Foot & Ankle Specialist

Purpose: To determine if the postoperative alignment of the hallux influences the final clinical outcome of hallux metatarsophalangeal joint (first MTPJ) arthrodesis. Methods: A total of 71 consecutive cases (hallux rigidus) were studied in stages 3 and 4. They were operated through arthrodesis between 2008 and 2014. The follow-up mean was 7.3 years. The AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) test was performed preintervention and per annum. In radiology, both the hallux valgus angle and the dorsiflexion angle of the first MTPJ were studied. Furthermore, clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the type of implant used. Results: Preoperative AOFAS score was 27.5, rising to 91.3 after the intervention ( P < .01). The improvement test average was 63.6. There were 17 local complications (23%), 7 of them were considered to be major complications (9%), 6 of which needed reoperation (8.5%). The dorsiflexion angle postoperative mean was 21.7°. The hallux valgus angle postoperative mean was 10.9°. No correlations between both angles, and improved AOFAS score or complications ( P > .4 and P > .5, respectively), were found. Patients who had a dorsiflexion angle higher than 20° had greater improvement in the AOFAS score compared with those who had angles lower than 20° (64.5 vs 59.6 points). Nevertheless, this result was not statistically significant ( P = .059). No differences in AOFAS score improvement regarding arthrodesis plate ( P > .1) were found. Conclusion: First MTPJ arthrodesis is a good alternative for patients in advanced hallux rigidus stages when conservative treatment fails. We could not confirm if a better postoperative alignment may influence in clinical outcomes. However, better results are obtained with dorsiflexion angle greater than 20° than with those with less than 20°. Likewise, any differences between the 2 arthrodesis plates have been able to confirm.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study

Objectives. To evaluate the costs and efficacy of radiographs taken in the third week after fixation of bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures. Patients and method. A retrospective evaluation was made of patients who underwent surgical fixation because of bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures between January 1, 2008, and October 1, 2013. Patient demographics (age, gender, body mass index), fracture type, follow-up periods, and fixation methods were recorded, and the radiographs taken on postoperative day 1, at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and the final follow-up were examined by 2 orthopedists. Measurements were taken of the medial clear space (MCS ≤ 4 mm), the tibiofibular clear space (TFCS < 5 mm), and the talocrural angle (TCA = 83° ± 4°) on the mortise radiograph and of the overlap between the tibial tubercle and fibula (TFO > 10 mm) on the anteroposterior radiograph; residual step (mm) was measured on the lateral radiograph. Results. A total of 263 patients were examined, and of these, 112 were included for evaluation. In the measurements of postoperative day 1, third week, and sixth week and the final radiographs, no statistically significant difference was determined in the MCS, TFCS, TCA, TFO, and residual step values. Because the cost of a series of 3-way ankle radiographs in Turkey is US$3.81 per patient, the cost of the control series for the 112 patients in this study was US$ 427.3. Conclusions. In patients treated surgically for bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures, the radiographs taken in the third week rarely resulted in a change of patient management. Therefore, it simply constitutes an additional cost for the patient or the hospital.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective Cohort study

Background. Ankle tendon augmentation with biological matrixes has been shown to be beneficial, especially for Achilles tendon rupture as it adds to the integrity of the repair. Biologic matrix augmentation has been used increasingly in chronic and complex injuries where reinforcement is required. The objective of this study was to present outcomes of a series of patients who underwent tendon repair augmented with a new biologic matrix. Methods: Sixteen patients underwent ankle tendon repair, augmented with Proformix biologic tissue matrix. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for function and pain, and were followed for up to 3 years for complications. Results: This study included 10 females and 6 males, with a mean age of 44.6 years (range, 23-71 years). Patients were evaluated at 2 months postoperatively, and then further followed for a mean 19.0 months (range 7-38 months) to assess complications and reinjuries. Foot and Ankle Disability Index scores significantly increased from preoperatively (38.3) to 2 months postoperatively (85.2) (P < .001). Furthermore, there were no reports of reruptures or significant complications. Conclusions: Weakness or rupture in tendons of the foot, especially the Achilles tendon, can be treated surgically and the repair augmented with Proformix, a new, biological matrix. Our study presented a series of 16 patients whose surgical repairs had been augmented with the new biological matrix, all of whom have achieved excellent results.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series

Fractures of the distal fibula secondary to rotational ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries requiring surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the distal fibular medullary canal as a means of aiding in surgical management with an intramedullary device. Twenty fresh cadaveric below-knee specimens (group 1, 10 in 2015, group 2, 10 in 2016) were dissected to expose the distal fibular. Fifteen (10 mm each) segments were sectioned with a sagittal saw from the distal tip proximally and measured with a digital caliper. In group I, the widest and narrowest fibular diameter was at the 20-mm interval (mean 15.02 mm) and 90-mm interval (mean 3.51 mm), respectively. From 70 to 120 mm, the mean diameter was less than 4.0 mm. In group 2, the widest and narrowest diameter was at the 20-mm interval (mean 15.05 mm) and 100-mm interval (mean 4.33 mm), respectively. From 70 to 140 mm, the mean diameter was less than 5.0 mm. The combined mean diameter at the 60- to 80-mm intervals were 4.99 ± 1.70, 4.35 ± 1.63, and 4.02 ± 1.35 mm, respectively. Based on our investigation, we propose an intramedullary device diameter of 4.5 to 5.0 mm in diameter with a length of 60 to 80 mm may provide most appropriate bony purchase to achieve acceptable cortical contact for expected osseous compression.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Cadaveric case series

