Factors associated with conversion from day-case to in-patient elective inguinal hernia repair surgery across England: an observational study using administrative data.

PURPOSE: Elective primary inguinal hernia repair surgery is increasingly being conducted as a day-case procedure. However, some patients planned for day-case surgery have to stay in hospital for at least one night. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with conversion from day-case to in-patient management for elective inguinal hernia repair surgery. METHODS: This was an exploratory retrospective analysis of observational data from the Hospital Episode Statistics dataset for England. All patients aged ≥ 17 years undergoing a first elective inguinal hernia repair between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2022 that was planned as day-case surgery were identified. The exposure of interest was discharged on the day of admission (day-case) or requiring overnight stay. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day emergency readmission with an overnight stay. For reporting, providers were aggregated to an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level. RESULTS: A total of 351,528 planned day-case elective primary inguinal hernia repairs were identified over the eight-year study period. Of these, 45,305 (12.9%) stayed in hospital for at least one night and were classed as day-case to in-patient stay conversions. Patients who converted to in-patient stay were older, had more comorbidities, and were more likely to have bilateral surgery and be operated on by a low-annual volume surgeon. Post-procedural complications were strongly associated with conversion. Across the 42 ICBs in England, model-adjusted conversion rates varied from 3.3% to 21.3%. CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable variation in conversion to in-patient stay rates for inguinal hernia repair across ICBs in England. Our findings should help surgical teams to better identify patients suitable for day-case inguinal hernia repair and plan discharge services more effectively. This should help to reduce the variation in conversion rates.

Unwarranted variation and the goal of net zero for the NHS in England: exploring the link between efficiency working, patient outcomes and carbon footprint.

In 2020 the NHS in England set a target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Progress has already been made towards this goal, with substantial reductions in the use of environmentally harmful anaesthetic gases, such as desflurane, in recent years. Where an effective replacement already exists, changing practice to use low carbon alternatives is relatively easy to achieve, but much greater challenges lie ahead. The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme is a clinically-led, data-driven clinical improvement initiative with a focus on reducing unwarranted variation in clinical practice and patient outcomes. Reducing unwarranted variation can improve patient care and service efficiency, and can also support the drive to net zero. In this article we set out what the GIRFT programme is doing to support sustainable healthcare in England, why it is uniquely positioned to support this goal and what the future challenges, barriers, enablers and opportunities are likely to be in the drive to net zero.

Day-case and in-patient elective inguinal hernia repair surgery across England: an observational study of variation and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Elective primary inguinal hernia repair surgery is increasingly being conducted as a day-case procedure. However, in England there is evidence of wide variation in day-case rates across hospitals. Reducing the extent of this variation has the potential to support more efficient use of resources (e.g., clinician time, hospital beds) and help the recovery of elective surgical activity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study were to explore the extent of variation in day-case rates across healthcare providers in England and to evaluate the safety of day-case elective primary inguinal hernia repair surgery. METHODS: This was an exploratory, retrospective analysis of observational data from the Hospital Episode Statistics data set for England. All patients aged ≥ 17 years undergoing a first elective inguinal hernia repair between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2022 were identified. The exposure of interest was day-case or in-patient stay, and the primary outcome of interest was 30-day emergency readmission with an overnight stay. For reporting, providers were aggregated to an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level. RESULTS: A total of 413,059 elective primary inguinal hernia repairs were identified over the 8-year study period. Of these, 326,833 (79.1%) were day-case procedures. During the most recent financial year (2021-22), the highest day-case rate for an ICB was 93.8% and the lowest 66.1%. After adjusting for covariates, day-case surgery was associated with significantly lower rates of 30-day emergency readmission (odds ratio (OR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.64, p < 0.001) and for the secondary outcomes 180-day mortality and haemorrhage, infection and pain at 30-day post-discharge. Rates of 30-day emergency readmission were significantly lower in ICBs with high rates of day-case surgery (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96, p < 0.001) than in ICBs with low rates of day-case surgery, although rates of post-procedural haemorrhage within 30 days of discharge were significantly higher in trusts with high day-case rates (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.40, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: For the outcomes studied, we found no consistent evidence that day-case elective inguinal hernia repair was unsafe for selected patients. Currently, there is substantial variation between ICBs in terms of delivering day-case surgery. Reducing this variability may help address the current pressures on the NHS in elective surgery.

