Aim. Calcaneal osteomyelitis remains a difficult condition to treat with high rates of recurrence and below knee amputation; particularly in cases of severe soft tissue destruction. This study assesses the outcomes of combined ortho-plastics treatment of complex calcaneal osteomyelitis. Method. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent combined single stage ortho-plastics treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis (2008- 2022). Primary outcome measures were osteomyelitis recurrence and BKA. Secondary outcome measures included flap failure, operative time, complications, length of stay. Results. 33 patients (16 female, 17 male, mean age = 54.4 years) underwent combined ortho-plastics surgical treatment for BACH “complex” calcaneal osteomyelitis with a median follow-up of 31 months (s.d. 24.3). 20 received a local flap, 13 received a free flap. Fracture-related infection (39%) and diabetic ulceration (33%) were the commonest causes. 54% of patients had already undergone at least one operation elsewhere. There were seven cases of recurrent osteomyelitis (21%); all in the local flap group. One patient required a BKA (3%). Recurrence was associated with increased mortality risk (OR 18.8 (95% CI 1.5–227.8), p=0.004) and reduced likelihood of walking independently (OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.02–0.86), p=0.042). Local flap reconstruction (OR 15 (95% CI 0.8–289.6), p=0.027) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 39.7 (95% CI 1.7–905.6), p=0.006) were associated with increased recurrence risk. Free flap reconstruction took significantly longer intra-operatively than local flaps (443 vs 174 minutes, p<0.001), but without significant differences in length of stay or frequency of out-patient appointments. Conclusions. Single stage ortho-plastic management was associated with 79% eradication of infection and 3% amputation in this complex and co-morbid patient group. Risk factors for failure were peripheral vascular disease and local flap reconstruction. Whilst good outcomes can be achieved, this treatment requires high levels of in-patient and out-patient care

Patients awaiting resolution of swelling and oedema prior to ankle surgery can represent a significant burden on hospital beds. Our study assessed whether external pneumatic intermittent compression (EPIC) can reduce delays to surgery. Our prospective randomised controlled trial (n= 20) compared outcomes of patients treated with EPIC vs control group managed with ice and elevation. Included were patients aged <18 years with isolated closed ankle fractures admitted for management of swelling prior to surgery. Excluded were open fractures, injuries to contralateral leg, diabetes, absent pulses, peripheral vascular disease, inability to consent, no requirement for admission. Eligible patients were randomised to active or control arms. All patients were managed initially with reduction and back slab application. Patients in active arm fitted with EPIC (Hydroven 3000) device over the back slab. Assessment by treating team determined the time at which patient is assessed ready for surgery. Patients in the treatment arm were assessed as ready for surgery sooner, (123 hrs vs 168hrs, T score = 1.925, P 0.035) and had a shorter time to surgery (167 hrs vs 216 hrs, T score = 1.748, P 0.047) Length of stay was reduced bud did not reach statistical significance. (259 hrs vs 269 hrs, T score 0.229, P 0.41). Our results showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction in time that patients were assessed ready for surgery and time to surgery in the treatment cohort. We conclude that although further data is needed to achieve an adequately powered study and assess the safety profile of the EPIC, incorporation of EPIC into routine clinical practice has the potential for significant cost savings

