BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus ...BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus in existing guidelines regarding the optimal tourniquet pressure,placement site,and duration of use.There is a paucity of data on the relationship between the site of a tourniquet and postoperative pain in foot and ankle surgery.AIM To explore the relationship between tourniquet site and intensity of post-operative pain scores in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery.METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 201 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery in a single institution was undertaken.Intraoperative tourniquet duration,tourniquet pressure and site,and postoperative pain scores using Visual Analogue Score were collected in immediate recovery,at six hours and at 24 h post-op.Scatter plots were used to analyse the data and to assess for the statistical correlation between tourniquet pressure,duration,site,and pain scores using Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS All patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery had tourniquet pressure of 250 mmHg for ankle tourniquet and 300 mmHg for thigh.There was no correlation between the site of the tourniquet and pain scores in recovery,at six hours and after 24 h.There was a weak correlation between tourniquet time and Visual Analogue Score immediately post-op(r=0.14,P=0.04)but not at six or 24 h post-operatively.CONCLUSION This study shows that there was no statistically significant correlation between tourniquet pressure,site and postop pain in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.The choice of using a tourniquet is based on the surgeon's preference,with the goal of minimizing the duration of its application at the operative site.展开更多
BACKGROUND The distinction between foot and ankle wound healing complications as opposed to infection is crucial for the appropriate and efficacious allocation of antibiotic therapy.Multiple reports have focused on th...BACKGROUND The distinction between foot and ankle wound healing complications as opposed to infection is crucial for the appropriate and efficacious allocation of antibiotic therapy.Multiple reports have focused on the diagnostic accuracy of different inflammatory markers,however,mainly in the diabetic population.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of white cell count(WCC)and C-reactive protein(CRP)as diagnostic tools for this distinction in the non-diabetic cohort.METHODS Data was reviewed from a prospectively maintained Infectious Diseases Unit database of 216 patients admitted at Leicester University Hospitals–United Kingdom with musculoskeletal infections over the period between July 2014 and February 2020(68 mo).All patients with confirmed diagnosis of diabetes were excluded while only those with confirmed microbiological or clinical diagnosis of foot or ankle infection were included in our study.For the included patients,we retrospectively retrieved the inflammatory markers(WCCs and CRP)at the time of presentation.Values of CRP 0-10 mg/L and WCC 4.0-11.0×109/L were considered normal.RESULTS After exclusion of patients with confirmed diabetes,25 patients with confirmed foot or ankle infections were included.All infections were confirmed microbiolo-gically with positive intra-operative culture results.7(28%)patients with osteomyelitis(OM)of the foot,11(44%)with OM of the ankle,5(20%)with ankle septic arthritis and 2(8%)patients with post-surgical wound infection were identified.Previous bony surgery was identified in 13(52%)patients,either a corrective osteotomy or an open reduction and internal fixation for a foot or ankle fracture with the infection developing on top of the existing metalwork.21(84%)patients did have raised inflammatory markers while 4(16%)patients failed to mount an inflammatory response even with subsequent debridement and removal of metal work.CRP sensitivity was 84%,while WCC sensitivity was only 28%.CONCLUSION CRP has a relatively good sensitivity in the diagnosis of foot and ankle infections in non-diabetic patients,whereas WCC is a poor inflammatory marker in the detection of such cases.In presence of clinically high level of suspicion of foot or ankle infection,a normal CRP should not rule out the diagnosis of OM.展开更多
BACKGROUND Advances in minimally invasive surgery and improved post-operative pain management make it possible to consider performing even major foot/ankle operations as day-case.This could have significant benefits f...BACKGROUND Advances in minimally invasive surgery and improved post-operative pain management make it possible to consider performing even major foot/ankle operations as day-case.This could have significant benefits for patients and the health service.However there are theoretical concerns about post-operative complications and patient satisfaction due to pain.AIM To scope the current practice of foot and ankle surgeons on day-case surgery for major foot and ankle procedures in the United Kingdom(UK).METHODS An online survey(19 questions)was sent to UK foot and ankle surgeons via the British Orthopaedic Foot&Ankle Society membership list in August 2021.Major foot and ankle procedures were defined as surgery that is usually performed as an inpatient in majority of centres and day-case as same day discharge,with day surgery