Abstract. Source of Study: London, United Kingdom. This intervention study was conducted to assess two developing protocols for quadriceps and hamstring rehabilitation: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training (NMES). BFR involves the application of an external compression cuff to the proximal thigh. In NMES training a portable electrical stimulation unit is connected to the limb via 4 electrodes. In both training modalities, following device application, a standardised set of exercises were performed by all participants. BFR and NMES have been developed to assist with rehabilitation following lower limb trauma and surgery. They offer an alternative for individuals who are unable to tolerate the high mechanical stresses associated with traditional rehabilitation programmes. The use of BFR and NMES in this study was compared across a total of 20 participants. Following allocation into one of the training programmes, the individuals completed training programmes across a 4-week period. Post-intervention outcomes were assessed using Surface Electromyography (EMG) which recorded EMG amplitude values for the following muscles: Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris and Semitendinosus. Increased Semitendinosus muscle activation was observed post intervention in both BFR and NMES training groups. Statistically significant differences between the two groups was not identified. Larger scale randomised-controlled trials are recommended to further assess for possible treatment effects in these promising training modalities

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis is a common and disabling condition that can be treated with an operative procedure. Before operative measures, patients typically undergo conservative treatment utilizing methods such as physical therapy and injections. This study aims to determine what clinical modalities are being used for preoperative evaluation and nonoperative therapy and the associated cost prior to operative intervention. We queried Truven Market Scan, a large insurance provider database to identify patients undergoing CMC arthroplasty from 2010 to 2017. Patients were identified by common Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for CMC arthroplasty. All associated CPT codes listed for each patient during the 1 year period prior to operative intervention were collected and filtered to only include those codes associated with the ICD-9/10 diagnosis codes relating to CMC arthritis. The codes were then categorized as office visits, x-ray, injections, physical therapy, medical devices, and preoperative labs. The frequency and associated cost for each category was determined. There were 44,676 patients who underwent CMC arthroplasty during the study period. A total of $26,319,848.36 was charged during the preoperative period, for an average of $589.13 per patient. The highest contributing category to overall cost was office visits (42.1%), followed by injections (13.5%), and then physical therapy (11.1%). The most common diagnostic modality was x-ray, which was performed in 74.7% of patients and made up 11.0% of total charges. Only 49% of patients received at least one injection during the preoperative period and the average number of injections per patient was 1.72. Patients who were employed full time were more likely to receive two or more injections prior to surgery compared to patients who had retired (47% of full-time workers; 34% of retirees). The modalities used for the preoperative evaluation and conservative treatment of CMC arthritis and the associated cost are important to understand in order to determine the most successful and cost-effective treatment plan for patients. Surprisingly, despite the established evidence supporting clinical benefits, many patients do not undergo corticosteroid injections. With office visits being the largest contributor to overall costs, further inquiry into the necessity of multiple visits and efforts to combine visits, can help to reduce cost. Also, with the advent of telemedicine it may be possible to reduce visit cost by utilizing virtual medicine. Determining the best use of telemedicine and its effectiveness are areas for future investigation

Arthrosis of the hip joint can be a significant source of pain and dysfunction. While hip replacement surgery has emerged as the gold standard for the treatment of end stage coxarthrosis, there are several non-arthroplasty management options that can help patients with mild and moderate hip arthritis. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review early prophylactic interventions that may help defer or avoid hip arthroplasty. Nonoperative management for the symptomatic hip involves minimizing joint inflammation and maximizing joint mobility through intra-articular joint injections and exercise therapy. While weight loss, activity modifications, and low impact exercises is generally recommended for patients with arthritis, the effects of these modalities on joint strength and mobility are highly variable. Intra-articular steroid injections tended to offer reliable short-term pain relief (3–4 weeks) but provided unreliable long-term efficacy. Additionally, injections of hyaluronic acid do not appear to provide improved pain relief compared to other modalities. Finally, platelet rich plasma injections do not perform better than HA injections for patients with moderate hip joint arthrosis. Primary hip joint arthrosis is rare, and therefore treatment such as peri-acetabular osteotomies, surgical dislocations, and hip arthroscopy and related procedures are aimed to minimise symptoms but potentially aim to alter the natural history of hip diseases. The state of the articular cartilage at the time of surgery is critical to the success or failure of any joint preservation procedures. Lech et al. reported in a series of dysplastic patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomies that one third of hips survived 30 years without progression of arthritis or conversion to THA. Similarly, surgical dislocation of the hip, while effective for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement, carries a high re-operation rate at 7 years follow up. Finally, as the prevalence of hip arthroscopic procedures continues to rise, it is important to recognise that failure to address the underlying structural pathologies can lead to failure and rapid joint destruction. In summary, several treatment modalities are available for the management of hip pain and dysfunction in patients with a preserved joint space. While joint preservation procedures can help improve pain and function, they rarely alter the natural history of hip disease. The status of the articular cartilage at the time of surgery is the most important predictor of treatment success or failure

