Aims. Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is a well-recognized technique in the treatment of the neglected tendo Achillis (TA) rupture. Patients and Methods. We report a retrospective review of 20/32 patients who had undergone transtendinous FHL transfer between 2003 and 2011 for chronic TA rupture. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 53 years (22 to 83). The mean time from rupture to surgery was seven months (1 to 36). The mean postoperative follow-up was 73 months (29 to 120). Six patients experienced postoperative wound complications. Results. The mean postoperative Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) was 83 (40 to 100) and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 94.3 (82 to 100). Tegner scoring showed a mean reduction of one level from the pre-injury level of activity. There was a mean reduction of 24% (4 to 54) in dynamometer-measured strength of ankle plantarflexion, in comparison with the non-operated side. The hallux had a mean of only 40% (2 to 90) strength of plantarflexion in comparison with the contralateral side. Conclusion. We conclude that transtendinous FHL transfer for neglected TA ruptures, with a long harvest to allow reattachment of the triceps surae, provides reliable long-term function and good ankle plantarflexion strength. Despite the loss of strength in hallux plantar flexion, there is little comorbidity from the FHL harvest. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:584–9

Aims. Although good clinical outcomes have been reported for monolithic tapered, fluted, titanium stems (TFTS), early results showed high rates of subsidence. Advances in stem design may mitigate these concerns. This study reports on the use of a current monolithic TFTS for a variety of indications. Methods. A multi-institutional retrospective study of all consecutive total hip arthroplasty (THA) and revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) patients who received the monolithic TFTS was conducted. Surgery was performed by eight fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons at four institutions. A total of 157 hips in 153 patients at a mean follow-up of 11.6 months (SD7.8) were included. Mean patient age at the time of surgery was 67.4 years (SD 13.3) and mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.9 kg/m. 2. (SD 6.5). Outcomes included intraoperative complications, one-year all-cause re-revisions, and subsidence at postoperative time intervals (two weeks, six weeks, six months, nine months, and one year). Results. There were eight intraoperative complications (4.9%), six of which were intraoperative fractures; none occurred during stem insertion. Six hips (3.7%) underwent re-revision within one year; only one procedure involved removal of the prosthesis due to infection. Mean total subsidence at latest follow-up was 1.64 mm (SD 2.47). Overall, 17 of 144 stems (11.8%) on which measurements could be performed had >5 mm of subsidence, and 3/144 (2.1%) had >10 mm of subsidence within one year. A univariate regression analysis found that additional subsidence after three months was minimal. A multivariate regression analysis found that subsidence was not significantly associated with periprosthetic fracture as an indication for surgery, the presence of an extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO), Paprosky classification of femoral bone loss, stem length, or type of procedure performed (i.e. full revision vs conversion/primary). Conclusion. Advances in implant design, improved trials, a range of stem lengths and diameters, and high offset options mitigate concerns of early subsidence and dislocation with monolithic TFTS, making them a valuable option for femoral revision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):191–197

Aims. COVID-19 has changed the practice of orthopaedics across the globe. The medical workforce has dealt with this outbreak with varying strategies and adaptations, which are relevant to its field and to the region. As one of the ‘hotspots’ in the UK , the surgical branch of trauma and orthopaedics need strategies to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19. Methods. Adapting to the crisis locally involved five operational elements: 1) triaging and workflow of orthopaedic patients; 2) operation theatre feasibility and functioning; 3) conservation of human resources and management of workforce in the department; 4) speciality training and progression; and 5) developing an exit strategy to resume elective work. Two hospitals under our trust were redesignated based on the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Registrar/consultant led telehealth reviews were carried out for early postoperative patients. Workflows for the management of outpatient care and inpatient care were created. We looked into the development of a dedicated operating space to perform the emergency orthopaedic surgeries without symptoms of COVID-19. Between March 23 and April 23, 2020, we have surgically treated 133 patients across both our hospitals in our trust. This mainly included hip fractures and fractures/infection affecting the hand. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic is not the first disease outbreak affecting the UK, nor will it be the last. The current crisis has necessitated rapid development of new hospital guidelines and early adaptive strategies in our services. Protocols and directives need to be formalized keeping in mind that COVID-19 will have a long and protracted course until a definitive cure is discovered

