bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability and Quality of Physical Therapy Protocols after Surgical Repair for Achilles Tendon Rupture Available Online for Patient and Therapist Education
Authors: Lin Zilan , Boaz Ray , Wolf George , Makhni Eric , Gross Christopher 
Published: September 2017

Category: Sports, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The Internet has gained popularity in patient education and communication with physical therapists. Orthopaedic practices post information on physical therapy exercises and post-surgical caution online. This includes the case for rehabilitation after Achilles tendon repair. Therefore, it is important to assess the consistency within the online available protocols and determine if they retain current evidence-based principles. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the consistency and quality of online physical therapy protocols after Achilles tendon surgical repair available to patients and physical therapists. Methods: Protocols were searched on Google by using the term “(achilles AND repair) AND (rehabilitation OR physical therapy) AND (protocol OR guidelines)” on three different computers. Methodical protocols on rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture repair from the first 100 websites with each search were collected. Duplicated protocols and non-operative treatment protocols were excluded. A comprehensive, custom scoring system was created to assess the source and each rehabilitation components of the protocols, including ankle immobilization, weight bearing status, range of motion, strengthening exercises, proprioceptive activities, functional return, as well as the time line for each component. Results: Fifty-three protocols were included in the current study (35.8% academic). Orthopaedic surgeon-affiliated websites accounted for 86.8% (Fig. 1). Thirty-six studies (67.9%) advised non-weight-bearing immediately after surgery. The timeline of weight bearing advancement varies among protocols and is illustrated in Fig.2. Forty-four protocols (83.0%) mentioned utilization of heel lifts throughout the protocol with different recommendations on specific timing (Fig.3). Non-ankle specific exercises were recommended in forty-three (81.1%) protocols. Considerable variation existed in the types and time line of recommended exercises, including the ones for range of motion, strength, proprioception, overall function, and functional return (Figs 4-8). Conclusion: Considerable variation existed in many components of physical therapy protocols for Achilles tendon repair after rupture, which subsequently could lead to confusion and misinterpretation among patients, and even therapist. Greater effort should be paid to create more evidence-based protocols that are both easy for patients and physical therapists to understand and execute.
Transfibular Total Ankle Replacement Outcome at 2 Years Follow Up
Authors: Maccario Camilla , Indino Cristian , Manzi Luigi , Usuelli Federico Giuseppe , Di Silvestri Claudia 
Published: September 2017

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Primary ankle osteoarthritis is very uncomon, in fact 70-78% of the case ankle arthritis has a post- traumatic cause. Ankle arthrodesis (AA), has been considered a reliable procedure for resolution of ankle osteoarthritis. Recent modifications in Total ankle replacement (TAR) designs have challenged the perception that AA is the treatment of choice for end-stage ankle arthritis. Trabecular Metal Total Ankle system is a fixed-bearing prosthesis. The new design is flanked by use of new materials. The tibial articular surface is constructed of highly crosslinked UHMWPE and Trabecular Metal lining the talar and the tibial base component. The purpose of this retrospective study was to show the preliminary result in 31 patients underwent to ankle replacement using Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle system. Methods: We retrospectively assessed prospectively collected data on the initial cohort of 31 patients undergoing TAR with this implant. Clinical evaluation was determined pre and postoperatively for a minimum of 24 months after surgery. Pain was rated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Functional results were assessed as well as ankle range of motion (ROM). Clinical outcomes used where the Short Form SF-12 Quality of Life score, the American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). The imaging follow-up included ankle radiographs done at 6, 12 and 24 months. Radiological parameters were angles??(normal values 90 +- 2),?? (normal value 85 +- 2),??? normal values 20 +- 2) and TTratio? normal values: 27% to 42%). Results: The study included 31 ankles of TM Ankle Replacement in 31 consecutive patients over a period of 2 years (2013–2015). Out of 31 patients, 13 were females and 18 were males (average age 49.4 years, range, 30–75 years). All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. The ROM plantarflexion and dorsiflexion improved significantly (p <0.001) at the last follow up. The mean VAS pain score decreased significantly from 7.42 points (range 4 – 10 points) preoperatively to 1.42 points (range, 0 - 3 points) at the time of the latest follow-up (p <0.001). AOFAS and SF-12 scores both improved from postoperatively to the last follow up. (Table 1). We noted stable implants based on our radiographic parameters, with no corrections loosening. (Table 2) Conclusion: Our study evaluated the new fixed bearing Zimmer TM total ankle replacement approved by the US FDA in 2012 and is the first studies to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of this prosthesis. Of 31 ankles treated with a new transfibular arthroplasty system, only two asymptomatic fibular delayed union were registered. No implant failure was noted at 24 months postoperatively. Four ankles underwent secondary surgery for symptomatic fibular hardware with good outcome. The findings suggest that this total ankle system is safe and effective at short-term follow-up.
Total ankle replacement and simultaneous subtalar arthrodesis
Authors: Manzi Luigi , Indino Cristian , Maccario Camilla , Di Silvestri Claudia , D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Usuelli Federico Giuseppe 
Published: September 2017

