Adjusting an external fixator can be a daunting process for patients. Despite comprehensive training, patients often request supervision for the initial adjustments which may result in a prolonged hospital stay. Following the introduction of telemedicine during the pandemic we believed that this could be utilised to support patients with their fixator adjustments. A quality improvement project was implemented to assess and evaluate a change in practice from existing Face to Face support to a telemedicine format. The aim of the project was to reduce median length of stay (LOS). The telemedicine platform was introduced in our unit from April 2021 with the change in practice. Using the life QI platform, run charts were used to record the numbers of patients whose LOS was 4 days or less. Median LOS was assessed prior to and following introduction of the telemedicine platform. Service user experience with telemedicine as well as overall training and education by the CNS team was sought through on-line questionnaires.Introduction
Materials & Methods
The FitBone lengthening nail (Orthofix UK) is an intramedullary device licensed for the lengthening of long bones in adults in the UK. It contains a motor powered by electricity transmitted via an induction coil placed underneath the skin. It was developed in Germany two decades ago but uptake in the UK has only started more recently. The aim of this study was to review the first cohort of FitBone lengthening nails in a unit with significant experience of other lengthening nails (including PRECICE and Stryde). Demographic, clinical and radiological data was prospectively collected on all FitBone cases starting in February 2022. Accuracy of lengthening rate, patient satisfaction and implant issues were all considered. Complications and learning points were recorded and discussed by the multidisciplinary team involved in the patients care.Introduction
Materials & Methods
A greater emphasis has been placed on fracture related infection (FRI) orthopaedic practice as a separate entity in recent years. Since the publication of the FRI consensus definition and guidelines, there has been an increase in the published literature on the topic and a move towards considering FRI as separate from general orthopaedic practice and as work that requires a more specialist approach. The aim of this study was to audit current FRI practice in the UK. Orthopaedic practice related to FRI in the UK was audited using a semi-structured questionnaire. Respondents were from a range of institutions, specialties and clinical roles to reflect the multi-disciplinary nature of treating FRI. The online tool SurveyMonkey was used to share the survey at the 2022 annual meeting of the British Limb Reconstruction Society. Twenty-one questions were asked in the following domains: scope of practice, theatre and clinic capacity, availability of the multidisciplinary team, renumeration for work and scope of FRI networks.Introduction
Materials & Methods
Osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) is a rare benign lesion predominantly affecting the tibia in children. Its potential link to adamantinoma has influenced management. This international case series reviews the presentation of OFD and management approaches to improve our understanding of OFD. A retrospective review at three paediatric tertiary centres identified 101 cases of tibial OFD in 99 patients. The clinical records, radiological images, and histology were analyzed.Aims
Methods
Patients undergoing limb reconstruction surgery often face a challenging and lengthy process to complete their treatment journey. The majority of existing outcome measures do not adequately capture the patient-reported outcomes relevant to this patient group in a single measure. Following a previous systematic review, the Stanmore Limb Reconstruction Score (SLRS) was designed with the intent to address this need for an effective instrument to measure patient-reported outcomes in limb reconstruction patients. We aim to assess the face validity of this score in a pilot study. The SLRS was designed following structured interviews with several groups including patients who have undergone limb reconstruction surgery, limb reconstruction surgeons, specialist nurses, and physiotherapists. This has subsequently undergone further adjustment for language and clarity. The score was then trialled on ten patients who had undergone limb reconstruction surgery, with subsequent structured questioning to understand the perceived suitability of the score.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to present the first retrieval analysis findings of PRECICE STRYDE intermedullary nails removed from patients, providing useful information in the post-market surveillance of these recently introduced devices. We collected ten nails removed from six patients, together with patient clinical data and plain radiograph imaging. We performed macro- and microscopic analysis of all surfaces and graded the presence of corrosion using validated semiquantitative scoring methods. We determined the elemental composition of surface debris using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and used metrology analysis to characterize the surface adjacent to the extendable junctions.Aims
Methods
