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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_8 | Pages 19 - 19
1 May 2019
Williams G
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Glenoid exposure is the name of the game in total shoulder arthroplasty. I can honestly say that it took me more than 5 years but less than 10 to feel confident exposing any glenoid, regardless of the degree of bone deformity and the severity of soft-tissue contracture. This lecture represents the synthesis of my experience exposing some of the most difficult glenoids. The basic principles are performing extensive soft-tissue release, minimizing the anteroposterior dimension of the humerus by osteophyte excision, making an accurate humeral neck cut, having a plethora of glenoid retractors, and knowing where to place them.

The ten tips, in reverse order of importance are: 10.) Tilt the table away from operative side—this helps face the surface of the glenoid, especially in cases of posterior wear, toward the surgeon. 9.) Have multiple glenoid retractors—these include a large Darrach, a reverse double-pronged Bankart, one or two blunt Homans, small and large Fukudas. 8.) Remove all humeral osteophytes before attempting to retract the humerus posteriorly to expose the glenoid—this helps to decrease the overall anteroposterior dimension of the humerus and allows for maximum posterior displacement of the humerus. 7.) Make an accurate humeral neck cut—even 5mm of extra humeral bone will make glenoid exposure difficult. 6.) Optimal humeral position—it has been taught that abduction, external rotation, and extension is the optimal position. It may vary with each case. Therefore, experiment with humeral rotation to find the position that allows maximum visualization. This is often the position that makes the cut surface of the humerus parallel to the surface of the glenoid. 5.) Optimal retractor placement—my typical retractor placement is a Fukuda on the posterior lip of the glenoid, a reverse double-pronged Bankart on the anterior neck of the scapula, and a blunt Homan posterosuperiorly. Occasionally, a second blunt Homan anteroinferiorly is helpful, particularly in muscular males with a large pectoralis major. 4.) Laminar spreader for lateral humeral displacement—this can be helpful for posterior capsulorrhaphy or for posterior glenoid bone grafting. 3.) Maximal humeral capsular release—the release of the anterior capsule from the humerus must go well past the 6 o'clock position and up the posterior surface of the humerus. This aides in humeral exposure but also allows for more posterior displacement of the humerus during glenoid exposure. 2.) Anteroinferior capsular release or excision—extensive anteroinferior release or excision (my preference), allows for maximal posterior humeral displacement and also restores external rotation. 1.) Posterior or posteroinferior capsular release—release of the posteroinferior corner of the capsule from the glenoid results in a noticeable increase in posterior humeral retractability. In cases without substantial posterior subluxation, extensive release of the entire posterior capsule is performed.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_8 | Pages 9 - 9
1 May 2019
Williams G
Full Access

Neurovascular injury during shoulder arthroplasty is uncommon and has been reported to occur in 1–4% of cases. The incidence of nerve abnormalities during intraoperative nerve monitoring during shoulder arthroplasty is substantially higher. However, the rate of false positives with nerve monitoring is high and the clinical significance of these intraoperative findings is unknown. Therefore, the clinical utility of intraoperative nerve monitoring is unproven. Regardless, experience with intraoperative nerve monitoring has allowed us to identify the times during the procedure when measurable nerve dysfunction is most common. Moreover, experience as well as familiarity with reported patient and anatomic risk factors may help reduce the incidence of neurovascular injury.

Five rules that will likely help to reduce intraoperative nerve injuries include recognition of reported patient risk factors, knowledge of relevant anatomy and normal anatomic variations, intraoperative identification and protection of at-risk neurovascular structures, limitation of overall operative time and the amount of time with the arm in at-risk positions, and minimization of retraction force.

It is likely not possible to completely avoid neurovascular injuries during TSA. However, by following these five rules, the risk of neurovascular injury can be minimised.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 7 - 7
1 Aug 2017
Williams G
Full Access

Clinical nerve injury has been reported in 0.6–4.8% of shoulder arthroplasties. Classical teaching is that 70–85% of injuries recover. Despite recovery of motor function, overall shoulder function may be negatively affected and residual pain is common. Complex regional pain syndromes may develop and become permanent. Consequently, methods to limit nerve injury have been investigated.

In the early 2000's I became concerned about the incidence of nerve injuries in my arthroplasty practice. I became intrigued with the idea of peripheral nerve monitoring as a method to alert the surgeon intra-operatively about impending nerve insults so that evasive measures could be taken to prevent any clinically significant nerve injuries. The results of our first 30 consecutive patients were published in JSES in 2007. Seventeen patients (56.7%) had 30 episodes of nerve dysfunction (i.e. nerve alerts) during surgery. Twenty-three of thirty alerts (76.7%) returned to normal after repositioning the arm to a neutral position. Post-operative EMG was positive in 4 of 7 (57.1%) patients who did not have a return to normal motor latency intra-operatively and in 1 of 10 (10%) patients whose intra-operative nerve function did return to normal. None had clinical nerve injuries. This early experience indicated that nerve injury was potentially more common than previously thought but intra-operative nerve monitoring seemed to have a relatively high false positive rate.

