Aims. We aimed to determine hip-related quality of life and clinical findings following treatment for neonatal hip instability (NHI) compared with age- and sex-matched controls. We hypothesized that NHI would predispose to hip discomfort in long-term follow-up. Methods. We invited those born between 1995 and 2001 who were treated for NHI at our hospital to participate in this population-based study. We included those that had Von Rosen-like splinting treatment started before one month of age. A total of 96 patients treated for NHI (75.6 %) were enrolled. A further 94 age- and sex-matched controls were also recruited. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire was completed separately for both hips, and a physical examination was performed. Results. The mean follow-up was 18.2 years (14.6 to 22.0). The HAGOS scores between groups were similar and met statistical and clinical significance only in the Symptoms subscale (mean difference 3.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 7.29; p = 0.033). Those patients who had undergone treatment for NHI had a higher frequency of positive flexion-adduction-internal rotation test (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6; p = 0.014), resisted straight leg rise test (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 14.9; p = 0.014), and also experienced more pain in the groin during passive end range hip flexion (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.3; p = 0.015) than controls. Conclusion. NHI predisposes to hip discomfort in clinical tests, but no clinically relevant differences in experience of pain, physical function, and hip-related quality of life could be observed between the treated group and matched controls in 18 years of follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1767–1773

Aims. Metaphyseal cones with cemented stems are frequently used in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, if the diaphysis has been previously violated, the resultant sclerotic canal can impair cemented stem fixation, which is vital for bone ingrowth into the cone, and long-term fixation. We report the outcomes of our solution to this problem, in which impaction grafting and a cemented stem in the diaphysis is combined with an uncemented metaphyseal cone, for revision TKA in patients with severely compromised bone. Methods. A metaphyseal cone was combined with diaphyseal impaction grafting and cemented stems for 35 revision TKAs. There were two patients with follow-up of less than two years who were excluded, leaving 33 procedures in 32 patients in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of revision TKA was 67 years (32 to 87); 20 (60%) were male. Patients had undergone a mean of four (1 to 13) previous knee arthroplasty procedures. The indications for revision were aseptic loosening (80%) and two-stage reimplantation for prosthetic joint infection (PJI; 20%). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 11). Results. Survival free from revision of the cone/impaction grafting construct due to aseptic loosening was 100% at five years. Survival free from any revision of the construct and free from any reoperation were 92% and 73% at five years, respectively. A total of six patients (six TKAs, 17%) required a further revision, four for infection or wound issues, and two for periprosthetic fracture. Radiologically, one unrevised TKA had evidence of loosening which was asymptomatic. In all unrevised TKAs the impacted diaphyseal bone graft appeared to be incorporated radiologically. Conclusion. When presented with a sclerotic diaphysis and substantial metaphyseal bone loss, this technique combining diaphyseal impaction grafting with a metaphyseal cone provided near universal success in relation to implant fixation. Moreover, radiographs revealed incorporation of the bone graft and biological fixation of the cone. While long-term follow-up will be important, this technique provides an excellent option for the management of complex revision TKAs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):116–122

Aims. To analyse the effectiveness of debridement and implant retention (DAIR) in patients with hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and the relationship to patient characteristics. The outcome was evaluated in hips with confirmed PJI and a follow-up of not less than two years. Patients and Methods. Patients in whom DAIR was performed were identified from our hip arthroplasty register (between 2004 and 2013). Adherence to criteria for DAIR was assessed according to a previously published algorithm. Results. DAIR was performed as part of a curative procedure in 46 hips in 42 patients. The mean age was 73.2 years (44.6 to 87.7), including 20 women and 22 men. In 34 hips in 32 patients (73.9%), PJI was confirmed. In 12 hips, the criteria for PJI were not fulfilled and antibiotics stopped. In 41 (89.1%) of all hips and in 32 (94.1%) of the confirmed PJIs, all criteria for DAIR were fulfilled. In patients with exogenous PJI, DAIR was performed not more than three days after referral. In haematogenous infections, the duration of symptoms did not exceed 21 days. In 28 hips, a single debridement and in six hips two surgical debridements were required. In 28 (87.5%) of 32 patients, the total treatment duration was three months. Failure was noted in three hips (9%). Long-term follow-up results (mean 4.0 years, 1.4 to 10) were available in 30 of 34 (88.2%) confirmed PJIs. The overall successful outcome rate was 91% in 34 hips, and 90% in 30 hips with long-term follow-up results. . Conclusion. Prompt surgical treatment with DAIR, following strict diagnostic and therapeutic criteria, in patients with suspected periprosthetic joint infection, can lead to high rates of success in eradicating the infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:330–6

