Secure fixation of displaced proximal fractures of the humerus is a challenging problem. A total of 32 patients with acutely displaced three- or four-part proximal fractures of the humerus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate. There were 23 women and nine men with a mean age of 59.9 years (18 to 87). Data were collected prospectively and the outcomes were assessed using the Constant score. The mean follow-up was for 11 months (3 to 24). In 31 patients (97%) the fracture united clinically and radiologically at a mean of 10 weeks (8 to 24). The mean Constant score at final review was 66.5 (30 to 92). There was no significant difference in outcome when comparing patients aged more than 60 years (18 patients) with those aged less than 60 years (14 patients) (t-test, p = 0.8443). There was one case each of nonunion, malunion and a broken screw in the elderly population. This plate provides an alternative method of fixation for fractures of the proximal humerus. It provides a stable fixation in young patients with good-quality bone sufficient to permit early mobilisation. Failure of the screws to maintain fixation in the elderly remains a problem.
We report the clinical and radiological outcome at ten years of 104 primary total hip replacements (100 patients) using the Metasul metal-on-metal bearing. Of these, 52 had a cemented Stuehmer-Weber polyethylene acetabular component with a Metasul bearing and 52 had an uncemented Allofit acetabular component with a Metasul liner. A total of 15 patients (16 hips) died before their follow-up at ten years and three were lost to follow-up. The study group therefore comprised 82 patients (85 hips). The mean Oxford score at ten years was 20.7 (12 to 42). Six of 85 hips required revision surgery. One was performed because of infection, one for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component and four because of unexplained pain. Histological examination showed an aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis associated lesion-type tissue response in two of these. Continued follow-up is advocated in order to monitor the long-term performance of the Metasul bearing and tissue responses to metal debris.
The performance of total knee arthroplasty in deeply flexed postures is of increasing concern as the procedure is performed on younger, more physically active and more culturally diverse populations. Several implant design factors, including tibiofemoral conformity, tibial slope and posterior condylar geometry have been shown directly to affect deep flexion performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate the kinematics of a fixed-bearing, asymmetric, medial rotation arthroplasty design in moderate and deep flexion. Thirteen study participants (15 knees) with a medial rotation knee arthroplasty were observed performing a weight-bearing lunge activity to maximum comfortable flexion and kneeling on a padded bench from 90 degrees to maximum comfortable flexion using lateral fluoroscopy. Subjects averaged 74 years of age and nine were female. At maximum weight-bearing flexion, the knees exhibited 115 degrees of implant flexion (102 degrees-125 degrees) and 7 degrees (-3 degrees to 12 degrees) of tibial internal rotation. The medial and lateral condylar translated posteriorly by 2 and 5 mm, respectively. At maximum kneeling flexion, the knees exhibited 119 degrees of implant flexion (101 degrees-139 degrees ) and 5 degrees (-2 degrees to 14 degrees) of tibial internal rotation. The lateral condyle translated posteriorly by 11 mm. The medial rotation knee exhibited motion patterns similar to those observed in the normal knee, but less tibial rotation. The medially conforming articulation beneficially controls femoral AP position in deep flexion, in patients who require such motion as part of their lifestyle.
INTRODUCTION The fast-track assessment clinic (FTAC) is a process to select patients who are very likely to require primary total hip replacement. Selected patients can then be seen in a one-off clinic reducing the number of hospital visits, cost to primary care trusts and delay between referral and treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty patients on the waiting list for hip replacement were analysed to see if there were common parameters that led to their inclusion. From these data, fast-track selection criteria (FTSCs) were generated. These FTSCs were used to make a dual comparison of outcomes between 52 patients seen in a traditional clinic. Finally, a pilot study was conducted in which patients fulfilling FTSCs were seen in a designated clinic.RESULTS An Oxford hip score (OHS) of 34 and above combined with severe loss of joint space, severe marginal osteophytes, or both was common to most patients on the waiting list (84%). FTSCs correctly predicted the outcome of the orthopaedic clinic in 38 patients out of a total of 52. During the pilot stage, positive FTSCs were shown to have a positive predictive value of 92% for joint replacement being carried out and a negative predictive value of 46%. CONCLUSIONS An OHS of 34 or above combined with complete loss of joint space and/or severe marginal osteophyte formation can be used to select patients who are very likely to need total hip replacement. These patients can be seen in a clinic that combines assessment of surgical indication with medical fitness for surgery.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.