The Femoro Patella Vialli (FPV) is indicated for isolated patello-femoral joint replacement (PFJR). It is now the second most commonly used PFJR in the UK, however there are limited studies evaluating its outcome. Key differences include a larger component sulcus angle of 140 degrees which more closely mimics the normal knee.

Between 2006 and 2012, we performed 53 consecutive FPV patellofemoral arthroplasties in 41 patients with isolated patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis. Mean age was 62.2years (39–86) and mean follow-up was 3.5 years. Mean Oxford Knee scores improved from 19.7 to 37.7 at latest follow-up. Ninety four percent of patients were happy or very happy with their knees. Progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis was seen 12% of knees. 2 knees required revision to TKR at 7 months post-operatively, which we attribute to poor patient selection. There were no cases of maltracking patella or patella dislocations at final follow-up, which we attribute to the larger sulcus angle. There were no cases of radiological loosening.

Our findings suggest the FPV patellofemoral prosthesis has good mid-term functional outcomes.

The management of acute tendo-Achilles (TA) rupture still divides orthopaedic opinion. The advent of minimally invasive endoscopic or percutaneous techniques is thought to allow faster rehabilitation. We report the outcome of 30 patients with acute TA ruptures that have undergone percutaneous repair followed by an accelerated rehabilitation programme with early weight-bearing.

A single centre, prospective cohort study was undertaken. 30 patients (21 men, 9 women; mean age: (40±9 years) with an acute TA rupture were enrolled and followed-up for an average of 12.5±2.9 months. All operations were performed under local anaesthesia, using a modified percutaneous technique, within 2 weeks of injury.

Following surgery, patients were immobilised in an equinus cast for only 2 weeks then allowed to weight bear through a walker boot with 3 heel wedges, which were removed sequentially over a 6-week period. A standardised physiotherapy programme was started 2 weeks post-operatively and continued until 4 months.

The primary outcome measure was the TA re-rupture rate and the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) at 3 and 6 months.

There were no re-ruptures in the study group. The mean 3- and 6-month ATRS was 57.75 and 86.95 respectively. This improvement was statistically significant (p<0.001). All patients were able to fully weight bear on the operated leg by the eighth week, without the walker boot. At the 6-month follow-up, the average satisfaction rate was 87±7.5%. Patients returned to their pre-rupture sports at an average of 10.4±3 months.

The results of this study demonstrate that minimally invasive repair of acute TA ruptures, combined with an accelerated rehabilitation programme provides a safe and reproducible treatment option.

Unicompartmental knee replacements offer improved function with more rapid recovery compared to TKR. There is no published experience with introducing this procedure as a day case in the UK. We report on our experience with a new protocol allowing the patient to be discharged on the day of surgery.

A new combination of anaesthetic and surgical techniques are employed. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and pregabalin are given pre-operatively. Patients receive a GA and a subsartorial saphenous nerve block is administered under ultrasound control. The surgery is performed using a routine minimally invasive technique. The joint and surrounding tissues are infiltrated with a combination of LA and adrenaline. Wound closure is with subcutaeneous suture and tissue glue.

Patients are mobilised on the day of surgery and if comfortable discharged on paracetamol, codeine, ibuprofen, tramadol P.R.N and buprenorphine patch.

Length of stay, pain scores, presence of nausea/vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, post-operative bleeding and patient satisfaction are all recorded.

18 out of 19 patients have been discharged on the day of surgery. All record high satisfaction.

Patients can be safely discharged on the day of surgery after UKR with high levels of satisfaction. We believe we are the first unit in the UK to achieve this.

In the current austere financial climate within the NHS where local healthcare Trusts are reimbursed in a Payment by Results system it is important that we accurately identify the costs associated with surgical procedures.

We retrospectively reviewed data of 589 consecutive patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty surgery and recorded their age, BMI and co-morbidities. The effect of these parameters on operative duration and length of stay (LOS) was analysed.

We demonstrate that for a 1 point increase in BMI we expect LOS to increase by a factor of 2.9% (p<0.0001) and mean theatre time to increase by 1.46 minutes (p<0.0001). We also show that for a l-year increase in age, we expect LOS to increase by a factor of 1.2% (p<0.0001).

