bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Risk of Displacement with Early Weight Bearing of the Isolated Weber B Fracture: Results of a New Treatment Protocol
Authors: Madeley N. Jane , Obi Nnamdi , Senthil Kumar Chinnasamy , Rymaszewski Lech 
Published: November 2020

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Truly isolated Weber B distal fibula fractures are stable injuries that usually recover well following non- operative treatment, however the concern over the possibility of a medial ligament injury, and ankle instability has traditionally lead to regular surveillance in the fracture clinics to exclude delayed talar shift developing. After recent studies suggesting this risk is low we introduced a new functional treatment protocol and present our early results. Methods: 141 consecutive patients presenting acutely with isolated Weber B fractures without talar shift during a 12 months period were included. ED notes and radiographs were reviewed. All patients were splinted in a removable boot, and allowed to fully weight bear up to their comfort levels. Patients without signs of a medial ligament injury were then discharged from follow-up with advice to wear the boot for 6 weeks, an information leaflet and exercise sheet and a helpline number in case of difficulties. If they wanted clinic review this was organised. If signs of a medial ligament injury were documented, or the medial findings were not clear the patient was reviewed with up to date radiographs in the fracture clinic at 4 weeks post-injury. If talar shift developed the patient was to be converted to operative treatment. Olerud and Molander scores were collected between 6 and 12 months post- injury. Results: There were 51 patients without signs of medial ligament injury and of these 23 were discharged according to protocol and 28 patients attended fracture clinic. 89 patients had signs of medial ligament injury or no documented medial findings and of these 65 attended fracture clinic. One discharged patient re-accessed care. Of 93 patients reviewed in the fracture clinic none developed delayed talar shift. One underwent delayed ORIF for ongoing fibula discomfort and the remainder continued with non- operative treatment. 99 (70%) patients provided outcome scores. The mean Olerud and Molander score at a minimum of 6 months follow-up was 87 and the median score was 100. No significant difference was found between treatment arms. The scores were comparable to those in the published literature. Conclusion: We conclude the risk of delayed talar shift is low and satisfactory outcomes can be safely achieved with our functional protocol. Additional tests/imaging to establish the integrity of the medial ligament may be unnecessary.
Anatomical Risk Factors Associated with Rapid Progression of Hallux Valgus Deformity
Authors: Masashi Shinohara , Satoshi Yamaguchi , Yoshimasa Ono 
Published: November 2020

Category: Bunion; Other Introduction/Purpose: Hallux valgus (HV) deformity generally progresses gradually over the long term. However, the deformity progresses rapidly in some patients. Information on the future progression of the deformity helps treatment decision-making of both surgeons and patients. However, few studies have reported the natural progression of HV deformity. The purposes of this study were to clarify 1) the incidence and 2) anatomical risk factors of the rapid progression of HV deformity. Methods: Patients who visited the foot and ankle clinic of our hospital between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent repeated foot radiographs with an interval of >=2 years. Exclusion criteria were patients <18 years old, history of first ray surgery, deformity or destruction of the first metatarsal head, and unable to stand plantigrade. The increase in HV angle between the baseline and the last follow-up was calculated. Then, patients were dichotomized into two groups: those with an increase in HV angle >=5°(Group P) and those with an increase of <5°(Group S). Radiographic measurements, including HV angle, Hardy’s sesamoid position, distal metatarsal articular angle, rounded metatarsal head, first metatarsal protrusion distance, were performed on the dorsoplantar and lateral foot radiographs at the baseline. The association between the baseline radiographic measurements and progression of HV deformity was assessed using the univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 268 feet of 268 patients (217 women and 51 men, mean age 61 years) were analyzed. The mean HV angle was 28°, and the mean interval between radiography was 49 months. Forty-five (17%) and 223 (83%) feet were categorized into groups P and S, respectively. The baseline Hardy’s sesamoid position was independently associated with the future progression of the deformity: 6/115 (5%) feet with normal sesamoid (grade <4) were in group P. On the other hand, 39/183 (21%) feet with laterally deviated sesamoid (grade>=4), 39 were in group P (p<0.001). The HV angle at baseline was not associated with the deformity progression (p=0.09). Other measurements, such as rounded metatarsal head, were also not associated with the progression. Conclusion: The rapid progression of HV deformity occurred in 1 out of 6 patients. Furthermore, the lateral deviation of the sesamoid on the dorsoplantar radiograph of the foot may be the risk factor of the rapid progression. For patients with mild deformity but deviated sesamoid, early corrective surgery may be justified to prevent the rapid progression of HV deformity.
Mid- to Long-term Follow-up of Total Ankle Arthroplasty using Salto Talaris Implant
Authors: Mathews Chelsea S. , Davitt James S. , Coetzee J. Chris , Norvell Daniel , Ledoux William R. , Sangeorzan Bruce J. 
Published: November 2020