Aim. Knee arthrodesis (KA) and above knee amputation (AKA) have been used for salvage of failed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The factors that lead to a failed fusion and progression to AKA are not well understood. The purpose of our study was to determine factors associated with failure of a staged fusion for PJI and predictive of progression to AKA. Method. We retrospectively reviewed a single-surgeon series of failed TKA for PJI treated with two-stage KA between 2000 and 2016 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical history, tissue compromise, and radiographic data were recorded. Outcomes were additional surgery, delayed union, Visual Analog Pain scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Activity score (WOMAC). No power analysis was performed for this retrospective study. Medians are reported as data were not normally distributed. Results. Fifty-one knees underwent fusion with median follow-up of 7 years (interquartile range (IQR) of 2–18 years). Median age was 71 years old (IQR 47 – 98), with a M:F ratio of 23:28. Median BMI was 34.3 kg/m2 (IQR 17.9–61). Infection was eradicated in 47 knees (92.2%); 24 knees (47.0%) required no additional surgery. 41 patients (83.6%) remained ambulatory after knee fusion, with 21% of these patients (10 total) requiring no ambulatory assistive device. Median VAS following arthrodesis was 4.6 (range 0–10). Median WOMAC was 36.2 (range 9–86). Three TKAs (5.9%) underwent AKA for overwhelming infection. Predictors of AKA were chronic kidney disease (OR 4.0, 95% CI 0.6–26.8), peripheral vascular disease (OR 3.5, 95% CI 0.3–44.7), AORI III bone loss (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.4–35.2), instability (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.2–15.9), and immunosuppression (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.1–7.8). Tobacco use (OR 8.6, 95%CI 2.4–31.4), BMI>25 (OR 3.8, 95% CI 0.43–32.5) and instability prior to arthrodesis (OR 2.51, 95% CI 0.77–8.21) were associated with non-union. All other risk factors (gender, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, massive bone stock loss, and immunosuppression) were not associated with arthrodesis failure. Conclusions. Staged KA for PJI in severely compromised hosts provides a functional limb free of infection and rarely results in conversion to AKA. Given our small sample size, ability to establish statistical significance of predictive factors for AKA after PJI was limited, but CKD, peripheral vascular disease, AORI III bone loss, instability, and immunosuppression trended towards significance as predictors of failure of KA after PJI predisposing to AKA

Introduction. Circular frames for ankle fusion are usually reserved for complex clinical scenarios. Current literature is heterogenous and difficult to interpret. We aimed to study the indications and outcomes of this procedure in detail. Materials & Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed based on a prospective database of frame surgeries performed in a tertiary institution. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing complex ankle fusion with circular frames between 2005 and 2020, with a minimum 12-month follow up. Data were collected on patient demographics, surgical indications, comorbidities, surgical procedures, external fixator time (EFT), length of stay (LOS), radiological and clinical outcomes, and adverse events. Factors influencing radiological and clinical outcomes were analysed. Results. 47 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of three years. The mean age at time of surgery was 63.6 years. Patients had a median of two previous surgeries. The median LOS was 8.5 days, and median EFT was 237 days. Where simultaneous limb lengthening was performed, the average lengthening was 2.9cm, increasing the EFT by an average of 4 months. Primary and final union rates were 91.5% and 95.7% respectively. At last follow-up, ASAMI bone scores were excellent or good in 87.2%. ASAMI functional scores were good in 79.1%. Patient satisfaction was 83.7%. 97.7% of patients experienced adverse events, most commonly pin-site related, with major complications in 30.2% and re-operations in 60.5%. There were 3 amputations. Adverse events were associated with increased age, poor soft tissue condition, severe deformities, subtalar fusions, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and prolonged EFT. Conclusions. Complex ankle fusion using circular frames can achieve good outcomes in complicated clinical scenarios, however patients can expect a prolonged time in the frame and high rates of adverse events. Multiple risk factors were identified for poorer outcomes, which should be considered in patient counselling and prognostication

Tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a subject of considerable debate. A recent study questioned the need for tourniquets based on associated risks. However, the study omitted analysis of crucial tourniquet-related parameters which have been demonstrated in numerous studies to be associated with safe tourniquet use and reduction of adverse events. The current utilization and preferences of tourniquet use in Canada remain unknown. Our primary aim was to determine the current practices, patterns of use, and opinions of tourniquet use in TKA among members of the Canadian Arthroplasty Society (CAS). Additionally, we sought to determine the need for updated best practice guidelines to inform optimal tourniquet use and to identify areas requiring further research. A self-administered survey was emailed to members of the CAS in October 2021(six-week period). The response rate was 57% (91/161). Skip logic branching was used to administer a maximum of 59 questions related to tourniquet use, beliefs, and practices. All respondents were staff surgeons and 88% were arthroplasty fellowship trained. Sixty-five percent have been in practice for ≥11 years and only 16% for 50 TKA/year, 59% have an academic practice, and >67% prefer cemented TKA. Sixty-six percent currently use tourniquets, 25% no longer do but previously did, and 9% never used tourniquets. For those not using tourniquets, the most common reasons are potential harm/risks and publications/conferences. Among current users, 48% use in all cases and an additional 37% use in 76-99% of cases. The top reason for use was improved visualization/bloodless field (88%), followed by performing a cemented TKA, used in training, and faster operative times. The main patient factor influencing selective tourniquet use was peripheral vascular disease and main surgical factors were operative duration and cementless TKA. The most frequent adverse events reported were bruising/pinching under the tourniquet and short-term pain, which majority believed were related to improper tourniquet use (prolonged time, high-pressures, poor cuff fit), yet only 8% use contoured tourniquets and 32% don't use limb protection. Despite substantial evidence in literature that tourniquet safety and probability of harm are affected by tourniquet time and pressure, only 83% and 72% of respondents believe reducing tourniquet time and pressure respectively reduce the probability of harm. In addition, no surgeon utilizes personalized limb occlusion pressure which has been demonstrated to substantially reduce tourniquet pressure while being safe and effective. Furthermore, 62% always use fixed pressure and 37% will modify the pressure based on patient parameters, most often systolic blood pressure and limb size. Almost all (88%) were interested in new evidence-based guidelines regarding these parameters. Tourniquet use in TKA remains prevalent among arthroplasty surgeons in the CAS; however tremendous practice variability regarding several key parameters required for optimal use exists. Current best practices of tourniquet use regarding personalized pressures, time, and type are not being utilized across Canada. There is considerable interest and need for further research and updated guidelines regarding key parameters of safe tourniquet usage to optimize tourniquet use in TKA

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for complications after operative management of ankle fractures. Generally, diabetic sequelae such as neuropathy and nephropathy portend greater risk; however, the degree of risk resulting from these patient factors is poorly defined. We sought to evaluate the effects of the diabetic sequelae of neuropathy, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) on the risk of complications following operative management of ankle fractures. Using a national claims-based database we analyzed patients who had undergone operative management of an ankle fracture and who remained active in the database for at least two years thereafter. Patients were divided into two cohorts, those with a diagnosis of diabetes and those without. Each cohort was further stratified into five groups: neuropathy, CKD, PVD, multiple sequelae, and no sequelae. The multiple sequelae group included patients with more than one of the three sequelae of interest: CKD, PVD and neuropathy. Postoperative complications were queried for two years following surgery. The main complications of interested were: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), surgical site infection, hospital readmission within 90 days, revision internal fixation, conversion to ankle fusion, and below knee amputation (BKA). We identified 210,069 patients who underwent operative ankle fracture treatment; 174,803 had no history of diabetes, and 35,266 were diabetic. The diabetic cohort was subdivided as follows: 7,506 without identified sequelae, 8,994 neuropathy, 4,961 CKD, 1,498 PVD, and 12,307 with multiple sequelae. Compared to non-diabetics, diabetics without sequelae had significantly higher odds of DVT, infection, readmission, revision internal fixation and conversion to ankle fusion (OR range 1.21 – 1.58, p values range Compared to uncomplicated diabetics, diabetics with neuropathy alone and diabetics with multiple sequelae were found to have significantly higher odds of all complications (OR range 1.18 – 31.94, p values range < 0.001 - 0.034). Diabetics with CKD were found to have significantly higher odds of DVT, readmission, and BKA (OR range 1.34 – 4.28, p values range < 0.001 - 0.002). Finally, diabetics with PVD were found to have significantly higher odds of DVT, readmission, conversion to ankle fusion, and BKA (OR range 1.62 - 9.69, p values range < 0.001 - 0.039). Diabetic patients with sequelae of neuropathy, CKD or PVD generally had higher complication rates than diabetic patients without these diagnoses. Unsurprisingly, diabetic patients with multiple sequalae are at the highest risk of complications and had the highest odds ratios of all complications. While neuropathy is known to be associated with postoperative complications, our analysis demonstrates that CKD represents a significant risk factor for multiple complications following the operative management of ankle fractures and has rarely been discussed in prior studies

We have conducted a case-control study over a period of ten years comparing both deep infection with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and colonised cases with a control group. Risk factors associated with deep infection were vascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, admission to a high-dependency or an intensive-care unit and open wounds. Those for colonisation were institutional care, vascular diseases and dementia. Older age was a risk factor for any MRSA infection. The length of hospital stay was dramatically increased by deep infection. These risk factors are useful in identifying higher-risk patients who may be more susceptible to MRSA infection. A strategy of early identification and isolation may help to control its spread in trauma units

