The objective of this study is to assess the use of ultrasound (US) as a radiation-free imaging modality to reconstruct 3D anatomy of the knee for use in preoperative templating in knee arthroplasty. Using an US system, which is fitted with an electromagnetic (EM) tracker that is integrated into the US probe, allows 3D tracking of the probe, femur, and tibia. The raw US radiofrequency (RF) signals are acquired and, using real-time signal processing, bone boundaries are extracted. Bone boundaries and the tracking information are fused in a 3D point cloud for the femur and tibia. Using a statistical shaping model, the patient-specific surface is reconstructed by optimizing bone geometry to match the point clouds. An accuracy analysis was conducted for 17 cadavers by comparing the 3D US models with those created using CT. US scans from 15 users were compared in order to examine the effect of operator variability on the output.Aims
Methods
There is concern that aggressive target pricing in the new Bundled Payment for Care Improvement Advanced (BPCI-A) penalizes high-performing groups that had achieved low costs through prior experience in bundled payments. We hypothesize that this methodology incorporates unsustainable downward trends on Target Prices and will lead to groups opting out of BPCI Advanced in favour of a traditional fee for service. Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data, we compared the Target Price factors for hospitals and physician groups that participated in both BPCI Classic and BPCI Advanced (legacy groups), with groups that only participated in BPCI Advanced (non-legacy). With rebasing of Target Prices in 2020 and opportunity for participants to drop out, we compared retention rates of hospitals and physician groups enrolled at the onset of BPCI Advanced with current enrolment in 2020.Aims
Methods
The use of 3D-printed titanium implant (DT) can effectively guide bone regeneration. DT triggers a continuous host immune reaction, including macrophage type 1 polarization, that resists osseointegration. Interleukin 4 (IL4) is a specific cytokine modulating osteogenic capability that switches macrophage polarization type 1 to type 2, and this switch favours bone regeneration. IL4 at concentrations of 0, 30, and 100 ng/ml was used at day 3 to create a biomimetic environment for bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (BMMSC) osteogenesis and macrophage polarization on the DT. The osteogenic and immune responses of BMMSCs and macrophages were evaluated respectively.Aims
Methods
The British Spine Registry (BSR) was introduced in May 2012 to be used as a web-based database for spinal surgeries carried out across the UK. Use of this database has been encouraged but not compulsory, which has led to a variable level of engagement in the UK. In 2019 NHS England and NHS Improvement introduced a new Best Practice Tariff (BPT) to encourage input of spinal surgical data on the BSR. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the spinal BPT on compliance with the recording of surgical data on the BSR. A retrospective review of data was performed at a tertiary spinal centre between 2018 to 2020. Data were collated from electronic patient records, theatre operating lists, and trust-specific BSR data. Information from the BSR included operative procedures (mandatory), patient consent, email addresses, and demographic details. We also identified Healthcare Resource Groups (HRGs) which qualified for BPT.Aims
Methods
To compare the in vivo long-term fixation achieved by two acetabular components with different porous ingrowth surfaces using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). This was a minimum ten-year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial of 62 hips with two different porous ingrowth acetabular components. RSA exams had previously been acquired through two years of follow-up. Patients returned for RSA examination at a minimum of ten years. In addition, radiological appearance of these acetabular components was analyzed, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) obtained.Aims
Methods
Upper limb amputations, ranging from transhumeral to partial hand, can be devastating for patients, their families, and society. Modern paradigm shifts have focused on reconstructive options after upper extremity limb loss, rather than considering the amputation an ablative procedure. Surgical advancements such as targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interface, in combination with technological development of modern prosthetics, have expanded options for patients after amputation. In the near future, advances such as osseointegration, implantable myoelectric sensors, and implantable nerve cuffs may become more widely used and may expand the options for prosthetic integration, myoelectric signal detection, and restoration of sensation. This review summarizes the current advancements in surgical techniques and prosthetics for upper limb amputees. Cite this article:
The imminent introduction of the new Trauma & Orthopaedic (T&O) curriculum, and the implementation of the Improving Surgical Training initiative, reflect yet another paradigm shift in the recent history of trauma and orthopaedic training. The move to outcome-based training without time constraints is a radical departure from the traditional time-based structure and represents an exciting new training frontier. This paper summarizes the history of T&O training reform, explains the rationale for change, and reflects on lessons learnt from the past. Cite this article:
