The Microbiology of Knee Prosthetic Joint Infection and its Influence on Persistent Infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a severe complication causing a significant burden. The study aims were to establish the epidemiology of microorganisms in TKA PJI, the rate of persistent infection requiring further surgery, and the risk factors for this. Microbiological specimens between June 2002 and March 2017 at five regional hospital sites were identified with revision TKA procedures in the National Joint Replacement Registry. The time between procedures, type of revision strategy, and any subsequent further revision operations were collected. At minimum 2-year follow-up, 174 revision TKA were identified, with a mean patient age of 69 ± 11 years. A broad range of pathogens were identified. Fifty cases (29%) had persistent infection requiring at least one further operative procedure, 13 cases required 3 or more. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CNS) was seen most with failed surgery, polymicrobial infections also posing a significant risk factor. The best chance of a successful PJI surgical strategy was < 12 months from primary TKA, with the greatest risk between 3 and 5 years (p < 0.05). Younger age significantly increased the risk of further surgery (p < 0.05). Management varied; 103 (59%) debridement, antibiotic therapy and implant retention, with further surgery in 29%; 45 (17%) single-stage revision, with further surgery in 13%; and 26 (15%) two-stage revision, with further surgery in 12%. This study presents the most common causative pathogens for PJI in TKA, and the high rate of persistent infection after initial revision surgery. Risk factors for persistent infection and further revision surgery were polymicrobial and CNS infections, patients who presented between 3 and 5 years following primary TKA, and younger age. This study therefore raises important risk factors and areas for future research to reduce the burden of multiple operations after PJI.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Hamstring Graft Healing and Integration 1 and Minimum 2 Years after ACL Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: An increase has been seen in the number of studies of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) that use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an outcome measure and proxy for healing and integration of the reconstruction graft. Despite this, the MRI appearance of a steady-state graft and how long it takes to achieve such an appearance have not yet been established. PURPOSE: To establish whether a hamstring tendon autograft for ACLR changes in appearance on MRI scans between 1 and 2 years and whether this change affects a patient's ability to return to sports. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients with hamstring tendon autograft ACLR underwent MRI and clinical outcome measures at 1 year and at a final follow-up of at least 2 years. MRI graft signal was measured at multiple regions of interest using oblique reconstructions both parallel and perpendicular to the graft, with lower signal indicative of better healing and expressed as the signal intensity ratio (SIR). Changes in tunnel aperture areas were also measured. Clinical outcomes were side-to-side anterior laxity and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included. At 1 year, the mean SIR for the graft was 2.7 ± 1.2. Graft SIR of the femoral aperture was significantly higher than that of the tibial aperture (3.4 ± 1.3 vs 2.6 ± 1.8, respectively; P = .022). Overall, no significant change was seen on MRI scans after 2 years; a proximal graft SIR of 1.9 provided a sensitivity of 96% to remain unchanged. However, in the 6 patients with the highest proximal graft SIR (>4) at 1 year, a significant reduction in signal was seen at final follow-up (P = .026), alongside an improvement in sporting level. A significant reduction in aperture area was also seen between 1 and 2 years (tibial, -6.3 mm2, P < .001; femoral, -13.3 mm2, P < .001), which was more marked in the group with proximal graft SIR >4 at 1 year and correlated with a reduction in graft signal. The patients had a high sporting level; the median Tegner activity score was 6 (range, 5-10), and a third of patients scored either 9 or 10. Overall, PROMs and knee laxity were not associated with MRI appearance. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients, graft SIR on MRI did not change significantly after 1 year, and a proximal graft SIR <2 was a sensitive indicator for a stable graft signal, implying healing. Monitoring is proposed for patients who have a high signal at 1 year (proximal graft SIR >4), because a significant reduction in signal was seen in the second year, indicative of ongoing healing, alongside an improvement in sporting level. A reduction in tunnel aperture area correlated with a reduction in graft SIR, suggesting this could also be a useful measure of graft integration.