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) continues to be investigated as a primary treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. The objective of this study was to report mid- to long-term results of the Salto Talaris TAA using patient reported outcomes and retention rates with mid- to long-term follow up. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study using prospectively collected data. 316 patients received a Salto Talaris TAA at one of three institutions from 2005-2015 were included in the study. Outcomes included subdomain scores of the SF-36 (bodily pain and physical function) and adverse events including additional surgeries or revision/removal of components. Results: Statistically significant improvements were seen in pain and physical function scores at 2 year follow up and were maintained through most recent follow-up. Retention rate of the prosthesis was >95% in all patients (30/32 at > 10 years, 272/284 at 4.5-10 years). 14 patients underwent revision or removal of prosthesis. 15 patients had additional surgery that did not involve revision or removal of components. Conclusion: Treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis with the Salto Talaris implant provides patients with improved pain and functional outcome scores in long-term follow up. Low revision rates demonstrate the durability of this prosthesis.
The Role of Deep Deltoid Ligament in Ankle Fracture Stability: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study
Authors: McCormack Daniel , Kirmani Sayyied J. , Aziz Sheweidin , Faroug Radwane , Mangwani Jitendra 
Published: November 2020

Category: Ankle; Basic Sciences/Biologics; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Supination-external rotation (SER) injuries make up 80% of all ankle fractures. SER stage 2 injuries (AITFL and Weber B) are considered stable. SER stage 3 injury includes disruption of the posterior malleolus (or PITFL). In SER stage 4 there is either medial malleolus fracture or deltoid injury. SER 4 injuries have been considered unstable, requiring surgery. The deltoid ligament is a key component of ankle stability, but clinical tests to assess deltoid injury have low specificity. This biomechanical cadaveric study specifically investigates the role of the components of the deep deltoid ligament in the stabillity of SER ankle fractures. Methods: In the first phase of the study, three specimens were utilised to standardise dissection of the deltoid ligament and creation and fixation of SER ankle fracture. In phase two, four matched pairs (8 specimens) were tested using this standardised protocol (Figure1). Specimens were sequentially tested for stability when axially loaded with a custom rig with up to 750N. Specimens were tested with: ankle intact; lateral injury (AITFL and Weber B); additional posterior injury (PITFL); additional anterior deep deltoid; additional posterior deep deltoid; lateral side ORIF. Clinical photographs and radiographs were recorded at each stage. In addition, dynamic stress radiographs were performed after sectioning the deep deltoid and following fracture fixation to assess talar tilt in eversion. Results: All specimens behaved in an identical manner when subjected to this standardised protocol. When the posterior deep deltoid ligament was intact, the ankle remained stable when loaded and showed no talar tilt on dynamic stress test. Once the posterior deep deltoid ligament was sectioned, there was demonstrable instability in all specimens. Surgical stabilisation of the lateral side using standard technique with a plate prevented talar shift but not talar tilt. In adequately stabilised ankle specimens, there was no loss of fixation on axial loading. Conclusion: This biomechanical cadaveric experiment demonstrates that under the standardised test conditions, all SER fracture ankle specimens with an intact posterior deep deltoid ligament behaved as stable injuries. The posterior portion of the deep deltoid ligament is a crucial structure in conferring stability to SER stage 4 injuries. The clinical implication of this is that when the posterior deep deltoid ligament is intact, SER fractures may be managed without surgical intervention in a plantigrade cast. We also conclude that without immobilisation, the talus may tilt in the mortise risking long-term deltoid incompetence.
Anatomic Relationship of the Sural Nerve when Performing Achilles Tendon Repair using the Percutaneous Achilles Repair System, a Cadaveric Study
Authors: McGee Roddy , Watson Troy S. , Eudy Adam , Brady Candice L. , Vanier Cheryl , LeCavalier Daniel , Hoang Victor C. 
Published: November 2020

