Aims. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the Modular Dual Mobility (MDM) Mobile Bearing Hip System (Stryker, USA) and large femoral heads (LFHs) in revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) at mid-term follow-up, with specific emphasis on survival free of re-revision for dislocation, any re-revision, dislocation, and the risk of metal-related complications. Methods. We identified 299 revision THAs performed at a single tertiary care academic institution from March 2011 to July 2014. Aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (n = 65), dislocation (n = 58), and reimplantation as part of a two-stage exchange protocol (n = 57) were the most common reasons for index revision. MDM constructs were used in 123 cases, and LFHs were used in 176 cases. Mean age was 66 years (28 to 93), mean BMI was 31 kg/m. 2. (18 to 55), and 45% (n = 136) were female. Mean follow-up was seven years (2 to 12). Results. The ten-year survival free of re-revision for dislocation was 99% (95% CI 95 to 100) in the MDM cohort and 91% (95% CI 84 to 96) in the LFH cohort, with a significantly increased risk of re-revision for dislocation in the LFH cohort (HR 7.1 (95% CI 1.3 to 40.8); p = 0.023). The ten-year survival free of any re-revision was 92% (95% CI 82 to 99%) in the MDM cohort and 84% (95% CI 74 to 90) in the LFH cohort with a significantly increased risk of any re-revision in the LFH cohort (HR 2.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 5.9); p = 0.024). The ten-year survival free of any dislocation was 95% (95% CI 85 to 99) in the MDM cohort and 87% (95% CI 78 to 92) in the LFH cohort with a significantly increased risk of any dislocation in the LFH cohort (HR 2.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.3); p = 0.028). There were no re-revisions or reoperations for metallosis or corrosion in the MDM cohort. Conclusion. In this head-to-head comparison, revision THAs with a MDM construct safely and effectively lowered the risk of re-revision for dislocation, any re-revision, and any dislocation compared to LFH at mid-term follow-up. There were no re-revisions or reoperations for metallosis or corrosion in the MDM cohort. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):58–64

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The primary aims of this study were to determine the time to sonographic correction of decentred hips during treatment with Pavlik harness for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and investigate potential risk factors for a delayed response to treatment.

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Dislocation is a major concern following total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA). Both dual-mobility components and standard acetabular components with large femoral heads are used to reduce the risk of dislocation. We investigated whether dual-mobility components are superior to standard components in reducing the two-year dislocation and revision risk in a propensity-matched sample from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register (DHR).

Aims. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are often the preferred forms of treatment for patients with atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head when conservative treatment fails. Little has been reported about the survival of HA and TSA for this indication. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in revision rates between HA and TSA in these patients, to determine whether one of these implants has a superior survival and may be a better choice in the treatment of this condition. Methods. Data from 280 shoulders with 159 primary HAs and 121 TSAs, which were undertaken in patients with atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head between January 2014 and January 2023 from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI), were included. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were undertaken. Results. Within four years of follow-up, a total of 15 revisions were required, involving seven HAs (4%) and eight TSAs (7%). This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.523). Two HAs were revised because of progressive glenoid erosion, and three TSAs were revised for loosening of the glenoid component. The cumulative percentages of revision of HA and TSA were 6% and 8%, respectively (HR 1.1 (95% CI 0.5 to 2.7)). Conclusion. We found no significant difference in short- to mid-term implant survival between the use of a HA and a TSA in the treatment of atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head, without significant glenoid wear. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):97–102

Hallux valgus (HV) presents as a common forefoot deformity that causes problems with pain, mobility, footwear, and quality of life. The most common open correction used in the UK is the Scarf and Akin osteotomy, which has good clinical and radiological outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction when used to treat a varying degrees of deformity. However, there are concerns regarding recurrence rates and long-term outcomes. Minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery (MIS) has gained popularity, offering the potential for similar clinical and radiological outcomes with reduced postoperative pain and smaller scars. Despite this, MIS techniques vary widely, hindering comparison and standardization. This review evaluates the evidence for both open Scarf and Akin osteotomy and newer-generation MIS techniques. Fourth-generation MIS emphasizes multiplanar rotational deformity correction through stable fixation. While MIS techniques show promise, their evidence mainly comprises single-surgeon case series. Comparative studies between open and MIS techniques suggest similar clinical and radiological outcomes, although MIS may offer advantages in scar length and less early postoperative pain. MIS may afford superior correction in severe deformity and lower recurrence rates due to correcting the bony deformity rather than soft-tissue correction. Recurrence remains a challenge in HV surgery, necessitating long-term follow-up and standardized outcome measures for assessment. Any comparison between the techniques requires comparative studies. Surgeons must weigh the advantages and risks of both open and MIS approaches in collaboration with patients to determine the most suitable treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):10–18

