and the use of post-operative autologous drains. Patients and MethodsWe prospectively looked at 177 consecutive cases performed at one centre by a single surgical and anaesthetic team to identify which patient and operative factors were most significant in minimizing the requirement for an allogeneic blood transfusion. ResultsOur results identified the duration of surgery as being the only significant variable affecting the level of blood loss. We noted a 3% increase in the probability of massive blood loss (>2000mls) for every minute of increased surgical time in our series. ConclusionWe conclude that measures to minimize the duration of surgery would be beneficial in reducing blood loss and the risks of requiring blood transfusions in revision hip surgery.

No abstract

Leg length discrepancy may occur following total hip arthroplasty, with a potentially impaired functional outcome as a result. The aim of this study was to compare the leg length discrepancy between both cemented and uncemented femoral stems when used in total hip arthroplasty. A prospective radiological study of 200 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties was performed between June 2005 and December 2006. Pre and post-operative radiographs were analysed. 56 (56%) of the total hip arthroplasties where an uncemented femoral stem was used had a leg length discrepancy over 1 cm. However only 23 (23%) of the total hip arthroplasties with a cemented femoral stem had a leg length discrepancy over 1 cm. The use of cemented femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty results in a lower incidence of leg length discrepancy, with a potentially better functional outcome.

This method of anatomical restoration of the femur with dual-plane fixation is a highly effective method of treating this complex group of patients, and should be considered as a first line of treatment. It shows that there is a role for successful treatment with internal fixation of certain B2, C and D fractures with this technique.