Industries such as agriculture, construction and military have stringent rules about hearing protection due to the risk of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Due to the use of power tools, orthopaedic staff may be at risk of the same condition. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have clear standards as to what is deemed acceptable occupational noise levels on an A-weighted and C weighted scale. This review is aimed to assess evidence on noise exposure testing within Orthopaedic theatres to see if it exceeds the HSE regulations. A targeted search of online databases PUBMED and EMBASE was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) principles. This review was registered prospectively in PROSPERO. An eligibility criterion identifying clinical studies which assessed noise exposure for Orthopaedic staff in theatres were included. Noise exposure data was extracted from these studies and a comparison was made with A weighted and C weighted acceptable exposure levels as quoted in the HSE regulations. Fourteen papers were deemed eligible, which reviewed 133 Orthopaedic operations and 64 Orthopaedic instruments. In total, 61% (81 of 132) of Orthopaedic operations and 70% (45 of 64) of instruments exceeded the noise regulations on an A weighted scale. 22% (10 of 46) of operations exceeded the maximum C weighted peak acceptable noise level. Orthopaedic instruments and operations can exceed safe occupational noise levels. NHS Trusts have clear policies about noise exposure in the workplace but have yet to identify Orthopaedic theatres as a potential at risk area. Orthopaedic staff need education, monitoring and protection whereas Employers and Occupational Health should consider assessments to identify at risk staff in Orthopaedic theatres and offer preventative methods from NIHL

Simulation use in training is rapidly becoming a mainstay educational tool seen to offer perceived benefits of a safe environment for repeated practice and learning from errors without jeopardising patient safety. However, there is currently little evidence addressing the trainees’ perspectives and attitudes of simulation training, particularly in comparison with trainers and the educational community. This study investigates orthopaedic trainees’ and trainers’ conceptions of learning from simulation-based training, exploring whether the orthopaedic community are ‘on the same page’, with respect to each other and the educational community. Qualitative research in the form of semi-structured interviews is used to identify commonalities and differences between trainee and trainer conceptions, based on respective experiences and expectations, and suggests ways of enhancing collaboration between stakeholders to achieve better alignment of conceptions. The research revealed that orthopaedic trainees and trainers conceive key themes in a similar manner: supporting the role of simulation in developing the ‘pre-trained novice’ as opposed to skill refinement or maintenance; attributing greater importance to non-technical rather than technical skills development using simulation; questioning the transferability to practice of learnt skills; and emphasising similar barriers to increased curriculum integration, including financing and scheduling. These conceptions are largely in contrast to those of the educational community, possibly due to differing conceptions of learning between the two communities, along with a lack of a common language in the discourse of simulation. There was some evidence of changing attitudes and positively emerging conceptions among the orthopaedic community, and capitalising on this by engaging trainers and trainees may help reconcile the differing conceptions and facilitate increasing simulation utilisation and curriculum integration. Developing a common language to make the educational more tangible to surgeons, bringing the educational closer to the surgical, may help maximise the educational benefit and shape the future of simulation use in surgical training

Retained polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) debris in surgical instrument trays is a rare, but disquieting situation for the arthroplasty surgeon. Although retained debris could be considered to be sterile after autoclaving, there is no peer-reviewed literature to support this assumption. This uncertainty and subsequent fear of contamination from this bioburden often leads to operating room personnel turning over entire surgical tables and opening new surgical instruments, which consumes time and burdens a hospital's sterilization infrastructure. Consequently, the purpose of the current study was to determine if retained, heavily contaminated PMMA in surgical trays could be effectively sterilized through clinically utilized autoclave protocols. MSSA (Xen36, Perkin Elmer) biofilm was grown on identically sized PMMA (Palacos R) coupons for 72-hour duration. Following incubation, coupons were exposed to three commonly used sterilization protocols. Cobalt-Chrome (CC) coupons were included in the same tray, replicating instruments in proximity to retained PMMA. Autoclave protocols included: 1.) Single Instrument Flash protocol: Pre-vac, 270° F, 10 min exposure, 1 min drying, 2.) One Tray OR protocol: Pre-vac, 270° F, 4 min exposure, 1 min drying, and 3.) Standard Post-Operative protocol: Pre-vac, 270° F, 10 min exposure, 60 min drying. Control coupons did not undergo autoclaving. Coupons were then sonicated for 30 minutes in tryptic soy broth and plated to count CFUs. Experiments were performed in quadruplicate. Control coupons showed significant contamination with CFU counts in the range of 10. 6. CFU/mL. CFU counts of zero across all autoclaved PMMA and CC coupons revealed that each protocol was effective in completely eradicating culturable S. aureus, confirming clinical efficacy on orthopaedic cement sterilized in surgical trays. Our findings demonstrate that heavily contaminated PMMA and exposed metal in surgical trays can be effectively sterilized through several autoclaving protocols. Clinicians should feel confident in the efficacy of autoclave protocols in removing bacteria and its associated biofilm from othopaedic materials

