An audit of orthopaedic referrals via Multi-Professional Triage Teams

INTRODUCTION

Multi-Professional Triage Teams (MPTTs) were created to reduce the caseload of hospital orthopaedic clinics and this prospective study evaluated referrals made to a district general hospital orthopaedic department from a lower limb MPTT clinic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over 9 months, 277 referrals to a lower limb hospital orthopaedic clinic were assessed. The temporal delay to hospital clinic review between patients seen at the MPTT clinic and those referred directly by their general practitioner (GP) was analysed using an ANOVA test. A qualitative assessment of diagnoses given to patients reviewed at the MPTT clinic was performed.

RESULTS

The 132 patients initially reviewed at the MPTT clinic and subsequently referred to a hospital consultant waited significantly longer (140 days compared to 62 days by direct GP referral; P < 0.05) to see an orthopaedic consultant. Over three-quarters of this patient cohort incorrectly identified the healthcare professional conducting their consultation at the MPTT clinic. One-third of cases (31%) had no diagnosis made and 22% were assessed as having an incorrect diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Time delays, patient confusion regarding professional roles and diagnostic indecision are significant problems for patients referred to hospital orthopaedic clinics from MPTT clinics. This risks sub-optimal patient care and may lead to future medicolegal implications.     

Long-term results of cementless hip arthroplasty with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation

Purpose

The goal of the study was to evaluate long-term results of hip arthroplasty in patients with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation.

Methods

The follow-up involved 220 primary total hip arthroplasty procedures (188 patients, 101 women and 87 men) after implantation of the Mittelmeier cementless hip endoprosthesis. The mean age of patients at surgery was 44.5 years and the mean follow-up was 19.6 years, with a minimum of 12.3 years. Dysplastic, idiopathic and post-traumatic coxarthrosis were the most frequent forms of degenerative hip changes. The Merle d’Aubigné and Postel classification, as modified by Charnley, was used for clinical evaluation.

Results

Very good results were obtained in 39.5 % of the patients, good results in 43.6 %, satisfactory results in 9.1 % and poor results in 7.8 %. Twelve-year survival for the whole prosthesis was 86.36 %, for the acetabulum 89.99 % and for the stem 91.36 %.

Conclusions

Long-term results of hip arthroplasty using the Mittelmeier prosthesis are fairly encouraging with their low incidence of loosened prosthesis components after surgery.     

Dual mobility acetabular component in revision total hip arthroplasty for persistent dislocation: no dislocations in 50 hips after 1–5 years

Background

A dual mobility cup has the theoretic potential to improve stability in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and mid-term cohort results are favorable. We hypothesized that use of a new-generation dual mobility cup in revision arthroplasty prevents dislocation in patients with a history of recurrent dislocation of the THA.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving an isolated acetabular revision with a dual mobility cup for recurrent dislocation of the prosthesis with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed with dislocation as a primary endpoint and re-revision for any reason as a secondary endpoint.

Results

Forty-nine consecutive patients (50 hips) were included; none of the patients was lost to follow-up. The median follow-up was 29 months (range 12–66 months). Two patients died from unrelated causes. Survival after 56 months was 100 % based on dislocation and 93 % (95 % CI 79–98 %) based on re-revision for any reason. Radiologic analysis revealed no osteolysis or radiolucent lines around the acetabular component during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The dual mobility cup is an efficient solution for instability of THA with a favorable implant survival at 56 months.

Level of evidence

Level 4, retrospective case series.     

Does Limiting Long-Term Follow-Up for Breast Cancer Allow All Referrals to be Seen in 2 Weeks?

INTRODUCTION

The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that breast cancer follow-up should be limited to 2–3 years stating this will ‘release resources’ making it ‘possible for all women with breast symptoms to be seen within 2 weeks’. In 2000, breast cancer follow-up services in North Bristol were redesigned to reflect evidence-based best practice. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of this policy on numbers of follow-ups, clinic capacity and waiting times.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data regarding the numbers of new and follow-up patients seen in breast clinic between January 2000 and December 2005 were collected from the hospital Patient Administration System. New patients were categorised as either ‘routine’ or ‘urgent’ according to ‘2-week wait’ rule guidelines. Median waiting times were calculated for each group and nominal appointment times assigned in an attempt to assess the effect of any changes on clinic capacity.

