bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Course on Chronic Disease to Enhance Critical Thinking in Health Promotion Undergraduate Students
Authors: Rote Aubrianne E.
Published: September 2018

A key component of health promotion is disease prevention. Thus, providing students in a health promotion degree program with a foundation of knowledge on chronic disease is essential. While some health promotion degree programs require a course on chronic disease, this practice is not universal. Delivering a course on chronic disease to health promotion undergraduates presents some challenges. Often, students at this education level are experiencing this material for the first time, and faculty teaching in health promotion may not be “experts” in the pathophysiology of chronic disease. Even more challenging, the exact mechanisms of the major chronic diseases burdening society are not fully known. For these reasons, a course on chronic disease within an undergraduate health promotion program may be most beneficial when focusing on the “big picture” of disease in society while providing a foundation of knowledge of what is currently understood about the etiology and subsequent mechanisms of disease. After taking this type of course, students do not have solid, fixed answers about chronic disease mechanisms but rather, have the skill and motivation to continue seeking out new information and drawing their own conclusions. This article details the development, implementation, and evaluation of a course designed to address these challenges. This course used a “flipped” classroom design where students read recently published, “popular press” books and peer-reviewed, research articles. Class time was used to discuss these readings. Student feedback indicates that this strategy was highly successful in facilitating student engagement, learning, and enjoyment of the course.
Gender Gaps in Undergraduate Fields of Study: Do College Characteristics Matter?
Authors: Mullen Ann L. , Baker Jayne
Published: September 2018

Despite gender parity in earned bachelor’s degrees, large gender gaps persist across fields of study. The dominant explanatory framework in this area of research assesses how gender differences in individual-level attributes predict gaps in major choice. The authors argue that individualistic accounts cannot provide a complete explanation because they fail to consider the powerful effects of the gendered institutional environments that inform and shape young men’s and women’s choices. The authors propose a cultural-organizational approach that considers how institutional characteristics and cultural contexts on college campuses may influence gendered choices and thus be associated with patterns of gender segregation across fields of study. The results of an analysis of institutional data on all U.S. degree-granting colleges and universities reveal substantial interinstitutional variation in gender segregation. Furthermore, structural and contextual institutional features related to peer culture, curricular focus, institutional commitment to gender equity, and the gender proportionality of the student body correlate with heightened or diminished levels of segregation.
The Problems and Challenges of the Kadar Tribe of Kerala
Authors: Xavier Sinitha
Published: September 2018

The present article unfurls the problems encountered by the Kadar tribe of Kerala. Kadar is one of the five particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) located in the premises of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Vazhachal Forest Division, to the south of it and in the vicinity of the Athirappilly Waterfalls on riverside of Chalakudy. The study highlights the problems encountered by this tribal community. The particular problems extracted from the study were lack of adequate finance, exploitation by the government officials, problems in finding employment for a minimum standard of living, lack of education, lack of stable income, threat of displacement, alcoholism among members of the family, long distance to educational, medical and commercial institutions, rules and regulations of the government, delay in getting the payments from government agencies, ill health and malnutrition, drain of forest resources and financial liability of the household, lack of infrastructure facilities like good roads to settlements, the existence of unwed mothers, no proper implementation of the Forest Regulation Act (2006) and no documents provided for the ownership of land.
Heterotopic Ossification in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Bemenderfer Thomas , Anderson Robert , Escudero Mario , Waly Feras , Wing Kevin , Davis W. Hodges
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle Arthritis

Introduction/Purpose:

Heterotopic ossification (HO) following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a known sequela and has been reported to contribute to reduced postoperative range of motion and poor patient functional outcomes. However, conflicting results have been reported in the literature with respect to the correlation between HO and clinical outcome. As new strategies and implants continue to be designed, it is important to understand what instruments for measuring the outcome of treatment are important to assess when evaluating outcome measures in TAA. The present study documents the incidence of HO and functional outcome for the novel 2 component fixed bearing Infinity Total Ankle System prosthesis at minimum of two year follow up and reports a systematic review of the literature.

Methods:

We reviewed the incidence, degree of severity, and functional outcome in 67 consecutive patients who underwent primary Infinity TAA at two North American tertiary medical centers between 2013 and 2015 in a prospective observational study. Radiographic and functional outcome data was collected preoperatively, at 6 to 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of studies reporting the incidence of HO following TAA. We included peer-reviewed studies reporting on at least 20 TAAs with minimum follow up of two years.

