Purpose: To compare locking and non-locking single and dual plating constructs in maintaining posteromedial fragment reduction in a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture model. We hypothesized that posteromedial fragment fixation with medial and lateral non-locked constructs would tolerate higher loads than lateral locked constructs alone.

Method: Thirty adult-sized composite tibiae were identically fractured into an AO 41-C1.3 pattern. Six plate constructs were tested:

lateral 8-hole 3.5 mm conventional non-locking proximal tibial plate [CP];

Specimens were cyclically loaded to failure or a maximum load of 4000N. Load at posteromedial fragment failure was recorded.

Results: Fragment failure occurred at the posteromedial fragment first. The CP + 1/3 tubular construct had the highest average load to failure (3040 N). In two instances, the CP + 1/3 tubular construct did not fail under the highest loads applied and was the only construct to have specimens that did not fail by 4000 N. The CP + 1/3 tubular plating construct demonstrated significantly higher load at failure compared with the PTLP (p=0.036), the LCP (p=0.004), and the LISS (p=0.012). The CP + 1/3 tubular group did not demonstrate a significant difference in load at failure when compared with the CP (p=0.093) or the CP + LCDCP (p=0.108). The LISS demonstrated a significantly higher load at failure compared to the LCP (p=0.046) but not to the PTLP (p=0.800).

Conclusion: The posteromedial fragment tolerated higher loads with the CP + 1/3 tubular plate construct. The superiority of the dual plate construct may in part be due to the unreliable penetrance of the posteromedial fragment by the laterally applied locking screws.

Purpose: Non-union and secondary reduction loss complicate open distal femur fractures with bone loss. We hypothesize that locking plates decrease subsequent bone grafting in these injuries, yet maintain alignment; immediate post-fixation radiographic features predict primary union.

Method: From 2001 to 2004 inclusive, 34 adults with 36 open AO/OTA C-type distal femur fractures were reviewed. All were treated with locking plates and 3-month minimum follow-up. Union required radiographic bridging callus on 2/4 cortices combined with lack of symptoms. Alignment was assessed on initial and united radiographs. Antibiotic beads within a metaphyseal defect defined clinically important bone loss.

Results: Eleven of 20 fractures with bone loss (55%) underwent staged bone grafting to achieve union, versus two of 16 fractures without bone loss (13%). The presence of antibiotic beads was significantly associated with staged bone grafting (p< 0.01). Of those with bone loss and staged grafting, three had posterior cortical bone loss, and only three had medial and posterior cortical bone loss, and five had segmental defects. Of nine fractures with bone loss not requiring grafting, all had radiographic posterior cortical contact; seven had radiographic medial cortical contact. Posterior (p< 0.001) and medial (p< 0.025) cortical continuity were associated with injuries not requiring bone graft. Thirty-four had accurate frontal plane reductions; thirty-five had accurate sagittal plane reductions. Complications included two non-unions, and one reduction loss.

Conclusion: Despite metaphyseal bone loss, locking plates obviate the need for routine bone grafting of some open distal femur fractures. Those with radiographic posterior cortical contact and/or medial cortical contact are strongly correlated with primary union.

Guiding growth by harnessing the ability of growing bone to undergo plastic deformation is one of the oldest orthopaedic principles. Correction of deformity remains a major part of the workload for paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and recently, along with developments in limb reconstruction and computer-directed frame correction, there has been renewed interest in surgical methods of physeal manipulation or ‘guided growth’. Manipulating natural bone growth to correct a deformity is appealing, as it allows gradual correction by non- or minimally invasive methods.

This paper reviews the techniques employed for guided growth in current orthopaedic practice, including the basic science and recent advances underlying mechanical physeal manipulation of both healthy and pathological physes.

Purpose: In neuromuscular conditions, ankle foot orthoses (AFO) prevent deformity and improve functional balance by increasing the base of support, stabilizing the ankle joint and influencing the kinematics of more proximal joints; this study was designed to evaluate the role of fixed AFOs on balance in spastic diplegic children.

