In a retrospective study we compared 32 HINTEGRA total ankle replacements (TARs) and 35 Mobility TARs performed between July 2005 and May 2010, with a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean follow-up for the HINTEGRA group was 53 months (24 to 76) and for the Mobility group was 34 months (24 to 45). All procedures were performed by a single surgeon.

There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the mean AOFAS score, visual analogue score for pain or range of movement of the ankle at the latest follow-up. Most radiological measurements did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the most common grade of heterotopic ossification (HO) was grade 3 in the HINTEGRA group (10 of 13 TARs, 76.9%) and grade 2 in the Mobility group (four of seven TARs, 57.1%) (p = 0.025). Although HO was more frequent in the HINTEGRA group (40.6%) than in the Mobility group (20.0%), this was not statistically significant (p = 0.065).The difference in peri-operative complications between the two groups was not significant, but intra-operative medial malleolar fractures occurred in four (11.4%) in the Mobility group; four (12.5%) in the HINTEGRA group and one TAR (2.9%) in the Mobility group failed (p = 0.185).

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1075–82.

The June 2015 Wrist & Hand Roundup360 looks at: Collagenase and Dupuytren’s disease – a genuine alternative to surgery?; iPad PROMise?; Should we learn how to do endoscopic carpal tunnel release?; Two-week radiographs a relic of the past?; Bible? Aspirate or excise?; Patient expectations and trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis; Splintage in the treatment of sagittal band incompetence and extensor tendon subluxation

Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a reliable procedure with reproducible long-term results. Nevertheless, there are conditions related to the type of patient or local conditions of the knee that can make it a difficult procedure. The most common scenarios that make it difficult are discussed in this review. These include patients with many previous operations and incisions, and those with severe coronal deformities, genu recurvatum, a stiff knee, extra-articular deformities and those who have previously undergone osteotomy around the knee and those with chronic dislocation of the patella.

Each condition is analysed according to the characteristics of the patient, the pre-operative planning and the reported outcomes.

When approaching the difficult primary TKA surgeons should use a systematic approach, which begins with the review of the existing literature for each specific clinical situation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B(10 Suppl A):30–9.

This study compares the cost-effectiveness of treating dorsally displaced distal radial fractures with a volar locking plate and percutaneous fixation. It was performed from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS) using data from a single-centre randomised controlled trial. In total 130 patients (18 to 73 years of age) with a dorsally displaced distal radial fracture were randomised to treatment with either a volar locking plate (n = 66) or percutaneous fixation (n = 64). The methodology was according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance for technology appraisals. .

There were no significant differences in quality of life scores between groups at any time point in the study. Both groups returned to baseline one year post-operatively.

NHS costs for the plate group were significantly higher (p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 497 to 930). For an additional £713, fixation with a volar locking plate offered 0.0178 additional quality-adjusted life years in the year after surgery. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for plate fixation relative to percutaneous fixation at list price was £40 068. When adjusting the prices of the implants for a 20% hospital discount, the ICER was £31 898. Patients who underwent plate fixation did not return to work earlier.

We found no evidence to support the cost-effectiveness, from the perspective of the NHS, of fixation using a volar locking plate over percutaneous fixation for the operative treatment of a dorsally displaced radial fracture.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1264–70.

In Japan, osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip secondary to acetabular dysplasia is very common, and there are few data concerning the pathogeneses and incidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We have attempted to clarify the radiological prevalence of painful FAI in a cohort of Japanese patients and to investigate the radiological findings. We identified 176 symptomatic patients (202 hips) with Tönnis grade 0 or 1 osteoarthritis, whom we prospectively studied between August 2011 and July 2012. There were 61 men (65 hips) and 115 women (137 hips) with a mean age of 51.8 years (11 to 83). Radiological analyses included the α-angle, centre–edge angle, cross-over sign, pistol grip deformity and femoral head neck ratio. Of the 202 hips, 79 (39.1%) had acetabular dysplasia, while 80 hips (39.6%) had no known aetiology. We found evidence of FAI in 60 hips (29.7%). Radiological FAI findings associated with cam deformity were the most common. There was a significant relationship between the pistol grip deformity and both the α-angle (p < 0.001) and femoral head–neck ratio (p = 0.024). Radiological evidence of symptomatic FAI was not uncommon in these Japanese patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;96-B:172–6.