Our group subsequently studied 440 shoulder arthroplasty cases. The protocol used to identify a nerve alert was made more restrictive than the first study as an attempt to decrease the false positive rate. In this larger group, nerve alerts occurred in 185 cases (42.0%), and 37 (8.4%) cases did not have signals return to above the alert threshold at closure. There were no permanent post-operative nerve injuries and 5 transient nerve injuries (1.1%). Cases in which MEP amplitudes remained below alert threshold were significantly more likely to have a post-operative nerve injury (p = 0.03). There were no false negatives, (i.e. a post-operative nerve injury occurred while MEPs were normal at closure), making sensitivity 100%. There were 32 false positives, leading to a specificity of 92.6%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 13.5%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, and an accuracy (ACC) of 92.3%. In my opinion, the high false positive rate and the low PPV make the technique difficult to justify for routine clinical use.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 19 - 19
1 Aug 2017
Williams G
Full Access

Glenoid exposure is the name of the game in total shoulder arthroplasty. I can honestly say that it took me more than 5 years but less than 10 to feel confident exposing any glenoid, regardless of the degree of bone deformity and the severity of soft-tissue contracture. This lecture represents the synthesis of my experience exposing some of the most difficult glenoids. The basic principles are performing extensive soft-tissue release, minimizing the anteroposterior dimension of the humerus by osteophyte excision, making an accurate humeral neck cut, having a plethora of glenoid retractors, and knowing where to place them.

The ten tips, in reverse order of importance are: 10.) Tilt the table away from operative side—this helps face the surface of the glenoid, especially in cases of posterior wear, toward the surgeon. 9.) Have multiple glenoid retractors—these include a large Darrach, a reverse double-pronged Bankart, one or two blunt Homans, small and large Fukudas. 8.) Remove all humeral osteophytes before attempting to retract the humerus posteriorly to expose the glenoid—this helps to decrease the overall anteroposterior dimension of the humerus and allows for maximum posterior displacement of the humerus. 7.) Make an accurate humeral neck cut—even 5mm of extra humeral bone will make glenoid exposure difficult. 6.) Optimal humeral position—it has been taught that abduction, external rotation, and extension is the optimal position. It may vary with each case. Therefore, experiment with humeral rotation to find the position that allows maximum visualization. This is often the position that makes the cut surface of the humerus parallel to the surface of the glenoid. 5.) Optimal retractor placement—my typical retractor placement is a Fukuda on the posterior lip of the glenoid, a reverse double-pronged Bankart on the anterior neck of the scapula, and a blunt Homan posterosuperiorly. Occasionally, a second blunt Homan anteroinferiorly is helpful, particularly in muscular males with a large pectoralis major. 4.) Laminar spreader for lateral humeral displacement—this can be helpful for posterior capsulorrhaphy or for posterior glenoid bone grafting. 3.) Maximal humeral capsular release—the release of the anterior capsule from the humerus must go well past the 6 o'clock position and up the posterior surface of the humerus. This aides in humeral exposure but also allows for more posterior displacement of the humerus during glenoid exposure. 2.) Anteroinferior capsular release or excision—extensive anteroinferior release or excision (my preference), allows for maximal posterior humeral displacement and also restores external rotation. 1.) Posterior or posteroinferior capsular release—release of the posteroinferior corner of the capsule from the glenoid results in a noticeable increase in posterior humeral retractability. In cases without substantial posterior subluxation, extensive release of the entire posterior capsule is performed.

Following these steps will help the surgeon to gain adequate glenoid exposure, even in the most difficult cases.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 14 - 14
1 Aug 2017
Williams G
Full Access

Periprosthetic joint infection (PPJI) following shoulder arthroplasty is uncommon, with an overall rate of 0.98%. However, the rates following revision arthroplasty and reverse arthroplasty are much higher. Given the rapid increase in the prevalence of shoulder arthroplasty and the increasing revision burden, the cost of PPJI to society will likely increase substantially. The most common organisms found in PPJI following shoulder arthroplasty are Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. acnes is especially common in males. Traditional testing for PPJI includes aspiration, white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and c-reactive protein (CRP). Aspiration often yields a dry tap and when fluid is obtained for culture, a positive result is helpful but a negative result does not rule out PPJI. Although WBC, ESR, and CRP are often positive with PPJI in the lower extremity, they are most often negative in shoulder PPJI. Although bone scans and WBC labeled scans are used, they are expensive and have low sensitivity and specificity.

New testing and techniques have been reported in an attempt to improve sensitivity and specificity for PPJI. These techniques can be divided into tests on serum, synovial fluid, and tissue. Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is highly specific (94%) for shoulder PPJI but has low sensitivity (14%). Synovial fluid can be tested for leukocyte esterase using a simple and cheap technique. In lower extremity PPJI it has shown to be helpful. It is not as helpful in shoulder PPJI with 30% sensitivity and 67% specificity. Alpha defensin has been reported to be more sensitive (63%) and as specific (95%) as traditional techniques but still lacks predictive value. Testing for specific cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF- α) within synovial fluid is not widely used as yet but has shown promise with 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Obtaining tissue for culture and other testing is probably the most reliable way of confirming PPJI for the shoulder. Frozen sections taken at the time of revision can be helpful but is very pathologist dependent and institution specific. With a dedicated musculoskeletal pathologist, the finding of 10 or more WBCs per high powered field has been reported to be 72% sensitive and 100% specific for P. acnes and 63% sensitive and 100% specific for other organisms. Cultures from arthroscopic tissue biopsy have also been found to have high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%). Genetic testing of tissue biopsy specimens (PCR/NGS) has recently been reported and shows great promise. The significance of positive cultures and other tests, especially for P. acnes is unclear. There is a high rate of positive intra-operative cultures in primary cases of shoulder arthroplasty. In addition, intra-operative cultures taken at the time of revision, even in cases in which infection is not suspected, are frequently positive for P. acnes with weak correlation with rates of post-operative clinical infection.