Methods: 12 children (age 7–15yrs) with spastic diplegia were recruited. All were community ambulators (GMFCS II/III). All had used AFOs for 12 months. Each child walked along the GAITRite electronic walkway at their preferred speed: barefoot, in shoes, and in AFOs with shoes. The order of the walks was randomized limiting the effects of fatigue and confidence. Normalized velocity, cadence, stride length and percentage of gait cycle in single leg support were selected as surrogate measures of stability. The child’s balance during other functional activities was assessed with the paediatric balance scale (PBS).

A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) explored differences in gait between the various walks. Fried-man’s test tested for differences in PBS scores between subjects and conditions.

Results: Significant improvements were seen in mean values for normalized velocity (p=0.02), stride length (p< 0.01) and percentage of gait cycle in single leg support (p< 0.01) in footwear-AFO compared to barefoot. Whilst there were also improvements in mean values for these parameters in shoes alone compared to barefoot, only the difference in stride length reached statistical significance (p< 0.01). There were no significant differences in PBS scores in shoes alone or with AFOs compared with walking barefoot.

Conclusions: AFOs improved balance during gait but had no effect on balance during other activities. Whilst shoes alone had a positive impact on gait, the most significant effects were seen in the AFO-footwear combination.

Significance: Advice regarding AFO use and footwear choice should consider the effects on gait as well as prevention of deformity.

Aim: To review the outcomes for avulsion fractures of the tibial spine in children managed by arthroscopic internal fixation using a canulated screw.

Materials & Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 8 tibial spine avulsion fractures in children managed operatively by arthroscopic canulated screw fixation over a 4 year period. All fractures were graded grade III or IV (Meyer and McKeevers) in severity. Notes and radiographs were reviewed and Lysholm scores were obtained. The average age of our patients was 10.6 years and the average duration of follow up was 23.6 months (Range: 3–52 months). The average Lysholm score achieved was 88.9 (median 94.5, range 61–100) with the score demonstrably improving after the first year from injury. Bony healing was seen in all cases. One patient needed manipulation under anaesthesia to realize full movement.

Conclusions: On the basis of these results, we recommend arthroscopic canulated screw fixation as the treatment of choice for tibial spine avulsions. It takes over a year, however, to achieve optimal results. This series represents the largest collection of these uncommon injuries hitherto reported from the UK.

Purpose: Currently, there is little information available on the management and outcome of intra-operative periprosthetic humeral fractures during shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to report on the incidence, management, and outcome of intra-operative periprosthetic humeral fractures.

Method: Between 1980 and 2002, forty-six intra-operative periprosthetic humeral fractures occurred during shoulder arthroplasty at our institution. Thirty-six fractures occurred during primary total shoulder arthroplasty, five during primary hemiarthroplasty and four during revision shoulder arthroplasty. Twenty-one fractures involved the greater tuberosity, 16 the humeral shaft, 6 were metaphyseal and 2 fractures involved the greater tuberosity and extended to the humeral shaft. All patients were followed for a minimum of two years (mean, 7.5 years). At final follow-up, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and ASES scores were calculated and preoperative, postoperative, and most recent radiographs were examined for fracture healing and implant integrity.

Results: The incidence of intra-operative humerus fractures at our institution was 1.5%. All fractures healed at mean of 13 weeks (range, 6 to 56 weeks). At a mean final follow-up of 90 months (range, 25 to 194 months), the mean forward elevation was 108° and the mean external rotation was 39°. The mean SST was 6 and the mean ASES score was 61. Four patients underwent revision shoulder surgery, two for shoulder instability, one for a massive rotator cuff tear, and one for another periprosthetic humerus fracture that occurred after a fall. Complications included transient nerve injuries in six patients and four fractures displaced postoperatively which were then managed nonoperatively to healing.