Safety of day-case paediatric tonsillectomy in England: an analysis of administrative data for the Getting It Right First Time programme.

We used the Hospital Episodes Statistics database to investigate unwarranted variation in the rates Trusts discharged children the same day after scheduled tonsillectomy and associations with adverse postoperative outcomes. We included children aged 2-18 years who underwent tonsillectomy between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2019. We stratified analyses by category of Trust, non-specialist or specialist, defined as without or with paediatric critical care facilities, respectively. We adjusted analyses for age, sex, year of surgery and aspects of presentation and procedure type. Of 101,180 children who underwent tonsillectomy at non-specialist Trusts, 62,926 (62%) were discharged the same day, compared with 24,138/48,755 (50%) at specialist Trusts. The adjusted proportion of children discharged the same day as tonsillectomy ranged from 5% to 100% at non-specialist Trusts and 9% to 88% at specialist Trusts. Same-day discharge was not independently associated with an increased rate of 30-day emergency re-admission at non-specialist Trusts but was associated with a modest rate increase at specialist Trusts; adjusted probability 8.0% vs 7.7%, odds ratio (95%CI) 1.14 (1.05-1.24). Rates of adverse postoperative outcomes were similar for Trusts that discharged >70% children the same day as tonsillectomy compared with Trusts that discharged <50% children the same day, for both non-specialist and specialist Trust categories. We found no consistent evidence that day-case tonsillectomy is associated with poorer outcomes. All Trusts, but particularly specialist centres, should explore reasons for low day-case rates and should aim for rates >70%.

Lessons from rhinology and facial plastic surgery clinical negligence claims in England 2013-2018.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviewed all rhinology clinical negligence claims in the National Health Service in England between 2013 and 2018. METHOD: All clinical negligence claims held by National Health Service Resolution relating to rhinology in England between 1 April 2013 and 1 April 2018 were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 171 rhinology related claims with a total estimated potential cost of £13.6 million. There were 119 closed claims (70 per cent) with a total cost of £2.3 million, of which 55 claims resulted in payment of damages. Over three quarters of all rhinology claims were associated with surgery (n = 132). Claims associated with endoscopic sinus surgery had the highest mean cost per claim (£172 978). Unnecessary pain (33.9 per cent) and unnecessary operation (28.1 per cent) were the most commonly cited patient injuries. CONCLUSION: Patient education and consent have been highlighted as key areas for improvement from this review of rhinology related clinical negligence claims. A shift in clinical practice towards shared decision making could reduce litigation in rhinology.

Litigation in breast surgery: unique insights from the English National Health Service experience.

BACKGROUND: The increase in medical negligence claims against the National Health Service (NHS) over the past decade has had a detrimental impact on limited financial and human resources that could otherwise be available for direct clinical care. The aim of this study was to review litigation claims in breast surgery as part of the national Getting It Right First Time quality improvement initiative, with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve clinical practice and patient safety. METHODS: All general and plastic surgical claims notified to NHS Resolution between April 2012 and April 2018 were reviewed. Claims related specifically to breast surgery were retrieved manually, and case summaries were analysed independently by two breast surgeons. RESULTS: From 6915 claims, 449 relating to breast surgery were identified and reviewed. The mean(s.d.) claimant age was 46(13) years. The median number of claims over the 6-year period per NHS trust was 2 (range 0-22). The most frequent causes of litigation were dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome (121 claims, 26.9 per cent) and patient-reported delays in diagnosis (121, 26.9 per cent). A large proportion of claims related to breast implant surgery (78, 17.4 per cent), and issues regarding consent/communication were common (69, 15.4 per cent). The estimated annual cost of breast surgery litigation claims ranged from £5.57 to £9.59 million (€6.35-11.02 million). CONCLUSION: Patient-reported delays in diagnosis and dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome are the most common causes of litigation related to breast surgery. These key themes should be the focus for workforce learning, with the aim of improving patient care and experience.

Volume-outcome relationship for adrenalectomy: analysis of an administrative dataset for the Getting It Right First Time Programme.

