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Background The use of circular frames in correcting lower limb deformity is well-established and has evolved dramatically over the years. Three new frames have been introduced recently, and this study is set to compare them in terms of accuracy and efficiency in correcting a similar long bone deformity. These frames are the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF; SmithNephew, London, United Kingdom), the Truelok Hexapod System (TL-HEX; Orthofix, Lewisville, Texas), and Orthex (OrthoPediatrics, Warsaw, Indiana). Methods This is a biomechanical study comparing the above three types of circular frames to correct similar deformities in Sawbones models. The deformities that are compared were: (1) 30° valgus deformity of the distal femur; (2) 30° varus deformity of the proximal tibia. Each frame was applied to the deformed bone in the standard way that we apply to normal bone. X-rays were taken before and after the deformity correction. The frames' software was used to estimate the deformities. The variations between the software's estimations and the known bone deformities were compared. Residual deformity after initial correction and the number of re-programmings was compared among these three frames. The least residual deformity and re-programming is the favorable outcome. Results All the Sawbones models had a 30° actual coronal angulation. The Orthex software estimated the deformity at around 25.35° (SD 4.6), TSF 25.6° (SD 2), and TL-HEX 29.87° (SD 2.1). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference in the findings (P-value 0.014). Accuracy was measured by comparing the residual deformity in angulation in the coronal plane after the first and second correction. The Orthex median residual deformity was 1°, TSF was 2.5°, and TL-HEX was 3° with a range of less than 5° for all of them. The independent samples Kruskal-Wallis test shows that there is no significant difference between the three groups (P=0.549). The frequency of strut changes required throughout the correction was not significant among the three frames using the Fisher exact test (P=0.336). TSF struts are not designed to be readjusted. Conclusion The three frames were comparable in terms of accurate correction of the two deformities, strut changes, and strut adjustments. The TL-HEX frame software was superior to other frames in terms of analyzing the deformity but the difference, although statistically significant clinically, was not.

Learning and change are key elements of clinical governance and are responsible for the progression of our specialty. Although orthopaedics has been slow to embrace quality improvement, recent years have seen global developments in surgical education, quality improvement, and patient outcome research. This review covers recent advances in the evaluation of learning and change and identifies the most important research questions that remain unanswered. Research into proxies of learning is improving but more work is required to identify the best proxy for a given procedure. Learning curves are becoming commonplace but are poorly integrated into postgraduate training curricula and there is little agreement over the most appropriate method to analyse learning curve data. With various organisations promoting centralisation of care, learning curve analysis is more important than ever before. The use of simulation in orthopaedics is developing but is yet to be formally mapped to resident training worldwide. Patient outcome research is rapidly changing, with an increased focus on quality of life measures. These are key to patients and their care. Cost-utility analysis is increasingly seen in orthopaedic manuscripts and this needs to continue to improve evidence-based care. Large-scale international, multi-centre randomised trials are gaining popularity and updated guidance on sample size estimation needs to become widespread. A global lack of surgeon equipoise will need to be addressed. Quality improvement projects frequently employ interrupted time-series analysis to evaluate change. This technique’s limitations must be acknowledged, and more work is required to improve the evaluation of change in a dynamic healthcare environment where multiple interventions frequently occur. Advances in the evaluation of learning and change are needed to drive improved international surgical education and increase the reliability, validity, and importance of the conclusions drawn from orthopaedic research.

Randomised controlled trial of triclosan coated vs uncoated sutures in primary hip and knee arthroplasty

Dissociation of the polyethylene liner from the acetabular shell is a rare but catastrophic complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). There have been reports of polyethylene liner dissociation (PLD) as well as ceramic liner dissociation (CLD) in the literature. Amongst the commonly used implants, liner dissociation has been reported with the Pinnacle (DePuy), Harris–Galante (Zimmer) and Trident (Stryker) acetabular components. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of PLD in an R3 (Smith & Nephew) acetabular component. This case report highlights the implant choice for treatment of the liner dissociation and the role of constrained implants in such cases.