Results:

While the incidence of HO was 68% at 2.4 years in the 67 patients who underwent primary Infinity TAA, there was no association between HO and AOFAS (HO 73.9, no HO 55.0), SF36-PCS (HO 50.1, no HO 45.2), FFI (HO 22.1, no HO 26.4), and VAS (HO 2.6, no HO 2.3). Fourteen studies with 1201 TAAs were included. The overall incidence of HO following TAA was approximately 56.6% at average 3.8 years with a wide range (range, 22.2-100%). Four studies (299 ankles) did not address functional outcomes. Nine studies (822 ankles) reported no association between functional outcomes and HO. One study (80 ankles) reported a statistically significant difference in range of motion of 7 degrees of dorsiflexion and a 7-point difference in AOFAS score.

Conclusion:

There was no association between HO and functional outcome in our observational cohort. Only one study demonstrated statistically significant differences in range of motion and functional outcome due to HO. Although the minimal clinical important difference in ankle dorsiflexion and AOFAS has not been established in TAA, these differences are below the minimal clinical important difference established in other foot and ankle procedures. Available data, including the results in our 67 patients, suggests that clinical function is independent of the presence of HO.
Biomechanical Impact of FHL Tendon Harvest on Forefoot and Great Toe Push-off Strength and Its Correlation to Knot of Henry Crossover Variation
Authors: Charlton Timothy , Thomas Danielle , Thordarson David , Metzger Melodie , Nelson Trevor
Published: September 2018

Category:

Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon is commonly used for tendon transfers in reconstructive Achilles tendon procedures. A subset of patients who undergo this procedure complain of first great toe weakness and loss of push off strength after FHL tendon transfer. Despite the frequency of this procedure, there is currently little information available to surgeons to help understand this potential complication. Therefore, the objective of this biomechanical cadaveric study was to quantify plantar flexion strength after FHL harvest and correlate it to variations in anatomy to determine if distinct tendon crossover patterns at the Knot of Henry are more likely to lead to forefoot weakness.

Methods:

Cadaveric specimens were procured from an approved tissue bank. The proximal end of the tibia was potted and secured to the Mechanical Testing System. A pressure mapping system was used to measure plantar force though the great toe and lesser toes. The Achilles, FHL, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons were attached to linear actuators for load application. Pressure under the toes was measured with the Achilles alone, Achilles with FHL, Achilles with FDL, and Achilles with both FHL and FDL. The resultant loading patterns were recorded in the greater and lesser toes and compared between the different states. After biomechanical testing, all specimens were carefully dissected and the tendinous slips between the FHL and FDL were documented and classified based on a previously determined system (Types I-V, LaRue; Edama) Functional and anatomical relationship between the classification type and loading patterns were statistically analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:

23 specimens (13M / 10F) with a mean age of 71 years (range: 54-90) were used in this study. 61% were anatomically classified as type I, followed by type II (26%), IV (9%), and type V (4%), and type III (0%). Simulated FHL harvest in type I specimens resulted in a 29% decrease in great toe flexion pressure and an 21% decrease in total forefoot flexion pressure, p<0.05. In type II feet, FHL harvest led to a greater reduction in flexion pressure in the great toe (34%) and forefoot (25%), p<0.05. Type IV specimens also had a decrease in flexion pressure in both the great toe (21%) and forefoot (15%), p<0.05. Type V specimens trended similar to type I specimens.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to quantify loss of great toe and lesser toe flexion pressure after FHL harvest. In addition, it is the first to correlate these losses to variations in anatomic crossover patterns at the Knot of Henry. Specimens classified as type II had the greatest reduction in flexion pressure, followed by type I and type IV. This information is clinically important for preoperative discussions about post-surgical expectations and surgical planning.
Pain Assessment in Foot and Ankle Patients
Authors: Kelly Meghan , Bernstein David , MacDonald Ashlee , Ketz John , Flemister Adolph , DiGiovanni Benedict , Baumhauer Judith , Oh Irvin
Published: September 2018

Category:

Other

Introduction/Purpose:

The ability to accurately quantify a patient’s pain pre-operatively is advantageous in the preparation of post-operative expectations and pain management. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a popular method to identify patient pain level. Other patient reported outcomes are being collected, such as the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and has been suggested to be more accurate in measuring pain as well as physical function. The aim of this study was to 1) determine whether NPRS or PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) demonstrates a stronger association with physical function as determined by PROMIS Physical Function (PF) and 2) to determine which method better predicts post-surgical pain in a population of elective surgical foot and ankle patients.

Methods:

Prospective PROMIS PF, PI and NPRS (0-10) data was obtained for common foot and ankle elective surgical procedures (CPT codes 27698, 27870, 28285, 28289, 28300, 28705, 28730, 28750) from a multi-surgeon foot and ankle clinic between February 2015 until November 2017. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between NPRS (0-10) and PROMIS domains (PI, PF) pre and post-operatively. Correlations were considered high (> 0.7), high moderate (0.6-0.69), moderate (0.4-0.6) or weak (<0.4).

