bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Hospital-Based Systemic Rehabilitation in Improving Ankle Function after Surgery in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients
Authors: Lee Sung Hyun , Jo Yang Hun 
Published: December 2023

Category: Sports; Other Introduction/Purpose: We investigated the therapeutic effect of a postoperative hospital-based systemic rehabilitation protocol on ankle function in chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients who underwent a modified Broström procedure for CAI were recruited in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Fifty-minute sessions of hospital-based rehabilitation were performed three times weekly for 12 weeks in the intervention group. Education-based rehabilitation was conducted at home in the control group. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline (T0), 12 weeks (T1), and 16 weeks (T2). The primary outcome was the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS). Ankle motor strength and spatiotemporal gait metrics were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: There were time and group interaction effects on the pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports activities, and quality of life (QOL) domains of the FAOS (P < 0.05, all). The patients in the intervention group showed larger improvements in all domains of the FAOS than did the control group at both T1 and T2 (P < 0.05, all). The time and group interaction effects on invertor and evertor strength were also significant (P = 0.047 and P = 0.044). Invertor and evertor strength improved significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group at T1 and T2 (P < 0.05, all). The preferred walking velocity, cadence, step length on the affected side, and double stance phase duration tended to improve over time. Conclusion: Postoperative hospital-based rehabilitation helped improve CAI pain, symptoms, independence in activities of daily living, sports activity levels, and QOL more effectively than did conventional rehabilitation at home.
Intermediate Term Clinical Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: The CU Total Ankle Registry
Authors: Hunt Kenneth , Buckley Sara E. , Hewitt Michael A. , Stark Samuel D. 
Published: December 2023

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a common procedure to treat end stage ankle osteoarthritis. Despite recent increase in popularity, there is limited literature assessing clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in TAA procedures using 5 current generation implants. These measures are an important tool for physicians to better assess patient performance in daily activities. The purpose of this study is to characterize both PROs and clinical outcomes in primary and revision TAA surgeries using current generation prostheses performed by non-design surgeons at a single institution. Methods: Our institution maintains a prospective outcomes registry for patients undergoing TAA at our institution. Patient demographics, relevant case information, PROs and complications are collected. Collected PROs include PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Pain Interference (PI), Depression, Global Physical Health (GPH), Global Mental Health (GMH), and Foot and Ankle SANE. Records are categorized as a primary TAA, or revision involving either a polyethylene only exchange or complete hardware removal and replacement. Differences between groups were determined non-parametrically using Mann-Whitney U tests. In all statistical tests, a p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 259 patients were included for analysis; 223 primary and 36 partial or full revision. Average length of stay was 1.6 ± 1 days. There were 18 reoperations (6.95%), with no implant failures within 1 year. Five patients underwent implant revision at an average of 2.5 years. Of these, one was related to delayed infection at year 3, two due to hardware failure in year 2, and 2 polyethylene exchanges in years 2 and 5. All physical health PRO measures showed significant improvements post-operatively (p < 0.0001). Patients reported significant reductions in pain following TAA at 3-months (Figure 1a), and significant improvement of physical function after 6-months (Figure 1b). There were no significant changes in Depression or GMH (Figure 1d). Conclusion: Total ankle arthroplasty is a safe and effective procedure for end-stage ankle arthritis. Patients experience improvement in all physical health PRO metrics at all post-operative time points after 3 months. Complication and early failure rates are lower than that reported in the literature. Long term outcomes and implant longevity will be tracked using the CU Total Ankle Registry. Total ankle arthroplasty improves quality of life in patients suffering from ankle osteoarthritis. Further follow-up and patient enrollment in the CU Total Ankle Registry will help us to identify risk factors for complications and define implant lifespan.
Is There Improvement in Plantar Pressures Patterns Following Total Ankle Replacement? – A Prospective Novel 1 Year Follow Up Study
Authors: Hakeem Samir , Nicolas Andrea Pujol , Porter Anna , Ramaskandhan Jayasree R. , Smith Karen M. , Galloway Steven , Siddique Malik 
Published: December 2023

