Virtual Fracture Clinic Patients' Satisfaction Outcomes.

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to balance optimum treatment service and the safety of patients and hospital staff. The British Orthopaedic Association recommended a virtual fracture clinic to give the right first-time decision and to minimize patient exposure to disease. This study aimed to evaluate the patients' satisfaction outcomes for the service provided through the virtual fracture clinic. Methodology From January to May 2022, all patients seen by the staff in the Emergency Department (ED) at Queens Burton Hospitals were enrolled in a prospective study. An Excel spreadsheet was provided to both ED personnel and the orthopaedic team for accessibility. Patients were continually added to the spreadsheet, and their cases were reviewed by the on-call consultant to devise treatment plans. A satisfaction questionnaire was collected from patients about their virtual clinic experience as a route to provide treatment service. Results The study comprised 150 patients, with an average age of 40 years. Distal radial fractures represented one-third of the cases. Different modalities of management were offered such as a sling, splint, cast, or referral to physiotherapy. Around 75% of cases were satisfied, understood the advice given over the phone, and were not required to attend the actual clinic. The remaining quarter attended the clinic either for further reassessment by an orthopaedic surgeon or for discussion of their injury as they could not get the full message over the phone due to fast calls, hearing struggles, or just listening to messages. Conclusions The virtual fracture clinic is an effective standalone service that gained around 75% satisfaction in patients' outcome questionnaires. It saved the actual fracture clinic slots and hospital resources. It is recommended to be part of the standard daily practice throughout the United Kingdom.

Improving Completion Rates of Treatment Escalation Plan (TEP) in a London Teaching Hospital: A Quality Improvement Study.

Background Treatment escalation plans (TEPs) provide enhanced clarity in planning appropriate decision-making in the management of deteriorating patients by explicitly defining a limit of care. These decisions are discussed with patients or their relatives and mutually agreed upon. We aimed to improve staff adherence to the completion of TEPs upon the admission of patients to the orthopedics wards in a London teaching hospital. Methods This study employed the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology to investigate the efficacy of interventions implemented within a hospital setting for adult inpatients receiving orthopedic treatment. The approach adopted was cross-sectional, where a comprehensive audit was conducted on all adult inpatients admitted to the hospital. The initial cycle of the study was conducted in March 2022, followed by the implementation of interventions in the form of an internal algorithm. Subsequently, the second cycle of the study was conducted in November 2022. Results We sampled a total of 50 patients (PDSA 1, n=27; PDSA 2, n=23). Following the implementation of a designated local TEP pathway, the proportion of patients with incomplete TEPs fell from 30.4% (n=7, PDSA Cycle 1) to 11.76% (n=2, PDSA Cycle 2). Conclusions The study has demonstrated that interventions such as institutional algorithms and departmental meetings can be useful in improving the adherence of staff to complete TEPs. Ongoing training and education can help overcome some of the barriers to TEP completion.

Navigating ACL Injuries Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction In the United Kingdom, musculoskeletal injuries represent a substantial proportion of primary care appointments, and within this category, acute knee injuries are prominent in accident and emergency department cases. Notably, diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is a recognized challenge, often leading to extended diagnostic delays. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the management of musculoskeletal disorders, driven by reduced surgical capacities, creating a backlog of patients awaiting necessary surgical interventions. Delayed ACL reconstruction poses risks of prolonged knee instability and secondary injuries. To address these concerns, this study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on the timeline from ACL injury diagnosis to MRI and surgical intervention, with a specific focus on an internal acute knee clinic pathway designed to expedite the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of soft tissue knee injuries. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction from January 2019 to November 2022 in a district general teaching hospital (DGH). Besides demographic data of the patients, we recorded the dates of injury, primary presentation, first knee specialist review, knee MRI, and ACL reconstruction surgery, as well as the injury-to-surgery, injury-to-MRI, and MRI-to-surgery periods. Patients were divided based on the date of operation to pre- and post-COVID, and outcomes were compared to see the possible effects of COVID-19. Data were analyzed using a quantitative and qualitative test with a P < 0.05 significance level. Results Our cohort included 97 patients, and the mean age of patients was 30.6 years (17-53 years). The median time of injury-to-MRI was 46.5 days during the pre-COVID period, which decreased to 44 days in the post-COVID period (P = 0.596). The median time of injury-to-surgery was 287.5 days during the pre-COVID period, which increased to 289 days in the post-COVID period (P = 0.019). The median MRI-to-surgery duration was 200 days during the pre-COVID period, which increased to 225 days in the post-COVID period (P = 0.006). Around 35% of patients had an MRI prior to getting evaluated by a specialist. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the management of ACL injuries, with delays in elective knee clinics and surgery potentially leading to delays in the diagnosis and management of such injuries. However, our study showed that the delay from ACL injury to subsequent surgery actually reduced post-pandemic due to hospital-based acute knee pathway, which is particularly important in the context of associated meniscal injury that can worsen while patients wait for surgery.

