Aims. The aim of this study was to assess orthopaedic oncologic patient morbidity resulting from COVID-19 related institutional delays and surgical shutdowns during the first wave of the pandemic in New York, USA. Methods. A single-centre retrospective observational study was conducted of all orthopaedic oncologic patients undergoing surgical evaluation from March to June 2020. Patients were prioritized as level 0-IV, 0 being elective and IV being emergent. Only priority levels 0 to III were included. Delay duration was measured in days and resulting morbidities were categorized into seven groups: prolonged pain/disability; unplanned preoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy; local tumour progression; increased systemic disease; missed opportunity for surgery due to progression of disease/lost to follow up; delay in diagnosis; and no morbidity. Results. Overall, 25 patients met inclusion criteria. There were eight benign tumours, seven metastatic, seven primary sarcomas, one multiple myeloma, and two patients without a biopsy proven diagnosis. There was no priority level 0, two priority level I, six priority level II, and 17 priority level III cases. The mean duration of delay for priority level I was 114 days (84 to 143), priority level II was 88 days (63 to 133), and priority level III was 77 days (35 to 269). Prolonged pain/disability and delay in diagnosis, affecting 52% and 40%,respectively, represented the two most frequent morbidities. Local tumour progression and increased systemic disease affected 32% and 24% respectively. No patients tested positive for COVID-19. Conclusion. COVID-19 related delays in surgical management led to major morbidity in this studied orthopaedic oncologic patient population. By understanding these morbidities through clearer hindsight, a thoughtful approach can be developed to balance the risk of COVID-19 exposure versus delay in treatment, ensuring optimal care for orthopedic oncologic patients as the pandemic continues with intermittent calls for halting surgery. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(4):236–242

Aims: The study aimed at analyzing the outcome of femoral components in patients with total hip replacement following osteonecrosis of the femoral head with regard to the associated factor of the osteonecrosis. Methods: We reviewed 41 patients with 55 cementless total hip replacements operated for advanced osteonecrosis. According to etiology of the osteonecrosis patients were divided into two groups. The first group included 17 cases with osteonecrosis without a systemic disease and the second group 38 cases with osteonecrosis associated with a systemic disease (alcohol abuse, corticosteroid medication, sickle-cell-disease). Results: The follow-up was on average 6.4 years (range, 2 to 12.8). Eight stem revisions had to be performed, all of them were in the patients with a systemic disease. Ten-year survival rates with femoral revision as the endpoint were in the first group 100%, and in the systemic disease group 68% (p=0.03). Conclusion: The data of this retrospective study supports the notion that the aetiology of osteonecrosis might has an influence on the survival of the femoral component

