The accuracy of templates used for the preoperative planning of the fixation of intramedullary fractures depends on radiological magnification. To study the accuracy of these templates, we randomly selected 100 femoral and 100 tibial radiographs taken after stabilisation by an intramedullary nail using a standard technique. We then compared the known nail length with the corresponding measurements on the radiographs. The mean magnification factor for the femur was 9% and for the tibia 7%; these differ considerably from the range of magnification of the manufacturers’ templates (femur, 15% to 17%; tibia 10% to 15%). We conclude that templates are unreliable for the selection of implant length and that this should be done by intraoperative measurements

We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the gravity stress test and clinical findings to evaluate the stability of the ankle mortise in patients with supination–external rotation-type fractures of the lateral malleolus without widening of the medial clear space. The cohort included 79 patients with a mean age of 44 years (16 to 82). Two surgeons assessed medial tenderness, swelling and ecchymosis and performed the external rotation (ER) stress test (a reference standard). A diagnostic radiographer performed the gravity stress test. For the gravity stress test, the positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 5.80 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.75 to 12.27, and the negative LR was 0.15 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.35), suggesting a moderate change from the pre-test probability. Medial tenderness, both alone and in combination with swelling and/or ecchymosis, indicated a small change (positive LR, 2.74 to 3.25; negative LR, 0.38 to 0.47), whereas swelling and ecchymosis indicated only minimal changes (positive LR, 1.41 to 1.65; negative LR, 0.38 to 0.47). . In conclusion, when gravity stress test results are in agreement with clinical findings, the result is likely to predict stability of the ankle mortise with an accuracy equivalent to ER stress test results. When clinical examination suggests a medial-side injury, however, the gravity stress test may give a false negative result. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:1126–31

Aims. Currently, the most common approach for the management of a chronic PJI is a Two-Stage Replacement; because of success rates exceeding 90% when using an antibiotic impregnated cement spacer. Reliable information regarding the etiologic microorganism and its sensitivities is essential to select the antimicrobial therapy that should be used locally in the bone cement spacer during the first stage surgery as well as to select the appropriate microbiological systemic agent. Diagnostic algorithms focus to the importance of joint aspiration cultures although in the modern literature, preoperative joint aspiration has a broad range of values of sensitivity and the proportion of “dry-aspirations” is not well assessed. This low sensitivity of aspiration fluid samples in chronic-PJI is partly attributable to the fact that the majority of the microorganisms in these infections grow in biofilms attached to the implant. We have developed this biopsy technique in an effort to improve the identification rates of the causative organism. Materials and methods. A sample is harvested through a 4 mm bone trephine and the target is the bone-prosthesis gap. We have compared the results of preoperative PIB with the results of cultures from intra-operative tissue collected during the first stage surgery. In both cases a prolonged culture protocol (10 days) in enrichment media was used. On the basis of this relation, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were calculated. Results. Twenty-four PIB were done on the 24 patients (10 hips and 14 knees) who subsequently underwent two-stage revision surgery because of high suspicion of PJI between January 2007 and December 2009. A retrospective analysis was performed in these 24 patients (13 women and 11 men) in the mean age of 70 years (from 63 to 88 years old). Nineteen of the cases were primary and 5 were revision arthroplasty. Nineteen patients (79%) were positive for infection from operative tissue cultures. The sensitivity was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.54–0.93); the specificity was 0.80 (95% CI, 0,30–0.99), the positive predictive value was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.67–0.99), the negative predictive value was 0.50 (95% CI, 17.5–82.5) and the accuracy was 0.79. Conclusion. PIB is a useful test to, preoperatively, isolate the infecting bacteria. The values of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy are on the average of the currently published with joint aspiration or biopsy samples cultures. Although comparative study is necessary we believe that the PIB could be useful in cases with high suspicion of PJI and negative joint aspiration cultures and in cases where no fluid is aspired from the joint, in order to preoperatively isolate the infecting bacteria

