Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically the absorption of a poly L-lactide... more Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically the absorption of a poly L-lactide bioabsorbable interference screw used in anterior ligament reconstruction. Methods A case series of ten sequential patients undergoing anterior ligament reconstruction with a four-strand hamstrings technique were assessed with MRI scans at one, two, four, seven and ten years postoperatively. The scans were reported by an independent radiologist, with respect to resorption of the screw and post resorption changes in the bone. Fixation of the graft in ACL surgery is varied from metal interference screw, resorbable screws made of PLLA, and staple fixation. The advantage of resorbable screws allow imaging of the knee postoperatively, and the perceive benefit of screw resorption and replacement with host bone. Results No resorption had occurred after 4 years in any of the patients. By seven years screw absorption was complete in seven patients and progressive in three. Five patients displayed new bone formation within the tibial tunnel. Of the five patients with no demonstrable new bone formation, a fluid collection was present within the tibial tunnel. In one of these patients, MRI revealed formation of a ganglion beyond the limit of the tunnel. We will present the final data after ten years. Conclusions This study has shown that the bioabsorbable screws take longer to resorb than initial in vitro data. It is unclear as to whether any ganglion formation is related to the resorption, or the presence of the hamstring graft in the tunnel. The theoretical advantages of bio-absorbable screws must be weighed against these findings.
Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of tra... more Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations with respect to emergency reduction and clinic follow-up. COVID-19 posed challenges in terms of analgesia choice for reductions and altered follow-up arrangements. This study aimed to assess variance from the care pathway. Method We performed a retrospective case note analysis of all emergency presentations with acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations at the MTC in Bristol from 01/04/2019-31/05/2019 to the same period in 2020 to analyse the effects of COVID-19 on management of these injuries. Results We identified 32 patients in 2019, and 24 in 2020. Entonox usage fell, in favour of Penthrox. Use of conscious sedation (requiring full PPE) remained around 20%. Pre- and post-reduction imaging was near 100% throughout. Referral to follow-up was 88% in 2019 but 38% in 2020. Those assessed in clinic during COVID-19, fewer were mobilised early or re...
ABSTRACT Background Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon is a rare but severe injury. Seve... more ABSTRACT Background Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon is a rare but severe injury. Several techniques have been described for PM fixation, including a transosseus technique, placing cortical buttons at the superior, middle and inferior PM tendon insertion points. The present cadaveric study investigates the proximity of the posterior branch of the axillary nerve to the drill positions for transosseus PM tendon repair. Methods Twelve cadaveric shoulders were used. The axillary nerve was marked during a preparatory dissection. Drills were passed through the humerus at the superior, middle and inferior insertions of the PM tendon and the drill bits were left in situ. The distance between these and each axillary nerve was measured using computed tomography. ResultsThe superior drill position was in closest proximity to the axillary nerve (three-dimensional distance range 0–18.01 mm, mean 10.74 mm, 95% confidence interval 7.24 mm to 14.24 mm). The middle PM insertion point was also very close to the nerve. Conclusions Caution should be used when performing bicortical drilling of the humerus, especially when drilling at the superior border of the PM insertion. We describe ‘safe’ and ‘danger’ zones for the positioning of cortical buttons through the humerus reflecting the risk posed to the axillary nerve.
Conservative management versus open reduction and internal fixation for mid-shaft clavicle fractu... more 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
Malignant change in existing benign enchondroma of phalanx of hand to chondrosarcoma of hand is e... more Malignant change in existing benign enchondroma of phalanx of hand to chondrosarcoma of hand is extremely rare. Books suggest that chondrosarcoma does not arise in small bones of hands and feet although in literature few cases have been reported but not described comprehensively. We report a rare case of chondrosarcoma in distal phalanx of ring finger in a 75- year old healthy female who had cystic lesion for past 25 years with recurrent fractures. Patient came to us with severe pain and tender, hard swelling of distal phalanx of left ring finger. X ray showed pronounced expansion of the terminal phalanx surrounded partially by a shell of bone, with focal spotty calcification with in the lesion. Because of sudden increase in size and pain of swelling, an amputation was performed at distal inter phalangeal joint. Histopathology showed grade II myxoid chondrosarcoma with pre-existing enchondroma. Wound healed nicely. Extensive investigation in form of CT chest and bone scan did not sh...
Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of tra... more Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations with respect to emergency reduction and clinic follow-up. COVID-19 posed challenges in terms of analgesia choice for reductions and altered follow-up arrangements. This study aimed to assess variance from the care pathway. Methodology We performed a retrospective case note analysis of all emergency presentations with acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations at the MTC in Bristol. We compared 01 Apr to 31 May in 2019 to the same period in 2020 to analyse the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of these injuries. Data parameters collated included examinations and imaging pre- and post-reduction, choice of analgesia, follow-up rates, referral to physiotherapy, and further imaging requested. Results We identified 32 patients in 2019, and 24 in 2020. Use of Entonox fell during the pandemic in favour of Penthrox. Use of conscious sedat...
