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. Methods. The Hospital Quality Monitoring System was queried from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019 for displaced FNFs in geriatric patients treated with THA or HA. After propensity score matching, which identified 33,849 paired patients, outcomes were compared between THA and HA using logistic and linear regression models. Results. The HA group had a lower incidence of 90-day surgical readmission than the THA group (odds ratio (OR) 0.75 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.83)). Meanwhile, the HA group had lower incidence of dislocation (OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.52)), aseptic loosening (OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.66)), and joint pain (OR 0.63 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.98)), but a higher incidence of periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.87)) for readmission, compared to the THA group. The incidence of in-hospital complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. Moreover, the HA group had lower mean charges than the THA group (47,578.29 Chinese Yuan (CNY) (SD 20,069.71) vs 57,641.00 CNY (SD 21,524.07)). Conclusion. When considering 90-day surgical readmission rate, in-hospital complications, and mortality, HA resulted in a significantly lower surgical readmission rate within 90 days compared to THA, despite the patients being older and having a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1477–1484

Introduction Sacroiliac joint pain is resistant to diagnosis by clinical methods. CT guided diagnostic blocks are the gold standard in diagnosing SI joint pathology (Maigne J.Y. et al, Spine 1996). The current blocks have various pit falls. We have devised a new functional diagnostic block which is a modification of the currently available blocks for diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain. Methods The patient suspected of having sacroiliac joint pain undergoes a CT-guided sacroiliac joint catheterisation. The patient is subsequently admitted to the hospital for two full days. On admission patient is charted for an injection of either a local anaesthetic or normal saline (placebo) through the catheter into the joint 2–3mls every 3–4 hourly. Only one drug is administered on any given day. On day one, the nurse in charge of the patient by the flip of a coin will decide to give one of the drugs for the day, the patient or the treating doctor not aware of the drug injected. The first injection starts at 0600hrs and the last injection at 2200 hrs. The injection details and pain score are documented on a standardised form. The patient is then taken through a range of physical activity which usually provokes the sacroiliac joint pain. The next day, the patient receives the alternate drug and undergoes the same protocol. On the third morning the patient is discharged with an appropriate follow-up. The injection given, average pain score and the level of comfort with physical activity are summarised into a form. Discussion Our modified block has the following advantages, it is a double blinded assessment, the effect of a placebo can be tested, and it is also a functional assessment which is recorded over two days and not just a one-off response. The conclusion of the block is determined by the patient’s response and not examiner depended

Introduction Zygapophysial joint pain can be treated by RF neurotomy of the medial branch of the dorsal primary rami of the adjacent spinal nerves. The provision of radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy for spinal joint pain has been highlighted as an emerging trend in Australia, Europe and North America. However, there is controversy regarding the efficacy of this procedure. RF neurotomy for spinal pain has been investigated in several experimental and observational studies but these have reported conflicting results. The purpose of this project was to provide a systematic review of the literature on RF neurotomy for the treatment of spinal pain of zygapophysial joint origin. Method Electronic database searches, screening of reference lists, hand searching and consultation with experts in the field was undertaken to identify relevant studies. Publications were selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria and the methodological quality of each was rated. Qualitative analysis was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group (CCBRG) levels of evidence (RCTs only) and those used by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (RCTs, observational studies, systematic reviews and guidelines). Results The search strategy identified 382 potential publications. Of these, 80 studies were selected for review, including 7 RCTs, 52 observational studies, 11 systematic reviews and 10 guidelines. There is conflicting (CCBRG) evidence regarding the efficacy of RF neurotomy for lumbar zygapophysial joint pain. The conclusions of systematic reviews and observational studies are conflicting regarding the efficacy of this procedure for the lumbar spine. In contrast, there is limited (CCBRG) evidence that RF neurotomy is efficacious for neck pain of zygapophysial joint origin in the short term. However, this was reported in one very small RCT which reported only one composite outcome. Discussion This systematic review found that there is no consistent evidence from either multiple (large) RCTs or systematic reviews that RF neurotomy is efficacious in the treatment of spinal joint pain RCTs need to be conducted with larger sample sizes, (patient) relevant outcomes and adequate assessment of side-effects, which can be serious

