Obesity is a common in individuals undergoing arthroplasty, and the potential for weight loss with improved mobility may be expected by some. The aim of this study was 1. determine the proportion that achieved weight loss after hip or knee arthroplasty, and 2. examine the effect of obesity on patient reported outcomes (PROMS) and satisfaction with surgery. Participants underwent primary TKA or THA between July 2015 and December 2020 and consented to participation in a research database with baseline PROMS, including weight, BMI, Oxford Knee, or Hip Score, and EQ5D. Participants repeated PROMS at 12 months after surgery with additional questions regarding satisfaction with surgery. 3449 patients completed PROMS 1 year after arthroplasty with weight and BMI. There were 1810 THA and 1639 TKA procedures. The mean baseline BMI was higher in TKA (29.8, SD 5.2) compared to THA (27.7, SD 5.0), p=0.001. A higher proportion of TKA were classified as obese class 1 (29% TKA, 19% THA), obese class 2 (11% TKA and 6% THA), and obese class 3 (5% TKA and 2% THA), p=0.001. The mean weight loss after 1 year was 0.4kg and 0.9kg in obese THA subjects and TKA subjects respectively. In the obese >5kg weight loss was achieved in 13% of TKA and 7% of THA (p=0.001). Obese experienced equivalent improvement in Oxford scores, compared to non-obese subjects. Satisfaction with surgery was reported by 95% of THA and 91% of TKA subjects with no significant differences between BMI group grades (p=0.491 THA and p=0.473 TKA). Preoperative obesity was observed in 44% of TKA and 27% of THA subjects. In the obese only 1 in 10 subjects lost 5kg or more over 12 months. Obese patients experienced equivalent improvements in outcome after arthroplasty and rates of satisfaction with surgery to the non-obese

Introduction/Aim. Thromboembolism is a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality, the risk of which increases in orthopaedic patients with lower limb immobilisation. It was therefore, our aim to identify a difference in symptomatic thromboembolism by treating acute Achilles tendon rupture patients with conventional non- weight bearing plaster versus functional weight bearing mobilisation. Methodology. The notes of 91 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were reviewed. The patients' demographics, treatment modality (non- weight bearing plaster versus weight bearing boot), and predisposing risk factors were analysed. From the 91 patients, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated conservatively in a non- weight bearing immobilisation cast. From these 50 patients, 3 then underwent surgery and were therefore excluded from the results. 41 patients were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Patients who did have a symptomatic thromboembolic event had an ultrasound scan to confirm a deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb, or a CT-scan to confirm pulmonary embolism. Results. Out of the 47 patients who were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing plaster cast, 9 patients (19.1 %) had a thromboembolic event. Out of the 41 patients who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation, 2 patients (4.8%) had a thromboembolic event. Thus, patients who were treated in a non-weight bearing plaster had a significantly higher risk of developing thromboembolism (p value of <0.05) and an increased risk ratio of 24% compared to those who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Conclusion. There is a significant decrease in the clinical incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated conservatively with early mobilisation in the functional weight bearing boot compared to those treated in a non- weight bearing cast

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), it is preferable that patients have an ideal preoperative Body Mass Index (within 20% of the normal). The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients maintain their preoperative reduced weight after THA and whether the effort of encouragement and cost of a dietician to lose weight preoperatively is worthwhile. Conducted over five years, this study included 100 patients with a mean age of 62.5 years (34 to 83). Preoperative and postoperative weights were obtained from clinical records. There was a postoperative weight increase in 51% of patients and a decrease in postoperative weight in 46%. Pre-operative weight was maintained in 3%

