S.G.F. Abram

Routine spinal immobilization in trauma patients: what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Routine spinal immobilization for trauma patients has become established in developed countries throughout the world. Cervical spinal injury is, however, relatively rare in trauma patients, and immobilization practice was developed largely without firm supporting evidence. In recent years, published evidence has suggested that spinal immobilization may in some cases be harmful. The purpose of this article is to critically review the evidence and the implications for trauma patient management and outcomes. We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, Index Medicus and article references with a broad search strategy. Relevant results were analysed and critically reviewed in the context of trauma patient management. Our findings present a growing body of evidence documenting the risks and complications of routine spinal immobilization. There is a possibility that immobilization could be contributing to mortality and morbidity in some patients and this warrants further investigation.

Outcomes of 807 Thompson hip hemiarthroplasty procedures and the effect of surgical approach on dislocation rates

The majority of displaced intracapsular fractures in our unit are managed with a Thompson hip hemiarthroplasty. Recent UK guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has, however, advised against the continued used of the Thompson implant in patients with hip fracture. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes and complications after Thompson hip hemiarthroplasty, including the impact of modern surgical approaches and cementing, whilst controlling for confounding factors. We reviewed the outcomes following Thompson hip hemiarthroplasty from a series of 807 cases performed between April 2008 and November 2013. Of these, 721 (89.3%) were cemented and 86 (10.7%) uncemented. A total of 575 (71.3%) procedures were performed in female patients. The anterolateral approach was performed in 753 (93.3%) and the posterior approach with enhanced soft tissue repair in 54 (6.7%). Overall, there were 23 dislocations (2.9%). Dislocation following the posterior approach occurred in 13.0% (seven of 54) in comparison to 2.1% (16 of 753) with the anterolateral approach (odds ratio (OR) 8.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8-26.3), p < 0.001). Patients were discharged home in 459 cases (56.9%), to a care home or other hospital in 273 cases (33.8%). Of the total number of patients, 75 died during their admission (9.3%), and 51.8% (338 of 653) returned home within 30 days. The 30-day mortality was 7.1% (57 cases) and the 1-year mortality was 16.6% (116 of 699). We recommend against the continued use of the posterior approach in hip hemiarthroplasty, as enhanced soft tissue repair did not reduce the dislocation rates to an acceptable level in this series utilising the Thompson implant. Our findings, however, demonstrate satisfactory results for patients treated with the Thompson hip hemiarthroplasty performed through an anterolateral approach. We suggest that the continued use of this implant in a carefully selected patient cohort is justifiable.

The long-term outcome of uncemented Low Contact Stress total knee replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Results at a mean of 22 years

We reviewed the long-term clinical and radiological results of 63 uncemented Low Contact Stress (LCS) total knee replacements (TKRs) in 47 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 69 years (53 to 81). At a mean follow-up of 22 years (20 to 25), 12 patients were alive (17 TKRs), 27 had died (36 TKRs), and eight (ten TKRs) were lost to follow-up. Revision was necessary in seven patients (seven TKRs, 11.1%) at a mean of 12.1 years (0 to 19) after surgery. In the surviving ten patients who had not undergone revision (15 TKRs), the mean Oxford knee score was 30.2 (16 to 41) at a mean follow-up of 19.5 years (15 to 24.7) and mean active flexion was 105° (90° to 150°). The survival rate was 88.9% at 20 years (56 of 63) and the Kaplan-Meier survival estimate, without revision, was 80.2% (95% confidence interval 37 to 100) at 25 years.

Streptococcus gallolyticus prosthetic joint infection associated with undiagnosed colonic malignancy

AbstractStreptococcus gallolyticus is a group D streptococcus which was previously classified as part of the S. bovis/S. equinus complex. It is a rare pathogen in prosthetic joint infection but has been demonstrated to have a strong association with colorectal carcinoma. In this case, a patient with no symptomatology suggestive of colorectal carcinoma presented with a S. gallolyticus prosthetic joint infection. Awareness of the association prompted investigation and subsequent diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma which was successfully treated prior to two-stage revision knee replacement. Level of evidence V.

