A rare case of mobile diplopodia mistaken for polydactyly.

We present a rare case of a mobile diplopodia in an infant with disorganization syndrome. This was initially mistaken for polydactyly due to the more typical association between these conditions. The resulting corrective surgery was more extensive and complicated than anticipated, with the removal of a partial foot duplication and reconstruction of residual hindfoot structures, rather than the planned digit amputation. We highlight the association of diplopodia with disorganization syndrome, discuss differentiating diplopodia from polydactyly and describe the surgical management of an unusual case.

Adopting the day surgery default in the provision of lumbar discectomy and decompressive surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Provision of day case spinal procedures in the UK is below expected standards and there is a need for the creation of guidance and patient pathways to address this. Here we present a day case lumbar discectomy protocol and evaluate its impact at our institution. METHODS: A new pathway (incorporating defined selection criteria, patient education, anaesthetic protocol and discharge prescriptions) was implemented for all suitable patients within a single surgeon's cohort. Day case rates for lumbar discectomy were compared before and after implementation. Patient feedback was collated using a patient-reported experience measure. RESULTS: Eighteen of 23 patients selected as suitable via the pathway successfully underwent day surgery, leading to an increase in lumbar discectomy day case rates from 25% to 69% at our institution. Nearly all patients were satisfied with their experience, although a significant proportion felt provision of postoperative analgesia could be improved. CONCLUSION: We present a day surgery pathway for lumbar discectomy that is safe and effective. This could be more widely implemented to increase day case rates.

Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy following anterior cervical surgery subsequent to contralateral apical lung radiotherapy.

Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is a potential complication of the anterior approach for cervical surgery. It is a rare complication of radiotherapy to the neck. Only one case has been reported following radiotherapy apical lung cancer. It can result in unilateral vocal cord paralysis. We report a patient who demonstrated bilateral vocal cord paralysis immediately following right-sided anterior cervical surgery, with significant consequences, including aphonia, respiratory distress and subsequent takotsubo cardiomyopathy. She was diagnosed with acute, (temporary) post-operative right recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, on the background of undetected and previously asymptomatic left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy following radiotherapy for left apical lung cancer. The possibility of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy should be considered in patients with previous apical lung cancer and/ or radiotherapy. Patents undergoing subsequent anterior cervical surgery should be considered for the appropriate precautions in the form of same-side surgery or pre-operative investigation for vocal cord paralysis.

Epidemiology of developmental dysplasia of the hip within the UK: refining the risk factors.

PURPOSE: The epidemiology and risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) are still being refined. We investigated the local epidemiology of DDH in order to define incidence, identify risk factors, and refine our policy on selective ultrasound screening. METHODS: With a cohort study design, data were prospectively recorded on all live births in our region from January 1998 to December 2008. We compared data on babies treated for DDH with data for all other children. Crude odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to identify potential risk factors. Logistic regression was then used to control for interactions between variables. RESULTS: There were 182 children born with DDH (with a total of 245 dysplastic hips) and 37,051 without. The incidence was 4.9 per 1000 live births. Female sex (adjusted OR 7.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.6-11.2), breech presentation (adjusted OR 24.3, 95% CI 13.1-44.9), positive family history (adjusted OR 15.9, 95% CI 11.0-22.9) and first or second pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.3) were confirmed as risk factors (p < 0.001). In addition, there was an increased risk with vaginal delivery (adjusted OR 2.7, 1.6-4.5, p < 0.001) and post-maturity (OR 1.7, 1.2-2.4, p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: One in 200 children born within our region requires treatment for DDH. Using both established and novel risk factors, we can potentially calculate an individual child's risk. Our findings may contribute to the debate regarding selective versus universal ultrasound screening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Study: Level 1.

Alternative technique in atypical spinal decompression: the use of the ultrasonic scalpel in paediatric achondroplasia.

Spinal stenosis can be a very disabling condition. Surgical decompression carries a risk of dural tear and neural injury, which is increased in patients with severe stenosis or an atypical anatomy. We present an unusual case of symptomatic stenosis secondary to achondroplasia presenting in a paediatric patient, and highlight a new surgical technique used to minimise the risk of dural and neural injury during decompression.

Paddle-boarding: Fun, New Sport or an Accident Waiting to Happen?

BACKGROUND: Stand-up paddle-boarding is an increasingly popular water sport; however no published data to our knowledge exists on the nature and type of injuries sustained in this sport. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the frequency, pattern, and mechanism of paddle-boarding injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive data of paddle-boarding injuries were collected using an interactive website-based, multiple-choice survey. Data were collected from May 2012 over a 6-month period. RESULTS: Completed surveys were obtained from 142 individuals, 20 paddle-boarders reporting 18 injuries and 122 surfers reporting 4 paddleboard-related injuries. Fifty percent of responding paddle-boarders reported an injury. For all injuries sustained paddle-boarding, sprains accounted for 50% (n = 9), lacerations for 22% (n = 4), contusions 17% (n = 3) and fractures 5% (n = 1). Seventy-eight percent of injuries were to the lower extremity, and 17% to the head and neck. Seventeen percent (n = 3) sustained recurrent injuries, 2 sustained 2 twisting knee injuries resulting in sprains, one sustained > 3 ankle injuries, resulting in sprains. Seventeen percent of injuries resulted from contact with one's own paddle-board, 17% from another paddle-board, and 5% from the sea floor. CONCLUSIONS: All paddle-boarding injuries were sustained by individuals who surf waves on a paddle-board, rather than paddle on calm water. Despite concerns, paddle-board related injuries only accounted for 1% of 326 injuries suffered by surfers. We suggest equipment and practice modifications that may decrease the risk for injury and challenge the anecdotal theory that paddle-boarding injuries are sustained due to inexperience.

