Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is the second most common metabolic bone disease. Osteoarthritis (OA) affects one-third of patients with PDB. The incidence of THR (total hip replacement) and TKR (total knee replacement) is 3.1- and 1.7-fold higher in PDB patients compared to non-affected age-matched controls. No large studies or joint registry reports exist describing the outcomes following THR or TKR in patients with PDB.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the outcomes following THR and TKR in patients with PDB using national joint registry data. 144 THR and 43 TKR were identified using the Scottish Arthroplasty Project from 1996–2013.

For THR, the most common early post-operative surgical complications were haematoma formation (1.4%), and surgical site infection (1.4%). The absolute incidence during follow-up of dislocation was 2.8%, and revision hip arthroplasty was performed in 2.8% of cases. Implant survival of the primary prosthesis was 96.3% (CI: 92.8 – 99.8) at 10-years, and patient survival was 50.0% (39.6 – 60.4) at 10-years.

For TKR, the most common early post-operative surgical complication was surgical site infection (2.3%). The absolute incidence during follow-up of revision knee arthroplasty was 4.7%. On survival analysis, implant survival of the primary prosthesis was 94.5% (CI: 87.1 – 100) at 10-years, and patient survival was 38.3% (16.7 – 59.9) at 10-years.

This is the largest reported series of outcomes following primary THR and TKR in patients with PDB. PDB patients are not at increased risk of surgical complications following primary THR or TKR compared to non-PDB patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reside around blood vessels in all organs. This reservoir of progenitors can be ‘recruited’ in response to injury. The ability to manipulate stem cells therapeutically within injured tissue provides an attractive alternative to transplantation. Stem cells are regulated by neighbouring cells. We hypothesized that endothelial cells (ECs) influence MSC differentiation into bone and fat.

MSCs were sorted from fat using fluorescent activated sorting. Their capacity to differentiate into bone, fat and cartilage was used to confirm MSC phenotype. MSCs and ECs were cultured in two-dimensions (standard culture dishes) and three-dimensions (vascular networks suspended in gel). Cocultures were exposed to osteogenic and adipogenic media. The role of EC-released factors on MSC differentiation was determined using a system in which cells share media but do not contact. Wnt pathway modulators were used to investigate the role of Wnt signalling.

MSCs differentiated into bone, fat and cartilage. MSCs and ECs integrated in two- and three-dimensions. MSCs and ECs formed vessel-like structures in three-dimensions. When cultured with ECs, MSC differentiation to bone was accelerated while differentiation to fat was inhibited. This effect on osteogenesis was maintained when cells shared media but did not contact. Coculture with Wnt modulators confirmed that this effect is in part, mediated through Wnt signalling.

Our data suggest that ECs influence MSC differentiation. Therapeutic targeting of EC-MSCs signalling may enable manipulation of MSCs in vivo avoiding the need for cell transplantation. This could enable trauma and orthopaedic patients who have healthy resident stem cells to self-repair.

Current knowledge regarding outcomes following surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma remains incomplete. This is the first prospective study to report the pre- and post-operative patient reported outcomes and satisfaction scores following excision of interdigital Morton's neuroma.

Over a seven year period, 99 consecutive patients (112 feet) undergoing surgical excision of Morton's neuroma were prospectively studied. 78 patients were female with a mean age at operation of 56 years. Patient recorded outcomes and satisfaction were measured using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Short Form-12 (SF12) and a supplementary patient satisfaction survey three months pre and six months post-operatively.

Statistically significant differences were found between the mean pre- and post-operative MOXFQ and physical component of the SF-12 (p<0.05). No difference in outcome was identified in patients in whom multiple neuromas were operated compared to single site surgery. However, revision surgery proved to statistically worsen MOXFQ outcomes post-operatively p<0.004. Overall satisfaction was reported as excellent (49%) or good (29%) by the majority of patients but 10% were dissatisfied with poor (8%) or very poor (2%) results expressed. Only 64% were pain free at the time of follow-up and 8% of patients MOXFQ scores worsened.

