Outcomes following tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a solid posterior offset intramedullary nail in 44 patients with a minimum 30-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is frequently performed by foot and ankle surgeons in the management of complex ankle and hindfoot pathology. In this study, the authors describe the clinical and radiological outcomes of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a solid posterior offset hindfoot arthrodesis nail. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis by a single surgeon operating in two centers. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 6-month, 12-month and final follow-up (mean 47 months). Clinical outcomes were assessed with VAS, AOFAS and MOXFQ scores. Serial radiographs were used to assess union at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Forty-four patients attended 12-month and final follow-up (mean 47 months). A total of 44 (100%) ankle joints and 44 (100%) subtalar joints were completely united at 12-month follow-up. The VAS score improved significantly from a mean of 6.5 preoperatively to a mean of 0.98 at final follow-up (P = <0.0001). AOFAS score improved significantly from a mean of 36.4 preoperatively to a mean of 73 at final follow-up (P = <0.0001). MOXFQ score improved significantly from a mean of 44.5 preoperatively to a mean of 12.7 at final follow-up (P = <0.0001). The mean change in frontal plane alignment was 5.7 degrees (P = 0.005). A total of 6 patients (13.6%) had an adverse event during the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a solid posterior offset hindfoot arthrodesis nail is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with severe ankle and hindfoot pathology. It has a high union rate, low complication rate and significantly improves clinical outcomes.

Bilateral first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: An investigation of functional, surgical and radiological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is a commonly utilised procedure. In this study, the authors aim to explore functional outcomes of patients undergoing nonsynchronous bilateral first MTPJ arthrodesis under the care of a single surgeon using a compression screw/locking plate construct. METHODS: This is a prospectively collected, retrospectively analysed case series of fifty five patients who underwent bilateral nonsynchronous first MTPJ arthrodesis. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at a minimum of two years postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), the Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) and the Sports Questionnaire version 1 (SQ). Postoperative radiographs were used to assess evidence of union and compare both hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles. Removal of hardware, revision surgery and correction of deformities were also recorded. RESULTS: Fifty five patients were included in the study. There was statistically significant improvements in all five facets of the FAOS (p value < 0.05). The mean postoperative SEFAS was 45.1. In total, patients participated in thirteen different sporting activities. This represented 92 patient specific activities preoperatively and 104 postoperatively. The most common activities were walking, cycling and swimming. Overall, 94.5% (N = 52) of the cohort were satisfied with their return to sport while 98.2% (N = 54) would recommend bilateral first MTPJ arthrodesis. Mean reductions in hallux valgus angles and intermetatarsal angles were noted at 18.87 and 4.69 degrees respectively. There was one non-union in the cohort which required revision surgery. One patient required removal of hardware. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral first MTPJ arthrodesis is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with bilateral first MTPJ pathology. It has a high union rate, low complication rate and significantly improves clinical outcomes and allows patients reliably return to physical activities.

Prosthetic femoral interposition arthroplasty with adult humeral implant, for children with cerebral palsy and symptomatic hips.

