Surgical Priming Improves Operative Performance in Surgical Trainees: A Crossover Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a surgical warm-up using a virtual reality simulator on operative performance. DESIGN: This was a single-blinded cross-over randomized control trial in a single tertiary Orthopedic training center. PARTICIPANTS: Orthopedic trainees were recruited, and each morning participants rostered to theatre were randomized to either undergo a simulated surgical procedure on a virtual reality simulation system prior to their first case as primary operator (priming arm), or to perform their usual preparatory routine for surgery (control arm). Consultant orthopedic trainers were recruited within the orthopedic unit to carry out subjective surgical performance assessments using a validated global rating scale tool on the first case the participant performed on the list as primary operator. RESULTS: Over 3 study periods a total of 151 data points were collected, with 49 matched data points across priming status and procedural level of difficulty. Subjective assessment tools consistently demonstrated improved operative performance by participants following surgical priming (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study highlights that introduction of preoperative priming to improve operative preparation, and optimizes operative performance. This has not only implications for improved resident training, but also signals towards beneficial downstream effects on patient outcomes, and theatre list planning.

Evaluating the Impact of Supervision on Surgical Trainees Stress Response During Simulated Surgical Procedures; A Crossover Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cumulative impact of supervision on technical skills and surrogate stress markers in surgical trainees. DESIGN: This was a quasi-experimental crossover study to evaluate the impact of attending supervision on orthopedic trainee stress response during a simulated surgical procedure. Enrolled residents performed a proximal femoral nail module with the Precision OS system twice; once independently, and once under direct attending supervision, whilst wearing a heart rate monitor. Mean and maximum heart rates were recorded. Simulated performance was assessed using validated simulator-based metrics. Student's t-test was used to evaluate the impact of supervision on trainee heart rate, and performance ranking. SETTING: Tertiary trauma center in a Regional Orthopedic Unit PARTICIPANTS: Orthopedic interns and residents within our institution were invited to participate, with 20 participants included for analysis. RESULTS: Both supervised and unsupervised mean heart rate was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than baseline recorded heart rates. Supervised mean and maximum HR were significantly higher than unsupervised HR during module completion (p = 0.015; p = 0.001). Calories burned demonstrated correlation to surrogate stress markers, significantly higher in supervised sessions (p = 0.004). Performance metrics demonstrated superior performance in senior-level participants, with a decrement in performance during supervision, failing to reach significance. CONCLUSION: The development of accretion of technical and non-technical skills required in surgical training pathways may derive benefit from the use of simulation-based training in surgical residents with both supervised and unsupervised sessions.

Use of procedure specific preoperative warm-up during surgical priming improves operative outcomes: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative warm-up in preparation for surgery is a technique used in recognition of similarities between surgeons and performance based professionals. The aim of this review was to evaluate the use of simulation-based preoperative warm-up on surgical performance in the operating room and its impact on both clinical and patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines between August-September 2021. In total 15 studies were retrieved. RESULTS: Seven studies across general surgery, urology, and vascular surgery used a procedure specific warm-up, with significant improvement in operative performance, rate of errors, radiological and patient-based outcomes. Variables including level of experience and specialty appeared to have no impact on the merits of preoperative warm-up demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: While heterogeneity in the benefit of generic warm-up procedures was noted, procedure specific warm-up methods consistently resulted in significantly better operative outcomes.

The effectiveness of leucocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma injections on symptomatic early osteoarthritis of the knee: the PEAK randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections may provide a simple and minimally invasive treatment for early-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA). This has led to an increase in its adoption as a treatment for knee OA, although there is uncertainty about its efficacy and benefit. We hypothesized that patients with early-stage symptomatic knee OA who receive multiple PRP injections will have better clinical outcomes than those receiving single PRP or placebo injections. METHODS: A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial was performed with three groups receiving either placebo injections (Normal Saline), one PRP injection followed by two placebo injections, or three PRP injections. Each injection was given one week apart. Outcomes were prospectively collected prior to intervention and then at six weeks, three months, six months, and 12 months post-intervention. Primary outcome measures were Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and EuroQol five-dimension five-level index (EQ-5D-5L). Secondary outcomes included visual analogue scale for pain and patient subjective assessment of the injections. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were recruited. The follow-up period was 12 months, at intervals of six weeks, 12 weeks, six months, and 12 months. KOOS-Total significantly improved in all groups at these time intervals compared to pre-injection. There was an improvement in EQ-5D-5L index scores in saline and single injection groups, but not in the multiple injection group. Comparison of treatment groups showed no additional beneficial effect of single or multiple PRP injections above that displayed in the saline injection group. Subjective patient satisfaction and recommendation of treatment received demonstrated a similar pattern in all the groups. There was no indication of superiority of either single or multiple PRP injections compared to saline injections. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that single or multiple PRP had any additional beneficial effect compared to saline injection up to 12 months, follow-up after treatment of early stage symptomatic OA of the knee. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):663-671.

