Aims. The primary aim of the study was to compare the knee-specific functional outcome of robotic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (rUKA) with manual total knee arthroplasty (mTKA) for the management of isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis. Secondary aims were to compare length of hospital stay, general health improvement, and satisfaction between rUKA and mTKA. Methods. A powered (1:3 ratio) cohort study was performed. A total of 30 patients undergoing rUKA were propensity score matched to 90 patients undergoing mTKA for isolated medial compartment arthritis. Patients were matched for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and preoperative function. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) were collected preoperatively and six months postoperatively. The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and patient satisfaction were collected six months postoperatively. Length of hospital stay was also recorded. Results. There were no significant differences in the preoperative demographics (p ⩾ 0.150) or function (p ⩾ 0.230) between the groups. The six-month OKS was significantly greater in the rUKA group when compared with the mTKA group (difference 7.7, p < 0.001). There was also a greater six-month postoperative EQ-5D (difference 0.148, p = 0.002) and FJS (difference 24.2, p < 0.001) for the rUKA when compared to the mTKA. No patient was dissatisfied in the rUKA group and five (6%) were dissatisfied in the mTKA, but this was not significant (p = 0.210). Length of stay was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter in the rUKA group (median two days, interquartile range (IQR) 1 to 3) compared to the mTKA (median four days, IQR 3 to 5). Conclusion. Patients with isolated medial compartment arthritis had a greater knee-specific functional outcome and generic health with a shorter length of hospital stay after rUKA when compared to mTKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;9(1):15–22

Aims

The primary aim of the study was to perform an analysis to identify the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of robot-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (rUKA) relative to manual total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Secondary aims were to assess how case volume and length of hospital stay influenced the relative cost per QALY.

Aims

Day-case success rates after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA) may vary, and detailed data are needed on causes of not being discharged. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between surgical procedure type and successful day-case surgery, and to analyze causes of not being discharged on the day of surgery when eligible and scheduled for day-case THA, TKA, and mUKA.

Aims. Total femoral arthroplasty (TFA) is a rare procedure used in cases of significant femoral bone loss, commonly from cancer, infection, and trauma. Low patient numbers have resulted in limited published work on long-term outcomes, and even less regarding TFA undertaken for non-oncological indications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of all TFAs in our unit. Methods. Data were collected retrospectively from a large tertiary referral revision arthroplasty unit’s database. Inclusion criteria included all patients who underwent TFA in our unit. Preoperative demographics, operative factors, and short- and long-term outcomes were collected for analysis. Outcome was defined using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) outcome reporting tool. Results. Overall, 38 TFAs were identified. The mean age was 73 years (42 to 80). All patients underwent TFA for non-oncological indications, most commonly as a consequence of infection (53%) and periprosthetic fracture (26%). The mean follow-up time was ten years (0 to 26); 63% of TFAs were considered a success based upon the MSIS outcome reporting tool. The mean time between TFA and death was 8.5 years (0.2 to 19.2), with two patients dying within one year of surgery. Within the cohort, 66% suffered at least one complication, dislocation being most common (37%); 55% of the total cohort required at least one subsequent operation. In total, 70% of TFAs undertaken for infection were considered infection-free at time of final follow-up. The percentage of mobile patients improved from 52% to 65% between pre- and postoperation, with all patients being able to at least transfer from bed to chair at time of final review. Conclusion. This study is the largest in the UK assessing the use of TFA in patients with bone loss secondary to non-oncological conditions. It demonstrates that TFA has a significant complication profile, however it is favourable in terms of mortality and rehabilitation when compared to amputation and disarticulation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):888–894

Aims. Instability is a common cause of failure after total hip arthroplasty. A novel reverse total hip has been developed, with a femoral cup and acetabular ball, creating enhanced mechanical stability. The purpose of this study was to assess the implant fixation using radiostereometric analysis (RSA), and the clinical safety and efficacy of this novel design. Methods. Patients with end-stage osteoarthritis were enrolled in a prospective cohort at a single centre. The cohort consisted of 11 females and 11 males with mean age of 70.6 years (SD 3.5) and BMI of 31.0 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.7). Implant fixation was evaluated using RSA as well as Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 38-item Short Form survey, and EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire scores at two-year follow-up. At least one acetabular screw was used in all cases. RSA markers were inserted into the innominate bone and proximal femur with imaging at six weeks (baseline) and six, 12, and 24 months. Independent-samples t-tests were used to compare to published thresholds. Results. Mean acetabular subsidence from baseline to 24 months was 0.087 mm (SD 0.152), below the critical threshold of 0.2 mm (p = 0.005). Mean femoral subsidence from baseline to 24 months was -0.002 mm (SD 0.194), below the published reference of 0.5 mm (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in patient-reported outcome measures at 24 months with good to excellent results. Conclusion. RSA analysis demonstrates excellent fixation with a predicted low risk of revision at ten years of this novel reverse total hip system. Clinical outcomes were consistent with safe and effective hip replacement prostheses. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(5):385–392

Aims. For the increasing number of working-age patients undergoing total hip or total knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA), return to work (RTW) after surgery is crucial. We investigated the association between occupational class and time to RTW after THA or TKA. Methods. Data from the prospective multicentre Longitudinal Leiden Orthopaedics Outcomes of Osteoarthritis Study were used. Questionnaires were completed preoperatively and six and 12 months postoperatively. Time to RTW was defined as days from surgery until RTW (full or partial). Occupational class was preoperatively assessed and categorized into four categories according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations 2008 (blue-/white-collar, high-/low-skilled). Cox regression analyses were conducted separately for THA and TKA patients. Low-skilled blue-collar work was used as the reference category. Results. A total of 360 THA and 276 TKA patients, preoperatively employed, were included. Patients were mainly high-skilled (THA 57%; TKA 41%) or low-skilled (THA 24%; TKA 38%) white-collar workers. Six months post-THA, RTW rates were 78% of low-skilled blue-collar workers compared to 83% to 86% within other occupational classes, increasing after 12 months to 87% to 90% in all occupational classes. Six months post-TKA, RTW rates were 58% of low-skilled and 64% of high-skilled blue-collar workers compared to 80% to 89% of white-collar workers, and after 12 months 79% of low-skilled blue-collar workers compared to 87% to 92% within other occupational classes. High-skilled white-collar workers (THA: hazard ratio (HR) 2.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32 to 3.40); TKA: HR 2.31 (95% CI 1.34 to 4.00)) and low-skilled white-collar workers (TKA: HR 1.82 (95% CI 1.04 to 3.18)) had a higher hazard to RTW within six months postoperatively. Conclusion. Clear differences existed in time to RTW among both THA and TKA patients in each of the groups studied. These findings may help guide tailored patient-specific information during preoperative consultation and advice postoperatively, as well as to create awareness among workers and their employers. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):977–984

Aims. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the pooled incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (total joint replacement (TJR)) and to evaluate the risk factors and complications associated with POUR. Methods. Two authors conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus on TJR and urinary retention. Eligible studies that reported the rate of POUR and associated risk factors for patients undergoing TJR were included in the analysis. Patient demographic details, medical comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes and complications were separately analyzed. The effect estimates for continuous and categorical data were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, respectively. Results. A total of 31 studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, 29 studies entered our meta-analysis, which included 3,273 patients diagnosed with POUR and 11,583 patients without POUR following TJR. The pooled incidence of POUR was 28.06%. Demographic risk factors included male sex (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.59), increasing age (SMD 0.16, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.27), and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 to 4 (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.77). Patients with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.83) and retention (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.58 to 6.06) were more likely to develop POUR. Surgery-related risk factors included spinal anaesthesia (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.74) and postoperative epidural analgesia (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.65 to 4.82). Total hip arthroplasty was associated with higher odds of POUR compared to total knee arthroplasty (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20). Postoperatively, POUR was associated with a longer length of stay (SMD 0.21, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.39). Conclusion. Our meta-analysis demonstrated key risk variables for POUR following TJR, which may assist in identifying at-risk patients and direct patient-centered pathways to minimize this postoperative complication. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(7):601–611

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of instrumentation failure (IF) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES), and to analyze risk factors for IF. Methods. The medical records from 136 patients (65 male, 71 female) with a mean age of 52.7 years (14 to 80) who underwent TES were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 101 months (36 to 232). Analyzed factors included incidence of IF, age, sex, BMI, history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, tumour histology (primary or metastasis; benign or malignant), surgical approach (posterior or combined), tumour location (thoracic or lumbar; junctional or non-junctional), number of resected vertebrae (single or multilevel), anterior resection line (disc-to-disc or intravertebra), type of bone graft (autograft or frozen autograft), cage subsidence (CS), and local alignment (LA). A survival analysis of the instrumentation was performed, and relationships between IF and other factors were investigated using the Cox regression model. Results. A total of 44 patients (32.4%) developed IF at a median of 31 months (interquartile range 23 to 74) following TES. Most IFs were rod fractures preceded by a mean CS of 6.1 mm (2 to 18) and LA kyphotic enhancement of 10.8° (-1 to 36). IF-free survival rates were 75.8% at five years and 56.9% at ten years. The interval from TES to IF peaked at two to three years postoperatively and continued to occur over a period of time thereafter; the early IF-developing group had greater CS at one month postoperatively (CS1M) and more lumbar TES. CS1M ≥ 3 mm and sole use of frozen autografts were identified as independent risk factors for IF. Conclusion. IF is a common complication following TES. We have demonstrated that robust spinal reconstruction preventing CS, and high-quality bone grafting are necessary for successful reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):172–179

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of home-based prehabilitation on pre- and postoperative outcomes in participants awaiting total knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of prehabilitation interventions for TKA and THA. MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to October 2022. Evidence was assessed by the PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk-of-bias (ROB2) tool. Results. A total of 22 RCTs (1,601 patients) were identified with good overall quality and low risk of bias. Prehabilitation significantly improved pain prior to TKA (mean difference (MD) -1.02: p = 0.001), with non-significant improvements for function before (MD -0.48; p = 0.06) and after TKA (MD -0.69; p = 0.25). Small preoperative improvements were observed for pain (MD -0.02; p = 0.87) and function (MD -0.18; p = 0.16) prior to THA, but no post THA effect was found for pain (MD 0.19; p = 0.44) and function (MD 0.14; p = 0.68). A trend favouring usual care for improving quality of life (QoL) prior to TKA (MD 0.61; p = 0.34), but no effect on QoL prior (MD 0.03; p = 0.87) or post THA (MD -0.05; p = 0.83) was found. Prehabilitation significantly reduced hospital length of stay (LOS) for TKA (MD -0.43 days; p < 0.001) but not for THA (MD, -0.24; p = 0.12). Compliance was only reported in 11 studies and was excellent with a mean value of 90.5% (SD 6.82). Conclusion. Prehabilitation interventions improve pain and function prior to TKA and THA and reduce hospital LOS, though it is unclear if these effects enhance outcomes postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(5):315–328

Aims. While internet search engines have been the primary information source for patients’ questions, artificial intelligence large language models like ChatGPT are trending towards becoming the new primary source. The purpose of this study was to determine if ChatGPT can answer patient questions about total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) with consistent accuracy, comprehensiveness, and easy readability. Methods. We posed the 20 most Google-searched questions about THA and TKA, plus ten additional postoperative questions, to ChatGPT. Each question was asked twice to evaluate for consistency in quality. Following each response, we responded with, “Please explain so it is easier to understand,” to evaluate ChatGPT’s ability to reduce response reading grade level, measured as Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). Five resident physicians rated the 120 responses on 1 to 5 accuracy and comprehensiveness scales. Additionally, they answered a “yes” or “no” question regarding acceptability. Mean scores were calculated for each question, and responses were deemed acceptable if ≥ four raters answered “yes.”. Results. The mean accuracy and comprehensiveness scores were 4.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.19 to 4.33) and 3.79 (95% CI 3.69 to 3.89), respectively. Out of all the responses, 59.2% (71/120; 95% CI 50.0% to 67.7%) were acceptable. ChatGPT was consistent when asked the same question twice, giving no significant difference in accuracy (t = 0.821; p = 0.415), comprehensiveness (t = 1.387; p = 0.171), acceptability (χ. 2. = 1.832; p = 0.176), and FKGL (t = 0.264; p = 0.793). There was a significantly lower FKGL (t = 2.204; p = 0.029) for easier responses (11.14; 95% CI 10.57 to 11.71) than original responses (12.15; 95% CI 11.45 to 12.85). Conclusion. ChatGPT answered THA and TKA patient questions with accuracy comparable to previous reports of websites, with adequate comprehensiveness, but with limited acceptability as the sole information source. ChatGPT has potential for answering patient questions about THA and TKA, but needs improvement. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):139–146

