total of 121 patients underwent THA using either an uncemented (Accolade I, made of Ti. 12. Mo. 6. Zr. 2. Fe; Stryker, USA) or a cemented (ABG II, made of cobalt-chrome-molybdenum (CoCrMo); Stryker) femoral component, both with a V40 taper (Stryker). Uncemented acetabular components (Trident; Stryker) with crosslinked polyethylene liners and CoCr femoral heads of 36 mm diameter were used in all patients. At a mean folllow-up of 10.8 years (SD 1.1), 94 patients (79%) were eligible for follow-up (six patients had already undergone a revision, 15 had died, and six were lost to follow-up). A total of 85 THAs in 80 patients (mean age 61 years (24 to 75); 47 (56%) were female) underwent clinical and radiological evaluation, including the measurement of whole blood levels of cobalt and chrome. Metal artifact reduction sequence MRI scans of the hip were performed in 71 patients. Results. A total of 20 ALTRs were identified on MRI, with an incidence of 26%. Patients with ALTR had significantly higher median Co levels compared with those without ALTR (2.96 μg/l (interquartile range (IQR) 1.35 to 4.98) vs 1.44 μg/l (IQR 0.79 to 2.5); p = 0.019). Radiological evidence of osteolysis was also significantly associated with ALTR (p = 0.014). Median Cr levels were not significantly higher in those with ALTR compared with those without one (0.97 μg/l (IQR 0.72 to 1.9) v 0.67 μg/l (IQR 0.5 to 1.19; p = 0.080). BMI, sex, age, type of femoral component, head length, the inclination of the acetabular component, and heterotopic ossification formation showed no significant relationship with ALTR. Conclusion. Due to the high incidence of local ALTR in our cohort after more than ten years postoperatively, we recommend regular follow-up investigation even in asymptomatic patients with V40 taper and metal heads. As cobalt levels correlate with ALTR occurrence, routine metal ion screening and consecutive MRI investigation upon elevation could be discussed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):852–858

Aims. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the long-term clinical, radiological, functional, and quality of life (QoL)-related outcome of patients treated with the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) device for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Methods. A total of 41 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with the LARS device (mean age 39.8 years (SD 12.1 ); 32% females (n = 13)) were prospectively included between August 2001 and March 2005. MRI scans and radiographs were performed at a median follow-up of 2.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.3 to 3.0; n = 40) and 12.8 years (IQR 12.1 to 13.8; n = 22). Functional and QoL-related outcome was assessed in 29 patients at a median follow-up of 12.8 years (IQR 12.0 to 14.0) and clinically reconfirmed at latest median follow-up of 16.5 years (IQR 15.5 to 17.9). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores were obtained pre- and postoperatively, and Lysholm score postoperatively only. At latest follow-up, range of motion, knee stability tests, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and IKDC scores were ascertained. Complications and reoperations during follow-up were documented. Results. Cumulative complication rate was 66% (n = 27), with 11 developing within one year from surgery and 16 after one year (including five patients with both early and late complications). Ten graft failures (24%) and eight cases of reactive synovitis were observed (20%). All 11 patients with early complications and ten with late complications underwent reoperation (including five with another surgical procedure for early complications), amounting to a cumulative reoperation rate of 51% (n = 21). Revision ACL reconstruction was performed in one patient (2.4%). Median IKDC at latest follow-up was 89.7 (IQR 78.2 to 93.1), being significantly worse in the event of previous complications. Lachman test was positive in 56% (n = 15) of reconstructed knees. All norm-based SF-36 items were at or above median at latest follow-up, and did not differ depending on development of complications. Conclusion. Despite good functional and QoL-related results in the long term, the cumulative complication rate of 66%, including graft failures and reactive synovitis, has to be viewed with great concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):242–248