BACKGROUND: Immobile patients with cerebral palsy can suffer with painful dislocated hips. Decision-making and surgical management can prove challenging in this cohort of patients, with hips that cannot be reconstructed. METHODS: We conduced a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent prosthetic femoral interposition arthroplasty (PFIA) by two surgeons from 2013 to 2021, for unreconstructable hips. We compared pain and range of motion in preoperative period to the postoperative period. Caregiver reported outcomes were used to assess satisfaction post operatively. During the follow up, radiographs of the PFIA were obtained to assess for proximal migration, heterotopic ossification and loosening of implants. RESULTS: Eleven index surgeries, which met the inclusion criteria, were included in this study. These were performed in eleven patients with an average follow up of 45 months. Regarding pain and range of motion post-operatively an excellent or good result was seen in nine cases. Two patients were classified as having a fair result with none having a poor result. Most caregivers reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the post-operative outcomes. CONCLUSION: A prescriptive operative solution to the painful dislocated hip in children with spastic cerebral palsy remains elusive. In this study, we have demonstrated both clinically and radiologically satisfactory results post proximal femoral interposition arthroplasty, for those patients with unreconstructable hips. Patient caregiver reported outcomes, show that the majority of caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of the surgery.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Hemophilia: Survivorship and Outcomes-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hemophilia (PWHs) may experience spontaneous or traumatic bleeding episodes. Recurrent bleeding can lead to end-stage hemophilic arthropathy and total knee replacement (TKR) provides an effective treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate outcomes in PWHs who undergo TKR. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Study outcomes included patient-reported functional outcomes, implant survivorship, and complications. Subgroup analysis was performed assessing the effect of recombinant prophylaxis medication by comparing studies that included only TKRs performed after the year 2000 (period A), to those that included TKRs before 2000 (period B). RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included, with a total of 1210 TKRs performed in 917 PWHs. The mean age of patients was 38.5 years (standard deviation 5.1) with a mean length of follow-up of 7.1 years (standard deviation 2.9). The total complication rate was 28.7%, with 19.3% requiring a further procedure. Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score improved by 44.6 points (confidence interval 38.9-50.4) and Knee Society Score function improved by 35.9 points (confidence interval 30.1-41.8). Total range of motion improved by 22.3°. The most common complication was post-operative hemarthrosis (7.6%, 92 TKRs). Deep infection (6.2% vs 3.9%) and aseptic loosening (3.8% vs 2.1%) rates fell between period B and period A. CONCLUSION: TKR in PWHs is a successful procedure improving function, reducing pain, and improving range of motion. PWHs undergo TKR at a younger age and have a higher risk of complications, though contemporary treatment has reduced these risks. PWHs can expect similar survivorship to the general population.

Children's Hip Predictive (CHiP) Score: A Triage Tool for Hip Dislocation in Children Referred With Suspected Hip Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: A fundamental tenent of treating developmental dysplasia of the hip is to identify patients with dislocated hips early so as to avoid the long-term sequelae of late diagnosis. The aim of this study was to develop a readily useable triage tool for patients with suspected hip dislocation, based on the clinical history and examination findings of the referring practitioner. METHODS: All primary care referrals (n=934) over a 3-year period for suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip to a tertiary pediatric center were evaluated. Defined parameters with respect to history and clinical examination were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to establish predictors of hip dislocation, and from this a predictive model was derived which incorporated significant predictors of dislocation. An illustrative nomogram translated this predictive model into a usable numerical scoring system called the Children's Hip Prediction score, which estimates probability of hip dislocation. RESULTS: There were 97 dislocated hips in 85 patients. The final predictive model included age, sex, family history, breech, gait concerns, decreased abduction, leg length discrepancy, and medical/neurological syndrome. The area under receiver operating curve for the model is 0.761. A Children's Hip Prediction score of≥5 corresponds to a sensitivity of 76.3% and a score of≥15 has a specificity of 97.8%, corresponding to an odds ratio of 27.3 for increased risk of dislocation. CONCLUSION: We found that a novel clinical prediction score, based on readily available history and examination parameters strongly predicted risk of dislocations in hip dysplasia referral. It is hoped that this tool could be utilized to optimize resource allocation and may be of particular benefit in less well-resourced health care systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Functional Capabilities After First Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Using a Locking Plate and Compression Screw Construct.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a widely utilized surgical procedure for a wide array of metatarsal pathologies. This study aims to explore the functional limitations following first MTPJ arthrodesis, overall satisfaction and patient's abilities to achieve activities of daily living (ADL). This prospective cohort study assessed functional limitations as well as footwear and lifestyle restrictions using several questionnaires. One hundred and three participants who had a first MTPJ arthrodesis under the care of a single surgeon were recruited. Pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures were recorded. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire were also used to further examine functional status. Hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were compared using preoperative and postoperative weightbearing radiographs and successful fusion was recorded. Complications were documented and are discussed in detail. The duration of follow-up was more than 12 months. There was one nonunion in the cohort while 2 patients experienced delay to fusion. Approximately 97% of patients were very satisfied with the procedure and their ability to achieve ADLs post operatively. A further 82.5% of patients were able to return to wearing nonadaptive footwear. The mean reduction in HVA and IMA was 21.78° and 6.84°, respectively. This study demonstrates the safe and successful use of a compression screw/locking plate construct for arthrodesis of the first MTPJ. Furthermore, the study provides clear evidence of high levels of functionality after the procedure with statistically significant differences (p value <.05) in all 4 facets of the AOFAS questionnaire as well as several notable differences in activity levels and footwear restrictions pre and postoperatively.

