A new cosmetic weight-relieving brace which utilises stainless steel and light alloy in its structure is described. A clinical assessment of thirty-six patients (four bilateral cases) has shown the Salford Cosmetic brace to be suitable for over 80 per cent of patients attending for assessment. Five patients rejected the brace, and the reasons are discussed. Contra-indications which emerged during the assessment included limb shortening of more than 5 centimetres; fixed equinus of more than 10 degrees; and fixed deformity of the knee of more than 10 degrees. The safety and durability of the brace, first demonstrated in laboratory tests, are confirmed. Further possible development is outlined

The development of spinal deformity in children with underlying neurodisability can affect their ability to function and impact on their quality of life, as well as compromise provision of nursing care. Patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity are among the most challenging due to the number and complexity of medical comorbidities that increase the risk for severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory at every stage to ensure that all nonoperative measures have been applied, and that the treatment goals have been clearly defined and agreed with the family. This will involve input from multiple specialities, including allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and wheelchair services. Surgery should be considered when there is significant impact on the patients’ quality of life, which is usually due to poor sitting balance, back or costo-pelvic pain, respiratory complications, or problems with self-care and feeding. Meticulous preoperative assessment is required, along with careful consideration of the nature of the deformity and the problems that it is causing. Surgery can achieve good curve correction and results in high levels of satisfaction from the patients and their caregivers. Modern modular posterior instrumentation systems allow an effective deformity correction. However, the risks of surgery remain high, and involvement of the family at all stages of decision-making is required in order to balance the risks and anticipated gains of the procedure, and to select those patients who can mostly benefit from spinal correction.

Hip rotation in extension and flexion was studied in 23 patients with idiopathic intoeing gait. In extension all the hips had markedly increased medial rotation and limited lateral rotation, fulfilling the criteria of excessive femoral anteversion. In flexion, however, rotation varied widely; in one group of patients medial rotation remained greater than lateral, but in the second group lateral rotation was equal to or greater than medial. CT scans showed that the hips in the first group were significantly more anteverted than those in the second. Clearly measurement of hip rotation in extension alone does not provide a dependable indication of femoral anteversion in children with intoeing gait; rotation in flexion also needs to be measured.

In an unselected series of 55 cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) we observed an incidence of 25% of epiphyseal reduction, mostly unintentional. Reduction indicated physeal instability and was associated with an effusion, detected by sonography on admission, and inability to bear weight. The true prevalence of instability may be higher since an effusion was noted in 33 cases (60%) on the initial sonographic assessment. Serial radiographs showed reduction in 12 (22%), with an average change of 15.1 degrees in the head-neck angle. Serial sonography showed reduction in 7 out of 20 cases (35%), with an average change of 3.7 mm in displacement. In two cases reduction was seen on sonography but not on radiography. Of the hips which showed subsequent reduction, 12 had had a bone scan on admission; three showed initial epiphyseal avascularity but only one progressed to symptomatic avascular necrosis. All stable hips had normal epiphyseal vascularity on the initial bone scan. This indicates the importance of injury from the initial displacement in causing avascular necrosis, rather than effusion, vascular compromise or iatrogenic injury from gentle repositioning. Physeal instability in SCFE is common and should be assessed clinically on admission. It is indicated by joint effusion or inability to bear weight. A slip is very unlikely to be unstable in a child able to bear weight and with no sonographic effusion.

Anterior and posterior drawer tests of the shoulder are described. Their purpose is to detect anterior and posterior shoulder instability and thereby to eliminate some of the failures of operative treatment. Their value in assessing unidirectional and multidirectional instability both before and after operation is discussed.