Purpose and background:. Sacroiliitis identified by MRI is considered as a keystone in the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis. To reduce the number of unnecessary MRI scans it would be ideal if sacroiliac (SI) joint pain provocation tests could be used to identify patients at risk of having sacroiliitis. The aim of the current study was to investigate the diagnostic value of three pain provocation SI-joint tests for sacroiliitis identified by MRI. Methods:. Patients (n=454, mean age 32 years, 54% women) without clinical signs of nerve root compression were selected from a cohort consisting of patients with persistent low back pain referred to an outpatient spine clinic. Data from the Gaenslen's Test, Thigh Thrust Test and Long Dorsal Sacroiliac Ligaments Test and sacroiliitis identified by MRI were analysed. Results:. The prevalence of SI-joints with sacroiliitis was 5%. In the whole study group, only the Thigh Trust Test was associated with sacroiliitis, ROC area 0.58 (95% CI 0.51–0.65), sensitivity 31% (18–47) and specificity 85% (82–87). In men, sacroiliitis was associated with all three SI joint tests and multitest regimens, with the greatest ROC area found for ≥ 1 positive out of 3 tests, (0.68 (0.56–0.80)), sensitivity 56% (31–79) and specificity 81% (77–85). In women, no significant associations were observed between the assessed SI joint tests and sacroiliitis. Conclusions:. Only in men were the performed SI-joint tests found to be associated with sacroiliitis identified by MRI. Although, the diagnostic value was limited, the results indicate that the use of SI joint tests for sacroiliitis may be optimised by gender-separated analyses

The AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor (GluR) antagonist NBQX reduced bone destruction when injected intra-articularly, in rat antigen induced arthritis (AIA) and is similarly protective in rodent models of osteoarthritis. NBQX reduced bone turnover in vivo and reduced mineralization in human primary osteoblasts (HOBs) in vitro. We are developing sustained release GluR antagonist delivery methods, to improve therapeutic effect. DNQX loaded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were synthesized via double emulsion. DNQX loaded thermosetting hydrogels were synthesised by dissolving Pluronic-F127 (22% w/v) and Carbopol 934 (0.5% w/v) in dH₂O, homogenising with DNQX/NBQX and set in dialysis cassettes at 37˚C. Supernatants from nanoparticles and hydrogels suspended in PBS (37˚C) were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography to determine drug release. Y201 MSCs were differentiated to osteoblasts (DMEM+10% FBS, Dexamethasone, β-Glycerophosphate and Ascorbic acid-2-phosphate) in sustained presence/absence of NBQX (200µM) or DNQX (200 and 400µM). Alizarin red staining quantified mineralisation at 14 days. Nanoparticles encapsulated 2.5mM DNQX (encapsulation efficiency=22%) and released encapsulated drug over 4 weeks. Hydrogels released 2.5mM DNQX load over 24 hours in 37˚C PBS. Y201 alizarin red staining was significantly reduced by both DNQX (p<0.01) and NBQX (p<0.05), compared to untreated controls. PLGA nanoparticles and hydrogels revealed different sustained release profiles. Sustained treatment with GluR antagonists reduced mineralisation in Y201 derived osteoblasts, consistent with effects of NBQX in HOBs. Sustained release of NBQX and DNQX in nanoparticles and hydrogels may improve efficacy of AMPA/kainate GluR antagonists in reducing bone remodelling and enhancing their bone protective potential in the treatment of joint disease.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been increasing, especially amongst adolescents. These injuries can increase the risk for early-onset knee osteoarthritis (OA). The consequences of late-stage knee OA include structural joint change, functional limitations and persistent pain. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory biomarker reflecting knee joint healing, and increasing evidence suggests that IL-6 may play a critical role in the development of pathological pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between subjective knee joint pain and function, and synovial fluid concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, in adolescents undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Seven youth (12-17 yrs.) undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery participated in this study. They completed the Pedi International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) questionnaire on knee joint pain and function. At the time of their ACL reconstruction surgery, synovial fluid samples were collected through aspiration to dryness with a syringe without saline flushing. IL-6 levels in synovial fluid (sf) were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between IL-6 levels and scores from the Pedi-IKDC questionnaire. There was a statistically significant correlation between sfIL-6 levels and the Pedi-IKDC Symptoms score (-.929, p=0.003). The correlations between sfIL-6 and Pedi-IKDC activity score (.546, p = .234) and between sfIL-6 and total Pedi-IKDC score (-.536, p = .215) were not statistically significant. This is the first study to evaluate IL-6 as a biomarker of knee joint healing in an adolescent population, reported a very strong correlation (-.929, p=0.003) between IL-6 in knee joint synovial fluid and a subjective questionnaire on knee joint pain. These findings provide preliminary scientific evidence regarding the relationship between knee joint pain, as determined by a validated questionnaire and the inflammatory and healing status of the patient's knee. This study provides a basis and justification for future longitudinal research on biomarkers of knee joint healing in patients throughout their recovery and rehabilitation process. Incorporating physiological and psychosocial variables to current return-to-activity (RTA) criteria has the potential to improve decision making for adolescents following ACL reconstruction to reduce premature RTA thereby reducing the risk of re-injury and risk of early-onset knee OA in adolescents