Evaluation of Acute Outcomes and Factors Influencing the Care of Chest Trauma in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom.

Background The rate of chest trauma admissions under the Queen Hospital Burton Orthopedic team has been steadily increasing, surpassing other hospital trusts. Patients are managed locally by the Orthopedic department, unlike in major trauma centres. Understanding the management outcomes and patient factors in this setting is crucial for enhancing patient safety. Methodology A retrospective analysis of 139 patients with chest trauma referred to the QHB Orthopedic team from October 2017 to May 2021 was conducted using the Meditech-V6 electronic medical records system (Meditech, Westwood, US). This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of patients admitted with chest trauma and improve current practices. The objectives include assessing patient factors influencing outcomes, initiating discussions with a major trauma centre, and enhancing the quality of care for chest trauma patients. Results The mechanism of injury in all cases of chest injuries was blunt trauma, accounting for 100% of the cases. The specific mechanisms of injury observed in the study included falls from standing, falls from height, road traffic collisions, and assault. The study comprised 139 individuals, 128 of whom were diagnosed with rib fractures, and 11 who did not have any rib fractures. In addition, two patients were hospitalized with bilateral rib fractures, both of which were life-threatening. Tragically, one of these cases resulted in the death of the patient. With regard to outcomes, 67% of the patients received a consultation at Royal Stoke Hospital (RSH). Eight individuals were transferred to RSH for further management, while the remaining 131 patients were not transferred. Eighty-seven individuals were discharged from the hospital, indicating successful recovery and readiness for discharge. However, it is noteworthy that nine patients experienced complications during their hospital stay, highlighting the potential challenges and risks associated with chest trauma management. Tragically, seven patients succumbed to their injuries and passed away.  Conclusions The majority of patients in this study were aged 65 and over and presented with multiple comorbidities, indicating the complex medical profile of this population. However, despite the presence of life-threatening injuries and the associated risks, only a minority of patients in the study were transferred to a designated trauma centre. This raises concerns about the adequacy of the current transfer protocols and the potential impact on patient outcomes.

Outcomes of day case shoulder replacement surgery in a stand-alone day care unit in the United Kingdom.

Background: This review aims to compare the outcomes for day case shoulder replacement with in-patient shoulder replacement surgery in a district general hospital. Methods: Seventy-three patients had 82 shoulder arthroplasty procedures. Forty-six procedures were undertaken in a dedicated stand-alone day-case unit and 36 were undertaken as in-patient cases. Patient were followed up at 6 weeks, 6 months and annually. Results: There was no significant difference between the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed in the day case or in-patient settings making this a safe option for surgical care in a unit with an appropriate care pathway. Six complications in total were observed, three in each group. Operation time was statistically shorter for day cases by 25.1 min (95% CI - 36.5 to -13.7; d = -0.95, 95% CI -1.42 to 0.48). Estimated marginal means (EMM) revealed lower post-surgery oxford pain scores in day cases (EMM = 3.25, 95% CI 2.35, 4.16) compared with inpatients (EMM = 4.65, 95% CI 3.64 to 5.67). Constant shoulder scores were higher in day cases versus inpatients. Conclusion: Day case shoulder replacement is safe with comparable outcomes to routine inpatient care for patients up to ASA 3 classification with high satisfaction and excellent functional outcomes.

