Aims

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.

Materials and Methods

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

The aim of this review was to evaluate the available literature and to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity for the different alpha-defensin test systems that may be used to diagnose prosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Materials and Methods

Studies using alpha-defensin or Synovasure (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana) to diagnose PJI were identified from systematic searches of electronic databases. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy (QUADAS) tool. Meta-analysis was completed using a bivariate model.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to define and quantify three new measurements to indicate the position of the greater trochanter. Secondary aims were to define ‘functional antetorsion’ as it relates to abductor function in populations both with and without torsional abnormality.

Patients and Methods

Three new measurements, functional antetorsion, posterior tilt, and posterior translation of the greater trochanter, were assessed from 61 CT scans of cadaveric femurs, and their reliability determined. These measurements and their relationships were also evaluated in three groups of patients: a control group (n = 22), a ‘high-antetorsion’ group (n = 22) and a ‘low-antetorsion’ group (n = 10).

Aims

Fretting and corrosion at the modular head/neck junction, known as trunnionosis, in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a cause of adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). We describe the outcome of revision of metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA for ARMD due to trunnionosis with emphasis on the risk of major complications.

Patients and Methods

A total of 36 patients with a MoP THA who underwent revision for ARMD due to trunnionosis were identified. Three were excluded as their revision had been to another metal head. The remaining 33 were revised to a ceramic head with a titanium sleeve. We describe the presentation, revision findings, and risk of complications in these patients.

Aims

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the minimum five-year outcome of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Kerboull acetabular reinforcement device (KARD) in patients with Paprosky type III acetabular defects and destruction of the inferior margin of the acetabulum.

Patients and Methods

We identified 36 patients (37 hips) who underwent revision THA under these circumstances using the KARD, fresh frozen allograft femoral heads, and reconstruction of the inferior margin of the acetabulum. The Merle d’Aubigné system was used for clinical assessment. Serial anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were used to assess migration of the acetabular component.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes, implant survivorship, and complications of patients with a history of poliomyelitis undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) in affected limbs and unaffected limbs of this same population.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review identified 51 patients (27 male and 24 female, 59 hips) with a mean age of 66 years (38 to 88) and with the history of poliomyelitis who underwent THA for degenerative arthritis between 1970 and 2012. Immigrant status, clinical outcomes, radiographic results, implant survival, and complications were recorded.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess the rate of patient satisfaction one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the focus of the question asked. The secondary aims were to identify independent predictors of patient satisfaction according to the focus of the question.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort of 2521 patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA were identified from an established regional arthroplasty database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using four questions, which focused on overall outcome, activity, work, and pain. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent preoperative predictors of increased stiffness when adjusting for confounding variables.

Aims

The aim of this study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy of culture of joint aspirate with and without saline injection-reaspiration.

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 580 hip and knee aspirations in patients who were deemed to have a moderate to high risk of infection, and who subsequently proceeded to revision arthroplasty over a period of 12 years. It was carried out at a large quaternary referral centre where preoperative aspiration is routine.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the technique of distraction osteogenesis followed by arthrodesis using internal fixation to manage complex conditions of the ankle, and to present the results of this technique.

Patients and Methods

Between 2008 and 2014, distraction osteogenesis followed by arthrodesis using internal fixation was performed in 12 patients with complex conditions of the ankle due to trauma or infection. There were eight men and four women: their mean age was 35 years (23 to 51) at the time of surgery. Bone healing and functional recovery were evaluated according to the criteria described by Paley. Function was assessed using the ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS).

Aims

The reasons for failure of a hemirthroplasty (HA) when used to treat a proximal humeral fracture include displaced or necrotic tuberosities, insufficient metaphyseal bone-stock, and rotator cuff tears. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is often the only remaining form of treatment in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after conversions from a failed HA to rTSA.

Material and Methods

A total of 35 patients, in whom a HA, as treatment for a fracture of the proximal humerus, had failed, underwent conversion to a rTSA. A total of 28 were available for follow-up at a mean of 61 months (37 to 91), having been initially reviewed at a mean of 20 months (12 to 36) postoperatively. Having a convertible design, the humeral stem could be preserved in nine patients. The stem was removed in the other 19 patients and a conventional rTSA was implanted. At final follow-up, patients were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant Score, and plain radiographs.

Aim

The primary aim of this retrospective study was to identify the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) following elective and trauma elbow arthroplasty. The secondary aim was to determine clinical outcomes with respect to the formation of heterotopic ossification.

