Disability and slow return to sport and work after tendon rupture are major challenges. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous supraphysiological concentration of platelets from whole blood that has demonstrated positive cellular and physiological effects on healing in laboratory conditions but evidence from adequately powered robust clinical trials is lacking. We aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of PRP for treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. In a placebo-controlled, participant- and assessor-blinded, trial at 19 NHS hospitals we randomly assigned 230 adults starting acute Achilles rupture non-surgical management to PRP injection or dry-needle insertion (placebo) to the rupture gap under local anaesthetic. Patients with confounding or contraindicated concurrent medical conditions were excluded. The primary outcome was muscle-tendon function, assessed by the limb symmetry index (LSI, uninjured limb/injured limb × 100, higher scores better) of the work (Joules) performed during the heel-rise endurance test at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were: Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS, 0–100, higher scores better), quality of life (SF-12), pain, and goal attainment. Trial registration: ISRCTN54992179Background
Methods
To determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection improves outcomes two years after acute Achilles tendon rupture. A randomized multicentre two-arm parallel-group, participant- and assessor-blinded superiority trial was undertaken. Recruitment commenced on 28 July 2015 and two-year follow-up was completed in 21 October 2019. Participants were 230 adults aged 18 years and over, with acute Achilles tendon rupture managed with non-surgical treatment from 19 UK hospitals. Exclusions were insertion or musculotendinous junction injuries, major leg injury or deformity, diabetes, platelet or haematological disorder, medication with systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulation therapy treatment, and other contraindicating conditions. Participants were randomized via a central online system 1:1 to PRP or placebo injection. The main outcome measure was Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) at two years via postal questionnaire. Other outcomes were pain, recovery goal attainment, and quality of life. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.Aims
Methods
The rationale for exacting restoration of skeletal anatomy after unstable ankle fracture is to improve outcomes by reducing complications from malunion; however, current definitions of malunion lack confirmatory clinical evidence. Radiological (absolute radiological measurements aided by computer software) and clinical (clinical interpretation of radiographs) definitions of malunion were compared within the Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial cohort, including people aged ≥ 60 years with an unstable ankle fracture. Linear regressions were used to explore the relationship between radiological malunion (RM) at six months and changes in function at three years. Function was assessed with the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), with a minimal clinically important difference set as six points, as per the AIM trial. Piecewise linear models were used to investigate new radiological thresholds which better explain symptom impact on ankle function.Aims
Methods
Hip fractures are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and costs. One strategy for improving outcomes is to incentivize hospitals to provide better quality of care. We aimed to determine whether a pay-for-performance initiative affected hip fracture outcomes in England by using Scotland, which did not participate in the scheme, as a control. We undertook an interrupted time series study with data from all patients aged more than 60 years with a hip fracture in England (2000 to 2018) using the Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC) data set linked to national death registrations. Difference-in-differences (DID) analysis incorporating equivalent data from the Scottish Morbidity Record was used to control for secular trends. The outcomes were 30-day and 365-day mortality, 30-day re-admission, time to operation, and acute length of stay.Aims
Materials and Methods
We wished to assess the feasibility of a future randomised controlled
trial of parathyroid hormone (PTH) supplements to aid healing of
trochanteric fractures of the hip, by an open label prospective
feasibility and pilot study with a nested qualitative sub study.
This aimed to inform the design of a future powered study comparing
the functional recovery after trochanteric hip fracture in patients
undergoing standard care, We undertook a pilot study comparing the functional recovery
after trochanteric hip fracture in patients 60 years or older, admitted
with a trochanteric hip fracture, and potentially eligible to be
randomised to either standard care or the administration of subcutaneous
PTH for six weeks. Our desired outcomes were functional testing
and measures to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the
study.Aims
Patients and Methods
Multiple organ failure (MOF) is a major cause of trauma mortality and morbidity. The role of surgical procedures in precipitating MOF remains unclear. Data on timing and duration of surgery was collated on 491 consecutive patients admitted to a Major Trauma Centre, who survived more than 48 hours and required Intensive Care Unit admission. MOF was defined according to the Denver Post Injury MOF Score, where MOF can occur only later than 48 hours after injury to exclude physiological derangements resulting from inadequate resuscitation. Overall, 268 patients (54.6%) underwent surgery within 48 hours of injury, with 110 (22.4%) requiring surgery within 6 hours of injury. Total mean intra-operative time (p=0.067) nor the need for an operation within the first 6 (p=0.069) or 48 hours (p=0.124) were associated with MOF development. Multivariate predictive modelling of MOF showed timing and duration of surgery had no significant predictive power for MOF development (Odds Ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.47–1.10). Despite previous indication that early surgical intervention can precipitate MOF, current surgical strategy does not appear to impact MOF development.
