Tendoscopy in the treatment of peroneal tendon disorders is becoming an increasingly safe, reliable, and reproducible technique. Peroneal tendoscopy can be used as both an isolated procedure and as an adjacent procedure with other surgical techniques. The aim of our study was to review all peroneal tendoscopy that was undertaken at the AOC, by the senior authors (IGW, SH), and to determine the safety and efficacy of this surgical technique.

Background

Total ankle replacements (TARs) are becoming increasingly more common in the treatment of end stage ankle arthritis. As a consequence, more patients are presenting with the complex situation of the failing TAR. The aim of this study was to present our case series of isolated ankle fusions post failed TAR using a spinal cage construct and anterior plating technique.

Background

Lateral ankle instability is a common problem, but the precise role of the lateral ankle structures has not been accurately investigated. This study aimed to accurately investigate lateral ankle complex stability for the first time using a novel robotic testing platform.

The purpose of this study was to determine the motion pattern of the Acromio-Clavicular (AC) joint in a normal shoulder with the use of the new 4 Dimensional CT scan.

From April 2010 till January 2011 fourteen healthy volunteers (4 female, 10 male)(mean age 42±11 years) with no previous history of shoulder complaints participated in this study. The 4D CT machine scans motion, allowing a 3D reconstruction of the shoulder joint and its movements. Patients were positioned supine with their arm elevated 90° in the sagittal plane. During the 7 seconds duration of the scan they adducted their arm at that level and then elevated their arm upwards resisted by the gantry for 4 seconds, in this way simulating the clinical Bell-van Riet test for AC pathology.

In the transverse plane the mean AC joint space measured in the neutral position is 1.8±0.5 mm. While adducting the arm the AC joint narrows 0.0±0.4 mm (with a positive value being narrowing and a negative value widening). On resisted elevation the joint space is narrowed 0.2±0.6 mm. The mean antero-posterior (AP) translation in this same plane is 0.2±2.2 mm on adduction (with a positive value being posterior translation of the clavicle and a negative value anterior translation) and 0.4±2.9 mm on resisted elevation.

The new 4D CT scan demonstrates that the AC joint in a normal shoulder mainly translates in an AP direction, rather than being narrowed or widened, when the arm is adducted (with or without resisted active elevation).

To examine all open fractures presenting to Bundaberg Base Hospital—from January 2007 to January 2009—by monitoring the clinical course of the patients, with attention to the time intervals between injury, presentation and orthopaedic treatment. The complications of treatment and the implications for future practice were also examined.

A search was performed of all open fractures and compound fractures during the period of January 2007 until January 2009. The eligible patients were selected and their charts reviewed. The time of the injury, the time they presented to the emergency department (ED) and the time to orthopaedic treatment were noted. The site of the fracture, the Gustillo classification and the number of days of admission were recorded. Complications of the fractures were investigated. The impact of time delays and fracture severity on subsequent infections were correlated.

A total of 127 admissions were recorded, 38 were excluded and 89 open fractures were included in the study: 54 upper limb, 34 lower limb and 1 pelvic fracture. Thirty-six patients had Gustillo I, 34 II, 9 IIIa, and 11 IIIb classifications. Patient arrival times were as follows: less than one hour (19%), 1–3 hours (44%), 3–6 hours (26%), 6–12 hours (8%) and greater than 12 hours (2%). From presentation, 28% of patients received treatment in 1–3 hours, 3–6 hours (27%), 6–12 hours (22%) and greater than 12 hours (22%). 40.4% of patients received treatment within 6 hours of injury and 59.5% greater than 6 hours. 33% of patients stayed in hospital 24 hours, 1–3 days (44%), 3–7 days (15%) and for greater than one week (1%).

There were a total of 17 complications (19%), of which 11 (12%) were associated with infections. Of these, six were superficial wound infections and five were deep infections. Of these deep infections, two were associated with non-unions and one with a mal-union. Four complications were associated with non-infectious non-unions, one non-infectious mal-union. One had a missing bone fragment. Complications were found to be more prevalent when there was delayed treatment of the fractures.

The results demonstrate that the majority of open fractures treated are upper limb and Gustillo I in classification. The complication rate for open fractures during the two year period was 19%. These findings provide a base for continued monitoring of open fracture management at Bundaberg Base Hospital.

Purpose: A study was undertaken to determine the current prevalence of revisions of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following minimal incision surgery (MIS) and to compare revisions of MIS TKA procedures to revisions of TKA performed following a standard surgical approach.

Method: A consecutive series of revision TKA performed at three centers by five surgeons over a three year time period was reviewed. Revisions performed for infection and re-revisions were excluded. Review of clinical and radiographic data determined incision type, gender, age, time to revision, and primary diagnosis at time of revision.

