Bleeding complications in patients on warfarin undergoing joint injection/aspiration: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Steroid injections in joints are commonly administered for the management of inflammatory or degenerative conditions. There is substantial controversy as to whether to continue warfarin when undertaking joint injection or aspiration. To assess the rate of bleeding complications in patients on warfarin undergoing joint injection/aspiration. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search of 3 online databases was conducted by 2 reviewers using the Cochrane methodology for systematic reviews. Eligibility criteria were any study that reported bleeding complication rates in adult patients on warfarin undergoing a joint injection/aspiration whilst taking warfarin anticoagulation. Studies reporting on less than 5 patients were excluded. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model. The search of databases resulted in a total of 1547 articles. After screening, 8 articles were deemed suitable for inclusion in the analysis, involving 871 injection/aspiration procedures. There were only 5 reported cases of bleeding. On meta-analysis the estimated bleeding complication rate was 1.5% (95% CI 0.5-4.5%). This meta-analysis shows that it is safe to perform joint injection and aspiration in patients on warfarin without routine prior testing of INR. Level of evidence: Level 4.

COVID-19 infection is related to differences in the use of personal protective equipment by orthopaedic specialist trainees caring for hip fracture patients during the second surge of COVID-19 in the North West of England.

INTRODUCTION: Personal protective equipment (PPE) may protect health-care workers from COVID-19 infection and limit nosocomial spread to vulnerable hip fracture patients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey amongst orthopaedic trainees to explore PPE practice in 19 hospitals caring for hip fracture patients in the North West of England. RESULTS: During the second wave of the pandemic, 14/19 (74%) hospitals experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 amongst staff or patients on the orthopaedic wards. An FFP3 respirator mask was used by doctors in only 6/19 (32%) hospitals when seeing patients with COVID-19 and a cough and in 5/19 (26%) hospitals when seeing asymptomatic patients with COVID-19. A COVID-19 outbreak was reported in 11/13 (85%) orthopaedic units where staff wore fluid resistant surgical masks compared to 3/6 (50%) units using an FFP3 respirator mask (RR 1.69, 95% CI 0.74-3.89) when caring for symptomatic patients with COVID-19. Similarly, a COVID-19 outbreak was reported in more orthopaedic units caring for asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 where staff wore fluid resistant surgical masks (12/14 (86%)) as compared to an FFP3 respirator mask (2/5 (40%)) (RR 2.14, 95% CI 0.72-6.4). CONCLUSION: Urgent re-evaluation of PPE use is required to reduce nosocomial spread of COVID-19, amongst highly vulnerable patients with hip fracture.

Urinary tract infection is associated with 2.4-fold increased risk of surgical site infection in hip fracture surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding whether urinary tract infection (UTI) should be screened for or treated in hip fracture patients. AIM: To assess the relationship between perioperative UTI and surgical site infection (SSI) in hip fracture patients, and the relationship between urinary catheterization and SSI in these patients. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between perioperative UTI and SSI and/or between urinary catheterization and SSI. Articles were included if they used the term UTI or specified UTI as symptomatic bacteriuria. FINDINGS: A total of 4139 records were identified, with eight studies included. Meta-analysis of seven studies which evaluated perioperative UTI and SSI showed an SSI rate of 7.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-13.2) among 1217 patients with UTI vs 2.4% (95% CI: 1.0-5.7) in 36,514 patients without UTI (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.67-3.46; P < 0.001). In three studies which specifically defined UTI as symptomatic bacteriuria, the SSI rate among UTI patients was 5.7% (95% CI: 4.0-8.1) vs 1.1% (95% CI: 0.2-5.2) in those without UTI (OR: 3.00; 95% CI: 0.55-16.26; P = 0.20). One study evaluated urinary catheterization and SSI. CONCLUSION: Perioperative UTI is associated with a higher risk of SSI among hip fracture patients but the evidence is limited by the heterogeneity in the definition of UTI. We recommend considering the possibility of perioperative UTI in hip fracture patients, with treatment administered as necessary to reduce SSI rates.

Complications following Suture Button Use for Femoral Graft Fixation in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Understanding any potential complications that may occur in relation to the use of a suture button for femoral graft fixation in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can help raise awareness among surgeons and improve safety when using such implants. This is a systematic review of suture button related complications. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases from their year of inception until January 3, 2019. We included studies reporting on suture button related complications in their outcomes of femoral graft suture button fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Our search identified 479 articles, of which 19 met our inclusion criteria. Suture button misplacement (initial or subsequent migration) was the most commonly reported complication. Although, in most cases, button misplacement is minimal and does not adversely affect clinical outcomes, in some cases it may lead to graft failure or local soft tissue irritation and require further surgery. Intraoperative screening or arthroscopic evaluation of the deployed suture button may reduce this complication.