Results:

A total of 502 patients found to have complete data sets and > 6 month follow up were evaluated (74% women, mean age 54+/- SD, mean follow-up 14.4 months, range 6-34 months). Pearson correlation evaluation of NPRS and PI revealed a moderate correlation in the pre- and postoperative setting. There was a high moderate negative correlation between PI and PF t-scores pre and postoperatively suggesting more pain and less function. However, the negative correlation between NPRS and PF pre- and postoperatively was weak indicating a poor relationship between NPRS pain assessment and function. There was a moderate correlation between pre- and postoperative scores in all domains of PROMIS while the correlation between pre- and postoperative NPRS scores was weak.

Conclusion:

In a population of elective surgical foot and ankle patients, the use of both NPRS and PROMIS can be utilized to assess pain level, however the PROMIS PI domain demonstrated a stronger relationship with PROMIS PF than NPRS. Furthermore, only the PROMIS domains demonstrated at least a moderate correlation between pre- and post-operative scores. PROMIS PI provides superior assessment of pre- and post-operative physical function and prediction of post-operative pain. PROMIS PI can be used to gauge a patient’s pre-operative level of pain and function and aid the surgeon in guiding post-operative patient expectations and pain management.
Step Activity After Surgical Treatment of Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Ledoux William , Anderson John , Bohay Donald , Coetzee J. Chris , Davitt James , Hansen Sigvard , Houghton Michael , Orendurff Mike , Shofer Jane , Norvell Dan , Sangeorzan Bruce
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle Arthritis

Introduction/Purpose:

We used step counts as objective measures of activity as a compliment to patient self-reported outcomes in treatment of ankle arthritis to validate success or failure of treatment.

Methods:

234 patients who were treated with ankle arthrodesis or ankle replacement wore step activity monitors before treatment and after treatment at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 36 months. Total steps taken as well as low, medium and high activity, sustained activity, and an activity index were measured in each group. In addition, step activity was compared with the subjects’ self-reported outcome using the MFA and SF-36. We measured change from baseline and compared treatment type. Linear mixed-effects regression analysis was used to test for improvement in step activity (the dependent variables) across follow-up (the fixed effect, modeled as 4 dummy variables representing differences from pre-op at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months), with fixed covariates age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and surgical treatment.

Results:

Both treatment groups improved significantly. Objective and PROM were not parallel. While PROM plateaued at 6 months, steps continued to increase at 36 months. Step counts increases did correlate with improving PROM however. Patients undergoing arthrodesis had slower improvement than arthroplasty patients with greater differences in the early stages of recovery (i.e., 6 and 12-month post-op) than at 36 months where improvements were similar across groups. (See table 2 for data). The trajectory of recovery was different but there were no significant differences in improvement by surgery procedure.

Conclusion:

Patients increase the number and the intensity of steps after treatment. Improvement after arthrodesis and ankle replacement follow different trajectories. For step totals, high intensity steps and the sustained activity metrics, arthroplasty patients showed more improvement than arthrodesis patients early in recovery. Step data are consistent with patient reported outcomes but do not parallel them. Unlike PROM which improve dramatically in the first six months then plateau, step activity demonstrated mild or no improvement at 6 months but later had improvement that increased gradually across follow-up out to three years. Objective outcome measures add value to measurement of treatment outcomes.
Arthroscopic Bone Marrow Stimulation in the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Park Kwang Hwan , Park JaeHan , Kwon Jai Bum , Han Seung Hwan , Lee Jin Woo
Published: September 2018

Category:

Arthroscopy

Introduction/Purpose:

Arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) has presented promising clinical outcomes in recent studies. However, there were few studies which had investigated long-term clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesion of the talus and to identify prognostic factors that affect the outcome.

Methods:

Between January 2001 and December 2007, 159 patients (172 ankles) with OLT underwent arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation as a primary surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and re-operation rate. Factors associated with re-operation were evaluated using bivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier plot showed survival outcomes of OLT in long-term follow-up.

Results:

The mean follow-up time was 12.7 years (range 10.1-16.8) and the mean size of the lesion was 105.4 mm2 (range 19.8- 322.8). The mean VAS improved from 7.21 ± 1.71 to 1.76 ± 1.60. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 57.98 ±14.43 and the mean postoperative AOFAS was 82.91 ± 11.58. FAOS at the time of final follow-up was comparable with those of previous literatures which showed outcomes of surgical treatments of OLT in short- and mid-term follow-up. Re-operation rate was 6.40% (11 patients with 12 revision surgery) including seven cases of re-arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation, and five cases of OAT. According to bivariate analysis, significant factor associated with re-operation was large sized OLT in preoperative MRI measurement.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesion of the talus has made satisfactory clinical outcomes through long-term follow-up over 10 years.
Custom 3D-printed Total Talar Prostheses Restore Normal Joint Anatomy Throughout the Hindfoot
Authors: Tracey Joseph , Arora Danny , Parekh Selene
Published: September 2018

