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

In the UK, multidisciplinary teamwork for patients with hip fracture has been shown to reduce mortality and improves health-related quality of life for patients, while also reducing hospital bed days and associated healthcare costs. However, despite rapidly increasing numbers of fragility fractures, multidisciplinary shared care is rare in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The HIPCARE trial will test the introduction of multidisciplinary care pathways in five low- and middle-income countries in South and Southeast Asia, with the aim to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1369–1371.

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

Aims. 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. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed of MEDLINE, Embase, and grey literature databases to include all studies which compare day-case with inpatient knee and hip replacement. Meta-analyses were performed where appropriate using a random effects model. The protocol was registered prospectively (PROSPERO CRD42023392811). Results. A total of 38 studies were included, with a total of 83,888 day-case procedures. The studies were predominantly from the USA and Canada, observational, and with a high risk of bias. Day-case patients were a mean of 2.08 years younger (95% CI 1.05 to 3.12), were more likely to be male (odds ratio (OR) 1.3 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.41)), and had a lower mean BMI and American Society of Anesthesiologists grades compared with inpatients. Overall, day-case surgery was associated with significantly lower odds of readmission (OR 0.83 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.96); p = 0.009), subsequent emergency department attendance (OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.79); p < 0.001), and complications (OR 0.7 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.89) p = 0.004), than inpatient surgery. There were no significant differences in the rates of reoperation or mortality. The overall rate of successful same-day discharge for day-case surgery was 85% (95% CI 81 to 88). Patient-reported outcome measures and cost-effectiveness were either equal or favoured day-case. Conclusion. Within the limitations of the literature, in particular the substantial risk of selection bias, the outcomes following day-case knee and hip replacement appear not to be inferior to those following an inpatient stay. The evidence is more robust for unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) than for total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR). The rate of successful same-day discharge is highest in UKR, followed by TKR and comparatively lower in THR. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1385–1392

Aims. Calcaneal osteomyelitis remains a difficult condition to treat with high rates of recurrence and below-knee amputation, particularly in the presence of severe soft-tissue destruction. This study assesses the outcomes of single-stage orthoplastic surgical treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis with large soft-tissue defects. Methods. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent combined single-stage orthoplastic treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis (01/2008 to 12/2022). Primary outcome measures were osteomyelitis recurrence and below-knee amputation (BKA). Secondary outcome measures included flap failure, operating time, complications, and length of stay. Results. A total of 30 patients (14 female, 16 male; mean age 53.7 years (95% CI 48.0 to 59.5)) underwent combined orthoplastic surgical treatment for BACH “complex” calcaneal osteomyelitis with a median follow-up of 31 months (IQR 11.75 to 49.25). Of these, 19 received a local flap and 11 received a free flap. The most common causes were fracture-related infection (n = 12; 40%) and ulceration (n = 10; 33%); 21 patients (70%) had already undergone at least one operation elsewhere. Osteomyelitis was eradicated in 23 patients (77%). There were seven patients who developed recurrent osteomyelitis (23%), all in the local flap group. One patient required a BKA. Univariate analysis revealed that local flap reconstruction (OR 13.5 (95% CI 0.7 to 269.7); p = 0.029) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 16.5 (95% CI 1.35 to 203.1); p = 0.008) were associated with increased risk of recurrence. Free flap reconstruction took significantly longer intraoperatively than local flaps (mean 481 minutes (408 to 554) vs mean 168 minutes (119 to 216); p < 0.001), but without significant differences in length of stay or frequency of outpatient appointments. Conclusion. In our study involving 30 patients, single-stage orthoplastic management was associated with 77% (n = 23) eradication of infection and only one amputation in this complex and comorbid patient group. Risk factors for failure were peripheral vascular disease and local flap reconstruction. While good outcomes can be achieved, this treatment requires high levels of inpatient and outpatient care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1443–1450

Aims. There has been limited literature regarding outcomes of acetabular rim syndrome (ARS) with persistent acetabular os in the setting of acetabular dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to characterize a cohort of adolescent and young adult patients with ARS with persistent os and compare their radiological and clinical outcomes to patients with acetabular dysplasia without an os. Methods. We reviewed a prospective database of patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia between January 1999 and December 2021 to identify hips with preoperative os acetabuli, defined as a closed triradiate cartilage but persistence of a superolateral os acetabulum. A total of 14 hips in 12 patients with persistent os acetabuli (ARS cohort) were compared to 50 randomly selected ‘control’ hips without persistent os acetabuli. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were measured for markers of dysplasia: lateral centre-edge angle, anterior centre-edge angle, acetabular inclination, and migration index. Union of the os was determined in patients with ≥ six months’ follow-up. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS, maximum score 80) completed at one year postoperatively. Results. There was no significant difference between the ARS and control cohorts with regard to sex distribution (p = 0.270), age at surgery (p = 0.186), or BMI (p = 0.442). Preoperatively, the ARS cohort had more severe dysplasia, including lower lateral centre-edge angle (-9.3° (SD 12.5°) vs 7.6° (SD 10.7°); p < 0.001) and greater acetabular inclination (33.9° (SD 8.2°) vs 21.8° (SD 8.7°); p < 0.001). Postoperatively, 6/13 (46%) hips with ≥ six months of radiological follow up demonstrated union of the os. There was no difference between the ARS and control cohorts at one year in UCLA score (9.1 (SD 1.5) vs 8.2 (SD 1.9); p = 0.167) or mHHS (73.4 (SD 9.5) vs 69.9 (SD 8.8); p = 0.312). Conclusion. ARS with persistent acetabular os may occur in more severe dysplasia. Union occurs in 50% cases following corrective PAO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1393–1398

Aims

A review of the literature on elbow replacement found no consistency in the clinical outcome measures which are used to assess the effectiveness of interventions. The aim of this study was to define core outcome domains for elbow replacement.