The STRYDE nail is an evolution of the PRECICE Intramedullary Limb Lengthening System, with unique features regarding its composition. It is designed for load bearing throughout treatment in order to improve patient experience and outcomes and allow for simultaneous bilateral lower limb lengthening. The literature published to date is limited regarding outcomes and potential problems. We report on our early experience and raise awareness for the potential of adverse effects from this device. This is a retrospective review of prospective data collected on all patients treated in our institution using this implant. We report the demographics, nail accuracy, reliability, consolidation index, and cases where concerning clinical and radiological findings were encountered. There were 14 STRYDE nails implanted in nine patients (three male and six female) between June 2019 and September 2020. Mean age at surgery was 33 years (14 to 65). Five patients underwent bilateral lengthening (two femoral and three tibial) and four patients unilateral femoral lengthening for multiple aetiologies.Aims
Methods
The use of intramedullary lengthening devices is becoming increasingly popular. There are no published data regarding the incidence of venous thromboembolism following intramedullary lengthening and no reports or guidance for current practices on use of thromboprophylaxis. Following a case of post-operative deep vein thrombosis in our institution, we felt that it is important to assess best practice. We conducted this survey to collect data that would describe current practice and help guide consensus for treatment. We have identified surgeons across the UK that perform intramedullary lengthening through the British Limb Reconstruction Society membership and a Precise Users database. Surgeons were contacted and asked to respond to an online survey (SurveyMonkey - SVMK Inc.). Responses to thromboprophylaxis regimes employed in their practice and cases of venous thromboembolism were collated.Introduction
Materials and Methods
The STRYDE nail is an evolution of the PRECICE Intramedullary Limb Lengthening System, with unique features regarding its composition. It is designed for load bearing throughout treatment in order to improve patient experience and outcomes and allow for simultaneous bilateral lower limb lengthening. The literature published to date is limited with regards to both outcomes and potential issues. In this paper we report on our early experience and raise awareness for the potential of adverse effects from this device. This is a review of all patients treated in our institution using this implant. Data were prospectively recorded. We report on demographics, nail accuracy, reliability, consolidation index and cases where concerning clinical and radiological findings were encountered.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Patients undergoing limb reconstruction surgery often face a challenging and often lengthy process to complete their treatment journey. The majority of existing outcome measures do not adequately capture the patient reported outcomes relevant to this patient group in a single measure. Following a previous systematic review, the Stanmore Limb Reconstruction Score (SLRS) was designed with the intent to address this need for an effective instrument to measure patient reported outcomes in limb reconstruction patients. The SLRS was designed following the use of structured interviews with a group of patients who have undergone limb reconstruction surgery, limb reconstruction surgeons, specialist nurses and physiotherapists. This has undergone further adjustment for language and clarity. The score was then trialled on 10 patients who have been through the process of limb reconstruction surgery, with subsequent structured questioning to understand the perceived suitability.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Pixel Value Ratio (PVR) is a radiographic measure of the relative density of the regenerate to the adjacent bone. This has been reported as an objective criterion for regenerate healing and a guide for when to allow full weight bearing (FWB) in lengthening with intramedullary telescopic nails. The threshold for which magnitude of PVR is adequate to allow bearing full weight is not yet agreed. The aim of this study was to identify from our cohort of adult limb lengthening patients the time to FWB following lengthening, the PVR at this point, and how this compared with the recommended values in the literature. A retrospective database review identified 30 adult patients treated with the PRECICE femoral nail by two senior authors. Time from completion of lengthening to instruction to fully weight bear was noted. The PVR was calculated for each cortex on plain radiographs taken at each postoperative visit following completion of lengthening. Significance was set at Introduction
Materials and Methods
