bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in Urgent Care Utilization Following Ankle Fracture Fixation
Authors: Abousayed Mostafa , Johnson Christopher , Rosenbaum Andrew 
Published: September 2018

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) have implemented initiatives to improve post-discharge care and reduce unnecessary readmissions. Readmissions within 30-days are frequent and represent an economic burden on patients and the healthcare system alike. A recent study reported a 3.17% readmission rate after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. While readmission implies inpatient-discharge to inpatient-readmission, patients may present to urgent care facilities and receive medical treatment without being admitted. This too has socioeconomic implications. The incidence and reasons for urgent care visits following ankle fracture surgery has not been studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and causes for urgent care visits within 30-days of discharge after ankle ORIF and determine factors correlated with such visits. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. All patients who underwent ankle ORIF at our institution between 7/1/2016 and 6/30/2017 were included. Patients were identified using CPT codes for ankle ORIF ((27814, 27822, 27823, 27792, 27766, and 27829). Patients less than 18 years of age, with open fractures or with other appendicular or axial skeleton injuries were excluded. Patients’ demographics including age, sex, race, BMI, occupation, insurance payer and comorbidities were documented. The primary outcome of our study was to determine the frequency of urgent care visits within 30-days of discharge after ankle ORIF. Our secondary goals were to evaluate the association between urgent care visits and demographics, and identify the reason for post-operative urgent care utilization. Results: A total of 333 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty four percent of our cohort were males. Thirty five patients (10.51%) had urgent care visits with 30-days of discharge. Patients presented at a mean of 11.83 days from the day of surgery. Sixteen patients (45.71%) had cast/splint related issues, seven (20%) presented with pain and seven (20%) with increased surgical site drainage (Fig 1). Univariable analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between post-operative urgent care utilization and patients with diabetes (p=0.03) and underlying psychiatric disorders (p=0.03). Conclusion: In this population study of patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery who underwent ankle ORIF, we found that the rate of urgent care visits within 30-days of discharge exceeds the rate of inpatient readmission. Additionally, patients with diabetes and psychiatric disorders are significantly more likely to present to an urgent care facility post-operatively. This is an important finding, as there are large costs to the healthcare system associated with this. Future studies must identify additional risk factors and means of reducing such added costs to our already stressed healthcare system.
Surgical versus Conservative Management of Weber B Fibular Fractures
Authors: Alhammoud Abduljabbar , Aldahamsheh Osama 
Published: September 2018

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Fibular fractures are one of the most common traumatic injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. These fractures range from stable to unstable, and accordingly may be treated conservatively with immobilization or operatively with open reduction and internal fixation. Unstable Weber classification type B fibula fractures are at the level of the syndesmosis. When stressed, they show an increased medial clear space widening. Recent studies have suggested these fractures may be treated non-operatively. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine whether operative and non-operative management of Weber B fractures exhibit any difference in functional outcomes. Methods: For this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRIMSA) guidelines were followed. A systematic review of the literature was performed on the Medline (PubMed), Ovid, and Embase databases in May 2017. Only studies analyzing surgical and non-surgical management of Weber B fibular fractures were included. A meta-analysis was performed to pool difference of the mean for functional outcome scores (Olerud Molander Ankle [OMA] score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score [AOFAS], Visual Analogue Scale [VAS], and Short-form 36 [SF36] questionnaire) of the ankles of patients who underwent surgical and non-surgical management. Descriptive, quantitative, and qualitative data were extracted and analyzed using Comprehensive meta-analysis software and SPSS 21. Random effect model used to pool the difference of the mean of the outcomes and I2 to assess the heterogeneity. Results: Of the 823 articles identified, four studies met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. A total of 383 unstable Weber type B fibular fractures were identified, with 198 treated operatively and 161 treated non-operatively. There were 158 (41.2%) male and 225 (58.8%) female patients, who averaged 45.6 years of age (Table). Mean follow up was 27.3 months. The pooled mean difference (SMD) for OMA functional score did not show any statistically significant difference between surgical and non-surgical management (SMD = 12.364 [95% CI: -4.684, 29.413]; I2 = 91.93%), although each single paper highlighted the superiority of non-surgical management. Other functional scores could not be pooled because they were not consistently reported within the included studies. Conclusion: The early literature suggests that there is no difference in the clinical outcomes of unstable Weber B fractures, whether they are treated operatively or non-operatively. Longer-term studies are warranted to examine the clinical outcomes of patients managed non-operatively.
The Role of the Calcaneofibular Ligament in Chronic Ankle Pain Following Severe Ankle Sprains
Authors: Alvarez Richard , Marx Randall , Mizel Mark , Latta Loren , Clifford Paul 
Published: September 2018

