Aims. The risk of postoperative complications after resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh is higher than in other locations. This study investigated whether a vessel sealing system (VSS) could help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after wide resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh. Methods. Of 285 patients who underwent wide resection for soft-tissue sarcoma between 2014 and 2021 at our institution, 78 patients with tumours in the medial thigh were extracted from our database. Information on clinicopathological characteristics, preoperative treatment, surgical treatment (use of VSS, blood loss volume, operating time), and postoperative course (complications, postoperative haemoglobin changes, total drainage volume, and drainage and hospitalization durations) were obtained from medical records. We statistically compared clinical outcomes between patients whose surgery did or did not use VSS (VSS and non-VSS groups, respectively). Results. There were 24 patients in the VSS group and 54 in the non-VSS group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinicopathological background. The total drainage volume in the VSS group was significantly less than that in the non-VSS group (1,176 ml vs 3,114 ml; p = 0.018). Moreover, the drainage and hospitalization durations were significantly shorter in the VSS group compared to the non-VSS group (p = 0.017 and p = 0.024, respectively). Conclusion. Our results suggest that use of VSS can help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after wide resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(6):442–446

Aims. This study aims to answer the following questions in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA): are patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) affected by the location of the maximum severity of pain?; are PROMs affected by the presence of non-groin pain?; are PROMs affected by the severity of pain?; and are PROMs affected by the number of pain locations?. Methods. We reviewed 336 hips (305 patients) treated with THA for hip OA from December 2016 to November 2019 using pain location/severity questionnaires, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS), international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) score, and radiological analysis. Descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and Spearman partial correlation coefficients were used. Results. There was a significant difference in iHOT-12 scores between groups experiencing the most severe pain in the groin and the trochanter (p = 0.039). Additionally, more favourable mHHS scores were related to the presence of preoperative pain in trochanter (p = 0.049), lower back (p = 0.056), lateral thigh (p = 0.034), and posterior thigh (p = 0.005). Finally, the maximum severity of preoperative pain and number of pain locations had no significant relationship with PROMs (maximum severity: HHS: p = 0.928, HOS: p = 0.163, iHOT-12 p = 0.233; number of pain locations: HHS: p = 0.211; HOS: p = 0.801; iHOT-12: p = 0.112). Conclusion. Although there was a significant difference in iHOT-12 scores between patients with the most severe pain in the groin or trochanter, and the presence of pain in the trochanter, lower back, lateral thigh, or posterior thigh was related to higher mHHS scores, the majority of preoperative pain characteristics did not have a significant impact on outcomes. Therefore, a broad array of patients with hip OA might expect similar, favourable outcomes from THA notwithstanding preoperative pain characteristics. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(4):332–339

Aims. The hypothesis of this study was that thigh circumference, distinct from body mass index (BMI), may be associated with the positioning of components when undertaking total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the direct anterior approach (DAA), and that an increased circumference might increase the technical difficulty. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data involving 155 consecutive THAs among 148 patients undertaken using the DAA at an academic medical centre by a single fellowship-trained surgeon. Preoperatively, thigh circumference was measured at 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm distal to the anterior superior iliac spine, in quartiles. Two blinded reviewers assessed the inclination and anteversion of the acetabular component, radiological leg-length discrepancy, and femoral offset. The radiological outcomes were considered as continuous and binary outcome variables based on Lewinnek’s ‘safe zone’. Results. Similar trends were seen in all three thigh circumference groups. In multivariable analyses, patients in the largest 20 cm thigh circumference quartile (59 cm to 78 cm) had inclination angles that were a mean of 5.96° larger (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.99° to 8.93°; p < 0.001) and anteversion angles that were a mean of 2.92° larger (95% CI 0.47° to 5.37°; p = 0.020) than the smallest quartile. No significant differences were noted in leg-length discrepancy or offset. Conclusion. There was an associated increase in inclination and anteversion as thigh circumference increased, with no change in the risk of malpositioning the components. THA can be performed using the DAA in patients with large thigh circumference without the risk of malpositioning the acetabular component. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:529–535