These findings illustrate that overall, patient reported outcomes following resection of symptomatic Morton's neuroma are acceptable but may not be as favourable as earlier studies suggest. Caution should be taken when considering revision surgery which has shown to be a poor prognostic indicator. Contrary to current knowledge, multiple site surgery can be safely undertaken.

There is an increasing trend towards radial head replacement (RHR) or fixation for complex radial head fractures. These injuries are identified by grossly displaced fragments or elbow instability. The aim of this study was to examine the outcome of a surgical protocol that emphasised delayed radial-head excision (RHE) as the procedure of choice. When the humero-ulnar joint was congruent, intervention was delayed 10 to 14 days to allow time for ligamentous healing. RHR was performed if instability was demonstrated on-table.

A retrospective study was performed to identify the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for a radial head fracture between 2008 and 2014. There were 18 Mason Type III and 18 Mason Type IV injuries. There was an associated coronoid fracture in 17 patients. RHE was performed in 28 patients, of which the reoperation rate was 2 (7.1%). RHR was performed in 15 patients, of whom 4 (27%) had reintervention. RHR was most common in the Type III coronoid fractures. The cumulative reoperation rate was 9.3% at six months and 15.4% at two years. The median Oxford Elbow Score (OES) was 85.4 (IQR 73.4 to 99.5). Time from injury was the only predictor of the Oxford Elbow Score (p=0.04).

This surgical protocol resulted in a reduced need for RHR, a low reintervention rate, and satisfactory function. RHR should be reserved for cases where stability cannot be achieved on-table. Stability can be maximised by delaying RHE until early ligamentous healing occurs.

ERAS (Enhanced recovery after surgery) programs have been widely adopted in elective orthopaedic practice. Early discontinuation of Intravenous (IV) fluids in order to promote mobilisation and subsequent discharge is a key feature of such programs. However concerns have been raised regarding whether such an approach results in an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).

We set out to determine the incidence of AKI in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty treated as part of an ERAS program where IV fluids are removed before leaving the recovery room. Investigate whether there is a difference in incidence between patients with a pre-operative eGFR ≥ 60 or < 60 (ml/min/1.73m2). In addition to whether patients who sustain an AKI have a longer post-operative hospital stay.

The pre and post-operative blood results of patients undergoing elective total hip and total knee replacements were retrospectively analysed to determine whether they had suffered an AKI during admission. The patient's notes were reviewed for other known causes of peri-operative AKI and the length of their hospital stay.

The overall Incidence of AKI was 9.4%. There was a significant association found between pre-operative eGFR and development of an AKI p = 0.002. The incidence of AKI was 5.8% in patients with a pre-operative eGFR ≥ 60 vs 33.3% in those with an eGFR < 60. The development of an AKI was associated with a longer hospital stay p = 0.042. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days for those who suffered an AKI vs 5 days for those who did not.

Patients undergoing elective lower limb arthroplasty with a pre-operative eGFR < 60 treated as part of an ERAS program where fluids are discontinued before leaving the recovery room are at high risk of developing an AKI. Further studies are required to ascertain whether a longer duration of IV fluids is effective in reducing the incidence of AKI in this group.

Scheuermann's kyphosis is a structural deformity of the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine, which can result in severe pain, neurological compromise and cosmetic dissatisfaction. Modern surgical techniques have improved correction through a posterior-only or antero-posterior approach but can result in significant morbidity.

We present our results of the surgical management of severe Scheuermann's kyphosis by a single surgeon with respect to deformity correction, global balance parameters, functional outcomes and complications at latest follow-up. We included 49 patients, of which 46 had thoracic and 3 had thoracolumbar kyphosis. Surgical indications included persistent back pain, progressive deformity, neurological compromise and poor self-image. Fourty-seven patients underwent posterior-only and 2 antero-posterior spinal arthrodesis utilising Chevron-type osteotomies and hybrid instrumentation. Mean age at surgery was 16.0 years with mean postoperative follow-up of 4.5 years. Mean kyphosis corrected from 92.1o to 46.9o (p<0.001). Concomitant scoliosis was eliminated in all of the 28 affected patients. Coronal and sagittal balance was corrected in all patients. Mean blood loss was 24% total blood volume. Mean operation time was 4.3 hours with mean inpatient stay of 9 days. SRS-22 questionnaire improved from a mean preoperative score of 3.4 to 4.6 at 2 years, with high treatment satisfaction rates. Complications included one toxic septicaemia episode but otherwise no wound infections, no junctional deformity, no loss of correction and no requirement for re-operation.