Protein kinase D, ubiquitin and proteasome pathways are involved in adenosine receptor-stimulated NR4A expression in myeloid cells.

Adenosine is a purine nucleoside pivotal for homeostasis in cells and tissues. Stimulation of the adenosine receptors (AR) has been shown to regulate the nuclear orphan receptor 4A (NR4A1-3) family, resulting in attenuation of hyper-inflammatory responses in myeloid cells. The NR4A1-3 orphan receptors are early immediate response genes and transcriptional regulators of cell and tissue homeostasis. The signal transduction and transcriptional mechanism(s) of how AR-stimulation promotes NR4A expression in myeloid cells is unknown and is the focus of this study. We confirm that adenosine and the stable analogue, 5'-N-Ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), enhance NR4A1-3 expression in THP-1 cells. Pharmacological approaches identified that protein kinase D (PKD) mediates AR-stimulated NR4A expression in myeloid cells and reveals no involvement of PKA nor PKC. The role of NF-κB, a principal regulator of NR4A expression in myeloid cells, was examined as a possible transcriptional regulator downstream of PKD. Utilising BAY11-7082 and MG-132, inhibitors of the respective ubiquitin and proteasome pathways essential for NF-κB activation, suggested a prospective role for NF-κB, or more specifically signalling via IKKα/ß. However, biological interventional studies using overexpression of IκBα in myeloid cells and MEF cells lacking IKKα and IKKß (IKKα/ß-/-) revealed the NF-κB pathway is not utilised in mediating AR-stimulated NR4A expression. Thus, this study contributes mechanistic insight into how AR signalling modulates the expression of NR4A receptors, pivotal regulators of inflammatory responses in myeloid cells.

The NR4A agonist, Cytosporone B, attenuates pro-inflammatory mediators in human colorectal cancer tissue ex vivo.

Inflammation is a pivotal pathological factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression, and modulating this inflammatory state has the potential to ameliorate disease progression. NR4A receptors have emerged as key regulators of inflammatory pathways that are important in CRC. Here, we have examined the effect of NR4A agonist, Cytosporone B (CsnB), on colorectal tissue integrity and its effect on the inflammatory profile in CRC tissue ex vivo. Here, we demonstrate concentrations up 100 µM CsnB did not adversely affect tissue integrity as measured using transepithelial electrical resistance, histology and crypt height. Subsequently, we reveal through the use of a cytokine/chemokine array, ELISA and qRT-PCR analysis that multiple pro-inflammatory mediators were significantly increased in CRC tissue compared to control tissue, which were then attenuated with the addition of CsnB (such as IL-1ß, IL-8 and TNFα). Lastly, stratification of the data revealed that CsnB especially alters the inflammatory profile of tumours derived from males who had not undergone chemoradiotherapy. Thus, this study demonstrates that NR4A agonist CsnB does not adversely affect colon tissue structure or functionality and can attenuate the pro-inflammatory state of human CRC tissue ex vivo.

Perioperative Mortality After Cemented or Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Debate surrounds the use of cemented or uncemented prostheses for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF). Many guidelines recommend the use of the cemented hemiarthroplasty (CHA). Proponents of CHA point out the increased re-operation rate while proponents of uncemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) highlight the increased mortality rate in the perioperative period. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to evaluate perioperative mortality after HA for displaced FNFs. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases evaluating perioperative mortality after HA for displaced FNFs. Randomized control trials and observational studies were included comparing current-generation stem designs. A meta-analysis was performed on studies that directly compared the different modes of fixation. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were included (seven randomized control trials and 15 observational studies), with a total of 183,167 HAs for treatment of a displaced FNF. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was a higher cumulative odds of death within the first 48 hours in those with CHA compared with uncemented HA (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.35, 2.00; P ≤ .01). No difference was found in mortality at 7 days, 30 days, and one year. CONCLUSION: CHA is associated with an increased mortality rate within the first two days of surgery with no difference at 7 days, 30 days, and one year. Surgeons should consider tailoring their stem choice based on the physiological status of the patient when planning HA for FNFs. Techniques to reduce the risk of bone cement implantation syndrome should be used.