Objectives. Our objective was to predict the knee extension strength and post-operative function in quadriceps resection for soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh. Methods. A total of 18 patients (14 men, four women) underwent total or partial quadriceps resection for soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh between 2002 and 2014. The number of resected quadriceps was surveyed, knee extension strength was measured with the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer system (affected side/unaffected side) and relationships between these were examined. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score and the Short Form 8 were used to evaluate post-operative function and examine correlations with extension strength. The cutoff value for extension strength to expect good post-operative function was also calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Fisher’s exact test. Results. Extension strength decreased when the number of resected quadriceps increased (p < 0.001), and was associated with lower MSTS score, TESS and EQ-5D (p = 0.004, p = 0.005, p = 0.006, respectively). Based on the functional evaluation scales, the cutoff value of extension strength was 56.2%, the equivalent to muscle strength with resection of up to two muscles. Conclusion. Good post-operative results can be expected if at least two quadriceps muscles are preserved. Cite this article: A. Tanaka, Y. Yoshimura, K. Aoki, M. Kito, M. Okamoto, S. Suzuki, T. Momose, H. Kato. Knee extension strength and post-operative functional prediction in quadriceps resection for soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:232–238. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.56.2000631

Aims. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury is a potential complication after the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (DAA-THA). The aim of this study was to determine how the location of the fasciotomy in DAA-THA affects LFCN injury. Methods. In this trial, 134 patients were randomized into a lateral fasciotomy (n = 67) or a conventional fasciotomy (n = 67) group. This study was a dual-centre, double-blind, prospective randomized controlled two-arm trial with parallel group design and a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary endpoint was the presence of LFCN injury, which was determined by the presence of numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, jolt-like sensation, or pain over the lateral aspect of the thigh, excluding the surgical scar, using a patient-based questionnaire. The secondary endpoints were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ), and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Assessments were obtained three months after surgery. Results. The incidence of LFCN injury tended to be lower in the lateral fasciotomy group (p = 0.089). In the lateral fasciotomy group, there were no significant differences in the mean PROM scores between patients with and without LFCN injury (FJS-12: 54.42 (SD 15.77) vs 65.06 (SD 26.14); p = 0.074; JHEQ: 55.21 (SD 12.10) vs 59.72 (SD 16.50); p = 0.288; WOMAC: 82.45 (SD 6.84) vs 84.40 (SD 17.91); p = 0.728). In the conventional fasciotomy group, there were significant differences in FJS-12 and JHEQ between patients with and without LFCN injury (FJS-12: 43.21 (SD 23.08) vs 67.28 (SD 20.47); p < 0.001; JHEQ: 49.52 (SD 13.97) vs 59.59 (SD 15.18); p = 0.012); however, there was no significant difference in WOMAC (76.63 (SD 16.81) vs 84.16 (SD 15.94); p = 0.107). Conclusion. The incidence of LFCN injury at three months after THA was comparable between the lateral and conventional fasciotomy groups. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of these approaches. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1252–1258

We describe three patients with a compartment syndrome of the thigh, two after total hip replacement and one after total knee replacement. Two of the patients were fully anticoagulated. A compartment syndrome of the thigh is a rare, but important complication of joint replacement surgery if patients are receiving anticoagulants. Close observation is needed and when indicated monitoring of the intracompartmental pressure should be done. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of an acute compartment syndrome and knowledge of the anatomy of the compartments of the thigh will help in the diagnosis and treatment of this potentially devastating complication

Six porous-coated, uncemented femoral components were revised at a mean of 34.5 months for persistent thigh pain. At operation the stems were rigidly stable, difficult to extract, and showed good bony ingrowth. The four men and two women, with an average age of 59 years, all had thigh pain starting within the first year, progressive over time and unresponsive to conservative measures. These cases show that rigid fixation with good bony ingrowth does not guarantee the clinical success of a porous-coated uncemented femoral stem

A retrospective review of 148 consecutive porous-coated hip arthroplasties (PCA) showed an incidence of thigh pain of 13% one year after surgery, and 22% at two years. Positive correlations were made with femoral stem subsidence (greater than 2 mm) and with distal periosteal and endosteal bone formation. No positive correlations were made with parameters of bone quality or component fit. Resolution of pain occurred in one-third and an anti-inflammatory agent produced partial relief in two-thirds of the patients. We conclude that thigh pain is secondary to stem instability with distal stress transfer in the absence of stable proximal fixation

Aims

Of growing concern in arthroplasty is the emergence of atypical infections, particularly Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) sp. infections. Currently, the dermal colonization rate of Cutibacterium about the hip is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate colonization rates of Cutibacterium sp. at locations approximating anterior and posterolateral approaches to the hip joint.