Aims. This study aimed to develop a virtual clinic for the purpose of reducing face-to-face orthopaedic consultations. Patients and Methods. Anonymized experts (hip and knee arthroplasty patients, surgeons, physiotherapists, radiologists, and arthroplasty practitioners) gave feedback via a Delphi Consensus Technique. This consisted of an iterative sequence of online surveys, during which virtual documents, made up of a patient-reported questionnaire, standardized radiology report, and decision-guiding algorithm, were modified until consensus was achieved. We tested the patient-reported questionnaire on seven patients in orthopaedic clinics using a ‘think-aloud’ process to capture difficulties with its completion. Results. A patient-reported 13-item questionnaire was developed covering pain, mobility, and activity. The radiology report included up to ten items (e.g. progressive periprosthetic bone loss) depending on the type of arthroplasty. The algorithm concludes in one of three outcomes: review at surgeon’s discretion (three to 12 months); see at next available clinic; or long-term follow-up/discharge. Conclusion. The virtual clinic approach with attendant documents achieved consensus by orthopaedic experts, radiologists, and patients. The robust development and testing of this standardized virtual clinic provided a sound platform for organizations in the United Kingdom to adopt a virtual clinic approach for follow-up of hip and knee arthroplasty patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:951–959

Aims. The present study investigated the five-year interval changes in pseudotumours and measured serum metal ions at long-term follow-up of a previous report of 28 mm diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. A total of 72 patients (mean age 46.6 years (37 to 55); 43 men, 29 women; 91 hips) who underwent cementless primary MoM THA with a 28 mm modular head were included. The mean follow-up duration was 20.3 years (18 to 24). All patients had CT scans at a mean 15.1 years (13 to 19) after the index operation and subsequent follow-up at a mean of 20.2 years (18 to 24). Pseudotumour volume, type of mass, and new-onset pseudotumours were evaluated using CT scanning. Clinical outcomes were assessed by Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the presence of groin pain. Serum metal ion (cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr)) levels were measured at the latest follow-up. Results. At final follow-up, pseudotumours were observed in 26/91 hips (28.6%). There was an increase in volume of the pseudotumour in four hips (15.4%), no change in volume in 21 hips (80.8%), and a decrease in volume in one hip (3.8%). There were no new-onset pseudotumours. There was no significant difference in HHS between patients with and without pseudotumours. At final follow-up, mean serum Co ion levels and median Co:Cr ratios were significantly greater in patients with pseudotumours, but the serum Cr ion levels were not significantly different. Conclusion. At a mean 20 years of follow-up, pseudotumours were observed in 26/91 hips (28.6%) with no new-onset pseudotumours during subsequent follow-up. Most pseudotumours in small-head MoM THA were static in volume and asymptomatic with normal serum metal ion levels. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:317–324

Aims. We report the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a consecutive series of 200 total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs, 184 patients) at a single centre using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) implants. Patients and Methods. Between November 1993 and February 2000, 200 consecutive STAR prostheses were implanted in 184 patients by a single surgeon. Demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively and the last available status was recorded for further survival analysis. All surviving patients underwent regular clinical and radiological review. Pain and function were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scoring system. The principal endpoint of the study was failure of the implant requiring revision of one or all of the components. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated with 95% confidence intervals and the rate of failure calculated for each year. Results. A total of 84 patients (87 ankles) were alive by the end of this study. Of the surviving 84 patients (87 ankles; rheumatoid arthritis (RA), n = 40; OA, n = 47), 45 were women and 39 were men, with a mean age of 54 years (18 to 72 years) at the time of surgery. A total of 32 implants failed (16%), requiring revision surgery. The mean time to revision was 80 months (2 to 257). The implant survival at 15.8 years, using revision as an endpoint, was 76.16% (95% confidence interval (CI) 64.41 to 87.91). We found a steady but low decrease in survival over the study period. The mean AOFAS score improved from 28 (10 to 52) preoperatively to 61 (20 to 90) at long-term follow-up. Conclusion. STAR prostheses in the United Kingdom have now been largely superseded by newer design TAAs, potentially with improved characteristics and surgical techniques. The long-term survivorship for the STAR prosthesis can provide a benchmark for these later designs of ankle arthroplasty

Aims

Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options.

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There are limited long-term studies reporting on outcomes of the Zimmer Modular Revision (ZMR) stem, and concerns remain regarding failure. Our primary aim was to determine long-term survival free from all-cause revision and stem-related failure for this modular revision stem in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondary aims included evaluating radiological and functional outcomes.

The February 2024 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Hip impingement after in situ pinning causes decreased flexion and forced external rotation in flexion on 3D-CT; Triplane ankle fracture patterns in paediatric patients; Improved forearm rotation even after early conversion to below-elbow; Selective dorsal rhizotomy and cerebral palsy (CP) hip displacement; Abduction bracing following anterior open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip does not improve residual dysplasia or reduce secondary surgery; 40% risk of later total hip arthroplasty for in situ slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) pinning; Does brace treatment following closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip improve acetabular coverage?; Waterproof hip spica casts for paediatric femur fractures.