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Tibial fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) can present surgical challenges. It has been suggested that appropriate fixation in at least two of the three anatomical zones (epiphysis, metaphysis, and diaphysis) is essential for implant survival. However, supporting clinical data are lacking. In this retrospective case-control study, we investigated the relationship between zonal fixation of hybrid rTKA tibial components and re-revision total knee arthroplasty for aseptic loosening (rrTKA-AL).

Traditionally, patients with a fracture of the distal radius are treated in a cast if they do not require surgery. If the fracture requires manipulation, the cast is moulded to hold the reduction and maintain normal anatomical alignment during healing. However, is a cast necessary for patients whose fracture does not require manipulation? Removable splints are an alternative treatment option. Such splints have the advantage that they can be adjusted to improve fit around the wrist as swelling reduces, and can be removed and reapplied for the purpose of washing or, in some cases, exercise. However, evidence for their safety and effectiveness in the management of distal radius fractures is lacking. DRAFT3 is a multicentre randomized non-inferiority trial and economic analysis designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of removable splints as an alternative to casts in the treatment of distal radius fractures that do not require manipulation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):7–9.

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Frozen shoulder is a common and debilitating condition characterized by pain and restricted movement at the glenohumeral joint. Various treatment methods have been explored to alleviate symptoms, with suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) emerging as a promising intervention. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of SSNB in treating frozen shoulder.

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The Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) have been validated primarily among general surgical procedures. To date, the validity of these measures has not been assessed in patients undergoing arthroplasty.

Aims. The Exeter femoral stem has a cemented, polished taper-slip design, and an excellent track record. The current range includes short-length options for various offsets, but less is known about the performance of these stems. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of short-length stems with standard-length Exeter stems. Methods. A systematic review of all studies reporting the use of short-length Exeter stems in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) was undertaken. Survival data, the indication for revision, and patient-reported outcomes were gathered from observational and randomized studies. Studies based on registry data were analyzed separately. Results. The review included nine studies which covered a total of 2,190 short stems. The mean follow-up was 6.4 years (2 to 12) with an all-cause survival of 95.4%. When revisions due to aseptic acetabular loosening were excluded, the survival was 97.7%. Four stems fractured (0.18%). The mean Oxford Hip Score improved from 18.29 (1.33 to 21.6) preoperatively to 41.59 (32.9 to 43.4) at final follow-up. Three studies used data from national registries. A total of 25,895 short stems (offset ≤ 35.5 mm) were used compared with 336,218 standard-length stems. In these studies, short stems had a hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause survival of 1.19 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.43) with a rate of revision per 1,000 component-years of 0.037 compared with 0.035 for standard-length stems. One study from the New Zealand Joint Registry divided short stems into standard and small offset groups. Standard offset short stems (≥ 37.5 mm) had a 0.84 HR (95% CI 0.38 to 1.88) while small offset short stems (≤ 35.5 mm) had a 1.6 HR compared with standard stems (95% CI 1.3 to 1.98). Conclusion. Short Exeter stems perform well and are a safe femoral component in primary THA, according to the current literature. There does not appear to be an increased risk of implant fracture associated with these stems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):27–33

