Aims. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate machine-learning-based computerized adaptive tests (CATs) for the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Oxford
Aims. Our primary aim was to establish the proportion of female orthopaedic consultants who perform arthroplasty via cases submitted to the National Joint Registry (NJR), which covers England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and Guernsey. Secondary aims included comparing time since specialist registration, private practice participation, and number of hospitals worked in between male and female surgeons. Methods. Publicly available data from the NJR was extracted on the types of arthroplasty performed by each surgeon, and the number of procedures of each type undertaken. Each surgeon was cross-referenced with the General Medical Council (GMC) website, using GMC number to extract surgeon demographic data. These included sex, region of practice, and dates of full and specialist registration. Results. Of 2,895 surgeons contributing to the NJR in 2023, 102 (4%) were female. The highest proportions of female surgeons were among those who performed
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/
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. 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.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this survey study was to examine the demographic and lifestyle factors of women currently in orthopaedic surgery. An electronic survey was conducted of practising female orthopaedic surgeons based in the USA through both the Ruth Jackson Society and the online Facebook group “Women of Orthopaedics”.Aims
Methods
Bacterial infection activates neutrophils to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in bacterial biofilms of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the increase in NET activation and release (NETosis) and haemostasis markers in the plasma of patients with PJI, to evaluate whether such plasma induces the activation of neutrophils, to ascertain whether increased NETosis is also mediated by reduced DNaseI activity, to explore novel therapeutic interventions for NETosis in PJI in vitro, and to evaluate the potential diagnostic use of these markers. We prospectively recruited 107 patients in the preoperative period of prosthetic surgery, 71 with a suspicion of PJI and 36 who underwent arthroplasty for non-septic indications as controls, and obtained citrated plasma. PJI was confirmed in 50 patients. We measured NET markers, inflammation markers, DNaseI activity, haemostatic markers, and the thrombin generation test (TGT). We analyzed the ability of plasma from confirmed PJI and controls to induce NETosis and to degrade in vitro-generated NETs, and explored the therapeutic restoration of the impairment to degrade NETs of PJI plasma with recombinant human DNaseI. Finally, we assessed the contribution of these markers to the diagnosis of PJI.Aims
Methods
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. A prospective series of 100 patients with Cierny-Mader Types III and IV chronic ostemyelitis, affecting 105 bones, were treated with a single-stage procedure including debridement, deep tissue sampling, local and systemic antibiotics, stabilization, and immediate skin closure. Chronic osteomyelitis was confirmed using strict diagnostic criteria. The mean follow-up was 6.05 years (4.2 to 8.4).Aims
Methods
There is little published on the outcomes after restarting elective orthopaedic procedures following cessation of surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the reported perioperative mortality in patients who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection while undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery was 18% to 20%. The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcomes, complications, and risk of developing COVID-19 in 2,316 consecutive patients who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery in the latter part of 2020 and comparing it to the same, pre-pandemic, period in 2019. A retrospective service evaluation of patients who underwent elective surgical procedures between 16 June 2020 and 12 December 2020 was undertaken. The number and type of cases, demographic details, American society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, BMI, 30-day readmission rates, mortality, and complications at one- and six-week intervals were obtained and compared with patients who underwent surgery during the same six-month period in 2019.Aims
Methods
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the biggest communicable causes of mortality worldwide. While incidence in the UK has continued to fall since 2011, Bradford retains one of the highest TB rates in the UK. This study aims to examine the local disease burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) TB, by analyzing common presenting factors within the famously diverse population of Bradford. An observational study was conducted, using data from the Bradford Teaching Hospitals TB database of patients with a formal diagnosis of MSK TB between January 2005 and July 2017. Patient data included demographic data (including nationality/date of entry to the UK), disease focus, microbiology, and management strategies. Disease incidence was calculated using population data from the Office for National Statistics. Poisson confidence intervals were calculated to demonstrate the extent of statistical error. Disease incidence and nationality were also analyzed, and correlation sought, using the chi-squared test.Aims
Methods
Orthopaedic surgeries are complex, frequently performed procedures associated with significant haemorrhage and perioperative blood transfusion. Given refinements in surgical techniques and changes to transfusion practices, we aim to describe contemporary transfusion practices in orthopaedic surgery in order to inform perioperative planning and blood banking requirements. We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery at four Canadian hospitals between 2014 and 2016. We studied all patients admitted to hospital for nonarthroscopic joint surgeries, amputations, and fracture surgeries. For each surgery and surgical subgroup, we characterized the proportion of patients who received red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, the mean/median number of RBC units transfused, and exposure to platelets and plasma.Aims