Posterior spinal arthrodesis with the use of hybrid instrumentation can safely achieve excellent correction of severe Scheuermann's kyphosis helping to relieve back pain, improve functional outcomes and enhance self-image.

This study assessed whether patient satisfaction with their hospital stay influences the early outcome of total knee replacement (TKR).

During a five year period patients undergoing primary TKR at the study centre had prospectively outcome data recorded (n=2264). Patients with depression (p=0.04) and worse mental wellbeing (p<0.001), according to the short form (SF)-12, were more likely to be dissatisfied with their hospital stay. Decreasing level of satisfaction with their hospital stay was associated with a significantly worse post-operative OKS (p<0.001) and SF-12 score (p<0.001). Multivariable regression analysis confirmed that the patients perceived level of satisfaction with their hospital stay was an independent predictor of change in the OKS (p<0.001) and SF-12 score (p<0.001) after adjusting for confounding variables. Patient satisfaction with their TKR was significantly influenced by their hospital experience, decreasing from 96% in those with an excellent experience to 42% in those with a poor experience. Food, staff/care, and the hospital environment were the most frequent reasons of why patients rated their hospital experience as fair or poor.

A patient's perception of their inpatient hospital experience after surgery is an important modifiable predictor of early functional outcome and satisfaction with TKR.

Calcaneal fracture fixation over the past decade has been practised via an extensile lateral incision. This can be complicated by infection and wound breakdown.

We have developed a new technique for fixation of the calcaneal fractures – MACO. We utilise a 4 cm sub fibular incision to aid joint visualisation and fracture reduction. Fixation is via percutaneous screws.

We analysed our prospectively collected database. 26 fractures were fixed over an 18 month period at Glasgow Royal Infirmary by three consultant surgeons. 22 patients were male and half were smokers. Mean follow up was 5 months (range 1.5 – 18 months).

The mean age of our patients is 41 (range 25–68). The mean pre operative Bohler's angle was 16.7 degrees. Gissane's angle was similarly abnormal with a mean of 129 degrees.

The average duration of surgery was 73 minutes (range 45–100 minutes). Post operatively, Bohler's angle was improved. The mean was 29 degrees. There was no significant difference with Gissane's angle. The mean was 128 degrees.

There were no superficial wound infections. One patient was troubled by wound breakdown with subsequent deep infection. There was no need for metalwork removal in our series of patients. Two patients developed post traumatic osteoarthritis of the sub talar joint. Only one has required sub talar joint fusion.

We conclude that the novel technique which we describe is successful in restoring calcaneal anatomy with few complications. Further follow up is needed to determine the long term outcomes of such surgery.

The best surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis remains uncertain. Recently radiofrequency microtenotomy (RFMT) has been proposed as a suitable surgical treatment. We aim to compare open release with RFMT and present the results of our randomised controlled trial.

Patients with symptoms of tennis elbow for at least 6 months who had failed to respond to conservative management were included in the trial. They were randomised to open release or RFMT. Outcome measures included grip strength, pain and DASH scores.

41 patients were randomised, 23 to RFMT and 18 to open release, 2 patients withdrew from the study. Our results show that both treatments give a significant benefit at all time points for DASH and pain scores, but only open release gives a significant improvement in grip strength. Comparing the two treatments the only significant difference is the open group have better pain scores at 6 weeks, but this is not seen at later follow up.

In conclusion both groups have shown benefit from the treatments, but one is not shown to be clearly superior.

There is debate whether a home run screw (medial cuneiform to 2nd metatarsal base) combined with k-wire fixation of 4th & 5th rays is sufficient to stabilise Lisfrance injuries or if fixation of the 3rd ray is also required. Unlike the 2nd, 4th and 5th TMTJ, stabilisation of the 3rd requires either intra-articular screw or a cross joint plate which both risk causing chondrolysis and/or OA.

