Duncan Tennent

Conservative management versus open reduction and internal fixation for mid-shaft clavicle fractures in adults - The Clavicle Trial: study protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial

BackgroundClavicle fractures account for around 4% of all fractures and up to 44% of fractures of the shoulder girdle. Fractures of the middle third (or mid-shaft) account for approximately 80% of all clavicle fractures. Management of this group of fractures is often challenging and the outcome can be unsatisfactory. In particular it is not clear whether surgery produces better outcomes than non-surgical management. Currently there is much variation in the use of surgery and a lack of good quality evidence to inform our decision.Methods/DesignWe aim to undertake a multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of conservative management versus open reduction and internal fixation for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures in adults. Surgical treatment will be performed using the Acumed clavicle fixation system. Conservative management will consist of immobilisation in a sling at the side in internal rotation for 6 weeks or until clinical or radiological union. We aim to recruit 300 patients. These patients will be followed-up for at least 9 months. The primary endpoint will be the rate of non-union at 3 months following treatment. Secondary endpoints will be limb function measured using the Constant-Murley Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score at 3 and 9 months post-operatively.DiscussionThis article presents the protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial. It gives extensive details of, and the basis for, the chosen methods, and describes the key measures taken to avoid bias and to ensure validity.Trial RegistrationUnited Kingdom Clinical Research Network ID: 8665. The date of registration of the trial is 07/09/2006. The date the first patient was recruited is 18/12/2007.

Quantification of the articular view of the elbow afforded by standard portals using 30° arthroscopy

Background The present study quantifies the field of view (FOV) from standard arthroscopy portals and aims to identify anatomical regions where the FOV is limited. Methods Eleven cadaveric elbows were examined through standard anteromedial, anterolateral and posterior portals. The FOV was marked with dye using a spinal needle. The articular surfaces were then exposed and the percentage FOV seen was calculated. FOV percentage areas were compared using a Student’s t-test (JMP, version 10, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean (SD) FOV percentage area seen from the anteromedial portal and anterolateral portal was 91.69% (3.63%) and 92.03% (3.93%), respectively, for the anterior humerus articular surface. There was no significant difference in the mean FOV percentage area seen from the anteromedial and anterolateral portals (p = 0.99). The mean (SD) FOV percentage area of the posterior humerus articular surface was 84.69% (2.28%). The mean (SD) FOV percentage area seen of the radial head and trochlear was 16.05% (2.66%) and 4.14% (1.76%), respectively. Conclusions The present study is the first to quantify the FOV of elbow arthroscopy. The majority of the anterior and posterior humerus articular surface can be seen through standard portals. The limitations in FOV are primarily confined to the radial head and trochlear notch.

Arthroscopic Conjoint Tendon Transfer: A Technique for Revision Anterior Shoulder Stabilization

Revision anterior stabilization of the shoulder presents a challenge to the surgeon and carries a higher risk of recurrent dislocation than primary repair. The Latarjet procedure may be more reliable than revision soft-tissue repair but may not be indicated in patients without significant glenoid bone loss. We describe an arthroscopic technique of conjoint tendon transfer using a combination of suspensory and interference screw fixation for patients without significant glenoid bone loss (<15%). The arthroscopic approach to this procedure allows intra-articular visualization to assist in mobilization of the conjoint tendon, accurate bone tunnel placement, and subsequent labral repair. It avoids the additional steps of bone block preparation and the larger portals required for arthroscopic Latarjet techniques, in addition to eliminating potential complications due to coracoid bone block resorption.

Arthroscopic Posterior Stabilization of the Shoulder Using a Percutaneous Knotless Mattress Suture Technique

Posterior shoulder instability is far less common than anterior instability, and its arthroscopic treatment can be technically demanding. We describe a percutaneous arthroscopic technique for posterior shoulder stabilization using mattress sutures and knotless anchors. Spinal needles are used to pass the sutures percutaneously in a mattress fashion. Knotless anchors are used to secure the sutures under the labrum. These anchors can be used without cannulas, giving easier access to the posterior glenoid. This procedure is simple, cost-effective, and safe, avoiding the presence of both knots and suture strands in contact with the humeral head.

