Jason Bernard

Arthroscopic washout of the knee: A procedure in decline

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a chronic, progressive condition which often requires surgical intervention. The evidence for the benefits of arthroscopic debridement or washout for knee OA is weak and arthroscopy is currently only indicated in the UK if there is a history of mechanical locking of the knee. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether there has been any change in the number of arthroscopies performed in the UK since the 2007 NICE guidance on knee arthroscopy and the 2008 Cochrane review of arthroscopic debridement for OA of the knee. METHODS We interrogated data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) database with Office of Population Censuses and Surveys-4 (OPSC-4) codes pertaining to therapeutic endoscopic operations in the 60-74 year old and 75 and over age groups. RESULTS The number of arthroscopic knee interventions in the UK decreased overall from 2000 to 2012, with arthroscopic irrigations decreasing the most by 39.6 per 100,000 population (80%). However, the number of arthroscopic meniscal resections increased by 105.3 per 100,000 (230%) population. These trends were mirrored in both the 60-74 and 75 and over age groups. CONCLUSIONS Knee arthroscopy in the 60-74 and 75 and over age groups appears to be decreasing but there is still a large and increasing number of arthroscopic meniscal resections being performed.

Slice Encoding for Metal Artefact Correction in magnetic resonance imaging examinations for radiotherapy planning

Background and purpose Magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) images are degraded in the presence of metallic implants. We investigate whether SEMAC (Slice Encoding for Metal Artifact Correction) MR is advantageous for radiotherapy (RT) planning. Methods Conventional and SEMAC MR protocols were compared (1.5 T). A spine fixation device suspended in gelatine, two patients with spine fixation devices and six patients with bilateral hip replacements were scanned with both conventional and SEMAC protocols. In spine patients the visibility of the spinal canal and spinal cord was assessed; in prostate patients, the visibility of the prostate, pelvic structures and the pelvic girdle. Results The signal loss volume surrounding the spine fixation device was reduced by approximately 20% when the SEMAC protocol was employed, and registration errors were reduced. For spine patients, the spinal canal was completely visible only using the SEMAC protocol. In hip replacement patients, metal artifacts were local; the signal loss extended to the internal surface of the acetabulum in eight implants with conventional protocols, but only in four using SEMAC. Conclusions SEMAC MR contributes towards correct co-registration of MR and CT images for RT planning, and is particularly relevant when the TV or OARs are close to implants.

Ward round documentation in a major trauma centre: can we improve patient safety?

Abstract Our objective was to improve documentation and patient safety in a major trauma centre. A retrospective audit was undertaken in March 2014. Ward round entries for each orthopaedic patients on three dates were assessed against standards and analysed. The audit was repeated in April 2014, and again in August 2014. Thorough documentation is paramount in a major trauma centre. It forms a useful record of the patients hospital stay, is a legal document and is highlighted in national guidelines. It provides a basis for good handover, ensuring continuation of care and maintaining patient safety. Resultant poor compliance with Royal College guidelines in the initial audit led to the production of a new electronic based note keeping system. A meeting was held with all staff prior to introduction. Our initial results gained 75 entries, and none showed full compliance. Mean compliance per entry was 59% (0-81%). The second attempt gained 90 entries, with 30 from the weekend. Mean compliance per entry 97%. Third attempt received 61 entries, with 27 from the weekend. Mean compliance was 96%, meaning that the improvement was being maintained. Recent distressing reports regarding patient highlighted the importance of patient. Our initial audit proved there were many areas lacking in our documentation and improvement was necessary. Prior to introducing electronic systems, the implemented change has produced improvement in documentation, and provides a useful handover tool for staff.

Unstable elbow dislocations: the description and cadaveric feasibility study of a new surgical technique

Introduction: A small proportion of simple elbow dislocations are grossly unstable and joint congruence is not maintained after reduction. In this rare situation operative treatment is indicated. We describe a new intra articular reconstruction that utilises a slip of triceps tendon to provide immediate stability to the elbow. Methods: We assessed 20 cadaveric elbows, measuring the length of triceps tendon available and required to complete the reconstruction. We then sequentially sectioned the ligamentous stabilisers of an elbow before performing the new technique. We measured the displacement and angulation possible at the elbow before and after the reconstruction. Results: All 20 elbows had sufficient triceps tendon length to complete the new technique. Prior to the reconstruction greater than 30 mm of joint distraction and 90 degrees varus or valgus angulation was possible. Following the reconstruction it was not possible to re-dislocate the elbow. Only 2 mm of joint distraction and 10 degrees of varus or valgus angulation were possible with the triceps graft fixed in position. Discussion: This novel technique elegantly avoids many of the problems associated with current methods. We have demonstrated that it is technically feasible and easy to perform with minimal equipment requirements or costs.