RESULTS

The number of follow-ups decreased by 33% as a result of the new policy. Numbers of referrals over the same period, however, increased by 14%. Routine referrals declined, but there was a 27% increase in ‘2-week wait’ patients. Waiting times for routine appointments initially decreased in response to reduced follow-up, but then rose as the number of ‘2-week wait’ referrals increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing long-term follow-up is a simple and effective method of increasing clinic capacity but its effects are inadequate and transient in the face of increasing service demand. Additional innovative and creative strategies will be required if all breast patients are to be seen within 2 weeks.     

Outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty revision with glenoid reconstruction and bone grafting

Purpose

Extensive glenoid bone loss after failed shoulder arthroplasty represents a challenge for revision arthroplasty. Treatment options vary widely and have been a source of controversy among experts.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2010, a total of 17 patients underwent glenoid reconstruction surgery using an autologous iliac crest bone graft and secondary revision arthroplasty due to extensive glenoid bone loss after failed previous total shoulder arthroplasty. The outcomes were assessed by means of clinical examination, Constant score, and bi-plane radiography as well as pre-, postoperative and follow-up CT.

Results

Before the revision surgery, the mean Constant score was 24 ± 17 and improved to 40 ± 13 after the glenoid rebuilding and revision arthroplasty. CT imaging revealed adequate glenoid bone stock restoration with no relevant graft resorption or loosening of the glenoid. The average postoperative antero-posterior diameter of the glenoid was 28 ± 3 mm which had decreased to 25 ± 3 mm at follow-up. The average postoperative version of the glenoid was 95.7° ± 6° and had decreased to 98.5° ± 4° at follow-up. Both the glenoid version and diameter had changed significantly (P < 0.001) comparing postoperative and follow-up CT-scans.

Conclusion

Glenoid reconstruction surgery using an iliac crest bone-block autograft prior to revision arthroplasty represents a valuable salvage procedure in cases of extensive glenoid bone loss after primary shoulder arthroplasty. Sufficient glenoid bone stock restoration is indispensable for reliable fixation of glenoid components and in turn a satisfactory clinical outcome.     

Scorpio single radius total knee arthroplasty. A minimal five-year follow-up multicentric study

Purpose

Our goal was to evaluate the five-year follow-up results of the Scorpio single radius total knee arthroplasty.

Method

We performed a retrospective study based upon a multicentre database to evaluate the minimum five-year follow-up clinical and radiological results of 747 patients (831 knees) who underwent primary Scorpio single radius total knee arthroplasty.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 71.9 years. At a minimal five-year follow-up, 141 patients were lost to follow-up, 83 patients had died, eight patients had undergone revision of a component, and the remaining 589 patients (602 knees) had a complete clinical and radiological evaluation after a median of six years (range, 5–8). The mean clinical component of the knee score was 92.2 points, and the mean functional component of the knee score was 76.9 points. At last follow-up, 530 of the 602 knees were rated as excellent or good. Only four knees developed patellar complications requiring revision. The survival rate at six years was 95.2% ± 1.9% and 98.3% ± 0.6 with revision for any reason and revision for mechanical failure as the end point, respectively.

Conclusion

This medium-term study indicates favourable clinical and radiological results for this single flexion-extension radius design arthroplasty, with a low complication rate on the patellar side.     

Sagittal placement of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty predicts knee flexion contracture at one-year follow-up

Purpose

Flexion contracture has been shown to impair function and reduce satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to identify modifiable intra-operative variables that predict post-TKA knee extension.

Methods

Data was collected prospectively on 95 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative computer assisted surgery (CAS) measurements and functional outcome including range of motion at one year. Patients were divided into two groups: those with mild flexion contracture (> 5°) at the one-year follow-up and those achieving full extension.

Results

The sagittal orientation of the distal femoral cut differed significantly between groups at the one-year follow-up (p = 0.014). Sagittal alignment of greater than 3.5° from the mechanical axis was shown to increase the relative risk of a mild flexion contracture at one-year follow-up by 2.9 times, independent of other variables.

Conclusion

Increasing the sagittal alignment of the distal femoral cut more than 3.5° from the mechanical axis is an independent risk factor for clinically detectable flexion contracture one year from index procedure.     

Debridement Arthroplasty for Post-traumatic Stiff Elbow: Intraoperative Factors Affecting the Clinical Results of Surgical Treatment

Background

This study evaluated the outcomes of debridement arthroplasty for stiff elbows, as well as the factors affecting clinical outcomes after surgical treatment.