Shoulder pain or loss of normal range of motion is a frequent complaint in the outpatient clinic. Of these presentations, rotator cuff injury is a common cause. This can range from mild, transient inflammation of the tendons, to partial tears of tendons, or even full thickness tears. Disruption of the tendons can occur from forceful forward throwing actions undertaken in some sports, for example baseball pitching, more commonly in the UK however, chronic impingement can lead eventually to a tendon tear-usually seen in an older population. Current methods of investigation of such injuries after clinical history and examination, includes plain film radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and arthrography. We decided to look at how ultrasound can be used in the district general hospital for investigation of such injuries. Aims. To determine the accuracy of ultrasound as an investigative tool for clinically suspected rotator cuff tears. Methods. Seventy-five consecutive ultrasonographic study reports, in patients who subsequently underwent arthroscopic examination, were scrutinised and correlated with surgical findings. From this, sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound at this district general hospital were calculated. In addition, this data was compiled for each of the three Consultant Radiologists in order to assess the operator dependent nature of ultrasound. Results. Of the 74 cases analysed, 43 (58.1%) had full correlation with the arthroscopy findings, 13 (17.6%) had mixed correlation, and 18 cases (24.3%) had no correlation between the ultrasound and arthroscopy report. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound at our institution was 0.76 and 0.8 respectively with regards to a tear being detected at ultrasound and then visualised during surgery. Conclusions. There is no current national guidance as to which imaging modality should be first line following clinical examination. Magnetic resonance arthrography, widely thought of as being the gold standard investigation, is not only expensive and possible only in certain centres, but is also invasive, time consuming, and has many relative contraindications. Ultrasound offers a clinical advantage by allowing the radiologist to speak to the patient and assess their range of motion whilst performing the study. This interaction is lost totally in MRI, CT and even MR arthrography. Our study shows that ultrasonography can be quite accurate in identifying a rotator cuff tear. Although it is operator-dependent, ultrasound should be considered more often as a first-line imaging tool for suspected rotator cuff tears as it is relatively inexpensive, quick, and most importantly dynamic

Introduction

An accurate and reproducible tibial tunnel placement without danger for the posterior neurovascular structures is a crucial condition for successful arthroscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This step is commonly performed under fluoroscopic control. Hypothesis: Performing the tibial tunnel under exclusive arthroscopic control leads to accurate tunnel placement according to recommendations in the literature.

Introduction

Dislocation following total hip arthroplasty THA is a major short term complication not infrequently resulting in revision arthroplasty. Malposition of the acetabular component in THA results in a higher rate of dislocation as well as increased wear and osteolysis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of mode of fixation on positioning of the acetabular component.

Introduction

A new triggered electromyography test for detection of stimulus diffusion to intercostal muscles of the contralateral side during thoracic pedicle screw placement was evaluated. Experimental research was carried out in order to determine if, using this test, neural contact at different aspects of the spinal cord and nerve roots could be discriminated.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) for fracture detection, classification, and identification of greater tuberosity displacement ≥ 1 cm, neck-shaft angle (NSA) ≤ 100°, shaft translation, and articular fracture involvement, on plain radiographs. Methods. The CNN was trained and tested on radiographs sourced from 11 hospitals in Australia and externally validated on radiographs from the Netherlands. Each radiograph was paired with corresponding CT scans to serve as the reference standard based on dual independent evaluation by trained researchers and attending orthopaedic surgeons. Presence of a fracture, classification (non- to minimally displaced; two-part, multipart, and glenohumeral dislocation), and four characteristics were determined on 2D and 3D CT scans and subsequently allocated to each series of radiographs. Fracture characteristics included greater tuberosity displacement ≥ 1 cm, NSA ≤ 100°, shaft translation (0% to < 75%, 75% to 95%, > 95%), and the extent of articular involvement (0% to < 15%, 15% to 35%, or > 35%). Results. For detection and classification, the algorithm was trained on 1,709 radiographs (n = 803), tested on 567 radiographs (n = 244), and subsequently externally validated on 535 radiographs (n = 227). For characterization, healthy shoulders and glenohumeral dislocation were excluded. The overall accuracy for fracture detection was 94% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.98) and for classification 78% (AUC 0.68 to 0.93). Accuracy to detect greater tuberosity fracture displacement ≥ 1 cm was 35.0% (AUC 0.57). The CNN did not recognize NSAs ≤ 100° (AUC 0.42), nor fractures with ≥ 75% shaft translation (AUC 0.51 to 0.53), or with ≥ 15% articular involvement (AUC 0.48 to 0.49). For all objectives, the model’s performance on the external dataset showed similar accuracy levels. Conclusion. CNNs proficiently rule out proximal humerus fractures on plain radiographs. Despite rigorous training methodology based on CT imaging with multi-rater consensus to serve as the reference standard, artificial intelligence-driven classification is insufficient for clinical implementation. The CNN exhibited poor diagnostic ability to detect greater tuberosity displacement ≥ 1 cm and failed to identify NSAs ≤ 100°, shaft translations, or articular fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1348–1360