In conclusion, shoulder PPJI is a difficult problem to deal with. The definition of shoulder PPJI is currently unclear and further study is needed. There is no ideal test to confirm it. A reasonable approach is to aspirate for culture, and perform serum tests for WBC, ESR, and C-reactive protein. If any of these is positive in the setting of a painful arthroplasty, PPJI should be assumed until proven otherwise. Operative tissue cultures are probably the most reliable test but the clinical significance is not always obvious. Synovial fluid cytokine profiles and tissue PCR/NGS show promise for the future.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_3 | Pages 92 - 92
1 Feb 2017
Day J MacDonald D Kraay M Rimnac C Williams G Abboud J Kurtz S
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Utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has steadily increased since its 2003 introduction in the American market. Although RTSA was originally indicated for elderly, low demand patients, it is now being increasingly used to treat rotator cuff arthropathy, humeral fractures, neoplasms and failed total and hemi shoulder arthroplasty. There is, therefore, a growing interest in bearing surface wear of RTSA polyethylene humeral liners. In the current study, we examined humeral liners retrieved as part of an IRB approved study to determine the amount of bearing surface wear. We hypothesized that wear of the bearing surface by intentional contact with the glenosphere (mode I) would be minor compared to that produced by scapular notching and impingement of the humeral liner (mode II).

Twenty-three retrieved humeral liners were retrieved at revision surgery after an average of 1.5 years implantation time. The average age at implantation was 68 years (range 50–85). Shoulders were revised for loosening (7), instability (6), infection (6), pain (2), and other/unknown reasons (2). The liners were scanned using microCT at a resolution of 50 µm and then registered against unworn surfaces to estimate the bearing surface wear depth. The depth of surface penetration due to impingement of the liner with surrounding structures was measured and the location of the deepest penetration was noted.

Mode I wear of the bearing surface was detectable for five of the retrieved liners. The penetration depth was 100 µm or less for four of the liners and approximately 250 microns for the fifth liner. It was noted that the liners with discernable mode I wear were those with longer implantation times (average 2.4 years). Material loss and abrasion of the rim due to mode II wear was noted with measurable penetration in 18 of the liners. Mode II wear penetrated to the bearing surface in 11 liners. It was generally noted that volumetric material loss was dominated by mode II wear (Figure 1).

In this study of short to medium term retrieved RTSA humeral liners, mode I wear of the bearing surface was a minor source of material loss. Mode II wear due to scapular notching or impingement of the rim was the dominant source of volumetric wear. This is in agreement with a previous study that we have performed on a smaller cohort of seven liners. It is noteworthy that we were able to detect measurable mode I wear for liners with moderate implantation times. The quantity of bearing surface wear that will be seen in long term retrievals remains unknown at this time.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_19 | Pages 10 - 10
1 Nov 2016
Ellison P Mason L Williams G Molloy A
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Introduction

The dichotomy between surgical repair and conservative management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures has been eliminated through appropriate functional management. The orthoses used within functional management however, remains variable. Functional treatment works on the premise that the ankle/hindfoot is positioned in sufficient equinus to allow for early weight-bearing on a ‘shortened’ Achilles tendon. Our aim in this study was to test if 2 common walking orthoses achieved a satisfactory equinus position of the hindfoot.

Methods

10 sequentially treated patients with 11 Achilles tendon injuries were assigned either a fixed angle walking boot with wedges (FAWW) or an adjustable external equinus corrected vacuum brace system (EEB). Weight bearing lateral radiographs were obtained in plaster and the orthosis, which were subsequently analysed using a Carestream PACS system. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare means.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_19 | Pages 1 - 1
1 Nov 2016
Williams G Kadakia A Ellison P Mason L Molloy A
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Introduction

Traditional treatment of idiopathic flatfoot in the adult population include calcaneal neck lengthening or fusions. These surgical methods result in abnormal function with significant complication rates. Our prospective study aimed to quantify the functional and radiological outcome of a new technique for spring ligament reconstruction using a hamstring graft, calcaneal osteotomy and medial head of gastrocnemius recession if appropriate.

Methods

22 feet were identified from the senior authors flatfoot reconstructions over a 3 year period (Jan 2013 to Dec 2015). 9 feet underwent a spring ligament reconstruction. The control group were 13 feet treated with standard tibialis posterior reconstruction surgery. Follow up ranged from 8 to 49 months. Functional assessment comprised VAS heath and pain scales, EQ-5D and MOXFQ scores. Radiographic analysis was performed for standardised parameters.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_19 | Pages 24 - 24
1 Nov 2016
Williams G Butcher C Molloy A Mason L
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Introduction

We aimed to retrospectively identify risk factors for delayed / non-union for first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion.