Aetiology of injuries and the need for protective equipment for surfers in the UK.

BACKGROUND: Surfing is a popular UK water-sport. Previous studies investigating surfing injuries have been principally based on trauma from large waves and reef breaks in the US and Australia. Subsequent conclusions and recommendations for the use of protective equipment in surfing may therefore not be relevant in the UK. AIMS: This study examines the aetiology of surfing injuries in the UK. METHODS: Data was collected in 2012 using a web-based survey distributed to UK surfing clubs. Surfers recorded time/experience as a surfer, number of episodes spent surfing per month, different breaks surfed and type, frequency and method of any injuries sustained whilst surfing in the UK, including treatment received. RESULTS: Completed surveys were obtained from 130 individuals, M:F division 85:45, median age 28 (range 17-65). 122 surfers reported a total of 335 injuries. Head injuries were the most common (24%) followed by ankle (19%), knee (13%), back (10%), hand/wrist (9%), elbow/shoulder (7%), trunk (7%), neck (4%), hip (4%) and genitalia (3%) injuries. Surfers collided most often with their own boards (31%). The other collisions were with rocks/coral (15%), the sea (11%), other surf boards (10%) the sea bed (7%), other water vessels (2%) and by paddle-boards (1%). Of 327 injuries, cuts/lacerations (31%) were the commonest type of injury, followed by bruises/peri-orbital ecchymoses (24%), joint/ligament sprains (15%), muscle or tendon tears/ruptures (9%), concussion (5%), fractures (3%) and teeth injuries (1%). The remaining 8 injuries were not categorized. 65% of the surfers never required professional medical treatment for their differing injuries. There were no skull fractures and no head injuries required neurosurgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Surfing injuries in the UK are common. They appear of a similar aetiology to those reported in the literature in countries with a high surfing population, but generally of a lower severity, with few requiring professional treatment, hospital admission or operative intervention. Concussion appears rare and in this study there were no head injuries that required neurosurgical intervention. Surfing helmets aim to prevent such serious head injuries; whilst they should be considered for injury prevention their routine use is unlikely to be warranted whilst surfing in the UK.

The "ischial limb": a landmark on anterior ultrasound scanning used to assess reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: Early recognition of failure of reduction during abduction splinting in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is essential to avoid inappropriate prolonged damaging harness use. Graf ultrasound scanning (USS) is an accepted gold standard for assessing neonatal hip dysplasia but cannot verify reduction in the abducted position of a neonatal hip in a Pavlik harness. We describe a new anatomic landmark of the hip using anterior USS-the "ischial limb," correlate this to the position of the femoral head in reduced and dislocated positions, and assess the application of this in the assessment of DDH. METHODS: A porcine model was used to identify anatomic, radiologic, and ultrasonic features comparable to the human neonatal hip. A pilot clinical study was conducted of 50 neonates (11M:39F) treated for DDH in Pavlik harness, utilizing weekly anterior USS to determine the concentricity of femoral head reduction relative to the ischial limb and whether this could identify any failures to achieve reduction. RESULTS: The animal model identified an ultrasound landmark, termed the ischial limb that represents the ossification zone of the ischial contribution to the tri-radiate acetabular cartilage, and approximates to the center of the acetabulum. Anterior USS clearly demonstrated this ischial limb in clinical practice and its relation to the femoral head in all dysplastic hips (n=79). Immediate concentric reduction was observed in 11 patients, more gradual reduction over 3 weeks in 37 patients, and failure to achieve stable reduction was verified in 2 patients. The technique was reproducible in 100% of patients (n=50). Mean additional clinic time was 5 minutes per visit. CONCLUSIONS: The ischial limb, identified on anterior hip USS, delineates the position of the tri-radiate cartilage. This technique efficiently assesses hip reduction during Pavlik harness treatment and can differentiate between failure to achieve reduction or maintain a stable reduction at an earlier stage than conventional US methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Development of diagnostic criteria on basis of consecutive patients: level 2 evidence.

