A Critical Appraisal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma.

Background and objective Thoracolumbar spine trauma (TST) is frequently associated with spinal cord injury and other soft tissue and bony injuries. The management of such injuries requires an evidence-based approach. This study used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to assess the methodological quality of clinical guidelines for the management of TST published by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). Methods All clinical guidelines on TST published by CNS until 2020 were assessed. Five appraisers from three international centers evaluated the quality of eligible clinical guidelines by using AGREE II. Mean AGREE II scores for each domain were determined. In higher-quality domains, the scores for individual items were analyzed. Results A total of 12 guidelines published by CNS on TST were assessed. Mean scores for all six domains were as follows: Scope and Purpose (75.2%), Stakeholder Involvement (45.4%), Rigor of Development (57.0%), Clarity of Presentation (58.7%), Applicability (16.9%), and Editorial Independence (64.1%). The mean score for the overall quality of all CNS guidelines was 52.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 52.2-53.5%]. The overall agreement among appraisers was excellent [intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for each guideline ranged from 0.903 to 0.963]. Conclusions CNS guidelines for the management of TST demonstrated acceptable quality across most domains; however, the domains of Applicability and Stakeholder Involvement could be further improved in future guideline updates. The assessors concluded that all guidelines could still be recommended for clinical practice with or without modifications.

A national multicentre study of outcomes and patient satisfaction with the virtual fracture clinic and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic: The MAVCOV study.

BACKGROUND: Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are advocated by the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST). We aimed to assess the impact of the transition from face-to-face fracture clinic review and identify any change in clinical outcome and patient satisfaction. METHODS: A national, cross-sectional cohort study of VFCs across the UK over two separate two-week periods pre- and during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown was undertaken. Data comprising patient and injury characteristics, unplanned reattendance and complications within three months following discharge from VFC were collected by local collaborators. Telephone questionnaires were conducted to determine patient satisfaction and patient-reported outcome for patients discharged without face-to-face consultation. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of unplanned reattendances after direct discharge from VFC. RESULTS: Data was analysed for 51 UK VFCs comprising 6134 patients from the pre-pandemic group (06/05/2019-19/05/2019) and 4366 patients from the first UK lockdown (04/05/2020-17/05/2020). During lockdown, the rate of direct discharge from VFC increased significantly (odds ratio (OR) 2.01, p<0.001) from 30 % (n = 1856/6134) to 46 % (n = 2021/4366). The rate of compliance with BOAST guidance recommending fracture clinic review within three days increased (OR 1.93, p<0.001) from 82 % (n = 5003/6134) to 89 % (n = 3883/4366). There were no differences in the rates of unplanned reattendance (6 % pre- and 7 % during lockdown, p = 0.281) or complications (0.2 % for both, p = 0.815). There were 1527/3877 patients discharged without face-to-face review from VFC who completed telephone questionnaires (mean follow-up 18-months in pre-pandemic group and 6-months in lockdown group). Satisfaction was high in both cohorts (80 % pre- and 76 % lockdown, p = 0.093). Dissatisfaction was associated with an unplanned reattendance (p<0.001) or a missed injury (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite a significant rise in direct discharge from VFC, there was no significant change in unplanned attendances, complications, or patient satisfaction. However, there are factors associated with dissatisfaction and these should be considered in the evolution of VFC.