Methods
Restarting planned surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic is a clinical and societal priority, but it is unknown whether it can be done safely and include high-risk or complex cases. We developed a Surgical Prioritization and Allocation Guide (SPAG). Here, we validate its effectiveness and safety in COVID-free sites. A multidisciplinary surgical prioritization committee developed the SPAG, incorporating procedural urgency, shared decision-making, patient safety, and biopsychosocial factors; and applied it to 1,142 adult patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery. Patients were stratified into four priority groups and underwent surgery at three COVID-free sites, including one with access to a high dependency unit (HDU) or intensive care unit (ICU) and specialist resources. Safety was assessed by the number of patients requiring inpatient postoperative HDU/ICU admission, contracting COVID-19 within 14 days postoperatively, and mortality within 30 days postoperatively.Aims
Methods
The increase in prescription opioid misuse and dependence is now a public health crisis in the UK. It is recognized as a whole-person problem that involves both the medical and the psychosocial needs of patients. Analyzing aspects of pathophysiology, emotional health, and social wellbeing associated with persistent opioid use after injury may inform safe and effective alleviation of pain while minimizing risk of misuse or dependence. Our objectives were to investigate patient factors associated with opioid use two to four weeks and six to nine months after an upper limb fracture. A total of 734 patients recovering from an isolated upper limb fracture were recruited in this study. Opioid prescription was documented retrospectively for the period preceding the injury, and prospectively at the two- to four-week post-injury visit and six- to nine-month post-injury visit. Bivariate and multivariate analysis sought factors associated with opioid prescription from demographics, injury-specific data, Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Instrumentation System (PROMIS), Depression computer adaptive test (CAT), PROMIS Anxiety CAT, PROMIS Instrumental Support CAT, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ-2), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and measures that investigate levels of social support.Aims
Methods
To determine the impact of COVID-19 on orthopaediatric admissions and fracture clinics within a regional integrated care system (ICS). A retrospective review was performed for all paediatric orthopaedic patients admitted across the region during the recent lockdown period (24 March 2020 to 10 May 2020) and the same period in 2019. Age, sex, mechanism, anatomical region, and treatment modality were compared, as were fracture clinic attendances within the receiving regional major trauma centre (MTC) between the two periods.Aims
Methods
To describe the incidence of adverse clinical outcomes related to COVID-19 infection following corticosteroid injections (CSI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. To describe the incidence of positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, positive SARS-COV2 IgG antibody testing or positive imaging findings following CSI at our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective observational study was undertaken of consecutive patients who had CSI in our local hospitals between 1 February and 30June 2020. Electronic patient medical records (EPR) and radiology information system (RIS) database were reviewed. SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing, SARS-COV2 IgG antibody testing, radiological investigations, patient management, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Lung findings were categorized according to the British Society of Thoracic Imaging (BSTI) guidelines. Reference was made to the incidence of lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in our region.Aims
Methods
Virtual encounters have experienced an exponential rise amid the current COVID-19 crisis. This abrupt change, seen in response to unprecedented medical and environmental challenges, has been forced upon the orthopaedic community. However, such changes to adopting virtual care and technology were already in the evolution forecast, albeit in an unpredictable timetable impeded by regulatory and financial barriers. This adoption is not meant to replace, but rather augment established, traditional models of care while ensuring patient/provider safety, especially during the pandemic. While our department, like those of other institutions, has performed virtual care for several years, it represented a small fraction of daily care. The pandemic required an accelerated and comprehensive approach to the new reality. Contemporary literature has already shown equivalent safety and patient satisfaction, as well as superior efficiency and reduced expenses with musculoskeletal virtual care (MSKVC) versus traditional models. Nevertheless, current literature detailing operational models of MSKVC is scarce. The current review describes our pre-pandemic MSKVC model and the shift to a MSKVC pandemic workflow that enumerates the conceptual workflow organization (patient triage, from timely care provision based on symptom acuity/severity to a continuum that includes future follow-up). Furthermore, specific setup requirements (both resource/personnel requirements such as hardware, software, and network connectivity requirements, and patient/provider characteristics respectively), and professional expectations are outlined. MSKVC has already become a pivotal element of musculoskeletal care, due to COVID-19, and these changes are confidently here to stay. Readiness to adapt and evolve will be required of individual musculoskeletal clinical teams as well as organizations, as established paradigms evolve. Cite this article:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rapidly implemented restructuring of UK healthcare services. The The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, became a central hub for the