The ideal operative treatment of displaced sub capital femoral fractures in the elderly is controversial. Recently, randomised controlled trials have suggested a better outcome with the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) to treat displaced intra capsular fractures of the femur for elderly patients in good health. More recently the concept of dual mobility cups is being promoted to avoid dislocations in this cohort of patients. However, overall there is limited evidence to support the choice between different types of arthroplasty. Dislocation remains a main concern with THA, especially when a posterior approach is used.

We analysed the outcome of 115 primary THR (112 cements and 3 uncemented) THR using a posterior approach with soft tissue repair in active elderly patients presenting with displaced intra capsular femoral neck fractures. Size 28 mm head was used in 108 and a size 32 mm head in the rest. All surgery was performed by specialist hip surgeons.

Satisfactory results were noted in terms of pain control, return to pre-morbid activity and radiological evidence of bone implant osteo-integration. The 30-day mortality was nil. There were two dislocations and only one needed revision surgery due to recurrent dislocation.

In conclusion, with optimal patient selection, THA seems to provide a good functional outcome and pain relief in the management of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Excellent outcome can be achieved when done well using the standard cemented THR and with 28mm head. A good soft tissue repair and a specialist hip surgeon is preferable.

The accessory navicular (AN) is a separate ossification center for the tuberosity of the navicular that is present in approximately 5–14% of the general population. It produces a firm prominence on the plantar-medial aspect of the midfoot. There may be a co-existent flexible flatfoot, but there is no conclusive evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship between the two conditions. It is usually not symptomatic, and few cases necessitate operative intervention. When symptoms require surgical treatment, excision of the AN, with or without advancement of the posterior tibial tendon, usually is considered.

To describe new technique of AN excision and tibialis posterior tendon advancement (TPTA) using a bio-absorbable tenodesis screw and to investigate the outcome of this cohort in comparison to conventional simple excision.

Retrospective 2 Cohort study. Single surgeon series from single institution. All patients younger than 18 years from Jan 2000 to Aug 2012 undergoing simple excision (SE) or excision with TPTA were identified from the prospectively collected database. Case notes were reviewed and data regarding demographics, indications for surgery, presence of Pes Planus, time from presentation to surgery, length of follow-up, patient satisfaction and complications were recorded. Pain and functional outcome were measured using Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and patient reported outcome measure- Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire- Child and Teenager Version.

There were 6 patients in SE group. There were 3 males and 3 females. Mean age at surgery was 13.9 years. Surgical indication was painful swelling in all patients and in addition 1 had pes planus. There were 7 in SE & TPTA group. There were 3 males and 4 females. The mean age at surgery was 13.1 years. Surgical indication was painful swelling in all patients and in addition 1 had hind foot rigidity and 3 had pes planus. Postoperative protocol involved weight bearing with or without cast in SE group and non-weight bearing in cast for 6 weeks in TPA group. All patients reported excellent to good outcome. There were no complications and no reoperations after tendon advancement.

In conclusion, based on our study findings, we think AN excision and TP advancement is a safe and effective technique for symptomatic pain relief. It is a novel technique which achieved excellent to good outcome in our series.

Treatment of Tendo Achilles (TA) ruptures can result in considerable morbidity and has significant socio-economic implications. The ideal management of these injuries has yet to be defined. Recent studies have demonstrated that non-surgical treatment with accelerated rehabilitation may have comparable outcomes to surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate current management and outcomes of TA ruptures at a tertiary referral centre, with a view to developing contemporary treatment guidelines.

A retrospective review of TA ruptures over a 12-month period was undertaken. Patients were managed on an individual based approach with no strict management algorithm followed. Data collection included pre-injury activity level, ultrasound findings and treatment methodology. Outcome data collected included return to activity, incidence of DVT and re-rupture. Patients were followed up for an average of 2 years.

Data was collected in 49 patients. 31 (63%) of these were managed non-surgically. Ruptures were most common in men (65%) at an average age of 44 yrs. Ultrasound scan at initial diagnosis was performed in 28 patients. There was an average gap in equinus of 34mm in the surgical group, while the average gap within the non-surgical group was 24mm (p=0.23). There was no association between the gap observed on ultrasound and re-rupture rate.

At a median of 2 year follow up, there was no significant reduction in average time spent immobilised in a below knee splint in the surgically treated group (10.2 weeks) compared to non-surgical group (10.9 weeks, p=0.35). 86.3% of patients returned to pre-injury level of activity in the non-surgical group and 86.7% in the surgery group (p=1.0). Complications within this patient cohort consisted of one superficial wound infection and one re-rupture, both occurring within the surgical group. Within the surgical group patients were treated with direct primary repair or primary reconstruction using FHL augmentation in cases of delayed presentation. DVT was not observed in either group. Only 22.6% received thromboprophylaxis in non-surgical group compared to 61.1% in surgical group.