Aims. The primary aim was to assess change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients as they waited from six to 12 months for a total hip (THA) or total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess change in joint-specific function, mental health, quality of sleep, number living in a state worse than death (WTD), wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with their healthcare. Methods. This prospective study included 142 patients awaiting a THA (mean age 66.7 years (SD 11.4); 71 female) and 214 patients awaiting KA (mean age 69.7 years (SD 8.7); 117 female). Patients completed questionnaires (EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS/OKS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale, wellbeing assessment, and satisfaction with their healthcare) at six and 12 months while awaiting surgery. Results. There was a clinical and statistically significant deterioration in the EQ-5D while awaiting THA (mean change 0.071 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.018 to 0.124); p = 0.009) and KA (mean change 0.069 (95% CI 0.032 to 0.106); p < 0.001). For patients awaiting a THA, there were deteriorations in OHS (p = 0.003), PSQI (p = 0.008), both HADS depression (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.002), and an increased prevalence in those in a state WTD (p = 0.010). For those awaiting KA, there were significant deteriorations in OKS (p < 0.001), UCLA (p = 0.001), and HADS depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). There were significant decreases in wellbeing (satisfaction with life, feeling life to be worthwhile, and happiness) and increases in anxiety for those awaiting THA or KA (p < 0.001). Those awaiting THA (odds ratio (OR) 0.52 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.89); p = 0.016) and KA (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71); p < 0.001) had a significant decrease in satisfaction with their healthcare. Conclusion. As patients waited from six to 12 months for THA or KA, they experienced a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL. There were also deteriorations in joint-specific function, mental health, wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with healthcare. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):166–173

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patients waiting six months or more for a total hip (THA) or knee (KA) arthroplasty had a deterioration in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary aims were to assess changes in frailty and the number of patients living in a state considered to be worse than death (WTD), and factors associated with changes in HRQoL and frailty. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 326 patients, 150 males (46.0%) and 176 females (54.0%), with a mean age of 68.6 years (SD 9.8) who were randomly selected from waiting lists at four centres and had been waiting for six months or more (median 13 months, interquartile range 10 to 21) for a primary THA (n = 161) or KA (n = 165). The EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scores (EQ-VAS), Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and 36-Item Short Form Survey subjective change in HRQoL were assessed at the time and recalled for six months earlier. A state that was WTD was defined as an EQ-5D of less than zero. Results. There were significant deteriorations in the EQ-5D (mean 0.175, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.145 to 0.204; p < 0.001), EQ-VAS (mean 8.6, 95% CI 7.0 to 10.4; < 0.001), and CFS (from 3 “managing well” to 4 “vulnerable”; p < 0.001), and a significant increase in the number of those in a state that was WTD (n = 48; p < 0.001) during the previous six months for the whole cohort. A total of 110 patients (33.7%) stated that their health was much worse and 107 (32.8%) felt it was somewhat worse compared with six months previously. A significantly greater EQ-5D (-0.14, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.28; p = 0.038) and a state that was not WTD (-0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.26; p = 0.031) were associated with a deterioration in the EQ-5D. THA (0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.34; p = 0.002) or a lower (better) CFS (0.14, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.20; p < 0.001) were independently significantly associated with a deterioration in the CFS. Conclusion. Patients waiting more than six months for THA or KA had a significant deterioration in their HRQoL and increased frailty, with two-thirds of patients feeling that their health had worsened. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1215–1224

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders prior to total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to assess their impact on the rates of any infection, revision, or reoperation. Methods. Between January 2000 and March 2019, 21,469 primary and revision arthroplasties (10,011 THAs; 11,458 TKAs), which were undertaken in 15,504 patients at a single academic medical centre, were identified from a 27-county linked electronic medical record (EMR) system. Depressive and anxiety disorders were identified by diagnoses in the EMR or by using a natural language processing program with subsequent validation from review of the medical records. Patients with mental health diagnoses other than anxiety or depression were excluded. Results. Depressive and/or anxiety disorders were common before THA and TKA, with a prevalence of 30% in those who underwent primary THA, 33% in those who underwent revision THA, 32% in those who underwent primary TKA, and 35% in those who underwent revision TKA. The presence of depressive or anxiety disorders was associated with a significantly increased risk of any infection (primary THA, hazard ratio (HR) 1.5; revision THA, HR 1.9; primary TKA, HR 1.6; revision TKA, HR 1.8), revision (THA, HR 1.7; TKA, HR 1.6), re-revision (THA, HR 2.0; TKA, HR 1.6), and reoperation (primary THA, HR 1.6; revision THA, HR 2.2; primary TKA, HR 1.4; revision TKA, HR 1.9; p < 0.03 for all). Patients with preoperative depressive and/or anxiety disorders were significantly less likely to report “much better” joint function after primary THA (78% vs 87%) and primary TKA (86% vs 90%) compared with those without these disorders at two years postoperatively (p < 0.001 for all). Conclusion. The presence of depressive or anxiety disorders prior to primary or revision THA and TKA is common, and associated with a significantly higher risk of infection, revision, reoperation, and dissatisfaction. This topic deserves further study, and surgeons may consider mental health optimization to be of similar importance to preoperative variables such as diabetic control, prior to arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):526–533

Aims. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between prior sleeve gastrectomy in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty, and 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. Methods. This is a retrospective, single-centre analysis. Patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty with a prior sleeve gastrectomy were eligible for inclusion (n = 80 patients). A morbidly obese control group was established from the same institutional registry using a 1:2 match, for cases:controls with arthroplasty based on propensity score using age, sex, pre-sleeve gastrectomy BMI, Current Procedural Terminology code to identify anatomical location, and presurgical haemoglobin A1C. Outcomes included 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations of underlying preoperative demographic and treatment characteristics with outcomes. Results. Complications within 90 days of surgery were increased in the sleeve gastrectomy group relative to the obese control group after controlling for underlying preoperative demographic characteristics (odds ratio (OR) 4.00 (95% CI 1.14 to 13.9); p = 0.030). Postoperative revisions were similar in the sleeve gastrectomy group relative to the obese control group after controlling for underlying preoperative demographic characteristics (OR 17.8 (95% CI 0.64 to 494.3); p = 0.090). Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression decreased by a greater amount from pre- to postoperative in the obese controls relative to the sleeve gastrectomy group (OR 4.04 (95% CI 0.06 to 8.02); p = 0.047). PROMIS pain interference and physical function change from pre- to postoperative was not associated with sleeve gastrectomy status. Conclusion. We found a higher rate of complications at 90 days in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy prior to primary hip or knee arthroplasty relative to a matched, obese control population. Prosthetic revision rates were similar between the two groups, while improvements in PROMIS depression scores were larger in the obese cohort. This study suggests that sleeve gastrectomy to achieve preoperative weight loss prior to arthroplasty surgery may not mitigate early complication risks in obese patient populations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):935–941

Aims. To evaluate the perioperative complications associated with total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) in patients with spinal tumours, based on the extent and level of tumour resection. Methods. In total, 307 patients who underwent TES in a single centre were reviewed retrospectively. There were 164 male and 143 female patients with a mean age at the time of surgery of 52.9 years (SD 13.3). A total of 225 patients were operated on for spinal metastases, 34 for a malignant primary tumour, 41 for an aggressive benign tumour, and seven with a primary of unknown origin. The main lesion was located in the thoracic spine in 213, and in the lumbar spine in 94 patients. There were 97 patients who underwent TES for more than two consecutive vertebrae. Results. Major and minor perioperative complications were observed in 122 (39.7%) and 84 (27.4%) patients respectively. The breakdown of complications was as follows: bleeding more than 2,000 ml in 60 (19.5%) patients, hardware failure in 82 (26.7%), neurological in 46 (15.0%), surgical site infection in 23 (7.5%), wound dehiscence in 16 (5.2%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 45 (14.7%), respiratory in 52 (16.9%), cardiovascular in 11 (3.6%), digestive in 19 (6.2%)/ The mortality within two months of surgery was four (1.3%). The total number of complications per operation were 1.01 (SD 1.0) in the single vertebral resection group and 1.56 (SD 1.2) in the group with more than two vertebral resections. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications, along with hardware failure were statistically higher in the group who had more than two vertebrae resected. Also, in this group the amount of bleeding in patients with a lumbar lesion or respiratory complication in patients with a thoracic lesion, were statistically higher. Multivariate analysis showed that using a combined anterior and posterior approach, when more than two vertebral resections were significant independent factors. Conclusion. The characteristics of perioperative complications after TES were different depending on the extent and level of the tumour resection. In addition to preoperative clinical and pathological factors, it is therefore important to consider these factors in patients who undergo en bloc resection for spinal tumours. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):976–983

Aims. Breast cancer survivors have known risk factors that might influence the results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated clinical outcomes of patients with breast cancer history after primary THA and TKA. Methods. Our total joint registry identified patients with breast cancer history undergoing primary THA (n = 423) and TKA (n = 540). Patients were matched 1:1 based upon age, sex, BMI, procedure (hip or knee), and surgical year to non-breast cancer controls. Mortality, implant survival, and complications were assessed via Kaplan-Meier methods. Clinical outcomes were evaluated via Harris Hip Scores (HHSs) or Knee Society Scores (KSSs). Mean follow-up was six years (2 to 15). Results. Breast cancer patient survival at five years was 92% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89% to 95%) after THA and 94% (95% CI 92% to 97%) after TKA. Breast and non-breast cancer patients had similar five-year implant survival free of any reoperation or revision after THA (p ≥ 0.412) and TKA (p ≥ 0.271). Breast cancer patients demonstrated significantly lower survival free of any complications after THA (91% vs 96%, respectively; hazard ratio = 2 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.4); p = 0.017). Specifically, the rate of intraoperative fracture was 2.4% vs 1.4%, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) was 1.4% and 0.5% for breast cancer and controls, respectively, after THA. No significant difference was noted in any complications after TKA (p ≥ 0.323). Both breast and non-breast cancer patients experienced similar improvements in HHSs (p = 0.514) and KSSs (p = 0.132). Conclusion. Breast cancer survivors did not have a significantly increased risk of mortality or reoperation after primary THA and TKA. However, there was a two-fold increased risk of complications after THA, including intraoperative fracture and VTE. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):365–371

Aims. To examine whether natural language processing (NLP) using a clinically based large language model (LLM) could be used to predict patient selection for total hip or total knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) from routinely available free-text radiology reports. Methods. Data pre-processing and analyses were conducted according to the Artificial intelligence to Revolutionize the patient Care pathway in Hip and knEe aRthroplastY (ARCHERY) project protocol. This included use of de-identified Scottish regional clinical data of patients referred for consideration of THA/TKA, held in a secure data environment designed for artificial intelligence (AI) inference. Only preoperative radiology reports were included. NLP algorithms were based on the freely available GatorTron model, a LLM trained on over 82 billion words of de-identified clinical text. Two inference tasks were performed: assessment after model-fine tuning (50 Epochs and three cycles of k-fold cross validation), and external validation. Results. For THA, there were 5,558 patient radiology reports included, of which 4,137 were used for model training and testing, and 1,421 for external validation. Following training, model performance demonstrated average (mean across three folds) accuracy, F1 score, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) values of 0.850 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.833 to 0.867), 0.813 (95% CI 0.785 to 0.841), and 0.847 (95% CI 0.822 to 0.872), respectively. For TKA, 7,457 patient radiology reports were included, with 3,478 used for model training and testing, and 3,152 for external validation. Performance metrics included accuracy, F1 score, and AUROC values of 0.757 (95% CI 0.702 to 0.811), 0.543 (95% CI 0.479 to 0.607), and 0.717 (95% CI 0.657 to 0.778) respectively. There was a notable deterioration in performance on external validation in both cohorts. Conclusion. The use of routinely available preoperative radiology reports provides promising potential to help screen suitable candidates for THA, but not for TKA. The external validation results demonstrate the importance of further model testing and training when confronted with new clinical cohorts. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):688–695

Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has higher revision rates than total knee arthroplasty (TKA). As revision of UKA may be less technically demanding than revision TKA, UKA patients with poor functional outcomes may be more likely to be offered revision than TKA patients with similar outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare clinical thresholds for revisions between TKA and UKA using revision incidence and patient-reported outcomes, in a large, matched cohort at early, mid-, and late-term follow-up.

