A hot swollen joint is a commonly encountered condition in clinical practice. With a broad range of differentials, septic arthritis (SA) is perhaps one of the most concerning. Treated by culture-specific antibiotics and arthroscopic lavage, some patients require multiple washouts. We aimed to determine:. (1) What are the risk factors for development of SA?. (2) What are the risk factors for repeat washout in SA patients?. (3) What are the important clinical differences between a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and SA cohort?. All patients presenting to the emergency department, orthopaedic, and rheumatology clinics between January 2020 to January 2021 with a hot, swollen joint were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with previous trauma on the ipsilateral joint, with data missing from their medical records in any of the variables required for analysis, <24 months follow-up were excluded. Variables of interest in the three-month period preceding the diagnosis of SA were compared between SA and non-SA patients. Factors with a p-value of p<0.100 in univariate analysis were included in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model. Similar analyses were performed to compare SA patients with multiple washouts with those needing one washout. Demographical and clinical data for PJI patients were collected to delineate important differences with SA cohort. 211 patients were included (SA:28;PJI:24;pseudogout:32;gout:26;others:101). Multivariate analysis showed rheumatoid arthritis (RA), skin infection, and liver disease were risk factors for SA. Amongst patients with septic arthritis, multivariate analysis showed that WBC levels above normal limits (3.6-10.5×109 cells/L) and RA were risk factors for multiple washouts. Between the SA and PJI cohorts, BMI (p=0.002) was significantly lower in the former, whilst WBC level (p=0.023) and CRP (p<0.0001) was significantly higher in the former. Early diagnosis of septic arthritis requires understanding the risk factors, namely RA, skin infection, and liver disease. Considering PJI and septic arthritis as the same entity can lead to wrong clinical judgement, and clinicians should be aware of important differences. We believe that the models in this study are of prognostic value to clinicians who are presented with the common presenting compliant of a hot swollen joint

Acromial morphology has been implicated as a risk factor for unidirectional posterior shoulder instability. Studies utilising plain film radiographic landmarks have identified an increased risk of posterior shoulder dislocation in patients with higher acromion positioning. The aims of this study were to develop a reproducible method of measuring this relationship on cross sectional imaging and to evaluate acromial morphology in patients with and without unidirectional posterior shoulder instability. We analysed 24 patients with unidirectional posterior instability. These were sex and age matched with 61 patients with unidirectional anterior instability, as well as a control group of 76 patients with no instability. Sagittal T1 weighted MRI sequences were used to measure posterior acromial height relative to the scapular body axis (SBA) and long head of triceps insertion axis (LTI). Two observers measured each method for inter-observer reliability, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculated. LTI method showed good inter-observer reliability with an ICC of 0.79. The SBA method was not reproducible due suboptimal MRI sequences. Mean posterior acromial height was significantly greater in the posterior instability group (14.2mm) compared to the anterior instability group (7.7mm, p=0.0002) as well when compared with the control group (7.0mm, p<0.0001). A threshold of 7.5mm demonstrated a significant increase in the incidence of posterior shoulder instability (RR = 9.4). We conclude that increased posterior acromial height is significantly associated with posterior shoulder instability. This suggests that the acromion has a role as an osseous restraint to posterior shoulder instability

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common disorder of the Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ). In our case-control study, we evaluated the relationship between clavicular length and OA at the SCJ. CT scans of adults presenting to the Emergency Department of our hospital were examined to look for OA, defined as the presence of osteophytes, subchondral cysts, or cortical sclerosis at the SCJ. Medial-most and lateral-most points of the clavicle were marked on the slices passing through the SC and AC joints respectively. Using x, y, and z-axis coordinates from the DICOM metadata, clavicular length was calculated as the distance between these two points with 3D geometry. Preliminary data of 334 SCJs from 167 patients (64% males, 36% females) with a mean age of 48.5 ± 20.5 years were analysed. Multivariate regression models revealed that age and clavicular length were independent risk factors for OA while gender did not reach statistical significance. A 1mm increase in length was associated with 9% and 7% reduction in the odds of developing OA on the left and the right respectively. Comparing the mean clavicular length using t-test showed a significantly shorter clavicle in the group with OA (145.8 vs 152.7, p=0.0001, left and 144.2 vs 150.3, p=0.0007, right). Our data suggest that the risk of developing OA at the SCJ is higher for shorter clavicles. This could be of clinical relevance in cases of clavicular fracture where clavicular shortening might lead to a higher risk of developing OA. Biomechanical studies are needed to find out the mechanism of this effect