We have calculated the extra financial costs associated with this and believe that the current OPCS coding system for obesity underestimates the financial impact of increasing BMI and age on lower limb arthroplasty Trusts are being inadequately reimbursed.

The results of this study have been used to produce a chart that allows prediction of LOS following lower limb arthroplasty based on BMI and age. We also believe that the data produced is of use in planning operating lists.

Surgeons want to counsel their patients accurately about the risks of rare complications. This is difficult for venous thromboembolism (VTE), as most studies report rates of asymptomatic disease. We calculated the rate of confirmed, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after elective lower limb surgery in our hospital.

We scrutinised referrals for venous Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography pulmonary angiography, identifying all cases of DVT or PE over an 18 month period. These patients were cross-referenced with our elective orthopaedic database and Healthcare Resource Group coding data.

Out of 1071 total hip replacements, there were three DVTs and two PEs, giving an incidence of 0.28% for DVT and 0.19% for PE. Out of 1351 total knee replacements, there were four DVTs and three PEs (incidence 0.29% and 0.22% respectively). Out of 1988 non-arthroplasty hip and knee procedures, there were no DVTs and two PEs (incidence 0.1%). For 1763 elective surgical foot procedures, there were five DVTs (incidence 0.28%), and no PEs.

Currently, Rivaroxaban is offered to patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery, but other patients do not receive anticoagulants routinely. Our low incidence of VTE supports this policy and is reassuring for surgeons.

There is increasing focus on publishing comparable data for individual hospitals and surgeons. The Dr Foster website is one portal for accessing such information, and uses hospital episode statistics sent to the Department of Health. For 2008–2011 our Trust was labelled as a statistical outlier with high one year revision rates for total knee replacement; relative risk was 2.53. We examined the accuracy of this information.

According to Dr Foster's data, out of 1517 primary total knee replacements performed between April 2008 and March 2011, fifty-five were revised within one year (29 female: 26 male). This gave a revision rate of 3.6% compared to a 1.4% national average. We reviewed patient records for those labelled as revisions.

Of these cases, only one was a revision total knee replacement within one year. Forty-four had a manipulation under anaesthesia for stiffness and the remaining cases had alternative operations such as arthroscopic washout.

For our Trust, therefore, the data is inaccurate, and a patient relying on such data would be misled. Either Trusts should work with Dr Foster to improve accurate coding of data, or they should keep ownership of their data, and publish accurate figures of their own.

The Latarjet procedure is a successful primary and revision option for anterior shoulder instability; however recent reports have highlighted varying complication rates. Our aim was to prospectively study clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure.

50 consecutive patients underwent a Latarjet coracoid transfer between 2006 and 2012. Mean age was 27 years (17–63), 48 were male. Pre-/post-operative imaging, Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OISS), American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Subjective Shoulder Value score (SSV) and clinical evaluation were documented. Mean follow up was 32 months (6–74).

There were no dislocations or revision procedures. Subluxation occurred in one patient only. 95% of shoulders were subjectively graded “excellent” or “good;” 5% “fair;” and none as “poor”. The mean pre-op ASES was 58(50–66) and 95(92–98) post-operatively (p< 0.001). The mean pre-operative OISS was 19(18–22) and 43(41–45) post-operatively (p<0.001). The mean SSV increased from 46% to 89% (p < 0.001). 98% of patients considered their surgery to be “successful” and 95% would recommend the procedure to a friend. 82% returned to sport at their previous level. There were no infective or metalwork-related complications. Five experienced transient neurological symptoms all of which resolved within three months.

These results suggest that the Latarjet procedure is safe and reliable with low complication rates.

To audit adherence to the British Orthopaedic Association and British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons 2009 review of the acute management of severe open lower limb fractures (BOAST4).

Audit: Retrospective study of adherence to BOAST4 standards of 37 cases treated at Derriford Hospital between March 2010 and 2011.

Intervention: a multidisciplinary approach towards the management of such injuries. Assigning department-specific roles across all specialities involved and establishing an early patient transfer pathway from non-specialist centres in the region.