Aims. Delirium is associated with adverse outcomes following hip fracture, but the prevalence and significance of delirium for the prognosis and ongoing rehabilitation needs of patients admitted from home is less well studied. Here, we analyzed relationships between delirium in patients admitted from home with 1) mortality; 2) total length of hospital stay; 3) need for post-acute inpatient rehabilitation; and 4) hospital readmission within 180 days. Methods. This observational study used routine clinical data in a consecutive sample of hip fracture patients aged ≥ 50 years admitted to a single large trauma centre during the COVID-19 pandemic between 1 March 2020 and 30 November 2021. Delirium was prospectively assessed as part of routine care by the 4 A’s Test (4AT), with most assessments performed in the emergency department. Associations were determined using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile, COVID-19 infection within 30 days, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. Results. A total of 1,821 patients were admitted, with 1,383 (mean age 79.5 years; 72.1% female) directly from home. Overall, 87 patients (4.8%) were excluded due to missing 4AT scores. Delirium prevalence in the whole cohort was 26.5% (460/1,734): 14.1% (189/1,340) in the subgroup of patients admitted from home, and 68.8% (271/394) in the remaining patients (comprising care home residents and inpatients when fracture occurred). In patients admitted from home, delirium was associated with a 20-day longer total length of stay (p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, delirium was associated with higher mortality at 180 days (odds ratio (OR) 1.69 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 2.54); p = 0.013), requirement for post-acute inpatient rehabilitation (OR 2.80 (95% CI 1.97 to 3.96); p < 0.001), and readmission to hospital within 180 days (OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.15); p = 0.041). Conclusion. Delirium affects one in seven patients with a hip fracture admitted directly from home, and is associated with adverse outcomes in these patients. Delirium assessment and effective management should be a mandatory part of standard hip fracture care. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(6):447–456

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. Methods. We undertook a longitudinal cohort study linking the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register with the National Patient Register, including patients with a neurological disease presenting with a femoral neck fracture and treated with HA, a conventional THA (cTHA) with femoral head size of ≤ 32 mm, or a dual-mobility component THA (DMC-THA) between 2005 and 2014. The dislocation rate at one- and three-year revision, reoperation, and mortality rates were recorded. Cox multivariate regression models were fitted to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). Results. A total of 9,638 patients with a neurological disease who also underwent unilateral arthroplasty for a femoral neck fracture were included in the study. The one-year dislocation rate was 3.7% after HA, 8.8% after cTHA < 32 mm), 5.9% after cTHA (= 32 mm), and 2.7% after DMC-THA. A higher risk of dislocation was associated with cTHA (< 32 mm) compared with HA (HR 1.90 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 2.86); p = 0.002). There was no difference in the risk of dislocation with DMC-THA (HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.26 to 1.84); p = 0.451) or cTHA (= 32 mm) (HR 1.54 (95% CI 0.94 to 2.51); p = 0.083). There were no differences in the rate of reoperation and revision-free survival between the different types of prosthesis and sizes of femoral head. Conclusion. Patients with a neurological disease who sustain a femoral neck fracture have similar rates of dislocation after undergoing HA or DMC-THA. Most patients with a neurological disease are not eligible for THA and should thus undergo HA, whereas those eligible for THA could benefit from a DMC-THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):134–141

Aims. In countries with social healthcare systems, such as Canada, patients may experience long wait times and a decline in their health status prior to their operation. The aim of this study is to explore the association between long preoperative wait times (WT) and acute hospital length of stay (LoS) for primary arthroplasty of the knee and hip. Methods. The study population was obtained from the provincial Patient Access Registry Nova Scotia (PARNS) and the Canadian national hospital Discharge Access Database (DAD). We included primary total knee and hip arthroplasties (TKA, THA) between 2011 and 2017. Patients waiting longer than the recommended 180 days Canadian national standard were compared to patients waiting equal or less than the standard WT. The primary outcome measure was acute LoS postoperatively. Secondarily, patient demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative parameters were correlated with LoS with multivariate regression. Results. A total of 11,833 TKAs and 6,627 THAs were included in the study. Mean WT for TKA was 348 days (1 to 3,605) with mean LoS of 3.6 days (1 to 98). Mean WT for THA was 267 days (1 to 2,015) with mean LoS of 4.0 days (1 to 143). There was a significant increase in mean LoS for TKA waiting longer than 180 days (2.5% (SE 1.1); p = 0.028). There was no significant association for THA. Age, sex, surgical year, admittance from home, rural residence, household income, hospital facility, the need for blood transfusion, and comorbidities were all found to influence LoS. Conclusion. Surgical WT longer than 180 days resulted in increased acute LoS for primary TKA. Meeting a shorter WT target may be cost-saving in a social healthcare system by having shorter LoS. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):679–684

Aims. The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis. Methods. From January 2011 to January 2019, a total of 141 Affinis Short prostheses were implanted in 127 patients by a single surgeon. Mean age at time of surgery was 68 (44 to 89). Minimum one year and maximum eight year follow-up (mean 3.7 years) was analyzed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the endpoint. Most recently performed radiographs were reviewed for component radiolucent lines (RLLs) and proximal humeral migration. Results. Five shoulders underwent revision surgery (3.5%); three for rotator cuff failure, one for infection, and one for component malposition. Survivorship of the implant was 95.4% (95% confidence interval 90.1% to 97.9%) at five and nine years. Mean OSS improved significantly compared to preoperative values from 19.0 (1 to 35) to 43.3 (7 to 48) (p < 0.001). Radiological analysis was undertaken for 99 shoulders. This revealed humeral RLLs in one case (1%), glenoid RLLs in 15 cases (15.2%), and radiological rotator cuff failure in 22 cases (22.2%). Conclusion. This prospective cohort study shows encouraging short- to mid-term survivorship and clinical and radiological results for the Mathys Affinis Short, Short Stem Total Shoulder Prosthesis. Level of Evidence: IV. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(1):58–65

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Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are common orthopaedic procedures requiring postoperative radiographs to confirm implant positioning and identify complications. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based image analysis has the potential to automate this postoperative surveillance. The aim of this study was to prepare a scoping review to investigate how AI is being used in the analysis of radiographs following THA and TKA, and how accurate these tools are.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of hip displacement and dislocation in a total population of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Scotland before and after the initiation of a hip surveillance programme. Patients. A total of 2,155 children with CP are registered in the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway Scotland (CPIPS) surveillance programme, which began in 2013. Physical examination and hip radiological data are collected according to nationally agreed protocols. Methods. Age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, subtype of CP, migration percentage (MP), and details of hip surgery were analyzed for all children aged between two and 16 years taken from a time of census in March 2019 and compared to the same data from the initial registration of children in the CPIPS. Displacement of the hip was defined as a MP of between 40% and 99%, and dislocation as a MP of 100%. Results. A total of 1,646 children were available for analysis at the time of the census and 1,171 at their first registration in CPIPS. The distribution of age, sex, and GMFCS levels were similar in the two groups. The prevalence of displacement and dislocation of the hip before surveillance began were 10% (117/1,171) and 2.5% (29/1,171) respectively, and at the time of the census were 4.5% (74/1,646) and 1.3% (21/1,646), respectively. Dislocation was only seen in GMFCS levels IV and V and displacement seen in 90.5% (67/74) of these levels and 9.5% (7/74) in levels I to III. In total, 138 children had undergone hip surgery during the study period. The hip redisplaced after the initial surgery in 15 children; seven of these had undergone a second procedure and at the time of the census the hips in all seven had a MP < 40. Conclusion. Hip surveillance appears to be effective and has reduced the prevalence of hip displacement by over half and dislocation almost by half in these children. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):383–387

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Surgical approaches to cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remain controversial. The purpose of the present study was to analyze and compare the long-term neurological recovery following anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PLF) based on > ten-year follow-up outcomes in a single centre.

Aims. Due to the opioid epidemic in the USA, our service progressively decreased the number of opioid tablets prescribed at discharge after primary hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. The goal of this study was to analyze the effect on total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed and post-discharge opioid repeat prescriptions. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 19,428 patients undergoing a primary THA or TKA between 1 February 2016 and 31 December 2019. Two reductions in the number of opioid tablets prescribed at discharge were implemented over this time; as such, we analyzed three periods (P1, P2, and P3) with different routine discharge MME (750, 520, and 320 MMEs, respectively). We investigated 90-day refill rates, refill MMEs, and whether discharge MMEs were associated with represcribing in a multivariate model. Results. A discharge prescription of < 400 MMEs was not a risk factor for opioid represcribing in the entire population (p = 0.772) or in opioid-naïve patients alone (p = 0.272). Procedure type was the most significant risk factor for narcotic represcribing, with unilateral TKA (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.62), bilateral TKA (HR = 6.32), and bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) (HR = 5.29) (all p < 0.001) being the highest risk for refills. For these three procedures, there was approximately a 5% to 6% increase in refills from P1 to P3 (p < 0.001); however, there was no significant increase in refill rates after any hip arthroplasty procedures. Total MMEs prescribed were significantly reduced from P1 to P3 (p < 0.001), leading to the equivalent of nearly 500,000 fewer oxycodone 5 mg tablets prescribed. Conclusion. Decreasing opioids prescribed at discharge led to a statistically significant reduction in total MMEs prescribed. While the represcribing rate did not increase for any hip arthroplasty procedure, the overall refill rates increased by about 5% for most knee arthroplasty procedures. As such, we are now probably prescribing an appropriate amount of opioids at discharge for knee arthroplasty procedure, but further reductions may be possible for hip arthroplasty procedures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):103–110

Aims. Surgical costs are a major component of healthcare expenditures in the USA. Intraoperative communication is a key factor contributing to patient outcomes. However, the effectiveness of communication is only partially determined by the surgeon, and understanding how non-surgeon personnel affect intraoperative communication is critical for the development of safe and cost-effective staffing guidelines. Operative efficiency is also dependent on high-functioning teams and can offer a proxy for effective communication in highly standardized procedures like primary total hip and knee arthroplasty. We aimed to evaluate how the composition and dynamics of surgical teams impact operative efficiency during arthroplasty. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of staff characteristics and operating times for 112 surgeries (70 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and 42 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs)) conducted by a single surgeon over a one-year period. Each surgery was evaluated in terms of operative duration, presence of surgeon-preferred staff, and turnover of trainees, nurses, and other non-surgical personnel, controlling cases for body mass index, presence of osteoarthritis, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Results. Turnover among specific types of operating room staff, including the anaesthesiologist (p = 0.011), circulating nurse (p = 0.027), and scrub nurse (p = 0.006), was significantly associated with increased operative duration. Furthermore, the presence of medical students and nursing students were associated with improved intraoperative efficiency in TKA (p = 0.048) and THA (p = 0.015), respectively. The presence of surgical fellows (p > 0.05), vendor representatives (p > 0.05), and physician assistants (p > 0.05) had no effect on intraoperative efficiency. Finally, the presence of the surgeon’s 'preferred' staff did not significantly shorten operative duration, except in the case of residents (p = 0.043). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that active management of surgical team turnover and composition may provide a means of improving intraoperative efficiency during THA and TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):347–352

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This study aims to evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome in the setting of obesity on in-hospital outcomes and resource use after total joint replacement (TJR).

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Patient dissatisfaction is not uncommon following primary total knee arthroplasty. One proposed method to alleviate this is by improving knee kinematics. Therefore, we aimed to answer the following research question: are there significant differences in knee kinematics based on the design of the tibial insert (cruciate-retaining (CR), ultra-congruent (UC), or medial congruent (MC))?

Aims

The primary aim was to assess whether preoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was associated with postoperative mortality following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess whether patient demographics/comorbidities and/or joint-specific function were associated with postoperative mortality.

Aims. Elective orthopaedic services have had to adapt to significant system-wide pressures since the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019. Length of stay is often recognized as a key marker of quality of care in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Expeditious discharge is key in establishing early rehabilitation and in reducing infection risk, both procedure-related and from COVID-19. The primary aim was to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic length of stay following hip and knee arthroplasty at a high-volume, elective orthopaedic centre. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients undergoing primary or revision hip or knee arthroplasty over a six-month period, from 1 July to 31 December 2020, were compared to the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, wait to surgery, COVID-19 status, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results. A total of 1,311 patients underwent hip or knee arthroplasty in the six-month period following recommencement of elective services in 2020 compared to 1,527 patients the year before. Waiting time to surgery increased in post-COVID-19 group (137 days vs 78; p < 0.001). Length of stay also significantly increased (0.49 days; p < 0.001) despite no difference in age or ASA grade. There were no cases of postoperative COVID-19 infection. Conclusion. Time to surgery and length of hospital stay were significantly higher following recommencement of elective orthopaedic services in the latter part of 2020 in comparison to a similar patient cohort from the year before. Longer waiting times may have contributed to the clinical and radiological deterioration of arthritis and general musculoskeletal conditioning, which may in turn have affected immediate postoperative rehabilitation and mobilization, as well as increasing hospital stay. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):655–660

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The aims were to assess whether preoperative joint-specific function (JSF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were associated with level of clinical frailty in patients waiting for a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or knee arthroplasty (KA).

