Our model of fracture-clinic redesign has significantly enhanced consultant input into patient care without additional funding. In addition, we have demonstrated increased service efficiency and significant improvements in staff support, morale and education. In the face of current economic and training challenges, we recommend this new model as a tool that will enhance patient and trainee experience.

Restriction of elbow motion after trauma is a well‐recognized problem. Most cases improve with time and use, although significant stiffness may persist and interfere with function. Over the last 20 years, surgical procedures have been reported that can safely improve the range of motion in most patients. A wide variety of different operative procedures and postoperative regimes have been described, with comparable results. Surgical techniques range from arthroscopic procedures, through increasingly extensive open releases, up to those requiring a dynamic external fixator to provide stability. Postoperative passive stretching with manipulation or splinting is often advocated, although evidence of effectiveness is lacking. We provide an overview of the current literature, and propose a new surgical guide to aid with the management of stiff elbows.

Bilateral simultaneous hallux valgus correction is traditionally performed as an inpatient procedure due to concerns regarding adequate postoperative analgesia and difficulty mobilizing. We prospectively evaluated 40 consecutive patients (80 feet) who underwent outpatient surgical correction of bilateral symptomatic hallux valgus. Patients underwent preoperative radiological and clinical assessment using pain and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux assessment scores. Patients underwent preoperative counseling and were assessed for medical suitability for outpatient surgery. They were instructed to have responsible adult caregivers available for 24 hours postoperatively, easy access to after-hours emergency medical care, and access to a telephone. Procedures were performed under general anesthesia with local anesthetic ankle block. Postoperatively, patients were discharged after assessment by medical, nursing, and physiotherapy staff with an oral analgesia regimen. Cast immobilization was not used. Patients were reviewed at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively with repeated clinical and radiological assessment. All patients were discharged home and none required inpatient ward admission. Post-discharge, no patient presented to the emergency department or their general practitioner as a consequence of poor pain control. At final follow-up assessment, mean AOFAS hallux scores had improved from 58.1 (range, 29-80) to 89.0 (range, 47-100) (P<.001). The mean hallux valgus angle improved from 33.2 degrees (range, 15 degrees -53 degrees) to 16.9 degrees (range, 3 degrees -39 degrees) and the intermetatarsal angle had improved from 13.2 degrees (range, 6 degrees -23 degrees) to 8.5 degrees (range, 4 degrees -15 degrees) (P<.001). Eighty-five percent of patients reported that they would recommend outpatient surgery. Bilateral hallux valgus surgery can be performed safely as an outpatient procedure in selected patients with acceptable levels of patient satisfaction.

DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is a potentially serious complication when prolonged courses of antibiotics are given to patients, with an average onset of 2–6 weeks after commencement. There is a high mortality rate (1–10%). We report the case of a 62-year-old male who developed DRESS after seven weeks of antibiotic treatment with vancomycin for a deep spinal metalwork infection. We describe the typical rash and biochemical results, including eosinophilia, as well as the systemic signs seen in this case. The criteria for diagnosis of DRESS, including the RegiSCAR scoring system and commonly affected systems (renal, cardiac, and hepatic), are detailed, and we also discuss evidence for steroid treatment and considerations important in the use of this.

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