Patients and Methods

A total of 55 total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) (52 patients) performed between June 2007 and December 2015 were eligible for inclusion in the study (29 TEAs for primary elective arthroplasty and 26 TEAs for trauma). At review, 15 patients (17 total elbow arthroplasties) had died from unrelated causes. There were 14 men and 38 women with a mean age of 70 years (42 to 90). The median clinical follow-up was 3.6 years (1.2 to 6) and the median radiological follow-up was 3.1 years (0.5 to 7.5).

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgery using growing rods in patients with severe versus moderate early-onset scoliosis (EOS).

Patients and Methods

A review of a multicentre EOS database identified 107 children with severe EOS (major curve ≥ 90°) treated with growing rods before the age of ten years with a minimum follow-up of two years and three or more lengthening procedures. From the same database, 107 matched controls with moderate EOS were identified.

Aims

A high rate of suicide has been reported in patients who sustain fractures, but the association remains uncertain in the context of other factors. The aim of this study was to examine the association between fractures and the risk of suicide in this contextual setting.

Patients and Methods

We performed a case-control study of patients aged 40 years or older who died by suicide between 2000 and 2011. We included patients’ demographics, physical and mental health problems, and socioeconomic factors. We performed conditional logistic regression to evaluate the associations between fractures and the risk of suicide.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a continuous, non-invasive monitor for acute compartment syndrome (ACS).

Patients and Methods

NIRS sensors were placed on 86 patients with, and 23 without (controls), severe leg injury. NIRS values were recorded for up to 48 hours. Longitudinal data were analyzed using summary and graphical methods, bivariate comparisons, and multivariable multilevel modelling.

Aims

The sacrum is frequently invaded by a pelvic tumour. The aim of this study was to review our experience of treating this group of patients and to identify the feasibility of a new surgical classification in the management of these tumours.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 141 patients who, between 2005 and 2014, had undergone surgical excision of a pelvic tumour with invasion of the sacrum.

In a new classification, pelvisacral (Ps) I, II, and III resections refer to a sagittal osteotomy through the ipsilateral wing of the sacrum, through the sacral midline, or lateral to the contralateral sacral foramina, respectively. A Ps a resection describes a pelvic osteotomy through the ilium and a Ps b resection describes a concurrent resection of the acetabulum with osteotomies performed through the pubis and ischium or the pubic symphysis. Within each type, surgical approaches were standardized to guide resection of the tumour.

Aims

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the neonatal hip instability screening programme.

Patients and Methods

The study involved a four-year observational assessment of a neonatal hip screening programme. All newborns were examined using the Barlow or Ortolani manoeuvre within 72 hours of birth; those with positive findings were referred to a ‘one-stop’ screening clinic for clinical and sonographic assessment of the hip. The results were compared with previous published studies from this unit.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in femoral trochlear morphology following surgical correction of recurrent patellar dislocation associated with trochlear dysplasia in children.

Patients and Methods

A total of 23 patients with a mean age of 9.6 years (7 to 11) were included All had bilateral recurrent patellar dislocation associated with femoral trochlear dysplasia. The knee with traumatic dislocation at the time of presentation or that had dislocated most frequently was treated with medial patellar retinacular plasty (Group S). The contralateral knee served as a control and was treated conservatively (Group C). All patients were treated between October 2008 and August 2013. The mean follow-up was 48.7 months (43 to 56). Axial CT scans were undertaken in all patients to assess the trochlear morphological characteristics on a particular axial image which was established at the point with the greatest epicondylar width based on measurements preoperatively and at the final follow-up.

Aims

Open reduction is required following failed conservative treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The Ludloff medial approach is commonly used, but poor results have been reported, with rates of the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) varying between 8% and 54%. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the long-term radiographic and clinical outcome of dislocated hips treated using this approach.

Patients and Methods

Children with a dislocated hip, younger than one year of age at the time of surgery, who were treated using a medial approach were eligible for the study. Radiographs were evaluated for the degree of dislocation and the presence of an ossific nucleus preoperatively, and for the degree of AVN and residual dysplasia at one and five years and at a mean of 12.7 years (4.6 to 20.8) postoperatively. Radiographic outcome was assessed using the Severin classification, after five years of age. Further surgical procedures were recorded. Functional outcome was assessed using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) or the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), depending on the patient’s age.