Level I, prospective randomized study.

Conventional methods of treating ankle fractures in the elderly are associated with high rates of complication. We describe the results of treating these injuries in 48 frail elderly patients with a long calcaneotalotibial nail. The mean age of the group was 82 years (61 to 96) and 41 (85%) were women. All were frail, with multiple medical comorbidities and their mean American Society of Anaesthesiologists score was 3 (3 to 4). None could walk independently before their operation. All the fractures were displaced and unstable; the majority (94%, 45 of 48) were low-energy injuries and 40% (19 of 48) were open. The overall mortality at six months was 35%. Of the surviving patients, 90% returned to their pre-injury level of function. The mean pre- and post-operative Olerud and Molander questionnaire scores were 62 and 57 respectively. Complications included superficial infection (4%, two of 48); deep infection (2%, one of 48); a broken or loose distal locking screw (6%, three of 48); valgus malunion (4%, two of 48); and one below-knee amputation following an unsuccessful vascular operation. There were no cases of nonunion, nail breakage or peri-prosthetic fracture. A calcaneotalotibial nail is an excellent device for treating an unstable fracture of the ankle in the frail elderly patient. It allows the patient to mobilise immediately and minimises the risk of bone or wound problems. A long nail which crosses the isthmus of the tibia avoids the risk of peri-prosthetic fracture associated with shorter devices.

Background: A prospective, randomized, noninferiority clinical trial of synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty for hallux rigidus demonstrated functional outcomes and safety equivalent to first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis at 24 months. We prospectively assessed safety and efficacy outcomes for synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty at a minimum of 5 years. Methods: Of 135 eligible patients from the original trial, 112 (83.0%) were enrolled (mean age, 58.2 ± 8.8 years; 87 females). Pain visual analog scale (VAS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and FAAM Sports subscales were completed preoperatively and 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Great toe active dorsiflexion, weightbearing radiographs, secondary procedures, and safety parameters were also evaluated. Results: At 24 months, 14/152 (9.2%) patients had undergone implant removal and conversion to arthrodesis. In years 2 to 5, 9/119 (7.6%) patients underwent implant removal and conversion to arthrodesis. At mean 5.8 ± 0.7 (range, 4.4-8.0) years’ follow-up, pain VAS, FAAM ADL, and FAAM Sports scores improved by 57.9 ± 18.6 points, 33.0 ± 17.6 points, and 47.9 ± 27.1 points, respectively, from baseline. Clinically significant changes in VAS pain, FAAM ADL, and FAAM Sports were reported by 103/106 (97.2%), 95/105 (90.5%), and 97/104 (93.3%) patients, respectively. Patient-reported outcomes at 24 months were maintained at 5.8 years in patients who were not revised. Active MTP joint peak dorsiflexion was maintained. Ninety-nine of 106 (93.4%) patients would have the procedure again. Conclusion: Clinical and safety outcomes for synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty observed at 2 years were maintained at 5.8 years. The implant remains a viable treatment option to decrease pain, improve function, and maintain motion for advanced hallux rigidus. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Analysis 3.5. Comparison 3 Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous reduction and internal fixation versus standard open reduction and internal fixation, Outcome 5 Knee joint range of motion (degrees) (14 months). . . . . . . Analysis 3.6. Comparison 3 Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous reduction and internal fixation versus standard open reduction and internal fixation, Outcome 6 Time to radiological union (months). . . . . . . . . . . Analysis 4.1. Comparison 4 Bone substitute versus autologous bone graft, Outcome 1 Lower limb function. . . . Analysis 4.2. Comparison 4 Bone substitute versus autologous bone graft, Outcome 2 Adverse events. . . . . . Analysis 4.3. Comparison 4 Bone substitute versus autologous bone graft, Outcome 3 Range of movement (at 12

INTRODUCTION The British Orthopaedic Association/British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons guidelines for the management of open tibial fractures recommend early senior combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical input with appropriate facilities to manage a high caseload. The aim of this study was to assess whether becoming a major trauma centre has affected the management of patients with open tibial fractures. METHODS Data were obtained prospectively on consecutive open tibial fractures during two eight-month periods: before and after becoming a trauma centre. RESULTS Overall, 29 open tibial fractures were admitted after designation as a major trauma centre compared with 15 previously. Of the 29 patients, 21 came directly or as transfers from another accident and emergency deparment (previously 8 of 15). The time to transfer patients admitted initially to local orthopaedic departments has fallen from 205.7 hours to 37.4 hours (p=0.084). Tertiary transferred patients had a longer hospital stay (16.3 vs 14.9 days) and had more operations (3.7 vs 2.6, p=0.08) than direct admissions. As a trauma centre, there were improvements in time to definitive skeletal stabilisation (4.7 vs 2.2 days, p=0.06), skin coverage (8.3 vs 3.7 days, p=0.06), average number of operations (4.2 vs 2.3, p=0.002) and average length of hospital admission (26.6 vs 15.3 days, p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS The volume and management of open tibial fractures, independent of fracture grade, has been directly affected by the introduction of a trauma centre enabling early combined senior orthopaedic and plastic surgical input. Our data strongly support the benefits of trauma centres and the continuing development of trauma networks in the management of open tibial fractures.