Classification systems for tibial plateau fractures suffer from poor interobserver agreement, and their value in preoperative assessment to guide surgical fixation strategies is limited. For tibial plateau fractures four major characteristics are identified: lateral split fragment, posteromedial fragment, anterior tubercle fragment, and central zone of comminution. These fracture characteristics support preoperative assessment of fractures and guide surgical decision-making as each specific component requires a respective fixation strategy. We aimed to evaluate the additional value of 3D-printed models for the identification of tibial plateau fracture characteristics in terms of the interobserver agreement on different fracture characteristics.

Preoperative images of 40 patients were randomly selected. Nine trauma surgeons, eight senior and eight junior registrars indicated the presence or absence of four fracture characteristics with and without 3D-printed models. The Fleiss kappa was used to determine interobserver agreement for fracture classification and for interpretation, the Landis and Koch criteria were used.

3D-printed models lead to a categorical improvement in interobserver agreement for three of four fracture characteristics: lateral split (Kconv = 0.445 versus K3Dprint = 0.620; P < 0.001), anterior tubercle fragment (Kconv = 0.288 versus K3Dprint = 0.449; P < 0.001) and zone of comminution (Kconv = 0.535 versus K3Dprint = 0.652; P < 0.001).

The overall interobserver agreement improved for three of four fracture characteristics after the addition of 3D printed models. For two fracture characteristics, lateral split and zone of comminution, a substantial interobserver agreement was achieved.

Fracture characteristics seem to be a more reliable way to assess tibial plateau fractures and one should consider including these in the preoperative assessment of tibial plateau fractures compared to the commonly used classification systems.

Introduction:

Alignment of the initial femoral guidewire is critical in avoiding technical errors that may increase the risk of failure of the femoral component. A novel alternative to conventional instrumentation for femoral guidewire insertion is a computed tomography (CT) based alignment guide. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of femoral component alignment using a CT-based, patient specific femoral alignment guide.

Purpose

Computer navigation for hip resurfacing has been shown to reduce the incidence of technical error during femoral head preparation and provides increased accuracy compared to conventional instrumentation for insertion of the initial femoral guidewire. Limitations to the widespread use of navigation in hip resurfacing include access and cost. A novel, patient specific nylon jig has been developed as a cost effective alternative for placement of the initial guidewire. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of femoral guidewire insertion between imageless navigation, conventional instrumentation and a new type of CT-based custom jig.

Purpose

To review prospectively collected data on patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty utilizing two different cementless acetabular components.

Purpose

Femoral shaft fractures are routinely treated using antegrade intramedullary nailing under fluoroscopic guidance. Malreduction is common and can be due to multiple factors. Correct entry point identification can help minimize malreduction and the risk of iatrogenic fracture. This study aims to compare landmark identification used to guide nail entry, the piriformis fossa (PF) and the trochanteric tip (T), via computer navigation and conventional fluoroscopy.

Purpose

This prospective randomised controlled trial aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of ceramic on ceramic, cobalt chrome on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and cobalt chrome on highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces at a minimum of five years.

This prospective randomised controlled trial aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of ceramic on ceramic, cobalt chrome on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and cobalt chrome on highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces at a minimum of five years.

One hundred and two primary total hip replacements were performed in ninety one patients between February 2003 and March 2005. All patients were younger than 65 (mean 52.7, 19–64). They were randomised to receive one of the three bearing surfaces. All patients had 28mm articulations with a Reflection uncemented acetabular component and a Synergy stem (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tennessee). Patients were followed up periodically up to at least sixty months following surgery. Outcome measures included WOMAC and SF12 scores. Radiological assessment included implant position, evidence of osteolysis and measurement of linear wear.