We have reviewed retrospectively 80 patients who were treated for traumatic fractures of the femur with a Grosse-Kempf nail to assess the incidence and causes of persisting pain in the proximal thigh. At a mean of 21 months after operation 33 patients had residual pain severe enough to interfere with their lifestyle or mobility. This was in the region of the scar on the greater trochanter in three-quarters of the patients. Only four showed no radiological abnormality. There was nonunion of the fracture in two, Paget’s disease in one, breakage of the nail in two and prominence of the proximal locking screw in five, although we found no correlation between prominence of the nail and pain. There was a strong relationship between pain and heterotopic ossification at the proximal end of the implant; this was present in 64% of the patients with pain as compared with those without pain (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). Of the 80 patients, 27 had the implant removed after 18 months, 17 of them because of pain. In six of these 17, the pain was not relieved. Prominence of the nail proximally was not associated with pain, but protuberance of laterally-based proximal locking screws caused problems. We found a strong association between heterotopic bone formation and pain, but it is uncertain whether this is the true cause or merely an indication of some other factor such as traumatic damage to the glutei during insertion of the nail. Removal of the implant does not always cure such pain

The June 2023 Oncology Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: A size-based criteria for flap reconstruction after thigh-adductor soft-tissue sarcoma resection; Surgical treatment of infected massive endoprostheses implanted for musculoskeletal tumours; Free vascularized fibula for proximal humerus oncological reconstruction in children; The national incidence of chondrosarcoma of bone; a review; Bone sarcoma follow-up: when do events happen?; Osteosarcomas in older adults: a report from the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group

Glomus tumours are rare and benign, arising from a neuromyoarterial glomus body, most commonly in the hand. We report a patient with such a tumour in an atypical site, the right vastus lateralis. Pain was aggravated by muscle contraction, and ultrasonography and MRI were required to locate the lesion accurately. Surgical excision gave immediate pain relief.

1. Ten patients are described in whom pain due to arterial obstruction simulated pain caused by bone or joint disease or by disorder of the intervertebral disc.

2. The importance is stressed of arterial obstruction at the aortic bifurcation or in the iliac vessels as a possible cause of pain in patients attending orthopaedic clinics.

Aims. The aim of this study was to reassess the rate of neurological, psoas-related, and abdominal complications associated with L4-L5 lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) undertaken using a standardized preoperative assessment and surgical technique. Methods. This was a multicentre retrospective study involving consecutively enrolled patients who underwent L4-L5 LLIF by seven surgeons at seven institutions in three countries over a five-year period. The demographic details of the patients and the details of the surgery, reoperations and complications, including femoral and non-femoral neuropraxia, thigh pain, weakness of hip flexion, and abdominal complications, were analyzed. Neurological and psoas-related complications attributed to LLIF or posterior instrumentation and persistent symptoms were recorded at one year postoperatively. Results. A total of 517 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 65.0 years (SD 10.3) and their mean BMI was 29.2 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.5). A mean of 1.2 levels (SD 0.6) were fused with LLIF, and a mean of 1.6 (SD 0.9) posterior levels were fused. Femoral neuropraxia occurred in six patients (1.2%), of which four (0.8%) were LLIF-related and two (0.4%) had persistent symptoms one year postoperatively. Non-femoral neuropraxia occurred in nine patients (1.8%), one (0.2%) was LLIF-related and five (1.0%) were persistent at one year. All LLIF-related neuropraxias resolved by one year. A total of 32 patients (6.2%) had thigh pain, 31 (6.0%) were LLIF-related and three (0.6%) were persistent at one year. Weakness of hip flexion occurred in 14 patients (2.7%), of which eight (1.6%) were LLIF-related and three (0.6%) were persistent at one year. No patients had bowel injury, three (0.6%) had an intraoperative vascular injury (not LLIF-related), and five (1.0%) had ileus. Reoperations occurred in five patients (1.0%) within 30 days, 37 (7.2%) within 90 days, and 41 (7.9%) within one year postoperatively. Conclusion. LLIF involving the L4-L5 disc level has a low rate of persistent neurological, psoas-related, and abdominal complications in patients with the appropriate indications and using a standardized surgical technique. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):53–61

The June 2024 Research Roundup. 360. looks at: Do the associations of daily steps with mortality and incident cardiovascular disease differ by sedentary time levels?; Large-scale assessment of ChatGPT in benign and malignant bone tumours imaging report diagnosis and its potential for clinical applications; Long-term effects of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis on physical function: a longitudinal analysis; Effect of intramuscular fat in the thigh muscles on muscle architecture and physical performance in the middle-aged females with knee osteoarthritis; Preoperative package of care for osteoarthritis an opportunity not to be missed?; Superiority of kinematic alignment over mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty during medium- to long-term follow-up: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Aims. The use of fluoroscopy in orthopaedic surgery creates risk of radiation exposure to surgeons. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help mitigate this. The primary aim of this study was to assess if current radiation protection in orthopaedic trauma is safe. The secondary aims were to describe normative data of radiation exposure during common orthopaedic procedures, evaluate ways to improve any deficits in protection, and validate the use of electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) in assessing radiation dose in orthopaedic surgery. Methods. Radiation exposure to surgeons during common orthopaedic trauma operations was prospectively assessed using EPDs and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Normative data for each operation type were calculated and compared to recommended guidelines. Results. Current PPE appears to mitigate more than 90% of ionizing radiation in orthopaedic fluoroscopic procedures. There is a higher exposure to the inner thigh during seated procedures. EPDs provided results for individual procedures. Conclusion. PPE currently used by surgeons in orthopaedic trauma theatre adequately reduces radiation exposure to below recommended levels. Normative data per trauma case show specific anatomical areas of higher exposure, which may benefit from enhanced radiation protection. EPDs can be used to assess real-time radiation exposure in orthopaedic surgery. There may be a role in future medical wearables for orthopaedic surgeons. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):907–912

