Aims

Medial pivot (MP) total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were designed to mimic native knee kinematics with their deep medial congruent fitting of the tibia to the femur almost like a ball-on-socket, and a flat lateral part. GMK Sphere is a novel MP implant. Our primary aim was to study the migration pattern of the tibial tray of this TKA.

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgery using growing rods in patients with severe versus moderate early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Patients and Methods. A review of a multicentre EOS database identified 107 children with severe EOS (major curve ≥ 90°) treated with growing rods before the age of ten years with a minimum follow-up of two years and three or more lengthening procedures. From the same database, 107 matched controls with moderate EOS were identified. Results. The mean preoperative major curve was 101° (90 to 139) in the severe group and 67° (33° to 88°) in the moderate group (p < 0.001), which was corrected at final follow-up to 57° (10° to 96°) in the severe group and 40° (3° to 85°) in the moderate group (p < 0.001). T1-S1 height increased by a mean of 54 mm (-8 to 131) in the severe group and 27 mm (-4 to 131) in the moderate group at the initial surgery (p < 0.001), and by 50 mm (-17 to 200) and 54 mm (-11 to 212), respectively, during distraction (p = 0.84). The mean number of complications per patient was 2.6 (0 to 14) in the severe group and 1.9 (0 to 10) in the moderate group (p = 0.040). Five patients (4.7%) in the severe group and three (2.8%) in the moderate group developed a neurological deficit postoperatively (p = 0.47). Conclusion. Severe EOS can be treated effectively using growing rods, but the risk of complications is high. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:772–9

Aims

To determine the likelihood of achieving a successful closed reduction (CR) of a dislocated hip in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) after failed Pavlik harness treatment We report the rate of avascular necrosis (AVN) and the need for further surgical procedures.

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate whether clinical and radiological outcomes after intramedullary nailing of displaced fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck using a single thick Kirschner wire (K-wire) are noninferior to those of technically more demanding fixation with two thinner dual wires. Patients and Methods. This was a multicentre, parallel group, randomized controlled noninferiority trial conducted at 12 tertiary trauma centres in Germany. A total of 290 patients with acute displaced fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck were randomized to either intramedullary single-wire (n = 146) or dual-wire fixation (n = 144). The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire six months after surgery, with a third of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) used as the noninferiority threshold. Secondary outcomes were pain, health-related quality of life (EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D)), radiological measures, functional deficits, and complications. Results. Overall, 151/290 of patients (52%) completed the six months of follow-up, leaving 83 patients in the single-wire group and 68 patients in the dual-wire group. In the modified intention-to-treat analysis set, mean DASH scores six months after surgery were 3.8 (. sd. 7.0) and 4.4 (. sd. 9.4), respectively. With multiple imputation (n = 288), mean DASH scores were estimated at 6.3 (. sd. 8.7) and 7.0 (. sd. 10.0). Upper (1 - 2α)) confidence limits consistently remained below the noninferiority margin of 3.0 points in the DASH instrument. While there was a statistically nonsignificant trend towards a higher rate of shortening and rotational malalignment in the single wire group, no statistically significant differences were observed across groups in any secondary outcome measure. Conclusion. A single thick K-wire is sufficient for intramedullary fixation of acute displaced subcapital fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck. The less technically demanding single-wire technique produces noninferior clinical and radiological outcomes compared with the dual-wire approach. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1263–1271

Aims

Elective orthopaedic services have had to adapt to significant system-wide pressures since the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019. Length of stay is often recognized as a key marker of quality of care in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Expeditious discharge is key in establishing early rehabilitation and in reducing infection risk, both procedure-related and from COVID-19. The primary aim was to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic length of stay following hip and knee arthroplasty at a high-volume, elective orthopaedic centre.

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Cauda equina syndrome (CES) can be associated with chronic severe lower back pain and long-term autonomic dysfunction. This study assesses the recently defined core outcome set for CES in a cohort of patients using validated questionnaires.

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The prevalence of ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rising in concert with life expectancy, putting more patients at risk for interprosthetic femur fractures (IPFFs). Our study aimed to assess treatment methodologies, implant survivorship, and IPFF clinical outcomes.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether non-fatal postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) within six months of surgery influences the knee-specific functional outcome (Oxford Knee Score (OKS)) one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary aims were to assess whether non-fatal postoperative VTE influences generic health and patient satisfaction at this time.

