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A large proportion of hip fractures involve inter-trochanteric fractures which are managed by cephalomedullary nails. There is ongoing debate about the advantages and disadvantages of locked versus unlocked long cephalomedullary femoral nails in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. The objectives of our study are to evaluate the biomechanical effects of a distal interlocking bolt on the type of peri-implant fractures in a healed intertrochanteric fracture with long cephalomedullary nail fixation.20 femoral sawbone specimens were prepared with the TFN-ADVANCED Proximal Femoral Nailing System (TFNA) and divided into 2 groups: locked and unlocked. The specimens were subjected to axial loading force until failure. Compressive forces, strain and fracture patterns were compared between the 2 groups.There was no significant difference in the mean load to failure of the unlocked specimens compared to locked specimens. However, there was significant difference in the mean compressive stress at the time of failure with the unlocked specimen (1.79±0.17 MPa) compared to the locked group (1.92±0.05 MPa) (p0.05). Video review analysis showed unlocked specimens consistently having basi-cervical type peri-implant fractures while locked specimens showed complex, compound fractures of the head-neck region with 2 or more fracture propagation points.Distal-locked long cephalomedullary nails in a healed intertrochanteric fracture model are able to tolerate higher compressive stress at the point of failure but demonstrate more complex peri-implant fracture patterns in the femoral head-neck region as compared to unlocked specimens.

Purpose This study aims to compare the efficacy of a dual therapy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) compared with PRP-alone therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, grey literature and bibliographic references were searched from inception to January 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective cohort studies comparing the effect of PRP and HA versus PRP-alone therapy for KOA were included. Literature retrieval and data extraction were conducted by three independent reviewers. Pooled analysis of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and adverse events were conducted. Results Ten studies (7 RCTs, 3 cohort studies) involving 983 patients were covered. Dual PRP and HA therapy resulted in significant reduction in VAS compared to PRP-alone therapy at 4–6 weeks (P P P = 0.02), 6 (P = 0.05) and 12 months (P P = 0.007). Regarding adverse events, dual therapy was generally safer than PRP-alone therapy (P = 0.02). Conclusion While there is a paucity of large high-quality Level I studies, current best evidence suggests that dual therapy with PRP and HA for KOA may be effective at providing pain relief and improvement in function up to 1 year following administration. Level of evidence II.

Background Postoperative delirium (POD) is a cause of poorer patient outcomes following total joint arthroplasties (TJA). However, it often goes undiagnosed. Although various risk factors have been documented, study heterogeneity leads to poor understanding within a South East Asian population. This study aims to evaluate POD within this demographic and elucidate its risk factors. Methods This was a single-centre prospective observational study comprising 462 patients. Inclusion criteria was patients 65–90 years old undergoing elective TJA. Exclusion criteria was patients unable to personally provide consent for TJA. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data was recorded to analyse treatment pathway factors. Patients were assessed for POD twice daily for 3 days after TJA using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Results Mean age of the study cohort was 72 ± 5 years; 70.1% were female; and mean MMSE score preoperatively was 27.3 ± 3.3. 419 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 43 patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). 164 patients received general anaesthesia, and 298 patients received regional anaesthesia. Overall, 0% (0/462) of patients tested positive for POD at any postoperative timepoint. While various CAM components were met, no patients were positive for the complete requisite criteria for POD diagnosis. Conclusion We report zero incidence of POD in 462 patients who underwent elective TJA in our institution. We believe that our streamlined care process including pre-operative assessment, patient-specific anaesthesia regime as well as a strictly administered inpatient clinical care pathway with opioid-reducing strategy and early mobilization are protective factors against POD.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a global health issue with myriad pathophysiological factors and is one of the most common causes of chronic disability in adults due to pain and altered joint function. The end stage of OA develops from a destructive inflammatory cycle, driven by the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Owing to the less predictable results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in younger patients presenting with knee OA, there has been a surge in research evaluating less invasive biological treatment options, one of which is autologous protein solution (APS). APS is an autologous blood derivative obtained by using a proprietary device, made of APS separator, which isolates white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets in a small volume of plasma, and APS concentrator, which further concentrates platelets, WBCs and plasma proteins, resulting in a concentrated solution with high levels of growth factors including the anti-inflammatory mediators against IL-1β and TNFα. A single intraarticular injection of APS appears to be a promising solution for treatment of early-stage OA from current evidence, the majority of which comes from preclinical studies. More clinical studies are needed before APS can be widely accepted as a treatment modality for OA. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:716-726. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200040