Primary Versus Secondary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Tibial Plateau Fractures in Patients Aged 55 or Over-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty allows immediate postoperative weight-bearing and is increasingly recognized as a suitable treatment option for older patients who have tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). This systematic review evaluated the clinical and functional outcomes associated with primary versus secondary TKA for the treatment of TPFs in patients aged ≥55 years. METHODS: Various databases were searched from inception to December 2021. Studies investigating outcomes of primary TKA (pTKA) as the initial treatment for TPFs in patients of mean age ≥55 years or those investigating outcomes of secondary TKA (sTKA) following any other primary treatment for TPFs were included. Quality of included studies was assessed using a methodological scale. Of 767 potentially relevant studies, 12 studies comprising 341 patients were included: 121 patients underwent (pTKA) and 220 patients underwent sTKA. There were 3 high-quality studies. Patients in the sTKA cohort were significantly younger at the time of TKA compared with those undergoing pTKA (mean 61.3 versus 72.2 years, P < .001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.2 to 13.6). RESULTS: Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were lower with pTKA; in particular, sTKA was associated with a significantly increased rate of stiffness requiring reintervention and patella tendon rupture. Functional outcome was greater after pTKA, but this did not reach statistical significance (85.2 versus 79.9%, P = .359, 95% CI -16.7 to 6.1). CONCLUSION: Primary TKA was associated with lower complication rates than secondary TKA after TPF. In appropriate cases of TPF in older adults, it may be preferable to proceed with TKA as primary treatment rather than delaying until after fracture union or malunion.

A new clinical sign to detect radiologically occult greater tuberosity fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Up to 59% of undisplaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures are missed on initial evaluation. Timely diagnosis of these injuries can avoid undue morbidity, but a clinical sign to accurately identify them has not previously been described. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for their assessment but may not be routinely available, or difficult to organize urgently. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a new clinical sign (the anterior bruise sign [ABS]), in diagnosing radiologically occult GT fractures. METHODS: Over a 4-year period, 59 patients who sustained a traumatic shoulder injury with no fracture on initial radiographs were referred to a specialist shoulder clinic within a week of their injury and enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study. At initial presentation, the presence of anterior arm bruising extending to the mid-diaphysis was recorded as a positive ABS. MRI assessment of the injured shoulder was performed in all patients at first follow-up. Presenting radiographs, 2-week radiographs, and MRI scans were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. The diagnostic value of a positive ABS was compared with 2-week radiographs, and other clinical tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 58.5 (range 30-79) years, and 27 (45.8%) were female. The mean time from injury to first follow-up was 6.9 (standard deviation 2.4) days. MRI revealed that 25 of 59 patients (42.4%) had an undisplaced GT fracture. The overall accuracy of the ABS in identifying occult GT fractures was 98% (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 97%, positive predictive value = 96%, negative predictive value = 100%, P < .001). In contrast, radiographs taken at 2 weeks postinjury were less accurate (71.2%) (P < .001), and other clinical assessments of cuff function had much lower accuracy. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with a traumatic shoulder injury with normal radiographs, the ABS is a highly sensitive and specific clinical aid to identify patients with an occult GT fracture.

Outcome Following Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures: Suprapatellar Nail Insertion Results in Superior Radiographic Parameters But No Difference in Mid-Term Function.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to compare the radiographic parameters (nail insertion-point accuracy [NIPA] and fracture malalignment) of patients who had undergone tibial intramedullary nailing via the suprapatellar (SP) and infrapatellar (IP) approaches. The secondary aims were to compare clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between these approaches. METHODS: All adult patients with an acute tibial diaphyseal fracture who underwent intramedullary nailing at a single level-I trauma center over a 4-year period (2017 to 2020) were retrospectively identified. The nailing approach (SP or IP) was at the treating surgeon's discretion. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess NIPA (mean distance from the optimal insertion point) and malalignment (≥5°). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to evaluate the rates of malunion, nonunion, and other postoperative complications. The Oxford and Lysholm Knee Scores (OKS and LKS) and patient satisfaction (0 = completely dissatisfied, 100 = completely satisfied) were obtained via a postal survey at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 219 consecutive patients (mean age, 48 years [range, 16 to 90 years], 51% [112] male). There were 61 patients (27.9%) in the SP group and 158 (72.1%) in the IP group. The groups did not differ in baseline demographic or injury-related variables. SP nailing was associated with superior coronal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] for IP versus SP, 1.17 to 3.60 mm) and sagittal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.97 mm) and with a reduced rate of malalignment (3% [2 of 61] versus 11% [18 of 158] for IP; p = 0.030). PROs were available for 118 of 211 patients (56%; 32 of 58 in the SP group and 86 of 153 in the IP group) at a mean of 3 years (range, 1.2 to 6.5 years). There was no difference between the SP and IP groups in mean OKS (36.5 versus 39.6; p = 0.246), LKS (71.2 versus 73.5; p = 0.696), or satisfaction scores (81.4 versus 79.9; p = 0.725). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with IP nailing, SP nailing of tibial shaft fractures was associated with superior NIPA and a reduced rate of intraoperative malalignment but not of malunion at healing. However, the superior NIPA may not be clinically important. Furthermore, there were no differences in PROs at mid-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acute Total Knee Arthroplasty for Unicondylar Tibial Plateau Fracture Using Metaphyseal Cones.

Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) in older adults are increasing in incidence and now account for 8% of all fractures in patients over 60 years of age. Although primary fixation remains standard, the risk of fixation failure, loss of reduction, and the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis are all markedly increased in this age group with higher rates of conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) of 12%. When joint depression is severe with significant subchondral bone loss, up to half ultimately require TKA. TPFs with unicondylar depression can be managed primarily using tibial cones in acute TKA. In this study, we report the surgical technique for performing acute TKA using tibial cones for the primary management of TPFs in older adults and illustrate this technique with case examples.

Validation of a modified Care and Comfort Score and responsiveness to hip surgery in children with cerebral palsy in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and responsiveness to hip surgery of a four-point modified Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (mCCHQ) scoring tool in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study in children with CP from a national surveillance programme. Reliability was assessed from 20 caregivers who completed the mCCHQ questionnaire on two occasions three weeks apart. Test-retest reliability of the mCCHQ was calculated, and responsiveness before and after surgery for a displaced hip was evaluated in a cohort of children. Results: Test-retest reliability for the overall mCCHQ score was good (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.78), and no dimension demonstrated poor reliability. The surgical intervention cohort comprised ten children who had preoperative and postoperative mCCHQ scores at a minimum of six months postoperatively. The mCCHQ tool demonstrated a significant improvement in overall score from preoperative assessment to six-month postoperative follow-up assessment (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The mCCHQ demonstrated responsiveness to intervention and good test-retest reliability. The mCCHQ is proposed as an outcome tool for use within a national surveillance programme for children with CP.

Lessons learned from hip fracture registries - From the Scottish perspective to global practice.

Hip fracture is the most common serious orthopaedic injury affecting older people. In Scotland, 7000 patients sustain a hip fracture each year, and this is projected to rise to 10,300 a year by 2029. In this narrative review, we describe the origin and evolution of the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit, including key elements which have improved hip fracture care and outcomes within Scotland, and the current state of play of hip fracture registries around the world. We go on to discuss future directions for data driven improvements in hip fracture care, including international standardised data collection and a global minimum common dataset for hip fracture registries.

Functional outcome after nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity fractures and predictors of poorer patient experience.

The outcomes following nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures, and the factors which influence patient experience, remain poorly defined. We assessed the early patient-derived outcomes following these injuries and examined the effect of a range of demographic- and injury-related variables on these outcomes. In total, 101 patients (53 female, 48 male) with a mean age of 50.9 years (19 to 76) with minimally displaced GT fractures were recruited to a prospective observational cohort study. During the first year after injury, patients underwent experiential assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and assessment of associated injuries using MRI performed within two weeks of injury. The primary outcome was the one-year DASH score. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of patient demographic factors, complications, and associated injuries, on outcome. The mean DASH score improved from 42.3 (SD 9.6) at six weeks post-injury, to 19.5 (SD 14.3) at one-year follow-up (p < 0.001), but outcomes were mixed, with 30 patients having a DASH score > 30 at one year. MRI revealed a range of associated injuries, with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear present in 19 patients (19%). Overall, 11 patients (11%) developed complications requiring further operative intervention; 20 patients (21%) developed post-traumatic secondary shoulder stiffness. Multivariate analysis revealed a high-energy mechanism (p = 0.009), tobacco consumption (p = 0.033), use of mobility aids (p = 0.047), a full-thickness rotator cuff tear (p = 0.002), and the development of post-traumatic secondary shoulder stiffness (p = 0.035) were independent predictors of poorer outcome. The results of nonoperative management of minimally displaced GT fractures are heterogeneous. While many patients have satisfactory early outcomes, a substantial subgroup fare much worse. There is a high prevalence of rotator cuff injuries and post-traumatic shoulder stiffness, and their presence is associated with poorer patient experience. Furthermore, patients who have a high-energy injury, smoke, or use walking aids, have worse outcomes.

