Epidemiology & management of complex ankle fractures in the United Kingdom: A multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patient factors are known to contribute to decision making and treatment of ankle fractures. The presence of poor baseline mobility, diabetes, neuropathy, alcoholism, cognitive impairment, inflammatory arthritis or polytrauma can result in a higher risk of failure or complications. Limited evidence is available on the optimum management for this challenging cohort of patients herein described as complex ankle fractures. This UK multicentre study assessed and evaluated the epidemiology of ankle fractures complicated by significant comorbidity and patient factors and use of specialist surgical techniques such as hindfoot nails (HFN) / tibiotalarcalcaneal (TCC) nails and enhanced open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A UK-wide collaborative study was performed of adult distal AO43/AO44 fractures, associated with 1 or more of the patient factors listed above. Primary outcomes included patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical technique and implants. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications and early post-operative weight bearing instructions. Statistical analysis was performed to assess patient and fracture characteristics on outcome, including propensity matching. RESULTS: One-thousand three hundred and sixty patients, with at least one of the above complex factors, from 56 centres were included with a mean age of 53.1 years. 90.2% (1227) patients underwent primary fixation which included 78.9% (1073) standard open reduction internal fixations (ORIF), 3.25% (43) extended ORIF and 8.1% (111) primary HFN / TCC. Overall wound complications and thromboembolic events were similar in the hindfoot nail group and the ORIF group (11.7% vs 10.7%). Wound complications were greater in diabetic patients versus non-diabetic patients independent of fixation method (15.8% vs 9.0%). After propensity matching for comorbidities and fracture type, overall complications were lower in the hindfoot nail (11.8%) and extended ORIF groups (16.7%), than the standard ORIF group (18.6%). CONCLUSION: Only a minority of complex ankle fractures are treated with specialised techniques (HFN/TCC or extended ORIF). Though more commonly used in older and frail patients their perceived advantages are often negated by a reluctance to bear weight early. These techniques demonstrated a better complication profile to standard ORIF but hindfoot nail with joint preparation for fusion was associated with more complications than hindfoot nail for fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Surgical management of the acute severely infected diabetic foot - The 'infected diabetic foot attack'. An instructional review.

Diabetic Foot Infection (DFI), in its severest form the acute infected 'diabetic foot attack', is a limb and life threatening condition if untreated. Acute infection may lead to tissue necrosis and rapid spread through tissue planes, in the patient with poorly controlled diabetes facilitated by the host status. A combination of soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis may co-exist, in particular if chronic osteomyelitis serves as a persistent source for recurrence of soft tissue infection. This "diabetic foot attack" is characterised by acutely spreading infection and substantial soft tissue necrosis. In the presence of ulceration, the condition is classified by the Infectious Diseases Society of America/International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IDSA/IWGDF Class 3 or 4) presentation requiring an urgent surgical intervention by radical debridement of the infection. Thus, 'time is tissue', referring to tissue salvage and maximal limb preservation. Emergent treatment is important for limb salvage and may be life-saving. We provide a narrative current treatment practices in managing severe DFI with severe soft tissue and osseous infection. We address the role of surgery and its adjuvants, the long term outcomes, potential complications and possible future treatment strategies.

Modified Broström repair with suture tape augmentation for lateral ankle instability: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in augmentation of modified Broström repairs for lateral ankle instability with a prosthetic reconstruction using suture tape internal bracing. The aim of this study was to investigate if suture tape augmentation resulted in improved clinical and radiological outcomes compared to a standard modified Broström repair alone. METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was undertaken. All clinical studies published in Medline, Embase, Pubmed and the Cochrane Library Database from inception until January 2020 reporting on the use of suture tape augmentation to a modified Broström repair for lateral ankle instability. RESULTS: 78 studies were identified of which 10 (assessing 333 patients) met the criteria for inclusion. Mean follow up was 24.8 months (range 6-52 months). All studies showed a statistically significant improvement across multiple clinical outcome measures post-surgery in both suture tape augmentation and modified Broström groups, however there were no statistically significant inter-group differences. Pooled results suggested there may be a reduction in recurrence of instability with suture tape augmentation when compared to modified Broström repair alone (p < 0.05). Overall quality of evidence was moderate to poor with limited data to support use of suture tape augmentation. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiographic outcomes using a suture tape internal bracing for lateral ankle instability are excellent, and are equivalent to standard treatment across multiple clinical and radiographic assessment measures. There is minimal evidence to suggest functional outcomes are better, or recurrence rates are lower than modified Broström repair alone. PROSPERO REGISTRY: CRD42020169876. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Management of posterior malleolus fractures: A multicentre cohort study in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to assess clinical practice in light of increasing literature recommending fixation of posterior malleolus (PM) fractures. This multicentre study examines treatment approaches, within both Major Trauma Centres and District General Hospitals and role of radiographs and CT scanning. METHODS: Trauma lists and databases were used to identify patients and data collected from electronic and paper medical records and imaging systems between August 2017-18. Analysis of treatment and outcomes was then conducted. RESULTS: One-hundred-and-sixty ankle fractures were included in the study, only 68 ankle fractures underwent CT scanning following initial radiographs and of these, 65 were managed operatively, with 32 undergoing PM fixation. Syndesmotic stabilisation was performed in 9.6% where the PM was fixed. CONCLUSION: CT is still under-utilised, PM fractures that appear to be anything other than small avulsion-type injuries should undergo CT scanning. Syndesmotic stabilisation is statistically less likely to be performed with fixation of the PM.