as the intended treatment pathway.RESULTS 132 people responded to the survey invitation with 80%working in Acute NHS Trusts.Currently 45%of respondents perform less than 100 day-case surgeries per year for these procedures.78%felt that there was scope to perform more procedures as day-case at their centre.Post-operative pain(34%)and patient satisfaction(10%)was not highly measured within their centres.Lack of adequate physiotherapy input pre/post-operatively(23%)and lack of out of hours support(21%)were the top perceived barriers to performing more major foot and ankle procedures as day-case.CONCLUSION There is consensus among UK surgeons to do more major foot/ankle procedures as day-case.Out of hours support and physiotherapy input pre/post-op were perceived as the main barriers.Despite theoretical concerns about post-operative pain and satisfaction this was only measured by a third of those surveyed.There is a need for nationally agreed protocols to optimise the delivery of and measurement of outcomes in this type of surgery.At a local level,the provision of physiotherapy and out of hours support should be explored at sites where this is a perceived barrier.展开更多
Fractures of the talus are rare in children.A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid missing such an injury,which is not an uncommon occurrence especially with undisplaced fractures.We present an unusual case of a...Fractures of the talus are rare in children.A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid missing such an injury,which is not an uncommon occurrence especially with undisplaced fractures.We present an unusual case of an undisplaced talar neck fracture in a five-year-old child leading to a delayed presentation of a symptomatic osteochondral loose body in the ankle joint.To our knowledge there are no reports in the literature of osteochondral loose bodies occurring in conjunction with an associated undisplaced talar neck fracture in either children or adults.The loose body was removed using anterior ankle arthroscopy.The child had an uneventful post operative recovery and regained full range of movement and function of his ankle joint and was discharged at one year follow-up.We aim to highlight the need to have a low threshold to further evaluate symptomatic children after fracture healing of an undisplaced talar neck fracture for a possible associated loose bodyin the ankle joint.展开更多
AIM: To examine patients' perceptions on communication surrounding the cancellation of orthopaedic operations and to identify areas for improvement in communication.METHODS: A prospective survey was undertaken at ...AIM: To examine patients' perceptions on communication surrounding the cancellation of orthopaedic operations and to identify areas for improvement in communication.METHODS: A prospective survey was undertaken at a university teaching hospital within the department of Trauma and Orthopaedics. Patients admitted to an acute orthopaedic unit, whose operations were cancelled, were surveyed to assess patient satisfaction and preferences for notification of cancellation of their operations. Patients with an abbreviated mental test score of < 9, patients unable to complete the survey independently, those under 16 years of age, and any patient notified of the cancellation by any of the authors were excluded from this study. Patients were surveyed themorning after their operation had been cancelled thus ensuring that every opportunity was given for the medical staff to discuss the cancellation with the patient. The survey included questions on whether or not patients were notified of the cancellation of their surgery, the qualifications of the person discussing the cancellation, and patient preferences on the process. Satisfaction was assessed via 5-point Likert scale questions.RESULTS: Sixty-five consecutive patients had their operations cancelled on 75 occasions. Fifty-four point seven percent of the patients who had cancellations were notified by a nurse and 32% by a doctor. No formal communication occurred for 13.3% cancellations and no explanation was provided for a further 16%. Patients reported that they were dissatisfied with the explanation provided for 36 of the 75(48%) cancellations. Of those patients who were dissatisfied, 25(69.4%) were notified by a nurse. Twenty-three of the 24(96%) patients notified by a doctor were satisfied with the explanation and that communication. Of those patients who were notified by a nurse 83% patients reported that they would have preferred it if a doctor had discussed the cancellation with them. There was a significant difference in satisfaction between those counselled by a nurse and those notified by a doctor(P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Communication surrounding cancellations does not meet patient expectations. Patients prefer to be notified by a doctor, illustrating the importance of communication in the doctor-patient relationship.展开更多