Trauma Assessment Clinic: A virtual fracture clinic model that delivers on its PROMise!

BACKGROUND: The use of virtual fracture clinics across the United Kingdom and Ireland is growing and have been shown in an increasing number of studies to be safe, cost-effective and associated with good functional outcomes and patient satisfaction rates for certain fracture types. Initially pioneered at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, many centres have adopted similar templates, or variations of, and the overall aim of this study was to assess functional outcomes and injury recovery satisfaction rates of patients discharged directly following review in a specific virtual fracture clinic model known as the Trauma Assessment Clinic (TAC). METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out of paediatric (aged <17 years) and adult (aged >17 years) patients, with the five most commonly observed fracture types, who were discharged directly following review at the TAC in a single hospital centre over a 12 month period from January to December 2018. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed via telephone administered questionnaires and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were included in the study (n = 98 paediatric and n = 100 adult). Overall, 192 (97%) patients or parents/guardians of patients stated that they either strongly agreed (n = 148, 74.9%) or agreed (n = 44, 22.1%) that they were satisfied with their own or their child's recovery from their injury at a median follow-up of 9 months post direct discharge from the TAC. Adult patients had an EQ-5D-5L index median value of 1 (range 0-1), an EQ-VAS median of 87 (range 0-100), a QuickDASH median score of 0 (range 0-100) and a median LEFS of 80 (range 0-80). CONCLUSION: The virtual management of trauma patients via the TAC model is a safe and patient-centred approach to treating certain injuries and fracture patterns. This study reports excellent patient reported outcome measures and patient injury recovery satisfaction rates. The use of current available technology in tandem with up-to-date best clinical practice and guidelines play a central role in this novel care pathway.

Hand dominance and experience improve bimanual performance on arthroscopic simulator task.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify if experience in arthroscopy confers ambidexterity to the operator and the role of baseline characteristics in arthroscopic simulator performance. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was carried out across four regional Orthopaedic training centres. Participants were divided into novice, intermediate or experienced groups based on arthroscopic experience. Baseline demographics including age, sex, handedness, and gaming history were also collected. Following familiarisation with the procedure, participants were asked to complete a simulated task requiring bimanual control consisting of visualisation with camera control and manipulation of highlighted objects using a grasping instrument. One attempt using camera control and grasping accuracy per hand was performed by each participant, with scores for each hand collected for analysis. Performance scores for camera alignment, camera path length, grasper path length and grasping efficiency were collected. Time taken to completion was also noted for each attempt. RESULTS: Fifty-six participants were recruited to the study. A significant difference in grasping efficiency between groups in the dominant hand was demonstrated (p = 0.013). Novices demonstrated laterality with superior performance in grasping efficiency in the dominant hand (p = 0.001). No significant difference was noted between dominant and non-dominant hand performance in the experienced group. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic simulation-based training is a valuable learning tool for orthopaedic training. This study demonstrated that experienced orthopaedic surgeons have a greater degree of ambidexterity than intermediate or novice groups, hypothesised by authors to be conferred through conventional orthopaedic training. Dedicated bimanual control tasks to reduce laterality in trainees should be incorporated in simulated surgical curricula. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The specialty mentor effect in enhancing surgical experience of medical students: A randomised control trial.