Aims. Deep surgical site infection (SSI) is common after lower limb fracture. We compared the diagnosis of deep SSI using alternative methods of data collection and examined the agreement of clinical photography and in-person clinical assessment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria after lower limb fracture surgery. Methods. Data from two large, UK-based multicentre randomized controlled major trauma trials investigating SSI and wound healing after surgical repair of open lower limb fractures that could not be primarily closed (UK WOLLF), and surgical incisions for fractures that were primarily closed (UK WHiST), were examined. Trial interventions were standard wound care management and negative pressure wound therapy after initial surgical debridement. Wound outcomes were collected from 30 days to six weeks. We compared the level of agreement between wound photography and clinical assessment of CDC-defined SSI. We are also assessed the level of agreement between blinded independent assessors of the photographs. Results. Rates of CDC-defined deep SSI were 7.6% (35/460) after open fracture and 6.3% (95/1519) after closed incisional repair. Photographs were obtained for 77% and 73% of WOLLF and WHiST cohorts respectively (all participants n = 1,478). Agreement between photographic-SSI and CDC-SSI was fair for open fracture wounds (83%; k = 0.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.42)) and for closed incisional wounds (88%; k = 0.29 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.37)) although the rate of photographically detected deep SSIs was twice as high as CDC-SSI (12% vs 6%). Agreement between different assessors for photographic-SSI (WOLLF 88%, k = 0.63 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.72); WHiST 89%; k = 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.69)); and wound healing was good (WOLLF 90%; k = 0.80 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.86); WHiST 87%; k = 0.57 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.64)). Conclusion. Although wound photography was feasible within the research context and inter-rater assessor agreement substantial, digital photographs used in isolation overestimated deep SSI rates, when compared to CDC criteria. Wound photography should not replace clinical assessment in pragmatic trials but may be useful for screening purposes where surgical infection outcomes are paramount. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1802–1808

Aims. Children with spinal dysraphism can develop various musculoskeletal deformities, necessitating a range of orthopaedic interventions, causing significant morbidity, and making considerable demands on resources. This systematic review aimed to identify what outcome measures have been reported in the literature for children with spinal dysraphism who undergo orthopaedic interventions involving the lower limbs. Methods. A PROSPERO-registered systematic literature review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. All relevant studies published until January 2023 were identified. Individual outcomes and outcome measurement tools were extracted verbatim. The measurement tools were assessed for reliability and validity, and all outcomes were grouped according to the Outcome Measures Recommended for use in Randomized Clinical Trials (OMERACT) filters. Results. From 91 eligible studies, 27 individual outcomes were identified, including those related to clinical assessment (n = 12), mobility (n = 4), adverse events (n = 6), investigations (n = 4), and miscellaneous (n = 1). Ten outcome measurement tools were identified, of which Hoffer’s Functional Ambulation Scale was the most commonly used. Several studies used unvalidated measurement tools originally developed for other conditions, and 26 studies developed new measurement tools. On the OMERACT filter, most outcomes reported pathophysiology and/or the impact on life. There were only six patient- or parent-reported outcomes, and none assessed the quality of life. Conclusion. The outcomes that were reported were heterogenous, lack validation and failed to incorporate patient or family perceptions. Until outcomes can be reported unequivocally, research in this area will remain limited. Our findings should guide the development of a core outcome set, which will allow consistency in the reporting of outcomes for this condition. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):277–285

Aims. A core outcome set for adult, open lower limb fracture has been established consisting of ‘Walking, gait and mobility’, ‘Being able to return to life roles’, ‘Pain or discomfort’, and ‘Quality of life’. This study aims to identify which outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) should be recommended to measure each core outcome. Methods. A systematic review and quality assessment were conducted to identify existing instruments with evidence of good measurement properties in the open lower limb fracture population for each core outcome. Additionally, shortlisting criteria were developed to identify suitable instruments not validated in the target population. Candidate instruments were presented, discussed, and voted on at a consensus meeting of key stakeholders. Results. The Wales Lower Limb Trauma Recovery scale was identified, demonstrating validation evidence in the target population. In addition, ten candidate OMIs met the shortlisting criteria. Six patients, eight healthcare professionals, and 11 research methodologists attended the consensus meeting. Consensus was achieved for the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) to measure ‘Quality of life’ and ‘Walking, gait and mobility’ in future research trials, audit, and clinical assessment, respectively. No instrument met consensus criteria to measure ‘Being able to return to life roles’ and ‘Pain or discomfort’. However, the EQ-5D-5L was found to demonstrate good face validity and could also be used pragmatically to measure these two outcomes, accepting limitations in sensitivity. Conclusion. This study recommends the LEFS and EQ-5D-5L to measure the core outcome set for adult open lower limb fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(6):352–361

