Aims. Osseointegrated prosthetic limbs allow better mobility than socket-mounted prosthetics for lower limb amputees. Fractures, however, can occur in the residual limb, but they have rarely been reported. Approximately 2% to 3% of amputees with socket-mounted prostheses may fracture within five years. This is the first study which directly addresses the risks and management of periprosthetic osseointegration fractures in amputees. Methods. A retrospective review identified 518 osseointegration procedures which were undertaken in 458 patients between 2010 and 2018 for whom complete medical records were available. Potential risk factors including time since amputation, age at osseointegration, bone density, weight, uni/bilateral implantation and sex were evaluated with multiple logistic regression. The mechanism of injury, technique and implant that was used for fixation of the fracture, pre-osseointegration and post fracture mobility (assessed using the K-level) and the time that the prosthesis was worn for in hours/day were also assessed. Results. There were 22 periprosthetic fractures; they occurred exclusively in the femur: two in the femoral neck, 14 intertrochanteric and six subtrochanteric, representing 4.2% of 518 osseointegration operations and 6.3% of 347 femoral implants. The vast majority (19/22, 86.4%) occurred within 2 cm of the proximal tip of the implant and after a fall. No fractures occurred spontaneously. Fixation most commonly involved dynamic hip screws (10) and reconstruction plates (9). No osseointegration implants required removal, the K-level was not reduced after fixation of the fracture in any patient, and all retained a K-level of ≥ 2. All fractures united, 21 out of 22 patients (95.5%) wear their osseointegration-mounted prosthetic limb longer daily than when using a socket, with 18 out of 22 (81.8%) reporting using it for ≥ 16 hours daily. Regression analysis identified a 3.89-fold increased risk of fracture for females (p = 0.007) and a 1.02-fold increased risk of fracture per kg above a mean of 80.4 kg (p = 0.046). No increased risk was identified for bilateral implants (p = 0.083), time from amputation to osseointegration (p = 0.974), age at osseointegration (p = 0.331), or bone density (g/cm2, p = 0.560; T-score, p = 0.247; Z-score, p = 0.312). Conclusion. The risks and sequelae of periprosthetic fracture after press-fit osseointegration for amputation should not deter patients or clinicians from considering this procedure. Females and heavier patients are likely to have an increased risk of fracture. Age, years since amputation, and bone density do not appear influential. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):162–169

Aims. Carpal malalignment after a distal radial fracture occurs due to loss of volar tilt. Several studies have shown that this has an adverse influence on function. We aimed to investigate the magnitude of dorsal tilt that leads to carpal malalignment, whether reduction of dorsal tilt will correct carpal malalignment, and which measure of carpal malalignment is the most useful. Methods. Radiographs of patients with a distal radial fracture were prospectively collected and reviewed. Measurements of carpal malalignment were recorded on the initial radiograph, the radiograph following reduction of the fracture, and after a further interval. Linear regression modelling was used to assess the relationship between dorsal tilt and carpal malalignment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify which values of dorsal tilt led to carpal malalignment. Results. A total of 250 consecutive patients with 252 distal radial fractures were identified. All measures of carpal alignment were significantly associated with dorsal tilt at each timepoint. This relationship persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and the position of the wrist. Capitate shift consistently had the strongest relationship with dorsal tilt and was the only parameter that was not influenced by age or the position of the wrist. ROC curve analysis identified that abnormal capitate shift was seen with > 9° of dorsal tilt. Conclusion. Carpal malalignment is related to dorsal tilt following a distal radial fracture. Reducing the fracture and improving dorsal tilt will reduce carpal malalignment. Capitate shift is easy to assess visually, unrelated to age and sex, and appears to be the most useful measure of carpal malalignment. The aim during reduction of a distal radial fracture should be to realign the capitate with the axis of the radius and prevent carpal malalignment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):137–143