The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2020
Introduction Shoulder arthroplasty rates are increasing in the UK. No data have been published fr... more Introduction Shoulder arthroplasty rates are increasing in the UK. No data have been published from a UK centre on predictors of length of inpatient stay following shoulder arthroplasty. This study analyses the length of inpatient stay following shoulder arthroplasty in a high-volume UK centre and identifies predictors of prolonged inpatient stay. Materials and methods All shoulder arthroplasty cases performed between 2012 and 2018 were identified. A review of case notes and electronic patient records was completed to identify demographic data, Charlson comorbidity score, length of inpatient stay and factors associated with length of stay. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors were independently associated with length of inpatient stay. Results A total of 640 shoulder arthroplasty cases were performed in 566 patients. Median length of stay was two days. Length of stay was predicted by age, sex, chronic kidney disease, congestive cardiac failure...
Clavicle fractures account for around 4% of all fractures and up to 44% of fractures of the shoul... more Clavicle 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.
Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for the acute management of... more Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for the acute management of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations with respect to emergency reduction and follow-up assessment. COVID-19 posed increased challenges in terms of analgesia choice and altered follow-up arrangements. This study aimed to assess adherence to the care pathway and improve patient care. Methodology We retrospectively analysed all acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations at the MTC in Bristol. We collected data during 01/04/2019-31/05/2019 and 01/04/2020-31/05/2020 to analyse the quality of their management. Data parameters collated included examinations and imaging performance, choice of analgesia, follow-up rates, and physiotherapy referrals. Results We identified 32 patients in 2019, and 24 in 2020. Full neurovascular examinations pre- and post-reduction were poorly documented. Peri-reduction imaging utilization was near 100%. Referral to follow-up was 88% in 2019 but 38% in 2020...
Although dislocation of the shoulder is a relatively common event, the overwhelming majority of i... more Although dislocation of the shoulder is a relatively common event, the overwhelming majority of injuries are anterior. Posterior shoulder dislocation is more uncommon, comprising between 3% and 5% of all shoulder dislocations. One percent of shoulder dislocations involve a fracture, whereas only 0.9% of the 1500 cases reported by Neer (J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970; 52:1077-89; J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970; 52:1090-103) concerned posterior fracture dislocations. Bilateral posterior fracture dislocation is an even rarer event, comprising just 5% of all posterior fracture dislocations. Given the rarity and relative poor outcome often observed after these severe injuries, it is important that upper limb function is optimized. Bilateral posterior fracture dislocations of the shoulder pose a difficult clinical challenge that requires careful management planning. To date, there have been three isolated case reports of using contralateral osteochondral humeral autograft and hemiarthroplasty. We r...
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically the absorption of a poly L-lactide... more Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically the absorption of a poly L-lactide bioabsorbable interference screw used in anterior ligament reconstruction. Methods A case series of ten sequential patients undergoing anterior ligament reconstruction with a four-strand hamstrings technique were assessed with MRI scans at one, two, four, seven and ten years postoperatively. The scans were reported by an independent radiologist, with respect to resorption of the screw and post resorption changes in the bone. Fixation of the graft in ACL surgery is varied from metal interference screw, resorbable screws made of PLLA, and staple fixation. The advantage of resorbable screws allow imaging of the knee postoperatively, and the perceive benefit of screw resorption and replacement with host bone. Results No resorption had occurred after 4 years in any of the patients. By seven years screw absorption was complete in seven patients and progressive in three. Five patients displayed new bone formation within the tibial tunnel. Of the five patients with no demonstrable new bone formation, a fluid collection was present within the tibial tunnel. In one of these patients, MRI revealed formation of a ganglion beyond the limit of the tunnel. We will present the final data after ten years. Conclusions This study has shown that the bioabsorbable screws take longer to resorb than initial in vitro data. It is unclear as to whether any ganglion formation is related to the resorption, or the presence of the hamstring graft in the tunnel. The theoretical advantages of bio-absorbable screws must be weighed against these findings.
Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of tra... more Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations with respect to emergency reduction and clinic follow-up. COVID-19 posed challenges in terms of analgesia choice for reductions and altered follow-up arrangements. This study aimed to assess variance from the care pathway. Method We performed a retrospective case note analysis of all emergency presentations with acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations at the MTC in Bristol from 01/04/2019-31/05/2019 to the same period in 2020 to analyse the effects of COVID-19 on management of these injuries. Results We identified 32 patients in 2019, and 24 in 2020. Entonox usage fell, in favour of Penthrox. Use of conscious sedation (requiring full PPE) remained around 20%. Pre- and post-reduction imaging was near 100% throughout. Referral to follow-up was 88% in 2019 but 38% in 2020. Those assessed in clinic during COVID-19, fewer were mobilised early or re...