Methods

Case notes and radiograph analysis was performed for operations between April 2014 and April 2016 with at least 3 months post-operative follow up. Union was defined as bridging bone across the fusion site on AP and lateral radiographic views with no movement or pain at the MTPJ on examination. If union was not certain, CT scans were performed. All patients operations were performed/supervised by one of three consultant foot surgeons. Surgery was performed through a dorsal approach using the Anchorage compression plate. Blinded pre-operative AP radiographs were analysed for the presence of a severe hallux valgus angle equal or above 40 degrees. Measurement intra-observer reliability was acceptable (95%CI:1.6–2.3 degrees). Smoking and medical conditions associated with non-union underwent univariate analysis for significance.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 108 - 108
1 Jan 2016
Day J MacDonald D Arnholt C Williams G Getz C Kraay M Rimnac C Kurtz S
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INTRODUCTION

Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion of taper interfaces was raised as a concern in total hip arthroplasty (THA) approximately 20 years ago (Gilbert 1993). In total shoulder replacement, however, comparatively little is known about the prevalence of fretting assisted crevice corrosion or the biomechanical and patient factors that influence this phenomenon. Given the comparatively lower loading experienced in the shoulder compared to the hip, we asked: (1) What is the prevalence of fretting assisted corrosion in modular total shoulder replacements, and (2) What patient and implant factors are associated with corrosion?

METHODS

Modular components were collected from 48 revision shoulder arthroplasties as part of a multi-center, IRB approved retrieval program. For anatomic shoulders, this included 40 humeral heads, 32 stems and four taper adapters from seven manufacturers. For reverse shoulders, there were eight complete sets of retrieved components from three manufacturers. The components were predominantly revised for instability, loosening and pain. Anatomical shoulders were implanted for an average of 3.1 years (st dev 3.8; range 0.1–14.5). Reverse shoulders were implanted for an average of 2.2 years (st dev 0.7; range 1.3–3.3). Modular components were disassembled and examined for taper damage. The modular junctions were scored for fretting corrosion using a semi-quantitative four-point scoring system adapted from Goldberg, et al. (Goldberg, 2002, Higgs 2013). The scoring system criteria was adapted from Goldberg and Higgs which is comprised of a one to four grading system (with one indicating little-to-no fretting/corrosion and four indicating extensive fretting/corrosion). The component alloy composition was determined using the manufacturer's laser markings and verified by x-ray fluorescence. Patient age, gender, hand dominance, alloy, flexural rigidity of the trunnion and taper geometry were assessed independently as predictors for fretting corrosion.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 109 - 109
1 Jan 2016
Day J McCloskey R Rimnac C Kraay M Williams G Abboud J Kurtz S
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INTRODUCTION

Retrieval analysis is an important aspect of medical device development. Examination of retrieved devices allows device developers to close the design loop, understand the performance of devices, and validate assumptions made and methods used during preclinical testing. We provide an overview of the implant retrieval analysis performed at the Implant Research Center at Drexel University on reverse total shoulder systems retrieved after short to medium term implantation.

METHODS

We have examined 18 reverse total shoulders, retrieved at revision surgery after short to mid-term implantation (average 1.4 years, maximum 3.3 years). The average age at revision was 71 years old (st dev 11 years). Our evaluations included analysis of glenosphere bearing surface damage, evaluation of tribocorrosion at the modular junctions, visual assessment of polyethylene humeral bearing surface damage, quantitative analysis of polyethylene wear.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 97-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 75 - 75
1 Dec 2015
Khundkar R Williams G Fennell N Ramsden A Mcnally M
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a rare complication of chronic osteomyelitis (OM), arising in a sinus tract (Marjolin's Ulcer). We routinely send samples for histological analysis for all longstanding sinus tracts in patients with chronic osteomyelitis. We reviewed the clinical features and outcomes of patients with SCC arising from chronic osteomyellitis.

A retrospective study was performed of patients with osteomyelitis between January 2004 and December 2014 in a single tertiary referral centre. Clinical notes, microbiology and histo-pathological records were reviewed for patients who had squamous cell carcinoma associated with OM.

We treated 9 patients with chronic osteomyelitis related squamous cell carcinoma. The mean age at time of diagnosis was 51 years (range 41–81 years) with 4 females and 5 males. The mean duration of osteomyelitis was 16.5 years (3–30 years) before diagnosis of SCC. SCC arose in osteomyelitis of the ischium in 5 patients, sacrum in 1 patient, femur in 1 patient and tibia in 2 patients. Osteomyelitis was due to pressure ulceration in 7 patients and post-traumatic infection in 2 patients. The histology showed well differentiated SCC in 4 cases and moderately differentiated SCC in 2 cases with invasion. Two patients had SCC with involvement of bone. One patient had metastatic SCC to bowel. All patients had polymicrobial or Gram-negative cultures from microbiology samples.

Four patients (57%) in our series died as result of their cancer despite wide resection. The mean survival after diagnosis of SCC was 1.3 years and mean age at time of death was 44.7 years. Two of these patients had ischial disease and were treated with hip disarticulation, hemi-pelvectomy and iliac node clearance.