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis, Hindfoot, Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Patients with arthritis or severe dysfunction involving both the ankle and the subtalar joints can benefit tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis or total ankle replacement and subtalar fusion. With the evolution of prosthetic design and surgical techniques, total ankle replacement (TAR) has become a reasonable alternative to arthrodesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the fusion rate of the subtalar joint and talonavicular joint in patients simultaneously treated with total ankle replacement (TAR) and subtalar joint fusion. Methods: This study includes 11 patients who underwent primary TAR and simultaneous subtalar and talonavicular fusion from May 2011 to January 2015. Six males and five females were enrolled with a mean age of 61 years (41-75). Patients were clinically assessed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Total follow-up time was 24.2±11.6 months. Radiographic examination included a postoperative CT scan obtained 12 months after surgery. Three surgeons independently reviewed the CT scans and interobserver reliability was calculated. Functional scores were also assessed. Results: At 12 months postoperatively, the subtalar fusion rate in patients treated with TAR and simultaneous subtalar fusion was 92% and the talonavicular fusion rate was 88%. There was a statistically significant increase in American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle/hindfoot score from 25.9 to 74.1 at 12 months post-operatively. Ankle range of motion significantly increased from 10.2° to 30.8 degrees. Additionally, there was a statistically significant decrease in visual analog scale (VAS) pain score from 8.8 to 1.9. Conclusion: TAR and simultaneous subtalar and talonavicular joint fusion are reliable procedures for the treatment of ankle and subtalar joint arthritis. Furthermore, CT scans showed an excellent reliability among orthopaedic surgeons in determining the degree of successful fusion of subtalar and talonavicular arthrodesis.
Exaggerated Pre-Operative Patient Reported Visual Analog Pain Scale, A Retrospective review of 201 consecutive surgical patients
Authors: Martin Kevin , Dawson Laura , Cameron Kenneth , Van Buren Jeffrey 
Published: September 2017

Category: Patient Reported Outcomes Introduction/Purpose: The visual analog scale (VAS) is a reliable and validated measure of patient reported acute pain. The clinical implications of the VAS in patients with chronic pain or postoperative pain is less clear. As patient reported outcome measures are becoming the standard of care throughout the orthopaedic community, interpretation and clinical applications are still under investigation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate preoperative patient reported VAS score reported to nursing staff as compared to the surgeon at the same clinical visit. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the scores reported by a single patient to two different healthcare providers during the same clinic visit. Methods: The current study was a retrospective cohort of 201 consecutive foot and ankle patients treated by a signal surgeon. The patients were asked by the nursing staff to rate their pain intensity using a standard horizontal VAS 0-10, from “no pain” to the “worst possible pain”. At the same office visit the patients were asked by the treating surgeon to rate their pain using the same VAS. Dependent t-tests were calculated to evaluate mean differences in VAS pain reported by each patient to two different healthcare professional. All data were analyzed using STATA v10.1 with an alpha level of p<0.05. Results: The results demonstrate that patients reported higher pain scores to the surgeon within 81% of the encounters, nursing staff 8% and equal 11%. On average the VAS score reported to the surgeon (6.17 ±2.12) was significantly higher higher than that reported to the nursing staff (3.30 ±2.26), respectively. The mean difference between the scores was 2.87 ±2.46 (p=<0.001). Conclusion: The current study demonstrates a clear and significant difference in patient reported pain scores between that given to nursing staff verses the treating surgeon. The cause for the exaggerated pain scores is unclear, but does lead surgeons to consider patients may have a predetermined desire for surgery. The findings of this study may also have implications for comparing patient reported outcome measures prior to surgery to post-surgical outcomes depending on who administers the instrument.
Contact Stresses in a Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Martinelli Nicoló , Baretta Silvia , Prati Alberto Bianchi Castagnone , Malerba Francesco , Bonifacini Carlo Corrado , Galbusera Fabio 
Published: September 2017