Category:

Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Third generation total talar prostheses (TTP) are viable options for talar avascular necrosis (AVN) in the absence of neighboring joint pathology. The use of modern three-dimensional (3D) printing allows for the production of custom implants that exactly mimic the patient’s anatomy. The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of 3D printing in reproducing a synthetic talus, and in doing so, restoring more normal anatomic relationships. We hypothesize that this mode of replication will restore and maintain normal radiographic alignment of the ankle, subtalar, and forefoot joints in the setting of talar AVN.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients undergoing TTP implantation for the treatment of talar AVN between 2016 and 2017. Pertinent demographic and operative factors were recorded. Radiographic measurements were taken pre- and post-operatively to determine native talar dimensions, TTP implant dimensions, and the corresponding radiographic alignment about the forefoot, hindfoot, and ankle.

Results:

Fourteen patients, treated for AVN between 2016-2017, were identified in our cohort. Talar arc length and width were not found to be significantly changed, however talar height was significantly increased with use of TTP. Five alignment dimensions were measured (tibiotalar alignment, talar tilt angle, Boehler’s angle, talar declination angle, and Meary’s Angle), of which, only talar tilt angle was significantly changed. Instances of Meary’s angle correction were observed in cavus and planus foot deformity.

Conclusion:

This study represents the largest case series of TTP performed in the United States, and is the first to investigate the 3D printed TTP. As a proof-of-concept, 3D printed TTP was successful in restoring talar height and talar tilt in the setting of AVN. Additionally, the procedure maintained normal alignment in non-pathologic joints. Total talar prosthesis, based on our cohort, is a viable option to restore more normal anatomic alignment.
An Update on the Canadian Experience Treating End Stage Ankle Arthritis with Fusion or Replacement Surgery
Authors: Wing Kevin , Sutherland Jason , Daniels Timothy , Dryden Peter , Penner Murray , Younger Alastair , Veljkovic Andrea
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle Arthritis

Introduction/Purpose:

There is much interest in the surgical treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Our team has previously reported comparisons between ankle fusion and replacement outcomes for 321 ankles at 5.5 years from a prospective cohort. This research extends the observational period for another six years, ending in 2013. Our primary hypothesis is that patient-reported clinical outcomes for ankle fusion and replacements would be similar at last follow up.

Methods:

Patients in the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) Prospective Ankle Reconstructive Database were treated with total ankle replacement (involving Agilty, Star, Mobilty, Hintegra, or Inbone) or fusion (open or arthroscopic). Patient characteristics collected included demographics, comorbidities, smoking status and body mass index. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) completed by patients were the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Pre-operative and most recent patient data, with at least four years follow-up, were analyzed. Sensitivity analyses excluded ankles that had undergone revision. A linear mixed-effects regression model compared scores between total ankle replacement and fusion groups, adjusting for patient characteristics, baseline data and surgeon.

Results:

The sample included 844 ankles (556 ankle replacements and 284 arthrodesis). The mean follow up period was 8.0 years (standard deviation 3.1 years), with minimum and maximum of 4 and 14 years, respectively. Patients treated with arthrodesis were younger, more likely to be diabetic and smokers, and somewhat less likely to have inflammatory arthritis. Overall, 19.4% of ankle fusion and 30.8% of ankle replacements underwent all-cause re-operation. The mean AOS total score improved from 58.6 points pre-operatively to 31.4 post-operatively (delta 27.2), and from 57.0 to 26.9 points (delta 30.1) in the ankle replacement group. Differences in the change in AOS and SF-36 scores between the arthrodesis and ankle replacement groups were minimal after adjustment for baseline characteristics and surgeon.

Conclusion:

Clinical outcomes of total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis were comparable in a diverse cohort of patients whose follow up period ranged between 4 and 14 years post-operatively.
Validated Risk Stratification System for Prediction of Adverse Events Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Ankle
Authors: Bohl Daniel , Holmes George , Hamid Kamran , Lin Johnny , Lee Simon
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

As orthopaedic surgery moves towards bundled payments, there is growing interest in identifying patients at high risk for postoperative adverse events. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a risk stratification system for the occurrence of adverse events following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the ankle.

Methods:

Patients undergoing ORIF of closed ankle fractures as part of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) were identified. For patients undergoing surgery during 2006-2014, multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to identify factors that were independently associated with the occurrence of adverse events (including events such as surgical site infection, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism). Based on these results, a nomogram was used to generate a point-scoring system for risk stratification. To evaluate the validity of the point-scoring system, the system was applied to patients undergoing ankle ORIF during 2015-2016.

