High-pressure injection injuries occur infrequently but are usually work-related and involve the non-dominant hand. The neck is a very rare site for such an injury. We describe the management of a 36-year-old man with a high-pressure grease-gun injection injury to his neck causing a cervical spinal cord injury. He developed severe motor and sensory changes which were relieved by surgical removal of the grease through anterior and posterior approaches.

In this paper, we consider wound healing after total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to examine the functional outcome at ten years following lateral closing wedge high tibial osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee and to define pre-operative predictors of survival and determinants of functional outcome.

164 consecutive patients underwent high tibial osteotomy between 2000 and 2002. A total of 100 patients (100 knees) met the inclusion criteria and 95 were available for review at ten years. Data were collected prospectively and included patient demographics, surgical details, long leg alignment radiographs, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Knee Society scores (KSS) pre-operatively and at five and ten years follow-up.

At ten years, 21 patients had been revised at a mean of five years. Overall Kaplan–Meier survival was 87% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81 to 94) and 79% (95% CI 71 to 87) at five and ten years, respectively. When compared with unrevised patients, those who had been revised had significantly lower mean pre-operative WOMAC Scores (47 (21 to 85) vs 65 (32 to 99), p < 0.001), higher mean age (54 yrs (42 to 61) vs 49 yrs (26 to 66), p = 0.006) and a higher mean BMI (30.2; 25 to 39 vs 27.9; 21 to 36, p = 0.005). Each were found to be risk factors for revision, with hazard ratios of 10.7 (95% CI 4 to 28.6; pre-operative WOMAC < 45), 6.5 (95% CI 2.4 to 17.7; age > 55) and 3.0 (95%CI 1.2 to 7.6; BMI > 30). Survival of patients with pre-operative WOMAC > 45, age < 55 and BMI < 30 was 97% at five and ten years. WOMAC and KSS in surviving patients improved significantly between pre-operative (mean 61; 32 to 99) and five (mean 88; 35 to 100, p = 0.001) and ten years (mean 84; 38 to 100, p = 0.001). Older patients had better functional outcomes overall, despite their higher revision rate.

This study has shown that improved survival is associated with age < 55 years, pre-operative WOMAC scores > 45 and, a BMI < 30. In patients over 55 years of age with adequate pre-operative functional scores, survival can be good and functional outcomes can be significantly better than their younger counterparts. We recommend the routine use of pre-operative functional outcome scores to guide decision-making when considering suitability for high tibial osteotomy.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1491–7.

We reviewed 212 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal arthrodesis using all pedicle screw instrumentation in terms of clinical, radiological and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 outcomes. In Group 1 (51 patients), the correction was performed over two rods using bilateral segmental pedicle screws. In Group 2 (161 patients), the correction was performed over one rod using unilateral segmental pedicle screws with the second ^{rod providing stability of the construct through two-level screw fixation at proximal and distal ends. The mean age at surgery was 14.8 years in both groups. Comparison between groups showed no significant differences with regard to age and Risser grade at surgery, pre- and post-operative scoliosis angle, coronal Cobb correction, length of hospital stay and SRS scores. Correction of upper thoracic curves was significantly better in Group 1 (p = 0.02). Increased surgical time and intra-operative blood loss was recorded in Group 1 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively). The implant cost was reduced by mean 35% in Group 2 due to the lesser number of pedicle screws.}

Unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw techniques have both achieved excellent deformity correction in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis, which was maintained at two-year follow-up. This has been associated with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates.

Our understanding of the origin of hip pain in degenerative disorders of the hip, including primary osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is limited. We undertook a histological investigation of the nociceptive innervation of the acetabular labrum, ligamentum teres and capsule of the hip, in order to prove pain- and proprioceptive-associated marker expression. These structures were isolated from 57 patients who had undergone elective hip surgery (44 labral samples, 33 ligamentum teres specimens, 34 capsular samples; in 19 patients all three structures were harvested). A total of 15 000 histological sections were prepared that were investigated immunohistochemically for the presence of protein S-100, 68 kDa neurofilament, neuropeptide Y, nociceptin and substance P. The tissues were evaluated in six representative areas.

Within the labrum, pain-associated free nerve ending expression was located predominantly at its base, decreasing in the periphery. In contrast, the distribution within the ligamentum teres showed a high local concentration in the centre. The hip capsule had an almost homogeneous marker expression in all investigated areas.

This study showed characteristic distribution profiles of nociceptive and pain-related nerve fibres, which may help in understanding the origin of hip pain.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:770–6.

The April 2013 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: whether arthroscopic arthrodesis is advantageous; osteochondral autografts; suture button associated fractures; an ultrasound solution to Achilles tendinopathy; the safety of the tendo Achilles in men; charcot and antibiotic-coated nails; and botox and Policeman’s Heel.

Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) is the most common cause of monomicrobial necrotising fasciitis. Necrotising infections of the extremities may present directly to orthopaedic surgeons or by reference from another admitting specialty. Recent epidemiological data from the Health Protection Agency suggest an increasing incidence of iGAS infection in England. Almost 40% of those affected had no predisposing illnesses or risk factors, and the proportion of children presenting with infections has risen. These observations have prompted the Chief Medical Officer for the Central Alerting System in England to write to general practitioners and hospitals, highlighting the need for clinical vigilance, early diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment in suspected cases.

The purpose of this annotation is to summarise the recent epidemiological trends, describe the presenting features and outline the current investigations and treatment of this rare but life-threatening condition.

Reconstructive acetabular osteotomy is a well established and effective procedure in the treatment of acetabular dysplasia. However, the dysplasia is frequently accompanied by intra-articular pathology such as labral tears. We intended to determine whether a concomitant hip arthroscopy with peri-acetabular rotational osteotomy could identify and treat intra-articular pathology associated with dysplasia and thereby produce a favourable outcome. We prospectively evaluated 43 consecutive hips treated by combined arthroscopy and acetabular osteotomy. Intra-operative arthroscopic examination revealed labral lesions in 38 hips. At a mean follow-up of 74 months (60 to 97) the mean Harris hip score improved from 72.4 to 94.0 (p < 0.001), as did all the radiological parameters (p < 0.001). Complications included penetration of the joint by the osteotome in one patient, a fracture of the posterior column in another and deep-vein thrombosis in one further patient. This combined surgical treatment gave good results in the medium term.

We suggest that arthroscopy of the hip can be performed in conjunction with peri-acetabular osteotomy to provide good results in patients with symptomatic dysplasia of the hip, and the arthroscopic treatment of intra-articular pathology may alter the progression of osteoarthritis.

Objectives

To report the five-year results of a randomised controlled trial examining the effectiveness of arthroscopic acromioplasty in the treatment of stage II shoulder impingement syndrome.

Focal femoral inlay resurfacing has been developed for the treatment of full-thickness chondral defects of the knee. This technique involves implanting a defect-sized metallic or ceramic cap that is anchored to the subchondral bone through a screw or pin. The use of these experimental caps has been advocated in middle-aged patients who have failed non-operative methods or biological repair techniques and are deemed unsuitable for conventional arthroplasty because of their age. This paper outlines the implant design, surgical technique and biomechanical principles underlying their use. Outcomes following implantation in both animal and human studies are also reviewed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:301–4.

In this retrospective study, we investigated the results of revision total hip replacement (THR) using a cemented long-stemmed Exeter femoral component, with a minimum length of 205 mm in patients with extensive femoral bone defects. The study included 37 consecutive patients with a mean age of 76 years (39 to 93) and a mean follow-up of nine years (5 to 16). A total of 26 patients (70%) had a pre-operative Endo-Klinik score of 3 or 4. Impaction bone grafting was used in 24 patients (65%). At the time of evaluation, 22 patients (59%) were still alive and were evaluated clinically and radiologically. A total of 14 patients died during follow-up and their data were included until the time of their death. One reconstruction failed after five years and five months owing to recurrent dislocation: the hip was converted to an excision arthroplasty. Intra-operative fractures or fissures were encountered in nine patients (24%), but none occurred during impaction of the bone graft. Post-operative peri-prosthetic fractures occurred in two patients (5%); both were treated with plate fixation. At nine years, survival with the endpoint of all-cause re-revision was 96.3% (95% CI 76.4 to 99.5); including re-operations for any reason, it was 80.7% (95% CI 56.3 to 92.3%). There were no re-revisions for aseptic loosening.

The survival of long stem cemented femoral components following revision THR is satisfactory in a fragile population with extensive femoral defects.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1207–13.

The April 2013 Knee Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: graft tension and outcome; chondrocytes at the midterm; pre-operative deformity and failure; the designer effect; whether chondroitin sulphate really does work; whether ACL reconstruction is really required; analgesia after TKR; and degenerative meniscus.

Although it is clear that opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) changes alignment in the coronal plane, which is its objective, it is not clear how this procedure affects knee kinematics throughout the range of joint movement and in other planes.

Our research question was: how does opening-wedge HTO change three-dimensional tibiofemoral and patellofemoral kinematics in loaded flexion in patients with varus deformity?Three-dimensional kinematics were assessed over 0° to 60° of loaded flexion using an MRI method before and after opening-wedge HTO in a cohort of 13 men (14 knees). Results obtained from an iterative statistical model found that at six and 12 months after operation, opening-wedge HTO caused increased anterior translation of the tibia (mean 2.6 mm, p <  0.001), decreased proximal translation of the patella (mean –2.2 mm, p <  0.001), decreased patellar spin (mean –1.4°, p < 0.05), increased patellar tilt (mean 2.2°, p < 0.05) and changed three other parameters. The mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index improved significantly (p < 0.001) from 49.6 (standard deviation (sd) 16.4) pre-operatively to a mean of 28.2 (sd 16.6) at six months and a mean of 22.5 (sd 14.4) at 12 months.