Introduction. Open fractures are fortunately rare but pose an even greater challenge due to poor soft tissues, in addition to poor bone quality. Co-morbidities and pre-existing medical conditions, in particular, peripheral vascular diseases make them often unsuitable for free flaps. We present our experience in treating severe open fractures of tibia with Acute Intentional Deformation (AID) to close the soft tissues followed by gradual correction of deformity to achieve anatomical alignment of the tibia and fracture healing with Taylor Spatial Frame. Materials and Methods. We treated 4 geriatric (3 female and 1 male) patients with Gustillo-Anderson III B fractures of the tibia between 2017–18. All were unfit to undergo orthoplastic procedures (free flap or local flaps). The age range is 69 yrs to 92 years. Co-morbidities included severe rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and heart failure. The procedure involved wound debridement, application of two ring Taylor Spatial Frame, acute deformation of the limb on the table to achieve soft-tissue closure/approximation. Regular neurovascular assessments were performed in the immediate post-operative period to monitor for compartment syndrome and nerve compression symptoms. After 7–10 days of latent period, the frame was gradually manipulated, according to a method we had previously published, to achieve anatomical alignment. The frame was removed in clinic after fracture healing. Results. Time in frame ranged from 1.5 months to 7 months. In one patient (92 yr old with an open fracture of the ankle) hindfoot nail was inserted after soft-tissue closure was achieved at 1.5 months, and frame removed. We achieved complete healing of soft tissue wounds without any input from plastic surgeons in all patients. All fractures healed in anatomical alignment. 3 patients had one episode of superficial pin infection each requiring 5 days of oral antibiotics. None of the patients developed a deep infection. Conclusions. Acute intentional deformation (AID) with Taylor Spatial Frame achieves good closure of soft tissues in physiologically compromised geriatric patients who were deemed unfit for plastic surgery. We also achieved fracture healing in all four cases without any major complications

Short scarf osteotomy (SSO) retains the versatility of standard scarf in treating moderate and severe hallux valgus deformity with the added benefit of less invasiveness translated into less soft-tissue stripping, reduced exposure, less metalwork, less operative time and reduced cost. We present our medium-term clinical, radiographic and patient satisfaction results. All patients who underwent SSO between January 2015 and December 2017 were eligible (98). Exclusion criteria were: follow up less than a year, additional 1st ray procedures, inflammatory arthropathy, infection, peripheral vascular disease and hallux rigidus. Eighty-four patients (94 feet) were included: 80 females / 4 males with average age of 51-year-old (24–81). Minimum follow up was 12 months (12–28). Weight-bearing x-rays and AOFAS score were compared pre- and postoperatively. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test assessed statistical significance of our results. Hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from preoperative mean of 30.8° (17.4°–46.8°) to 12° (4°–30°) postoperatively (p=0.0001). Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) improved from preoperative mean of 15.1° (10.3°–21.1°) to 7.1° (4°–15.1°) postoperatively (p=0.0001). Average sesamoid coverage according to Reynold's tibial sesamoid position improved from average grade 2.18 (1–3) to 0.57 (0–2) (p=0.0001). Average AOFAS score improved from 51.26 (32–88) to 91.1 (72–100) (p=0.0001). Ninety percent of patients were satisfied and 83% wound recommend the surgery. No troughing phenomenon or fractures. Four overcorrections were found 3 of which did not require surgery. One recurrence at 18 months was treated with standard scarf. We believe that this technique offers a safer, quicker and equally versatile way of dealing with Hallux Valgus