Introduction/Aim. Thromboembolism is a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality, the risk of which increases in orthopaedic patients with lower limb immobilisation. It was therefore, our aim to identify a difference in symptomatic thromboembolism by treating acute Achilles tendon rupture patients with conventional non-weight bearing plaster versus functional weight bearing mobilisation. Methodology. The notes of 91 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were reviewed. The patients demographics, treatment modality (non-weight bearing plaster versus weight bearing boot), and predisposing risk factors were analysed. From the 91 patients, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing immobilisation cast. From these 50 patients, 3 then underwent surgery and were therefore excluded from the results. 41 patients were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Patients who did have a symptomatic thromboembolic event had an ultrasound scan to confirm a deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb, or a CT-scan to confirm pulmonary embolism. Results. Out of the 47 patients who were treated conservatively in a non-weight bearing plaster cast, 9 patients (19.1 %) had a thromboembolic event. Out of the 41 patients who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation, 2 patients (4.8%) had a thromboembolic event. Thus, patients who were treated in a non-weight bearing plaster had a significantly higher risk of developing thromboembolism (p value of <0.05) and an increased risk ratio of 24% compared to those who were treated with functional weight bearing mobilisation. Conclusion. There is a significant decrease in the clinical incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated conservatively with early mobilisation in the functional weight bearing boot compared to those treated in a non-weight bearing cast

Introduction. Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle affects approximately 30,000 patients annually in the UK. Evidence has shown that excess weight exacerbates foot pain, with significant increases in joint forces. However, despite the current trend for Clinical Commissioning Groups to ration surgery for obese patients, studies have not yet determined the effect of weight loss in obese patients with foot and ankle arthritis. Aim. Pilot study to investigate the effect of simulated weight loss on pain scores in obese patients with symptomatic foot and ankle arthritis. Methods. Following ethical approval, a prospective study of 17 obese patients (mean BMI 39.2, range 31.2 – 50.3) with foot and ankle arthritis was undertaken (BOFAS funded). Under physiotherapist supervision, patients walked for one minute on an anti-gravity treadmill, which allowed simulated weight reduction. Following baseline assessment, reduced BMI was simulated, starting at 20, rising in increments of 5, until each patient's usual BMI was reached. Pain was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess for significant changes in pain, comparing baseline with each simulated BMI category (significance set at p< 0.05). Results. Simulated weight loss caused a significant reduction in pain (p=0.005, power 0.91). Mean VAS pain scores improved by 24% (p=0.003) and 17% (p=0.040) for BMI categories 20 and 25, compared with baseline. Pain scores were not significantly different comparing BMI categories of 25 and 20. Conclusion. Simulated weight loss to normal BMI significantly decreased pain in obese patients with foot and ankle arthritis. The use of the anti-gravity treadmill to demonstrate the feeling of normal BMI has also provided motivation to several patients to lose weight. The current study could be used to power future studies to investigate the effects of weight loss in foot and ankle patients

Abstract. Background. Multiple devices can stabilise the MTP joint for arthrodesis. The ideal implant should be easy to use, provide reproducible and high quality results, and ideally enable early rehabilitation to enable faster return to function, whilst lessening soft tissue irritation. We prospectively evaluated the combination of the IO-Fix (Extremity Medical, NJ, USA) device which consists of an intra-osseous post and lag screw that offers these features with full bearing of weight after surgery. Methods. 67 feet in 65 patients were treated over 31 months. After excluding patients lost to follow-up, undergoing revision arthrodesis, or concomitant first ray procedures, there were 54 feet in 52 patients available with a minimum 12 month follow-up with clinical and radiographic outcomes. All patients were treated using a similar operative technique with immediate bearing of weight in a rigid soled shoe. Results. The mean MOXFQ score improved from 46.4 (range 18 – 64) before surgery to 30.2 (range 0 – 54) at 6 months after surgery (p=0.02), and 18.4 (range 0 – 36) (p< 0.001) at latest follow-up. Arthrodesis across the MTP joint was achieved in 52 feet (96%), at a mean of 61 days (range 39–201). Non-union was observed in two feet; superficial wound infections in two feet; and metalwork impingement in three feet. Conclusions. In the largest reported series to date, the IO-Fix device achieved a union rate of 96% across the MTP joint when coupled with immediate bearing of weight. Significant improvements were seen in patient reported outcomes with low complication rates