Adjustable suspension versus hybrid fixation in hamstring autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There has been increased use of adjustable suspensory fixation (ASF) for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Potential benefits are the ability to use a shorter graft and to prevent graft displacement and damage. The purpose of this study was to establish the efficacy of this fixation method and assess whether it leads to less tunnel widening, and avoids known complications of screw fixation. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who underwent ACLR with ASF on both the femoral and tibial sides met the inclusion criteria and were propensity matched demographically with 38 patients who underwent hybrid fixation with femoral suspensory and tibial screw and sheath. At one-year, KT-1000 knee laxity measurements were recorded and detailed MRI analysis looking at tunnel aperture widening, tunnel appearance, graft integration within the tunnels, and graft healing. RESULTS: MRI comparison between ASF and hybrid cohorts revealed no significant differences in graft signal or integration, and clinically there were no differences in knee laxity between cohorts (mean 1.5 mm ± 2.0 and 1.5 mm ± 2.3 (n.s.) in the ASF and hybrid fixation respectively). Significantly less aperture tibial tunnel widening (2.2 mm versus 4.4 mm, p < 0.0001) and tibial cysts (2 versus 9, p = 0.047) were observed in the ASF cohort, whilst mean femoral tunnel widening was comparable between both cohorts (ASF 2.8 mm, hybrid 3.2 mm; n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Hamstring autografts for ACLR fixed using either ASF or a hybrid fixation technique provided comparable knee stability and MRI graft signal intensity. Tibial ASF demonstrated significantly less tibial aperture widening and tunnel cyst formation when compared to screw and sheath fixation.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Transtibial Amputee.

INTRODUCTION: With the diversity of prosthetic components patients with a transtibial amputation can now expect to return to high function. Subsequently, the ipsilateral knee is at risk of developing osteoarthritis with a need for a provision of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). CASE REPORT: We describe a novel technique for TKA in a transtibial amputee utilizing navigation with a tibial jig. Post-operative radiographs revealed varus tibial alignment with neutral limb alignment. Resolution of stump swelling allowing accurate prosthesis fitting was seen at 8 weeks. A new prosthesis optimized functional alignment and a return to moderate labor was achieved at 10 weeks. At 1-year postoperatively, patient satisfaction was excellent. CONCLUSION: Navigation alongside stump alignment is a useful technique. We found that after socket fitting, radiographic tibial varus alignment can correspond with a stump position that allows balanced loading of the knee and excellent function.

One-Stage Sequential Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Effective Treatment for Advanced Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis Providing High Patient Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: The mortality and risks of bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) have been reported to be far greater than in unilateral total knee arthroplasty (UTKA). This study aimed to determine whether this remains the case using contemporary anesthetic and surgical techniques for one-stage single anesthetic sequential BTKA. METHODS: Two cohorts of 394 patients were created by propensity matching for gender, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and Veterans Rand-12 health survey scores. Primary outcome was morbidity and mortality, with satisfaction measures using patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: The mortality rate was low with one case after BTKA. Major complications were also low; however, a pulmonary embolism rate of 2% in BTKA patients was significantly higher than 0.3% after UTKA (P < .05), and associated with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≥3. The rate of minor complications between the 2 cohorts was comparable (P = .95). Blood transfusions were uncommon and not significantly different between cohorts (2.5% vs 1.3%, P = .3). BTKA patients stayed in hospital a mean 1.3 days longer with greater rehabilitation requirements. At final follow-up, patient satisfaction was high with all patient-reported outcome measures significantly improved and comparable between cohorts. CONCLUSION: BTKA is safe and effective in the majority of patients. Transfusion rates were far lower than historically reported and major complications were rare after both UTKA and BTKA. A significant increase in the rate of pulmonary embolism after BTKA was observed, especially in high risk patients. At minimum 1-year postoperatively, cohorts had the same significant clinical improvement and high level of satisfaction.