Re-audit: Prospective data collection of adherence to BOAST4 of 18 cases between October 2011 and April 2012.

Eleven of 15 standards were comparable. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test (p≤0.05). Six standards showed statistically significant improvement: antibiotic therapy; regular assessment of neurovascular status; urgent surgery for contaminated wounds; initial wound care; appropriate splinting and early patient transfers. One standard was adhered to in all cases. 3 standards showed improvement, although not statistically significant and 1 standard remained consistently low in adherence.

Although doctors are familiar with BOAST4, many are not aware of the specific details. A coordinated and informed multidisciplinary team has enabled the successful application of an evidenced-based approach to the management these injuries.

The WHO surgical safety checklist was introduced at Derriford Hospital in 2009. Evidence of the effect on efficiency has been slow to appear in the literature.

Using a standardised, locally modified WHO surgical safety checklist theatre list capacity, start and finish times as well as time between cases was measured in 4 elective orthopaedic theatres. Data from 3 successive years was analysed retrospectively: prior to checklist introduction, during checklist introduction and routine checklist use.

Data was analysed using the One-Way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test. The number of cases per list showed a statistical difference from Year 1–2 and this increase was sustained in Year 3. The number of delayed starts showed no difference between Year 1&2, followed by a statistically significant decrease in Year 3. The number of late finishes showed a statistical difference from Year 1–2 and this decrease was sustained in Year 3. However, the number of lost minutes between cases showed no difference between Year 1&2, followed by an increase in Year 3.

This study demonstrates that pre-list briefings combined with the WHO surgical checklist can improve theatre list capacity and prompt starts, reduce the number of overruns, however fails to improve turnaround time between cases.

The aim of this audit was to assess the union rate of humeral shaft fractures treated conservatively in a functional brace in our unit, compared to a “gold standard” of 98% as reported by Sarmiento (JBJS 1977).

A retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 155 closed humeral shaft fractures managed with a humeral brace from 2005–2012 was performed. Pathological fractures and patients under 18 were excluded. The mean age was 60 (18–94) with 45 males and 72 females. 15 (10%) patients under 18 and 8 (5%) pathological fractures were excluded; 15 (10%) patients were lost to follow up.

Of the remaining 117 fractures, 83 (71%) went on to union and 34 (29%) developed a non-union. Mean time to union was 131 days (47–622). 80% of distal fractures and 75% of midshaft fractures united but only 58% of proximal fractures went on to unite. There was no significant difference in union rates between multi fragmentary (> 3 parts) and simple fracture patterns (69% vs 71% respectively).

Our study suggests that a lower threshold for operative intervention of proximal third humeral shaft fractures may be required.

Early detection of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), and treatment, may prevent the need for surgical correction following late presentation. Neonatal examination, and ultrasound screening of at risk groups, does not detect all cases. Most neonates treated in the Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have abdominal radiographs performed during their stay. These include the hips but DDH is not routinely looked for.

50 neonatal abdominal films (five from patients who subsequently were found to have DDH, 45 from patients without this condition) were randomly shown to three paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and three paediatric radiologists on two separate occasions. Each was asked whether they would refer the patient for further investigation.

An overall sensitivity of 25.5% (Range 0–60%) and specificity of 93.2% (Range 87–97%) was found with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 14.0% (Range 0–37%) and negative predictive value (NPV)of 96.3% (Range 95–98%).

Although the low sensitivity and PPV make interpretation of these films a poor way to diagnose DDH, the high specificity and NPV suggest that they may be used as a prompt to further investigation. Therefore, we propose that DDH should be looked for on these films and, where there is radiological suspicion, ultrasound examination should be advised.

We present a complete audit cycle of Emergency Department management of paediatric clavicle fractures at Derriford Hospital.

Local guidelines divide the clavicle into three zones. Fractures with minimal displacement in the middle 3/5th heal in the majority of cases without complication and can be discharged without need for follow up, provided parents are adequately educated.

An initial audit cycle of 63 cases identified short comings in adherence to the guidelines. These included: Unnecessary fracture clinic follow up of ‘Zone 2’ fractures in 85% and omission of written advice in 86%.

