Introduction. Through the paediatric LCP Hip plating system, the highly successful technique of the locking compression plate used in adult surgery, has been incorporated in a system dedicated to paediatrics. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of the paediatric LCP Hip plate use in children, both with and without neuromuscular disease, for fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy for a variety of indications. Materials and methods. We retrospectively reviewed the notes and radiographs of all those children who have had Paediatric LCP Hip Plate for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy and proximal femur fractures in our institution, between October 2007 and July 2010, for their clinical progress, mobilization status, radiological healing and any complications. Results. Forty-three Paediatric LCP hip plates were used in forty patients for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomies (n=40) and proximal femur fractures (n=3). The osteotomies were performed for a variety of indications including Perthes disease, DDH, Cerebral Palsy, Down's syndrome, coxa vara, Leg length discrepancy and previous failed treatment of SUFE. Twenty-five children were allowed touch to full weight bearing post operatively. Two were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. The remaining 13 children were treated in hip spica due to simultaneous pelvic osteotomy or multilevel surgery for cerebral palsy. All osteotomies and fractures radiologically healed within 6 months (majority [n=40] within 3 months). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.45) in the neck shaft angle between the immediately postoperative and final x-rays after completion of bone healing. There were no implant related complications. Conclusion. The Paediatric LCP Hip Plate provides a stable and reliable fixation of the proximal femoral osteotomy performed for a variety of paediatric hip conditions in children with and without neuromuscular disease

Author presents the experiences with the use of LCP-distal radius plate by the distal radius fractures and by posttraumatic reconstructions of distal radius. The poor functional result concerning the fractures of distal radius fractures and complications by osteosynthesis with LCP 3,5 mm for distal radius and it arises from several factors:. - incorrect indication to the osteosynthesis. - inexperiend operator. - insufficient reposition of fragments and insufficient stabilisation – type C fractures. - incorrect localisation of the plate. - neurological deficit – medianus nerve lesion. - deficient rehabilitation and poor functional treatment. Author looks upon the causes of failure by osteoesynthesis of fractures of distal radius. In the years 2003 –2004 here were operated 29 fractures and 9 posttraumatic reconstructions of distal radius fractures with the LCP – distal radius 3,5 mm plate. The functional results show 63% excellent, 21% good, 7% satisfactory and 9% poor results. All these complications can be prevented by thorough judgment of X-rays and CT scans including the 2D and 3D reconstruction. The perfect reposition of the fragmants with the check on the X-ray C-arm and good localisation of the plate ensures good stability of osteosynthesis. The functional treatment involving the use orthesis or brace and early mobilisation and rehabilitation depend on the well technically performed osteosynthesis ensures a good functional result

Through the paediatric LCP Hip plating system (Synthes GmBH Eimattstrasse 3 CH- 4436 Oberdorff), the highly successful technique of the locking compression plate used in adult surgery, has been incorporated in a system dedicated to pediatrics. We are presenting the outcome of the paediatric LCP hip plating system used for a variety of indications in our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the notes and radiographs of all those children who have had Paediatric LCP Plate for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy and proximal femur fractures in our institution, between October 2007 and July 2010, for their clinical progress, mobilization status, radiological healing and any complications. Forty-three Paediatric LCP hip plates were used in forty patients (24 males and 13 females) for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomies (n=40) and proximal femur fractures (n=3). The osteotomies were performed for a variety of indications including Perthes disease, developmental dysplasia of hip, Cerebral Palsy, Down's syndrome, coxa vara, Leg length discrepancy and previous failed treatment of Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis. Twenty-five children were allowed touch to full weight bearing post operatively. Two were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. The remaining 13 children were treated in hip spica due to simultaneous pelvic osteotomy or multilevel surgery for cerebral palsy. All osteotomies and fractures radiologically healed within 6 months (majority [n=40] within 3 months). There was no statistically significant difference (p= 0.45) in the neck shaft angle between the immediately postoperative and final x-rays after completion of bone healing. Among the children treated without hip spica, 1 child suffered a periprosthetic fracture. Of the children treated in hip spica, 2 had pressure sores, 3 had osteoporotic distal femur fractures and 2 had posterior subluxations requiring further intervention. There were no implant related complications. The Paediatric LCP Hip Plate provides a stable and reliable fixation of the proximal femoral osteotomy performed for a variety of paediatric orthopaedic conditions