Aim. Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a severe post-traumatic complication which can be accompanied with a soft-tissue defect or an avital soft-tissue envelope. In these cases, a thoroughly planned orthoplastic approach is imperative since a vital soft-tissue envelope is mandatory to achieve fracture union and infection eradication. The aim of our study was to analyse plastic surgical aspects in the management of FRIs, including the type and outcome of soft-tissue reconstruction (STR), and to investigate the long-term outcome of FRI after STR. Method. Patients with a lower leg FRI requiring STR that were treated from 2010 to 2018 at our center were included in this retrospective analysis. STR involved the use of local, pedicled and free flaps. The primary outcome was the success rate of STR, and the secondary outcome was long-term fracture consolidation and cure of infection. Results. Overall, 145 patients with lower leg FRI were identified, of whom 58 (40%) received STR. Muscle flaps were applied in 38, fascio-cutaneous flaps in 19 and a composite osteo-cutaneous flap in one case. All patients underwent successful STR (primary STR in 51/58 patients, 7/58 patients needed secondary STR). A high Charlson Comorbidity Index Score was a significant risk factor for flap failure (p=0.011). Patients with free-flap STR developed significantly more severe complications and needed more surgical interventions (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIa; p=0.001). Out of the 43 patients that completed long-term follow-up (mean 24 months), fracture consolidation was achieved in 32 and infection eradication in 31. Polymicrobial infection was a significant risk factor for fracture non-union (p=0.002). American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of 3 or higher (p=0.040) was a risk factor for persistence or recurrence of infection. Conclusions. In our population, 58/145 patients with FRI required STR. STR was successful in all patients eventually, in 7/58 patients secondary STR was necessary. Therefore, STR should be sought even if primary STR fails. Despite successful STR, the long-term composite outcome showed a high rate of failed fracture consolidation and failed eradication of infection, which was independent of primary STR failure

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after spinal fusion surgery increase healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. Routine measures of obesity fail to consider site specific fat distribution. We aimed to assess the association between the spine adipose index and deep surgical site infection and determine a threshold value for spine adipose index that can assist in preoperative risk stratification in patients undergoing posterior instrumented lumbar fusion (PILF). A multicentre retrospective case-control study was completed. We reviewed patients who underwent PILF from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018. All patients developing a deep primary incisional or organ-space SSI within 90 days of surgery as per US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were identified. We gathered potential pre-operative and intra-operative deep infection risk factors for each patient. Spine adipose index was measured on pre-operative mid-sagittal cuts of T2 weighted MRI scans. Each measurement was repeated twice by three authors in a blinded fashion, with each series of measurement separated by a period of at least six weeks. Forty-two patients were included in final analysis, with twenty-one cases and twenty-one matched controls. The spine adipose index was significantly greater in patients developing deep SSI (p =0.029), and this relationship was maintained after adjusting for confounders (p=0.046). Risk of developing deep SSI following PILF surgery was increased 2.0-fold when the spine adipose index was ≥0.51. The spine adipose index had excellent (ICC >0.9; p <0.001) inter- and intra-observer reliabilities. The spine adipose index is a novel radiographic measure and an independent risk factor for developing deep SSI, with 0.51 being the ideal threshold value for pre-operative risk stratification in patients undergoing PILF surgery