Obesity is associated with worse outcomes following total knee/hip arthroplasty (TKA/TKA). This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a dietitian-led low-inflammatory weight-loss program for people with obesity awaiting arthroplasty. Quasi-experimental pilot study enrolled people with obesity waitlisted for primary TKA/THA into ‘usual care’ (UC) or weight-loss (low-inflammatory diet) program (Diet). Recruitment occurred between July 2019 and February 2020 at Fairfield and Campbelltown Hospitals. Assessments at baseline, pre-surgery, time of surgery and 90-days following surgery included anthropometric measurements, patient-reported outcomes, serum biomarkers and 90-day postoperative complication rate. 97 people consented to the study (UC, n=47, mean age 67, BMI 37, TKA 79%; Diet, n=50, mean age 66, BMI 36, TKA 72%). Baseline characteristics indicated gross joint impairments and poor compliance with a low-inflammatory diet. Study feasibility criteria included recruitment rate (52%), proportion of diet patients that improved compliance to low-inflammatory diet by ≥10% (57%) and had ≥60% attendance of dietitian consultations (72%), proportion of patients who undertook serum biomarkers (55%). By presurgery assessments, the diet group had more patients who cancelled their surgery due to symptom improvement (4 vs 0), reduced waist-circumference measurements, increased compliance with the Low-Inflammatory diet and preservation of physical activity parameters. More usual care participants experienced at least one postoperative complication to 90-days (59% vs 47%) and were discharged to inpatient rehabilitation (21% vs 11%). There was no difference in weight change, physical function, and patient-reported outcome measures from pre-surgery to 90-days post-surgery, and length of hospital stay. Using pre-determined feasibility criteria, conducting a definitive trial is not feasible. However, intervention audit demonstrated high intervention fidelity. Pilot data suggest our program may promote weight loss but the clinical effects for most are modest. Further research utilising a stronger intervention may be required to assess the effectiveness of a pre-arthroplasty weight-loss intervention

Introduction: Recently there has been a trend for recommending weight bearing 30û ßexion views as the standard view in place of full extension view for the routine radiography of the Knee. It has been shown that this view can pick up more abnormalities and can show a joint space diminution, which cannot be seen on full extension views. It has not been shown by any study that this is not due to the differential thickness of cartilage in different places on femoral condyle thus implying a natural cause rather than pathological process (abnormal wearing of cartilage) of the observed decrease in joint space. So this prospective randomised double blind study was designed. Methods: 22 patients with arthroscopically proven non osteoarthritic knees were included in the study. Knee radiographs were taken in weight bearing full extension and 30û ßexion PA views. The radiographs were randomised and read by a consultant, registrar & senior house ofþcer. Results: Appropriate statistical tests were applied and results analysed. There was up to 2mm difference in the joint space on the two views. Conclusion: The decrease in the joint space if seen on 30û ßexion views as compared to full extension views may be due to the differential thickness of inherent normal cartilage and so is not always due to a pathological process. Based on this a classiþcation was devised to signify the importance of measured differential thickness in the cartilage of femoral condyle

Myriad protocols exist for isolated Weber B lateral malleolus fractures with a congruent tibiotalar joint on initial radiographs. Stress and weight-bearing radiographs, all at various timepoints, may be employed to identify those injuries that develop significant talar shift but consensus is elusive. This study outlines a safe and reproducible protocol for such injuries, utilising a removable orthosis, immediate weight bearing and standard supine radiographs. A retrospective analysis of a prospective trauma database was analysed to identify patients with an isolated Weber B ankle fracture with adequate presentation radiographs demonstrating a congruent mortise. Patient records and radiographs were evaluated a minimum of 5 years after initial presentation to determine ankle stability, complications, and the burden on outpatient services. Between 2014 and 2016, 657 patients were referred to the specialist trauma clinic from the emergency department. Of the 657, 52 patients had inadequate ED radiographs to determine ankle congruity. At the two-week assessment, 11 of the 52 demonstrated talar shift and required intervention. Therefore 646 patients demonstrated ankle congruity at two weeks after weight bearing. No patient demonstrated talar shift at the six-week assessment. Average number of follow up appointments was 2.4 with 3.5 radiographs. Our new treatment protocol advocates discharge after a single orthopaedic assessment after two weeks of weight bearing. This study supports immediate weight-bearing of Weber B ankle fractures with a congruent mortise in an orthosis. Follow up beyond two weeks is unnecessary and our protocol offers a safe means of significantly reducing the outpatient burden