Perioperative Mortality and Periprosthetic Fracture: A Single-Center Experience of 857 Uncemented Hemiarthroplasties for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Uncemented hemiarthroplasty (UHA) for displaced femoral neck fracture (FNF) is favored by some surgeons because of the reduced rate of perioperative mortality and operative time. However higher rates of intraoperative and postoperative periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) have been reported. The aim of the study was to review day-0, day-1, day-2, day-30, and one-year mortality as well as intraoperative and postoperative PPF after UHA for displaced FNF and compare this with cemented hemiarthroplasties (CHAs) performed. Secondary objectives were to assess whether femoral stem geometry and alignment were associated with PPF in UHA. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted of patients treated with a hemiarthroplasty for a displaced FNF over an eleven-year period. Radiographic analysis was conducted of femoral geometry and stem alignment. RESULTS: Over the 11-year study period, 857 UHAs and 247 CHAs were performed. There were no on-table, day-0, day-1, or day-2 deaths in UHA. Intraoperative PPF occurred in 3.6% UHA and 2% CHA and postoperative PPF in 2.4% UHA and 4.8% CHA. Intraoperative PPF was not associated with increased mortality (P = .15), postoperative PPF, or all-cause revision in UHA. Valgus stem alignment was a risk factor for a postoperative PPF and additional surgery in UHA (P = .004). CONCLUSION: UHA was associated with no perioperative deaths and a 30-day mortality rate of 5% in this series. It can be considered in patients with multiple medical comorbidities. Careful surgical planning and technique is important to optimize stem alignment particularly in Dorr C type femurs.

Establishing a Virtual Clinic for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to describe the introduction and operation of a virtual developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) clinic. Our secondary objectives were to provide an overview of DDH referral reasons, treatment outcomes, and adverse events associated with it. METHODS: A prospective observational study involving all patients referred to the virtual DDH clinic was conducted. The clinic consultant delivered with 2 DDH clinical nurse specialists (CNS). The outcomes following virtual review include further virtual review, CNS review, consultant review or discharge. Treatment options include surveillance, brace therapy, or surgery. Efficiency and cost analysis were assessed. RESULTS: Over the 3.5-year study period, 1002 patients were reviewed, of which 743 (74.2%) were female. The median age at time of referral was 7 months, (interquartile range of 5 to 11) with a median time to treatment decision of 9 days. Median waiting times from referral to treatment decision was reduced by over 70%. There were 639 virtual reviews, 186 CNS reviews, and 144 consultant reviews. The direct discharge rate was 24%. One hundred one patients (10%) had dislocated or subluxed hips at initial visit while 26.3% had radiographically normal hips. Over the study period 704 face to face (F2F) visits were avoided. Cost reductions of €170 were achieved per patient, with €588,804 achieved in total. Eighteen parents (1.8%) opted for F2F instead of virtual review. There were no unscheduled rereferrals or recorded adverse events. CONCLUSION: We report the outcomes of the first prospective virtual DDH clinic. This clinic has demonstrated efficiency and cost-effectiveness, without reported adverse outcomes to date. It is an option to provide consultant delivered DDH care, while reducing F2F consults. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Virtual geriatric clinics and the COVID-19 catalyst: a rapid review.