Varus malalignment increases the susceptibility of cartilage to mechanical overloading, which stimulates catabolic metabolism to break down the extracellular matrix and lead to osteoarthritis (OA). The altered mechanical axis from the hip, knee to ankle leads to knee joint pain and ensuing cartilage wear and deterioration, which impact millions of the aged population. Stabilization of the remaining damaged cartilage, and prevention of further deterioration, could provide immense clinical utility and prolong joint function. Our previous work showed that high tibial osteotomy (HTO) could shift the mechanical stress from an imbalanced status to a neutral alignment. However, the underlying mechanisms of endogenous cartilage stabilization after HTO remain unclear. We hypothesize that cartilage-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) dampen damaged cartilage injury and promote endogenous repair in a varus malaligned knee. The goal of this study is to further examine whether HTO-mediated off-loading would affect human cartilage-resident MSCs' anabolic and catabolic metabolism. This study was approved by IACUC at Xi'an Jiaotong University. Patients with medial compartment OA (52.75±6.85 yrs, left knee 18, right knee 20) underwent open-wedge HTO by the same surgeons at one single academic sports medicine center. Clinical data was documented by the Epic HIS between the dates of April 2019 and April 2022 and radiographic images were collected with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Medial compartment OA with/without medial meniscus injury patients with unilateral Kellgren /Lawrence grade 3–4 was confirmed by X-ray. All incisions of the lower extremity healed well after the HTO operation without incision infection. Joint space width (JSW) was measured by uploading to ImageJ software. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) toolkit was applied to assess the pain level. Outerbridge scores were obtained from a second-look arthroscopic examination. RNA was extracted to quantify catabolic targets and pro-inflammatory genes (QiaGen). Student's t test for two group comparisons and ANOVA analysis for differences between more than 2 groups were utilized. To understand the role of mechanical loading-induced cartilage repair, we measured the serial changes of joint space width (JSW) after HTO for assessing the state of the cartilage stabilization. Our data showed that HTO increased the JSW, decreased the VAS score and improved the KOOS score significantly. We further scored cartilage lesion severity using the Outerbridge classification under a second-look arthroscopic examination while removing the HTO plate. It showed the cartilage lesion area decreased significantly, the full thickness of cartilage increased and mechanical strength was better compared to the pre-HTO baseline. HTO dampened medial tibiofemoral cartilage degeneration and accelerate cartilage repair from Outerbridge grade 2 to 3 to Outerbridge 0 to 1 compared to untreated varus OA. It suggested that physical loading was involved in HTO-induced cartilage regeneration. Given that HTO surgery increases joint space width and creates a physical loading environment, we hypothesize that HTO could increase cartilage composition and collagen accumulation. Consistent with our observation, a group of cartilage-resident MSCs was identified. Our data further showed decreased expression of RUNX2, COL10 and increased SOX9 in MSCs at the RNA level, indicating that catabolic activities were halted during mechanical off-loading. To understand the role of cartilage-resident MSCs in cartilage repair in a biophysical environment, we investigated the differentiation potential of MSCs under 3-dimensional mechanical loading conditions. The physical loading inhibited catabolic markers (IL-1 and IL-6) and increased anabolic markers (SOX9, COL2). Knee-preserved HTO intervention alleviates varus malalignment-related knee joint pain, improves daily and recreation function, and repairs degenerated cartilage of medial compartment OA. The off-loading effect of HTO may allow the mechanoregulation of cartilage repair through the differentiation of endogenous cartilage-derived MSCs