Consensus statements: when and how?

The Bone & Joint Journal has published several consensus statements in recent years, many of which have positively influenced clinical practice and policy.1-13 However, even the most valued consensus statements have limitations, and all ultimately represent Level V evidence. Consensus studies add greatest value where higher-order evidence to aid decision making is ambiguous or lacking. In all settings, care must be taken to critically appraise standards of methodology, with particular attention to potential biases that may influence the conclusions which are drawn.

Factors affecting a patient's experience following the open Latarjet procedure to treat recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

The open Latarjet procedure is a widely used treatment for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. Although satisfactory outcomes are reported, factors which influence a patient's experience are poorly quantified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a range of demographic factors and measures of the severity of instability on patient-reported outcome measures in patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure at a minimum follow-up of two years. A total of 350 patients with anterior instability of the shoulder who underwent an open Latarjet procedure between 2005 and 2018 were reviewed prospectively, with the collection of demographic and psychosocial data, preoperative CT, and complications during follow-up of two years. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), assessed preoperatively, at two years postoperatively, and at mid-term follow-up at a mean of 50.6 months (SD 24.8) postoperatively. The secondary outcome measure was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. The influence of the demographic details of the patients, measurements of the severity of instability, and the complications of surgery were assessed in a multivariate analysis. The mean age of the patients was 25.5 years (22 to 32) and 27 (7.7%) were female. The median time to surgery after injury was 19 months (interquartile range (IQR) 13 to 39). Seven patients developed clinically significant complications requiring further intervention within two years of surgery. The median percentage WOSI deficiency was 8.0% (IQR 4 to 20) and median QuickDASH was 3.0 (IQR 0 to 9) at mid-term assessment. A minority of patients reported a poorer experience, and 22 (6.3%) had a > 50% deficiency in WOSI score. Multivariate analysis revealed that consumption of ≥ 20 units of alcohol/week, a pre-existing affective disorder or epilepsy, medicolegal litigation, increasing time to surgery, and residing in a more socioeconomically deprived area were independently predictive of a poorer WOSI score. Although most patients treated by an open Latarjet procedure have excellent outcomes at mid-term follow-up, a minority have poorer outcomes, which are mainly predictable from pre-existing demographic factors, rather than measures of the severity of instability.

Diagnosis and treatment strategies of the multiligament injured knee: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To map the current literature evaluating the diagnosis and treatment of multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs). DESIGN: Scoping review. DATA SOURCES: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews and Arksey and O'Malley frameworks were followed. A three-step search strategy identified relevant published literature comprising studies reporting on at least one aspect in the diagnosis or treatment of MLKI in adults. Data were synthesised to form a descriptive analysis and thematic summary. RESULTS: Overall, 417 studies were included. There was a substantial chronological increase in the number of studies published per year, with 70% published in the last 12 years. Of included studies, 128 (31%) were narrative reviews, editorials or technical notes with no original data. The majority of studies (n=239, 57%) originated from the USA; only 4 studies (1%) were of level I evidence. Consistent themes of contention included clinical assessment, imaging, operative strategy, timing of surgery and rehabilitation. There was a lack of gender and ethnic diversity reported within patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: There remains insufficient high-level evidence to support definitive management strategies for MLKI. There is considerable heterogeneity in outcome reporting in current MLKI literature, precluding robust comparison, interpretation and pooling of data. Further research priorities include the development of expert consensus relating to the investigation, surgical management and rehabilitation of MLKI. There is a need for minimum reporting standards for clinical studies evaluating MLKI.