Aims. The aim of this study was to perform an incremental cost-utility analysis and assess the impact of differential costs and case volume on the cost-effectiveness of robotic arm-assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (rUKA) compared to manual (mUKA). Methods. Ten-year follow-up of patients who were randomized to rUKA (n = 64) or mUKA (n = 65) was performed. Patients completed the EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire preoperatively, at three months, and one, two, five, and ten years postoperatively, which was used to calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Costs for the index and additional surgery and healthcare costs were calculated. Results. mUKA had a lower survival for reintervention (84.8% (95% CI 76.2 to 93.4); p = 0.001), all-cause revision (88.9% (95% CI 81.3 to 96.5); p = 0.007) and aseptic revision (91.9% (95% CI 85.1 to 98.7); p = 0.023) when compared to the rUKA group at ten years, which was 100%. The rUKA group had a greater QALY gain per patient (mean difference 0.186; p = 0.651). Overall rUKA was the dominant intervention, being cost-saving and more effective with a greater health-related quality of life gain. On removal of infected reinterventions (n = 2), the ICER was £757 (not discounted) and £481 (discounted). When including all reintervention costs, rUKA was cost-saving when more than 100 robotic cases were performed per year. When removing the infected cases, rUKA was cost-saving when undertaking more than 800 robotic cases per year. Conclusion. rUKA had lower reintervention and revision risks at ten years, which was cost-saving and associated with a greater QALY gain, and was the dominant procedure. When removing the cost of infection, which could be a random event, rUKA was a cost-effective intervention with an ICER (£757) which was lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold (£20,000). Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):72–80

Aims. It is unclear if a supportive bandage, removable splint, or walking cast offers the best outcome following low-risk ankle fractures in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to compare these treatments. Methods. Children aged five to 15 years with low-risk ankle fractures were recruited to this feasibility trial from 1 February 2020 to 30 March 2023. Children were randomized to supportive bandage, removable splint, or walking cast for two weeks. Follow-up at two, six, and 12 weeks was undertaken to determine feasibility for a definitive trial. Outcomes collected included complications, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) mobility score, Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory, youth version of the EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire, and Activities Scale for Kids - Performance. Results. A total of 87 children from six hospitals were randomized at a rate of 0.9 participants per site per month. Two children in the supportive bandage group crossed over to an alternative device. Complications were reported in six children. One child in the cast group developed skin blisters. One child in cast and one in bandage sustained a reinjury during the 12-week follow-up, and two children (one splint and one cast) required additional immobilization after the two-week treatment for persistent pain. Of the 84 participants who remained in the study at six weeks, 43 (51.2%) returned follow-up questionnaires at six weeks. Of the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), proxy-reported PROMIS mobility showed good responsiveness, low ceiling effects, and low missing item rates. In an exploratory analysis, small differences were observed between groups, with no evidence that any of the treatments were superior. Conclusion. This feasibility study showed acceptable recruitment and retention rates. There remains equipoise regarding the best treatment of these injuries. All three treatments appear well tolerated with similar complication rates. A primary outcome of complications or treatment failure would provide the highest study retention with secondary PROMs and economic analysis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):108–117

Aims. We evaluated the national and regional trends from 2013 to 2022, in the prevalence of Perthes’ disease among adolescent males in South Korea. Methods. This retrospective, nationwide, population-based study included a total of 3,166,669 Korean adolescent males examined at regional Military Manpower Administration (MMA) offices over ten years. Data from the MMA were retrospectively collected to measure the national and regional prevalence per 100,000 and 95% CI of Perthes’ disease according to the year (1 January 2013 to 31 December 2022) and history of pelvic and/or femoral osteotomy in South Korea. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the Perthes’ disease prevalence and several related factors. Results. The prevalence of Perthes’ disease showed a gradually increasing trend for a ten-year follow-up period from 2013 to 2022 with a mean of 71.17 (95% CI 61.82 to 80.52) per 100,000, ranging from 56.02 (95% CI 48.34 to 63.71) in 2013 to 77.53 (95% CI 67.94 to 87.11) in 2019. The proportion of patients with a Stulberg classification ≥ III ranged from 50.57% in 2015 to 80.08% in 2019, showing a gradually increasing trend. Following the trend for Perthes’ disease, an increase in the proportion of pelvic and/or femoral osteotomies was observed, whereas conservative treatment decreased in adolescent males. For a ten-year follow-up period, the prevalence of Perthes’ disease was highest in provinces, followed by the metropolitan area and Seoul. Conclusion. The prevalence of Perthes’ disease in adolescent males increased over time from 2013 to 2022. In particular, the trend in the prevalence of Perthes’ disease with incongruent hips was significantly associated with overweight and obesity rates among male adolescents with a very high level of correlation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(1):42–49

