Extra-abdominal manifestations of retroperitoneal infection: a case of popliteal sinus secondary to duodenal ulcer.

Retroperitoneal abscesses can be gastrointestinal, urological or vascular in origin, and can spread via the retrofascial compartment through the psoas muscle to the lower limb. We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman with right knee pain for three weeks, a cellulitic right thigh and cholestatic liver function tests. A purulent sinus developed in the popliteal fossa and computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a right-sided retroperitoneal collection with gas, extending to the right pelvis and inguinal region. The popliteal fossa sinus and retroperitoneal collection were identified as a single pathology through computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and culture of identical organisms. At laparotomy, perforated duodenal ulcer disease was identified as the cause of the retroperitoneal abscess. Clinicians should seek to exclude retroperitoneal sources of infection in cases of lower leg infection, including perforated duodenal ulcer, caecal adenocarcinoma and appendicitis.

The use of shoulder scoring systems and outcome measures in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: In future, outcomes following shoulder surgery may be subject to public survey. Many outcome measures exist but we do not know whether there is a consensus between shoulder surgeons in the UK. The aim of this study was to survey the preferred outcome measures used by National Health Service (NHS) shoulder surgeons operating in the UK. METHODS: A total of 350 shoulder surgeons working in NHS hospitals were asked to complete a short written questionnaire regarding their use of scoring systems and outcome measures. Questionnaires were sent and responses were received by post. RESULTS: Overall, 217 responses were received (62%). Of the respondents, 171 (79%) use an outcome measure in their shoulder practice while 46 (21%) do not. There were 118 surgeons (69%) who use more than one outcome measure. The Oxford shoulder score was most commonly used by 150 surgeons (69%), followed by the Constant score with 106 (49%), the Oxford shoulder instability score with 82 (38%), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score with 54 (25%). The less commonly used outcome measures were the SF-36® and SF-12® health questionnaires with 19 (9%), the University of California at Los Angeles activity score with 8 (4%), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder assessment form with 8 (4%) and the EQ-5D™ with 10 (3%). Conclusions Validated outcome measures should be adopted by all practising surgeons in all specialties. This will allow better assessment of treatments in addition to assessment of surgical performance in a transparent way.

Cost implications of the physiotherapy management of complex tibial fractures treated with circular frames.

Seventy-three consecutive patients with complex tibial fractures treated with an Ilizarov frame or Taylor Spatial Frame received physiotherapy between April 2008 and April 2010. Data were collected prospectively, and physiotherapy input was recorded (in minutes) for the patients identified. This included treatment received as an inpatient as well as an outpatient. The data were categorized for proximal, middle and distal third tibial fractures for analysis. The average cost of physiotherapy for an inpatient with an Ilizarov frame is £121.82 per case, whereas that for an outpatient receiving treatment for trauma was calculated as £404.60. The combined average cost of physiotherapy to support treatment of a complex tibial fracture with a fine wire fixator is £546.27. Treatment involving circular frames is complex and expensive, and the high physiotherapy cost is not reflected in Healthcare Resource Group codes. This cost calculation will help service units, and NHS Trusts develop realistic costing plans to support treatment. Cost implications of the physiotherapy management of complex tibial fractures using the Ilizarov technique.

Primary total knee arthroplasty using the P.F.C Sigma®-rotating platform cruciate retaining endoprosthesis--a 6 year follow up.

BACKGROUND: Mobile-bearing Total Knee Replacement allows unconstrained axial rotation. Increased articular conformity minimizes polyethylene contact stresses, thereby reducing linear wear and fatigue failure. METHODS: We prospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 161 patients with mobile bearing total knee replacements using the PFC Sigma Cruciate Retaining Rotating Platform System. (DePuy, Leeds, United Kingdom) with midterm follow up (minimum 6 and maximum 9 years, mean 7.2 years). One hundred forty-seven patients from February 2001 to March 2004 were followed up till date. Primary osteoarthritis 96%; was the main indication followed by rheumatoid arthritis 3% and one case of psoriatic arthritis. Fifty-seven percent were females with mean age of 69.5 years (Range 51-90 years). Oxford and American Knee Society scores were measured. RESULTS: Mean Oxford score improved from 43 (Range 29-55) pre operatively to 21(Range 13-44) at last follow up and mean Knee Society score from 53 (Range 43-70) to 80 (Range 58-90). Range of movement improved from 91° (Range 70-110) to 113° (Range 75-130) at last follow up. One patient had dislocation of bearing needing manipulation. One patient had superficial infection treated with antibiotics. No patients had deep infection. There was one case reported of deep vein thrombosis and one of non-fatal pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The midterm results in our series with PFC Sigma mobile bearing knee replacement are excellent with good outcome scores. Cohort will be followed for long term results. Level of Evidence IV.

A 2-year experience, management and outcome of 200 clavicle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Clavicle fractures can cause pain and functional impairment if not managed appropriately. This article evaluates the prevalence of clavicular fractures, estimates the number of cases requiring operative treatment, evaluates whether removal of implant is a frequent necessity and compares the final functional outcome of the operative and non-operative groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2005 and November 2007, patients with clavicular fractures were eligible for participation. Patients below 18 years of age and those with pathological fractures were excluded. Demographic details, mechanism of injury, operative versus non-operative treatment, radiographic classification (Allman system), complications, implant removal and functional outcome using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder-rating score were documented and analysed. RESULTS: Out of 16,280 fractures that presented to our University Teaching Hospitals, 200 (1.23%) met the inclusion criteria. As many as 20 patients were lost due to natural attrition. A total of 159 (88.3%) patients were treated non-operatively and 21 (11.7%) patients were operated upon, over half of them for symptomatic non-union. All clavicles united postoperatively. Eighty-one conservatively managed undisplaced medial, middle and lateral end fractures had excellent mean UCLA shoulder scores. A statistical significance in UCLA scores (p<0.05) was noted between the operative and non-operative patient groups in mid-shaft fractures. There was no statistical difference between the operative and non-operative groups in lateral-end fractures. A total of 42.9% required removal of metal implant due to soft tissue irritation with complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of clavicle fractures was 1.23%. A small number of patients (11.7%) required operative treatment. We recommend surgical management of symptomatic non-union and removal of metal implant for hardware-related irritation.