The effect of tibial component sizing on patient reported outcome measures following uncemented total knee replacement

UNLABELLED When performing total knee replacement (TKR), surgeons are required to decide on the most appropriate size of tibial component. As implants are predominantly selected from incremental sizes of a preferred design, it may be necessary for a surgeon to slightly under or oversize the component. There are concerns that overhang could lead to pain from irritation of soft tissues, and an undersized component could lead to subsidence and failure. Patient reported outcome measures were recorded in 154 TKRs at one year postoperatively (in 100 TKRs) and five years post-operatively (in 54 TKRs) in 138 patients. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS), WOMAC and SF-12 were recorded, and a composite pain score was derived from the OKS and WOMAC pain questions. Tibial component size and position were assessed on scaled radiographs and implants were grouped into anatomic sized tibial component (78 TKRs), undersized component (48 TKRs), minor overhang one to three mm (10 TKRs) or major overhang ≥ 3 mm (18 TKRs). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean post-operative OKS, WOMAC, SF-12 or composite pain score of each group. Furthermore, localisation of the site of pain did not correlate with medial or lateral overhang of the tibial component. Our results suggest that tibial component overhang or undersizing is not detrimental to outcome measures or pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.

Atraumatic quadriceps tendon tear associated with calcific tendonitis

Calcific tendonitis of the quadriceps tendon is an uncommon condition. We present the first case of a quadriceps tendon tear associated with calcific tendonitis. In this case, the patient presented with symptoms mimicking a rupture of the quadriceps tendon. This case illustrates that although calcific tendonitis of the quadriceps is a rare condition it is not benign and should be considered when investigating acute symptoms associated with the extensor mechanism of the knee.

Adverse outcomes after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: a study of 700 000 procedures in the national Hospital Episode Statistics database for England

Summary Background Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures worldwide. Clinical trial evidence published in the past 6 years, however, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the procedure in some patient groups. In view of concerns about potential overuse, we aimed to establish the true risk of serious complications after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Methods We analysed national Hospital Episode Statistics data for all arthroscopic partial meniscectomies done in England between April 1, 1997, and March 31, 2017. Simultaneous or staged (within 6 months) bilateral cases were excluded. We identified complications occurring in the 90 days after the index procedure. The primary outcome was the occurrence of at least one serious complication within 90 days, which was defined as either myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, infection requiring surgery, fasciotomy, neurovascular injury, or death. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with complications and, when possible, risk was compared with general population data. Findings During the study period 1 088 782 arthroscopic partial meniscectomies were done, 699 965 of which were eligible for analysis. Within 90 days, serious complications occurred in 2218 (0·317% [95% CI 0·304–0·330]) cases, including 546 pulmonary embolisms (0·078% [95% CI 0·072–0·085]) and 944 infections necessitating further surgery (0·135% [95% CI 0·126–0·144]). Increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1·247 per decade [95% CI 1·208–1·288) and modified Charlson comorbidity index (adjusted OR 1·860 per 10 units [95% CI 1·708–2·042]) were associated with an increased risk of serious complications. Female sex was associated with a reduced risk of serious complications (adjusted OR 0·640 [95% CI 0·580–0·705). The risk of mortality fell over time (adjusted OR 0·965 per year [95% CI 0·937–0·994]). Mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke occurred less frequently in the study cohort than in the general population. The risks of infection and pulmonary embolism did not change during the study, and were significantly higher in the study cohort than in the general population. For every 1390 (95% CI 1272–1532) fewer knee arthroscopies done, one pulmonary embolism could be prevented. For every 749 (95% CI 704–801) fewer procedures done, one native knee joint infection could be prevented. Interpretation Overall, the risk associated with undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was low. However, some rare but serious complications (including pulmonary embolism and infection) are associated with the procedure, and the risks have not fallen with time. In view of uncertainty about the effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, an appreciation of relative risks is crucial for patients and clinicians. Our data provide a basis for decision making and consent. Funding UK National Institute for Health Research.