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the congruency of the articular surface contact area of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) during both active and passive movement of the knee with the use of an MRI mapping technique in both the stable and unstable PFJ. Patients and Methods. A prospective case-control MRI imaging study of patients with a history of PFJ instability and a control group of volunteers without knee symptoms was performed. The PFJs were imaged with the use of an MRI scan during both passive and active movement from 0° through to 40° of flexion. The congruency through measurement of the contact surface area was mapped in 5-mm intervals on axial slices. In all, 40 patients were studied. The case group included 31 patients with symptomatic patellofemoral instability and the control group of nine asymptomatic volunteers. The ages were well matched between the case and control groups. The mean age was 25 years (16 to 42; . sd. 6.9) in the case group and 26 years (19 to 32; . sd. 5.1) in the control group. There were 19 female and 12 male patients in the case group. Results. The unstable PFJs were demonstrably less congruent than the stable PFJs throughout the range of knee movement. The greatest mean differences in congruency between unstable and stable PFJ’s were observed between 11° and 20° flexion (1.73 cm. 2. vs 4.00 cm. 2. ; p < 0.005). . Conclusion. The unstable PFJ is less congruent than the stable PFJ throughout the range of knee movement studied. This approach to mapping PFJ congruency produces a measurable outcome and will allow the assessment of pre- and postoperative results following surgical intervention. This may facilitate the design of new procedures for patients with PFJ instability. If a single axial series is to be obtained on MRI scan, the authors recommend 11° to 20° of tibiofemoral flexion, as this was shown to have the greatest difference in contact surface area between the case and control groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:552–558

Objectives. Meniscal injuries are often associated with an active lifestyle. The damage of meniscal tissue puts young patients at higher risk of undergoing meniscal surgery and, therefore, at higher risk of osteoarthritis. In this study, we undertook proof-of-concept research to develop a cellularized human meniscus by using 3D bioprinting technology. Methods. A 3D model of bioengineered medial meniscus tissue was created, based on MRI scans of a human volunteer. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data from these MRI scans were processed using dedicated software, in order to obtain an STL model of the structure. The chosen 3D Discovery printing tool was a microvalve-based inkjet printhead. Primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from bone marrow and embedded in a collagen-based bio-ink before printing. LIVE/DEAD assay was performed on realized cell-laden constructs carrying MSCs in order to evaluate cell distribution and viability. Results. This study involved the realization of a human cell-laden collagen meniscus using 3D bioprinting. The meniscus prototype showed the biological potential of this technology to provide an anatomically shaped, patient-specific construct with viable cells on a biocompatible material. Conclusion. This paper reports the preliminary findings of the production of a custom-made, cell-laden, collagen-based human meniscus. The prototype described could act as the starting point for future developments of this collagen-based, tissue-engineered structure, which could aid the optimization of implants designed to replace damaged menisci. Cite this article: G. Filardo, M. Petretta, C. Cavallo, L. Roseti, S. Durante, U. Albisinni, B. Grigolo. Patient-specific meniscus prototype based on 3D bioprinting of human cell-laden scaffold. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:101–106. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.82.BJR-2018-0134.R1

Aims. Stiffness is a common complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Pathogenesis is not understood, treatment options are limited, and diagnosis is challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate if MRI can be used to visualize intra-articular scarring in patients with stiff, painful knee arthroplasties. Methods. Well-functioning primary TKAs (n = 11), failed non-fibrotic TKAs (n = 5), and patients with a clinical diagnosis of fibrosis. 1. (n = 8) underwent an MRI scan with advanced metal suppression (Slice Encoding for Metal Artefact Correction, SEMAC) with gadolinium contrast. Fibrotic tissue (low intensity on T1 and T2, low-moderate post-contrast enhancement) was quantified (presence and tissue thickness) in six compartments: supra/infrapatella, medial/lateral gutters, and posterior medial/lateral. Results. Fibrotic tissue was identified in all patients studied. However, tissue was significantly thicker in fibrotic patients (4.4 mm ± 0.2 mm) versus non-fibrotic (2.5 mm ± 0.4 mm) and normal TKAs (1.9 mm ± 0.2 mm, p = < 0.05). Significant (> 4 mm thick) tissue was seen in 26/48 (54%) of compartments examined in the fibrotic group, compared with 17/30 (57%) non-fibrotic, and 10/66 (15%) normal TKAs. Although revision surgery did improve range of movement (ROM) in all fibrotic patients, clinically significant restriction remained post-surgery. Conclusion. Stiff TKAs contain intra-articular fibrotic tissue that is identifiable by MRI. Studies should evaluate whether MRI is useful for surgical planning of debridement, and as a non-invasive measurement tool following interventions for stiffness caused by fibrosis. Revision for stiffness can improve ROM, but outcomes are sub-optimal and new treatments are required. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1331–1340