Background. Obesity has been shown to be an independent risk factor for aseptic loosening of the tibia and smaller implant size has been correlated with increased risk of failure of tibial components in obese patients [1,2]. Many surgeons have noted that obese patients, especially females, not uncommonly will have small implant sizes. As such, we hypothesized that obesity was not directly correlated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant sizes. The purpose of this study was to determine if increasing body mass index (BMI), height, and/or weight is associated with implant size in primary TKA. Methods. The institutional registry of a single academic center was reviewed to identify all primary TKAs performed between 2005 and 2016. Those without minimum 2-year follow-up or with incomplete implant data were excluded. The different manufacturer's implant designs were categorized based on anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions of the femoral and tibial component sizes and cross sectional area was determined. BMI was categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) obesity scale (Class I: BMI 30 to <35, Class II: BMI 35 to <40, Class III: BMI 40 kg/m. 2. or greater). Patient demographics including sex, height, weight, and BMI were analyzed to evaluate correlations with implant size using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results. There were 8,107 TKA included in the analysis with a mean age of 67.3 ± 9.5 years and mean BMI of 30.4 ± 6.3 kg/m. 2. There was a significantly higher proportion of females (63%) in the total cohort as well as in the Obese I, II, and III categories. BMI had no significant association with implant size in the femur or tibia; however, weight had a moderate association with implant size (ρ=0.39–0.48, p<0.001). Increasing height had the strongest correlation with increasing implant size of both the femoral and tibial components (ρ=0.63–0.77, p<0.001). Conclusion. Implant size was correlated with increasing height and weight, but not BMI in this cohort. Therefore, short patients who suffer from obesity, will most likely have smaller component sizes that may necessitate adjuvant fixation techniques (i.e. tibial or femoral stem). In addition, these findings may be useful in predicting TKA implant size based on a patient's height and weight. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

INTRODUCTION. The extension and flexion gaps are affected by different factors in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Flexion but not extension gap measurements are influenced by posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) preservation or resection and patella reduction or eversion and thigh weight. If the flexion gap is measured with the thigh placed on the tibia, the measurement results must include the thigh weight; nevertheless, there is no detailed report regarding the thigh weight influence on the flexion gap. In this study, we investigated how thigh weight affected flexion gap measurement. METHODS. Four knees of whole-body fresh-frozen cadavers (Mongolian race) were investigated. The femur and tibia were dissected with a standard measured resection technique. After the femoral component was set, the flexion gap was measured with a knee balancer. The distraction force of 20, 30, and 40 pounds were loaded at the joint level. For each measurement, the influences of the patella reduced or everted (PR or PE) and the PCL preserved or resected (CR or PS) were estimated. The flexion gap was measured five times in four different categories (CR/PR, CR/PE, PS/PR, PS/PE) and the thigh weight was reduced by weights (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 kg) using a string and pulley system. During measurement, the femur was just placed on the tibia, and the knee flexion angle was maintained at 90 degrees with a goniometer. After all measurements, the lower limbs were resected, and the thighs were weighed with a scale. Steel-Dwasstest (non-parametric multiple comparison test) were performed for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS. Flexion gap measurement results show over 10 mm difference between the maximum gap (PS/PE, 40 lbs, 3 kg weight reduction) and the minimum gap (CR/PR, 20 lbs distraction, no weight reduction) in this study. When a 0.5 kg weight reduction was applied, there were no significant flexion gap increases compared to no weight reduction situation in almost all categories except for “CR/PR and 40 lbs distraction”. According to the increase of the weight reduction, the flexion gap became larger in all categories. When a 3 kg weight reduction was applied, there were significant flexion gap increases compared to no weight reduction situation in all categories (Table 1-3). The mean thigh weight was 2.3 kg (2.0–2.6 kg). DISCUSSION. The flexion gap is usually measured with the thigh placed on the tibia in TKA, and the measurement results are considered to include the influence of the thigh weight even though this has not been discussed in the literature. From our results, the influence of the thigh weight reduction on the flexion gap was different according to heaviness of the reduction weight. When the reduction weight was over the thigh weight, flexion gap increase relative to the flexion gap without weight reduction was significant in all categories nevertheless different situations of the PCL, patella position, and joint distraction forces. To estimate adequate flexion gap and avoid post-operative flexion gap looseness, the thigh weight should be reduced when the flexion gap is measured