Using 8 Theil embalmed specimens, measurements of TMTJ dorsal displacement at each ray (1st to 5th) and 1st – 2nd metatarsal gaping were made during simulated weight bearing with sequential ligamentous injury and stabilisation to determine the contribution of anatomical structures and fixation to stability.

At baseline mean dorsal TMTJ displacement of the intact specimens during simulated weight bearing (mm) was: 1st: 0.14, 2nd: 0.1, 3rd:0, 4th: 0, 5th: 0.14. The 1st-2nd IM Gap was 0mm. After transection of the Lisfranc ligament only, there was 1st-2nd intermetatarsal gaping (mean 4.5mm), but no increased dorsal displacement. After additional transection of all the TMTJ ligaments dorsal displacement increased at all joints (1st: 4.5, 2nd: 5.1, 3rd: 3.6, 4th: 2, 5th: 1.3). Stabilisation with the home run screw and 4th and 5th ray k-wires virtually eliminated all displacement. Further transection of the 3rd/4th inter-metatarsal ligaments increased mean dorsal displacement of the 3rd ray to 2.5mm. K-wire fixation of the 3rd ray completely eliminated dorsal displacement.

The results suggest that stabilising the 2nd and 4/5th TMTJs will stabilise the 3rd if the inter-metatarsal ligaments are intact. Thus 3rd TMTJ stability should be checked after stabilising the 2nd and 4/5th. Provided the intermetatarsal ligaments (3rd-4th) are intact the 3rd ray does not need to be stabilised routinely.

A multicentre retrospective study of 879 total hip replacements (THR) was undertaken to investigate any differences in outcome between trainee surgeons and consultants. The effect of trainee supervision was also assessed. The primary outcome measures were survivorship and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Length of stay was a secondary outcome.

Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years post-operatively. Surgical outcome was compared between junior trainees, senior trainees and consultants. The effect of supervision was determined by comparing supervised and unsupervised trainees. There was no significant difference in post-operative HHS among consultants, senior and junior trainees at 1 year (p=0.122), at 3 years (p=0.282), at 5 years (p=0.063), at 7 years (p=0.875), or at 10 years (p=0.924) follow up. Additionally there was no significant difference in HHS between supervised and unsupervised trainees at 1 year (p=0.220), 3 years (p=0.0.542), 5 years (p=0.880), 7 years (p=0.953) and 10-year (p=0.787) follow-up. Comparison of surgical outcome between the supervised and unsupervised trainees also shows no significant difference in hospital stay (p=0.989), or implant survival years (p=0.257). This study provides evidence that when trainees are appropriately supervised, they can obtain equally good results compared with consultants when performing THR.

Cephalasporin antibiotics have been commonly used for prophylaxis against surgical site infection. To prevent Clostridium difficile, the preferential use of agents such as flucloxacillin and gentamicin has been recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the bone penetration of these antibiotics during hip and knee arthroplasty, and their efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis.

Bone samples were collected from 21 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 18 patients undergoing total hip replacement (THA). The concentration of both antibiotics was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography. Penetration was expressed as a percentage of venous blood concentration. The efficacy against common infecting organisms was measured using the epidemiological cut-off value for resistance (ECOFF).

The bone penetration of gentamicin was higher than flucloxacillin. The concentration of both antibiotics was higher in the acetabulum than the femoral head or neck (p=0.007 flucloxacillin; p=0.021 gentamicin). Flucloxacillin concentrations were effective against S. aureus and S. epidermis in all THAs and 20 (95%) TKAs. Gentamicin concentrations were effective against S.epidermis in all bone samples. Gentamicin was effective against S. aureus in 11 (89%) femoral samples. Effective concentrations of gentamicin against S. aureus were only achieved in 4 (19%) femoral and 6 (29%) tibial samples in TKA.

Flucloxacillin and gentamicin was found to effectively penetrate bone during arthroplasty. Gentamicin was effective against S. epidermidis in both THA and TKA, while it was found to be less effective against S. aureus during TKA. Bone penetration of both antibiotics was less in TKA than THA.