Aims. The aims of this study were to determine the indications and frequency of ordering a CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) following primary arthroplasty of the hip and knee, and to determine the number of positive scans in these patients, the location of emboli and the outcome for patients undergoing CTPA. Patients and Methods. We analyzed the use of CTPA, as an inpatient and up to 90 days as an outpatient, in a cohort of patients and reviewed the medical records and imaging for each patient undergoing CTPA. Results. Out of 11 249 patients, scans were requested in 229 (2.04%) and 86 (38%) were positive. No patient undergoing CTPA died within 90 days. The rate of mortality from pulmonary embolism (PE) overall was 0.08%. CTPA was performed twice as often following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with total hip arthroplasty (THA), and when performed was twice as likely to be positive. Hypoxia was the main indication for a scan, being the indication in 149 scans (65%); and in 23% (11 of 47), the PE was peripheral and unilateral. Three patients suffered complications resulting from therapeutic anticoagulation for possible PE, two of whom had a negative CTPA. Conclusion. CTPA is more likely to be performed following TKA compared with THA. Hypoxia was the main presenting feature of PE. A quarter of PEs which were diagnosed were unilateral and peripheral. Further study may indicate which patients who have a PE after lower limb arthroplasty require treatment, and which can avoid the complications associated with anticoagulation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:938–44

Aims. Low haemoglobin (Hb) at admission has been identified as a risk factor for mortality for elderly patients with hip fractures in some studies. However, this remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the association between Hb level at admission and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery. Patients and Methods. All consecutive patients (prospective database) admitted with hip fracture operated in a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We collected patient characteristics, time to surgery, duration and type of surgery, comorbidities, Hb at admission, nadir of Hb after surgery, the use and amount of red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion products, postoperative complications, and death. The main outcome measures were mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery. Results. We included 829 patients; the mean age was 81 years (. sd. 11). Mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year was 5.7%, 12.3%, 18.1%, and 23.5%, respectively. The highest mortality was observed in patients aged over 80 years (162/557, 29%) and in male patients (85/267, 32%). Survival at 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery was significantly lower in patients with a Hb level below 120 g/l at admission. In multivariate analysis, Hb level below 120 g/l at admission was found to be an independent factor associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.31); p = 0.001), along with age (aHR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.06); p < 0.001), male sex (aHR 2.19 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.96); p < 0.001), and need for RBC transfusions (aHR 1.10 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.19); p = 0.01). Conclusion. Our results suggest that low Hb at admission along with age and RBC transfusions is significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality after hip fracture surgery, independently of comorbidity confounders. Further studies should be performed to understand how preoperative Hb could be taken into account in perioperative management. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1122–1128

Aims. The reasons for failure of a hemirthroplasty (HA) when used to treat a proximal humeral fracture include displaced or necrotic tuberosities, insufficient metaphyseal bone-stock, and rotator cuff tears. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is often the only remaining form of treatment in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after conversions from a failed HA to rTSA. Material and Methods. A total of 35 patients, in whom a HA, as treatment for a fracture of the proximal humerus, had failed, underwent conversion to a rTSA. A total of 28 were available for follow-up at a mean of 61 months (37 to 91), having been initially reviewed at a mean of 20 months (12 to 36) postoperatively. Having a convertible design, the humeral stem could be preserved in nine patients. The stem was removed in the other 19 patients and a conventional rTSA was implanted. At final follow-up, patients were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant Score, and plain radiographs. Results. At final follow-up, the mean ASES was 59 (25 to 97) and the mean adjusted Constant Score was 63% (23% to 109%). Both improved significantly (p < 0.001). The mean forward flexion was 104° (50° to 155°) and mean abduction was 98° (60° to 140°). Nine patients (32%) had a complication; two had an infection and instability, respectively; three had a scapular fracture; and one patient each had delayed wound healing and symptomatic loosening. If implants could be converted to a rTSA without removal of the stem, the operating time was shorter (82 minutes versus 102 minutes; p = 0.018). Conclusion. After failure of a HA in the treatment of a proximal humeral fracture, conversion to a rTSA may achieve pain relief and improved shoulder function. The complication rate is considerable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:761–6

Aims

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has greatly improved the durability of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients because of its improved wear characteristics. Few studies have followed this population into the second decade, and therefore the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical outcome for THA patients 50 years of age and younger at a minimum of 15 years postoperatively. The second purpose was to evaluate the radiological findings secondary to wear or mechanical failure of the implant.

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This study aims to enhance understanding of clinical and radiological consequences and involved mechanisms that led to corrosion of the Precice Stryde (Stryde) intramedullary lengthening nail in the post market surveillance era of the device. Between 2018 and 2021 more than 2,000 Stryde nails have been implanted worldwide. However, the outcome of treatment with the Stryde system is insufficiently reported.

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The value of core decompression (CD) in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether CD combined with other treatments could improve the clinical and radiological outcomes of ONFH patients compared with CD alone.

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Cement-in-cement revision of the femoral component represents a widely practised technique for a variety of indications in revision total hip arthroplasty. In this study, we compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two polished tapered femoral components.

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We studied the outcomes of hip and knee arthroplasties in a high-volume arthroplasty centre to determine if patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) had unacceptably worse outcomes as compared to those with BMI < 40 kg/m².