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has necessitated adaptations in local trauma services,with implementation of novel methods of practice,strategic adaptations,and shifting of resource management.Many of the...BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has necessitated adaptations in local trauma services,with implementation of novel methods of practice,strategic adaptations,and shifting of resource management.Many of these may serve the driver for landmark changes to future healthcare provision.AIM To analyse the impact of COVID-19 on service provision by comparing throughput and productivity metrics with preceding years to identify differences in practice that were successful,cost-effective,and sustainable.METHODS We quantified orthopaedic trauma care provision at a single University Teaching Hospital over a three consecutive year period,from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020.Each year was split into four phases based on the 2020 national COVID-19 pandemic periods.We quantitatively analysed change in rates of inpatient trauma operative case load,sub-specialty variation,theatre throughput,and changes in management strategy.Qualitative analysis was based on multidisciplinary team interviews to highlight changes to care pathways.RESULTS Of 1704 cases were admitted in 2020,11.9%and 12.4%fewer than 2019 and 2018,respectively.During phase 1,hip fractures encompassed the majority(48.8%)of trauma throughput,with all other subspecialties seeing a reduction.Mean length of stay was shorter during phase 1(5.7 d);however,the time in theatre was longer(144.3 min).Both,Charlson(0.90)and Elixhauser(1.55)Comorbidity Indices indicated the most co-morbid admissions during 2020 phase 1.CONCLUSION COVID-19 has resulted in a paradigm shift in how care is accessed and delivered,with many evolving changes and adaptations likely to leave an impression upon healthcare provision in the future.展开更多
BACKGROUND The deltoid ligament is a key component of ankle fracture stability.Clinical tests to assess deltoid ligament injury have low specificity.In supination externalrotation(SER)type-IV ankle fractures,there is ...BACKGROUND The deltoid ligament is a key component of ankle fracture stability.Clinical tests to assess deltoid ligament injury have low specificity.In supination externalrotation(SER)type-IV ankle fractures,there is either a medial malleolus fracture or deltoid ligament injury.These injuries are often considered unstable,requiring surgical stabilisation.We look to identify the anatomical basis for this instability.This study investigates the anatomical basis for such instability by re-creating SER type ankle fractures in a standardised cadaveric study model,investigating the anatomical basis for such instability.AIM To investigate the anatomical basis for fracture instability in SER type ankle fractures.METHODS Four matched pairs of cadaveric limbs were tested for stability both when axially loaded and under external rotation stress.Four matched pairs of cadaveric limbs(8 specimens)were tested for stability when axially loaded to 750 N with a custom rig.Specimens were tested through increasing stages of SER injury in a stepwise fashion before restoring the lateral side with open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF).Clinical photographs and radiographs were recorded at each step.We defined instability in accordance with well accepted radiological parameters:>4 mm medial clear space opening on a mortise-view radiograph or>7 degrees of talar tilt.RESULTS All specimens with an intact posterior deep deltoid ligament were stable.Once the posterior deep deltoid ligament was sectioned there was instability in all specimens.Stabilisation of the lateral side prevented talar shift,but not talar tilt.CONCLUSION If the posterior deep deltoid ligament is intact then SER fractures can be managed without surgery.If the posterior deep deltoid is incompetent,ORIF and cautious rehabilitation is recommended because the talus can still tilt in the mortise.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus in existing guidelines regarding the optimal tourniquet pressure,placement site,and duration of use.There is a paucity of data on the relationship between the site of a tourniquet and postoperative pain in foot and ankle surgery.AIM To explore the relationship between tourniquet site and intensity of post-operative pain scores in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery.METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 201 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery in a single institution was undertaken.Intraoperative tourniquet duration,tourniquet pressure and site,and postoperative pain scores using Visual Analogue Score were collected in immediate recovery,at six hours and at 24 h post-op.Scatter plots were used to analyse the data and to assess for the statistical correlation between tourniquet pressure,duration,site,and pain scores using Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS All patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery had tourniquet pressure of 250 mmHg for ankle tourniquet and 300 mmHg for thigh.There was no correlation between the site of the tourniquet and pain scores in recovery,at six hours and after 24 h.There was a weak correlation between tourniquet time and Visual Analogue Score immediately post-op(r=0.14,P=0.04)but not at six or 24 h post-operatively.CONCLUSION This study shows that there was no statistically significant correlation between tourniquet pressure,site and postop pain in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.The choice of using a tourniquet is based on the surgeon's preference,with the goal of minimizing the duration of its application at the operative site.