Physical rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important for long-term functional recovery. Recently, sensor-based home rehabilitation (SHR) has gained prominence as a promising method that allows monitoring and guidance that is both structured and accessible, compared to traditional methods of physical rehabilitation. Despite the advent of wearable sensor systems, there is a paucity of evidence regarding SHR in the current literature. Thus, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of wearable SHR on post-TKA outcomes.We performed a systematic search of three electronic databases from the beginning of record to March 12, 2021. Primary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after rehabilitation, including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Score (KSS). Secondary outcomes were physical activity levels and functional performance including range of motion (ROM) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG).A total of 16 studies involving 1321 subjects were included. All wearable sensors in our included studies involved a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers as functional units. These studies reported favourable outcomes for all three PROMs, although the extent of improvement in specific domains varied among studies. Moreover, physical activity in terms of daily steps and time spent on physical activity increased post-rehabilitation. Similarly, there were improvements in ROM and TUG that reflected a favourable post-operative trajectory during rehabilitation.SHR is effective for improving subjective and objective outcomes post-TKA. The role of SHR should be evaluated by a dedicated cost-benefit analysis to facilitate its wider adoption in healthcare systems.

Background An important surgical landmark in the distal radius is the watershed line. The watershed line is a landmark for the positioning of volar locking plates (VLP) in the distal radius. Inconsistencies remain in the literature as to the presence and dimensions of landmarks in this compact area. We studied the detailed anatomy and dimensions of the distal radius with reference to bony anatomy around the watershed line, with special attention to the area between the pronator quadratus (PQ) and radial styloid. Materials and Methods The distal radius regions of 31 cadavers (23 right sided and 8 left sided) were dissected and studied. The heights at the junction of the scaphoid and lunate fossa, at the radial styloid, at the midpoint in between, and the widths of the PQ line, scaphoid, and lunate fossa were measured. The angle subtended by the pronator fossa and the radial styloid was also recorded. Results The mean heights at the junction of the scaphoid and lunate fossa, radial styloid, and midpoint in between were 5.1, 15.7, and 8.2 mm, respectively. The widths of the PQ line, scaphoid, and lunate fossa were 27, 19.4, and 10.6 mm, respectively. The mean angulation between the pronator fossa and the radial styloid was 128.9 degrees. Conclusion The area between the PQ and watershed line comprises a narrow area of bone which tapers to a point at its medial extent largely below the lunate fossa, thus it can hardly contain any implant proximal to the lunate fossa. The anterior orientation of this area and the concave anatomy of the articular surface mean careful screw direction is imperative to avoid inadvertent joint penetration. An angulation exists between the pronator fossa and the radial styloid, below the scaphoid fossa.

We tested the tensile strength of the proximal juncture of tendon grafts with Pulvertaft tendon repairs in 18 cadaveric digital flexor tendons. These tendons were divided into three groups of six: single, two, or three weaves. Each of the interlacing weaves was secured with eight anchoring sutures. The specimens were loaded in a biomechanical tester until failure. The ultimate tensile strength did not show any significant differences across all three groups with statistical power of 0.77. The mean tendon elongation before repair failure showed significant difference at 10 mm (standard deviation (SD) 2), 16 mm (SD 3), and 15 mm (SD 3), respectively. All specimens failed by intra-tendinous pull-out of the weaves. We conclude that the two-weave Pulvertaft construct demonstrated comparable tensile strength to three weaves and tendon elongation was similar when two or three weaves were used.