Aims. The aticularis genu (AG) is the least substantial and deepest muscle of the anterior compartment of the thigh and of uncertain significance. The aim of the study was to describe the anatomy of AG in cadaveric specimens, to characterize the relevance of AG in pathological distal femur specimens, and to correlate the anatomy and pathology with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of AG. Methods. In 24 cadaveric specimens, AG was identified, photographed, measured, and dissected including neurovascular supply. In all, 35 resected distal femur specimens were examined. AG was photographed and measured and its utility as a surgical margin examined. Preoperative MRIs of these cases were retrospectively analyzed and assessed and its utility assessed as an anterior soft tissue margin in surgery. In all cadaveric specimens, AG was identified as a substantial structure, deep and separate to vastus itermedius (VI) and separated by a clear fascial plane with a discrete neurovascular supply. Mean length of AG was 16.1 cm ( ± 1.6 cm) origin anterior aspect distal third femur and insertion into suprapatellar bursa. In 32 of 35 pathological specimens, AG was identified (mean length 12.8 cm ( ± 0.6 cm)). Where AG was used as anterior cover in pathological specimens all surgical margins were clear of disease. Of these cases, preoperative MRI identified AG in 34 of 35 cases (mean length 8.8 cm ( ± 0.4 cm)). Results. AG was best visualized with T1-weighted axial images providing sufficient cover in 25 cases confirmed by pathological findings.These results demonstrate AG as a discrete and substantial muscle of the anterior compartment of the thigh, deep to VI and useful in providing anterior soft tissue margin in distal femoral resection in bone tumours. Conclusion. Preoperative assessment of cover by AG may be useful in predicting cases where AG can be dissected, sparing the remaining quadriceps muscle, and therefore function. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-9:585–593

Aims. There are concerns regarding initial stability and early periprosthetic fractures in cementless hip arthroplasty using short stems. This study aimed to investigate stress on the cortical bone around the stem and micromotions between the stem and cortical bone according to femoral stem length and positioning. Methods. In total, 12 femoral finite element models (FEMs) were constructed and tested in walking and stair-climbing. Femoral stems of three different lengths and two different positions were simulated, assuming press-fit fixation within each FEM. Stress on the cortical bone and micromotions between the stem and bone were measured in each condition. Results. Stress concentration was observed on the medial and lateral interfaces between the cortical bone and stem. With neutral stem insertion, mean stress over a region of interest was greater at the medial than lateral interface regardless of stem length, which increased as the stem shortened. Mean stress increased in the varus-inserted stems compared to the stems inserted neutrally, especially at the lateral interface in contact with the stem tip. The maximum stress was observed at the lateral interface in a varus-inserted short stem. All mean stresses were greater in stair-climbing condition than walking. Each micromotion was also greater in shorter stems and varus-inserted stems, and in stair-climbing condition. Conclusion. The stem should be inserted neutrally and stair-climbing movement should be avoided in the early postoperative period, in order to preserve early stability and reduce the possibility of thigh pain, especially when using a shorter stem. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(4):250–258

Aims. Tourniquets have potential adverse effects including postoperative thigh pain, likely caused by their ischaemic and possible compressive effects. The aims of this preliminary study were to determine if it is possible to directly measure intramuscular pH in human subjects over time, and to measure the intramuscular pH changes resulting from tourniquet ischaemia in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. Methods. For patients undergoing short knee arthroscopic procedures, a sterile calibrated pH probe was inserted into the anterior fascial compartment of the leg after skin preparation, but before tourniquet inflation. The limb was elevated for three minutes prior to tourniquet inflation to 250 mmHg or 300 mmHg. Intramuscular pH was recorded at one-second intervals throughout the procedure and for 20 minutes following tourniquet deflation. Probe-related adverse events were recorded. Results. A total of 27 patients were recruited to the study. Mean tourniquet time was 21 minutes (10 to 56). Tourniquet pressure was 300 mmHg for 21 patients and 250 mmHg for six patients. Mean muscle pH prior to tourniquet inflation was 6.80. Muscle pH decreased upon tourniquet inflation, with a steeper fall in the first ten minutes than for the rest of the procedure. Change in muscle pH was significant after five minutes of tourniquet ischaemia (p < 0.001). Mean muscle pH prior to tourniquet release was 6.58 and recovered to 6.75 within 20 minutes following release. No probe related adverse events were recorded. Conclusion. It is possible to directly measure skeletal muscle pH in human subjects over time. Tourniquet ischaemia results in a decrease in human skeletal muscle pH over time during short procedures. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(6):363–369