We observed that patients within the non-surgical group demonstrated the same return to pre-injury activity as the surgically treated group and had fewer complications. The time spent immobilised was also comparable. Based on these findings, we modified guidelines and now recommend that surgery should be limited to patients with gap of greater than 20 mm in full equinus on ultrasound and in those with delayed diagnosis. We also recommend thromboprophylaxis for 2 weeks in non-surgical group.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most frequent form of median nerve entrapment, accounting for 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. Routinely nerve conduction study (NCS) tests are ordered to confirm the diagnosis however; there are issues of long waiting periods and costs with it. We aimed to compare carpal tunnel questionnaire score (CTQS) by Kamath and Stothard (2003) to nerve conduction study result in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

This prospective study involved analysis of data from all the patients referred to NHS Tayside (Dundee) hand clinic with signs and symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) from September 2016 to February 2017. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and sensitivity and specificity was calculated. The questionnaires were filled in by a team of specialist physiotherapists. Nerve conduction study tests were done by a team of consultant neurophysiologists. Both the groups were blinded to each other's assessment.

We analysed 88 patients who filled in CTQS and also underwent NCS. We noted that CTQS of less than 3 correlated 100% to negative nerve conduction result. When the carpal tunnel questionnaire score was more than or equal to 5, 54 patients had positive NCS result and 6 patients had negative NCS result, giving a 90% predictability of a positive NCS result. Mean waiting period of carpal tunnel patients for NCS was 141 days.

We noted from this prospective study that CTQS was sensitive enough to exclude carpal tunnel syndrome when the questionnaire score was less than 3. In addition, the questionnaire revealed a 90% probability of having carpal tunnel syndrome when CTQS was more than or equal to 5. Based on the present study, we would recommend that patients in grey zone of 3 to 4 on questionnaire should undergo NCS, resulting in only 20% of patients (based on the figures from the current study) being referred for NCS. The questionnaire can be used in primary health care or specialist physiotherapy screening clinic as a tool for diagnosing CTS with implications of cost saving and avoiding long waiting periods.

Diabetes is a poor prognostic indicator after an acute ankle fracture. Many surgeons avoid essential surgery due to their concerns regarding complications.

We performed a retrospective analysis of complication rates for acute ankle fractures in diabetics with a control non-diabetic patient treated by all surgeons in our unit and assessed factors for success including long-segment fixation methodologies.

Patient records were cross-referenced with departmental databases and a retrospective review of all ankle fractures managed in our department was conducted from 2014. All patients subjected to a retrospective review of their notes and assessment of their follow up for at least 6 months. Radiographs were assessed of the ankle before and at completion of treatment were reviewed independently (RA and FR).

We identified all patients with a diabetic ankle fracture their HB1Ac (for diabetic control) and systematic co-morbidities. Fractures were classified into unimalleolar, bi malleolar and trimalleolar and surgery grouped into standard or long-segment-rigid fixation. Statistical analysis was conducted using absolute/relative risk (RR); numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. We compared a control-group, a diabetic group managed conservatively, and undergoing surgery; comparing the concept of rigid fixation. Further sub-analysis conducted to assess differences between diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Ethics approval was granted as per our institutional policy by our governance lead.

We identified 64 patients with a diabetic ankle fractures, their fracture pattern and a control group. Thirty-one had conservative treatment; 33 had operative fixation of which 13 had rigid fixation. Compared to the control (n=32) both diabetic groups had a higher risk of possible complication. The relative risk was between 3.1–3.4 (P<0.002) and linked to systematic complications of diabetes e.g. neuropathy 5.9 (P<0.003); HBA1c 4.6 P<0.004); and neuropathy and retinopathy 6.2 P<0.0003). We observed RR is reduced for a complication occurring following surgery with prolonged immobilization (0.86) and rigid fixation (0.65) and NNT required to see a benefit from rigid fixation was 7. The overall RR for a complication was similar between conservative and surgical management (4.6 vs.5.1).

We agree diabetics have a higher risk for complications than non-diabetics, however the risk is not as great as previously reported. There is little difference in surgical or conservative treatment but strong evidence indicating rigid long-segment-fixation with prolonged-immobilization could improve the risk benefit ratio when compared to non- operative management alone but further evaluation is required.

The shoulder is the least constrained of all joints of the body and is more susceptible to injury including dislocation. The rate of recurrent instability following primary stabilization procedure at 10 years of follow-up ranged from 3.4 to 35 %. We describe the outcomes of 74 patients who underwent knotless arthroscopic anterior stabilisation using 1.5 mm Labral Tape with 2.9mm Pushlock anchors for primary anterior instability.

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery for post-traumatic recurrent anterior instability for 2 years by a single surgeon. Patients with glenoid bone loss, >25% Hill Sachs lesion, posterior dislocation, paediatric age group and multidirectional instability were excluded from this study. Over 90% of our case mix underwent the procedure under regional block anaesthesia and was discharged on the same day. The surgical technique and post-operative physiotherapy was as per standard protocol. Outcomes were measured at 6 months and 12 months. Of the 74 patients in our study, we lost 5 patients to follow up. Outcomes were measured using the Oxford Shoulder Score apart from clinical assessment including the range of motion.