Infected open calcaneal fractures - A delayed reconstruction technique using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite antibiotic elucidating void filler.

Treating open calcaneal fractures remains challenging, particularly when involving bone loss and infection. CASE: We present the case of a 25-year-old woman who sustained an open AO 83-C2 calcaneal fracture with subsequent necrosis and presumed infection. Superseding necrosis and bone loss complicated the plan for definitive fixation. Residual bone was stabilised with Kirshner-wires and the void filled with a calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, facilitating delayed surgical reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, as part of a 2-stage process represents a strategy in the treatment of complex calcaneal fractures with possible infection, and bone and soft tissue loss. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.

Pediatric cervical epidural abscess in a 4-year-old patient: a case-based update.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review a case comprised of a cervical spinal epidural abscess, cervical and thoracic paraspinous edema, and widening of the right thoracic neural foramen secondary to a phlegmon. METHODS: We reviewed the case of a spinal epidural abscess managed medically in a 4-year-old male and performed a review of the literature with 15 other cases that have previously been reported. RESULTS: The current mainstay of treatment is largely variant but generally falls into a laminectomy-based surgical approach or longstanding antibiotics. Our review of the literature concluded that there are currently no clear guidelines established to recommend treatment, and current practice is largely based on the discretion of the pediatric neurosurgeon. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the literature review, and our personal case illustration, we conclude that an antibiotic-based treatment is a valid approach for therapy if initiated promptly in a pediatric patient with no neurological deficit.

Correction of ankle and hind foot deformity in Charcot neuroarthropathy using a retrograde hind foot nail-The Kings' Experience.

BACKGROUND: Corrective fusion for the unstable deformed hind foot and mid foot in Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) is quite challenging and is best done in tertiary centres under the supervision of multidisciplinary teams. METHODS: We present a follow up to our initial report with a series of 42 hind foot corrections in 40 patients from a tertiary level teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. The mean patient age was 59 (33-82). 17 patients had type1diabetes mellitus, 23 had type 2. 23 feet in 22 patients had chronic ulceration despite offloading. 17 patients were ASA 2 and 23 were ASA grade 3. All patients had hind foot nail fusion performed through a standard technique by the senior author and managed perioperatively by the multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: At a mean follow up of 42 months (12-99) we achieved 100% limb salvage initially and a 97% fusion rate. One patient with persisting non-union of ankle and subtalar joint with difficulty in bracing has been offered below-knee amputation. We achieved deformity correction in 100% and ulcer healing in 83%. 83% patients are able to mobilize and manage independent activities of daily living. There were 11 patients with one or more complications including metal work failure, infection and ulcer reactivation. There have been nine repeat procedures including one revision fixation and one vascular procedure. CONCLUSION: Single stage corrective fusion for hind foot deformity in CN is an effective procedure when delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team.

Undiagnosed severe sleep apnoea and diabetic foot ulceration - a case series based hypothesis: a hitherto under emphasized factor in failure to heal.

BACKGROUND: Although great progress has been made in managing diabetic foot disease, it continues to carry significant morbidity and mortality. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and diabetes frequently coexist and recent studies suggest significant under-recognition of OSA in those with diabetes. There are no current reports on the direct clinical impact of OSA on acute or chronic diabetic foot ulcer healing. CASE REPORT: We describe three cases with Type 2 diabetes and a mean BMI of 50 kg/m(2) in whom we believe undiagnosed severe OSA may have impeded the rate of recovery of acutely infected foot ulcers. Despite standard care whilst in hospital with optimization of glycaemia, daily wound care, ulcer offloading techniques including casting, it was difficult to achieve satisfactory granulation in the first two cases with previously unrecognized and hence untreated severe OSA (Apnoea-Hypopnea Index > 30) until correction had been achieved through continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). In the third case, despite all optimization techniques, healing has not been achieved and individuals' reluctance to consider CPAP may be one possible factor. DISCUSSION: We observe in three severely obese individuals with diabetes that untreated severe OSA may have contributed to delayed wound healing. We also observed an improvement in two individuals after institution of CPAP therapy. Clinicians managing the diabetic foot should consider investigating the presence of OSA in non-healing or slowly progressive foot ulcers when all other factors have been fully optimized.

Neck of femur fractures in the over 90s: a select group of patients who require prompt surgical intervention for optimal results.

