We herein report a case of isolated hip pain in a four year old boy. The importance of this project is the unusual history, presentation, ultrasound, MRI and blood culture results and treatment, which lead to the diagnosis of adductor pyomyositis with a rare organism (Streptococcus Mitis) in a temperate country.

The patient presented with a one day history of malaise, fever, left groin pain and inability to weight bear on the left leg. There was no history of any predisposing infections or recent travel. A working diagnosis of transient synovitis / septic arthritis of the hip was made on clinical examination.

Plain radiograph and ultrasound of the hip was normal with no effusion. Two consecutive blood cultures suggested Streptococcus Mitis bacteriaemia and MRI scan confirmed pyomyositis of the left hip adductors that was too small to drain. Streptococcus Mitis is a normal commensal organism of the oral cavity however it can lead to opportunistic infections particularly endocarditis. Echocardiogram revealed no cardiac complications, in particular no endocarditic vegetation.

Patient was treated with intravenous benzylpenicillin for a week followed by oral phenoxymethylpenicillin for a week. As it was a soft tissue infection, a short course of antibiotics was sufficient and he made a complete recovery. Adductor pyomyositis must be considered as a differential diagnosis in a child with unusual presentation of hip pain. When an ultrasound is normal, MRI scan is warranted to confirm diagnosis. Septic screen should include blood cultures. The commonest organisms are the Staphylococcus family. However if Streptococcus Mitis is isolated, cardiac sources of infection resulting in septic emboli must be investigated. Repeated MRI scans are required particularly if the patient does not respond to medical management

Aim

Chronic osteomyelitis still remains challenging and expensive to treat in spite of advances in antibiotics and operative techniques. We present our experience with free muscle flap after radical debridement of chronic osteomyelitis, performed as a single stage procedure.

To report the clinical, functional and radiological outcome of consecutive primary hip arthroplasties using large diameter (36mm and above) ceramic bearing couples. We believe this to be one of the first independent series.

We prospectively reviewed 519 consecutive primary THA using fully HAC coated acetabular shell and fully HAC coated stem (JRI Ltd) in 502 patients, with minimum follow-up of 32 months. A Biolox-Delta ceramic liner with an 18 deg taper and Biolox-Delta ceramic head (36mm and 40mm) were used in all cases, by 3 surgeons. None were lost to follow-up. Clinical outcome was measured using Harris, Charnley Oxford, EuroQol EQ-5D scores. Radiographs were systematically analysed for implant position, loosening, migration, osteolysis. Return to sports and hobbies were recorded.

Mean age was 64.9 yrs (11–82yrs). There were no dislocations. 50–62mm acetabular shells were used. 36 mm head was used in 92% of cases. No acetabular revisions were performed for aseptic loosening. Other re-operations were for infection (1), peri-prosthetic fractures (1). The mean Harris and Oxford scores were 95 (88–97) and 14.1 (12–33) respectively. Harris and Oxford scores were 95 (88–97) and 14.1 (12–33) respectively. The Charnley score was 5.7 (5–6) for pain, 5.8 (4–6) for movement and 5.9 (4–6) for mobility. There was a significant improvement in the range of movement of the hip. There was no migration of acetabular component. Acetabular radiolucencies were present around one shell. No acetabular liner wear was demonstrated in CT Scans. Mean inclination was 7.4deg(37–65). Mean EQ-5D description scores and health thermometer scores were 0.84 (0.71–0.92) and 88 (66–96). With an end point of definite or probable loosening, the probability of survival was 100%. Overall survival with removal or repeat revision of either component for any reason as the end point was 99.1%.

The results of this study show an excellent clinical and functional outcome and support the use of a fully coated prosthesis with ceramic bearing couples. We envisage monitoring and prospectively reporting the long-term outcome of this series of patients.

To discuss the rationale, selection criteria, indications, and results of using large diameter ceramic heads in revision hip arthroplasty.

We routinely use Biolox family of ceramic heads and acetabular liners in patients undergoing revision total hip replacements. We present our experience in using ceramic articular bearings over the last 20 years and the switch to larger diameter ceramic heads. We also present our rationale for using a large diameter ceramic head instead of a large metal head.

We reviewed a total of 689 revision arthroplasties over this time period and we report the outcome of large bearing couples with case examples in primary and revision scenarios. Furthermore we compared a subset of patients (110) with large diameter ceramic heads – Biolox Delta 36mm to patients who had metal on metal (large head 42 mm and above) bearing couples. The performance of the ceramic bearing couples will be discussed along with the functional outcome of these patients. We found no difference in the functional, clinical sports activities (UCLA and Tegner scores) between patients who had large metal bearing couples and large ceramic couples. Complication rate was less with the ceramic bearing revision arthroplasties, as was patient satisfaction.