Aim. The primary aim of multidisciplinary management of diabetic foot disease is limb savage. Difficulty in eradication of infection with systemic antibiotics and obliteration of dead space created by debridement, are two major stumbling blocks in achieving this. Antibiotic loaded bio composites help achieve both these objectives. The aim of this study is to report the early results of antibiotic loaded bio composites in diabetic foot disease. Method. We present early results of 16 patients with diabetic foot disease and osteomyelitis in whom we used antibiotic loaded bio composite (CERAMENT G Bone Support, Lund, Sweden) for local antibiotic delivery and dead space eradication. A multidisciplinary team managed all patients. We performed magnetic resonance and vascular imaging preoperatively and adhered to a strict protocol involving debridement, culture specific systemic antibiotics and dead space obliteration with antibiotic loaded bio composite. The wound was managed with negative pressure wound therapy and all patients were kept non-weight bearing with a plaster back slab or walking boot. Skin cover where required was undertaken by our plastic surgeons. Results. According to the Cierny –Mader Classification 1 patient was type 1, 4 were defined as type 2, 7 were type 3 and 4 were type 4. Seven patients were classed as type B hosts and 9 were type A hosts. At a mean follow up of 38 weeks (26–60) we achieved infection clearance in 14 patients (88%). 10 (63%)wounds healed by secondary intention, 2 had split skin graft, and 1 had primary closure. 2 patients were still on negative pressure wound therapy at final follow-up, one of which has got clearance of infection. One patient is having regular dressings in the community. We had 2 patients who had below knee amputation, one due to significant vascular disease and the other at patient request. Conclusions. A multidisciplinary approach and a strict protocol including augmented debridement and Cerament G injection are effective for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in diabetic foot disease. The early results with this bio composite antibiotic combination are encouraging

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common orthopaedic operations performed worldwide and it is largely successful in pain relief and functional recovery. However, when pain persists post-operatively the thorough evaluation must be instituted. Extra-articular causes of knee pain include; hip pathology, lumbar spine degenerative disease or radicular symptoms, focal neuropathy, vascular disease, and chronic regional pain syndrome. Intra-articular causes of knee pain: infection, crepitation/clunk, patella osteonecrosis, patella mal-tracking, soft tissue imbalance, malalignment, arthrofibrosis, component loosening, implant wear, ilio-tibial band irritation, and bursitis. Other causes of pain to rule out are component overhang with soft tissue irritation, recurrent hemarthrosis secondary to synovial impingement or entrapment, non-resurfaced patella, and metal sensitivity. A careful history may reveal previous knee surgeries with delayed healing or prolonged drainage, chronology of sign and symptoms, co-morbid medical conditions, jewel or metal sensitivity. Physical exam should help with specific signs in the operated knee. Targeted local anesthetic blocks are helpful and response to lumbar sympathetic blocks determines presence of CRPS. Lab tests are important: ESR, CRP, WBC, aspiration with manual cell count and diff, leucocyte esterase dipstick, RA titers, metal derm patch testing, nuclear scans, CT best for rotational malalignment, and MARS MRI. More recently patient satisfaction as an outcome measure has shown TKA results not satisfactory in 11- 18% of patients. A discordance of patient vs. surgeon satisfaction exists so the following factors may help improve this: correct patient selection, establishing and correlating surgeon-patient expectations, peri-operative optimization of patient co-morbidities to help avoid preventable complications, use of pre-operative and post-operative pathways. Satisfaction rates can best be improved by addressing the previous points with patients prior to TKA surgery

Aim. Chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is a frequent problem in a population of diabetic patients, patients with neurologic disorders or bedridden patients with ulcers. Partial calcanectomy is an alternative option which avoid major amputation. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effectiveness of partial calcanectomy for treating chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneux. Method. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent in our department a partial calcanectomy between 2006 and 2015. All patients with a complete set of radiographs and adequate follow-up (minimum 2 years) were included. We reviewed these cases to determine healing rate, microbiological analysis, risk factors of failure (comorbidities), limb salvage rate and survival rate. We analyzed specifically the footwear and the functional subjective evaluation according to the LEFS score (Lower Extremity Functional Scale). Results. Twenty-four patients were included (24 foot). There were 17 men and the mean age was 65.2 years. The control of the infection and the healing was obtained in 15 cases. An additional surgery was required in 46% of the cases. A transtibial amputation has been realized in 9 cases because of uncontrolled infection. The existence of a preoperative vascular disease increased 5,9 times the risk of amputation after a partial calcanectomy (p=0,033). The type of germ was not related to the risk of recurrence. Soles were necessary for 60% of the patients with a successful partial calcanectomy (n=15). The average LEFS score was 51/80. Conclusion. The treatment of the chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneus was a therapeutic challenge for these patients. The partial calcanectomy is a useful procedure for limb salvage, but the selection of patients must be rigorous. In our study, arteriopathic patients had a high risk of amputation after partial calcanectomy. When the healing is acquired, the patients were satisfied and presented a good function

Aims

Safety concerns surrounding osseointegration are a significant barrier to replacing socket prosthesis as the standard of care following limb amputation. While implanted osseointegrated prostheses traditionally occur in two stages, a one-stage approach has emerged. Currently, there is no existing comparison of the outcomes of these different approaches. To address safety concerns, this study sought to determine whether a one-stage osseointegration procedure is associated with fewer adverse events than the two-staged approach.