Outcomes following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Who Have Paget's Disease of Bone: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have Paget's Disease more frequently require total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) than matched controls. However, controversy remains regarding their outcome. We aimed to evaluate the literature regarding outcomes following THA and TKA in patients who have Paget's Disease. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for all articles evaluating outcomes following THA and TKA in patients who have Paget's Disease. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: A total of 19 articles (published between 1976 and 2022) were included, comprising 58,695 patients (48,766 controls and 10,018 patients who have Pagets Disease), from 209 potentially relevant titles. Patients with Paget's Disease have a pooled mortality of 32.5% at a mean of 7.8 years (range, 0.1 to 20) following THA and 31.0% at a mean of 8.5 years (range, 2 to 20) following TKA, with a pooled revision rate of 4.4% at 7.2 years (range, 0 to 20) following THA and 2.2% at 7.4 years (range, 2 to 20) following TKA. Renal and respiratory complications, as well as heterotopic ossification and surgical-site infection were the most common post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: There is marked heterogeneity in outcome reporting of studies assessing arthroplasty in patients who have Paget's Disease, with studies of low to moderate quality. Patients with Paget's Disease undergoing THA and TKA appear to have similar implant longevity as their unaffected counterparts. However, they appear to have an increased risk of medical and surgical complications and may have a higher mortality risk from their procedure.

Diagnosis and treatment strategies of the multiligament injured knee : a scoping review protocol.

AIMS: Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are devastating injuries that can result in significant morbidity and time away from sport. There remains considerable variation in strategies employed for investigation, indications for operative intervention, outcome reporting, and rehabilitation following these injuries. At present no study has yet provided a comprehensive overview evaluating the extent, range, and overall summary of the published literature pertaining to MLKI. Our aim is to perform a methodologically rigorous scoping review, mapping the literature evaluating the diagnosis and management of MLKI. METHODS: This scoping review will address three aims: firstly, to map the current extent and nature of evidence for diagnosis and management of MLKI; secondly, to summarize and disseminate existing research findings to practitioners; and thirdly, to highlight gaps in current literature. A three-step search strategy as described by accepted methodology will be employed to identify peer-reviewed literature including reviews, technical notes, opinion pieces, and original research. An initial limited search will be performed to determine suitable search terms, followed by an expanded search of four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science). Two reviewers will independently screen identified studies for final inclusion. DISSEMINATION: We will map key concepts and evidence, and disseminate existing research findings to the wider orthopaedic and sports medicine community, through both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature, and conference and in-person communications. We will highlight gaps in the current literature and determine future priorities for further research.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):894-897.

Reliability of current classification systems for periprosthetic distal femur fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine which Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fracture (PDFF) classification system is the most reliable. The secondary aim was to determine which classification system correlated most accurately with the surgical management recommended and delivered. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2019, 83 patients with 83 PDFFs that extended to the femoral component of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were retrospectively identified from a trauma database. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Age, BMI, time from TKA, operative management, and Nottingham Hip Fracture Scores were collected, and AP and lateral radiographs used to classify all fractures using seven established classification systems by two observers blinded to management. In patients treated operatively (n = 69), preoperative radiographs were reviewed by two surgeons with expertise in trauma and knee revision who recommended fixation or distal femoral replacement (DFR) requirement. RESULTS: Mean age was 80.7 years (SD9.4) and 50 (84.7%) were female. PDFFs occurred at a mean 9.5 years (SD5.2) after primary TKA. Mean follow-up was 3.8 years (SD2.9). Management was fixation in 47, DFR in 22 and non-operative for 14. The Fakler classification demonstrated highest interobserver reliability (ICC=0.948), followed by the Rorabeck (ICC=0.903), UCS (ICC=0.850) and Chen (ICC=0.906). The Neer classification demonstrated weakest agreement (ICC=0.633). Overall accuracy of predicting DFR requirement (as determined by two experts) was highest for the Fakler system (83.9%). Compared with actual management delivered the Rorabeck system was most accurate (94.1%). Multivariate regression demonstrated that the ultimate need for DFR (n = 22) was independently associated with medial comminution (HR 2.66 (1.12-6.35 95%CI), p = 0.027) and fractures distal to the anterior flange and posterior condyle of the femoral component (HR 2.45 (1.13-5.31), p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The Fakler classification showed highest interobserver agreement and was most accurately predictive of the management recommended by two experts. No classification system accurately predicted the fractures that required DFR, and none included medial comminution which was independently associated with DFR requirement. There remains a need for a PDFF classification system that reliably guides operative management of PDFFs.