As patient data continues to grow, the importance of efficient and precise analysis cannot be overstated. The employment of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Chat GPT-4, in the realm of medical data interpretation has been on the rise. However, its effectiveness in comparison to manual data analysis has been insufficiently investigated. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the accuracy and time-efficiency of Generative AI (GPT-4) against manual data interpretation within extensive datasets pertaining to patients with orthopaedic injuries. A dataset, containing details of 6,562 orthopaedic trauma patients admitted to a district general hospital over a span of two years, was reviewed. Two researchers operated independently: one utilised GPT-4 for insights via prompts, while the other manually examined the identical dataset employing Microsoft Excel and IBM® SPSS® software. Both were blinded on each other's procedures and outcomes. Each researcher answered 20 questions based on the dataset including injury details, age groups, injury specifics, activity trends and the duration taken to assess the data. Upon comparison, both GPT-4 and the manual researcher achieved consistent results for 19 out of the 20 questions (95% accuracy). After a subsequent review and refined prompts (prompt engineering) to GPT-4, the answer to the final question aligned with the manual researcher's findings. GPT-4 required just 30 minutes, a stark contrast to the manual researcher's 9-hour analytical duration. This quality improvement project emphasises the transformative potential of Generative AI in the domain of medical data analysis. GPT-4 not only paralleled the accuracy of manual analysis but also achieved this in significantly less time. For optimal accurate results, data analysis by AI can be enhanced through human oversight. Adopting AI-driven approaches, particularly in orthopaedic data interpretation, can enhance efficiency and ultimately improve patient care. We recommend future investigations on large and more varied datasets to reaffirm these outcomes

Aims. Our rural orthopaedic service has undergone service restructure during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to sustain hip fracture care. All adult trauma care has been centralised to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for assessment and medical input, before transferring those requiring operative intervention to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. We aim to review the impact of COVID-19 on hip fracture workload and service changes upon management of hip fractures. Methods. We reviewed our prospectively maintained trust database and National Hip Fracture Database records for the months of March and April between the years 2016 and 2020. Our assessment included fracture pattern (intrascapular vs extracapsular hip fracture), treatment intervention, length of stay and mortality. Results. We treated 288 patients during March and April between 2016 and 2020, with a breakdown of 55, 58, 53, 68, and 54 from 2016 to 2020 respectively. Fracture pattern distribution in the pre-COVID-19 years of 2016 to 2019 was 58% intracapsular and 42% extracapsular. In 2020 (COVID-19 period) the fracture patterns were 65% intracapsular and 35% extracapsular. Our mean length of stay was 13.1 days (SD 8.2) between 2016 to 2019, and 5.0 days (6.3) days in 2020 (p < 0.001). Between 2016 and 2019 we had three deaths in hip fracture patients, and one death in 2020. Hemiarthroplasty and dynamic hip screw fixation have been the mainstay of operative intervention across the five years and this has continued in the COVID-19 period. We have experienced a rise in conservatively managed patients; ten in 2020 compared to 14 over the previous four years. Conclusion. There has not been a reduction in the number of hip fractures during COVID-19 period compared to the same time period over previous years. In our experience, there has been an increase in conservative treatment and decreased length of stay during the COVID -19 period. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:500–507