BACKGROUND Triclosan-coated vicryl plus suture (Ethicon, Inc.) was developed to reduce microbial colonisation during surgical procedures. However, its effect on wound healing and surgical site infections remain unclear after hip and knee arthro-plasty surgery. AIM To determine the effect of triclosan-coated sutures (TCS) vs non-coated sutures on wound healing, following primary hip and knee arthroplasties. METHODS A single-centred, double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken. We randomly allocated patients to receive either the triclosan-coated sutures (TCS vicryl plus) or non-coated sutures (NCS vicryl) during the closure of unilateral primary hip and knee arthroplasties. We utilised the ASEPSIS wound scoring system to evaluate wound healing for the first 6 weeks post-operatively. RESULTS One hundred and fifty patients undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty over a one-year period were included. Eighty-one were randomised to the TCS group and 69 to the NCS group. Despite no statistically significant difference in the ASEPSIS scores among the study groups (P = 0.75), sensitivity analysis using the Mann Whitney test (P = 0.036) as well as assessment of the wound complications at 6 weeks follow up, demonstrated significantly higher wound complication rates in the TCS group (8 vs 1, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION No clear advantage was demonstrated for using the TCS. However, larger multi-centred RCTs are required to validate their use in hip and knee arthroplasty surgery.

Background Allogeneic blood transfusion has been linked with an increase in the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) through the mechanism of immunomodulation. However, no studies to date have investigated the direct relationship between blood conserving strategies including antifibrinolytics and wound complications after total hip arthroplasties (THA). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on wound complications after THAs has been conducted. Results We identified 25 clinical trials which were suitable for detailed data extraction. There were no trials which utilised TXA in revision THA. All studies reported on wound complications including a total of 1608 patients. Using TXA led to a 2% reduction in the risk of developing wound complications compared to the control group with no significant statistical heterogeneity among the study groups (Risk Difference −0.02, 95%, confidence interval CI -0.04 to −0.00, P = 0.01, Heterogeneity I2 = 0%). However, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes in terms of antibiotic treatment or surgical intervention among the study groups. TXA also reduced intraoperative, postoperative and total blood loss and led to a significant reduction in the proportion of patients requiring allogeneic blood transfusion with no significant differences in deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, or other complications between the study groups. Conclusion TXA reduced blood loss and transfusion rates after primary THA surgery. It also reduced wound complication rates but the clinical significance of this needs further investigation through well designed and adequately powered RCTs.

Proponents of the Sub-Vastus (SV) approach in primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) claim superior extensor mechanism function which results in earlier recovery after surgery. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the SV and standard Medial Parapatellar (MPP) approaches in primary TKAs. The study was performed using the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews guidelines. A total of 28 studies with 2171 patients were included and the mean age of the SV group was 68.2 [standard deviation, ±4.4] and of the MPP group was 68.4 (±3.85). The SV approach resulted in a significant improvement in flexion at day 3 postoperatively [mean difference (MD) = 6°; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.37–11.71; p < 0.01], but this was not sustainable at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Similarly, despite a significant reduction in the visual analogue scale score at day 1 postoperatively (MD = −1.19; 95% CI, −1.70 to −0.68; p < 0.01), there was not enough evidence to support its superiority after that. The SV approach led to a reduction in days to straight leg raise (MD = −1.88; 95% CI, −2.45 to −1.31; p < 0.01) and lateral releases [relative risk = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30–0.82; p < 0.01) with no difference in complication rates (p = 0.64) but at the expense of a prolonged operation (MD = 13 min; 95% CI, 9.41–16.69; p < 0.01). Our conclusion is that the SV approach provides an alternative to the MPP with some advantages in the first 3 days only after primary TKA surgery.

Periprosthetic Joint infection (PJI) following hip and knee replacements is an important complication causing major concern for patients, operating surgeons and healthcare systems. Therefore, a standardized definition of PJI is required to improve communication and allow for valid comparisons of various diagnostic and treatment strategies. This review summarizes the most commonly used definitions for PJI and the current consensus. It also highlights the economic burden related to PJIs and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing those infections.

Background:The increasing load placed by joint replacement surgery on health care systems makes infection, even with the lowest rates, a serious concern that needs to be thoroughly studied and addressed using all possible measures.Methods:A comprehensive review of the current literature on salvage procedures for recurrent PJIs using PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL has been conducted.Results:Prolonged suppressive antibiotic therapy (PSAT), resection arthroplasty and arthrodesis were the most common procedures performed. Suppressive antibiotic therapy is based on the use of well tolerated long term antibiotics in controlling sensitive organisms. Resection arthroplasty which should be reserved as a last resort provided more predictable outcomes in the hip whereas arthrodesis was associated with better outcomes in the knee. Various methods for arthrodesis including internal and external fixation have been described.Conclusion:Despite good union and infection control rates, all methods were associated with complications occasionally requiring further surgical interventions.