Leg length discrepancy (LLD) in patients with unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can be problematic for both patients and surgeons. Patients can acquire gait asymmetry, back pain, and arthritis. Surgical considerations include timing of correction and arthroplasty planning. This study audits standing long leg films performed at skeletal maturity in our patients. The aim of this study is to identify if surgical procedure or AVN type could predict the odds of needing an LLD Intervention (LLDI) and influence our surveillance. Hospital database was searched for all patients diagnosed with DDH. Inclusion criteria were patients with appropriately performed long leg films at skeletal maturity. Exclusion criteria were patients with non DDH pathology, skeletally immature and inadequate radiographs. All data was tabulated in excel and SPSS was used for analysis. Traumacad was used for measurements and AVN and radiologic outcome grades were independently classified in duplicate.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Ring breakage is a rare but significant complication requiring revision surgery and prolonging the course of treatment. We have encountered three cases with Taylor Spatial Frames (TSF) with breakage at the half ring junction of the distal ring. This experimental study examines the strains produced at different locations on the distal ring during loading and the effects of altering the construct in order to develop techniques to minimise the risk of breakage. We mounted different TSF constructs on tibia sawbone models. Construct 1 reproducing the configuration of cases where failure was seen, Construct 2 with different wire and half pin configuration and construct 3 with the distal ring rotated 60 degrees. Strain Gauges were attached to different locations and measurements were collected during loading. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed.Introduction
Materials and Methods
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rapidly implemented restructuring of UK healthcare services. The The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, became a central hub for the provision of trauma services for North Central/East London (NCEL) while providing a musculoskeletal tumour service for the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales and an urgent spinal service for London. This study reviews our paediatric practice over this period in order to share our experience and lessons learned. Our hospital admission pathways are described and the safety of surgical and interventional radiological procedures performed under general anaesthesia (GA) with regards to COVID-19 in a paediatric population are evaluated. All paediatric patients (≤ 16 years) treated in our institution during the six-week peak period of the pandemic were included. Prospective data for all paediatric trauma and urgent elective admissions and retrospective data for all sarcoma admissions were collected. Telephone interviews were conducted with all patients and families to assess COVID-19 related morbidity at 14 days post-discharge.Introduction
Methods
To quantify the micro-motion at the fracture gap in a tibial fracture model stabilised with an external fixator. A surrogate model of a tibia and a cadaver leg were fractured and stabilised using a two-ring hexapod external fixator. They were tested initially under static loading and then subjected to vibration.Aim
Method
The management of a significant bony defect following excision
of a diaphyseal atrophic femoral nonunion remains a challenge. We
present the outcomes using a combined technique of acute femoral
shortening, stabilized with a long retrograde intramedullary nail,
accompanied by bifocal osteotomy compression and distraction osteogenesis with
a temporary monolateral fixator. Eight men and two women underwent the ‘rail and nail’ technique
between 2008 and 2016. Proximal locking of the nail and removal
of the external fixator was undertaken once the length of the femur
had been restored and prior to full consolidation of the regenerate.Aims
Patients and Methods
Muscle stiffness and joint contractures are common complications of limb lengthening. Authors have demonstrated less permanent soft tissue complications with intramedullary lengthening than external fixation. Our aim was to evaluate the joint response following intramedullary femoral lengthening and need for physiotherapy and alteration to rate/rhythm of lengthening. A retrospective review of documentation for all femoral Precice nails in our centre inserted between 2012 and 2017. This involved 98 nails (68 antegrade, 30 retrograde) in 88 patients (59 males, 29 females) with a mean age of 32 years (range 12–69 yrs). We excluded cases where there was no documentation regarding Range of Movement (ROM). Bilateral lengthenings were recorded as separate cases. This left 50 antegrade, 16 retrograde cases with hip ROM data and 55 antegrade, 26 retrograde cases with Knee ROM data.Introduction
Method
To review the natural history of posteromedial bowing of the tibia and the outcome of limb reconstruction in this condition. 38 patients with posteromedial bowing of the tibia presenting between 2000–2016 were identified. Mean follow up from presentation was 78 months. Seventeen patients underwent lengthening and deformity correction surgery, whilst 3 further patients are awaiting lengthening and deformity correction procedures.Purpose
Patients and Methods
The Precice nail is the latest intramedullary lengthening nail with excellent early outcomes. Implant complications have led to modification of the nail design. The aim of this study was to perform a retrieval study of Precice nails following lower limb lengthening. To assess macroscopic and microscopic changes to the implants and assess differences following design modification, with identification of potential surgical, implant and patient risk factors. 15 nails were retrieved from 13 patients following lower limb lengthening. Macroscopic and microscopic surface damage to the nails were identified. Further analysis included radiology and micro-CT prior to sectioning. The internal mechanism was then analysed with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy to identify corrosion.Introduction
Method