INTRODUCTION: The positive learning experiences of students on surgical rotations which subsequently influence career choice may be delineated into practical and interpersonal themed factors. It remains unclear the relative impact each component has on the student experience and subsequent specialisation. AIMS: We evaluate the influence of having senior resident mentor during practical simulation in orthopaedic surgery has on medical student interest in surgery; their comfort in theatre; and its role in enhancing knowledge acquisition within the rotation. METHODS: Medical students undergoing clinical rotations in a Regional University Hospital were randomised to undertaking a virtual reality simulated operation independently or performing under the guidance of an experienced resident. Baseline levels of interest in surgery, comfort in theatre, perceived barriers to surgical learning and entry to surgery were established and compared to answers following completion of the tutorial. Qualitative feedback was collected regarding the benefits and limitations to the experience. Presented according to CONSORT guidelines. RESULTS: Participants in the trainee guided group achieved significantly higher simulated performance scores compared to the control (p < 0001), with an increase in interest in orthopaedic surgery from baseline expressed to a statistically significant degree (p = 0.01). Participants in the unsupervised group demonstrated no significant increase in interest in Orthopaedic surgery (p = 0.3). 100% participants strongly agreed it was a beneficial learning experience which would be useful in surgical curricula. CONCLUSION: Surgical trainee guided simulation led to improved performance and interest in orthopaedic surgery, while virtual practical experience was felt to be a useful learning tool independent of supervision. Further research is needed to establish the role of interpersonal interactions in student surgical experience.

Trends in Irish hip fracture surgery over a 7-year period and international registry comparison.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Timely surgical fixation and early mobilisation are the cornerstone to successful outcomes. The Irish Hip Fracture Database (IHFD) was established in 2012 and publishes annual reports on hip fracture care. This paper describes the trends in surgical fixation in Ireland during a 7-year period (2013-2019), assesses for compliance with guidelines and compares the most recent published reports from ten international hip fracture registries. METHODS: All published IHFD reports were systematically reviewed and tabulated. Data corresponding to demographics, fracture type, surgical fixation and post-operative management was plotted and analysed. Ten international hip fracture registries were identified and reviewed. Data was extracted corresponding to the IHFD dataset. RESULTS: A total of 21,684 hip fractures were recorded during this period. The majority of patients were female (70.16%), >80 years old (58.26%), admitted from their own home (82.13%) and ASA grade 3 (53%). The majority of undisplaced and displaced intracapsular fractures were treated with hemiarthroplasty, 62% and 88% respectively. There has been a decline in the use of dynamic hip screw (DHS) for intertrochanteric fractures with intramedullary nails being favoured. CONCLUSION: Despite greater awareness of hip fracture care through the IHFD and the introduction of Best Practice Tariffs (BPT), further improvements are needed. Ireland compares well to international standards but has low rates of compliance to NICE guidelines for surgical fixation.

Under viral attack: An orthopaedic response to challenges faced by regional referral centres during a national cyber-attack.

BACKGROUND: A national ransomware attack on the Irish Health Service Executive left the Healthcare system bereft of access to IT systems, electronic patient records, and the national imaging system. Widespread disruption to internal and external referral pathways, and both trauma and elective Orthopaedic services occurred as a result. The purpose of this paper to discuss the challenges faced by Regional trauma units and adjustments made to overcome these. METHODS: Issues occurring as a result of the IT cybersecurity attack were discussed at regional level. Local and specialist centre adaptations were collated to identify effective modifications to established practice in the wake of the IT attack. RESULTS: The main areas affecting Orthopaedic regional practice were identified, including internal referrals, interhospital referrals to both regional and specialist centres, outpatient clinics, and elective practice. Strategies to overcome these were collated and shared between regional centres, including the use of secure messaging systems to safely transmit relevant clinical information between services, use of radiological hard copies, and integration of imaging resources to the outpatient department to expedite clinical review. CONCLUSION: The national cyberattack necessitated rapid adaptations to overcome the challenges faced as a result of reduced clinical and radiological access. While the recent cyberattack highlights the vulnerability of electronic systems, and the need for vigilance including staff training on cybersecurity; Changes implemented by regional centres also illustrate the potential for further development and expansion of current clinical practices.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Prosthetic Joint Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report.

CASE: We report the case of an immunosuppressed 65-year-old man with prosthetic joint infection (PJI) 23 years postoperatively because of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, through hematogenous seeding of cutaneous erysipeloid. Immunotherapy was discontinued, washout was performed, and antimicrobial therapy was guided by laboratory sensitivities. The patient was discharged on suppressive oral ciprofloxacin monotherapy. First-stage revision was performed at 5 months after presentation-subsequent aspiration at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated no organisms and no leucocytes. At 18-month follow-up, the patient continues to do well and has elected not to proceed with second-stage surgery. CONCLUSION: E. rhusiopathiae is a rarely seen pathogen in PJI-it should be considered with immunosuppression and relevant exposure risks. The patient achieved good clinical outcome and has experienced no sequelae to date.