Objectives. To investigate the differences of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of complex AO Type C distal radius fractures between two different models of a single implant type. Methods. A total of 136 patients who received either a 2.4 mm (n = 61) or 3.5 mm (n = 75) distal radius locking compression plate (LCP DR) using a volar approach were followed over two years. The main outcome measurements included motion, grip strength, pain, and the scores of Gartland and Werley, the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH). Differences between the treatment groups were evaluated using regression analysis and the likelihood ratio test with significance based on the Bonferroni corrected p-value of < 0.003. Results. The groups were similar with respect to baseline and injury characteristics as well as general surgical details. The risk of experiencing a complication after ORIF with a LCP DR 2.4 mm was 18% (n = 11) compared with 11% (n = 8) after receiving a LCP DR 3.5 mm (p = 0.45). Wrist function was also similar between the cohorts based on the mean ranges of movement (all p > 0.052) and grip strength measurements relative to the contralateral healthy side (p = 0.583). In addition, DASH and SF-36 component scores as well as pain were not significantly different between the treatment groups throughout the two-year period (all p ≥ 0.005). No patient from either treatment group had a step-off > 2 mm. Conclusions. Differences in plate design do not influence the overall final outcome of fracture fixation using LCP.

Introduction. Coxa vara is an uncommon orthopaedic condition. Problems associated with the definition, radiological appearance, classification and surgical treatment are discussed. Methods. A clinical and radiological review of 11 patients (14 hips) treated with a LCP plate (Synthes) in our paediatric orthopaedic unit from 2010 to 2013 was performed. These hips were classified as congenital (6), developmental (3) and acquired (5). The Hilgenreiner Epiphyseal (HE) angle, the head/shaft angle and the neck/shaft angle were all assessed and examples shown why one measurement does not address every case. Results. A mean radiological improvement of 45 degrees (20–75 +/−16.5 degrees) was obtained. There was no loss of position in any of our patients from initial surgery until union. Complications included over-correction (1 case), under-correction (2 cases) and a peri-prosthetic fracture in a patient with Osteogenesis imperfecta. Conclusions. Limitations of the LCP system include a demanding surgical technique and, in South Africa at least, a limited plate selection. Advantages include excellent proximal control with precise correction, and in our experience provide the best fixation for valgizing proximal femoral osteotomies in the paediatric coxa vara patient. NO DISCLOSURES

The author rates his experience of using PHILOS plate for two years for fractures of the proximal humerus. The advantage of LCP plates is the angular stability of osteosynthesis, which is the assumption for an early mobilisation and rehabilitation of shoulder joint. The poor functional result of the treatment of proximal humerus fractures is caused by difficulties and complications by osteosynthesis with the PHILOS plate and it arises from several factors:. - inexperienced operator. - insufficient reposition of the fracture and poor reconstruction of fracture of humeral tuberculi and rotator cuff of the humerus. - incorrect localisation and implantation of PHILOS plate. - neurological deficit – lesion of axillaris nerv. - deficient rehabilitation and poor functional after-treatment. Author looks upon the causes of failures by osteosynthesis of fractures of proximal humerus. In the years 2003 – 2004 there were operated 34 fractures of proximal humerus with the PHILOS plate. The functional results – the evaluation of subjective difficulties and clinical evaluation show 56% excellent, 23% good, 11% satisfactory and 10% poor results. All these complications can be prevented especially by through judgment of X-rays and CT scans, by precise depiction of the type of fracture and by the preoperative preparation of the surgeon. The perfect reposition of the fragments with the use of the X-ray control and good localisation of the plate ensures good stability of osteosynthesis. The functional after treatment involving the use orthesis or braccing and early mobilisation and rehabilitation depending on the well technically performed osteosynthesis ensures a good functional result