Aims. Open tibial fractures are limb-threatening injuries. While limb loss is rare in children, deep infection and nonunion rates of up to 15% and 8% are reported, respectively. We manage these injuries in a similar manner to those in adults, with a combined orthoplastic approach, often involving the use of vascularised free flaps. We report the orthopaedic and plastic surgical outcomes of a consecutive series of patients over a five-year period, which includes the largest cohort of free flaps for trauma in children to date. Methods. Data were extracted from medical records and databases for patients with an open tibial fracture aged < 16 years who presented between 1 May 2014 and 30 April 2019. Patients who were transferred from elsewhere were excluded, yielding 44 open fractures in 43 patients, with a minimum follow-up of one year. Management was reviewed from the time of injury to discharge. Primary outcome measures were the rate of deep infection, time to union, and the Modified Enneking score. Results. The mean age of the patients was 9.9 years (2.8 to 15.8), and 28 were male (64%). A total of 30 fractures (68%) involved a motor vehicle collision, and 34 (77%) were classified as Gustilo Anderson (GA) grade 3B. There were 17 (50%) GA grade 3B fractures, which were treated with a definitive hexapod fixator, and 33 fractures (75%) were treated with a free flap, of which 30 (91%) were scapular/parascapular or anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps. All fractures united at a median of 12.3 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 9.6 to 18.1), with increasing age being significantly associated with a longer time to union (p = 0.005). There were no deep infections, one superficial wound infection, and the use of 20 fixators (20%) was associated with a pin site infection. The median Enneking score was 90% (IQR 87.5% to 95%). Three patients had a bony complication requiring further surgery. There were no flap failures, and eight patients underwent further plastic surgery. Conclusion. The timely and comprehensive orthoplastic care of open tibial fractures in this series of patiemts aged < 16 years resulted in 100% union and 0% deep infection, with excellent patient-reported functional outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1160–1167

Aims. The mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) is recommended to be performed with the leg in the hanging leg (HL) position, and the thigh placed in a stirrup. This comparative cadaveric study assesses implant positioning and intraoperative kinematics of OUKA implanted either in the HL position or in the supine leg (SL) position. Methods. A total of 16 fresh-frozen knees in eight human cadavers, without macroscopic anatomical defects, were selected. The knees from each cadaver were randomized to have the OUKA implanted in the HL or SL position. Results. Tibial base plate rotation was significantly more variable in the SL group with 75% of tibiae mal-rotated. Multivariate analysis of navigation data found no difference based on all kinematic parameters across the range of motion (ROM). However, area under the curve analysis showed that knees placed in the HL position had much smaller differences between the pre- and post-surgery conditions for kinematics mean values across the entire ROM. Conclusion. The sagittal tibia cut, not dependent on standard instrumentation, determines the tibial component rotation. The HL position improves accuracy of this step compared to the SL position, probably due to better visuospatial orientation of the hip and knee to the surgeon. The HL position is better for replicating native kinematics of the knee as shown by the area under the curve analysis. In the supine knee position, care must be taken during the sagittal tibia cut, while checking flexion balance and when sizing the tibial component

Introduction. Studies have addressed the issue of increasing prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among different occupations. However, contributing factors to MSK pain have not been fully investigated among orthopaedic surgeons. Thus, this study aimed to approximate the prevalence and predictors of MSK pain among Saudi orthopaedic surgeons working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods. A cross-sectional study using an electronic survey was conducted in Riyadh. The questionnaire was distributed through email among orthopaedic surgeons in Riyadh hospitals. Standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms were used. Descriptive measures for categorical and numerical variables were presented. Student’s t-test and Pearson’s χ2 test were used. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results. The response rate was 80.3%, with a total number of 179 of Saudi orthopaedic surgeons (173 males and six females). Of our sample, 67.0% of the respondents complained of having MSK pain. The most commonly reported MSK pain was lower back (74.0%), followed by neck (58.2%). Age and body mass index were implicated in the development of more than one type of MSK pain. Increased years of experience (≥ 6 years) was linked to shoulder/elbow, lower back, and hip/thigh pain. Smoking is widely associated with lower back pain development, whereas physicians who do not smoke and exercise regularly reported fewer pain incidences. Excessive bending and twisting during daily practice have been correlated with increased neck pain. Conclusion. MSK pain was found to be common among Saudi orthopaedic surgeons. Further extensive research should be conducted to understand and analyze the risk factors involved and search for possible improvements to avoid further complications. However, ergonomics education during surgical training could be effective at modifying behaviors and reducing MSK pain manifestations