Conclusion: The data from this study suggest that although intra-operative fractures have a high rate of healing, there was a significant rate of associated complications including transient nerve injuries and fracture displacement. Patients with intra-operative fractures also appear to have less forward elevation at final follow-up when compared to patients who have not sustained an intra-operative humeral fracture.

This is a retrospective study of six children with ununited scaphoid fractures treated conservatively. Their mean age was 12.8 years (9.7 to 16.3). Five had no early treatment. Radiological signs of nonunion were found at a mean of 4.6 months (3 to 7) after injury. Treatment consisted of cast immobilisation until clinical and radiological union. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was for 67 months (17 to 90). We assessed the symptoms, the range of movement of the wrist and the grip strength to calculate the Modified Mayo Wrist score.

The fracture united in all patients after a mean period of immobilisation of 5.3 months (3 to 7). Five patients were pain free; one had mild pain. All returned to regular activities, and had a range of movement and grip strength within 25% of normal, resulting in an excellent Modified Mayo Wrist score.

Prolonged treatment with cast immobilisation resulted in union of the fracture and an excellent Modified Wrist Score in all patients.

The role of heritable thrombophilic risk factors in the pathogenesis of the Perthes’ disease is controversial. The clinical and radiological findings of Perthes’ disease may be indistinguishable from those of Gaucher’s disease, and the most common Jewish N370S Gaucher mutation is threefold greater in patients with Perthes’ disease. Familial osteonecrosis of the femoral head is associated with variant mutations of collagen type II (COL2A1 mutations). We therefore studied the potential role of genetic thrombophilia and the Gaucher and COL2A1 mutations in children with Perthes’ disease.

Genomic DNA of 119 children with radiologically-confirmed Perthes’ disease diagnosed between 1986 and 2005 was analysed for the thrombophilic polymorphisms Factor V Leiden, 677T-MTHFR and FIIG20210A. The results were compared with those of a group of 276 children without Perthes’ disease. DNA was also analysed for the Gaucher mutations N370S, G insertion (84GG), L444P, Intron 2 (IVS2+1G> A) and R496H. Enzymic assays confirmed the Gaucher disease status. Collagen (COL2A1) mutations of the 12q13 gene were also analysed. The prevalence of thrombophilic markers was similar among the 119 patients with Perthes’ disease and the 276 control subjects. The prevalence of the Gaucher mutation was consistent with Israeli population carriership data and did not confirm an earlier-claimed association with Perthes’ disease. All 199 patients were negative for the studied COL2A1 mutations.

We found no genetic association between Perthes’ disease and either Gaucher’s disease or COL2A1 mutations or increased genetic thrombophilia among our patients compared with the control group. A systematic review of case-control studies suggested that there was a positive association between Perthes’ disease and Factor V Leiden. The impact of this association upon the disease, although not consistent across the studies, remains unclear.

Ulnar neuropathy presents as a complication in 5% to 10% of total elbow replacements, but subsequent ulnar neurolysis is rarely performed. Little information is available on the surgical management of persistent ulnar neuropathy after elbow replacement. We describe our experience with the surgical management of this problem.

Of 1607 total elbow replacements performed at our institution between January 1969 and December 2004, eight patients (0.5%) had a further operation for persistent or progressive ulnar neuropathy. At a mean follow-up of 9.2 years (3.1 to 21.7) six were clinically improved and satisfied with their outcome, although, only four had complete recovery. When transposition was performed on a previously untransposed nerve the rate of recovery was 75%, but this was reduced to 25% if the nerve had been transposed at the time of the replacement.

We present the results of 17 children of Tanner stage 1 or 2 who underwent reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament between 1999 and 2006 using a transphyseal procedure, employing an ipsilateral four-strand hamstring graft. The mean age of the children was 12.1 years (9.5 to 14). The mean follow-up was 44 months (25 to 100). Survival of the graft, the functional outcome and complications were recorded. There was one re-rupture following another injury. Of the remaining patients, all had good or excellent results and a normal International Knee Documentation Committee score. The mean post-operative Lysholm score was 97.5 (sd 2.6) and the mean Tegner activity scale was 7.9 (sd 1.4). One patient had a mild valgus deformity which caused no functional disturbance. No other abnormality or discrepancy of leg length was seen. Measurements with a KT1000 arthrometer showed no significant difference between the normal and the operated legs.