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Unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty (UKA and TKA) are successful treatments for osteoarthritis, but the solid metal implants disrupt the natural distribution of stress and strain which can lead to bone loss over time. This generates problems if the implant needs to be revised. This study investigates whether titanium lattice UKA and TKA implants can maintain natural load transfer in the proximal tibia.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of combined total joint arthroplasty (TJA) (total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed during the same admission) versus bilateral THA, bilateral TKA, single THA, and single TKA. Combined TJAs performed on the same day were compared with those staged within the same admission episode. Patients and Methods. Data from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample recorded between 2005 and 2014 were used for this retrospective cohort study. Postoperative in-hospital complications, total costs, and discharge destination were reviewed. Logistic and linear regression were used to perform the statistical analyses. p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. Combined TJA was associated with increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, prosthetic joint infection, irrigation and debridement procedures, revision arthroplasty, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital costs compared with bilateral THA, bilateral TKA, single THA, and single TKA. Combined TJA performed on separate days of the same admission showed no statistically significant differences when compared with same-day combined TJA, but trended towards decreased total costs and total complications despite increased LOS. Conclusion. Combined TJA is associated with increased in-hospital complications, LOS, and costs. We do not recommend performing combined TJA during the same hospital stay. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:573–581

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine whether tourniquet use can improve perioperative blood loss, early function recovery, and pain after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of multiple-dose intravenous tranexamic acid. Methods. This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial including 180 patients undergoing TKA with multiple doses of intravenous tranexamic acid. One group was treated with a tourniquet during the entire procedure, the second group received a tourniquet during cementing, and the third group did not receive a tourniquet. All patients received the same protocol of intravenous tranexamic acid (20 mg/kg) before skin incision, and three and six hours later (10 mg/kg). The primary outcome measure was perioperative blood loss. Secondary outcome measures were creatine kinase (CK), CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, limb swelling ratio, quadriceps strength, straight leg raising, range of motion (ROM), American Knee Society Score (KSS), and adverse events. Results. The mean total blood loss was lowest in the no-tourniquet group at 867.32 ml (SD 201.11), increased in the limited-tourniquet group at 1024.35 ml (SD 176.35), and was highest in the tourniquet group at 1,213.00 ml (SD 211.48). The hidden blood loss was lowest in the no-tourniquet group (both p < 0.001). There was less mean intraoperative blood loss in the tourniquet group (77.48 ml (SD 24.82)) than in the limited-tourniquet group (137.04 ml (SD 26.96)) and the no-tourniquet group (212.99 ml (SD 56.35); both p < 0.001). Patients in the tourniquet group showed significantly higher levels of muscle damage and inflammation biomarkers such as CK, CRP, and IL-6 than the other two groups (p < 0.05). Outcomes for VAS pain scores, limb swelling ratio, quadriceps strength, straight leg raising, ROM, and KSS were significantly better in the no-tourniquet group at three weeks postoperatively (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences at three months. No significant differences were observed among the three groups with respect to transfusion rate, thrombotic events, or the length of hospital stay. Conclusion. Patients who underwent TKA with multiple doses of intravenous tranexamic acid but without a tourniquet presented lower total blood loss and hidden blood loss, and they showed less postoperative inflammation reaction, less muscle damage, lower VAS pain score, and better early knee function. Our results argue for not using a tourniquet during TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(6):322–332

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the healthcare costs and benefits of enoxaparin compared to aspirin in the prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using data from the CRISTAL trial.

Aims. Fungal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare and account for about 1% of total PJIs. Our aim was to present clinical and microbiological results in treating these patients with a two-stage approach and antifungal spacers. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database and identified 26 patients with positive fungal cultures and positive Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for PJI who were treated between 2009 and 2017. We identified 18 patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and eight patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The surgical and antifungal treatment, clinical and demographic patient data, complications, relapses, and survival were recorded and analyzed. Results. The median follow-up was 33 months. The success rate was 38.5% (10/26). Fluconazole resistance was found in 15%. Bacterial co-infection was common in 44% of patients for THA and 66% of patients with TKA. Mortality, reoperations, and treatment failure were common complications. Conclusion. Treatment with a two-stage exchange is a possible option for treatment, although fungal infections have a high failure rate. Therapeutic factors for treatment success remain unclear. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:589–595

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe, analyze, and compare the survival, functional outcome, and complications of minimally invasive (MI) and non-invasive (NI) lengthening total femoral prostheses. Patients and Methods. A total of 24 lengthening total femoral prostheses, 11 MI and 13 NI, were implanted between 1991 and 2016. The characteristics, complications, and functional results were recorded. There were ten female patients and ten male patients. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 11 years (2 to 41). The mean follow-up was 13.2 years (seven months to 29.25 years). A survival analysis was performed, and the failures were classified according to the Modified Henderson System. Results. The overall implant survival was 79% at five, ten, and 20 years for MI prostheses, and 84% at five years and 70% at ten years for NI prostheses. At the final follow-up, 13 prostheses did not require further surgery. The overall complication rate was 46%. The mean revision-free implant survival for MI and NI prostheses was 59 months and 49 months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall implant survival, revision-free survival, or the distribution of complications between the two types of prosthesis. Infection rates were also comparable in the groups (9% vs 7%; p = 0.902). The rate of leg-length discrepancy was 54% in MI prostheses and 23% in NI prostheses. In those with a MI prosthesis, there was a smaller mean range of movement of the knee (0° to 62° vs 0° to 83°; p = 0.047), the flexion contracture took a longer mean time to resolve after lengthening (3.3 months vs 1.07 months; p < 0.001) and there was a lower mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score (24.7 vs 27; p = 0.295). Conclusion. The survival and complications of MI and NI lengthening total femoral prostheses are comparable. However, patients with NI prosthesis have more accurate correction of leg-length discrepancy, a better range of movement of the knee and an improved overall function

Aims. Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all TKAs. Although the complexity of these procedures is well recognized, few investigators have evaluated the cost and value-added with the implementation of a dedicated revision arthroplasty service. The aim of the present study is to compare and contrast surgeon productivity in several differing models of activity. Materials and Methods. All patients that underwent primary or revision TKA from January 2016 to June 2018 were included as the primary source of data. All rTKA patients were categorized by the number of components revised (e.g. liner exchange, two or more components). Three models were used to assess the potential surgical productivity of a dedicated rTKA service : 1) work relative value unit (RVU) versus mean surgical time; 2) primary TKA with a single operating theatre (OT) versus rTKA with a single OT; and 3) primary TKA with two OTs versus rTKA with a single OT. Results. In total, 4570 procedures were performed: 4128 primary TKAs, 51 TKA liner exchanges, and 391 full rTKAs. Surgical time was significantly different between the primary TKA, liner exchange, and rTKA cohorts (100.6, 97.1, and 141.7 minutes, respectively; p < 0.001). Primary TKA yielded a mean of 7.1% more RVU/min per procedure than rTKA. Our one-OT model demonstrated that primary TKA (n = 4) had a 1.9% RVU/day advantage over rTKA (n = 3). If two OTs are used for primary TKA (n = 6), the outcome strongly favours primary TKA by an added 34.6% RVUs/day. Conclusion. Our results suggest that a dedicated rTKA service would lead to lower surgeon remuneration based on the current RVU paradigm. Revision arthroplasty specialists may need additional or alternative incentives to promote the development of a dedicated revision service. Through such an approach, healthcare organizations could enhance the quality of care provided, but surgeon productivity measures would need to be adjusted to reflect the burden of these cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:675–681

Aims. Removal of infected components and culture-directed antibiotics are important for the successful treatment of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, as many as 27% of chronic PJI patients yield negative culture results. Although culture negativity has been thought of as a contraindication to one-stage revision, data supporting this assertion are limited. The aim of our study was to report on the clinical outcomes for one-stage and two-stage exchange arthroplasty performed in patients with chronic culture-negative PJI. Methods. A total of 105 consecutive patients who underwent revision arthroplasty for chronic culture-negative PJI were retrospectively evaluated. One-stage revision arthroplasty was performed in 30 patients, while 75 patients underwent two-stage exchange, with a minimum of one year's follow-up. Reinfection, re-revision for septic and aseptic reasons, amputation, readmission, mortality, and length of stay were compared between the two treatment strategies. Results. The patient demographic characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. At a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, the treatment failure for reinfection for one-stage and two-stage revision was five (16.7%) and 15 patients (20.0%) (p = 0.691), and for septic re-revision was four (13.3%) and 11 patients (14.7%) (p = 0.863), respectively. No significant differences were observed between one-stage and two-stage revision for 30- 60- and 90-day readmissions (10.0% vs 8.0%; p = 0.714; 16.7% vs 9.3%; p = 0.325; and 26.7% vs 10.7%; p = 0.074), one-year mortality (3.3% vs 4.0%; p > 0.999), and amputation (3.3% vs 1.3%; p = 0.496). Conclusion. In this non-randomized study, one-stage revision arthroplasty demonstrated similar outcomes including reinfection, re-revision, and readmission rates for the treatment of chronic culture-negative PJI after TKA and THA compared to two-stage revision. This suggests culture negativity may not be a contraindication to one-stage revision arthroplasty for chronic culture-negative PJI in selected patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):515–521

Aims. Controversy about the use of an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) in young arthritic patients relates to which is the ideal form of fixation for the glenoid component: cemented or cementless. This study aimed to evaluate implant survival of aTSA when used in patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), and to compare the survival of cemented all-polyethylene and cementless metal-backed glenoid components. Materials and Methods. A total of 69 consecutive aTSAs were performed in 67 patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral OA. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 54 years (35 to 60). Of these aTSAs, 46 were undertaken using a cemented polyethylene component and 23 were undertaken using a cementless metal-backed component. The age, gender, preoperative function, mobility, premorbid glenoid erosion, and length of follow-up were comparable in the two groups. The patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically at a mean of 10.3 years (5 to 12, . sd. 26) postoperatively. Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis was performed with revision as the endpoint. Results. A total of 26 shoulders (38%) underwent revision surgery: ten (22%) in the polyethylene group and 16 (70%) in the metal-backed group (p < 0.0001). At 12 years’ follow-up, the rate of implant survival was 74% (. sd.  0.09) for polyethylene components and 24% (. sd.  0.10) for metal-backed components (p < 0.0002). Glenoid loosening or failure was the indication for revision in the polyethylene group, whereas polyethylene wear with metal-on-metal contact, instability, and insufficiency of the rotator cuff were the indications for revision in the metal-backed group. Preoperative posterior subluxation of the humeral head with a biconcave/retroverted glenoid (Walch B2) had an adverse effect on the survival of a metal-backed component. Conclusion. The survival of a cemented polyethylene glenoid component is three times higher than that of a cementless metal-backed glenoid component ten years after aTSA in patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral OA. Patients with a biconcave (B2) glenoid have the highest risk of failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:485–92

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A limited number of investigations with conflicting results have described perivascular lymphocytic infiltration (PVLI) in the setting of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine if PVLI found in TKAs at the time of aseptic revision surgery was associated with worse clinical outcomes and survivorship.

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prosthesis characteristics and associated conditions that may modify the survival of total femoral endoprosthetic replacements (TFEPR). Patients and Methods. In all, 81 patients treated with TFEPR from 1976 to 2017 were retrospectively evaluated and failures were categorized according to the Henderson classification. There were 38 female patients (47%) and 43 male patients (53%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 43 years (12 to 86). The mean follow-up time was 10.3 years (0 to 31.7). A survival analysis was performed followed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression to identify independent implant survival factors. Results. The revision-free survival of the implant was 71% at five years and 63.3% at ten years. Three prostheses reached 15 years without revision. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score in the group was 26 (23 to 28). The mechanisms of failure were infection in 18%, structural failures in 6%, tumour progression in 5%, aseptic loosening in 2%, and soft-tissue failures in 1%. Prostheses used for primary reconstruction after oncological resections had lower infection rates than revision implants (8% vs 25%; p = 0.001). The rates of infection in silver-coated and non-silver-coated prosthesis were similar (17.4% vs 19.%; p = 0.869). The incidence of hip dislocation was 10%. Rotating hinge prosthesis had a lower failure rate than fixed hinge prosthesis (5.3% vs 11%). After Cox regression, the independent factors associated with failures were the history of previous operations (hazard ratio (HR) 3.7; p = 0.041), and the associated arthroplasty of the proximal tibia (HR 3.8; p = 0.034). At last follow-up, 11 patients (13%) required amputation. Conclusion. TFEPR offers a reliable reconstruction option for massive bone loss of the femur, with a good survival when the prosthesis is used as a primary implant. The use of a rotating hinge at the knee and dual mobility bearing at the hip may be adequate to reduce the risk of mechanical and soft-tissue failures. Infection remains the main concern and there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of silver-coated endoprosthesis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:522–528

Aims. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of intravenous tranexamic acid on the reduction of blood loss, transfusion rate, and early post-operative clinical outcome in total shoulder arthroplasty. Patients and Methods. A randomised, placebo-controlled trial which included 54 patients undergoing unilateral primary stemless anatomical or stemmed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was undertaken. Patients received either 100 ml saline (placebo, n = 27), or 100 ml saline together with 1000 mg of tranexamic acid (TXA, n = 27) intravenously prior to skin incision and during wound closure. Peri-operative blood loss via an intra-articular drain was recorded and total blood loss was calculated. The post-operative transfusion rate was documented. Assessment of early clinical parameters included the visual analogue scale for pain (VAS), documentation of haematoma formation and adverse events. Results. Mean peri-operative blood drainage (placebo: 170 ml versus TXA: 50 ml, p = 0.001) and calculated mean total blood loss (placebo: 1248.2 ml versus TXA: 871.0 ml, p = 0.009) were significantly lower in the TXA group. No transfusions were necessary during the study period in either group. Mean VAS for pain significantly decreased from pre-operative (VAS 7) to the early post-operative period (VAS 1.7, p < 0.001). Significant differences regarding mean post-operative pain between placebo (VAS 2.0) and TXA (VAS 1.3) were detected (p = 0.05). The occurrence of haematomas was significantly more frequent in the placebo (59.3%, n = 16) than in the TXA group (25.9%, n = 6, p = 0.027). Whereas only mild haematomas developed in the TXA group, in the placebo group a total of 22.2% (n = 6) developed either moderate or severe haematomas. No adverse events associated with administration of TXA occurred. Conclusion. Intravenous administration of TXA successfully reduced mean peri-operative blood drainage, total estimated blood loss, pain during the first post-operative days, and haematoma formation in total shoulder arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1073–9