The wrist is a complex joint involving many small bones and complicated kinematics. It has, therefore, been traditionally difficult to image and ascertain information about kinematics when making a diagnosis. Although MRI and fluoroscopy have been used, they both have limitations. Recently, there has been interest in the use of 4D-CT in imaging the wrist. This review examines the literature regarding the use of 4D-CT in imaging the wrist to assess kinematics and its ability to diagnose pathology. Some questions remain about the description of normal ranges, the most appropriate method of measuring intercarpal stability, the accuracy compared with established standards, and the place of 4D-CT in postoperative assessment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1325–1330

Aims

The use and variety of stemless humeral components in anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) have proliferated since their advent in 2004. Early outcomes are reassuring but independent mid-term results are scarce. This independent study reports a consecutive series of 143 Eclipse stemless shoulder prostheses with a minimum five-year (5 to 10) follow-up.

Aims. This study investigated the influence of body mass index (BMI) on patients’ function and quality of life ten years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and Methods. A total of 126 patients who underwent unilateral TKA in 2006 were prospectively included in this retrospective study. They were categorized into two groups based on BMI: < 30 kg/m. 2. (control) and ≥ 30 kg/m. 2. (obese). Functional outcome was assessed using the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Quality of life was assessed using the Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS) of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Results. Patients in the obese group underwent TKA at a younger age (mean, 63.0 years, . sd. 8.0) compared with the control group (mean, 65.6 years, . sd. 7.6; p = 0.03). Preoperatively, both groups had comparable functional and quality-of-life scores. Ten years postoperatively, the control group had significantly higher OKS and MCS compared with the obese group (OKS, mean 18 (. sd. 5) vs mean 22 (. sd. 10), p = 0.03; MCS, mean 56 (. sd. 10) vs mean 50 (. sd. 11), p = 0.01). After applying multiple linear regression with the various outcomes scores as dependent variables and age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index as independent variables, there was a clear association between obesity and poorer outcome in KSFS, OKS, and MCS at ten years postoperatively (p < 0.01 in both KSFS and OKS, and p = 0.03 in MCS). Both groups had a high satisfaction rate (97.8% in the control groupvs 87.9% in the obese group, p = 0.11) and fulfillment of expectations at ten years (98.9% in the control group vs 100% in the obese group, p = 0.32). Conclusion. Although both obese and non-obese patients have significant improvements in function and quality of life postoperatively, obese patients tend to have smaller improvements in the OKS and MCS ten years postoperatively. It is important to counsel patients on the importance of weight management to achieve a more sustained outcome after TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:579–83

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate cartilaginous patellotrochlear congruence and patellofemoral alignment parameters after deepening trochleoplasty in severe trochlear dysplasia. Patients and Methods. The study group comprised 20 patients (two male, 18 female; mean age 24 years (16 to 39)) who underwent deepening trochleoplasty and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for the treatment of recurrent lateral patellar dislocation due to severe trochlear dysplasia (Dejour type B to D). Pre- and postoperative MRI investigations of the study group were compared with MRI data of 20 age- and gender-matched control patients (two male, 18 female; mean age 27 years (18 to 44)) regarding the patellotrochlear contact ratio, patellotrochlear contact area, posterior patellar edge-trochlear groove ratio, and patellar tilt. Results. Preoperatively, all parameters in the study group indicated significant patellar malalignment, including a reduced patellotrochlear contact ratio (mean 0.38 (0.13 to 0.59) vs mean 0.67 (0.48 to 0.88); p < 0.001), reduced contact area (mean 128 mm. 2. (87 to 190) vs mean 183 mm. 2. (155 to 227); p < 0.001), increased patellar lateralization (mean 0.82 (0.55 to 1.0) vs mean 0.99 (0.93 to 1.1); p < 0.001) and increased patellar tilt (mean 25.8° (8.1° to 43.0°) vs mean 9.1° (0.5° to 16.8°); p < 0.001). Postoperatively, all parameters in the study group improved significantly and reached normal values compared with the control group. The patellotrochlear contact ratio increased to a mean of 0.63 (0.38 to 0.85) (p < 0.001), the contact area increased to a mean of 187 mm. 2. (101 to 255) (p < 0.001), the posterior patellar edge-trochlear groove ratio improved to a mean of 0.96 (0.83 to 0.91) (p < 0.001), and the patellar tilt decreased to a mean of 13.9° (8.1° to 22.1°) (p < 0.001) postoperatively. Conclusion. Deepening trochleoplasty and MPFL reconstruction normalized the patellotrochlear congruence and patellofemoral alignment parameters. Modifying the dysplastic trochlea involves approximating the trochlear morphology to the shape of the patella rather than inducing a patella and trochlea mismatch. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:325–330

Aims

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are common. There is increasing evidence that most of these fractures should be treated conservatively. However, recent studies have shown an increase in use of operative treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the trends in the incidence and methods of treatment of PHFs in Finland.