BACKGROUND: Patients in the extremes of old age with a femoral neck fracture represent a challenging subgroup, and are thought to be associated with poorer outcomes due to increased numbers of comorbidities. Whilst many studies are aimed at determining the optimum time for surgical fixation, there is no agreed consensus for those over 90. The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcome of this population, to understand the role surgical timing may have on operative outcomes using the orthopaedic POSSUM scoring system and to identify whether medical optimization occurs during the period of admission before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study; data was collected from two district general hospitals over 32 consecutive months. All patients aged 90 and above who were deemed suitable for surgical fixation were included. Each one had their orthopaedic POSSUM score calculated at admission and at surgery, using their computerised and paper medical records. Assessment of outcome was based on morbidity and mortality at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 146 consecutive patients above the age of 90 underwent surgery and were followed. The average age of the patients was 93 years, 123 (84 %) were female and 23 (16%) male. Sixty-one patients were operated on within 24 h from admission, 52 patients within 24 and 48 h and 33 had surgery after 48 h from admission. In total, 21 deaths (14.4%) were recorded and 81 patients (55.5%) had a post-operative complication within 30 days. The orthopaedic POSSUM scoring system predicted 30-day mortality in 23 patients and morbidity in 83 patients. This gave observed to predicted ratios of 0.91 and 0.98 respectively. Overall, there was a small improvement in physiological scores taken just prior to surgery compared to those at admission. Mortality and morbidity rates were higher for those operated on or after 24 and 48-h cutoffs compared to those proceeding to surgery within 24 h (P = 0.071 and P = 0.021 respectively and P = 0.048 and P = 0.00011 respectively). When stratified according to their POSSUM scores, patients with scores of 41+ and surgery after 48 h had a significantly higher mortality rate than if they had surgery earlier (P = 0.038). Morbidity rates rose after 24 h of surgical delay (P = 0.026). Patients with a total POSSUM score between 33 and 40 exhibited a higher morbidity after a 24-h delay to surgery (P = 0.0064). CONCLUSION: As life expectancy increases, older patients are becoming commoner in our hospital systems. We believe the orthopaedic POSSUM scoring system can be used as an adjuvant tool in prioritising surgical need, and allow for a more impartial evaluation when changes to practice are made. Our findings show that timing of surgery has an important bearing on mortality and morbidity after hip surgery, and older patients with higher orthopaedic POSSUM scores are sensitive to delays in surgery.

Manipulating ferroelectric domains in nanostructures under electron beams.

Freestanding BaTiO3 nanodots exhibit domain structures characterized by distinct quadrants of ferroelastic 90° domains in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. These differ significantly from flux-closure domain patterns in the same systems imaged by piezoresponse force microscopy. Based upon a series of phase field simulations of BaTiO3 nanodots, we suggest that the TEM patterns result from a radial electric field arising from electron beam charging of the nanodot. For sufficiently large charging, this converts flux-closure domain patterns to quadrant patterns with radial net polarizations. Not only does this explain the puzzling patterns that have been observed in TEM studies of ferroelectric nanodots, but also suggests how to manipulate ferroelectric domain patterns via electron beams.

A prospective randomised controlled trial of autologous retransfusion in total knee replacement.

We undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of autologous retransfusion drains in reducing the need for allogenic blood requirement after unilateral total knee replacement. We also monitored the incidence of post-operative complications. There were 86 patients in the control group, receiving standard care with a vacuum drain, and 92 who received an autologous drain and were retransfused postoperatively. Following serial haemoglobin measurements at 24, 48 and 72 hours, we found no difference in the need for allogenic blood between the two groups (control group 15.1%, retransfusion group 13% (p = 0.439)). The incidence of post-operative complications, such as wound infection, deep-vein thrombosis and chest infection, was also comparable between the groups. There were no adverse reactions associated with the retransfusion of autologous blood. Based on this study, the cost-effectiveness and continued use of autologous drains in total knee replacement should be questioned.

The surgical risk of suprapubic catheter insertion and long-term sequelae.

INTRODUCTION: Suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion is a common urological procedure, which is often referred to as safe and simple even in inexperienced hands. There is, however, very little published evidence on the safety of this procedure. Our study aimed to provide evidence on the associated morbidity and mortality and provide guidance for practising clinicians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 219 patients who underwent SPC insertion under cystoscopic guidance at two urology institutions between 1994 and 2002 were identified and their case notes reviewed. RESULTS: The intra-operative complication rate was 10% and the 30-day complications rate was 19%. Mortality rate was 1.8%. Long-term complications included recurrent UTIs (21%), catheter blockage (25%) resulting in multiple accident and emergency attendance (43%). Despite this, the satisfaction rate was high (72%) and most patients (89%) prefer the SPC over the urethral catheter. CONCLUSIONS: SPC bladder drainage results in a high patient satisfaction rate. Patients and clinicians should be aware of the potential complications associated with SPC insertion.