Aims. Intra-articular (IA) injection may be used when treating hip osteoarthritis (OA). Common injections include steroids, hyaluronic acid (HA), local anaesthetic, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Network meta-analysis allows for comparisons between two or more treatment groups and uses direct and indirect comparisons between interventions. This network meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy of various IA injections used in the management of hip OA with a follow-up of up to six months. Methods. This systematic review and network meta-analysis used a Bayesian random-effects model to evaluate the direct and indirect comparisons among all treatment options. PubMed, Web of Science, Clinicaltrial.gov, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluate the efficacy of HA, PRP, local anaesthetic, steroid, steroid+anaesthetic, HA+PRP, and physiological saline injection as a placebo, for patients with hip OA were included. Results. In this meta-analysis of 16 RCTs with a total of 1,735 participants, steroid injection was found to be significantly more effective than placebo injection on reported pain at three months, but no significant difference was observed at six months. Furthermore, steroid injection was considerably more effective than placebo injection for functional outcomes at three months, while the combination of HA+PRP injection was substantially more effective at six months. Conclusion. Evidence suggests that steroid injection is more effective than saline injection for the treatment of hip joint pain, and restoration of functional outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(6):532–539

It is not unusual for patients prior to their total hip arthroplasty (THA) to indicate that their symptoms worsen with certain meteorological conditions. However, the prevalence and evolution of weather-related pain (WRP) following THA remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of WRP both before and after primary THA, to assess the impact of THA on pre-existing WRP, and to identify potential risk factors associated with WRP. An in-person survey was conducted on 442 primary THAs, in 327 consecutive patients at the time of their postoperative follow-up. Each patient was assessed using a questionnaire specifically designed to address weather-related joint pain before and after their THA. The clinical evaluation included patient-reported outcome scores (PROMS). Preoperatively, 17% of THA hips experienced WRP, with 71% achieving complete resolution postoperatively (p < 0.001). In patients with WRP in multiple joints and their hip, the THA failed to alleviate the WRP in 31% of the cases. In addition, 8% of the THA patients developed de-novo WRP after surgery. Although the overall prevalence of WRP in hips post-THA was 12%, the prevalence was 29% in hips with WRP preoperatively and 31% in the hips of patients with WRP in multiple joints as well as their hip. WRP in other joints, the initial diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), and age were correlated with WRP following THA. WRP is not uncommon prior to and after THA. Although THA can effectively alleviate WRP in specific patient populations, it does not universally eliminate preoperative WRP or prevent the emergence of new WRP after surgery