Lack of agreement between computer navigation and post-operative 2-dimensional computed tomography (CT) measurements for component and limb alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of mismatch between intraoperative navigation data using imageless computer navigation and post-operative CT scan measurements with respect to bone cuts, component and limb alignment during TKA. METHODS: Intraoperative navigation data including bone cut verification and overall limb alignment during TKA was compared to postoperative CT measurements of component and limb alignment according to the Perth protocol. The proportion of cases with mismatch between navigation and CT measurements at two and three degree thresholds was identified. RESULTS: In a total sample of 50 primary TKAs, 20% of cases showed a mismatch of more than two degrees between navigation and CT obtained measurements for coronal femoral alignment, 42% for femoral rotation, 16% for tibial component coronal alignment and 32% for overall limb alignment. CONCLUSION: Mismatch between intraoperative navigation data and postoperative CT measurements suggests that postoperative CT scan alignment data should be interpreted with caution. A surgeon should consider a multitude of factors when analysing component and limb alignment postoperatively.

Patient-specific instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty does not match the pre-operative plan as assessed by intra-operative computer-assisted navigation.

PURPOSE: The introduction of patient-specific instruments (PSI) for guiding bone cuts could increase the incidence of malalignment in primary total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement between one type of patient-specific instrumentation (Zimmer PSI) and the pre-operative plan with respect to bone cuts and component alignment during TKR using imageless computer navigation. METHODS: A consecutive series of 30 femoral and tibial guides were assessed in-theatre by the same surgeon using computer navigation. Following surgical exposure, the PSI cutting guides were placed on the joint surface and alignment assessed using the navigation tracker. The difference between in-theatre data and the pre-operative plan was recorded and analysed. RESULTS: The error between in-theatre measurements and pre-operative plan for the femoral and tibial components exceeded 3° for 3 and 17% of the sample, respectively, while the error for total coronal alignment exceeded 3° for 27% of the sample. CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that alignment with Zimmer PSI cutting blocks, assessed by imageless navigation, does not match the pre-operative plan in a proportion of cases. To prevent unnecessary increases in the incidence of malalignment in primary TKR, it is recommended that these devices should not be used without objective verification of alignment, either in real-time or with post-operative imaging. Further work is required to identify the source of discrepancies and validate these devices prior to routine use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Incidence and severity of complications due to femoral nerve blocks performed for knee surgery.

BACKGROUND: While single shot femoral nerve blocks and indwelling femoral nerve catheters provide significant peri-operative analgesia, there are small but serious risks of neurovascular complications. We aimed to determine the incidence and characterise the nature of neural complications arising from femoral nerve blocks performed for knee surgery. METHODS: One thousand eight hundred and two patients receiving a femoral nerve block for knee surgery during the study period were screened. Patients with possible neurological symptoms were evaluated with a detailed physical examination and self-report questionnaires. Also measures of depression, anxiety and tension/stress were collected. RESULTS: In the patients screened, an incidence of 1.94% was found. Of the 24 patients available for testing, 4 had bilateral symptoms following bilateral nerve blocks. All had sensory abnormalities in the distribution of the femoral nerve. The incidence was significantly higher in females (females=2.5%, males=0.83% p=0.01) and in patients receiving a single shot block (single shot=2.66%, femoral catheter=0.93, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of neurological complication after FNB was higher in this series than typically reported and the symptoms significantly influenced the quality of life in the affected cases. The decision to include a femoral nerve block in the peri-operative analgesic regimen should be made on an individual basis considering the risks and benefits.

Unsatisfactory accuracy as determined by computer navigation of VISIONAIRE patient-specific instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty.

This investigation evaluated the Smith and Nephew VISIONAIRE patient-specific cutting block (PSCB) system for total knee arthroplasty. A consecutive series of 60 patients was recruited. Intraoperative computer navigation was used to evaluate the accuracy of the cutting blocks in the coronal and sagittal planes for the tibia, as well as rotational plane for the femur. The PSCB would have placed 79.3% of the sample within ±3° of the preoperative plan in the coronal plane, while the rotational and sagittal alignment results within ±3° were 77.2% and 54.5% respectively. The VISIONAIRE PSCB system achieved unacceptable accuracy when assessed by computer navigation. There might be many sources of error, but caution is recommended before using this system routinely without objective verification of alignment.

