Understanding spinopelvic mechanics is important for the success of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite significant advancements in appreciating spinopelvic balance, numerous challenges remain. It is crucial to recognize the individual variability and postoperative changes in spinopelvic parameters and their consequential impact on prosthetic component positioning to mitigate the risk of dislocation and enhance postoperative outcomes. This review describes the integration of advanced diagnostic approaches, enhanced technology, implant considerations, and surgical planning, all tailored to the unique anatomy and biomechanics of each patient. It underscores the importance of accurately predicting postoperative spinopelvic mechanics, selecting suitable imaging techniques, establishing a consistent nomenclature for spinopelvic stiffness, and considering implant-specific strategies. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to personalize care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1206–1215

Aims. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical determinant of tissue mechanobiology, yet remains poorly characterized in joint tissues beyond cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA). This review aimed to define the composition and architecture of non-cartilage soft joint tissue structural ECM in human OA, and to compare the changes observed in humans with those seen in animal models of the disease. Methods. A systematic search strategy, devised using relevant matrix, tissue, and disease nomenclature, was run through the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Demographic, clinical, and biological data were extracted from eligible studies. Bias analysis was performed. Results. A total of 161 studies were included, which covered capsule, ligaments, meniscus, skeletal muscle, synovium, and tendon in both humans and animals, and fat pad and intervertebral disc in humans only. These studies covered a wide variety of ECM features, including individual ECM components (i.e. collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins), ECM architecture (i.e. collagen fibre organization and diameter), and viscoelastic properties (i.e. elastic and compressive modulus). Some ECM changes, notably calcification and the loss of collagen fibre organization, have been extensively studied across osteoarthritic tissues. However, most ECM features were only studied by one or a few papers in each tissue. When comparisons were possible, the results from animal experiments largely concurred with those from human studies, although some findings were contradictory. Conclusion. Changes in ECM composition and architecture occur throughout non-cartilage soft tissues in the osteoarthritic joint, but most of these remain poorly defined due to the low number of studies and lack of healthy comparator groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):703–715

Orthopaedic surgeons are currently faced with an overwhelming number of choices surrounding total knee arthroplasty (TKA), not only with the latest technologies and prostheses, but also fundamental decisions on alignment philosophies. From ‘mechanical’ to ‘adjusted mechanical’ to ‘restricted kinematic’ to ‘unrestricted kinematic’ — and how constitutional alignment relates to these — there is potential for ambiguity when thinking about and discussing such concepts. This annotation summarizes the various alignment strategies currently employed in TKA. It provides a clear framework and consistent language that will assist surgeons to compare confidently and contrast the concepts, while also discussing the latest opinions about alignment in TKA. Finally, it provides suggestions for applying consistent nomenclature to future research, especially as we explore the implications of 3D alignment patterns on patient outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):102–108

There is good scientific rationale to support the use of growth factors to promote musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. However, the clinical effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other blood-derived products has yet to be proven. Characterization and reporting of PRP preparation protocols utilized in clinical trials for the treatment of musculoskeletal disease is highly inconsistent, and the majority of studies do not provide sufficient information to allow the protocols to be reproduced. Furthermore, the reporting of blood-derived products in orthopaedics is limited by the multiple PRP classification systems available, which makes comparison of results between studies challenging. Several attempts have been made to characterize and classify PRP; however, no consensus has been reached, and there is lack of a comprehensive and validated classification. In this annotation, we outline existing systems used to classify preparations of PRP, highlighting their advantages and limitations. There remains a need for standardized universal nomenclature to describe biological therapies, as well as a comprehensive and reproducible classification system for autologous blood-derived products. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:891–896

Three elderly sibling dwarfs are reported from a large and otherwise normal family. Their condition is an unusual and irregular form of cartilaginous defect, combined with club-feet, and bearing some resemblance to the Morquio type. A brief consideration of the literature of the generahised developmental bony syndromes shows confusion of thought and nomenclature. A plea is therefore made for simplification and a rational and simple grouping of these conditions is attempted. It seems particularly desirable that many confusing names for particular syndromes should be scrapped (for example, dyschondroplasia, chondro-osteodystrophy), although quite evidently the terms achondroplasia and osteogenesis imperfecta must remain because of their long-standing and general usage. Incidentally I have suggested elsewhere (Jackson 1951) that the name cleido-cranial dysostosis should be dropped, because it tends to lead the investigator away from the clinically more important lesions in the teeth and the cartilage bones of the pelvis and legs. It seems reasonable to confine the nomenclature of these various syndromes to the names used in the above classification, or something on those lines

1. Benign chondroblastoma is a rare primary neoplasm of bone with excellent prognosis. It is believed that instances of it are still being missed. 2. Six cases are described with special emphasis on diagnostic pitfalls. 3. A critical survey of the literature and a discussion on nomenclature and histogenesis are included

A case is described of malignant osteoclastoma of the lower end of the femur in which death occurred from pulmonary metastases. The history was short and there was no interference with the primary growth, treatment being confined to disarticulation at the hip. Reasons are given for considering this neoplasm a malignant osteoclastoma rather than an osteogenic sarcoma, and the question of nomenclature is discussed

1. The importance of accurate methods of measuring the strength of muscles and the amplitude of joint movements in man, both in clinical fields and as criteria of normal function, is discussed. 2. The advantages and disadvantages of subjective and objective methods are reviewed. 3. The main types of apparatus used for the assessment of muscle strength in both normal and clinical conditions are described. A dynamometer of the strain-gauge type is recommended. 4. Methods of measuring the amplitude of movements in man are also described. The protractor type arthrometer is thought to be the most suitable for routine clinical work, but for research purposes a radiographic method may be preferable. 5. The following factors, which must be considered if the measurements taken are to be of greatest use, are discussed: posture, test procedure, standards for comparison, nomenclature and normal variability