For all the research into arthroplasty, provision of total knee arthroplasty (TKR) services based on gender in the Australian context is yet to be explored. International literature points toward a heavily gender biased provision of TKA services, skewed away from female patients. This research has aimed to assess the current experience of Australian female patients and to explore better assessment techniques that could provide more equitable services. A retrospective cohort analysis has been conducted using pre-op PROMs data, where available, from the Australian National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR), between 7 August 2018 and 31 December 2021, including: EQ VAS Health; Oxford Knee Score; joint pain; and KOOS-12. Data was adjusted for age, ASA score, BMI, primary diagnosis, public vs private hospital, surgeon gender and years of practice (as estimated from years of registry data available). Of 1,001,231 procedures performed, 27,431 were able to be analysed (12,300 male and 15,131 female). Gender-based bias against female patients reached statistical significance across all PROM scores, according to the Kruskal-Wallis test of difference (p-value <0.0001). Males were more likely to undergo TKR than females, with odds ratios remaining statistically significant when adjusted for age, ASA score, BMI, primary diagnosis, and hospital type. Numbers were further analysed for surgeon years of recorded practice and surgeon gender with mixed results. This study found that women were less likely to undergo TKR despite worse scores on every pre-op PROM available, thus we demonstrate a statistically significant gender-based bias against female patients. More effort needs to be made to identify the base of this bias and find new ways to assess patients that can provide more equitable provision of healthcare

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) diagnosis is based on symptoms, assessed through questionnaires such as the WOMAC. However, the inconsistency of pain recording and the discrepancy between joint phenotype and symptoms highlight the need for objective biomarkers in KOA diagnosis. To this end, we study relationships among clinical and molecular data in a cohort of women (n=51) with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–3 KOA through Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a regulation network model (RNM). Clinical descriptors (i.e., pain catastrophism (CA); depression (DE); functionality (FU); joint pain (JP); rigidity (RI); sensitization (SE); synovitis (SY)) are used to classify patients. A Youden's test is performed for each classifier to determine optimal binarization thresholds for the descriptors. Thresholds are tested against patient stratification according to baseline WOMAC data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, and the mean accuracy is 0.97. For our cohort, the data used as SVM inputs are KOA descriptors, synovial fluid (SL) proteomic measurements (n=25), and transcription factors (TF) activation obtained from RNM [2] stimulated with the SL measurements. The relative weights after classification reflect input importance. The performance of each classifier is evaluated through AUC-ROC analysis. The best classifier with clinical data is CA (AUC = 0.9), highly influenced by FU and SE, suggesting that kinesophobia is involved in pain perception. With SL input, leptin strongly influences every classifier, suggesting the importance of low-grade inflammation. When TF are used, the mean AUC is limited to 0.608, which can be related to the pleomorphic behaviour of osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Nevertheless, FU has an AUC of 0.7 with strong importance of FOXO downregulation. Though larger and longitudinal cohorts are needed, this unique combination of SVM and RNM shall help to map objectively KOA descriptors. Acknowledgements: Catalan & Spanish governments 2020FI_b00680; STRATO-PID2021126469ob-C21-2, European Commission (MSCA-TN-ETN-2020-Disc4All-955735, ERC-2021-CoG-O-Health-101044828). ICREA Academia

Objectives. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a degenerative condition that can result in low back pain and is likely underdiagnosed. Diagnosis is made clinically with the patient experiencing pain in the sacroiliac joint region. Initial management is non-operative with pain management, physiotherapy, injections, and rhizolysis. If these fail then surgical management, by sacroiliac joint fusion, can be considered. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of all patients who underwent sacroiliac joint fusion by a single surgeon in a large district general hospital between April 2018 and April 2023. Design and Methods. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent sacroiliac joint fusion between April 2018 and April 2023 was conducted. Data was collected from clinical letters, operative notes, and the British Spinal Registry. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain were recorded as well as any post-operative complications. Results. In total 19 patients underwent sacroiliac joint fusion. Mean age was 47 years (range 27 – 69 years). Nine were right sided procedures and ten were left. The mean BMI was 32.3. ODI improved from a mean of 55 pre-operative to 26 at one year and 15 at two years post-operative. VAS for back pain improved from a mean of six pre-operative to three at one year and one at two years post-operative. VAS for leg pain improved from a mean of five pre-operative to four at one year and zero at two years post-operative. There were no surgical site complications. One patient developed trochanteric bursitis post-operatively. Two patients have since undergone sacroiliac joint fusion on the contralateral side with a further patient awaiting contralateral surgery. Conclusion. In patients with sacroiliac joint pain where non-operative measures have failed to control symptoms sacroiliac joint fusion is a reliable and effective surgical option