BACKGROUND: During the current COVID-19 health crisis virtual geriatric clinics have become increasingly utilised to complete outpatient consultations, although concerns exist about feasibility of such virtual consultations for older people. The aim of this rapid review is to describe the satisfaction, clinic productivity, clinical benefit, and costs associated with the virtual geriatric clinic model of care. METHODS: A rapid review of PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases was conducted up to April 2020. Two independent reviewers extracted the information. Four subdomains were focused on: satisfaction with the virtual geriatric clinic, clinic productivity, clinical benefit to patients, costs and any challenges associated with the virtual clinic process. RESULTS: Nine studies with 975 patients met our inclusion criteria. All were observational studies. Seven studies reported patients were satisfied with the virtual geriatric clinic model of care. Productivity outcomes included reports of cost-effectiveness, savings on transport, and improved waiting list metrics. Clinical benefits included successful polypharmacy reviews, and reductions in acute hospitalisation rates. Varying challenges were reported for both clinicians and patients in eight of the nine studies. Hearing impairments and difficulty with technology added to anxieties experienced by patients. Physicians missed the added value of a thorough physical examination and had concerns about confidentiality. CONCLUSION: Virtual geriatric clinics demonstrate evidence of productivity, benefit to patients, cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction with the treatment provided. In the current suboptimal pandemic climate, virtual geriatric clinics may allow Geriatricians to continue to provide an outpatient service, despite the encountered inherent challenges.

Are Virtual Fracture Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic a Potential Alternative for Delivering Fracture Care? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Virtual fracture clinics are an alternative to the traditional model of fracture care. Since their introduction in 2011, they have become increasingly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health crisis has driven institutions to examine such innovative solutions to manage patient care. The current controversies include quantifying safety outcomes, such as potential delayed or missed injuries, inadequate treatment, and medicolegal claims. Questions also exist regarding the potential for cost reductions and efficiencies that may be achieved. Physical distancing has limited the number of face-to-face consultations, so this review was conducted to determine if virtual fracture clinics can provide an acceptable alternative in these challenging times. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of this systematic review was to describe (1) adverse outcomes, (2) cost reductions, and (3) efficiencies associated with the virtual fracture clinic model. METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was conducted from database inception to March 2020. The keywords "virtual" or "telemedicine" or "telehealth" or "remote" or "electronic" AND "fracture" or "trauma" or "triage" AND "clinic" or "consultation" were entered, using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Inclusion criteria included adults and children treated for injuries by a virtual clinic model at the initial review. Eligible injuries included injuries deemed to not need surgical intervention, and those able to be treated remotely using defined protocols. Exclusion criteria consisted of patients reviewed by telemedicine using video links or in person at the initial review. Initially, 1065 articles were identified, with 665 excluded as they did not relate to virtual fracture clinics. In all, 400 articles were screened for eligibility, and 27 full-text reviews were conducted on 18 studies (30,512 virtual fracture clinic encounters). Three subdomains focusing on adverse outcomes, cost reductions, and efficiencies were recorded. The term adverse outcomes was used to describe any complications, further surgeries, re-referrals back to the clinic, or deviations from the protocols. Efficiency described the number of patients reviewed and discharged using the model, savings in clinic slots, reduced waiting times, or a reduction in consumption of resources such as radiographs. All studies were observational and the quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa tool, which demonstrated a median score of 6 ± 1.8, indicating moderate quality. RESULTS: Six studies reported adverse outcomes in detail, with events ranging from inappropriate splinting, deviations from protocols, and one patient underwent an osteotomy for a malunion. Efficiency varied from direct discharge proportions of 18% in early studies to 100% once the virtual fracture clinic model was more established. Cost reductions compared with estimates derived from conventional fracture clinics varied from USD 53 to USD 297 and USD 39,125 to USD 305876 compared with traditional fracture clinic visits. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual fracture clinics may provide a means to treat patients remotely, using agreed-upon protocols. They have an important role in the current COVID-19 pandemic, due to the possibility to provide ongoing care in an otherwise challenging setting. More robust studies looking at this model of care will be needed to assess its long-term effects on patients, institutions, and health care systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