BACKGROUND: A minimum volume threshold of at least six procedures per annum per surgeon has been set in UK and European guidelines for adrenal surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes for adrenal surgery in England relative to annual surgeon and hospital trust volume. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Hospital Episodes Statistics database for England. A 6-year period (January 2013 to December 2018 inclusive) for all adult admissions for unilateral adrenal surgery was used. The primary outcome measure was an emergency readmission within 30 days of discharge following surgery. Procedures were categorized as open or minimally invasive surgery for analysis. Multilevel modelling was used to adjust for hierarchy and potential confounders. RESULTS: Data for 4189 adrenalectomies were identified. Only one third of surgeons (who operated on just over a half of all patients) performed at least six procedures in the year prior to the index procedure. For open surgery, emergency readmission rates fell significantly from 15.2 to 6.4 per cent for surgeons and from 13.2 to 6.1 per cent for trusts between the lowest- and highest-volume categories. Significant, but less dramatic falls were also seen for minimally invasive surgery. CONCLUSION: A volume-outcome effect was identified for adrenal surgery in England. Minimum volume thresholds should be set, although these may need to be more ambitious than the current threshold if outcomes are to be optimized. LAY SUMMARY: Surgery for disease of the adrenal gland can be complex. In many cases the skill and experience of the surgeon and the wider surgical team is thought to be important in determining the success of the procedure. The relative rarity of adrenal surgery means that there is little evidence to support this view. This study looked at outcomes for all 4189 patients who underwent adrenal surgery in England over a 6-year period. There was evidence that outcomes were better for patents when the surgeon and hospital trust had performed a larger number of adrenal surgery procedures in the year prior to the procedure. This was, however, dependent on which patient outcomes were studied and the type of procedure. These findings will inform the ongoing debate as to whether adrenal surgery in England should only be performed in regional centres by experienced teams.

Surgery for disease of the adrenal gland can be complex. In many cases the skill and experience of the surgeon and the wider surgical team is thought to be important in determining the success of the procedure. The relative rarity of adrenal surgery means that there is little evidence to support this view. This study looked at outcomes for all 4189 patients who underwent adrenal surgery in England over a 6-year period. There was evidence that outcomes were better for patents when the surgeon and hospital trust had performed a larger number of adrenal surgery procedures in the year prior to the procedure. This was, however, dependent on which patient outcomes were studied and the type of procedure. These findings will inform the ongoing debate as to whether adrenal surgery in England should only be performed in regional centres by experienced teams.

What can be learned from litigation in otology? A review of clinical negligence claims in England 2013-2018.

BACKGROUND: Litigation in the National Health Service continues to rise with a 9.4 per cent increase in clinical negligence claims from the period 2018 and 2019 to the period 2019 and 2020. The cost of these claims now accounts for 1.8 per cent of the National Health Service 2019 to 2020 budget. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of clinical negligence claims in the subspecialty of otology. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of all clinical negligence claims in otology in England held by National Health Service Resolution between April 2013 and April 2018. RESULTS: There were 171 claims in otology, 24 per cent of all otolaryngology claims, with a potential cost of £24.5 million. Over half of these were associated with hearing loss. Stapedectomy was the highest mean cost per claim operation at £769 438. The most common reasons for litigation were failure or delay in treatment (23 per cent), failure or delay in diagnosis (20 per cent), intra-operative complications (15 per cent) and inadequate consent (13 per cent). CONCLUSION: There is a risk of high-cost claims in otology, especially with objective injuries such as hearing loss and facial nerve injury.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: A retrospective analysis of 214 cases at a UK tertiary referral centre.

AIMS: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, locally aggressive and potentially recurrent synovial disease. We present the largest single-centre experience of knee PVNS. Our aim was to evaluate our tertiary hospital's experience in the management of knee PVNS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective data collection of consecutive cases of knee PVNS from 2002 to 2015. RESULTS: In total, 214 cases of knee PVNS were identified which represented 53.4% of all PVNS (12.1% were recurrent at presentation). 100 were localised PVNS (LPVNS), 114 diffuse PVNS (DPVNS) and two malignant PVNS. Knee PVNS was more likely to occur in females with a mean age of 39. Following surgery, 47.6% had recurrence with DPVNS as opposed to 8.6% with LPVNS. In LPVNS, there was no significant difference in recurrence between open and arthroscopic synovectomy (8.7% vs 9.1%, P>0.05). However, in DPVNS, there was a significantly higher risk of recurrence with arthroscopic compared to open synovectomy (83.3% vs 44.8%, RR=1.86 95% CI 1.32-2.62, P=0.0004). CONCLUSION: PVNS can be difficult to treat. We found no difference in local recurrence rates between open and arthroscopic treatment of LPVNS but significantly increased rates of recurrence for DPVNS following arthroscopic treatment. We would therefore recommend open synovectomy for DPVNS.