Limited implementation of measures to reduce nosocomial spread of COVID-19 in hip-fracture patients in the North West of England.

Hip-fracture patients are vulnerable to the outcomes of COVID-19. We performed a cross-sectional survey to determine measures employed to limit nosocomial spread of COVID-19 in 23 orthopaedic trauma departments in the North-West of England. Nineteen (87%) hospitals admitted patients to a ward prior to a negative swab, and only 9 (39%) patients were barrier nursed. Hip-fracture patients were operated in non-COVID-19-free theatres in 21 (91%) hospitals. Regular screening of doctors working in trauma and elective areas for COVID-19 was undertaken in three (13%) and five (22%) hospitals, respectively. Doctors moved freely between trauma and elective areas in 22 (96%) hospitals.

Accessory bands of the hamstring tendons: A clinical anatomical study.

Gracilis and semitendinosus tendons are commonly used as grafts in ligamentous reconstruction. Awareness of accessory bands of these tendons is essential in preventing inadvertent diversion of the tendon harvester into the main tendon resulting in premature tendon amputation and inadequate tendon graft. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of these accessory bands. Twenty five patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons were included. The number of accessory bands and distance of the most proximal band from the distal periosteal insertion point on the tibial crest was recorded for both gracilis and semitendinosus. In most cases gracilis had two accessory bands; the average distance of the most proximal band from the tibial crest insertion being 5.1 cm. Semitendinosus had three bands in most cases, the average distance of the most proximal band from the tibial crest insertion being 8.1 cm. Five (20%) semitendinosus but no gracilis tendons had an accessory band originating greater than 10 cm from the tibial crest insertion. Semitendinosus had more accessory bands compared to gracilis. A significant proportion (20%) of semitendinosus and none of the gracilis tendons had bands originating greater than 10 cm proximal to the tibial crest insertion. This knowledge about the accessory bands of the hamstrings can guide toward safe harvesting of these tendons.

A modification of the McLaughlin procedure for persistent posterior shoulder instability: technical note.

We describe a modification of the McLaughlin procedure for persistent posterior shoulder instability following posterior glenohumeral dislocation with a large antero-medial reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. In the original McLaughlin description, the subscapularis was divided close to its insertion to the lesser tuberosity and sutured into the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion using bone drill holes. In our newly described technique, the subscapularis tendon is not divided but is instead plicated into the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion using suture anchors inserted in the humeral head defect. We present the case of a patient with persistent posterior instability following traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation, successfully treated with our new technique.

Hybrid monolateral-ring fixator for bone transport in post-traumatic femoral segmental defect: a technical note.

Bone transport for large femoral segmental bone defects is a technically challenging task. We describe a patient with a 14 cm bone loss at the metaphyseal/diaphyseal junction of the distal femur, treated with a monolateral/ring fixator hybrid. We propose that such combination can provide sufficient stability for bone tranport to be successfully completed.

Outcome of stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty revision.

INTRODUCTION: We report our experience of revision of failed stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty for causes other than infection. MATERIAL/METHOD: Seventeen revisions were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Fifteen cases were revised for symptomatic glenoid erosion. Sixteen were revised to a total shoulder arthroplasty and one to a cuff tear arthropathy head. RESULT: The mean visual analogue pain score following revision surgery was reduced from 6.7 to 3.2 (P = 0.008). However the Constant-Murley and the Association of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores failed to improve significantly. CONCLUSION: We conclude that revision surgery for failed stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty improves pain but not function.

Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.

Posterolateral rotatory instability is the most common type of symptomatic chronic instability of the elbow. In this condition the forearm complex rotates externally in relation to the humerus, causing posterior subluxation or dislocation of the radial head. The lateral ligament complex, radial head and coronoid process are important constraints to posterolateral rotatory instability, and their disruption is involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. The diagnosis relies on a high index of clinical suspicion, active and passive apprehension tests, and examination under anaesthesia. Surgical treatment has given consistently successful results. Open reconstruction of the lateral ligaments with a tendon graft has been the procedure of choice, with arthroscopic techniques emerging as a potential alternative.