Five patients remain disease free at a mean of 3.4 years (range 0.1 – 7yrs) after excision surgery. One patient in this group underwent a through-hip amputation, one underwent an above knee amputation and one underwent excision of ischium and surrounding sinuses. Of note, all these patients had clear staging scans at time of diagnosis.

This case series demonstrates the consequences of an uncommon complication of osteomyelitis. In our series only 3 patients underwent biopsy for suspected SCC due to clinical appearances. The other cases were all identified incidentally after routine histological sampling, demonstrating the importance of this practice.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 97-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 77 - 77
1 Dec 2015
Williams G Khundkar R Ramsden A Mcnally M
Full Access

Chronic osteomyelitis is a challenging clinical problem. Aggressive debridement, bony fixation, obliteration of dead space and vascularised soft tissue coverage with appropriate antimicrobial therapy are essential to successful management of this condition. The gracilis muscle flap is the workhorse flap in our unit for reconstruction of limb osteomyelitis.

We describe the experience and use of this flap in our unit over a 3 year period.

Clinical records were reviewed from a prospectively-maintained Oxford Free Flap Database and patient notes. All patients who received a free gracilis flap reconstruction as part of the treatment of osteomyelitis between 2011 and 2014 were included in the study.

40 patients received free gracilis flaps; 38/40 for lower limb and 2/40 for upper limb osteomyelitis. Two were myocutaneous flaps, and the remainder were muscle only. The return to theatre rate was 12.5% with a total flap loss rate of 5%. Other flap-specific complications include partial flap loss (2.5%), flap site haematoma (2.5%), donor site haematoma (2.5%) and seroma (2.5%). General complications included pulmonary embolism (2.5%) and death from sepsis (2.5%).

All but 2 patients were treated successfully and remain disease free following their initial surgery, with a mean follow up of 12.4 months (range 1–23 months).

We have found that the free gracilis muscle flap is effective in the successful treatment of osteomyelitis, with a low complication rate.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_19 | Pages 17 - 17
1 Apr 2013
Iqbal HJ Williams G Redfern TR
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Introduction

Reverse total shoulder replacement is performed for the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy, massive irreparable cuff tears and failed shoulder hemiarthroplasty with irreparable rotator cuff tears. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcome of single surgeon series of Equinoxe® reverse total shoulder replacement at a district general hospital.

Materials/Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent Equinoxe® reverse total shoulder replacement at our unit from Jun 2008 to Dec 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for surgery, complications and radiological outcomes were assessed. Oxford shoulder score was used to assess the functional outcome.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 13 - 13
1 Jan 2013
Williams G Widnall J Evans P Platt S
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Introduction

Literature in respect to the MRI appearances of surgically confirmed spring ligament pathology is sparse. The authors conducted a retrospective review of MRI examinations comprising 13 patients with surgically proven spring ligament abnormality.

Methods

Records for operations performed for planovalgus foot deformity with operation notes confirming presence of spring ligament abnormality were obtained for patients treated 2010–11. Of 32 procedures 13 patients (3 male, 10 female) mean age 48.5 (range, 21–86 years) underwent preoperative MRI scanning using a standard musculoskeletal protocol on a T1.5 unit. Scans were retrospectively reviewed by one of the senior authors and consultant musculoskeletal radiologist for pathological findings.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVII | Pages 331 - 331
1 Sep 2012
Mariathas C Williams G Pattison G Lazar J Rashied M
Full Access

Introduction

No previous studies have attempted to measure parental satisfaction and service quality in regards to paediatric orthopaedic service inpatient care. We performed a prospective observational study to assess parental satisfaction with the level of service provided for paediatric orthopaedic inpatient care in our unit.

Methods

We employed the validated Swedish parent satisfaction questionnaire to generate parental satisfaction data from 104 paediatric orthopaedic hospital inpatients between August 2009 and May 2010 (49 elective and 55 trauma paediatric orthopaedic admissions, median age range 2–6 years). Questions focused on eight domains of quality: Information on illness, information on routines, accessibility, medical treatment, care processes, staff attitudes, parent participation and staff work environment. Scores generated were a percentage of the maximum achievable for that quality index, for example 100% would correspond to a parent awarding all questions for that index the highest possible score.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 47 - 47
1 Jan 2012
Lonsdale C Murray A Humphreys MT McDonough S Williams G Hurley D
Full Access

Purpose

This pilot study tested the feasibility of a self-determination theory-based communication skills training programme designed to increase physiotherapists' psychological needs supportive behaviour when treating patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP>12 weeks).

Methods

Both control (n = 4) and intervention (n = 3) physiotherapists received one hour of evidence-based CLBP management education. Intervention group physiotherapists also received six hours of autonomy-support training, utilizing the ‘5A’ health behaviour change model. Consenting participants [intervention n=16, mean (SD) age = 49.00 years (14.91); control n=12, mean (SD) age = 43.42 (11.70yrs)] completed the primary [self-reported PA, adherence to prescribed exercises, pain, disability, satisfaction] and secondary outcomes [psychological needs support, autonomous motivation, competence] at Week 1 and at Week 4.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 409 - 409
1 Jul 2010
Williams G
Full Access

Introduction: Failure to meet rehabilitation targets after total knee replacement is the main reason for delayed discharge in our orthopaedic unit. Low haemoglobin levels are associated with increased length of stay possibly due to poor participation in physiotherapy and delayed attainment of the functional goals necessary for safe discharge. This report describes the rehabilitation of patients with post operative haemoglobin levels between 7.1–8g/dL and provides a comparison with individuals rehabilitating with much higher levels.