Methods

Eighteen patients with post-traumatic stiff elbows were treated with debridement arthroplasty using a posterior approach. The mean patient age was 33 years (range, 16 to 59 years), and the average follow-up period was 59 months (range, 24 to 141 months). The patient''s ability to perform activities of daily living, including combing their hair, feeding themselves, performing hygiene, and putting on shirt and shoes, were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score.

Results

At the last follow-up, 16 elbows had painless motion. Two patients continued to complain of mild intermittent pain. The flexion and extension improved to 121° and 10° after surgery, respectively, indicating an average 34° increase in elbow flexion range and an average 25° increase in elbow extension range (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score at the last follow-up was excellent in nine elbows (50%) and good in nine elbows (50%).

Conclusions

Debridement arthroplasty is a predictable procedure for the treatment of intractable stiff elbow, provided that the elbow is stable and congruous.     

Clinical audit of the management of stable ankle fractures

INTRODUCTION

Ankle fractures are common and ‘stable’ ankle fractures comprise 40–75% of this group. Studies show that these injuries can be managed successfully in a functional brace, with no need for further radiographs and minimal out-patient follow-up. We aimed to audit current practice and introduce change in order to improve treatment and produce financial savings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective 6-month audit was carried out to establish practice. Guidelines were then drawn up and widely distributed in the accident and emergency (A&E) and orthopaedic departments. These included criteria for diagnosis of stable ankle fractures, a management protocol for treatment of these injuries in a brace and also a follow-up algorithm in the out-patient clinic. A prospective 6-month audit was then carried out to assess the effectiveness of the guidelines.

RESULTS

Of patients presenting in the second 6-month period, 91% were managed in a functional brace. The mean number of out-patient follow-up appointments, weeks until discharge and repeat radiographs all decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after the implementation of the guidelines. The cost of treating a patient with a stable ankle fracture dropped from £310.75 to £129.80.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies have shown that stable ankle fractures are more effectively treated in a functional brace than a plaster cast, do not displace and, therefore, do not need repeat radiographs. A previous audit demonstrated that 60% of patients with stable fractures could be treated in a brace. We have shown that, with effective and persistent education of colleagues, the vast majority (91%) of patients can be managed in this way and this results in a significant cost saving. We have also shown that an evidence-based treatment protocol can produce significant improvements in management for patients and savings for healthcare organisations.     

Treating the boxer's fracture in Wales: a postal survey

INTRODUCTION

There is no standardised treatment for fifth metacarpal neck fractures. Treatment of this common fracture can vary from immediate mobilisation to immobilisation in a plaster cast for 3 weeks. There is no literature identifying current practice amongst surgeons.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This survey''s aim was to reveal current practice in Wales by means of a postal questionnaire sent to all Welsh orthopaedic consultants.

RESULTS

The questionnaire had a 60% response rate. Results demonstrated varied opinion regarding the degree of displacement warranting reduction. Overall, 10% of surgeons reduce the fracture at 30° of displacement, 29% at 40°, 18% at 50° and 20% at 60° of displacement. The treatment was also very varied. Most surgeons preferred to treat these fractures with neighbour strapping (43%,) while others preferred plaster immobilisation (39%) or immediate mobilisation (10%.) Only 22% of surgeons discharge these patients back to the community after their first visit to out-patients while 13% offer two follow-up appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment being offered for this common fracture in Wales is inconsistent. There is a need to develop evidence- based best practice guidelines which should standardise the treatment of this common injury. Perhaps, a large multicentre outcome study may enable this to be drawn up in the future.     

Patellar resurfacing as a second stage procedure for persistent anterior knee pain after primary total knee arthroplasty

Purpose

Knee pain after total knee arthroplasty may be caused by an unresurfaced patella. Secondary isolated resurfacing of the previously unresurfaced patella in total knee arthroplasty remains controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome after patellar resurfacing as a second stage procedure.

Methods

The study included 22 patients (13 female/nine male) who underwent resurfacing of the patella with a mean follow-up of 61.8 ± 39.2 months. The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 9.7 years at the time of operation. The average period between total knee arthroplasty and patellar resurfacing was 26.3 ± 15.2 months. The patient’s subjective satisfaction was assessed by a custom-made questionnaire.

Results

The mean Knee Society Score improved significantly from 60.1 ± 8.3 to 77.0 ± 6.3 (p = 0.0063). The mean functional score also improved significantly from 42.7 ± 2.3 to 60.2 ± 3.9 (p = 0.001). Three patients (13.6%) needed further operative revision.