Aims

To determine the trajectories of patient reported pain and functional disability over five years following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of perioperative complications following aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients aged ≥ 80 years with that in those aged < 80 years, and to identify risk factors for the incidence of serious adverse events in those aged ≥ 80 years using a large validated national database. Patients and Methods. Patients who underwent aseptic revision THA were identified in the 2005 to 2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database and stratified into two age groups: those aged < 80 years and those aged ≥ 80 years. Preoperative and procedural characteristics were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was used to compare the risk of postoperative complications and readmission. Risk factors for the development of a serious adverse event in those aged ≥ 80 years were characterized. Results. The study included 7569 patients aged < 80 years and 1419 were aged ≥ 80 years. Multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of perioperative mortality, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and the requirement for a blood transfusion and an extended length of stay in those aged ≥ 80 years compared with those aged < 80 years. Independent risk factors for the development of a serious adverse event in those aged ≥ 80 years include an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of ≥ 3 and procedures performed under general anaesthesia. Conclusion. Even after controlling for patient and procedural characteristics, aseptic revision THA is associated with greater risks in patients aged ≥ 80 years compared with younger patients. This is important for counselling and highlights the need for medical optimization in these vulnerable patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:143–51

Aims. The aim of this study was to present a series of patients with aseptic failure of a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) who were treated with fusion of the hindfoot using a nail. Patients and Methods. A total of 23 TAAs, in 22 patients, were revised for aseptic loosening and balloon osteolysis to a hindfoot fusion by a single surgeon (NH) between January 2012 and August 2014. The procedure was carried out without bone graft using the Phoenix, Biomet Hindfoot Arthrodesis Nail. Preoperative investigations included full blood count, CRP and ESR, and radiological investigations including plain radiographs and CT scans. Postoperative plain radiographs were assessed for fusion. When there was any doubt, CT scans were performed. Results. The mean follow-up was 13.9 months (4.3 to 37.2). Union occurred at the tibiotalar joint in 22 ankles (95.6%) with one partial union. Union occurred at the subtalar joint in 20 ankles (87%) of cases with two nonunions. The nail broke in one patient with a subtalar nonunion and revision was undertaken. The only other noted complication was one patient who suffered a stress fracture at the proximal aspect of the nail, which was satisfactorily treated conservatively. Conclusion. This study represents the largest group of patients reported to have undergone revision TAA to fusion of the hindfoot with good results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:475–9

Aims. The purpose of this study was to assess early physical function after total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA), and the correlation between patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance and actual physical activity (measured by actigraphy). Patients and Methods. A total of 80 patients aged 55 to 80 years undergoing THA or TKA for osteoarthritis were included in this prospective cohort study. The main outcome measure was change in patient reported hip or knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS/KOOS) from pre-operatively until post-operative day 13 (THA) or 20 (TKA). Secondary measures were correlations to objectively assessed change in physical performance (paced-walk, chair-stand, stair-climb tests) at day 14 (THA) or 21 (TKA) and actual physical activity (actigraphy) measured at day 12 and 13 (THA) or 19 and 20 (TKA). . Results. Patients reported improved physical function (HOOS or KOOS) pre-operatively until day 13 (THA) or 20 (TKA) with a mean difference of 7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1 to 13, p = 0.033) and 6 (95% CI 1 to 12, p = 0.033) percentage points, respectively. By contrast, objectively assessed physical function and activity declined, with no correlations between subjective and objective assessments for either THA or TKA patients (r. 2. ≤ 0.16, p ≥ 0.314). . Conclusions. Early improvement in patient-reported physical function after THA/TKA does not correlate with objectively assessed function, and patient reported outcomes should not be used as the only measure of recovery. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1167–75

We continued a prospective longitudinal follow-up study of 53 remaining patients who underwent open total meniscectomy as adolescents and who at that time had no other intra-articular pathology of the knee. Their clinical, radiological and patient-reported outcomes are described at a mean follow-up of 40 years (33 to 50). The cohort of patients who had undergone radiological evaluation previously after 30 years were invited for clinical examination, radiological evaluation and review using two patient-reported outcome measures. . A total of seven patients (13.2%) had already undergone total knee replacement at the time of follow-up. A significant difference was observed between the operated and non-operated knee in terms of range of movement and osteoarthritis of the tibiofemoral joint, indicating a greater than fourfold relative risk of osteoarthritis at 40 years post-operatively. All patients were symptomatic as defined by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. This study represents the longest follow-up to date and it can be concluded that meniscectomy leads to symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee later in life, with a resultant 132-fold increase in the rate of total knee replacement in comparison to their geographical and age-matched peers

Aims. A failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is often associated with much bone loss. As an alternative to arthrodesis, the surgeon may consider a custom-made talar component to compensate for the bone loss. Our aim in this study was to assess the functional and radiological outcome after the use of such a component at mid- to long-term follow-up. Patients and Methods. A total of 12 patients (five women and seven men, mean age 53 years; 36 to77) with a failed TAA and a large talar defect underwent a revision procedure using a custom-made talar component. The design of the custom-made components was based on CT scans and standard radiographs, when compared with the contralateral ankle. After the anterior talocalcaneal joint was fused, the talar component was introduced and fixed to the body of the calcaneum. Results. At a mean follow-up of 6.9 years (1 to 13), 11 ankles were stable with no radiological evidence of loosening. Only one was lost to follow-up. The mean arc of movement was 21. °. (10. °. to 35. °. ). A total of nine patients (75%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome, two (17%) were satisfied but with reservations and one (8%) was not satisfied. All but one patient had an improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score (p = 0.01). Just one patient developed deep infection, leading to arthrodesis. Conclusion. A custom-made talar component yielded satisfactory results with regard to function, stability and satisfaction. This should encourage the use of such components as an alternative to arthrodesis of the ankle in patients with a failed TAA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:231–6

Aims. Many case reports and small studies have suggested that cobalt ions are a potential cause of cardiac complications, specifically cardiomyopathy, after metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). The impact of metal ions on the incidence of cardiac disease after MoM THA has not been evaluated in large studies. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of onset of new cardiac symptoms in patients who have undergone MoM THA with those who have undergone metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA. Patients and Methods. Data were extracted from the Standard Analytics Files database for patients who underwent MoM THA between 2005 and 2012. Bearing surface was selected using International Classification of Diseases ninth revision codes. Patients with a minimum five-year follow-up were selected. An age and gender-matched cohort of patients who underwent MoP THA served as a comparison group. New diagnoses of cardiac disease were collected during the follow-up period. Comorbidities and demographics were identified and routine descriptive statistics were used. Results. We identified 29 483 patients who underwent MoM THA and 24 175 matched patients who underwent MoP THA. Both groups had a mean Charlson comorbidity index score of 4. There were no statistically significant differences in 30 of 31 pre-existing comorbidities. Patients undergoing MoM THA had a slightly lower incidence of cardiac failure compared with those undergoing MoP THA at three years (6.60% versus 7.06%, odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 0.99) and four years (8.73% versus 9.49%, OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97) postoperatively, with no difference in the incidence of new cardiac failure in between the groups at five years. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy at any time between the two groups. Conclusion. MoM THA is not associated with cardiac complications. Initial reports may have represented individual instances of cardiac disease in patients with a failing MoM articulation rather than an emerging epidemiological trend. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:28–32

Aims

The optimal procedure for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE) with posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PTLF) for the surgical management of patients with this condition.

Aims

The primary aim was to assess the patient-perceived effect of restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 on rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims were to assess perceived restrictions, influence on mental health, and functional outcome compared to patients undergoing surgery without restriction.

Aims. The optimal method of tibial component fixation remains uncertain in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Hydroxyapatite coatings have been applied to improve bone ingrowth in uncemented designs, but may only coat the directly accessible surface. As peri-apatite (PA) is solution deposited, this may increase the coverage of the implant surface and thereby fixation. We assessed the tibial component fixation of uncemented PA-coated TKAs versus cemented TKAs. Patients and Methods. Patients were randomised to PA-coated or cemented TKAs. In 60 patients (30 in each group), radiostereometric analysis of tibial component migration was evaluated as the primary outcome at baseline, three months post-operatively and at one, two and five years. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyse the repeated measurements. Results. After five years of follow-up, one (cemented) component was revised due to ligament instability. Overall, uncemented PA-coated tibial components migrated significantly more (p = 0.003), with the mean maximum total point motion (MTPM) at five years being 0.62 mm (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.49 to 0.76) for cemented tibial components and 0.97 mm (95% CI 0.81 to 1.15) for PA-coated tibial components in TKA. However, between three months and five years the cemented TKAs migrated significantly more (p = 0.02), displaying a MTPM of 0.27 mm (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.36) versus 0.13 mm (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.25) for PA-coated tibial components. One implant in each group was considered at risk for aseptic loosening due to continuous migration after five years of follow-up, albeit with different migration patterns for each group (i.e. higher initial migration but diminishing over time for the PA-coated component versus gradually increasing migration for the cemented component). Conclusion. The tibial components of PA-coated TKAs showed more overall migration compared with the tibial components of cemented TKAs. However, post hoc analysis showed that this difference was caused by higher migration of PA-coated components in the first three months, after which a stable migration pattern was observed. Clinically, there was no significant difference in outcome between the groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1467–76

Aims. Our aim in this study was to describe a continuing review of 11 total hip arthroplasties using 22.225 mm Alumina ceramic femoral heads on a Charnley flanged femoral component, articulating against a silane crosslinked polyethylene. Patients and Methods. Nine patients (11 THAs) were reviewed at a mean of 27.5 years (26 to 28) post-operatively. Outcome was assessed using the d’Aubigne and Postel, and Charnley scores and penetration was recorded on radiographs. In addition, the oxidation of a 29-year-old shelf-aged acetabular component was analysed. Results. The mean clinical outcome scores remained excellent at final follow-up. The mean total penetration remained 0.41 mm (0.40 to 0.41). There was no radiographic evidence of acetabular or femoral loosening or osteolysis. There was negligible oxidation in the shelf-aged sample despite gamma irradiation and storage in air. Conclusion. These results highlight the long-term stability and durability of this type of crosslinked, antioxidant containing polyethylene when used in combination with a small diameter alumina ceramic femoral head. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1286–9

Aims. There is uncertainty regarding the optimal means of thromboprophylaxis following total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). This systematic review presents the evidence for acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as a thromboprophylactic agent in THA and TKA and compares it with other chemoprophylactic agents. Materials and Methods. A search of literature published between 2004 and 2014 was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 13 studies were eligible for inclusion. Results. Evidence from one good quality randomised controlled trial (RCT) showed no difference in rates of venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) in patients given aspirin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) following TKA. There was insufficient evidence from trials with moderate to severe risk of bias being present to suggest aspirin is more or less effective than LMWH, warfarin or dabigatran for the prevention of VTE in TKA or THA. Compared with aspirin, rates of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in TKA may be reduced with rivaroxaban but insufficient evidence exists to demonstrate an effect on incidence of symptomatic DVT. Compared with aspirin there is evidence of more wound complications following THA and TKA with dabigatran and in TKA with rivaroxaban. Some studies highlighted concerns over bleeding complications and efficacy of aspirin. Conclusion. The results suggest aspirin may be considered a suitable alternative to other thromboprophylactic agents following THA and TKA. Further investigation is required to fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of aspirin. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1056–61

Our objective was to examine the rate of revision and its predictive factors in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). We used prospectively collected data from the Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry to examine five-, ten- and 20-year revision-free survival following TSA and the predictive factors. We examined patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index, comorbidity), implant fixation (cemented versus uncemented), American Society of Anesthesiologists class and underlying diagnosis. Univariate and multivariable adjusted hazard rates were calculated using Cox regression analysis. A total of 2207 patients underwent 2588 TSAs. Their mean age was 65.0 years (19 to 91) and 1163 (53%) were women; osteoarthritis was the underlying diagnosis in 1640 shoulders (63%). In all, 212 TSAs (8.2%) were revised during the follow-up period. At five, ten and 20 years, survival rates were 94.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 93.2 to 95.3), 90.2% (95% CI 88.7 to 91.7) and 81.4% (95% CI 78.4 to 84.5), respectively. In multivariable analyses men had a higher hazard ratio of revision of 1.72 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.31) (p < 0.01) compared with women, and those with rotator cuff disease had a hazard ratio of 4.71 (95% CI 2.09 to 10.59) (p < 0.001) compared with patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We concluded that male gender and rotator cuff disease are independent risk factors for revision after TSA. Future studies are needed to understand the biological rationale for these differences

Aims

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has become the most reliable surgical solution for patients with end-stage arthritis of the ankle. Aseptic loosening of the talar component is the most common complication. A custom-made artificial talus can be used as the talar component in a combined TAA for patients with poor bone stock of the talus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional and clinical outcomes of combined TAA.