Materials and Methods: Case notes of 64 primary total knee replacements over the period January – October 2007 (10 months) were reviewed in a comprehensive retrospective analysis. All aspects of care were standardised. Joint replacements were performed using recognised surgical techniques and implants.

Patients were given access to a minimum of two physiotherapy sessions each day, 6 days a week. Typical gait re-education began with the delta rolator frame progressing to walking sticks, stair assessment and finally discharge. Care pathways, operative and medial notes were reviewed for postoperative haemoglobin levels, complications and achievement of functional physiotherapy targets.

Results: 8 of 64 patients were found to have a postoperative haemoglobin level bellow 8g/dL (sample average 10.2g/dL). 3 of these patients underwent transfusion for levels bellow 7g/dL and were excluded from further analysis. 5 patients began rehabilitation with haemoglobin levels between 7.1–8g/dL. All 5 mobilised with the delta frame on post op day one, progressed to sticks between days two to four and managed a stairs assessment on postoperative days two to five with an average inpatient stay of six days.

Conclusion: These gains were almost identical to the overall sample average suggesting that in isolation, haemoglobin levels between 7.1–8g/dL do not significantly impede postoperative rehabilitation. It would seem there is no justification for ‘top up’ transfusions to expedite rehabilitation after joint replacement surgery in this patient group.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 350 - 350
1 May 2009
Williams G Callon K Watson M Naot D Wang Y Xu A Reid I Cornish J
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Adiponectin, a hormone secreted by adipocytes, regulates energy homeostasis and glucose and lipid metabolism. Plasma levels of adiponectin are negatively correlated with body fat mass. Adiponectin inhibits the formation and activity of osteoclasts and increases the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in vitro. The aim of our study was to determine the bone phenotype of adiponectin knockout mice.

Male adiponectin-deficient (Ad-KO) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice were sacrificed at 8, 14 and 22 weeks of age. Body weights did not differ between Ad-KO and WT mice. We scanned the left proximal tibia using micro-CT at 5μm resolution and analysed bone microarchitecture by 3D analysis.

We found significant increases in trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) (15.9±1.63 vs. 12.2±0.72%, p=0.02) and trabecular number (3.20±0.18mm-1 vs. 2.32±0.12mm-1, p=0.0009) in 14-week old Ad-KO mice compared to controls. Similar differences between WT and Ad-KO were present in 8 and 22-week old animals but these did not reach statistical significance. Trabecular thickness was significantly greater (0.053±0.001mm vs. 0.048±0.002mm, p=0.04) in 22-week old Ad-KO mice compared to WT.

Ad-KO mice have increased number and volume of trabeculae at 14 weeks of age indicating that the net effect of adiponectin on bone accrual in vivo is inhibitory. These effects are age-dependent. Our data concur with the observations from epidemiological studies in humans that adiponectin negatively correlates with both fat mass and bone mass. Therefore, adiponectin may be a contributor to the link between fat and bone mass.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 352 - 352
1 May 2009
Gray S Watson M Callon K Williams G Reid I Cornish J
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Leptin is a major hormonal product of the adipocyte which regulates appetite and reproductive function through its hypothalamic receptors. It has now become clear that leptin receptors are much more widely distributed than just the hypothalamus, and the skeleton has emerged as an important site of action of leptin.

The signalling form of the leptin receptor has been found in several cell types including human osteoblasts, rat osteoblasts and human chondrocytes. In vitro we have shown leptin to an anabolic factor, stimulating osteoblast proliferation and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Leptin increases bone mass and reduces bone fragility when administered peripherally but has an indirect inhibitory effect on bone mass via the hypothalamus when administered directly into the central nervous system.

Data from animal models where there is an absence of either leptin production (ob/ob) or its receptor (db/db) have been contradictory. In this study we compared the bone phenotype of leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) and wild-type (WT) mice. Micro-CT analysis was done on proximal tibiae using a Skyscan 1172 scanner. Db/db mice had significantly reduced trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness and trabecular number and a higher degree of trabecular separation. Cortical bone was also significantly lower in db/db animals in volume, cross-sectional thickness and perimeter.

These results demonstrate that in the absence of leptin signalling there is reduced bone mass indicating that leptin indeed acts in vivo as a bone anabolic factor, mimicking the in vitro results.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 392 - 392
1 Jul 2008
Gardner L Varbiro G Williams G Trividi J Roberts S
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Cells of the intervertebral disc exist in an unusual environment compared to those of other tissues. Within the disc there are low levels of nutrients available, low oxygen levels and it is an acidic environment due to high lactate levels. Apoptosis (programmed or controlled cell death) has been reported in intervertebral discs, as well as necrosis (uncontrolled cell death). This study has focused on examining the sensitivity of nucleus pulpo-sus (NP) cells to several stimuli, in comparison to two other cells types.