provision of trauma services for North Central/East London (NCEL) while providing a musculoskeletal tumour service for the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales and an urgent spinal service for London. This study reviews our paediatric practice over this period in order to share our experience and lessons learned. Our hospital admission pathways are described and the safety of surgical and interventional radiological procedures performed under general anaesthesia (GA) with regards to COVID-19 in a paediatric population are evaluated. All paediatric patients (≤ 16 years) treated in our institution during the six-week peak period of the pandemic were included. Prospective data for all paediatric trauma and urgent elective admissions and retrospective data for all sarcoma admissions were collected. Telephone interviews were conducted with all patients and families to assess COVID-19 related morbidity at 14 days post-discharge.Introduction
Methods
COVID-19 remains the major focus of healthcare provision. Managing orthopaedic emergencies effectively, while at the same time protecting patients and staff, remains a challenge. We explore how the UK lockdown affected the rate, distribution, and type of orthopaedic emergency department (ED) presentations, using the same period in 2019 as reference. This article discusses considerations for the ED and trauma wards to help to maintain the safety of patients and healthcare providers with an emphasis on more remote geography. The study was conducted from 23 March 2020 to 5 May 2020 during the full lockdown period (2020 group) and compared to the same time frame in 2019 (2019 group). Included are all patients who attended the ED at Raigmore Hospital during this period from both the local area and tertiary referral from throughout the UK Highlands. Data was collected and analyzed through the ED Information System (EDIS) as well as ward and theatre records.Aims
Methods
Now that we are in the deceleration phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus has shifted to how to safely reinstate elective operating. Regional and speciality specific data is important to guide this decision-making process. This study aimed to review 30-day mortality for all patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery during the peak of the pandemic within our region. This multicentre study reviewed data on all patients undergoing trauma and orthopaedic surgery in a region from 18 March 2020 to 27 April 2020. Information was collated from regional databases. Patients were COVID-19-positive if they had positive laboratory testing and/or imaging consistent with the infection. 30-day mortality was assessed for all patients. Secondly, 30-day mortality in fracture neck of femur patients was compared to the same time period in 2019.Aims
Methods
Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are being increasingly used to offer safe and efficient orthopaedic review without the requirement for face-to-face contact. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to develop an online referral pathway that would allow us to provide definitive orthopaedic management plans and reduce face-to-face contact at the fracture clinics. All patients presenting to the emergency department from 21March 2020 with a musculoskeletal injury or potential musculoskeletal infection deemed to require orthopaedic input were discussed using a secure messaging app. A definitive management plan was communicated by an on-call senior orthopaedic decision-maker. We analyzed the time to decision, if further information was needed, and the referral outcome. An analysis of the orthopaedic referrals for the same period in 2019 was also performed as a comparison.Introduction
Methods
The current global pandemic due to COVID-19 is generating significant burden on the health service in the UK. On 23 March 2020, the UK government issued requirements for a national lockdown. The aim of this multicentre study is to gain a greater understanding of the impact lockdown has had on the rates, mechanisms and types of injuries together with their management across a regional trauma service. Data was collected from an adult major trauma centre, paediatric major trauma centre, district general hospital, and a regional hand trauma unit. Data collection included patient demographics, injury mechanism, injury type and treatment required. Time periods studied corresponded with the two weeks leading up to lockdown in the UK, two weeks during lockdown, and the same two-week period in 2019.Aims
Methods
Between January 1992 and December 1998, we treated 24 patients with necrotising fasciitis of a limb. There were 15 men and nine women with a mean age of 59.8 years (5 to 86). The infection was usually confused with cellulitis. Exquisite pain and early systemic toxicity were the most consistent clinical features. Diabetes mellitus and hepatic cirrhosis were the most commonly associated medical diseases. One third of the patients died. Those with involvement of the limbs above the knee or
This study aimed to assess the performance of an automated multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) technique for rapid diagnosis of native joint septic arthritis Consecutive patients with suspected septic arthritis undergoing aseptic diagnostic joint aspiration were included. The aspirate was used for analysis by mPCR and conventional microbiological analysis. A joint was classed as septic according to modified Newman criteria. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of the mPCR and the synovial fluid culture were compared using the z-test. A total of 72 out of 76 consecutive patients (33 women, 39 men; mean age 64 years (22 to 92)) with suspected septic arthritis were included in this study.Aims
Patients and Methods
Informed patient consent is a legal prerequisite endorsed by
multiple regulatory institutions including the Royal College of
Surgeons and the General Medical Council. It is also recommended
that the provision of written information is available and may take
the form of a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) with multiple PILs
available from leading orthopaedic institutions. PILs may empower
the patient, improve compliance, and improve the patient experience.