Results:

Of the 6,140 patients undergoing surgery during 2006-2014, 5.8% developed an adverse event. Based on the Cox proportional hazards regression, patients were assigned points for each of the following statistically significant risk factors: anemia (+2 points), insulin-dependent diabetes (+2 points), age=65 (+1 point), dependent functional status (+1 point), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; +1 point), and hypertension (+1 point; Figure 1A). 4,702 patients were identified in the 2015-2016 validation cohort. Among these patients, the risk-stratification system was found to strongly predict the risk for adverse events (p<0.001, Figure 1B).

Conclusion:

The occurrence of adverse events following ankle ORIF is associated with anemia, insulin-dependent diabetes, age=65, dependent functional status, COPD, and hypertension. We present and validate a simple point-scoring risk stratification system to predict the risk of adverse events. Future systems of bundled payments for ankle ORIF should exclude high-risk patients from the bundling systems, or make appropriate adjustments in reimbursement based on risk.
Outcomes following treatment of the infected Achilles tendon
Authors: Bowers Mark , Turner Norman , Ryssman Daniel
Published: September 2018

Category:

Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

Infection following Achilles tendon surgery is a devastating complication and can be difficult to treat. Our purpose was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for an infected Achilles tendon.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for an infected Achilles tendon between 2000 and 2016. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range 2-68 months). All patients underwent extensive debridement of the tendon with removal of all infected tissue and foreign material. Soft tissue wound coverage was utilized for large wounds that were not amenable to primary or secondary closure. All patients received culture specific intravenous antibiotics for three to six weeks. Postoperatively, the extremity was immobilized in a splint followed by a cast until the wound was healed. The cast was then replaced with a walking boot and the patients were provided a physical therapy program. Functional outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale.

Results:

All wounds had healed at the time of last follow-up. Three patients (15%) required an unplanned return to the operating room for repeat debridement. All patients were able to walk without the use of a gait aid. Five patients (25%) required continued use of a boot or brace during ambulation. The average FAAM score was 87 (range, 71.4-100). At last follow-up, most patients reported their overall function as “normal” or “nearly normal”.

Conclusion:

Eradication of infection and satisfactory functional results can be attained after radical debridement, wound closure, and administration of culture specific IV antibiotics.
Screw Distraction Technique For Gaining Fibular Length
Authors: Briceno Jorge , Vaughn Joshua , Ye Michael , Kwon John
Published: September 2018

Category:

Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

A shortened fibula may be caused by several conditions like tumors, premature closure of the growth plate and most frequently, malunion. Biomechanically a shortened fibula causes a lateral shift of the talus, widening of the ankle mortise, decreased tibiotalar contact area and eventually could lead to osteoarthritis. Even in a posttraumatic scenario, with moderate or severe osteoarthritis, fibular lengthening has shown to be beneficial in terms of pain reduction and improved function.Several osteotomies have been described with their advantages and disadvantages in terms of technical difficulty, need for bone graft and the ability to correct length and rotation.We present an easy and reproducible surgical technique on a case, that allow restoring length and rotation independently and it does not require complex distractor devices.

Methods:

Case report: A 34 year old female patient who presented 8 months status post initial open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). She developed a fibular nonunion, broken distal fixation with a shortened fibula and non-anatomic mortise and presented for revision surgery.Surgical technique: The fibula is exposed in standard fashion. A fully-threaded cortical screw is placed across the tibia, distal to the fibula fracture and parallel to the plafond. Next, a second screw is placed into the fibula bicortically from anterior to posterior and approximately 12 mm distal to the tibial screw. A toothed laminar spreader is then placed in-between the screws and distracted resulting in a lengthening of the fibula. A 2 mm Kirschner wire is placed to hold reduction once fibular length is restored and ORIF continues in standard fashion.

Results:

The technique we present has several advantages. The technique is straightforward, easy to reproduce, and cost effective. Since the anchoring points used for distraction are not both in the fibula, rotation is not implicitly locked in as in the case when both anchoring points are in the fibula, allowing for independent and progressive adjustment of both length and rotation. There is also less risk of proximal migration of the fibular head as no force is applied directly to the proximal fibula. There is also less risk of proximal migration of the fibular head as no force is applied directly to the proximal fibula.

Conclusion:

Fibular lengthening can achieve improved function, pain relief and decrease the risk of osteoarthritis in selected patients. Several techniques with different degrees of difficulty have been described to treat this condition, but most are not versatile enough in correcting the length and rotation independently. The technique that we present has the advantage of correcting the length and rotation as needed, without requiring complex devices.
Accuracy of a Single Tunnel Technique for Reconstruction of the Interosseous Talocalcaneal Ligament
Authors: Bull Patrick , Weber Jeffrey , So Eric
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Numerous reconstructive techniques to address subtalar joint instability have been described. Interest has focused on direct anatomic repair of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL) with tendon autograft, which is passed through osseous tunnels of the talus and calcaneus within the native anatomic boundaries of the compromised ITCL. To our knowledge, the technique employed to accurately place a guidewire and create a percutaneously developed tunnel through the anatomical footprint of the ITCL to restore it has not been described. The purpose of this study was to confirm that an osseous tunnel could be positioned within the ligamentous footprints accurately and safely, to define anatomic landmarks that can be used as reference points to reproduce an accurate tunnel, and assess the structures at risk during percutaneous reconstruction.

