Aims. The aim of this study was to record the incidence of post-traumatic
osteoarthritis (OA), the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA),
and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) after surgery for
a fracture of the acetabulum, in our centre. Patients and Methods. All patients who underwent surgery for an acetabular fracture
between 2004 and 2014 were included. Patients completed the 36-Item
Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the modified Harris Hip Score
(mHHS) questionnaires. A retrospective chart and radiographic review
was performed on all patients. CT scans were used to assess the classification
of the fracture and the quality of reduction. Results. A total of 220 patients were included, of which 55 (25%) developed
post-traumatic
The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes and the complication rate after nail and plate fixation of unstable fractures of the ankle in elderly patients. In this multicentre study, 120 patients aged ≥ 60 years with an acute unstable AO/OTA type 44-B fracture of the ankle were randomized to fixation with either a nail or a plate and followed for 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcome measures were the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, the Olerud and Molander Ankle score, the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, a visual analogue score for pain, complications, the quality of reduction of the fracture, nonunion, and the development of osteoarthritis.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fracture displacement and survivorship of the native hip joint without conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to determine predictors for conversion to THA in patients treated nonoperatively for acetabular fractures. A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed in 170 patients who were treated nonoperatively for an acetabular fracture in three level 1 trauma centres. Using the post-injury diagnostic CT scan, the maximum gap and step-off values in the weightbearing dome were digitally measured by two trauma surgeons. Native hip survival was reported using Kaplan-Meier curves. Predictors for conversion to THA were determined using Cox regression analysis.Aims
Methods
To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) after tibial plateau fracture (TPF) compared to preinjury and population matched values, and what aspects of treatment were most important to patients. We undertook a retrospective, case-control study of 67 patients at mean 3.5 years (SD 1.3; 1.3 to 6.1) after TPF (47 patients underwent fixation, and 20 nonoperative management). Patients completed EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, Lower Limb Function Scale (LEFS), and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) for current and recalled prefracture status. Propensity score matching for age, sex, and deprivation in a 1:5 ratio was performed using patient level data from the Health Survey for England to obtain a control group for HRQoL comparison. The primary outcome was the difference in actual (TPF cohort) and expected (matched control) EQ-5D-3L score after TPF.Aims
Methods
There has been an increasing use of early operative fixation for scaphoid fractures, despite uncertain evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate up-to-date evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the effectiveness of the operative and nonoperative treatment of undisplaced and minimally displaced (≤ 2 mm displacement) scaphoid fractures. A systematic review of seven databases was performed from the dates of their inception until the end of March 2021 to identify eligible RCTs. Reference lists of the included studies were screened. No language restrictions were applied. The primary outcome was the patient-reported outcome measure of wrist function at 12 months after injury. A meta-analysis was performed for function, pain, range of motion, grip strength, and union. Complications were reported narratively.Aims
Methods
Aims. To evaluate the outcomes of cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA)
following a fracture of the acetabulum, with evaluation of risk
factors and comparison with a patient group with no history of fracture. . Patients and Methods. Between 1992 and 2016, 49 patients (33 male) with mean age of
57 years (25 to 87) underwent cemented THA at a mean of 6.5 years
(0.1 to 25) following acetabular fracture. A total of 38 had undergone
surgical fixation and 11 had been treated non-operatively; 13 patients
died at a mean of 10.2 years after THA (0.6 to 19). Patients were
assessed pre-operatively, at one year and at final follow-up (mean
9.1 years, 0.5 to 23) using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Implant
survivorship was assessed. An age and gender-matched cohort of THAs
performed for non-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) or avascular necrosis
(AVN) (n = 98) were used to compare complications and patient-reported outcome
measures (PROMs). Results. The mean time from fracture to THA was significantly shorter
for patients with AVN
(2.2 years) or protrusio (2.2 years) than those with post-traumatic
OA (9.4 years) or infection (8.0 years) (p = 0.03). Nine contained
and four uncontained defects were managed with autograft (n = 11),
bulk allograft (n = 1), or trabecular metal augment (n = 1). Initial
fracture management (open reduction and internal fixation or non-operative),