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major complication affecting >1% of all total knee arthroplasties, with compromise in patient function and high rates of morbidity and mortality. There are also major socioeconomic implications. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical features, laboratory tests (including serum and articular samples) and diagnostic imaging. Once confirmed, prompt management is required to prevent propagation of the infection and further local damage. Non-operative measures include patient resuscitation, systemic antibiotics, and wound management, but operative intervention is usually required. Definitive surgical management requires open irrigation and debridement of the operative site, with or without exchange arthroplasty in either a single or two-stage approach. In all options, the patient's fitness, comorbidities and willingness for further surgery should be considered, and full intended benefits and complications openly discussed. Late infection almost invariably leads to implant removal but early infections and acute haematogenous infections can be managed with implant retention – the challenge is to retain the original implant, having eradicated infection and restored full function. Debridement with component retention: Open debridement is indicated for acute postoperative infections or acute haematogenous infections with previously well-functioning joints. To proceed with this management option the following criteria must be met: short duration of symptoms - ideally less than 2–3 weeks but up to 6; well-fixed and well-positioned prostheses; healthy surrounding soft tissues. Open debridement is therefore not an appropriate course of management if symptoms have been prolonged – greater than 6 weeks, if there is a poor soft tissue envelope and scarring, or if a revision arthroplasty would be more appropriate due to loosening or malposition of the implant. It is well documented in the literature that there is an inverse relationship between the duration of symptoms and the success of a debridement. It is thought that as the duration of symptoms increases, other factors such as patient comorbidities, soft tissue status and organism virulence play an increasingly important role in determining the outcome. There is a caveat. Based on our learning in the hip, when we see an acute infection where periprosthetic implants are used, it is much easier to use this time-limited opportunity to remove the implants and the associated biofilm and do a single-stage revision instead of just doing a debridement and a change of insert. This will clearly be experience and prosthesis-dependent but if the cementless implant is easy to remove, then it should be explanted. One critical aspect of this procedure is to use one set of instruments and drapes for the debridement and to then implant the new mobile parts and close using fresh drapes and clean instruments. Units that have gained expertise in single-stage revision will find this easier to do. After a debridement, irrigation, and change of insert, patients continue on intravenous antibiotics until appropriate cultures are available. Our multidisciplinary team and infectious disease experts then take over and will dictate antibiotic therapy thereafter. This is typically continued for a minimum of three months. Patients are monitored clinically, serologically, and particularly in relation to nutritional markers and general wellbeing. Antibiotics are stopped when the patients reach a stable level and are well in themselves. All patients are advised to re-present if they have an increase in pain or they feel unwell

In the large majority of cases of knee osteoarthritis (OA), total knee replacement (TKA) is the selected treatment, due to its proven durability, satisfactory function and familiarity of surgeons. However in recent years there has been an increase in the numbers of uni-compartmental knees used (UKA), due to more favorable follow-up, improved designs and techniques, quicker and better patient recovery, and less hospitalization costs. Designs have been produced for even lesser invasive components than UKA, including simple spacers, with mixed results. Recently, several studies have been carried out on the wear patterns on the femoral and tibial condyles in OA, showing that the main areas of cartilage loss occur on the distal end of the femur, that area engaged in walking activities, and over a large proportion of the tibial plateau. A study we carried out on the bone pieces resected at TKA surgery showed that no less than 22% of the cases could have been done with a device which resurfaced only the medial side. That figure would have been higher if the patients had been treated earlier, before cartilage wear and deformation had progressed. In a more recent study, we showed the progress of the wear of OA by analyzing MRI scans of 50 patients at various stages of OA. The cartilage wear occurred on areas which were initially the thickest on both the femur and the tibia. This was evidently associated with excessive contact stresses, while the menisci, if they had previously been spreading the load over a large area of the cartilage surfaces, were no longer functional. In this paper it is proposed that the treatment modality of OA could be carried out on a sliding scale, based on MRI analysis together with clinical factors including pain and disability. Early Intervention devices, including UKA, could be used much more frequently if the surgical technique was developed to be reliable, simple and reproducible. Specifically there is space for an Early Intervention device (EI) where only the distal end of the femur and the tibial surface are resurfaced. A design has been produced where a pocket is milled into the distal end of the femur to house a plastic runner, and a thin layer is resected from the proximal tibia for a metal plate with a special keel design. The advantages of such a design are ease of exposure, accurate and simple surgery, minimal tibial resection for long term fixation, reduced wear, and ease of restoration of the original joint line. The wear is assessed using a custom-made wear machine, while fixation is evaluated using FEA. It is proposed that such a device would add a valuable option for the treatment of symptomatic early OA where the functional level of the patient can be maintained, and the progress of OA possibly arrested

