Introduction: The Plastic Surgery challenge in groin sarcoma is often twofold involving restoration of integrity to the lower abdominal wall and provision of durable soft tissue cover for the groin and perineum. Methods: This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing groin sarcoma excision with plastic surgery involvement over the last 7 years. The referral patterns of these patients, histological types, margins and details of reconstructions performed were analysed. Information was also gathered regarding adjuvant therapy, recurrences and survival. Results: Thirteen patients were included in this review. In twelve out of the thirteen patients initial biopsies/explorations were performed by either General Surgeons or Urologists. Ten of these biopsies were incompletely excised. On average 4.4 months elapsed between initial biopsy and referral to the Regional Sarcoma Service. The most frequently performed reconstruction was a rectus abdominis musculo-cutaneous flap. Six patients developed post operative complications. Complete/adequate surgical margins were achieved in seven patients. A further five patients had margins designated as “narrow” or “marginal”. Six patients received post operative radiotherapy based on the multidisciplinary clinic review. Three patients were referred for radiotherapy but did not receive treatment. Five patients developed recurrences and four of these patients died. Discussion: Groin sarcomas represent a surgical and logistical challenge. The anatomical topography makes complete surgical excision difficult without available reconstructive techniques and complication rates can be high. Referral of these patients to the regional sarcoma service is often delayed whilst exploration or biopsy is performed. This delay can persist even after a diagnosis of sarcoma has been made. Communication with colleagues in other centres may be the key to improving this side of management

The aims of this study were to review the management of open tibial fractures in our specialist ortho-plastic centre and to assess whether our practice concurred with the BAO/BAPS guidelines. A retrospective note review of patients with open tibial fractures was undertaken. Data was collected on time to referral to the plastic surgery unit and time to definitive soft tissue cover. Return of limb function was assessed using the Enneking score. Forty five consecutive patients (27M vs. 18F), with an age range of 11–86 yrs (median age of 42 years), were treated using strict protocols. Seventeen cases were referred by the on-site orthopaedic unit, and 28 patients were from 7 neighbouring units. Time from injury to initial plastic surgery assessment ranged from 0 to 19 days, with a median of 4 days. Time from injury to definitive soft tissue cover ranged from 0 to 21, with a median of 5 days. 41/45 cases had definitive surgery within 5 days of initial plastics assessment. 5 patients with definitive treatment at days 4, 4, 7, 7, 12 developed superficial wound infection. Patients referred from neighbouring units underwent on average 1 extra operation. We failed to detect any significant difference in return of function between the 2 groups indicating that referral to a specialist centre may produce equivalent functional return even if there is a delay in definitive treatment. Open tibial fractures should be managed in a specialist centre, manned with dedicated lower limb plastic and orthopaedic reconstructive surgeons and followed up in a combined ortho-plastic clinic. However, more emphasis should be put on improved communication between referring units and the specialist centre

Introduction: The centre provides hand services to remote hospitals which require patients to travel long distances at odd hours for assessment and consenting to their operation only to be done at a later date in day surgery unit unless otherwise indicated. Aims: Compare video conferencing to patient and surgeon ‘face to face’ consultation in counselling of patients prior to surgery. Methods: Four injuries (Nail bed, extensor tendon, nerve repair, wrist laceration) were identified for which operative management was clear. 10 plastic surgery SHOs were shown photographs of the patients injury and asked to ‘counsel’ the ‘patient’(played by consultant plastic surgeon) with regards to the intended benefits, risks and complications of surgery. The assessment was done for all four scenarios both in person and over a video conference link (AHMS). The order of each case was varied to minimise ‘rehearsal’ of the consent. The consent process was scored on a number of points followed by rating. SHOs acted as their own controls removing bias of differing levels of knowledge. Results: The mean counselling time was 6 minutes/session. Equipments functioned reliably with audio and speed rated as excellent. Quality of councelling sessions using telemedicine was considered by consultants as good (32/40) to satisfactory (8/40) and was found comparable to in person councelling in obtaining consent. Conclusion: Telemedicine is as effective as specialist-on site counselling for non-controversial hand injuries and thereby reduces the movement of patients from remote A& E departments to plastic surgery units for consent and booking of their surgery