Aims. Posterior column plating through the single anterior approach reduces the morbidity in acetabular fractures that require stabilization of both the columns. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of posterior column plating through the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) in the management of acetabular fractures. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data from R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, India, from June 2018 to April 2023. Overall, there were 34 acetabulum fractures involving both columns managed by medial buttress plating of posterior column. The posterior column of the acetabular fracture was fixed through the AIP approach with buttress plate on medial surface of posterior column. Mean follow-up was 25 months (13 to 58). Accuracy of reduction and effectiveness of this technique were measured by assessing the Merle d’Aubigné score and Matta’s radiological grading at one year and at latest follow-up. Results. Immediate postoperative radiological Matta’s reduction accuracy showed anatomical reduction (0 to 1 mm) in 23 cases (67.6%), satisfactory (2 to 3 mm) in nine (26.4%), and unsatisfactory (> 3 mm) in two (6%). Merle d’Aubigné score at the end of one year was calculated to be excellent in 18 cases (52.9%), good in 11 (32.3%), fair in three (8.8%), and poor in two (5.9%). Matta’s radiological grading at the end of one year was calculated to be excellent in 16 cases (47%), good in nine (26.4%), six in fair (17.6%), and three in poor (8.8%). Merle d’Aubigné score at latest follow-up deteriorated by one point in some cases, but the grading remained the same; Matta’s radiological grading at latest follow-up also remained unchanged. Conclusion. Stabilization of posterior column through AIP by medial surface plate along the sciatic notch gives good stability to posterior column, and at the same time can avoid morbidity of the additional lateral window. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):147–153

Aims. The modified Radiological Union Scale for Tibia (mRUST) fractures score was developed in order to assess progress to union and define a numerical assessment of fracture healing of metadiaphyseal fractures. This score has been shown to be valuable in predicting radiological union; however, there is no information on the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this index for various cut-off scores. The aim of this study is to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and cut-off points of the mRUST score for the diagnosis of metadiaphyseal fractures healing. Methods. A cohort of 146 distal femur fractures were retrospectively identified at our institution. After excluding AO/OTA type B fractures, nonunions, follow-up less than 12 weeks, and patients aged less than 16 years, 104 sets of radiographs were included for analysis. Anteroposterior and lateral femur radiographs at six weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and final follow-up were separately scored by three surgeons using the mRUST score. The sensitivity and specificity of mean mRUST score were calculated using clinical and further radiological findings as a gold standard for ultimate fracture healing. A receiver operating characteristic curve was also performed to determine the cut-off points at each time point. Results. The mean mRUST score of ten at 24 weeks revealed a 91.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 92.6% accuracy of predicting ultimate fracture healing. A cut-off point of 13 points revealed 41.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 46.9% accuracy at the same time point. Conclusion. The mRUST score of ten points at 24 weeks can be used as a viable screening method with the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for healing of metadiaphyseal femur fractures. However, the cut-off point of 13 increases the specificity to 100%, but decreases sensitivity. Furthermore, the mRUST score should not be used at six weeks, as results show an inability to accurately predict eventual fracture healing at this time point. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):796–805

