Aims

This paper describes the methodology, validation and reliability of a new computer-assisted method which uses models of the patient’s bones and the components to measure their migration and polyethylene wear from radiographs after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

In 2011 health policy dictated a reduction in iatrogenic infections, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), this resulted in local change to antimicrobial policy in orthopaedic surgery. Previous antimicrobial policy was Cefuroxime, this was changed to Flucloxacillin and Gentimicin. Following this change an increased number of patients appeared to suffer from acute kidney injury (AKI). We initially evaluated the incidence of AKI pre and post antibiotic change and found a correlation between the Flucloxacillin and AKI. We then made changes to antibiotic policy to mitigate the increased rates of AKI and proceeded to evaluate the outcomes.

In this prospective study all patients admitted with fracture neck of femurs were identified from the National Hip Fracture database and data obtained. The degree of AKI was classified according to the validated RIFILE criteria.

Evaluation showed a 4 fold decrease, from 13% to only 3%, in AKI after introduction of the modified antibiotic policy. C.difficile continues to be non-existent since this change.

Flucloxacillin obviously had a significant impact on this patient group. However, we have shown that with appropriate changes to antibiotic policy AKI associated morbidity can be significantly reduced. Dose dependent antibiotics will now be given based on weight and eGFR.

One hundred and sixty-two patients with a diagnosis of scapholunate instability underwent a modified Brunelli procedure over a 7 year period. One hundred and seventeen were assessed with the help of a questionnaire and, of these, 55 patients attended for clinical evaluation. The mean follow-up was 4 (1-8) years. There were 72 patients with dynamic scapholunate instability and 45 patients with static instability. The average age was 38 years. There were 50 males and 67 females. 77 (62%) patients had no to mild pain with a mean visual analogue score of 3.67 (SD=2.5)). The loss in the arc of flexion-extension was due to a reduced range of flexion (mean 31% loss), while 80% of extension was maintained, compared with the contralateral side. The grip strength on the operated side was reduced by 20% of the non-operated side. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the range of movement or the grip strength between the static and dynamic group or the claims and non-claims group. Ninety (79%) patients were satisfied with the result of the surgery (good to excellent) and 88% of the patients felt that they would have the same surgery again. We feel that these results compare favourably with the early results published from this unit and recommend this procedure for dynamic and static scapholunate instability

Objective

To investigate the effects of trauma and fracture surgery on leukocyte maturation and function.

Between 1994 and 2002, 81 patients underwent ulnohumeral arthroplasty for elbow arthritis at our institution. All patients were sent a questionnaire with a request to attend for a clinical evaluation. Forty replied and 34 attended for clinical examination, 6 females and 34 males with an average age of 63 years (32-80) and a mean follow-up of 6 years (2-10). There were 22 (55%) patients with primary osteoarthritis, 14 (35%) with osteoarthritis secondary to trauma, two patients with rheumatoid arthritis and one patient each with arthrogryphosis multiplex congenital and post-septic arthritis of the elbow.

Using the VAS (0-10), the pain score was seen to improve from a mean pre-operative score of 8 (6-10) to 4 (0-9). 21 patients (50%) were on minimal or no analgesia and 31 (75%) patients felt they would have the surgery again for the same problem. The arc of motion as regards flexion/extension was found to increase by 19% while prono-supination was found to increase by 30%. There was one patient each with superficial infection, anterior interosseous nerve neuropathy and myositic ossificans while two patients had triceps rupture. Radiological examination showed that in 12 cases the trephine hole was partially obliterated while in 4 cases it was completely obliterated. This could not be correlated clinically. Patients with loose bodies seemed to do better in the post-operative phase.

Ulnohumeral arthroplasty has a role in the management of the arthritic elbow as it provides pain relief in the post-operative period; however, the improvement in the range of movement is limited particularly as regards the arc of extension.

Data from the Australian Joint Register suggests that the revision rate for cruciate retaining [CR] prosthesis is less than for cruciate sacrificing prosthesis[PS]. We have analysed data from the NZOA joint register to see if this is the case in NZ.

Data for all PS and CR knee replacements in NZ between 1999 and 2004, and any subsequent revisions were analysed and the results compared with the AOA registry data [2008]. There were 3808 PS knees and 7152 CR knees on the AOA register, with a seven year revision rate of 3.3% and 2.1% respectively p=.002. On the NZOA register there were 1869 PS knees and 5749 CR knees, with a five year revision rate of 1.55% and 1.39% respectively p=.608

This aspect of prosthesis design did not influence the revision rate at five years.

