Involving research users in setting priorities for research is essential to ensure research outcomes are patient-centred and to maximise research value and impact. The Musculoskeletal (MSK) Disorders Research Advisory Group Versus Arthritis led a research priority setting exercise across MSK disorders. The Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHRNI) method of setting research priorities with a range of stakeholders were utilised. The MSKD RAG identified, through consensus, four research Domains: Mechanisms of Disease; Diagnosis and Impact; Living Well with MSK disorders and Successful Translation. Following ethical approval, the research priority exercise involved four stages and two surveys, to: 1) gather research uncertainties; 2) consolidate these; 3) score uncertainties using agreed criteria of importance and impact on a score of 1–10; and 4) analyse scoring, for prioritisation.Background
Methods
This study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic, multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an informal caregiver training programme to support the recovery of people following hip fracture surgery. This will be a mixed-methods feasibility RCT, recruiting 60 patients following hip fracture surgery and their informal caregivers. Patients will be randomized to usual NHS care, versus usual NHS care plus a caregiver-patient dyad training programme (HIP HELPER). This programme will comprise of three, one-hour, one-to-one training sessions for the patient and caregiver, delivered by a nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist. Training will be delivered in the hospital setting pre-patient discharge. It will include practical skills for rehabilitation such as: transfers and walking; recovery goal setting and expectations; pacing and stress management techniques; and introduction to the HIP HELPER Caregiver Workbook, which provides information on recovery, exercises, worksheets, and goal-setting plans to facilitate a ‘good’ recovery. After discharge, patients and caregivers will be supported in delivering rehabilitation through three telephone coaching sessions. Data, collected at baseline and four months post-randomization, will include: screening logs, intervention logs, fidelity checklists, quality assurance monitoring visit data, and clinical outcomes assessing quality of life, physical, emotional, adverse events, and resource use outcomes. The acceptability of the study intervention and RCT design will be explored through qualitative methods with 20 participants (patients and informal caregivers) and 12 health professionals.Aims
Methods
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is considered as one of the most successful and cost-effective medical interventions yet it is consistently reported that up to 20% of patients are dissatisfied with their outcomes. Patient satisfaction is correlated with the fulfillment of expectations and an important aspect of this involves good surgeon-patient communication, which itself is a contributor to TKA satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a checklist intended to enhance the quality of surgeon-patient communication by optimizing the surgeon's role in helping patients set (or reset) and manage post-TKA expectations that are realistic, achievable, and most importantly, patient-specific. In this prospective mixed methods study, a communication checklist was developed from the analysis of interviews with patients who were between six weeks and six months post-TKA. Four orthopaedic surgeons then used the checklist to guide discussions with patients about post-operative expectations and outcomes during follow-up visits between six weeks and six months. A visual analogue scale was used to survey two groups of patients on five measures of satisfaction: the standard of care communication group and the intervention group who had received the checklist. The mean scores of the two groups were compared using independent t-tests. The duration of follow-up visits was also tracked to determine if the checklist took significantly more time in practice. Themes from the qualitative analysis of eight patient interviews incorporated into the checklist included pain management, medication, physiotherapy, and general concerns and questions. The quantitative study comprised 127 participants, 67 in the standard of care communication group and 60 in the checklist group. There were no significant group differences in gender, BMI, comorbidities, post-operative complications, marital or occupational status, however the standard of care group was older by six years (p < .001). The checklist group reported significantly greater satisfaction on four of the five measures of satisfaction: TKA satisfaction and expectations met (p = .017), care and concern shown by the surgeons (p = .011), surgeons' communication ability (p = .008), and satisfaction with time surgeons spent with patients during follow-up visits (p < .001). Satisfaction with the TKA for relieving pain and restoring function was not significant (p = .064). Although the checklist increased the average clinic visit time by only 1 minute, 51 seconds, it was significantly greater (p = .001). The impact of age and gender on satisfaction was explored using a two-way analysis of variance. No significant effects or interactions were observed. Checklists have been shown to decrease medical errors and improve overall standards of patient care but no published research to date has used a communication checklist to enhance orthopaedic surgeon-patient communication. The present findings indicate that this simple tool can significantly increase patient satisfaction. This has practical significance because patient satisfaction is a metric that is increasingly used as a key performance indicator for surgeons and health care institutions alike. Increased TKA satisfaction will benefit patients, surgeons, and the health care system overall.
We report on the 5 year results of a randomized study comparing TKR performed using conventional instrumentation versus electromagnetic computer-assisted surgery. This study analysed patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 5 years utilising the American Knee Society Score (AKSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Short Form 36 score and range of motion (ROM). Of the 200 patients enrolled 125 completed 5 year follow up, 62 in the navigated group and 63 in the conventional group. There were 28 deceased patients, 29 withdrawals and 16 lost to follow-up. There was improvement in clinical function in most PROMs from 1-5 year follow up across both groups. OKS improved from a mean of 26.6 (12–55) to 35.1 (5–48). AKSS increased from 75.3 (0–100) to 78.4 (−10–100), SF36 from 58.9 (2.5–100) to 53.2 (0–100). ROM improved by an average 7 degrees from 110 degrees to 117 degrees (80–135). There was no statistically significant difference in PROMs between the groups at 5 years. Patients undergoing revision surgery were identified from the dataset and global PACS. There were no revisions within 5 years in the navigated group and 3 revisions in the conventional group, two for infection and one for mid-flexion instability, giving an all cause revision rate of 3.06% at 5 years for this group. There appears to be no significant advantage in clinical function for patients undergoing TKR for OA of the knee with electromagnetic navigation when compared to conventional techniques. There may be an advantage in reducing early revision rates using this technology.