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe the use of 3D-printed sacral endoprostheses to reconstruct the pelvic ring and re-establish spinopelvic stability after total en bloc sacrectomy (TES) and to review its outcome. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients who underwent TES in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2017. We divided the patients into three groups on the basis of the method of reconstruction: an endoprosthesis group (n = 10); a combined reconstruction group (n = 14), who underwent non-endoprosthetic combined reconstruction, including anterior spinal column fixation; and a spinopelvic fixation (SPF) group (n = 8), who underwent only SPF. Spinopelvic stability, implant survival (IS), intraoperative haemorrhage rate, and perioperative complication rate in the endoprosthesis group were documented and compared with those of other two groups. Results. The mean overall follow-up was 22.1 months (9 to 44). In the endoprosthesis group, the mean intraoperative hemorrhage was 3530 ml (1600 to 8100). Perioperative complications occurred in two patients; both had problems with wound healing. After a mean follow-up of 17.7 months (12 to 38), 9/10 patients could walk without aids and 8/10 patients were not using analgesics. Imaging evidence of implant failure was found in three patients, all of whom had breakage of screws and/or rods. Only one of these, who had a local recurrence, underwent re-operation, at which solid bone-endoprosthetic osseointegration was found. The mean IS using re-operation as the endpoint was 32.5 months (95% confidence interval 23.2 to 41.8). Compared with the other two groups, the endoprosthesis group had significantly better spinopelvic stability and IS with no greater intraoperative haemorrhage or perioperative complications. Conclusion. The use of 3D-printed endoprostheses for reconstruction after TES provides reliable spinopelvic stability and IS by facilitating osseointegration at the bone-implant interfaces, with acceptable levels of haemorrhage and complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:880–888

Aims. To our knowledge, there is currently no information available about the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or recommendations regarding chemoprophylaxis for patients whose lower limb is immobilized in a plaster cast. We report a retrospective case series assessing the rate of symptomatic VTE in patients treated with a lower limb cast. Given the complex, heterogeneous nature of this group of patients, with many risk factors for VTE, we hypothesized that the rate of VTE would be higher than in the general population. Patients and Methods. Patients treated with a lower limb cast between 2006 and 2018 were identified using plaster room records. Their electronic records and radiological reports were reviewed for details about their cast, past medical history, and any VTE recorded in our hospital within a year of casting. Results. There were 136 episodes of casting in 100 patients. The mean age was 55 years (22 to 91). The mean time in a cast was 45 days (five days to eight months). A total of 76 patients had neuropathy secondary to diabetes. No patient received chemical thromboprophylaxis while in a cast. One VTE (0.7% of casting episodes) was documented. This was confirmed by Doppler scan nine days after removing the cast. Conclusion. The frequency of VTE was higher than that of the general population (0.05%); this is most likely attributable to our patients’ apparent increase in VTE risk as suggested by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). These findings suggest that thromboprophylaxis is not routinely indicated in patients who undergo immobilization of the lower limb in a cast, although the risks of VTE should be assessed. While the cast itself does not pose an increased risk, other pathologies, such as active cancer, mean that each individual case needs to be considered on their merit. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:691–694

The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to report the patient satisfaction after total knee replacement (TKR), undertaken with the aid of intra-operative sensors, and to compare these results with previous studies. A total of 135 patients undergoing TKR were included in the study. The soft-tissue balance of each TKR was quantified intra-operatively by the sensor, and 18 (13%) were found to be unbalanced. A total of 113 patients (96.7%) in the balanced group and 15 (82.1%) in the unbalanced group were satisfied or very satisfied one year post-operatively (p = 0.043). . A review of the literature identified no previous study with a mean level of satisfaction that was greater than the reported level of satisfaction of the balanced TKR group in this study. Ensuring soft-tissue balance by using intra-operative sensors during TKR may improve satisfaction. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1333–8

We undertook a retrospective review of 33 patients who underwent total femoral endoprosthetic replacement as limb salvage following excision of a malignant bone tumour. In 22 patients this was performed as a primary procedure following total femoral resection for malignant disease. Revision to a total femoral replacement was required in 11 patients following failed segmental endoprosthetic or allograft reconstruction. There were 33 patients with primary malignant tumours, and three had metastatic lesions. The mean age of the patients was 31 years (5 to 68). The mean follow-up was 4.2 years (9 months to 16.4 years). At five years the survival of the implants was 100%, with removal as the endpoint and 56% where the endpoint was another surgical intervention. At five years the patient survival was 32%. Complications included dislocation of the hip in six patients (18%), local recurrence in three (9%), peri-prosthetic fracture in two and infection in one. One patient subsequently developed pulmonary metastases. There were no cases of aseptic loosening or amputation. Four patients required a change of bushings. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional outcome score was 67%, the mean Harris Hip Score was 70, and the mean Oxford Knee Score was 34. Total femoral endoprosthetic replacement can provide good functional outcome without compromising patient survival, and in selected cases provides an effective alternative to amputation

Many different designs of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with varying performance and cost are available. The identification of those which are the most cost-effective could allow significant cost-savings. We used an established Markov model to examine the cost effectiveness of five frequently used categories of THA which differed according to bearing surface and mode of fixation, using data from the National Joint Registry for England and Wales. Kaplan–Meier analyses of rates of revision for men and women were modelled with parametric distributions. Costs of devices were provided by the NHS Supply Chain and associated costs were taken from existing studies. Lifetime costs, lifetime quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) and the probability of a device being cost effective at a willingness to pay £20 000/QALY were included in the models. The differences in QALYs between different categories of implant were extremely small (<  0.0039 QALYs for men or women over the patient’s lifetime) and differences in cost were also marginal (£2500 to £3000 in the same time period). As a result, the probability of any particular device being the most cost effective was very sensitive to small, plausible changes in quality of life estimates and cost. . Our results suggest that available evidence does not support recommending a particular device on cost effectiveness grounds alone. We would recommend that the choice of prosthesis should be determined by the rate of revision, local costs and the preferences of the surgeon and patient. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:449–57

Aims. To evaluate the effectiveness of an institutionally developed algorithm for evaluation and diagnosis of prosthetic joint injection and to determine the impact of this protocol on overall hospital re-admissions.p. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 2685 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients prior to (1263) and following (1422) the introduction of an infection detection protocol. The protocol used conservative thresholds for C-reactive protein to direct the medical attendant to aspirate the joint. The protocol incorporated a clear set of laboratory and clinical criteria that allowed a patient to be discharged home if all were met. Patients were included if they presented to our emergency department within 120 days post-operatively with concerns for swelling, pain or infection and were excluded if they had an unambiguous infection or if their chief complaint was non-orthopaedic in nature. Results. Concern for infection was the single most common (32%) reason for presentation. A total of 296 patients made an emergency visit and were included following THA or TKA. In the pre-protocol cohort, 11 of 27 patients were formally re-admitted to the hospital with concern for infection but only five (45%) patients had actual infections and received additional treatment. In comparison, in the post-protocol cohort, 11 patients were admitted for suspected infection, nine (82%) of whom were truly infected (p = 0.04). Sensitivity increased from 83% to 100% and specificity increased from 71% to 96%. Implementation of this protocol did not miss any infections. Conclusion. A standardised protocol for evaluation of THA and TKA infections significantly reduced unnecessary hospital re-admissions. The protocol was both sensitive and specific and did not compromise quality of care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1603–10

Aims. The aim of this systematic review was to report the rate of dislocation following the use of dual mobility (DM) acetabular components in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materials and Methods. A systematic review of the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines was performed. A comprehensive search of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase (Scopus) was conducted for English articles between January 1974 and March 2016 using various combinations of the keywords “dual mobility”, “dual-mobility”, “tripolar”, “double-mobility”, “double mobility”, “hip”, “cup”, “socket”. The following data were extracted by two investigators independently: demographics, whether the operation was a primary or revision THA, length of follow-up, the design of the components, diameter of the femoral head, and type of fixation of the acetabular component. Results. In all, 59 articles met our inclusion criteria. These included a total of 17 908 THAs which were divided into two groups: studies dealing with DM components in primary THA and those dealing with these components in revision THA. The mean rate of dislocation was 0.9% in the primary THA group, and 3.0% in the revision THA group. The mean rate of intraprosthetic dislocation was 0.7% in primary and 1.3% in revision THAs. Conclusion. Based on the current data, the use of DM acetabular components are effective in minimising the risk of instability after both primary and revision THA. This benefit must be balanced against continuing concerns about the additional modularity, and the new mode of failure of intraprosthetic dislocation. Longer term studies are needed to assess the function of these newer materials compared with previous generations. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(1 Supple A):18–24

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) are recognised and proven interventions for patients with advanced arthritis. Studies to date have demonstrated a steady increase in the requirement for primary and revision procedures. Projected estimates made for the United States show that by 2030 the demand for primary TKA will grow by 673% and for revision TKA by 601% from the level in 2005. For THA the projected estimates are 174% and 137% for primary and revision surgery, respectively. The purpose of this study was to see if those predictions were similar for England and Wales using data from the National Joint Registry and the Office of National Statistics. . Analysis of data for England and Wales suggest that by 2030, the volume of primary and revision TKAs will have increased by 117% and 332%, respectively between 2012 and 2030. The data for the United States translates to a 306% cumulative rate of increase between 2012 and 2030 for revision surgery, which is similar to our predictions for England and Wales. . The predictions from the United States for primary TKA were similar to our upper limit projections. For THA, we predicted an increase of 134% and 31% for primary and revision hip surgery, respectively. Our model has limitations, however, it highlights the economic burden of arthroplasty in the future in England and Wales as a real and unaddressed problem. This will have significant implications for the provision of health care and the management of orthopaedic services in the future. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1076–1081

Aims. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of previous lumbar surgery in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to investigate their patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) one year post-operatively. Patients and Methods. Data from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and the Swedish Spine Register gathered from 2002 to 2013 were merged to identify a group of patients who had undergone lumbar surgery before THA (n = 997) and a carefully matched one-to-one control group. We investigated differences in the one-year post-operative PROMs between the groups. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the associations between previous lumbar surgery and these PROMs following THA. The prevalence of prior lumbar surgery was calculated as the ratio of patients identified with previous lumbar surgery between 2002 and 2012, and divided by the total number of patients who underwent a THA in 2012. Results. The prevalence of lumbar surgery prior to THA in 2012 was 3.5% (351 of 10 082). Linear regression analyses showed an association with more pain (B = 4.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.57 to 6.12), worse EuroQol (EQ)-5D index, (B = -0.089, 95% CI -0.112 to -0.066), worse EQ VAS (B = -6.75, 95% CI -8.58 to -4.92), and less satisfaction (B = 6.04, 95% CI 4.05 to 8.02). Conclusion. Lumbar spinal surgery prior to THA is associated with less reduction of pain, worse health-related quality of life, and less satisfaction one year after THA. This is useful information to share in the decision-making process and may help establish realistic expectations of the outcomes of THA in patients who also have previously undergone lumbar spinal surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:759–65

We compared the clinical, radiological and quality-of-life outcomes between hybrid and total pedicle screw instrumentation in patients undergoing surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis. A matched comparison using prospectively collected data was undertaken. A total of 66 patients underwent posterior or anteroposterior correction and fusion with hybrid (n = 33, mean age at surgery 15.8 years (9.10 to 19.6)) or total pedicle screw instrumentation (n = 33, mean age 14.7 years (7.0 to 20.7)) with a minimum follow-up of two years. The major curve pre-operatively was a mean of 87° (. sd. 29, 25° to 141°) and 81° (. sd. 18, 47° to 116°) in the hybrid and total pedicle screw groups, respectively (p = 0.29) and at a minimum of two years it was 33° (. sd. 20; 2° to 87°) and 20° (. sd. 12; 1° to 55°), respectively (p = 0.0016). The mean correction of the major curve was 59% (41% to 88%) in the hybrid and 75% (43% to 99%) in the total pedicle screw groups at two-year follow-up (p = 0.0011). The mean operating time was 7.45 hours (. sd. 2.18) and 6.04 hours (. sd. 1.71) in the hybrid and total pedicle screw groups, respectively (p = 0.001), and the mean intra-operative blood loss was 3760 ml (. sd.  2790) and 1785 ml (. sd. 1110), respectively (p = 0.001). Total pedicle screw instrumentation provided shorter operating times, less blood loss and better correction of the major curve compared with hybrid constructs in patients undergoing surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis

Aims. Our aim was to analyse the long-term functional outcome of two forms of surgical treatment for active patients aged > 70 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. Patients were randomised to be treated with either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The outcome five years post-operatively for this cohort has previously been reported. We present the outcome at 12 years post-operatively. Patients and Methods. Initially 252 patients with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6) were included, of whom 205 (81%) were women. A total of 137 were treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty and 115 with a cemented THA. At long-term follow-up we analysed the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS), post-operative complications and intra-operative data of the patients who were still alive. Results . At a mean follow-up of 12 years (8.23 to 16.17, standard deviation 2.24), 50 patients (20%), 32 in the hemiarthroplasty group and 18 in the THA group, were still alive, of which 47 (94%) were women. There were no significant differences in the mean modified HHS (p = 0.85), mortality (p = 0.13), complications (p = 0.93) or rate of revision surgery (p = 1.0) between the two groups. Conclusion. In the treatment of active elderly patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip there is no difference in the functional outcome between hemiarthroplasty and THA treatments at 12 years post-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:250–4