We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of two cementless femoral stems in the treatment of patients with a Garden III or IV fracture of the femoral neck. A total of 70 patients (70 hips) in each group were enrolled into a prospective randomised study. One group received a short anatomical cementless stem and the other received a conventional cementless stem. Their mean age was 74.9 years (50 to 94) and 76.0 years (55 to 96), respectively (p = 0.328). The mean follow-up was 4.1 years (2 to 5) and 4.8 years (2 to 6), respectively. Perfusion lung scans and high resolution chest CTs were performed to detect pulmonary microemboli. At final follow-up there were no statistically significant differences between the short anatomical and the conventional stems with regard to the mean Harris hip score (85.7 (66 to 100) versus 86.5 (55 to 100); p = 0.791), the mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (17 (6 to 34) versus 16 (5 to 35); p = 0.13) or the mean University of California, Los Angeles activity score (5 (3 to 6) versus 4 (3 to 6); p = 0.032). No patient with a short stem had thigh pain, but 11 patients (16%) with a conventional stem had thigh pain. No patients with a short stem had symptomatic pulmonary microemboli, but 11 patients with a conventional stem had pulmonary microemboli (symptomatic in three patients and asymptomatic in eight patients). One hip (1.4%) in the short stem group and eight (11.4%) in the conventional group had an intra-operative undisplaced fracture of the calcar. No component was revised for aseptic loosening in either group. One acetabular component in the short stem group and two acetabular components in the conventional stem group were revised for recurrent dislocation. Our study demonstrated that despite the poor bone quality in these elderly patients with a fracture of the femoral neck, osseo-integration was obtained in all hips in both groups. However, the incidence of thigh pain, pulmonary microemboli and peri-prosthetic fracture was significantly higher in the conventional stem group than in the short stem group

Aims. Whether patient-reported pain differs among surgical approaches in total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. This study’s purposes were to determine differences in pain based on surgical approach (direct anterior (DA) vs posterolateral (PL)) and PL approach incision length. . Patients and Methods. This was a retrospective investigation from two centres and seven surgeons (three DA, three PL, one both) of primary THAs. PL patients were categorized for incision length (6 cm to 8 cm, 8 cm to 12 cm, 12 cm to 15 cm). All patients had cementless femoral and acetabular fixation, at least one year’s follow-up, and well-fixed components. Patients completed a pain-drawing questionnaire identifying the location and intensity of pain on an anatomical diagram. Power analysis indicated 800 patients in each cohort for adequate power to detect a 4% difference in pain (alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.80). Results. A total of 1848 patients (982 DA, 866 PL) were included. PL patients were younger (59.4 years, . sd. 12.9 vs 62.7 years, . sd. 9.7; p < 0.001) and had shorter follow-up (3.3 years, . sd. 1.3 vs 3.7 years, . sd. 1.3; p < 0.001). DA patients reported decreased moderate to severe trochanteric (14% vs 21%; p < 0.001) and groin pain (19% vs 24%; p = 0.004) than PL patients. There were no differences in anterior, lateral, or posterior thigh, back, or buttock pain between cohorts (p = 0.05 to 0.7). PL approach incision length did not impact the incidence or severity of pain (p = 0.3 to 0.7). Conclusion. A significant proportion of patients perceive persistent pain following THA regardless of approach. DA patients reported less trochanteric and groin pain versus PL patients. PL incision length did not influence the incidence or severity of patient-reported pain. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):31–36