There is a North Atlantic divide, with cementless femoral stems being used more frequently in the USA and cemented stems being used more frequently in many countries in Europe. This is primarily because different cemented stems have been used on different sides of the Atlantic and the results of the cemented stems in the US have often been poor, whereas the results of the stems used in Europe have been good. In the National registers in Europe, cemented stems have tended to achieve better results than cementless.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:51–2.

To confirm whether developmental dysplasia of the hip has a risk of hip impingement, we analysed maximum ranges of movement to the point of bony impingement, and impingement location using three-dimensional (3D) surface models of the pelvis and femur in combination with 3D morphology of the hip joint using computer-assisted methods. Results of computed tomography were examined for 52 hip joints with DDH and 73 normal healthy hip joints. DDH shows larger maximum extension (p = 0.001) and internal rotation at 90° flexion (p < 0.001). Similar maximum flexion (p = 0.835) and external rotation (p = 0.713) were observed between groups, while high rates of extra-articular impingement were noticed in these directions in DDH (p < 0.001). Smaller cranial acetabular anteversion (p = 0.048), centre-edge angles (p < 0.001), a circumferentially shallower acetabulum, larger femoral neck anteversion (p < 0.001), and larger alpha angle were identified in DDH. Risk of anterior impingement in retroverted DDH hips is similar to that in retroverted normal hips in excessive adduction but minimal in less adduction. These findings might be borne in mind when considering the possibility of extra-articular posterior impingement in DDH being a source of pain, particularly for patients with a highly anteverted femoral neck.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:580–9.

Hip replacement is a very successful operation and the outcome is usually excellent. There are recognised complications that seem increasingly to give rise to litigation. This paper briefly examines some common scenarios where litigation may be pursued against hip surgeons. With appropriate record keeping, consenting and surgical care, the claim can be successfully defended if not avoided. We hope this short summary will help to highlight some common pitfalls. There is extensive literature available for detailed study.

Objectives

An ongoing prospective study to investigate failing metal-on-metal hip prostheses was commenced at our centre in 2008. We report on the results of the analysis of the first consecutive 126 failed mated total hip prostheses from a single manufacturer.

Worldwide rates of primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are rising due to increased longevity of the population and the burden of osteoarthritis.

Revision TKA is a technically demanding procedure generating outcomes which are reported to be inferior to those of primary knee arthroplasty, and with a higher risk of complication. Overall, the rate of revision after primary arthroplasty is low, but the number of patients currently living with a TKA suggests a large potential revision healthcare burden.

Many patients are now outliving their prosthesis, and consideration must be given to how we are to provide the necessary capacity to meet the rising demand for revision surgery and how to maximise patient outcomes.

The purpose of this review was to examine the epidemiology of, and risk factors for, revision knee arthroplasty, and to discuss factors that may enhance patient outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:723–8.

Objectives

We aimed to further evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of two locking screws versus three standard bicortical screws in synthetic models of normal and osteoporotic bone.

In many papers, the diagnosis of pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is attributed to the presence of coxa profunda. However, little is known about the prevalence of coxa profunda in the general population and its clinical relevance.

In order to ascertain its prevalence in asymptomatic subjects and whether it is a reliable indicator of pincer-type FAI, we undertook a cross-sectional study between July and December 2013. A total of 226 subjects (452 hips) were initially screened. According to strict inclusion criteria, 129 asymptomatic patients (257 hips) were included in the study. The coxa profunda sign, the crossover sign, the acetabular index (AI) and lateral centre–edge (LCE) angle were measured on the radiographs. The median age of the patients was 36.5 years (28 to 50) and 138 (53.7%) were women.

Coxa profunda was present in 199 hips (77.4%). There was a significantly increased prevalence of coxa profunda in women (p < 0.05) and a significant association between coxa profunda and female gender (p < 0.001) (92% vs 60.5%). The crossover sign was seen in 36 hips (14%), an LCE > 40° in 28 hips (10.9%) and an AI < 0º in 79 hips (30.7%). A total of 221 normal hips (79.2%) (normal considering the crossover) had coxa profunda, a total of 229 normal hips (75.5%) (normal considering the LCE) had coxa profunda and a total of 178 normal hips (75.3%) (normal considering AI) had coxa profunda.