A Portable Hip Arthroscopy Simulator Demonstrates Good Face and Content Validity with Incomplete Construct Validity.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the face, content, and construct validity of a portable hip arthroscopy module in a regional orthopaedic unit. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a regional orthopaedic centre, and categorized into novice (0 arthroscopies), intermediate (1-29 arthroscopies), and expert (>50 arthroscopies) groups based on reported experience in arthroscopy. Face and content validity was evaluated by feedback from users immediately following completion of modules. Objective measurements, including time taken and subjective measurements consisting of simulation software metrics including, cam lesion locations attempts, scope strikes on bone, healthy bone burred, and cam lesion burred. Scores achieved by experts were recorded, and the median score was set at the level at which proficiency was demonstrated. Participant feedback on perceived educational use was collected following completion. RESULTS: In total, 20 participant results were included for analysis. Good face and content validity was expressed by participants with previous arthroscopic experience. Number of scope strikes within the simulator-derived metrics accurately discerned between levels of experience. Novices had a mean of 5 strikes per attempt (SD ± 5 ) ,  intermediates a mean of 5.8 strikes (SD ± 4.1). There was a significant difference between expert and novice groups (P = .01), and expert and intermediate groups (P = .002). No significant difference between overall performance scores achieved by participants in expert, intermediate, and novice groups (62% ± 19 vs 55% ± 22 vs 50% ± 23 , P = .15). This demonstrates incomplete construct validity of the simulator software-derived metrics. CONCLUSIONS: This hip arthroscopy simulator demonstrated acceptable face and content validity, with incomplete construct validity of simulator software metrics. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the module, highlighting that the addition of haptic feedback would be beneficial to improve procedural steps. Incorporation of tactile feedback to the modulator components would likely enable the software to accurately delineate between levels of experience. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates good face and content validity. The addition of haptic feedback in a hip arthroscopy simulator may improve learning.

Achilles' tendon rupture dancing the 'Jerusalema' - A case series.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The weekend warrior has long been prey to musculoskeletal injuries as a result of intermittent, high intensity activity. The Achilles tendon is known to be particularly vulnerable in this population cohort but during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Ireland and all over the world there has been a certain level of detraining and deconditioning among all age groups and populations. Throughout the worldwide restrictions, viral internet challenges and dances have encapsulated the spirit of a global community with the 'Jerusalema' dance being no exception. The rise of this particular viral sensation was at the detriment of the Achilles tendons of three middle aged gentlemen on who we base our case series. PRESENTATION OF CASES: Over the space of ten days three cases of Achilles tendon rupture repair presented to the emergency department in Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) with the mechanism of tendon rupture being through the 'Jerusalema' dance. These patients were surgically managed in line with local institution practice and postoperative outcomes were good with no complications noted. Follow up is ongoing. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: This retrospective case series is based on the impact of the 'Jerusalema Dance' on presentations of Achilles tendon rupture to the Emergency Department in a single regional hospital from January to March 2021. We used these cases in conjunction with a review of current literature to highlight the benefit of an integrated Achilles Tendon rehabilitation programme in this at-risk patient cohort. CONCLUSION: This paper highlights the dangers inherent when well intentioned, but physically deconditioned individuals endeavour to perform a physical exercise which is deceptively demanding. Going forward, viral challenges such as the 'Jerusalema' may contribute to new and interesting mechanisms of injuries in our 'weekend warrior' cohort. In addition to this, given the global deconditioning seen due to the COVID 19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns we may see a higher rate of Achilles tendon injuries in the near future across a multitude of patient cohorts. Level one evidence suggests that conservative treatment is just as effective as surgical treatments in the majority of patients with an Achilles tendon rupture, as long as a protocol of rehabilitation with early weightbearing is performed. Our accelerated rehabilitation programme in MRHT is in line with others however internal audit and new literature in the future may enable us to refine it further.