Residual club foot (CTEV) is a challenging deformity which may require transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon to a more lateral position. The senior author has developed a modified SPLATT for residual forefoot supination in CTEV.

We describe the SPLATT procedure and evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of 11 patients(14 feet) (mean follow up 6.6 years; range 5.5–8.9) (mean age 6.9 years; range 2.9–10.0). Two patients had cerebral palsy, 1 spina bifida and 1 juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the remaining 7 patients were ideopathic.

Outcome measures based on patient centred assessment of function and foot appearance, by using the patient applied assessments of Chesney, Utukuri and Laaveg & Ponsetti (there is increasing recognition that doctor-centred or radiograph-based scoring systems do not tally well with patient satisfaction).

Objective assessment of outcome was provided by measurement of certain radiological parameters on the immediate pre-operative and the follow up weight-bearing radiographs (1st ray angle, talar-1st metatarsal angle, talar-2nd metatarsal angle, talo-calcaneal angle). The calcaneal line passing through the medial 1/3 of the cuboid or medial to the fourth metatarsal was also noted. The Blecks grade was recorded (pre-op 100% moderate-severe; post-op 88% mild-moderate). Parents assessed outcome based upon ‘best level of activity’, functional limitation and willingness to recommend treatment to others.

Mean Chesney score at the time of follow up was 12.3 (8 to 15); mean Utukuri score was 15.8 (10 to 24); Laaveg and Ponsetti score was 81.5 (67 to 95). The best activity level achievable was ‘unlimited’ in 4 patients, ‘football’ in 4 patients, ‘running’ in 1 and limited by an associated condition in 2 patients (1 juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; 1 cerebral palsy related spastic paraparesis). All patients/parents indicated that they would undergo the same procedure again. One patient had delayed wound healing treated successfully with dressings.

The 1st ray angle pre-operatively was 61.2°(range 50–70°), post-operatively it was 62.1°(range 50–81°). The talar-1st metatarsal angle was 28.8°(range 15–44°) pre-operatively and 19.1°(range 4–34°) post-operatively. The pre and post–operative talar-2nd metatarsal angles were 22.5°(range 0–35°) and 12.3(range 0–29°) respectively, the talo-calcaneal angle was 17.5°(range 10–35°) and 13.7(range 5–20°) respectively. The pre and postoperative lateral talo-calcaneal angles were 34.5°(range 25–40°) and 30.6(range 13–45°).

The recognition that patient orientated subjective assessment is gaining in acceptance, and confirm patient satisfaction with function, cosmesis and pain levels with the SPLATT procedure. More traditional radiological outcome measures also confirm that the modified SPLATT is a safe, effective and acceptable procedure.

Metatarsus adductus (MA) is associated with a medially facing distal facet of the medial cuneiform (with a normal first metatarsal) and varus/adducted deformities of the metaphysis of the lesser metatarsals. A number of patients with severe symptomatic metatarsus adductus do not improve with time. A number of surgical techniques have been described but the series are small and use radiological rather functional outcomes. It is clear however that the failure and complication rate with these procedures is high. A combined medial cuneiform and lesser metatarsal basal closing wedge osteotomy has potential advantages over more commonly used procedures (including the combined cuneiform-calcaneal) osteotomy, by correcting at the level of deformity.

We reviewed a consecutive series of 15 cases (11 severe idiopathic metatarsus adductus, 4 with history of clubfoot) (all Bleck’s grade severe) treated with combined cuneiform-metatarsal osteotomies. Patients were followed up for a mean of 30 months using child-, parent and clinician-based outcome measures as well as radiological assessment. Outcomes are also compared to currently used and historical procedures.

Bleck’s grade improved to 65% normal 35% mild post op; Radiographic improvements (all p< 0.001); 1stray angle 30°→62°, 1stMT-Talar angle 43°→9°, 2ndMT-Talar angle 41°→8°, 2ndMT-Calcaneal angle 48°→14°, 5thMT-Calcaneal angle improved from 13°→3°. Mean postop scores; Chesney - 14 (12–15); Utukari – 13 (10–18); Laaweg – 93 (81–100); Vitale – 13 (10–14). None of the radiographic scores correlated with the clinical scores. All children gained improved levels of activity.