Aims. The management of acetabular defects at the time of revision hip arthroplasty surgery is a challenge. This study presents the results of a long-term follow-up study of the use of irradiated allograft bone in acetabular reconstruction. Patients and Methods. Between 1990 and 2000, 123 hips in 110 patients underwent acetabular reconstruction for aseptic loosening, using impaction bone grafting with frozen, irradiated, and morsellized femoral heads and a cemented acetabular component. A total of 55 men and 55 women with a mean age of 64.3 years (26 to 97) at the time of revision surgery are included in this study. Results. At a mean follow-up of 16.9 years, there had been 23 revisions (18.7%), including ten for infection, eight for aseptic loosening, and three for dislocation. Of the 66 surviving hips (58 patients) that could be reassessed, 50 hips (42 patients; 75.6%) were still functioning satisfactorily. Union of the graft had occurred in all hips with a surviving implant. Survival analysis for all indications was 80.6% at 15 years (55 patients at risk, 95% confidence interval (CI) 71.1 to 87.2) and 73.7% at 20 years (eight patients at risk, 95% CI 61.6 to 82.5). Conclusion. Acetabular reconstruction using frozen, irradiated, and morsellized allograft bone and a cemented acetabular component is an effective method of treatment. It gives satisfactory long-term results and is comparable to other types of reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1449–54

Aims

Ankle fracture is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries sustained in the UK. Many patients experience pain and physical impairment, with the consequences of the fracture and its management lasting for several months or even years. The broad aim of ankle fracture treatment is to maintain the alignment of the joint while the fracture heals, and to reduce the risks of problems, such as stiffness. More severe injuries to the ankle are routinely treated surgically. However, even with advances in surgery, there remains a risk of complications; for patients experiencing these, the associated loss of function and quality of life (Qol) is considerable. Non-surgical treatment is an alternative to surgery and involves applying a cast carefully shaped to the patient’s ankle to correct and maintain alignment of the joint with the key benefit being a reduction in the frequency of common complications of surgery. The main potential risk of non-surgical treatment is a loss of alignment with a consequent reduction in ankle function. This study aims to determine whether ankle function, four months after treatment, in patients with unstable ankle fractures treated with close contact casting is not worse than in those treated with surgical intervention, which is the current standard of care.

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The use of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to delay total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in young patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and constitutional deformity remains debated. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of TKA after HTO compared to TKA without HTO, using the time from the index OA surgery as reference (HTO for the study group, TKA for the control group).

Aims

Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are often the preferred forms of treatment for patients with atraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head when conservative treatment fails. Little has been reported about the survival of HA and TSA for this indication. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in revision rates between HA and TSA in these patients, to determine whether one of these implants has a superior survival and may be a better choice in the treatment of this condition.

Aims

In the treatment of basal thumb osteoarthritis (OA), intra-articular autologous fat transplantation has become of great interest within recent years as a minimally invasive and effective alternative to surgical intervention with regard to pain reduction. This study aims to assess its long-term effectiveness.

The number of arthroplasties of the hip and knee is predicted to increase rapidly during the next 20 years. Accompanying this is the dilemma of how to follow-up these patients appropriately. Current guidelines recommend long-term follow-up to identify patients with aseptic loosening, which can occur more than a decade postoperatively. The current guidelines and practices of orthopaedic surgeons vary widely. Existing models take up much clinical time and are expensive. Pilot studies using ‘virtual’ clinics and advanced-practice physiotherapists have shown promise in decreasing the time and costs for orthopaedic surgeons and patients. This review discusses current practices and future trends in the follow-up of patients who have an arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:6–10

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Uncemented implants are now commonly used at reimplantation of a two-stage revision total hip arthoplasty (THA) following periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is a paucity of data on the performance of the most commonly used uncemented femoral implants – modular fluted tapered (MFT) femoral components – in this setting. This study evaluated implant survival, radiological results, and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of reimplantation THAs using MFT components.

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The incidence of limb fractures in patients living with HIV (PLWH) is increasing. However, due to their immunodeficiency status, the operation and rehabilitation of these patients present unique challenges. Currently, it is urgent to establish a standardized perioperative rehabilitation plan based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of ERAS in the perioperative period of PLWH with limb fractures.

The Cochrane Collaboration has produced five new reviews relevant to bone and joint surgery since the publication of the last Cochrane Corner These reviews are relevant to a wide range of musculoskeletal specialists, and include reviews in Morton’s neuroma, scoliosis, vertebral fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower limb arthroplasty.

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This prospective study reports longitudinal, within-patient, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) over a 15-year period following cemented single radius total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims included reporting PROMs trajectory, 15-year implant survival, and patient attrition from follow-up.

Aims

Brace treatment is the cornerstone of managing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), yet there is a lack of evidence-based treatment protocols, which results in wide variations in practice. To resolve this, we have developed a comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol conforming to published consensus principles, with well-defined a priori criteria for inclusion and successful treatment.