timing of THA
(>
/<
one year), and age (>
/<
55 years) had no significant
effect on OHS or ten-year survival. Six THAs were revised at mean
of 12 years (5 to 23) with ten-year all-cause survival of 92% (95%
confidence interval 80.8 to 100). THA complication rates (all complications,
heterotopic ossification, leg length discrepancy >
10 mm) were significantly higher
following acetabular fracture compared with atraumatic
The modified Radiological Union Scale for Tibia (mRUST) fractures score was developed in order to assess progress to union and define a numerical assessment of fracture healing of metadiaphyseal fractures. This score has been shown to be valuable in predicting radiological union; however, there is no information on the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this index for various cut-off scores. The aim of this study is to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and cut-off points of the mRUST score for the diagnosis of metadiaphyseal fractures healing. A cohort of 146 distal femur fractures were retrospectively identified at our institution. After excluding AO/OTA type B fractures, nonunions, follow-up less than 12 weeks, and patients aged less than 16 years, 104 sets of radiographs were included for analysis. Anteroposterior and lateral femur radiographs at six weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and final follow-up were separately scored by three surgeons using the mRUST score. The sensitivity and specificity of mean mRUST score were calculated using clinical and further radiological findings as a gold standard for ultimate fracture healing. A receiver operating characteristic curve was also performed to determine the cut-off points at each time point.Aims
Methods
We report the long-term outcomes of the UK Heel Fracture Trial (HeFT), a pragmatic, multicentre, two-arm, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. HeFT recruited 151 patients aged over 16 years with closed displaced, intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus. Patients with significant deformity causing fibular impingement, peripheral vascular disease, or other significant limb injuries were excluded. Participants were randomly allocated to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or nonoperative treatment. We report Kerr-Atkins scores, self-reported difficulty walking and fitting shoes, and additional surgical procedures at 36, 48, and 60 months.Aims
Methods
Our aim in this study was to describe the long-term survival
of the native hip joint after open reduction and internal fixation
of a displaced fracture of the acetabulum. We also present long-term
clinical outcomes and risk factors associated with a poor outcome. A total of 285 patients underwent surgery for a displaced acetabular
fracture between 1993 and 2005. For the survival analysis 253 were
included, there were 197 men and 56 women with a mean age of 42
years (12 to 78). The mean follow-up of 11 years (1 to 20) was identified
from our pelvic fracture registry. There were 99 elementary and 154
associated fracture types. For the long-term clinical follow-up,
192 patients with complete data were included. Their mean age was
40 years (13 to 78) with a mean follow-up of 12 years (5 to 20).
Injury to the femoral head and acetabular impaction were assessed
with CT scans and patients with an ipsilateral fracture of the femoral
head were excluded.Aims
Patients and Methods
Outcome measures quantifying aspects of health in a precise,
efficient, and user-friendly manner are in demand. Computer adaptive
tests (CATs) may overcome the limitations of established fixed scales
and be more adept at measuring outcomes in trauma. The primary objective
of this review was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the
psychometric properties of CATs compared with fixed-length scales
in the assessment of outcome in patients who have suffered trauma
of the upper limb. Study designs, outcome measures and methodological
quality are defined, along with trends in investigation. A search of multiple electronic databases was undertaken on 1
January 2017 with terms related to “CATs”, “orthopaedics”, “trauma”,
and “anatomical regions”. Studies involving adults suffering trauma
to the upper limb, and undergoing any intervention, were eligible.
Those involving the measurement of outcome with any CATs were included.
Identification, screening, and eligibility were undertaken, followed
by the extraction of data and quality assessment using the Consensus-Based
Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria.
The review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items
for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria and reg istered (PROSPERO: CRD42016053886).Aims
Materials and Methods
Radiological evidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis
(PTOA) after fracture of the tibial plateau is common but end-stage arthritis
which requires total knee arthroplasty is much rarer. The aim of this study was to examine the indications for, and
outcomes of, total knee arthroplasty after fracture of the tibial
plateau and to compare this with an age and gender-matched cohort
of TKAs carried out for primary osteoarthritis. Between 1997 and 2011, 31 consecutive patients (23 women, eight
men) with a mean age of 65 years (40 to 89) underwent TKA at a mean
of 24 months (2 to 124) after a fracture of the tibial plateau.