文摘BACKGROUND The distinction between foot and ankle wound healing complications as opposed to infection is crucial for the appropriate and efficacious allocation of antibiotic therapy.Multiple reports have focused on the diagnostic accuracy of different inflammatory markers,however,mainly in the diabetic population.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of white cell count(WCC)and C-reactive protein(CRP)as diagnostic tools for this distinction in the non-diabetic cohort.METHODS Data was reviewed from a prospectively maintained Infectious Diseases Unit database of 216 patients admitted at Leicester University Hospitals–United Kingdom with musculoskeletal infections over the period between July 2014 and February 2020(68 mo).All patients with confirmed diagnosis of diabetes were excluded while only those with confirmed microbiological or clinical diagnosis of foot or ankle infection were included in our study.For the included patients,we retrospectively retrieved the inflammatory markers(WCCs and CRP)at the time of presentation.Values of CRP 0-10 mg/L and WCC 4.0-11.0×109/L were considered normal.RESULTS After exclusion of patients with confirmed diabetes,25 patients with confirmed foot or ankle infections were included.All infections were confirmed microbiolo-gically with positive intra-operative culture results.7(28%)patients with osteomyelitis(OM)of the foot,11(44%)with OM of the ankle,5(20%)with ankle septic arthritis and 2(8%)patients with post-surgical wound infection were identified.Previous bony surgery was identified in 13(52%)patients,either a corrective osteotomy or an open reduction and internal fixation for a foot or ankle fracture with the infection developing on top of the existing metalwork.21(84%)patients did have raised inflammatory markers while 4(16%)patients failed to mount an inflammatory response even with subsequent debridement and removal of metal work.CRP sensitivity was 84%,while WCC sensitivity was only 28%.CONCLUSION CRP has a relatively good sensitivity in the diagnosis of foot and ankle infections in non-diabetic patients,whereas WCC is a poor inflammatory marker in the detection of such cases.In presence of clinically high level of suspicion of foot or ankle infection,a normal CRP should not rule out the diagnosis of OM.
文摘BACKGROUND Advances in minimally invasive surgery and improved post-operative pain management make it possible to consider performing even major foot/ankle operations as day-case.This could have significant benefits for patients and the health service.However there are theoretical concerns about post-operative complications and patient satisfaction due to pain.AIM To scope the current practice of foot and ankle surgeons on day-case surgery for major foot and ankle procedures in the United Kingdom(UK).METHODS An online survey(19 questions)was sent to UK foot and ankle surgeons via the British Orthopaedic Foot&Ankle Society membership list in August 2021.Major foot and ankle procedures were defined as surgery that is usually performed as an inpatient in majority of centres and day-case as same day discharge,with day surgery as the intended treatment pathway.RESULTS 132 people responded to the survey invitation with 80%working in Acute NHS Trusts.Currently 45%of respondents perform less than 100 day-case surgeries per year for these procedures.78%felt that there was scope to perform more procedures as day-case at their centre.Post-operative pain(34%)and patient satisfaction(10%)was not highly measured within their centres.Lack of adequate physiotherapy input pre/post-operatively(23%)and lack of out of hours support(21%)were the top perceived barriers to performing more major foot and ankle procedures as day-case.CONCLUSION There is consensus among UK surgeons to do more major foot/ankle procedures as day-case.Out of hours support and physiotherapy input pre/post-op were perceived as the main barriers.Despite theoretical concerns about post-operative pain and satisfaction this was only measured by a third of those surveyed.There is a need for nationally agreed protocols to optimise the delivery of and measurement of outcomes in this type of surgery.At a local level,the provision of physiotherapy and out of hours support should be explored at sites where this is a perceived barrier.
文摘Fractures of the talus are rare in children.A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid missing such an injury,which is not an uncommon occurrence especially with undisplaced fractures.We present an unusual case of an undisplaced talar neck fracture in a five-year-old child leading to a delayed presentation of a symptomatic osteochondral loose body in the ankle joint.To our knowledge there are no reports in the literature of osteochondral loose bodies occurring in conjunction with an associated undisplaced talar neck fracture in either children or adults.The loose body was removed using anterior ankle arthroscopy.The child had an uneventful post operative recovery and regained full range of movement and function of his ankle joint and was discharged at one year follow-up.We aim to highlight the need to have a low threshold to further evaluate symptomatic children after fracture healing of an undisplaced talar neck fracture for a possible associated loose bodyin the ankle joint.