Aims. The early diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES) is crucial for a favourable outcome. Several studies have reported the use of an ultrasound scan of the bladder as an adjunct to assess the minimum post-void residual volume of urine (mPVR). However, variable mPVR values have been proposed as a threshold without consensus on a value for predicting CES among patients with relevant symptoms and signs. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review of the published evidence to identify a threshold mPVR value which would provide the highest diagnostic accuracy in patients in whom the diagnosis of CES is suspected. Methods. The search strategy used electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and AMED) for publications between January 1996 and November 2021. All studies that reported mPVR in patients in whom the diagnosis of CES was suspected, followed by MRI, were included. Results. A total of 2,115 studies were retrieved from the search. Seven fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These included 1,083 patients, with data available from 734 being available for meta-analysis. In 125 patients, CES was confirmed by MRI. The threshold value of mPVR reported in each study varied and could be categorized into 100 ml, 200 ml, 300 ml, and 500 ml. From the meta-analysis, 200 ml had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with 82% sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 0.90) and 65% specificity (95% CI 0.70 to 0.90). When compared using summative receiver operating characteristic curves, mPVR of 200 ml was superior to other values in predicting the radiological confirmation of CES. Conclusion. mPVR is a useful tool when assessing patients in whom the diagnosis of CES is suspected. Compared with other values a mPVR of 200 ml had superior sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. In a patient with a suggestive history and clinical findings, a mPVR of > 200 ml should further raise the suspicion of CES. Caution is recommended when considering the mPVR in isolation and using it as an ‘exclusion tool’, and it should only be used as an adjunct to a full clinical assessment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):487–495

Aims. The ‘pink, pulseless hand’ is often used to describe the clinical situation in which a child with a supracondylar fracture of the humerus has normal distal perfusion in the absence of a palpable peripheral pulse. The management guidelines are based on the assessment of perfusion, which is difficult to undertake and poorly evaluated objectively. The aim of this study was to review the available literature in order to explore the techniques available for the preoperative clinical assessment of perfusion in these patients and to evaluate the clinical implications. Methods. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered prospectively with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Databases were explored in June 2022 with the search terms (pulseless OR dysvascular OR ischaemic OR perfused OR vascular injury) AND supracondylar AND (fracture OR fractures). Results. A total of 573 papers were identified as being suitable for further study, and 25 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. These studies included a total of 504 patients with a perfused, pulseless limb associated with a supracondylar humeral fracture. Clinical examination included skin colour (23 studies (92%)), temperature (16 studies (64%)), and capillary refill time (13 studies (52%)). Other investigations included peripheral oxygen saturation (SaO2) (six studies (24%)), ultrasound (US) (14 (56%)), and CT angiogram (two studies (8.0%)). The parameters of ‘normal perfusion’ were often not objectively defined. The time to surgery ranged from 1.5 to 12 hours. A total of 412 patients (82%) were definitively treated with closed or open reduction and fixation, and 92 (18%) required vascular intervention, ranging from simple release of entrapped vessels to vascular grafts. Conclusion. The description of the vascular assessment of the patient with a supracondylar humeral fracture and a pulseless limb in the literature is variable, with few objective criteria being used to define perfusion. The evidence base for decision-making is limited, and further research is required. We were able, however, to make some recommendations about objective criteria for the assessment of these patients, and we suggest that these are performed frequently to allow the detection of any deterioration of perfusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):231–238

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of initial fixation and changes in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) between patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a traditional fully hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stem (T-HA group) and those with a newly introduced fully HA-coated stem (N-HA group). Methods. The study included 36 patients with T-HA stems and 30 with N-HA stems. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the change in periprosthetic BMD, one and two years postoperatively. The 3D contact between the stem and femoral cortical bone was evaluated using a density-mapping system, and clinical assessment, including patient-reported outcome measurements, was recorded. Results. There were significantly larger contact areas in Gruen zones 3, 5, and 6 in the N-HA group than in the T-HA group. At two years postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in BMD around the proximal-medial femur (zone 6) in the N-HA group and a significant increase in the T-HA group. BMD changes in both groups correlated with BMI or preoperative lumbar BMD rather than with the extent of contact with the femoral cortical bone. Conclusion. The N-HA-coated stem showed a significantly larger contact area, indicating a distal fixation pattern, compared with the traditional fully HA-coated stem. The T-HA-coated stem showed better preservation of periprosthetic BMD, two years postoperatively. Surgeons should consider these patterns of fixation and differences in BMD when selecting fully HA-coated stems for THA, to improve the long-term outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(6):548–554