The national reading age in the United Kingdom is less than 12 years
and therefore PILs should be written at a readability level not
exceeding 12 years old. We aim to assess the readability of PILs
currently provided by United Kingdom orthopaedic institutions. The readability of PILs on 58 common conditions provided by seven
leading orthopaedic associations in January 2017, including the
British Orthopaedic Association, British Hip Society, and the British
Association of Spinal Surgeons, was assessed. All text in each PIL
was analyzed using readability scores including the Flesch–Kincaid Grade
Level (FKGL) and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) test.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to examine the association between
postoperative glycaemic variability and adverse outcomes following
orthopaedic surgery. This retrospective study analyzed data on 12 978 patients (1361
with two operations) who underwent orthopaedic surgery at a single
institution between 2001 and 2017. Patients with a minimum of either
two postoperative measurements of blood glucose levels per day,
or more than three measurements overall, were included in the study.
Glycaemic variability was assessed using a coefficient of variation
(CV). The length of stay (LOS), in-hospital complications, and 90-day
readmission and mortality rates were examined. Data were analyzed
with linear and generalized linear mixed models for linear and binary
outcomes, adjusting for various covariates.Aims
Patients and Methods
Tuberculosis (TB) infection of bones and joints accounts for
6.7% of TB cases in England, and is associated with significant
morbidity and disability. Public Health England reports that patients
with TB experience delays in diagnosis and treatment. Our aims were
to determine the demographics, presentation and investigation of
patients with a TB infection of bones and joints, to help doctors
assessing potential cases and to identify avoidable delays. This was a retrospective observational study of all adults with
positive TB cultures on specimens taken at a tertiary orthopaedic
centre between June 2012 and May 2014. A laboratory information
system search identified the patients. The demographics, clinical presentation,
radiology, histopathology and key clinical dates were obtained from
medical records.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this paper was to present the clinical features of
patients with musculoskeletal sources of methicillin-sensitive A total of 137 patients presented with MSSA septicaemia between
2012 and 2015. The primary source of infection was musculoskeletal
in 48 patients (35%). Musculoskeletal infection was considered the
primary source of septicaemia when endocarditis and other obvious
sources were excluded. All patients with an arthroplasty at the time
were evaluated for any prosthetic involvement. Aims
Patients and Methods
Chronic osteomyelitis may recur if dead space management, after
excision of infected bone, is inadequate. This study describes the
results of a strategy for the management of deep bone infection
and evaluates a new antibiotic-loaded biocomposite in the eradication
of infection from bone defects. We report a prospective study of 100 patients with chronic osteomyelitis,
in 105 bones. Osteomyelitis followed injury or surgery in 81 patients.