Aims. Diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES) remains difficult; clinical assessment has low accuracy in reliably predicting MRI compression of the cauda equina (CE). This prospective study tests the usefulness of ultrasound bladder scans as an adjunct for diagnosing CES. Methods. A total of 260 patients with suspected CES were referred to a tertiary spinal unit over a 16-month period. All were assessed by Board-eligible spinal surgeons and had transabdominal ultrasound bladder scans for pre- and post-voiding residual (PVR) volume measurements before lumbosacral MRI. Results. The study confirms the low predictive value of ‘red flag’ symptoms and signs. Of note ‘bilateral sciatica’ had a sensitivity of 32.4%, and a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 17.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 88.3%. Use of a PVR volume of ≥ 200 ml was a demonstrably more accurate test for predicting cauda equina compression on subsequent MRI (p < 0.001). The PVR sensitivity was 94.1%, specificity 66.8%, PPV 29.9% and NPV 98.7%. The PVR allowed risk-stratification with 13% patients deemed ‘low-risk’ of CES. They had non-urgent MRI scans. None of the latter scans showed any cauda equina compression (p < 0.006) or individuals developed subsequent CES in the intervening period. There were considerable cost-savings associated with the above strategy. Conclusion. This is the largest reported prospective evaluation of suspected CES. Use of the PVR volume ≥ 200 ml was considerably more accurate in predicting CES. It is a useful adjunct to conventional clinical assessment and allows risk-stratification in managing suspected CES. If adopted widely it is less likely incomplete CES would be missed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):677–682

Aims. The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) was recently described as an MRI-based classification tool for the femoral trochlear. The authors demonstrated better inter- and intraobserver agreement compared to the Dejour classification. As the OBC could potentially provide a very useful MRI-based grading system for trochlear dysplasia, it was the aim to determine the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the classification system from the perspective of the non-founder. Methods. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently assessed 50 MRI scans for trochlear dysplasia and classified each according to the OBC. Both observers repeated the assessments after six weeks. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistic and S-statistic nominal and linear weights. Results. The OBC with grading into four different trochlear forms showed excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement with a mean kappa of 0.78. Conclusion. The OBC is a simple MRI-based classification system with high inter- and intraobserver reliability. It could present a useful tool for grading the severity of trochlear dysplasia in daily practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:355–358

Aims. Early cases of cauda equina syndrome (CES) often present with nonspecific symptoms and signs, and it is recommended that patients undergo emergency MRI regardless of the time since presentation. This creates substantial pressure on resources, with many scans performed to rule out cauda equina rather than confirm it. We propose that compression of the cauda equina should be apparent with a limited sequence (LS) scan that takes significantly less time to perform. Methods. In all, 188 patients with suspected CES underwent a LS lumbosacral MRI between the beginning of September 2017 and the end of July 2018. These images were read by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist. All images took place on a 3T or 1.5T MRI scanner at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK, and Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK. Results. The 188 patients, all under the age of 55 years, underwent 196 LS lumbosacral MRI scans for suspected CES. Of these patients, 14 had cauda equina compression and underwent emergency decompression. No cases of CES were missed. Patients spent a mean 9.9 minutes (8 to 10) in the MRI scanner. Conclusion. Our results suggest that a LS lumbosacral MRI could be used to diagnose CES safely in patients under the age of 55 years, but that further research is needed to assess safety and efficacy of this technique before changes to existing protocols can be recommended. In addition, work is needed to assess if LS MRIs can be used throughout the spine and if alternative pathology is being considered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):501–505