Is femoral nerve block necessary during total knee arthroplasty?: a randomized controlled trial.

There remains a lack of randomized controlled trials comparing methods of perioperative analgesia for total knee arthroplasty. To address this deficiency, a blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the use of femoral nerve block (group F) and local anesthetic (group L). A sample of 55 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either group. No significant differences in the most severe pain score or 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), or Oxford scores were observed between groups. However, the Knee Society score was significantly higher in group F. In addition, group F used significantly fewer micrograms of intravenous fentanyl in the first 24 hours. Balancing the risks of femoral nerve block with those of increased systemic narcotic delivery should be performed on a case-by-case basis.

Sagittal placement of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty predicts knee flexion contracture at one-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Flexion contracture has been shown to impair function and reduce satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to identify modifiable intra-operative variables that predict post-TKA knee extension. METHODS: Data was collected prospectively on 95 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative computer assisted surgery (CAS) measurements and functional outcome including range of motion at one year. Patients were divided into two groups: those with mild flexion contracture (> 5°) at the one-year follow-up and those achieving full extension. RESULTS: The sagittal orientation of the distal femoral cut differed significantly between groups at the one-year follow-up (p = 0.014). Sagittal alignment of greater than 3.5° from the mechanical axis was shown to increase the relative risk of a mild flexion contracture at one-year follow-up by 2.9 times, independent of other variables. CONCLUSION: Increasing the sagittal alignment of the distal femoral cut more than 3.5° from the mechanical axis is an independent risk factor for clinically detectable flexion contracture one year from index procedure.

Tibial fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective randomized study comparing metal interference screw and staples with a centrally placed polyethylene screw and sheath.

BACKGROUND: The use of hamstring tendons for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has increased in popularity over recent years. However, concerns with the stability of graft fixation on the tibial side remain. Centrally placed interference screw/sheath implants have demonstrated promising results in biomechanical studies. HYPOTHESIS: Centrally placed, polyethylene screw and sheath implants will provide clinically equivalent fixation to the standard metal interference screw and supplemental staple fixation. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A total of 113 consecutive patients undergoing isolated, unilateral, primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring autografts were randomized to tibial fixation with metal interference screw and staples (RCI) or with a centrally placed polyethylene screw and sheath implant (INTRAFIX). Prospective assessment of subjective outcomes was performed using Lysholm, Mohtadi, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. RESULTS: At minimum 2-year follow-up, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of instrumented stability testing (KT-1000 arthrometer) or subjective assessment of knee outcomes (IKDC, Lysholm, Mohtadi). Both fixation methods demonstrated a significant, but not different, increase in outcomes scores from preoperative to postoperative evaluation. There were 7 failures (5 INTRAFIX, 2 RCI) caused by reinjury, but no statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 fixation methods. CONCLUSION: The centrally placed polyethylene screw and sheath provided equivalent clinical outcomes at minimum 2-year follow-up to standard tibial fixation with metal interference screw and staples.

