Aims

It is unknown whether kinematic alignment (KA) objectively improves knee balance in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), despite this being the biomechanical rationale for its use. This study aimed to determine whether restoring the constitutional alignment using a restrictive KA protocol resulted in better quantitative knee balance than mechanical alignment (MA).

The vertical-centre-anterior margin (VCA) angle quantifies the anterior cover of the femoral head. However, when the femoral head is deformed it may be difficult to identify its centre. We have therefore created a new index, the anterior acetabular head index (AAHI) which is measured on the false-profile radiograph. We measured the VCA and AAHI angles in 312 hips in which the centre-edge angle was > 25°. There were 250 patients, 86 men and 164 women, whose ages ranged from 20 to 65 years. The mean AAHI was 84.1% (81.7% in women and 88.5% in men). There was a correlation between the AAHI and VCA angles. Our data suggest that the AAHI is useful in the evaluation of anterior acetabular cover and that it is higher in men than in women

Aims

This study aims to evaluate a new home medical stretching device called the Self Treatment Assisted Knee (STAK) tool to treat knee arthrofibrosis.

Aims

To explore the effect of different types of articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers in two-stage revision for chronic hip prosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Aseptic loosening of the femoral component is an important indication for revision surgery in unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR). A new design of femoral component with an additional peg was introduced for the cemented Oxford UKR to increase its stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the primary stability of the two designs of component. Medial Oxford UKR was performed in 12 pairs of human cadaver knees. In each pair, one knee received the single peg and one received the twin peg design. Three dimensional micromotion and subsidence of the component in relation to the bone was measured under cyclical loading at flexion of 40° and 70° using an optical measuring system. Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank test was performed to detect differences between the two groups. . There was no significant difference in the relative micromotion (p = 0.791 and 0.380, respectively) and subsidence (p = 0.301 and 0.176, respectively) of the component between the two groups at both angles of flexion. Both designs of component offered good strength of fixation in this cadaver study. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:896–901

The three-dimensional (3D) correction of glenoid erosion is critical to the long-term success of total shoulder replacement (TSR). In order to characterise the 3D morphology of eroded glenoid surfaces, we looked for a set of morphological parameters useful for TSR planning. We defined a scapular coordinates system based on non-eroded bony landmarks. The maximum glenoid version was measured and specified in 3D by its orientation angle. Medialisation was considered relative to the spino-glenoid notch. We analysed regular CT scans of 19 normal (N) and 86 osteoarthritic (OA) scapulae. When the maximum version of OA shoulders was higher than 10°, the orientation was not only posterior, but extended in postero-superior (35%), postero-inferior (6%) and anterior sectors (4%). The medialisation of the glenoid was higher in OA than normal shoulders. The orientation angle of maximum version appeared as a critical parameter to specify the glenoid shape in 3D. It will be very useful in planning the best position for the glenoid in TSR. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:513–18

Objectives. To evaluate the applicability of MRI for the quantitative assessment of anterior talofibular ligaments (ATFLs) in symptomatic chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods. Between 1997 and 2010, 39 patients with symptomatic CAI underwent surgical treatment (22 male, 17 female, mean age 25.4 years (15 to 40)). In all patients, the maximum diameters of the ATFLs were measured on pre-operative T2-weighted MR images in planes parallel to the path of the ATFL. They were classified into three groups based on a previously published method with modifications: ‘normal’, diameter = 1.0 - 3.2 mm; ‘thickened’, diameter > 3.2 mm; ‘thin or absent’, diameter < 1.0 mm. Stress radiography was performed with the maximum manual force in inversion under general anaesthesia immediately prior to surgery. In surgery, ATFLs were macroscopically divided into two categories: ‘thickened’, an obvious thickened ligament and ‘thin or absent’. The imaging results were compared with the macroscopic results that are considered to be of a gold standard. Results. Agreement was reached when comparison was made between groups, based on MRI and macroscopic findings. ATFLs were abnormal in all 39 cases and classified as ten ‘thickened’ and 29 ‘thin or absent’. As to talar tilt stress radiography, a clear cut-off angle, which would allow discrimination between ‘thickened’ and ‘thin or absent’ patients, was not identified. Conclusion. MRI is valuable as a pre-operative assessment tool that can provide the quantitative information of ATFLs in patients with CAI. Cite this article Bone Joint Res 2014;3:241–5

Aims

Significant correction of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the coronal plane through a posterior approach is associated with hypokyphosis. Factors such as the magnitude of the preoperative coronal curve, the use of hooks, number of levels fused, preoperative kyphosis, screw density, and rod type have all been implicated. Maintaining the normal thoracic kyphosis is important as hypokyphosis is associated with proximal junctional failure (PJF) and early onset degeneration of the spine. The aim of this study was to determine if coronal correction per se was the most relevant factor in generating hypokyphosis.