Our findings indicate that this technique can be used effectively in children > 4 years and is a safe alternative to historical procedures, with excellent radiographic/ clinical outcomes, and a low complication rate.

Purpose: Injury to the distal radioulnar joint can result in ulna sided wrist pain and instability. Stabilisation of the distal radioulnar ligaments described by Adams and Berger uses a tendon graft run along the anatomical course of the distal radioulnar ligaments from the lip of the radial sigmoid notch to the fovea of the ulna. The graft wraps around the ulna head and is fixed with a simple suture; this can be challenging for the surgeon and requires a considerable length of tendon. The length of graft required could be reduced by fixing the graft directly to the ulna. Alternative fixation methods when the graft is short would include bone anchors and interference screws.

We therefore compared the fixation strength achieved with simple suture, by bone anchor and by interference screw (Mini Bio-suture Tack and 3mm Biotenodesis interference screw, Arthrex, UK).

Methods: Four ulna bones were harvested along with four corresponding tendons. Tendons were divided into 2mm wide strips and run through a 3.5mm hole in the ulna. Maximum load was measured after fixing the tendon with 1) simple suture, 2) a bone anchor, and 3) an interference screw. Paired data was tested with the paired T-test and Wilcoxon test.

Results: Maximum load recorded was highest for the Mini Bio-Suture Tack bone anchor (99.28 ± 47.39) followed by the simple suture method (96.23 ± 24.14 N), and the Biotenodesis interference screw (46.90 ± 11.29). Differences approached significance when comparing simple suture fixation with interference screws (p=0.02/0.068).

Conclusions: No study has investigated the use of interference screws to secure two tendons in one graft tunnel. Previous work using a single graft and a single tendon has consistently shown that interference screws are superior to other methods of fixation. However, when performing Adam’s procedure for stabilisation of the distal radioulnar joint suturing the tendon together or using a bone anchor provide the greatest fixation strength. This might be due to loss of the interference effect when placing two grafts in the tunnel.

We present the early results of 36 primary total elbow arthroplasties using the Acclaim prosthesis. The Acclaim prosthesis was used in 46 primary total elbow arthroplasties between July 2000 and August 2002. All operations were performed or directly supervised by the two senior authors (IAT and JKS). There were 32 females and 14 males. The mean age at surgery was 64 years (range, 34–93). The underlying pathology was rheumatoid arthritis in 39, osteoarthritis in five and post-traumatic arthritis in two. The early results of 36 cases are presented at a minimum follow-up of two years. Patients were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons patient self assessment form and the range of movement of the elbow measured. The Wrightington method was used for radiographic analysis of lucencies. There was good relief of pain and range of movement improved. The mean preoperative pain score was 8.1 and decreased to 2.1 at latest follow up. The mean disability score increased from 34.2 to 66.1. The mean overall satisfaction rating following surgery was 9.3 on a visual analogue scale from zero to ten. The mean range of flexion increased from 83^oto105^o. The mean flexion gain was just over 10^o and the mean extension gain was just over 12^o. There were 11 cases of intraoperative fracture of the humeral condyle. One of these fractures failed to unite and required revision to a linked prosthesis because of persistent instability. There was one case of deep infection. There were three cases of ulnar neuropathy, one of which resolved. There was no evidence of loosening. The Acclaim total elbow arthroplasty gives good symptomatic relief and improvement in function according to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons patient self assessment form. These early results are encouraging but the frequency of intra-operative fractures is of some concern.

To measure any observed migration and rotation of humeral and ulnar components using radiostereometric analysis. From 2002–2004 in a prospective ongoing study, twelve elbows in patients treated with either a linked or unlinked Acclaim total elbow prosthesis were included in a radiostereometry study. Six tantalum markers were introduced into the humerus another three markers were located on a humeral component. Four markers were placed in to ulna and three markers located on the ulnar component. RSA radiographs were taken postoperatively, six, twelve and twenty-four months. The radiographs were digitised and analysed using UmRSA software. The relative movement of the humeral and ulnar implants with respect to the bone was measured. At twelve months, the largest segment translation of the humeral component was in the anterior/posterior direction with a mean of 0.44mm followed by medial/lateral translation of 0.39 mm; there was minimal proximal/ distal translation or with a mean of 0.16mm. Paired t-tests between twelve and 24 months segment translation data showed the mean differences to be no more than 0.056mm. The largest rotation at twelve months was anteversion/retroversion with a mean of 2.40deg, anterior tilt had a mean of 1.20deg and varus/valgus tilt was minimal mean 0.60deg. Mean difference between twelve and 24 months segment rotation was no more than 0.30deg. In contrast, humeral tip motion produced a mean of 1.1mm at 12 months dominated by movement in the plane horizontal plane with a mean difference at 24 months of 0.06mm. No patients could be measured for segment micromotion of the ulnar component due to technical difficulty in visualising tantalum markers in the ulna. Early micromotion of the Acclaim humeral implant occurs mostly by rotation about the vertical axis accompanied by anterior tilt. This motion reaches a plateau at 12 months after operation.