Nine had concomitant septic arthritis. 80 patients had comorbidities
(Cierny-Mader (C-M) Class B hosts). Ten had infected nonunions. All patients were treated by a multidisciplinary team with a
single-stage protocol including debridement, multiple sampling,
culture-specific systemic antibiotics, stabilisation, dead space
filling with the biocomposite and primary skin closure. Aims
Patients and Methods
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection
of the musculoskeletal tissue is a rare disease. An early and accurate diagnosis
is often difficult because of the indolent clinical course and difficulty
of isolating pathogens. Our goal was to determine the clinical features
of musculoskeletal NTM infection and to present the treatment outcomes.
A total of 29 patients (nine females, 20 males between 34 and 85
years old, mean age 61.7 years; 34 to 85) with NTM infection of the
musculoskeletal system between 1998 to 2011 were identified and
their treatment retrospectively analysed. Microbiological studies
demonstrated NTM in 29 patients: the isolates were Cite this article:
Currently, there is no animal model in which
to evaluate the underlying physiological processes leading to the heterotopic
ossification (HO) which forms in most combat-related and blast wounds.
We sought to reproduce the ossification that forms under these circumstances
in a rat by emulating patterns of injury seen in patients with severe
injuries resulting from blasts. We investigated whether exposure
to blast overpressure increased the prevalence of HO after transfemoral
amputation performed within the zone of injury. We exposed rats
to a blast overpressure alone (BOP-CTL), crush injury and femoral
fracture followed by amputation through the zone of injury (AMP-CTL)
or a combination of these (BOP-AMP). The presence of HO was evaluated
using radiographs, micro-CT and histology. HO developed in none
of nine BOP-CTL, six of nine AMP-CTL, and in all 20 BOP-AMP rats.
Exposure to blast overpressure increased the prevalence of HO. This model may thus be used to elucidate cellular and molecular
pathways of HO, the effect of varying intensities of blast overpressure,
and to evaluate new means of prophylaxis and treatment of heterotopic
ossification. Cite this article:
Construction of a functional skeleton is accomplished
through co-ordination of the developmental processes of chondrogenesis,
osteogenesis, and synovial joint formation. Infants whose movement Cite this article:
Drug therapy forms an integral part of the management
of many orthopaedic conditions. However, many medicines can produce
serious adverse reactions if prescribed inappropriately, either
alone or in combination with other drugs. Often these hazards are
not appreciated. In response to this, the European Union recently
issued legislation regarding safety measures which member states
must adopt to minimise the risk of errors of medication. In March 2014 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
Agency and NHS England released a Patient Safety Alert initiative
focussed on errors of medication. There have been similar initiatives
in the United States under the auspices of The National Coordinating
Council for Medication Error and The Joint Commission on the Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations. These initiatives have highlighted
the importance of informing and educating clinicians. Here, we discuss common drug interactions and contra-indications
in orthopaedic practice. This is germane to safe and effective clinical
care. Cite this article:
We report the results of six trauma and orthopaedic
projects to Kenya in the last three years. The aims are to deliver both
a trauma service and teaching within two hospitals; one a district
hospital near Mount Kenya in Nanyuki, the other the largest public
hospital in Kenya in Mombasa. The Kenya Orthopaedic Project team
consists of a wide range of multidisciplinary professionals that
allows the experience to be shared across those specialties. A follow-up
clinic is held three months after each mission to review the patients.
To our knowledge there are no reported outcomes in the literature
for similar projects. A total of 211 operations have been performed and 400 patients
seen during the projects. Most cases were fractures of the lower
limb; we have been able to follow up 163 patients (77%) who underwent
surgical treatment. We reflect on the results so far and discuss
potential improvements for future missions.
Little information is available about several
important aspects of the treatment of melioidosis osteomyelitis
and septic arthritis. We undertook a retrospective review of 50 patients with these
conditions in an attempt to determine the effect of location of
the disease, type of surgical intervention and duration of antibiotic
treatment on outcome, particularly complications and relapse. We found that there was a 27.5% risk of osteomyelitis of the
adjacent bone in patients with septic arthritis in the lower limb.