Background. The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge in clinical practice and the analysis of synovial fluid (SF) is a useful diagnostic tool. Recently, two synovial biomarkers (leukocyte esterase (LE) strip test, alpha-defensin (AD)) have been introduced into the MSIS (MusculoSkeletal Infection Society) algorithm for the diagnosis of PJI. AD, although promising with high sensitivity and specificity, remains expensive. Calprotectin is another protein released upon activation of articular neutrophils. The determination of calprotectin and joint CRP is feasible in a routine laboratory practice with low cost. Purpose. Our objective was to evaluate different synovial biomarkers (calprotectin, LE, CRP) for the diagnosis of PJI. Methods. In this monocentric study, we collected SF from hip, knee, ankle and shoulder joints of 42 patients who underwent revision or puncture for diagnostic purposes. Exclusion criteria included a joint surgery in the previous 3 months and a diagnosis of a systemic inflammatory disease. PJI was diagnosed in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting (RCP) of the Reference Centers for Osteoarticular Infections of the Great West (CRIOGO). SF was analysed for LE, CRP and calprotectin. The cut-off values used were 50 mg/L for calprotectin, 8.8 mg/L for CRP and 125 WBC/µL for LE. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for these different synovial markers. Results. Of the 42 patients included, 28 were considered as infected and 14 uninfected. The statistical parameters are presented in Table 1. Conclusion. The present study shows that the synovial calprotectin assay has an excellent sensitivity and a 100% NPV for the diagnosis of PJI, suggesting that a result < 50 mg/L could exclude PJI. This promising study suggests that calprotectin should be included with synovial CRP in a new decision algorithm for the diagnosis of PJI. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Distal radius fractures are the most common adult fractures, yet there remains some uncertainty surrounding optimal treatment modalities. Recently, the rate of operative treatment of these injuries has been increasing, however, predictors of outcomes in patients treated surgically remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate independent predictors of 30-day readmission and complications following internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Patients ≥18 years who underwent surgical intervention for distal radius fractures between 2005 and 2016 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) using procedural codes. Patient demographics, as well as 30-day readmission, complication, and mortality rates were ascertained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of 30-day outcomes while adjusting for patient age, sex, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) class, functional status, smoking status, comorbidities, and Body Mass Index (BMI). A total of 10,051 patients were identified (average age 58 ±16). All patients received open reduction and internal fixation with no cases of external fixation identified in the data set. Included fractures were 37% extraarticular and 63% intraarticular. Within 30-days of initial fixation 143 (1.42%) patients were readmitted to the hospital, 71 patients experienced a complication, and 18 (0.18%) patients died. After adjusting for relevant covariables, current smoking increased the odds of readmission by 1.73 (95%Confidence interval [95%CI] 1.15 – 2.50), ASA class III/IV vs. I/II increased the odds of readmission by 2.74 (95%CI 1.85 – 4.06), and inpatient surgery vs. outpatient surgery increased the odds of readmission by 2.10 (95%CI 1.46 – 3.03). Current smoking also increased the odds of complications by 2.26 (95%CI 1.32 – 3.87), while ASA class III/IV increased it by 2.78 (95%CI 1.60 – 4.85), inpatient surgery increased it by 2.26 (95%CI 1.37 – 3.74), and dependent functional status increased it by 2.55 (1.16 – 5.64). In conclusion, patients with severe systemic disease, current smokers and patients undergoing inpatient surgery are at risk for 30-day readmissions and complications following operative treatment of distal radius fractures. In addition, patients with dependent functional statuses are more likely to experience a complication within 30-days

The use of endoprosthesis implants is frequent for tumours involving the proximal third of the femur and not amenable to primary arthroplasty or internal fixation. In this population, these implants are preferentially cemented given poor bone quality associated with systemic diseases and treatments. Loosening is a common complication of these implants that have been linked to poor bone quality, type of implants and importantly cementing technique. Thus, these techniques vary between different surgeons and based mainly on previous experience. One of the most successful cementing techniques in the arthroplasty literature is the French paradox. This technique involves removing the cancellous bone of the proximal femoral metaphysis and selects the largest stem to tightly fit the created cavity delineated by cortical bone. Cementing the implant results in a very thin cement layer that fills the inconsistent gaps between the metal and the bone. To our knowledge, no previous report exists in the literature assessing loosening in proximal femur replacement using the French paradox cementing technique. In this study, we sought to examine (1) rates of loosening in proximal femur replacement, and (2) the oncological outcomes including tumour recurrence and implant related complications. A retrospective study of 42 patients underwent proximal femur replacement between 1990 and 2018 at our institution. Of these, 30 patients met our inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers have evaluated the preoperative and the most recent postoperative radiographs using the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) radiographic scoring system and Gruen classification for femoral stem loosening. Additionally, the acetabulum was evaluated for erosion according to the criteria of Baker et al. The mean age of this cohort was 60.5 (19–80), with 60% being males. The primary origin was metastatic in 17 (56.7%) patients, bone sarcoma in 10 (33.3%) patients and soft tissue sarcoma in 3 (10%) patients. Pathological fractures were present in 11 (36.7%) patients. Seven (23.3%) patients had prior intramedullary nailing. Preoperative radiotherapy was used in 8 (26.7%) and postoperative radiotherapy in 17 (56.7%) patients. The mean clinical follow-up was 25.2±26.3 months and the mean radiographical follow-up was 24.8±26 months. The mean ISOLS score for both reviewers was found to be 89±6.5% and 86.5±6.1%, respectively. Additionally, the first reviewer found two patients to be possibly loos (6.7%) compared to one (3.3%) patient for the second reviewer. No components scored as probably or definitely loose and non-required revision for either loosening or metal failure. Furthermore, both reviewers showed no acetabular erosion in 25 (83.3%) and 24 (80%) patients, respectively. On the other hand, the overall rate of complications was 36.6% with 11 complications reported in 30 patients. Local recurrence occurred in five (16.6%) patients. Prosthetic Dislocation was the most frequent complications with eight dislocations in four patients. Despite complications, our results showed no radiographic evidence of stem loosening. Cementing proximal femur prosthesis with a tight canal fit and with a thin cement mantle appears to be a viable option at short and medium term

