The role of Grey Scale Inversion Imaging (GSII) as a diagnostic tool of neck of femur fractures: is it more effective?

INTRODUCTION: Grey Scale Inversion Imaging (GSII), a radiology reading software, has been utilized to improve anatomical and pathological delineation and consequently increase the diagnostic accuracy in a variety of trauma and Orthopaedic conditions. OBJECTIVE/AIM: The objective of this study was to assess whether Grey Scale Inversion Imaging (GSII) has any impact on the diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer reliability in diagnosing neck of femur fractures. METHOD: We performed a retrospective, single-centre study, to identify 50 consecutive anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs of patients who presented to our unit with suspected neck of femur fractures between 2020 and 2021. The images included a combination of normal pelvic radiographs and others with features suggestive either intracapsular or extracapsular neck of femur fractures, which had been confirmed on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or subsequent surgery. Four independent observers (two Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O) consultants, one T&O Trainee Registrar (ST3 level) and one Trainee Senior House Officer (SHO in T&O) reviewed the images and graded each radiograph image using the Likert scale in response to the statement "there is a fracture". Following this, the same radiographs were inverted to Grey Scale Inversion Imaging (GSII) grey scale images and reassessed. RAND correlation was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overall, observers appeared to have similar accuracy with normal radiographic imaging and with GSI sequences. CONCLUSION: Grey Scale Inversion Imaging (GSII) of digital radiographs did not affect the diagnostic accuracy of detecting neck of femur fractures in our study.

The outcome of surgical fixation of mid shaft clavicle fractures; looking at patient satisfaction and comparing surgical approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Clavicle fractures represent 2.5% of fractures in adults and almost 44% of shoulder injuries. The treatment is usually non-surgical with good results; however, significantly displaced fractures can be associated with high non-union rate and therefore many would advocate surgical fixation. This is traditionally carried out by direct approach over the clavicle but an infraclavicular approach has also been used for clavicular fixation. The aim of this study was to identify the main indications for surgical intervention at our unit and patient satisfaction following surgery. We also wanted to compare the direct and the infraclavicular surgical approaches in relation to the outcome of surgical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study looking at all the clavicle fractures managed surgically over 5 years at our department. Information relating to surgical indication, surgical approach, complications, outcome, patient satisfaction, and oxford shoulder score were collected. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were identified, the majority were males (n = 25) and most (n = 29) were working at the time of injury. The commonest indication for surgery was displacement with shortening (n = 16). The infraclavicular approach was used in the majority of patients (n = 21), the rest (n = 14) had direct incision. Evidence of radiological and union was achieved in all patients after an average of 13 (8-24) weeks. There were no major complications but minor complications were reported in 28% and 19% of cases with direct and infraclavicular approaches, respectively. Plates were removed from six symptomatic patients; infraclavicular (n = 2) and direct approach (n = 4). Four asymptomatic plates were removed on patients' requests. All patients returned to work (after an average 2.6 months), had good oxford shoulder score between 12-20, regardless of the surgical approach used. All patients except one would recommend it to a friend. CONCLUSION: Our study showed excellent surgical outcome for displaced clavicle fractures supported by the high union rate, good oxford shoulder score, high return to work rate, and good patient's satisfaction. The number of minor complications and symptomatic metal work removal was less in the infraclavicular approach.

Septic arthritis of the knee due to Fusobacterium necrophorum.

Gram-negative, anaerobic bacilli are unusual organisms to be isolated in cases of acute septic arthritis. We report the isolation of Fusobacterium necrophorum from joint aspirate in a case of acute septic arthritis, which presented 3 weeks after the drainage of a dental abscess.