Aims. Short-stemmed femoral implants have been used for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young and active patients to conserve bone, provide physiological loading, and reduce the incidence of thigh pain. Only short- to mid-term results have been presented and there have been concerns regarding component malalignment, incorrect sizing, and subsidence. This systematic review reports clinical and radiological outcomes, complications, revision rates, and implant survival in THA using short-stemmed femoral components. Materials and Methods. A literature review was performed using the EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane databases. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to identify studies reporting clinical and radiological follow-up for short-stemmed hip arthroplasties. Results. A total of 28 studies were eligible for inclusion. This included 5322 hips in 4657 patients with a mean age of 59 years (13 to 94). The mean follow-up was 6.1 years (0.5 to 20). The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 46 (0 to 100) to 92 (39 to 100). The mean Oxford Hip Score improved from 25 (2 to 42.5) to 35 (12.4 to 48). The mean Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index improved from 54 (2 to 95) to 22 (0 to 98). Components were aligned in a neutral coronal alignment in up to 90.9% of cases. A total of 15 studies reported component survivorship, which was 98.6% (92% to 100%) at a mean follow-up of 12.1 years. Conclusion. Short-stemmed femoral implants show similar improvement in clinical and radiological outcomes compared with conventional length implants. Only mid-term survivorship, however, is known. An abundance of short components have been developed and used commercially without staged clinical trials. Long-term survival is still unknown for many of these components. There remains tension between innovation and the moral duty to ensure that the introduction of new implants is controlled until safety and patient benefit are demonstrated. Implant innovation and subsequent use should be driven by proven clinical outcomes, rather than market and financial forces, and ethical practice must be ensured. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:502–511

Aims

Surgical site infection (SSI) after soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) resection is a serious complication. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the risk factors for SSI after STS resection, and to develop a nomogram that allows patient-specific risk assessment.

Aims

The primary aim of this trial was to compare the subsidence of two similar hydroxyapatite-coated titanium femoral components from different manufacturers. Secondary aims were to compare rotational migration (anteversion/retroversion and varus/valgus tilt) and patient-reported outcome measures between both femoral components.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of 3D-printed modular prostheses in patients who underwent joint-sparing limb salvage surgery (JSLSS) for malignant femoral diaphyseal bone tumours.

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify the association between asymmetrical skin creases of the thigh, buttock or inguinal region and pathological developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Patients and Methods. Between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2016, all patients referred to our unit from primary or secondary care with risk factors for DDH were assessed in a “one stop” clinic. All had clinical and sonographic assessment by the senior author (RWP) with the results being recorded prospectively. The inclusion criteria for this study were babies and children referred with asymmetrical skin creases. Those with a neurological cause of DDH were excluded. The positive predictive value (PPV) for pathological DDH was calculated. Results. A total of 105 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 71 girls and 34 boys. Only two were found to have pathological DDH. Both also had unilateral limited abduction of the hip in flexion and a positive Galeazzi sign with apparent leg-length discrepancy. Thus, if the specialist examination of a patient with asymmetrical skin creases was normal, the PPV for DDH was 0%. Conclusion. Isolated asymmetrical skin creases are an unreliable clinical sign in the diagnosis of pathological DDH. Greater emphasis should be placed on the presence of additional clinical signs to guide radiological screening in babies and children. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:675–9

Aims

Open lower limb fracture is life-changing, resulting in substantial morbidity and resource demand, while inconsistent outcome-reporting hampers systematic review and meta-analysis. A core outcome set establishes consensus among key stakeholders for the recommendation of a minimum set of outcomes. This study aims to define a core outcome set for adult open lower limb fracture.

The February 2024 Spine Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Surgeon assessment of bone – any good?; Robotics reduces radiation exposure in some spinal surgery; Interbody fusion cage versus anterior lumbar interbody fusion with posterior instrumentation; Is robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement an answer to the learning curve?; Acute non-traumatic spinal subarachnoid haematomas: a report of five cases and a systematic review of the literature; Is L4-L5 lateral interbody fusion safe and effective?

The off-loading characteristics of the cast-braces of 30 patients with fractures of the shaft of the femur have been investigated, during axial loading, using strain-gauge transducers. These were applied at the level of the fracture, where the cast was circumferentially split, and to the hinges of the brace at the knee. They measured the load transferred between the two portions of the thigh cast, and between the thigh cast as a whole and the below-knee cast; by subtraction from the total load on the limb, the skeletal force at the fracture level and at the knee could be calculated. In all patients there was an increase in the fracture load as union progressed which was thought to be due to physiological feedback mechanism from the fracture site. The load carried by the two portions of the thigh cast and by the thigh cast as a whole was proportionately high at first and stabilised at an average of 35 per cent of body weight

Aims

The purpose of this study is to report our updated results at a minimum follow-up of 30 years using a first generation uncemented tapered femoral component in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims

This study reports the results of 38 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in 33 patients aged less than 50 years, using the JRI Furlong hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC)-coated femoral component.

Aims

The aims of the study were to report for a cohort aged younger than 40 years: 1) indications for HRA; 2) patient-reported outcomes in terms of the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS); 3) dislocation rate; and 4) revision rate.

