In the UK, fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture is generally performed under general or regional anaesthetic, with an arm tourniquet and in a hospital setting. We have changed our practice to use local anaesthetic with adrenaline, no arm tourniquet, and perform the surgery in a community setting. We present the outcome of a consecutive series of 30 patients. Prospective data were collected for 30 patients undergoing open fasciectomy on 36 digits (six having two digits affected), over a one-year period and under the care of two surgeons. In total, 10 ml to 20 ml volume of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was used. A standard postoperative rehabilitation regime was used. Preoperative health scores, goniometer measurements of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contractures, and Unité Rheumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scores were measured pre- and postoperatively at six and 12 weeks.Aims
Methods
The distal humerus represents 1% of all primary bone tumours. Endoprosthetic replacement can potentially improve function and provide good pain relief. We present out experience with the custom made Stanmore elbow endoprosthesis used after resection of malignant tumours of the distal humerus. Between 1970–2009 we carried out 19 endoprosthetic replacments for malignant tumours of the distal humerus. 10 were a result of metastasis and 9 were primary bone tumours. 7 patients had a pathological fracture as their first presentation and 3 had pathological fractures after the diagnosis was made. 11 patients died between 3 months to 16 year following surgery. The mean survival of the patient group was 7.1 years (range 3 months to 37 years). 4 patients underwent a revision EPR and one patient underwent two revision EPR's due to loosening. Two patients underwent maintenance procedures (rebushing) due to wear of the poly bushing. We have had no revisions since the design of hte implant was changed to a floppy hinge design. One patient underwent an above elbow amputation four years after surgery due to local recurrence. There were no early post operative infections. One patient developed a sinus requiring multiple wound explorations, one year after insertion of the endoprosthesis for a sarcoma. This patient was infection free till the time of death 3 years later. There were no nerve palsies, periprosthetic fractures or wound problems. The mean TES score was 72% (59–78%) in the surviving patients at review. As the majority of the patients were implanted for metastatic disease the initial reliablity and low complication rate of the procedure, in our series, confirms that this is a suitable reconstruction for patients in significant metastatic pain from a destructive lesion of the distal humerus, rapidly restoring function and relieving pain in a predictable manner
The treatment of Grade III acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations has been a subject of much controversy, even as early as Hippocrates. We hypothesized that this surgical technique would improve patient functional outcome. We present a case series of 17 patients all of whom have had grade III dislocations of the ACJ. The patient population was young active adults. Surgery was performed within four weeks in all cases. One Surgeon in the Queen Elizabeth hospital, University of Birmingham, performed the same procedure on all 17 patients. A standard technique was used for tight rope fixation. The fixation device is comprised of no. 5 fibrewire suture and 2 metal buttons, joined by a continuous loop. This is a low-profile double-metallic button technique. Postoperatively all patients remained in a polysling for three weeks and postoperative rehabilitation was commenced after that point including physiotherapy supervised pendular exercises and gentle passive movements. They were all seen six weeks and three months post operatively. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed to assess the fixation. Of our cohort of patients, one required revision open stabilization after sustaining a mechanical fall on the affected operated side. There was a failure of fixation in a patient who was non-compliant with postoperative instructions. At three months postoperatively all patients were satisfied with the functional outcome and were able to return to pre injury level of activity. Bar the two failures the average OSS was 45.2 (range 40–48). 14 patients returned to their pre injury occupation and sports fitness. This technique provides a simple, reproducible, minimally invasive technique for acute ACJ dislocation, which expedites a functional recovery of this acute injury. It is a non-rigid fixation of the AC joint that maintains reduction yet allowing for normal movement at the joint.Methods and Results
Conclusion
The modern generation of hip resurfacing arthroplasties was developed in the early 1990's with one of the original designs being the McMinn Resurfacing Total Hip System. This was a hybrid metal on metal prosthesis, with a smooth hydroxyapetite coated press fit mono block cobalt chrome shell with a cemented femoral component. Although no longer produced in this form, lessons may be learned from this original series of components. With metal on metal resurfacing arthroplasty now facing criticisms and concerns with regard function, bone preservation capability and soft tissue issues such as ‘pseudotumors’, it is the aim of this long-term study to assess the outcome and survival of an original series of resurfacing arthroplasties. 27 resurfacing arthroplasties were performed in 25 consecutive patients between June 1994 and November 1996. 16 right hips and 11 left were performed in 14 female patients and 11 male patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 50.5 years (SD 7.9, range 30-63). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using a posterior lateral approach. Following the initial early care, each patient received bi-annual follow up along with open access to the clinic with any concerns or complications. A retrospective review of the case notes was conducted and outcome scores retrieved from a prospectively updated database. Radiographs were analyzed and a Kaplan Meier survival chart was constructed for the group. At latest review 3 patients have died (5yrs, 8yrs and 13.8yrs) and 1 patient has been lost to follow up (5yrs). 7 resurfacings have required revision, all due to acetabular loosening, at a mean follow up of 7 years 11months (SD 2.03years, range 4-10). Metallosis was documented in 4 of the revision cases, however no extensive soft tissue inflammation or ‘pseudotumor’ identified. The mean follow up of the remaining 16 hips is 12years and 10months (SD 12.8months, Range 10.4yrs-14.0 years). The Kaplan Meier survival at a minimum follow up of 10 years is 75.8% (95% CI 0.67-0.95). Mean Oxford hip scores at latest follow up was 20.6 (SD 8.8, range 12-38). There was no significant difference between cup inclination angles for the surviving cohort and those who required a revision procedure with mean cup inclinations of 52.5 (SD 5.5, range 45-60) and 58 degrees respectively (SD 9.1, range 50-70)(p=0.255). This original series of hip resurfacings, with up to 14 years follow up, shows a survival of 76% at the minimum follow up of 10 years. All failures were due to loosening of the smooth backed acetabulum, which with a modern porous coating, failure may have been avoided or delayed. Despite high inclinations angles no soft tissue reactions were identified within this series. No femoral failures were identified suggesting unlike much literature focus, long-term failure may not be related to the femoral head or neck.
