Aims

Patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder commonly have an anterior osseous defect of the glenoid. Once the defect reaches a critical size, stability may be restored by bone grafting. The critical size of this defect under non-physiological loading conditions has previously been identified as 20% of the length of the glenoid. As the stability of the shoulder is load-dependent, with higher joint forces leading to a loss of stability, the aim of this study was to determine the critical size of an osseous defect that leads to further anterior instability of the shoulder under physiological loading despite a Bankart repair.

1. A twenty-six-year-old woman was paraplegic because of a benign giant-cell tumour which had destroyed the body of the twelfth thoracic vertebra completely and the bodies of the eleventh thoracic and first lumbar vertebrae partially. The tumour had expanded into both pleural cavities and displaced the aorta forward and to the left. The extent and topography of the tumour were evaluated before operation by angiography. The function of the spinal cord had not been improved significantly by laminectomy. It was therefore decided to attempt extirpation of the tumour by removing all remaining parts of the three vertebrae involved. 2. After the removal of the tumour, only the spinal cord with the thecal sac bridged the gap between the tenth thoracic and second lumbar vertebrae. The gap was bridged with struts of cortical bone from both tibiae and with two strong plates, all secured with steel wire. The metal was removed five months later because it had become loose. Gradual shortening and angulation of the spine then occurred, together with progressive resorption of the cortical grafts. Nevertheless, the operation restored the function of the spinal cord; the patient regained ability to walk and full control of the bladder

1. A series of 149 consecutive cases of flexor tendon grafting in the fingers and thumb is reviewed and the results are analysed. A description of the technique which has evolved from this experience is given. 2. Replacement of a divided flexor digitorum profundus in the presence of an intact sublimis tendon restored a useful range of movement in 80 per cent of cases. 3. Replacement of both flexor digitorum profundus and sublimis gave good results in 70 to 80 per cent of cases. 4. Replacement of a divided flexor pollicis longus tendon gave good results in 85 per cent of cases. 5. The particular tendon used for the graft did not materially influence the result, but there are special indications for the use of the different tendons. 6. The choice of splintage or of early movement after operation does not appear to have a significant bearing upon the result. 7. The most important factor in determining the result is probably a precise and gentle surgical technique and complete haemostasis. Minor differences in method are of little importance. The failures in this series were due more to faulty performance of the operation than to any other single factor

Between 1986 and 1994, 13 patients with mobile painful arthritic elbows were treated by distraction interposition arthroplasty using fascia lata. The mean period of follow-up was 63 months. An elbow distractor/fixator was applied for three to four weeks to separate the articular surfaces and to protect the fascial graft. Nine of the 13 patients (69%) had satisfactory relief from pain; eight (62%) had an excellent or good result by the objective criteria of the Mayo Elbow Performance score. Four have required revision to total elbow arthroplasty at a mean of 30 months with good results to date. Instability of the elbow, both before and after surgery, was found to be associated with unsatisfactory results. The rate of success when the procedure was performed for inflammatory arthritis was similar to that for post-traumatic arthritis, about 67%. Eight complications occurred in six patients, all in the group with post-traumatic arthritis. Two of these required further surgical procedures such as transposition of the ulnar nerve or repair of hernia of the fascia lata. Although less reliable than prosthetic replacement, distraction interposition arthroplasty is a useful option in the treatment of young, high-demand patients with arthritis of the elbow. It is rarely indicated in the presence of generalised inflammatory arthritis, but may be of value in those patients in whom the disease is limited primarily to the elbow

From November 1994 to March 1997, we harvested 137 grafts of the femoral head from 125 patients for donation during total hip arthroplasty according to the guidelines of the American Associations of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the European Association of Musculo-Skeletal transplantation (EAMST). In addition to the standards recommended by these authorities, we performed histopathological examination of a core biopsy of the retrieved bone allograft and of the synovium. Of the 137 allografts, 48 (35.0%) fulfilled all criteria and were free for donation; 31 (22.6%) were not regarded as suitable for transplantation because the serological retests at six months were not yet complete and 58 (42.3%) were discarded because of incomplete data. Of those discarded, five showed abnormal histopathological findings; three were highly suspicious of low-grade B-cell lymphoma, one of monoclonal plasmacytosis and the other of non-specific inflammation of bone marrow. However, according to the standards of the AATB or EAMST they all met the criteria and were eligible for transplantation. Our findings indicate that the incidence of abnormal histopathology in these retrieved allografts was 3.6%. Since it is essential to confirm the quality of donor bones in bone banking, we advise that histopathological screening of donor bone should be performed to exclude abnormal allografts