Metal-on-metal bearing surfaces were used frequently until recently because of the potential for decreased wear and the ability to use large femoral heads which can reduce instability. However, data reported in the Australian registry over the past 5 years demonstrated an increase in failure rates compared to metal-on-polyethylene bearings. In addition, adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) associated with pseudotumors and destruction of the soft tissue around the joint have led to revision of these implants. Unfortunately, at the present time there is no optimal management strategy that has been delineated for metal-on-metal implants because of a lack of evidence. The biologic response to metal-on-metal implants is usually local but may be systemic. The management of these patients is complex because patients may have pseudotumors and/or elevated metal ion levels and be asymptomatic. In addition, there are a number of intrinsic causes (loosening, infection, iliopsoas tendinitis) and extrinsic causes (spinal disease, trochanteric bursitis) that can be a source of pain. There is no evidenced based approach to manage these patients and no single test should be used to determine treatment. A thorough clinical evaluation is essential and blood tests are necessary to rule out infection. Imaging studies including plain radiographs and a MARS MRI are needed to evaluate either the stability of the prosthesis and to assess for the presence of pseudotumors and soft tissue destruction around the implant. Patients with symptomatic hips and evidence of muscle involvement on MRI require revision. Finally, the clinician must always be aware of the potential for systemic effects which require early and aggressive intervention to limit the adverse response to the metal and the metal bearing

INTRODUCTION. The major loss of articular cartilage in medial osteoarthritis occurs in a central band on the distal femur, and in the center of the tibial plateau (Figure). This is consistent with varus deformity due to cartilage loss and meniscal degeneration, together with the sliding regions in walking. Treatment at an early stage such as KL grade 2 or 3, has the advantages of little bone deformity and cruciate preservation, and could be accomplished by resurfacing only the arthritic areas with Early Intervention (EI) components. Such components would need to be geometrically compatible with the surrounding bearing surfaces, to preserve continuity and stability. However because of the relatively small surface area covered, compared with total knees and even unicompartmentals, it is hypothesized that EI components will be an accurate fit on a population of knees with only a small number of sizes, and that accuracy can be maintained without requiring right-left components. We examined this hypothesis using unique design and methodology. METHODS. Average femur and tibia models, including cartilage, were generated from MRI scans of 20 normal males. The images were imported into Geomagic software. Surface point clouds based on least squares algorithms produced the average models. Averages were also produced from different numbers to determine method validity. Average arthritic models were also generated from 12 KL 1–2 cases, and 13 KL 2–3 cases. The 3 averages were compared by deviation mapping. Using the average from the 20 knees, femoral and tibial implant surfaces were designed using contour matching to fit the arthritic regions, maintaining right-left symmetry. A 5 size system was designed corresponding to large male, average male, small male/large female, average female, small female. For the 20 knees, the components were fitted based on the best possible matching of the contours to the surrounding bearing surfaces. For the femoral component the target was 1 mm projection at the center, matching at the ends. The accuracy of reproducing the cartilage surfaces was then determined by mapping the deviations between the implant surfaces and the cartilage surfaces. RESULTS & DISCUSSION. The average femur and tibia from the 20 knees (Figure) was almost identical no matter what groupings were used to produce the average. Likewise the 2 arthritic and the normal averages were almost identical. The accuracy of fit (Figure) averaged for the 20 normal knees was well below 1mm either above or below the original cartilage surfaces (see table below). This study indicates that such Early Intervention components are a viable method for resurfacing cases with early arthritis, and are likely to show almost normal mechanics due to preserving the original normal geometry. Deviations between tibial cartilage and implant (mm). Above implant mean 0.5 SD 0.2. Max deviation 1.5 SD 0.7. Below implant mean 0.7 SD 0.2. Max deviation 2.0 SD 0.1. Deviations between femoral cartilage and implant (mm). Above implant mean 0.3 SD 0.1. Max deviation 0.8 SD 0.1. Below implant mean 0.3 SD 0.1. Max deviation 0.8 SD 0.3