Malnutrition is an important consideration during the perioperative period and albumin is the most common laboratory surrogate for nutritional status. The purpose of this study is to identify if preoperative serum albumin measurements are predictive of infection following arthroscopic procedures. Patients undergoing knee, shoulder or hip arthroscopy between 2006–2016 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients with an arthroscopic current procedural terminology code and a preoperative serum albumin measurement were included. Patients with a history of prior infection, including a non-clean wound class, pre-existing wound infection or systemic sepsis were excluded. Independent t-tests where used to compare albumin values in patients with and without the occurrence of a postoperative infection. Pre-operative albumin levels were subsequently evaluated as predictors of infection with logistic regression models. There were 31,906 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 55.7 years (standard deviation (SD) 14.62) and average BMI was 31.7 (SD 7.21). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (49.2%), diabetes (18.4%) and smoking history (16.9%). The average preoperative albumin was 4.18 (SD 0.42). There were 45 cases of superficial infection (0.14%), 10 cases of wound dehiscence (0.03%), 17 cases of deep infection (0.05%), 27 cases of septic arthritis or other organ space infection (0.08%) and 95 cases of any infection (0.30%). The preoperative albumin levels for patients who developed septic arthritis (mean difference (MD) 0.20, 95% CI, 0.038, 0.35, P = 0.015) or any infection (MD 0.14, 95% CI 0.05, 0.22, P = 0.002) were significantly lower than the normal population. Additionally, disseminated cancer, Hispanic race, inpatient status and smoking history were significant independent risk factors for infection, while female sex and increasing albumin were protective towards developing any infection. Rates of all infections were found to increase exponentially with decreasing albumin. The relative risk of infection with an albumin of 2 was 3.46 (95% CI, 2.74–4.38) when compared to a normal albumin of 4. For each albumin increase of 0.69, the odds of developing any infection decreases by a factor of 0.52. This study suggests that preoperative serum albumin is an independent predictor of septic arthritis and all infection following elective arthroscopic procedures. Although the effect of albumin on infection is modest, malnutrition may represent a modifiable risk factor with regard to preventing infection following arthroscopy

Tip-apex distance (TAD) has long been discussed as a metric for determining risk of failure in fixation of peritrochanteric hip fractures. This study seeks to investigate risk factors including TAD for hospital readmission one year after hip fixation surgery. A retrospective review of proximal hip fractures treated with single screw intramedullary devices between 2016 and 2020 was performed at a 327 bed regional medical center. Patients included had a postoperative follow-up of at least twelve months or surgery-related complications developing within that time. 44 of the 67 patients in this study met the inclusion criteria with adequate follow-up post-surgery. The average TAD in our study population was 19.57mm and the average one year readmission rate was 15.9%. 3 out of 6 patients (50%) with a TAD > 25mm were readmitted within one year due to surgery-related complications. In contrast, 3 out of 38 patients (7.9%) with a TAD < 25mm were readmitted within one year due to surgery-related complications (p=0.0254). Individual TAD measurements, averaging 22.05mm in patients readmitted within one year of surgery and 19.18mm in patients not readmitted within one year of surgery were not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.2113). Our data indicate a significant improvement in hospital readmission rates up to one year after hip fixation surgery in patients with a TAD < 25mm with a decrease in readmissions of over 40% (50% vs 7.9%). This result builds upon past investigations by extending the follow-up time to one year after surgery and utilizing hospital readmissions as a metric for surgical success. With the well-documented physical and financial costs of hospital readmission after hip surgery, our study highlights a reduction of TAD < 25mm as an effective method of improving patient outcomes and reducing financial costs to patients and medical institutions

The incidence of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in increasing. Evidence in primary hip and knee arthroplasty suggest that preoperative opioid use is a risk factor for postoperative complication. This relationship in TSA is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate this relationship. The Truven Marketscan claims database was used to identify patients who underwent a TSA and were enrolled for 1-year pre- and post-operatively. Preoperative opioid use status was used to divide patients into cohorts based on the number of preoperative prescriptions received. An ‘opioid holiday’ group (patients with a preoperative, 6-month opioid naïve period after chronic use) was also included. Patient information and complication data was collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were then performed. Fifty-six percent of identified patients received preoperative opioids. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients on continuous preoperative opioids (compared to opioid naïve) had higher odds of: infection (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.62–3.36, p<0.001), wound complication (OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.18–3.27, p=0.009), any prosthetic complication (OR 2.62, 95%CI 2.2–3.13, p<0.001), and thromboembolic event (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.11–1.83, p=0.006). The same group had higher healthcare utilization including extended length of stay, non-home discharge, readmission, and emergency department visits (p<0.001). This risk was reduced by a preoperative opioid holiday. Opioid use prior to TSA is common and is associated with increased complications and healthcare utilization. This increased risk is modifiable, as a preoperative opioid holiday significantly reduced postoperative risk. Therefore, preoperative opioid use represents a modifiable risk factor