Aims. The free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap represents a workhorse procedure in the field of trauma and plastic surgery. However, only a small number of studies have examined this large group of patients with regard to the morbidity of flap harvest. The aim of this prospective study was therefore to objectively investigate the morbidity of a free LDM flap. Methods. A control group (n = 100) without surgery was recruited to assess the differences in strength and range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder joint with regard to handedness of patients. Additionally, in 40 patients with free LDM flap surgery, these parameters were assessed in an identical manner. Results. We measured higher values for all parameters assessing force in the shoulder joint on the dominant side of patients in the control group. Moreover, LDM flap harvest caused a significant reduction in strength in the glenohumeral joint in all functions of the LDM that were assessed, ranging from 9.0% to 13.8%. Equally, we found a significantly reduced ROM in the shoulder at the side of the flap harvest. For both parameters, this effect was diminished, when the flap harvest took place on the dominant side of the patient. Conclusion. LDM flap surgery leads to a significant impairment of the strength and ROM in the shoulder joint. Moreover, the donor morbidity must be differentiated with regard to handedness: harvest on the non-dominant side potentiates the already existing difference in strength and ROM. Conversely, if the harvest takes place on the dominant side of the patient, this difference is diminished. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1114–1119

The authors felt that it would be an interesting and worthwhile exercise to examine the process and management of open long-bone fractures referred to East Grinstead as we felt that we were not achieving the timeframe, as advised by the BOA/BAPS guidelines.

Methods The notes of patients who were referred East Grinstead for soft tissue management of long-bone fractures were examined over a 1 year period and analysed. After the results were seen to be poor in terms of management, practices were changed and the following year’s patients’ management underwent the same analysis prospectively.

Results The first years audit revealed average day of referral of 6.1, day of transfer was 13.2 days and time to soft tissue coverage was 18.3 days. 8% of patients achieved the BOA/BAPS guidelines of coverage by day 5. The second cohort of patients showed little improvement in their process of care.

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of metacarpal shaft fractures (MSFs), assess variation in treatment and complications following standard care, document hospital resource use, and explore factors associated with treatment modality.

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the demographic, socioeconomic, and educational factors associated with core surgical trainees (CSTs) who apply to and receive offers for higher surgical training (ST3) posts in Trauma & Orthopaedics (T&O).

Introduction. The presence of pluripotent mesenchymal cells in the periosteum along with the growth factors produced or released following injury provides this tissue with an important role in bone healing. Utilising this property, vascularised periosteal flaps may increase the union rates in recalcitrant atrophic long bone non-union. The novel chimeric fibula-periosteal flap utilises the periosteum raised on an independent periosteal vessel, thus allowing the periosteum to be inset freely around the osteotomy site, improving bone biology. Materials & Methods. Ten patients, with established non-union, underwent fibula-periosteal chimeric flaps (2016–2022) at the Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, UK. Preoperative CT angiography was performed to identify the periosteal branches. A case-control approach was used. Patients acted as their own controls, which obviated patient specific risks for non-union. One osteotomy site was covered by the chimeric periosteal flap and one without. In two patients both the osteotomies were covered using a long periosteal flap. Results. Union rate of 100% (11/11) was noted with periosteal flap osteotomies, versus those without flaps at 28.6% (2/7) (p = 0.0025). Time to union was also reduced in the periosteal flaps at 8.5 months versus 16.75 months in the control group (p = 0.023). Survival curves with a hazard ratio of 4.1, equating to a 4 times higher chance of union with periosteal flaps (log-rank p = 0.0016) was observed. Conclusions. The chimeric fibula-periosteal flap provides an option for atrophic recalcitrant non-unions where use of vascularised fibula graft alone may not provide an adequate biological environment for consolidation