Aim. We present the medium-term clinical results of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with a trabecular metal glenoid base plate. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 125 consecutive primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (RTSA) implanted in 124 patients for rotator cuff arthropathy. There were 100 women and 24 men in the study group with a mean age of 76 years (58 to 89). The mean follow-up was 32 months (24 to 60). No patient was lost to follow-up. Results. There were statistically significant improvements in the mean range of movement and Oxford Shoulder Score (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survivorship at five years was 96.7% (95% confidence interval 91.5 to 98.7) with aseptic glenoid failure as the end point. . Radiologically, 63 shoulders (50.4%) showed no evidence of notching, 51 (40.8%) had grade 1 notching, ten (8.0%) had grade 2 notching and one (0.8%) had grade 4 notching. Radiolucency around the glenoid base plate was found in one patient (0.8%) and around the humeral stem in five (4.0%). In all, three RTSA (2.4%) underwent revision surgery for aseptic mechanical failure of the glenoid within 11 months of surgery due to malseating of the glenosphere. Conclusion. The clinical results of this large independent single unit series are comparable to those from previous series of RTSA reported in the literature. A trabecular metal base plate is safe and effective in the medium-term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:969–75

We treated surgically 16 shoulders with an isolated traumatic rupture of the subscapularis tendon over a six-year period. Nine patients had a total and seven a partial tear of the subscapularis tendon. Repair was undertaken through a small deltopectoral groove approach. The mean Constant score improved in total tears from 38.7 to 89.3 points (p = 0.003) and in partial tears from 50.7 to 87.9 points (p = 0.008). The total tears were significantly more improved by surgery than the partial tears (p = 0.001). The delay between trauma and surgery was inversely proportional to the improvement in the Constant score suggesting that early diagnosis and surgical repair improves outcome

Objectives. Studies which consider the molecular mechanisms of degeneration and regeneration of cartilaginous tissues are seriously hampered by problematic ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolations due to low cell density and the dense, proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix of cartilage. Proteoglycans tend to co-purify with RNA, they can absorb the full spectrum of UV light and they are potent inhibitors of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Therefore, the objective of the present study is to compare and optimise different homogenisation methods and RNA isolation kits for an array of cartilaginous tissues. Materials and Methods. Tissue samples such as the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), articular cartilage (AC) and meniscus, were collected from goats and homogenised by either the MagNA Lyser or Freezer Mill. RNA of duplicate samples was subsequently isolated by either TRIzol (benchmark), or the RNeasy Lipid Tissue, RNeasy Fibrous Tissue, or Aurum Total RNA Fatty and Fibrous Tissue kits. RNA yield, purity, and integrity were determined and gene expression levels of type II collagen and aggrecan were measured by real-time PCR. Results. No differences between the two homogenisation methods were found. RNA isolation using the RNeasy Fibrous and Lipid kits resulted in the purest RNA (A260/A280 ratio), whereas TRIzol isolations resulted in RNA that is not as pure, and show a larger difference in gene expression of duplicate samples compared with both RNeasy kits. The Aurum kit showed low reproducibility. Conclusion. For the extraction of high-quality RNA from cartilaginous structures, we suggest homogenisation of the samples by the MagNA Lyser. For AC, NP and AF we recommend the RNeasy Fibrous kit, whereas for the meniscus the RNeasy Lipid kit is advised. Cite this article: M. Peeters, C. L. Huang, L. A. Vonk, Z. F. Lu, R. A. Bank, M. N. Helder, B. Zandieh Doulabi. Optimisation of high-quality total ribonucleic acid isolation from cartilaginous tissues for real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:560–568. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.511.BJR-2016-0033.R3

Early and accurate prediction of hospital length-of-stay (LOS) in patients undergoing knee replacement is important for economic and operational reasons. Few studies have systematically developed a multivariable model to predict LOS. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1609 patients aged ≥ 50 years who underwent elective, primary total or unicompartmental knee replacements. Pre-operative candidate predictors included patient demographics, knee function, self-reported measures, surgical factors and discharge plans. In order to develop the model, multivariable regression with bootstrap internal validation was used. The median LOS for the sample was four days (interquartile range 4 to 5). Statistically significant predictors of longer stay included older age, greater number of comorbidities, less knee flexion range of movement, frequent feelings of being down and depressed, greater walking aid support required, total (versus unicompartmental) knee replacement, bilateral surgery, low-volume surgeon, absence of carer at home, and expectation to receive step-down care. For ease of use, these ten variables were used to construct a nomogram-based prediction model which showed adequate predictive accuracy (optimism-corrected R. 2. = 0.32) and calibration. If externally validated, a prediction model using easily and routinely obtained pre-operative measures may be used to predict absolute LOS in patients following knee replacement and help to better manage these patients. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1490–6

We have implanted 76 biaxial total wrist prostheses as a primary procedure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist. A total of 66 was reviewed at a mean follow-up time of 52 months. Pain was relieved in 67% of the surviving wrist replacements. On the basis of the Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system, 49 wrists (74%) were graded as fair to excellent. More than half of the 27 patients who had an arthrodesis on the contralateral wrist would have preferred a second arthroplasty. Five replacements were revised or fused because of loosening and a further nine showed signs of radiological loosening, three of which were asymptomatic. The probability of survival of the biaxial total wrist replacement at eight years was 83% with revision surgery as the terminal event, 78% with radiological loosening as the endpoint and 82% with dorsal migration and displacement from the metacarpal as the terminal event. There was a linear relationship between subsidence of the component and distal loosening. There was no evidence that the length of the stem of the carpal component, within the third metacarpal, affected any of the terminal events. The position and alignment of the carpal component within the bone at the time of surgery significantly affect the outcome and can be used to predict failure

Aims. To investigate the bone penetration of intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis with flucloxacillin and gentamicin during hip and knee arthroplasty, and their efficacy against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and S. epidermidis. Patients and Methods. Bone samples from the femoral head, neck and acetabulum were collected from 18 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and from the femur and tibia in 21 patients during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The concentration of both antibiotics in the samples was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography. Penetration was expressed as a percentage of venous blood concentration. The efficacy against common infecting organisms was measured against both the minimum inhibitory concentration 50, and the more stringent epidemiological cutoff value for resistance (ECOFF). Results. The bone penetration of gentamicin was higher than flucloxacillin. Relative to ECOFF, flucloxacillin concentrations were effective against S. aureus and S. epidermidis in all THAs and 20 (95%) TKAs. Gentamicin concentrations were effective against S. epidermidis in all bone samples. Gentamicin was effective against S. aureus in 11 (61.1%) femoral neck samples in THA. Effective concentrations of gentamicin against S. aureus were only achieved in four (19%) femoral and six (29%) tibial samples in TKA. Conclusion. Flucloxacillin and gentamicin were found to penetrate bone during THA and TKA. Gentamicin was effective against S. epidermidis in both THA and TKA, while levels were subtherapeutic against S. aureus in most TKAs. Bone penetration of both antibiotics was less in TKA than THA, and may relate to the use of a tourniquet. Using this antibiotic combination, effective cover against the two common infective organisms was achieved in all THAs and all but one TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:358–64

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relative efficacy of regional and general anaesthesia in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement. A comprehensive search for relevant studies was performed in PubMed (1966 to April 2008), EMBASE (1969 to April 2008) and the Cochrane Library. Only randomised studies comparing regional and general anaesthesia for total hip or knee replacement were included. We identified 21 independent, randomised clinical trials. A random-effects model was used to calculate all effect sizes. Pooled results from these trials showed that regional anaesthesia reduces the operating time (odds ratio (OR) −0.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.33 to −0.05), the need for transfusion (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.94) and the incidence of thromboembolic disease (deep-vein thrombosis OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.84; pulmonary embolism OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.80). Regional anaesthesia therefore seems to improve the outcome of patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement

We investigated the changes seen on serial metal artefact reduction magnetic resonance imaging scans (MARS-MRI) of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties (MoM THAs). In total 155 THAs, in 35 male and 100 female patients (mean age 70.4 years, 42 to 91), underwent at least two MRI scans at a mean interval of 14.6 months (2.6 to 57.1), at a mean of 48.2 months (3.5 to 93.3) after primary hip surgery. Scans were graded using a modification of the Oxford classification. Progression of disease was defined as an increase in grade or a minimum 10% increase in fluid lesion volume at second scan. A total of 16 hips (30%) initially classified as ‘normal’ developed an abnormality on the second scan. Of those with ‘isolated trochanteric fluid’ 9 (47%) underwent disease progression, as did 7 (58%) of ‘effusions’. A total of 54 (77%) of hips initially classified as showing adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) progressed, with higher rates of progression in higher grades. Disease progression was associated with high blood cobalt levels or an irregular pseudocapsule lining at the initial scan. There was no association with changes in functional scores. Adverse reactions to metal debris in MoM THAs may not be as benign as previous reports have suggested. Close radiological follow-up is recommended, particularly in high-risk groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1328–37

Primary malignant tumours should be resected with wide margins. This may be difficult to apply to lesions of the spine. We undertook total vertebrectomy on seven patients, four males and three females with a mean age at operation of 26.5 years (6.3 to 45.8). The mean follow-up was 52.3 months. Histological examination revealed a Ewing’s sarcoma in two patients and osteosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, spindle-cell sarcoma, chondrosarcoma and malignant schwannoma in one each. In five patients, histological examination showed that a wide resection had been achieved. At follow-up there was no infection and a permanent neurological deficit was only seen in those patients in whom the surgical procedure had required resection of nerve roots. Despite the high demands placed on the surgeon and anaesthetist and the length of postoperative care we consider total vertebrectomy to be an appropriate procedure for the operative treatment of primary malignant lesions of the spine

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in patients with pre-operatively moderate and severe arthritic varus ankles to those achieved for patients with neutral ankles. Patients and Methods. A total of 105 patients (105 ankles), matched for age, gender, body mass index, and follow-up duration, were divided into three groups by pre-operative coronal plane tibiotalar angle; neutral (< 5°), moderate (5° to 15°) and severe (> 15°) varus deformity. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Short Form (SF)-36 score were used to compare the clinical outcomes after a mean follow-up period of 51 months (24 to 147). Results. The post-operative AOFAS, VAS scores, range of movement and complication rates did not significantly differ among three groups. However, there was less improvement in the SF-36 score of the severe varus group (p = 0.008). The mean post-operative tibiotalar alignment was 2.6° (0.1° to 8.9°), 3.1° (0.1° to 6.5°) and 4.6° (1.0° to 10.6°) in the neutral, moderate and severe groups respectively. Although the severe varus group showed less corrected alignment than the neutral group, the mean tibiotalar angles of the three groups were within neutral alignment. Conclusion. TAA for moderate and severe varus arthritic deformity showed similar satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes as those obtained by patients in the neutral group when post-operative neutral alignment was achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1335–42

Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is the total resection of a vertebra containing a tumour. Many authors have investigated patient-reported outcomes after routine spinal surgery and surgery for tumours in general. However, this is the first report of patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and satisfaction, after en bloc vertebral resection for a spinal tumour. Of the 54 patients who underwent TES for a primary tumour between 1993 and 2010, 19 died and four were lost to follow-up. In January 2012, a questionnaire was sent to the 31 surviving patients. This included the short form-36 to assess HRQoL and questions about the current condition of their disease, activities of daily living (ADL) and surgery. The response rate was high at 83.9% (26/31 patients). We found that most patients were satisfied and maintained good performance of their ADLs. . The mental health status and social roles of the HRQoL scores were nearly equivalent to those of healthy individuals, regardless of the time since surgery. There was significant impairment of physical health in the early post-operative years, but this usually returned to normal approximately three years after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1693–8

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an immediate threat to patients following total hip and knee replacement. While there is a strong consensus that steps should be taken to minimise the risk to patients by utilising some forms of prophylaxis for the vast majority of patients, the methods utilised have been extremely variable. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been published by various professional organisations for over 25 years to provide recommendations to standardise VTE prophylaxis. Historically, these recommendations have varied widely depending in underlying assumptions, goals, and methodology of the various groups. This effort has previously been exemplified by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The former group of medical specialists targeted minimising venographically proven deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (the vast majority of which are asymptomatic) as their primary goal prior to 2012. The latter group of surgeons targeted minimising symptomatic VTE. As a result prior to 2012, the recommendations of the two groups were widely divergent. In the past year, both groups have reassessed the current literature with the principal goals of minimising symptomatic VTE events and bleeding complications. As a result, for the first time the CPGs of these two major subspecialty organisations are in close agreement

A case of total dislocation of the ilium after disruption through the tri-radiate cartilage in a girl of thirteen years is described. No previous description of this injury has been found

We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 178 Mobility total ankle replacements (TARs) performed by three surgeons between January 2004 and June 2009, and analysed radiological parameters and clinical outcomes in a subgroup of 129 patients. The mean follow-up was 4 years (2 to 6.3). A total of ten revision procedures (5.6%) were undertaken. The mean Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain score was 17 (0 to 88) and 86% of patients were clinically improved at follow-up. However, 18 patients (18 TARs, 14%) had a poor outcome with an AOS pain score of > 30. A worse outcome was associated with a pre-operative diagnosis of post-traumatic degenerative arthritis. However, no pre- or post-operative radiological parameters were significantly associated with a poor outcome. Of the patients with persistent pain, eight had predominantly medial-sided pain. Thirty TARs (29%) had a radiolucency in at least one zone. The outcome of the Mobility TAR at a mean of four years is satisfactory in > 85% of patients. However, there is a significant incidence of persistent pain, particularly on the medial side, for which we were unable to establish a cause. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1366–71