Articular cartilage changes in patients with osteoarthritis after osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a method used to treat medial compartmental osteoarthritis in the knee. The realignment of the knee changes the loading patterns within the joint and may allow for regeneration of articular cartilage. Magnetic resonance imaging methods can be used to assess the quality of the regenerated cartilage. HYPOTHESIS: Altering mechanical alignment through HTO will have predictable effects on articular cartilage, allowing cartilage preservation and possible regeneration. Quality of regenerated cartilage will be inferior to normal articular cartilage. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Ten patients undergoing medial opening wedge HTO were evaluated using dGEMRIC methods (ie, delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage) preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after HTO. Magnetic resonance images were evaluated by hand segmentation, and T1(Gd) relaxation times reflective of glycosaminoglycan content were determined for these regions of interest using magnetic resonance imaging analysis software. RESULTS: The lateral compartment displayed higher T1(Gd) values than the medial compartment at baseline. Initially, a decrease in T1(Gd) values on the medial side were observed for all patients at 6 months and remained reduced for all but 2 participants at 1 year and 2 years after HTO. However, on the medial side after 6 months, the rate of change for T1(Gd) values shifted from being negative (-9.6 milliseconds per month) to being positive (1.7 milliseconds per month). A positive change in the T1(Gd) of the medial tibial plateau was responsible for the positive overall change in the medial compartment. There was no significant difference in the rate of change on the lateral side (P = .141), with the average over the 2-year period being a decrease of 2.28 milliseconds per month. CONCLUSION: Medial opening wedge HTO provides subjective improvements in pain and quality of life, but the potential benefit of allowing articular cartilage preservation and possible regeneration is not well established. Results showed that after a nonweightbearing period, the rate of change in the medial compartment changes from negative to positive, indicating the potential for articular cartilage recovery secondary to an improved mechanical environment.

The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging scanning and its influence on management decisions in knee surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of articular knee pathology on the clinical management of patients presenting with joint line pain. METHODS: A preliminary study on 100 patients was performed to assess the accuracy of specific MRI sequences, using arthroscopy as a gold standard. Six hundred and eighteen consecutive patients with knee symptoms presenting to 2 specialist knee surgeons were then recruited. A clinical diagnosis of an arthroscopically treatable lesion was made in all cases. Clinical assessment data were correlated to subsequent MRI findings, recording any discrepancy and in particular whether or not MRI findings influenced management decisions. RESULTS: In the preliminary study, MRI sequences had an overall sensitivity of 83.2% and a specificity of 94.3% for the detection of chondral lesions. However, when considering arthroscopic grade III and IV lesions, MRI sensitivity and specificity were improved to 84.5% and 97.1%. In the second phase of the study, 141 (22.8%) of the 618 patients presenting with knee symptoms had an altered clinical management subsequent to MRI. The presence of unexpected chondral lesions was found in 77 of these patients. Conversely, 22 patients with clinical symptoms suspicious for simple chondral degeneration had unstable meniscal tears. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that preoperative MRI scanning identifies a group of patients who have more advanced degenerative joint disease than the clinical assessment and the plain radiographs suggest. This would expedite definitive surgery in patients with advanced osteoarthritis on MRI scans. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, development of diagnostic criteria on basis of consecutive patients with universally applied gold standard.

Safety of combined use of local anesthetic infiltration and reinfusion drains in total knee arthroplasty.

Injection of local anesthetic during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to aid postoperative pain relief. Reinfusion drains have also proven useful in decreasing allogenic blood transfusion. Combined use carries the risk of reinfusion of local anesthetic from drainage bag. We examined plasma ropivacaine concentrations from 20 patients undergoing TKA, who were treated with these 2 techniques. Samples were taken from a dedicated venous cannula and from the reinfusion drainage bag. The average amount of ropivacaine reinfused was 1.9 mg, a fraction of the injected dose (150 mg), and venous plasma concentrations reached peaks of 0.5 to 1.5 microg/mL, well below demonstrated levels of toxicity. Patients tolerated the treatment well, with no adverse outcomes. This study demonstrates the safety of combining these 2 techniques in TKA.