Injuries to the hamstring muscle complex are common in athletes, accounting for between 12% and 26% of all injuries sustained during sporting activities. Acute hamstring injuries often occur during sports that involve repetitive kicking or high-speed sprinting, such as American football, soccer, rugby, and athletics. They are also common in watersports, including waterskiing and surfing. Hamstring injuries can be career-threatening in elite athletes and are associated with an estimated risk of recurrence in between 14% and 63% of patients. The variability in prognosis and treatment of the different injury patterns highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to classify injuries accurately and plan the appropriate management. Low-grade hamstring injuries may be treated with nonoperative measures including pain relief, eccentric lengthening exercises, and a graduated return to sport-specific activities. Nonoperative management is associated with highly variable times for convalescence and return to a pre-injury level of sporting function. Nonoperative management of high-grade hamstring injuries is associated with poor return to baseline function, residual muscle weakness and a high-risk of recurrence. Proximal hamstring avulsion injuries, high-grade musculotendinous tears, and chronic injuries with persistent weakness or functional compromise require surgical repair to enable return to a pre-injury level of sporting function and minimize the risk of recurrent injury. This article reviews the optimal diagnostic imaging methods and common classification systems used to guide the treatment of hamstring injuries. In addition, the indications and outcomes for both nonoperative and operative treatment are analyzed to provide an evidence-based management framework for these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1281–1288

Aims. Trochlear dysplasia is a significant risk factor for patellofemoral instability. The Dejour classification is currently considered the standard for classifying trochlear dysplasia, but numerous studies have reported poor reliability on both plain radiography and MRI. The severity of trochlear dysplasia is important to establish in order to guide surgical management. We have developed an MRI-specific classification system to assess the severity of trochlear dysplasia, the Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC). This is a four-part classification system comprising normal, mild, moderate, and severe to represent a normal, shallow, flat, and convex trochlear, respectively. The purpose of this study was to assess the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the OBC and compare it with that of the Dejour classification. Methods. Four observers (two senior and two junior orthopaedic surgeons) independently assessed 32 CT and axial MRI scans for trochlear dysplasia and classified each according to the OBC and the Dejour classification systems. Assessments were repeated following a four-week interval. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was determined by using Fleiss’ generalization of Cohen’s kappa statistic and S-statistic nominal and linear weights. Results. The OBC showed fair-to-good interobserver agreement and good-to-excellent intraobserver agreement (mean kappa 0.68). The Dejour classification showed poor interobserver agreement and fair-to-good intraobserver agreement (mean kappa 0.52). Conclusion. The OBC can be used to assess the severity of trochlear dysplasia. It can be applied in clinical practice to simplify and standardize surgical decision-making in patients with recurrent patella instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):102–107

Aims. For paediatric and adolescent patients with growth potential, preservation of the physiological joint by transepiphyseal resection (TER) of the femur confers definite advantages over arthroplasty procedures. We hypothesized that the extent of the tumour and changes in its extent after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are essential factors in the selection of this procedure, and can be assessed with MRI. The oncological and functional outcomes of the procedure were reviewed to confirm its safety and efficacy. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients (seven male and nine female, mean age 12.2 years (7 to 16)) with osteosarcoma of the knee who had been treated by TER. We evaluated the MRI scans before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for all patients to assess the extent of the disease and the response to treatment. Results. The mean follow-up period was 64.3 months (25 to 148) after surgery and no patients were lost to follow-up. On MRI evaluation, 13 tumours were near but not in contact with the physes and three tumours were partially in contact with the physes before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Bone oedema in the epiphysis was observed in eight patients. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, bone oedema in the epiphysis disappeared in all patients. In total, 11 tumours were not in contact and five tumours were in partial contact with the physes. The postoperative pathological margin was negative in all patients. At the last follow-up, 12 patients were continuously disease-free and three had no evidence of disease. One patient died due to the disease. Functionally, the patients with retained allograft or recycled autograft had a mean knee range of flexion of 126° (90° to 150°). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 27.6 (23 to 30). Conclusion. TER is an effective limb-salvage technique for treating malignant metaphyseal bone tumours in paediatric and young osteosarcoma patients with open physes when a good response to chemotherapy and no progression of the tumour to the epiphysis have been confirmed by MRI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):772–778