An increasing demand for lower limb arthroplasty will lead to a proportionate increase in the need for revision surgery. A notable proportion of revision surgery is secondary to periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Diagnosing and eradicating PJI can form a very difficult challenge. An important cause of PJI is the formation of a bacterial biofilm on the implant surface. Our review article seeks to describe biofilms; their definitions and formation, common causative bacteria, prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic therapy.

Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) continues to be one of the leading causes of failure following hip and knee surgery. The diagnostic workflow of PJI includes detailed clinical examination, serum markers, imaging and aspiration/biopsy of the affected joint. The goals of treatment are eradication of the infection, alleviation of pain, and restoration of joint function. Surgical management of PJI consists of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) and single or two-stage revision procedures. Two-stage revision remains the gold standard for treatment of PJIs. We aim to discuss the two stage procedure in this article and report the outcomes. Methods The first stage of the two stages consists of removal of all components and associated cement with aggressive debridement and placement of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. Patients are then treated with variable periods of parenteral antibiotics, followed by an antibiotic free period to help ensure the infection has been eradicated. If the clinical evaluation and serum inflammatory markers suggest infection control, then the second stage can be undertaken and this involves removal of the cement spacer, repeat debridement, and placement of a new prosthesis. Results Common themes around the two-stage revision procedure include timing of the second stage, antibiotics used in the interim period, length of the interim period before consideration of reimplantation and close liaising with microbiologists. Conclusion Successful eradication of infection and good functional outcome using the two stage procedure is dependent on a multidisciplinary approach and having a standard reproducible startegy.

Background:Periprosthetic Joint Infection Remains a Dreaded Complication After Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery.Treatment Options for Acute Postoperative and Acute Hematogenous Infections Include Arthroscopic or Open Debridement With Retention or Exchange of the Prostheses. This Review Article Aims to Summarize the Evidence for Management of Acute Postoperative And Acute Hematogenous Infections.Methods:A Systematic Literature Search Was Performed Using a Computer-based Search Engine Covering Medline (OvidSP), PubMed Database (U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane and Google Scholar for Relevant Articles.Results:Common Themes Around Treatment of Acute Postoperative and Acute Hematogenous Infections Discussed in this Review Include the Timing of Intervention, Description of the Optimal Procedure and How we Perform it at our Institution, the Role of Arthroscopic Debridement, Most Commonly Isolated Micro-organisms and Prognostic Factors for Infection Control.Conclusion:Success in Treating Acute Postoperative and Acute Hematogenous Infections Depends on Early Diagnosis and Aggressive Surgical Debridement Combined With Effective Antibiotic Therapy.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury, a common soft tissue injury of the knee joint, is increasing in incidence particularly in young active people. It causes instability of the knee that leads to meniscal tears, cartilage defects and early osteoarthritis. This review summarizes aspects of anterior cruciate ligament injury management.

An algorithm for managing periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after total hip replacement (THR) surgery using a multidisciplinary approach and a clearly defined protocol may improve infection eradication rates. In this article, we present an algorithm for the management of different types of PJIs including the acutely infected cemented and cementless THRs where the components are well-fixed postoperatively and when the infection is secondary to haematogenous spread in previously well-functioning and well-fixed implants. For chronic PJIs where the components are often loose, the standard treatment includes a two-stage revision procedure. However, in a highly selected subset of patients, a single-stage approach has been utilised with high rates of eradicating infections.