Of these, 24 had undergone ORIF and seven had been treated non-operatively.
Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 6, 12 and >
60 months
using the Short Form-12, Oxford Knee Score and a patient satisfaction
score. Patients with instability or nonunion needed total knee arthroplasty
earlier (14 and 13.3 months post-injury) than those with intra-articular
malunion (50 months, p <
0.001). Primary cruciate-retaining implants
were used in 27 (87%) patients. Complication rates were higher in
the PTOA cohort and included wound complications (13% Total knee arthroplasty undertaken after fracture of the tibial
plateau has a higher rate of complications than that undertaken
for primary osteoarthritis, but patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction
are comparable. Cite this article:
This study aimed to determine the long-term functional,
clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with Schatzker IV
to VI fractures of the tibial plateau treated with an Ilizarov frame.
Clinical, functional and radiological assessment was carried out
at a minimum of one year post-operatively. A cohort of 105 patients
(62 men, 43 women) with a mean age of 49 years (15 to 87) and a
mean follow-up of 7.8 years (1 to 19) were reviewed. There were
18 type IV, 10 type V and 77 type VI fractures. All fractures united
with a mean time to union of 20.1 weeks (10.6 to 42.3). No patient
developed a deep infection. The median range of movement (ROM) of
the knee was 110o and the median Iowa score was 85. Our study demonstrates good long-term functional outcome with
no deep infection; spanning the knee had no detrimental effect on
the ROM or functional outcome. High-energy fractures of the tibial plateau may be treated effectively
with a fine wire Ilizarov fixator. Cite this article:
We define the long-term outcomes and rates of
further operative intervention following displaced Bennett’s fractures
treated with Kirschner (K-) wire fixation between 1996 and 2009.
We retrospectively identified 143 patients (127 men and 16 women)
with a mean age at the time of injury of 33.2 years (18 to 75).
Electronic records were examined and patients were invited to complete
the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire
in addition to a satisfaction questionnaire. The time since injury
was a mean of 11.5 years (3.4 to 18.5). In total 11 patients had
died, one had developed dementia and 12 patients were lost to follow-up.
This left 119 patients available for recruitment. Of these, 57 did
not respond, leaving a study group of 62 patients. Patients reported
excellent functional outcomes and high levels of satisfaction at
follow-up. Median satisfaction was 94% (interquartile range 91.5
to 97.5) and the mean DASH score was 3.0 (0 to 38). None of the patients
had undergone salvage procedures and none of the responders had
changed occupation or sporting activities. Long-term patient reported
outcomes following displaced Bennett’s fractures treated by closed
reduction and K-wire fixation show excellent functional results
and a high level of patient satisfaction. The rate of infection
is low and similar to other surgical procedures with percutaneous
K-wires. Cite this article:
The generally-accepted treatment for large, displaced fractures of the glenoid associated with traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder is operative repair. In this study, 14 consecutive patients with large (>
5 mm), displaced (>
2 mm) anteroinferior glenoid rim fractures were treated non-operatively if post-reduction radiographs showed a centred glenohumeral joint. After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (2.8 to 8.4), the mean Constant score and subjective shoulder value were 98% (90% to 100%) and 97% (90% to 100%), respectively. There were no redislocations or subluxations, and the apprehension test was negative. All fragments healed with an average intra-articular step of 3.0 mm (0.5 to 11). No patient had symptoms of osteoarthritis, which was mild in two shoulders and moderate in one. Traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder, associated with a large displaced glenoid rim fracture can be successfully treated non-operatively, providing the glenohumeral joint is concentrically reduced on the anteroposterior radiograph.