Increasing the accuracy of information provided through X-Rays maximises pre-operative planning. Aim of this project is to determine the necessity of calibration probes that would improve the accuracy of pre-operative templating. This is a retrospective study involving leg length and pelvis X-Rays performed across the NHS Lanarkshire from 01/03/2023 until 31/04/2024. A total of 87 leg length X-Rays were identified, 18 had a calibration probe present. Leg length was measured on each and the X-Rays were calibrated against the existing probe. In 66.7% of cases there was a major leg length discrepancy of over 2cm between the pre-calibrated and post-calibrated X-Rays. Pelvic X-Rays of 80 patients that underwent total hip replacement were reviewed. Preoperative templating was compared to the implants inserted. An average of 1.94 discrepancy in the size of the acetabular implant was identified whilst in 30 cases the size of the femoral stem was incorrect by at least 1 size. Magnification of 119.7% on X-Rays was found to provide the most accurate templating. Seventy seven cases of pelvic X-Rays before and after hip hemiarthroplasty were also reviewed. The implant head was templated incorrectly in 74% of cases and the stem in 51%. It was identified that pelvic X-Ray magnification of 121.7% would provide the most accurate results. X-Rays with no calibration probes provide inaccurate measurements leading to faulty preoperative planning. Standardised use of a calibration sphere is strongly suggested and whenever that is not available, we suggest magnification of 121%

Mirels’ score predicts the likelihood of sustaining pathological fractures using pain, lesion site, size and morphology. The aim is to investigate its reproducibility, reliability and accuracy in upper limb bony metastases and validate its use in pathological fracture prediction. A retrospective cohort study of patients with upper limb metastases, referred to an Orthopaedic Trauma Centre (2013–18). Mirels’ was calculated in 32 patients; plain radiographs at presentation scored by 6 raters. Radiological aspects were scored twice by each rater, 2-weeks apart. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were calculated (Fleiss’ kappa test). Bland-Altman plots compared variances of individual score components &total Mirels’ score. Mirels’ score of ≥9 did not accurately predict lesions that would fracture (11% 5/46 vs 65.2% Mirels’ score ≤8, p<0.0001). Sensitivity was 14.3% &specificity was 72.7%. When Mirels’ cut-off was lowered to ≥7, patients were more likely to fracture (48% 22/46 versus 28% 13/46, p=0.045). Sensitivity rose to 62.9%, specificity fell to 54.6%. Kappa values for interobserver variability were 0.358 (fair, 0.288–0.429) for lesion size, 0.107 (poor, 0.02–0.193) for radiological appearance and 0.274 (fair, 0.229–0.318) for total Mirels’ score. Values for intraobserver variability were 0.716 (good, 95% CI 0.432–0.999) for lesion size, 0.427 (moderate, 95% CI 0.195–0.768) for radiological appearance and 0.580 (moderate, 0.395–0.765) for total Mirels’ score. We showed moderate to substantial agreement between &within raters using Mirels’ score on upper limb radiographs. Mirels’ has poor sensitivity &specificity predicting upper limb fractures - we recommend the cut-off score for prophylactic surgery should be lower than for lower limb lesions

To evaluate if clinical recovery following midshaft clavicle fracture is associated with nonunion and determine if this has superior predictive value compared to estimation at time of injury. A prospective study of all patients (≥16 years) who sustained a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture was performed. We assessed patient demographics, injury factors, functional scores and radiographic predictors with a standardized protocol at six-weeks. Conditional-stepwise regression was used to assess which factors independently predicted nonunion at six-months post-injury determined by CT. The nonunion predictor six-week model (NUP6) was compared against a previously validated model based on factors available at time of injury (NUP0-smoking, comminution and fracture displacement). 200 patients completed follow-up at six months. The nonunion rate was 14% (27/200). Of the functional scores, the QuickDASH had the highest accuracy on receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with a 39.8 threshold, above which was associated with nonunion (Area Under Curve (AUC) 76.8%, p<0.001). On regression modelling QuickDASH ≥40 (p=0.001), no callus on radiograph (p=0.004) and fracture movement on examination (p=0.001) were significant predictors of nonunion. If none were present the predicted nonunion risk was 3%, found in 40% of the cohort (n=80/200). Conversely if two or more were present, found in 23.5% of the cohort, the predicted nonunion risk was 60%. The NUP6 model appeared to have superior accuracy when compared to the NUP0 model on ROC curve analysis (AUC 87.3% vs 64.8% respectively). Delayed assessment at six-weeks following displaced clavicle fracture enables a more accurate prediction of fracture healing