The aim of this study was to determine whether an osteoplasty of the femoral neck performed at the same time as an intertrochanteric Imhäuser osteotomy led to an improved functional outcome or increased morbidity. A total of 20 hips in 19 patients (12 left, 8 right, 13 male, 6 female), who underwent an Imhäuser intertrochanteric osteotomy following a slipped capital femoral epiphysis were assessed over an eight-year period. A total of 13 hips in 13 patients had an osteoplasty of the femoral neck at the same time. The remaining six patients (seven hips) had intertrochanteric osteotomy alone. The mean age was 15.3 years (13 to 20) with a mean follow-up of 57.8 months (15 to 117); 19 of the slips were severe (Southwick grade III) and one was moderate (grade II), with a mean slip angle of 65.3° (50° to 80°); 17 of the slips were stable and three unstable at initial presentation. The mean Non-Arthritic Hip Scores (NAHS) in patients who underwent osteoplasty was 91.7 (76.3 to 100) and the mean NAHS in patients who did not undergo osteoplasty was 76.6 (41.3 to 100) (p = 0.056). Two patients required a subsequent arthroplasty and neither of these patients had an osteoplasty. No hips developed osteonecrosis or chondrolysis, and there was no increase in complications related to the osteoplasty. We recommend that for patients with a slipped upper femoral epiphysis undergoing an intertrochanteric osteotomy, the addition of an osteoplasty of the femoral neck should be considered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1119–23

1. The range of variation in full extension at the interphalangeal and metacarpo-phalangeal joints of the thumbs of 133 male and 100 female Europeans, and of 31 male Indians and 30 male Africans, has been investigated. 2. There is considerable variation between individuals in the maximum extension of both joints of the right and left thumbs in all groups studied. 3. The distribution for each joint in both thumbs in all groups is fairly symmetrical. 4. There is a high correlation between the right and left thumbs for both joints in all groups. 5. The mean angle of extension at the right and left metacarpo-phalangeal joints in all groups is similar. Female Europeans, however, show a significantly greater mean angle than male Europeans. 6. The mean interphalangeal angle of extension in male Europeans is significantly greater than that in female Europeans and the mean in the Indian and African groups is significantly greater than in the male European group. 7. There is slight negative correlation between the metacarpo-phalangeal angle and interphalangeal angle in each thumb in the European groups. 8. Many subjects in all groups can increase extension at the metacarpo-phalangeal joint after flexing the carpo-metacarpal joint. Marked hyperextension (over 40°) is more frequent in the left than in the right thumb, in females than in males, and in male Indians than in male Europeans and Africans. 9. Maximum extension at the interphalangeal joints is not related to the presence of a sesamoid bone in the anterior part of the capsule of the joint. 10. The surfaces of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints vary considerably in shape. Those which are flat form about 10 per cent. of the sample and do not show hyperextension. 11. The factors influencing the amount of extension at the interphalangeal joint is the degree of laxity of the anterior capsule. The problem at the metacarpo-phalangeal joint is more complex; both the capsule and the shape of the joint surfaces play important roles

The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of a newly designed radiological technique (the radial groove view) for the detection of protrusion of screws in the groove for the extensor pollicis longus tendon (EPL) during plating of distal radial fractures. We also aimed to determine the optimum position of the forearm to obtain this view. We initially analysed the anatomy of the EPL groove by performing three-dimensional CT on 51 normal forearms. The mean horizontal angle of the groove was 17.8° (14° to 23°). We found that the ideal position of the fluoroscopic beam to obtain this view was 20° in the horizontal plane and 5° in the sagittal plane. We then intra-operatively assessed the use of the radial groove view for detecting protrusion of screws in the EPL groove in 93 fractures that were treated by volar plating. A total of 13 protruding screws were detected. They were changed to shorter screws and these patients underwent CT scans of the wrist immediately post-operatively. There remained one screw that was protruding. These findings suggest that the use of the radial groove view intra-operatively is a good method of assessing the possible protrusion of screws into the groove of EPL when plating a fracture of the distal radius. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1372–6

Torsional deformities of the tibia are common in children, but in the majority both the torsion and the associated disturbance of gait resolve without intervention. There are, however, a significant number of children and adults with neuromuscular disease who present with pathological tibial torsion, which may require surgical correction. We conducted a prospective study in two centres, to investigate the outcome of supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, using internal fixation with the AO-ASIF T plate. A range of outcome variables was collected, prospectively, for 57 patients (91 osteotomies), including thigh foot angle, foot progression angle, post-operative complications and serial radiographs. Correction of thigh foot angle and foot progression angle was satisfactory in all patients. Three major complications were recorded; one aseptic nonunion, one fracture through the osteotomy site after removal of the plate and one distal tibial growth arrest. We found that supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, with AO-ASIF T plate fixation is an effective method for the correction of torsional deformities of the tibia and the associated disturbances of gait in children and adults with neuromuscular disease, with a 5.3% risk of major complications