Total Hip Arthroplasty When Utilised in Young Adults Is a Cost-Effective Procedure: A 10-Year and Lifetime Cost-Utility Analysis.

Purpose The primary aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients aged 25 years and under by calculating the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained at 10 years post-operatively, and over the course of a lifetime. Secondary aims were to describe the change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), Oxford hip score (OHS), and satisfaction in these patients. Methods From 2000 to 2016, 33 patients undergoing THA aged 25 and under had pre-operative and one-year post-operative EuroQol five-dimensions (EQ-5D) scores and OHS recorded prospectively. Post-operative change in EQ-5D allowed calculation of a health-utility score, which, when combined with life expectancy, gave total QALYs gained. Results The mean age was 20 years (range 13.3-24.9), with 23 females (72.7%). Mean number of QALYs gained was 21.1 (95% CI 14.1-28.2). Total lifetime cost per patient was £14641, giving a mean cost per QALY of £4183 at 10 years post-operatively, and £694 over the total remaining lifetime. Discounting total QALYs gained at a rate of 3.5% and 5% per remaining year of life expectancy increased the mean cost per QALY to £1652 and £2187, respectively. Mean pre- and post-operative EQ-5D index were 0.27 (SD 0.27) and 0.63 (SD 0.29), respectively (p=0.0001). Mean pre-operative and post-operative OHS was 37.5 (SD 7.9) and 19.7 (SD 6.94), respectively (p<0.00001). Conclusion THA remains a cost-effective intervention for patients aged 25 years and under. It is also associated with significant improvement in HRQoL, OHS, and high levels of patient satisfaction in this unique patient group.

Outcomes associated with secondary implant removal and arthrolysis in patients with a painful stiff shoulder after proximal humeral fracture fixation.

AIMS: Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2018, 424 consecutive patients were treated with primary ORPF for proximal humerus fracture. ADROM was offered to symptomatic patients with a healed fracture at six months postoperatively. Patients were followed up retrospectively with demographic data, fracture characteristics, and complications recorded. Active range of motion (aROM), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients underwent ADROM; 111 patients were available for long-term follow-up at a mean of 10.9 years (range 1 to 20). Mean age was 50.8 years (18 to 75);79 (57.2%) were female. Mean time from primary ORPF to ADROM was 11.9 months (6 to 19). Five patients developed superficial wound infection; ten developed symptomatic osteonecrosis/post-traumatic arthrosis (ON/PTA); four underwent revision arthrolysis. Median OSS improved from 17 (interquartile range (IQR) 12.0 to 22.0) preoperatively to 40.0 (IQR 31.5 to 48.0) postoperatively, and 39.0 (IQR 31.5 to 46.5) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Median EQ-5D-3L improved from 0.079 (IQR -0.057 to 0.215) to 0.691 (IQR 0.441 to 0.941) postoperatively, and 0.701 (IQR 0.570 to 0.832) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). We found that aROM improved in all planes (p < 0.001). Among the variables assessed on multivariable analysis, a manual occupation, worsening Charlson Comorbidity Index and increasing socioeconomic deprivation were most consistently predictive of worse patient-reported outcome scores. Patients who subsequently developed ON/PTA reported significantly worse one-year and late OSS. CONCLUSION: ADROM in patients with persistent symptomatic stiffness following ORPF can achieve excellent short- and long-term outcomes. More deprived patients, those in a manual occupation, and those with worsening comorbidities have worse outcomes following ADROM. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):157-167.