Introduction. Failure of acetabular components has been reported to lead to large bone defects, which determine outcome and management after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although Kerboull-type (KT) plate (KYOCERA Medical Corporation, Kyoto, Japan) has been used for compensating large bone loss, few studies have identified the critical risk factors for failure of revision THA using a KT plate. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between survival rates for radiological loosening and the results according to bone defect or type of graft. Patients and methods. This study included patients underwent revision THA for aseptic loosening using cemented acetabular components with a KT plate between 2000 and 2012. Bone defects were filled with beta Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) granules between 2000 and 2003 and with Hydroxyapatite (HA) block between 2003 and 2009. Since 2009, we have used femoral head balk allografts. Hip function was evaluated by using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity. Acetabular defects were classified according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) classification. The postoperative and final follow-up radiographs were compared to assess migration of the implant. Kaplan–Meier method for cumulative probabilities of radiographic failure rate, and the comparison of survivorship curves for various subgroups using the log-rank test were also evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association of such clinical factors as the age at the time of operation, body mass index, JOA score, UCLA activity score, and AAOS classification with radiographic failure. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders by clinical factors. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results. The patient background is shown in Table 1. The JOA score at the final follow-up increased significantly (p < 0.001). Radiographic failure was evaluated for revision THA with beta-TCP, HA, and bulk allografts. These survival rates are shown in Table 2 and the rate in the AAOS type IV group was significantly lower than that in the type III group (p = 0.033). The survival curves were significantly different between beta -TCP group and bulk allograft group (p = 0.036) (Table 3). Multivariate analysis showed that AAOS type IV defect was found to be a risk factor for radiographic failure (radiographic failure: OR: 15.5, 95% CI: 1.4–175.4, p = 0.032). Discussion. Our results of survival rate are similar to those reported by previous studies. However, by comparing the survival rates between beta-TCP group and bulk allograft group, beta-TCP is not suitable for bone graft reconstruction of acetabular bone defects with a KT plate. We also found that AAOS type IV to be a risk factor for failure of revision THA. Therefore, bone defect size is the critical risk factor for failure of revision THA using a KT plate. New devices and techniques for KT plates are needed to improve the treatment of pelvic discontinuity

Background. The evaluation and management of outcomes risk has become an essential element of a modern total joint replacement program. Our multidisciplinary team designed an evidence-based tool to address modifiable risk factors for adverse outcomes after primary hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. Methods. Our protocols were designed to identify, intervene, and mitigate risk through evidence-based patient optimization. Nurse navigators screened patients preoperatively, identified and treated risk factors, and followed patients for 90 days postoperatively. We compared patients participating in our optimization program (N=104) to both a historical cohort (N=193) and a contemporary cohort (N=166). Results. Risk factor identification and optimization resulted in lower hospital length of stay and post-operative emergency department visits. Patients in the optimization cohort had a statistically significant decrease in mean LOS as compared to both the historical cohort (2.55 vs 1.81 days, P<0.001) and contemporary cohort (2.56 vs 1.81 days, p<0.001). Patients in the optimization cohort had a statistically significant decrease in 30- and 90-day ED visits compared to the historical cohort (P. 30-day. =0.042, P. 90-day. =0.003). When compared with the contemporary cohort, the optimization cohort had a statistically significant decrease in 90-day ED visits (21.08% vs. 10.58%, P=0.025). The optimization cohort had a statistically significant increase in the percentage of patients discharged home. We noted nonsignificant reductions in readmission rate, transfusion rate, and surgical site infections. Conclusion. Optimization of patients prior to elective primary THA and TKA reduced average LOS, ED visits, and drove tele-rehabilitation use. Our results add to the limited body of literature supporting this patient-centered approach