Methods:

Ten fresh cadaveric below-knee specimens were utilized. Under fluoroscopy, an anterior cruciate ligament guide was utilized to place a drill tunnel from the plantar lateral aspect of the calcaneus, across the sinus tarsi, and through the dorsal medial talus. The monofilament wire was passed through this tunnel to serve as a simulated model for cortical button fixation within the footprint of the ITCL. The first five specimens (group 1) were dissected; structures at risk and wire distance to the center of the ITCL were recorded. The procedure was then performed on the second set of five specimens (group 2) to assess for improvement in our technique.

Results:

The mean distances from the wire to the ITCL on the calcaneus and talus were 2.92 mm and 4.04 mm, respectively. Mean distances from the wire to ITCL on the calcaneus in groups 1 and 2 were 4.04 mm and 1.80 mm, respectively (p = .04). Mean distances from the wire to ITCL on the talus in groups 1 and 2 were 6.23 mm and 1.84 mm, respectively (p = .08). Violated structures included the tibialis anterior tendon in one specimen, and the most dorsal aspect of the talar head cartilage in 2 specimens.

Conclusion:

Under fluoroscopic guidance, and with minimal technique experience, a tunnel can be directed across the ITCL footprints accurately and safely. In our last five specimens, we were within 2 mm of the ITCL center, and well within the typical 8.5 mm average ITCL width. In our practice, we have reconstructed the ITCL with a cortical button fixation device using this technique and found it to be efficient and effective.
Deltoid Ligament Repair for Tibiotalar Stabilization and Reduction of Syndesmosis
Authors: Butler Bennet , Hempen Eric , Muriuki Muturi , Havey Robert , Patwardhan Avinash , Kadakia Anish
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Ankle fractures with combined deltoid ligament/syndesmotic injuries are common. Proper reduction of these injuries may be deceptively difficult due to the complexity of the tibiotalar and syndesmotic articulations. The syndesmosis, in particular, has been shown to have a fairly high rate of malreduction with traditional techniques and intraoperative imaging. Additionally, the deltoid ligament has important contributions to tibiotalar alignment and stability which cannot be replaced with laterally based fixation alone. Deltoid ligament repair has the potential to address both of the proceeding issues, but has fallen out of favor due to a lack of clinical evidence supporting its use. Here we provide cadaveric data showing that deltoid ligament repair can assist with accurate syndesmotic reduction and stabilize the talus in all planes of motion.

Methods:

21 lower limbs disarticulated at the knee were obtained for testing. A material testing machine capable of exerting known axial and rotational forces was utilized for testing. A motion capture system was used to accurately track the tibia, talus, and fibula in all planes of translational and rotational movement. The relative positions of each bone with respect to each other were tracked with the ankle hanging under gravitational forces only and with a modest axial force. This was done in intact ankles, ankles following creation of a combined deltoid ligament/syndesmotic injury state, and subsequently after deltoid ligament repair (Figure 1).

Results:

Compared to the intact state, after injury creation there was a significant increase in talar eversion with respect to the tibia when hanging which corrected with axial loading. Additionally, there was a significant increase in talar internal rotation with respect to the tibia with axial loading. Finally, there was a trend towards increased anterior translation of the fibula with respect to the tibia with axial loading which corrected with hanging. All of these rotational/translational issues were corrected with deltoid ligament repair.

Conclusion:

This study provides cadaveric evidence that after a combined deltoid ligament/syndesmotic injury, deltoid ligament repair can help ensure accurate syndesmotic reduction and stabilize the tibiotalar joint, especially with respect to inversion/eversion.
Relationship Between Hemoglobin A1c Value and Bone Healing in Diabetic Ankle Fractures Treated Operatively versus Non-operatively
Authors: Hughes Jessica , Hughes Jonathan , Brennan Kindyle , Maldonado Yolanda Munoz , Stahl Daniel
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Diabetic ankle fractures create unique challenges to fracture management, such as impaired wound / bone healing and increased infection rate. There is inconclusive evidence regarding a specific hemoglobin A1c (A1c) value or glucose level at which the risk of adverse outcomes increases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the A1c level at which the rate of nonunion and other major complications significantly increased in diabetic ankle fractures treated operatively (Op) and non-operatively (Nonop).

