Aims. Magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) systems use non-invasive
spinal lengthening for the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis
(EOS). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the performance
of these devices in the prevention of progression of the deformity.
A secondary aim was to record the rate of complications. Patients and Methods. An observational study of 31 consecutive children with EOS, of
whom 15 were male, who were treated between December 2011 and October
2017 was undertaken. Their mean age was 7.7 years (2 to 14). The
mean follow-up was 47 months (24 to 69). Distractions were completed
using the tailgating technique. The primary outcome measure was
correction of the radiographic deformity. Secondary outcomes were
growth, functional outcomes and complication rates. Results. The mean Cobb angle was 54° (14° to 91°) preoperatively and 37°
(11° to 69°) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean thoracic
kyphosis (TK) was 45° (10° to 89°) preoperatively and 42° (9° to
84°) at the latest follow-up. The mean T1–S1 height increased from
287 mm (209 to 378) to 338 mm (240 to 427) (p < 0.001) and the
mean sagittal balance reduced from 68 mm (-76 to 1470) preoperatively
to 18 mm (-32 to 166) at the latest follow-up. The mean coronal balance
was 3 mm (-336 to 64) preoperatively and 8 mm (-144 to 64) at the
latest follow-up. The mean increase in weight and sitting and standing
height at the latest follow-up was 45%, 10% and 15%, respectively.
The mean Activity Scale for Kids (ASKp) scores increased in all
domains, with only personal care and standing skills being significant
at the latest follow-up (p = 0.02, p = 0.03). The improvements in
Cobb angle, TK and T1-S1 heights were not related to gender, the
aetiology of the EOS, or whether the procedure was primary or conversion
from a
Aims. Guided growth using eight-plates is commonly used for correction
of angular limb deformities in growing children. The principle is
of tethering at the physeal periphery while enabling growth in the
rest of the physis. The method is also applied for epiphysiodesis
to correct limb-length discrepancy (LLD). Concerns have been raised
regarding the potential of this method to create an epiphyseal deformity.
However, this has not been investigated. The purpose of this study
was to detect and quantify the occurrence of deformities in the
proximal tibial epiphysis following treatment with eight-plates. Patients and Methods. A retrospective study was performed including 42 children at
a mean age of 10.8 years (3.7 to 15.7) undergoing eight-plate insertion
in the proximal tibia for correction of coronal plane deformities
or LLD between 2007 and 2015. A total of 64 plates were inserted;
48 plates (34 patients) were inserted to correct angular deformities
and 16 plates (8 patients) for LLD. Medical records, Picture Archive
and Communication System images, and
Surgical treatment of young femoral neck fractures often requires an open approach to achieve an anatomical reduction. The application of a calcar plate has recently been described to aid in femoral neck fracture reduction and to augment fixation. However, application of a plate may potentially compromise the regional vascularity of the femoral head and neck. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcar femoral neck plating on the vascularity of the femoral head and neck. A Hueter approach and capsulotomy were performed bilaterally in six cadaveric hips. In the experimental group, a one-third tubular plate was secured to the inferomedial femoral neck at 6:00 on the clockface. The contralateral hip served as a control with surgical approach and capsulotomy without fixation. Pre- and post-contrast MRI was then performed to quantify signal intensity in the femoral head and neck. Qualitative assessment of the terminal arterial branches to the femoral head, specifically the inferior retinacular artery (IRA), was also performed.Aims
Methods
Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (fPJIs) are rare complications, constituting only 1% of all PJIs. Neither a uniform definition for fPJI has been established, nor a standardized treatment regimen. Compared to bacterial PJI, there is little evidence for fPJI in the literature with divergent results. Hence, we implemented a novel treatment algorithm based on three-stage revision arthroplasty, with local and systemic antifungal therapy to optimize treatment for fPJI. From 2015 to 2018, a total of 18 patients with fPJI were included in a prospective, single-centre study (DKRS-ID 00020409). The diagnosis of PJI is based on the European Bone and Joint Infection Society definition of periprosthetic joint infections. The baseline parameters (age, sex, and BMI) and additional data (previous surgeries, pathogen spectrum, and Charlson Comorbidity Index) were recorded. A therapy protocol with three-stage revision, including a scheduled spacer exchange, was implemented. Systemic antifungal medication was administered throughout the entire treatment period and continued for six months after reimplantation. A minimum follow-up of 24 months was defined.Aims
Methods
A multicentre, randomized, clinician-led, pragmatic, parallel-group orthopaedic trial of two surgical procedures was set up to obtain high-quality evidence of effectiveness. However, the trial faced recruitment challenges and struggled to maintain recruitment rates over 30%, although this is not unusual for surgical trials. We conducted a qualitative study with the aim of gathering information about recruitment practices to identify barriers to patient consent and participation to an orthopaedic trial. We collected 11 audio recordings of recruitment appointments and interviews of research team members (principal investigators and research nurses) from five hospitals involved in recruitment to an orthopaedic trial. We analyzed the qualitative data sets thematically with the aim of identifying aspects of informed consent and information provision that was either unclear, disrupted, or hindered trial recruitment.Aims
Methods
Neither a surgeon’s intraoperative impression nor the parameters of computer navigation have been shown to be predictive of the outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether a surgeon, with robotic assistance, can predict the outcome as assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for pain (KPS), one year postoperatively, and establish what factors correlate with poor KOOS scores in a well-aligned and balanced TKA. A total of 134 consecutive patients who underwent TKA using a dynamic ligament tensioning robotic system with a tibia first resection technique and a cruciate sacrificing ultracongruent TKA system were enrolled into a prospective study. Each TKA was graded based on the final mediolateral ligament balance at 10° and 90° of flexion: 1) < 1 mm difference in the thickness of the tibial insert and that which was planned (n = 75); 2) < 1 mm difference (n = 26); 3) between 1 mm to 2 mm difference (n = 26); and 4) > 2 mm difference (n = 7). The mean one-year KPS score for each grade of TKA was compared and the likelihood of achieving an KPS score of > 90 was calculated. Finally, the factors associated with lower KPS despite achieving a high-grade TKA (grade A and B) were analyzed.Aims