Orthopaedic surgical hoods rely on an intrinsic fan to force clean external air over the wearer and allow potentially contaminated and expired air to flow down and away from the surgical field. Carbon dioxide (CO. 2. ) is produced through aerobic metabolism and can potentially accumulate inside the hood. Levels above 2500ppm have been shown to affect cognitive and practical function in flight simulator studies. Maximum Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 8-hour exposure limit is 5000ppm There is a paucity of data on real-world CO. 2. levels experienced during arthroplasty surgery whilst wearing a hood. CO. 2. levels were continuously recorded during 31 elective arthroplasties, both primary and revision. Data was collected for surgeon and assistant. Data was recorded at 0.5Hz throughout the procedure utilising a Bluetooth CO. 2. detector, worn inside a Stryker Flyte. ™. surgical helmet worn with a toga gown. Four surgeons contributed real time data to the study. This data was augmented with experimental data, investigating varying fan speeds and activity levels. Median operative duration was 82 minutes (range 36–207). The average CO. 2. level across all procedures was 2952ppm, with 22 of the cases having a mean above 2500ppm, but none having a mean above 5000ppm. For each procedure, the time spent above 2500 and 5000 ppm was calculated, with the average being 68.4 % and 5.6% respectively. The experimental data demonstrated higher CO. 2. levels with lower fan speed, and at higher activity levels, and levels exceeding 15000 ppm during gentle exercise. During operative cases, low fan speed cases did have a marginally higher mean CO. 2. value than high fan speed (3033.02 and 2903.56 respectively) but the small numbers of cases (n=10) where this data was captured limit the relevance of this difference. The use of surgical helmets for elective orthopaedic surgery, can results in CO. 2. levels regularly rising to a point which may affect cognitive function. This study recommends the use of a higher fan speed where possible to minimise the risk of such CO. 2. levels, and recommends further research in this area

The use of routine sampling for histological analysis during revision hip replacement has been standard practice in our unit for many years. It is used to identify the presence of inflammatory processes that may represent peri-prosthetic infection. This study follows up on a smaller study in the same unit in 2019 where an initial 152 cases were scrutinised. In this follow up study we examined 1,361 consecutive patients over a 16-year period whom had undergone revision hip replacement in a tertiary orthopaedic centre for any reason excluding primary bone tumour or malignant metastasis. All patients had tissue sampling for histopathological analysis performed by consultant histopathologists with a specialist interest in musculoskeletal pathology. The presence of bacteria in greater than 50% of samples sent for microbiological analysis in each patient was used as the gold standard diagnostic comparator for infection. This was then compared with the histology report for each patient. After excluding 219 patients with incomplete data and 1 sample rejection, 1,141 cases were examined. Microbiology confirmed infection in 132 cases (prevalence of infection 11.04%) and histopathology analysis suggested infection in 171 cases. Only 64 cases with confirmed infection in more than 50% of microbiology samples had concurrent diagnosis of infection on histological analysis (5.60% of total; PPV 51.20%). Furthermore, microbiology analysis confirmed infection in 62 cases where histological analysis failed to identify infection (5.43% of total; False negative rate 49.21%). Overall, histopathology analysis was seen to have a good specificity of 93.99% but poor sensitivity of 50.79%. We believe that this is the largest series in the literature and is somewhat unique in that all histology analysis was performed by consultant histopathologists with specialist interest in musculoskeletal pathology. Based on the costs incurred by this additional investigation our experience does not support routine sampling for histological analysis in revision hip arthroplasty. This is a substantial paradigm shift from current practice among revision arthroplasty surgeons in the United Kingdom but would equate to a substantial cost saving