To determine if there are osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee that are so unstable on MRI that they are incapable of healing without operative intervention. A secondary objective was to determine the ability of orthopaedic residents to accurately grade OCD lesions according to the Kijowski criteria of stable and unstable. A retrospective review was performed of patients who had femoral condyle OCD lesions from 2009-present. Only patients with open growth plates and serial MRIs were included. Each MRI was classified according to the Kijowski classification by a junior orthopaedic surgery resident as well as an MSK trained radiologist. A weighted kappa value was used to assess the inter-rater agreement. The final analysis included 16 patients (17 knees) with 49 MRI's. The weighted kappa agreement between reviewers for overall lesion stability was moderate (0.570 [95% CI 0.237–0.757]). The initial MRI lesion was graded as stable in 59% (10/17) of the knees. Two of these 10 knees became unstable during the study period, however, both stabilised again on subsequent MRIs, one with surgery and the other without surgery. The initial MRI was graded as unstable in 41% (7/17) of the knees. Two of the seven knees (29%) later demonstrated MRI evidence of lesion stability without surgical intervention. The most important finding in this study was the ability of unstable OCD lesions on MRI to heal without operative intervention. The ability of an orthopaedic surgery resident to grade these lesions on MRI was moderate

Purpose. The evolution of locked anatomical clavicular plating in combination with evidence to suggest that fixation of clavicle fractures yields better outcome to conservative treatments has led to an increasing trend towards operative management. There is no evidence however to compare early fixation with delayed reconstruction for symptomatic non- or mal-union. We hypothesize that early intervention yields better functional results to delayed fixation. Methods. Between August 2006 and May 2010, 97 patients were managed with operative fixation for their clavicular fracture. Sixty eight with initial fixation and 29 delayed fixation for clavicular non- or mal-union. Patients were prospectively followed up to radiographic union, and outcomes were measured with the Oxford Shoulder Score, QuickDASH, EQ5D and a patient interview. Mean follow-up was to 30 months. All patients were managed with Acumed anatomical clavicular plates. Results. The radiographic and clinical outcomes were available for all patients. Scores were available for 62 (62/97). There were no statistically significant differences in age (p>0.05), sex (p>0.05), energy of injury (p>0.05), number of open fractures (p>0.05) between the two groups. The mean quickDASH was 8.9 early, 9.1 delayed (p< 0.05), Oxford Shoulder score was 15.7 early, 16.1 delayed (p< 0.05). In the early fixation group 5 patients had wound healing complications, and 8 went on subsequently to have removal of prominent metalwork. In the delayed fixation group 2 had wound healing complications and 4 had removal of prominent metalwork. There were no statistically significant differences in the EQ5D quality of life questionnaire. Conclusion. There are no statistically significant differences in shoulder performance, wound or operative complications between early and delayed fixation of clavicular fractures. Our series does not support early fixation of clavicular fractures, as results for delayed intervention in those who become symptomatic appear comparable

Failure of a two-stage exchange arthroplasty for management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a major clinical challenge. There is a paucity of information regarding the outcome of further surgical intervention in these patients. Thus, we aim to report the clinical outcomes of subsequent surgical intervention following a failed prior two-stage exchange. Our institutional database was used to identify 60 patients (42 knees and 18 hips) with a failed prior two-stage exchange from infection, who underwent further surgical intervention between 1998 and 2012 and had a minimum of two years follow-up. A retrospective review was performed to extract relevant clinical information, such as mortality, microbiology, and subsequent surgeries. Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria were used to define PJI, and treatment success was defined using the Delphi criteria as previously reported. Irrigation and debridement (I&D) was performed after a failed two-stage exchange in 61.7% (37/60) patients. The failure rate of I&D in this cohort was 51.3% (19/37). Two patients underwent amputation after I&D due to uncontrolled infection. A total of 40 patients underwent an intended a second two-stage exchange. Reimplantation occurred in only 65% of cases (26/40), and infection was controlled in 61.6% (16/26) of patients. An interim spacer exchange was required in 15% (6/40) of the cases. Of the 14 cases that did not undergo a second stage reimplantation, 5 required amputation, 6 had retained spacers, 1 underwent arthrodesis, and 2 patients died. Further surgical intervention after a failed prior two-stage exchange has poor outcomes. I&D has a high failure rate and many of the patients who are deemed candidates for a second two-stage exchange either do not undergo reimplantation for various reasons or fail after reimplantation. The management of PJI clearly remains imperfect, and there is a dire need for further innovations that may improve the care of these PJI patients