In this small series, transphyseal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament appeared to be safe in these young children.

The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to report the continued occurrence of compartment syndrome secondary to paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures in the period 1995 to 2005. The inclusion criteria were children with a closed, low-energy supracondylar fracture with no associated fractures or vascular compromise, who subsequently developed compartment syndrome. There were 11 patients (seven girls and four boys) identified from eight hospitals in three countries. Ten patients with severe elbow swelling documented at presentation had a mean delay before surgery of 22 hours (6 to 64). One patient without severe swelling documented at presentation suffered arterial entrapment following reduction, with a subsequent compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy 25 hours after the index procedure.

This series is noteworthy, as all patients had low-energy injuries and presented with an intact radial pulse. Significant swelling at presentation and delay in fracture reduction may be important warning signs for the development of a compartment syndrome in children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

Purpose of study: To investigate the contribution of 11p15 defects to hemi-hypertrophy (HH) and clarify the potential association with Wilms’ tumour.

Methods: Clinical data and blood/DNA samples were collected from patients with hemi- hypertrophy and from their parents. Where normal/abnormal tissue samples were available, fibroblast DNA was also analysed. Recruitment criteria included any patient with growth asymmetry. All patients were analysed for uni-parental disomy of 11p15 by quantitative PCR and for abnormal methylation at imprinting centres 1 and 2 by Pyrosequencing.

Results: Samples from 78 patients, including 30 with a history of a childhood tumour were analysed. Abnormalities at 11p15 were detected in 11 individuals: 9 had uni-parental disomy 11p15; two had isolated hyper-methylation of imprinting centre 1. Four of 11 patients had a history of Wilms’ tumour and one a history of neuroblastoma. The asymmetry and other clinical features in the individuals with 11p15 defects are variable, but often subtle.

Conclusions: HH is a poorly defined term that refers to asymmetrical growth of one region of the body. There is a recognised but poorly defined association with childhood malignancy, particularly Wilms’ tumour. HH is a feature of a number of genetic disorders, including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, which are caused by abnormalities of imprinting at chromosome 11p15. Certain of these defects are associated with an increased risk of Wilms’ tumour. Our data demonstrate that analysis of imprinting at 11p15 in patients with growth asymmetry identifies a subgroup at increased risk of Wilms’ tumour. Tumour surveillance should be encouraged in this group.

Further analyses are required to determine the molecular defects underlying those in whom no 11p15 defect is identifiable. Analyses of paired normal/abnormal tissue samples may be crucial in identifying such abnormalities.

Background: The major problem achieving lumbar spinal fusion is developing pseudarthrosis. At present the gold standard in achieving fusion is the use of autograft from pelvis or posterior elements of the spine. However the potential limitations of insuffient quantity and donor site morbidity have led to search for bone graft alternatives like DBM which contains osteinductive BMPs.

Aims & Methods: A Prospective Randomized Control trial comparing the effectiveness of demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM Putty)/autograft composite with autograft in lumbar spinal fusion.

35 patients were included in the trial; they were randomized to have DBM and autograft on one side, and autograft alone on other side to side. Patients were followed up with interval radiographs for total of 24mons. To date 20 patients have completed minimum 12mons follow up. The mineralization of fusion mass lateral to the instrumentation on each side was graded Absent, Mild (< 50%), Moderate (> 50%) or Complete fusion (100%). The assessment was made by two orthopaedic consultants and a musculoskeletal radiologist who were blinded to graft assignment.