Aims

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury is a complication after periacetabular osteo-tomy (PAO) using an anterior approach, which might adversely affect the outcome. However, no prospective study has assessed the incidence and severity of this injury and its effect on the clinical outcomes over a period of time for longer than one year after PAO. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and severity of the symptoms of LFCN injury for ≥ three years after PAO and report its effect on clinical outcomes.

Injuries to the quadriceps muscle group are common in athletes performing high-speed running and kicking sports. The complex anatomy of the rectus femoris puts it at greatest risk of injury. There is variability in prognosis in the literature, with reinjury rates as high as 67% in the severe graded proximal tear. Studies have highlighted that athletes can reinjure after nonoperative management, and some benefit may be derived from surgical repair to restore function and return to sport (RTS). This injury is potentially career-threatening in the elite-level athlete, and we aim to highlight the key recent literature on interventions to restore strength and function to allow early RTS while reducing the risk of injury recurrence. This article reviews the optimal diagnostic strategies and classification of quadriceps injuries. We highlight the unique anatomy of each injury on MRI and the outcomes of both nonoperative and operative treatment, providing an evidence-based management framework for athletes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1244–1251.

Aims

Although the Fitmore Hip Stem has been on the market for almost 15 years, it is still not well documented in randomized controlled trials. This study compares the Fitmore stem with the CementLeSs (CLS) in several different clinical and radiological aspects. The hypothesis is that there will be no difference in outcome between stems.

Aims

Excision of chronic osteomyelitic bone creates a dead space which must be managed to avoid early recurrence of infection. Systemic antibiotics cannot penetrate this space in high concentrations, so local treatment has become an attractive adjunct to surgery. The aim of this study was to present the mid- to long-term results of local treatment with gentamicin in a bioabsorbable ceramic carrier.

Aims

As has been shown in larger animal models, knee immobilization can lead to arthrofibrotic phenotypes. Our study included 168 C57BL/6J female mice, with 24 serving as controls, and 144 undergoing a knee procedure to induce a contracture without osteoarthritis (OA).

The modified Smith–Petersen and Kocher–Langenbeck approaches were used to expose the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh and the femoral, obturator and sciatic nerves in order to study the risk of injury to these structures during the dissection, osteotomy, and acetabular reorientation stages of a Bernese peri-acetabular osteotomy. Injury of the lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh was less likely to occur if an osteotomy of the anterior superior iliac spine had been carried out before exposing the hip. The obturator nerve was likely to be injured during unprotected osteotomy of the pubis if the far cortex was penetrated by > 5 mm. This could be avoided by inclining the osteotome 45° medially and performing the osteotomy at least 2 cm medial to the iliopectineal eminence. . The sciatic nerve could be injured during the first and last stages of the osteotomy if the osteotome perforated the lateral cortex of ischium and the ilio-ischial junction by > 10 mm. The femoral nerve could be stretched or entrapped during osteotomy of the pubis if there was significant rotational or linear displacement of the acetabulum. Anterior or medial displacement of < 2 cm and lateral tilt (retroversion) of < 30° were safe margins. The combination of retroversion and anterior displacement could increase tension on the nerve. Strict observation of anatomical details, proper handling of the osteotomes and careful manipulation of the acetabular fragment reduce the neurological complications of Bernese peri-acetabular osteotomy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:636–41

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival of a collarless, straight, hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a minimum follow-up of 20 years.

Prophylactic antibiotics are important in reducing the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty. Their effectiveness depends on the choice of antibiotic and the optimum timing of their administration, to ensure adequate tissue concentrations. Cephalosporins are typically used, but an increasing number of resistant organisms are causing PJI, leading to the additional use of vancomycin. There are difficulties, however, with the systemic administration of vancomycin including its optimal timing, due to the need for prolonged administration, and potential adverse reactions. Intraosseous regional administration distal to a tourniquet is an alternative and attractive mode of delivery due to the ease of obtaining intraosseous access. Many authors have reported the effectiveness of intraosseous prophylaxis in achieving higher concentrations of antibiotic in the tissues compared with intravenous administration, providing equal or enhanced prophylaxis while minimizing adverse effects. This annotation describes the technique of intraosseous administration of antibiotics and summarizes the relevant clinical literature to date.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1135–1139.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate medium- to long-term outcomes and complications of the Stanmore Modular Individualised Lower Extremity System (SMILES) rotating hinge implant in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) at a tertiary unit. It is hypothesized that this fully cemented construct leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Aims

Osteoarticular reconstruction of the distal femur in childhood has the advantage of preserving the tibial physis. However, due to the small size of the distal femur, matching the host bone with an osteoarticular allograft is challenging. In this study, we compared the outcomes and complications of a resurfaced allograft-prosthesis composite (rAPC) with those of an osteoarticular allograft to reconstruct the distal femur in children.