Aims. Limited implant survival due to aseptic cup loosening is most commonly responsible for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Advances in implant designs and materials have been crucial in addressing those challenges. Vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene (VEPE) promises strong wear resistance, high oxidative stability, and superior mechanical strength. Although VEPE monoblock cups have shown good mid-term performance and excellent wear patterns, long-term results remain unclear. This study evaluated migration and wear patterns and clinical and radiological outcomes at a minimum of ten years’ follow-up. Methods. This prospective observational study investigated 101 cases of primary THA over a mean duration of 129 months (120 to 149). At last follow-up, 57 cases with complete clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. In all cases, the acetabular component comprised an uncemented titanium particle-coated VEPE monoblock cup. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically using the Harris Hip Score, visual analogue scale (pain and satisfaction), and an anteroposterior radiograph. Cup migration and polyethylene wear were measured using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyze software. All complications and associated treatments were documented until final follow-up. Results. Clinical assessment showed persistent major improvement in all scores. On radiological assessment, only one case showed a lucent line (without symptoms). At last follow-up, wear and migration were below the critical thresholds. No cup-related revisions were needed, indicating an outstanding survival rate of 100%. Conclusion. Isoelastic VEPE cups offer high success rates and may prevent osteolysis, aseptic loosening, and the need for revision surgeries in the long term. However, longer follow-up is needed to validate our findings and confirm the advantages offered by this cup. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):825–831

Aims. The aim of this study was to analyze how proximal radial neck resorption (PRNR) starts and progresses radiologically in two types of press-fit radial head arthroplasties (RHAs), and to investigate its clinical relevance. Methods. A total of 97 patients with RHA were analyzed: 56 received a bipolar RHA (Group 1) while 41 received an anatomical implant (Group 2). Radiographs were performed postoperatively and after three, six, nine, and 12 weeks, six, nine, 12, 18, and 24 months, and annually thereafter. PRNR was measured in all radiographs in the four radial neck quadrants. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and the patient-assessed American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score - Elbow (pASES-E) were used for the clinical assessment. Radiological signs of implant loosening were investigated. Results. The mean follow-up was six years (2 to 14). PRNR started after a mean of 7.5 weeks (SD 2.1) and progressed significantly during the first two years, by the end of which the bone resorption stabilized. PRNR was detected in 81% (n = 45) of patients in Group 1 and 88% (n = 36) in Group 2. The final mean PRNR was 3.0 mm (SD 2.3) in Group 1 and 3.7 mm (SD 2.5) in Group 2. The mean MEPS, QuickDASH, and pASES-E were 95.9 (SD 11.5), 4.4 (SD 9.2), and 94.8 (SD 10.9) in Group 1 and 92.2 (SD 16.2), 9.9 (SD 21.5), and 90.8 (SD 15) in Group 2, respectively. No significant differences were observed between groups in the clinical and radiological outcomes. No correlations were found between PRNR and the clinical results. Conclusion. PRNR after press-fit RHA is a common radiological finding that develops in the first 24 months before stabilizing definitively. PRNR does not affect the clinical results or implant survival in the mid term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):905–911

Aims. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a pathological relationship between the femoral head and acetabulum. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) may be used to treat this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of PAO in adolescents and adults with persistent DDH. Methods. Patients were divided into four groups: A, adolescents who had not undergone surgery for DDH in childhood (25 hips); B, adolescents who had undergone surgery for DDH in childhood (20 hips); C, adults with DDH who had not undergone previous surgery (80 hips); and D, a control group of patients with healthy hips (70 hips). The radiological evaluation of digital anteroposterior views of hips included the Wiberg angle (centre-edge angle (CEA)), femoral head cover (FHC), medialization, distalization, and the ilioischial angle. Clinical assessment involved the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and gluteal muscle performance assessment. Results. Significant improvements in radiological parameters were achieved in all measurements in all groups (p < 0.05). The greatest improvement was in CEA (mean of 19° (17.2° to 22.3°) in Group B), medialization (mean of 3 mm (0.9 to 5.2) in Group C), distalization (mean of 6 mm (3.5 to 8.2) in Group B), FHC (mean of 17% (12.7% to 21.2%) in Group B), and ilioischial angle (mean of 5° (2.3° to 8.1°) in Group B). There were significant improvements in the mean HHS and gluteal muscle performance scores postoperatively in all three groups. Conclusion. The greatest correction of radiological parameters and clinical outcomes was found in patients who had undergone hip surgery in childhood. Although the surgical treatment of DDH in childhood makes subsequent hip surgery more difficult due to scarring, adhesions, and altered anatomy, it requires less correction of the deformity and has a beneficial effect on the outcome of PAO in adolescence and early adulthood. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):775–780

