Radiofrequency Microdebridement Versus Surgical Decompression for Achilles Tendinosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Achilles tendinosis is primarily managed nonoperatively with activity modification and physiotherapy, although surgery can be required. This has classically involved surgical decompression of the Achilles tendon, although the use of radiofrequency microdebridement has been suggested as a novel minimally invasive alternative. We present a randomized controlled trial comparing radiofrequency microdebridement using the Topaz® microdebrider wand and traditional surgical decompression. All patients with Achilles tendinosis referred to a single surgeon and meeting the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in our single-blinded, randomized controlled study. The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire and the visual analog scale were used as measures at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. From 2009 to 2014, 16 patients were randomized to traditional decompression treatment and 20 to Topaz® treatment. All surgical procedures were performed as day-case procedures with the patient under general anesthetic by a single surgeon. No significant differences were found between the groups in demographic data. At 6 months after intervention, both groups demonstrated an improvement in the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles and visual analog scale scores compared with baseline, with no difference found between treatment modalities at 6 months. The Topaz® microdebrider resulted in variable outcomes after surgery and is not without complications. Regarding the patient-reported outcome measures, Topaz® conferred no additional benefit compared with traditional surgical decompression and we have stopped using Topaz® in our treatment of Achilles tendinosis.

VASO (Vitamin D and Arthroplasty Surgery Outcomes) study - supplementation of vitamin D deficiency to improve outcomes after total hip or knee replacement: study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to poor outcomes after total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR), including lower patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), peri-prosthetic infection and longer hospital stay. We present a randomised feasibility trial protocol designed to prospectively investigate the influence of vitamin D testing, and subsequent supplementation for deficiency, prior to THR/TKR. METHODS/DESIGN: One hundred adult patients undergoing primary THR/TKR for osteoarthritis at two NHS hospital trusts in North East England will be recruited. Exclusion criteria include lack of mental capacity, revision surgery, participants already taking vitamin D/calcium supplements, or a known contraindication to vitamin D treatment. Participants will be ineligible for the trial if they have an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/minute. We will measure patients' vitamin D levels at baseline, and those identified as deficient (vitamin D < 50 nmol/L) will be randomised to receive either vitamin D supplementation or no supplementation prior to, and for 6 months following, surgery. Patients with a normal vitamin D level (≥50 nmol/L) will receive no supplementation. Vitamin D levels will be rechecked on the day of surgery and again at 6 months. Patients will also complete a lifestyle questionnaire, as well as the Oxford hip or knee and EQ-5D-3 L PROM questionnaires, at baseline and at 6 months following surgery. The aims are to determine the feasibility of the methodology and to gather data to inform the conduct of a future, larger trial to investigate if supplementation with vitamin D, in those who are deficient, prior to THR/TKR improves outcomes as measured by PROM scores. DISCUSSION: Previous reports have measured vitamin D levels and correlated this to outcome, but we can find no randomised trial in which researchers investigated the effect of supplementation. The aim of this trial is to determine if vitamin D deficiency is a modifiable risk factor for poor outcome after THR/TKR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN14533082 . Registered on 3 April 2017.

Mapping trabecular disconnection "hotspots" in aged human spine and hip.

Trabecular bone disconnection is an independent factor in age-related skeletal failure where real termini (ReTm; rare in youth) may cause weakness disproportionate to tissue loss, yet their structural contribution at vulnerable locations remains uncertain. ReTm (previously recorded at the iliac crest) were mapped in "normal" aged vertebral bodies (T11-L5 autopsy; 20 females, 10 males) and corresponding proximal femora (autopsy; 10 females). Results were compared with biomechanically failed femora from orthopaedic subjects aged >58 yr (osteoporosis OP, 10 females; osteoarthritis OA, 10 females). A novel direct 2D/3D histological method was applied to large, thick (300 µm) slices superficially silver-stained to separate ReTm (unstained) from apparent termini (planar artefacts, brown). Light microscope field co-ordinates enabled ReTm mapping and statistical testing relative to i) sex, ii) tissue sector and iii) slicing plane. In men ReTm populations were small and random while in women they were large and sector-specific. In vertebrae they clustered anterior/superior being rare posterior/inferior; in the femoral head they concentrated distal/superior and also near the fovea, being fewer distal/inferior. A distribution polarity was evident with 100% more ReTm observed transversely (i.e., on tensile-related cross struts) than longitudinally (i.e., on compression-related vertical struts). Their numbers rose in OP (BV/TV<14%, microCT) and in OA (BV/TV>14%), remaining polarised and sector-specific in OP only. Comparative experimentation by marrow elution of an OP animal model demonstrated "floating segments" as a possible outcome. Conclusions were supported statistically that trabecular disconnection "hotspots" at vulnerable locations are sex- and sector-specific, mainly transaxial, and subject to disease modulation.

Distal femoral fractures: The need to review the standard of care.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture care has evolved, largely due to standardisation of practice, measurement of outcomes and the introduction of the Best Practice Tariff, leading to the sustained improvements documented by the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD). The treatment of distal femoral fractures in this population has not had the same emphasis. This study defines the epidemiology, current practice and outcomes of distal femoral fractures in four English centres. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 105 patients aged 50 years or greater with a distal femoral fracture, presenting to four UK major trauma centres between October 2010 and September 2011 were identified. Data was collected using an adapted NHFD data collection tool via retrospective case note and radiograph review. Local ethics approval was obtained. RESULTS: Mean age was 77 years (range 50-99), with 86% female. 95% of injuries were sustained from a low energy mechanism, and 72% were classified as either 33-A1 or 33-C1. The mean Parker mobility score and Barthel Independence Index were 5.37 (0-9) and 75.5 (0-100) respectively. Operative management was performed in 84%, and 86% had their surgery within 36 h. Three quarters were fixed with a peri-articuar locking plate. There was no consensus on post operative rehabilitation, but no excess of complications in the centres where weight bearing as tolerated was the standard. 45% were seen by an orthogeriatrician during their admission. Mean length of stay was 29 days. Mortality at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year was 7%, 16% and 18% respectively. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that the distal femoral and hip fracture populations are similar, and highlights the current disparity in their management. The metrics and standards of care currently applied to hip fractures should be applied to the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Optimal operative treatment and rehabilitation remains unclear, and is in need of further research.