Introduction. Open fragility ankle fractures involve complex decision making. There is no consensus on the method of surgical management. Our aim in this study was to analyse current management of these patients in a major trauma centre (MTC). Materials & Methods. This cohort study evaluates the management of geriatric (≥65years) open ankle fractures in a MTC (November 2020–November 2022). The method, timing(s) and personnel involved in surgical care were assessed. Weightbearing status over the treatment course was monitored. Patient frailty was measured using the clinical frailty score (CFS). Results. There were 35 patients, mean age 77 years (range 65–97 years), 86% female. Mean length of admission in the MTC was 26.4 days (range 3–78). Most (94%) had a low-energy mechanism of injury. Only 57% of patients underwent one-stage surgery (ORIF n=15, hindfoot nail n=1, external frame n=4) with 45% being permitted to fully weightbear (FWB). Eleven (31.4%) underwent two-stage surgery (external fixator; ORIF), with 18% permitted to FWB. Of those patients with pre-injury mobility, 12 (66%) patients were able to FWB following definitive fixation. Delay in weightbearing ranged from 2–8weeks post-operatively. Seven patients (20%) underwent an initial Orthoplastic wound debridement. Ten patients (28.6%) required plastic surgery input (split-skin grafts n=9, local or free flaps n=3), whereby four patients (40%) underwent one stage Orthoplastic surgery. Eighteen (51.4%) patients had a CFS ≥5. Patients with a CFS of ≥7 had 60% 90-day mortality. Only 17% patients had orthogeriatrician input during admission. Conclusions. These patients have high frailty scores, utilise a relatively large portion of resources with multiple theatre attendances and protracted ward occupancy in an MTC. Early FWB status needs to be the goal of treatment, ideally in a single-staged procedure. Poor access to orthogeriatric care for these frail patients may represent healthcare inequality

Aim. Bone infections often manifest with soft tissue complications such as severe scarring, fistulas, or ulcerations. Ideally, their management involves thorough debridement of infected bone and associated soft tissues, along with achieving stable bone structure, substantial tissue coverage, and long-term antibiotic therapy. The formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and infectious disease specialists is essential in addressing the most complex cases. Method. We conducted a retrospective study during six years (2018-2023) at our university center. Focusing on the most challenging cases, we included patients with bone infections in the leg and/or foot requiring free flap reconstruction. Each patient underwent simultaneous bone debridement and reconstruction by the orthopedic team, alongside soft tissue debridement and free flap reconstruction by the plastic surgery team. Targeted antibiotic therapy for either 6 weeks (acute) or 12 weeks (chronic osteitis) was initiated based on intraoperative cultures. Additional procedures such as allografts, arthrodesis, or autografts were performed if necessary. We analyzed the rates of bone union, infection resolution, and limb preservation. Results. Forty-five patients were enrolled. Twenty-four patients (53.3%) had urgent indications (e.g., open infected fractures, osteitis, acute osteoarthritis, or wound dehiscence), while 21 (46.7%) underwent elective surgery (e.g., septic pseudarthrosis or chronic osteitis). Two patients underwent amputation due to flap failure (4.4%), and one patient was lost to follow-up. Follow-up of the remaining 42 patients averaged 28 months (range: 6–60 months). During this period, 35 patients (83.4%) experienced no recurrence of infection. Similarly, 35 patients (83.4%) achieved bone union. Overall, the rate of lower limb preservation was 93.3%. Conclusions. Managing bone infection coupled with soft tissue defects brings significant challenges. Although the majority of patients treated here belong to a complex framework based on the BACH classification, the outcomes achieved here appear to align with those of the simpler cases, thanks to optimal care with a dedicated septic ortho-plastic team. Our study demonstrates a notable success rate in treating infection, achieving bone consolidation, and preserving lower limb function