Aims. The aim of the LightFix Trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes for one year after the treatment of impending and completed pathological fractures of the humerus using the IlluminOss System (IS), and to analyze the performance of this device. Methods. A total of 81 patients with an impending or completed pathological fracture were enrolled in a multicentre, open label single cohort study and treated with IS. Inclusion criteria were visual analogue scale (VAS) Pain Scores > 60 mm/100 mm and Mirels’ Score ≥ 8. VAS pain, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Upper Limb Function, and The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Group Bone Metastases Module (QLQ-BM22) scores were all normalized to 100, and radiographs were obtained at baseline and at 14, 30, 90, 180, and 360 days postoperatively. Results. The mean VAS pain score decreased significantly from 84 (SD 15) to 50 (SD 29), 38 (SD 30), 31 (SD 29), 31 (SD 29), and 21 (SD 23) between the baseline and follow-up times (p < 0.001). The mean MSTS function scores significantly increased from 27 (SD 19) to 52 (SD 22), 60 (23), 67 (SD 23), 72 (SD 26), and 83 (SD 14) (p < 0.001). The pain and functional subscales of the QLQ-BM22 also significantly improved at most times. A total of 12 devices broke, giving an unadjusted device fracture rate of 15%. Conclusion. Stabilization with the IS decreased pain and improved function with consistent results during the first postoperative year. IS is a new, minimally invasive type of internal fixation. The use of the IS alone may be better for impending rather than completed pathological fractures, and may be better in completed fractures if an added plate or more than the usual number of locking screws is required. Caution is warranted regarding its use alone in patients with a completed pathological fracture due to the rate of breakage of the device. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1485–1492

Aims. This study aimed to determine clinical outcomes; relationships between postoperative anterior, lateral, and posterior acetabular coverage and joint survival; and prognostic factors for joint survival after transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA). Methods. Data from 616 patients (800 hips) with hip dysplasia who underwent TOA between November 1998 and December 2019 were reviewed. The median follow-up period was 8.9 years (IQR 5 to 14). A medical notes review was conducted to collect demographic data, complications, and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Radiological indicators of acetabular coverage included lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA), anterior wall index (AWI), and posterior wall index (PWI). The cumulative probability of TOA failure (progression to Tönnis grade 3 or conversion to total hip arthroplasty) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limited method. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors for failure. Results. Median mHHS improved from 68 preoperatively to 96 at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The overall joint survival rate was 97% at ten years and 70% at 20 years. For the postoperative LCEA subgroups, survival in the deficient group was lower than that in the excessive (p = 0.006) and normal (p = 0.007) groups. For the postoperative AWI subgroups, survival in the deficient group was lower than that in the excessive (p = 0.015) and normal (p < 0.001) groups. Multivariate analysis identified age (p = 0.010), Tönnis grade 2 (p < 0.001), roundness index (p = 0.003), fair joint congruity (p = 0.004), and postoperative AWI (p = 0.002) as independent risk factors. Conclusion. Deficient postoperative AWI adversely affected joint survival after TOA, underscoring the importance of sufficient anterior acetabular coverage, along with precise surgical indications, to ensure successful hip joint preservation in the treatment of hip dysplasia. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1399–1407

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Surgeon and patient reluctance to participate are potential significant barriers to conducting placebo-controlled trials of orthopaedic surgery. Understanding the preferences of orthopaedic surgeons and patients regarding the design of randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCT-Ps) of knee procedures can help to identify what RCT-P features will lead to the greatest participation. This information could inform future trial designs and feasibility assessments.

Aims. Approximately 10% to 20% of knee arthroplasty patients are not satisfied with the result, while a clear indication for revision surgery might not be present. Therapeutic options for these patients, who often lack adequate quadriceps strength, are limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a novel rehabilitation protocol that combines low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR). Methods. Between May 2022 and March 2024, we enrolled 45 dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients who lacked any clear indication for revision to this prospective cohort study. All patients were at least six months post-surgery and had undergone conventional physiotherapy previously. The patients participated in a supervised LL-RT combined with BFR in 18 sessions. Primary assessments included the following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS); Knee Society Score: satisfaction (KSSs); the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L); and the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Functionality was assessed using the six-minute walk Test (6MWT) and the 30-second chair stand test (30CST). Follow-up timepoints were at baseline, six weeks, three months, and six months after the start. Results. Six weeks of BFR with LL-RT improved all the PROMs except the sports subscale of the KOOS compared to baseline. Highest improvements after six weeks were found for quality of life (QoL) (mean 28.2 (SD 17.2) vs 19 (SD 14.7); p = 0.002), activities of daily living (mean 54.7 (SD 18.7) vs 42.9 (SD 17.3); p < 0.001), and KSSs (mean 17.1 (SD 8.8) vs 12.8 (SD 6.7); p < 0.001). PROMs improvements continued to be present at three-month and six-month follow-up compared to baseline. However, no significant differences were observed in the paired comparisons of the six-week, three-month, and six-month follow-up. The same trends are observed for the 6MWT and 30CST. Conclusion. The reported regime demonstrates improved QoL and function of dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients. In light of this, the pathway described may provide a valuable and safe treatment option for dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients for whom therapeutic options are limited. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1416–1425