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Ankle Introduction/ Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate plantar pressures changes with gait in patients presenting with ankle arthritis pre and post TAR. Methods: Patients who were listed for a primary TAR with a 3 component mobile bearing prosthesis were included. Exclusion criteria included refusal of consent, previous surgery to foot, h/o infection, peripheral vascular disease, neurological disease and other LL joint replacements. Gait analysis was carried out using TekscanTM plantar preasure (PP) analysis system and PP) were recorded pre- operatively and 1 year post-operatively. Gait asymmetries were recorded in Percentage for ST parameters. 11 patients were recruited to this study. Mean age were 70.5 years. Results: Improvement centre of pressure pattern restoration and Force percentage curve (FP) patterns from pre-op to 1 Year. Improvement in foot progression angle was seen in 6 out of 11 patients (54.5%). Plantar pressure analysis showed deviation from reference ranges for 1) differences in centre of pressure (COP) 2) changes to hindfoot vs. forefoot loading ratio 3) change in loading pattern at heel in KPa (p < 0.05) 4) differences in gait parameters (reduction in cadence, walking velocity, increase in active propulsion time; p< 0.05) 5) changes to foot progression angles. These findings correlate with MOX-FQ scores (p>0.565) for pain, difficulty with walking/standing and difficulty with social activities. Gait asymmetries improved at 1 year for step velocity (76.1 to 93.4%) and mid stance time (76.04 to 93.5% in 8/11patients)(p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study shown that TAR surgery helps in restoring centre of pressure, force percentage curve patterns and reduces asymmetries in step velocity and mid stance times during gait at 1 year post surgery. Plantar pressure analysis is a useful tool to study improvement in function in this patient group.
Morphological Analysis of Intraarticular Fragments in AO/OTA 44 Category Posterior Malleolar Fractures
Authors: Taki Masanori , Hio Naohiro 
Published: December 2023

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Intraarticular fragments (IAFs) associated with posterior malleolar fractures are a major obstacle in the treatment of ankle fractures. However, their frequency, location, and morphology, as well as their relationship with the classification of ankle posterior malleolar fractures, are poorly understood and unresolved. The Purpose of this study is to clarify the frequency and morphology of IAFs in posterior malleolar ankle fractures. Methods: This study was conducted at a single institution and included 104 consecutive patients with trimalleolar ankle fractures treated between 2015 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were 1) acute fracture within 2 weeks after injury and 2) cases with computed tomography (CT) images at the time of injury. The exclusion criteria were 1) previous ipsilateral ankle fracture, 2) pathological fracture, and 3) younger age with open physis. CT images at the time of injury were reviewed and each posterior malleolar fracture was classified using the Mason classification. Frequency of occurrence, size (long diameter × short diameter), and angle (the angle between the long diameter and fracture surface of the posterior malleolar fracture) of the IAF. The location of the IAF was described from CT axial images The dislocated distance of the IAF from the articular surface was measured on the sagittal CT view. Results: The patient’s mean age was 54.6 years. 46 cases were Type 1, 32 cases were Type 2A, 9 cases were Type 2B, and 17 cases were Type 3 according to the Mason’s classification. In Mason Type 2 and 3 cases, the IAF was present in 32 (78.0%) and 12 (70.6%) cases, respectively. The IAF was more frequently observed laterally in type 2 (22 cases) and medially in type 3 (7 cases). The long × short diameter of the IAF averaged 11.2 × 4.9 mm and 9.0 × 3.7 mm for Types 2 and 3, respectively. The angle of IAF was 10.5 ± 13.4° and 8.5 ± 7.8°, the distance of displacement was 3.0 ± 2.6 mm and 2.4 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed a high incidence of IAFs in posterior malleolar ankle fractures. The IAF has a long medial to lateral shape, as well as the direction of the posterior malleolus fracture, occurs more often laterally in Mason Type 2 and medially in type 3. These findings suggest a pathophysiology in which the axial force causes secondary intraarticular impingement after the main fracture of the posterior malleolus. resulting in the development of an IAF. Handling IAFs is one of the keys in the treatment of posterior malleolar fractures and the surgical approach should be also selected based on the IAF.
3D Printed Titanium Wedges for Distraction Arthrodesis of the Subtalar Joint
Authors: Kreulen Christopher D. , Giza Eric 
Published: December 2023

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Distraction arthrodesis of the subtalar joint is performed to restore height and correct deformity in the case of subtalar joint arthrosis, malalignment of the rear foot, calcaneal fracture, or other pathologies. Historically, autograft or allograft bone blocks were used to restore natural alignment and improve hindfoot function. Although successful use has been reported, complications associated with donor site morbidity and size limitation for autograft, as well as additional complications including nonunion, graft collapse, and loss of alignment are common. Recently, innovative advancements have enabled the use of 3D printed porous titanium implants for use, improving the union rates and reduced risk of subsidence and graft collapse. Methods: 6 patients with subtalar collapse and anterior ankle impingement were indicated for distraction subtalar arthrodesis. Surgery was performed with a lateral approach for the distraction arthrodesis using an off the shelf 3D printed subtalar wedge and a nitinol pseudoelastic fusion rod for stabilization and fixation. Patients were followed 6 months post op for fusion and alignment. Fusion was confirmed at 3 months with CT scans and alignment was monitored with weightbearing ankle X-rays. Results: 3D wedge incorporation and sustained correction of height and alignment was maintained over time at the subtalar joint. There were no nonunions, 2 patients reports skin healing issues due to tension on the skin with wound closure. These healed with local wound care. Improvement in preoperative to postoperative tibiotalar sagittal plane alignment was observed in all patients. Conclusion: The use of a 3D printed titanium wedge for distraction Arthrodesis of the subtalar joint is a safe procedure and useful procedure in short-term follow-up. This procedure does provide improvement in the patients alignment and fusion occurs with in 3 months of surgery.
Analyzing the Quality and Educational Value of Achilles Tendinopathy-Related Videos on TikTok
Authors: Tabarestani Troy Q. , Anastasio Albert T. , Duruewuru Anthony , Taylor Joshua , Bethell Mikhail Alexander , Adams Samuel 
Published: December 2023