The results were circulated, ‘aide memoir’ icons were added to the department's computer coding system, staff teaching sessions were organised and a patient advice sheet was produced.

Following the implementation of changes, a 23 case re-audit showed fewer unnecessary referrals to fracture clinic (17% vs. 85%) and improvements in the number of parents being given written advice (43% vs. 14%).

Staff training, provision of information leaflets and changes to the ED coding system dramatically improved the adherence to hospital guidance.

This resulted in standardisation of care, fewer unnecessary appointments and cost savings to the trust. Following this audit, a telephone survey was completed to assess parent's satisfaction with their treatment.

Joint aspiration is a useful tool during preoperative workup in suspected periprosthetic infection. The aim of this study was to review efficacy of joint aspiration in our unit and compare results with the published literature.

We undertook a retrospective review of 153 consecutive patients who underwent joint aspirations for suspected periprosthetic infection between 03/2011 and 10/2012 who were identified from the hospital electronic database. As per protocol, joint fluid was sent in an EDTA tube for cell count, Paediatric blood culture bottle and the remainder in a specimen pot.

105 (69%) were TKRs and 48 (31%) were THRs. Intraoperative samples were sent as per protocol in only 40 (26%) cases. The hit rate of positive cultures was 11/153 (7%) and specimens sent in paediatric culture bottles identified more positives than if it was omitted (10.5 Vs 5.5%).

In conclusion, the hit rate of positive cultures is low in this study compared to the literature (7% Vs 33%) and this is likely due to blanket aspiration of all patients who are undergoing revision. In addition, specimens sent in paediatric culture bottles seem to identify more positives. We recommend cases are selected for aspiration according to AAOS guidelines.

Resuscitation decisions are part of routine practice and raise difficult, sensitive issues. We present experience of Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation (DNAR) decision-making in our unit.

Patients and staff (medical, nursing) completed a questionnaire to ascertain current practice, knowledge, and patient feeling regarding DNAR decisions.

Consultants and Registrars make DNAR decisions, junior-doctors and nurses feel they have insufficient knowledge. Senior-doctors were most familiar with BMA and Trust guidelines. The majority of all staff felt every patient should be asked. Consultants thought DNAR decision-making was least necessary.

Half of patients felt doctors had not explained the necessity of DNAR decisions and half felt conversations could have been handled better. Half said they had not been asked their opinion. Two-thirds would like more visual information.

UK-wide figures show 15% survival to discharge of in-hospital arrest; a-third of medical staff knew this. Registrars were most optimistic and consultants and ward doctors most pessimistic. All patients believed survival rate was 50%.

Important DNAR decisions are based on poor knowledge and communication. We developed an education programme for staff and information-video for patients and relatives to improve service. Video for DNAR discussions has not been previously used; it will provide a framework on which to approach this sensitive issue.

Tibiofemoral joint dislocations are uncommon. Four cases of paediatric knee dislocation are described, none in British journals.

We report two paediatric patients who presented with a 3-ligament knee injury following in-field or spontaneous reduction. One case was initially diagnosed as patella dislocation.

One patient, age 12 years, had associated nerve and vessel injury so underwent fixation, vascular grafting and fasciotomy emergently. The second, age 15 years, underwent acute reconstruction following MRI evidence of both cruciates and medial-collateral ligament ruptures, with tears to both menisci.

History is essential to diagnosis as the knee is often relocated at the scene. Tibiofemoral dislocation can be confused with patellofemoral dislocation. There are important differences on examination, which should be performed carefully, and must include neurovascular status. Knee AP and lateral radiographs can exhibit subtle signs, posterior subluxation of the tibia is pathognomonic of PCL rupture and should raise suspicion of dislocation.

These cases show that traumatic dislocation is an important differential diagnosis in a child that presents with a painful knee. Although an uncommon injury, particularly in the skeletally immature, it is essential to recognise the possibility of knee dislocation in children so that prompt diagnosis and treatment of this limb threatening injury can occur.