Host bone contact of less than 50% is perceived but not proven to cause migration and loosening after acetabular revision. A prospective analysis of cementless acetabular revision cases with impaction grafting was performed to determine if this was an independent risk factor for these events. Sixty-two hips in 54 patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 84.5 months (range 61-112) yielding a probability of 94.6% of retaining the acetabular component using revision for aseptic loosening as the end point. No single factor was independently causative for loosening, although Type III fixation was associated with migration (p=0.0159); subanalysis suggested that achieving host-bone contact in at least part of the dome and posterior column is important.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is among the most common soft tissue injuries of the knee joint and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is the gold standard treatment for young active symptomatic patients. This review summarizes the surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of joint replacement surgery. In an aging population of the developed world, the increasing numbers of hip and knee replacements will inevitably lead to increasing incidence of PJI, carrying with (it) significant patient morbidity and cost to the health care system. Two-stage exchange arthroplasty is currently the gold standard but it is associated with multiple operations, prolonged hospitalization and impaired functionality. One-stage exchange arthroplasty is similar to the two-stage procedure but the interval between removal of the prosthesis and reimplantation of a new one is only a few minutes. It has the theoretical benefits of a single anesthetic, shorter hospitalization, less cost and improved function. Methods: We reviewed the current literature regarding the outcomes of one-stage exchange arthroplasties focusing on re-infection rates and functional outcomes. Results: Current themes around the one-stage exchange procedure include the indications for the procedure, definition of re-infection, surgical techniques used to provide fixation and differences in approach for hip and knee replacements. Conclusion: The current literature on one-stage exchange procedure is promising, with comparable results to two-stage revisions for hips and knees in selected patients. However, there is a great need for a large multi-centred randomized control trial, focusing on re-infection rates and functional scores postoperatively, to provide concrete guidelines in managing this complex condition.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a dreaded complication after hip and knee replacement surgery. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of the causative pathogen is essential to intervene early and control the infection appropriately. The traditional pathway for diagnosing PJIs includes thorough history taking and physical examination, laboratory testing of serum and synovial fluid, various imaging modalities and analysis of intraoperative samples. None of the diagnostic tests available is 100 % sensitive and specific for diagnosing infection. Accordingly, an algorithm of major and minor criteria based on these tests has been devised by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) to aid the diagnosis and treatment.

Up to 2% of THAs are complicated by infection, leading to dissatisfied patients with poor function and major social and economic consequences. The challenges are control of infection, restoration of full function, and prevention of recurrence. Irrigation and débridement with or without exchange of modular components remains an attractive alternative to two-stage reimplantation in acutely infected THAs but with variable results from previous studies.We therefore determined the rate at which aggressive early débridement with exchange of modular components controlled acutely infected cemented THAs.We retrospectively studied all 26 patients presenting with acutely infected cemented THAs (16 primaries, 10 revisions) occurring within 6 weeks of the index operation or of hematogenous spread from a confirmed source of infection elsewhere between 1999 and 2006. Microbiology confirmed bacterial colonization in all patients, with 18 early postoperative infections and eight acute hematogenous infections. Patients underwent aggressive débridement with open complete synovectomy, exchange of all mobile parts, débridement of all aspects of the joint, irrigation with antiseptic solutions, and pulsatile lavage. Minimum followup was 5 years (mean, 6.6 years; range, 5-11 years).Eight patients had multiple washouts with control of infection in four at latest followup. Five patients underwent two-stage revisions and one patient was placed on long-term antibiotic suppression. Twenty patients returned to their expected functional level with no radiographic evidence of prosthetic failure. At minimum 5-year followup, we had a 77% infection control rate.Our data confirm current literature and suggest there may be a role for aggressive early débridement in controlling acute postoperative and hematogenous infections after cemented THA.Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

This review summarises the key points in taking a history and performing a comprehensive clinical examination for patients with foot and/or ankle problems. It is a useful guide for residents who are preparing for their specialty exams, as well as family doctors and any other doctor who has to deal with foot and ankle problems in adults.

Trampoline-related injuries have increased dramatically over the last few years. This article presents a review of the literature summarizing the different types and mechanisms of sustaining such injuries and looks at current recommendations to prevent them.

The minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach has been popularised as an alternative to the standard medial parapatellar approach (MPP) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Advocates of this technique suggest earlier functional recovery due to less injury to the surrounding tissues. Potential disadvantages however may include reduced overall exposure, component malalignment and damage to neurovascular structures. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised trials were conducted to compare the MIS and MPP approaches in primary TKA. Methodological features were rated independently by two reviewers. Seventeen studies were included involving 733 patients with mean age of 69 (SD ± 2.8) in the MIS group and 692 patients with mean age of 68.6 (SD ± 3.1) in the MPP group. Using a MIS approach led to significant increase in flexion within the first week after a TKA (mean difference (MD) of 9.9° (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.2–11.6, P