Aims. Diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES) remains difficult; clinical assessment has low accuracy in reliably predicting MRI compression of the cauda equina (CE). This prospective study tests the usefulness of ultrasound bladder scans as an adjunct for diagnosing CES. Methods. A total of 260 patients with suspected CES were referred to a tertiary spinal unit over a 16-month period. All were assessed by Board-eligible spinal surgeons and had transabdominal ultrasound bladder scans for pre- and post-voiding residual (PVR) volume measurements before lumbosacral MRI. Results. The study confirms the low predictive value of ‘red flag’ symptoms and signs. Of note ‘bilateral sciatica’ had a sensitivity of 32.4%, and a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 17.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 88.3%. Use of a PVR volume of ≥ 200 ml was a demonstrably more accurate test for predicting cauda equina compression on subsequent MRI (p < 0.001). The PVR sensitivity was 94.1%, specificity 66.8%, PPV 29.9% and NPV 98.7%. The PVR allowed risk-stratification with 13% patients deemed ‘low-risk’ of CES. They had non-urgent MRI scans. None of the latter scans showed any cauda equina compression (p < 0.006) or individuals developed subsequent CES in the intervening period. There were considerable cost-savings associated with the above strategy. Conclusion. This is the largest reported prospective evaluation of suspected CES. Use of the PVR volume ≥ 200 ml was considerably more accurate in predicting CES. It is a useful adjunct to conventional clinical assessment and allows risk-stratification in managing suspected CES. If adopted widely it is less likely incomplete CES would be missed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):677–682

Aims. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common pre- and postoperative issue in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. The conventional technique for measuring LLD has historically been on a non-weightbearing anteroposterior pelvic radiograph; however, this does not capture many potential sources of LLD. The aim of this study was to determine if long-limb EOS radiology can provide a more reproducible and holistic measurement of LLD. Methods. In all, 93 patients who underwent a THA received a standardized preoperative EOS scan, anteroposterior (AP) radiograph, and clinical LLD assessment. Overall, 13 measurements were taken along both anatomical and functional axes and measured twice by an orthopaedic fellow and surgical planning engineer to calculate intraoperator reproducibility and correlations between measurements. Results. Strong correlations were observed for all EOS measurements (r. s. > 0.9). The strongest correlation with AP radiograph (inter-teardrop line) was observed for functional-ASIS-to-floor (functional) (r. s. = 0.57), much weaker than the correlations between EOS measurements. ASIS-to-ankle measurements exhibited a high correlation to other linear measurements and the highest ICC (r. s. = 0.97). Using anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)-to-ankle, 33% of patients had an absolute LLD of greater than 10 mm, which was statistically different from the inter-teardrop LLD measurement (p < 0.005). Discussion. We found that the conventional measurement of LLD on AP pelvic radiograph does not correlate well with long leg measurements and may not provide a true appreciation of LLD. ASIS-to-ankle demonstrated improved detection of potential LLD than other EOS and radiograph measurements. Full length, functional imaging methods may become the new gold standard to measure LLD. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(12):960–968

Aims. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and delayed medical and surgical examinations where attendance is required in person. Our article aims to outline the validity of online assessment, the range of benefits to both candidate and assessor, and the challenges to its implementation. In addition, we propose pragmatic suggestions for its introduction into medical assessment. Methods. We reviewed the literature concerning the present status of online medical and surgical assessment to establish the perceived benefits, limitations, and potential problems with this method of assessment. Results. Global experience with online, remote virtual examination has been largely successful with many benefits conferred to the trainee, and both an economic and logistical advantage conferred to the assessor or organization. Advances in online examination software and remote proctoring are overcoming practical caveats including candidate authentication, cheating prevention, cybersecurity, and IT failure. Conclusion. Virtual assessment provides benefits to both trainee and assessor in medical and surgical examinations and may also result in cost savings. Virtual assessment is likely to be increasingly used in the post-COVID world and we present recommendations for the continued adoption of virtual examination. It is, however, currently unable to completely replace clinical assessment of trainees. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(2):111–118