Background This prospective cohort study was designed to evaluate weight change patterns and their effects on clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the Asian population. We hypothesized that Asian patients will have a different pattern of weight change following TKA compared to Western patients and that weight loss following TKA will be associated with better clinical outcomes. Methods A cohort of consecutive patients who underwent TKA from 2004 to 2015 was included. All patients received a conventional posterior-stabilized TKA implant and underwent a standard perioperative care pathway. Assessments were done preoperatively, at 6 months, and 2 years after surgery. The range of motion, Knee Society Score, Oxford Knee Score, and the Short-Form 36 questionnaire were used to assess outcomes. Height and weight of patients were recorded for body mass index (BMI) calculation. Patterns of weight loss following TKA in this cohort were charted. Clinical outcomes were then analyzed against the change in BMI. Results A total of 602 patients (602 knees) were reviewed. Mean age was 66.39 ± 7.27 years. Mean BMI was 27.75 ± 4.51 kg/m2. Overall, 63.12% of all our patients gained weight following TKA. Moreover, weight loss did not influence patients’ odds for better clinical outcomes. Furthermore, patients who were in the preoperative BMI category of obese class I were more likely to gain weight as compared to those in the normal category (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.61, P Conclusion Asians tend to gain weight following TKA. However, this weight change following TKA does not affect clinical outcomes, which remain good across all BMI groups. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level III.

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) through systematic review of current available evidence.A systematic database search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL was performed from inception up to 7 December 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Follow-up studies (inception cohort studies/non-randomized controlled trials/retrospective cohort studies) and case series that had more than 10 people published in English, which involved patients who underwent a combination of ACLR and MAT were included. Quality of these studies were appraised using the Cochrane Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Systematic review of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Tegner activity scores were conducted.Seven studies involving 363 patients were included. The average mean follow up time was 4.08 years, ranging from 1.75 to 14 years. All studies used the Lysholm Knee Scoring system to report clinical outcomes, while two studies and four studies used the IKDC Questionnaire and Tegner activity scale respectively to measure clinical outcomes post-operatively. Comparing postoperative to pre-operative scores, we found an improvement above the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Lysholm (Mean Difference (MD) range= 16.00 to 26.10) and Tegner activity scores (MD range = 1.50 to 1.90). All but one study reported an increase above the MCID for IKDC scores post-op (MD range= 5.60 to 23.00).Combined MAT and ACLR have good two to 14 year clinical outcomes post operatively and is an optimal procedure for patients with concurrent ACL injuries with irreparable meniscus injuries. More prospective studies and studies evaluating outcome differences between concurrent ACLR with MAT and staged ACLR with MAT should be conducted.IV, systematic review and/or meta-analysis of studies with Levels I to IV.

Our study aims to validate a commercially available inertial measurement unit (IMU) system against a standard laboratory-based optical motion capture (OMC) system for shoulder measurements in a clinical context.The validation analyses were conducted on 19 healthy male volunteers. Twelve reflective markers were placed on each participant's trunk, scapula and across the arm and one IMU was attached via a self-adhesive strap on the forearm. A single tester simultaneously collected shoulder kinematic data for four shoulder movements: flexion, extension, external rotation, and abduction. Agreement between OMC system and IMU measurements was assessed with Bland-Altman analyses. Secondary analysis included mean biases, root mean square error (RMSE) analysis and Welch'sBland-Altman limits of agreement (LoA) exceeded the acceptable range of mean difference for 95% of the population (-22.27°, 11.31°). The mean bias showed high levels of agreement within 8° for all four movements. More than 60% of participants demonstrated mean bias less than 10° between methods. Statistically significant differences were found between measurements for abduction (P0.001) and flexion (P=0.027) but not for extension and external rotation (P≥0.05).Our study shows preliminary evidence for acceptable accuracy of a commercially available IMU against an OMC system for assessment of shoulder movements by a single tester. The IMU also exhibits similar whole degree of error compared to a standard goniometer with potential for application in remote rehabilitation.