Distal radioulnar joint surgery has been dominated by different types of partial or complete ulnar head excision. This remains a reasonable option in rheumatoid surgery. However, in the long run, this can create a number of problems. We have used Herbert modular prosthesis to tackle these very difficult situations. This prosthesis comprises of a press fit stem in three sizes and a ceramic head, also available in three sizes.

In Wrightington hospital upper limb unit 61 patients underwent Herbert ulnar head replacement. Fifty-eight were clinically and radiologically reviewed.

Between December 1998 and December 2002 21 male and 27 female patients were operated. The mean age was 49.8 years with a range of 28–72 years. Twenty two left, eighteen right and two bilateral replacements were performed. The mean follow-up was 20.02 months with a range of 3–60 months.

All patients were reviewed by an independent observer using range of motion, grip strength and satisfaction as outcome.

Primary diagnoses included failed Darrach, Bower, Sauve Kapandji and traumatic ulnar head excision. Forty-five patients were satisfied with the outcome. Pain score showed a mean improvement of 4 with a range of 0–10. The grip strength compared to normal side was decreased in 50% of the patients. The range of motion compared to normal side improved by a mean of 10 degrees (range 3–20) in supination and 13 (range 4–23) in pronation.

Radiological review showed new bone (8) and notch formation (9). Stress shielding of 0–19mm was observed in distal ulna with revision or emergency stem.

Complication occurred in eight patients instability (4), RSD (1), implant failure (1) and two others. Twelve patients required further surgery. No loosening was observed at revision.

Conclusion: This is a suitable revision and primary replacement but no long term following is required.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a whole body, lifetime incurable disease. The problems engendered by the disease process itself are highly individual, given that each set of problems that a patient has, the assessment and planning of surgery is a crucial aspect of the appropriate management of patients with polyarthritis.

The presence of deformity does not necessarily indicate a problem of function, but one has to accept that certain deformities cause more problems than others and I draw your attention to swan neck deformity being relatively function-impairing and Boutonnière deformities less so. There is always a balance between the risk of surgery and the benefits to be obtained.

The assessment is functional, anatomical, radiological, psychological, medical, financial and, finally, surgical. The functional assessment is intended to identify the problems a patient has in the activities of daily living, the anatomical assessment identifies the structures damaged which need to be prepared or replaced, the x-rays define the bone loss and, therefore, determine the limits of bony surgery, the psychological aspect identifies the patient’s capacity and willingness to be involved in often quite complex therapy programmes over a significant period of time. The medical problems of vasculitis and active disease are less frequent now but are contra-indications to surgery in the acute phases.

The financial aspects are often under-rated. The costs of maintaining someone with significant disabilities is really quite great and, therefore, although surgery may only give some small improvement in function, it often has quite a significant impact on the degree of care and help an individual needs.

Finally, the surgical assessment is to identify which structures and in which order.

In terms of planning, the surgical priorities, described by Nalebuff, are:

1 Nerves 2 Flexor tendons 3 Wrist 4 Thumb 5 MCP joints 6 Extensors 7 PIP joints 8 Distal Interphalangeal joints

Prolonged nerve compressions do not recover well; ruptures of flexor tendons are very difficult to treat; if the wrist is painful and unstable it inhibits any function that the hand might have; the thumb is 50% of hand function; metacarpophalangeal joints need to be stable and to flex approximately to 60° in order to be functional; extensor tendons need to glide and to be able to lift fingers away from the palm; the interphalangeal joints contribute greatly to the closing of grasp.

The role of the therapist is pre-operatively to assess the patient appropriately for surgery, assessing all the aspects defined above and to ensure that the patient is compliant with the treatment post-operatively. The aphorism that 20% of the effort comes from the surgeon, 50% from the therapist and 20% from the patient is probably a fairly accurate representation of the importance of therapy post-operatively. Therapy must be planned, purposeful and progressive.