Tuberculosis (TB) remains endemic in many parts of the developing world and is increasingly seen in the developed world due to migration. A total of 1.3 million people die annually from the disease. Spinal TB is the most common musculoskeletal manifestation, affecting about 1 to 2% of all cases of TB. The coexistence of HIV, which is endemic in some regions, adds to the burden and the complexity of management.

This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, impact of HIV and both the medical and surgical options in the management of spinal TB.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:425–31.

Professor Paul Brand draws attention to an error in the report of a meeting of the Orthopaedic Section of the Association of Surgeons of India submitted to this journal and published in our issue of May 1962. The observations then reported were not made by him but in his absence by another contributor. The particular paragraph to which Professor Brand wishes to draw attention read: "Lately he had been using a wrist flexor tendon as the motor unit for the transplant, instead of the extensor carpi ulnaris, and he felt that the flexor tendon was the better.". Professor Brand writes: "I have not been using a wrist flexor tendon as the motor unit. I used one many years ago, and found it is very definitely inferior. I have never used the extensor carpi ulnaris. I assume that the sentence should have read: ‘Lately he has been using the extensor carpi radialis longus as the motor unit for the transplant instead of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, and has taken the graft around the radial side of the forearm and through the carpal tunnel to reach the lumbrical insertions along the lumbrical canals. He found the results were better with this method.’"

1. The technique of compression-arthrodesis of the knee joint is described. 2. Fifteen consecutive cases are reported in which clinical union was detected at the first inspection from twelve days to six weeks after operation. By this method the total period of disability is reduced to three months. 3. Three mechanical factors which might be responsible for this very early clinical union are examined: compression is believed to be the main factor, although fixation is also important. 4. A fallacy is exposed in the use of bone grafts for arthrodesis of the knee; the graft is less osteogenic than the substance of the bones which form the joint, and it provides inefficient internal fixation. 5. A theory is suggested that compression, even in the presence of slight movement, acts by producing a fixed "hinge" without shearing movement; at this point a bridgehead of flexible osteoid tissue is established in which ossification inevitably takes place despite slight bending movement. 6. A second theory is suggested that high compression forces stimulate early union by liberating bone salts at points of maximum pressure through the action of osteoclasts, and that the local excess of bone salts is redeposited under cellular activity within a range of a few millimetres where there is no pressure

Despite its intrinsic ability to regenerate form and function after injury, bone tissue can be challenged by a multitude of pathological conditions. While innovative approaches have helped to unravel the cascades of bone healing, this knowledge has so far not improved the clinical outcomes of bone defect treatment. Recent findings have allowed us to gain in-depth knowledge about the physiological conditions and biological principles of bone regeneration. Now it is time to transfer the lessons learned from bone healing to the challenging scenarios in defects and employ innovative technologies to enable biomaterial-based strategies for bone defect healing. This review aims to provide an overview on endogenous cascades of bone material formation and how these are transferred to new perspectives in biomaterial-driven approaches in bone regeneration.

Cite this article: T. Winkler, F. A. Sass, G. N. Duda, K. Schmidt-Bleek. A review of biomaterials in bone defect healing, remaining shortcomings and future opportunities for bone tissue engineering: The unsolved challenge. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:232–243. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.73.BJR-2017-0270.R1.