Results: The sex distribution was 11:9 male to females with a mean age of 55.2 (21–87 years) and an average follow up of 18mons (12–24mons). Nine patients had single level fusion and the remainder had more than one level fusion. At 12 months on the side of DBM, 15% (6 of 20) had complete fusion, 80% (16 of 20) had moderate fusion, and 5% had no fusion mass. During the same period on the other side, 25% did not show any sign of fusion. There was no correlation with number of levels, age or sex.

Conclusions: Osteoinductive properties of DBM would appear to help in achieving early and higher union rates in lumbar spinal fusion. DBM reduces the amount of harvested autograft graft and also minimises the morbidity of donor site complications.

This is a prospectively randomised blind study to determine which treatment- Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) or Hydrodilatation is more effective for proven shoulder adhesive capsulitis. Forty patients with adhesive capsulitis were randomised to receive either of the two treatments. All patients were assessed by an independent investigator, with Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) and Constant scores, at three intervals “ pre-treatment, 2 months and 6 months following treatment. Twenty patients (mean age 55.2 years (44–70); duration of symptoms 33.7 weeks (8–76)) received hydrodilatation and eighteen (mean age 54.5 years (39–69); duration of symptoms 43.5 weeks (12–102)) underwent MUA (two patients dropped out). VAS scores in the hydrodilatation group were pre treatment 6.1 (n=20), 2.4 (n=18;p=0.001) at 2 months and 1.7 (n=17; p=0.0006) at 6 months. VAS scores in the MUA group were pre treatment 5.7 (n=18), 4.7 (n=16) at 2 months, and 2.7 (n=15;p=0.0006) at 6 months. The VAS pain scores in the hydrodilatation group were significantly better than the MUA group over the six month follow-up (p< 0.0001)Constant scores in the hydrodilatation group were 30.8 pre treatment, 57.4 (p=0.0004) at 2 months and 65.9 (p=0.0005) at 6 months. In the MUA group, Constant scores were 38 pre treatment, 60.2 (p=0.001) at 2 months and 59.5 (p=0.0006) at 6 months. Constant scores in the hydrodilataion group were again significantly better than the MUA group over the six month follow-up (p= 0.02). At final follow up, 93% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied after hydrodilatation compared to 71% of those receiving an MUA.

We have for the first time prospectively measured the outcome of two treatments “ MUA and hydrodilatation in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Our results suggest that although both treatments are effective in the majority of patients, hydrodilatation is significantly more effective than a manipulation under anaesthesia.

Aim: This is a report on outcome of Complete Trans-physeal ACL reconstruction in a group of 24 children with open physes of whom 6 were under 12 years (Pre-pubertal).

Materials & Methods: A group of twenty-four children with an average age of 13 years were reviewed. Six children were aged 12 or under at the time of operation. There were 21 boys and 3 girls. The follow-up ranged from 12 to 72 months (mean 37.8 months).

ACL Reconstruction was done by a standard 4-strand hamstring technique using an endobutton proximally and a spiked washer and screw distally in the tibia.

The IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores were used to assess the knees pre and post-operatively. Stability was measured using the KT-1000 arthrometer.

Results: Common modes of injury were football, rugby, skiing and squash. The left side was involved in 13 patients, and the right side in 11 patients. Interval between injury and surgery ranged from 3 to 22 months with an average of 8 months. Meniscal repair was carried out in 9 out of 14 patients with meniscal tears. The average Tegner score before injury was 7.7, before operation was 4 and at the last follow-up was 7.6. The average pre-operative Lysholm score was 54.6 compared to the post-operative score of 93. There was no incidence of angular deformity or a limb length discrepancy. There has been 1 re-rupture in a child aged 11 years 11 months at operation but no meniscal injuries. The outcome in the 5 other children aged 12 or less at the time of operation has been as good as the older children.

Conclusion: Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using a trans-physeal technique gives good results in pre-pubertal children and in adolescents.

