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Introduction Carbon fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) plates represent an exciting development within trauma and orthopaedic surgery, offering advantages including radiolucency, material properties similar to bone, and lack of localised tissue reaction. As more call for trials examining their use, there is no data available as to the acceptability of these implants to patients. This study aimed to therefore examine the acceptability of CFR-PEEK plates to patients undergoing fracture surgery. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional survey of patients undergoing surgery for a fracture of the ankle, distal femur, distal radius, or proximal humerus. Once a decision had been made to pursue operative fixation with a plate, patients were provided with descriptions of both CFR-PEEK and stainless steel and titanium metal implants alongside the current clinical evidence. All patients undertook a questionnaire examining their views as to the advantages and disadvantages of CFR-PEEK plates, and whether they would be happy to participate in a trial comparing both. Results Ninety-nine patients were happy to participate (64 females, mean age 50). Eighty-seven patients reported that they would want a CFR-PEEK implant for their fracture, and 76 reported that they would be willing to participate in an RCT comparing their use. Commonly reported advantages included radiolucency, low weight and biocompatibility. Disadvantages reported included cost and concerns regarding durability. Conclusions This study demonstrates that CFR-PEEK implants would be acceptable to patients undergoing fracture surgery, with high numbers of patients stating that they would be willing to participate in a randomised study examining their use.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the patient-reported outcomes of patients presenting with post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM) of the lower limb over the past 15 years. This period was chosen to reflect modern treatment principles and increased centralisation of care. Methods An electronic literature search of the relevant databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library) was conducted to identify studies published between January 2006 and July 2021 reporting series of greater than 10 patients with PTOM of the tibia or femur at the site of a previous fracture. Studies reporting septic non-union were excluded. Results Sixteen eligible studies were identified and included in the final report. Remission of infection was achieved in 93.2% of cases (range 70–100%), whilst amputation was reported in 1–7% of cases. A variety of patient-reported outcome measures were utilised including the lower extremity functional scale, short musculoskeletal functional assessment, Enneking score, and EQ-5D-3L. Limb-specific functional outcomes returned to levels similar to that of the general population although poorer outcomes were noted in specific cohorts including those with complex anatomic disease and active medical comorbidities. Conclusion Infection following fracture fixation remains a difficult problem to treat. Regardless, using modern treatments and techniques patients can have comparable functional outcomes to that of the general population. High-quality studies are required to advance our knowledge into which types of treatments offer a benefit and how to further improve outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuromuscular structures at risk during modified anterior minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis technique (Belangero–Livani) for humeral shaft fractures. Eight fresh-frozen human specimens ranging from 38 to 82 years old were used. Specimens were positioned supine with the shoulder in 70° abduction and the forearm in full supination. Anterior minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis technique according to Belangero–Livani technique was performed in each specimen. Under radioscopic control, the plate was introduced in retrograde fashion through the subbrachialis path. Anatomical structures were inspected and different anatomical parameters were measured after dissection at the end of the surgical procedures. Measurements were performed using a high digital caliper. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. A p value of

Traumatic isolated rupture of the popliteus tendon has been described as a rare cause of haemarthrosis of the knee. There has been only one reported case of spontaneous rupture of the popliteus tendon in the English literature before. We present the case of a 70-year-old lady who had spontaneous rupture of the popliteus tendon without history of significant trauma. She presented with a painful locked knee without any features of instability. The diagnosis was made on arthroscopy of the knee and she made a complete recovery after partial excision of the torn tendon. Our literature review looks at treatment options in relation to best functional outcome.

The origin of the peer-review process dates back to the eighteenth century when medical societies in Great Britain created committees to review articles submitted to their specialty journals [1]. By the latter half of the twentieth century the peer-review process became an institutionalized component of the scholarly process. Since that time new medical knowledge has increased exponentially, and there has been an ever-increasing volume of both traditional print and on-line journals. The peer-review process is critical to the validity of scientific publishing as evidenced by the explosion of various predatory publishers of on-line journals with limited and questionable peer review [2]. Several factors have combined to create increasing challenges for the peer-review process. The pool of qualified reviewers, frequently individuals who are academically based, face an increasing number of peer-review requests due to the increasing number of both journals and submissions in their area(s) of expertise. Meanwhile, these same individuals facing increasing demands of their primary job, beitclinicaldemandsandfinancialconstraints,ortheirbasic scienceresearchprogram.Someexpertspointoutthatifthey weretoacceptallpeer-reviewrequests,theywouldbeableto donothingelsebutpeer-reviewmanuscripts,leavingnotime to complete their own research and manuscripts. The peerreview process is a volunteer activity, and while it is considered in the academic promotion process, it lacks significant academic credit in relation to the time commitment required. Some journals have begun offering continuing

Salmonella septic arthritis is a rare phenomenon. We report on a 3-year-old healthy child who presented with septic arthritis of the hip with a concurrent gastroenteritis but with no pre-existing disease. Salmonella enteritidis was isolated from his blood cultures and from the hip synovial biopsies. Arthrotomy was performed, followed by antibiotics therapy with a favourable response.