Introduction. Body Mass Index (BMI) is an essential tool for orthopaedic surgeons in regards to preoperative risk stratification as well as assessment of overall health and nutritional status. Patient's self-awareness of their height, weight and BMI is crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of our study was to determine the accuracy of orthopaedic patient's reported height and weight. We hypothesized that a patient's age, sex and/or BMI may affect the accuracy of these reported values. Methods. After IRB approval, we performed a prospective, observational study in the setting of our orthopaedic clinic. Patients were asked to report their predicted height and weight and then were weighed and measured using a single standardized scale. All values, including age and sex, were recorded. Differences were then calculated. Patients were categorized based on their age (younger than 65 vs older than 65), sex, and actual BMI (less than 30 vs greater than 30). Student t-test was used to calculate significance (p <0.05 conferred significance). Results. A total of 211 patients participated in our study (127 females, 84 males). Females had an average height discrepancy of 2.21cm, whereas males had an average height discrepancy of 1.56 cm (p=0.22). Females had an average weight discrepancy of 2.46 kg compared to 2.13 kg in males (p=0.58). The average height discrepancy in patients less than 65 years old was 2.09 cm compared to 1.76 cm in patients older than 65 (p=0.81). The average weight discrepancy in patients less than 65 years old was 2.50 kg compared to 2.12 kg in patients older than 65 (p=0.54). The average height discrepancy in the high BMI group was 2.29 cm compared to 1.42 in the low BMI group (p=0.11). The average weight discrepancy in the high BMI group was 2.71 kg compared to 1.72 kg in the low BMI group. This difference approached statistical significance (p=0.094). In regards to BMI changes based on values reported, 64 patients had a lower actual BMI than reported (range −0.015 to −5.29 kg/cm. 2. ), 6 patients had no change in BMI, and 141 had an increase in BMI (range 0.0006 to 16.6 kg/cm. 2. ). Average BMI of those patients with less than 1 kg/cm. 2. change in BMI was 30.9 kg/cm. 2. , whereas those with greater than 1 kg/cm. 2. change in BMI had an average of 35.18 kg/cm. 2. (p=2.27×10. −5. ). There were 9 patients' whose reported weights gave them a BMI of less than 40 kg/cm. 2. , whereas their actual weight put their BMI over 40 kg/cm. 2. Conclusion. There was a trend towards higher BMI patients (BMI >30 kg/cm. 2. ) being less accurate in predicting their height and weight compared to a lower BMI population. Patients who had a more likely chance of inaccurate weight estimation leading to a greater change in BMI had a statistically higher BMI. In 9 instances, patients' reported weights kept them below the recommended threshold for receiving a total joint replacement, whereas their actual weight put them over the recommended threshold

Background. There exists no consensus opinion as to the most suitable post-operative rehabilitation and weight bearing status for proximal tibia articular fractures treated with internal fixation using plates and screws. Objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the post-operative weight bearing status is associated with loss of reduction and articular collapse. Study Design and Methods. Data was retrospectively analysed from our prospective database in a major trauma centre. Group I were non-weight bearing for the first six weeks post-operation and Group II were instructed to weight bear fully immediately post-operation. Radiographs were taken day one post-operation, at six weeks and at three months and analysed for fracture displacement and joint depression or loss of fixation. Results. 90 patients were included in the study. The follow up radiographs demonstrated no failure of fixation in either study group. One patient from the weight bearing group had >1mm joint depression (4mm) identified at the first follow up, which did not worsen by the second. Conclusions. This study shows immediate post-operative full weight bearing does not affect the fixation or cause articular collapse up to three months after surgery. We propose that patients should be encouraged to weight bear immediately post-operation