Distal femoral LCP was used in 41 consecutive distal AO type A and type C fractures; Vancouver C periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures and Lewis and Rorabeck Type 2 periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur between Oct 2005 and Feb 2008 at a District General Hospital in UK. We aim to present the functional and radiological results at a mean duration of 18.7 months after the surgery. Between Oct 2005 and Feb 2008, forty patients with a total of forty-one fractures were treated with a distal femoral LCP. There were seventeen male patients and twenty three female patients with a mean age of 73.8 years. There were 29 distal femoral fractures (AO type A = 20; type C = 9) and 12 periprosthetic fractures (Vancouver C = 4; Lewis and Rorabeck Type 2 = 8). Six of the fractures were open. Clinical and radiographic results, including union time, malalignment and implant complications were assessed. Function was assessed by using the Knee Society score. The mean duration of follow-up was 18.7 months (range, seven to thirty five months). Thirty seven fractures united during this follow up. Three fractures which showed features of delayed or non union needed additional procedures. Screw loosening necessitating screw removal was required in three patients. Deep infection was seen in one patient. Malalignment more than 10 degrees in AP or Lat views was evident in five cases. Excellent to good Knee Society score was achieved in 82 percent of cases. Fair to poor score was seen in 18 percent of cases. Distal femoral locking plates offer more fixation versatility without an apparent increase in mechanical complications or loss of reduction

Patients and Methods: Between December 2005 until January 2008 34 distal humerus fractures in 33 patients were prospectively documented and treated using the angular-stable LCP distal humerus plate system from Synthes/Switzerland. Patient median age was 54 (min 14/ max 88). Fracture types were classified according to the AO classification. Extraarticular A fractures were documented in 3 (9%) cases, partial intra-articular fractures (type B) were seen in 4 (12%) patients. Complete intraarticular fractures were found in 27 (79%) cases. Three fractures were grade I° open, 6 fractures were grade II° open according to the Gustilo classification. In median after 10 months (min 8/ max 20) follow up was performed. Due to lost to follow up in one patient functional outcome was measured in 32 patients. Functional results were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performence Score (MEPS). Results: According to MEPS, predominantly excellent and good results were achieved. The intent of stable fracture fixation to allow early physical therapy was reached in 31 patients. Failure of osteosynthesis making operative revision necessary occurred in 3 patients (1x implant failure, 2x loss of reduction). Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 91 points (min 88.5/ max 100). Mean range of motion for extension/flexion was 110° (min 80/ max 140) and 170° (min 125/max 180) for pronation/supination. Only one patient regained unrestricted extension, mean loss of extension was 21° (min 10/ max 40). Mean Flexion up to 131° was achieved (min 125/ max 140). Postoperative complications were seen in eight cases (implant breakage, delayed union, lost of reduction). Conclusion: Despite postoperative complications and revision surgery, functional results achieved using the angular-stable LCP distal Humerus system are good or excellent in the majority of patients. Through angular-stable and multidirectional screw options fixation of the distal fragment is sufficient and periostal blood supply could be protected. Especially in combination of intraarticular fractures and osteoporotic bone stock the use of the LCP distal Humerus plate system is suitable and permits early physical therapy, promising a benefit for the elbow function

Purpose of the study: We report a prospective consecutive series of femoral fractures on prosthesis. The goal was to evaluate mid-term outcome of treatment with a locking plate.

Material and methods: From June 2002 to December 2007, we treated 35 patients (1 bilateral), 28 female and 7 male, with a fracture around their total hip arthroplasty (n=21), total knee arthroplasty n=7), unicompartmental knee prosthesis (n=1), between a THA and a TKA (n=2), or between a trochanteric osteosynthesis and a TKA (n=5). Mean age was 76 years (39–93). For the majority, osteosynthesis was achieved via a mini-invasive incision, using a locking plat (Synthes^®) bridging the implant in situ. The rehabilitation protocol consisted in immediate weight-bearing for most of the cases.

Results: At revision, one patient was lost to follow-up, one was an early failure, and seven patients had died, including four which were retained for the analysis because data was available for 24, 40, 43 and 67 months respectively. The analysis thus included 30 patients with 31 fractures and mean 26 months follow-up (range 6 – 67 months). The following results were obtained for the initial series: mini-invasive surgery (n=26), access to fracture focus (n=10), total postoperative weight bearing (n=20), partial weight bearing at 20 kg (n=3), no weight-bearing for six weeks (n=13). Complications were: infection (n=2), general (n=2), disassembly (n=3, one femoral stem replacement and two revision ostheosynthesis). Bone healing was obtained in all cases except one. There was a misalignment > 5 in five cases. At review, there was no implant loosening.