Background Mid-pole patellar fractures are typically fixed with metal implants in the conventional “11-8” tension band construct. However, this technique is fraught with numerous implant-related complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the union rate following “all-suture” fixation of mid-pole patellar fractures. Methods We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive case series of patients with displaced mid-pole patella fractures treated with “all-suture” fixation in our institution. Fifteen cases were available for this study. The average age was 61.5 years. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. Union time, complications, and revision rate were recorded. The minimum follow-up was one year. Results There were eight males and seven females, with a mean age of 61.5 ± 13.3 years. Fourteen out of 15 cases (93.3%) achieved radiographic union at 12 weeks postoperatively. The average time to radiographic union was 8.0 ± 2.7 weeks. Five cases (33.3%) had an increase in the fracture gap (>2 mm) at around four to six weeks postoperatively. Four of these cases had an eventual union, whereas one patient had fibrous non-union. There was one case of superficial surgical site infection and one case of infected hematoma. None of the patients required revision surgery. Conclusion “All-suture” fixation of mid-pole transverse patellar fractures is a safe and viable alternative to the conventional “11-8” tension band constructs with metal implants, with good union time, rates, and added benefits of not requiring additional surgery for implant removal.

To determine if individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) demonstrate altered landing kinematics, muscle activity, and impaired dynamic postural stability during a unilateral jump-landing task.21 studies were included from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL searched on September 26, 2021. Mean differences in joint angles and muscle activity between CAI and controls were analysed as continuous variables and pooled using a random-effects model to obtain standardised mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Dynamic postural stability measured using time to stabilisation (TTS) was assessed qualitatively.We found greater plantarflexion (pooled SMD = 0.33, 95%CI [0.02,0.65]), reduced knee flexion (pooled SMD = -0.67, 95%CI [-0.97, -0.37]), and reduced hip flexion (pooled SMD = -0.52, 95%CI [-0.96, -0.07]) in CAI after landing. Regarding muscle activity, we observed reduced peroneus longus muscle activation (pooled SMD = -0.77, 95% CI [-1.17, -0.36]) in CAI prior to landing.Our study provides preliminary evidence of altered landing kinematics in the sagittal plane and reduced peroneus muscle activity in CAI during a dynamic jump-landing task. These results may have clinical implications in the development of more effective and targeted rehabilitation programmes for patients with CAI.

Hip fractures are common in the elderly population, with an estimated 18% of women and 6% of men suffering from such fractures globally [1]. It constitutes an important public health problem as there is a trend towards an aging population nowadays, and it is estimated that the disease burden of hip fractures will reach up to 4.5 million hips by the year 2050 [2]. Intertrochanteric (IT) fractures are among the two most common types of hip fractures, with a predilection for the more elderly population compared to femoral neck fractures. The treatment of intertrochanteric (IT) fractures can be divided into non-surgical and surgical. Typically, non-surgical treatment is not recommended, and reserved for patients with high operative risk as well as poor pre-morbid function. Surgical treatment is recommended as fixation allows patients better mobilization, reduced in-hospital stay and reduced mortality [3]. Surgical fixation of IT fractures can be performed via extramedullary fixation or intramedullary fixation. Extramedullary fixation is usually performed via plate and screw fixation, with a dynamic hip screw construct. Intramedullary fixation is usually performed via cephalomedullary nail fixation, which consists of an intramedullary nail in the shaft of the femur as well as a cephalic blade into the femoral head. A common mechanical complication of cephalomedullary nail fixation is implant migration, more specifically cephalic device cut out or cut through [4]. One of the methods to address the problem of cephalic blade migration is cement augmentation of the femoral head. This is performed via specialised fenestrated cephalic devices (blade/screw) and standard bone cement, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Biomechanical studies have shown that cement augmentation around the cephalic blade yields superior rotational stability and increased pull out resistance of cephalic blades compared to non-augmented implants [5]. This benefit was higher in patients with lower bone mineral density (BMD), suggesting that osteoporosis and poor bone quality was a significant risk factor in terms of cephalic device migration. There are many different cephalomedullary nailing systems in the market, but the one most commonly used in our institution is the system developed by DePuy Synthes: TFN-ADVANCED™ Proximal Femoral Nailing System (TFNA) together with their proprietary cement augmentation system Traumacem V+ (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA). In this report, we describe the first case of cement detachment from the cephalic blade from the TFNA following fixation of an IT fracture in an elderly lady.

