Inpatient consultations to an orthopaedic service: the hidden workload.

Background: While the quality and efficiency of out-patient orthopaedic referrals are well documented in the literature, there is little on the standard and appropriateness of inpatient orthopaedic consultations.

Aim: To prospectively audit the pattern of inpatient consultations to an orthopaedic service.

Methods: Data were prospectively collected on all inpatients referred to the orthopaedic service over a 4-month period.

Definition of coordinate system for three-dimensional data analysis in the foot and ankle.

Background: Three-dimensional data is required to have advanced knowledge of foot and ankle kinematics and morphology. However, studies have been difficult to compare due to a lack of a common coordinate system. Therefore, we present a means to define a coordinate frame in the foot and ankle and its clinical application.

An unusual cause of pain post ankle arthrodesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which frequently affects the ankle and foot. End stage ankle arthritis from rheumatic disease is commonly managed by the established practice of ankle arthrodesis. Among the adverse sequelae causing pain following this surgery is infection, pseudo-arthrosis and non-union.

Serum albumin and total lymphocyte count as predictors of outcome in hip fractures.

Background & Aims: Hip fractures are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Malnutrition is a significant contributor to this, however no consensus exists as to the detection or management of this condition. We hypothesise that results of admission serum albumin and total lymphocyte count (TLC), as markers of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) can help predict clinical outcome in hip fracture patients aged over 60 years.

Evaluation of Hylamer-zirconia hip arthroplasty in patients less than 50 years of age.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the clinical outcomes of patients who had total hip arthroplasties with a zirconia (Zr) - Hylamer pairing. Fifty-eight consecutive cemented total hip arthroplasties with a Hylamer cup and 22.25 mm Zr head were examined for component wear and failure.