Patient-reported outcome measures for patients with meniscal tears: a systematic review of measurement properties and evaluation with the COSMIN checklist

Objective Meniscal tears occur frequently in the population and the most common surgical treatment, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, is performed in approximately two million cases worldwide each year. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarise and critically appraise the evidence for the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with meniscal tears. Design A systematic review was undertaken. Data on reported measurement properties were extracted and the quality of the studies appraised according to Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments. Data sources A search of MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and PsycINFO, unlimited by language or publication date (last search 20 February 2017). Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Development and validation studies reporting the measurement properties of PROMs in patients with meniscal tears were included. Results 11 studies and 10 PROMs were included. The overall quality of studies was poor. For measurement of symptoms and functional status, there is only very limited evidence supporting the selection of either the Lysholm Knee Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form or the Dutch version of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. For measuring health-related quality of life, only limited evidence supports the selection of the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET). Of all the PROMs evaluated, WOMET has the strongest evidence for content validity. Conclusion For patients with meniscal tears, there is poor quality and incomplete evidence regarding the validity of the currently available PROMs. Further research is required to ensure these PROMs truly reflect the symptoms, function and quality of life of patients with meniscal tears. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017056847.

The effects of introducing artemether-lumefantrine malaria treatment and insecticide-impregnated bed nets to an elective surgical hospital.

Malaria and anaemia in patients admitted for elective orthopaedic operations commonly cause delays to surgery. Our hospital has introduced artemether-lumefantrine as the standard treatment for malaria in accordance with the national policy, replacing sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine. Insecticide-impregnated bed nets were also introduced throughout our wards. A retrospective audit of all new elective surgical admissions over a 12-month period was performed in order to assess the effect of these changes. The study was designed to follow an identical audit performed before their introduction. Of the 435 patients admitted, 75 (17.2%) had malaria parasites present on blood film. In these patients, surgery was significantly delayed, by a mean of 9.9 days more than the group without malaria (P < 0.001). Before the changes to malaria treatment, the mean delay was 2.2 days (P < 0.05). Six patients (1.7%) developed malaria during admission, significantly fewer than the 16 (4.3%) before the introduction of bed nets (P = 0.036). The average haemoglobin level on admission in patients with malaria parasites was 11.8 g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.4–12.2) and in those without 13.1 g/dL (95% CI: 12.9–13.3). Seventeen patients (3.9%) were admitted with a haemoglobin concentration of <10 g/dL and two (0.5%) of <8 g/dL. There were no significant delays to surgery in these patients compared to those without anaemia. The adoption of artemether-lumefantrine by our hospital significantly increased delays to surgery. The introduction of insecticide-impregnated bed nets significantly reduced the number of patients developing malaria during their hospital stay.

National consensus on the definition, investigation, and classification of meniscal lesions of the knee.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to deliver standardised terminology for the identification and stratification of patients with meniscal lesions of the knee. METHODS A national group of expert surgeons was convened by the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) and a formal consensus process was undertaken following a validated methodology. A combination of nominal group techniques and an iterative Delphi process was used to develop and refine relevant definitions. Where appropriate, definitions were placed into categories to facilitate use in clinical practice and guideline development. RESULTS A degenerative meniscus develops progressively with degradation of meniscal tissue and this may be revealed by intra-meniscal high signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A meniscal tear was defined as a defect or split in the meniscocapsular complex, which can occur in a degenerative or non-degenerative meniscus. Degenerative meniscal lesions (high signal or tear) are frequent in the general population and are often incidental findings on knee MRI. Symptoms were defined and classified into three groups: (1) strongly suggestive of a treatable meniscal lesion, (2) potentially suggestive of a treatable meniscal lesion, (3) osteoarthritic. A strategy for radiological imaging (radiograph ± MRI) was agreed for the investigation of the patients with a possible meniscal tear. Meniscal lesions and tear patterns on MRI imaging were defined and classified with reference to potential treatability: (1) target, (2) possible target, (3) no target. CONCLUSIONS The agreed terminology will enable patients with meniscal lesions to be identified and stratified consistently in clinical practice, research and guideline development.