Methods
This aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Unified Classification System (UCS) for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around cemented polished taper-slip (PTS) stems. Radiographs of 71 patients with a PFF admitted consecutively at two centres between 25 February 2012 and 19 May 2020 were collated by an independent investigator. Six observers (three hip consultants and three trainees) were familiarized with the UCS. Each PFF was classified on two separate occasions, with a mean time between assessments of 22.7 days (16 to 29). Interobserver reliability for more than two observers was assessed using percentage agreement and Fleiss’ kappa statistic. Intraobserver reliability between two observers was calculated with Cohen kappa statistic. Validity was tested on surgically managed UCS type B PFFs where stem stability was documented in operation notes (n = 50). Validity was assessed using percentage agreement and Cohen kappa statistic between radiological assessment and intraoperative findings. Kappa statistics were interpreted using Landis and Koch criteria. All six observers were blinded to operation notes and postoperative radiographs.Aims
Methods
MRI has been suggested as an objective method of assessing anterior crucate ligament (ACL) graft “ligamentization” after reconstruction. It has been proposed that the MRI appearances could be used as an indicator of graft maturity and used as part of a return-to-sport assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between MRI graft signal and postoperative functional scores, anterior knee laxity, and patient age at operation. A consecutive cohort of 149 patients who had undergone semitendinosus autograft ACL reconstruction, using femoral and tibial adjustable loop fixations, were evaluated retrospectively postoperatively at two years. All underwent MRI analysis of the ACL graft, performed using signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and the Howell score. Functional outcome scores (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, and IKDC objective) were obtained and all patients underwent instrumented side-to-side anterior laxity differential laxity testing.Aims
Methods
Histology is an established tool in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Different thresholds, using various infection definitions and histopathological criteria, have been described. This study determined the performance of different thresholds of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (≥ 5 PMN/HPF, ≥ 10 PMN/HPF, ≥ 23 PMN/10 HPF) , when using the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) 2018 criteria for PJI. A total of 119 patients undergoing revision total hip (rTHA) or knee arthroplasty (rTKA) were included. Permanent histology sections of periprosthetic tissue were evaluated under high power (400× magnification) and neutrophils were counted per HPF. The mean neutrophil count in ten HPFs was calculated (PMN/HPF). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the z-test, thresholds were compared.Aims
Methods
A pragmatic multicentre randomized controlled trial, UK FROzen Shoulder Trial (UK FROST), was conducted in the UK NHS comparing the cost-effectiveness of commonly used treatments for adults with primary frozen shoulder in secondary care. A cost utility analysis from the NHS perspective was performed. Differences between manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA), arthroscopic capsular release (ACR), and early structured physiotherapy plus steroid injection (ESP) in costs (2018 GBP price base) and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at one year were used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the treatments using regression methods.Aims
Methods
Patients from a randomised trial on resurfacing
hip arthroplasty (RHA) (n = 36, 19 males; median age 57 years, 24
to 65) comparing a
The aim of the Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial (SWIFFT) was to determine the optimal treatment for adults with a bicortical undisplaced or minimally displaced fracture of the waist of the scaphoid, comparing early surgical fixation with initial cast immobilization, with immediate fixation being offered to patients with nonunion. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to assess the relative merits of these forms of treatment. The differences in costs to the healthcare system and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the patients over the one-year follow-up of the trial in the two treatment arms were estimated using regression analysis.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to prepare a scoping review to investigate the use of biologic therapies in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in professional and Olympic athletes. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews and Arksey and O’Malley frameworks were followed. A three-step search strategy identified relevant published primary and secondary studies, as well as grey literature. The identified studies were screened with criteria for inclusion comprising clinical studies evaluating the use of biologic therapies in professional and Olympic athletes, systematic reviews, consensus statements, and conference proceedings. Data were extracted using a standardized tool to form a descriptive analysis and a thematic summary.Aims
Methods
Bone metastasis ultimately occurs due to a complex multistep process, during which the interactions between cancer cells and bone microenvironment play important roles. Prior to colonization of the bone, cancer cells must succeed through a series of steps that will allow them to gain migratory and invasive properties; epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be integral here. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of G protein subunit alpha Q (GNAQ) on the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis through EMT pathway. A total of 80 tissue samples from patients who were surgically treated during January 2012 to December 2014 were used in the present study. Comparative gene analysis revealed that the GNAQ was more frequently altered in metastatic bone lesions than in primary tumour sites in lung cancer patients. We investigated the effects of GNAQ on cell proliferation, migration, EMT, and stem cell transformation using lung cancer cells with GNAQ-knockdown. A xenograft mouse model tested the effect of GNAQ using micro-CT analyses and histological analyses.Aims
Methods
Aims. A single-centre prospective randomized trial was conducted to
investigate whether a less intensive follow-up protocol would not
be inferior to a