Previous systematic reviews have shown that patients experience low physical activity levels following total hip replacement (THR). However no previous systematic reviews have examined the changes between pre- and post-operative physical activity levels. AMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINHAL, openSIGLE, Introduction
Methods
Olecranon fractures account for 20% of elbow fractures. Displaced fractures can be treated by several methods – Tension Band Wiring (TBW), Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with a plate (ORIF) or conservative measures. Studies from UK specialist centres have demonstrated infection rates of up to 15% and metal ware removal rates of up to 80%. In addition studies have shown that conservative treatment provides a good function and pain relief in the elderly and infirm. We aimed to look at all displaced olecranon fractures within our unit over a 4 year period and analyse their case notes for patient features, age stratification, treatment methods, complications and outcomes. We also aimed to compare our results to outcomes in studies published by specialist centres. All olecranon fractures admitted to our unit in calendar years 2007–2010 were identified from our trauma database. Case sheets were analysed for patient's age, co-morbidities, treatment, complications and outcome. X-rays were analysed to classify the fractures and assess outcome of treatment. 71 patients were identified, Male: Female = 33:38. Age range was 7–93, mean was 62.8 years. Treatment used – TBW 42 (59.1%), ORIF 9 (12.7%), and Conservative 20 (28.2%). In the surgical group of 51 patients there were 4 infections (7.8%). There were no incidences of nerve palsy. Metalware was removed in 15 patients (29.4%) – for TBW this was 11/42 (26.25%) and ORIF 4/9 (44.4%) – however the difference was not significant (p=0.06). The conservative group had no complications. In our study group we have demonstrated a lower infection rate and a far lower rate of metal ware removal than published studies. We have a high rate of patients treated conservatively who do well. Further work is being performed into the functional outcome of the whole group.
Olecranon fractures account for 20% of elbow fractures. Displaced fractures can be treated by several methods – Tension Band Wiring (TBW), Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with a plate (ORIF) or conservative measures. Studies from UK specialist centres have demonstrated infection rates of up to 15% and metalware removal rates of up to 80%. In addition studies have shown that conservative treatment provides good function and pain relief in the elderly and infirm. To look at all displaced olecranon fractures within our unit (the busiest district general hospital in Scotland) over a 4 year period and analyse for patient features, age stratification, identify treatment methods, complications and outcomes. To compare this to outcomes in studies published by specialist centres. All olecranon fractures admitted to our unit in calendar years 2007–2010 were identified from our trauma database. Case sheets were analysed for patient's age, co-morbidities, treatment, complications & outcome. Xrays were analysed to classify the fractures and assess outcome of treatment. 71 patients were identified, Male: Female = 33:38. Age range was 7–93. Mean 62.8. Treatment used – TBW 42 (59.1%), ORIF 9 (12.7%), Conservative 20 (28.2%). In the surgical group of 51 patients there were 4 infections (7.8%). There were no incidences of nerve palsy. Metalware was removed in 15 patients (29.4%) – for TBW this was 11/42 (26.25) and ORIF 4/9 (44.4%) – however the difference was not significant (p=0.06). The conservative group had no complications. In our study group we have demonstrated a lower infection rate and a far lower rate of metalware removal than published studies.?We have a high rate of patients treated conservatively who do well. Further work is being performed into the functional outcome of the whole group.
An enhanced recovery programme for knee arthroplasty was introduced two years ago to our orthopaedic department. It involved the setting up of an educational programme for patients along with an extensive rehabilitation programme. The main aim of the programme is to provide an efficient and personalised service that results in an improved patient experience and fewer bed days following surgery. We carried out a retrospective study, randomly selecting 100 patients over a period of a year who were enrolled in the enhanced recovery programme. We analysed three main areas involving the pre-, peri- and post-operative period. We looked for any key factors that led to an increase or decrease in bed days. The re-admissions were analysed and the cost benefit was calculated. 99 patients were randomly selected and satisfied the inclusion criteria. We found that with the enhanced recovery programme the average length of stay for a knee arthroplasty was four days. There were no re-admissions within the population. We would like to share our enhanced recovery programme model as we feel it is a robust and effective way of providing a high level of care and decreasing the length of stay post-operatively.
Survey responses were received from 741(61.7%) of the test group and 748 (62.3%) of the control group. A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of the neurological symptoms was seen among orthopaedic surgeons (p<
0.001). A significant increase in musculoskeletal problems (p<
0.008) and muscle pain (p<
0.004) was also found. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of vascular symptoms. The neurological symptoms were not related to other potential medical causes.
Five patients known to be HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive--that is, susceptible to AIDS--presented with symptoms initially thought to be indicative of lumbar disc lesions. Signs of nerve root or cauda equina compression were found in all five patients. Lumbar radiculography and, in one patient, computerised tomography produced no evidence of compressive pathology. We recommend that orthopaedic surgeons exercise caution in diagnosing nerve root compression in patients who may be HIV-positive.