Category: Sports; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Minimally-invasive techniques for Achilles tendon repair are gaining popularity by orthopedic surgeons due to the reports of similar re-rupture rates with open versus percutaneous techniques with less wound complications and quicker recovery with percutaneous methods. The goal of the study was to quantify the relationship of the sural nerve to the Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS) during Achilles tendon repair and identify sural nerve violations utilizing this system. Methods: The PARS was placed into ten lower extremity cadaveric specimens after simulation of an Achilles tendon rupture. After placement of the PARS jig and passage of the needles, careful dissection was performed in order to identify whether the sural nerve was violated and the distance of the sural nerve in relation to the passed needles was recorded. Results: Of the 10 cadaveric specimens, none had violation of the sural nerve during percutaneous needle passage. Zero of the 50 (0%) needles directly punctured the substance of the sural nerve, however, one needle was found to have come into close proximity separating the sural nerve and small saphenous vein but when the suture was passed and the PARS jig removed, the nerve was found remain intact with no evidence of entrapment. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential risk for sural nerve injury when using the PARS for Achilles tendon repair.
The Role of Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography Scan in Hallux Valgus
Authors: Metikala Sreenivasulu , Khamis Karim Mahmoud , Fryhofer George W. , Mehta Samir , Farber Daniel C. 
Published: November 2020

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Hyperpronation of the 1st metatarsal in hallux valgus (HV) is poorly understood by conventional weightbearing radiography. We aimed to evaluate this parameter using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) and understand its association with other standard measurements. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of WBCT and weightbearing radiographs (WBXR) was performed for 20 patients with hallux valgus (HV) feet and 20 controls with no such deformity. Axial CT images of both groups were compared for 1st metatarsal pronation angle (α angle) and tibial sesamoid subluxation (TSS) grades. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), 1st metatarsal-medial cuneiform angle (MMCA), Meary’s angle, and calcaneal pitch (CP) angle of the study and control groups were compared on both WBXR and the corresponding 2D images of WBCT. All the measurements were independently studied by a dedicated musculoskeletal radiology fellow. Results: HV group demonstrated significantly higher values for TSS grade (p < 0.001) but not for α angle (p = 0.19) compared to controls. Pearson’s correlations of the α angle, in the HV group, revealed no significant linear relationship with TSS grades, IMA and MMCA, and only a moderate positive correlation with HVA as per WBXR (r = 0.38, p = 0.014) but not by WBCT (p = 0.084). Also, α angle performed within the range of a chance (AUC 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.66) when measured by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Conclusion: The α angle - a measure of abnormal hyperpronation of the 1st metatarsal - is an independent factor that may co- exist with other parameters in HV, but in isolation has limited diagnostic utility. ‘Abnormal’ α angles may even be observed in individuals without HV deformity. An increase in the HVA, IMA, MMCA or TSS grade is not necessarily associated with a similar increase in the α angle and hence, the severity of HV deformity may not be judged on this parameter alone. The WBCT is a reliable method to assess hyperpronation and guide physicians during surgical management. [Table: see text][Table: see text]
Radiographic Union of Evans Osteotomy Without Fixation
Authors: Miles Megan R. , Gallagher Brian P. , Mistretta Katherine L. , Hsu Nigel N. , Wang Haijun , Guyton Gregory P. 
Published: November 2020