Aims. The treatment of tibial aplasia is controversial. Amputation represents the gold standard with good functional results, but is frequently refused by the families. In these patients, treatment with reconstructive limb salvage can be considered. Due to the complexity of the deformity, this remains challenging and should be staged. The present study evaluated the role of femoro-pedal distraction using a circular external fixator in reconstructive treatment of tibial aplasia. The purpose of femoro-pedal distraction is to realign the limb and achieve soft tissue lengthening to allow subsequent reconstructive surgery. Methods. This was a retrospective study involving ten patients (12 limbs) with tibial aplasia, who underwent staged reconstruction. During the first operation a circular hexapod external fixator was applied and femoro-pedal distraction was undertaken over several months. Subsequent surgery included reconstruction of the knee joint and alignment of the foot. Results. The mean follow-up was 7.1 years (2 to 10). The mean age of the patients at the time of the application of the fixator was 2.3 years (1.1 to 5.0). The mean time under distraction was 139.7 days (81.0 to 177.0). A mean fibular distalization of 38.7 mm (14.0 to 67.0) was achieved. Pin infections occurred in four limbs (33.3%) and osteitis in one. A femoral fracture occurred in one patient. Premature removal of the frame was not required in any patient. Sufficient realignment of the leg as well as soft tissue lengthening was achieved in all patients, allowing subsequent reconstruction. All patients were able to mobilize fully weight bearing after reconstruction. Functional outcome was limited in all limbs, and five patients (50.0%) required additional reconstructive operations. Conclusion. Regarding the functional results in the treatment of tibial aplasia, amputation remains superior to limb salvage. The latter procedure should only be performed in patients whose parents refuse amputation. Femoro-pedal distraction efficiently prepares the limb by realigning the leg and soft tissue lengthening. Minor complications are frequent, but usually do not hinder the continuation of distraction. Even though a fully weight-bearing limb is achieved, the functional outcome of reconstructive treatment remains limited. Recurrent deformities frequently occur and may require further operations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1248–1255

Aims

Long-term outcomes following the use of human dermal allografts in the treatment of symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate these outcomes, and to investigate whether this would be a good form of treatment in young patients in whom a reverse shoulder arthroplasty should ideally be avoided.

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement influenced the risk of revision surgery after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis. Methods. The study involved data collected by the National Joint Registry (NJR) for England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2017. Cox proportional hazards were used to investigate the association between use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement and the risk of revision due to prosthetic joint infection (PJI), with adjustments made for the year of the initial procedure, age at the time of surgery, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, head size, and body mass index (BMI). We looked also at the association between use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement and the risk of revision due to aseptic loosening or osteolysis. Results. The cohort included 418,857 THAs of whom 397,896 had received antibiotic-loaded bone cement and 20,961 plain cement. After adjusting for putative confounding factors, the risk of revision for PJI was lower in those in whom antibiotic-loaded bone cement was used (hazard ration (HR) 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 0.98). There was also a protective effect on the risk of revision due to aseptic loosening or osteolysis, in the period of > 4.1 years after primary THA, HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.45, 0.72. Conclusion. Within the limits of registry analysis, this study showed an association between the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement and lower rates of revision due to PJI. The findings support the continued use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in cemented THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):997–1002

Aims

One-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is gaining popularity. The outcome for a repeat one-stage revision THA after a failed one-stage exchange for infection remains unknown. The aim of this study was to report the infection-free and all-cause revision-free survival of repeat one-stage exchange, and to investigate the association between the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) staging system and further infection-related failure.

Aims. Responsiveness and ceiling effects are key properties of an outcome score. No such data have been reported for the original English version of the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) at a follow-up of more than four months. The aim of this study was to identify the responsiveness and ceiling effects of the English version iHOT-12 in a series of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for intra-articular hip pathology at a minimum of one year postoperatively. Methods. A total of 171 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with a diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) under the care of a single surgeon between January 2013 and March 2017 were included. iHOT-12 and EuroQol 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) scores were available pre- and postoperatively. Effect size and ceiling effects for the iHOT-12 were calculated with subgroup analysis. Results. A total of 122 patients (71.3%) completed postoperative PROMs scores with median follow-up of 24.3 months (interquartile range (IQR) 17.2 to 33.5). The median total cohort iHOT-12 score improved significantly from 31.0 (IQR 20 to 58) preoperatively to 72.5 (IQR 47 to 90) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The effect size (Cohen’s d) was 1.59. In all, 33 patients (27%) scored within ten points (10%) of the maximum score and 38 patients (31.1%) scored within the previously reported minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the maximum score. Furthermore, nine (47%) male patients aged < 30 years scored within 10% of the maximum score and ten (53%) scored within the previously reported MCID of the maximum score. Conclusion. There is a previously unreported ceiling effect of the iHOT-12 at a minimum one-year follow-up which is particularly marked in young, male patients following hip arthroscopy for FAI. This tool may not have the maximum measurement required to capture the true outcome following this procedure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1010–1015