Ceramic bearing couples have stood the test of time and have demonstrated an excellent long term wear properties. The recent introduction of the large diameter couples proves to be an excellent alternative if not the first choice in young, complex primary and revision case scenarios.

Introduction

Viscosupplementation is used widely to provide symptomatic relief to patients with knee OA. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the standard (3×2ml) and single (1×6ml) dosing regimens of hylan G-F 20.

We aim to report the clinical and radiological outcome of consecutive primary hip arthroplasties using the JRI-Furlong HAC coated femoral and acetabular components.

We reviewed 586 consecutive cementless primary THA in 542 patients with a minimum 12-18 year follow-up, performed at one institution between 1986 and 1994. Twenty-eight (32 THA) were lost to follow-up. Clinical outcome was measured using Harris, Charnley and Oxford scores. Quality of life using EuroQol

EQ-5D. Radiographs were systematically analysed.

The mean age was 75.2 years. Dislocation occurred in 12 patients (three recurrent). Re operations were performed in 11 patients (1.9%). Four acetabular and one stem revisions were performed for aseptic loosening. Other re-operations were for infection (two), periprosthetic fractures (two), cup malposition (one), revision of worn liner (two). The mean Harris and Oxford scores were 89 (79–96) and 18.4 (12–32) respectively. The Charnley score was 5.7 for pain, 5.3 for movement and 5.4 for mobility. Acetabular radiolucencies were present in 54 hips (9.7%).

The mean linear polythene wear was 0.06 mm/year. Stable stem by bony ingrowth was identified in all hips excluding one femoral revision case. Mean stem subsidence was 2.2mm (0.30–3.4mm). Radiolucencies were present around 37 (6.6%) stems. EQ- 5D description scores and health thermometer scores were 0.81 (0.71–0.89) and 86 (64–95). With an end point of definite or probable loosening, survival at 12 years was 96.1% for acetabular and 98.3% for femoral components. Overall survival at 12 years with removal or repeat revision of either component for any reason as the end point was 97.2%.

The results of this study support the continued use of a fully coated prosthesis and documents the durability of the HAC coated components. In our clinical experience, the Furlong prosthesis revealed encouraging radiographic stability over a long-term period.

We report the clinical and radiological outcome of consecutive primary hip arthroplasties using the JRI-Furlong Hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC) coated acetabular components.

We reviewed 412 consecutive cementless primary THA using fully coated acetabular shell in 392 patients—with a minimum 12 to 18 year follow-up—performed at two institutions between 1986 and 1994. Twenty (22 THA) were lost prior to 12-year follow-up, leaving 372 patients (390 THA) available for study. Fully HAC coated stems were used in all patients. The clinical outcome was measured using Harris, Charnley and Oxford hip scores and the quality of life using EuroQol EQ-5D. Radiographs were systematically analysed for implant position, loosening, migration, osteolysis. Polythene wear was digitally measured. The radiographic stability of the acetabular component was determined by Enghs criteria.

The mean age was 74.4 years. The mean Harris and Oxford scores were 87 (78– 97) and 19.1 (12–33) respectively. The Charnley score was 5.6 (5-6) for pain, 5.2 (4–6) for movement and 5.3 (4–6) for mobility. Migration of acetabular component was seen in four hips. Acetabular radiolucencies were present in 54 hips (9.7%). The mean linear polythene wear was 0.06mm/year. Mean inclination was 48.4° (38–65).

Radiolucencies were present around 37 (6.6%) stems. Dislocation occurred in 10 patients (three recurrent). Re-operations were performed in nine patients (1.9%). Four acetabular revisions were performed for aseptic loosening. Other re-operations were for infection (three), periprosthetic fractures (one), cup malposition (one) and revision of worn liner (three). Mean EQ-5D description scores and health thermometer scores were 0.81 (0.71–0.89) and 86 (64–95). With an end point of definite or probable loosening, the probability of survival at 12 years was 97.1% for acetabular component. Overall survival at 12 years with removal or repeat revision of either component for any reason as the end point was 96.2%.

The results of this study support the continued use of a fully coated prosthesis and documents the durability of the HAC coated components. In our clinical experience, the Furlong prosthesis revealed encouraging radiographic stability over a long-term period.