Introduction. The medical field has long held largely anecdotal beliefs that polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) vapors are dangerous to a growing fetus, and as such, women who are pregnant should avoid exposure. This study investigates the perceptions of female orthopedic surgeons regarding PMMA cement exposure during pregnancy, and if it influences 1) currently held beliefs / practices and 2) clinical and career choices. Methods. A 23-question survey was distributed via e-mail to active members of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and a private social media group for women in orthopedics. Questions included demographics, current usage of PMMA, previous exposure during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and beliefs regarding current or future willingness of exposure. Additionally, questions were asked regarding PMMA training and whether beliefs influenced specialty choices. Results. There were 278 survey responses received, of which 256 met inclusion criteria. 73% currently utilize PMMA in training/practice, and >90% of survey respondents reported awareness of risks surrounding PMMA in pregnancy. PMMA training was found to have a weak positive correlation with those who remained in the room while pregnant. 43.6% would leave the room in the future if PMMA were being used while they were pregnant, with 26.2% leaving if they were breastfeeding. 24.9% would leave if they were the primary surgeon on the case, and 8.4% admitted that PMMA exposure during pregnancy factored into which subspecialty they chose. Conclusion. This survey demonstrates a lack of consensus amongst female orthopedic surgeons regarding the risks posed by remaining in a room during pregnancy and breastfeeding while PMMA is used. Despite 90% of respondents claiming awareness of the risks of PMMA, beliefs and education practices should be examined to determine if they match the available literature. It is plausible that beliefs regarding this exposure are deterring individuals from pursuing specialties where PMMA is used regularly. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Metal alloys have been commonly used for surgical applications due to their suitable mechanical characteristics and relatively good biocompatibility. However, direct cellular corrosion of orthopaedic implants remains a controversial topic and is still not fully understood. This study aims to examine a possible aspect of this corrosion mechanism by determining if macrophages can attach and directly affect the surfaces of 316L stainless steel, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo by releasing components of the alloy oxide layer. Methods. IC-21 ATCC peritoneal macrophages were cultured with growth medium of RPMI 1640 with 10%FBS, L-glutamine, and gentamicin. Interferon Gamma (IFNy) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to induce activation of macrophages. Stainless Steel, CoCr, and Titanium disks cut, polished, and placed into a 96 well plate. Stainless steel testing included 6 groups: standard medium, 20,000 cells, 40,000 cells, 20,000 activated cells, 40,000 activated cells. CoCr and Ti testing included the following: medium, 40,000 cells, 20,000 activated cells, cells, no disk + 20,000 cells, no disk + 40,000 cells. After cells were attached to the surface, culture media was replaced and collected every 24 hours for stainless steel and every 12 hours for Ti and CoCr. ICP-MS, conducted at Brooks Applied Labs (Bothell, WA), was used to determine metal concentrations found in the supernatant. Results. A Kurskal-Wallis test and Tukey test were used to compare the groups in Table 2 (medium only, IFNy/LPS 20K, medium 20K cells, medium 40K cells). On stainless steel, both non-activated and activated cell groups were shown to have a statistically significant increase in metal ion release for Cr, Fe, and Ni (p<0.05) compared to medium only. On Ti, there was a significant increase in Al (<0.001) and decrease in V (p=0.003) among all groups compared to medium. No differences were seen among disk groups on CoCr. No difference was seen among activated and non-activated cells placed on all three types of disks. Discussion. This study was successful in showing that macrophages are capable of affecting the oxide layer of stainless steel and Ti by releasing more components of the oxide surface within 30 days. A significant increase in Cr, Fe, and Ni ion release was realized when cells were cultured on the surface of stainless steel disks for 30 days. A previous study, also involving 316L stainless steel, has shown that osteoclasts cause a greater increase in Cr compared to Ni under similar conditions. Our results show that macrophages lead to a greater increase of Ni ions compared to Cr. This suggest that various cell types may effectively change metal ion release profiles in different ways. Surprisingly, V content decreased when cells were attached to Ti disks, possibly indicating uptake of the V particles into the cells instead of release into the supernatant. No differences where seen among CoCr disk groups, therefore we cannot determine if corrosion is occurring during the 30 period. To get a more accurate representation a longer testing time may be necessary. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Training the next generation of surgeon's forms part of routine Consultant practice. Stress causes activation of the Autonomic Nervous System and this can be directly measured using heart rate (HR). Training time is limited with pressures from EWTD and management and efficiency targets. The aim of this study was to assess whether being an orthopaedic trainer is more stressful than performing the surgery. Methodology. This was a prospective multicentre study. Consultant orthopaedic surgeon HR was monitored intra-operatively using a ‘Wahoo Fitness’ chest strap and the data recorded by the proprietary Android app. Data was collected prior to surgery to obtain a resting heart rate, and at set points during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The peak and mean HR for each stage of the operation were recorded and compared to cases where the consultant surgeon was performing the case or assisting a trainee. Data was compared with a 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Results. 23 cases (13 THA, trainer operating in 3 and 10 TKR, trainer operating in 2). The average baseline HR during the procedure was significantly higher when the consultant surgeon was performing the procedure when compared to training a trainee. There were spikes in consultant HR at insertion of both acetabulum and femur during THA, during component trailing and insertion during TKA. These spikes were lower when training than when performing. Discussion. The average HR is lower and the increase in HR at key stages of THA and TKA is less when training than when performing. Although difficult to disentangle the contribution of physical exertion from stress, the lower HR may indicate lower stress, and given stress can significantly shorten your life expectancy – having and training a trainee could seriously help prolong your life and career