The modern generation of hip resurfacing arthroplasties was developed in the early 1990’s with one of the original designs being the McMinn Resurfacing Total Hip System. This was a hybrid metal on metal prosthesis, with a smooth hydroxyapetite coated press fit mono block cobalt chrome shell with a cemented femoral component. Although no longer produced in this form, lessons may be learned from this original series of components. With metal on metal resurfacing arthroplasty now facing criticisms and concerns with regard function, bone preservation capability and soft tissue issues such as ‘pseudotumors’, it is the aim of this long-term study to assess the outcome and survival of an original series of resurfacing arthroplasties. 27 resurfacing arthroplasties were performed in 25 consecutive patients between June 1994 and November 1996. 16 right hips and 11 left were performed in 14 female patients and 11 male patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 50.5 years (SD 7.9, range 30–63). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using a posterior lateral approach. Following the initial early care, each patient received bi-annual follow up along with open access to the clinic with any concerns or complications. A retrospective review of the case notes was conducted and outcome scores retrieved from a prospectively updated database. Radiographs were analyzed and a Kaplan Meier survival chart was constructed for the group. At latest review 3 patients have died (5yrs, 8yrs and 13.8yrs) and 1 patient has been lost to follow up (5yrs). 7 resurfacings have required revision, all due to acetabular loosening, at a mean follow up of 7 years 11months (SD 2.03years, range 4–10). Metallosis was documented in 4 of the revision cases, however no extensive soft tissue inflammation or ‘pseudotumor’ identified. The mean follow up of the remaining 16 hips is 12years and 10months (SD 12.8months, Range 10.4yrs–14.0 years). The Kaplan Meier survival at a minimum follow up of 10 years is 75.8% (95% CI 0.67–0.95). Mean Oxford hip scores at latest follow up was 20.6 (SD 8.8, range 12–38). There was no significant difference between cup inclination angles for the surviving cohort and those who required a revision procedure with mean cup inclinations of 52.5 (SD 5.5, range 45–60) and 58 degrees respectively (SD 9.1, range 50–70)(p=0.255). This original series of hip resurfacings, with up to 14 years follow up, shows a survival of 76% at the minimum follow up of 10 years. All failures were due to loosening of the smooth backed acetabulum, which with a modern porous coating, failure may have been avoided or delayed. Despite high inclinations angles no soft tissue reactions were identified within this series. No femoral failures were identified suggesting unlike much literature focus, long-term failure may not be related to the femoral head or neck.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. Various methods are used to diagnose this condition including clinical examination and neurophysiologic tests. The DASH (Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score is also commonly used to quantify the symptoms from the patients’ perspective. The aim of this study was to determine any correlation between the neurophysiology and the various questions in the DASH score. To the best of our knowledge this potential association has not been studied previously.
There is still much debate on the appropriateness of taking post operative radiographs especially in the presence of high quality radiography that image intensifiers now provide. The aim of this study was to determine current UK practice regarding the use of check radiographs and to compare this practice with the implant related complications. A postal performa was sent to 450 randomly chosen UK Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultants to assess their practice regarding check radiographs following hip fracture surgery. In addition a case note review of all patients undergoing hip fracture surgery over the three years of 2001 to 2003 at Selly Oak Hospital, was performed. Patients undergoing revision surgery in the same admission were identified. The decision to revise was noted to determine whether check radiograph influenced the decision. Response rate to the performa was 66.7% (300/450). 96% routinely took postoperative radiographs following Hemiarthroplasty. Of these, 87% allowed the patient to mobilise before checking the radiograph. In the DHS group, 61% took check radiographs. Of these, 75% allowed the patient to mobilise prior to reviewing the radiograph. Following Cannulated screw fixation, 58% routinely performed check radiographs and 67% allowed the patient to mobilise before reviewing the radiograph. 1265 hip fracture surgeries were performed in our unit in three years. Only one decision to revise was based on a problem identified on a routine check radiograph. We highlight the lack of national consensus on the use of post operative radiographs. We recommend the use of post operative radiographs only when clinically indicated, hence sparing the patient from discomfort, unnecessary exposure to radiation as well as allowing more effective utilisation of radiological and human resources.