Patients undergoing prolonged surgery in a lithotomy position may develop acute lower limb compartment syndrome in the absence of trauma or pre-existing vascular disease, otherwise known as well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS). Early recognition and management would prevent the potential, lethal complications associated with this condition. We present a case of a 55-year-old gentleman who developed bilateral WLCS after prolonged abdominoperineal resection of his pelvic liposarcoma.

With the aging population in Asia and increase in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilization rates, the number of patients requiring revision TKA (rTKA) are expected to increase as well. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes and satisfaction rates following rTKA in an Asian population that has unique cultural demands. Registry data of patients who underwent rTKA from 2006 to 2010 and had completed 5 years of follow-up were analyzed. Flexion range, Oxford Knee score (OKS), Knee Society score (KSS), the Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and satisfaction rates were assessed for improvement from preoperative values, as well as by the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) criterion. rTKA was performed in 163 patients. There were significant improvements seen at 2 years postoperatively and these were sustained up to 5 years. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) criterion for KSS, OKS, and SF-36 physical component score (PCS) was met at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. The overall complication rate was 3.7% at a mean follow-up of 8.4 years. A total of 121 patients (74.2%) were satisfied at 5 years postoperatively. Within our cohort, rTKA results in significantly improved patient-reported outcome measures with a low complication rate of 3.7% at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Despite these encouraging results, satisfaction rates remain low.

Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OW-HTO) is an excellent surgical option for patients with varus knee osteoarthritis. This article presents a technique of performing a minimally invasive OW-HTO using a patient-specific cutting guide (PSCG). Preoperative 3-dimensional planning with computed tomography imaging is essential. The correction parameters, the final plate position, as well as the 3-dimensional position of the hinge as well as wedge are verified preoperatively before the PSCG is produced. After exposure with an oblique incision over the posteromedial tibia, the hamstring tendons are released for later re-attachment and the medial collateral ligament is released slightly. The PSCG is then used to perform the OW-HTO with protection of the posterior neurovascular structures by a retractor placed posterior to the medial collateral ligament. The final fixation of the osteotomy is achieved with a low-profile locking plate and a femoral head allograft wedge., Technique Video Video 1 This surgical technique video displays the following (with time markers). A 5-cm slightly oblique incision is made along the posteromedial surface of the tibia, starting 1 cm below the joint line and extending inferior to the distal aspect of the tibial tuberosity (00:08). The 2 parts of the patient-specific cutting guides (PSCG) are clipped together and applied onto the medial surface of the tibia (00:30). A posterior retractor is placed posterior to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), scratching the posterior surface of the tibia, anterior to the popliteus (00:52). Two 2.2-mm pins are inserted through the PSCG to ensure cut orientation and to protect the hinge (01:05). The MCL is protected by a second and more anterior retractor (01:40). A fluoroscopic comparison is made with the virtual plan to confirm the good positioning of the PSCG (01:50). A 4.0-mm drill bit is used through the 6 pin holes of the PSCG to achieve the guide fixation (01:54). The saw blade is inserted on the PSCG window for the initial saw cut (02:24). To finalize the cut, the proximal pins and the upper part of the PSCG are removed (02:34). Free-hand technique is used to perform the ascending biplane cut (02:54). The cutting K-wire and the PSCG are removed leaving the hinge K-wire within the osteotomy site (03:14). The posterior cortex is checked to be cut and the osteotomy is gradually opened using osteotomes (03:40). A laminar spreader is positioned posterior to the MCL to maintain the osteotomy opening (04:00). The locking plate is then applied to the proximal tibia using the previously drilled holes (04:13).