From 1981 to 1983, we implanted Bioceram type-4 and type-5 prostheses in 61 hips in 54 patients with osteoarthritis secondary to acetabular dysplasia, congenital subluxation, or congenital dislocation of the hip. Fifty-seven hips in 50 patients were followed for a mean of 11.1 years (10 to 13). The mean age of the patients at operation was 53 years (31 to 70). Functional evaluation using the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel hip score showed a 77% success rate. Radiological loosening occurred in three femoral (5%) and 16 acetabular components (28%). Autologous femoral head grafts were used in 18 hips and became incorporated, giving mechanical support to the socket except for one which occupied a large weight-bearing area and eventually collapsed. The mean polyethylene wear was 1.1 mm (0 to 3.6) and the mean wear rate was 0.10 mm/year (0 to 0.31). A high rate of wear correlated with calcar resorption (p > 0.002) but not with acetabular loosening. There was no breakage of a ceramic head. Study of the ceramic heads and polyethylene sockets retrieved after ten years showed excellent surface roughness, sphericity, and bending strength for the heads but scratches and voids were seen on the sockets

We describe our medium-term results for the management of chronic osteomyelitis in long bones using the Lautenbach procedure. Seventeen consecutive patients (18 segments) were treated prospectively. Osteomyelitis had been present for a mean of 12.5 years (1 to 31). A discharging sinus was present in all cases. Nine of the associated fractures had failed to unite and a further two needed correction of malunion. The Lautenbach procedure involves debridement, intramedullary reaming and the insertion of double-lumen tubes to establish both a local antibiotic delivery system and cavity analysis for volume and culture. The end-point of treatment is when the irrigate produces three consecutive clear cultures with improvement in the blood indices and obliteration of the cavity volume. The mean length of treatment was 27 days (14 to 48). One patient required a second procedure and another local debridement for recurrence of the infection. Two patients had Papineau grafting because of cortical defects. All the patients have subsequently remained free from infection. After treatment 11 had internal or external fixation for treatment of non- or malunion or a joint replacement, including two successful limb-lengthening procedures. Two further patients, while cured of infection, underwent amputation for other reasons. The mean length of follow-up was 75 months. This procedure allows precise control over the osteomyelitis until objective assessment suggests that infection has been cleared and the cavity obliterated. We recommend this procedure for long-standing complex cases in which basic techniques using debridement and antibiotics have failed

We have reviewed 80 children who were involved in the Medical Research Council (UK) trial of surgical treatment for tuberculosis of the spine in Hong Kong. Radical surgery or debridement had been performed at mean ages of 7.6 years (n = 47) and 5.1 years (n = 33) respectively. The patients were followed up to skeletal maturity (mean 17 years). Spinal deformity was measured on lateral radiographs taken preoperatively, at six months, one year, five years and at final follow-up. Radical surgery and grafting produced a reduction in kyphos and deformity angles at six months; this correction was maintained during the growth period. By contrast, after debridement surgery there was an increase in deformity at six months, with a tendency to some spontaneous correction during the growth period. There were statistically significant differences between angles for the radical and debridement groups only at six months postoperatively, but the changes during later follow-up were similar in the radical and debridement groups. Our findings highlight the importance of the surgical correction of deformity, and provide no evidence to suggest that disproportionate posterior spinal growth contributes to progression of deformity after anterior spinal fusion in children

We studied a consecutive series of 58 patients with penetrating missile injuries of the brachial plexus to establish the indications for exploration and review the results of operation. At a mean of 17 weeks after the initial injury, 51 patients were operated on for known or suspected vascular injury (16), severe persistent pain (35) or complete loss of function in the distribution of one or more elements of the brachial plexus (51). Repair of the nerve and vascular lesions abolished, or significantly relieved, severe pain in 33 patients (94%). Of the 36 patients who underwent nerve graft of one or more elements of the plexus, good or useful results were obtained in 26 (72%). Poor results were observed after repairs of the medial cord and ulnar nerve, and in patients with associated injury of the spinal cord. Neurolysis of lesions in continuity produced good or useful results in 21 of 23 patients (91%). We consider that a vigorous approach is justified in the treatment of penetrating missile injury of the brachial plexus. Primary intervention is mandatory when there is evidence of a vascular lesion. Worthwhile results can be achieved with early secondary intervention in patients with debilitating pain, failure to progress and progression of the lesion while under observation. There is cause for optimism in nerve repair, particularly of the roots C5, C6 and C7 and of the lateral and posterior cords, but the prognosis for complete lesions of the plexus associated with damage to the cervical spinal cord is particularly poor