Metal on metal bearing surfaces were used frequently until recently because of the potential for decreased wear and the ability to use large femoral heads which can reduce instability. However, data reported in the Australian registry over the past 5 years demonstrated an increase in failure rates compared to metal on polyethylene bearings. In addition, adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) associated with pseudotumors and destruction of the soft tissue around the joint have led to revision of these implants. Unfortunately, at the present time there is no optimal management strategy that has been delineated for metal on metal implants because of a lack of evidence. The biologic response to metal on metal implants is usually local but may be systemic. The management of these patients is complex because patients may have pseudotumors and/or elevated metal ion levels and be asymptomatic. In addition, there are a number of intrinsic causes (loosening, infection, iliopsoas tendinitis) and extrinsic causes (spinal disease, trochanteric bursitis) that can be a source of pain. There is no evidence based approach to manage these patients and no single test should be used to determine treatment. A thorough clinical evaluation is essential and blood tests are necessary to rule out infection. Imaging studies including plain radiographs and a MARs MRI are needed to evaluate either the stability of the prosthesis and to assess for the presence of pseudotumors and soft tissue destruction around the implant. Patients with symptomatic hips and evidence of muscle involvement on MRI require revision. Finally, the clinician must always be aware of the potential for systemic effects which require early and aggressive intervention to limit the adverse response to the metal and the metal bearing

Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) for the treatment of frozen shoulder is well established and effective however timing of surgery remains controversial. Intervention before 9 months has previously been shown to be associated with improved outcome. We test this theory by measuring Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), re-MUA and subsequent surgery rate. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected, single surgeon, consecutive patient series revealed 244 primary frozen shoulders treated by MUA within 4 weeks of presentation. The mean duration of antecedent symptoms was 28 weeks (95% CI 4-44 weeks) and time to follow up was 26 days (95% CI 11-41 days). The mean OSS improved by 16 points (2-tailed t test p< 0.001) with a mean follow up OSS of 43 (95% CI 38-48). 195 shoulders were manipulated before 38 weeks (9 months) and had the same mean change in OSS (16) as the 49 shoulders manipulated after 38 weeks. 48 shoulders, including 15 diabetic shoulders required further MUA. 8 shoulders had subsequent surgery. These events were also independent of antecedent symptom duration. Early MUA does not appear to produce improved outcomes when compared to later intervention but we note does result in an earlier return to function

The majority of orthopaedic surgeons routinely review their patients after six weeks, following surgery. During the first six weeks, orthopaedic surgeons are blissfully unaware of how frequently their patients seek medical attention related to problems with their arthroplasty. During this period of time, General Practitioners play a vital role in the care of the post-operative arthroplasty patient. The aim of this study was to determine how frequently patients seek medical attention following primary joint replacement in this interim six-week period. 102 patients from a single practice who had undergone a primary hip or knee replacement from 2003 to 2011 were included and the notes of all these patients were analysed retrospectively. Within this group there were 33 men and 69 women. 45 (44.1%) patients sought medical attention during the 6-week period, which accounted for 69 GP led interventions. The maximum number of interventions was four and a minimum of zero. Of these, 45 patients (29.4%) were seen once, 9 (8.8%) were seen twice, 3 (2.9%) were seen three times and 3 (2.9%) were seen four times. The interventions were for the following reasons: 1(0.9%) for post operative anaemia, 5 (4.9%) for constipation, (1.9%) for post operative nausea, 8 (7.8%) for leg pain (1 scanned for DVT), 5 (4.9%) for leg swelling (2 scanned for DVT), 12 (11.7%) were administered antibiotics, of which 1 was for a chest infection (1 scanned for DVT), 7(6.8%) for a wound review (1 scanned for DVT) (2 patients were started on antibiotic) and 19.6% (20) patients were seen for post operative analgesia. In total, there were 5 (4.9%) patients scanned for DVT and all scans were negative. GPs play a vital, often underestimated role in the post operative care of primary arthroplasty patients. The majority of interventions were required simply because of inadequate post-operative analgesia being given to patients upon discharge. This is an issue that the orthopaedic department can address, which will improve patient care and ease the burden on primary care. Patients still continue to see their GPs for suspected wound infections despite being instructed to contact the hospital. This issue needs to be addressed with further education, as any infection, even superficial, can have devastating consequences if it spreads to the prosthesis