Aims. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become the most common type of shoulder arthroplasty used in the UK, and a better understanding of the outcomes after revision of a failed RSA is needed. The aim of this study was to review the current evidence systematically to determine patient-reported outcome measures and the rates of re-revision and complications for patients undergoing revision of a RSA. Methods. MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Studies involving adult patients who underwent revision of a primary RSA for any indication were included. Those who underwent a RSA for failure of a total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty were excluded. Pre- and postoperative shoulder scores were evaluated in a random effects meta-analysis to determine the mean difference. The rates of re-revision and complications were also calculated. Results. The initial search elicited 3,166 results and, following removal of duplicates and screening, 13 studies with a total of 1,042 RSAs were identified. An increase in shoulder scores pre- to postoperatively was reported in all the studies. Following revision of a RSA to a further RSA, there was a significant increase in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (mean difference 20.78 (95% CI 8.16 to 33.40); p = 0.001). A re-revision rate at final follow-up ranging from 9% to 32%, a one-year re-revision rate of 14%, and a five-year re-revision rate of 23% were reported. The complication rate in all the studies was between 18.5% and 36%, with a total incidence of 29%. Conclusion. This is the largest systematic review of the outcomes following revision of a RSA. We found an improvement in functional outcomes after revision surgery, but the rates of re-revision and complications are high and warrant consideration when planning a revision procedure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1293–1300

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This multicentre retrospective observational study’s aims were to investigate whether there are differences in the occurrence of radiolucent lines (RLLs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the conventional Attune baseplate and its successor, the novel Attune S+, independent from other potentially influencing factors; and whether tibial baseplate design and presence of RLLs are associated with differing risk of revision.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the level of upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) in frail patients undergoing surgery for adult spine deformity (ASD).

Aims. Machine learning (ML), a branch of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to learn from data and make predictions, offers a pathway towards more personalized and tailored surgical treatments. This approach is particularly relevant to prevalent joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). In contrast to end-stage disease, where joint arthroplasty provides excellent results, early stages of OA currently lack effective therapies to halt or reverse progression. Accurate prediction of OA progression is crucial if timely interventions are to be developed, to enhance patient care and optimize the design of clinical trials. Methods. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on 5 May 2024 for studies utilizing ML to predict OA progression. Titles and abstracts were independently screened, followed by full-text reviews for studies that met the eligibility criteria. Key information was extracted and synthesized for analysis, including types of data (such as clinical, radiological, or biochemical), definitions of OA progression, ML algorithms, validation methods, and outcome measures. Results. Out of 1,160 studies initially identified, 39 were included. Most studies (85%) were published between 2020 and 2024, with 82% using publicly available datasets, primarily the Osteoarthritis Initiative. ML methods were predominantly supervised, with significant variability in the definitions of OA progression: most studies focused on structural changes (59%), while fewer addressed pain progression or both. Deep learning was used in 44% of studies, while automated ML was used in 5%. There was a lack of standardization in evaluation metrics and limited external validation. Interpretability was explored in 54% of studies, primarily using SHapley Additive exPlanations. Conclusion. Our systematic review demonstrates the feasibility of ML models in predicting OA progression, but also uncovers critical limitations that currently restrict their clinical applicability. Future priorities should include diversifying data sources, standardizing outcome measures, enforcing rigorous validation, and integrating more sophisticated algorithms. This paradigm shift from predictive modelling to actionable clinical tools has the potential to transform patient care and disease management in orthopaedic practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1216–1222

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Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging complication of any arthroplasty procedure. We reviewed our use of static antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (ABLCSs) for staged management of PJI where segmental bone loss, ligamentous instability, or soft-tissue defects necessitate a static construct. We reviewed factors contributing to their failure and techniques to avoid these complications when using ABLCSs in this context.