Metal-on-polyethylene versus metal-on-metal bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomised study investigating metal ion levels and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes.

The long term biological effects of wear products following total hip arthroplasty (THA) are unclear. However, the indications for THA are expanding, with increasingly younger patients undergoing the procedure. This prospective, randomised study compared two groups of patients undergoing THA after being randomised to receive one of two different bearing surfaces: metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) n = 22 and metal-on-metal (MoM) n = 23. We investigated the relationship between three variables: bearing surface (MoP vs MoM), whole blood levels of chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocyte pre-operatively and at one, two and five years post-surgery. Our results demonstrated significantly higher mean cobalt and chromium (Co and Cr) blood levels in the MoM group at all follow-up points following surgery (p < 0.01), but there were no significant differences in the chromosomal aberration indices between MoM and MoP at two or five years (two years: p = 0.56, p = 0.08, p = 0.91, p = 0.51 and five years: p = 0.086, p = 0.73, p = 0.06, p = 0.34) for translocations, breaks, loss and gain of chromosomes respectively. Regression analysis showed a strong linear relationship between Cr levels and the total chromosomal aberration indices in the MoM group (R(2) = 0.90016), but this was not as strong for Co (R(2) = 0.68991). In the MoP group, the analysis revealed a poor relationship between Cr levels and the total chromosomal aberration indices (R(2) = 0.23908) but a slightly stronger relationship for Co (R(2) = 0.64292). Across both groups, Spearman's correlation detected no overall association between Co and Cr levels and each of the studied chromosomal aberrations. There remains no clear indication which THA bearing couple is the most biocompatible, especially in young active patients. While THA continues to be very successful at alleviating pain and restoring function, the long-term biological implications of the procedure still require further scrutiny.

The outcome of resection of the distal ulna for tumour without soft-tissue or prosthetic reconstruction.

In patients with a tumour affecting the distal ulna it is difficult to preserve the function of the wrist following extensive local resection. We report the outcome of 12 patients (nine female, three male) who underwent excision of the distal ulna without local soft-tissue reconstruction. In six patients, an aggressive benign tumour was present and six had a malignant tumour. At a mean follow-up of 64 months (15 to 132) the mean Musculoskeletal Tumour score was 64% (40% to 93%) and the mean DASH score was 35 (10 to 80). The radiological appearances were satisfactory in most patients. Local recurrence occurred in one patient with benign disease and two with malignant disease. The functional outcome was thus satisfactory at a mean follow-up in excess of five years, with a relatively low rate of complications. The authors conclude that complex reconstructive soft-tissue procedures may not be needed in these patients.

How safe is curettage of low-grade cartilaginous neoplasms diagnosed by imaging with or without pre-operative needle biopsy?

The pre-operative differentiation between enchondroma, low-grade chondrosarcoma and high-grade chondrosarcoma remains a diagnostic challenge. We reviewed the accuracy and safety of the radiological grading of cartilaginous tumours through the assessment of, first, pre-operative radiological and post-operative histological agreement, and second the rate of recurrence in lesions confirmed as high-grade on histology. We performed a retrospective review of major long bone cartilaginous tumours managed by curettage as low grade between 2001 and 2012. A total of 53 patients with a mean age of 47.6 years (8 to 71) were included. There were 23 men and 30 women. The tumours involved the femur (n = 20), humerus (n = 18), tibia (n = 9), fibula (n = 3), radius (n = 2) and ulna (n = 1). Pre-operative diagnoses resulted from multidisciplinary consensus following radiological review alone for 35 tumours, or with the addition of pre-operative image guided needle biopsy for 18. The histologically confirmed diagnosis was enchondroma for two (3.7%), low-grade chondrosarcoma for 49 (92.6%) and high-grade chondrosarcoma for two (3.7%). Three patients with a low-grade tumour developed a local recurrence at a mean of 15 months (12 to 17) post-operatively. A single high-grade recurrence (grade II) was treated with tibial diaphyseal replacement. The overall recurrence rate was 7.5% at a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (1.2 to 12.3). Cartilaginous tumours identified as low-grade on pre-operative imaging with or without additional image-guided needle biopsy can safely be managed as low-grade without pre-operative histological diagnosis. A few tumours may demonstrate high-grade features histologically, but the rates of recurrence are not affected.