Introduction The frequency of spine surgery in the elderly continues to increase in parallel with the overall aging of the population. The main goal of this study was to determine if age is a risk factor for major complications in spine surgery. In addition, other co-morbidities and the relationship with age and potential for major complications were explored. Methods All adult patients undergoing spine surgery at our center over a four-year period were included in this study, for a total of 1937 patients (605 age 18 – 39; 1001 age 40–64, 331 age 65 and over). One independent observer abstracted baseline medical histories and co-morbidities as well as post-operative complications. Major risk factors explored included history of cardiac, cancer, smoking, diabetes, substance abuse, obesity, respiratory problems, previous infections and hypercholesterolemia. Details of surgical procedure, including type of surgery, duration of surgery and blood loss were also captured. Major complications were defined as death, CVA, embolism, pneumonia and deep wound infections. Patients ranged in age from 18 years to 91 (average age 48 years) and 41% were males. Thirty percent of the population was deformity patients, 49% degenerative patients and the remaining 21% had various other spine problems. Thirty-five percent of the patients underwent a combined anterior posterior procedure, 13% anterior alone and 34% posterior alone. Statistical analysis included descriptive summary, vicariate correlation to assess individual risk factors (university analysis) and multivariate regression. Results The overall major complication rate was 2.1% (40 patients). There were no intra- or post-operative deaths. Major complications included 7 CVA (0.4%), 2 embolisms (0.1%), 3 deep wound infections (0.2%) and 28 pneumonia (1.4). For patients age 65 or older,. Overall, 61% of the patients had at least one of the major risk factors. The number of major risk factors increased with increased age. The percent of patients with any given risk factor also increased with age. When no other factors were taken into account (such as co-morbidities), there was an increased occurrence of a major complication (any one), pneumonia and infection with increased age at time of surgery. In order to differentiate the effect due to age and due to co-morbidities (which increased with age), multivariate regression was utilized. For the occurrence of any major complication, the presence of respiratory problems and previous infection were both more influential than age. Furthermore, when the effects of these two risk factors were controlled for, there no longer was an effect due to age. Discussion Older patients did not have an increased rate of major complications when compared to younger patients with similar respirator and infection history profiles

Purpose. This 20-year prospective longitudinal observational study aims to determine the incidence of pathological developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children referred with clicky hips and define the risk posed to inform neonatal hip screening programmes including the role of ultrasound. Method. 355 children from 1997 to 2016 were referred with clicky hips to our “one stop” paediatric hip clinic under the local neonatal hip screening programme. Hips were assessed clinically for instability and by ultrasound using a simplified Graf classification. Dislocated or dislocatable hips were classed as Graf type IV. Results. The mean age at presentation was 13.9 (1–56) weeks. 343 out of 355 (96.6%) were Graf type I which required no treatment. 9 (2.5%) were Graf type II but all converted to Graf type I on follow up scans. 2 (0.6%) had Graf type III dysplasia and 1 (0.3%) had irreducible dislocation but all three were associated with limited hip abduction or other hip pathology. Referrals increased from 12.9 to 22.6 per year (p=0.002) from first decade of the study to the second, driven by rising primary care referrals (5.5 vs. 16.5 per year p=0.00002). Conclusion. The study provided robust evidence that overwhelming majority of clicky hips required no treatment other than reassurance to parents. Clicky hips with normal hip examination should be considered a variant of normal childhood and not a risk factor for DDH. However clicky hips with limited hip abduction may represent a separate clinical entity at risk of hip pathology and therefore warrant further investigations

Background. Non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occurs with a higher incidence in female athletes compared with males after the onset of puberty. One anatomical factor with clinically observable differences between males and females is lower extremity alignment. The knee joint valgus in the coronal plane, which is associated with ACL injury risk, is composed of rotation of the tibia around the stationary femur and hip rotation combined with knee flexion. The purpose of this study was to prove the difference of hip rotation between female and male handball players with or without history of ACL injury. Methods. Elite collegiate athletes on the varsity handball team (17 females and 24 males) were recruited. Whereas 8 females and 1 male had a history of ACL injury, there were 9 females and 23 males with no history of ACL injury. The 6 measures of hip joint motion [flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR)] and the 2 measures of knee joint motion (flexion and extension) were measured with the standard procedure using a goniometer. Results. The range of ER in ACL-injured females (37±7.5) was smaller than in uninjured females (49±8.2). The range of IR in ACL-injured female players (55±9.6) was greater than in uninjured females (41±13). There was no difference in ER+IR between ACL-injured and uninjured females. In the ACL-injured male handball player, ER was dominant to IR. Compared with the uninjured males, the ACL-injured female players showed smaller range of ER, greater ranges of IR and greater ER+IR. Conclusions. ACL-injured female handball players had greater hip IR with smaller hip ER, compared with uninjured counterpart. Hip rotation may be a crucial risk factor for ACL injury in female athletes. Level of evidence. 2b