Ninety seven hip replacements in eighty seven patients were available for review at a minimum of five years. Two hips were revised (one for infection and one for periprosthetic fracture), leaving a total of ninety four hips available for final review. There were no differences in age, gender, body mass index, diagnosis, level of activity, and co-morbidities between the three groups. At a minimum of five years there were no statistical differences in the clinical outcomes using the WOMAC or SF12 scores. Three patients in the ceramic group reported squeaking. Radiological evaluation revealed mean annual wear rates in the ceramic group of 0.006mm/yr, standard polyethylene of 0.151mm/yr and highly cross linked polyethylene of 0.059mm/yr. ANOVA analysis revealed these differences in wear rates to be significant (p<0.0001).

In the mid term there are no differences in clinical outcome between ceramic on ceramic, cobalt chrome on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and cobalt chrome on highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene has a significantly greater annual linear wear rate than highly cross-linked polyethylene.

To review prospectively collected data on patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty utilizing two different cementless acetabular components.

All patients undergoing primary total hip replacement surgery at our institution are entered prospectively into a database which includes history and physical examination, radiology, WOMAC and SF-36 scores. The patients are re-examined, re-x-rayed and re-scored at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after surgery and yearly thereafter.

Using this database we are able to identify patients who have undergone total hip replacement using one of two geometric variants of the acetabular component. The first design is hemispherical and the second design has a peripheral rim expansion designed to increase initial press-fit stability.

Five hundred and twenty-seven consecutive primary total hip replacements were identified using either of the geometric variants of the acetabular component. Results at a mean of 7 years revealed a 95.6% survivorship with no significant difference between the two component designs with revision for aseptic loosening as the end point. Functional scores between the two groups of patients also demonstrated no statistically significant difference.

Radiologic assessment, however, showed a difference between the two designs. The hemispherical design which matches the reamer line-to-line had 80% complete osseointegration on final radiologic review while the second design with a peripheral rim expansion had only 57% complete osseointegration. This was statistically significant. The peripherally expanded components also had a greater number of screws inserted at the time of surgery, felt by us to be a reflection of initial surgeon dissatisfaction with component stability at the time of insertion of the component.

The difference in screw numbers was also statistically significant. This study demonstrates that a hemispherical design with line-to-line contact between the acetabular component surface and the acetabular bone is statistically superior in terms of bone ingrowth and probably statistically superior in terms of initial press-fit stability when compared to a peripherally expanded component.

Peripherally expanded components appear to offer no advantage over hemispherical components in terms of clinical outcome and are statistically inferior to hemispherical components in radiologic parameters at 7 years follow-up.

Purpose

To review prospectively collected data on patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty utilizing two different cementless acetabular components.

Aim

This prospective randomised controlled trial aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of ceramic on ceramic, cobalt chrome on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and cobalt chrome on highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces at a minimum of five years.

Parallel operating lists are a contentious subject. Many people feel that supervision, training and quality of patient care is negatively affected and consider this an outdated model in modern practice. Dual and parallel lists have been largely abandoned due to training committees' opinions that standards of orthopaedic training were being negatively affected.

A new model of dual lists was implemented in a district general hospital as part of an arthroplasty service. The training impact was evaluated. Adjacent theatres were utilised for a single session. Two joint replacement surgeries were undertaken in each theatre. The sequential timing of the lists allowed the consultant to perform or supervise all of the operations in a consecutive manor. Staggering the start times allowed the consultant to approach and implant the first joint replacement, leaving the junior doctor or nurse practitioner to close the first operation and get the patient off the table while the consultant transferred to the adjoining theatre where the registrar had positioned, painted and draped the second patient, allowing the consultant to perform or supervise the second surgery. The process was then repeated until all four cases were performed.

Evaluation of two registrar's elogbooks was undertaken and compared to the national average.

During a twelve month period the trainees was involved in a mean of 72 joint replacement surgeries compared to a national average of 49. The trainees were the primary surgeon in a significantly higher number of operations compared to the national average.