In Japan, osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip secondary to acetabular dysplasia is very common, and there are few data concerning the pathogeneses and incidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We have attempted to clarify the radiological prevalence of painful FAI in a cohort of Japanese patients and to investigate the radiological findings. We identified 176 symptomatic patients (202 hips) with Tönnis grade 0 or 1 osteoarthritis, whom we prospectively studied between August 2011 and July 2012. There were 61 men (65 hips) and 115 women (137 hips) with a mean age of 51.8 years (11 to 83). Radiological analyses included the α-angle, centre–edge angle, cross-over sign, pistol grip deformity and femoral head neck ratio. Of the 202 hips, 79 (39.1%) had acetabular dysplasia, while 80 hips (39.6%) had no known aetiology. We found evidence of FAI in 60 hips (29.7%). Radiological FAI findings associated with cam deformity were the most common. There was a significant relationship between the pistol grip deformity and both the α-angle (p < 0.001) and femoral head–neck ratio (p = 0.024). Radiological evidence of symptomatic FAI was not uncommon in these Japanese patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;96-B:172–6

A survey of 6000 schoolchildren discovered 36 cases of unilateral and 60 cases of bilateral hallux valgus, defined as a metatarsophalangeal angle of more than 14.5 degrees, measured on standing radiographs. Metatarsus primus varus was found not only in the early stages of hallux valgus but in the unaffected feet of children with unilateral hallux valgus. Adduction of the first metatarsal is not due to differential growth of the cortices of the first metatarsal nor is it a consequence of malalignment of the metatarsocuneiform joint. The intermetatarsal angle did not correlate with the angle of metatarsus adductus nor with the intercuneiform angle

Aims

It is uncertain whether instrumented spinal fixation in nonambulatory children with neuromuscular scoliosis should finish at L5 or be extended to the pelvis. Pelvic fixation has been shown to be associated with up to 30% complication rates, but is regarded by some as the standard for correction of deformity in these conditions. The incidence of failure when comparing the most caudal level of instrumentation, either L5 or the pelvis, using all-pedicle screw instrumentation has not previously been reported. In this retrospective study, we compared nonambulatory patients undergoing surgery at two centres: one that routinely instrumented to L5 and the other to the pelvis.

Some radiological features of the lumbar spine of 84 patients with spastic diplegia were compared with 50 control subjects. The average age of the patients was 20.1 years (3 to 39). Spondylolysis of the fifth lumbar vertebra was found in 21%, four times more frequently than in normal subjects. No patient under nine years of age had spondylolysis and the frequency increased with age. The average angle of lumbar lordosis in spastic patients in the standing position was greater than in normal subjects, and increased with age. The patients had a decreased sacrofemoral angle which caused an increase in Ferguson's angle and explained the increased angle of lumbar lordosis

Aims

To assess if older symptomatic children with club foot deformity differ in perceived disability and foot function during gait, depending on initial treatment with Ponseti or surgery, compared to a control group. Second aim was to investigate correlations between foot function during gait and perceived disability in this population.

A survey of this type cannot be used to point to any definite factor or factors predisposing to the development of hallux valgus. Nevertheless, a comparison of measurements in the morbid and control groups shows several outstanding differences:. 1) There was a high degree of correlation between valgus and intermetatarsal angle in the two groups combined (coefficient, 0·7) but the correlation was higher in those cases with a degree of valgus greater than 25 degrees than in the remainder (coefficients, 0·36 and 0·53). 2) In the control group the first metatarsal was longer than tile second by a mean measure of 2 millimetres; in the morbid group by a mean measure of 4 millimetres. For a high degree of valgus and a low intermetatarsal angle the first metatarsal tends to be longer than the second by a significantly greater amount than when the high valgus is associated with iligh intermetatarsal angle. 3) In 90 per cent of the control cases there was a lateral displacement of the medial sesamoid of the first metatarsal of 3 degrees or less, whereas 88 per cent of the morbid group showed a displacement of 4 degrees or more. There was very little overlap in the distributions of this observation in the two groups. There was a high correlation between the degree of this displacement and the severity of hallux valgus. 4) Rotation of the hallux was not observed among the controls; in the morbid group those cases showing rotation had an average degree of valgus of 36 degrees while the rest had an average of 19 degrees. The mean degree of valgus in the morbid group was 32·0 degrees and that of the controls 15·5 degrees. The mean angle between the axes of the first and second metatarsals was 13·0 degrees in the morbid group and 8·5 degrees in the controls. Since tile morbid group consisted largely of women (98 per cent) it is important to know that in the control group the only measure showing a statistically significant sex difference is that of intermetatarsal angle, but that, even so, the mean difference is only 1·3 degrees. Thus tile sex difference between the two groups is probably only of minor importance. The role of age in influencing the observations cannot be clearly elucidated from the data at present available. It can only be stated that there is no positive indication that age is a controlling factor in the departure observed in the morbid group from the control observations

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate whether intraoperative 3D fluoroscopic imaging outperforms dorsal tangential views in the detection of dorsal cortex screw penetration after volar plating of an intra-articular distal radial fracture, as identified on postoperative CT imaging.