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis, Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Third-generation ankle implants with good clinical results continued to increase the popularity of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) to address end-stage ankle osteoarthritis preserving joint movement. Newer TAA used fixed-bearing designs, with a theoretical increase of contact stresses leading to a higher polyethylene wear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contact stresses in the polyethylene component of a new third-generation TAA, with a fixed-bearing design, using 3D finite element analysis. Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model was developed based on the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle (ZTMTA) and a finite element analysis was employed to evaluate the contact pressure, contact area and Von Mises stress in the polyethylene articular surface in the stance phase of the gait cycle. Results: The peak values were found at the anterior regions of the articulating surface, where reached 19.8 MPa at 40% of gait cycle. The average contact pressure during the stance phase of gait was 6.9 MPa. The maximum von Mises stress of 14.1 MPa in the anterior section was reached at 40% of the gait cycle. For the central section the maximum von Mises stress of 10.8 MPa was reached at 37% of the gait cycle, whereas for posterior section the maximum of 5.4 MPa was reached at the end of the stance phase (60% of the gait cycle). Conclusion: Although, the average von Mises stress was less than 10 MPa, high peak pressure values were recorded. Advanced models to quantitatively estimate the wear are needed to assess polyethylene and metal component survivorship.
Relations of ankle alignment and MRI findings of ankle osteoarthritis
Authors: Mitsui Hiroyuki , Hirano Takaaki , Yui Akiyama , Maeda Shingo , Niki Hisateru 
Published: September 2017

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: MRI is gaining attention as a tool for examining the severity of osteoarthritis (OA) over X-ray findings. However, there are few reports on the relationship between MRI and X-ray findings in ankle joints. We assessed the combination of ankle joint alignment and MRI to find the factor to predict MRI findings from X-ray findings in OA. Methods: Of the 341 patients who had a diagnosis of ankle OA in our hospital from May 2009 to August 2015, we assessed 46 feet of 45 patients who underwent MRI. We determined ankle joint alignment by measuring tibial anterior surface (TAS) angle, and tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle on X-ray, and determined the areas of Bone Marrow Edema (BME) appearing on STIR, by partitioning 22 areas for talocrural, tarocalcaneal, Chopart joint. In the statistics analysis, we divided into two groups with and without BME, and we compared TAS angle and TLS angle. Moreover, for predicting the occurrence of BME, we divided the disease group into 2 groups, training set and validation set. We then verified the validity of the results by measuring cut-off value of TAS angle and TLS angle from ROC curve, an area which had statistically significant difference. Results: TAS angles or TLS angles were significantly lower in the group which showed BME at the anterior medial part of the tibia canopy and medial malleolus joint surface. From the ROC curve of the training set, the cut-off value (TAS angle of 82 degrees or less and TLS angle of 76 degrees or less) was obtained. Applying the obtained cut-off value to the validation set, it was possible to predict the occurrence of BME on the medial malleolus joint surface (sensitivity 71%, specificity 67%). Conclusion: Association with BME and clinical symptoms as well as disease prognosis has been reported in the OA area, so predicting the appearance of BME can be a useful index for prescribing a treatment plan. It was suggested that the appearance of BME could be predicted from X-ray findings because it was related to ankle alignment and MRI. It is possible that these findings could be used as a new diagnostic tool to estimate disease severity in the future.
Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Dislocation as a Maissoneuve Equivalent Fracture
Authors: Palma Joaquin , Nussbaum Jorge Filippi , Ponce Pablo Mery , Briceño Jorge , Villa Andres , Abarca Mario 
Published: September 2017

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) in association with ankle fracture is an infrequent injury. The mechanism involves a pronation-external rotation injury in which the energy exits through the PTFJ instead of the proximal fibula, like in a Maissoneuve fracture. Early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance to avoid complications such as pain, posterolateral knee instability and peroneal nerve injury due to chronic traction by the dislocated fibular head. In addition, an anatomical reduction of the PTFJ is mandatory to restore the fibular length in order to obtain anatomic reduction at the ankle. The objective is to report 3 cases with PTFJ dislocation in association with ankle fracture and to provide a treatment guide based on the management of these patients. Methods: Three cases of PTFJ dislocation in association with ankle fracture, surgically treated in our institution between 2009 and 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. For each case, clinical history at admission, pre and post operative radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were obtained. Clinical follow up time was between 1 and 6 years. Results: Diagnosis of the PTFJ dislocation required a high degree of suspicion. All the patients had subtle radiographic abnormalities at the PTFJ, thus requiring a CT of the knee to confirm the diagnosis. The first surgical step was to perform an open reduction of the PTFJ. Common peroneal nerve was identified and retracted. Reduction was performed with a clamp and for fixation we used one cortical positioning screw from the fibula to the tibia. After the achievement of an anatomic reduction, the second step was to approach the ankle according the specific fracture pattern. Anatomical reduction was obtained in all the patients checked by ankle and knee CT. At final follow up none of the patients had knee pain, and all returned to their activities. Conclusion: The PTFJ dislocation in association with ankle fracture is an infrequent injury and should be considered as a Maissoneuve equivalent fracture in terms of mechanism and diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is needed and the diagnosis is confirmed with a knee CT. As the Essex Lopresti injury of the upper extremity, this type of lesion requires proximal and distal stabilization. Our recommended treatment, based on the good clinical results of our 3 patient, is open reduction and screw fixation of the PTFJ as the first step in order to allow anatomical reduction of the distal injury at the ankle.
The Usefullness of Subtalar Arthroscopy in Surgical Treatment of Sanders Type 2 Calcaneal Fractures Using a Sinus Tarsi Approach
Authors: Park Chul-Hyun , Chun Dong-Il , Choi Hongjoon , Cho Jaeho , PARK JAEWOO 
Published: September 2017

