Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the manufacturing characteristics of polyethylene acetabular liners on the survival of cementless and hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the results of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) undertaken for stiffness in the absence of sepsis or loosening. Patients and Methods. We present the results of revision surgery for stiff TKA in 48 cases (35 (72.9%) women and 13 (27.1%) men). The mean age at revision surgery was 65.5 years (42 to 83). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Stiffness was defined as an arc of flexion of < 70° or a flexion contracture of > 15°. The changes in the range of movement (ROM) and the Western Ontario and McMasters Osteoarthritis index scores (WOMAC) were recorded. Results. At a mean follow up of 59.9 months (12 to 272) there was a mean improvement in arc of movement of 45.0°. Mean flexion improved from 54.4° (5° to 100°) to 90° (10° to 125°) (p <  0.05) and the mean flexion contracture decreased from 12.0° (0° to 45°) to 3.5° (0° to 25°) (p < 0.05). The mean WOMAC scores improved for pain, stiffness and function. In patients with extreme stiffness we describe a novel technique, which we have called the ‘sloppy’ revision. This entails downsizing the polyethylene insert by 4 mm and using a more constrained liner to retain stability. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the largest series of revision surgeries for stiffness reported in the literature where infection and loosening have been excluded. . Take home message: Whilst revision surgery is technically demanding, improvements in ROM and outcome can be achieved, particularly when the revision is within two years of the primary surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:622–7

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether pain in the contralateral knee had a clinically significant influence on the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Secondary aims were to: describe the prevalence of contralateral knee pain; identify if it clinically improves after TKA; and assess whether contralateral knee pain independently influences patient satisfaction with their TKA.

Aims

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft tissue laxity, maximum knee extension, and limb alignment during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

We have evaluated the functional, clinical and radiological outcome of patients with simple and complex acetabular fractures involving the posterior wall, and identified factors associated with an adverse outcome. We reviewed 128 patients treated operatively for a fracture involving the posterior wall of the acetabulum between 1982 and 1999. The Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment and Short-Form 36 scores, the presence of radiological arthritis and complications were assessed as a function of injury, treatment and clinical variables. The patients had profound functional deficits compared with the normal population. Anatomical reduction alone was not sufficient to restore function. The fracture pattern, marginal impaction and residual displacement of > 2 mm were associated with the development of arthritis, which related to poor function and the need for hip replacement. It may be appropriate to consider immediate total hip replacement for patients aged > 50 years with marginal impaction and comminution of the wall, since 7 of 13 (54%) of these required early hip replacement

Introduction

Studies have addressed the issue of increasing prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among different occupations. However, contributing factors to MSK pain have not been fully investigated among orthopaedic surgeons. Thus, this study aimed to approximate the prevalence and predictors of MSK pain among Saudi orthopaedic surgeons working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Aims

Distal radial fractures are the most common fracture sustained by the adult population. Most can be treated using cast immobilization without the need for surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a definitive trial comparing the commonly used fibreglass cast immobilization with an alternative product called Woodcast. Woodcast is a biodegradable casting material with theoretical benefits in terms of patient comfort as well as benefits to the environment.

Aims

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most common hip diseases of adolescence that can cause marked disability, yet there is little robust evidence to guide treatment. Fundamental aspects of the disease, such as frequency, are unknown and consequently the desire of clinicians to undertake robust intervention studies is somewhat prohibited by a lack of fundamental knowledge.

There is little information about the management of peri-prosthetic fracture of the humerus after total shoulder replacement (TSR). This is a retrospective review of 22 patients who underwent a revision of their original shoulder replacement for peri-prosthetic fracture of the humerus with bone loss and/or loose components. There were 20 women and two men with a mean age of 75 years (61 to 90) and a mean follow-up 42 months (12 to 91): 16 of these had undergone a previous revision TSR. Of the 22 patients, 12 were treated with a long-stemmed humeral component that bypassed the fracture. All their fractures united after a mean of 27 weeks (13 to 94). Eight patients underwent resection of the proximal humerus with endoprosthetic replacement to the level of the fracture. Two patients were managed with a clam-shell prosthesis that retained the original components. The mean Oxford shoulder score (OSS) of the original TSRs before peri-prosthetic fracture was 33 (14 to 48). The mean OSS after revision for fracture was 25 (9 to 31). Kaplan-Meier survival using re-intervention for any reason as the endpoint was 91% (95% confidence interval (CI) 68 to 98) and 60% (95% CI 30 to 80) at one and five years, respectively. There were two revisions for dislocation of the humeral head, one open reduction for modular humeral component dissociation, one internal fixation for nonunion, one trimming of a prominent screw and one re-cementation for aseptic loosening complicated by infection, ultimately requiring excision arthroplasty. Two patients sustained nerve palsies. Revision TSR after a peri-prosthetic humeral fracture associated with bone loss and/or loose components is a salvage procedure that can provide a stable platform for elbow and hand function. Good rates of union can be achieved using a stem that bypasses the fracture. There is a high rate of complications and function is not as good as with the original replacement