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Lateral ankle pain persists in 10%-20% of patients following severe ankle sprains treated non-operatively. The authors hypothesize that the peroneal tendons may become interposed between the ruptured ends of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). Though previously visualized and noted in the literature, no studies have evaluated this lesion biomechanically and anatomically. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that following a severe lateral ankle sprain that the interposition of the peroneal tendons between the ruptured ends of the CFL can occur. Methods: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric lower extremity specimens (defrosted) were secured by the foot to a wooden board in the method of Lauge-Hansen. A manual inversion force was then applied to the ankle, both with the ankle in plantar flexion and also in a neutral position to approximate a severe ankle sprain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was then performed on each ankle. Each specimen was then dissected to observe the integrity and relationship of the lateral ankle structures. Results: Four of the eight specimens sustained CFL tears as viewed by MRI and confirmed through anatomic dissection. One of the four specimens with a CFL tear had a mid substance ligament rupture with the proximal half of the ligament positioned superficial to the peroneal tendon complex. This relationship was observed using the MRI. Conclusion: Creating severe lateral ankle sprain produced ruptures of the CFL with interposition of the peroneal tendon complex between the torn ends of the ligament was seen and identified. This phenomenon may prevent primary ligament healing of the CFL and may be a contributing factor in the chronic ankle pain of non-surgically treated lateral ankle sprains. Perhaps surgical intervention should be considered if clinical suspicion exists, such as with a Stener lesion of the hand.
Novel, vacuum-assisted method for harvesting autogenous cancellous bone graft and bone marrow from the proximal tibial metaphysis
Authors: Bagi Paul , Walls Raymond 
Published: September 2018

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Autogenous cancellous bone graft and bone marrow aspirate are commonly used in lower extremity fusion procedures. Autologous graft is considered the gold standard as it is osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive, and is without the potential risks of graft-associated infection and immunologic reaction. Disadvantages include graft harvest time and donor site morbidity due to the surgical incision, approach and bone corticotomy. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel vacuum-assisted bone graft harvesting device which was able to obtain both cancellous bone and bone marrow for insertion into the arthrodesis sites of patients undergoing complex primary and revision lower extremity fusion procedures. Methods: Between March and November 2017, 9 patients had a foot and/or ankle complex primary or revision arthrodesis performed, with autogenous cancellous graft and bone marrow harvested from the ipsilateral proximal tibia. All patients were 18 years or older with no prior history of knee pain, injury, or surgery at the proximal tibia. Following a circular corticotomy, cancellous bone was harvested using a novel suction-powered, hand-driven bone curettage system (Avitus Orthopaedics, Farmington, CT). The donor site was backfilled with bone graft substitute. Incision length was recorded as well as surgical time from donor site incision to completion of graft acquisition. The volume of cancellous graft and bone marrow were separately recorded. All patients were non-weight bearing on the involved extremity for a minimum of 6 weeks post-operatively and all were evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively for donor site pain and associated complications. Results: There were five male and four female patients with an average age of 51 years and 8 months. Procedures included six complex primary fusions and three revision subtalar or tibio-talar-calcaneal fusions for nonunion. Mean incision length was 2 cm (range 1.80-2.75 cm). Mean volume of obtained graft material included 25 cm3 of cancellous bone (range 9-30 cm3) and 21 cm3 bone marrow aspirate (range 10-40 cm3). Mean procedure time was 5 mins (range 4-8 mins), and average blood loss was less than 1 mL. Two patients had mild pain at 2 week follow-up; however, no patients reported donor site pain at 6 week follow-up. There were no major or minor complications including fracture, infection, hematoma formation, sensory changes, or wound healing issues. Conclusion: The use of an innovative, vacuum-assisted bone harvesting device allows large volumes of autogenous cancellous bone graft and marrow to be rapidly and readily obtained from the ipsilateral proximal tibia with minimal donor site morbidity.
CT Features of Naviculocuneiform Coalitions
Authors: Chun Kyung Ah , Suh Jin Soo 
Published: September 2018