Incidence of chronic groin pain following open mesh inguinal hernia repair, and effect of elective division of the ilioinguinal nerve: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Chronic post-operative groin pain is a substantial complication following open mesh inguinal hernia repair. The exact cause of this pain is still unclear, but entrapment or trauma of the ilioinguinal nerve may have a role to play. Elective division of this nerve during hernia repair has been proposed in an attempt to reduce the incidence of chronic groin pain. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials comparing preservation versus elective division of the ilioinguinal nerve during this operation. RESULTS: A substantial proportion of patients having open mesh inguinal hernia repair experience chronic groin pain when the ilioinguinal nerve is preserved (estimated rate of 9.4% at 6 months and 4.8% at 1 year). Elective division of the nerve resulted in a significant reduction of groin pain at 6-months post-surgery (RR 0.47, p = 0.02), including moderate/severe pain (RR 0.57, p = 0.01). However, division of the nerve also resulted in an increase of subjective groin numbness at this time point (RR 1.55, p = 0.06). At 12-month post-surgery, the beneficial effect of nerve division on chronic pain was reduced, with no significant difference in the rates of overall groin pain (RR 0.69, p = 0.38), or of moderate-to-severe groin pain (RR 0.99, p = 0.98) between the two groups. The prevalence of groin numbness was also similar between the two groups at 12-month post-surgery (RR 0.79, p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Routine elective division of the ilioinguinal nerve during open mesh inguinal hernia repair does not significantly reduce chronic groin pain beyond 6 months, and may result in increased rates of groin numbness, especially in the first 6-months post-surgery.

Graft salvage following infected anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To examine the rates of hamstring graft salvage with arthroscopic debridement of infected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as reported in the literature and discuss functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was performed without language restriction on PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, CINAHL and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from their inception to April 2015. We identified 147 infected hamstring grafts across 16 included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the overall graft salvage rate, incorporating two different definitions of graft salvage. RESULTS: The graft salvage rate was 86% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 73% to 93%; heterogeneity: tau(2) = 1.047, I(2) = 40.51%, Q = 25.2, df = 15, p < 0.001), excluding ACL re-ruptures. Including re-ruptures as failures, the graft salvage rate was 85% (95% CI 76% to 91%; heterogeneity: tau(2) = 0.099, I(2) = 8.15%, Q = 14.15, df = 13, p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic treatment can lead to successful eradication of infection and graft salvage, with satisfactory functional outcomes in many cases of septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction. Persistent infection despite repeat arthroscopic debridements requires graft removal with the intention of revision ACL surgery at a later stage. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic therapy is an appropriate initial approach in most cases of septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction, achieving graft salvage rates of about 85%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:608-15.

Soft tissue infections of the extremities in an orthopaedic centre in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the spectrum, and clinical impact of acute extremity soft tissue infections, encountered in the Orthopaedic service of an inner city hospital in UK. METHODS: Patients requiring admission for an acute limb soft tissue infection to the Orthopaedic unit of the Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK, between July 1996 and 2001 were identified from our database. Infections involving the groin and axilla, those developing within 30 days of a surgical procedure, and patients with chronic soft tissue ulcers or infections were not considered. RESULTS: Of 142 infections the majority were cellulitis (50%) and superficial abscesses (34.5%). Most were secondary to trauma (31.6%), human or animal bites (20%) and intravenous drug abuse (17.6%). Although most patients were young and otherwise healthy, ten developed significant complications: myonecrosis requiring below knee amputation (1), acute carpal tunnel syndrome (1), osteomyelitis (6), extensive skin loss requiring reconstruction (1), deep vein thrombosis (1). Seven hundred and eighty four hospital inpatient days and 143 operative interventions were devoted to these patients. The estimated cost for each episode of soft tissue infection was pound 1011. In 25% of cases earlier referral to a surgical service would have been more appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue infections of the extremities confer significant morbidity and impose an important burden on medical resources.

Septic arthritis following intra-articular steroid injection of the knee--a survey of current practice regarding antiseptic technique used during intra-articular steroid injection of the knee.

Septic arthritis is a potential catastrophic complication of intra-articular steroid injection. There is lack of evidence regarding the precautions that should be taken to avoid such a complication, as well as how often it is encountered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiseptic precautions taken during intra-articular steroid injection of the knee in the United Kingdom (UK), and estimate how often septic arthritis is encountered by health professionals in the UK following steroid injection of the knee. A questionnaire was posted to 100 orthopaedic surgeons, 100 rheumatologists and 50 general practitioners (GPs), asking them about the cases of septic arthritis following intra-articular steroid injection of the knee that they encountered during their practice and the precautions they take when injecting knees. The response rate was 76.4%; 57.6% of the respondents used alcohol swabs to clean the skin, and the remaining 42.4% used chlorhexidine or Betadine. Only 16.3% used sterile towels to isolate the injection site. There were 32.5% of respondents who routinely used sterile gloves when injecting, and a total of 46.6% used either sterile or non-sterile gloves. Also, 91.1% changed needles between drawing the steroid and injecting it into the joint. Only 24 respondents (12.6%) had encountered septic arthritis after steroid injection of the knee (18 once, 3 twice, 2 three times, 1 several times). We concluded that septic arthritis post intra-articular steroid injection of the knee is probably rare. There is a wide variation in the precautions taken to avoid such a complication. However, the trend seems to be towards minimal use of antiseptic techniques. Further large prospective studies are needed to determine how frequently septic arthritis of the knee is encountered post steroid injection, and the exact precautions that should be taken to avoid it.