Materials & Methods. Chronic osteomyelitis is a complex and challenging condition the successful treatment of which requires a specialist multidisciplinary approach. Prior to tertiary referral to a specialist Orthoplastic Unit, patients often receive multiple courses of antibiotics, in usually unsuccessful attempts, to eradicate infection. This often results in the development of chronic polymicrobial infection. We reviewed the intra-operative cultures of patients treated in our Orthoplastic unit over a 9-year period from 2012–2021 to determine the spectrum of polymicrobial cultures and the relationship to pre-operative cultures. Results. We reviewed the electronic care records and laboratory results of all patients referred to or directly admitted to our unit with a diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis between 2012–2021. We checked all culture results, antibiotic sensitivities and prescription for treatment. We also checked for any recurrence of infection within 1 year. 60 patients were treated over the 9-year period. 9 upper and 51 lower limbs. The most common referral sources were from the surgical specialties of Trauma & Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery (62%) while an equal amount came from the Emergency Department and other inpatient medical teams, each making up 15%. A small cohort (8%) developed the infection while still being followed up post fixation. Aetiology of Infection were post fracture fixation 41 (68%), spontaneous osteomyelitis 10 (17%), soft tissue infection 4 (7%). The remaining 5 patients (8%) had a combination failed arthroplasty, arthrodesis and chronic infection from ring sequestrum. 58 patients (97%) had positive cultures with 26 being polymicrobial. 12 cultures were gram negative (G-ve), 11 G+ve 12, 4 anaerobic and 1 Fungal. In 24 patients (40%) the pre-operative cultures and antibiotic sensitivities did not correspond to the intra-operative cultures and sensitivities. 55 patients (92%) required dual or triple therapy with 8% requiring further debridement and extended therapy. 2 (3%) patients had failed treatment requiring amputation. Conclusions. Chronic osteomyelitis is a complex and challenging condition the successful treatment of which requires early referral to a specialist Orthoplastic unit. Less than half of organisms cultured pre-operatively reflect the causative organisms cultured intra-operatively with 52% of these infections being polymicrobial. After initial treatment, 8% of patients will require a further combination of extended antibiotic therapy and surgery to eradicate infection

Aim. Pelvic osteomyelitis following pressure ulceration results in substantial patient morbidity. Previous studies have reported a heterogenous approach to diagnosis and medical management by physicians, suggesting equipoise on key clinical questions. This study hypothesised that the same equipoise exists amongst Orthopaedic surgeons. Method. An 18-question multiple-choice questionnaire was designed through an iterative feedback process until the final version was agreed by all authors. Likert-type scale responses were used with graded responses (e.g., never/fewer than half of patients/around half of patients/more than half of patients/every patient). The online survey was sent to members of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS), the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS), and the ESCMID Study Group for Implant-Associated Infections (ESGIAI). No incentive for participation was provided. Results. Amongst respondents, 22/41 were based in Europe and 10/41 from the USA. The majority (29/41) had been in clinical practice between 5—24 years. There was a high priority placed on bone biopsy histology, culture-positive bone sampling, and palpable bone without periosteal covering for diagnosis. Multidisciplinary team approach with plastic surgery involvement at the index procedure was advocated. The strongest indications for surgical intervention were source control for sepsis, presence of an abscess/collection, and prevention of local osteomyelitis progression. Physiological/psychological optimisation and control of acute infection were the primary determinants of surgical timing. There was low utilisation of adjunctive surgical therapies. Local/regional primary tissue transfer or secondary healing with/without VAC were the preferred techniques for wound closure. Recurrent osteomyelitis was the most common reason for prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The majority received bedside advice from an infectious disease-specialist but a quarter of respondents preferred telephone advice. Conclusions. Amongst an international cohort of Orthopaedic Surgeons there was a heterogenous diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pressure-related pelvic osteomyelitis