A Systematic Review of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Neurologic Conditions: Survivorship, Complications, and Surgical Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Patients with neurologic disorders present a unique set of challenges for knee surgeons because of contractures, muscle weakness, spasticity, and ligament instability. The primary purpose of this review was to report the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in these patients, including survivorship, complications, and surgical considerations. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of articles using PubMed, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. All studies reporting outcomes of TKA in patients with Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis, Charcot joint, spina bifida, stroke, and cerebral palsy were included. RESULTS: In total 38 studies were included: 22 studies (461 patients) reported patient-reported outcome measures and 24 studies (510 patients) reported survivorship. All 38 studies reported complication rates. TKA resulted in an improvement in functional outcome in all series. Complication rate was higher in patients with neurologic conditions. Of studies reporting survivorship, mean follow-up ranged from 1 to 12 years with survivorship from 66% to 100%. All levels of implant constraint were reported without consensus. Limited rehabilitative data exist. CONCLUSION: TKA in patients with neurologic disorders improves symptoms and function but carries significant risk. This review helps surgeons preoperatively counsel their patients in an informed manner. Careful planning, perioperative care, and appropriate implant selection may mitigate risk of complication.

Cemented Proximal Femoral Replacement for the Management of Non-Neoplastic Conditions: A Versatile Implant but Not Without Its Risks.

BACKGROUND: The demand for revision arthroplasty continues to grow. Proximal femoral bone loss poses a significant challenge to surgeons and proximal femoral replacements (PFRs) are one option to address this problem. The aim of our study is to assess the reoperation, complication, and mortality rates following PFR for treatment of non-neoplastic conditions. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted of a consecutive group of patients treated with a PFR for non-neoplastic conditions between 2010 and 2018. Mortality was confirmed using the Irish national death events publication service. RESULTS: Over the 8-year study period, 79 PFRs in 78 patients were performed. Mean age of patients was 78.3 years (standard deviation 11.9), of which 37.2% were male. Periprosthetic fracture was the most common indication for PFR (63.3%). The 30-day mortality rate was 7.6% (6 patients), of which bone cement implantation syndrome occurred in 4 patients. One-year mortality was 12.7%. Complications occurred in 22.8%. CONCLUSION: A cemented PFR is a versatile prosthesis in the armamentarium of a revision arthroplasty surgeon that allows immediate full weight-bearing. However, it may appropriately be considered a last resort procedure that poses specific risks that must be explained to patients and family. We present the short-term outcomes on one of the largest series of PFR to date.

Matrix-associated stem cell transplantation is successful in treating talar osteochondral lesions.

PURPOSE: Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus are a challenging and increasingly recognized problem in chronic ankle pain. Many novel techniques exist to try and treat this challenging entity. Difficulties associated with treating OCLs include lesion location, size, chronicity, and problems associated with potential graft harvest sites. Matrix-associated stem cell transplantation (MAST) is one such treatment described for larger lesions > 15 mm2 or failed alternative therapies. This cohort study describes a 3 year review of the outcomes of talar lesions treated with MAST. METHODS: A review of all patients treated with MAST by a single surgeon was conducted. Pre-operative radiographs, MRIs, and FAOS outcome questionnaire scores were reviewed. Intraoperative classification was undertaken to correlate with imaging. Post-operative outcomes included FAOS scores, return to sport, revision surgery/failure of treatment, and progression to ankle fusion. RESULTS: In this study, 38 OCLs in 32 patients were identified. Median patient age was 35 years of which (68.8%) were male. Median length of follow-up was 36.7 months (range 12-64 months). (83%) returned to playing sport. Twenty-three patients underwent MAST in the setting of a failed previous operative attempt, with just nine having MAST as a first option. Nine patients out of 32 had a further procedure. Improvements were seen in all domains of the FAOS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MAST has demonstrated encouraging results in lesions which prove challenging to treat, even in a "failed microfracture" cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Breaking Bad: A Comparative Descriptive Analysis of Periprosthetic Fractures Around Cemented and Uncemented Femoral Stems.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic fractures are most commonly classified according to the Vancouver classification system and more recently the Unified Classification System. The aim of this study is to provide a descriptive analysis of fracture patterns in femoral periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) by femoral stem fixation. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all femoral PPFs over a 10-year period at our institution was conducted. Presenting radiographs were examined to assess the fracture pattern. RESULTS: Over the 10-year period, 138 femoral PPFs that underwent operative treatment were examined. Mean age of patients was 78 years with 45.7% male and median American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade 3. The femoral stem fixation was cemented in 83 patients and uncemented in 55 patients. Uncemented femoral stems most commonly caused a simple oblique fracture pattern (69.1%) with a more comminuted pattern seen in cemented fixation (59%). CONCLUSION: Fracture patterns differ according to femoral stem fixation. A simple "sickle-like" oblique fracture pattern was more commonly seen in uncemented stems while cemented tapered stems resulted in a comminuted "axe splitting" pattern.