Aims. The aim of this study was to clarify the factors that predict the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in children with a fracture of the femoral neck. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 239 children with a mean age of 10.0 years (. sd. 3.9) who underwent surgical treatment for a femoral neck fracture. Risk factors were recorded, including age, sex, laterality, mechanism of injury, initial displacement, the type of fracture, the time to reduction, and the method and quality of reduction. AVN of the femoral head was assessed on radiographs. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent risk factors for AVN. Chi-squared tests and Student’s t-tests were used for subgroup analyses to determine the risk factors for AVN. Results. We found that age (p = 0.006) and initial displacement (p = 0.001) were significant independent risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that 12 years of age was the cut-off for increasing the rate of AVN. Severe initial displacement (p = 0.021) and poor quality of reduction (p = 0.022) significantly increased the rate of AVN in patients aged 12 years or greater, while in those aged less than 12 years, the rate of AVN significantly increased only with initial displacement (p = 0.048). A poor reduction significantly increased the rate of AVN in patients treated by closed reduction (p = 0.026); screw and plate fixation was preferable to cannulated screw or Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation for decreasing the rate of AVN in patients treated by open reduction (p = 0.034). Conclusion. The rate of AVN increases with age, especially in patients aged 12 years or greater, and with the severity of displacement. In patients treated by closed reduction, anatomical reduction helps to decrease the rate of AVN, while in those treated by open reduction, screw and plate fixation was preferable to fixation using cannulated screws or K-wires. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1160–1167

Aims

The distal radius is a major site of osteoporotic bone loss resulting in a high risk of fragility fracture. This study evaluated the capability of a cortical index (CI) at the distal radius to predict the local bone mineral density (BMD).

Aims. The aims of this study were to validate the outcome of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to identify factors that affect the outcome. Methods. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, and Embase from between January 2003 and March 2019. The primary aim was to determine the implant failure rate, the mode of failure, and risk factors predisposing to failure. A secondary aim was to identify the overall complication rate, associated risk factors, and clinical performance. A meta-regression analysis was completed to identify the association between each parameter with the outcome. Results. A total of 38 studies including 2,118 TEAs were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 80.9 months (8.2 to 156). The implant failure and complication rates were 16.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.128 to 0.200) and 24.5% (95% CI 0.203 to 0.293), respectively. Aseptic loosening was the most common mode of failure (9.5%; 95% CI 0.071 to 0.124). The mean postoperative ranges of motion (ROMs) were: flexion 131.5° (124.2° to 138.8°), extension 29.3° (26.8° to 31.9°), pronation 74.0° (67.8° to 80.2°), and supination 72.5° (69.5° to 75.5°), and the mean postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 89.3 (95% CI 86.9 to 91.6). The meta-regression analysis identified that younger patients and implants with an unlinked design correlated with higher failure rates. Younger patients were associated with increased complications, while female patients and an unlinked prosthesis were associated with aseptic loosening. Conclusion. TEA continues to provide satisfactory results for patients with RA. However, it is associated with a substantially higher implant failure and complication rates compared with hip and knee arthroplasties. The patient’s age, sex, and whether cemented fixation and unlinked prosthesis were used can influence the outcome. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):967–980

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The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of culture-negative periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) when adequate methods of culture are used, and to evaluate the outcome in patients who were treated with antibiotics for a culture-negative PJI compared with those in whom antibiotics were withheld.

Aims

This study addressed two questions: first, does surgical correction of an idiopathic scoliosis increase the volume of the rib cage, and second, is it possible to evaluate the change in lung function after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using biplanar radiographs of the ribcage with 3D reconstruction?

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in patellar height and clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 7.7 years (5 to 10) after fixed-bearing posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA).

Aims. To assess how the cost-effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) varies with age, sex, and preoperative Oxford Hip or Knee Score (OHS/OKS); and to identify the patient groups for whom THA/TKA is cost-effective. Methods. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis using a Markov model from a United Kingdom NHS perspective, informed by published analyses of patient-level data. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of THA and TKA in adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis compared with having no arthroplasty surgery during the ten-year time horizon. Results. THA and TKA cost < £7,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained at all preoperative scores below the absolute referral thresholds calculated previously (40 for OHS and 41 for OKS). Furthermore, THA cost < £20,000/QALY for patients with OHS of ≤ 45, while TKA was cost-effective for patients with OKS of ≤ 43, since the small improvements in quality of life outweighed the cost of surgery and any subsequent revisions. Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that there is little uncertainty around the conclusions. Conclusion. If society is willing to pay £20,000 per QALY gained, THA and TKA are cost-effective for nearly all patients who currently undergo surgery, including all patients at and above our calculated absolute referral thresholds. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):950–958

Aims

Assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a well-established clinical technique, but it is not available in the acute trauma setting. Thus, it cannot provide a preoperative estimation of BMD to help guide the technique of fracture fixation. Alternative methods that have been suggested for assessing BMD include: 1) cortical measures, such as cortical ratios and combined cortical scores; and 2) aluminium grading systems from preoperative digital radiographs. However, limited research has been performed in this area to validate the different methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the evaluation of BMD from digital radiographs by comparing various methods against DXA scanning.