Introduction and Aims: Distal radioulnar joint surgery in the past have been dominated by different types of partial or complete ulnar head excision. However, in the long run this can create a number of problems; hence we have used Herbert modular prosthesis to tackle these very difficult situations. This prosthesis comprises of a press fit stem in three sizes and a ceramic head also available in three sizes.

Method: In Wrightington Hospital upper limb unit, 61 patients underwent Herbert ulnar head replacement. Fifty-eight were clinically and radiologically reviewed. This is the largest series from a single centre of this type of surgery.

Between December 1998 and December 2002, 21 male and 27 female patients were operated. The mean age was 49.8 (range 28–72 years). Twenty-two left, eighteen right and two bilateral replacements were performed. The mean follow-up was 20.02 months (range 3–60 months).

An independent observer, using range of motion, grip strength and satisfaction as outcome, reviewed all patients.

Results: Primary diagnoses included failed Darrach, Bower, Sauve Kapandji and traumatic ulnar head excision. Forty-five patients were satisfied with the outcome. Pain score showed a mean improvement of four, with a range of 0–10. The grip strength compared to normal side was decreased in 50% of the patients. The range of motion compared to normal side improved by a mean of 10 degrees (range 3–20) in supination and 13 (range 4–23) in pronation.

Conclusion: Radiological review showed new bone (eight) and notch formation (nine). Stress shielding of 0–19mm was observed in distal ulna with revision or emergency stem. Complication occurred in eight patients: instability (four), RSD (one), implant failure (one) and two others. Twelve patients required further surgery. No loosening was observed at revision. There are no long-term results available at present.

Aim: Patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis who were managed with ipsilateral shoulder and elbow arthroplasties were reviewed to determine appropriate sequence of surgery, operative technique and the functional outcome.

Methods: Between 1992 and 2002, twenty-two patients underwent ipsilateral elbow and shoulder arthroplasties. Nineteen patients were available for final review. Clinical and radiological assessments were done on these patients.

Results: Twenty-four upper limbs in nineteen patients were reviewed. Mean age at final follow-up was 61.1 years (49.9 to 73.3yrs; SD 8.2). Mean duration of follow-up from the last operation was 55.5 months (12 to 129.3m; SD 33.5). The average interval between the operations was 40.1 months; it was 41.2 months when elbow operated first and 38.7 months when shoulder was operated first. This difference was not significant (p=0.82). All movements showed significant improvement after respective joint replacements. There was a significantly greater improvement in external rotation of the shoulder when it was operated first (p=0.48). The average improvement in Constant-Murley scores was 28.8 points; with no statistically significant difference between either sequence of operations (p=0.49). However, there was statistically significant improvement in the average Mayo elbow performance score after the elbow arthroplasty when it was operated first (p=0.03).

Two patients needed conversion of shoulder hemi-arthroplasty to total shoulder replacement due to subsequent erosion of the glenoid. One elbow replacement was revised because of recurrent dislocations. There were four patients who developed ulnar neuropathy, of which two were permanent. There were no peri-prosthetic fractures in this series. One patient needed custom-made short-stemmed shoulder prosthesis due to the presence of a long-stemmed humeral component of total elbow prosthesis in situ.

Conclusion: Ipsilateral shoulder and elbow replacements significantly improve pain and function of the limb, when there is advanced arthritis. The joint that appears clinically and radiologically worse should be replaced first. However if both the joints are equally involved we feel that elbow should be replaced first as the functional improvement seems to be better. Careful preoperative planning is required in choosing the type and size of prosthesis, to avoid potential complications.

Aetiology and pathogenesis: The pathogenesis of boutonnière deformity, in the rheumatoid patient is usually quite clear, and is due to either a central slip failure or volar subluxation of the middle phalanx. This subluxation is seen more commonly in the patients with psoriatic arthropathy. The most common cause is a chronic synovitis of the proximal interphalangeal joint leading to attenuation of the sagital fibres between the central slip and the lateral bands and at a later stage disruption or attenuation of the central slip itself.

Synovitis of the pip joint with separation of the lateral bands from the central slip allows the lateral bands to sublux forwards to lie anterior to the axis of rotation thus the intrinsics which extend the proximal and distal joints of the finger come to act as flexors of the proximal joint and continue to act as extensors to the distal joint. The patient will use the intrinsic muscles and they now have a flexion force upon the PIP joint and hyperextension force on the DIP joint, causing a boutonnière deformity. Volar subluxation of the middle phalanx draws forwards the lateral bands and defunctions the central slip creating the same imbalance. Scarring of the volar plate as is seen in volar plate injuries with the production of a pseudo-boutonnière deformity is sometimes seen in psoriatic arthropathy.