Results: Two hundred and thirty-seven first time revision TKAs were performed of which 44 (18.6%) had been a MIS primary TKA and 193 (81.4%) had been a standard primary TKA. Patients with MIS were younger (62.1 years versus 66.2 years, p=.02). There was a trend towards a higher percentage of females in the MIS group (75% versus 63%), although this difference was not significant (p=0.12). Most striking was the difference in time to revision which was significantly shorter for the MIS group (14.8 months versus 80 months, p< .001). The MIS group was much more likely to fail at < 12 months (37% versus 5%, p< .001) and at < 24 months (81% versus 22%, p< .001).

Conclusion: MIS TKA accounted for a substantial percentage of revision TKA in recent years at these centers. The high prevalence of MIS failures occurring within 24 months is disturbing and warrants further investigation.

The treatment of unstable distal radius fractures remains controversial. Volar locking plates provide stable fixation using the fixed angle device principle. More recently this technique has gained increasing popularity with several reports demonstrating good results. We present our experience from the first 259 patients performed at this institution.

Method: Local Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to the onset of the study. Theatre records and implant forms were used to recruit all patients in whom a Distal Volar Radius (DVR) Plate, (DePuy, Leeds, United Kingdom) was used for an unstable distal radius fracture between August 2005 and February 2008. Surgery was performed either by a consultant, or a specialist registrar. Two hundred and fifty nine consecutive patients were identified. Six patients had bilateral distal radius fractures. Patient records were reviewed, and each patient contacted via a postal questionnaire and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Other outcome measures included return to work and complication rate.

Results: Of the 259 patients 160 responses were received, response rate 62%. The mean follow up was 30.8 months, (Range 18–48). The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (Range 16–93). The mean inpatient stay was 1.6 days, (mode 1 day). The median PRWE was 3; (range 0–83) and the mode was 0. Ninety four of the patients had a PRWE of ≤5. Seventy one out of 78 patients (91%) returned to the same job. The mean return to work was 40.6 days (SD37.5).

There were 13 minor complications in total (7.8%). Six patients had extensor tendon irritation, of which two patients required extensor tendon reconstruction. One further patient had a spontaneous EPL rupture which was not associated with prominent metal work. Four (2.4%) patients had median nerve symptoms postoperatively. Two patients subsequently required carpal tunnel decompression, the other two settled spontaneously. Two (1.2%), patients developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. One patient developed a minor superficial wound infection.

In all, 9 (5.4%) patients had removal of their metalwork, 6 for tendon irritation, 2 for wrist stiffness (one which was positioned too distally) and 1 for pin penetration into the joint.

Discussion: Our results show that the DVR plate can be used reliably with good results and an early return to high levels of function. This is the largest series to date of the use of this distal volar locking plate.

On hundred and ninety unselected patients, mean age 62(SD12.8) were operated upon by one surgeon, using same approach.

HSS improved from 33 to 75 post-operatively, the low figures reflecting a high percentage of Charnley C patients (71%). There was a 5% mortality rate from unrelated causes. Early complications included a 2.97% femoral fracture rate within 4–8 weeks of surgery (analysis showed no relation between implant position, BMI, age or Charnley classification, but there was correlation between high level of satisfaction and early weight bearing). There was one infection and one dislocation. Late complications included 3 periprosthetic fractures, 3 dislocations and 2 aseptic cup failures. However, 30% of patients developed groin pain, increasing stiffness and clunking at 1–2 years following surgery. These patients were investigated with an ultrasound scan. 28 patients (14%) had an effusion and were aspirated. Chrome and cobalt levels in synovial fluid, blood and urine were very high. 13 patients have been revised. 1 showed infection, 10 showed metal allergy and 2 a mixed picture of allergy and foreign body reaction.

In our MOM database (762 hips including the current study) a total of 35 patients were revised for similar problems. Two distinct histological finding were observed. Metal allergy occurred independently of cup angle. The implants were well fixed; there was tissue necrosis and histological evidence of ALVAL. There was no infection or metalosis.

FB reaction occurred more frequently when the cup was open. The Implants were loose; there was naked eye evidence of metalosis and metallic particles seen on light microscopy. We concluded that Birmingham/Freeman Hybrid had high complication rate without significant functional superiority, and other MoM devises shared similar complication. Both Metal allergy and FB reaction can occur in MOM THR. Ultra sound is a good screening tool in symptomatic patients.

The management of displaced femoral neck fractures in independent, healthy patients remains controversial. Acetabular erosion is a time dependant phenomenon and our aim was to assess the long-term outcome of the Universal Head bipolar with an Exeter stem.