Paediatric fractures are common but those occurring in non-ambulant children are associated with higher rates of Non Accidental Injury (NAI). There is little published on the mechanisms of injury associated with accidental fracture in young children. This study explores the aetiology of long bone fractures in non-ambulant children. This retrospective multicentre study looked at children aged ≤18 months presenting to three hospitals over 3 years (2009 to 2011). Information was gathered on age, gender, fracture type, injury mechanism, final diagnosis, treatment and details of screening for NAI.Aim
Methods
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), an autologous derivative of whole blood that contains a supraphysiological concentration of platelets and growth factors. Most published studies have investigated the effect of PRP-conditioned media on cell cultures. We are not aware of any study that has investigated whole PRP with its cellular components on human tissue cultures. This study aims to investigate the effect of PRP on cell migration from human Achilles tendon explants, and the subsequent cellular proliferative effects in culture. This is an Purpose
Methods
We present a review of our use of the Ilizarov apparatus in a non-acute NGO hospital in Cambodia specialising in limb reconstruction. Frames are applied without on table image intensification. A retrospective case-note analysis of Ilizarov apparatus use for all indications was conducted. 53 frames were applied between November 2005 and October 2011. Indications for application were chronic open fracture, osteomyelitis, fracture malunion, infective and non-infective non-union, bone lengthening, primary bone tumour resection, ankle fusion, congenital deformity or pseudarthrosis, chronic hip dislocation, or a combination of the above. Median delay in presentation was 104 weeks for all indications (range 4–864). Median treatment length was 21 weeks (3–76). The most frequent complication was pin-site infection. This occurred in 18 patients (34%). Return to theatre occurred in 21 patients (40%). Indications were frame adjustment, pin addition or removal, addition of bone graft or re-osteotomy. Failure of union occurred in three patients. These rates are comparable with those published in both Asian and Western literature.Aims and methods
Results
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been shown to have positive effect in tendon regeneration in in-vitro and limited in-vivo animal studies. We aim to study PRP use in acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) regeneration in a purposely designed clinical trial. This is a prospective double-arm patient-blinded randomized controlled trial. ATR patients were randomized into PRP treatment or control groups. Non-operatively treated patients received PRP or control injection in clinic. In operatively treated patients, PRP gel was applied in the ruptured gap during percutaneous repair. Standard rehabilitation protocol was used and patients were followed up for 24 weeks. ATR, VISA-A and FAOS scores were used as subjective outcome measures. Functional ultrasound Elastography (FUSE) was performed at each follow-up to assess the mechanical properties of tendons. PRP analysis and tendon needle-biopsy were performed to study the histological differences during healing in both groups.Purpose
Methods
It has been suggested that the transition phases of implementing daylight saving time (DST) may impact on serious or fatal injuries sustained as the result of road traffic collision (RTC). The aim of this study is to explore the effects of transitions into and out of daylight saving time on the incidence of such injuries. This is a retrospective comparative observational study of 11-year of data submitted prospectively to the Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN) between 1996 and 2006. Data for 4 weeks before and after time transition in spring and autumn of each year was collected. The time periods selected reflect those hours with maximum light level changes due to time alterations (2-hour around sunrise and 4-hour around sunset). Travellers outside those hours are unlikely to be affected by the changes.Introduction
Method
Functional ultrasound Elastography (FUSE) of Tendo Achilles is an ultrasound technique utilising controlled, measurable movement of the foot to non-invasively evaluate TA elastic and load-deformation properties. The study purpose is to assess Achilles tendons, paratenon and bursa mechanical properties in healthy volunteers and establish an outcome tool for TA treatment. Forty asymptomatic Achilles tendons of 20 healthy volunteers were recruited (10 men and 10 women, age range 18-55). One patient with Acute Achilles rupture scanned to evaluate the tendon gap. Each volunteer answered the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Victorian Institute Sport Assessment score (VISA-A) questionnaires. The Achilles Tendons were divided into three thirds (total 120 Proximal, middle and distal thirds). Three longitudinal images of each third were obtained using portable US scan device (Z.one, Zonare Medical System Inc., USA, 8.5 MHz). Images processing was achieved using a MatLAb software (developed by the research team) in parallel Oxford university computers. Each 1/3rd Achilles tendon under went the following scans:
Free hand US scan Free hand Compression decompression Elastography scan Dorsal Flexion elastography Planter flexion elastography Zonare real-time Elastography Elastography scan with the Oxford isometric dynamic foot and Ankle mover (OIDFA) B mode and elasticity images were derived from the raw ultrasound radio frequency data. The anatomical structures mechanical properties were evaluated by a quantitative score of different colours representing stiff tissue (blue) to more soft tissue (green, yellow, red).Purpose
Methods
The use of platelet-rich concentrate (PRC) to enhance the healing response in tendon repair is currently an area of considerable interest. Activated platelets release a cocktail of growth factors and ECM regulating molecules. Previous work suggests that tenocytes are activated by contact with these clot-derived molecules. Our studies on tenocytes and PRC aim to establish the direct molecular and functional effects of PRC on tenocytes and to support the clinical research on Achilles tendon repair taking place within our group. We hypothesise that applying PRC to human tenocytes in culture will increase proliferation rate and survival by activating relevant signalling pathways. Using a centrifugation method, PRC was extracted from fresh human whole blood. The PRC was immediately clotted and left in medium overnight to release biological factors (at least 95% of presynthesized growth factors are secreted in the first hour of activation)1. Human tenocytes derived from explanted healthy hamstring were used for up to three passages. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of PRC-conditioned medium and assessed for viable cell number (Alamar Blue™ fluorescence) and proliferation (Ziva™ Ultrasensitive BrdU assay) after 72hrs. For western blotting, cells were treated with 10% PRC for 5 or 30 minutes. Antibodies to P-ERK and P-Akt detected the active protein state on the blot, followed by membrane stripping and re-probing with pan antibodies. Quantification was achieved by densitometry using Visionworks software v. 6.7.1.Introduction
Materials and Methods
To determine the relative contributions of bilateral versus unilateral femoral shaft fracture plus injuries in other body regions to mortality after injury. A retrospective analysis of the prospectively recorded Trauma Registry data (TARN) from 1989 to 2003.Background
Study design
Around the knee high-energy fractures/dislocation may present with vascular injuries. Ischaemia time i.e. the time interval from injury to reperfusion surgery is the only variable that the surgeon can influence. It has been traditionally taught that 6-8 hours is revascularisation acceptable. There are only limited case series that have documented the time-dependent lower limb salvage rate (LSR) or the lower limb amputation rate (LAR). We have conducted a meta-analysis to look at LSR and LAR to inform clinical standard setting and for medicolegal purposes. Two authors conducted an independent literature search using PubMed, Ovid, and Embase. In addition the past 5 years issues of Journal of Trauma, Injury and Journal of Vascular surgery were manually scrutinised. Papers included those in the English language that discussed limb injuries around the knee, and time to limb salvage or amputation surgery. The Oxman and Guyatt index was used to score each paper.Introduction
Methods
We summarise findings from surveys of graduates from UK medical schools over 31 years. Serial surveys have been undertaken in 1974, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2002. Questionnaires were sent to 33,151 doctors; 24,621 (74.3%) replied. Three years after qualification, 70.8% replied to a second survey; 5-years after qualification, seven cohorts were re-surveyed. Trauma and orthopaedic surgery was the first choice career for 5.0% (men) and 1.0% (women) 1 year after qualification, and 5.2% (men) and 0.8% (women) at 5 years. Of those with T&O as first choice, 35% who chose it in year one, 56% in year three, and 84% in year five were working in it eventually. Experience as a student or junior, self-appraisal of skills, a particular teacher and enthusiasm for the specialty were the most important influences. There has been an increase in the percentage of women choosing surgical careers. However, the much higher percentage of men who choose T&O surgery remains striking. The specialty needs to consider whether this matters. Women currently comprise about 60% of the medical school intake in the UK. This study shows that doctors who ultimately pursued a surgical career made that choice by year 3 (equivalent to ST1) and between 84-92% had settled on the specialty by year 5 (ST3). Career progression for this historical cohort did not require an early commitment and a greater decisiveness may be anticipated in the more expectant system of Modernising Medical Careers. It is unknown whether recent working time directives will influence career choice. This study defines T&O doctors to be highly motivated by work and not influenced by long working hours or competing domestic demands. This low priority places the specialty at the bottom of comparative tables. A change in work-life balance may directly impact future specialty recruitment.
