Aims. Conventional patient-reported surveys, used for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), are limited by subjectivity and recall bias. Objective functional evaluation, such as gait analysis, to delineate a patient’s functional capacity and customize surgical interventions, may address these shortcomings. This systematic review endeavours to investigate the application of objective functional assessments in appraising individuals undergoing THA. Methods. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied. Eligible studies of THA patients that conducted at least one type of objective functional assessment both pre- and postoperatively were identified through Embase, Medline/PubMed, and Cochrane Central database-searching from inception to 15 September 2023. The assessments included were subgrouped for analysis: gait analysis, motion analysis, wearables, and strength tests. Results. A total of 130 studies using 15 distinct objective functional assessment methods (FAMs) were identified. The most frequently used method was instrumented gait/motion analysis, followed by the Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG), 6 minute walk test, timed stair climbing test, and various strength tests. These assessments were characterized by their diagnostic precision and applicability to daily activities. Wearables were frequently used, offering cost-effectiveness and remote monitoring benefits. However, their accuracy and potential discomfort for patients must be considered. Conclusion. The integration of objective functional assessments in THA presents promise as a progress-tracking modality for improving patient outcomes. Gait analysis and the TUG, along with advancing wearable sensor technology, have the potential to enhance patient care, surgical planning, and rehabilitation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):764–774

We assessed the outcome after simultaneous multiple operations performed on 18 children with spastic diplegia, with emphasis on the changes in the physiological cost index (PCI) of walking. Fourteen patients had a measurable reduction at one year, but the more severely affected patients took up to two years to reach a new functional plateau. The level of the preoperative PCI allows prediction of the outcome of surgery in terms of reducing the effort of walking, or improving its appearance only. Intrapelvic intramuscular psoas tenotomy produced an improvement of hip flexion deformity in 15 of 17 patients without the loss of muscle power to initiate the swing phase. Fractional lengthening corrected hamstring tightness in 17 cases, and the mean popliteal angle was reduced from 63 degrees preoperatively to 30.2 degrees, with almost complete resolution of the fixed knee flexion deformity present in ten patients. Distal transfer of the rectus femoris, when it was shown to be contracting inappropriately, improved the knee flexion arc during walking from a mean of 28.3 degrees to 45.2 degrees.

Objectives

Patient function after arthroplasty should ideally quickly improve. It is not known which peri-operative function assessments predict length of stay (LOS) and short-term functional recovery. The objective of this study was to identify peri-operative functions assessments predictive of hospital LOS and short-term function after hospital discharge in hip or knee arthroplasty patients.

Aims. The aims were to assess whether joint-specific outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was influenced by implant design over a 12-year follow-up period, and whether patient-related factors were associated with loss to follow-up and mortality risk. Methods. Long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial was undertaken. A total of 212 patients were allocated a Triathlon or a Kinemax TKA. Patients were assessed preoperatively, and one, three, eight, and 12 years postoperatively using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Reasons for patient lost to follow-up, mortality, and revision were recorded. Results. A total of 94 patients completed 12-year functional follow-up (62 females, mean age 66 years (43 to 82) at index surgery). There was a clinically significantly greater improvement in the OKS at one year (mean difference (MD) 3.0 (95% CI 0.4 to 5.7); p = 0.027) and three years (MD 4.7 (95% CI 1.9 to 7.5); p = 0.001) for the Triathlon group, but no differences were observed at eight (p = 0.331) or 12 years’ (p = 0.181) follow-up. When assessing the OKS in the patients surviving to 12 years, the Triathlon group had a clinically significantly greater improvement in the OKS (marginal mean 3.8 (95% CI 0.2 to 7.4); p = 0.040). Loss to functional follow-up (53%, n = 109/204) was independently associated with older age (p = 0.001). Patient mortality was the major reason (56.4%, n = 62/110) for loss to follow-up. Older age (p < 0.001) and worse preoperative OKS (p = 0.043) were independently associated with increased mortality risk. An age at time of surgery of ≥ 72 years was 75% sensitive and 74% specific for predicting mortality with an area under the curve of 78.1% (95% CI 70.9 to 85.3; p < 0.001). Conclusion. The Triathlon TKA was associated with clinically meaningful greater improvement in knee-specific outcome when compared to the Kinemax TKA. Loss to follow-up at 12 years was a limitation, and studies planning longer-term functional assessment could limit their cohort to patients aged under 72 years. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):911–919