Background. Procedural sedation (PS) requires two suitably qualified clinicians and a dedicated monitored bed space. We present the results of intra-articular haematoma blocks (IAHB), using local anaesthetic, for the manipulation of closed ankle fracture dislocations and compared resource use with PS. Methods. Patients received intra-articular ankle haematoma blocks for displaced ankle fractures requiring manipulation between October 2020 to April 2021. The technique used 10ml of 1% lignocaine injected anteromedially into the tibiotalar joint. Pain scores (VAS), time from first x-ray to reduction, and acceptability of reduction were recorded. A comparison was made by retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone PS for manipulation of an ankle fracture over the six month period March – August 2020. Results. During the periods assessed, 25 patients received an IAHB and 28 received PS for ankle fractures requiring manipulation (mean age 57.8yr vs 55.1yr). Time from first x-ray to manipulation was 65.9 min (IAHB) vs 82.9 min (PS) (p = 0.087). In the IAHB group mean pain scores pre, during and post manipulation were 6.1, 4.7 and 2.0 respectively (‘pre’ to ‘during’ p < 0.05; ‘pre’ to ‘post’ p < 0.01). In the IAHB group, 23 (92%) had a satisfactory reduction without need of PS or general anaesthetic. In the PS group 23 (82%) had a satisfactory reduction. There was no significant difference in the number of unsatisfactory first attempt reductions between the groups. There were no cases of deep infection post operatively in either group. Conclusion. Intra-articular haematoma block of the ankle appears to be an efficacious, safe and inexpensive means of providing analgesia for manipulation of displaced ankle fractures. Advantages of this method include avoiding the risks of procedural sedation, removing the requirement of designated clinical space and need for qualified clinicians to give sedation, and the ability to re-manipulate under the same block

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent degenerative joint disorder characterized by joint pain and physical disability. Aberrant subchondral bone induces pathological changes and is a major source of pain in OA. In the subchondral bone, which is highly innervated, nerves have dual roles in pain sensation and bone homeostasis regulation. The interaction between peripheral nerves and target cells in the subchondral bone, and the interplay between the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems, allow peripheral nerves to regulate subchondral bone homeostasis. Alterations in peripheral innervation and local transmitters are closely related to changes in nociception and subchondral bone homeostasis, and affect the progression of OA. Recent literature has substantially expanded our understanding of the physiological and pathological distribution and function of specific subtypes of neurones in bone. This review summarizes the types and distribution of nerves detected in the tibial subchondral bone, their cellular and molecular interactions with bone cells that regulate subchondral bone homeostasis, and their role in OA pain. A comprehensive understanding and further investigation of the functions of peripheral innervation in the subchondral bone will help to develop novel therapeutic approaches to effectively prevent OA, and alleviate OA pain. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):439–452