Results of Wedgeless Distal Femoral Osteotomy for the Treatment of Genu Valgus Deformity.

INTRODUCTION: Coronal plane knee deformities are common disorders affecting adolescents. Valgus deformities (tibiofemoral angle (TFA) > 12-15 degrees and intermalleolar distance (IMD) > 10 cm) often require corrective osteotomy and a wedgeless "V" distal femoral osteotomy is a good treatment option for such deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adolescent patients (13-17 years) with valgus deformities were included. Patients with severe collateral ligament instability, subluxation, and sagittal plane deformity > 15 degrees or genu valgum due to tibial deformity were excluded. Preoperative clinical (Bostman's knee score, IMD, and knee-flexion test) and radiological evaluations were done. The surgery (wedgeless distal femoral V osteotomy) was performed and stabilized with two Kirschner wires (K-wires). Postoperative clinical and radiological parameters were recorded including complications. RESULTS: The preoperative TFA was 20.23 ± 3.63 degrees, which reduced to 5.5 ± 0.73 at six months postoperatively. The preoperative IMD was 12.45 ± 2.2 cm, which reduced to 1.63 ± 0.32 cm at six months. The mean mechanical axis deviation (MAD) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were recorded as 2.8 ± 0.39 and 87.7 ± 0.83, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant from preoperative values. The Bostman score was 26.2 ± 1.79 at three months and 29.47 ± 0.9 at six months. The complications included infection in two patients, a hypertrophic scar in one patient, and common peroneal neuropraxia in one patient. CONCLUSION: Wedgeless distal femoral osteotomy with K-wire fixation is a viable option for correction of genu valgus deformity with potential advantages of minimal blood loss, no leg length discrepancy, non-rigid fixation, and early union as compared to other treatment options.

The Use of Fluoroscan in Hand Clinic During the Covid Pandemic to Optimise Conservative Treatment.

Introduction The study assessed the use of Fluoroscan (Hologic, Inc., Marlborough, MA) in hand clinic as advised by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate treatment of fractures requiring manipulation and reduce admissions to evaluate if this should be embedded in practice permanently. Method Eighty-three wrist and hand fractures requiring manipulation were identified between April 2020 and March 2021. Demographics, mechanism of injury, timing of intervention, radiological outcome, further intervention and functional assessment by QuickDASH scoring were recorded. Results Sixty-eight cases were manipulated within the first week of fracture, simple pain control measures were used, and dose area product (DAP) averaged 1.3 Gy cm2 well below the dose limit set by the trust. Satisfactory fracture reduction was achieved in 59 cases avoiding admission. Further surgical intervention was offered to 24 patients: five re-manipulated while 19 had operation, all with a good functional outcome. Conclusion Fluoroscan use in fracture clinics achieved effective fracture control in 77% of cases. The use of Fluoroscan avoided admissions for surgery during the pandemic and lengthy clinic visits, four out of five did not need admission.

Systematic Review of Current Approaches to Tibia Plateau: Best Clinical Evidence.

If not treated adequately, tibia plateau fractures result in premature osteoarthritis and lifelong disability. The advent of newer implants and techniques to improve outcomes has necessitated the development of different surgical approaches. A Medline and EMBASE search (June 2020) was conducted to identify publications during the last 10 years that focused on surgical approaches for proximal tibia fractures/ tibia plateau management. A total of 2107123 and 2715399 articles were found related to fractures in this area with 133 and 103 review articles looking at the approach on MEDLINE and EMBASE, respectively. This article reviews the continued development of the surgical approaches to aid understanding for surgeons and identify areas for future research to help improve outcomes. Although the anterolateral approach is the most commonly applied surgical technique, having the knowledge of newer approaches (medial, posteromedial, posterolateral, or direct posterior) in the armamentarium is necessary to treat the vast array of fracture patterns. There has been a shift amongst trauma surgeons of using a combination of approaches for complex tibia plateau fractures.

How Do Orthopaedic Patients Prefer to Be Contacted During a Pandemic?