Proponents of a mid-vastus (MV) approach for primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA) stress its importance in preserving function of the extensor mechanism with earlier rehabilitation and decreased prevalence of lateral release. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials to compare functional outcomes of the standard medial parapatellar (PP) and mid-vastus (MV) approaches in primary knee arthroplasties.The study was conducted according to the guidelines described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Methodological features were rated independently by two reviewers.We included 18 studies involving 1040 patients with mean age of 69 (SD ± 2.7) for the MV and 68.8 (SD ± 2.8) for the PP group. Using a MV approach led to significant improvement in flexion (mean difference (MD) 8.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.50 to 13.25, P0.01) and visual analogue scale score (MD -1.72 95% CI -2.08 to -1.36, P0.01) in the first week postoperatively and reduced the number of required lateral releases (risk difference -0.16 95% CI -0.30 to -0.01, P=0.03) with no increase in complication rates.We conclude that the MV approach may provide an alternative to the standard PP approach with earlier rehabilitation and decreased lateral release rates in primary TKA and no increase in complication rates.

Minimally displaced fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus are rarely associated with axillary artery injury. The innocuous appearance of the x-rays can be misleading and a missed arterial injury in these fractures could potentially lead to disastrous consequences. We report the case of a patient who sustained a minimally displaced fracture of the proximal humerus with vascular compromise requiring immediate investigation and referral to vascular surgeons. Despite spontaneous resolution of the vascular insult, it is important to remember the association of such fractures with vascular injuries in order to diagnose them early and prevent serious complications including amputation.

Morbidly obese patients are predisposed to developing abdominal wall hernias with the potential complication of small bowel obstruction. We report a patient who developed an obstructed paraumbilical hernia a few days after laparoscopic gastric bypass and died of aspiration pneumonia after re-laparoscopy. The controversy regarding the optimal time and method of repair of abdominal wall hernias in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass is discussed with emphasis placed on either a simultaneous repair or to split the omentum to one side leaving incarcerated omentum that is plugging the hernia defect in place for a delayed repair.

Introduction: Ankle fractures are among the commonest orthopaedic injuries. A delay in operating is often due to the swelling associated with such fractures. On the other hand, the delay in operative fixation beyond 24 h from injury is associated with a lengthening of hospital stay which costs approximately £225 per patient per day for an acute trauma bed. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the delay in surgical intervention of open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures from presentation due to ankle swelling, and the length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 145 consecutive patients treated for ankle fractures over a period of 12 months between January and December 2008. results were collated excluding talar and pilon fractures. Emergency department presentation times were noted and time of anaesthetic to determine surgical delay. Notes were reviewed for inpatient stay and postoperative complications. Results: There were 62 male and 83 female patients with a mean age of 49 years. In total, 117 (80%) patients were operated on within 24 hours of presentation (early group). 28 patients’ surgery was delayed beyond 24 hours (delayed group). Of the 117 patients the mean inpatient stay was 3.79 days (± 2.39) whereas in the delayed group the mean stay was 8.57 days (± 6.54). Of the delayed group, 57% of the cases had swelling as the cause of a postponed operation, whereas other causes included lack of theatre time and lack of fitness for surgery. In the early group, 5 patients (4.27%) had wound infections and one patient had a chest infection (0.85%). Four patients (14.28%) from the delayed group developed wound infections all of whom were from patients with ankle swelling. Conclusion: We recommend that policies be put in place to provide early operative intervention for patients with fractured ankles prior to the development of swelling as this would result in improved patient outcome and significant financial savings. If an operation is not feasible within 24 hours of admission and the ankle is swollen resulting in a high operative risk, we recommend sending the patient home for a period of 5–7 days with advice on RICE and anticoagulation which would both permit surgery and cut down costs.

Displaced metaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures of the distal radius are common in children. Using a plate-screw construct necessitates open reduction and a second operation to remove the metal work. Using a percutaneous Kirschner (K) wire can be attempted closed with an added advantage of a relatively minor procedure to remove the wire after fracture healing. However, using a straight wire may often be challenging due to the shallow angle the K wire needs to pass in order to engage the proximal fragment. Skin pressure and necrosis may also result at the insertion point. Rigidity of the K wire may result in ulnar deviation of the distal fragment and engaging the proximal fragment with a straight wire often necessitates starting the entry point at the tip of the radial styloid and thereby having to transgress the radial epiphysis (Figure 1).