49 consecutive cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasties were performed in 49 patients between 1992 and 2000. Mean age was 71.6 (range 54–91). There were 13 male and 36 female. 23 patients were alive at final follow up. 17 patients were assessed in outpatients with clinical and radiographic assessment. 2 patients had a telephone questionnaire and 4 patients were lost to follow up or were unable to attend clinic. Kaplan-Meier Survivorship analysis was performed.

Median follow up was 7.1 years (range 5–13.3 years). 26 patients had died by the time of final follow up. 5/14 patients (36%) with an ASA score of 3 died within 30 days. There was one dislocation and one periprosthetic fracture. There were no deep infections. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening or acetabular erosion. 75.6% of surviving patients returned to their pre-injury mobility level at 1 year. 5 year cumulative survival was 60% (95% confidence interval 46–74%). There was a statistically significant reduction in cumulative survival for ASA grades 3 and 4 compared to 1 and 2 (p=0.004).

Cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures is a good alternative to Total Hip Arthroplasty for independent, healthy patients. There is no evidence of acetabular erosion. Careful patient selection is necessary as patients with high ASA scores have greater mortality rates regardless of surgical prosthesis.

Tension band wire fixation continues to be the most popular method of fixation for displaced olecranon fractures despite several biomechanical studies questioning the validity of the tension band concept. Our aim was to compare the outcome of the tension band wire (TBW) method with plate fixation. 58 consecutive olecranon fractures underwent internal fixation in 58 patients between September 2000 and December 2004. There were 30 male and 28 female with a mean age at the time of surgery of 52.5 years for the TBW group (range 19 to 88) and 46.1 for the plate group (range 19 to 72). Patients were excluded if they were less than 16 years of age. Choice of fixation was based on surgeon preference, fracture pattern and presence of associated injuries. 43 patients were managed with the AO tension band technique and 15 with plate fixation. Clinical assessment and functional analysis was performed using Helm’s scoring system. Radiographic assessment was performed to assess the quality of reduction. All fractures were displaced and classified according to Colton’s classification. Mean follow up was 13 months (range 6 to 18) and similar for the two groups. For the TBW group 41 (95 %) had a fair or good result. 27 (62.8%) patients had symptomatic metal prominence requiring implant removal. In the plate fixation group 14 (94%) had a fair or good functional result despite having more complex fractures. Only 2 (18%) patients required implant removal for symptomatic metalwork, including one failure due to a technical problem. Similar functional results were seen with plating and tension band wiring of displaced olecranon fractures. Despite meticulous technique, tension band wire fixation still has an unacceptably high complication rate with symptomatic metal prominence requiring further surgery. To avoid this problem, we recommend plating, even for the more simple olecranon fractures.

Introduction: There has been a general belief in the negative effects of increased body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of arthroplasty surgery. This study compares the complications following primary total hip replacement in obese patients.

Methods: The incidence of myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, wound infection and dislocation within the 30 days postoperative period was reviewed and compared if the BMI exceeded 30. A total of 329 patients were included in this study. There were 216 cases with BMI less than 30 compared with 113 cases of BMI more than 30. Uncemented pinnacle press-fit cup on S-ROM stem was used with 28 mm head in 137 and 36 mm head in 192 cases.

Results: There was no significant statistical difference in the incidence of early complications. However, in the subgroup of 28 mm head, there was significant increase in the infection rate when BMI was more than 30 (P< 0.032).

Discussion: In this small study, there was no significant increase in the overall incidence of the postoperative complications in obese patients. Further studies are required to assess if implant longevity is reduced in overweight patients.

Introduction: We reviewed the complications and recovery of patients treated for Achilles tendon rupture by percutaneous repair, open repair, and non-operative management in a tertiary referral centre between 2001 and 2003.

Materials and Methods: We identified patients who underwent Achilles tendon rupture repair by percutaneous or open methods from the logbooks of Consultants and the operating theatre register. We used plaster room records were also used to identify patients who received non-operative treatment. We collated demographic and management details, and compared them with published rates relating to average age range, demographic, and management details.

Results: In the 20 patients who underwent open repair, one (4.8%) patient sustained a re-rupture, four (19%) sustained minor complications, and one (4.8%) had a major complication. In the 31 patients who underwent percutaneous repair, one (3.2%) patient sustained a major complication, six (19.4%) patients experienced minor wound complications, and there were no re-ruptures. In the 12 patients who underwent conservative management, re-ruptures occurred in one patient (8.3%), minor complications occurred in five patients (41.7%), and there were no major complications. The median recovery time in the open, percutaneous and conservative groups was 25 weeks, 26 weeks and 18.5 weeks respectively.