Aims. To evaluate mid-to long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of endoprosthetic reconstruction after resection of malignant tumours arising around the knee, and to investigate the risk factors for unfavourable PROMs. Methods. The medical records of 75 patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, and 44 patients who were alive and available for follow-up (at a mean of 9.7 years postoperatively) were included in the study. Leg length discrepancy was measured on whole-leg radiographs, and functional assessment was performed with PROMs (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Comprehensive Outcome Measure for Musculoskeletal Oncology Lower Extremity (COMMON-LE)) with two different aspects. The thresholds for unfavourable PROMs were determined using anchor questions regarding satisfaction, and the risk factors for unfavourable PROMs were investigated. Results. The thresholds for favourable TESS and COMMON were 64.8 and 70.4 points, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age at surgery (p = 0.004) and postoperative leg length discrepancy (p = 0.043) were significant risk factors for unfavourable TESS results, while age at surgery (p < 0.001) was a significant risk factor for unfavourable COMMON-LE results. Following receiver operating characteristic analysis, the threshold for both TESS and COMMON-LE was 29 years of age at surgery. Additionally, a leg length discrepancy of 8.2 mm was the threshold for unfavourable TESS. Conclusion. Patients aged > 29 years at the time of surgery require appropriate preoperative counselling and adequate postoperative physical and socioemotional support. Reconstruction equivalent to the length of the resected bone can reduce the risk of functional disabilities in daily living. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):906–913

Aims. The primary aim of this study is to assess the survival of the uncemented hydroxyapatite (HA) coated Trident II acetabular component as part of a hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a cemented Exeter stem. The secondary aims are to assess the complications, joint-specific function, health-related quality of life, and radiological signs of loosening of the acetabular component. Methods. A single-centre, prospective cohort study of 125 implants will be undertaken. Patients undergoing hybrid THA at the study centre will be recruited. Inclusion criteria are patients suitable for the use of the uncemented acetabular component, aged 18 to 75 years, willing and able to comply with the study protocol, and provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria includes patients not meeting study inclusion criteria, inadequate bone stock to support fixation of the prosthesis, a BMI > 40 kg/m. 2. , or THA performed for pain relief in those with severely restricted mobility. Results. Implant survival, complications, functional outcomes and radiological assessment up to ten years following index THA (one, two, five, seven, and ten years) will be performed. Functional assessment will include the Oxford Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire, and pain and patient satisfaction. Radiological assessment with assess for acetabula lucent lines, lysis, and loosening according to DeLee and Charnley zones. Conclusion. This study is part of a stepwise introduction of a new device to orthopaedic practice, and careful monitoring of implants should be carried out as part of the Beyond Compliance principles. The results of this study will provide functional, radiological, and survival data to either support the ongoing use of the HA acetabulum or highlight potential limitations of this new implant before wide adoption. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):782–790

Aims. Using tibial shaft fracture participants from a large, multicentre randomized controlled trial, we investigated if patient and surgical factors were associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at one year post-surgery. Methods. The Study to Prospectively Evaluate Reamed Intramedullary Nails in Patients with Tibial Fractures (SPRINT) trial examined adults with an open or closed tibial shaft fracture who were treated with either reamed or unreamed intramedullary nails. HRQoL was assessed at hospital discharge (for pre-injury level) and at 12 months post-fracture using the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) Dysfunction, SMFA Bother, 36-Item Short Form 36 (SF-36) Physical, and SF-36 Mental Component scores. We used multiple linear regression analysis to determine if baseline and surgical factors, as well as post-intervention procedures within one year of fracture, were associated with these HRQoL outcomes. Significance was set at p < 0.01. We hypothesize that, irrespective of the four measures used, prognosis is guided by both modifiable and non-modifiable factors and that patients do not return to their pre-injury level of function, nor HRQoL. Results. For patient and surgical factors, only pre-injury quality of life and isolated fracture showed a statistical effect on all four HRQoL outcomes, while high-energy injury mechanism, smoking, and race or ethnicity, demonstrated statistical significance for three of the four HRQoL outcomes. Patients who did not require reoperation in response to infection, the need for bone grafts, and/or the need for implant exchanges had statistically superior HRQoL outcomes than those who did require intervention within one year after initial tibial fracture nailing. Conclusion. We identified several baseline patient factors, surgical factors, and post-intervention procedures within one year after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture that may influence a patient’s HRQoL. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(1):22–32

Aims. Fixation of scaphoid nonunion with a volar locking plate and cancellous bone grafting has been shown to be a successful technique in small series. Few mid- or long-term follow-up studies have been reported. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term radiological and functional outcome of plate fixation for scaphoid nonunion. Methods. Patients with a scaphoid nonunion were prospectively enrolled and treated with open reduction using a volar approach, debridement of the nonunion, and fixation using a locking plate and cancellous bone grafting, from the ipsilateral iliac crest. Follow-up included examination, functional assessment using the patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE), and multiplanar reformation CT scans at three-month intervals until union was confirmed. Results. A total of 49 patients with a mean age of 31 years (16 to 74) and a mean duration of nonunion of 3.6 years (0.4 to 16) were included. Postoperatively, the nonunion healed in 47 patients (96%) as shown on CT scans. The mean time to union was 4.2 months (3 to 12). Due to impingement of the plate on the volar rim of the radius and functional limitation, the hardware was removed in 18 patients. At a median follow-up of 38 months in 34 patients, the mean active range of motion (ROM) improved significantly from 89° to 124° (SD 44°; p = 0.003). The mean grip strength improved significantly from 52% to 79% (SD 28%; p < 0.001) of the contralateral side. The mean PRWHE score improved significantly from 66 to 17 points (SD 25; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Locking plate fixation supplemented with autologous cancellous bone grafting is a successful form of treatment for scaphoid nonunion. Functional outcomes improve with the passage of time, and mid-term results are excellent with a significant improvement in ROM, grip strength, and functional outcome as measured by the PRWHE. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1697–1702