Aims. The aticularis genu (AG) is the least substantial and deepest muscle of the anterior compartment of the thigh and of uncertain significance. The aim of the study was to describe the anatomy of AG in cadaveric specimens, to characterize the relevance of AG in pathological distal femur specimens, and to correlate the anatomy and pathology with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of AG. Methods. In 24 cadaveric specimens, AG was identified, photographed, measured, and dissected including neurovascular supply. In all, 35 resected distal femur specimens were examined. AG was photographed and measured and its utility as a surgical margin examined. Preoperative MRIs of these cases were retrospectively analyzed and assessed and its utility assessed as an anterior soft tissue margin in surgery. In all cadaveric specimens, AG was identified as a substantial structure, deep and separate to vastus itermedius (VI) and separated by a clear fascial plane with a discrete neurovascular supply. Mean length of AG was 16.1 cm ( ± 1.6 cm) origin anterior aspect distal third femur and insertion into suprapatellar bursa. In 32 of 35 pathological specimens, AG was identified (mean length 12.8 cm ( ± 0.6 cm)). Where AG was used as anterior cover in pathological specimens all surgical margins were clear of disease. Of these cases, preoperative MRI identified AG in 34 of 35 cases (mean length 8.8 cm ( ± 0.4 cm)). Results. AG was best visualized with T1-weighted axial images providing sufficient cover in 25 cases confirmed by pathological findings.These results demonstrate AG as a discrete and substantial muscle of the anterior compartment of the thigh, deep to VI and useful in providing anterior soft tissue margin in distal femoral resection in bone tumours. Conclusion. Preoperative assessment of cover by AG may be useful in predicting cases where AG can be dissected, sparing the remaining quadriceps muscle, and therefore function. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-9:585–593

We investigated the changes seen on serial metal artefact reduction magnetic resonance imaging scans (MARS-MRI) of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties (MoM THAs). In total 155 THAs, in 35 male and 100 female patients (mean age 70.4 years, 42 to 91), underwent at least two MRI scans at a mean interval of 14.6 months (2.6 to 57.1), at a mean of 48.2 months (3.5 to 93.3) after primary hip surgery. Scans were graded using a modification of the Oxford classification. Progression of disease was defined as an increase in grade or a minimum 10% increase in fluid lesion volume at second scan. A total of 16 hips (30%) initially classified as ‘normal’ developed an abnormality on the second scan. Of those with ‘isolated trochanteric fluid’ 9 (47%) underwent disease progression, as did 7 (58%) of ‘effusions’. A total of 54 (77%) of hips initially classified as showing adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) progressed, with higher rates of progression in higher grades. Disease progression was associated with high blood cobalt levels or an irregular pseudocapsule lining at the initial scan. There was no association with changes in functional scores. Adverse reactions to metal debris in MoM THAs may not be as benign as previous reports have suggested. Close radiological follow-up is recommended, particularly in high-risk groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1328–37