Reliability of bony landmarks for restoration of the joint line in revision knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of bone landmarks for restoring the joint line in revision knee arthroplasty. The relationship of the femoral epicondyles, the tibial tubercle (TT) and the fibular head (FH) to the joint line was measured on 200 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 100 females, 100 males), including assessment on intraobserver and interobserver reliability. MRI scans demonstrating chondral lesions and osteoarthritis were excluded, as were patients with immature skeletons or a history of previous knee surgery. Sequences in sagittal, coronal and axial planes were used as well as cross-referencing with the same computer software. In order to account for size differences between patients, each bony landmark measurement was converted to a ratio relative to the femoral or/and tibial width. We found a transepicondylar axis equal to 3.11 degrees (+/-1.9). The average distance from the epicondyles to the joint line was respectively 23 mm on the lateral side and 28 mm on the medial side. However there was a variation of distance from the epicondyles of the joint line up to 11 mm and a significative difference was found between male and female. We determined the distances from the tip of the FH and from the TT to the joint line. The joint line-FH distance averaged 14 mm (range 4.1-22.13) with no gender difference. The joint line-TT distance was averaged 22 mm (range 10.61-32.09). We determined an epicondylar ratio (distance from the lateral epicondyle to the joint line related to the femoral width). We found this ratio averaged 28% with no gender difference (P = 0.09). There is a large variation of bony landmarks depending on the size of the individual. Considering this findings, the FH is not a reliable guide for the joint line in revision surgery. Previous studies have measured the absolute values from various landmarks to the joint line. This study provides a significant advantage, in that the level of the joint line can be determined for each individual by using a ratio to account for gender and size differences.

Posterior cruciate ligament deficiency: biomechanical and biological consequences and the outcomes of conservative treatment. A systematic review.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical and biological consequences of posterior cruciate ligament deficiency, determine compensatory mechanisms and assess the efficacy of non-operative treatment. Medline, CINAHL, SPORTdiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched at 30th October 2006 for the terms "PCL" and "posterior cruciate ligament" both independently and including the terms "injury", "deficiency" and "insufficiency". Literature searches identified 598 potentially relevant articles, after exclusions there were 47 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 30 articles analyzing PCL deficiency and 17 studies on the outcomes for non-operative treatment. The authors reviewed all selected articles and abstracted data into predetermined tables depending upon classification. Studies indicate that posterior cruciate ligament deficiency results in posterior tibial translation with combined injuries displaying greater laxity. Results were inconsistent for rotational stability but deficiency increases joint contact pressure and may result in articular damage. A loss of proprioception occurs but the effect on strength and kinetics is inconclusive. There is a lack of evidence for compensatory muscle activity. Return to activity is possible for the majority of non-operatively treated grade I and II isolated injuries. Comparative analysis was not possible in many instances due to study design or experimental protocols. Further research is required to establish the compensatory mechanisms stabilizing the posterior cruciate ligament deficient knee and to investigate the outcomes for non-operatively treated patients.

Spinal cord injuries in Australian footballers 1997-2002.

OBJECTIVE: To review acute spinal cord injuries (ASCIs) in all Australian codes of football (rugby union [RU], rugby league [RL], Australian Rules football [ARF] and soccer) for 1997-2002 and to compare data with those of a 1986-1996 survey. DESIGN: Retrospective review of hospital records, and structured interviews with injured players. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Patients admitted to any of the six Australian spinal cord injury units with a documented football-related ASCI over the period 1997-2002. OUTCOME MEASURES: Average annual incidence of ASCIs per 100,000 players in the different codes, final Frankel grading of injuries, and wheelchair status. RESULTS: Fifty-two footballers (45 adult men and seven schoolboys) suffered ASCIs between 1997 and 2002. The average annual incidence of ASCIs per 100,000 players was 3.2 for RU, 1.5 for RL, 0.5 for ARF and 0.2 for soccer. While there has been little change in incidence since the 1986-1996 survey, there has been a trend towards less severe injuries in RU and RL, but not in ARF. There have been no scrum injuries in RL since 1996, when the scrum stopped being contested. Seven injuries occurred in RU scrums, six at the moment of engagement of the opposing teams. The incidence of 2-on-1 and "gang" tackles (involving multiple tacklers) in RL is disturbing. Overall, 39% of injured players became permanently wheelchair-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: There continues to be good reason to revise the laws of scrum engagement in RU. The laws relating to multiple tacklers in RL should be examined. The insurance cover for injured players is grossly inadequate. The longstanding need for a registry of spinal cord injuries for all football codes regrettably remains unmet.