Aims. Tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries about the knee that have the potential to affect patients’ long-term function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a musculoskeletal focus to assess the long-term outcome, as compared to a short-term outcome baseline, of tibial plateau fractures treated using modern techniques. Methods. In total, 102 patients who sustained a displaced tibial plateau fracture and underwent operative repair by one of three orthopaedic traumatologists at a large, academic medical centre and had a minimum of five-year follow-up were identified. Breakdown of patients by Schatzker classification is as follows: two (1.9%) Schatzker I, 54 (50.9%) Schatzker II, two (1.9%) Schatzker III, 13 (12.3%) Schatzker IV, nine (8.5%) Schatzker V, and 26 (24.5%) Schatzker VI. Follow-up data obtained included: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and knee range of movement (ROM). Data at latest follow-up were then compared to 12-month data using a paired t-test. Results. Patient-reported functional outcomes as assessed by overall SMFA were statistically significantly improved at five years (p < 0.001) compared with one-year data from the same patients. Patients additionally reported an improvement in the Standardized Mobility Index (p < 0.001), Standardized Emotional Index (p < 0.001), as well as improvement in Standardized Bothersome Index (p = 0.003) between the first year and latest follow-up. Patient-reported pain and knee ROM were similar at five years to their one-year follow-up. In total, 15 of the patients had undergone subsequent orthopaedic surgery for their knees at the time of most recent follow-up. Of note, only one patient had undergone knee arthroplasty following plateau fixation related to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Conclusion. Knee pain following tibial plateau fracture stabilizes at one year. However, PROs continue to improve beyond one year following tibial plateau fracture, at least in a statistical sense, if not also clinically. Patients displayed statistical improvement across nearly all SMFA index scores at their minimum five-year follow-up compared with their one-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):632–637

The aim of this study was to determine the association between the Oxford knee score (OKS) and direct assessment of outcome, and to examine how this relationship varied at different time-points following total knee replacement (TKR). Prospective data consisting of the OKS, numerical rating scales for ‘worst pain’ and ‘perceived mean daily pain’, timed functional assessments (chair rising, stairs and walking ability), goniometry and lower limb power were recorded for 183 patients pre-operatively and at six, 26 and 52 weeks post-operatively. The OKS was influenced primarily by the patient’s level of pain rather than objective functional assessments. The relationship between report of outcome and direct assessment changed over time: R. 2. = 35% pre-operatively, 44% at six weeks, 57% at 26 weeks and 62% at 52 weeks. The relationship between assessment of performance and report of performance improved as the patient’s report of pain diminished, suggesting that patients’ reporting of functional outcome after TKR is influenced more by their pain level than their ability to accomplish tasks

Aims. There are comparatively few randomized studies evaluating knee arthroplasty prostheses, and fewer still that report longer-term functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-term outcomes of an existing implant trial cohort to document changing patient function over time following total knee arthroplasty using longitudinal analytical techniques and to determine whether implant design chosen at time of surgery influenced these outcomes. Methods. A mid-term follow-up of the remaining 125 patients from a randomized cohort of total knee arthroplasty patients (initially comprising 212 recruited patients), comparing modern (Triathlon) and traditional (Kinemax) prostheses was undertaken. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), knee range of movement, pain numerical rating scales, lower limb power output, timed functional assessment battery, and satisfaction survey. Data were linked to earlier assessment timepoints, and analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed models, incorporating longitudinal change over all assessment timepoints. Results. The mean follow-up of the 125 patients was 8.12 years (7.3 to 9.4). There was a reduction in all assessment parameters relative to earlier assessments. Longitudinal models highlight changes over time in all parameters and demonstrate large effect sizes. Significant between-group differences were seen in measures of knee flexion (medium-effect size), lower limb power output (large-effect size), and report of worst daily pain experienced (large-effect size) favouring the Triathlon group. No longitudinal between-group differences were observed in mean OKS, average daily pain report, or timed performance test. Satisfaction with outcome in surviving patients at eight years was 90.5% (57/63) in the Triathlon group and 82.8% (48/58) in the Kinemax group, with no statistical difference between groups (p = 0.321). Conclusion. At a mean 8.12 years, this mid-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial cohort highlights a general reduction in measures of patient function with patient age and follow-up duration, and a comparative preservation of function based on implant received at time of surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):434–441

Aims

Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term morbidity. Our prospective cohort study sought to understand the recovery trajectory of this injury over five years.