Aims. A local injection may be used as an early option in the treatment of Morton’s neuroma, and can be performed using various medications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of injections of hyaluronic acid compared with corticosteroid in the treatment of this condition. Methods. A total of 91 patients were assessed for this trial, of whom 45 were subsequently included and randomized into two groups. One patient was lost to follow-up, leaving 22 patients (24 feet) in each group. The patients in the hyaluronic acid group were treated with three ultrasound-guided injections (one per week) of hyaluronic acid (Osteonil Plus). Those in the corticosteroid group were treated with three ultrasound-guided injections (also one per week) of triamcinolone (Triancil). The patients were evaluated before treatment and at one, three, six, and 12 months after treatment. The primary outcome measure was the visual analogue scale for pain (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and complications. Results. Both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and AOFAS scores (p < 0.05) after 12 months. The corticosteroid group had a significantly greater reduction in VAS and increase in AOFAS scores compared with the hyaluronic acid group, at one, three, and six months, but with no significant difference at 12 months. There were no complications in the hyaluronic acid group. There were minor local complications in six patients (six feet) (25.0%) in the corticosteroid group, all with discolouration of the skin at the site of the injection. These minor complications might have been due to the three weekly injections of a relatively high dose of corticosteroid. No patient subsequently underwent excision of the neuroma. Conclusion. An ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection showed statistically significantly better functional and pain outcomes than an ultrasound-guided injection of hyaluronic acid for the treatment of a Morton’s neuroma at many timepoints. Thus, a corticosteroid injection should be regarded as a primary option in the treatment of these patients, and the only indication for an injection of hyaluronic acid might be in patients in whom corticosteroid is contraindicated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1093–1099

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Closed suction subfascial drainage is widely used after instrumented posterior spinal fusion in patients with a spinal deformity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of this wound drainage on the outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This was a further analysis of a randomized, multicentre clinical trial reporting on patients after posterior spinal fusion using segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. In this study the incidence of deep surgical site infection (SSI) and chronic postoperative pain at two years’ follow-up are reported.

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The aim of this study was to gain a consensus for best practice of the assessment and management of children with idiopathic toe walking (ITW) in order to provide a benchmark for practitioners and guide the best consistent care.

Aims. The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification has been developed to predict individual variations in inherent knee alignment. The impact of preoperative and postoperative CPAK classification phenotype on the postoperative clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains elusive. This study aimed to examine the effect of postoperative CPAK classification phenotypes (I to IX), and their pre- to postoperative changes on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods. A questionnaire was administered to 340 patients (422 knees) who underwent primary TKA for osteoarthritis (OA) between September 2013 and June 2019. A total of 231 patients (284 knees) responded. The ­Knee Society Score 2011 (KSS 2011), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 (KOOS-12), and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Using preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior full-leg radiographs, the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) were calculated and classified based on the CPAK classification. To investigate the impact on PROMs, multivariable regression analyses using stepwise selection were conducted, considering factors such as age at surgery, time since surgery, BMI, sex, implant use, postoperative aHKA classification, JLO classification, and changes in aHKA and JLO classifications from preoperative to postoperative. Results. The preoperative and postoperative CPAK classifications were predominantly phenotype I (155 knees; 55%) and phenotype V (73 knees; 26%), respectively. The change in the preoperative to postoperative aHKA classification was a significant negative predictive factor for KOOS-12 and FJS-12, while postoperative apex proximal JLO was a significant negative predictive factor for KSS 2011 and KOOS-12. Conclusion. In primary TKA for OA, preoperative and postoperative CPAK phenotypes were associated with PROMs. Alteration in varus/valgus alignment from preoperative to postoperative was recognized as a negative predictive factor for both KOOS-12 and FJS-12. Moreover, the postoperative apex proximal JLO was identified as a negative factor for KSS 2011 and KOOS-12. Determining the target alignment for each preoperative phenotype with reproducibility could improve PROMs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1059–1066

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The risk factors for recurrent instability (RI) following a primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (PTASD) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of RI in a large cohort of patients managed nonoperatively after PTASD and to develop a clinical prediction model.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment.

Aims. The aims of this study were to validate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds for Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Rowe score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores following arthroscopic Bankart repair, and to identify preoperative threshold values of these scores that could predict the achievement of MCID and PASS. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted on 131 consecutive patients with anterior shoulder instability who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair between January 2020 and January 2023. Inclusion criteria required at least one episode of shoulder instability and a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Preoperative and one-year postoperative scores were assessed. MCID and PASS were estimated using distribution-based and anchor-based methods, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined preoperative patient-reported outcome measure thresholds predictive of achieving MCID and PASS. Results. MCID thresholds were determined as 169.6, 6.8, 7.2, and 1.1 for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS, respectively. PASS thresholds were calculated as ≤ 480, ≥ 80, ≥ 87, and ≤ 1 for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS, respectively. Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 760 (WOSI) and ≤ 50 (Rowe) predicted achieving MCID for WOSI score (p < 0.001). Preoperative thresholds of ≤ 60 (ASES) and ≥ 2 (VAS) predicted achieving MCID for VAS score (p < 0.001). A preoperative threshold of ≥ 40 (Rowe) predicted achieving PASS for Rowe score (p = 0.005). Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 50 (ASES; p = 0.002) and ≤ 2 (VAS; p < 0.001) predicted achieving PASS for the ASES score. Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 43 (ASES; p = 0.046) and ≤ 4 (VAS; p = 0.024) predicted achieving PASS for the VAS. Conclusion. This study defined MCID and PASS values for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS scores in patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair. Higher preoperative functional scores may reduce the likelihood of achieving MCID but increase the likelihood of achieving the PASS. These findings provide valuable guidance for surgeons to counsel patients realistically regarding their expectations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1118–1124