Improving Undergraduate Orthopedic Surgery Skills and Knowledge in a One Day Course

Introduction: Despite the increasing numbers of musculoskeletal presentations across all medical specialties, very little time is dedicated to trauma and orthopedic teaching within the medical undergraduate curriculum. To evaluate the effectiveness of a one day course in improving orthopedic skills, knowledge and career interest, St Georges Hospital Orthopedic Department hosted a national orthopedic course for undergraduate medical students. Methods: Delegates were invited to attend from all UK medical schools. The day consisted of consultant-led specialty lectures followed by three rotating workshops: plating and nailing, arthroscopy and plastering. Delegates completed two identical questionnaires, one before and another after completion of the course. Three core areas were addressed in this questionnaire: (1) surgical skills, (2) orthopedic training pathway knowledge and (3) undergraduate surgical skills teaching, with responses recorded on a Likert scale. Results: Forty-two students attended from 13 different UK medical schools. Of these, 41 completed the questionnaire (98% response rate). Paired analysis of the delegates’ responses showed significant improvements in ability across all surgical skill workshops (p < 0.0001). Significant improvements were also seen in orthopedic training pathway knowledge. In terms of surgical skills teaching, 87% of delegates felt that such courses should be integral to undergraduate education and a further 92% believed that their medical schools do not currently provide enough time for surgical skills teaching. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a one day undergraduate orthopedic course in delivering high quality orthopedic skills teaching and career advice to medical students.

The influence of age and unreported symptoms on the Oxford Shoulder Score

Background One potential limitation of interpreting the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) in longitudinal studies is that the observed score may be influenced by age and other variables, which may change over time. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of increasing age and unreported non-shoulder upper limb and neck symptoms on the OSS. Methods We collected OSS data from a sample of our ethnically diverse local population. All subjects indicated whether they suffered from any neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist symptoms for which they had not sought a medical opinion. Those reporting no symptoms formed the asymptomatic group. Results We found a significant decline in OSS with increasing age in the whole study population, as well as in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups with previously unreported symptoms: Spearman correlation coefficient = −0.27, −0.28 and −0.33 respectively (p < 0.001). The median OSS in the asymptomatic group was 48 [interquartile range (IQR) 48 to 48]. This was significantly higher than the symptomatic group, with a median OSS of 46 (IQR 40 to 47) (p < 0.001). Conclusions We found the OSS to be affected by non-shoulder upper-limb and neck pathology as well as age. Within the limitations of the OSS, the differences we found do not exceed the minimal important change.

The Provision of Primary and Revision Elbow Replacement Surgery in the NHS

BESS Surgical Procedure Guidelines (SPGs). Optimising Surgical Outcomes for Shoulder and Elbow patients. The British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) SPGs are a series of evidence and consensus Best Practice Recommendations developed by BESS surgeons and physiotherapists to help drive quality improvement and achieve the best possible surgical outcomes for UK patients. This SPG on primary and revision elbow replacement surgery is supported and endorsed by both the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme.

Arthroscopic Posterior Glenoid Fracture Fixation Using Knotless Suture Anchors

Shoulder instability after a posterior glenoid rim fracture is rare and potentially difficult pathology to treat. Operative techniques often involve a large dissection to view the fragments resulting in local soft tissue injury. Internal fixation is often achieved with interfragmentary screws; however, this may not be possible with small or multifragmentary fracture patterns. We describe an arthroscopic technique for posterior glenoid rim fracture fixation using knotless suture anchors. These anchors can be inserted without cannulas allowing easier access to the posterior glenoid. This procedure is simple, safe, and offers good visualization of the glenohumeral joint whilst avoiding the detrimental effects of larger surgical dissection.

Simulation in shoulder surgery

Simulation is a rapidly developing field in medical education. There is a growing need for trainee surgeons to acquire surgical skills in a cost-effective learning environment to improve patient safety and compensate for a reduction in training time and operative experience. Although simulation is not a replacement for traditional models of surgical training, and robust assessment metrics need to be validated before widespread use for accreditation, it is a useful adjunct that may ultimately lead to improving surgical outcomes for our patients.

A Percutaneous Knotless Technique for SLAP Repair

We describe a percutaneous technique for repair of type II SLAP lesions. Through the Neviaser portal, a spinal needle is used to pass a FiberStick suture (Arthrex, Naples, FL) through the labrum to create 2 mattress sutures that are secured with PushLock anchors (Arthrex). This technique is simple, reproducible, and knotless and requires no cannulas. At the end of the procedure, minimal suture material remains in the joint.