Stable Weber B fractures are typically treated non-operatively without complications but require close monitoring due to concerns over potential medial deltoid ligament injuries and the risk of delayed talar shift. Following recent evidence suggesting this is unlikely, a functional protocol with early weight bearing was introduced at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) following a pilot audit. This study aims to evaluate the risk of delayed talar shift in isolated Weber B fractures managed with functional bracing and early weight-bearing, particularly if signs of medial ligament injury are present. We conducted a retrospective review of 148 patients with isolated Weber B fractures without talar shift at presentation that were reviewed at the virtual fracture clinic at our institution between July 2019 and June 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed talar shift. Secondary outcomes were other complications and adherence to protocol. 48 patients had medial signs present and of these 1 (2%) showed possible talar shift on X-rays at 4 weeks, and was kept under review. This patient had a normal medial clear space at 3 months. No patients with medial signs not documented (n=19) or not present (n=81) had delayed talar shift. 10% of patients (n=15) had at least 1 complication: delayed union (n=2); non-union (n=3); ongoing pain (n=14). Functional bracing with early weight-bearing is a safe, effective protocol for managing isolated Weber B fractures without initial talar shift. This study concludes that the risk of delayed talar shift is low in all patients, with or without medial signs

The Hospital (Trust) guidelines generally recommend 40mg of Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) twice daily (BD) for all patients over 100kg for those undergoing total hip (THR) and knee replacements (TKR) respectively. British National Formulary (BNF) recommends 40mg of LMWH once daily (OD) for all patients regardless of their overall weight or body mass index (BMI). We evaluated the outcome of prophylactic LMWH dosage for patients undergoing THR and TKR by monitoring surgery related venous-thromboembolic events up to a minimum of three months after surgery. A retrospective audit was carried out after obtaining institutional approval and all consecutive elective patients weighing over 100kg and undergoing THR and TKR were included. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months after their operation to investigate the dose of prophylactic LMWH received, and whether they had developed any venous thromboembolic events (VTE) post operatively. This was done using a combination of electronic notes, drug charts and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) reports on the hospital/trust database. A total of 53 patients underwent elective THR (18) and TKR (35) between the period of March 2017 and September 2017. Forty-four patients received 40 mg OD and 9 patients had 40 mg BD. None of the patients developed a confirmed DVT or pulmonary embolism in the 3 months following surgery regardless of the dose received. We demonstrate that there is no clinical benefit in having patients over 100kg on twice daily LMWH with the aim of preventing post-op thromboembolic complications. This conclusion is in line with the BNF recommendations for VTE prophylaxis

In a society whereby the incidence of obesity is increasing and medico-legal implications of treatment failure are more frequently ending with the consulting doctor, clarity is required as to any restrictions placed on common orthopaedic implants by manufacturing companies. The aim of this study was to identify any restrictions placed on the commonly used femoral stem implants in total hip replacement (THR) surgery, by the manufacturers, based on patient weight. The United Kingdom (UK) National Joint Registry (NJR) was used to identify the five most commonly used cemented and uncemented femoral stem implants during 2012. The manufacturing companies responsible for these implants were asked to provide details of any weight restrictions placed on these implants. The Corail size 6 stem is the only implant to have a weight restriction (60Kg). All other stems, both cemented and uncemented, were free of any restrictions. Fatigue fracture of the femoral stem has been well documented in the literature, particularly involving the high nitrogen stainless steel cemented femoral stems and to a lesser extent the cemented cobalt chrome and uncemented femoral stems. In all cases excessive patient weight leading to increased cantilever bending of the femoral stem was thought to be a major factor contributing to the failure mechanism. From the current literature there is clearly an association between excessive patient weight and fatigue failure of the femoral stem. We suggest avoiding, where possible, the insertion of small stems (particularly cemented stems) and large offset stems (particularly those with a modular neck) in overweight patients