Aims. Single event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) has been shown to improve gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, there is limited evidence regarding long-term outcomes and factors influencing them. . Methods. In total 39 children (17 females and 22 males; mean age at SEMLS ten years four months, standard deviation 37 months) with bilateral CP (20 Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level II and 19 GMFCS level III) treated with SEMLS were included. Children were evaluated using gait analysis and the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) before SEMLS and one, two to three, five and at least ten years after SEMLS. A linear mixed model was used to estimate the effect of age at the surgery, GMFCS and follow-up period on GDI. . Results. There was a mean improvement of 12.1 (-15.3 to 45.1) GDI points one year after SEMLS (p <  0.001) and 10.3 (-23.1 to 44.2) GDI points ten years after SEMLS compared with before SEMLS (p < 0.001). GMFCS level III children aged ten to 12 years had the most improvement. The GMFCS III group had more surgical procedures at the index SEMLS (p < 0.001) and during the follow-up period (p = 0.039). After correcting for other factors, age at surgery was the only factor predictive of long-term results. Our model was able to explain 45% of the variance of the change in GDI at the different time points. Take home message: Children with GMFCS III level aged ten to 12 are the benchmark responders to SEMLS in the long-term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:278–81

Aims. The treatment of late presenting fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children remains controversial. . Methods. We report on the outcome for 16 children who presented with a fracture of the lateral humeral epicondyle at a mean of 7.4 weeks (3 to 15.6) after injury and were treated surgically. Results. The mean follow-up was four years (1.1 to 8.9), at which time the mean age of the patients was 8.7 years (3.2 to 17.8). . The mean Dhillon functional score improved from 3.3 to 5.6 and the mean overall scores improved from 5.6 to 8.5. . A total of seven patients had a fishtail deformity and eight had partial lateral epiphyseal closure. None had avascular necrosis. MRI showed an abnormal cartilage signal, incongruence of the joint surface and partial premature closure of the lateral physis in four patients. . Discussion. Neither age at the time of injury, the time interval between injury and operation, nor the pre-operative function were correlated with the incidence of complications. . These results support the use of internal fixation for children with a lateral humeral epicondylar fracture with a delayed presentation. Take home message: Open reduction and internal fixation yielded a satisfactory outcome within 16 weeks in children with a lateral humeral epicondylar fracture with a delayed presentation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:244–8

Aims. Few reports compare the contribution of the talonavicular articulation to overall range of movement in the sagittal plane after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in ROM and functional outcomes following tibiotalar arthrodesis and TAA. Patients and Methods. Patients who underwent isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis or TAA with greater than two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Overall arc of movement and talonavicular movement in the sagittal plane were assessed with weight-bearing lateral maximum dorsiflexion and plantarflexion radiographs. All patients completed Short Form-12 version 2.0 questionnaires, visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) scores, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Results. In all, 41 patients who underwent TAA and 27 patients who underwent tibiotalar arthrodesis were enrolled in the study. The mean total arc of movement was 34.2° (17.0° to 59.1°) with an average contribution from the talonavicular joint of 10.5° (1.2° to 28.8°) in the TAA cohort. The average total arc of movement was 24.3° (6.9° to 44.3°) with a mean contribution from the talonavicular joint of 22.8° (5.6° to 41.4°) in the arthrodesis cohort. A statistically significant difference was detected for both total sagittal plane movement (p = 0.00025), and for talonavicular motion (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant lower VAS score (p = 0.0096) and higher FAAM (p = 0.01, p = 0.019, respectively) was also detected in the TAA group. Conclusion. TAA preserves more anatomical movement, has better pain relief and better patient-perceived post-operative function compared with patients undergoing fusion. The relative increase of talonavicular movement in fusion patients may play a role in the outcomes compared with TAA and may predispose these patients to degenerative changes over time. Take home message: TAA preserves more anatomic sagittal plane motion and provides greater pain relief and better patient-perceived outcomes compared with ankle arthrodesis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:634–40

