'Golden Patient': A quality improvement project aiming to improve trauma theatre efficiency in the Royal Gwent Hospital.

The efficiency of trauma lists when compared with elective orthopaedic lists is a frustration of many orthopaedic departments. At the Royal Gwent Hospital, late start times affecting total operating capacity of the trauma list were recognised as a problem within the department. The design team aimed to improve the start time of the list with the introduction of the 'golden patient' initiative. A protocol was agreed between the orthopaedic, anaesthetic and theatre staff where a 'golden patient' was selected for preoperative anaesthetic assessment by 14:00 the day before surgery and sent for at 08:15 as the first case on the trauma list. Baseline data was collected over a month. Two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were completed, one on the month the 'golden patient' initiative was implemented and one 4 months after the change. All data was collected from the Operating Room Management Information Service theatre system for the trauma theatre at the Royal Gwent Hospital. Results demonstrated significant improvement in patient arrival time in the theatre suite; PDSA1 by 33 min (p≤0.001) and PDSA2 by 29 min (p≤0.001) and an earlier start of the first procedure; PDSA1 by 19 min (p=0.018) and PDSA2 by 26 min (p≤0.001). There was also increased mean operating time per list (PDSA1 +16 min and PDSA2 +33 min), increased total case number (PDSA1 +20 cases and PDSA2 +36 cases) and reduced cancellations (PDSA1 -2 cases and PDSA -5 cases) compared with our baseline data. We demonstrated that the introduction of a 'golden patient' to the trauma theatre list improved the start time and overall operating capacity for the trauma list. Continuing this project, we plan to introduce assessment of all patients with fractured neck of femur in a similar way to the 'golden patient' to continue improving trauma theatre efficiency and reduce case cancellations.

Sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garré: management of femoral pain by intramedullary nailing.

We describe a case of chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garré in a 50-year-old woman occurring in her right femur and presenting with uncontrolled pain. The patient was initially treated with intramedullary reaming of the femur, but 3 years later re-presented with similar symptoms. This required further reaming and intramedullary nailing, achieving good clinical outcomes and lasting pain relief at 8-year follow-up.

Tendinopathies Around the Elbow Part 2: Medial Elbow, Distal Biceps and Triceps Tendinopathies.

In the second part of this review article the management of medial elbow tendinopathy, distal biceps and distal triceps tendinopathy will be discussed. There is a scarcity of publications concerning any of these tendinopathies. This review will summarise the current best available evidence in their management. Medial elbow tendinopathy, also known as Golfer's elbow, is up to 6 times less common than lateral elbow tendinopathy. The tendinopathy occurs in the insertion of pronator teres and flexor carpi radialis. Diagnosis is usually apparent through a detailed history and examination but care must be made to exclude other conditions affecting the ulnar nerve or less commonly the ulnar collateral ligament complex. If doubt exists then MRI/US and electrophysiology can be used. Treatment follows a similar pattern to that of lateral elbow tendinopathy. Acute management is with activity modification and topical NSAIDs. Injection therapy and surgical excision are utilised for recalcitrant cases. Distal biceps and triceps tendinopathies are very rare and there is limited evidence published. Sequelae of tendinopathy include tendon rupture and so it is vital to manage these tendinopathies appropriately in order to minimise this significant complication. Their management and that of partial tears will be considered.

What is the best clinical test for Achilles tendinopathy?

BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis of Achilles pathology is demanding. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests identified for a chronic mid body Achilles tendinopathy. Ultrasound scanning provides the reference standard. METHODS: Twenty-one participants with, and without, an Achilles tendinopathy, had an ultrasound scan followed immediately by the application of ten clinical tests. The accuracy and reproducibility of each test was determined. RESULTS: The most valid tests are; pain on palpation of the tendon (sensitivity 84%, specificity 73%, kappa 0.74-0.96) and the subjective reporting of pain 2-6 cm above the insertion into the calcaneum (sensitivity 78%, specificity 77%, kappa 0.75-0.81). CONCLUSION: Only location of pain and pain on palpation were found to be sufficiently reliable and accurate, to be recommended for use.

Locked intramedullary fixation vs plating for displaced and shortened mid-shaft clavicle fractures: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature supports surgical intervention for shortened, displaced, mid-shaft clavicle fractures. We present the results of a randomized clinical trial comparing locked intramedullary fixation and plate fixation for short, displaced, mid-shaft clavicle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Local ethical approval was obtained and power analysis and sample size calculations were performed prior to commencement. Patients randomized to 2 groups to be treated with either locked intramedullary fixation or plating. Patients regularly followed up to clinical and radiographic union. The primary outcome measure was the Constant score, secondary outcome measures included the Oxford shoulder score, union rate, and complication rates. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were randomized to locked intramedullary fixation and 15 randomized to plating. Mean age was 29.3 years. Mean follow-up was 12.4 months. There was no significant difference in either Constant scores (P = .365) or Oxford scores (P = .773). There was 100% union in both groups. In the intramedullary group, 1 case of soft tissue irritation settled after the pin removal; 1 pin backed out and was revised. Three superficial wound infections resulted in plate removal and 8 plates (53%) were removed. DISCUSSION: Intramedullary fixation has the theoretical advantage of preserving the periosteal blood supply, but carries the morbidity of pin removal. Clavicle plates are not routinely removed but require greater exposure and may compromise periosteal blood supply. CONCLUSION: Both locked intramedullary fixation and plating produce good functional results; however, metalwork may need to be removed as a second procedure.

Secondary collapse of lateral femoral condyle following bone bruise: a case report.

The term bone bruise, in modern medicine, is still a relatively young one, which followed the advent of MRI. Resolution takes between 12 and 24 weeks, however clinical significance is unknown. We present the case of an 18-year-old male who developed bone bruising of his lateral femoral condyle, associated with meniscal injury and anterior cruciate ligament rupture, following a fall from a push bike. A subsequent injury then led to collapse of his lateral femoral condyle following initial resolution of his symptoms. This was managed operatively performing bony and soft tissue stabilisation. This case highlights the issues associated with proven bone bruising and associated soft-tissue injuries in the knee, which cannot be considered innocuous injuries. We also raise the question as to whether patients should undergo a period of protected weightbearing when a bone bruise is recognised on MRI.

Dorsally angulated proximal phalanx fractures: closed reduction and rigid fixation using a reversed extension splint.

Dorsally angulated proximal phalanx fractures have always presented a difficulty for treatment. A variety of options for treatment have been tried in the past, many of these are operative options and therefore carry the risks of a surgical procedure. We present a case of a conservatively managed proximal phalanx fracture using a reversed dynamic or static finger extension splint, such as Roylan Sof-Stretch. The finger was immobilised using this splint and achieved bony union and very good function at both the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.