Purpose To evaluate clinical outcomes after intraosseous injection for knee osteoarthritis systematically with available clinical evidence. Methods A systematic search methodology of the PUBMED, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases was conducted in November 2020. The search workflow was in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The following inclusion criteria were adopted: clinical trials of any level of evidence, reporting clinical outcomes following intraosseous injections of bone substitutes or biologic agents, and mesenchymal stem cells or platelet-rich plasma into the knee as treatment modalities for osteoarthritis. Duplicate data and articles not written in English were excluded from this review. Results Six studies were identified and included in this review, with a total of 167 patients. Two studies used subchondroplasty CaP injections, while 4 studies used intraosseous injections of platelet-rich plasma. Two studies provided Level II evidence, 2 studies provided Level III evidence, and a further 2 provided Level IV evidence. Five out of 6 studies reported data using the visual analog scale, 4 studies used the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, while 3 studies used the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Clinical improvements in pain and functionality were documented in all trials, with only a few patients experiencing adverse events. Conclusion Intraosseous injections for knee osteoarthritis are safe and effective. However, multiple pertinent variables such as safety, cost of treatment, and performance against placebos and other treatment modalities require further evaluation before intraosseous injections can be considered as standard treatment for patients presenting with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Place: Germany; International audience; PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare alignment parameters between patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) and non-arthritic controls. METHODS: Pre-operative computed tomography images from 194 patients undergoing HTO for medial knee OA and 118 non-arthritic controls were utilized. All patients had varus knee alignment (mean age: 57 ± 11 years; 45% female). The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and non-weight-bearing joint line convergence angle (nwJLCA) were compared between "control group" and "HTO group". Femoral and tibial phenotypes were also assessed and compared between groups. Variables found on univariate analysis to be different between the groups were entered into a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The mean age was lower (Δ = 4 ± 6 years, p = 0.024), body mass index (BMI) was higher (Δ = 1.1 ± 2.8 kg/m(2), p = 0.032) and there were more females (Δ = 14%, p = 0.020) in the HTO group. The HTO group had more overall varus (7° ± 4.7° vs 4.8° ± 1.3°, p \textless 0.001). There was a significant difference in the mean mLDFA between the two groups with the HTO group having more femoral varus (88.7 ± 3.2° vs 87.3 ± 1.8°, p \textless 0.001). MPTA was similar between the groups (p = 0.881). Age was found to be a strong determinant for femoral varus (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing HTO for medial knee OA have more femoral varus compared to non-arthritic controls while tibial morphology was similar. This will be an important consideration in pre-operating planning for realignment osteotomy in patients presenting with medial knee OA and warrants further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Place: Germany; International audience; PURPOSE: Previous investigations suggested that femoral side-to-side differences were located in the upper femur anatomy. However, little is known about the asymmetry between distal femur and patella. The degree of bony asymmetry in the patellofemoral joint was evaluated using pairs of CT-scans with emphasis on morphometric measurements and risk factors relevant to patellofemoral disorders.METHODS: Patellofemoral morphometric parameters and anatomical risk factors were analyzed from 345 pairs of CT scans to evaluate side-to-side differences for each patient. All measurements were automatized using previously published algorithm-calculated bone landmarks. We analyzed asymmetry based on absolute differences (AD) and percentage asymmetry (AS%). Significant asymmetry was defined as AS% \textgreater 10%.RESULTS: Patellar height was found to be highly symmetric (mean AD 0.1 for both Insall-Salvatti and Caton-Deschamps methods, AS% 8% and 9%, respectively). Patellar and femoral morphometric parameters were found highly symmetric, except for the trochlear groove depth. Substantial asymmetry was reported in two patellofemoral risk factors: the lateral trochlear inclination (mean AD 2°, AS% 16%) and the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (1 mm, 116%). Patellar and femoral morphometric asymmetries were independent of demographics, including age, gender, height, weight and ethnicity.CONCLUSION: Patellar height was found to be highly symmetric and is, therefore, a reasonable index for contralateral templating. While very few patellofemoral morphometric parameters and anatomical risk factors were asymmetric, the mean differences were clinically negligible and independent of demographics.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Postoperative X-rays are a key part of management of orthopaedic patients. These X-rays serve to check stability of orthopaedic fixation as well as to ensure that there are no peri-implant fractures and periprosthetic fractures following surgical fixation of fractures and arthroplasty procedures, respectively. Timely accurate interpretation of postoperative X-rays are crucial in guiding weight-bearing status as well as rehabilitation. Therefore, delays in X-ray acquisition may impact initiation of postoperative rehabilitation and overall length of stay negatively. The aim of this project is to optimise acquisition of postoperative X-rays in patients undergoing implant surgery and as a result increase efficiency of deployed healthcare staff. A multidisciplinary team was formed to study the efficacy of a new workflow for patients to undergo X-rays immediately after surgery while en-route to the ward. Pretrial and in-trial delays in acquiring X-rays and total man-hours spent on transport were recorded. These processes were refined and integrated to optimise the new workflow. Compared with the old workflow, delays in obtaining X-rays were significantly reduced from the longest of 20 hours and 40 min to no delays at all. Overall man-hours spent on transport of these patients were reduced by a mean of 12 and 16 min for nurses and porters, respectively. The trial workflow has since been adopted successfully by our institution and since inception has become standard practice, allowing timely review of postoperative X-rays. This has led to increased workforce efficiency as well as timely rehabilitation and discharge of patients.