Aims

Proper preoperative planning benefits fracture reduction, fixation, and stability in tibial plateau fracture surgery. We developed and clinically implemented a novel workflow for 3D surgical planning including patient-specific drilling guides in tibial plateau fracture surgery.

Aims

Ankle fracture fixation is commonly performed by junior trainees. Simulation training using cadavers may shorten the learning curve and result in a technically superior surgical performance.

Aims

Current levels of hip fracture morbidity contribute greatly to the overall burden on health and social care services. Given the anticipated ageing of the population over the coming decade, there is potential for this burden to increase further, although the exact scale of impact has not been identified in contemporary literature. We therefore set out to predict the future incidence of hip fracture and help inform appropriate service provision to maintain an adequate standard of care.

Aims

Frailty greatly increases the risk of adverse outcome of trauma in older people. Frailty detection tools appear to be unsuitable for use in traumatically injured older patients. We therefore aimed to develop a method for detecting frailty in older people sustaining trauma using routinely collected clinical data.

Aims

For displaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in geriatric patients, there remains uncertainty regarding the effect of total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with hemiarthroplasty (HA) in the guidelines. We aimed to compare 90-day surgical readmission, in-hospital complications, and charges between THA and HA in these patients.

Aims. Malreduction of the syndesmosis has been reported in up to 52% of patients after fixation of ankle fractures. Multiple radiological parameters are used to define malreduction; there has been limited investigation of the accuracy of these measurements in differentiating malreduction from inherent anatomical asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of positive malreduction standards within the syndesmosis of native, uninjured ankles. Methods. Three observers reviewed 213 bilateral lower limb CT scans of uninjured ankles. Multiple measurements were recorded on the axial CT 1 cm above the plafond: anterior syndesmotic distance; posterior syndesmotic distance; central syndesmotic distance; fibular rotation; and sagittal fibular translation. Previously studied malreduction standards were evaluated on bilateral CT, including differences in: anterior, central and posterior syndesmotic distance; mean syndesmotic distance; fibular rotation; sagittal translational distance; and syndesmotic area. Unilateral CT was used to compare the anterior to posterior syndesmotic distances. Results. A difference of anterior to posterior syndesmotic distance > 2 mm was observed in 89% of ankles (n = 190) on unilateral CT assessment. Using bilateral CT, we found that 35% (n = 75) of normal ankles would be considered malreduced by current malreduction parameters. In 50 patients (23%), only one parameter was anomalous, 18 patients (8%) had two positive parameters and seven patients (3%) had three. Difference in fibular rotation had the lowest false positive rate of all parameters at 6%, whereas posterior syndesmotic distance difference had the highest at 15%. Conclusion. In this study, 35% of native, uninjured syndesmoses (n = 75) would be classified as malreduced by current diagnostic standards on bilateral CT and 89% had an asymmetric incisura on unilateral CT (n = 190). Current radiological parameters are insufficient to differentiate mild inherent anatomical asymmetry from malreduction of the syndesmosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):178–183

Aims

Surgery is often delayed in patients who sustain a hip fracture and are treated with a total hip arthroplasty (THA), in order to await appropriate surgical expertise. There are established links between delay and poorer outcomes in all patients with a hip fracture, but there is little information about the impact of delay in the less frail patients who undergo THA. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of delayed surgery on outcomes in these patients.