Discussion: This work shows that locking compression plates inserted via a mini-invasive approach followed by weight-bearing is a feasible option. This technique combines the principles of closed osteosynthesis with preservation of the haematoma and stability of osteosynthesis material. The rehabilitation protocol was developed in consideration of the nature of the material. The locked plate acts like an internal fixator, allowing increased implant stability. Screw hold appeared to be sufficient to allow early weight-bearing.

Conclusion: Use of locking compression plates for femoral fractures on osteosynthesis implants is effective. The stability of the assembly allow, despite the age of the patients, early weight-bearing and walking, with a stable outcome over time.

Residual Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) deformities represent one of the most challenging disorders in hip reconstructive surgery. We assessed mid-term PRO. M. s, radiographic correction, complications and survivorship of combined surgical dislocation (SD) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for the treatment of complex LCP deformities. A longitudinal cohort study was performed on 31 hips with complex LCP deformities undergoing combined SD/PAO. Treatment included femoral head reshaping, trochanteric advancement and relative neck lengthening, management of intra-articular lesions and PAO. Twenty-seven (87.1%) had minimum 5-year follow up. Average age was 19.8 years with 56% female and 44% having previous surgery. At a mean 8.4 years, 85% (23/27) of the hips remain preserved (no conversion to THA). The survivorship estimates at 5 and 10 years were 93% and 85%, respectively. The median and interquartile range for mHHS increased from 64 [55–67] to 92 [70–97] (p<0.001), the WOMAC-pain improved from 60 [45–75] to 86 [75–100] (p= 0.001). An additional 19% (n=5) reported symptoms (mHHS <70) at final follow-up. UCLA activity score increased from a median of 8 [6–10] to 9 [7–10] (p=0.207). Structural correction included average improvements of acetabular inclination 15.3. o. ± 7.6, LCEA 20.7° ± 10.8, ACEA 23.4° ± 16.3, and trochanteric height 18 mm ± 10 mm (all, p<0.001). Complications occurred in two (7%) patients including one deep and one superficial wound infection. At intermediate follow-up of combined SD/PAO for complex LCP deformities, 85% of hips are preserved. This procedure provides reliable deformity correction, major pain relief, improved function and acceptable complication/failure rates

Objectives. Legg–Calvé–Perthes’ disease (LCP) is an idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head that is most common in children between four and eight years old. The factors that lead to the onset of LCP are still unclear; however, it is believed that interruption of the blood supply to the developing epiphysis is an important factor in the development of the condition. Methods. Finite element analysis modelling of the blood supply to the juvenile epiphysis was investigated to understand under which circumstances the blood vessels supplying the femoral epiphysis could become obstructed. The identification of these conditions is likely to be important in understanding the biomechanics of LCP. Results. The results support the hypothesis that vascular obstruction to the epiphysis may arise when there is delayed ossification and when articular cartilage has reduced stiffness under compression. Conclusion. The findings support the theory of vascular occlusion as being important in the pathophysiology of Perthes disease. Cite this article: M. Pinheiro, C. A. Dobson, D. Perry, M. J. Fagan. New insights into the biomechanics of Legg-Calvé-Perthes’ disease: The Role of Epiphyseal Skeletal Immaturity in Vascular Obstruction. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:148–156. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0191.R1