基金The Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics,Leicester Royal Infirmary,Leicester United Kingdom
文摘AIM: To examine patients' perceptions on communication surrounding the cancellation of orthopaedic operations and to identify areas for improvement in communication.METHODS: A prospective survey was undertaken at a university teaching hospital within the department of Trauma and Orthopaedics. Patients admitted to an acute orthopaedic unit, whose operations were cancelled, were surveyed to assess patient satisfaction and preferences for notification of cancellation of their operations. Patients with an abbreviated mental test score of < 9, patients unable to complete the survey independently, those under 16 years of age, and any patient notified of the cancellation by any of the authors were excluded from this study. Patients were surveyed themorning after their operation had been cancelled thus ensuring that every opportunity was given for the medical staff to discuss the cancellation with the patient. The survey included questions on whether or not patients were notified of the cancellation of their surgery, the qualifications of the person discussing the cancellation, and patient preferences on the process. Satisfaction was assessed via 5-point Likert scale questions.RESULTS: Sixty-five consecutive patients had their operations cancelled on 75 occasions. Fifty-four point seven percent of the patients who had cancellations were notified by a nurse and 32% by a doctor. No formal communication occurred for 13.3% cancellations and no explanation was provided for a further 16%. Patients reported that they were dissatisfied with the explanation provided for 36 of the 75(48%) cancellations. Of those patients who were dissatisfied, 25(69.4%) were notified by a nurse. Twenty-three of the 24(96%) patients notified by a doctor were satisfied with the explanation and that communication. Of those patients who were notified by a nurse 83% patients reported that they would have preferred it if a doctor had discussed the cancellation with them. There was a significant difference in satisfaction between those counselled by a nurse and those notified by a doctor(P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Communication surrounding cancellations does not meet patient expectations. Patients prefer to be notified by a doctor, illustrating the importance of communication in the doctor-patient relationship.
文摘BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has necessitated adaptations in local trauma services,with implementation of novel methods of practice,strategic adaptations,and shifting of resource management.Many of these may serve the driver for landmark changes to future healthcare provision.AIM To analyse the impact of COVID-19 on service provision by comparing throughput and productivity metrics with preceding years to identify differences in practice that were successful,cost-effective,and sustainable.METHODS We quantified orthopaedic trauma care provision at a single University Teaching Hospital over a three consecutive year period,from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020.Each year was split into four phases based on the 2020 national COVID-19 pandemic periods.We quantitatively analysed change in rates of inpatient trauma operative case load,sub-specialty variation,theatre throughput,and changes in management strategy.Qualitative analysis was based on multidisciplinary team interviews to highlight changes to care pathways.RESULTS Of 1704 cases were admitted in 2020,11.9%and 12.4%fewer than 2019 and 2018,respectively.During phase 1,hip fractures encompassed the majority(48.8%)of trauma throughput,with all other subspecialties seeing a reduction.Mean length of stay was shorter during phase 1(5.7 d);however,the time in theatre was longer(144.3 min).Both,Charlson(0.90)and Elixhauser(1.55)Comorbidity Indices indicated the most co-morbid admissions during 2020 phase 1.CONCLUSION COVID-19 has resulted in a paradigm shift in how care is accessed and delivered,with many evolving changes and adaptations likely to leave an impression upon healthcare provision in the future.
文摘BACKGROUND The deltoid ligament is a key component of ankle fracture stability.Clinical tests to assess deltoid ligament injury have low specificity.In supination externalrotation(SER)type-IV ankle fractures,there is either a medial malleolus fracture or deltoid ligament injury.These injuries are often considered unstable,requiring surgical stabilisation.We look to identify the anatomical basis for this instability.This study investigates the anatomical basis for such instability by re-creating SER type ankle fractures in a standardised cadaveric study model,investigating the anatomical basis for such instability.AIM To investigate the anatomical basis for fracture instability in SER type ankle fractures.METHODS Four matched pairs of cadaveric limbs were tested for stability both when axially loaded and under external rotation stress.Four matched pairs of cadaveric limbs(8 specimens)were tested for stability when axially loaded to 750 N with a custom rig.Specimens were tested through increasing stages of SER injury in a stepwise fashion before restoring the lateral side with open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF).Clinical photographs and radiographs were recorded at each step.We defined instability in accordance with well accepted radiological parameters:>4 mm medial clear space opening on a mortise-view radiograph or>7 degrees of talar tilt.RESULTS All specimens with an intact posterior deep deltoid ligament were stable.Once the posterior deep deltoid ligament was sectioned there was instability in all specimens.Stabilisation of the lateral side prevented talar shift,but not talar tilt.CONCLUSION If the posterior deep deltoid ligament is intact then SER fractures can be managed without surgery.If the posterior deep deltoid is incompetent,ORIF and cautious rehabilitation is recommended because the talus can still tilt in the mortise.