Odontoid process fractures: the role of the ligaments in maintaining stability. A biomechanical, cadaveric study

Aims: We wished to investigate the role of the cervical ligaments in maintaining atlantoaxial stability after fracture of the odontoid process. Methods: We dissected eight fresh-frozen cadaveric cervical spines to prepare the C1 and C2 vertebrae for biomechanical analysis. The C1 and C2 blocks were mounted and biomechanical analysis was performed to test the stability of the C1-C2 complex after cutting the odontoid process to create an Anderson and D’Alonzo type II fracture then successive division of the atlantoaxial ligaments. Biomechanical analysis of stiffness, expressed as Young’s modulus, was performed under right rotation, left rotation and anterior displacement. Results: The mean Young’s modulus in anterior displacement decreased by 37% when the odontoid process was fractured (p = 0.038, 95% confidence interval 0.04–1.07). The mean Young’s modulus in anterior displacement decreased proportionally (compared to the previous dissection) by the following percentages when the structures were divided: facet joint capsules (bilateral) 16%, ligamentum flavum 27%, anterior longitudinal ligament 10%. These differences did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Discussion: We have found that the odontoid process itself may account for up to 37% of the stiffness of the C1-C2 complex and that soft tissue structures account for further resistance to movement. We suggest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the soft tissues in the acute setting of a minimally displaced odontoid process fracture to plan management of the injury. If the MRI determines that there is associated ligament injury it is likely that the fracture is unstable and we would suggest operative management.

Pedicle distraction increases intervertebral and spinal canal area in a cadaver and bone model

Introduction: Lumbar spinal stenosis is degenerative narrowing of the spinal canal and/or intervertebral foramen causing compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Traditional decompression techniques can often cause significant trauma and vertebral instability. This paper evaluates a method of increasing pedicle length to decompress the spinal and intervertebral foramen, which could be done minimally invasive. Methods: Three Sawbone (Sawbones Europe, Sweden) and 1 cadaveric lumbar spine underwent bilateral pedicle distraction at L4. A pedicle channel was drilled between the superior articular process and transverse process into the vertebral body. The pedicles underwent osteotomy at the midpoint. Screws were inserted bilaterally and fixated distraction of 0 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm. CT images were taken at each level of distraction. Foramen area was measured in the sagittal plane at L3/4. Spinal canal area was measured at L4 in the axial images. The cadaver was used to evaluate safety of osteotomy and soft tissue interactions preventing distraction. Statistical analysis was by student paired t-test and Pearson rank test. Results: Increasing distraction led to greater Spinal canal area. From 4.27 cm2 to 5.72 cm2 (p = 0.002) with 6 mm distraction. A Maximal increase of 34.1%. Vertebral foramen area also increased with increasing pedicle distraction. From 2.43 cm2 to 3.22 cm2 (p = 0.022) with 6 mm distraction. A maximal increase of 32.3%. The cadaver spinal canal increased in area by 21.7%. The vertebral foramen increased in area by 36.2% (left) and 22.6% (right). Discussion: For each increase in pedicle distraction the area of the spinal and vertebral foramen increases. Pedicle distraction could potentially be used to alleviate spinal stenosis and root impingement. A potential osteotomy plane could be at the midpoint of the pedicle with minimal risk to nerve roots and soft tissue restrictions to prevent distraction.

Unstable elbow dislocations: a case report of a new surgical technique.

This case report describes our first clinical experience of a previously described new surgical technique for the treatment of unstable simple elbow dislocations. The technique utilises a central strip of the distal triceps tendon which is harvested proximally at the musculotendonous junction and left attached at its insertion on the olecranon. The strip is the passed through the olecranon fossa and attached to the coronoid process to stabilise the joint. We encountered an early postoperative complication that led to a modification of our technique and ultimately an excellent recovery of a stable pain free joint with a full range of movement.

EP-1899: Evaluation of SEMAC MRI metal artifact reduction for orthopaedic implants in radiotherapy planning

Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Radiotherapy Department, Sutton, United Kingdom Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Radiology Department, Sutton, United Kingdom Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Neuro-Oncology Unit, Sutton, United Kingdom Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Radiotherapy Department, Sutton, United Kingdom St Georges Hospital NHS Trust, OrthopaedicSurgery, London, United Kingdom Siemens Healthcare, Diagnostic Imaging, Erlagen, Germany