INTRODUCTION. Childhood diseases involving the proximal femoral epiphysis often cause abnormalities that can lead to end-stage arthritis at a relatively young age and the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The young age of these patients makes hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) an alternative and favorable option due to the ability to preserve femoral bone. Patients presenting with end-stage hip arthritis as sequelae of childhood diseases such as Legg-Calves-Perthes (LCP) and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) pose altered femoral anatomy, making HRA more technically complicated. LCP patients can result in coxa magna, coxa plana and coxa breva causing altered femoral head-to-neck ratio. There can also be acetabular dysplasia along with the proximal femoral abnormalities. SCFE patients have altered femoral head alignment. In particular, the femoral head is rotated medially and posteriorly, reducing the anterior and lateral offset. Additionally, many of these patients have retained hardware, making resurfacing more complicated. We report findings of a cohort of patients, with history of either LCP or SCPE who underwent HRA to treat end-stage arthritis. METHODS. Data was retrospectively collected for patients who had HRA for hip arthritis as a result of either LCP (n=67) or SCFE (n=21) between 2004 and 2014 performed by two surgeons. Demographic information, clinical examination and improvement was collected pre and postoperatively. Improvement was determined using Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and UCLA activity scores. Anteroposterior radiographs were measured pre and postoperatively to determine leg length discrepancy. Radiographs were inspected postoperatively for radiolucent lines, implant loosening and osteolysis. Kaplan-Meier survivorship for freedom from reoperation for any reason was calculated. Paired student t-tests were used to compare groups. RESULTS. The average age at the time of surgery was 44 years (11.8–68), with an average follow-up of 3.7 years (.22–11.2). Retained hardware was present in a total of 5 patients, 1 LCP and 4 SCFE. Preoperative HHS was 58.3 (33–83), which increased significantly to 94.9 (55–100) at the most recent postoperative timepoint (p<.0001). The most recent UCLA activity score was 7 (1–10). Average leg length discrepancy preoperatively was 7.5mm (0–20), which significantly improved to 0.6mm (0–7.5) postoperatively (p<.0001). At most recent follow-up, metal ion testing revealed median chromium level of 2.3 parts per billion (ppb, 1–7.7) and median cobalt level of 1.5 (0–9.2). There were three failures in the group with 1 LCP due to instability at 2.7 years, and 2 SCFE due to femoral neck fracture at 1 month in one and clinical failure due to unexplained pain at 5.5 years in one. Revision surgery was done in 2 patients, 1 LCP and 1 SCFE. Radiographic examination of all non-failure HRA patients revealed implants to be in good alignment with no indication of implant loosening at the most recent postoperative timepoint. Kaplan-Meier survivorship for freedom from revision was 96.2 at 5 years. CONCLUSION. The findings demonstrated increase in functional outcomes in patients who underwent HRA for osteoarthritis associated with LCP and SCFE. There was no increase in complications including femoral neck fracture or implant loosening despite technical challenges of the procedure

Background. Bothlimited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and locking compression plate (LCP) systems were designed to provide enhanced bone healing and to improve stability at fracture site. However, implant failure, delayed union, nonunion and instability are still frequently encountered complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical characteristics of a novel persistent compression dynamic plate (PCDP) which provides a persistent compression to fracture edges, and to compare the biomechanical properties of such a novel plate with the commonly used LCP. Methods. The novel persistent compression dynamic plate (PCDP) system is composed of a body, an inner compression spring and a distal mobile component. The body (proximal part) contains an adjustable screw and the distal part of the dynamic system can slide inside the body through a special tube. 12 (saw bone) artificial femoral bones were used. Transverse distal shaft fracture was created in all the saw bones at the same level, 6 femurs were fixed using the novel PCDP, whereas the other 6 femurs were fixed using the well-known LCP. All samples had undergone a nondestructive repetitive different forces (axial compression, bending and torsion), to evaluate the biomechanical differences between the two plating systems. Results. Under axial load the mean stiffness value was 439,0 N/mm for the PCDP and 158,9 N/mm for the LCP. There was nosignificant difference in A-P (anteroposterior) ve P-A (posteroanterior) bending stiffness values between PCDP and LCP, P=0.37 and P=0.80 respectively. However LCP provided significantly stiffer fixation in medial and lateral bending tests than PCDP (P=0.037) and (P=0.016), respectively. But no significant difference was detected between the two plating system in the torsional stiffness P=0.15. Conclusion. These results do not show any significant biomechanical difference in the applied torsional and bending stresses between LCP and PCDP. However the remarkably increased persistent compression effect of the PCDP created a considerable stress on fracture edges which may accelerate bone healing. Level of Evidence. Level 5

Distal femur fractures (DFF) are common, especially in the elderly and high energy trauma patients. Lateral locked osteosynthesis constructs have been widely used, however non-union and implant failures are not uncommon. Recent literature advocates for the liberal use of supplemental medial plating to augment lateral locked constructs. However, there is a lack of proprietary medial plate options, with some authors supporting the use of repurposing expensive anatomic pre-contoured plates. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a readily available cost-effective medial implant option. A retrospective analysis from January 2014 to June 2022 was performed on DFF (primary or revision) managed with supplemental medial plating with a Large Fragment Locking Compression Plate (LCP) T-Plate (~$240 AUD) via a medial sub-vastus approach. The T-plate was contoured and placed superior to the medial condyle. A combination of 4.5mm cortical, 5mm locking and/or 6.5mm cancellous screws were used, with oblique screw trajectories towards the distal lateral cortex of the lateral condyle. All extra-articular fractures and revision fixation cases were allowed to weight bear immediately. The primary outcome was union rate. This technique was utilised on sixteen patients; 3 acute, 13 revisions; mean age 52 years (range 16-85), 81% male, 5 open fractures. The union rate was 100%, with a median time to union of 29 weeks (IQR 18-46). The mean follow-up was 15 months. There were two complications: a deep infection requiring two debridements and a prominent screw requiring removal. The mean range of motion was 1–108. o. . Supplemental medial plating of DFF with a Large Fragment LCP T-Plate is a feasible, safe, and economical option for both acute fixation and revisions. Further validation on a larger scale is warranted, along with considerations to developing a specific implant in line with these principles