We reviewed lesions of the femoral condyles seen in 5,000 knee arthroscopies, recording the findings and the age and sex of the patients. We were able to distinguish the characteristics of developing and late osteochondritis dissecans, acute and old osteochondral fractures, chondral separations, chondral flaps and idiopathic osteonecrosis, and suggest that these are separate distinct conditions. Haemarthrosis was associated only with acute osteochondral fractures. The characteristic feature of osteochondritis dissecans was an expanding concentric lesion at the 'classical' site on the medial femoral condyle which appeared during the second decade of life and progressed to a concave steep-sided defect in the mature skeleton. Caffey's (1958) classification of epiphyseal dysplasias could not be applied to osteochondritis dissecans, which appeared to have a gradual onset without acute trauma. Much of the controversy about the cause of osteochondritis dissecans is the result of imprecise nomenclature

As advancements in total knee arthroplasty progress at an exciting pace, two areas are of special interest, as they directly impact implant design and surgical decision making. Knee morphometry considers the three-dimensional shape of the articulating surfaces within the knee joint, and knee phenotyping provides the ability to categorize alignment into practical groupings that can be used in both clinical and research settings. This annotation discusses the details of these concepts, and the ways in which they are helping us better understand the individual subtleties of each patient’s knee.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1363–1368.

Aims

Due to its indolent clinical behaviour, the treatment paradigm of atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs) in the long bones is slowly shifting from intralesional resection (curettage) and local adjuvants, towards active surveillance through wait-and-scan follow-up. In this retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary referral centre, we studied the natural behaviour of ACT lesions by active surveillance with MRI. Clinical symptoms were not considered in the surveillance programme.

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Weightbearing instructions after musculoskeletal injury or orthopaedic surgery are a key aspect of the rehabilitation pathway and prescription. The terminology used to describe the weightbearing status of the patient is variable; many different terms are used, and there is recognition and evidence that the lack of standardized terminology contributes to confusion in practice.

The February 2023 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Masquelet versus bone transport in infected nonunion of tibia; Hyperbaric Oxygen for Lower Limb Trauma (HOLLT): an international multicentre randomized clinical trial; Is the T-shaped acetabular fracture really a “T”?; What causes cut-out of proximal femur nail anti-rotation device in intertrochanteric fractures?; Is the common femoral artery at risk with percutaneous fragility pelvis fixation?; Anterior pelvic ring pattern predicts displacement in lateral compression fractures; Differences in age-related characteristics among elderly patients with hip fractures.

There is ambiguity concerning the nomenclature and classification of fractures of the ring of the second cervical vertebra (C2). Disruption of the pars interarticularis which defines true traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2, is often wrongly called a pedicle fracture. Our aim in this study was to assess the influence of asymmetry on the anatomical and functional outcome and to evaluate the criteria of instability established by Roy-Camille et al. We studied the plain radiographs and CT scans of 24 patients: 13 were judged to be asymmetrical, ten were considered unstable and 14 stable. Treatment was with a Minerva jacket in 15 fractures and by operation in nine. Surgery was undertaken in patients with severe C2 to C3 sprains. One patient with an unstable lesion refused operation and was treated conservatively with a poor radiological result. Our study showed that asymmetry of the fracture did not affect the outcomes of treatment and should not therefore influence decisions in treatment. The criteria of Roy-Camille seem to be reliable and useful. We prefer the posterior approach to the cervical spine, which allows both stabilisation of the fracture and correction of a local kyphosis

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The aim of this study was to investigate the global and local impact of fat on bone in obesity by using the diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model.

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This systematic review aims to identify 3D predictors derived from biplanar reconstruction, and to describe current methods for improving curve prediction in patients with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

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Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are devastating injuries that can result in significant morbidity and time away from sport. There remains considerable variation in strategies employed for investigation, indications for operative intervention, outcome reporting, and rehabilitation following these injuries. At present no study has yet provided a comprehensive overview evaluating the extent, range, and overall summary of the published literature pertaining to MLKI. Our aim is to perform a methodologically rigorous scoping review, mapping the literature evaluating the diagnosis and management of MLKI.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly growing across many domains, of which the medical field is no exception. AI is an umbrella term defining the practical application of algorithms to generate useful output, without the need of human cognition. Owing to the expanding volume of patient information collected, known as ‘big data’, AI is showing promise as a useful tool in healthcare research and across all aspects of patient care pathways. Practical applications in orthopaedic surgery include: diagnostics, such as fracture recognition and tumour detection; predictive models of clinical and patient-reported outcome measures, such as calculating mortality rates and length of hospital stay; and real-time rehabilitation monitoring and surgical training. However, clinicians should remain cognizant of AI’s limitations, as the development of robust reporting and validation frameworks is of paramount importance to prevent avoidable errors and biases. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI and its subfields, as well as to delineate its existing clinical applications in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Furthermore, this narrative review expands upon the limitations of AI and future direction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(7):447–454.

Aims

Is it feasible to conduct a definitive multicentre trial in community settings of corticosteroid injections (CSI) and hydrodilation (HD) compared to CSI for patients with frozen shoulder? An adequately powered definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) delivered in primary care will inform clinicians and the public whether hydrodilation is a clinically and cost-effective intervention. In this study, prior to a full RCT, we propose a feasibility trial to evaluate recruitment and retention by patient and clinician willingness of randomization; rates of withdrawal, crossover and attrition; and feasibility of outcome data collection from routine primary and secondary care data.