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BCA) have been associated with improved functional outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in suitable patients, although the reason is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to measure how the different arthroplasties affect knee extensor function. Extensor function was measured for 16 cadaveric knees and then retested following the different arthroplasties. Eight knees underwent medial UKA then BCA, then posterior-cruciate retaining TKA, and eight underwent the lateral equivalents then TKA. Extensor efficiency was calculated for ranges of knee flexion associated with common activities of daily living. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05).Aims
Methods
The ability to edit DNA at the nucleotide level using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems is a relatively new investigative tool that is revolutionizing the analysis of many aspects of human health and disease, including orthopaedic disease. CRISPR, adapted for mammalian cell genome editing from a bacterial defence system, has been shown to be a flexible, programmable, scalable, and easy-to-use gene editing tool. Recent improvements increase the functionality of CRISPR through the engineering of specific elements of CRISPR systems, the discovery of new, naturally occurring CRISPR molecules, and modifications that take CRISPR beyond gene editing to the regulation of gene transcription and the manipulation of RNA. Here, the basics of CRISPR genome editing will be reviewed, including a description of how it has transformed some aspects of molecular musculoskeletal research, and will conclude by speculating what the future holds for the use of CRISPR-related treatments and therapies in clinical orthopaedic practice. Cite this article:
Within the UK, around 70,000 patients suffer neck of femur (NOF) fractures annually. Patients presenting with this injury are often frail, leading to increased morbidity and a 30-day mortality rate of 6.1%. COVID-19 infection has a broad spectrum of clinical presentations with the elderly, and those with pre-existing comorbidities are at a higher risk of severe respiratory compromise and death. Further increased risk has been observed in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on the complication and mortality rates of NOF fracture patients. All NOF fracture patients presenting between March 2020 and May 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two subgroup: those with or without clinical and/or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. Data were collected on patient demographics, pattern of injury, complications, length of stay, and mortality.Aims
Methods
The direct anterior (DA) approach has been associated with rapid patient recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA) but may be associated with more frequent femoral complications including implant loosening. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of a collar to the femoral stem affects implant migration, patient activity, and patient function following primary THA using the DA approach. Patients were randomized to either a collared (n = 23) or collarless (n = 26) cementless femoral stem implanted using the DA approach. Canal fill ratio (CFR) was measured on the first postoperative radiographs. Patients underwent a supine radiostereometric analysis (RSA) exam postoperatively on the day of surgery and at two, four, six, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Patient-reported outcome measures (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index, the 12-item Short Form Health Survey Mental and Physical Score, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score) were measured preoperatively and at each post-surgery clinic visit. Activity and function were also measured as the weekly average step count recorded by an activity tracker, and an instrumented timed up-and-go (TUG) test in clinic, respectively.Aims
Methods
Patient engagement in adaptive health behaviours and interactions with their healthcare ecosystem can be measured using self-reported instruments, such as the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) and the Effective Consumer Scale (ECS-17). Few studies have investigated the influence of patient engagement on limitations (patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). First, we assessed whether patient engagement (PAM-13, ECS-17) within two to four weeks of an upper limb fracture was associated with limitations (the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Physical Function computer adaptive test (PROMIS UE PF) scores) measured six to nine months after fracture, accounting for demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Secondly, we assessed the association between patient engagement and experience (numerical rating scale for satisfaction with care (NRS-C) and satisfaction with services (NRS-S) six to nine months after fracture. A total of 744 adults with an isolated fracture of the proximal humerus, elbow, or distal radius completed PROMs. Due to multicollinearity of patient engagement and psychosocial variables, we generated a single variable combining measures of engagement and psychosocial factors using factor analysis. We then performed multivariable analysis with p < 0.10 on bivariate analysis.Aims
Methods