If the lower re-rupture in operative treated patients was an effect of tendon-end apposition, then patients in whom that could be demonstrated in equinus by ultrasound could be equally well treated non-operatively without the attendant surgical risk. All patients undergoing ultrasound for a suspected Achilles tendon repair between January 2000-2005 were included. Patients with a residual gap, 5mm or more in equinus; were treated by surgical repair. Those with a gap of less than 5mm were treated non-operatively. We excluded patients with no rupture, partial rupture and musculo-tendinuous junction (MTJ) tears. We recorded the following: clinical findings, ultrasound measurements of tendon gap in neutral and equinus, distance of rupture from distal insertion, the treatment and complications. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 6 months. 156 patients were treated for a clinical Achilles tendon rupture during the study period. We excluded 5 patients with no rupture on ultrasound, 15 with a MTJ tear, 7 with a muscle tear and 4 patients did not follow the protocol. 125 patients comprising 88 males and 37 females were entered into the study. 67 patients were treated operatively (37 open, 30 percutaneous) and 58 non-operatively. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to age, sex and injury mechanism. Two patients in the non-operative group had a re-rupture (3.4%) compared with 1 (1.5%) in the non-operative group. There were 2 incidences of superficial wound infection and 2 of temporary dorsal foot numbness in the operative. One patient in the non-operative group had a DVT. There was no significant difference for any of the complications between the two groups. It may be possible to reduce the risk of re-rupture and surgery using dynamic ultrasound to determine which treatment the patient receives.
Referral to centres with a pelvic service is standard practice for the management of displaced acetabular fractures. The time to surgery: (1) is a predictor of radiological and functional outcome and (2) this varies with the fracture pattern.Background
Hypothesis
Quality assurance for training in trauma and orthopaedics was provided by the JCHST through the SAC for Trauma and Orthopaedics. To date there have been written SAC standards; some are compulsory and others advisory and will generate requirements or recommendations to change if unmet on inspection. There has been a major change in the way postgraduate training is monitored and quality assured, with the formation of the PMETB, which now has the combined responsibility for all postgraduate training. The aims and objectives of our study were to measure the effectiveness of the current quality assurance system for training in Trauma and Orthopaedics, and to determine the reduction in the number of unmet compulsory standards at the end of the visits process and how effectively these requirements were implemented. We also identified the deficiencies in each component of training and determined the current general profile of the quality of training in Trauma and Orthopaedics. The inspection visits, progress and revisit reports were collected from training regions that were visited after the standards were implemented. In 109 units, in the 3 years studied, the inspection process reduced the overall unmet standards from a mean of 14.8% (10.3-19.2%) to 8.9% (6.5%-12.7%). The number of unmet requirement per unit fell from 4.6 to 2.8 (p<0.05). 27% of units did not improve. Overall 15% of standards were deficient, least in Scottish units and most in Irish units. Currently registrars do 1.4 trauma lists, 2.8 elective lists, 1.3 fracture clinics and 2.1 elective clinics per week. This is the first multi-regional study of a national accreditation process. Quality assurance requires standards setting and rectification. These findings are important for the imminent restructuring by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board.