Injuries associated with arm wrestling: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: Arm wrestling is common sport amongst amateur enthusiasts. Multiple injuries are described as a result of the sport. The authors present a narrative review of the common injuries associated with the sport. DESIGN: Systematic review with a critical appraisal of the literature and a narrative review of the injuries associated with arm wrestling. DATA SOURCES: Seven electronic databases were systematically searched using medical subject headings (MeSH) terms as follows. Arm wrestling, Indian Wrestling, Fractures, Injury, Ligament Injury with Boolean search terms "AND". An extensive review of orthopaedic textbooks was also performed. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Inclusion criteria were publications which included patients who suffered bony or soft tissue injuries as a result of arm wrestling published in English language. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients was seen across all studies. Spiral fractures of the distal third of the humerus are by far the most common injury reported in the setting of arm wrestling. The humerus fails due torsional and bending stresses. 23% were complicated by medial butterfly fragment and the incidence of radial nerve palsy was 23%. Fracture patterns differ in the skeletally immature arm wrestler, who show an increased incidence of medial humeral epicondyle fractures. We also report on the atypical fracture and soft tissue injury patterns that present.

A pilot study to evaluate the face & construct validity of an orthopaedic virtual reality simulator.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify the face and construct validity of the Precision OS trauma module proximal femoral nail procedure. Secondary outcomes included perceived use of simulation in surgical training, with structured feedback from participants. METHODS: A comparative interventional study was carried out in a regional orthopaedics trauma unit hospital. Volunteers were stratified into novice, intermediate and expert groups based on self-reported levels of experience. Each participant carried out a simulated proximal femoral nail on an immersive virtual platform following instruction on its use, with objective metrics such as time and x-rays, and novel metrics calculated by the simulation module recorded. Face validity was also assessed. RESULTS: The proximal femoral nail module demonstrated construct validity. Kruskal Wallis test demonstrated a statistically significant difference across all group's novel performance (p=.018). Intermediate surgeons performed significantly better than novices (P=.022), with shorter procedural times (P=.018) Three of the intermediate group achieved the proficiency level set by the expert group, with no significant difference noted between these two groups (=.06). Time taken to completion for expert surgeons was less than intermediate group, although this did not reach significance (P=.19). CONCLUSION: The proximal femoral nail module on the Precision OS platform demonstrated good face, and construct validity. Further research evaluating use of virtual platform simulation in surgical trauma training is needed.

Bilateral Mechanically-Assisted Crevice Corrosion Resulting in Femoral Stem-Head Dissociation in Metal-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty.

There are emerging reports of complications related to corrosion in modular femoral components. We report a unique case describing an 83-year-old man with bilateral mechanically-assisted crevice corrosion in hip replacements performed 10 years previously, by the same surgeon using the same size 3 Accolade TMZF stem and same 44-mm CoCr LFIT V40 head (Stryker Orthopedics, Mahwah NJ). Our patient presented with complete femoral stem-head complex dissociation of his right hip and elevated serum cobalt and chromium levels. He subsequently underwent right hip revision arthroplasty while his contralateral hip is monitored closely as an outpatient. This case helps to define the poorly understood mechanisms and component design factors implicated in this emerging issue. We also hope to provoke discussions about guidelines for monitoring and revising failing metal-on-polyethylene arthroplasty systems.

The Association of Gastrocnemius Tightness, Genu Valgum and Hallux Valgus: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

There has been much debate regarding the aetiology and pathogenesis of hallux valgus and it appears to be multifactorial with contracture or tightness of the Achilles tendon and more specifically the gastrocnemius being implicated as an intrinsic factor. The purpose of this study was to look at the association of gastrocnemius tightness, genu valgum and hallux valgus. A prospective case-control study with 25 patients in each group was carried out over a 12-month period. The case group observed adult patients who were referred primarily because of symptomatic hallux valgus and were assessed for the following: hallux valgus stage; presence or absence of isolated gastrocnemius tightness; presence or absence of genu valgum. The control group excluded those with pre-existing hallux valgus, genu valgum and rheumatoid arthritis and were assessed for isolated gastrocnemius tightness. There was a statistically significant association between the presence of genu valgum and hallux valgus when comparing both groups with a p < .001. There was also a statistically significant association between the Silfverskiöld test and the presence of hallux valgus, as well as the Silfverskiöld test and the presence of genu valgum with a p < .001. This study is the first to describe the association of gastrocnemius tightness, genu valgum and hallux valgus. Further studies are required to assess this relationship but knowledge and awareness of it can be applied by clinicians when considering the most appropriate management options with patients.