Introduction. Transtibial osseointegration (TFOI) for amputees has limited but clear literature identifying superior quality of life and mobility versus a socketed prosthesis. Some amputees have knee arthritis that would be relieved by a total knee replacement (TKR). No other group has reported performing a TKR in association with TTOI (TKR+TTOI). We report the outcomes of nine patients who had TKR+TTOI, followed for an average 6.5 years. Materials & Methods. Our osseointegration registry was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients who had TTOI and who also had TKR, performed at least two years prior. Four patients had TKR first the TTOI, four patients had simultaneous TKR+TTOI, and one patient had 1 OI first then TKR. All constructs were in continuity from hinged TKR to the prosthetic limb. Outcomes were: complications prompting surgical intervention, and changes in daily prosthesis wear hours, Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (QTFA), and Short Form 36 (SF36). All patients had clinical follow-up, but two patients did not have complete survey and mobility tests at both time periods. Results. Six (67%) were male, average age 51.2±14.7 years. All primary amputations were performed to manage traumatic injury or its sequelae. No patients died. Five patients (56%) developed infection leading to eventual transfemoral amputation 36.0±15.3 months later, and 1 patient had a single debridement six years after TTOI with no additional surgery in the subsequent two years. All patients who had transfemoral amputation elected for and received transfemoral osseointegration, and no infections occurred, although one patient sustained a periprosthetic fracture which was managed with internal fixation and implant retention and walks independently. The proportion of patients who wore their prosthesis at least 8 hours daily was 5/9=56%, versus 7/9=78% (p=.620). Even after proximal level amputation, the QTFA scores improved versus prior to TKR+TTOI, although not significantly: Global (45.2±20.3 vs 66.7±27.6, p=.179), Problem (39.8±19.8 vs 21.5±16.8, p=.205), Mobility (54.8±28.1 vs 67.7±25.0, p=.356). SF36 changes were also non-significant: Mental (58.6±7.0 vs 46.1±11.0, p=.068), Physical (34.3±6.1 vs 35.2±13.7, p=.904). Conclusions. TKR+TTOI presents a high risk for eventual infection prompting subsequent transfemoral amputation. Although none of these patients died, in general, TKR infection can lead to patient mortality. Given the exceptional benefit to preserving the knee joint to preserve amputee mobility and quality of life, it would be devastating to flatly force transtibial amputees with severe degenerative knee joint pain and unable to use a socket prosthesis to choose between TTOI but a painful knee, or preemptive transfemoral amputation for transfemoral osseointegration. Therefore, TTOI for patients who also request TKR must be considered cautiously. Given that this frequency of infection does not occur in patients who have total hip replacement in association with transfemoral osseointegration, the underlying issue may not be that linked joint replacement with osseointegrated limb replacement is incompatible, but may require further consideration of biological barriers to ascending infection and/or significant changes to implant design, surgical technique, or other yet-uncertain factors

Aims. Adenosine, lidocaine, and Mg. 2+. (ALM) therapy exerts differential immuno-inflammatory responses in males and females early after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Our aim was to investigate sex-specific effects of ALM therapy on joint tissue repair and recovery 28 days after surgery. Methods. Male (n = 21) and female (n = 21) adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into ALM or Saline control treatment groups. Three days after ACL rupture, animals underwent ACLR. An ALM or saline intravenous infusion was commenced prior to skin incision, and continued for one hour. An intra-articular bolus of ALM or saline was also administered prior to skin closure. Animals were monitored to 28 days, and joint function, pain, inflammatory markers, histopathology, and tissue repair markers were assessed. Results. Despite comparable knee function, ALM-treated males had reduced systemic inflammation, synovial fluid angiogenic and pro-inflammatory mediators, synovitis, and fat pad fibrotic changes, compared to controls. Within the ACL graft, ALM-treated males had increased expression of tissue repair markers, decreased inflammation, increased collagen organization, and improved graft-bone healing. In contrast to males, females had no evidence of persistent systemic inflammation. Compared to controls, ALM-treated females had improved knee extension, gait biomechanics, and elevated synovial macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α). Within the ACL graft, ALM-treated females had decreased inflammation, increased collagen organization, and improved graft-bone healing. In articular cartilage of ALM-treated animals, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 expression was blunted in males, while in females repair markers were increased. Conclusion. At 28 days, ALM therapy reduces inflammation, augments tissue repair patterns, and improves joint function in a sex-specific manner. The study supports transition to human safety trials. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(6):279–293

Aims

The primary aim was to assess whether preoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was associated with postoperative mortality following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess whether patient demographics/comorbidities and/or joint-specific function were associated with postoperative mortality.

Aims

Children with spinal dysraphism can develop various musculoskeletal deformities, necessitating a range of orthopaedic interventions, causing significant morbidity, and making considerable demands on resources. This systematic review aimed to identify what outcome measures have been reported in the literature for children with spinal dysraphism who undergo orthopaedic interventions involving the lower limbs.