Introduction Communication with patients is a vital part of the surgical pathway, and when done effectively, it can greatly improve patient outcomes and patient satisfaction and reduce canceled appointments. Different forms of communication work well for different patient demographics, and it is important to optimize communication techniques. We designed a study to review the communication preferences of orthopedic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed by asking patients who were due to undergo orthopedic procedures to answer a questionnaire on their communication preferences, the reminder notice period for appointments, and safety and satisfaction ratings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Communication method preferences are influenced by patient factors such as gender and age. Phone calls were the most popular communication method throughout all patient groups, with 61% selecting it as their preference. Younger patients preferred multiple communication methods of phone calls, texts, and emails, whereas the older group had a stronger preference for letters. Letters were more popular among females (28% compared to 10% of males), whereas males had a stronger preference for other communication methods. The majority of patients said they would not have liked a letter prior to their clinic appointment (65%). Of those who indicated a preferred notice period, 73% would have liked five days or less notice prior to their clinic appointment, while 65% would have liked 10-14 days notice prior to their surgery. The average safety rating was 55%. The overall satisfaction rating with the communication process was 71.7%. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has changed patient feelings towards healthcare and, as a result, changed the way healthcare is delivered. Communication method preferences among trauma and orthopedic patients vary and depend on factors such as gender and age. If healthcare departments can optimize their communication processes, they will improve their patient outcomes and enhance their resources.

A Rare Presentation of Myositis Ossificans in a Diabetic Individual.

Introduction: Myositis ossificans (MO) is a disease with self-limiting, benign ossifying lesions. MO traumatica is most common cause and occurs after blunt trauma to muscle tissue and the most common site of occurrence is the anterior thigh often developing after an intramuscular hematoma. The pathophysiology of MO is not well understood. The association of myositis and diabetes is quite rare. Case Report: A 57-year-old male presented with a discharging ulcer on the right lateral lower leg. A radiograph was carried out to ascertain the degree of bone involvement. However, the X-ray showed calcifications. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray imaging were used to exclude malignant disorders such as osteomyelitis or osteosarcoma. The diagnosis of myositis ossificans was confirmed with MRI. As the patient had a background of diabetes, this could have led to MO as a result of the macrovascular complication of a discharging ulcer; hence, diabetes could be considered a risk factor for the disease. Conclusion: The reader may appreciate that diabetic patients may present with MO and that repeated discharging ulcers may imitate the effects of physical trauma on calcifications. The specific take home message is that regardless of the apparent rarity of a disease and subversion to typical clinical presentation, it should still be considered. Furthermore, the exclusion of severe and malignant diseases which benign diseases may mimic is of utmost importance to correctly manage patients.

Spontaneous Early Intraprosthetic Dislocation of 22 mm Skirted Femoral Head in Dual Mobility Hip Prosthesis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: There is a trend for increasing use of dual mobility hip designs for both primary and revision hip arthroplasty settings. It provides dual articular surfaces along with increased jump distance to increase the stability of construct. However, this design has some unique complications of its own which surgeons should be aware of especially intraprosthetic dislocation (IPD). CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old lady presented to clinic with painful hip hemiarthroplasty after fracture neck of femur. She underwent revision surgery with dual mobility uncemented acetabular cup and femoral stem was retained as it was well fixed. She was mobilizing well and around 5 weeks post her surgery, developed pain in hip region and difficulty in weight-bearing. Radiographs showed eccentric position of femoral neck in the socket. A diagnosis of IPD was established and revision surgery was planned. Intraoperatively, metal head had dislocated from the polyethylene head and both components were resting in the acetabular socket. No macroscopic erosion of acetabulum was noticed. The polyethylene component and femoral head were retrieved. With previous failed dual mobility, decision was made to achieve stability with larger head size and lipped liner posteriorly. CONCLUSION: IPD is a rare occurrence and unique complication to dual mobility implants. This report highlights that patients can have IPD without fall or trauma.

The Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Far Cortex Locking Plate in Distal Femur Fractures.