Aims

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) arthroplasty has been used as a surgical treatment of coxarthrosis since 1997. We present 20-year results of 234 consecutive BHRs performed in our unit.

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes in patients with a displaced fracture of the hip who were treated with a cemented or a cementless femoral stem. Patients and Methods. A four-year follow-up of a randomized controlled study included 141 patients who underwent surgery for a displaced femoral neck fracture. Patients were randomized to receive either a cemented (n = 67) or a cementless (n = 74) stem at hemiarthroplasty (HA; n = 83) or total hip arthroplasty (THA; n = 58). Results. Early differences in functional outcome, assessed using the Harris Hip Score, the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment score and EuroQol-5D, with better results in cemented group, deteriorated over time and there were no statistically significant differences at 48 months. Two (3%) patients in the cemented group and five (6.8%) in the cementless group underwent further surgery for a periprosthetic fracture. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.4). No patient underwent further surgery for instability or infection between one and four years postoperatively. The mortality and the radiological outcomes were similar in both groups. Conclusion. Patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture treated with an arthroplasty using a cemented or cementless stem had good function and few complications up to four years postoperatively. However, due to the poor short-term functional outcomes in the cementless group, the findings do not support their routine use in the treatment of these elderly patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1087–93

The June 2024 Research Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Do the associations of daily steps with mortality and incident cardiovascular disease differ by sedentary time levels?; Large-scale assessment of ChatGPT in benign and malignant bone tumours imaging report diagnosis and its potential for clinical applications; Long-term effects of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis on physical function: a longitudinal analysis; Effect of intramuscular fat in the thigh muscles on muscle architecture and physical performance in the middle-aged females with knee osteoarthritis; Preoperative package of care for osteoarthritis an opportunity not to be missed?; Superiority of kinematic alignment over mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty during medium- to long-term follow-up: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

The December 2024 Research Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Skeletal muscle composition, power, and mitochondrial energetics in older men and women with knee osteoarthritis; Machine-learning models to predict osteonecrosis in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing internal fixation; Aetiology of patient dissatisfaction following primary total knee arthroplasty in the era of robotic-assisted technology; Efficacy and safety of commonly used thromboprophylaxis agents following hip and knee arthroplasty; The COVID-19 effect continues; Nickel allergy in knee arthroplasty: does self-reported sensitivity affect outcomes?; Tranexamic acid use and joint infection risk in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

The April 2023 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Displaced femoral neck fractures in patients aged 55 to 70 years: internal fixation or total hip arthroplasty?; Tibial plateau fractures: continuous passive motion approves range of motion; Lisfranc fractures: to fuse or not to fuse, that is the question; Is hardware removal after clavicle fracture plate fixation beneficial?; Fixation to coverage in Grade IIIB open fractures – what’s the time window?; Nonoperative versus locking plate fixation in the proximal humerus; Retrograde knee nailing or lateral plate for distal femur fractures?

The February 2024 Oncology Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Does primary tumour resection improve survival for patients with sarcomas of the pelvis with metastasis at diagnosis?; Proximal femur replacements for an oncologic indication offer a durable endoprosthetic reconstruction option: a 40-year experience; The importance of awaiting biopsy results in solitary pathological proximal femoral fractures: do we need to biopsy solitary pathological fractures?; Effect of radiotherapy on local recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival in 1,200 extremity soft-tissue sarcoma patients; What to choose in bone tumour resections? Patient-specific instrumentation versus surgical navigation; Optimal timing of re-excision in synovial sarcoma patients: immediate intervention versus waiting for local recurrence; Survival differences of patients with resected extraskeletal osteosarcoma receiving two different (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy regimens; Solitary versus multiple bone metastases in the appendicular skeleton: should the surgical treatment be different?.

Aims

Arthroplasties of the elbow, including total elbow arthroplasty, radial head arthroplasty, distal humeral hemiarthroplasty, and radiocapitellar arthroplasty, are rarely undertaken. This scoping review aims to outline the current research in this area to inform the development of future research.

The June 2023 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Aspirin or low-molecular-weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis?; Lateral plating or retrograde nailing for distal femur fractures?; Sciatic nerve palsy after acetabular fixation: what about patient position?; How reliable is the new OTA/AO classification for trochanteric hip fractures?; Young hip fractures: is a medial buttress the answer?; When is the best time to ‘flap’ an open fracture?; The mortality burden of nonoperatively managed hip fractures.