Conclusions

Although clinical scores showed significant improvement some patients continued to have pain and remained dissatisfied without detecting a specific reason. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the benefit of patellar resurfacing as second stage procedure.     

Influence of computer navigation on TKA revision rates

Purpose

We performed this study to determine whether the use of imageless navigation reduces revision rates after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Data of 1,121 consecutive primary TKA with a follow-up of one to six years were retrospectively analysed. Following the conversion of the standard technique from conventional to navigated procedures, these data included the last 342 conventional and first 779 navigated procedures performed in our clinic. Demographic and perioperative covariates were recorded. All patients were asked by post to report instances of revisions.

Results

Data of 1,054 patients (94 %) were complete. Mean follow-up was 3.9 years for conventional and 2.4 years for navigated operations. Cumulative revision rate averaged 4.7 % for conventional and 2.3 % for navigated procedures. Cox’s proportional hazard model was used to assess the effect of covariates on survival, resulting in significantly lower revision rates for older patients (p < 0.001) and for the navigated technique (p = 0.012). The reduced revision rate for navigated operations was mainly caused by a significantly reduced rate of aseptic implant loosening (1.9 % vs. 0.1 %, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Our study showed lower revision rates when computer navigation was used. However, due to the retrospective uncontrolled design, further prospective trials will be necessary to further evaluate this effect.     

Is etoricoxib effective in preventing heterotopic ossification after primary total hip arthroplasty?

Purpose

Heterotopic ossification is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to prevent heterotopic ossifications effectively, however gastrointestinal complaints are reported frequently. In this study, we investigated whether etoricoxib, a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that produces fewer gastrointestinal side effects, is an effective alternative for the prevention of heterotopic ossification.

Methods

We investigated the effectiveness of oral etoricoxib 90 mg for seven days in a prospective two-stage study design for phase-2 clinical trials in a small sample of patients (n = 42). A cemented primary total hip arthroplasty was implanted for osteoarthritis. Six months after surgery, heterotopic ossification was determined on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs using the Brooker classification.

Results

No heterotopic ossification was found in 62 % of the patients that took etoricoxib; 31 % of the patients had Brooker grade 1 and 7 % Brooker grade 2 ossification.

Conclusions

Etoricoxib seems effective in preventing heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty. This finding further supports the use of COX-2 inhibitors for the prevention of heterotopic ossification following total hip arthroplasty.     

Cementless modular intramedullary nail without bone-on-bone fusion as a salvage procedure in chronically infected total knee prosthesis: long-term results

Purpose

Our purpose was to evaluate long-term results of two-stage cementless intramedullary nailing without achieving bone-to-bone fusion for treating chronically infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Thirty-eight patients treated according to the same protocol were retrospectively evaluated for clinical, functional, laboratory and radiological outcomes.

Results

Spacer exchange was necessary for infection persistence in one case. At a minimum two year follow-up, 34 patients (89.5 %) showed no infection recurrence; among these 34 patients, 29 (85.3 %) reported no or moderate pain [visual analogue scale (VAS) ≤3]; mild to moderate handicap (Lequesne Algofunctional Index < 7.5) was observed in 18 patients (52.9 %). No patient underwent revision for aseptic loosening, and no nail breakage was observed.

Conclusions

Two-stage cementless intramedullary nailing without achieving bone-to-bone fusion is a viable option for treating chronically infected TKA in selected, complex cases.     

Birth-related femoral fracture in newborns: risk factors and management

Purpose

Femoral shaft fracture following birth in newborns is a very rare injury. However, the risk factors for, mechanism of and management of these injuries remain a matter of debate. We describe our observations in a tertiary centre.

Methods

Ten cases of femoral shaft fracture encountered during a study period from January 2005 to December 2009 were evaluated. The demographic details, risk factors during birth, systemic illness, mode of delivery, type of fracture and management used were documented, and an analysis was performed.

Results

Mean gestational age was 37.2 weeks. Mean time to diagnose was 4 days. Two patients had subtrochanteric fracture, and eight patients had mid-shaft fracture. Most patients had breech presentation and had been born by Caesarean section. All patients showed complete union at the end of 4 weeks. No residual angulation or limb length discrepancy was noted after mean follow-up of 5 years.

Conclusions

Thorough clinical examination and proper orthopaedic consult in the event of doubtful presentation help in early diagnosis and management. These fractures have good prognosis at long-term follow-up.     