ABSTRACT Background Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon is a rare but severe injury. Seve... more ABSTRACT Background Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon is a rare but severe injury. Several techniques have been described for PM fixation, including a transosseus technique, placing cortical buttons at the superior, middle and inferior PM tendon insertion points. The present cadaveric study investigates the proximity of the posterior branch of the axillary nerve to the drill positions for transosseus PM tendon repair. Methods Twelve cadaveric shoulders were used. The axillary nerve was marked during a preparatory dissection. Drills were passed through the humerus at the superior, middle and inferior insertions of the PM tendon and the drill bits were left in situ. The distance between these and each axillary nerve was measured using computed tomography. ResultsThe superior drill position was in closest proximity to the axillary nerve (three-dimensional distance range 0–18.01 mm, mean 10.74 mm, 95% confidence interval 7.24 mm to 14.24 mm). The middle PM insertion point was also very close to the nerve. Conclusions Caution should be used when performing bicortical drilling of the humerus, especially when drilling at the superior border of the PM insertion. We describe ‘safe’ and ‘danger’ zones for the positioning of cortical buttons through the humerus reflecting the risk posed to the axillary nerve.
Conservative management versus open reduction and internal fixation for mid-shaft clavicle fractu... more 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
Malignant change in existing benign enchondroma of phalanx of hand to chondrosarcoma of hand is e... more Malignant change in existing benign enchondroma of phalanx of hand to chondrosarcoma of hand is extremely rare. Books suggest that chondrosarcoma does not arise in small bones of hands and feet although in literature few cases have been reported but not described comprehensively. We report a rare case of chondrosarcoma in distal phalanx of ring finger in a 75- year old healthy female who had cystic lesion for past 25 years with recurrent fractures. Patient came to us with severe pain and tender, hard swelling of distal phalanx of left ring finger. X ray showed pronounced expansion of the terminal phalanx surrounded partially by a shell of bone, with focal spotty calcification with in the lesion. Because of sudden increase in size and pain of swelling, an amputation was performed at distal inter phalangeal joint. Histopathology showed grade II myxoid chondrosarcoma with pre-existing enchondroma. Wound healed nicely. Extensive investigation in form of CT chest and bone scan did not sh...
Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of tra... more Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for acute management of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations with respect to emergency reduction and clinic follow-up. COVID-19 posed challenges in terms of analgesia choice for reductions and altered follow-up arrangements. This study aimed to assess variance from the care pathway. Methodology We performed a retrospective case note analysis of all emergency presentations with acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations at the MTC in Bristol. We compared 01 Apr to 31 May in 2019 to the same period in 2020 to analyse the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of these injuries. Data parameters collated included examinations and imaging pre- and post-reduction, choice of analgesia, follow-up rates, referral to physiotherapy, and further imaging requested. Results We identified 32 patients in 2019, and 24 in 2020. Use of Entonox fell during the pandemic in favour of Penthrox. Use of conscious sedat...
The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2020
Introduction Shoulder arthroplasty rates are increasing in the UK. No data have been published fr... more Introduction Shoulder arthroplasty rates are increasing in the UK. No data have been published from a UK centre on predictors of length of inpatient stay following shoulder arthroplasty. This study analyses the length of inpatient stay following shoulder arthroplasty in a high-volume UK centre and identifies predictors of prolonged inpatient stay. Materials and methods All shoulder arthroplasty cases performed between 2012 and 2018 were identified. A review of case notes and electronic patient records was completed to identify demographic data, Charlson comorbidity score, length of inpatient stay and factors associated with length of stay. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors were independently associated with length of inpatient stay. Results A total of 640 shoulder arthroplasty cases were performed in 566 patients. Median length of stay was two days. Length of stay was predicted by age, sex, chronic kidney disease, congestive cardiac failure...
Clavicle fractures account for around 4% of all fractures and up to 44% of fractures of the shoul... more Clavicle 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.
Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for the acute management of... more Background BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways provide national guidelines for the acute management of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations with respect to emergency reduction and follow-up assessment. COVID-19 posed increased challenges in terms of analgesia choice and altered follow-up arrangements. This study aimed to assess adherence to the care pathway and improve patient care. Methodology We retrospectively analysed all acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations at the MTC in Bristol. We collected data during 01/04/2019-31/05/2019 and 01/04/2020-31/05/2020 to analyse the quality of their management. Data parameters collated included examinations and imaging performance, choice of analgesia, follow-up rates, and physiotherapy referrals. Results We identified 32 patients in 2019, and 24 in 2020. Full neurovascular examinations pre- and post-reduction were poorly documented. Peri-reduction imaging utilization was near 100%. Referral to follow-up was 88% in 2019 but 38% in 2020...
Although dislocation of the shoulder is a relatively common event, the overwhelming majority of i... more Although dislocation of the shoulder is a relatively common event, the overwhelming majority of injuries are anterior. Posterior shoulder dislocation is more uncommon, comprising between 3% and 5% of all shoulder dislocations. One percent of shoulder dislocations involve a fracture, whereas only 0.9% of the 1500 cases reported by Neer (J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970; 52:1077-89; J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970; 52:1090-103) concerned posterior fracture dislocations. Bilateral posterior fracture dislocation is an even rarer event, comprising just 5% of all posterior fracture dislocations. Given the rarity and relative poor outcome often observed after these severe injuries, it is important that upper limb function is optimized. Bilateral posterior fracture dislocations of the shoulder pose a difficult clinical challenge that requires careful management planning. To date, there have been three isolated case reports of using contralateral osteochondral humeral autograft and hemiarthroplasty. We r...
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