Predictive Value of the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) Score for Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Patients: A Single-Center Study.

The Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) was developed to predict patient discharge destination for arthroplasty operations. However, since Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been utilized in the UK, the RAPT score has not been validated for use. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the RAPT score in an ERAS environment with short length of stay.

Lessons learnt from managing an avulsion fracture of the tibial tubercle extending into the tibial physis.

Acute avulsions of the tibial tubercle apophysis are uncommon, with reported incidence of 0.4-2.7% of all physeal injuries.

A novel technique for the treatment of infected metalwork in orthopaedic patients using skin closure over irrigated negative pressure wound therapy dressings.

Introduction: There has been recent interest in the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NWPT) as an adjunct to parenteral antibiotics in the treatment of infection in orthopaedic patients with metalwork in situ. To address some of the limitations of standard NPWT in this situation, the senior author has developed a modified method of treatment for infected metalwork (excluding arthroplasty) in orthopaedic patients that includes irrigation and skin closure over the standard NPWT dressing.

Methods: This retrospective study examined the outcome of a case series of 16 trauma and orthopaedic patients with deep infection involving metalwork in whom this modified form of NPWT was used.