Aims. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have been gaining popularity in the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) over the past decade. We present our experience with the first 44 MCGR consecutive cases treated at our institution. Methods. This is a retrospective review of consecutive cases of MCGR performed in our institution between 2012 and 2018. This cohort consisted of 44 children (25 females and 19 males), with a mean age of 7.9 years (3.7 to 13.6). There were 41 primary cases and three revisions from other rod systems. The majority (38 children) had dual rods. The group represents a mixed aetiology including idiopathic (20), neuromuscular (13), syndromic (9), and congenital (2). The mean follow-up was 4.1 years, with a minimum of two years. Nine children graduated to definitive fusion. We evaluated radiological parameters of deformity correction (Cobb angle), and spinal growth (T1-T12 and T1-S1 heights), as well as complications during the course of treatment. Results. The mean Cobb angles pre-operatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up were 70° (53 to 103), 35° (15 to 71) and 39° (15 to 65) respectively (p < 0.001). Further, there was a mean of 14° (-6 to 27) of additional Cobb angle correction upon graduation from MCGR to definitive fusion. Both T1-T12 and T1-S1 showed significant increase in heights of 27 mm and 45 mm respectively at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Ten children (23%) developed 18 complications requiring 21 unplanned operations. Independent risk factors for developing a complication were single rod constructs and previous revision surgery. Conclusion. MCGR has the benefit of avoiding multiple surgeries, and is an effective tool in treatment of early-onset scoliosis. It also maintains the flexibility of the spine, allowing further correction at the time of definitive fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:405–414

Aims. To establish if COVID-19 has worsened outcomes in patients with AO 31 A or B type hip fractures. Methods. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed for a five-week period from 20 March 2020 and the same time period in 2019. The primary outcome was mortality at 30 days. Secondary outcomes were COVID-19 infection, perioperative pulmonary complications, time to theatre, type of anaesthesia, operation, grade of surgeon, fracture type, postoperative intensive care admission, venous thromboembolism, dislocation, infection rates, and length of stay. Results. In all, 76 patients with hip fractures were identified in each group. All patients had 30-day follow-up. There was no difference in age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification or residence at time of injury. However, three in each group were not fit for surgery. No significant difference was found in 30-day mortality; ten patients (13%) in 2019 and 11 patients (14%) in 2020 (p = 0.341). In the 2020 cohort, ten patients tested positive for COVID-19, two (20%) of whom died. There was no significant increase in postoperative pulmonary complications. Median time to theatre was 20 hours (interquartile range (IQR) 16 to 25) in 2019 versus 23 hours (IQR 18 to 30) in 2020 (p = 0.130). Regional anaesthesia increased from 24 (33%) cases in 2019 to 46 (63%) cases in 2020, but ten (14%) required conversion to general anaesthesia. In both groups, 53 (70%) operations were done by trainees. Hemiarthroplasty for 31 B type fractures was the most common operation. No significant difference was found for intensive care admission or 30-day venous thromboembolism, dislocation or infection, or length of stay. Conclusion. Little information exists on mortality and complications after hip fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of writing, no other study of outcomes in the UK has been published. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:415–419

Aims. Dislocation is the most common indication for further surgery following total hip arthroplasty (THA) when undertaken in patients with a femoral neck fracture. This study aimed to assess the complication rates of THA with dual mobility components (THA-DMC) following a femoral neck fracture and to compare outcomes between THA-DMC, conventional THA, and hemiarthroplasty (HA). Methods. We performed a systematic review of all English language articles on THA-DMC published between 2010 and 2019 in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. After the application of rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies dealing with patients who underwent treatment for a femoral neck fracture using THA-DMC were analyzed for the rate of dislocation. Secondary outcomes included reoperation, periprosthetic fracture, infection, mortality, and functional outcome. The review included 7,189 patients with a mean age of 77.8 years (66.4 to 87.6) and a mean follow-up of 30.9 months (9.0 to 68.0). Results. THA-DMC was associated with a significantly lower dislocation rate compared with both THA (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.79) and HA (odds ratio (OR) 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15 to 0.50). The rate of large articulations and of intraprosthetic dislocation was 1.5% (n = 105) and 0.04% (n = 3) respectively. Conclusion. THA-DMC when used in patients with a femoral neck fracture is associated with a lower dislocation rate compared with conventional arthroplasty options. There was no increase in the rates of other complication when THA-DMC was used. Future cost analysis and prospective, comparative studies are required to assess the potential benefit of using THA-DMC in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):811–821