We noted good to excellent outcomes in 66 cases using the Oxford Instability Scores. All patients achieved almost full range of motion at the end of one year. Our cumulative Oxford Instability Score (OIS) preoperatively was 24.72 and postoperatively was 43.09. The Pearson correlation was .28. The t Critical two-tail was 2.07 observing the difference between the means of the OIS. Complications included recurrent dislocation in 2 patients following re-injury and failure of procedure due to recurrent instability requiring an open bone block procedure in one case. We had no reported failures due to knot slippage or anchor pull-out.

We publish the largest case series using this implant with distinct advantages of combining a small bio absorbable implant with flat braided, and high-strength polyethylene tape to diminish the concern for knot migration and abrasive chondral injury with the potential for earlier rehabilitation and a wider footprint of labral compression with comparative outcomes using standard techniques. Our results demonstrate comparable and superior results to conventional suture knot techniques for labral stabilization.

It is a well-known fact that total knee arthroplasty is a soft tissue operation. Soft tissue balancing is the key to success in total knee arthroplasty. It is paramount importance to preserve the maximal amount of bone on both the femur and tibial side. In Indian scenario, majority of the patients present relatively late with varus or valgus deformity. Adding to this problem is poor bone quality due to osteoporosis. Our technique of Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining TKA with tibial end plate resection facilitates soft tissue balancing, preserves PCL and maximizes bone preservation on both tibial and femoral side achieving good results in minimum seven year follow up.

We retrospectively analyzed seven year outcomes of 120 knees (110 patients), mean age was 65 years (range 55 to 75 years), who received contemporary cruciate-retaining prostheses with tibial end plate resection technique. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 96%, Rheumatoid arthritis in 2% and posttraumatic arthritis in 2% cases. There were more number of flexible varus knees as compared to flexible valgus knees. All the patients were followed up for minimum of 84 months with average follow up of 96 months. They were followed up at 3mths, 6mths, 1,3,5,7,9 and 10 years. The functional assessment was done using knee society knee and function scores. Radiographic analysis was done to rule out subsidence and aseptic loosening. The statistical significance was assessed using chi square test. Survival analysis was done using the Kaplan Meier analysis with revision taken as the endpoint. The average ROM was 100 degrees preoperatively and 120 degrees at last follow-up. The average knee society knee score improved from 45 points preoperatively to 90 points at last follow-up. The average knee society functional score improved from 48 points preoperatively to 84 points at last follow-up (p<0.05). Radiolucency was observed in 20 knees but all except four were non-progressive lesions smaller than 2 mm. None of the implants were revised for subsidence or aseptic loosening of tibial component.

The technique of PCL retaining total knee arthroplasty with tibial end plate resection in arthritic knees with flexible varus or valgus deformity yields good functional outcome in medium term follow up with relatively low incidence of subsidence of the tibial implant. This technique appears promising for total knee arthroplasty in osteoporotic bones where retaining the strong subchondral bone increases the longevity of the implant.

Prosthetic joint infection continues to remain a diagnostic challenge for unhappy primary arthroplasty of hip and knees. There is increasing dependence upon alpha-defensin test to make key decisions like whether to revise or not & to decide between one-stage versus two-stage.

With increasing burden of revision hip arthroplasty, one of the major challenge is the management of bone loss associated with previous multiple surgeries. Proximal femoral replacement (PFR) has already been popularised for tumour surgeries. The inherent advantages of PFR over allograft –prosthesis system, which is the other option for addressing severe bone loss include, early weight bearing and avoidance of non-union and disease transmission. Our study explores PFR as a possible solution for the management of complex hip revisions. Thirty consecutive hips (29 patients) that underwent PFR between January 2009 and December 2015 were reviewed retrospectively for their clinical and radiological outcomes. The Stanmore METS system was used in all these patients.

Mean age at the index surgery (PFR) was 72.69 years (range 50–89) with number of previous hip arthroplasties ranging from 1–5. At mean follow up of 32.27 months, there were no peri-prosthetic fractures and no mechanical failure of the implants. Clearance of infection was achieved in 80% of cases. There was 1 early failure due to intra-operative perforation of femoral canal needing further revision and two were revised for deep infection. Instability was noted in 26.7% (8) of the hips, of which, 87.5% (7) needed further revision with constrained sockets. Out of these 8 hips with instability, 5 had pre-operative infection. Deep infection was noted in 20% (6) of the hips, of which, 5 were primarily revised with PFR for septic loosening. However, further surgeries were essential for only 3 patients. One patient has symptomatic aseptic acetabular loosening and 1 had asymptomatic progressive femoral side loosening (lost to follow up).

Severe proximal femoral bone loss in complex revision arthroplasties has necessitated the use of PFR prosthesis. Our study supports the fact that PFR is probably a mechanically viable option for complex revisions. Significant numbers of dislocations and infections could be attributed to the poor soft tissue envelope around the hip. Further surgical techniques in the form use of dual mobility cups and silver coated PFR implants need to be explored.