Aim: To ascertain the accuracy of partial weight bearing. Method: 6 healthy volunteers with a below knee plaster cast, 10 patients with uncemented hip replacements and 12 patients with lower limb fractures were trained to partial weight bear. They were asked to place the affected leg on a bathroom scale and to press on it till the prescribed limit. This process was repeated till the subject formed a mental image of the amount of load they must put through the limb. The ability to partial weight bear was tested in a gait lab by making them walk on a walkway incorporating a Bertec force platform. Exact magnitude of weight bearing was calculated from the vertical ground reaction forces produced. Results: 4 out of 6 volunteers exerted mean weight of 20.3 kg above and the remaining 2 exerted 5.6 kg below that prescribed. Of the 22 patients, 19 exerted mean weight of 24.3 kg above and 3 patients exerted mean weight of 7.5 kg below that prescribed. As per Spearmanñs rank correlation test, the relationship between the prescribed weight bearing and the actual weight bearing was non-signiþcant (p=0.399) i.e., there is little relationship between the prescribed and actual weight bearing. Conclusions: Neither patients nor healthy volunteers could partial weight bear to the extent required. They were either above or below the prescribed level of partial weight bearing. Current method of teaching partial weight bearing is inaccurate and has poor reproducibility. Such methods use static loading situations whereas walking is a dynamic activity. An inexpensive, easy to use, dynamic device is required to train patients to partial weight bear

Introduction. Plate fixation for distal femoral fractures is a commonly used method of fracture stabilisation. Many orthopaedic surgeons traditionally do not allow their patients to weight bear for the first 6 weeks after surgery, fearing of loss of fracture reduction and metalwork failure. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the post-operative weight bearing status after plate fixation influences the outcome in terms of loss of reduction and metalwork failure. Materials & Methods. A retrospective data collection from all patients who treated in our hospital surgically for distal femoral fractures, from January 2015 until June 2017. Inclusion criteria were the operative treatment of these fractures with plate fixation. Patients who were treated with retrograde nail, primary total knee replacement or screw fixation were excluded from the study. Patient, injury and surgery demographic data was collected. The immediate post-operative weight bearing status of these patients was noted. Weight bearing status was divided into two groups – Group 1 (Non and touch weight bear – the non-weight bearing group) and Group 2 (Weight bear as tolerated / Full weight bear – the weight bearing group). Radiological data about fracture displacement or metalwork failure was collected at the six weeks and three months follow up after the operation, using a standardised measurement for displacement performed independently by two authors (EI, TA). Results. Of 70 patients, a total of 51 fractures treated with plate fixation were included to the study. The mean age of the cohort was 64.3 ±20.7 years with the majority of the patients being female (63%). Most of the patients (40%) had a complete articular distal femoral fracture, AO Type 33C. Thirty-nine patients (76%) were treated with one lateral distal femoral plate. The total number of the patients in group 1 was 32 (68%); with 17 patients (32%) in group 2. The weight bearing status did not correlate with the fracture type or the fixation type (p>0.05). None of the 6 weeks follow up radiographs revealed fracture displacement in both study groups. Four of the patients from the non-weight bearing group had >1mm displacement at the 3 months' follow-up radiographs. Fisher's exact test revealed no statistically significant difference between the two study groups in both follow-up time points (p=0.55). Two of the patients in the non-weight bearing group had their plate broken at the 3 months follow up and required revision fixation. Conclusion. By reviewing the outcomes in terms of fracture displacement and metalwork failure following plate fixation of distal femoral fractures, early weight bearing of these patients do not jeopardise the outcome of the operation