The three-dimensional kinematic changes found may be important in explaining inconsistency in clinical outcomes, and suggest that measures in addition to coronal plane alignment should be considered.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1214–21.

The Bologna–Oxford (BOX) total ankle replacement (TAR) was developed with the aim of achieving satisfactory pain-free movement of the ankle. To date, only one single multicentre study has reported its clinical results. The aim of this study was to conduct an independent review of its mid-term results.

We retrospectively reviewed a total of 60 prospectively followed patients in whom 62 BOX TARs had been implanted between 2004 and 2008. We used the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score to assess the clinical results. Standardised radiographs taken at the time of final follow-up were analysed by two observers. The overall survival was 91.9% at a mean follow-up of 42.5 months (24 to 71). The mean AOFAS score had improved from 35.1 points (sd 16.6; 4 to 73) pre-operatively to 78.0 (sd 10.7; 57 to 100) at final follow-up (p < 0.01). Tibial radiolucencies < 2 mm in width were seen around 16 TARs. Talar radiolucencies < 2 mm were seen around four TARs. A total of 47 patients (78.3%) were very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. Five patients required revision for functional limitation or continuing pain.

The February 2013 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: the risk of ankle fractures; absorbable implants; minimally invasive heel fracture fixation; pertrochanteric fractures; arthroplasty and intracapsular hip fractures; and extensor mechanism disruption.

This is a case series of prospectively gathered data characterising the injuries, surgical treatment and outcomes of consecutive British service personnel who underwent a unilateral lower limb amputation following combat injury. Patients with primary, unilateral loss of the lower limb sustained between March 2004 and March 2010 were identified from the United Kingdom Military Trauma Registry. Patients were asked to complete a Short-Form (SF)-36 questionnaire. A total of 48 patients were identified: 21 had a trans-tibial amputation, nine had a knee disarticulation and 18 had an amputation at the trans-femoral level. The median New Injury Severity Score was 24 (mean 27.4 (9 to 75)) and the median number of procedures per residual limb was 4 (mean 5 (2 to 11)). Minimum two-year SF-36 scores were completed by 39 patients (81%) at a mean follow-up of 40 months (25 to 75). The physical component of the SF-36 varied significantly between different levels of amputation (p = 0.01). Mental component scores did not vary between amputation levels (p = 0.114). Pain (p = 0.332), use of prosthesis (p = 0.503), rate of re-admission (p = 0.228) and mobility (p = 0.087) did not vary between amputation levels.

These findings illustrate the significant impact of these injuries and the considerable surgical burden associated with their treatment. Quality of life is improved with a longer residual limb, and these results support surgical attempts to maximise residual limb length.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:224–9.

Back pain is a common symptom in children and adolescents. Here we review the important causes, of which defects and stress reactions of the pars interarticularis are the most common identifiable problems. More serious pathology, including malignancy and infection, needs to be excluded when there is associated systemic illness. Clinical evaluation and management may be difficult and always requires a thorough history and physical examination. Diagnostic imaging is obtained when symptoms are persistent or severe. Imaging is used to reassure the patient, relatives and carers, and to guide management.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:717–23.

Most of the literature on surgical site infections following the surgical treatment of fractures of the ankle is based on small series of patients, focusing on diabetics or the elderly. None have described post-operative functional scores in those patients who develop an infection. We performed an age- and gender-matched case–control study to identify patient- and surgery-related risk factors for surgical site infection following open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of the ankle. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for infection and to calculate odds ratios (OR). Function was assessed using the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score. The incidence of infection was 4% (29/717) and 1.1% (8/717) were deep infections. The median ankle score was significantly lower in the infection group compared with the control group (60 vs 90, Mann–Whitney test p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR = 15, p = 0.031), nursing home residence (OR = 12, p = 0.018) and Weber C fractures (OR = 4, p = 0.048) were significant risk factors for infection.

A low incidence of infection following open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the ankle was observed. Both superficial and deep infections result in lower functional scores.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:636–40.

The April 2014 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: urgent supracondylar fractures; rotational osteotomy for synostosis; predicting slip in paediatric forearm fractures; progressive lengthening of the digit is possible; treatment of SUFE with the Dunn osteotomy; and the best way to apply the eight-plate?.

The April 2014 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Hawkins fractures revisited; arthrodesis compared with ankle replacement in osteoarthritis; mobile bearing ankle replacement successful in the longer-term; osteolysis is an increasing worry in ankle replacement; ankle synostosis post-fracture is not important; radiofrequency ablation for plantar fasciitis; and the right approach for tibiotalocalcaneal fusion.