Ultra violet (UV) irradiation, serum starvation (with no foetal calf serum) and treatment with 2mM hydrogen peroxide were used to induce apoptosis in cultured bovine NP cells, HeLa (cancer cell line) and 293T cells (human embryo kidney derived) cells. Apoptosis was identified by nuclear morphology following staining with fluorescent Hoechst 33342 dye and propidium iodide; the incidence was measured at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Untreated controls were used for each treatment and at each time point.

The incidence of apoptosis increased with time for all treatments. After 72 hours, UV treatment produced the highest levels of apoptosis with levels of apoptosis occurring in the order of HeLa (94%) > NP cells (29%) > 293T cells (15%). Treatment with hydrogen peroxide and serum starvation induced apoptosis at lower levels in all three cell types (maximum of 30%). Serum starvation induced apoptosis in only 10% of NP cells at 72 hours, compared to 20% in HeLa cells. None of the controls contained apoptotic cells.

NP cells are stimulated to apoptose in response to UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide and serum starvation. However, levels of apoptosis are much lower after UV treatment in comparison to HeLa cells (3 times lower), suggesting that they may have a protective mechanism to this apoptotic stimulus, compared to HeLa cells. The low levels of apoptosis observed in NP cells with serum starvation may be due to the low nutrient environment that they exist in normally.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 89-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1239 - 1242
1 Sep 2007
Mitchell PD Hunt DM Lyall H Nolan M Tudor-Williams G

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.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 84-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 174 - 174
1 Jul 2002
Williams G
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Introduction

Pathophysiology of glenohumeral arthritis differs depending upon type of arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis (i.e. RA)

Arthritis of instability

Crystalline arthritis (Milwaukee shoulder, cuff tear arthropathy)

Avascular necrosis

Natural history as well as response to treatment are both pathology dependent

Soft-tissue involvement

Rotator cuff tear

Soft tissue contracture

Secondary osseous deformity

Regional osteopenia

Glenoid wear (concentric versus eccentric)

Humeral collapse

Surgical options

Joint-sparing techniques

Arthroscopic capsular release/ joint debridement/synovectomy

Open debridement, subscapularis lengthening

Open capsular interposition

Osteotomy

Glenoid

Humeral

Cartilage transplantation

Arthrodesis

Resection arthroplasty

Joint replacement

Unconstrained

Hemiarthroplasty

Total shoulder replacement

Constrained

Joint-sparing Techniques

These techniques are only useful in patients with early changes or who are too young and active for joint replacement

Arthroscopic debridement or capsular release

Young patients

Normal joint alignment

Severe asymmetric capsular contracture (i.e. arthritis of instability)

Open debridement

Large humeral osteophytes

Subscapularis lengthening

Open capsular interposition

Lateral edge of anterior capsule sutured to posterior labrum

Less severe degrees of contracture, subscapularis must be repaired anatomically

Osteotomy

Only useful in situations where there is abnormal humeral or glenoid alignment

Glenoid – posterior opening wedge for osteoarthritis in combination with posterior glenoid hypoplasia or increased retroversion

Humeral – most useful for post-fracture deformity (i.e. varus of the surgical neck)

Cartilage Transplantation

Very early experience and really only attempted in any numbers in the knee

Chondrocyte transplantation very expensive and tedious

Currently, the most popular techniques involve transplanting plugs or cores of articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and cancellous bone

Autograft- harvest from non-weight-bearing or less weight-bearing area the same or different bone

Lateral femoral condyle

Posterolateral humeral head

Allograft

Early attempts limited by chondrocyte viability after harvest

Improved processing techniques have recently improved chondrocyte survival to 60–70%

Offers the desirable option of being able to preoperatively match radii of curvature of implant to donor site

Arthrodesis

Fortunately, rarely indicated. Patients miss the ability to rotate the humerus

Indications

Brachial plexus injury

Combined deltoid and rotator cuff deficiency

Young heavy labourer

Sepsis

Severe bone loss

Requires functional trapezius and serratus anterior

Resectional Arthroplasty (Jones Procedure)

Even more rarely indicated than arthrodesis

Function is better if rotator cuff is attached to proximal humerus

Indications

Sepsis

Failed arthroplasty

Combined deltoid and rotator cuff deficiency

Conclusions

Hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder replacement with unconstrained implants is the surgical treatment of choice in the vast majority of patients with glenohumeral arthritis

Joint-sparing procedures are indicated in young patients with early, less extensive changes

Arthrodesis and resection arthroplasty are rarely indicated, except under unusual circumstances of soft-tissue deficiency, nerve injury, or sepsis

Cartilage transplantation shows promise in very select patients


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 84-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 175 - 175
1 Jul 2002
Williams G
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Introduction

Definition-in this presentation, the discussion will not include reparable cuff deficiency, as this is handled with standard arthroplasty techniques combined with cuff repair