Introduction and Aims: Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis are hip disorders that may result in the alteration of proximal femoral anatomy and subsequent osteoarthritis. LCP often results in a flattened head and short femoral neck; SCFE residual deformity is a retroverted head upon a wide femoral neck. Because of the low head to neck ratio and short neck length in these patients, surface arthroplasty is especially technically difficult. Method: We examined a cohort of patients with either LCP or SCFE who underwent surface replacement of the hip to assess clinical results and identify pre-operative radiographic factors unique to this group. All patients with arthritis of the hip secondary to either LCP or SCFE, who underwent surface replacement between 1996–2002, were included. Proximal femoral anatomy was assessed by measuring the neck and head length, flattening of the head, anterior head offset and lateral head offset. Hip ROM was measured and SF-12 and UCLA Hip scores were calculated. Results: Fourteen patients with LCP and 11 patients with SCFE had undergone surface replacement with an average age of 38 years; the mean time to follow-up was 26.2 months. Pre-operative radiographs revealed a head-neck ratio of 1.3 in the LCP group and 1.2 in the SCFE group. The amount of head offset was 9.4mm anterior and 6.4mm lateral in the LCP group; and 8.8mm and 4.4mm in the SCFE group. Neck and head length was 42mm in the LCP patients and 56.5mm in the SCFE patients; this measured 46 and 53mm post-operatively. No revisions had been performed in either group. The UCLA scores, SF-12 scores, and hip ROM did not differ from a cohort of patients who had undergone resurfacing for other reasons. No femoral neck fractures occurred in either group. Conclusion: Despite technically difficult surgeries for hip resurfacing in these patients because of a flattened head and short neck in LCP, and wide femoral neck with retroverted heads in SCFE, the results to date have been good. By taking extra care to avoid notching the neck on the anterior and lateral tension sides, satisfactory results can be achieved

Satisfactory military orthopaedic service provision in the UK suffers significantly from a lack of basic resources, notably overall consultant numbers and host trust support. The waiting time to see an appropriate consultant (uniformed or contracted) can be as long as nine months. Many of these referrals from the primary care sector do not, in fact, need to see a consultant. Appropriately trained individuals such as; GP’s with special interests, Nurse Practitioners and Extended Scope Practitioners may all have a role to play in patient management. Military Physiotherapists are uniquely qualified to deal with these referrals. They can provide military input, advice on grading, order appropriate investigations (including MRI scans and X-rays) and give guidance on further management and arrange follow-on treatment. Although popular in spinal assessment clinics, we are unaware of this facility being formally used in a general military orthopaedic setting. We have now reviewed the results of our first 100 patients. The average waiting time to first appointment was 2 weeks. 75 patients were dealt with solely by the screening clinic. 21 MRI scans, were ordered. Only 25 patients required review by the orthopaedic team. 7 patients required surgery. Our conclusion is that such clinics represent a clinically beneficial and cost-effective screening tool at the primary/secondary care interface. A high patient satisfaction at the short waiting times and outcomes was also noted.

Introduction The geographical & temporal position of surgical assets in the evacuation chain during war fighting is controversial. Manning, equipment and command issues can conflict with clinical experience and evidence as to the ideal location and configuration for Field Surgical Teams.

Method Details of casualties presenting to 2 Air Attack Surgical Groups were collected prospectively during the ground war phase of Operation Telic. Mechanism and time of injury, wound type and classification, patient demographics, times and details of treatments carried out, evacuation details and outcomes were noted for both coalition and Iraqi patients.

Results The mean time to life and limb saving surgery for coalition casualties was 4 hours, significantly shorter than during previous conflicts in the region. Air case-vac requests generated within the area of responsibility failed in all cases to move patients from point of wounding to fixed hospital assets within agreed clinical timelines.