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate and compare the CT features in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic naviculocuneiform coalition Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the CT images of 37 naviculocuneiform coalitions in 26 patients (mean age 30 years). The 26 patients were 12 males and 14 females, with 19 right and 18 left feet, including 11 patients with bilateral coalition. The CT images were analyzed with regard to irregular articular surface, subchondral sclerosis, subchondral cyst, bone spur, joint space distance, loose body and bony fusion. The size of subchondral cyst was measured. The location and extent of joint involvement was also evaluated. CT features were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic feet. Results: There were 20 feet (54%) in symptomatic group and 17 feet (46%) in asymptomatic group. The mean size of the subchondral cyst was 6.3 mm in the symptomatic group and 2.5 mm in the asymptomatic group (statistically significant). Bone spurs were significantly more common in the symptomatic group (11 of 20 feet) than in the asymptomatic group (2 of 17 feet) (p < 0.01). All 8 feet received operative treatment had subchondral cysts (mean size 6.7 mm) or bone spurs. Irregular articular surfaces were seen in all feet. Subchondral sclerosis, joint space distance, loose body, location and extent of joint involvement did not differ statistically significantly between two groups. Conclusion: Because of a statistically significant overlap of CT features, only large subchondral cysts and bone spurs can be more commonly detected with CT in the symptomatic feet compared to the asymptomatic feet, and may indicate aggressive treatment in patients with naviculocuneiform coalition.
Mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for fresh and old calcaneal fractures with locked plate
Authors: Fujiwara Tatsuji 
Published: September 2018

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Since the mid-1990s, open reduction and internal fixation via an extended L-shaped lateral approach has been considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. However, postoperative wound healing complications, including wound infection, skin edge necrosis, wound breakdown, and hematoma, remain a major concern. To minimize the incidence of and offer rigid stabilization of the calcaneal fracture fragments, we have performed minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with locked plate for fresh and old calcaneal fractures. This study aims to assess the clinical and radiological mid-term outcomes in surgical treatment of the fresh and old calcaneal fractures using a minimally invasive technique and a locking plate to permit early weight bearing. Methods: A total of 29 fractures in 24 patients were found that met our inclusion criteria. 23 foots were fresh calcaneal fractures with an average age of 53.9 years (range, 17-80 years). We defined calcaneal fractures more than 6 weeks old as old calcaneal fracture. 6 foots were old calcaneal fractures with an average age of 43 years (range,35-52 years). Patients with fresh calcaneal fracture had been followed up for an average of 25.8 months (range, from 18-65 months). Patients with old calcaneal fracture had been followed up for an average of 29.4 months (range, from 24-48 months). The mean interval between injury and operation was 8.9 days (3-19 days) in fresh calcaneal fractures and 97 days (43-154 days) in old calcaneal fractures. There were 19 foots Sanders type II fractures, 9 foots Sanders type III and one Sanders type IV. Results: For fresh calcaneal fractures, the mean change in Böhler’s angle and width of the calcaneus from immediately after surgery to final follow-up were 0.5° and 0.7 mm, respectively. For old calcaneal fractures, the mean change in Böhler’s angle and width of the calcaneus from immediately after surgery to final follow-up were 3.4° and 1.7 mm, respectively. The reduction was graded as nearly anatomical (less than 2 mm residual articular displacement) in all fractures. One of the 22 foots had a blister. There were no events of osteomyelitis or infection or nonunion. Eight foots had revision surgery for symptomatic hardware removal. At final follow up the average American Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) were 82.8 for fresh calcaneal fractures and 83.2 for old calcaneal fractures. Conclusion: This study is first report to show that MIPO with locked plate and early weight bearing can be effectively treated for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Surgical preparation, reduction maneuvers, and fixation techniques can take time to master; however, with experience, all types of calcaneus fractures can be treated with this technique.
Opioid Prescribing Patterns of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
Authors: Hagemeijer Noortje , Donahue Gabrielle , Helmerhorst Gijs , Guss Daniel , Kerkhoffs Gino , DiGiovanni Christopher , Johnson Anne 
Published: September 2018

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Amid the current opioid epidemic in the United States, surgeons are forced to more carefully manage postoperative pain prescriptions. Despite the enthusiastic engagement of physicians, politicians and the general public, however, clear guidelines for opioid prescribing postoperatively still do not exist, including after foot and ankle surgery. Given the ablity to improve patient outcomes by decreasing treatment variability in other realms of medicine, this study sought to quantify the postoperative opioid prescribing regimens of American foot and ankle surgeons as an initial step towards understanding prescription patterns and establishing a baseline regimen from which future guidelines may stem. Methods: A total of 1235 active and candidate members of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) from the United States and Canada were invited to fill out a postoperative pain management survey using a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) web-based application. Surgeons were asked to report on their pain prescription regimens, including type and number of pills, after nine common foot and ankle procedures rated as minor, moderate, or major in severity. The presence of a regional block anesthesia was also recorded. Opioid prescriptions were then converted to the equivalent of 5 mg oxycodone pills for standardization and inter-prescriber comparison. Results: Two hundred twenty-four (18%) surgeons completed the survey. Because of highly skewed data results are reported as medians and the range. Postoperative opioid prescriptions, given in oxycodone 5 mg pill equivalents, were as follows: 39 (8-133) pills for minor procedure, 45 (10-180) pills for a moderate soft tissue procedure, 53 (16-186) pills for a moderate bony procedure, and 60 (20-200) pills for a major bony procedure. Conclusion: Wide variation between surgeons was noted in postoperative pain management. Median prescription opioid doses vary from 39 to 60 oxycodone pills depending on procedure type. It is likely that the amount of opioids prescribed is excessive for adequate pain management, especially for smaller procedures. We propose a post-operative pain regimen that limits the number of pills prescribed based on studies from other surgical specialties. Future studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of current postoperative pain management practices and to guide improved pain management that limits the use of opioids where possible.
Improvement of Valgus Deviation of the Lesser Toes of Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus After Proximal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy and Akin Osteotomy
Authors: Jung Hong-Geun , Kang Hwa Jun , Coruna Juan Agustin 
Published: September 2018