Hip fracture care during Covid-19: a regional trauma centre's experience.

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic has caused worldwide upheaval from early 2020. Trauma and orthopaedic services are no different. A fundamentally important and significant portion of trauma services is the treatment of fragility fractures of the proximal femur, otherwise known as hip fractures. The hip fracture "Blue book Standards", the key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with appropriate hip fracture care are challenging during non-crisis times. We aim to review Blue Book compliance during the Covid-19 crisis and review outcomes of hip fractures, including Covid-19 infection rates. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed IHFD data to collection demographic data, IHFD standards of care, 30-day mortality rates and complications between 23rd March and 20th May 2020 and 2019. Covid-19 rates in 2020 were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 36 hip fractures were recorded in 2020, compared with 45 in 2019, resulting in a 20% reduction in presentations. Thirty-day mortality in hip fractures during the Covid-19 crisis was 8.3% compared with 2.2% in 2020. Covid-19 infection was statistically associated with 30-day mortality in the 2020 cohort. Statistically significant improvements in time-dependent KPIs (time to ward and time to surgery) were noted in the 2020 cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvements in hip fracture care KPIs, the Covid-19 crisis was associated with increased 30-day mortality in hip fracture patients. A positive Covid-19 swab was associated with higher mortality. These observations are of paramount importance to ensure adequate service planning and provision in the face of a potential "second wave" of Covid-19 infections leading into the winter months of 2020.

Upscaling Virtual Fracture Clinic Use Is a Safe, Effective Measure in the Delivery of Trauma Care.

The Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) has proved beneficial in reducing footfall within the hospital setting, improving the cost of running a trauma service, while satisfying the majority of referred patients. The mandatory upscaling of telemedicine use, specifically the enhancement of the VFC, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, was analyzed. The remit of the VFC within our hospital was expanded so as to include all referred ambulatory trauma. Outcomes of our VFC review over the 6-week period following the introduction of the national Irish COVID-19-related restrictions were gathered. These outcomes were analyzed and compared with the corresponding 6-week period from 2019. A 77.2% increase in the VFC referral volume was observed throughout the COVID-19-related period. Patients were directly discharged in 55.2% of cases in 2020, as opposed to 47.8% in 2019 (P = 0.044); referred directly for physiotherapy in 32.9% of cases in 2020, as opposed to 28.9% in 2019 (P = 0.173); and referred to a fracture clinic in 11.9% of cases in 2020, as opposed to 23.7% in 2019 (P < 0.001). Also, 3.0% of patients returned to the clinic after discharge in 2020, compared with 4.4% in 2019 (P = 0.237); 4.5% of patients were referred for surgery in 2020, as opposed to 2.2% in 2019 (P = 0.105). The VFC proved to be an efficient tool in managing ambulatory trauma throughout the pandemic. Upscaling the VFC to include all ambulatory trauma is a safe, effective method in reducing clinic attendances and hospital footfall, whilst ensuring that high care standards are maintained. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intraosseous schwannoma of the femur in a patient with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

INTRODUCTION: Schwannomas are slow-growing, benign tumours normally originating from the schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Intraosseous schwannomas account for 0.175% of primary bone tumours and are extremely rare, especially outside the axial skeleton. Monoclonal gammopathy has been associated with soft tissue schwannomas but never with the intraosseous variety. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 55-year-old woman with a background of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) presented with a 2-year history of right thigh pain. CT scan showed a well defined, lytic lesion with a thin peripheral rim of sclerosis in the midshaft of the femur. MRI displayed a hyperintense, well marginated and homogenous lesion. Definitive diagnosis was made based on the classical histopathological appearance of schwannoma. We managed our patient with local curettage and prophylactic cephalomedullary nailing based on her high mirel score. DISCUSSION: Intraosseous schwannomas are poorly understood but most commonly reported in middle-aged women. Radiologically, their differential diagnosis includes malignant bone tumours, solitary bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts and giant cell tumours. As a result, they are usually diagnosed incidentally on histology. Although malignant transformation is possible in soft tissue schwannomas, all intraosseous schwannomas reported to date have been benign. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the importance of suspecting intraosseous schwannoma as a differential diagnosis for lytic bone lesions to avoid the overtreatment of patients. We also highlight monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance as a potential risk factor for a poorly understood disease and make recommendations about the appropriate management of these lesions.