Introduction

We aim to report the clinical and radiological outcome of consecutive primary hip arthroplasties using the JRI-Furlong HAC coated femoral and acetabular components.

Aim

To compare the clinical effectiveness, functional outcome and patient satisfaction following intra articular injection with Synvisc^¯ and Hyalgan^¯ in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

To analyse and compare long-term functional outcome of combined spino-pelvic injuries to an isolated pelvis and spinal fractures, the outcome of matched 30 patients with combined pelvic and spinal fractures was compared with 32 patients with isolated pelvic fractures and 30 patients with isolated spinal fractures. Functional outcome was measured using the self-report questionnaire EuroQol EQ-5D, a generic outcome tool. The functional outcome was compared with the average UK population scores.

The mean age, median ISS and demographic profile were similar in all 3 groups. Neurological injuries were seen in 10 patients in the combined injury group, 5 patients in the pelvic injury group and 3 patients in the spinal fracture group. 1 patient had sexual dysfunction in the combined injury group. The EuroQol EQ-5D descriptive scores for the combined group were 0.67±0.11 (0.71±0.12 for spine fracture, 0.61±0.18 for pelvic fracture) and Valuation scores for the combined injury were 69.6±11.4 (65.1±19.4 for spine fracture, 61.5±21.9 for pelvic fracture), which are p=0.004 and p=0.003 for the combined injury compared to the average UK population. Duration of hospital stay was a mean of 13 days in spine injury group compared to 49 days in the combined injury group. 70% of patients with spinal injuries returned to the same level of employment in a mean duration of 5.3 months with only 10% retired due to injury; compared to 56.6% returned to work in the combined injury group after a mean duration of 12.8 months with 23.3% retired due to injury.

Long-term functional outcome is significantly better with isolated spinal injuries compared to pelvic injury or combined injury. There is no significant long-term difference between the combined spino-pelvic group and the isolated pelvic injury group. We feel that the spinal injuries in a patient with coexisting pelvic fracture do not contribute towards the overall functional outcome in those patients.

We aimed to quantify the health related quality of life in a series of patients suffering a variety of different tibial injuries. Patients with previous tibial injury, randomly selected from our trauma database, who successfully completed their entire course of treatment at our institution, were recalled for final assessment. Mean time to final follow-up was 37.4 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS computer software.

Overall, 130 patients were evaluated. There was no significant difference in the self-care dimension between the groups. Psychological problems were common in patients with IIIb and IIIc fractures, as well as amputees, with the highest incidence in those with IIIc fractures. Patients who had undergone amputation and those with IIIb open fractures reported problems with mobility significantly more frequently than those who had IIIc type injuries. However, this could be partially attributed to the significant difference in mean age between groups, with patients sustaining IIIc injuries being younger (31.9 vs 46.9). Patients with IIIb and IIIc type fractures reported significantly more problems with pain compared with those who had undergone amputation. Interestingly, patients who had undergone fasciotomy reported pain as frequently as amputees. Regarding the VAS, only patients with closed fractures reported significantly different scores from the mean of all the other groups.

These data represent the health related quality of life of patients having suffered the full spectrum of tibial injury and should be considered when determining the treatment options for these patients.

Injury to the sciatic nerve is one of the more serious complications of acetabular fracture and traumatic dislocation of the hip, both in the short and long term. We have reviewed prospectively patients, treated in our unit, for acetabular fractures who had concomitant injury to the sciatic nerve, with the aim of predicting the functional outcome after these injuries.

Of 136 patients who underwent stabilisation of acetabular fractures, there were 27 (19.9%) with neurological injury. At initial presentation, 13 patients had a complete foot-drop, ten had weakness of the foot and four had burning pain and altered sensation over the dorsum of the foot. Serial electromyography (EMG) studies were performed and the degree of functional recovery was monitored using the grading system of the Medical Research Council. In nine patients with a foot-drop, there was evidence of a proximal acetabular (sciatic) and a distal knee (neck of fibula) nerve lesion, the double-crush syndrome.

At the final follow-up, clinical examination and EMG studies showed full recovery in five of the ten patients with initial muscle weakness, and complete resolution in all four patients with sensory symptoms (burning pain and hyperaesthesia). There was improvement of functional capacity (motor and sensory) in two patients who presented initially with complete foot-drop. In the remaining 11 with foot-drop at presentation, including all nine with the double-crush lesion, there was no improvement in function at a mean follow-up of 4.3 years.