Introduction. Open fractures are fortunately rare but pose an even greater challenge due to poor soft tissues, in addition to poor bone quality. Co-morbidities and pre-existing medical conditions, in particular, peripheral vascular diseases make them often unsuitable for free flaps. We present our experience in treating severe open fractures of tibia with Acute Intentional Deformation (AID) to close the soft tissues followed by gradual correction of deformity to achieve anatomical alignment of the tibia and fracture healing with Taylor Spatial Frame. Materials and Methods. We treated 4 geriatric (3 female and 1 male) patients with Gustillo-Anderson III B fractures of the tibia between 2017–18. All were unfit to undergo orthoplastic procedures (free flap or local flaps). The age range is 69 yrs to 92 years. Co-morbidities included severe rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and heart failure. The procedure involved wound debridement, application of two ring Taylor Spatial Frame, acute deformation of the limb on the table to achieve soft-tissue closure/approximation. Regular neurovascular assessments were performed in the immediate post-operative period to monitor for compartment syndrome and nerve compression symptoms. After 7–10 days of latent period, the frame was gradually manipulated, according to a method we had previously published, to achieve anatomical alignment. The frame was removed in clinic after fracture healing. Results. Time in frame ranged from 1.5 months to 7 months. In one patient (92 yr old with an open fracture of the ankle) hindfoot nail was inserted after soft-tissue closure was achieved at 1.5 months, and frame removed. We achieved complete healing of soft tissue wounds without any input from plastic surgeons in all patients. All fractures healed in anatomical alignment. 3 patients had one episode of superficial pin infection each requiring 5 days of oral antibiotics. None of the patients developed a deep infection. Conclusions. Acute intentional deformation (AID) with Taylor Spatial Frame achieves good closure of soft tissues in physiologically compromised geriatric patients who were deemed unfit for plastic surgery. We also achieved fracture healing in all four cases without any major complications

Purpose of the study. To use a simple way of manipulating Taylor Spatial Frame to achieve soft tissue closure by acute intentional deformation and then gradually achieving anatomical alignment of the fracture without complex deformity and frame parameters. Methods and end results. 10 consecutive cases of Gustillo III B open fractures of tibia and of soft tissue defect due to infected implant were treated with a new technique of acute intentional deformation using Taylor Spatial frame to successfully close the soft tissue defect without plastic surgery. We describe a new simple technique of achieving anatomical alignment of the fracture after creating complex deformity to close the soft tissue defect. We achieved complete full thickness cover of the exposed bone in all cases without plastic surgery and restored the bone to anatomical alignment. Only one patient needed additional Taylor Spatial Frame total residual prescription to correct minor residual deformity. Conclusion. We describe a simple way of using Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) for acute deformation of Gustilo IIIB tibial fractures and other tibial defects in order to close soft tissue defects and gradual correction to the anatomical alignment. We have used the Direct Scheduler Utility module of the web-based software for Taylor Spatial Frames (TSF) to successfully restore the anatomical alignment

Purpose of the study. To use a simple way of manipulating Taylor Spatial Frame to achieve soft tissue closure by acute intentional deformation and then gradually achieving anatomical alignment of the fracture without complex deformity and frame parameters. Methods and end results. 10 consecutive cases of Gustillo III B open fractures of tibia and of soft tissue defect due to infected implant were treated with a new technique of acute intentional deformation using Taylor Spatial frame to successfully close the soft tissue defect without plastic surgery. We describe a new simple technique of achieving anatomical alignment of the fracture after creating complex deformity to close the soft tissue defect. We achieved complete full thickness cover of the exposed bone in all cases without plastic surgery and restored the bone to anatomical alignment. Only one patient needed additional Taylor Spatial Frame total residual prescription to correct minor residual deformity. Conclusion. We describe a simple way of using Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) for acute deformation of Gustillo IIIB tibial fractures and other tibial defects in order to close soft tissue defects and gradual correction to the anatomical alignment. We have used the Direct Scheduler Utility module of the web-based software for Taylor Spatial Frames (TSF) to successfully restore the anatomical alignment