Introduction Locking plates in distal femur fractures were associated with a high rate of non-union and hardware failure. To overcome these drawbacks far cortex locking (FCL) concept was introduced. It is a novel bridge plating strategy to enhance interfragmentary motion for the promotion of secondary bone healing while retaining sufficient construct strength. The present study evaluated the effects of diaphyseal FCL fixation on fracture healing for periarticular locking plates used for fixation of distal femur fractures.  Materials and methods Our cohort was of 11 consecutive patients who presented to emergency after distal femur fracture and underwent surgery with the FCL plate between January 2015 and January 2016. Clinical (KOOS) and radiological evaluation of all patients was done to look for knee scores and union. Also, other complications like infection, non-union, painful hardware, implant failure were recorded  Results No non-union or hardware failure was observed in our cohort of 11 patients. Early callus formation was seen and partial weight-bearing was started at an average of 6 weeks (5-8 weeks). Average time to clinical healing was 10 weeks (8-13 weeks) whereas radiographic union was seen at 16 weeks (14-17 weeks). One patient with an open fracture had superficial surgical wound infection which healed uneventfully after one debridement and with IV antibiotics. The average knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) at final follow-up was 91 (87-95) in our cohort. Conclusion FCL is an effective method to reduce construct stiffness, promote early callus formation, decrease non-union rate and achieve biological healing while retaining sufficient strength to prevent hardware failure.

Talus Fracture Dislocation Management With Crossed Kirschner Wires in Children.

Skeletal trauma accounts for 10% to 15% of all childhood injuries, with approximately 15% to 30% of these representing physeal injuries. Talus fractures are rare injuries in children with an estimated prevalence of 0.008% of all childhood fractures. Cast immobilization is sufficient treatment for non-displaced fractures, however displaced fractures of the talus require surgical intervention to minimize the risk of trauma-related avascular necrosis (AVN) due to disruption of the vascular supply originating from the talar neck. A 13-year-old boy was brought to the accident and emergency (A/E) department following a road traffic accident while he was pillion riding a bike. Following the accident, he was unable to bear weight on his right foot and his anterior ankle region was swollen, with no neurological deficit or open wound. He had no other injury and no medical or surgical history. On review of the ankle and foot radiographs, he was noted to have a right talar neck fracture with subtalar and ankle dislocation. His computer tomographic (CT) images demonstrated a Hawkins Type IV talus fracture. Initial treatment involved a plaster of Paris (POP) back slab with the ankle in a neutral position. His right leg was elevated on pillows and treated with elevation and ice to alleviate the swelling. As the fracture was comminuted and displaced with ankle and subtalar dislocation, operative intervention (open reduction and fixation of talus with crossed K wires) was planned. The patient was discharged in below knee slab which was changed to a non-walking cast at two weeks. The patient was kept non-weight bearing until fracture united. These types of fractures are rare in children and proper clinical and radiological evaluation is essential. Such fractures should be reduced as early as possible to reduce the ischemia time thus prevent the chances of osteonecrosis. Lastly avoid tourniquets and stable anatomical reduction of fracture is must.

Prospective Randomized Control Trial Comparing Effect of Dexamethasone Versus Fentanyl as Adjuvants to Intrathecal Bupivacaine for Orthopedic Surgery.

Introduction Spinal anesthesia is the most consistent block for lower limb orthopedic surgeries. We conducted this randomized prospective study to evaluate comparative efficacy of intrathecal dexamethasone with fentanyl and normal saline as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia administered to patients scheduled for lower limb orthopedic surgery. Materials and methods 105 patients scheduled for lower limb orthopedic surgeries under spinal anesthesia were included in this clinical trial. After randomization, patients received an intrathecal injection of hyperbaric bupivacaine (12.5 mg) with 4 mg of dexamethasone in group I, hyperbaric bupivacaine (12.5 mg) with 25 ug fentanyl with 0.5 ml of normal saline in group II and hyperbaric bupivacaine (12.5 mg) with normal saline (1 ml) in group III, so as to make volume of drug equal in all three groups. The observer evaluated the sensory and motor blocks and other parameters like time to self-void, stay in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and complications.  Results The total duration of sensory blockade was found to be 311.43, 197.86 and 115.29 minutes and motor blockade of 223.43, 163.86 and 83.0 minutes in groups I, II and III respectively. The PACU stay was 233.14, 173.86 and 93.00 minutes in groups I, II and III, respectively. The average time to self-void was 400.00, 315.29 and 203.00 in three groups, respectively. Conclusion Intrathecal dexamethasone seemed to be an effective adjuvant to spinal bupivacaine as it prolongs the duration of analgesia, stable hemodynamic profile with minimal side effects. Further studies are required to evaluate the optimum dose and long-term safety of intrathecal dexamethasone.

