Single versus two-stage management of long-bone chronic osteomyelitis in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic osteomyelitis is a debilitating bone infection, characterized by a persistent infection over months to years, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its insidious nature and potential for severe bone and soft tissue destruction. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to review the literature on the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in long bones and assess cure rates in single versus two-stage surgery. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021231237), this review included studies that reported on the management of chronic osteomyelitis in long bones using either a planned one-stage or two-stage surgical approach in adult patients. Databases searched included Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, HMIC, and AMED, using keywords related to osteomyelitis, long bones, and surgical management. Eligibility criteria focused on adults with chronic osteomyelitis in long bones, with outcomes reported after a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The meta-analysis utilized the random-effects model to pool cure rates. RESULTS: The analysis included 42 studies with a total of 1605 patients. The overall pooled cure rate was 91% (CI 95%) with no significant difference observed between single-stage and two-stage surgeries (X2 = 0.76, P > 0.05). Complications were reported in 26.6% of cases in single-stage procedures and 27.6% in two-stage procedures, with prolonged wound drainage noted as a common issue. Dead space management techniques varied across studies, with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulphate beads used in 30.4% of cases. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis reveals no significant difference in cure rates between single and two-stage surgical treatments for chronic osteomyelitis in long bones, supporting the efficacy of both approaches. The current treatment strategy should include a combination of debridement, dead space management using local and systematic antibiotics and soft tissue reconstruction if necessary.

Unnecessary magnetic resonance imaging of the knee: How much is it really costing the NHS?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications for patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee prior to referral to an orthopaedic specialist and to ascertain whether these scans altered initial management. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective review of all referrals received by a single specialist knee surgeon over a 1-year period was performed. Patient demographics, relevant history, examination findings and past surgical procedures were documented. Patients having undergone Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to referral were identified and indications for the scans recorded. These were reviewed against The National health services (NHS) guidelines for Primary Care Physicians to identify if the imaging performed was appropriate in each case. RESULTS: A total of two sixty-one (261) patients were referred between 1st July 2018 and 30th June 2019. Eight seven out of two hundred and sixty-one patients (87/261) patients underwent knee MRI prior to referral. The average patient age was 53 years with male predominance (52 verses 35 females). Twenty-one out of eight seven patients under review (24%) underwent appropriate imaging prior to referral as per guidelines. However, only thirteen percent of patients underwent plain radiograph of knee before their scan. In cases where magnetic resonance imaging was not indicated, patients waited an average of twelve weeks between their scan and for a referral to be sent to a knee surgeon. CONCLUSION: Seventy six percent of patients referred to orthopaedics had inappropriate Magnetic resonance imaging arranged by their primary care physician. For a single consultant's referrals over 1 year these unnecessary MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of knee cost National Health Services (NHS) £13,200. Closer adherence to the guidelines by primary care physicians will result in a financial saving, better patient experience and a more effective use of resources.

Ilizarov Method for Acute Paediatric Tibial Fractures.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: A systemic method for the application of Ilizarov fixators and on-table fracture reduction is described in this instructional article. This technique has been developed from the unit's practice in adult patients. The indications, underlying principles and rationale for the method are also discussed. TECHNIQUE: The basic concept involves the construction of a series of concentric, colinear rings aligned with the mechanical axis of the limb. An orthogonal ring block is initially placed on the proximal segment and extended distally. Wire to ring reduction techniques are used resulting in the contact, alignment and stability required for early full weight-bearing, free movement of knee and ankle, and subsequent healing. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our step-by-step guide takes the reader through a systematic approach to surgery along with tips and tricks on how to achieve reduction and avoid the common pitfalls. With this method, it is possible to achieve an on-table reduction and correction of a multiplanar deformity without the use of expensive hexapod technology. This may allow less experienced users reproduce the technique with a shorter learning curve. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Messner J, Prior CP, Pincher B et al. Ilizarov Method for Acute Paediatric Tibial Fractures. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(1):46-52.

A systematic review of the single-stage treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgery, the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis remains complex and is often associated with a significant financial burden to healthcare systems. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the different single-stage procedures that have been used to treat adult chronic osteomyelitis and to evaluate their effectiveness. METHODS: Ovid Medline and Embase databases were searched for articles on the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis over the last 20 years. A total of 3511 journal abstracts were screened by 3 independent reviewers. Following exclusion of paediatric subjects, animal models, non-bacterial osteomyelitis and patients undergoing multiple surgical procedures, we identified 13 studies reported in English with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed for all studies. Non-recurrence was defined as resolution of pain without recurrence of sinuses or need for a second procedure to treat infection within the described follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 505 patients with chronic osteomyelitis underwent attempted single-stage procedures. Following debridement, a range of techniques have been described to eliminate residual dead space including biologic and non-biologic approaches. These include musculocutaneous flaps, insertion of S53P4 glass beads or packing with antibiotic-loaded ceramic or calcium-sulphate pellets. The average follow-up ranged from 12 to 110 months. The most common organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (35.2%). Non-recurrence ranged from 0 to 100%. Debridement alone was statistically significantly inferior to approaches that included dead space management (54.5% versus 90% non-recurrence). Biologic and non-biologic approaches to dead space management were comparable (89.8% versus 94.2% non-recurrence). CONCLUSION: A wide range of single-stage procedures have been performed for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. In general, studies were small and observational with various reporting deficiencies. No one dead space management technique appears to be superior, but debridement alone that leaves residual dead space should be avoided.