Aims. Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes; previously known as Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes) periprosthetic hip and knee infections are under-reported. While culture contamination with C. acnes occurs, true infections are important to recognize and treat. We sought to describe the demographics and treatment outcomes of patients with C. acnes periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) of the hip and knee. Methods. Patients with C. acnes PJI between January 2005 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed utilizing the institutional total joint registry. Patients with monomicrobial PJI and two or more positive cultures were considered to have true C. acnes PJI. Patients with polymicrobial infection or with only one positive culture were excluded. This resulted in 35 PJIs (21 hips and 14 knees); the patients’ mean age was 63 years (35 to 84) and 15 (43%) were female. Mean follow-up was five years (1 to 14). Results. The median time to positive culture was five days (IQR 5 to 6) and median synovial fluid cell count was 22,583 cells (IQR 15,200 to 53,231). The median ESR was 25 mm/hr (IQR 7 to 37), and CRP was 15 mg/l (IQR 3 to 29). Of the 35 PJIs, 18 (51%) were treated with chronic antibiotic suppression without surgical intervention, and the remainder were treated with two-stage exchange arthroplasty. The two-year survival free of any revision was 94%. Four patients failed treatment due to symptomatic infection, with three treated with two-stage exchange and one treated with irrigation and debridement with modular component exchange for a survival rate of 89% and 83% at two and five years, respectively. Conclusion. Laboratory evidence of C. acnes PJI in this cohort was typical compared to more conventional organisms. Cultures grew more quickly than previously thought in patients with C. acnes PJI. Treatment with two-stage exchange or chronic antibiotic suppression alone both had few treatment failures at mid-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1426–1430

Aims. A recent study used the RAND Corporation at University of California, Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) method to develop anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) appropriateness criteria. The purpose of our study was to determine how patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) vary based on appropriateness. Methods. Clinical data from a multicentre database identified patients who underwent primary aTSA from November 2004 to January 2023. A total of 390 patients (mean follow-up 48.1 months (SD 42.0)) were included: 97 (24.9%) were classified as appropriate, 218 (55.9%) inconclusive, and 75 (19.2%) inappropriate. Patients were classified as “appropriate”, “inconclusive”, or “inappropriate”, using a modified version of an appropriateness algorithm, which accounted for age, rotator cuff status, mobility, symptomatology, and Walch classification. Multiple pre- and postoperative scores were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Postoperative complications were also analyzed. Results. All groups achieved significant improvement in mean PROM scores postoperatively. “Appropriate” patients experienced significantly greater improvement in visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score compared to “inconclusive” and “inappropriate”. The appropriate group had a significantly greater proportion of patients who achieved minimal clinically important difference (MCID) (95.8%; n = 93) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) (92.6%; n = 89). Overall, 13 patients had postoperative complications. No significant differences in postoperative complications among classifications were found. Conclusion. Our data clinically validate the RAND/UCLA aTSA appropriateness criteria algorithm, allowing for more rapid and reliable determination of aTSA candidacy. “Appropriate” patients were more likely to achieve MCID and SCB for ASES scores compared to “inappropriate” patients. Among “appropriate” patients who did not achieve SCB, 50% (n = 4) had a postoperative complication. There was a significantly higher proportion of postoperative complications among those who did not achieve SCB across all three groups. Only 7.1% (n = 1) of patients who did not achieve SCB in the inappropriate group had a postoperative complication. Thus, it can be inferred that the failure to reach SCB in the appropriate group was likely to be due to a postoperative complication, whereas for patients deemed “inappropriate”, failure to reach SCB may be secondary to factors accounted for within our algorithm. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1451–1460

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Day-case knee and hip replacement, in which patients are discharged on the day of surgery, has been gaining popularity during the last two decades, and particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review presents the evidence comparing day-case to inpatient-stay surgery.