Infection following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can cause significant morbidity to the patient and be associated with significant costs and burdens to the healthcare system. Wound complications often initiate the cascade that can eventually lead to deep infection and implant failure. Galat et al. reported that wound complications following TKA requiring surgical treatment were associated with 2-year cumulative risks of major reoperation and deep infection of 5.3% and 6.0%, respectively. Consequently, developing a systematic approach to the management of wound problems following TKA can potentially minimise subsequent complications. Unlike the hip, the vascular supply to the soft tissue envelope to the knee is less robust and more sensitive to the trauma of surgery. Therefore, proper soft tissue handling and wound closure at the time of surgery can minimise potential wound drainage and breakdown postoperatively. Kim et al. showed, using a meta-analysis of the literature, that primary skin closure with staples demonstrated lower wound complications, decreased closure times, and lower resource utilization compared to sutures. However, a running subcuticular closure enables the most robust skin perfusion following TKA. Finally, the use of hydrofiber surgical dressings following surgery was associated with increased patient comfort and satisfaction and reduced the incidence of superficial surgical site infection. A wound complication following TKA needs to be managed systematically and aggressively. A determination of whether the extent of the involvement is superficial or deep is critical. Antibiotics should not be started without first excluding the possibility of a deep infection. Weiss and Krackow recommended return to the operating room for wound drainage persisting beyond 7 days. While incisional negative pressure wound therapy can occasionally salvage the “at risk” draining wound following TKA, its utilization should be limited only to the time immediately following surgery and should not delay formal surgical debridement, if indicated. Finally, early wound flap coverage and co-management of wound complications with plastic surgery is associated with increased rates of prosthesis retention and limb salvage

Initially, all surgeons in Australia were generalists and those with an interest in the anatomy of the hand performed hand surgery. Early hand surgeons, such as Benjamin Rank, excelled and Rank and Wakefield's Textbook of Hand Surgery was widely used throughout the world. Eventually, groups of like-minded surgeons formed the Australian Hand Club in 1972, which subsequently became formalised as The Australian Hand Surgery Society (AHSS), in 2001. A very high standard of hand surgery has been achieved in Australia, with most hand surgeons having trained in either plastic surgery or orthopaedic surgery, and then further trained in Fellowships in Europe or North America. Bernard O'Brien and John Hueston achieved international recognition in the field of microsurgery and Dupuytren's surgery. Wayne Morrison has been responsible for pioneering work in toe–to–hand transfer and basic research. Tim Herbert changed the way fractures of the scaphoid are managed throughout the world. In 2007 the AHSS commenced a Travelling Fellowship Programme to facilitate an increased involvement in Australia in academic hand surgery and to foster contacts between hand surgeons of the future. At the present time, the AHSS is concentrating on education and training in order to raise the overall standard of management of hand surgery, particularly in relation to after hours' trauma. This is particularly necessary in rural and regional areas where hand surgery has traditionally been treated by occasional practitioners. There is a risk that hand surgery falls between the two stools of plastic surgery and orthopaedic surgery and the AHSS wishes to further formalise training and education within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) as a single training stream in the future. There are potential threats both within and without, with safe working hours a particular threat in relation to reducing both the quantity and quality of training. The future will almost certainly involve greater emphasis on biomaterials and prosthetic compounds, but trying to ensure a uniformly high standard of hand surgery management throughout the country will remain as a primary focus