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: The valgus deviation of lesser toes is often found in the hallux valgus patients. It has been known that valgus deviation of lesser toes remain unchanged even after correction of hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to determine whether valgus deviation of lesser toes can be corrected after proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO) and Akin osteotomy for the hallux valgus patients, and to evaluate the factors affecting the degree of correction. Methods: The study is based on 116 feet (89 patients) of moderate to severe hallux valgus that underwent proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy with Akin ostetomy. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), inter-metatarsal angle (IMA), valgus angle of 2nd, 3 rd, 4th metatarso-phalangeal joint were assessed preoperatively and postoperative 6 month, 1 year and yearly. VAS pain cores, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (AOFAS MTP-IP) scale and patient satisfaction were evaluated preoperatively and at subsequent follow-up. Results: The average follow-up was 30.6 months (range,12-99). The mean HVA and IMA reduced from 34.4° to 8.7° and 15.9° to 5.3° respectively at the final follow-up. Patients with more severe HVA showed higher degree of valgus deviation of lesser toes than those with lesser HVA. The valgus angle of 2nd,3 rd,4th MTP joints reduced from 8.9°, 6.7°, 2.4° preoperatively to 5.6°, 4.9°, 1.3° respectively at the final follow-up (p<0.05). The more HVA corrected, the more valgus deviation of lesser toe was found corrected. There was no significant difference in the degree of lesser toe correction angle according to follow up period after postoperative 1 year. The mean VAS and AOFAS scores significantly improved from 6.0, 60.9 to 1.2, 92.0 at the final follow-up, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Unlike the previous reports, the current study showed significant reduction of the valgus angle of 2nd, 3 rd, 4th MTP joints after PCMO and Akin osteotomy for the moderate to severe HV without additional corrective lesser toe surgery.
The Value of Axial Loading 3D CT as a Substitute for Full Weightbearing 3D CT
Authors: Kang Chan , Lee Gi-Soo , Kang Dong-Hun , Kim Dong Yeol , Seo Gangwon , Choi Bo Sung , Hwang Sungjin , Ahn Ki jun , Song Seokhwan , Song Jaehwang 
Published: September 2018

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Full weightbearing(WB) three dimensional computed tomography(3D CT) is an excellent imaging tool. However, due to its high cost, it is only used in a few hospitals. We evaluated the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of axial loading(AL) 3D CT by comparing bony alignments with standing radiographs, and assessed reproducibility according to the degree of AL. Methods: Eighty patients(156 feet), who underwent standing radiographs and 3D CT with an AL device from January 2016 to May 2017, were investigated. According to the degree of AL(AL force×100/body weight), the patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A(30-50%; n=21, 40 feet), Group B(50-70%; n=32, 63 feet), and Group C(70-100%; n=27, 53 feet). The following angles were measured three times by two orthopedists: hallux valgus(HVA), 1st-2nd intermetatarsal(IMA1-2), and talo-navicular coverage(TNCA), calcaneal pitch(CPA), talo-1st metatarsal(T1MA), and talo-calcaneal angle(TCA). Agreements between the two imaging methods were analyzed and compared according to the degree of axial loading in each group. Results: Intra- and interobserver reliability was excellent (>0.75). In Group A(30-50% AL), all of the angles except HVA and IMA1-2 differed (p<.05). In Group B(50-70%), TNCA (p= .023), T1MA (p= .017), and TCA (p=.035) differed. In Group C(70-100%), none of the angles differed between the two imaging methods (p> .05). Higher agreement between the two imaging methods was realized when 70% or more(>70%) AL was applied. Conclusion: AL 3D CT with >70% axial load has full WB effects and can be substituted for expensive full WB 3D CT.