We report on the use of the Ilizarov method to
treat 40 consecutive fractures of the tibial shaft (35 AO 42C fractures and
five AO 42B3 fractures) in adults. There were 28 men and
12 women with a mean age of 43 years (19 to 81). The series included
19 open fractures (six Gustilo grade 3A and 13 grade 3B) and 21
closed injuries. The mean time from injury to application of definitive
Ilizarov frame was eight days (0 to 35) with 36 fractures successfully
uniting without the need for any bone-stimulating procedure. The
four remaining patients with nonunion healed with a second frame.
There were no amputations and no deep infections. None required
intervention for malunion. The total time to healing was calculated
from date of injury to removal of the frame, with a median of 166
days (mean 187, (87 to 370)). Minor complications included snapped
wires in two patients and minor pin-site infections treated with
oral antibiotics in nine patients (23%). Clinical scores were available
for 32 of the 40 patients at a median of 55 months (mean 62, (26
to 99)) post-injury, with ‘good’ Olerud and Molander ankle scores
(median 80, mean 75, (10 to 100)), ‘excellent’ Lysholm knee scores
(median 97, mean 88, (29 to 100)), a median Tegner activity score
of 4 (mean 4, (0 to 9)) (comparable to ‘moderately heavy labour
/ cycling and jogging’) and Short Form-12 scores that exceeded the
mean of the population as a whole (median physical component score
55 (mean 51, (20 to 64)), median mental component score 57 (mean
53, (21 to 62)). In conclusion, the Ilizarov method is a safe and
reliable way of treating complex tibial shaft fractures with a high
rate of primary union.
There have been recent reports linking alendronate and a specific pattern of subtrochanteric insufficiency fracture. We performed a retrospective review of all subtrochanteric fractures admitted to our institution between 2001 and 2007. There were 20 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 12 of whom were on long-term alendronate. Alendronate-associated fractures tend to be bilateral (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.018), have unique radiological features (p <
0.0005), be associated radiologically with a pre-existing ellipsoid thickening of the lateral femoral cortex and are likely to be preceded by prodromal pain. Biomechanical investigations did not suggest overt metabolic bone disease. Only one patient on alendronate had osteoporosis prior to the start of therapy. We used these findings to develop a management protocol to optimise fracture healing. We also advocate careful surveillance in individuals at-risk, and present our experience with screening and prophylactic fixation in selected patients.
We carried out a retrospective review of 47 intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum treated by open reduction and internal fixation in 45 patients by a single surgeon between 1993 and 2001. The fractures were evaluated before operation by plain radiographs and a CT scan using Sanders’ classification. Osteosynthesis involved a lateral approach and the use of the AO calcaneal plate. The mean follow-up was for ten years (7 to 15). Clinical assessment included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS), the Creighton-Nebraska Score, the Kerr, Prothero, Atkins Score and the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. The radiological evaluation consisted of lateral and axial views of the os calcis. Arthritic changes in the subtalar joint were assessed with an internal oblique view and were graded using the Morrey and Wiedeman scale. There were 18 excellent (38.3%), 17 good (36.2%), three fair (6.3%) and nine poor (19.2%) results. Five patients had a superficial wound infection and five others eventually had a subtalar arthrodesis because of continuing pain. Restoration of Böhler’s angle was associated with a better outcome. The degree of arthritic change in the subtalar joint did not correlate with the outcome scores or Sanders’ classification. Prompt osteosynthesis should be considered for intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in order to restore the shape of the hindfoot and Böhler’s angle.
A total of 30 patients with lateral compression fractures of the pelvis with intra-articular extension into the anterior column were followed for a mean of 4.2 years (2 to 6), using the validated functional outcome tools of the musculoskeletal function assessment and the short-form health survey (SF-36). The functional outcome was compared with that of a series of patients who had sustained type-B1 and type-C pelvic fractures. The lateral-compression group included 20 men and ten women with a mean age of 42.7 years (13 to 84) at the time of injury. Functional deficits were noted for the mental component summary score (p = 0.008) and in the social function domain (p <
0.05) of the SF-36. There was no evidence of degenerative arthritis in the lateral-compression group. However, they had high functional morbidity including greater emotional and psychological distress.