We report the effectiveness of revision of total elbow replacement by re-cementing. Between 1982 and 2004, 53 elbows in 52 patients were treated with re-cementing of a total elbow replacement into part or all of the existing cement mantle or into the debrided host-bone interface, without the use of structural bone augmentation or a custom prosthesis. The original implant revision was still in situ and functional in 42 of 53 elbows (79%) at a mean of 94.5 months (26 to 266) after surgery. In 31 of these 42 elbows (74%) the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was good or excellent. Overall, of the 53 elbows, 18 (34%) required re-operation, ten (19%) for loosening. A classification system was developed to identify those not suitable for revision by this technique, and using this we have showed that successful re-implantation is statistically correlated to properly addressing the bone deficiency for both the humeral (p = 0.005) and the ulnar (p = 0.039) components

We have carried out a prospective, longitudinal 30-year review of 95 adolescents who underwent total meniscectomy in one knee, and have compared the results with those observed 13 years earlier. All the medical records were scrutinised. Of the 63 patients reviewed clinically, 47 reported decreased sporting activity, although subjective satisfaction rose by 3% to 71%. The scores on the WOMAC osteoarthritis index differed significantly between patients grouped by subjective global assessment. Satisfactory function scores increased from 48% to 60%. In the 53 patients consenting to bilateral radiography of the knee, the incidence of narrowing of the articular cartilage in the operated knee increased significantly between the reviews (19% to 36%). Progression of degenerative change paralleled reduction in activity. Outcome measures were best after medial, intermediate after lateral and worst after double meniscectomy

Aims. Between 2002 and 2011, 81 patients with a traumatic total brachial plexus injury underwent reconstruction by double free muscle transfer (DFMT, 47 cases), single muscle transfer (SMT, 16 cases) or nerve transfers (NT, 18 cases). . Methods. They were evaluated for functional outcome and quality of life (QoL) using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, both pre- and post-operatively. The three groups were compared and followed-up for at least 24 months. Results. The mean shoulder abduction and flexion were comparable in all groups, but external rotation was significantly better in the DFMT group as were range and quantitative power of elbow flexion. Patients who had undergone DFMT had reasonable total active finger movement and hook grip strength. All groups showed improvement in function at a level greater than a minimum clinically important difference. The DFMT group showed the greatest improvement. Discussion. Patients in the DFMT group had a better functional outcome and QoL recovery than those in the NT and SMT groups. . Take home message: Double free muscle transfer procedure is capable of restoring maximum function in patients of total brachial plexus palsy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;97-B:209–17

We report a consecutive series of 16 revision total knee arthroplasties using the Total Condylar III system in 14 patients with inflammatory arthritis which were performed between 1994 and 2000. There were 11 women and three men with a mean age of 59 years (36 to 78). The patients were followed up for 74 months (44 to 122). The mean pre-operative Knee Society score of 37 points (0 to 77) improved to 88 (61 to 100) at follow-up (t-test, p < 0.001) indicating very good overall results. The mean range of flexion improved from 62° (0° to 120°) to 98° (0° to 145°) (t-test, p < 0.05) allowing the patients to stand from a sitting position. The mean Knee Society pain score improved from 22 (10 to 45) to 44 (20 to 50) (t-test, p < 0.05). No knee had definite loosening, although five showed asymptomatic radiolucent lines. Complications were seen in three cases, comprising patellar pain, patellar fracture and infection. These results suggest that the Total Condylar III system can be used successfully in revision total knee arthroplasty in inflammatory arthritis

Various prostheses for total replacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for painful hallux valgus and hallux rigidus are briefly discussed. Altogether, the results of eighty-six replacements in sixty-nine patients have been recorded after an average interval of two years. In seventy-eight operations a Silastic* prosthesis as designed by Swanson for the replacement of metacarpophalangeal joints was used, with no case of fracture or deep infection up to date. Overall, the assessment of pain showed that 98 per cent of operations gave either complete or considerable relief. For hallux valgus, the objective assessment showed excellent or good results in 79 per cent, fair in 16 per cent and poor in 5 per cent. For hallux rigidus the corresponding figures were 86, 14 and 0. The technique of replacement described promises to be most satisfactory, especially for hallux rigidus. In selected cases of hallux valgus, a basal osteotomy of the first metatarsal should be added

We assigned 67 patients with central lumbar stenosis alternately to either multiple laminotomy or total laminectomy. The protocol, however, allowed multiple laminotomy to be changed to total laminectomy if it was thought that the former procedure might not give adequate neural decompression. There were therefore three treatment groups: group I consisting of 26 patients submitted to multiple laminotomy; group II, 9 patients scheduled for laminotomy but submitted to laminectomy; and group III, 32 patients scheduled for, and submitted to, laminectomy. The mean follow-up was 3.7 years. Bilateral laminotomy at two or three levels required a longer mean operating time than total laminectomy at an equal number of levels. The mean blood loss at surgery and the clinical results did not differ in the three groups. The mean subjective improvement score for low back pain was higher in group I but there was also a higher incidence of neural complications in this group. No patient in group I had postoperative vertebral instability, whereas this occurred in three patients in groups II and III, who had lumbar scoliosis or degenerative spondylolisthesis preoperatively. Multiple laminotomy is recommended for all patients with developmental stenosis and for those with mild to moderate degenerative stenosis or degenerative spondylolisthesis. Total laminectomy is to be preferred for patients with severe degenerative stenosis or marked degenerative spondylolisthesis

Rarely, the extent of a malignant bone tumour may necessitate resection of the complete humerus to achieve adequate oncological clearance. We present our experience with reconstruction in such cases using a total humeral endoprosthesis (THER) in 20 patients (12 male and eight female) with a mean age of 22 years (6 to 59). We assessed the complications, the oncological and functional outcomes and implant survival. Surgery was performed between June 2001 and October 2009. The diagnosis included osteosarcoma in nine, Ewing’s sarcoma in eight and chondrosarcoma in three. One patient was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 41 months (10 to 120) for all patients and 56 months (25 to 120) in survivors. There were five local recurrences (26.3%) and 11 patients were alive at time of last follow-up, with overall survival for all patients being 52% (95% confidence interval (CI) 23.8 to 74) at five years. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score for the survivors was 22 (73%; 16 to 23). The implant survival was 95% (95% CI 69.5 to 99.3) at five years. The use of a THER in the treatment of malignant tumours of bone is oncologically safe; it gives consistent and predictable results with low rates of complication

1. A case of total dislocation of the cuboid bone without fracture is described. This is an uncommon injury and to our knowledge has not previously been reported. 2. Its rarity is explained in the light of the structural anatomy and function of the foot. 3. A mechanism of injury is postulated and a method of reduction and fixation described

The results of three different types of meniscectomy have been compared in 219 knees, 71 treated by arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, 45 treated by open partial meniscectomy, and 103 treated by open total meniscectomy, with a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. Knees which had undergone previous operations or had other simultaneous operative procedures or ligamentous damage were excluded. Knees with chondromalacia were included provided that this did not amount to frank osteoarthritis. Simple indicators were used for the rate of early recovery from the operation, and the Tapper and Hoover scale was used to record the symptomatic results in the longer term. It was found that knees treated by arthroscopic partial meniscectomy did considerably better than the others by all the criteria used. In most parts of the study there was a clear gradation between the results of the three types of treatment: arthroscopic techniques did better than open operations, and partial meniscectomy did better than total meniscectomy

In our department we use an enhanced recovery protocol for joint replacement of the lower limb. This incorporates the use of intravenous tranexamic acid (IVTA; 15 mg/kg) at the induction of anaesthesia. Recently there was a national shortage of IVTA for 18 weeks; during this period all patients received an oral preparation of tranexamic acid (OTA; 25 mg/kg). This retrospective study compares the safety (surgical and medical complications) and efficacy (reduction of transfusion requirements) of OTA and IVTA. During the study period a total of 2698 patients received IVTA and 302 received OTA. After adjusting for a range of patient and surgical factors, the odds ratio (OR) of receiving a blood transfusion was significantly higher with IVTA than with OTA (OR 0.48 (95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.89), p = 0.019), whereas the safety profile was similar, based on length of stay, rate of readmission, return to theatre, deep infection, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The financial benefit of OTA is £2.04 for a 70 kg patient; this is amplified when the cost saving associated with significantly fewer blood transfusions is considered. Although the number of patients in the study is modest, this work supports the use of OTA, and we recommend that a randomised trial be undertaken to compare the different methods of administering tranexamic acid. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1556–61

Two hundred patients with a meniscal lesion were peroperatively allocated to partial or total meniscectomy in a random manner. The results were compared at one year and at 6.3 to 9.8 years (median 7.8). After one year more patients with partial meniscectomy (90%) than with total meniscectomy (80%) had no complaints. At the later review these figures were 62% and 52%, respectively (p = 0.18). However, patients with partial meniscectomy had higher functional scores. The deterioration in function between the first review and the second showed no significant difference in the two treatment groups. The incidence of mediolateral instability rose from 8% to 47% and was more frequent after total than after partial meniscectomy. Between the two reviews the radiological signs of knee degeneration increased with no difference between the two treatment groups

Aims. This prospective randomised controlled trial was designed to evaluate the outcome of both the MRI- and CT-based patient-specific matched guides (PSG) from the same manufacturer. Patients and Methods. A total of 137 knees in 137 patients (50 men, 87 women) were included, 67 in the MRI- and 70 in the CT-based PSG group. Their mean age was 68.4 years (47.0 to 88.9). Outcome was expressed as the biomechanical limb alignment (centre hip-knee-ankle: HKA-axis) achieved post-operatively, the position of the individual components within 3° of the pre-operatively planned alignment, correct planned implant size and operative data (e.g. operating time and blood loss). Results. The patient demographics (e.g. age, body mass index), correct planned implant size and operative data were not significantly different between the two groups. The proportion of outliers in the coronal and sagittal plane ranged from 0% to 21% in both groups. Only the number of outliers for the posterior slope of the tibial component showed a significant difference (p = 0.004) with more outliers in the CT group (n = 9, 13%) than in the MRI group (0%). . Conclusion. The post-operative HKA-axis was comparable in the MRI- and CT-based PSGs, but there were significantly more outliers for the posterior slope in the CT-based PSGs. Take home message: Alignment with MRI-based PSG is at least as good as, if not better, than that of the CT-based PSG, and is the preferred imaging modality when performing TKA with use of PSG. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:786–92

We assessed the clinical results, radiographic outcomes and complications of patients undergoing total shoulder replacement (TSR) for osteoarthritis with concurrent repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Between 1996 and 2010, 45 of 932 patients (4.8%) undergoing TSR for osteoarthritis underwent rotator cuff repair. The final study group comprised 33 patients with a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (3 months to 13 years). Tears were classified into small (10), medium (14), large (9) or massive (0). On a scale of 1 to 5, pain decreased from a mean of 4.7 to 1.7 (p = < 0.0001), the mean forward elevation improved from 99° to 139° (p = < 0.0001), and the mean external rotation improved from 20° (0° to 75°) to 49° (20° to 80°) (p = < 0.0001). The improvement in elevation was greater in those with a small tear (p = 0.03). Radiographic evidence of instability developed in six patients with medium or large tears, indicating lack of rotator cuff healing. In all, six glenoid components, including one with instability, were radiologically at risk of loosening. Complications were noted in five patients, all with medium or large tears; four of these had symptomatic instability and one sustained a late peri-prosthetic fracture. Four patients (12%) required further surgery, three with instability and one with a peri-prosthetic humeral fracture. . Consideration should be given to performing rotator cuff repair for stable shoulders during anatomical TSR, but reverse replacement should be considered for older, less active patients with larger tears. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:224–8

1. A case of late infection about a total knee prosthesis secondary to urinary tract infection is described, indicating that haematogenous spread of infection to a prosthetic joint can occur. 2. The prophylactic use of antibiotics to cover surgical and dental treatment and the energetic treatment of intercurrent infection are urged for patients with artificial joints. 3. Any conservative treatment of established infection in such cases should include complete excision of all necrotic material from the joint

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1150 computer-assisted total knee replacements and analysed the clinical and radiological outcomes of 45 knees that had arthritis with a pre-operative recurvatum deformity. The mean pre-operative hyperextension deformity of 11° (6° to 15°), as measured by navigation at the start of the operation, improved to a mean flexion deformity of 3.1° (0° to 7°) post-operatively. A total of 41 knees (91%) were managed using inserts ≤ 12.5 mm thick, and none had mediolateral laxity > 2 mm from a mechanical axis of 0° at the end of the surgery. At a mean follow-up of 26.4 months (13 to 48) there was significant improvement in the mean Knee Society, Oxford knee and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores compared with the pre-operative values. The mean knee flexion improved from 105° (80° to 125°) pre-operatively to 131° (120° to 145°), and none of the limbs had recurrent recurvatum. These early results show that total knee replacement using computer navigation and an algorithmic approach for arthritic knees with a recurvatum deformity can give excellent radiological and functional outcomes without recurrent deformity

The use of a total femoral prosthesis can offer a realistic alternative to amputation or disarticulation. The limited indications for such a prosthesis in the surgical management of primary bone tumours and pathological fractures still exist. In this specialised clinic there is an increased need to replace the entire femur where repeated procedures have failed, from loss of bone stock with infection or because of non-union in the presence of a prosthesis. Over the past eight years, four basic models have been developed. The most recent designs allow for the preservation of non-involved bone or for stable support where there is complete acetabular destruction