Aims

There is a lack of published evidence relating to the rate of nonunion seen in occult scaphoid fractures, diagnosed only after MRI. This study reports the rate of delayed union and nonunion in a cohort of patients with MRI-detected acute scaphoid fractures.

Aims

The evidence demonstrating the superiority of early MRI has led to increased use of MRI in clinical pathways for acute wrist trauma. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics and the inter-observer reliability of a new MRI based classification system for scaphoid injuries in a consecutive series of patients.

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) affecting the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) is a common painful condition. In this study, we aimed to explore clinicians’ approach to management with a particular focus on the role of specific interventions that will inform the design of future clinical trials.

Aims

Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance advises that MRI direct from the emergency department (ED) should be considered for suspected scaphoid fractures. This study reports the current management of suspected scaphoid fractures in the UK and assesses adherence with NICE guidance.

Aims

To determine the role of early MRI in the management of suspected scaphoid fractures.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical management and outcome of patients with an acral soft-tissue sarcoma of the hand or foot.

Objectives

The PROximal Fracture of the Humerus: Evaluation by Randomisation (PROFHER) trial has recently demonstrated that surgery is non-superior to non-operative treatment in the management of displaced proximal humeral fractures. The objective of this study was to assess current surgical practice in the context of the PROFHER trial in terms of patient demographics, injury characteristics and the nature of the surgical treatment.

Introduction

The pathogenesis of rotator cuff disease (RCD) is complex and not fully understood. This systematic review set out to summarise the histological and molecular changes that occur throughout the spectrum of RCD.

Introduction: Hoffa’s fat pad (HFP) of the knee is affected by a variety of tumours and tumour-like conditions. HFP can be affected by diffuse or solitary, focal disease. Solitary tumours are relatively uncommon but with widespread uptake of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans (MRI) an increasing number of Hoffa’s fat pad tumours (HFP) are being recognized.

Methods: This paper reports a consecutive series of 20 cases of solitary symptomatic HFP tumours referred to Oxford bone and soft tissue tumour service between 1999 and 2008. The commonest presenting symptom was anterior knee pain. All patients underwent open excision after diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: Histology revealed varied diagnoses with the commonest being pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and ganglia. American Knee Society scores improved from 76 pre-operatively to 96 post-operatively with an improvement in functional scores from 92 to 100. In one patient, MRI identified the cause of hypo-phosphataemic osteomalacia as an HFP phosphaturic mesenchyma tumour despite the lack of local symptoms.

Discussion In conclusion the majority of solitary HFP tumours are benign and may be either cystic or solid. MRI and plain radiographs are the imaging of choice. The definitive treatment of both cystic and solid tumours should be selective arthrotomy and excision biopsy. Arthroscopic resection is not advised, as complete excision is not always possible. None of the 20 patients in this series had a malignant tumour but this has been reported in the literature. Calcification on plain radiographs may indicate a malignant lesion. All patients in our series reported substantial improvement in symptoms following open tumour resection.

Introduction: In June 2006, the post-operative plaster immobilisation protocol for patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery at our institution changed from multiple plaster changes to the immediate application of a definitive reusable split synthetic cast. This study aims to assess the savings following this change in practice.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of plaster room records from June 2005 to June 2007 was performed.

The original procedure involved application of a plaster backslab following surgery, change of cast on day 1 post operatively, suture removal and plaster change at two weeks post-operation and cast removal or bivalving six weeks post-operation, following outpatient review.

The new procedure utilised a reusable cast applied in theatre which allowed suture removal and wound inspection in the community and outpatient review at six weeks without plaster change.

Results: Two hundred and twenty-two patients from 2005–6 were managed with the plaster procedure at a cost of £344.98 per patient and a total cost of £76,586.56. While 203 patients from 2006–7 were managed with the new procedure at a cost of £147.10 per patient and a total cost of £29,861.30. The net saving to the hospital of this change in practice was £197.88 per patient and £40,169.64 in total. There were no referrals back to the hospital as a consequence of this change in practice.

Discussion: Plaster changes and hospital outpatient appointments add cost to surgical procedures. This simple change in the post-operative casting of foot and ankle patients resulted in less outpatient visits and plaster changes without compromising the standard of medical care.

Conclusions: In the current political and financial climate it is important that economic efficiency, at a local level. This study demonstrates how small changes in local practice can result in significant financial savings for hospitals.