The costs of late detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

PURPOSE: Debate currently exists regarding the economic viability for screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants. METHODS: A prospective study of infant hip dysplasia over the period of 1998-2008 (36,960 live births) was performed to determine treatment complexity and associated costs of disease detection and hospital treatment, related to the age at presentation and treatment modality. The involved screening programme utilised universal clinical screening of all infants and selective ultrasound screening of at-risk infants. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-nine infants (4.8/1,000) presented with hip dysplasia. Thirty-four infants presented late (> 3 months of age) and required closed or open reduction. One hundred and forty-five infants presented at < 3 months of age, 14 of whom failed early Pavlik harness treatment. A detailed cost analysis revealed: 131 early presenters with successful management in a Pavlik harness at a cost of £601/child; 34 late presenters who required surgery (36 hips, 19 closed/17 open reductions, one revision procedure) at a cost of £4,352/child; and 14 early presenters with failed management in a Pavlik harness requiring more protracted surgery (18 hips, four closed/14 open reductions, seven revision procedures) at a cost of £7,052/child. CONCLUSIONS: Late detection causes increased treatment complexity and a sevenfold increase in the short-term costs of treatment, compared to early detection and successful management in a Pavlik harness. DISCUSSION: Improved strategies are needed for the 10 % of early presenting infants who fail Pavlik harness treatment and require the most complex and costly interventions.

Verification of hip reduction using anterior ultrasound scanning during Pavlik harness treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

AIM: Ultrasound scanning (USS) is used for diagnosis and surveillance in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Lateral coronal scanning is performed with the hip flexed, in neutral adduction. In this position an unstable hip may dislocate, failing to demonstrate a reducible hip, leading to abandonment of harness treatment. Anterior ultrasound permits imaging of the flexed abducted hip in harness. This study evaluates the role of anterior & lateral USS in determining duration of treatment and reduction in DDH. METHOD: Between 1997 & 2010, 233 patients requiring harness treatment received lateral USS, with dislocated & dysplastic hips re-imaged fortnightly. From 2005, anterior USS was used additionally to assess reduction in harness. RESULTS: One-hundred and eighteen patients (167 hips) received lateral USS, 115 (160 hips) received both. In the lateral cohort, 103 (140 hips) were treated successfully, mean duration 66.2 days (95% CI 60.2-72.1), with 15 (26 hips) failures (15.5%), mean 30 (CI 95% 19.3-40.6). In the anterior cohort, 107 (150 hips) were treated successfully, mean 53.3 (95% CI 49.8-56.7), with 8 (10 hips) failures (6.25%), mean 35.3 (CI 95% 25.5-44.9). Children receiving an anterior USS had a shorter duration of treatment (p = 0.011) and no difference in failures (p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: A reduced duration of treatment for Graf 3 hips was observed. Anterior ultrasound allows earlier recognition of hips that fail to stabilize, via two observed modes of failure; failure of hip reduction and failure to stabilize after reduction.

Titanium plate artefact mimicking popliteal artery dissection on digital subtraction CT angiography.

Titanium plates used for the internal fixation of long bone fractures cause significant artefact on CT scans but have not been reported to affect digital subtraction CT angiography. We present a patient with clinical suspicion of popliteal artery injury following a high tibial osteotomy. The osteotomy was stabilised with a titanium locking plate. During the digital subtraction process used to produce reconstruction CT angiography, removal of artefact caused by the titanium plate produced CT images mimicking the appearance of a popliteal artery dissection. The imaging inaccuracy was realised prior to the patient undergoing further intervention. We highlight the potential error caused by titanium plates on digital subtraction CT angiography and recommend careful analysis of such images prior to further treatment.

Chronic asymptomatic dislocation of the bearing in an Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement.

Unicompartmental knee replacement is a common procedure for the treatment of osteoarthritis confined to one compartment of the knee. Dislocation of the mobile bearing is a recognised complication. We present a patient with a 6-year asymptomatic bearing dislocation, missed on original presentation.

Unusual presentation of more common disease/injury: traumatic hand amputation while wakeboarding.

Wakeboarding is a sport increasing in popularity in the UK and the rest of the world. It is known to be associated with a high incidence of relatively minor injuries to the participating sportsperson. The authors present the case of a traumatic hand amputation to an associated third party and highlight the potential for serious injuries to all those directly involved with the sport. The authors demonstrate the successful application of military principles to a traumatic amputation in a civilian setting.

Persistent coccydynia--the importance of a differential diagnosis.

The authors present the case of a sacral chordoma in which the diagnosis was delayed as the patient was diagnosed and treated as coccydynia. Persistent, severe coccydynia following minor trauma is common but the symptom can also be caused by significant underlying disease. The correct diagnosis was made in this patient but after significant delay. The presentation of this case involved multiple specialties and provides several learning points regarding the importance of thorough history taking and clinical examination. It highlights the importance of 'red flag' symptoms of low back pain which need to be fully investigated.

Traumatic hand amputation while wakeboarding.

Wakeboarding is a sport increasing in popularity in the UK and the rest of the world. It is known to be associated with a high incidence of relatively minor injuries to the participating sportsperson. The authors present the case of a traumatic hand amputation to an associated third party and highlight the potential for serious injuries to all those directly involved with the sport. The authors demonstrate the successful application of military principles to a traumatic amputation in a civilian setting.