Aims. Graft infection following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may lead to septic arthritis requiring multiple irrigation and debridement procedures, staged revision operations, and prolonged courses of antibiotics. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies reporting on how gentamicin pre-soaking of hamstring grafts influences infection rates following ACLR. We set out to examine this in our study accordingly. Methods. This retrospective study included 2,000 patients (1,156 males and 844 females) who underwent primary ACLR with hamstring autografts between 2007 to 2017. This included 1,063 patients who received pre-soaked saline hamstring grafts for ACLR followed by 937 patients who received pre-soaked gentamicin hamstring grafts for ACLR. All operative procedures were completed by a single surgeon using a standardized surgical technique. Medical notes were reviewed and data relating to the following outcomes recorded: postoperative infection, clinical progress, causative organisms, management received, and outcomes. Results. Superficial wound infection developed in 14 patients (1.31 %) receiving pre-saline soaked hamstring grafts compared to 13 patients (1.38 %) receiving pre-gentamicin soaked hamstring grafts, and this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.692). All superficial wound infections were treated with oral antibiotics with no further complications. There were no recorded cases of septic arthritis in patients receiving pre-gentamicin soaked grafts compared to nine patients (0.85%) receiving pre-saline soaked grafts, which was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Conclusion. Pre-soaking hamstring autographs in gentamicin does not affect superficial infection rates but does reduce deep intra-articular infection rates compared to pre-soaking hamstring grafts in saline alone. These findings suggest that pre-soaking hamstring autografts in gentamicin provides an effective surgical technique for reducing intra-articular infection rates following ACLR. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(1):66–71

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Deep surgical site infection (SSI) is common after lower limb fracture. We compared the diagnosis of deep SSI using alternative methods of data collection and examined the agreement of clinical photography and in-person clinical assessment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria after lower limb fracture surgery.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the potentially increased risk of dislocation in patients with neurological disease who sustain a femoral neck fracture, as it is unclear whether they should undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). A secondary aim was to investgate whether dual-mobility components confer a reduced risk of dislocation in these patients.

Aims

The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) uses preoperative CRP and albumin to calculate a score from 0 to 2 (2 being associated with poor outcomes). mGPS is validated in multiple carcinomas. To date, its use in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is limited, with only small cohorts reporting that increased mGPS scores correlates with decreased survival in STS patients.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) classification of open fractures and economic costs.

Aims. A retrospective study was conducted to measure short-term in vivo linear and volumetric wear of polyethylene (PE) inserts in 101 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients using model-based radiostereometric analysis (MBRSA). Patients and Methods. Nonweightbearing supine RSA exams were performed postoperatively and at six, 12, and 24 months. Weightbearing standing RSA exams were performed on select patients at 12 and 24 months. Wear was measured both linearly (joint space) and volumetrically (digital model overlap) at each available follow-up. Precision of both methods was assessed by comparing double RSA exams. Patient age, sex, body mass index, and Oxford Knee Scores were analyzed for any association with PE wear. Results. Linear wear occurred at 0.015 mm/year (supine) and 0.220 mm/year (standing). Volumetric wear occurred at 10.3 mm. 3. /year (supine) and 39.3 mm. 3. /year (standing). Wear occurred primarily on the medial side of the joint. Weightbearing imaging greatly improved the reliability of measurement. Clinical precision of volumetric wear was 34 mm. 3. No significant associations were found between patient demographics or function scores and measured wear. Conclusion. In vivo volumetric wear of TKAs can be assessed at short-term follow-up using MBRSA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1348–1355

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Studies on long-term patient-reported outcomes after open surgery for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are scarce. Surgeons and patients would benefit from self-reported outcome data on pain, function, complications, and satisfaction after this surgery to enhance shared decision-making. The aim of this study is to determine the long-term outcome of adults who had open surgery for the TFCC.

Aims

In UK there are around 76,000 hip fractures occur each year 10% to 15% of which are undisplaced intracapsular. There is considerable debate whether internal fixation is the most appropriate treatment for undisplaced fractures in older patients. This study describes cannulated hip screws survivorship analysis for patients aged ≥ 60 years with undisplaced intra-capsular fractures.