AIM: The aims of this investigation were: 1) to study the Functional outcome of performing distraction osteogenesis in cases of infected non-union of tibia treated with Ilizarov and Limb Reconstruction System, and 2) to study the Radiological outcome of performing distraction osteogenesis in cases of infected non-union of tibia treated with Ilizarov and Limb Reconstruction System. METHODS: The study was done with 27 patients of infected gap nonunions of the tibia at Sir JJ Hospitals, Mumbai from 2013-2016. After implant removal, if required radical resection of necrotic tissue and fractures were stabilised with Ilizarov or mono-lateral fixator depending on non-union site. Corticotomy was either done proximally or distally. Patients were followed up at monthly intervals for a minimum of 6 months. RESULTS: The ASAMI-Bone healing score was Excellent or Good in 86% patients, and Functional score was Excellent or Good in 89% of patients. The commonest problems were of pin tract infection, wire loosening and angulation of the transported segment. CONCLUSION: Elderly age, persistent infection, sensory loss in the foot, the stiffness of the knee, and above all the patient’s reluctance to go any further given the protracted treatment besides, systemic disorders such as diabetes are all pointers for considering amputation as an alternative.

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Current national guidelines (NICE) recommends that all medically fit, independently-mobile patients without cognitive impairment receive a total hip arTHAoplasty(THA) for displaced intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fractures. Dislocation is a concern(2-10%). Dual mobility cups have been suggested to address this complication. Our study sets out to compare dislocation rates between dual mobility cups versus unipolar cups. We performed a retrospective single centre multiple surgeon study of all THAs performed for NOFs between January 2012 and May 2018. A total of 322 total hip replacements (127 dual mobility and 195 unipolar ; Age range of patients, 29 to 91, mean 70 years) were identified for analysis using a database. Data was obtained from electronic patient records and radiographs. 12 patients sustained a dislocation of their THA out of our 322 patients. Of these, 10 dislocations occurred in the unipolar group (5.13%). From the dual mobility cups, 2 had dislocations(1.57%), both with a 28mm head. Both of these dislocations were in alcohol dependent patients with increased susceptibility to falls. Statistical analysis of our data was performed using chi-squared test (p value = 0.0723) In ‘Getting It Right First Time’ (GIRFT), the authors recommend that all patients that sustain a NOF fracture meeting the criteria of a THA to be offered a dual mobility acetabular cup to reduce the risk of dislocation. The cost of the dual mobility acetabular cup is offset from the cost of overall revision surgery. Limitations of our study are its retrospective nature and selection bias.

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Introduction Effective communication skills are an extremely important aspect of good medical practice. Fractures are common with over 1 million fractures occurring each year in the UK; of which 5-10% may have problems with healing. Patient perceptions of factors harmful to the fracture healing process are unknown and our study investigates this. Method A total of 418 responses were collected from participants in a single centre in our survey based study to determine patient perception on factors potentially affecting bone-healing. Results 84% and 73% of patients believed tobacco and alcohol to be harmful to bone-healing. 31% thought that there was a harmful effect to bone-healing with ibuprofen and 25% perceived the same regarding caffeine. Paracetamol, vinegar, and chocolate were considered to be least harmful to bone-healing with 20%,15% and 11% responses respectively. Conclusions The majority of patients believed that there was a harmful association with tobacco and alcohol with regards to bone-healing. This harmful relationship is well understood in literature. However, we believe for the benefit of patients, they should all be aware of these detrimental effects. A clear possibility has been identified to improve fracture outcomes by empowering patients to take ownership of their injury by lifestyle modifications which are within their remit.