Category: Hindfoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: The Evans osteotomy is a lateral column lengthening procedure of the calcaneus that is commonly used to correct flexible flatfoot deformities. There is no consensus on whether fixation is needed to avoid nonunion and calcaneocuboid subluxation when performing this osteotomy. We assessed the nonunion rate and correlated extent of subluxation with graft size in an unfixed Evans osteotomy with an allograft wedge and no pinning of the calcaneocuboid joint at any point in the largest series of the procedure to date. Surgeries were performed in patients undergoing flexible flatfoot reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 120 consecutive patients who had undergone 145 unfixed Evans osteotomies by a single surgeon with allogenic bone graft for flatfoot reconstruction between January 2013 and October 2017, with a mean follow-up of 62.5 (range 9.4-266.7) weeks. The calcaneocuboid joint was not pinned during the procedure. Data were collected using clinical and radiographical examination during regular follow-up. Results: A total of 137 feet (94.5%) underwent a double calcaneal osteotomy with an associated medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO). There was one nonunion (0.69%). The mean time to union was 10.8 (range, 6.7-17.9) weeks. There was significant improvement in all radiographic parameters postoperatively, including calcaneal pitch, talonavicular uncoverage, anteroposterior and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, lateral column length, and naviculocuboid overlap (p<0.05). Minor postoperative calcaneocuboid joint subluxation (1.51 +- 2.3 mm) occurred in 72 of 118 feet (61.0%) and had no correlation with wedge size (r=0.06; 95% CI, -0.13, 0.24; p=0.6). Conclusion: An unfixed Evans osteotomy for symptomatic flatfoot deformity resulted in a significant improvement in the radiographic alignment of the foot with an exceptionally rare nonunion rate. Detectable calcaneocuboid subluxation was common but minimal in extent and was not correlated with wedge size in this series in which wedges were less than 12 mm in the maximum dimension. This report represents the largest series of the Evans procedure to date.
Clinical Outcomes of Anatomical Reconstruction of the Lateral Ankle Ligament Complex: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mulvin Conor , Toale James P. , Rosas Kevin , Hurley Eoghan T. , Kennedy John G. 
Published: November 2020

Category: Ankle; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Anatomical reconstruction has gained increased attention in recent years and is indicated for patients with poor-quality ligaments, previously failed lateral ligament repair, generalized ligamentous laxity, or in patients with a high BMI. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the current literature on anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments in the treatment of chronic ankle instability. Methods: A systematic search of Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases was performed during October 2019. The studies included were carefully evaluated with regard to level of evidence (LOE) and quality of evidence (QOE), clinical and radiological outcomes, complications, revision rates and return to sport. Results: Thirteen studies including a total of 296 ankles were included; 92% of studies were LOE III or IV and the QOE in all studies was of poor or fair quality. Within the autograft group, the AOFAS improved from 66.9 to 95.9, KPSSAF scores improved from 48 to 92.2, VAS scores improved from 6.8 to 0.2 at a follow up of 33.5 months, and the complication rate was 7.7%. Within the allograft group the AOFAS improved from 53.7 to 89.3, KPSSAF scores improved from 42.8 to 90.4, VAS scores improved from 7.3 to 1.9, and the complication rate was 7%. The overall rate of return to sport was 89%. Conclusion: The current systematic review demonstrated favorable results for both autograft and allograft reconstruction techniques in the treatment of chronic ankle instability. On comparing autograft and allograft techniques, minor differences were found both clinically and radiologically, with no overall evidence supporting one technique over the other
What is the Responsiveness and Quality of Life “Utility” for PROMIS Outcomes in Foot and Ankle Patients Following Physical Therapy?
Authors: Neville Christopher G. , Baumhauer Judith F. , Houck Jeff 
Published: November 2020

