Simon Newman

Absorbable or non-absorbable sutures? A prospective, randomised evaluation of aesthetic outcomes in patients undergoing elective day-case hand and wrist surgery

INTRODUCTION We prospectively evaluated aesthetic outcomes in a group of randomised patients who underwent elective day-case hand and wrist surgery using either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort of 100 adult patients were randomised using sealed envelopes to receive either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures for their wound closure. Clinical review was carried out at 6 weeks. A postal questionnaire was sent to all patients 3 months following surgery comprising a visual analogue scale (VAS) for wound satisfaction, a validated 6-point patient scar assessment tool and the shortened version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH). RESULTS From the postal questionnaire, 70 responses were received. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of VAS, patient scar assessment tool and quick DASH. CONCLUSIONS For elective day-case hand and wrist surgery, either suture material can be used confidently with respect to overall aesthetic appearance in such patients.

Application of an innovative computerized virtual planning system in acetabular fracture surgery: A feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION Acetabular fracture surgery is amongst the most challenging tasks in the field of trauma surgery and careful preoperative planning is crucial for success. The aim of this paper is to describe the preliminary outcome of the utilization of an innovative computerized virtual planning system for acetabular fractures. METHODS 3D models of acetabular fractures and surrounding soft tissues from six patients were constructed from preoperative CT scans. A novel highly-automatic segmentation technique was performed on the 3D model to separate each fracture fragment, then 3D virtual reduction was performed. Additionally, the models were used to assess potential surgical approaches with reference to both the fracture and the surrounding soft tissues. The time required for virtual planning was recorded. After surgery, the virtual plan was compared to the real surgery with respect to surgical approach and reduction sequence. A Likert scale questionnaire was completed by the surgeons to evaluate their satisfaction with the system. RESULTS Virtual planning was successfully completed in all cases. The planned surgical approach was followed in all cases with the planned reduction sequence followed completely in five cases and partially in one. The mean time required for virtual planning was 38.7min (range 21-57, SD=15.5). The mean time required for planning of B-type fractures was 25.0min (range 21-30, SD=4.6), of C-type fracture 52.3min (range 49-57, SD=4.2). The results of the questionnaire demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the planning system. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the virtual planning system is feasible in clinical settings with high satisfaction and acceptability from the surgeons. It provides a viable option for the planning of acetabular fracture surgery.

An unusual case of bipolar segmental clavicle fracture

Segmental clavicle fractures are uncommon injuries. When they do present, they tend to comprise a distal and mid-shaft fracture. A clavicular injury with proximal and distal fractures is a rarer presentation still which is sparsely covered in the literature. These injuries, which have been termed bipolar, are easily missed at presentation and due to their infrequency the optimal method of management for these patients is unclear. We describe the successful non-operative management of a bipolar clavicle fracture and review the existing literature.

Up to 10 year follow-up of the Oxford Domed Lateral Partial Knee Replacement from an independent centre.

BACKGROUND The Oxford Domed Lateral Partial Knee Replacement (ODLPKR) was designed specifically for the lateral compartment in response to the unacceptable dislocation rate seen with the Oxford Partial Knee. This paper presents the up to 10-year follow-up of an independent, single surgeon series using this implant. The aim of this study is to assess the medium term outcome of the ODLPKR. The primary outcome measures were 13 revision surgery, re-operation and functional outcome. METHODS Sixty-four knees in 58 patients were performed between 2005 and 2009. Patients were interviewed by telephone to determine whether further surgery had been conducted on their knee and to complete an Oxford Knee Score (OKS) questionnaire. RESULTS The status of 61 knees was confirmed with a median follow-up period of 84months. One patient sustained two bearing dislocations ultimately requiring an elective bearing exchange. Two knees underwent revision to TKR and five other patients reported further operations. Median OKS was 26 (range nine to 36) pre-operatively and 42 (10-48) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION The ODLPKR offers an effective and safe treatment for lateral compartment osteoarthritis. Bearing dislocation does not appear to be a significant issue with this implant and implant retention is similar to that achieved by medial unicompartmental knee replacements in the medium term.

Corrective Osteotomies for Complex Intra-Articular Tibial Plateau Malunions using Three-Dimensional Virtual Planning and Novel Patient-Specific Guides.

&NA; Corrective osteotomy of intra‐articular tibial plateau malunions is technically demanding for orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of the combination of three‐dimensional (3D) virtual planning and novel patient‐specific guides for assisting correction of complex intra‐articular tibial plateau malunions. Six patients with posttraumatic intra‐articular tibial plateau malunions were included. Preoperatively 3D models of the tibias were reconstructed using the computed tomography scan data. Virtual surgical planning was performed, and patient‐specific guides for osteotomy and reduction were designed, which were then 3D printed. Intraoperatively they were applied to guide the osteotomy and reduction. After surgery, radiographs were taken to evaluate the knee joint surface. The operating surgeons were asked to complete the Likert scale questionnaire to assess their attitude to the novel technology. The guides were successfully used for guiding osteotomy correction of malunion in all patients. Postoperative radiographs showed the articular step‐off was considerably reduced and the articular congruency was satisfactory in all patients. The results of the questionnaire demonstrated a high level of surgeon satisfaction and acceptance to the technology. For selective patients with complex intra‐articular tibial plateau malunions, the novel technique could serve as a valuable option for guiding precise malunion correction.