Trauma and elective orthopaedic demands in New Zealand are increasing. In this study, prospective and retrospective data has been collected at Nelson Hospital and across New Zealand to identify the percentage of elective theatre time lost due to cancellation for acute patient care. Data has been collected from theatre management systems, hospital data systems and logged against secretarial case bookings, to calculate a percentage of elective theatre time lost to acute operating or insufficient bed capacity.

Data was collected over a five-month period at Nelson Hospital, with a total of 215 elective and 226 acute orthopaedic procedures completed. A total of 95 primary hip or knee arthroplasties were completed during this trial while 53 were cancelled. The total number of elective operative sessions (one session is the equivalent of a half day operating theatre time) lost to acute workload was 47.9. Thirty-three percent of allocated elective theatre time was cancelled - an equivalent of approximately one-full day elective operating per week.

Over a five-week period data was collected across all provincial hospitals in New Zealand, with an average of 18% of elective operating time per week lost due to acute workload. Elective cancellations were due to acute operating 40% of the time and bed shortages 60% of the time. The worst effected centre was Palmerston North which had an average of 33% of elective operating cancelled per week to accommodate acute surgery or due to bed shortages.

New Zealand's provincial orthopaedic surgeons are under immense pressure from acute operating that impedes provision of elective surgery. The New Zealand government definition of an ‘acute case’ does not reflect the nature of today's orthopaedic burden. Increasing and aging populations along with staff and infrastructure shortages have financial and societal impacts beyond medicine and require better definitions, further research, and funding from governance.

Displaced proximal Humeral fractures at Inverclyde Royal Hospital prior to 2008 were previously treated with the antegrade Acumed Polaris Proximal Humeral, predominantly in 2 part fractures. The Philos plate was introduced in 2008, initially being used to treat select non unions, and then expanded to acute fractures. The aim of this study was to assess time to union and complications in the lower volume District General setting comparing to published outcomes.

From February 2008 – January 2011, 20 patients were identified. Age range 49–75 (mean 61.2) years, 8 male; 12 female. Left 9, Right 11 Neers 2 part 35%; 3 35%; 4 30%. 16 (80%) were performed in acute fractures with 4 for non-unions, 3 of which were previous polaris nail fixations. 2 patients were lost to follow up after 6/52 but were progressing well. Union was confirmed radiologically and clinically in all but 2 remaining patients (10%), one of whom suffered a significant complication of plate fracture, the second treated with revision for painful non union. 2 other significant complications were observed: transient axillary nerve palsy and deep infection. Both of these patients recovered with delayed union observed in the infection case (52 weeks). Time to union range was 8–52 weeks (mean 17.1).

The literature shows a high failure rate of up to 45% with intramedullary nail fixation and limited predominantly to 2 part fractures with risk of damage to the rotator cuff. This study shows a satisfactory union rate using the Philos of 90% with only 3 (15%) requiring further surgery for non-union, plate fracture and infection. 3 and 4 part fractures composed 65% of case load. Early results indicate satisfactory outcomes compared to current published literature.

Intra-operative fluoroscopy in thumb metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis has been recommended as a means of achieving optimal alignment more consistently. This is not our current practice. A patient attending dissatisfied with an arthrodesis in excessive flexion performed outwith our unit highlighted the potential for problems, and we therefore elected to review our own outcomes.

An evaluation of the alignment achieved in thumb metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodeses, to determine if current outcomes satisfactory or if fluoroscopic assistance should be considered.

Radiological review of alignment of thumb metacarpophalangeal joint arthodeses carried out by two Consultant Surgeons with specialist interests in upper limb surgery in a District General hospital. Cases were predominantly identified retrospectively from sequential review of operating lists. The radiological images were, or had been taken, as part of routine follow-up and were not standardised. The alignment was also assessed independently by a junior doctor with no involvement in the patient's surgical treatment and no knowledge of the intended alignment. Recommended positions for arthrodesis have covered a range from 0 to 30 degrees, so for the purposes of analysis that range was considered acceptable.

14 cases had an average fusion position of 18 degrees flexion (range 6 to 30 degrees). 6 underwent concurrent ipsilaterel trapeziectomy.

The series achieved satisfactory alignment radiologically without the routine use of intra-operative fluoroscopy.

Introduction

Ankle fractures are one of the commonest orthopaedic injuries. A substantial proportion of these are treated non-operatively at outpatient clinics with cast immobilization. Recent literature and NICE guidelines suggest risk assessment and provision of appropriate thromboembolism in patients with lower limb casts. We conducted this survey to assess the current practice in UK regarding thromboembolism prophylaxis in these patients.

Background

Steroid injections can be used safely to treat trigger fingers. We aimed to determine the accuracy of referring General Practitioner (GP) diagnoses of trigger finger made to an upper limb surgeon. We also aimed to determine the efficacy of a serial two steroid injection then surgery technique in the management of trigger fingers.

Background

A large number of Tendo-Achilles (TA) injuries occur during sporting activity. Typically occurring in males aged 30–50, whom occasionally undertake sporting activities, the so called ‘weekend warriors’.

INTRODUCTION

Hallux Valgus is a common foot condition, which may affect mobility and lifestyle. Corrective surgery is performed as a day case procedure, however, post-operatively; patients remain limited in their ability to drive for a variable period. In the laboratory settings, emergency brake response time after first metatarsal osteotomy has been studied but there is no published study of patients’ experience of driving after this surgery. This study was aimed at assessing patients’ driving ability and comfort after Hallux Valgus corrective surgery.