Introduction. Surgical simulation and ‘virtual’ surgical tools are becoming recognised as essential aids for speciality training in Trauma & Orthopaedics, as evidenced by the BOA T&O Simulation Curriculum 2013. 1,2. The current generation of hip arthroplasty simulators, including cadaveric workshops, offers the trainee limited exposure to reproducible real life bony pathology. We developed and implemented a novel training course using pathological dry bone models generated from real patient cases to support senior orthopaedic trainees and new consultants in developing knowledge and hands on skills in complex total hip arthroplasty. Patient/Materials & Methods. A two-day programme for 20 delegates was held at a specialist centre for hip arthroplasty. Three complex femoral and three complex acetabular cases were identified from patients seen at our centre. 3D models were printed from CT scans and dry bone models produced (using a mold-casting process), enabling each delegate to have a copy of each case at a cost of around £30 per case per delegate (Figure 1). The faculty was led by 4 senior Consultant revision hip surgeons. A computerised digitising arm was used to measure cup positioning and femoral stem version giving candidates immediate objective feedback (Figure 2). Candidate experience and satisfaction with the course and models was evaluated with a standardised post-course questionnaire. Results. 91% of respondents rated overall course satisfaction good or very good with 100% stating learning objectives were met or exceeded. 100% of delegates rated the bone model workshop cases as good or very good for the acetabular course, and 88% for the femoral course. Discussion. This course has been shown to enhance learning of surgical techniques and skills in complex hip surgery. Conclusion. We have developed a novel, effective and low cost training simulation method using pathological dry bone models for complex and revision hip arthroplasty which could be developed for other anatomical areas

Intertrochanteric fractures are common, accounting for nearly 30% of all fracture related admissions. Some have suggested that these fractures should be treated in community hospitals so as not to tax the resources of Level One trauma centers. Since many factors predictive of fixation failure are related to technical aspects of the surgery, the purpose of this study was to compare radiographic parameters after fixation comparing trauma fellowship trained surgeons to non-fellowship trained community surgeons to see if these fractures can be treated successfully in either setting.

Using our hospital system's trauma database, we identified 100 consecutive patients treated with cephalomedullary nails by traumatologists, and 100 consecutive patients treated by community surgeons. Quality of reduction, neck shaft angle (NSA), tip-to apex distance (TAD) were compared.

The mean TAD for the trauma group was 10mm compared to 21mm for the community group (p<0.001). The mean postoperative NSA for the trauma group was 133 degrees compared to 127 degrees for the community group (p<0.001). The mean difference in the NSA of the fractured side compared to the normal hip was 2.5 degrees of valgus in the trauma group compared to 5 degrees of varus for the community group (p<0.001). There were 93 good reductions in the trauma group compared to 19 in the community group (p<0.001). There were no poor reductions in the trauma group and 49 poor reductions in the community group (p<0.001).

Fellowship trained traumatologists achieved significantly more accurate reductions and implant placement during cephalomedullary nailing of intertrochanteric hip fractures.