Aim: To assess the functional and radiological outcome of AO wrist Arthrodesis using the AO wrist fusion plate. Method: An 8 year, independent, retrospective, radiological and functional review was performed using The DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) and the Buck-Gramcko/Lohmann outcome scores. Results: Twenty-eight patients were reviewed. The two scoring systems correlated consistently in regards to the functional outcome. However, patients with systemic disease experienced problems completing the DASH questionnaire. Mono-articular arthritis was associated with an excellent/good outcome in 95% of cases. Results for patients with systemic disease were markedly worse. There was one case of plate breakage associated with a delayed union of the second MCP joint. There was a 100% union rate, no significant post-operative infections and no tendon ruptures. Conclusion: The short to mid term clinical outcomes for the AO wrist fusion plate are encouraging and its use can be recommended in a variety of wrist pathologies

Epimetaphyseal lesions may occur within congenital dysplasia or can be linked to metabolic, inflammatory and systemic diseases. They can also be caused by trauma or be due to malign or benign neoplasms. Our case-report concerns a 4-year old boy who was x-rayed the day after falling from a chair and twisting his right ankle. X-ray showed an epimetaphyseal lesion of about 2 cm in diameter, located eccentrically in the lateral site of the distal tibia. A unilamellar periostal reaction could be detected in the lateral slices. On MRI, the lesion seemed to be of chondromatous origin and showed smooth borders with no evidence of surrounding oedema. The adjacent epiphyseal plate appeared as untypically fragmented. In CT-scans, the ventrolateral cortical bone was partially perforated and the lesion showed a tender sclerotic border. Due to the benign aspect, we agreed upon radiologic controls in order not to harm the epiphyseal plate by biopsy. MRI follow-ups revealed a slight but continuous growth. The lesion assumed an increasingly eccentric, tongue-shaped configuration with simultaneously increasing calcifications and mineralisations. After 5 years of radiological surveillance, the patient showed no evidence of growth-disturbance and did not report pain, but an increasing feeling of pressure when wearing boots. Traumatic causes as well as metabolic, inflammatory and systemic diseases can, considering the patient’s history and clinical status, be put aside. The benign aspect combined with the long-term follow-up rules out malignancies. A chondroid matrix with increasing areas of mineralisation imply the diagnosis of a chondromatous tumour, although radiomorphology does not support this assumption; especially not, if age, clinical presentation, eccentric epimetaphyseal location and the involvement of the epiphyseal plate are taken into account. Among the entities left for differential-diagnosis, a dysplastic process e.g. Dysplasia hemimelica, must be considered, although doubts remain. For confirmation of diagnosis, further radiological and clinical surveillance will be conducted