Factors that affect decision-making

Kinematics-fixed fulcrum or not

Bone loss

Deltoid integrity

Coracoacromial arch integrity

Age

Activity level

Options

Hemiarthroplasty

“ Extended head” hemiarthroplasty

Arthroplasty + tendon transfer

Constrained arthroplasty – currently not FDA approved in USA

Arthrodesis

Evaluation

History and physical examination

? Prior surgery

? Overhead function – does fixed-fulcrum kinematics exist even if the head is not centred

? Anterosuperior instability – lack of fixedfulcrum kinematics

Cuff strength

Deltoid integrity

Radiographs – bone loss, especially glenoid

Other imaging studies not necessary

Arthroplasty

Hemiarthroplasty

Best if fixed fulcrum kinematics exists – intact CA arch, intact deltoid, at or above shoulder elevation

Technical considerations

Preserve deltoid

Preserve coracoacromial ligament, acromion

? Preserve remaining subscapularis – make humeral cut superiorly, through the rotator cuff defect

Alternatively, take down subscapularis and capsule in one layer, mobilise and repair or transpose superiorly

Increase retroversion of humeral cut- be careful of posterior cuff (teres minor) attachment

Glenoid deficiency – especially if anterior or anterosuperior instability is present. May need to graft glenoid with head.

Humeral head size-the same size or slightly larger than the one removed; avoid overstuffing

“Extended head” hemiarthroplasty (CTA head)

Indications same as hemiarthroplasty

Advantages

Provides resurfacing of greater tuberosity, which is articulating with the acromion and often irregular

Potentially improves kinematics by providing a “pain free” fulcrum

Technical considerations

Difficult but not impossible to do through a superior, subscapularis sparing approach

Special jig required for cutting tuberosity

Preserve CA arch

Preserve deltoid

Increase retroversion (be careful of remaining posterior cuff attachment)

Glenoid deficiency – especially if anterior or anterosuperior instability is present. May need to graft glenoid with head.

Humeral head size-the same size or slightly larger than the one removed; avoid overstuffing

Hemiarthroplasty + tendon transfer

Indications

Complete subscapularis deficiency

Posterior cuff insufficiency with anterosuperior subluxation or dislocation

Techniques

Latissimus transfer – posterior cuff insufficiency

Pectoralis major transfer – subscapularis insufficiency

Deep to conjoined tendon (Resch)

Superficial to conjoined tendon (Rockwood and Wirth)

Combined

Constrained arthroplasty

Not FDA approved in US

Delta III – reverse prosthesis

Reasonable results with medium-term follow-up in Europe (5–10 years)

Rehabilitation

Limited goals

Primary goals are pain relief and stability

Passive flexion to 90°, passive ER to 30° for 4 weeks

Advance stretches and add active range of motion and active assisted range of motion (overhead pulley) at 4 weeks

Strengthening – 6 weeks

Results

Less predictable and less functional overall than most other disease categories (e.g., OA)

Average elevation in most series is 120°

Usually good pain relief except in patients with anterosuperior subluxation


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 84-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 176 - 176
1 Jul 2002
Williams G
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Introduction

The most difficult part of shoulder replacement

Important steps

Anaesthesia and patient position

Soft-tissue releases

Humeral bone removal

Retractor placement

Anaesthesia and Patient Position

Need full paralysis

Patient must be positioned laterally enough so that the scapula is unsupported

Arm is draped free so that it can be manoeuvred to find the position of optimal glenoid visualisation – usually this is slight extension, external rotation, and GH elevation to 45 – 60°

Soft-tissue Releases

Humeral side – make sure that the rotator interval is incised all the way to the glenoid margin and that the inferior capsule is released past the six o’clock position

Glenoid

Circumferential labral excision

Circumferential capsular release

Check for biceps glide

Humeral Bone Removal

Remove all osteophytes – inferior, anterior, and posterior

Make sure humeral osteotomy is through anatomic neck so that there is minimal bone protruding beyond the humeral cuff reflection

Retractor Placement

Retractors needed

Ring retractor (e.g., Fukuda) – both small and large

Other types of humeral head retractors (e.g., Carter Rowe)

Reverse Homan x2

Single prong Bankart retractor

Large flat retractor (e.g., Darrach)

Placement

Fukuda or Carter Rowe retractor – within the joint, levering on the posterior glenoid to displace humeral head posteriorly

Large Darrach – on anterior neck of scapula retracting subscapularis

Single prong Bankart or reverse Homan – superior glenoid under biceps anchor

Reverse Homan – inferior glenoid. Not always necessary.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 46-B, Issue 4 | Pages 598 - 601
1 Nov 1964
Williams G

1. A course of treatment is suggested for patients with stove-in chests based on experience with seven patients, only one of whom died from his injury.

2. The literature on this subject is reviewed and it is suggested that treatment may be undertaken by an accident surgeon without recourse to intermittent positive pressure respiration inmost instances.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 46-B, Issue 3 | Pages 398 - 403
1 Aug 1964
Williams G

1. Fifteen cases of bone transplantation for fibrous union of fractures of long bones are described, using boiled minced cancellous bone from cadavers. One transplant became infected but the infection responded to treatment.

2. In one patient with non-union of the shaft of the humerus, bony union was not obtained, but a good functional result obviated further treatment.

3. It is suggested that this relatively simple method of bone transplantation could be used more widely if its potentialities were appreciated more fully.