Discussion and Conclusion: In our setting, percutaneous repair is the most successful management method, with no re-ruptures and very few complications. Although conservative management produced the highest rate of complications, each patient will have different needs due to their age, occupation or level of sporting activity. Ultimately, the decision of the management regime used probably lies with the patient.

Introduction: Revision total hip replacement has high rates of failure which appears to be due, in part, to deficient bone stock that does not provide an adequate environment for fixation of the implant. Cementless modular implant offers the possibility of restoration of bone stock in conjunction with adequate fixation, thus re-establishing the function of the hip without the use of additional cement. This study reviews patients treated with the S-ROM system, assessing clinical outcomes, implant stability and osseous response to the hip revisions.

Methods: Sixty two cementless revision hip arthroplasties were performed using the S-ROM prosthesis between 1996 and 2001. Fifty four were available for follow up evaluation at 3 to 8 years (median 4.5 years). Radiological analysis, patient satisfaction and Harris hip scores were assessed pre and post operatively then at average of 4.5 years later.

Results: Eighty-five percent of patients were satisfied with the result of surgery. Clinical scores improved from a preoperative value 34 to 80 points post-operatively and were maintained on further assessment at average of 4.5 years. Forty-three stems had solid bony ingrowth, nine had mild subsidence initially averaged 6.4 mm then stabilized. Two had marked initial subsidence, which also later stabilised. There was gradual filling of the osteolytic defects in 32 of the 37 (86.5%) femoral lesions.

Discussion: With improvement of the postoperative hip score by more than 50 points and absence of definite implant instability at the final follow up, the results of use of S-ROM prosthesis in the revision cases of this study seems to be successful. The follow up is relatively short, but the experience derived from this work confirms the versatility of the S-ROM prosthesis in the complex hip revision situations as well as its favourable mechanical and biologic impact on the adjacent osseous structures.

We examined the vasoconstrictive actions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the intact medial collateral ligament (MCL) of normal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) -deficient rabbit knees. Blood flow to the surgically exposed MCL was measured using high-resolution laser speckle imaging (LSI) before and after topical administration of NPY and the α₁-adrenoreceptor agonist phenylephrine. In control rabbit knees, dose-dependent vasopressor responses were significantly greater than those in ACL-deficient knees, where there was little or no vasoconstrictor response. We conclude that chronic ACL deficiency markedly changes the vascular physiology and pharmacology of the surrounding articular tissues.

To determine the effect of chronic ACL-deficiency on the physiologic responses to the potent sympathetic vasoconstrictor NPY.

Abrogation of the vasoconstrictor response to both NPY and phenylephrine indicates that chronic ACL deficiency induces major changes in the vascular physiology of associated articular tissues.

This study is the first to examine the vasoregulatory role of NPY in the MCL of unstable knee joints using LSI.

In control rabbits, topical administration of NPY produced dose-dependent vasopressor responses (maximal effect at 10⁻¹⁰mol NPY). In ACL-transected knees there was little or no response to NPY (Figure 1). BIBP 3226 (selective NPY-Y1 receptor antagonist) did not affect the constrictor response to NPY in normal tissue, indicating that a receptor other than Y-1 mediates the response.

Many neuropeptides participate in the post-traumatic inflammatory response. The sympathetic-derived NPY helps regulate inflammatory responses, is a vasoconstrictor and stimulates angiogenesis. Rupture of the ACL induces inflammation, hyperaemia and angiogenesis in the MCL. These changes in vascular physiology induced us to study the effect of ACL-deficiency on the actions of NPY in the MCL.

Unoperated control (n=6) and 6-week ACL-transected (n=5) adult rabbits were used. Under anaesthesia, the MCL was surgically exposed and tissue blood flow was measured in real time using LSI as various doses and combinations of NPY, phenylephrine, and BIBP 3226 were administered topically.

Possible causes of the reduced vasoconstrictive response to both NPY and phenylephrine in the MCL after 6wk of ACL-deficiency include change in the distribution or functionality of their specific receptors or inactivation of the associated down stream signalling pathways.

Funding: This work was supported by funding from the CIHR and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.

Please contact author for tables and/or graphs.

Introduction: The very nature of revision hip arthroplasty is such that blood loss is to be expected. Anticipation of this problem, accurate assessment of the losses and prompt replacement of losses are the mainstay of intra-operative care.

Aim: We present a user friendly system for communication of intra-operative blood loss

Principles: The classic car heritage of this country provides a wealth of vehicles traditionally associated with given volumes of engine. As such this easy scale can be used throughout the procedure to allow the anaesthetist to convey a readily recognizable figure to the operating surgeon.

The classification:

Fiat Cinquecento 500mls

Conclusion: We feel that this new system conveys readily recognisable symbols to a quantum that may otherwise pass unnoticed by the surgeon.