The survivorship of revision total hip replacement with severe proximal bone deficiency using a modular taper fluted prosthesis.

Contemporary uncemented femoral revision hip systems have become commonly used over the past decade and have enabled the reconstruction of leg length, offset and anteversion as independent variables through the use of modular junctions. Modular junction failures between the proximal body and distal stem have been described with revision systems, although this is rare. We sought to identify the survivorship of one revision system in a salvage arthroplasty scenario where no host bone support of the modular junction was present. From a series of 136 patients, 15 patients (16 hips) were identified without host bone support of the modular junction with a mean radiological follow up of over 6 years (76 months +/- 35 months). There have been no cases of prosthetic fracture over the follow-up duration, with two revisions performed for reasons of aseptic loosening and infection. The mean BMI of the study group was 30.2 with 78% of the cohort classified as overweight or obese. It is well recognised that, host bone support of the modular junction is preferable, however the satisfactory outcomes over the midterm in these complex patients suggests that modular revision systems remain an option.

Primary total hip replacement using Burch-Schneider cages for acetabular fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporotic acetabular fractures are common and pose a difficult technical challenge for the trauma surgeon. Acute total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage with immediate postoperative weight-bearing is a method to approach these injuries. This case series reports our outcomes of acute THA using Burch-Schneider cages for acetabular fractures from a UK major trauma centre based on length of stay, radiological outcome, complications and outcome scores. METHODS: Data were collected from all patients who underwent acute THA with a Burch-Schneider cage for acetabular fractures between June 2006 and August 2015. Patients were followed up clinically, radiologically, and using Oxford Hip Scores (OHS). RESULTS: 20 patients with a median age of 73 (range 60-90 years) were identified. All patients were independent walkers at follow-up, and had achieved radiological union. There were no dislocations, subsidence, revision or deep infections. Significant complications include 1 perioperative death as a result of complications arising from pre-existing pulmonary fibrosis; 1 deep vein thrombosis; 1 intraoperative arterial injury to the superior gluteal artery; and 1 leg-length discrepancy. Mean length of stay was 10 days. The mean OHS was 37/48 at a mean follow-up of 26 months. CONCLUSIONS: This case series further validates the use of Burch-Schneider cages with primary THA in acute acetabular fractures.

An analysis of virtual fracture clinics in orthopaedic trauma in the UK during the coronavirus crisis.

Virtual fracture clinics (VFC) are advocated by new orthopaedic (British Orthopaedic Association) and National Health Service (NHS) guidelines in the United Kingdom. We discuss benefits and limitations, reviewing the literature, as well as recommendations on introducing a VFC service during the coronavirus pandemic and into the future.A narrative review identifying current literature on virtual fracture clinic outcomes when compared to traditional model fracture clinics in the UK. We identify nine relevant publications related to VFC.The Glasgow model, initiated in 2011, has become the benchmark. Clinical efficiency can be improved, reducing the number of emergency department (ED) referrals seen in VFC by 15-28% and face-to-face consultations by 65%. After review in the VFC, 33-60% of patients may be discharged. Some studies have shown no negative impact on the ED; the time to discharge was not increased. Patient satisfaction ranges from 91-97% using a VFC service, and there may be cost-saving benefits annually of £67,385 to £212,705. Non-attendance may be reduced by 75% and there are educational opportunities for trainees. However, evidence is limited; 28% of patients prefer face-to-face consultations and not all have access to internet or email (72%).We propose a pathway integrating the VFC model, whilst having senior orthopaedic decision makers available in the ED, during normal working hours, to cope with the pandemic. Beyond the pandemic, evidence suggests the Glasgow model is viable for day-to-day practice. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:442-448. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200041.