There remains a lack of consensus regarding the management of chronic anterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) instability. This study aimed to assess whether a standardized treatment algorithm (incorporating physiotherapy and surgery and based on the presence of trauma) could successfully guide management and reduce the number needing surgery. Patients with chronic anterior SCJ instability managed between April 2007 and April 2019 with a standardized treatment algorithm were divided into non-traumatic (offered physiotherapy) and traumatic (offered surgery) groups and evaluated at discharge. Subsequently, midterm outcomes were assessed via a postal questionnaire with a subjective SCJ stability score, Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS, adapted for the SCJ), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS), with analysis on an intention-to-treat basis.Aims
Methods
Flexible flat foot is considered one of the commonest normal variants in children's orthopaedic practice. The weightbearing foot is usually regarded as flexible on the basis of results from clinical and radiographic examination as well as measured foot-ground pressure pattern. Our aim was to compare the pedobarographic and radiographic findings of normal arched and symptomatic flexible flat feet and investigate if there were sensitive markers that could be used in selecting patients for surgical correction. We retrospectively collected data from eighteen patients (ten to sixteen year old). Our control group consisted of ten patients (twenty feet) with normal arched feet and the study group of eight patients (fifteen feet) with symptomatic flat feet who were awaiting surgical correction. The mean and standard deviations of three radiographic markers (Calcaneal pitch, Naviculocuboid overlap and lateral Talo-1st metatarsal angle) in addition to foot pressures measured at the hindfoot, medial/lateral/total midfoot (MMF, LMF, TMF), forefoot and the percentage of weight going through the MMF over the TMF (medial midfoot ratio (MMFR) during the mid-stance gait phase are reported. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the pedobarographic parameters were estimated. There was a significant difference in the Naviculocuboid overlap (P<0.001 T test) and Calcaneal pitch (P<0.05 T test) between both groups. The flat feet group had significantly higher MMF, LMF, TMF and MMFR (P < 0.001 Mann-Whitney). LMF had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value (94%) whereas MMF, TMF and MMFR had the highest specificity and positive predictive value (100%). Compared to our control group, patients with symptomatic flexible flat feet had significantly higher pressures distributed in the midfoot, in particular in the medial midfoot. Pedobarography appears to be a sensitive and specific tool that can be used, in conjunction with clinical and radiographic findings, in diagnosing flat feet. Our study suggests that pedobarography could be used to measure the degree of deformity before and after surgical intervention.
Cubital Tunnel syndrome is common affecting 1 in 4000 people. The cubital tunnel serves as major constraint for the ulna nerve. Cubital tunnel decompression is a relatively simple operation to resolve the patients' symptoms. There has been published data on return to work and normal activity after carpal tunnel decompression but not cubital tunnel. All patients who underwent cubital tunnel decompression in Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust between September 2006 and September 2010 were identified and sent a questionnaire; enquiring about age, type of job & if it involved heavy lifting, time off work, range of movement at elbow and hand and if their symptoms resolved or if they had any other complications.Introduction
Method
Dupuytren's contracture is a common condition affecting 25% of men over the age of 65. With less advanced disease or with patients not suitable for a general or regional anaesthetic needle fasciotomy is the surgical option of choice. The aim of this audit is to see whether the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust comply with the NICE guidelines. All patients who underwent needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from December 2008 and November 2010 were identified. The case notes of these patients were reviewed. In a 23 month period 9 patients (13 fingers), underwent needle fasciotomy. There were 6 female and 3 male patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 70 years (61-84 years). Of the 13 MCPJ contractures 12 had a full correction. At the PIPJ 5 of the 8 had a full correction. Of the one contracture affecting the DIPJ, this was fully corrected. None of the patients undergoing needle fasciotomy had any complications recorded. At a minimum follow up 4 months and a mean follow up of 14 months, none of our patients have returned to the unit with recurrence of disease. In our unit needle fasciotomy is a safe and effective in correcting deformity. To date we have no complications or recurrence. None of these patients have returned for further surgery. We are compliant with the NICE guidelines.