TKA is one of the most common orthopaedic operations performed worldwide and it is largely successful in pain relief and functional recovery. However, when pain persists post-operatively the thorough evaluation must be instituted. Extra-articular causes of knee pain include; hip pathology, lumbar spine degenerative disease or radicular symptoms, focal neuropathy, vascular disease, and chronic regional pain syndrome. Intra-articular causes of knee pain: infection, crepitation/ clunk, patella osteonecrosis, patella mal-tracking, soft tissue imbalance, malalignment, arthrofibrosis, component loosening, implant wear, ilio-tibial band irritation, and bursitis. Other causes of pain to rule out are component overhang with soft tissue irritation, recurrent hemarthrosis secondary to synovial impingement or entrapment, non-resurfaced patella, and metal sensitivity. A careful history may reveal previous knee surgeries with delayed healing or prolonged drainage, chronology of sign and symptoms, co-morbid medical conditions, jewel or metal sensitivity. Physical exam should help with specific signs in the operated knee. Targeted local anesthetic blocks are helpful and response to lumbar sympathetic blocks determines presence of CRPS. Lab tests are important: ESR, CRP, WBC, aspiration with manual cell count and diff, leukocyte esterase dipstick, RA titers, metal derm patch testing, nuclear scans, CT best for rotational malalignment,, and MARS MRI. More recently patient satisfaction as an outcome measure has shown TKA results not satisfactory in 11 – 18% of patients. A discordance of patient vs. surgeon satisfaction exists so the following factors may help improve this: correct patient selection, establishing and correlating surgeon-patient expectations, peri-operative optimisation of patient comorbidities to help avoid preventable complications, use of pre- and post-operative pathways. Satisfaction rates can best be improved by addressing the previous points with patients prior to TKA surgery

Introduction. Peri-operative hyperglycemia has many etiologies, including medication, impaired glucose tolerance, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM), or stress, the latter of which is common in post-surgical patients. Our study aims were to investigate if post-operative day 1 (POD1) blood glucose level was associated with post-operative complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and to determine a threshold for glycemic control that surgeons should strive for during a patient's hospital stay. Methods. A single-institution retrospective review was conducted on 24,857 primary TJAs performed from 2001–2015. Of these, 13,198 had a minimum one-year follow-up (mean 5.9 years). Demographics, Elixhauser comorbidities, laboratory values, complications and readmissions were collected. POD1 morning blood glucose levels were utilised and correlated with PJI, as defined by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. The mean age and body mass index of the population was 63.4 years and 30.2 kg/m2, respectively; the sample was comprised of 56.6% females and 48.4% knees. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the influence of several important covariates on complication rate. Youden's J statistic was utilised to determine an optimal blood glucose threshold. An alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results. The rate of PJI significantly increased linearly from blood glucose levels of 115 mg/dL and higher. When examining only patients with a minimum of one-year follow-up, the logistic regression demonstrated that blood glucose levels (odds ratio 1.004 per increment, 95% confidence interval: 1.002–1.006, p=0.001) were a significant risk factor for development of PJI by 1.004 per 1 mg/dL increment. For instance, a patient that had a post-operative glucose level of 280 mg/dL compared to a patient with a blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL had a 2.05 increased odds of developing PJI. The Youden index was used to determine an optimal blood glucose threshold of 137 mg/dL to reduce the likelihood of PJI at one year. Multivariate analysis revealed that blood glucose levels (OR 1.004, p=0.001), male gender (OR 1.480, p=0.001), body mass index (OR 1.049, p<0.001), operative time (OR 1.004, p=0.006), length of stay (OR 1.059, p<0.001), post-operative hematocrit (OR 0.751, p=0.003), peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.942, p=0.037), liver disease (OR 2.576, p=0.004), rheumatic disease (OR 1.991, p=0.003), and alcohol abuse (OR 2.588, p=0.030) were associated with PJI. Operative or hospital factors that were associated with PJI included the following: low post-operative hemoglobin (OR 0.766 per increment, 95% CI: 0.599–0.979, p=0.034) and longer length of stay (OR 1.145 per day, 95% CI: 1.104–1.187, p<0.001). The PJI rate in the entire cohort was 1.59% (1.46% in non-diabetics vs. 2.39% in diabetics, p=0.001). There was no association between blood glucose level and PJI (OR 1.002, 95% CI: 0.998–1.006, p=0.331) in diabetic patients, although there was a linear trend for post-operative blood glucose predicting PJI. Discussion. The relationship between POD1 blood glucose levels and PJI increased linearly, with an optimal cut off of 137 mg/dL. Immediate and strict post-operative glycemic control may be critical in reducing post-operative complications, and even mild hyperglycemia was significantly associated with PJI