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of diabetic ankle fractures treated Op or NonOp with at least 3 months follow up and a hemoglobin A1c value within 90 days of injury. A query of electronic medical records was performed to identify all patients 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of diabetes and who underwent Op or NonOp management as the initial treatment of an ankle fracture between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2014 within a single health system. Union was defined as callus formation at 3 of 4 cortices on radiographs, while nonunion was defined as lack of fracture healing at 6 months based on radiographs of the injured ankle. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore demographic, injury-related, and management-related risk factors that influence nonunion and major complications.

Results:

A total of 243 ankle fractures (130 Op, 113 NonOp) were identified. Nine patients in the NonOp group failed nonoperative management and required surgical fixation. There were 51 patients that developed nonunion/malunions (19 Op, 32 NonOp). Patients with diabetic neuropathy or nephropathy had significantly higher risk of nonunion. In both groups, length of immobilization greater than 12 weeks was a significant predictor of nonunion. There was no A1c level nor preinjury glucose level at which there was significantly increased rate of nonunion or deep infections in either treatment group. However, A1c was a predictor of wound complications at 3 months postoperative in the Op group with an odds ratio of 1.26. There was no significant difference in wound complications at 3 months between treatment groups.

Conclusion:

While no specific A1c value or glucose level demonstrated a significant rise in fracture nonunion, this study found that diabetic neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy play a significant role in fracture healing. However, hemoglobin A1c was found to be a predictor of wound complications at 3 months postoperative. Additionally, the data suggested a longer duration of immobilization may negatively impact fracture union. These results highlight the complexity of treating diabetic ankle fractures and suggest prolonged immobilization may not be beneficial for this subpopulation.
The Prevalence of Degenerative Changes in Foot of Patients Presenting with Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Johnson-Lynn Sarah , Siddique Malik
Published: September 2018

Category:

Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Prevalence of degenerative disease of the joints of the foot is likely to be very low in the general population, as demonstrated by a previous cadaveric study (Muehleman et al. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 1997; 5 (1): 23-37). We hypothesised that the prevalence of these changes may be higher in patients presenting with ankle arthritis and we report the prevalence of these additional findings and their effect on patient-reported outcomes (PROMS) at presentation.

Methods:

247 patients presented to our unit with ankle arthritis, which later went on to require total ankle replacement and were therefore included in our local joint replacement registry. Of these, 125 had available pre-operative MRI imaging. These images were reviewed by an orthopaedic resident and consultant radiologist.

Results:

93 patients had evidence of degenerative change to other joints in the foot. The mean number of other joints affected was 1.25. The most common joints affected were the subtalar (67), talonavicular (32), tarsometatarsal (28), naviculocuneiform (21) and calcaneocuboid (5) joints. 92 patients had completed pre-operative FAOS scores. Multiple ANOVA of this data demonstrated no significant difference between the group with only ankle arthritis and those with other degenerative joints in terms of pre-operative FAOS score (p >0.05). In a subset of 19 patients who had pain diagrams available, most patients did not indicate areas of pain in the regions of their other degenerative joints. Pain drawings suggested 0% TMTJ, 25% TNJ and 78% subtalar joints were symptomatic at presentation.

Conclusion:

Most patients presenting with ankle arthritis will have at least one additional area of significant degenerative joint disease somewhere in the foot. Many of these will not be overtly symptomatic at the time of presentation and number and location of other degenerative joints in the foot does not result in significant differences in pre-operative PROMS, from those reported in patients with only ankle arthritis.
The circular arc internal fixation for tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis
Authors: Klaue Kaj
Published: September 2018

Category:

Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Stabilizing a tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis in anatomical alignment allowing for weight bearing is a technical challenge. Normal anatomy demonstrates alignment of the heel, the posterior subtalar facet, the talus, the ankle joint and the distal tibia on a circular arc. This arc lies on a vertical plane which is slightly angulated inwards in relation to the sagittal plane. Today’s hindfoot nails do not respect this alignment. Complications include malalignment, primary instability, plantar neuropraxia. Purpose of the study is to optimize the technique to stabilize the hindfoot in anatomical alignment.

Methods:

An instrumentation was designed to create a circular arc bore hole crossing the heel, the posterior subtalar facet, the tibio-talar joint and the distal tibia metaphysis. At the operation, the desired definitive position of the hindfoot is fixed temporarily with Kirschner wires. A guiding frame is fixed to three critical spots of the hindfoot to drill the central hole. Using an image amplifier the hole is bored using a motor driven end cutting flexible reamer which is seated within a rigid curved hull. The nail has the same shape than the hull and is impacted up to the distal tibia. The nail allows for eventual secondary impaction without losing full contact with the surrounding bone. 30 patients have been treated so far using this technique and evaluated more than 6 months post-operatively.