Category: Ankle; Other Introduction/Purpose: Social media platforms, like TikTok, have become popular options for the consumption and distribution of healthcare information. Due to the lack of scientific oversight, the consistency of healthcare-related videos has become a focus of the current literature. However, orthopaedic surgery has lagged behind other specialties in acknowledging the widespread utilization of TikTok videos for medical information. This study aims to assess the quality and educational benefits of Achilles tendinopathy-related TikTok videos. Methods: TikTok was queried using the hashtags "#achillestendonexercises”, “achillestendonitisexercises", "achillestendinosisexercises" and "achillestendinopathyexercises". 100 videos (25 for each term) were included after applying the exclusion criteria. The number of views, likes, shares, comments, and favorites was recorded. The content was graded using DISCERN (a well-validated informational analysis tool) and ATEES (a self-designed tool for exercise evaluation). Results: The total number of views of the 100 videos was 1,647,148, with a median of 7,562.5 (IQR = 2,281- 19,575). The videos collectively received 73,765 likes, 1,125 comments, 14,491 favorites and 6,897 shares with a median of 283 (IQR= 73. 8-957.8), 7 (IQR= 1.8-16.0), 61.5 (IQR= 8.8-184.3), and 18.5 (IQR= 2.0-49.8), respectively. General users uploaded slightly less (48%) when compared to healthcare professionals (52%). Healthcare professionals had more videos graded as “very poor” (43.4%) in comparison to the general users (36.2%). General users had more videos graded as “poor” (63.8%) in comparison to healthcare professionals (54.7%). However, there were no significant differences between the groups on either of the video grading scales. Conclusion: Although TikTok is a powerful tool for information distribution, the educational value of the videos related to Achilles tendinopathy exercises was poor. With only 1% of videos receiving a grade of ‘fair,’ and no videos reaching a score of ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, healthcare professionals should be aware of the high viewership of low-quality content easily accessible on TikTok.
Assessing the Appropriateness of Repeat MRI Scan Requests Within a Foot and Ankle Department
Authors: Ardakani Amir Hossain Gahanbani , Haldar Anil , Patel Shelain , Welck Matthew J. , Cullen Nicholas , Malhotra Karan 
Published: December 2023

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: With diagnostic resources often in great demand, it is important to ensure clinicians request investigations appropriately. Unnecessary radiological investigations are costly and delay patient care. This study aimed to assess the incidence and appropriateness of repeat MRI scans being requested in a single foot and ankle unit, to identify areas which can be improved. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 1322 scans between October-2019 to October-2022. We included all patients who had a diagnostic MRI scan requested after being assessed in our foot-and-ankle clinics. Assessments were made on the proportion of repeat scans, the seniority of requester, the indications put forward for the repeat scan, the modality of patient assessment (telephone vs face-to-face appointment), and the impact on patient management. A scan was considered a repeat, if the same anatomical location was scanned within a 3-year period. Scans were deemed appropriate if they were: part of a clinical trial, for tumour/infection/stress-fracture monitoring, for new trauma, pre-operative planning, following agreement in MDT discussions, or following significant changes in clinical symptoms. We expected that scans should ideally only be requested where the result is expected to influence management and that a scan should not be repeated without evidence of change in clinical symptoms (unless for monitoring). Results: Over the 3-year period, 6.5% of MRI scans performed were considered repeat scans. The average time between initial and repeat scans was 13.1±8.6months (range 1-33 months). 88% of patients had only one repeat scan. The majority(58%) of repeat scans were requested by non-senior clinicians. In total, 47/85(55%) scans were deemed appropriate. 75% of the patients in this cohort had been assessed face-to-face. Twenty of these scans were repeated for significant change in clinical symptoms and 50% meaningfully influenced management plans. Conversely, 38/85(45%) repeat scans did not have strong clinical indications. The majority(80%) of these were requested by non- senior clinicians and 50% were requested after a telephone review. From the scans requested by the non-senior clinicians, none(0%) had a meaningfully influence on patients’ management plans. Conclusion: This study highlights that although repeat MRI scans were not common, they seldom influenced patient management unless there was a meaningful change in patient symptoms. MRI scans were more likely to influence management when initiated by senior clinicians and following a face-to-face assessment. In order to streamline patient care and reduce unnecessary investigations we propose a protocol to guide the requesting of repeat scans. This protocol includes identifying significant symptomatic change, in-person review, and senior clinician or multi-disciplinary input when a repeat scan is being considered.
Assessment of Clinical Outcomes After Mini-Open Reduction of Depressed Calcaneal Fractures Using the Push-Out Molding Technique
Authors: Bae Su-Young , Park Jae Yong , Park Jung Hun 
Published: December 2023