Aims

Chronic osteomyelitis (COM) of the lower limb in adults can be surgically managed by either limb reconstruction or amputation. This scoping review aims to map the outcomes used in studies surgically managing COM in order to aid future development of a core outcome set.

Pain following total hip arthroplasty is a relatively rare event. Several series place the incidence of some degree of pain post THA at approximately 5%. A systematic approach to determining etiology will direct treatment. Hip pain can be categorised as:. Extrinsic to the Hip. –. Spine +/− radiculopathy. –. Vascular disease. –. Metabolic (Paget's). –. Malignancy. Intrinsic to the Hip. Intracapsular/Implant. Loosening. Sepsis. Prosthetic failure. Osteolysis. Instability. Thigh pain. Stem tip pain. Hypersensitivity/ALVAL. Extracapsular. Iliopsoas tendonitis. Snapping Hip. Trochanter problems (bursitis). Heterotopic ossification. A full history and appropriate physical exam will direct the clinician. The use of routine radiographs, blood tests, and special tests (i.e., blood metal ions, advanced imaging techniques) will be discussed I detail

Aim. Perioperative hyperglycemia has many etiologies including medication, impaired glucose tolerance, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM), or stress, the latter of which is common to post-surgical patients. This acute hyperglycemia may impair the ability of the host to combat infection. 1. Our study aims to investigate if post-operative day 1 (POD1) blood glucose level is associated with complications, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and to determine a threshold for glycemic control that surgeons should strive for during a patient's hospital stay. Method. A single-institution retrospective review was conducted on 24,857 primary TJAs performed from 2001–2015. Demographics, Elixhauser comorbidities, laboratory values, complications and readmissions were collected. POD1 morning blood glucose levels were utilized and correlated with PJI, as defined by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. The Wald test was used to determine the influence of covariates on complication rate. An alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results. The rate of PJI significantly increased linearly from blood glucose levels of 115 mg/dL onwards. We determined that blood glucose (OR 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001–1.006, p=0.001), male gender (OR 1.480, 95% CI: 1.185–1.848, p=0.001), body mass index (OR 1.049, 95% CI: 1.033–1.065, p<0.001), operative time (OR 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001–1.007, p=0.006), length of stay (OR 1.059, 95% CI: 1.038–1.080, p<0.001), post-operative hematocrit (OR 0.751, 95% ci: 0.621–0.909, p=0.003), peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.942, 95% CI: 1.042–3.617, p=0.037), liver disease (OR 2.576, 95% CI: 1.344–4.935, p=0.004), rheumatic disease (OR 1.991, 95% CI: 1.266–3.132, p=0.003), and alcohol abuse (OR 2.588, 95% CI: 1.096–6.110, p=0.030) were associated with PJI. The Youden index was used to determine an optimal blood glucose threshold of 132 mg/dL to reduce the likelihood of PJI. The PJI rate in the entire cohort was 1.59% (1.46% in non-diabetics compared to 2.39% in diabetics, p=0.001). Diabetics did not have an association between blood glucose level and PJI (OR 1.002, 95% CI: 0.998–1.006, p=0.331), although there was a linear trend for postoperative glucose predicting PJI. Conclusions. The relationship between POD1 blood glucose levels and PJI increased linearly, with an optimal cut off of 132 mg/dL. Immediate and strict post-operative glycemic control is critical in reducing post-operative complications, and we demonstrate that even mild hyperglycemia is significantly associated with PJI