Introduction. Deep prosthetic joint infection is a major cause of morbidity. Previous work has shown that infected skin scales shed by members of staff in the operating theatre are the key source of infection. Much attention has been given to the design of ultra clean operating theatres but remarkably little attention has been given to factors controlling skin scale shedding. The aim of this study was to develop a novel method of direct visualisation and quantification of skin scales and to assess the effect of a simple skin care regimen on skin scales. Patients/Materials & Methods. Direct visualisation of the skin surface at high power is difficult due to the depth of surface contours in relation to microscope depth of field. A Zeiss stereo compound Axio-Zoom microscope was used containing a stage on which subjects’ upper or lower limbs could be comfortably placed. A reflected light source allowed direct visualisation of a magnified image of the skin surface. Real-time digital manipulation of multiple z-stacked images on a linked computer created a composite three dimensional image of the skin surface. Density of skin scales was then calculated from this image. We tested the effect of a standardised skincare regime consisting of washing, exfoliation and moisturisation on skin scale density at multiple sites and contralateral controls. Results. The z-stack images provided excellent visualisation of the skin. There was considerable variation in skin scale density between individuals. Our data demonstrated a reduction in skin scale density at a study site during each successive stage of the skin care regimen. This effect was sustained even when the regimen was performed 12 hours prior to image acquisition. There was a marked reduction in skin scale density in treated compared to untreated contralateral sites, which was maintained over a period of hours. Discussion. This study demonstrates a practical reproducible method of direct visualisation of the skin and quantification of skin scales. The method is suitable for a larger scale study of orthopaedic theatre staff during a working day and to measure the effect of the simple skin care regimen in this population. We have also conducted a pilot study in a clean room and we use surface microscopy to help study the relationship between skincare, clothing and contamination measured in CFU/cubic meter of air. Conclusion. It is hypothesised that a daily skin care regimen comprising washing, exfoliating and moisturising for operating theatre staff would be expected to reduce intraoperative skin scale shedding and consequently prosthetic joint infection rates. Regular exfoliation by surgical staff is likely to substantially reduce airborne contamination in clean air theatres

Aims

This study aimed to determine if macrophages can attach and directly affect the oxide layers of 316L stainless steel, titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) by releasing components of these alloys.

Background

National hip fracture programmes are becoming widespread, but this practice is nascent and varied. The Scottish Hip Fracture Audit (SHFA) was an early adopter of this strategy and is credited with substantial systemic improvements in quality and outcomes.

The use of routine sampling for histological analysis during revision hip replacement has been standard practice in our unit for many years. It is used to assess for the presence of inflammatory processes that may represent peri-prosthetic infection.

Our study examines 152 consecutive patients who underwent revision hip replacement in our centre for all reasons, excluding malignant neoplasm or metastasis. We reviewed the cases from a prospectively collated database, comparing microbiology results with histology results. Both microscopic and macroscopic analysis by specialist musculoskeletal histopathologist was included in our study.

We found 17 (11.2%) patients had cultured bacteria from intra-operative samples. Eight patients (5.3%) had histological findings interpreted as infection. Only one patient who had macroscopic and microscopic histology findings suggestive of infection also had culture results that identified a pathogen. Furthermore, the macroscopic analyses by the histopathologist suggested infection in nine patients. Only one patient with positive culture in greater than 2 samples had histological features of infection.

Of the 4 patients who were found to have 3 or more samples where an organism was identified only one had histological features of infection. This represents 25% sensitivity when using histology to analyse samples for infection. Of the 8 patients who had both macroscopic and microscopic features of infection only 1 patients cultured bacteria in more than 3 samples (PPV 12.5%).

Our experience does not support the routine sampling for histology in revision hip replacement. We suggest it is only beneficial in cases where infection is suspected or where a multi-procedure, staged revision is performed and the surgeon is planning return to theatre for the final stage. This is a substantial paradigm shift from the current practice among revision arthroplasty surgeons in the United Kingdom but will equate to a substantial cost saving.

Arthroplasty registries have played a key role in the treatment of patients with various joint diseases and conditions since their conception. Swedish hip and knee arthroplasty registries were initiated in late 1970's. The main aim of registries was to create feedback to surgeons. During the last two decades with introduction of patient reported outcomes, data from registries have been increasingly used to compare caregivers and to improve quality of health care. According to the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (SHAR) Sahlgrenska University Hospital had been underperforming during years 2006–2012. In order to improve the outcomes a systematic data driven approach using local and national registries, based on value based management was undertaken.

Representatives from all categories of healthcare staff and patients were invited to join a newly initiated group. The group was asked to define which measurement that contributed most to improve healthcare. Data from SHAR and local registries were used and seventeen different areas of improvement were identified. Several workgroups were initiated.

Between years 2013 and 2017 there was an increase of 60% in the annual volume of elective THAs. The length of stay decreased from 6.4 days to 1.8 days. Satisfaction with outcome of surgery increased from 76% to 90%. Adverse events decreased from 28% to 10%. The risk of re-operations within 2 years decreased from 2.4% to 1.9%.