The development of a protocol in using day surgery for minor orthopaedic trauma patients.

We examined all minor orthopaedic trauma patients requiring surgical intervention at Manchester Royal Infirmary over a 6-month period to determine whether minor trauma patients meet the day surgery requirements in terms of medical fitness, analgesia requirements and postoperative complications. A total of 83 patients had surgery for minor orthopaedic trauma in the defined period. Of these patients, 79 (95.2%) were medically fit, 45 (70%) were admitted to a hospital ward and 19 (30%) were brought back to day surgery. None of the patients attending day surgery developed postoperative complications or required return to hospital. The majority of patients admitted to a ward required simple or no analgesia pre- (95.5%) and postoperatively (100%), and most were discharged on the same (55.6%) or next (35.6%) day of their operation. We suggest a protocol whereby patients with minor trauma are brought back to day surgery. This could potentially reduce pressures on bed availability.

Reduced delays in A&E for elderly patients with hip fractures.

Published guidelines recommend early transfer of patients with hip fractures to hospital wards and avoidance of unnecessary delays in A&E. We describe a protocol whereby the liaison of an orthopaedic trauma co-ordinator with A&E reduced A&E-to-ward transfer times by 43%. Following introduction of the new protocol, 39% of hip fracture patients were in a ward bed within 3 h of admission to A&E compared to 4% previously. The new protocol also reduces administrative workload for the on-call orthopaedic SHOs.

Factors delaying surgical treatment of hip fractures in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Published guidelines recommend early surgical treatment of hip fractures in elderly patients. Understanding the factors that delay surgical intervention is essential in order to introduce changes that will facilitate early treatment. AIM: To determine the factors delaying surgical treatment of hip fractures in elderly patients for more than 24 h. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Assessment of 163 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at the trauma unit of Manchester Royal Infirmary. RESULTS: Only 72/163 (44.2%) patients had their operation within 24 h of presenting to hospital. The remaining 91 patients had a total of 239 days delay (in excess of the initial 24 h) for surgical treatment. Active medical problems (56.5%) and a wait for medical investigations (19.7%) caused most delays. Lack of operating theatre time and Sunday trauma lists caused 23.8% of delays. CONCLUSIONS: Medical problems account for most delays of surgical treatment of hip fractures. A multidisciplinary approach, with early input by medical and anaesthetic teams, is essential in managing such patients. Established protocols may reduce waiting times for essential investigations.

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome: two rare cases.

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome is an orthopaedic emergency that requires prompt surgical treatment. We describe two rare cases of this condition, one secondary to pyogenic infection and one secondary to prolonged pressure on the upper limb brought on by overdose.

Superficial branch of the radial nerve piercing the brachioradialis tendon to become subcutaneous: an anatomical variation with clinical relevance.

We dissected 20 preserved Caucasian cadaveric upper limbs looking at the relation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) to the brachioradialis tendon. SBRN emerged from deep to superficial position by piercing the brachioradialis tendon near its dorsal border in four limbs. The resulting dorsal tendinous band compressed the nerve and prevented longitudinal gliding movement during ulnar flexion. This is likely to increase the risk of chronic compression neuropathy (Wartenberg's syndrome). In two of these four limbs, there was a communication between the SBRN and lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. No such communication was found in the remaining 16 forearms. This communication could contribute to the minimal area of sensory loss observed in Wartenberg's syndrome. We recommend that this anatomical anomaly is looked for and if present dealt with during surgical treatment of Wartenberg's syndrome, as it is likely to predispose to chronic compression neuropathy.

Reducing same day cancellations due to patient related factors in elective orthopaedic surgery: experience of a centre in the UK.

Cancellations on the day of surgery represent a major wastage of resources and can impose significant distress on patients. Minimising same day cancellations can improve cost effectiveness of operating theatre running. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of administering a questionnaire, by phone to elective orthopaedic patients, the week prior to surgery. This questionnaire was aimed at identifying factors that could lead to same day cancellation for patient related reasons. The questionnaire was administered to elective orthopaedic patients over a nine month period. The rate of same day cancellations due to patient related reasons in this cohort (Phase 2) was compared with a previous cohort assessed over a five month period when the questionnaire was not in place (Phase 1). Administering the questionnaire reduced the same day cancellations due to patient reasons from 11 out of 110 (10%) to 2 out of 118 (1.60%) (p = 0.01). Theatre wastage in terms of national tariff lost due to cancellations was reduced from 25,881 sterling pounds to 1,650 sterling pounds (p<0.001). The study concludes that administering a questionnaire aimed at addressing patient related reasons can significantly reduce same day cancellations.