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating complications of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Only a few studies have investigated PJI's impact on the most worrisome of all endpoints, mortality. The purpose of this study was to perform a large-scale study to determine the rates of PJI associated in-hospital mortality, and compare it to other surgical procedures. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from 2002 to 2010 to assess the risk of mortality for patients undergoing revision for PJI or aseptic failures. Elixhauser comorbidity index and ICD-9 codes were used to obtain patients’ medical conditions and identify PJI. Multiple logistic-regression analyses were used to determine the associated variables with mortality. In-hospital mortality was compared to the followings: coronary-artery bypass graft, mastectomy, prostatectomy, appendectomy, kidney transplant, carotid surgery, cholecystectomy, and coronary interventional procedures. PJI was associated with an increased risk (odds ratio 2.04) of in-hospital mortality (0.77%) compared to aseptic revisions (0.38%). The in-hospital mortality of revision THAs done for PJI (1.38%, 95%CI, 1.12–1.64%) was comparable to or higher than interventional coronary procedure (1.22%, 95%CI, 1.20–1.24%), cholecystectomy (1.13%, 95%CI, 1.11–1.15%), kidney transplantation (0.70%, 95%CI, 0.61%–0.79%) and carotid surgery (0.89%, 95%CI, 0.86%–0.93%) (Figure 1). The following comorbidities were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality after TJA: liver disease, metastatic disease, fluid and electrolyte disorders, coagulopathy, weight loss and malnutrition, congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulation disorder, renal failure, and peripheral vascular disease. PJI is associated with a two-fold increase in mortality and have mortality rates comparable to kidney transplantation and carotid surgery. Considering the fact that patients with PJI often require multiple surgical procedures, the rate of actual in-hospital mortality for patients with PJI may be considerably higher. Surgeons should be cognizant of the potentially fatal outcome of PJI and must emphasize the importance of infection control to reduce the risk of mortality

During the therapy of infected pseudarthrosis and arthrodesis in which multiple autologous bone grafts did not result in osseous consolidation and in delayed osseous healing of transport stretches after completion of segmental transport in osteomyelitis patients without acute infection symptoms, mesenchymal stem cells were added to the treatment. This study demonstrates the mid- and long-term results in different application possibilities with good and poor results. The aim is to develop an algorithm in treating bone defects regarding the different biomaterials and implants that exist on the market. The indication to apply mesenchymal stem cells was the reconstruction of osseous lesions after chronic osteomyelitis, the treatment of pseudarthrosis and the support of osseous growth in segmental transports. Further indications were the absence of adequate amounts of autologous spongiosa, multiple previous operations, risk factors (diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, alcohol and nicotine abuse, etc.) as well as chronic wound healing failure. To obtain the mesenchymal stem cells, we employed two different systems from two companies. Both systems concentrate the mesenchymal stem cells after puncture and aspiration from the pelvic crest. The concentrated stem cells were either mixed with platelet-rich plasma and added to the autologous spongiosa or injected into the area of osseous regeneration after completion of segment transport. Since 2009, we have applied mesenchymal stem cells to 87patients. The treatment was performed in 73 cases of persisting pseudarthrosis after multiple bone grafts and in 14 cases of delayed osseous healing after segmental transport. The results were evaluated by continuous clinical and radiological examinations in our outpatient clinic. We found a great variety in our results with a mainly high rate of survival and healing in the autologous bone grafts with mesenchymal stem cells, resulting predominantly in stabilization of the pseudarthrosis. Furthermore a good osseous consolidation was documented in several cases with transport stretches of segmental transports. However we also had some frustrating results with all the well-known complications of septic surgery. Our experiences so far, have led to a distinguished therapy-algorithm including all the biomaterials and additives that are used in our hospital. Overall, the results demonstrate an advantage in the treatment with mesenchymal stem cells, espe-cially in problematic and difficult cases in combination with multiple pre-existing conditions. The use of mesenchymal stemcells must be included in a general concept regarding all treatment possibilities, it is, however, not a guarantee for successful therapy of osseous lesions after chronic osteomyelitis especially as a single toll mechanism