When the presence of all radiological signs in the same subject was considered, pincer-type FAI was found in only two hips (one subject). We therefore consider that the coxa profunda sign should not be used as a radiological indicator of pincer-type FAI. We consider profunda to be a benign alteration in the morphology of the hip with low prevalence and a lack of association with other radiological markers of FAI. We suggest that the diagnosis of pincer-type FAI should be based on objective measures, in association with clinical findings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:478–83.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1150 computer-assisted total knee replacements and analysed the clinical and radiological outcomes of 45 knees that had arthritis with a pre-operative recurvatum deformity. The mean pre-operative hyperextension deformity of 11° (6° to 15°), as measured by navigation at the start of the operation, improved to a mean flexion deformity of 3.1° (0° to 7°) post-operatively. A total of 41 knees (91%) were managed using inserts ≤ 12.5 mm thick, and none had mediolateral laxity > 2 mm from a mechanical axis of 0° at the end of the surgery. At a mean follow-up of 26.4 months (13 to 48) there was significant improvement in the mean Knee Society, Oxford knee and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores compared with the pre-operative values. The mean knee flexion improved from 105° (80° to 125°) pre-operatively to 131° (120° to 145°), and none of the limbs had recurrent recurvatum.

These early results show that total knee replacement using computer navigation and an algorithmic approach for arthritic knees with a recurvatum deformity can give excellent radiological and functional outcomes without recurrent deformity.

This was a randomised controlled trial studying the safety of a new short metaphyseal fixation (SMF) stem. We hypothesised that it would have similar early clinical results and micromovement to those of a standard-length tapered Synergy metaphyseal fixation stem. Using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) we compared the two stems in 43 patients. A short metaphyseal fixation stem was used in 22 patients and a Synergy stem in 21 patients. No difference was found in the clinical outcomes pre- or post-operatively between groups. RSA showed no significant differences two years post-operatively in mean micromovement between the two stems (except for varus/valgus tilt at p = 0.05) (subsidence 0.94 mm (sd 1.71) vs 0.32 mm (sd 0.45), p = 0.66; rotation 0.96° (sd 1.49) vs 1.41° (sd 2.95), p = 0.88; and total migration 1.09 mm (sd 1.74) vs 0.73 mm (sd 0.72), p = 0.51). A few stems (four SMF and three Synergy) had initial migration > 1.0 mm but stabilised by three to six months, with the exception of one SMF stem which required revision three years post-operatively. For most stems, total micromovement was very low at two years (subsidence < 0.5 mm, rotation < 1.0°, total migration < 0.5 mm), which was consistent with osseous ingrowth. The small sample makes it difficult to confirm the universal applicability of or elucidate the potential contraindications to the use of this particular new design of stem.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:595–602.

In this prospective study we studied the effect of the inclination angle of the acetabular component on polyethylene wear and component migration in cemented acetabular sockets using radiostereometric analysis.

A total of 120 patients received either a cemented Reflection All-Poly ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene or a cemented Reflection All-Poly highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular component, combined with either cobalt–chrome or Oxinium femoral heads. Femoral head penetration and migration of the acetabular component were assessed with repeated radiostereometric analysis for two years. The inclination angle was measured on a standard post-operative anteroposterior pelvic radiograph. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the inclination angle and femoral head penetration and migration of the acetabular component.

We found no relationship between the inclination angle and penetration of the femoral head at two years’ follow-up (p = 0.9). Similarly, our data failed to reveal any statistically significant correlation between inclination angle and migration of these cemented acetabular components (p = 0.07 to p = 0.9).