In a boutonnière deformity the PIP joint is flexed and the DIP joint is extended. With the joints in this position, the origin and insertion of the intrinsic muscles are closer together, and as a consequence, with the passing of time, the muscles fibres will remodel in a shortened position, creating a lateral band tightness.

Classification: Boutonnière deformity can be classified into four stages.

Type I. The deformity is totally correctable passively, and there is full flexion of the DIP joint when the PIP joint is fully extended.

The patient has a passively correctable flexion deformity of the PIP joint, and can actively flex the distal interphalangeal joint.

The anatomical alterations are the following: elongation of the sagital fibres and volar displacement of the lateral bands but no secondary shortening of musculo-tendinous system.

Type II. Flexion of the DIP joint is limited when the PIP joint is passively corrected.

The patient cannot actively or passively flex the distal interphalangeal joint, when the PIP joint is passively corrected. Secondary shortening of the intrinsic/lateral band system because the intrinsics have remodelled in a shortened position.

Type III. Stiffness of the PIP joint without joint destruction.

There is no passive correction of the deformity but the joint surfaces are sound. The patient can not passively extend the PIP joint nor flex the DIP joint.

Type IV. Stiffness of the PIP joint with joint destruction.

In these cases, stiffness of the PIP joint is not only due to soft tissue remodelling but mainly to joint destruction.

In this type, destruction of the joint cartilage should be added to the previously described anatomical deformities. X-ray examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment: Boutonnière deformities, are both aesthetically and functionally less disabling than swan neck deformities because there is usually little loss of active PIP joint flexion. Some therapeutic options exist, and choosing the most appropriate surgical procedure will depend on the severity of the anatomical deformities which need to be corrected.

Correction of PIP joint flexion. Mobilisation of the lateral bands and transposition of the lateral bands posterior to the axis of rotation of the PIP joint. Release of the volar plate of the PIP joint is often necessary because of secondary contracture.

Improving active DIP joint flexion. The only way to restore loss of active DIP joint flexion is by performing a Dolphin tenotomy or formal lengthening of the conjoined lateral bands over the middle phalanx.

Improving passive PIP joint extension. Passive extension of the PIP joint can usually be obtained by gentle manipulation and serial application of plaster of paris casts, as well as the use of a Capner (or armchair splint)the dorsal structures are usually quite thin and lax. If the joint can not be passively extended, a surgical release of the lateral bands is indicated,. Y-V plasty shortening of the central slip and extensor mechanism is usually necessary. A longitudinal incision at both sides of the central slip, allowing the lateral bands to displace dorsally during PIP joint extension with reefing of the lateral bands to the remnants of the central slip is needed in most cases.

PIP joint arthroplasty. A PIP joint arthroplasty should be considered when the joint is destroyed. A radiological examination is essential in making the diagnosis, as many stiff PIP joints in flexion do not have their joint surfaces preserved because boutonnière deformities are often secondary to PIP joint synovitis. A full soft tissue procedure must be performed at the same time.

DIP joint arthrodesis. Arthrodesis is only indicated for the treatment of uncorrectable deformity of the DIP joint with or without joint destruction, confirmed by radiological examination. The functional results of an arthroplasty are far superior for the treatment of a swan neck than a boutonnière deformity, because of the integrity of the extensor apparatus in the former, allowing for immediate postoperative motion.

7. PIP joint arthrodesis will be the treatment of choice if the finger presents a gross deformity with deteriorating function or failed surgery.

Aims:There is little published on the clinical impact of radial styloidectomy, although resultant instability has been studied in cadaveric models. Methods: Over a ten-year period 31 patients had a radial styloidectomy performed within the Upper Limb Unit. The surgery was performed arthroscopically in 22 patients and via an open approach in 9 cases. A retrospective review of the arthroscopically managed patients is presented. There were 4 females and 18 males with an average follow up of 13.1 months (range 6–53 months) and an average age of 35.4 years (range 18–64). The underlying condition treated was scaphoid non-union in 11 cases, scapholunate collapse in 7, primary osteoarthritis in 3, and one each of scaphoid avascular necrosis and Keinbochñs disease with a SLAC wrist.