Financial implications of plans to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an orthopaedic department

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to calculate retrospectively the cost of MRSA infections in the elective and trauma orthopaedic population in Rotherham District General Hospital in a 3-month period during 2005.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 686 patients were admitted to the orthopaedic wards and the surgical wounds 10 patients became infected with MRSA.

RESULTS

The cost of these infections when extrapolated over 12 months was £384,000 excluding staff costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The key in the fight against MRSA in the hospital setting is multifactorial and requires a combination of measures. Our solution is: cohort nursing; non-selective screening of all admissions to the orthopaedic wards; use of a polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic tool; ring-fencing of beds; and separate wound dressing rooms for each ward. The total cost is projected to be £301,000.     

Patients with no functional improvement after total knee arthroplasty show different kinematics

Purpose

As many as 20 % of all patients following total knee arthroplasty are not satisfied with the result. Rotational alignment is one factor thought to affect clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between prosthesis rotational alignment, function score and knee kinematics after TKA.

Methods

In 80 patients a cemented, unconstrained, cruciate-retaining TKA with a rotating platform was implanted. Rotational alignment was measured using CT-scans. Kinematics was assessed using fluoroscopy images.

Results

Seventy-three patients were available for follow-up after two years. Nine patients had more than 10° rotational mismatch between the femoral and tibial component in the postoperative CT scans. These patients showed significantly worse results in the function score. While the normal patients with less than 10° rotational mismatch improved from a mean pre-operative 55 points to a mean 71 points at follow-up, the group with more than 10° mismatch deteriorated from a mean 60 points pre-operatively to a mean 57 points at follow-up. The pattern of motion during passive flexion from approximately 0° to 120° was quite different. While external rotation steadily increased with knee flexion in the normal group, there was internal rotation between 30° and 80° of flexion in the group with more than 10° rotational mismatch.

Conclusion

Rotational mismatch between femoral and tibial components exceeding 10° resulted in different kinematics after TKA. It might contribute to worse clinical results observed in those patients and should therefore be avoided.     

The role of a multidisciplinary pre-assessment clinic in reducing mortality after complex orthopaedic surgery

INTRODUCTION

This paper describes an audit loop. The aim of this study was to audit the effect of a specialised preoperative anaesthetic assessment clinic after hip and knee arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied patients undergoing hip and knee surgery (arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty). We collected data concerning postoperative admissions to the high dependency unit (HDU), intensive care unit (ICU) and post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) (planned and unplanned rates of admission, length of stay). We also noted mortality.In the first part of the study (April 2005 to March 2006) we studied 298 patients. All patients were assessed independently by an anaesthetist on the day of surgery. A multidisciplinary preoperative assessment clinic commenced in April 2006. After this date all patients were assessed preoperatively by a multidisciplinary anaesthetic lead team. In the second part of the study (May 2006 to April 2009) a further 1,147 arthroplasty patients were studied. Data were again collected regarding HDU, ICU, PACU and mortality, as noted above.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant (p=0.001) reductions in the admissions to PACU (22% down to 10%) and in mortality (6.1% down to 1.2%) after the introduction of the pre-assessment clinic. There was also a statistically significant (p=0.01) reduction in the HDU length of stay (2.1 days to 1.6 days), ICU un-planned admissions (1.3% to 0.4%) and the ICU length of stay (2.3 to 1.9 days). We estimated cost savings of nearly £50,000 in the second part of the study. This is based on the average decrease in HDU and ICU length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend the use of a multidisciplinary pre-assessment clinic for complex orthopaedic surgery.     

Intra- and extra-articular planes of reference for use in total hip arthroplasty: a preliminary study

Purpose

Acetabular component malalignment in total hip arthroplasty can lead to potential complications such as dislocation, component impingement and excessive wear. Computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery systems generally use the anterior pelvic plane (APP). Our aim was to investigate the reliability of anatomical landmarks accessible during surgery and to define new potential planes of reference.

Methods

Three types of palpations were performed: virtual, on dry bones and on two cadaveric specimens. Four landmarks were selected, the reproducibility of their positioning ranging from 0.9 to 2.3 mm. We then defined five planes and tested them during palpations on two cadaveric specimens.

Results

Two planes produced a mean orientation error of 5.0° [standard deviation (SD 3.3°)] and 5.6° (SD 2.7°).

Conclusions

Even if further studies are needed to test the reliability of such planes on a larger scale in vivo during surgery, these results demonstrated the feasibility of defining a new plane of reference as an alternative to the APP.