Down’s syndrome is associated with a number of musculoskeletal abnormalities, some of which predispose patients to early symptomatic arthritis of the hip. The purpose of the present study was to review the general and hip-specific factors potentially compromising total hip replacement (THR) in patients with Down’s syndrome, as well as to summarise both the surgical techniques that may anticipate the potential adverse impact of these factors and the clinical results reported to date. A search of the literature was performed, and the findings further informed by the authors’ clinical experience, as well as that of the hip replacement in Down Syndrome study group. The general factors identified include a high incidence of ligamentous laxity, as well as associated muscle hypotonia and gait abnormalities. Hip-specific factors include: a high incidence of hip dysplasia, as well as a number of other acetabular, femoral and combined femoroacetabular anatomical variations. Four studies encompassing 42 hips, which reported the clinical outcomes of THR in patients with Down’s syndrome, were identified. All patients were successfully treated with standard acetabular and femoral components. The use of supplementary acetabular screw fixation to enhance component stability was frequently reported. The use of constrained liners to treat intra-operative instability occurred in eight hips. Survival rates of between 81% and 100% at a mean follow-up of 105 months (6 to 292) are encouraging. Overall, while THR in patients with Down’s syndrome does present some unique challenges, the overall clinical results are good, providing these patients with reliable pain relief and good function.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:41–5.

The repair of chondral lesions associated with femoroacetabular impingement requires specific treatment in addition to that of the impingement. In this single-centre retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients we compared treatment with microfracture (MFx) with a technique of enhanced microfracture autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC).

Acetabular grade III and IV chondral lesions measuring between 2 cm² and 8 cm² in 147 patients were treated by MFx in 77 and AMIC in 70. The outcome was assessed using the modified Harris hip score at six months and one, two, three, four and five years post-operatively. The outcome in both groups was significantly improved at six months and one year post-operatively. During the subsequent four years the outcome in the MFx group slowly deteriorated, whereas that in the AMIC group remained stable. Six patients in the MFx group subsequently required total hip arthroplasty, compared with none in the AMIC group

We conclude that the short-term clinical outcome improves in patients with acetabular chondral damage following both MFx and AMIC. However, the AMIC group had better and more durable improvement, particularly in patients with large (≥ 4 cm²) lesions.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:628–35.

We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 178 Mobility total ankle replacements (TARs) performed by three surgeons between January 2004 and June 2009, and analysed radiological parameters and clinical outcomes in a subgroup of 129 patients. The mean follow-up was 4 years (2 to 6.3). A total of ten revision procedures (5.6%) were undertaken. The mean Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain score was 17 (0 to 88) and 86% of patients were clinically improved at follow-up. However, 18 patients (18 TARs, 14%) had a poor outcome with an AOS pain score of > 30. A worse outcome was associated with a pre-operative diagnosis of post-traumatic degenerative arthritis. However, no pre- or post-operative radiological parameters were significantly associated with a poor outcome. Of the patients with persistent pain, eight had predominantly medial-sided pain. Thirty TARs (29%) had a radiolucency in at least one zone.

The outcome of the Mobility TAR at a mean of four years is satisfactory in > 85% of patients. However, there is a significant incidence of persistent pain, particularly on the medial side, for which we were unable to establish a cause.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1366–71.

We evaluated all cases involving the combined use of a subtrochanteric derotational femoral shortening osteotomy with a cemented Exeter stem performed at our institution. With severe developmental dysplasia of the hip an osteotomy is often necessary to achieve shortening and derotation of the proximal femur. Reduction can be maintained with a 3.5 mm compression plate while the implant is cemented into place. Such a plate was used to stabilise the osteotomy in all cases. Intramedullary autograft helps to prevent cement interposition at the osteotomy site and promotes healing. There were 15 female patients (18 hips) with a mean age of 51 years (33 to 75) who had a Crowe IV dysplasia of the hip and were followed up for a mean of 114 months (52 to 168). None was lost to follow-up. All clinical scores were collected prospectively. The Charnley modification of the Merle D’Aubigné-Postel scores for pain, function and range of movement showed a statistically significant improvement from a mean of 2.4 (1 to 4), 2.3 (1 to 4), 3.4 (1 to 6) to 5.2 (3 to 6), 4.4 (3 to 6), 5.2 (4 to 6), respectively. Three acetabular revisions were required for aseptic loosening; one required femoral revision for access. One osteotomy failed to unite at 14 months and was revised successfully. No other case required a femoral revision. No postoperative sciatic nerve palsy was observed.

Cemented Exeter femoral components perform well in the treatment of Crowe IV dysplasia with this procedure.