Tibial component loosening is an important failure mode in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) which may be due to the 6–8 mm of bone resection required or the limited surface area. To address component loosening and fixation, a new Early Intervention (EI) design is proposed which reverses the traditional material scheme between femoral and tibial components. That is, the EI design consists of a plastic inlay component for the distal femur and a thin metal plate for the proximal tibia. With this reversed materials scheme, the EI design requires minimal tibial bone resection compared to traditional UKA to preserve the dense and stiff bone in the proximal tibia. This study investigated, by means of finite element (FE) simulations, the potential advantages of a thin metal tibial component compared with traditional UKA tibial components, such as an all-plastic inlay or a metal-backed onlay. We hypothesized that an EI component would produce comparable stress, strain, and strain energy density characteristics to an intact knee and more favorable values than UKA components. Indeed, the finite element results showed that an EI design reduced stresses, strains and strain energy density in the underlying support bone compared to an all-plastic UKA component. Analyzed parameters were similar for an EI and a metal-backed onlay, but the EI component had the advantage of minimal resection of the stiffest bone

Patients with painful metal-on-metal bearings presenting to the orthopaedic surgeon are a difficult diagnostic challenge. The surgeon must go back to basic principles, perform a complete history and physical exam, obtain serial radiographs and basic blood work (ESR, CRP) to rule out common causes of pain and determine if the pain is, or is not, related to the bearing.

The Asymptomatic MoM Arthroplasty: Patients will present for either routine follow up, or because of concerns re: their bearing. It is important to emphasise that at this point the vast majority of patients with a MoM bearing are indeed asymptomatic and their bearings are performing well. The surgeon must take into account: a) which specific implant are they dealing with and what is its track record; b) what is the cup position; c) when to perform metal ion testing; d) when to perform further soft tissue imaging (MARS MRI, Ultrasound); e) when to discuss possible surgery.

Painful MoM THA causes not related to the bearing couple: These can be broken down into two broad categories. Causes that are Extrinsic to the hip include: spine, vascular, metabolic and malignancy. Causes that are Intrinsic to the hip can either be Extracapsular (iliopsoas tendonitis and trochanteric bursitis) or Intracapsular (sepsis, loosening, thigh pain, prosthetic failure)

Painful MoM THA causes related to the bearing couple: There are now described a number of possible clinical scenarios and causes of pain that relate to the metal-on-metal bearing couple itself: a) local hypersensitivity reaction without a significant soft tissue reaction; b) local hypersensitivity reaction with a significant soft tissue reaction; c) impingement and soft tissue pain secondary to large head effect.

Metal ions: obtaining serum, or whole blood, cobalt and chromium levels is recommended as a baseline test. However, there is no established cutoff level to determine with certainty if a patient is having a hypersensitivity reaction. A 7 parts per billion cutoff has been suggested. This gives high specificity, but poor sensitivity. Metal ions therefore can be used as a clue, and one more test in the workup, but cannot be relied upon in isolation to make a diagnosis.

MARS MRI: a useful tool for demonstrating soft tissue involvement, but there are many painless, well-functioning MoM implants that have soft tissue reactions, that don't require a revision. In the painful MoM hip an MRI, or ultrasound, is recommended to look for soft tissue destruction or a fluid-filled periprosthetic lesion (pseudotumor). Significant soft tissue involvement is concerning and is commonly an indication for revision in the painful MoM hip.

Treatment: management of the painful MoM hip is directly related to the etiology of the pain. Unique to MoM bearing is the issue of pain secondary to a local hypersensitivity reaction. All above tests should be utilised to help determine the best course of action in any individual patient. The painful MoM bearing, that is demonstrating significant soft tissue involvement is a concerning scenario. Earlier revision, to prevent massive abductor damage, would seem prudent for these patients. The painful MoM bearing with no significant soft tissue changes can probably be followed and reviewed at regular intervals. If the pain persists and is felt to be secondary to a hypersensitivity reaction, then revision is really the only option, although the patient must be cautioned regarding the unpredictable nature of the pain relief.