Aim. Success rate of debridement, antimicrobial and implant retention (DAIR) in high suspicion of early PJI after primary arthroplasty is 70–80%. No studies have been performed focusing on outcome of DAIR after revision arthroplasty of the hip (THA) or knee (TKA). The aim of this study is to investigate the outcome of DAIR in suspected early PJI after revision THA or TKA and to identify risk factors for failure. Method. In this retrospective study, we identified early DAIRs after revision THA or TKA performed between January 2012 and August 2019. All patients received empirical antibiotics directly after the DAIR procedure. Antimicrobial treatment was adjusted to the tissue culture results. Success was defined as: 1) implant retention; 2) no repeated revision arthroplasty or supervised neglect after treatment; 3) no persistent or recurrent PJI after treatment and no administration of suppressive antimicrobial therapy; 4) survival of the patient. Infection free success was defined as: 1) no persistent or recurrent PJI after treatment; 2) no administration of suppressive antimicrobial therapy. Results. The overall success rate after one year of 100 cases with early DAIR after revision THA or TKA was 79% and infection free success rate was 85%. In PJI cases, empirical antimicrobial mismatch with causative micro-organisms was associated with lower success rate (70%) than non-mismatch (95%) (p=0.02). No patients from the non-PJI group failed after one year versus 13 failures within the PJI group. A consecutive DAIR within 90 days after the first DAIR was warranted in 24 cases. Only 4 of 20 PJI cases failed despite the consecutive DAIR. Conclusions. In high suspicion of early PJI after revision arthroplasty, DAIR is a good treatment option with comparable outcome with DAIR after primary arthroplasty. A consecutive DAIR should not be avoided when infection control fails within 90 days after the first DAIR to prevent explantation of the prosthesis. Antimicrobial mismatch is associated with failure and should be avoided

Introduction. Urinary catheterisation can cause bacteraemia and therefore may be associated with a risk of infection in hip and knee arthroplasty. However postoperative urinary retention can be distressing for the patient. This study investigates the factors that might predict the need for postoperative catheterisation in order to help develop a protocol to decide who should be electively catheterised. Methods. A prospective blinded study of 128 consecutive patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty was carried out. No patient underwent perioperative catheterisation. Data obtained included sex, age, joint (hip or knee replacement), prostate score (IPSS), previous urinary retention, comorbidities and residual bladder volume after attempted complete voiding measured using an ultrasound bladder scanner. The type of anaesthesia and the requirement for urinary catheterisation postoperatively were recorded. Predictive risk factors were identified using binary logistic regression, and expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results. The mean age was 69.5 years (SD 8.9). There were 56 males and 72 females. 38 patients (30%) required postoperative catheterisation. Logistic regression identified the following predictive risk factors: bladder scan volume per ml increase (OR 1.006; CI 1.000–1.012); male sex (OR 5.51; CI 2.01–15.16); previous catheter (OR 4.26; CI 1.53–11.82); spinal/epidural/combined spinal epidural (CSE) anaesthesia (OR 6.78; CI 1.75–26.32); moderate IPSS score (OR 5.15; CI 1.73–15.37); severe IPSS score (OR 3.53; CI 0.605–20.54). The specificity of our model is 91%, the positive predictor value 71% and negative predictor value 82%. Discussion. Post-voiding bladder scan volume (1ml increase = 0.6% increased risk), male sex, history of retention, medium or high IPSS score and an epidural, spinal or CSE anaesthetic are independent risk factors that can be used preoperatively to predict the likelihood of postoperative retention