Microfracture Technique for Chronic Unstable Osteochondral Defect of Knee: Case Report.

Osteochondral fractures of the medial femoral condyle of the knee can be diagnostically and therapeutically challenging. Various techniques of osteochondral defect treatment include fixation, abrasion chondroplasty, drilling, microfracture, autografts, allografts and chondrocyte transplantation A 37-year-old man presented with persistent left knee pain of about six months duration. Concomitant symptoms included swelling, several episodes of locking and clicking, and a sense of instability especially in walking downstairs. MRI scan revealed an unstable osteochondral lesion about 2 cm in diameter involving the medial femoral condyle. The patient underwent arthroscopic removal of the fragment and microfracturing of the defect on the medial femoral condyle. Postoperatively, he was treated with non-weight bearing for six weeks along with quadriceps strengthening and range of motion (ROM) exercises. The final outcome was good as the patient has returned to his previous activities. Microfracture technique is quite effective with regard to the improvement of daily activities with a favorable impact on pain relief and overall satisfactory functional results.

Prospective Study Showing Results of Large-Diameter Femoral Heads After Cementless Total Hip Replacement.

Introduction Large-diameter femoral heads (≥36 mm) were introduced to decrease instability and improve the range of motion of the hip. We hypothesized regarding the clinical outcome and complications (dislocation, implant survivorship, and functional scores) following total hip replacement (THR) surgery in an Indian population who have smaller acetabulum compared to the western population. Methodology A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital from November 2011 to July 2013. A total of 70 patients with hip pathology were operated by a senior surgeon for THR using the anterolateral approach. The Harris Hip Scores were recorded pre and postoperatively in all patients. Postoperatively, radiographs were taken to check for evidence of implant loosening or osteolysis. The patients were followed up till a mean follow-up of 86.52 months (range: 74 to 108 months) in our cohort. Detailed clinical and radiographic results were available for 59 patients, while six died (three died of myocardial infarction (MI), two had cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and one patient died of pulmonary embolism) and five patients were lost to follow-up. Results Of the 59 hips, majority (76%) had acetabular inclination of 46-55 degrees. Ninety percent of the stems were in the central position and 10% were in the varus position. The average preoperative Harris Hip Score was 38.8 ± 5.7 (range: 24-46), which increased to 90.4 ± 7.3 (range: 78-94) at the last follow-up. A total of six patients died (four died of MI and two of CVA) and two patients had infection which was treated with antibiotics. Three cases of dislocation were observed; one following a fall one year after surgery and revision total hip arthroplasty was done and two cases while getting up from the bed which were managed with closed reduction and abduction brace for six weeks. Two cases of periprosthetic fracture were observed which were managed with plating. Conclusion Lower dislocation rate and better range of movement reinforces the advantage of large-diameter femoral head during THR in the Indian population.

Communication With Patients Before an Operation: Their Preferences on Method of Communication.

Background With the constantly evolving communication technologies, it is essential for all healthcare professionals to try utilising various methods in communicating with patients. This will lead to better healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. Objective The aim of the study was to compare a patient's preference to various communication methods regarding their appointments and to evaluate if we're giving our patients an appropriate notice period prior to their operation. Methods A questionnaire was given to 111 patients who underwent elective orthopaedic procedures. Results Factors like age and gender affect the choice of communication method. Traditional letters still have a role for an older population aged 65 and over. However, younger patients showed higher preference for other communication methods such as phone calls, texts, and e-mails. Gender also had a role in choosing a preference where male patients chose a range of options whilst female patients preferred phone calls. Most patients stated they received an appropriate notice period, with 88% of patients stating they would like to be notified one-two weeks prior to their operation. Conclusion More research needs to be conducted into using text messages and e-mails in communicating with elective surgical patients, in addition to implementing newer technologies like mobile phone applications and secure online messaging portals, as this has the potential to reshape the communication process with our patients and lead to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.