Daycase surgery has advantages for patients, clinicians and trusts. The Best Practice Tariff uplift is £200/case for Minor Foot Procedures performed as daycases. Before discharge, Foot & Ankle daycase procedures in Cheltenham General Hospital require physiotherapy assessment and frequently an orthotic aid. This audit analysed length of stay of daycase patients on a Foot and Ankle list. The standard was 100% of daycase patients to be discharged the same day. Length of stay for a consecutive series of patients was calculated for all daycase procedures from October to December 2010. An intervention was made comprising a weekly multidisciplinary bulletin from the Orthopaedic Consultant. This highlighted post-operative weight-bearing instructions and orthotic requirements for forthcoming daycase patients to physiotherapists, nursing staff and junior doctors. The data was compared with a second consecutive series of patients from October to December 2011. The first series included 38 listed daycases of which 61% (23 patients) were daycase discharges. The second series comprised 41 listed daycases who received pre-operative physiotherapy assessment and provision of required orthotic aids; 85% (35 patients) of this group were discharged the same day. Data analysis using Fisher's exact test reveals this intervention had a statistically significant impact on the number of patients discharged the same day (p < 0.0207). The financial implications are increased Best Practice Tariff with an £1800 uplift and reduction in the estimated cost of unnecessary overnight stays of £4640 over the 3 months. Improved multidisciplinary communication can significantly improve the patient experience, bed occupancy and cost of care

Introduction. Long bone surgery and marrow instrumentation represent significant surgical insults, and may cause severe local and systemic sequelae following both planned and emergent surgery. Preconditioning is a highly conserved evolutionary endogenous protective mechanism, but finding a clinically safe and acceptable method of induction has proven difficult. Glutamine, a known inducer of the heat shock protein (HSP) response, offers pharmacological modulation of injury through clinically acceptable preconditioning. This effect has not been previously demonstrated in an orthopaedic model. Aims. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that glutamine preconditioning protects against the local and systemic effects of long bone trauma in a rodent model. Methods. Thirty two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into four groups:. Control group which received trauma without preconditioning,. Normal Saline preconditioning 1 hour before trauma,. Glutamine preconditioning 1 hour before trauma, and. Glutamine preconditioning 24 hours prior to trauma. Trauma consisted of bilateral femoral fracture following intramedullary instrumentation. Blood samples were taken just prior to the insult, and at an interval four hours following this. The animals were then sacrificed, bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) performed and skeletal muscle and lung harvested for evaluation. Results. Glutamine pretreated rats had lower CK levels at 4 hours than those treated with normal saline. Renal dysfunction was less in pre-treated animal, and there was a significant reduction in neutrophil infiltration into BAL fluid. Finally glutamine pre-treated rats showed less muscle and lung oedema. This effect was more pronounced for the group which received glutamine 24 hours before trauma than the group receiving glutamine one hour before trauma. Conclusion. This data suggests that preconditioning with a single bolus of intravenous glutamine prior to planned orthopaedic intervention may afford local and end-organ protection

The contemporary metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings were reintroduced due to their lower volumetric wear rates in comparison to conventional metal-on-polyethylene bearings. This has the potential to substantially reduce wear-induced osteolysis as the major cause of failure and greater implant stability with the use of large femoral heads. It has been estimated that since 1996 more than 1,000,000 MoM articular couples have been implanted worldwide. However, with increasing clinical experience, the national joint registries have recently reported the failure rate of THA with MoM bearings to be 2–3 fold higher than contemporary THA with non-metal-on-metal bearings. Moreover, adverse periprosthetic tissue reactions have emerged as an important reason for failure in MoM patients.

A painful MoM hip arthroplasty has various intrinsic and extrinsic causes. As in all painful THA, a thorough clinical history, a detailed physical examination, as well as radiographic and laboratory tests are essential to delineate potential cause(s) of pain in patients with MoM hip arthroplasty. While specialised tests such as metal ion analysis are useful modalities for assessing MoM hip arthroplasty, over-reliance on any single investigative tool in the clinical decision-making process should be avoided. There should be a low threshold to perform a systematic evaluation of patients with MoM hip arthroplasty as early recognition and diagnosis will facilitate the initiation of appropriate treatment prior to significant adverse biological reactions. A systematic risk stratification recommendation, for multiple modes of failure including adverse local tissue reactions, based on the currently available evidence will be presented to optimise management.