Discussion We argue that in order to keep life and limb saving surgical resuscitation within agreed clinical guidelines Field Surgery Teams must be capable of deploying to a forward environment within the Medical Regiment organization. Manning and equipment templates used by this unit provide a template for this capability.

Introduction: The aim of this paper was to present a profile of Legg-Calve-Perthes’ (LCP) disease and test the hypothesis of an association between LCP disease and poverty. Methods: We examined demographic data on a group of 240 children (263 hips) presenting with LCP disease in Greater Glasgow, where the mean deprivation scores are substantially greater than in the rest of Scotland, to see if this association applies or whether other clues to the aetiology of LCP could be divined. Results: There were 197 males and 43 females. The majority presented in the sclerosis phase with much smaller numbers in the other phases. 70 % (184 cases of LCP) were Catterall grades 3 or 4. 16.25% had a family history of LCP. Bone age in our series is heavily skewed towards the lower centiles. The number of siblings in the family averaged 1.9, with 13 % being an only child. The maternal age at birth of the index child showed no preponderance to older age. Maternal smoking during and after pregnancy was noted in 55 %, which compares with 52% reported in the population of Greater Glasgow in general. Bone age in our series was heavily skewed towards the lower centiles. Birth weight showed a definite shift to the left, height a weaker shift to the left. 25 % of the children in our series are in social class IV and V, although this accounts for more than 50 % of the population of the Greater Glasgow. Discussion: There is no significant evidence of a preponderance of LCP disease in the most deprived groups (p=0.9). The aetiology of LCP disease is likely to be multifactorial and may include a genetic or deprivation influence causing low bone age, hyperactivity and a high pain threshold

Purpose. To promote rapid bone healing, an adequate stable fixation implant with a percutaneous reduction instrument should be used for Vancouver type B1 or C fractures. The objective of this study was to describe radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with periprosthetic fracture (PPF) around a stable femoral stem, treated with a distal femoral locking plate alone or with a cerclage cable. Materials and Methods. A total of 21 patients with PPF amenable to either a reverse distal femoral locking plate (LCP DF. ®. ) alone or with a cerclage cable, with a mean age of 75.7 years, were included. In these patients, 10 fractures were treated with a reverse LCP DF. ®. alone and were classified as group I, and 11 additionally received a cerclage cable and were classified as group II.[Fig.1]. Results. Group I was not inferior to group II, as reflected by HHS evaluations. Additionally, group II had a significantly longer operation time (P = 0.019) than group I and included one patient with nonunion at the final 24-month follow-up visit after the initial fracture reduction.[Fig. 2]. Conclusion. Use of reverse LCP DF. ®. alone appears to provide advantages in the biological healing process compared with the use of reverse LCP DF. ®. with a cerclage cable. When comparing the stability of the fractures in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference, which might be attributed to the stable fixed-angle implant. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

New concepts in plate fixation have led to an evolution in plate design for olecranon fractures. The purpose of this study was. to compare the stiffness and strength of a contoured Locking Compression Plate (LCP) with a conventional plating method (one-third tubular plate) in a cadaveric comminuted olecranon fracture model with standardized osteotomy, and. to evaluate the LCP fixation method in a prospectively included group of patients with complex olecranon fractures using validated outcome scores. In the biomechanical study, five matched pairs of cadaveric elbows were randomly assigned for fixation by either LCP or a conventional plating method. Specimens were mounted to a custom-made testing bench and subjected to cyclic loading until failure occurred while measuring gapping at the osteotomy site. In the clinical study, twenty-one patients treated with LCP for complex olecranon fractures had a mean follow up of 20 months (3–39 months) and functional and patient rated outcome were evaluated. In the biomechanical study, there was no significant difference in fixation stiffness and strength between one third tubular plating and LCP (p > 0.05). In the clinical study, the mean time to union of the fracture was 6 months (2–28 months). According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) most patients had a good or excellent outcome. No patients reported difficulty with activities of daily living. Physical capacity showed minimal loss of stability and strength. Six patients had their hardware removed. Technical ease of application and advantageous features of the LCP -such as unicortical screw fixation and improved holding power in osteopenic bone- make it a good alternative implant for comminuted olecranon fractures