A review of the surgical management of sacral chordoma.

BACKGROUND: Sacral chordomas are rare low-to-intermediate grade malignant tumours, which arise from remnants of the embryonic notochord. This review explores prognostic factors in the management of sacral chordomas and provides guidance on the optimal treatment regimens based on the current literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Electronic searches were performed using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane library to identify studies on prognostic factors in the management of sacral chordomas published between January 1970 and December 2013. The literature search and review process identified 100 articles that were included in the review article. This included both surgical and non-surgical studies on the management of sacral chordomas. RESULTS: Sacrectomy with wide resection margins forms the mainstay of treatment but is associated with high risk of disease recurrence and reduced long-term survival. Adequate resection margins may require sacrifice of adjacent nerve roots, musculature and ligaments leading to functional compromise and mechanical instability. Large tumour size (greater than 5-10 cm in diameter), dedifferentiation and greater cephalad tumour extension are associated with increased risk of disease recurrence and reduced survival. Chordomas are poorly responsive to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Operative resection with wide resection margins offers the best long-term prognosis. Inadequate resection margins, large tumour size, dedifferentiation, and greater cephalad chordoma extension are associated with poor oncological outcomes. Routine long-term follow-up is essential to enable early detection and treatment of recurrent disease.

Matching residency numbers to the workforce needs.

Matching the number of surgeons to the demands for orthopedic services has been notoriously difficult. Not only does one need to evaluate current trends in the supply and provision of services but anticipate the impact of future reforms on these variables. The British Orthopaedic Association has aspired to provide consultant to population ratio of 1:15,000 by 2020. Currently, the orthopedic community is tasked with providing care for an aging population with soaring levels of obesity; with both of these factors set to grow and also with an overall decline in productivity. Orthopedic surgeons must brace themselves for an explosion in demand. At the same time, a paradigm shift has occurred in the delivery of services with the creation of specialist centers. We are amidst a generational shift in the demographics and psychology of the orthopedic workforce. The orthopedic community must be aware of the effects of these far-reaching changes when tailoring the supply of surgeons for the future needs.

What is the role of routine follow-up for localised limb soft tissue sarcomas? A retrospective analysis of 174 patients.

BACKGROUND: There are neither prospective data nor agreement on the optimal routine follow-up procedures in patients treated for soft tissue sarcoma of the limb. METHODS: Data on 174 consecutive patients with a soft tissue sarcoma of the limb undergoing follow-up by oncologists at a single centre from 2003 to 2009 were included in this analysis. The rate and site of recurrence and mode of detection were analysed. Outcome of the patients was assessed. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (47%) experienced relapse of any type. Isolated local recurrence occurred in 26 patients and local relapse with synchronous pulmonary metastases in five patients. Local recurrences were detected clinically in 30 of these 31 patients; magnetic resonance imaging identified only one local recurrence. Twenty-eight patients developed isolated lung metastases; in nine patients these were amenable to resections, seven of whom are currently free of disease after treatment. Lung metastases were detected by chest x-ray (CXR) in 19 patients, computed tomography scanning in 3 patients, and clinically in 11 patients. Twenty-three patients developed non-pulmonary metastases. More than 80% of relapses occurred in the first 2 years of follow-up; however, later recurrences were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Routine follow-up CXR can detect lung metastases suitable for surgical resection, although the optimal interval of imaging has yet to be defined. Local relapse is almost always detected by patients or physicians, and routine scanning of the primary site is of doubtful benefit. Patient and physician education to detect local relapse may be helpful. Prospective evaluation of follow-up is recommended.

Uncemented, custom-made, hydroxyapatite-coated collared distal femoral endoprostheses: up to 18 years' follow-up.