Clinical studies evaluating the effects of vitamin D alone or in combination with calcium on physical function, falls and fractures have been inconsistent. Vitamin D has, however, been the focus of much orthopaedic, trauma and endocrine research. Playing a central role in muscle and bone metabolism, some studies on Vitamin D therapies offer the tantalising suggestion of a reduction in falls and fractures simply with vitamin D supplementation. We review the background and evidence behind vitamin D

This study aimed to determine the correlation between the amount of maximum flexion and the clinical outcome in 207 Koreans (333 knees) undergoing total knee replacement. The association of maximum flexion with clinical outcome was evaluated one year postoperatively using three scoring systems; the American Knee Society score, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index and the Short Form-36. The mean maximum flexion decreased post-operatively at 12 months from 140.1° (60° to 160°) to 133.0° (105° to 150°). Only the social function score of the Short Form-36 correlated significantly with maximum flexion (correlation coefficient = 0.180, p = 0.039). In comparative analyses of subgroups divided by a maximum flexion of 120°, we found no significant differences in any parameters except the social function score of the Short Form-36 (41.9 vs 47.3, p = 0.031). Knees with a maximum flexion of more than 135° had a better functional Western Ontario McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis index score than knees with maximum flexion of 135° or less (17.5 vs 14.3, p = 0.031). We found only weak correlation between the postoperative maximum flexion and the clinical parameters for pain relief, function and quality of life, even in Korean patients. Efforts to increase post-operative maximum flexion should be exercised with caution until concerns relating to high-flexion activities are sufficiently resolved

Aims

The aim of this study was to report our experience at 3.5 years with outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA).

We prospectively reviewed 14 patients with deficiency of the proximal pole of the scaphoid who were treated by rib osteochondral replacement arthroplasty. Improvement in wrist function occurred in all except one patient with enhanced grip strength, less pain and maintenance of wrist movement. In 13 patients wrist function was rated as good or excellent according to the modified wrist function score of Green and O’Brien. The mean pre-operative score of 54 (35 to 80) rose to 79 (50 to 90) at review at a mean of 64 months (27 to 103). Carpal alignment did not deteriorate in any patient and there were no cases of nonunion or significant complications. This procedure can restore the mechanical integrity of the proximal pole of the scaphoid satisfactorily and maintain wrist movement while avoiding the potential complications of alternative replacement arthroplasty techniques and problems associated with vascularised grafts and salvage techniques

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyze the complications and outcomes of treatment in a series of previously untreated patients with a primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) who had been treated by percutaneous sclerosant therapy using polidocanol.

Aims. Our aim was to describe the mid-term appearances of the repair process of the Achilles tendon after tenotomy in children with a clubfoot treated using the Ponseti method. Patients and Methods. A total of 15 children (ten boys, five girls) with idiopathic clubfoot were evaluated at a mean of 6.8 years (5.4 to 8.1) after complete percutaneous division of the Achilles tendon. The contour and subjective thickness of the tendon were recorded, and superficial defects and its strength were assessed clinically. The echogenicity, texture, thickness, peritendinous irregularities and potential for deformation of the tendon were evaluated by ultrasonography. Results. The appearance of the Achilles tendon was slightly abnormal, with more thickening and less conspicuous contours than a normal tendon. Its strength was grossly normal, with no insufficiency of the triceps surae. Ultrasonographic findings revealed a mild fusiform thickening in 12 children (80%). The tissue at the site of the repair had a slightly hypoechoic, fibrillar quality with hyperechoic striation and the anterior contour was irregular and blurred. There was a focal narrowing within the healing tissue in two children. Conclusion. This mid-term evaluation of the ability of the Achilles tendon to repair after division suggests a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. There were minor abnormalities which did not appear to affect function. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:139–44

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The purpose of this study was to report the long-term results of extendable endoprostheses of the humerus in children after the resection of a bone sarcoma.

Aims

To assess the effect of physical exercise (PE) on the histological and transcriptional characteristics of proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) in BALB/c mice.