In a two-centre study, 164 patients with unilateral instability of the anterior cruciate ligament were prospectively randomised to arthroscopic reconstruction with either a patellar tendon graft using interference screw fixation or a quadruple semitendinosus graft using an endobutton fixation technique. The same postoperative rehabilitation protocol was used for all patients and follow-up at a median of 31 months (24 to 59) was carried out by independent observers. Four patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the Stryker laxity test, one-leg hop test, Tegner activity level, Lysholm score, patellofemoral pain score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score or visual analogue scale, reflecting patient satisfaction and knee function. Slightly decreased extension, compared with the non-operated side, was found in the patellar tendon group (p < 0.05). Patients with associated meniscal injuries had lower IKDC, visual analogue (p < 0.01) and Lysholm scores (p < 0.05) than those without such injuries. Patients in whom reconstruction had been carried out less than five months after the injury had better final IKDC scores than the more chronic cases (p < 0.05). We conclude that patellar tendon and quadruple semitendinous tendon grafts have similar outcomes in the medium term. Associated meniscal pathology significantly affects the final outcome and early reconstruction seems to be beneficial

1. A series of 106 central slip injuries has been reviewed. 2. Although the boutonnière deformity in many cases may be no more than a cosmetic defect, this survey has shown that in some instances it can constitute a slowly progressive lesion, with considerable disability and gross deformity of a digit. 3. Conservative treatment seems to be superior to operation, at least in those patients seen within six weeks of injury. Treatment by splintage alone yielded in this series a 75 per cent success rate, whereas operation showed only 50 per cent success. 4. When a sizeable fragment of bone has been avulsed from the middle phalanx, suture of the fragment in position is indicated and gives remarkably satisfactory results. 5. Injuries with soft-tissue loss over the proximal interphalangeal joint may yield successful results after suture or plastic repair of the tendon, and wound closure by split-skin grafts or local rotation flaps. 6. Poor results tend to occur in cases complicated by phalangeal fracture or by multiple hand injuries, and it may be advisable to defer the repair of the central slip until recovery from the other injuries has been completed. 7. With gross disruption of the proximal interphalangeal joint primary arthrodesis is probably indicated

Aims

Few reconstructive techniques are available for patients requiring complex acetabular revisions such as those involving Paprosky type 2C, 3A and 3B deficiencies and pelvic discontinuity. Our aim was to describe the development of the patient specific Triflange acetabular component for use in these patients, the surgical technique and mid-term results. We include a description of the pre-operative CT scanning, the construction of a model, operative planning, and surgical technique. All implants were coated with porous plasma spray and hydroxyapatite if desired.

Aims

The aims of this study were to review the surgical technique for a combined femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), and to report the short-term clinical and radiological results of a combined FHRO/PAO for the treatment of selected severe femoral head deformities.

1. Posterior fusion of the spine in scoliosis cannot be relied upon to maintain correction of the curve or to prevent progression of a vicious resistant curve. It can, however, hold to some extent the correction of a mobile curve and the compensation of a fixed curve. 2. Despite generally poor results as assessed radiographically, the clinical improvement is often gratifying. Most patients claim to be greatly improved: the spine feels stronger, there is less fatigue, and balance is better controlled. Moreover, visible deformity may be improved markedly even though the anatomical correction as observed radiographically is slight (Figs. l0 and 11). 3. It is believed that the true cause of relapse is that the bone formed from sliver grafts remains immature for a long time. Even when incorporated with the immature bone of the child's spine or the mature bone of the adult spine, it remains soft and resilient. When subjected to the stresses and strains of weight bearing and gravity, and then to the unnatural forces which initiated or perpetuated the scoliosis, this immature bone undergoes remodelling to Wolff's Law—like the neck of the femur after slipping of the upper femoral epiphysis. The forces that alter the grafted bone are not only lateral forces but also—perhaps more important—rotational forces. There seems to be a definite link between the degree of rotation and the amount of relapse, correction being maintained best when rotation is least