Background:. There is limited evidence regarding HIV infection as a risk factor for delayed union and implants sepsis in patient with fractures treated with surgical fixation. Most studies have included patient with a variety of different fractures and hence very different risks regarding delayed union and implant sepsis. We have looked at a single fracture, closed femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing, to see if HIV infection is a risk factor with for the development of delayed union and implant sepsis. We present a prospective study of 160 patients with closed femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. Primary outcomes were delayed union of more than 6 months and implant sepsis in the first 12 months. Methods:. From February 2011 until November 2012 all patient with closed femoral shaft fractures treated at our hospital were included in the study. Patients were tested for HIV infection and a number of clinical parameters were documented, including: AO fracture score, duration of surgery, level of training of surgeon, comorbidities, CD4 count, high energy injury and number of operations. Results:. Forty (25%) patients were HIV positive. Seven patients had CD4 counts below 350 cells/µL and 12 patients were on ARV's. Four (3%) patients developed implants sepsis and of these 1 (25%) was HIV positive. Two (1%) patients had a delayed union of more than 6 months and both these patients were HIV negative. Conclusion:. HIV is not a risk factor for delayed union and implant sepsis in the first 12 months after surgery. Intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective in the treatment of HIV positive patients with closed femur fractures

Anthropometric anatomical factors may influence mechanical and functional stability of joints. An increased posterior tibial slope places the anterior cruciate ligament at a theroretical biomechanical disadvantage. An increased posterior tibial slope can potentially alter forces during landing tasks by either increasing anterior tibial translation and/or ACL loading. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between posterior tibial slope and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. It is hypothesised that subjects with an ACL injury have an increased posterior tibial slope compared to a normal population. Posterior tibial slope in 211 patients (154 male, 57 female), aged 15–49, who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was measured using the posterior tibial cortex as reference. A matched control group was used for comparison. The average posterior tibial slope in the ACLR population was 6.1 degrees, whilst the control group had average values of 5.4 degrees. This finding nearly reached statistical significance (p=0.057). In the male population, average values were 5.5 degrees in the ACLR group and 5.9 in the control group. This was not significant (p=0.21). However, there was a significant difference (p=0.04) in the female group. ACLR females had higher values 6.5 degrees whereas the control group had average values of 5.2 degrees. Increased posterior tibial slope decreases the inclination of the ACL and potentially decreases vector force during dynamic tasks. We could not confirm the results of previous studies demonstrating an increased degree of posterior tibial slope in ACL injured patients. However, we demonstrated a significant difference in tibial slope in females. Based on our results, an increased posterior tibial slope is not a risk factor in males but possibly contributes to ACL injuries in females. Increased posterior tibial slope may be one of the reasons why females have a higher incidence of ACL injuries

Aim:. An assessment of the relationship between pathological Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) and Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV). Introduction:. Traditional UK guidelines consider abnormalities of the foot to be a risk factor for DDH. 1,2. Currently, there is controversy whether congenital foot abnormalities are true risk factors for pathological DDH. 3,4. There is a relationship between CTCV and hip dysplasia though the relationship between CTEV and pathological DDH is less clear. 5. In a previous 11 year prospective longitudinal study no case of Graf Types III, IV or irreducible hip dislocation were associated with CTEV. 5. Subsequent correspondence and case histories have challenged this view. 6. Methods:. In order to clarify this issue, a 20-year prospective longitudinal observational study was undertaken. All cases of fixed CTEV (Harold & Walker types 1 to 3) referred to the sub-regional Paediatric Orthopaedic clinic at the Royal Blackburn Hospital were evaluated, the feet and hips clinically assessed (Ortolani & Barlow manoeuvres) and the hips ultra-sounded by the senior author (RWP). Modified Graf and Harcke hip ultrasound classification systems were employed. Graf Type III, IV and irreducible hip dislocation were considered pathological. Results:. The incidence of CTEV was 1.46 per 1000 live births (nationally quoted incidence of 1 to 2 per 1000 live births. 7. ). There was one case of Graf Type III dysplasia with no cases of clinical hip instability. Currently, the clinical significance of this type of dysplasia is uncertain. There were no cases of Graf Type IV dislocations or radiological irreducible hip dislocation. Conclusion:. Fixed CTEV should not be considered as a risk factor for pathological DDH and routine sonographic hip screening of CTEV should not be advocated. This is supportive evidence for the current English NIPE guidelines in which the only risk factors screened are family history and breech presentation. Level of evidence: II