Objective. Ankle fractures are frequent and seem to be easy to handle in most cases. Of course, also these easy fractures can cause infections that must be carefully managed. What risk factors do we find? What options do we have in treating these complications? What are the consequences and what will the result for the patient be like, compared to non-infected cases?. In a retrospective study we included 82 patients treated with an osteosynthesis in ankle fractures (AO 44 B or C fractures). Average age was 52.4 years (range 20–84 years, median 51.0). Results. In 9 (10.9%) patients there were septic complications. Concerning risk factors, we found 4 (44.4%) patients with nicotine abuse, 2 (22.2%) with additional alcohol abuse. Average stay in hospital was 39.6 days (range 9–95 days). In 4 (44.4%) cases local infection was treated with antibiotics and rest alone. 5 (55.5%) of the patients had additional operations due to infection, in average 5.4 per patient (range 1–10). Early implant removal was done in 3 (33.3%) cases, in average after 3 months. We found 2 (22.2%) infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, 1 (11.1%) due to MRSA and one infection with MRSA and Proteus mirabilis. In one case vacuum dressing had been applied for 44 days. In another case infection could only be healed with an intramedullary vancomycin augmented spacer and finally a screw arthodesis of the ankle, this was a patient with proven arteriosclerosis of the lower extremities. All other fractures finally showed bony healing in xrays. No plastic surgery (e.g. flaps) was needed to close a wound definitely. In follow up (in average after 33 months, range 17–42), the average AOFAS of these patients was 76.5 (range 35–100, median 81.5), compared to an average AOFAS of 89.4 (range 35–100, median 98.0) of all patients. No patient developed a septic syndrom, no ICU stay occurred because of the infection. Conclusions. In spite of most cases of ankle fractures having good outcomes without complications, once infected an ankle osteosynthesis can be a serious problem for both surgeon and patient. Consequent surgical therapy at the right time including early hardware removal, spacers or vacuum dressing if necessary as well as an antibiotic regime addressing problematic pathogens like MRSA are needed to control infections. Problems remaining are functional outcome and wound closure in this sensitive area. Plastic surgery might be needed

Open reduction and internal fixation for displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum has become an established method of treatment. A recent randomised, controlled trial has questioned the benefits of surgery, in particular, pain relief. We reviewed the cases undertaken in our department, complications, which have arisen, and their treatment. We have devised a management plan in conjunction with the department of plastic surgery to minimise the effect of these complications. There were 124 procedures carried out over a 12 years period, 116 unilateral and 4 bilateral in 120 patients (106 males and 14 females, age range [18 to 66]). Two further patients were included who had had surgery in another hospital and had been referred to our plastic surgery unit with significant wound complications. The patients were retrospectively assessed with a case note review and an updated clinical evaluation. The assessment focussed particularly on wound complications including breakdown classified as either major or minor, and association with infection, haematoma and drainage. Neurological symptoms were also noted. There were five major wound complications, three from our unit and two from another hospital. Infection was present in three cases. Four healed uneventfully but one of the infected group subsequently had a below knee amputation for refractory infection. Minor wound breakdown was more common. There was no association with haematoma or drainage but wound breakdown occurred more frequently in patients who smoked. Neurological complications were infrequent and temporary. In conclusion this study confirmed that there is a significant morbidity associated with the surgical management of these fractures, although, the vast majority of patients’ wounds healed uneventfully. With a sensible management plan, which involves working in conjunction with plastic surgeons, even major soft tissue complications may be addressed

Ligamentoplasty resorting to autogenous bone-tendon-bone grafts represents an effective long-lasting remedy to the anterior instability of the knee. If this indication has proved effective regarding the stability, the sampling of a piece of the extensor system often brings about a certain morbidity. Various approaches have been advocated concerning the tendinous site: some leave it open, others suture one of the peripheral thirds of the remaining tendon to the other. These various technical choices are likely to alter the morbidity and the patellar level, together with the tissue nature of the site of sampling. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the suture of the site of sampling on the patellar level, after a ligament plastic surgery resorting to a bone-tendon-bone graft. To this end, a group of 40 patients whose tendinous site of sampling had been left open was compared to another group of patients whose peripheral thirds of the remaining patellar tendon had been sutured one to the other. The patellar level was assessed with Caton’s, Black-burne’s and Insall and Salvati’s methods on x-rays first taken before and then 6 months after the operation. To analyse the results, we resorted to the reduced gap method and the Student-Fisher one for the comparison between quantitative and qualitative variables, and to the correlation coefficient method for the comparison between quantitative variables. The post-operative values of Caton’s, Blackburne’s and Insall and Salvati’s indexes were respectively 1.002, 0.844, and 1.188 for patients whose patellar tendon had been left open, and 1.023, 0.882, and 1.184 for patients whose tendinous edges had been sutured up. The discrepancy between those values had no statistical significance. Suturing the site of sampling in a bone-tendon-bone ligament plastic surgery has no effect on the patellar level