Patients were independently clinically reviewed or completed a wrist assessment questionnaire. The outcome was good or satisfactory in 75% of cases and unsatisfactory in the other 25%. Surgery had been carried out in 13.4% (3 patients) previously and all these patients had a satisfactory outcome. In those patients with a poor outcome, the average time to failure or further surgery was 9 months. Conclusions:Arthroscopic radial styloidectomy is a simple procedure with low morbidity. In patients with localised radial styloid impingement it can reliably provide lasting symptomatic relief in the majority of patients.

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common upper limb condition, possibly resulting from angiofibroblastic degeneration. Conservative treatment comprises corticosteroid injections, rest and splints, however, occasionally surgery is necessary.

Recent data comparing Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A) (Botox®, Allergan Inc, Irvine, CA) with surgery suggested BTX-A is effective in treating resistant tennis elbow by providing temporary, reversible paralysis of affected muscle, thereby alleviating tensile forces and allowing tissue healing.

This double-blind, randomised, controlled trial compared BTX-A with placebo in 40 patients with chronic tennis elbow (> 6 months). Recruited patients were randomised to 50U BTX-A+2mL normal saline or 2mL normal saline (placebo). Injections were administered 5cm distal to the maximal area of lateral epicondyle tenderness. Quality of life (SF-12), pain (visual analogue scale) and grip strength (Jamar dynamometer) were assessed pre- and 3 months post-injection in both affected and non-affected arms. Following BTX-A treatment patients had average 19% improvement in grip strength in the affected arm compared to average 2% for placebo, however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.08, 95% CI −2.31, 35.64). No difference between the groups was seen for the unaffected arm (BTX-A 4% improvement, placebo 1% improvement).

Both groups showed similar improvements in pain assessment and also in quality of life.

BTX-A treated-patients demonstrated improved grip strength in the affected arm compared to placebo, however this difference was not statistically significant.

The purpose of the project was to develop a questionnaire for completion by patients with elbow pathologies which is short and practical, internally consistent, valid, responsive and sensitive to changes of clinical importance.

The first, pilot phase included 43 patients who each completed a 19 item questionnaire relating to elbow function. The 19 ADLs produced a total scale Cronbach Alpha of 0.96., two different groups of ADLs were identified by multivariate analysis. Group 1 consisted of ADLs requiring moderate to high isometric loading and Group 2 of ADLs requiring high flexion. From the 19 items the best 10 which represented both groups were selected. A summary score was used to create the Wrightington Elbow Disability Score (WEDS).

In the second phase 89 patients completed the new WEDS form, reliability studies produced a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.91. Internal validity of the groups of ADLs all correlated at p< 0.001 level with strength (Group1) and flexion (Group 2). A sub set of 40 patients undergoing total elbow arthroplasty were assessed for sensitivity to change in disability, the WEDS indicated a significant improvement at the p< 0.001. Convergent validity was demonstrated by the correlation with the ASES-e score at p< 0.001 level. The WEDS was significantly correlated with the ASES-e but not the DASH score.

Our study confirms that the WEDS questionnaire which is short and practical, is internally consistent, valid, responsive and sensitive to changes of clinical importance.

This study describes percutaneous method of tennis elbow release and medium term results.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients (20 elbows) were reviewed following percutaneous tennis elbow release. All patients in this series underwent non-operative management with limited or no relief prior to surgery. The mean duration of treatment was 34.04 months prior to surgery. A percutaneous release of common extensor origin was performed under local anaesthetic. A small 1 cm skin incision was employed in all cases. Mean follow- up was 73 months with a range of 8–121 months. All patients except returned to work and normal level of activity. There was one poor result. The mean time to return to work was 5 weeks, with a range of 1 day –12 weeks. Thirteen patients (fifteen elbows) have been clinically examined. Five patients were contacted by phone.

Results: Pain after surgery was evaluated with a visual analogue scale. Eighteen elbows (90% of cases) had an excellent result. Pain was rated at zero in seventeen cases. One case rated at zero at rest and two after heavy activity. One elbow (5%) had a good result with pain at zero at rest and raising four on the visual analogue scale after sporting activities (playing tennis for more than one hour). There was no improvement in one case (5%) with a visual analogue score of eight before and after surgery. There were no complications recorded. These results prove that percutaneous elbow release is a viable option in treatment of failed conservative tennis elbow management though astringent selection criteria should be observed.