Typical UK patients spend 5–7 days in hospital following total hip replacement (THR). Decreasing length of stay (LOS) increases throughput and reduces cost. We have developed a short stay THR programme (SSP), which has been used in all patients since May 2006; we present the first 100. Every patient undergoing THR is included in the dataset. All attend ‘bone school’ before admission, with talks and individual assessments by the senior sister, physiotherapist and occupational therapist. Medical concerns are discussed with an anaesthetist. Patients receive training with crutches; crutches are provided for home practice. All receive an uncemented Corail-Pinnacle THR via piriformis-sparing mini-posterior approach. ‘Low dose’ spinal plus light general anaesthesia provides sensory block whilst retaining motor function; painfree fully weightbearing mobilisation is predictably achieved within four hours. Following radiograph and haemoglobin check next morning, patients are discharged on meeting specific nursing/physiotherapy criteria. Those within 20 miles receive outreach follow-up. Follow-up assessment is undertaken using SF36, Visual Analogue, Merle d'Aubigné-Postel and Oxford Hip Scores.Introduction
Methods
The ideal method of fixation for femoral components in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is unknown. While good results have been reported for cemented and uncemented components, there is relatively little published prospective data with twenty years or more of follow up. Results of the Furlong femoral component have been presented at an average of 17 years follow up. We have extended this follow up period to an average of 22.5 years with a minimum of 22 years and a maximum of 25 years. This study included all patients treated using the Furlong femoral component between 1986 and 1991. Patients were reviewed preoperatively and then at 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks post operatively and annually thereafter. They were assessed clinically and radiographically and the Merle d'Aubigne Postel hip score was calculated at each visit. A Visual Analog Score (VAS) was also recorded to assess patient satisfaction with their procedure. A Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed.Introduction
Methods
The Oxford Total Meniscal Knee (TMK by Biomet), is a total knee replacement with a multidirectional mobile bearing. As part of the evaluation of the TMK we compared our group of TMK knee replacements with an equivalent cohort of AGC total knee replacements. Patients recruited to AGC trial from 1994 to 2001. 254 AGC knee replacements sequentially recruited in 210 patients. Patients recruited to TMK trial from 2001 to 2007. 221 TMK knee replacements sequentially recruited in 193 patients. Patients prospectively randomised to having uncemented HA coated (HAC) or cemented versions in both groups. Each patient was reviewed pre-operatively, at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and then annually. All AGC & TMK TKR's were assessed clinically using HSS scores and radiographically. TMK group also assessed using AKSS and OKQ scores.Introduction
Methods
Debate continues regarding the relative advantages of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) and metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) articulations in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Perceived benefits of CoC include longevity, and low wear - in turn limiting the effects of particulate wear debris. However, CoC bearings cost significantly more, and concern remains over the risk of ceramic fracture; a complication not seen with MoP bearings, which are also cheaper. We electronically randomised 268 consecutive patients undergoing THA to receive either a CoC or MoP articulation. Patients aged over 72 were excluded. In all patients the prosthesis used was an uncemented ABG II (Stryker, USA), implanted by one of the two senior authors (HDA, ABM). Patients were scored preoperatively, and at annual follow-up clinics, using SF36, Visual Analogue (VAS), Merle d'Aubigné (MD) and Oxford Hip (OHS) Scores. Satisfaction levels were also documented.Introduction
Method
Deep vein thrombosis(DVT) and pulmonary embolism(PE) are well-recognised complications following lower limb arthroplasty (Cohen et al, 2001). The National Institute for Clinical Excellence and British Orthopaedic Association recommend the use of both mechanical and chemical prophylaxis. At our institute regimens have changed reflecting new developments in the use of thombo-prophylaxis. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of these methods in preventing complications. Since moving from Aspirin and compression stockings (TEDS) only, three different treatment methods were prospectively audited. Regimen 1 consisted of Aspirin (150 mg OD) and TEDS for 6 weeks (n=660). Regimen 2 used Clexane 40mg OD (n=448). Regimen 3 used Rivaroxaban (n=100) as licensed and Regimen 4 Dabigatran (n=185) as licensed. We looked at rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE), rates of post op bleeding/haematoma and wound complications. Patients were reviewed prior to discharge, and at a six-week follow-up. Any casualty attendances were also recorded up to 12 weeks post-operatively.Introduction
Methods
A reduced range of movement post total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is a well recognised problem. Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) is a commonly performed procedure in the stiff post operative TKR. Long term results have been variable in the literature. We prospectively followed up 48 patients since 1996 from one centre, over an average of 7.5 years, (range 1 to 10 years) and report on the long term results. The mean time to MUA post TKR was 12.3 weeks (range 3 to 48). Pre MUA, the mean flexion was 53°. The mean immediate passive flexion post MUA was 97°, an improvement of 44° (Range 10° to 90°, CI < 0.05). By one year, the mean flexion was 87°, improvement of 34°, (range −15° to 70°, CI< 0.05). At ten years the mean flexion was 86°. We found no difference between those knees manipulated before or after 12 weeks. In addition there was no difference found in those knees which had a pre TKR flexion of greater or less than 90°. There were no complications as a result of MUA. However, one patient was eventually revised at two years secondary to low grade infection. Our findings show that MUA is safe and effective method at improving the range of motion in a stiff post operative TKR. The improvement is maintained in the long term irrespective of time to MUA and range of motion pre TKR