This model of sequential operating lists facilitated a service of high volume arthroplasty surgeries and significantly increased the exposure of the training registrar to joint replacements. Supervision of trainees was not significantly impacted. The model requires effective support services and a dedicated team of theatre staff, but can be very rewarding for consultant surgeon and trainee alike.

Introduction: The JRI Furlong HAC LOL hemiarthroplasty stem has shown increased periprosthetic fracture rates compared to previous literature (15.2% vs 7.4%) [1,2,3]. This study seeks to identify a measurable radiographic index, the Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Index (MDI) score to determine whether intra-operative fracture in osteoporotic bone can be predicted to influence the type of prosthesis used (cemented or uncemented).

Methodology: A 5 year prospective cohort of 560 consecutive patients underwent hemiarthroplasty (cemented or uncemented). A nested case-control study to determine risk factors affecting intra-operative fracture was carried out.

Clinical outcomes and radiographic analysis was performed. The Vancouver Classification was used to classify periprosthetic fracture.

The MDI score was calculated using radiographs, as a control (gold standard), Yeung’s CBR score was calculated [4]. See Figure 1. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was formulated for both and area under the curve (AUC) compared. Intra and inter-observer correlations were determined.

Cost analysis was also worked out.

Results: 407 uncemented and 153 cemented stems were implanted. The use of uncemented implants was the main risk factor for intra-operative periprosthetic fracture.

62 periprosthetic fractures occurred in the uncemented group (15.2%), 9 in the cemented group (5.9%), p< 0.001. The revision rate for sustaining a periprosthetic fracture (uncemented group) was 17.7%, p< 0.001 and 90 day mortality 19.7%, p< 0.03.

MDI’s AUC was 0.985 compared to CBR’s 0.948, p< 0.001. See Figure 2. The MDI score cut-off to predict fracture was 21, sensitivity 98.3%, specificity 99.8%, PPV 90.5%, NPV 98%. ANCOVA ruled out any other confounding factors as being significant.

The intra and inter-observer Pearson correlation scores were r=0.99, p< 0.001.

The total extra cost due to the intra-operative fractures was £93,780.

Discussion: The MDI score is a useful, cost effective way of preventing this serious complication from occurring. We recommend that any femur scoring 21 or less on the MDI score be considered for cemented hemiarthroplasty.

Level of evidence: Level 2 Diagnostic Study: Development of diagnostic criteria on basis of consecutive patients (with universally applied reference “gold” standard).

Introduction: The JRI Furlong HAC LOL hemiarthroplasty stem has shown increased periprosthetic fracture rates compared to previous literature(15.2% vs 7.4%). This study will seek to identify a measurable radiographic index, the Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Index (MDI) score to determine whether intra-operative fracture in osteoporotic bone can be predicted to influence the type of prosthesis used (cemented or uncemented).

Methodology: Over 5 years prospectively, a cohort of 560 consecutive patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty (cemented and uncemented) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes and radiographic analysis was performed. The Vancouver Classification was used to classify peri-prosthetic fracture. The MDI score was calculated using radiographs from the uncemented group. As a control (gold standard), Yeung et al’s CBR score was also calculated. From this, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was formulated for both scores and area under the curve (AUC) compared. Intra and inter-observer correlations were determined. Cost analysis was also worked out for adverse outcomes.

Results: 407 uncemented and 153 cemented stems were implanted. 62 periprosthetic fractures occurred in the uncemented group (15.2%), 9 occurred in the cemented group (5.9%), p< 0.001. The revision rate for sustaining a periprosthetic fracture (uncemented group) was 17.7%, p< 0.001. MDI’s AUC was 0.985 compared to CBR’s 0.948, p< 0.001. The MDI score cut-off to predict fracture was 21, sensitivity 98.3%, specificity 99.8%, positive predictive value 90.5% and negative predictive value 98%. ANCOVA analysis ruled out any other confounding factors as being significant. The intra and inter-observer Pearson correlation scores were r=0.99, p< 0.001. The total extra cost due to the intra-operative fractures was ú40,140.