Telesurveillance: Exploring the Use of Mobile Phone Imaging in the Follow-Up of Orthopedic Patients with Hand Trauma.

Background: Intra-articular phalangeal fractures involving the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) are notoriously difficult injuries to treat and often require regular follow-up to assess progress, guide treatment, and determine outcomes. Some patients often have to travel long distances for follow-up care. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical outcomes of intra-articular fractures of the PIPJ through use of clinical pictures sent through a mobile phone.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of a consecutive group of patients treated with a static external fixator (Micro Hoffman-2 Stryker®) between 2006 and 2016 for an intra-articular fracture of the PIPJ. Range of motion (ROM) at the PIPJ was assessed through clinical pictures taken on a mobile phone.Results: Clinical images were received from 15 patients with a mean age of 31.9 years (range 15-51), of which 73.3% of patients were male. Mean length of follow-up was 39 months. Around 73.3% of injuries occurred while playing a sport. Mean PIPJ ROM assessed through the clinical images was 67°.Conclusion: Our study shows that it was possible to assess ROM at the PIPJ through the use of clinical pictures taken by mobile phone. The use of mobile phones to take images provided a simple, easy, and convenient means of assessing outcome in this cohort of patients. We describe a method of follow-up that may have a greater role in the future.

The burden of hardware removal in ankle fractures: How common is it, why do we do it and what is the cost? A ten-year review.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures account for 9% of all fractures and 40% require surgical management. The ankle is the most common site of hardware removal. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence, indication and economic cost associated with removal of hardware from the ankle. METHODS: We conducted a ten-year retrospective review of 1482 patients treated by open reduction internal fixation for an unstable ankle fracture. Skeletally immature patients were excluded. Data collected was cross referenced from patient medical records, the radiological and electronic patient database. The casemix and hospital inpatient enquiry system (HIPE) were used to calculate costs. RESULTS: The mean age was 39.9 years with 53.6% male. 185 patients (12.5%) underwent hardware removal with unplanned removal performed in 6% of cases. The average cost of removal was €1113. CONCLUSION: Removal of hardware continues to be a common operation with significant costs to all involved. More than one in 10 patients underwent future removal of hardware. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

A prospective evaluation of bone marrow aspirate concentrate and microfracture in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND: The term osteochondral lesion (OCL) refers to a defect involving the chondral surface and or subchondral bone. These lesions are associated with ankle injuries with bony and soft tissue and cause pain, decreased range of motion, swelling and impact adversely on quality of life. To date the standard treatment has been isolated microfracture (BMS). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of BMS alone to BMS augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in the treatment of ankle OCLs. METHODS: This study was a prospective cohort study carried out from 2010-2015 in a single surgeon's practice. Patients from 2010-2012 were treated with microfracture alone while patients from 2013-2015 were treated with micro fracture augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate and fibrin glue. Self-reported patient outcome measures were measured. Complications, revision rates, and visual analogue pain scores were compared. RESULTS: 101 patients were included in the study. 52 patients were in the microfracture group while 49 patients were in the microfracture/BMAC group. The minimum follow-up for both groups was 36 months. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in pain scores, quality of life scores, participation in sport and activities of daily living. The revision rate was 28.8% in the microfracture group versus 12.2% in the microfracture/BMAC group, which was statistically significant, p=0.0145. The majority of the lesions were less than 1.5cm2 in diameter in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Microfracture and bone marrow aspirate concentrate appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for osteochondral lesions of the talus. The addition of bone marrow aspirate concentrate does not result in any increase in ankle or donor site morbidity. It is a well-tolerated therapy which decreases revision rates for treatment of the osteochondral lesions when compared to microfracture alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.