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The sinus tarsi approach was designed to provide a direct view of the posterior facet and reduce soft tissue and neurovascular injuries. However, it is difficult to expose posterior facet using sinus tarsi approach because of limited surgical view. Confirmation of reduction status in intra-articular calcaneal fractures has traditionally been performed by intraoperative fluoroscopy such as Brodens view. Recently some reports indicate that there is a role for subtalar arthroscopy in these fractures. We thought that combination of intraoperative fluoroscopy and subtalar arthroscopy could more accurately restore joint congruity and provide better clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether this combined checking has better clinical and radiological results comparing with intraoperative fluoroscopy only. Methods: Forty-five displaced calcaneal fractures involving the posterior facet were consecutively treated using a sinus tarsi approach by a single surgeon. Among them, 25 fractures were confirmed reduction of posterior facet by fluoroscopy (Fluoroscopy group) and 20 fractures were confirmed by combined fluoroscopy and subtalar arthroscopy (Arthroscopy group). Clinical evaluations were performed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Ankle-Hindfoot Scale developed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and short form (SF)-36 v2 questionnaires. Radiographic evaluations were performed using calcaneal lateral radiographs and CT. Changes in Böhler’s angle were evaluated from the preoperative and last follow-up lateral radiograph of calcaneus. Reduction of the posterior facet was graded according to articular step, defect, and angulation of the posterior facet in CT. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of VAS, AOFAS score, and SF-36 v2 between Fluoroscopy and Arthroscopy groups at the last follow-up. No significant difference was observed in change of Böhler’s angles between the groups. Reduction of the posterior facet was graded excellent in 5 feet (20%), good in 12 (48%), and fair in 8 (32%) in Fluoroscopy group and excellent in 7 feet (35%), good in 11 (55%), and fair in 2 (10%) in Arthroscopy on postoperative CT. Screw penetration of posterior facet were observed in 4 feet of Fluoroscopy group and 1 foot of Arthroscopy group on postoperative CT. Conclusion: Subtalar arthroscopy appears to be useful in detecting joint incongrucencies in sinus tarsi approach of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
Value of Ultrasound for Stability Assessment of Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fractures Compared to Stress Radiography and Arthroscopy
Authors: Park Young-Uk , Seo Youngwook , Jegal Hyuk , Lee Kyung-Tai 
Published: September 2017

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Isolated Lateral malleolus fracture, like any other fractures can be treated by operative or conservative treatment. Stability of ankle joint is the most important factor in deciding the type of treatment. Unstable ankle joints present superior clinical outcomes with surgical management. There are many methods to assess the stability of ankle joint such as plain x- ray films, stress radiographies and physical examination. Many studies have suggested the usage of ultrasound for diagnosis of ankle ligament injury. But, there are no reports about its use for stability assessment of isolated lateral malleolar ankle fracture. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of ultrasound for stability assessment of isolated lateral malleolar fractures, compared to simple x-ray, stress radiography and arthroscopy. Methods: We have conducted a prospective study which included 13 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic exam and subsequent open reduction and internal fixation for isolated lateral malleolar ankle fracture. Before operation simple x-ray, external rotation stress radiographs were done. Stress ultrasound was performed to assess the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and medial deltoid ligament prior to operation. The arthroscopic findings were used as the reference standard. A standardized physical examination (tenderness and ecchymosis, external rotation stress test), simple radiography, stress radiography and ultrasound images were compared to assess the stability. Results: Deltoid ligament injury and or syndesmosis injury were verified arthroscopically in 12 cases with a clinical diagnosis (92.3%). There were 9 cases who showed unstable ankle fracture on the simple radiography. (69.2%). There were all cases who showed unstable ankle fracture on the external rotation stress radiography. (100%) In addition, for 12/13, there were acute tear of the deltoid ligament or AITFL injury on the ultrasound (92.3%). Conclusion: The results suggest that ultrasound could be used for the assessment of the instability of isolated lateral malleolar fracture.