Patients with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of an adjacent
bone were in hospital significantly longer (p = 0.001), needed more
operations (p = 0.031) and had a significantly higher rate of complications
and re-presentation (p = 0.048). More than half the patients (61%), most particularly those with
multifocal bone and joint involvement, and those with septic arthritis
and osteomyelitis of an adjacent bone who were treated operatively,
needed more visits to theatre. Cite this article:
Tendinopathy is a debilitating musculoskeletal
condition which can cause significant pain and lead to complete rupture
of the tendon, which often requires surgical repair. Due in part
to the large spectrum of tendon pathologies, these disorders continue
to be a clinical challenge. Animal models are often used in this
field of research as they offer an attractive framework to examine
the cascade of processes that occur throughout both tendon pathology and
repair. This review discusses the structural, mechanical, and biological
changes that occur throughout tendon pathology in animal models,
as well as strategies for the improvement of tendon healing. Cite this article:
In May 2012, in airports across the globe, seven
orthopaedic surgeons bravely said goodbye to their loved ones, and
slowly turned towards their respective aircraft. Filled with expectation
and mild trepidation they stepped into the unknown… the ABC fellowship
of 2012.
We have developed a list of 281 competencies deemed to be of importance in the training of orthopaedic surgeons. A stratified, randomised selection of non-university orthopaedic surgeons rated each individual item on a scale 1 to 4 of increasing importance. Summary statistics across all respondents were given. The mean scores and Complex procedures were rated to be less important. The structure, delivery and implementation of the curriculum needs further study. Learning activities are ‘driven’ by the evaluation of competencies and thus competency-based learning may soon be in the forefront of training programmes.
Lengthening of the humerus is now an established
technique. We compared the complications of humeral lengthening
with those of femoral lengthening and investigated whether or not
the callus formation in the humerus proceeds at a higher rate than
that in the femur. A total of 24 humeral and 24 femoral lengthenings
were performed on 12 patients with achondroplasia. We measured the
pixel value ratio (PVR) of the lengthened area on radiographs and
each radiograph was analysed for the shape, type and density of
the callus. The quality of life (QOL) of the patients after humeral
lengthening was compared with that prior to surgery. The complication
rate per segment of humerus and femur was 0.87% and 1.37%, respectively.
In the humerus the PVR was significantly higher than that of the
femur. Lower limbs were associated with an increased incidence of
concave, lateral and central callus shapes. Humeral lengthening
had a lower complication rate than lower-limb lengthening, and QOL
increased significantly after humeral lengthening. Callus formation
in the humerus during the distraction period proceeded at a significantly
higher rate than that in the femur. These findings indicate that humeral lengthening has an important
role in the management of patients with achondroplasia.
We report 79 cases of bone and joint tuberculosis between 1988 and 2005, eight of which were in the Caucasian population and 71 in the non-white population. The diagnosis was made in the majority (73.4%) by positive bacteriology and/or histology. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was higher in the Caucasian group at 51.5 years (28 to 66) than in the South Asian group at 36.85 years (12 to 93). Only one patient had previous BCG immunisation. The spine was the site most commonly affected (44.3%). Surgical stabilisation and/or decompression was performed in 23% of these cases because of cord compression on imaging or the presence of neurological signs. A six-month course of chemotherapy comprising of an initial two months of rifampicin, isoniazide, pyrazinamide and sometimes ethambutol followed by four months treatment with rifampicin and isoniazide, was successful in all cases without proven drug resistance.
A total of 38 patients with leprosy and localised nerve damage (11 median at the wrist and 37 posterior tibial at the ankle) were treated by 48 freeze-thawed skeletal muscle autografts ranging between 2.5 cm and 14 cm in length. Sensory recovery was noted in 34 patients (89%) and was maintained during a mean period of follow-up of 12.6 years (4 to 14). After grafting the median nerve all patients remained free of ulcers and blisters, ten demonstrated perception of texture and eight recognised weighted pins. In the posterior tibial nerve group, 24 of 30 repairs (80%) resulted in improved healing of the ulcers and 26 (87%) demonstrated discrimination of texture. Quality of life and hand and foot questionnaires showed improvement; the activities of daily living scores improved in six of seven after operations on the hand, and in 14 of 22 after procedures on the foot. Another benefit was subjective improvement in the opposite limb, probably because of the protective effect of better function in the operated side. This study demonstrates that nerve/muscle interposition grafting in leprosy results in consistent sensory recovery and high levels of patient satisfaction. Ten of 11 patients with hand operations and 22 of 25 with procedures to the foot showed sensory recovery in at least one modality.