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OW-HTO) is an excellent surgical option for patients with varus knee osteoarthritis. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) release and posterior neurovascular structure protection during OW-HTO are steps that often induce stress and nervousness during surgery, especially for surgeons in the earlier stages of their learning curve. While is it well-known that the MCL should be released during OW-HTO, the standard retraction techniques pose challenges in visualization and instrument placement in the surgical field. We present our technique, which illustrates an alternative method to manage the MCL and safely protect the neurovascular structures using a second and more posterior surgical window during OW-HTO., Technique Video Video 1 This surgical technique video displays the following (with time markers): Retractor device to protect neurovascular structures (00:33). Surface anatomy (01:02). Surgical approach (01:20). Deep dissection and anatomical landmarks (01:55). Releasing and protecting the hamstrings (02:15). Traditional approach to soft tissue management (02:43). Management of soft-tissue structures and protection of the neurovascular structures. An alternative approach (03:20).

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are common injuries that often go undiagnosed. While there is strong literature addressing the management of both partial- and full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, there is little to no literature describing both tears occurring concurrently. This is the first case reported in the context of a full-thickness RCT with a partial-thickness extension. It provides the clinical and radiographic context in which this patient was seen, as well as the operative guidelines used to achieve a successful outcome. We report a 39-year-old male reviewed for shoulder pain following mechanical injury. A tear involving the supraspinatus was clinically suspected and radiologically confirmed, but an unusual signal in select MRI images hinted towards further pathology. This was identified as a concurrent partial-thickness tear during arthroscopic evaluation was subsequently incorporated in the final repair configuration. The partial-thickness tear can easily be missed when superimposed on a full-thickness tear. A high degree of clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosis, corroborated with certain MRI features. Identifying these tears in a timely fashion will allow proper treatment to be instituted. Patients with these peculiar injury patterns can expect better long-term outcomes and functional recovery with proper diagnosis and treatment.

There is poor correlation between functional outcomes and patient satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We asked if early post-operative scores at 6 months or the pre- to post-operative change in scores are predictive of patient satisfaction 2 years after TKA. We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data of 4359 TKAs performed at a single institution. At 6 months and 2 years, the Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and Short-Form 36 scores were assessed. A satisfaction questionnaire was also completed. Logistic regression was used to generate receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess the ability of each scoring system in predicting satisfaction at 2 years. At 2 years, 91.1% of patients were satisfied. For the absolute post-operative OKS at 6 months, an AUC of 0.762 (95% CI 0.736–0.788) and a threshold of ≤ 21.5 points (or ≥ 38.5 points on the new scale) were obtained. For the KSS knee score, an AUC of 0.704 (95% CI 0.674–0.734) and a threshold of ≥ 80.5 points were identified. The OKS performed significantly better than the KSS knee score (p = 0.03) and the other post-operative scores (p