Results:

The pathology of the operated patients include post-traumatic, congenital and metabolic (diabetes) conditions. The mean follow-up is 16 months. We did observe 3 ruptures of the tibial locking screw which allowed for more spontaneous impaction. All cases went to consolidation without malunion or other complications. One diabetic patient developed a stable pseudarthrosis at the midfoot joints. The patients were treated for 2 weeks post-op with a closed circular cast allowing heel contact to the floor. After 2 weeks our patients did practise partial to full weight bearing using a cam walker for other 6 weeks.

Conclusion:

The tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis can be successfully treated using a central circular arc shaped nail allowing for full form fit between implant and bone. The anatomical bony alignment of the hindfoot is corrected or preserved. Due to the safe and limited approaches, the technique prevents complications such as neurological complications and non-unions. We expect a shorter period of time between surgical fixation and full weight bearing.
Role of MRI in the Diagnosis of Injury to the Lisfranc Ligament Complex
Authors: Kreulen Christopher , Giza Eric , Escobedo Eva , Bateni Cyrus , Doherty Michael
Published: September 2018

Category:

Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

Subtle Lisfranc ligamentous injuries are difficult to diagnose and magnetic resonance is becoming a useful tool. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the diagnosis of injuries of the Lisfranc ligament complex.

Methods:

The radiology database was searched between Jan 1, 2010 and Mar 10, 2015 to identify patients over the age of 18 years who had MR imaging of the foot for suspected injury of the Lisfranc ligament complex. MR images were reviewed by 2 fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists, whom were blinded to the original radiology reports. Findings were categorized as: no injury or injury present. Injury was deemed to be present if 2 of the 3 components of C1-M2 ligament showed disruption or signal alterations on T1 and T2 weighted images. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Correlation was made with surgical findings whenever performed. In patients not undergoing surgery, the presence or absence of injury was determined by clinical examination performed by an orthopedic surgeon and follow-up. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MR for diagnosis of Lisfranc ligament complex injury was determined.

Results:

Of 60 patients, 9 were excluded due to a lack of follow-up. Lisfranc injury was determined to be present on MR in 26 patients and 18 underwent surgery. Injury was confirmed in 16, and 2 were intact. 2 patients underwent closed reduction and were clinically determined to be injured. 6 of the injured 26 patients were sprained and not injured/torn on clinical evaluation. Of the 25 patients determined to have no injury on MR, 24 were intact clinically. 1 patient had a Lisfranc injury on follow-up. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MR for detection of significant Lisfranc injury were 94.7% (CI: 73.9% to 99.9%), 75% (CI: 56.6% to 88.5%), 69.2% (CI: 55% to 80.5%) and 96% (CI: 77.9% to 99.4%) respectively.

Conclusion:

MR has a high sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosis of injury to the Lisfranc ligament complex. MR of the foot should be considered in patients with clinical suspicion of injury to the Lisfranc ligament complex, and it is highly accurate in excluding such injuries.
The etiology of the end-stage varus type ankle arthritis evaluated by weight-bearing simulated computed tomography
Authors: Kurokawa Hiroaki , Taniguchi Akira , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: September 2018

Category:

Ankle Arthritis

Introduction/Purpose:

In the patients with the varus type ankle arthritis, the stage of disease was classified according to the narrowing of tibiotalar joint using the weight-bearing ankle radiography. By the Takakura-Tanaka classification, the stage 4 ankle arthritis indicates more than half of the joint space was disappeared in the tibiotalar joint. Inclination of the surface of tibiotalar joint in the patients with stage 4 ranges from neutral to severely varus, that may confuse the etiology of staged ankle arthritis. The purpose of this study was clarifying the etiology of the stage 4 ankle arthritis combined with evaluating the syndesmotic instability using the weight-bearing simulated computed tomography(CT).

Methods:

Forty nine ankles with stage 4 varus type ankle arthritis were investigated. A weight-bearing simulated CT scan was taken in the neutral position of the ankle with a 300 N pressure from plantar side. In the axial view of the CT at 1 cm proximal to the tibial plafond, the distance between the fibula and the tibia was measured as the fibular clear space (FCS-CT). In the anteroposterior view of the weight-bearing radiography of the ankle, the angle between the tibial shaft and the joint surface of the distal end of the tibia was measured as the tibial anterior surface angle(TAS-Xp). The Pearson correlation coefficient was obtained to identify the correlations between the FCS-CT and the TAS-Xp. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

The FCS-CT was 4.3±1.2 mm. The TAS-Xp was 81±4.9°. According to the Pearson correlation coefficient between the FCS-CT and the TAS-Xp, positive correlations were identified (r=0.45; p=0.0011).

Conclusion:

This study revealed the correlation between the inclination of the distal joint surface of the tibia and distance of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. In the patients with larger FCS-CT, syndesmotic instability may exist, that may lead to the distributed share stress in the tibiotalar joint without the inclination of the joint surface. In the patients with smaller FCS-CT, the varus stress directly transfer to the ankle joint, that may cause to the varus inclination of the distal joint surface of the tibia.