Introduction. Distal adding-on is often accompanied by unsatisfactory clinical outcome and high risk of reoperation. However, very few studies have focused on distal adding-on and its attendant risk factors, and optimum treatment strategies remain controversial. In a retrospective study, we aimed to identify risk factors for the presence of distal adding-on in Lenke 1A scoliosis and to compare different treatment strategies. Methods. Data for all surgically treated patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were retrieved from one institutional database. Inclusion criteria included: patients with Lenke 1A scoliosis treated with posterior pedicle screw-only constructs; and a minimum 1-year radiographic follow-up. Distal adding-on was defined as a progressive increase in the number of vertebrae included distally within the primary curve combined with either an increase of more than 5 mm in deviation of the first vertebra below instrumentation from the centre sacral vertical line (CSVL), or an increase of more than 5° in the angulation of the first disc below the instrumentation at 1 year follow-up. Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation test were used to identify the risk factors for adding-on. A multiple logistic regression model was built to identify independent predictive factors. Risk factors included: age at surgery; preoperative Cobb angle; correction rate; the gap difference of stable vertebra (SV) and lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV), neutral vertebra (NC) and LIV, and end vertebra (EV) and LIV (gap difference means, for example, if SV is at L2 and LIV is at Th12, then the difference of SV-LIV is 2); and the preoperative deviation of LIV+1 (the first vertebra below the instrumentation) from the CSVL (the vertical line that bisects proximal sacrum). Five methods for determining LIV were compared in both the adding-on group and the no adding-on group. Results. Of 278 patients reviewed, 45 met the inclusion criteria; 23 of these patients met the definition for distal adding-on and were included in the adding-on group. The remaining 22 patients were included in the no adding-on group. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years. Age, SV-LIV difference, EV-LIV difference, and LIV+1 deviation from CSVL differed significantly (p<0.05) between the two groups, and were significantly correlated with the presence of adding-on (p<0.05). Preoperative Cobb angle, correction rate, and NV-LIV difference were not associated with the presence of adding-on. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that preoperative LIV+1 deviation from CSVL was an independent predictive factor. Of the five methods, choosing EV as LIV nearly prevented distal adding-on; choosing EV+1 as LIV resulted in fusing many more segments than was necessary; and only choosing DV as LIV showed satisfactory outcome from both perspectives. Conclusions. In Lenke 1A type scoliosis, the selection of LIV is highly correlated with the presence of adding-on; incidence increases substantially when the preoperative LIV+1 deviation from CSVL is more than 10 mm. Choosing DV (the first vertebra in cephalad direction from sacrum with deviation from CSVL of more than 10 mm) as LIV may provide the best outcome because it not only prevents adding-on but also conserves more lumbar motion

Introduction: Anthropometric anatomical factors may influence mechanical and functional stability of joints. An increased posterior tibial slope places the anterior cruciate ligament at a theroretical biomechanical disadvantage. An increased posterior tibial slope can potentially alter forces during landing tasks by either increasing anterior tibial translation and/or ACL loading. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between posterior tibial slope and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. It is hypothesized that subjects with an ACL injury have an increased posterior tibial slope compared to a normal population. Methods: Posterior tibial slope in 211 patients (154 male, 57 female) aged 15–49 who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was measured using the posterior tibial cortex as reference. A matched control group was used for comparison. Results: The average posterior tibial slope in the ACLR population was 6.1 degrees while the control group had average values of 5.4 degrees. This finding nearly reached statistical significance (p=0.057). In the male population average values were 5.5 degrees in the ACLR group and 5.9 in the control group. This was not significant (p=0.21). However there was a significant difference (p=0.04) in the female group. ACLR females had higher values 6.5 degrees whereas the control group had average values of 5.2 degrees. Discussion: Increased posterior tibial slope decreases the inclination of the ACL and potentially decreases vector force during dynamic tasks. It may further result in suboptimal length-tension relationships of agonistic muscles, increases in electromechanical delays and result in lower force development further leading to increased vector forces on the ACL. Posterior tibial slope angles were slightly smaller than with other published studies. However by using the posterior tibial cortex as reference an average of 3 degrees must be added to the measured values. We could not confirm the results of previous studies demonstrating an increased degree of posterior tibial slope in ACL injured patients. However we demonstrated a significant difference in tibial slope in females. Based on our results an increased posterior tibial slope is not a risk factor in males but possibly contributes to ACL injuries in females. Increased posterior tibial slope may be one of the reasons why females have a higher incidence of ACL injuries