Hallux valgus interphalangeus: reliability of radiological assessment.

Background: Reliable radiographic measurement of hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) deformity has a role in guiding surgical management. HVI can be assessed using: The aim of the study is to investigate the reliability of these radiological parameters.

Methods: Seventy foot radiographs in patients pre and post hallux valgus corrective surgery were assessed by 3 observers.

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: The Past, Current Controversies, and Future Perspectives.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a bone conserving and ligament-sparing procedure that reliably restores normal knee kinematics and function for arthritis limited either to the medial or the lateral compartment of the knee. Although there is enough evidence to demonstrate that the UKA offers good medium to long-term success given the correct patient selection, prosthesis design, and implantation technique, there are several reports to suggest inferior survival rates in comparison with the total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Furthermore, it is a specialized procedure which works well in the hands of the experienced operator and therefore different authors' tend to draw different conclusions based on the same evidence, and as a result, there is great variability in the usage of the UKA.

Management of anticoagulation in hip fractures: A pragmatic approach.

Hip fractures are common and increasing with an ageing population. In the United Kingdom, the national guidelines recommend operative intervention within 36 hours of diagnosis. However, long-term anticoagulant treatment is frequently encountered in these patients which can delay surgical intervention.

The fate of acutely inflamed joints with a negative synovial fluid culture.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management and fate of acutely inflamed joints with a negative synovial fluid culture.

Methods: Between January and December 2009, all the patients who presented to our institution with an acutely inflamed joint and were subjected to microbiological assessment of their synovial fluid, were included in the study. Patients with a positive synovial fluid culture, a prosthetic joint replacement in situ and where an aspirate was obtained for a rheumatological diagnosis were excluded.

Role of Newman's classification in predicting outcomes in patients with crystal arthritis.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of Newman's classification in predicting outcomes in patients presenting with crystal arthritis.

Methods: Between January and December 2009, all patients who presented to our institution with acute crystal arthritis and were investigated with microbiological assessment of their synovial fluid were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the fulfilment of Newman's criteria for culture-negative septic arthritis.