Discussion: The MDI score has been shown to be a potentially useful, cost effective way of preventing this serious complication from occurring. We recommend that any femur scoring 21 or less on the MDI score be considered for cemented hemiarthroplasty. Level of evidence: Level 2 Diagnostic Study: Investigating a diagnostic test against gold standard.

Introduction: Since the first meeting in 1875, and the subsequent introduction of the concept of evidence based medicine in the 1990s, the journal club has become an integral part of keeping abreast with current literature.

There is no study assessing orthopaedic journal clubs amongst training programs across the UK. This study had two aims: the first was to determine whether journal clubs still play an important part in orthopaedic training programs, the second was to evaluate the frequency, format and goals of journal clubs conducted in orthopaedic training programs in the UK.

Method: We surveyed fifty seven hospitals across the UK. This included hospitals from all the orthopaedic teaching regions of which twelve were teaching hospitals and forty five district general hospitals.

Results: A total of 57 hospitals were surveyed. Of these hospitals 28/57(49%) had a journal club programme in place. On average journals clubs were undertaken once a month and lasted about 1 hour. Most occurred during the working day and were chaired by a consultant. Specialist registrars presented the vast majority of papers (average of 1.9 each per session), with the JBJS Br being the most widely used journal (100% of journal clubs).

Of the twelve teaching hospitals questioned, five (42%) had journal clubs, and twenty three of the forty five (51%) district general hospitals had journal clubs. The average number of articles critically appraised by trainees who attended journal clubs was 5 (0–15) compared to 3 (0–18) in those not attending a journal club.

When asked whether there was any alternative way in which a trainee might otherwise learn how to critically appraise an article, fourteen suggested online journal forums and eighteen suggested self-directed learning or personal study.

Although only 49% of hospital had journal clubs, 88% of trainees believed that it formed a valuable part of training and 56% thought it should be compulsory.

Discussion: This study shows that journal clubs occur in around half of the orthopaedic departments surveyed across the country. This is despite the importance trainees’ associate with journal clubs being part of their training.

In contrast, studies from North America show that a regular journal club occurs in 99% of residency programs.

It may therefore be suggested that for those trainees who do not attend a journal club, an alternative method to learning the skills of critical appraisement may have to be sort. One suggested modality is through on-line journal clubs or forums within regions which trainees may be encouraged to undertake from their regional directors.

In this study, we reviewed the records of 881 patients with fracture neck of femur over 5 years. Of these, 372 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty (231 cemented and 141 uncemented). The aim was to analyse the factors, which may contribute towards the mortality in cemented versus uncemented group.

The mean age in the cemented and uncemented group was 82 and 81 years respectively. 136 (58.8%) patients were operated within 24 hours of admission in the cemented group as compared to 63 (44.6%). The mean operative time was 81minutes for cemented hemiarthroplasty and 61 minutes for uncemented hemiarthroplasty. 77% of the cemented hemiarthroplasty was performed by Registrar grade as compared to 69% in the uncemented group. Of the 231 patients in the cemented group, 52% received general and 48% received spinal anaesthesia. Of the 141 patients in the uncemented group, 30% received general and 70% received spinal anaesthesia.

There was an 8% 30-day mortality compared to 11% 30-day mortality in uncemented group (p< 0.05). The mean age of patients in the mortality group was age 86 yrs in cement and 84 yrs in uncemented group. Most operations were done within 24–48 hours. There was significant co morbidity in patients who died. The average operative time of patients who died in both groups was same.

There was an increased mortality rate in the uncemented group as compared to the cemented group (p< 0.05). Based on our study, we conclude that cement is not a risk factor. Duration and timing of surgery is not associated with increased mortality. There was no difference in 30-day mortality rates between patients receiving general or spinal anaesthesia. Significant co morbid factor is associated with increased mortality.