Category: Trauma; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: As minimal invasive techniques for depressed calcaneal fracture treatment have become more common, great progress has been achieved with various surgical methods. While these techniques are still currently utilized, new methods have been developed. This study aimed to report the radiologic and clinical outcomes of depressed calcaneal fracture treatment with the “push-out molding” technique and to propose its clinical utility. Methods: From March 2009 to October 2020, a retrospective study was conducted with 52 patients, who received the “push-out molding” technique to treat depressed intra-articular calcaneal fractures (Sanders type II, III, IV). Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures, open fractures, and a follow-up period < 12 months. Radiologic parameters were assessed at following periods: preoperative, postoperative, 3-month follow-up, and last follow-up. Limitation of range of motion (ROM), subjective satisfaction, and complications were assessed at the last follow-up period. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze values at preoperative, postoperative, 3-month, and last follow-up periods. Results: Significant differences in the talo-calcaneal angle (p < 0.001), Böhler’s angle (p= < 0.001), Gissane’s angle (p = 0.023), distance from the lower cortical border of calcaneus to the anterior (p= < 0.001) and posterior (p= < 0.001) points of posterior articular surface, calcaneal length (p = 0.019), and talo-calcaneal height (p= < 0.001). Postoperatively, the posterior articular surface was well maintained, while 21.2% retained a ROM limitation by 20° or higher. Subjective satisfaction was as follows: excellent (42.3%), good (48.1%), fair (9.6%), and poor (0%). Conclusion: The “push-out molding” is a simple technique with the advantage of not requiring much force to treat depressed calcaneal fractures. It can be used as a beneficial surgical technique with minimal damage to the soft tissue, owing to the reduction from the depressed interior part and less severe ROM limitation.
Assessment of the Learning Curve of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hallux Valgus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Walley Kempland , Baumann Anthony , Anastasio Albert T. , Gong Davin , Talusan Paul G 
Published: December 2023

Category: Bunion; Other Introduction/Purpose: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common orthopedic foot and ankle condition involving deformity with subsequent pain and dysfunction of the first ray. Surgical interventions, such as open and minimally invasive surgery (MIS), are frequently utilized if conservative management is insufficient. In recent years, MIS has been increasingly used and has been regarded as one of the most innovative surgical interventions for HV. However, insufficient and/or delayed mastery of MIS for HV has the potential to affect patient outcomes and complication rates. The purpose of this study is to examine the learning curve associated with MIS for the treatment of HV. Methods: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, CINAHL and MEDLINE databases from database inception to February 16th, 2023. Inclusion criteria was articles with level of evidence I-III, any outcomes associated with learning curve, MIS, full-text articles in English, and diagnosis of HV in adult patients. Exclusion criteria was articles not containing data on learning curves, non-English full-text, and level IV studies. Results: A total of 165 articles were found with 6 articles meeting final article selection. For all six articles, 368 total patients (422 total feet) were included in the study with an average age of 55.69 years (range 15 - 84). Three studies reported the number of surgeries needed to reach the plateau phase of the learning curve of MIS for HV, with a frequency weighted mean of 35.5 surgeries (range 27 – 40). In the selected articles, significant results were found for increased OR time and fluoroscopy shots in the learning phase. There was no significant increase in complications in the learning phase. There was no significant decrease in patient outcomes, or the quality of correction performed during the learning phase for MIS for HV. Conclusion: An average of 35.5 surgeries (range 27 – 40) are needed to reach the plateau phase for MIS for HV. The learning phase of the learning curve of MIS for HV has a significant increase in OR time and fluoroscopy usage. However, the learning phase of the learning curve of MIS for HIV is not associated with decreased outcomes, decreased corrections, or higher complication rates. More research with higher quality studies is needed to determine the impact of the learning curve of MIS for HV on patient outcomes.