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Patients with foot and ankle conditions have been shown to demonstrate improvement in their generic outcomes using the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS). However, the responsiveness to change and the impact change may have on quality of life has not been explored following non-operative care with physical therapy. The effect size (ES) is an assessment of the magnitude of change while the impact of change in physical function can be assed with quality of life utility scores. Therefore, the purpose of this analysis was to investigate the responsiveness of the PROMIS physical function (PF) scale on changes in quality of life. Methods: The PROMIS PF scale was available at the start and end of physical therapy treatment for 352 patients with foot and ankle ICD10 codes. PF was chosen as a good outcome measure to assess overall outcome from physical therapy care. Changes from baseline to post-care were examine using Cohen’s d to remove dependence on sample size and was interpreted as d=0.20 as a small effect, d=0.05 as a medium effect, and d=0.80 as a large effect. Using available isotonic regression with linear interpolation functions, health state utility scores were calculated from the PROMIS PF scores. These scores represent a health state between 0, representing ‘being dead’, and 1 being the utility of ‘full health’. This methodology has been shown to be reliable and valid for assessing overall health quality of life from changes in physical function. Repeated measures ANOVA models were used to compare outcomes across time. Results: A significant improvement (p<0.01) in PF scores was seen across the sample following physical therapy (PF t-score; baseline 38.6+-8.8; follow-up 45+-9.1). This change was associated with a moderate to large ES of 0.75. The average ES for those subjects with a starting t-score less than 45 (n=294) was 0.86 (large effect) while for those with a starting t-score of greater than 45 (n=58) was 0.27 (small effect). There was also a significant (p<0.01) improvement in utility scores following physical therapy (utility score; baseline 0.58+-0.2; follow-up 0.72+-0.2). Conclusion: There is a general improvement in reported physical function following physical therapy but the magnitude of this effect depends on baseline function. Lower function is associated with greater changes. Improvement in physical function was associated with an overall improvement in quality of life. The non-linear nature of utility scores suggests some patients may have large increases in quality of life with small changes in physical function.
Do Pre-Operative Transcutaneous Oxygen Perfusion Measurements Predict Atraumatic Major Lower Extremity Amputation Wound Healing?
Authors: Noori Naudereh B. , Haruno Lee , Schroeder Ian , Vrahas Mark , Little Milton T. , Lin Carol 
Published: November 2020

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Determining appropriate amputation level is a challenging task requiring clinical, laboratory, and imaging data. However, there is no validated consensus on the method with the most prognostic accuracy. Transcutaneous oxygen perfusion measurement (TcPO2) is a noninvasive means of measuring tissue oxygenation. A TcPO2 > 30-40mm Hg is widely cited as a positive predictor of post-operative wound healing, but its validity has not been well defined. We hypothesized that TcPO2 levels positively correlate with the success of amputation wound healing. Additionally, we secondarily investigated the correlation between other preoperative demographics and clinical variables and their impact on post-operative amputation wound healing. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent lower extremity above, through, or below knee amputations at a single institution with documented preoperative TcPO2 values between January 1, 2012 and December 1, 2018 and a minimum 30 days post-operative clinical follow up. Amputations performed for oncologic pathology, infected arthroplasty, osteomyelitis and traumatic amputations were excluded in order to isolate TcPO2 as a decision-making test for amputation level. This yielded one hundred and forty-one total amputations. Of these ninety-three were below knee amputations (BKA), six through knee amputations, and forty-two above knee amputations (AKA). Chi-square and t-tests were used to compare successful and failed amputations where appropriate. Results: Eighty-six of the amputations were successful and fifty-five failed, as defined by post-operative wound dehiscence or infection. Of these, thirty-seven were BKAs, four were through knee amputations and fourteen were AKAs. There was a significant difference in preoperative TcPO2 levels between the successful and failure groups at 46.2 and 38.3 respectively (p = 0.02). A TcPO2 of 30-40mm Hg had a success rate of 68.8%, and a TcPO2 < 20mm Hg a success rate of 18.2%. A receiver operating characteristic curve for TcPO2 levels predicting amputation success elucidated that with an area under the curve of 0.53 for the AKA cohort and 0.61 for the BKA cohort, the diagnostic ability is far from prognostic. Conclusion: Our results provide new insight into the predictive accuracy of preoperative TcPO2 levels. There is not a linear association between TcPO2 and success rate. A TcPO2 < 20mm Hg has a high positive predictive value for failure, but higher TcPO2 levels are not 100% predictive of amputation wound healing as reported by prior studies. Multiple factors should be considered when selecting amputation level.