Data from a national and a local registry were used to identify and implement changes in a large university hospital. Engaging member of staff and creating a graphical tool for continuous feedback drastically improved the quality of care whilst increasing the availability of hip replacements and reducing costs. This project demonstrates the power of registry data and a patient centered approach in engaging staff and improving healthcare.

Aims. Periprosthetic hip-joint infection is a multifaceted and highly detrimental outcome for patients and clinicians. The incidence of prosthetic joint infection reported within two years of primary hip arthroplasty ranges from 0.8% to 2.1%. Costs of treatment are over five-times greater in people with periprosthetic hip joint infection than in those with no infection. Currently, there are no national evidence-based guidelines for treatment and management of this condition to guide clinical practice or to inform clinical study design. The aim of this study is to develop guidelines based on evidence from the six-year INFection and ORthopaedic Management (INFORM) research programme. Methods. We used a consensus process consisting of an evidence review to generate items for the guidelines and online consensus questionnaire and virtual face-to-face consensus meeting to draft the guidelines. Results. The consensus panel comprised 21 clinical experts in orthopaedics, primary care, rehabilitation, and healthcare commissioning. The final output from the consensus process was a 14-item guideline. The guidelines make recommendations regarding increased vigilance and monitoring of those at increased risk of infection; diagnosis including strategies to ensure the early recognition of prosthetic infection and referral to orthopaedic teams; treatment, including early use of DAIR and revision strategies; and postoperative management including appropriate physical and psychological support and antibiotic strategies. Conclusion. We believe the implementation of the INFORM guidelines will inform treatment protocols and clinical pathways to improve the treatment and management of periprosthetic hip infection. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):226–233

Aims. This study aimed to assess the carbon footprint associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a UK hospital setting, considering various components within the operating theatre. The primary objective was to identify actionable areas for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable orthopaedic practices. Methods. Using a life-cycle assessment approach, we conducted a prospective study on ten cemented and ten hybrid THA cases, evaluating carbon emissions from anaesthetic room to recovery. Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions were considered, focusing on direct emissions and energy consumption. Data included detailed assessments of consumables, waste generation, and energy use during surgeries. Results. The carbon footprint of an uncemented THA was estimated at 100.02 kg CO2e, with a marginal increase to 104.89 kg CO2e for hybrid THA. Key contributors were consumables in the operating theatre (21%), waste generation (22%), and scope 2 emissions (38%). The study identified opportunities for reducing emissions, including instrument rationalization, transitioning to LED lighting, and improving waste-recycling practices. Conclusion. This study sheds light on the substantial carbon footprint associated with THA. Actionable strategies for reducing emissions were identified, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in orthopaedic surgery. The findings prompt a critical discussion on the environmental impact of single-use versus reusable items in the operating theatre, challenging traditional norms to make more environmentally responsible choices. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):742–748

Hip prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a debilitating complication following joint replacement surgery, with significant impact on patients and healthcare systems. The INFection ORthopaedic Management: Evidence into Practice (INFORM:EP) study, builds upon the 6-year INFORM programme by developing evidence-based guidelines for the identification and management of hip PJI. A panel of 21 expert stakeholders collaborated to develop best practice guidelines based on evidence from INFORM \[1\]. An expert consensus process was used to refine guidelines using RAND/UCLA criteria. The guidelines were then implemented over a 12-month period through a Learning Collaborative of 24 healthcare professionals from 12 orthopaedic centres in England. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 members of the collaborative and findings used to inform the development of an implementation support toolkit. Patient and public involvement contextualised the implementation of the guidelines. The study is registered with the ISCRTN (34710385). The INFORM guidelines, structured around the stages of PJI management, were largely supported by surgeons, although barriers included limited awareness among non-surgical team members, lack of job planning for multidisciplinary teams, and challenges in ensuring timely referrals from primary care. Psychological support for patients was identified as a critical gap. Advanced Nurse Practitioners and multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordinators were seen as potential bridges to address these knowledge gaps. The guidelines were also viewed as a useful tool for service development. This study presents the first evidence-based guidelines for hip PJI management, offering a comprehensive approach to prevention, treatment, and postoperative care. Effective implementation is crucial, involving wider dissemination amongst primary and community care, as well as non-specialist treatment centres. Further resources are needed to ensure job planning for MDTs and psychological support for patients. Overall, this study lays the foundation for improved PJI management, benefiting patients and healthcare systems