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the osseous reactions elicited by all-suture, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and two different biodegradable anchors used during rotator cuff repair. Patients and Methods. Transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair was performed in 73 patients. The patients were divided into two groups, in both of which two different medial-row anchors were used. In group 1, anchor A comprised 30% β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) + 70% fast-absorbing poly lactic-co-glycolic acid copolymer (85% polylactic acid enantiomers + 15% polyglycolic acid) and anchor B comprised all-sutures. In group 2, anchor C comprised 23% micro β-TCP + 77% polylactic acid enantiomers and anchor D comprised PEEK polymer. There were 37 patients in group 1 and 36 patients in group 2. The presence and severity of fluid collection around anchors and healing of the rotator cuff were assessed using MRI scans, approximately one year postoperatively. The severity of the collection was graded as 0 (no perianchor fluid signal), 1 (minimal perianchor fluid), 2 (local collection of fluid), 3 (fluid collection around the whole length of the anchor but of a diameter less than twice the anchor diameter), or 4 (fluid collection around the whole length of the anchor and of a diameter greater than twice the anchor diameter). Results. A perianchor fluid signal was seen in three patients (8.1%) with anchor A, four (10.8%) with anchor B, 15 (41.7%) with anchor C, and 15 (41.7%) with anchor D. The severity of the collection around anchor was grade 2:1:0:0 for anchor A, grade 2:2:0:0 for anchor B, grade 12:2:0:1 for anchor C, and grade 11:3:0:1 for anchor D (grade 1:2:3:4, respectively). The prevalence and severity of fluid formation was not significantly different between anchors A and B, and anchors C and D. However, on intergroup analysis, there were significant differences for the prevalence and severity of fluid formation between anchors in group 1 and group 2. The prevalence of failure to heal was not significant in group 1 (seven, 18.9%) or group 2 (nine, 25.0%). There was no relationship between the presence of perianchor fluid and each type of anchor, and the integrity of the rotator cuff repair, in either group. Conclusion. Despite the nonabsorbable nature of all-suture and PEEK anchors, all-suture anchors produced less osseous reaction after rotator cuff repair. In deciding which kind of anchor to use, consideration should be given not only to the strength of the initial fixation, but also to the postoperative biological reaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1506–1511

Aims

Classifying trochlear dysplasia (TD) is useful to determine the treatment options for patients suffering from patellofemoral instability (PFI). There is no consensus on which classification system is more reliable and reproducible for the purpose of guiding clinicians’ management of PFI. There are also concerns about the validity of the Dejour Classification (DJC), which is the most widely used classification for TD, having only a fair reliability score. The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) is a recently proposed system of classification of TD, and the authors report a fair-to-good interobserver agreement and good-to-excellent intraobserver agreement in the assessment of TD. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability and reproducibility of these two classifications.

Aims

Eccentric reductions may become concentric through femoral head ‘docking’ (FHD) following closed reduction (CR) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, changes regarding position and morphology through FHD are not well understood. We aimed to assess these changes using serial MRI.

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Due to its indolent clinical behaviour, the treatment paradigm of atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs) in the long bones is slowly shifting from intralesional resection (curettage) and local adjuvants, towards active surveillance through wait-and-scan follow-up. In this retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary referral centre, we studied the natural behaviour of ACT lesions by active surveillance with MRI. Clinical symptoms were not considered in the surveillance programme.

Aims. The aim of this paper was to present the clinical features of patients with musculoskeletal sources of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) septicaemia. Patients and Methods. A total of 137 patients presented with MSSA septicaemia between 2012 and 2015. The primary source of infection was musculoskeletal in 48 patients (35%). Musculoskeletal infection was considered the primary source of septicaemia when endocarditis and other obvious sources were excluded. All patients with an arthroplasty at the time were evaluated for any prosthetic involvement. . Results. The most common site of infection was the spine, which occurred in 28 patients (58%), and was associated with abscess formation in 16. Back pain was the presenting symptom in these patients, with a positive predictive value of 100%. A total of 24 patients had a total of 42 arthroplasties of the hip or knee in situ. Prosthetic joint infection occurred in six of these patients (25%). In five patients, the infection originated outside the musculoskeletal system. Three patients (6%) with MSSA septicaemia from a musculoskeletal sources died. . Conclusion. Amongst the musculoskeletal sources of MSSA septicaemia, the spine was the most commonly involved. We recommend an MRI scan of the whole spine and pelvis in patients with MSSA septicaemia with back pain, when the primary source of infection has not been identified or clinical examination is unreliable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1545–51

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Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients.

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To report the development of the technique for minimally invasive lumbar decompression using robotic-assisted navigation.