We describe a case of symptomatic focal femoral osteolysis around a screw hole distal to the hydroxyapatite-coated portion of a cannulated femoral component in a revision hip replacement. No locking screw had been inserted into this, the most proximal of the three distal holes for locking screws. The presence of polyethylene wear debris in the tissue excised from the lesion suggested that it had passed through the cannulated portion of the stem and out of the proximal unfilled distal locking hole, initiating an osteolytic reaction in an otherwise well-fixed stem. This case highlights an important design characteristic of such cannulated, uncemented femoral components. We recommend that the proximal aperture of these cannulated stems be occluded at implantation.

Periacetabular osteotomy provides a joint preserving option for the treatment of acetabular dysplasia but is generally considered technically demanding, which has limited its widespread application. This study evaluates a new computer enhanced technique for a trans-trochanteric periacetabular osteotomy. This multi-use computer interface designed and used at Kingston General Hospital and Queen’s University has been previously and successfully used in many different types of surgical procedures. Interim results show few complications and accurate guidance.

To develop a new periacetabular osteotomy technique that can be performed safely and reliably using computer-enhanced technology.

This technique has enabled us to perform periacetabular osteotomies with few complications and increased accuracy of component alignment and sizing.

Using this computer-enhanced technique, periacetabular osteotomy may become a more common procedure in the practice of hip reconstruction.

Candidates include adults with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Pre-operative radiographs and CT scans are obtained. The scan is digitized to create a 3D model used for osteotomy planning. A trans-trochanteric approach is used to the acetabulum. An intra-operative plan is followed for osteotomy cuts. Fixation is achieved with two pelvic reconstruction plates. Peri-operative data on correction, complications and clinical data (WOMAC and SF36), and xrays and one year 3D CT scans are collected prospectively. This procedure has been performed on eighteen patients with an average centre edge angle correction of ninteen degrees. The computer guidance system has given accurate information in all but one case, which was successfully completed with limited guidance. No cases of intra-articular or posterior column fractures, nerve injury or AVN have occurred. Two cases of trochanteric pull-off were revised without complication. One case of delayed union of the pubic rami osteotomy was bone grafted and subsequently healed. One case of radiographic, but not clinical heterotropic ossification occurred in a patient with contraindications to prophylaxis. This new technique provides a reliable and reproducible option for acetabular correction with low complication rates.

Panton-Valentine leukocidin secreted by Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause severe skin, soft tissue and lung infections. However, until recently it has not been described as causing life-threatening musculoskeletal infection. We present four patients suffering from osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, widespread intravascular thrombosis and overwhelming sepsis from proven Panton-Valentine leukocidin-secreting Staphylococcus aureus. Aggressive, early and repeated surgical intervention is required in the treatment of these patients.

The Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin not only destroys host neutrophils, immunocompromising the patient, but also increases the risk of intravascular coagulopathy. This combination leads to widespread involvement of bone with glutinous pus which is difficult to drain, and makes the delivery of antibiotics and eradication of infection very difficult without surgical intervention.

We have examined the relief from pain and the functional outcome in 18 patients who underwent resection arthroplasty of the shoulder as a salvage operation between 1988 and 2002. The indications included failed shoulder replacement in 17, with infection in 13, and chronic septic arthritis in one. The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (2.5 to 16.6). Two intra-operative fractures of the humerus occurred, both of which healed.

The level of pain was significantly decreased (t-test, p < 0.001) but five patients continued to have moderate to severe pain. The mean active elevation was 70° (0° to 150°) postoperatively and represented an improvement from 39° (0° to 140°) (t-test, p = 0.003), but internal and external rotation were hardly changed. The mean number of positive answers on the 12-question Simple Shoulder Test was 3.1 (0 to 12) but the shoulder was generally comfortable when the arm was positioned at rest by the side. The mean post-operative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon’s score was 36 (8 to 73).

Despite applying this procedure principally to failed shoulder replacements, the results were similar to those reported in the literature for patients after severe fracture-dislocation. Reduction of pain is possible in one half to two-thirds of patients. The outcome of this operation in providing relief from pain cannot be guaranteed, but the shoulder is usually comfortable at rest, albeit with profound functional limitations.