Objectives. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated whether patient-specific finite element (FE) models can identify patients at risk of a pathological femoral fracture resulting from metastatic bone disease, and compared these FE predictions with clinical assessments by experienced clinicians. Methods. A total of 39 patients with non-fractured femoral metastatic lesions who were irradiated for pain were included from three radiotherapy institutes. During follow-up, nine pathological fractures occurred in seven patients. Quantitative CT-based FE models were generated for all patients. Femoral failure load was calculated and compared between the fractured and non-fractured femurs. Due to inter-scanner differences, patients were analyzed separately for the three institutes. In addition, the FE-based predictions were compared with fracture risk assessments by experienced clinicians. Results. In institute 1, median failure load was significantly lower for patients who sustained a fracture than for patients with no fractures. In institutes 2 and 3, the number of patients with a fracture was too low to make a clear distinction. Fracture locations were well predicted by the FE model when compared with post-fracture radiographs. The FE model was more accurate in identifying patients with a high fracture risk compared with experienced clinicians, with a sensitivity of 89% versus 0% to 33% for clinical assessments. Specificity was 79% for the FE models versus 84% to 95% for clinical assessments. Conclusion. FE models can be a valuable tool to improve clinical fracture risk predictions in metastatic bone disease. Future work in a larger patient population should confirm the higher predictive power of FE models compared with current clinical guidelines. Cite this article: F. Eggermont, L. C. Derikx, N. Verdonschot, I. C. M. van der Geest, M. A. A. de Jong, A. Snyers, Y. M. van der Linden, E. Tanck. Can patient-specific finite element models better predict fractures in metastatic bone disease than experienced clinicians? Towards computational modelling in daily clinical practice. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:430–439. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.76.BJR-2017-0325.R2

Aims. This study aimed to identify the tibial component and femoral component coronal angles (TCCAs and FCCAs), which concomitantly are associated with the best outcomes and survivorship in a cohort of fixed-bearing, cemented, medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs). We also investigated the potential two-way interactions between the TCCA and FCCA. Methods. Prospectively collected registry data involving 264 UKAs from a single institution were analyzed. The TCCAs and FCCAs were measured on postoperative radiographs and absolute angles were analyzed. Clinical assessment at six months, two years, and ten years was undertaken using the Knee Society Knee score (KSKS) and Knee Society Function score (KSFS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), and range of motion (ROM). Fulfilment of expectations and satisfaction was also recorded. Implant survivorship was reviewed at a mean follow-up of 14 years (12 to 16). Multivariate regression models included covariates, TCCA, FCCA, and two-way interactions between them. Partial residual graphs were generated to identify angles associated with the best outcomes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare implant survivorship between groups. Results. Significant two-way interaction effects between TCCA and FCCA were identified. Adjusted for each other and their interaction, a TCCA of between 2° and 4° and a FCCA of between 0° and 2° were found to be associated with the greatest improvements in knee scores and the probability of fulfilling expectations and satisfaction at ten years. Patients in the optimal group whose TCCA and FCCA were between 2° and 4°, and 0° and 2°, respectively, had a significant survival benefit at 15 years compared with the non-optimal group (optimal: survival = 100% vs non-optimal: survival = 92%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 88% to 96%). Conclusion. Significant two-way interactions between the TCCA and FCCA demonstrate the importance of evaluating the alignment of the components concomitantly in future studies. By doing so, we found that patients who concomitantly had both a TCCA of between 2° and 4° and a FCCA of between 0° and 2° had the best patient-reported outcome measures at ten years and better survivorship at 15 years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):338–346

Aims. To validate the Sydney Hamstring Origin Rupture Evaluation (SHORE), a hamstring-specific clinical assessment tool to evaluate patient outcomes following surgical treatment. Methods. A prospective study of 70 unilateral hamstring surgical repairs, with a mean age of 47.3 years (15 to 73). Patients completed the SHORE preoperatively and at six months post-surgery, and then completed both the SHORE and Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT) at three years post-surgery. The SHORE questionnaire was validated through the evaluation of its psychometric properties, including; internal consistency, reproducibility, reliability, sensitivity to change, and ceiling effect. Construct validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation analysis to examine the strength of association between the SHORE and the PHAT. Results. The SHORE demonstrated an excellent completion rate (100%), high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.78), and good reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.82). The SHORE had a high correlation with the validated PHAT score. It was more sensitive in detecting clinical change compared to the PHAT. A ceiling effect was not present in the SHORE at six months; however, a ceiling effect was identified in both scores at three years post-surgery. Conclusion. This study has validated the SHORE patient reported outcome measure (PROM) as a short, practical, reliable, valid, and responsive tool that can be used to assess symptom and function following hamstring injury and surgical repair. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):388–393