Aim. The cut-off values for synovial fluid leukocyte count and neutrophils differential (%PMN) for differentiating aseptic from septic failure in total knee arthroplasties were already defined in the past. Our goal was to determine the cut-off values for synovial fluid leukocyte count and %PMN in failed total hip arthroplasties (THA). Method. Patients undergoing revision THA were prospectively included. In perioperative assessment phase, synovial fluid leukocyte count and %PMN were determined. During the surgery, at least 4 intraoperative samples for microbiological and one for histopathological analysis were obtained. Infection was defined as presence of sinus tract, inflammation in histopathological samples, and ≥2 tissue and/or synovial fluid samples growing the same microorganism. Exclusion criteria were systemic inflammatory diseases, revision surgery performed less than 3 months from index surgery and insufficient tissue sampling. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic performance and Youden's J statistic was computed to identify optimal cut-off values. Results. During the study period (between June 2006 and June 2011) 227 revision THAs were performed by the senior author. 31 patients were excluded. 196 patients (mean age, 69 years; 68% females) with THA failure were included. Aseptic failure was diagnosed in 150 patients (76,5%) and THA infection was diagnosed in 46 patients (23,5%). Synovial fluid leukocyte counts were significantly higher in the infected group (median, 5.50×10. 6. leukocytes/ml range, 0.05 to 143.9×10. 6. leukocytes/mL) than in the aseptic group (median, 0.23×10. 6. cells/ml; range, 0 to 21.3×10. 6. leukocytes/ml, P<0,0001). The %PMN was also significantly higher in the infected group (median, 83%; range, 6% to 97%) than in the aseptic group (median, 27,5%; range, 0% to 94%, P<0,0001). A synovial fluid leukocyte count of > 1.54×10. 6. leukocytes/ml, had a sensitivity of 63%, specificity of 95%, positive and negative predictive values of 78% and 89%, respectively. A synovial fluid %PMN of > 64%, had a sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 93%, positive and negative predictive values of 73% and 90%, respectively. Conclusion. The synovial fluid leukocyte count of > 1.54×10. 6. leukocytes/ml and %PMN of > 64% are useful and reliable tests for excluding THA infection, having a negative predictive value of around 90%. This tests and calculated cut-off values are highly recommended in the diagnostic process of failed THAs

The sternoclavicular joint is vulnerable to the same disease processes as other synovial joints, the most common of which are instability from injury, osteoarthritis, infection and rheumatoid disease. Patients may also present with other conditions, which are unique to the joint, or are manifestations of a systemic disease process. The surgeon should be aware of these possibilities when assessing a patient with a painful, swollen sternoclavicular joint

Replacement of the shoulder in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is not often performed and there have been no published series to date. We present nine glenohumeral hemiarthroplasties in eight patients with systemic or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The mean follow-up was six years (59 to 89 months). The mean age at the time of surgery was 32 years. Surgery took place at a mean of 27 years after diagnosis. The results indicated excellent relief from pain. There was restoration of useful function which deteriorated with time, in part because of progression of the systemic disease in this severely affected group. No patient has required revision to date and there has been no radiological evidence of loosening or osteolysis around the implants. We discuss the pathoanatomical challenges unique to this group. There was very little space for a prosthetic joint and, in some cases, bony deformity and the small size necessitated the use of custom-made implants

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This study was designed to characterize the recurrence incidence and risk factors of antibiotic-loaded cement spacer (ALCS) for definitive bone defect treatment in limb osteomyelitis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):6–8.

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Proximal femur fractures treatment can involve anterograde nailing with a single or double cephalic screw. An undesirable failure for this fixation is screw cut-out. In a single-screw nail, a tip-apex distance (TAD) greater than 25 mm has been associated with an increased risk of cut-out. The aim of the study was to examine the role of TAD as a risk factor in a cephalic double-screw nail.

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This study was performed to explore the effect of melatonin on pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and the underlying mechanism of that effect.

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The Exeter short stem was designed for patients with Dorr type A femora and short-term results are promising. The aim of this study was to evaluate the minimum five-year stem migration pattern of Exeter short stems in comparison with Exeter standard stems.

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This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients.

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This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of meniscal cell lysate (MCL) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and osteoarthritis (OA).