Recent reports observe that orthopaedic surgeons lack essential knowledge about ionising radiation. We aim to demonstrate perceived use of image-intensifiers by surgeons and awareness of radiation doses used during fractured neck of femur surgery.

Surgeons at a regional trauma centre were sent an online questionnaire. They were shown two neck of femur fracture radiographs and asked the total number of images they would use to reduce and fix the fracture with a dynamic-hip-screw / inter-medullary nail respectively. They were asked the maximum safe radiation dose, and that of ‘hip pining’ compared to CXR as outlined by the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999.

For a DHS, consultants and registrars estimate their image use similarly. For IM nailing, consultants estimated higher image use than registrars, and double the number of X-rays taken for IM nailing compared to DHS. Knowledge levels regarding radiation doses during orthopaedic hip procedures are very low.

There is an expectation that more images will be used in IM nailing procedures. We plan to educate orthopaedic surgeons about radiation dose and safety. Correlating our findings with actual use of image in theatre when performing hip fracture surgery would extend the use of this study.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection has established standards for radiation protection. This study aims to determine actual and perceived radiation dose and audit safe practice when using image-intensifiers in theatre.

Between September 2012 and March 2013, 50 surgeons were surveyed during 39 procedures. Information collected by radiographers included the number of images the surgeons thought they used, actual number used, dose, screening time, number of people scrubbed, wearing thyroid collars and standing within 1m of the image-intensifier when in use.

The primary surgeon was more likely to estimate the number of images used correctly compared to the assistant. Supervising consultants were most accurate, followed by registrars as primary surgeons, consultants as primary surgeons then assisting registrars, and lastly SHOs. Most surgeons underestimated the number of images used. 87.5% of scrubbed staff were standing within 1m of the image-intensifier during screening and 36.5% were wearing thyroid protection. Three surgeons stated they were not wearing collars as they were unavailable.

We conclude that surgeons have a reasonable estimation of the x-rays used but are not undertaking simple steps to protect themselves from radiation. We plan to initiate an education program within the department and have ordered new, lightweight thyroid collars.

This study aims to assess the impact of re-configuration on provision of trauma care at Hospital A, in particular management of hip fractures.

Originally, Hospitals A and B both provided trauma and elective orthopaedic services. These services are undergoing re-configuration such that Hospital A will provide an elective orthopaedic service while Hospital B will provide an orthopaedic trauma service.

Two time periods, one prior to reconfiguration (time period 1) and one after reconfiguration (time period 2) were identified. All trauma patients presenting to Hospital A requiring surgery during the defined time periods were included.

During time period 1, 197 patients requiring surgery presented to Hospital A, 70 with hip fractures. During time period 2, 149 patients requiring surgery presented to Hospital A, 55 with hip fractures.

As part of the reconfiguration process, there was a reduction in dedicated trauma operating capacity at Hospital A with no equivalent increase in operating capacity at Hospital B.

During time period 1, 70% of patients with hip fractures were operated on within 36 hours, compared to 44% during time period 2.

During the re-configuration process, there was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of patients with hip fractures meeting the recommended standards of care.

Unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is an established treatment for single compartment end-stage knee arthrosis with good recorded survivorship. Although often used in more active, younger patients, patient selection remains controversial. To identify risk factors for early failure we compared patients with UKR failure requiring revision to total knee replacement (TKR) with a control group.

Between September 2002 and 2008, 812 Oxford Mobile Bearing Medial UKRs were implanted. 21 implants (20 patients) required revision to TKR within 5 years. The leading cause for revision was lateral compartment disease progression (11 patients). In the revision group, 17 patients were female (81%), average age at index surgery was 64.1 (range 48–81) and average BMI 31.8 (range 24.4–41.5).

Our UKR patients with early failure requiring revision were more likely to be female (p=0.0012) whilst age and BMI were similar between groups. Although the change in tibio-femoral valgus angle was similar, control group patients started in varus becoming valgus post-operatively, whereas revision group patients started in valgus and became more valgus post-operatively. This might explain lateral compartment disease progression as our leading cause of early failure. We believe females with medial compartment disease but valgus alignment are at greater risk of early failure and it is particularly important not to overstuff the medial compartment.