Metal-on-metal bearings (MoM) saw an increase in global utilisation in the last decade. This peaked in 2008 in the US, with approximately 35% of bearings being hard-on-hard (metal-on-metal, or ceramic-on-ceramic). Beginning in 2008, reports began to surface regarding local soft tissue reactions and hypersensitivity to MoM bearings. A major implant manufacturer recalled a resurfacing device in 2010 after national joint registries demonstrated higher than expected revision rates. Patients with painful MoM bearings are a difficult diagnostic challenge. The surgeon must go back to basic principles, perform a complete history and physical exam, obtain serial radiographs and basic blood work (ESR, CRP) to rule out common causes of pain and determine if the pain is, or is not, related to the bearing. The Asymptomatic MoM Arthroplasty: Patients will present for either routine follow up, or because of concerns regarding their bearing. It is important to emphasise that at this point the vast majority of patients with a MoM bearing are indeed asymptomatic and their bearings are performing well. The surgeon must take into account: a) which specific implant are they dealing with and what is its track record; b) what is the cup position; c) when to perform metal ion testing; d) when to perform further soft tissue imaging (MARS MRI, Ultrasound); e) when to discuss possible surgery. Painful MoM THA causes not related to the bearing couple: These can be broken down into two broad categories. Causes that are Extrinsic to the hip include spine, vascular, metabolic and malignancy. Causes that are Intrinsic to the hip can either be Extracapsular or Intracapsular. Painful MoM THA causes related to the bearing couple: There are now described a number of possible clinical scenarios and causes of pain that relate to the MoM bearing couple itself: A) Local hypersensitivity reaction without a significant soft tissue reaction; B) Local hypersensitivity reaction with a significant soft tissue reaction; C) Impingement and soft tissue pain secondary to large head effect. Factors related to a hypersensitivity reaction: Some patients, and prostheses, seem to be at a higher risk of developing issues following a MoM bearing, although our understanding of the interplay of these factors is still in evolution: patients at risk include all women and patients with smaller component sizes. Implant factors play a role with some implants having higher wear rates and being more prone to corrosion. Special tests: There is ongoing confusion related to the relative value of the various special tests that patients with a painful MoM undergo. A) Metal Ions - obtaining serum, or whole blood, cobalt and chromium levels is recommended as a baseline test. However, there is no established cutoff level to determine with certainty if a patient is having a hypersensitivity reaction. Metal ions therefore can be used as a clue, but cannot be relied upon in isolation to make a diagnosis. B) MARS MRI - a useful tool for demonstrating soft tissue involvement, but there are many painless, well-functioning MoM implants that have soft tissue reactions, that don't require a revision. In the painful MoM hip an MRI, or ultrasound, is recommended to look for soft tissue destruction or a fluid-filled periprosthetic lesion (pseudotumor). Significant soft tissue involvement is concerning and is commonly an indication for revision in the painful MoM hip. C) CT imaging - can be utilised to help determine cup position and combined anteversion, however, plain radiographs can give a rough estimate of this as well, so routine CT scan evaluations are not currently recommended. The painful MoM bearing, that is demonstrating significant soft tissue involvement is a concerning scenario. Earlier revision, to prevent massive abductor damage, would seem prudent for these patients.

The painful MoM bearing with no significant soft tissue changes can probably be followed and reviewed at regular intervals. If the pain persists and is felt to be secondary to a hypersensitivity reaction, then revision is really the only option, although the patient must be cautioned regarding the unpredictable nature of the pain relief.

Note: No previous similar study to this has been carried out in the Republic of Ireland, to our knowledge. Ankle fractures are the most common lower limb fracture in all age groups in Ireland. Approximately 43% of all ankle fractures will require operative fixation. 1. 82% of all operative ankle procedures in Ireland are carried out on patients between 18–65 years old. We felt it was imperative to study the incidence within various age groups, the associated length of hospital stay and to offer suggestions in reducing this length-of-stay. The National Hospital Inpatient Enquiry system (data collection accuracy 95.9%–98.2%), ICD-coding and data from the Central Statistics Office were analysed. 2. 14,903 ankle fractures underwent ORIF between 2002–09 (average 1,928/year). While there was a statistical increase in ORIF's in the over 65 group, there was no overall increase in the incidence of surgical procedures. The average length-of-stay in 2002 was 4.8 days, but had significantly dropped to 4.0 days by 2009. This was most marked in the over 65's where it decreased from 10.5 to 7.7 days. The annual incidence of ankle fractures requiring operative intervention in Ireland was 44.43 per 100,000 persons. This study highlights many issues, namely: . a). While there is a significant decrease in length-of-stay to 4 days, we feel this figure could be significantly reduced further. b). While the incidence of ankle fractures in the over-65 group remained stable, surprisingly there was a statistically significant increase in the number of operative procedures within this age group