Introduction: Each year millions of people are treated for hip, knee or foot surgery which require rehabilitation programs that typically involve limited or controlled weight bearing on an affected limb. Weight bearing reduces edema & facilitate rapid rehabilitation. Current weight-bearing instruction protocols involve non-quantitative guidelines, based on the patient’s amount of discomfort while walking or subjective perception. However, the interpretation of these instructions is inaccurate and subjective, and varies among clinicians and patients. New biofeedback technology concepts are beginning to be implemented in the rehabilitation process. The Smart-Step system is a new weight bearing monitoring system that assists clinicians and physical therapists to accurately assess, train and monitor patients’ weight bearing capabilities. Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of the SmartStep system in guiding weight bearing restrictions, and to assess the effectiveness of the SmartStep system as a tool to reeducate full weight bearing. Material and Methods: 8 Patients in the Orthopedic rehabilitation department & 5 patients in the orthopedic physiotherapy out-patient clinic, post orthopedic surgery with FWB instructions were randomly divided into Study & Control groups. During treatment, the patients were trained by the PT in FWB according to the instruction of the surgeon. Data of age and body weight was collected from all patients. Patients in both study groups used the SmartStep System. This system consists of an in-shoe inflatable insole, pressure sensors and a control unit for data storage. The control unit provides also an audio signal whenever the patient was bearing body weight at a recommended and pre-calibrated level. Results: The mean age and body weight were 62±12 years and 76±15 kg in the study group and 65±15 years and 70±13 kg in the control group. Data obtained in both groups (in kg) during the pre-test and during the gait tests was converted into percentage of the patients BW. The means of the differences between the pre-test results and the gait test results in both groups were 9 + 6.7% and 1.5 + 6% in the study and control group, respectably (p=0.0002). Conclusions: The new Smartstep system was proved to be a useful tool in assisting gait rehabilitation since its biofeedback system enhances and improves weight bearing over the affected limb in cases where FWB is recommended

Introduction. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant systems offer a range of sizes for orthopaedic surgeons to best mimic the patient's anatomy and restore joint function. From a biomechanical perspective, the challenge on the TKA implants is affected by two factors: design geometry and in vivo load. Larger geometry typically means more robust mechanical structure, while higher in vivo load means greater burden on the artificial joint. For an implant system, prosthesis geometry is largely correlated with implant size, while in vivo load is affected by the patient's demographics such as weight and height. Understanding the relationships between implant size and patients' demographics can provide useful information for new prosthesis design, implant test planning, and clinical data interpretation. Utilizing a manufacturer supported clinical database, this study examined the relationships between TKA patient's body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) and the received implant size of a well-established implant system. Methods. A multi-site clinical database operated by Exactech, Inc. (Gainesville, FL, USA) was utilized for this study. The database contains patient information of Optetrak TKA implant recipients from over 30 physicians in US, UK, and Colombia since 1995. Nine implant sizes (0, 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 and 6) are seen in the database, while size 0 was excluded due to very low usage. Taking primary TKA only, a total of 2,713 cases were examined for patient's body weight, height, BMI, and their relationships with the implant size. Results. Both patient's weight and height strongly correlate with implant size (R. 2. »0.95 for both parameters with a linear regression). On average, the increase of one implant size corresponds to an increase of 7.4 kg in patient's weight and 7.0 cm in patient's height (Figure 1). However, there is almost no dependency between patient's BMI and implant size (R. 2. <0.05), and the regression line is almost flat (k=-0.08) (Figure 1). Discussion. Based on the Exactech database, this study revealed that TKA patients' weight and height increase close-to-linearly with implant size, but BMI stays fairly constant. These relationships are not all intuitive mathematically, and are likely simplified representations of higher order functions within the particular variable ranges. The most interesting finding was the independence of BMI on implant size, which provides a favorable validation of the geometry design and size selection of the Optetrak implant system. BMI (kg/m. 2. ) has the same unit dimension as stress (N/m. 2. ) excluding the constant g (9.8 N/kg). Since implant geometry is generally proportional to patient height, and joint force is generally proportional to patient weight, the mechanical stress imposed on the implant would be generally proportional to patient's BMI. The fact that BMI stays constant across sizes indicates that the implant system would experience a similar level of stress across all sizes, which has been previously observed in femorotibial contact stress analyses on the Optetrak system. This study showed that a heavier TKA patient statistically tends to receive a larger implant which, depending on implant design, will provide larger contact area and compensate for the higher load