We reviewed the outcome of 69 uncemented, custom-made, distal femoral endoprosthetic replacements performed in 69 patients between 1994 and 2006. There were 31 women and 38 men with a mean age at implantation of 16.5 years (5 to 37). All procedures were performed for primary malignant bone tumours of the distal femur. At a mean follow-up of 124.2 months (4 to 212), 53 patients were alive, with one patient lost to follow-up. All nine implants (13.0%) were revised due to aseptic loosening at a mean of 52 months (8 to 91); three implants (4.3%) were revised due to fracture of the shaft of the prosthesis and three patients (4.3%) had a peri-prosthetic fracture. Bone remodelling associated with periosteal cortical thinning adjacent to the uncemented intramedullary stem was seen in 24 patients but this did not predispose to failure. All aseptically loose implants in this series were diagnosed to be loose within the first five years. The results from this study suggest that custom-made uncemented distal femur replacements have a higher rate of aseptic loosening compared to published results for this design when used with cemented fixation. Loosening of uncemented replacements occurs early indicating that initial fixation of the implant is crucial.

Revision cartilage cell transplantation for failed autologous chondrocyte transplantation in chronic osteochondral defects of the knee.

The management of failed autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) for the treatment of symptomatic osteochondral defects in the knee represents a major challenge. Patients are young, active and usually unsuitable for prosthetic replacement. This study reports the results in patients who underwent revision cartilage transplantation of their original ACI/MACI graft for clinical or graft-related failure. We assessed 22 patients (12 men and 10 women) with a mean age of 37.4 years (18 to 48) at a mean of 5.4 years (1.3 to 10.9). The mean period between primary and revision grafting was 46.1 months (7 to 89). The mean defect size was 446.6 mm(2) (150 to 875) and they were located on 11 medial and two lateral femoral condyles, eight patellae and one trochlea. The mean modified Cincinnati knee score improved from 40.5 (16 to 77) pre-operatively to 64.9 (8 to 94) at their most recent review (p < 0.001). The visual analogue pain score improved from 6.1 (3 to 9) to 4.7 (0 to 10) (p = 0.042). A total of 14 patients (63%) reported an 'excellent' (n = 6) or 'good' (n = 8) clinical outcome, 5 'fair' and one 'poor' outcome. Two patients underwent patellofemoral joint replacement. This study demonstrates that revision cartilage transplantation after primary ACI and MACI can yield acceptable functional results and continue to preserve the joint.

A prospective study of a ceramic-on-metal bearing in total hip arthroplasty. Clinical results, metal ion levels and chromosome analysis at two years.

We prospectively assessed the efficacy of a ceramic-on-metal (CoM) hip bearing with uncemented acetabular and femoral components in which cobalt-chrome acetabular liners and alumina ceramic heads were used. The cohort comprised 94 total hip replacements (THRs) in 83 patients (38 women and 45 men) with a mean age of 58 years (42 to 70). Minimum follow-up was two years. All patients had pre- and post-operative assessment using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Oxford hip score and Short-Form 12 scores. All showed a statistically significant improvement from three months post-operatively onwards (all p < 0.001). After two years whole blood metal ion levels were measured and chromosomal analysis was performed. The levels of all metal ions were elevated except vanadium. Levels of chromium, cobalt, molybdenum and titanium were significantly higher in patients who underwent bilateral THR compared with those undergoing unilateral THR (p < 0.001). Chromosomal analysis demonstrated both structural and aneuploidy mutations. There were significantly more breaks and losses than in the normal population (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in chromosomal aberration between those undergoing unilateral and bilateral procedures (all analyses p ≥ 0.62). The use of a CoM THR is effective clinically in the short-term, with no concerns, but the significance of high metal ion levels and chromosomal aberrations in the long-term remains unclear.

Identification of the biopsy track in musculoskeletal tumour surgery: a novel technique using India ink.

Local recurrence along the biopsy track is a known complication of percutaneous needle biopsy of malignant musculoskeletal tumours. In order to completely excise the track with the tumour its identification is essential, but this becomes increasingly difficult over time. In an initial prospective study, 22 of 45 patients (48.8%) identified over a three-month period, treated by resection of a musculoskeletal tumour, had an unidentifiable biopsy site at operation, with identification statistically more difficult after 50 days. We therefore introduced the practice of marking the biopsy site with India ink. In all 55 patients undergoing this procedure, the biopsy track was identified pre-operatively (100%); this difference was statistically significant. We recommend this technique as a safe, easy and accurate means of ensuring adequate excision of the biopsy track.