Background. Ankle blocks are used in the ambulatory surgery setting to control postoperative pain, which is often worst in the first 24 hours after surgery. We conducted a trial to determine whether the timing of ankle block administration in relation to ankle tourniquet inflation has an effect on perceived pain and narcotic consumption. Methods. A prospective randomized study was conducted between August 2015 and January 2016. Patients were assigned to three groups. In group A, an ankle block was performed before ankle tourniquet inflation; in group B, immediately after ankle tourniquet inflation; and in group C, immediately after ankle tourniquet inflation with additional local anesthetic placed around the incision at the end of the procedure. Pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) score, which was recorded at discharge, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 2 weeks after surgery. Narcotic consumption was recorded at 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Results. The only statistically significant difference in mean VAS scores occurred at 24 hours, when patients who received an ankle block after tourniquet inflation with local incisional anesthetic at closure (group C) had a mean VAS score 2.8 points lower (3.5 vs 6.3; P = .025) than those who received only an ankle block after tourniquet inflation (group B). There was no difference in narcotic consumption between groups at 24 and 48 hours. Conclusions. The timing of ankle block in relation to tourniquet inflation did not have an effect on pain control in forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot reconstruction. The synergistic effect of an ankle block with additional incisional anesthetic at closure, is more effective than ankle block alone and is the ideal combination for postoperative pain control in foot surgery.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level II: Prospective, comparative trial

Background. Arthrodesis of the first tarsal metatarsal joint can be accomplished in many ways. The compressive force attained between various constructs remains unclear. This study compares compression achieved through a locking/compression Lapidus plate both with and without the addition of a lag screw. Methods: A dorsal medial Lapidus/locking compression plate (Total Compression Plate System, OrthoPro, Salt Lake City, UT, now Wright Medical) was applied to one cadaveric limb, while the same plate with the addition of a 4.0-mm cannulated lag screw was applied to the contralateral limb for a total of 5 matched pairs of cadaveric specimens. Compressive force was recorded over time and compared between the constructs using a compression sensor (8” FlexiForce Resistive Force Sensor, Phidgets Inc, Calgary, Alberta, Canada). Results: Compression was maintained for 45.4 minutes in the plate only construct, and 317 minutes with the addition of the lag screw (P = .010). The mean time to 50% peak compression for the plate only construct was 4.90 minutes compared with 15.11 minutes for plate with lag screw construct (P = .012). Conclusion: The addition of a lag screw is recommended for extending the length of compression and possibly reducing nonweightbearing time and the risk of nonunion.

Levels of Evidence: Level V

Background. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nails are often used for complex hind foot arthrodesis and deformity correction. The natural valgus alignment of the hindfoot creates a challenge to optimum placement of the guidewire and eventual nail with a straight or valgus-curved nail. Methods. Five fresh frozen cadavers were used for placement of a TTC guidewire with standard anterior-posterior (AP), lateral, and Harris axial heel views as a reference for proper placement. The limb was then rotated 15°, 30°, and 45° both internally and externally to evaluate the perceived amount of osseous purchase within the calcaneus. The TTC nail was then inserted and dissection was performed to demonstrate proximity of the nail to the sustentaculum tali and neurovascular structures. Results. A 30° internal rotation Harris axial heel view demonstrated the most accurate representation of osseous purchase within the calcaneus with the guidewire and nail placement. When the guidewire was placed with standard imaging the nail was often ultimately placed in close proximity to the sustentaculum tali and neurovascular structures. Conclusion. Careful placement of the guidewire prior to reaming and nail placement should be undertaken to avoid neurovascular injury and to increase osseous purchase. For optimal guidewire placement, the authors suggest using appropriate anatomic landmarks and using a 30° internally rotated Harris axial heel view to verify correct placement.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion

Background. While investigations have been performed examining the quality of US-based cost-utility analyses for other orthopaedic subspecialties and have provided important insights, a similar analysis has not been performed examining the foot and ankle literature. Methods. A systematic review of foot and ankle studies was conducted to identify cost-utility analyses published between 2000 and 2017. Of 687 studies screened by abstract, 4 cost-utility studies were identified and scored by the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. Results. Of these 4 studies, 3 examined end-stage arthritis and 1 examined unstable ankle fractures. Cost-effective interventions identified by these studies included the performance of total ankle arthroplasty over ankle arthrodesis or nonoperative treatment for end-stage arthritis and suture button fixation over syndesmotic screws for unstable supination–external rotation ankle fractures. The mean Quality of Health Economic Studies scores for these studies was 87.5. Conclusion. Despite the increasing focus on value-based care delivery in the United States, there are few foot and ankle cost-utility analyses. Nonetheless, the quality of existing analyses is high. Certain interventions have been identified as cost-effective as highlighted above and the findings of this review can be used to help design future analyses in order to best demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of foot and ankle interventions.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Systematic Review of level III studies

Background: Peripheral fractures of the talus are uncommon. Almost all the literature regarding talar fractures consists of central intra-articular fractures, whereas studies about peripheral talar fractures are lacking. The aim of this study is to increase awareness in diagnosing an unusual peripheral extra-articular medial impression fracture of the talus. Methods: This study includes a retrospective case series of patients with an extra-articular medial impression fracture of the talus. Patient characteristics, trauma mechanism, diagnostics, fracture characteristics, and treatment were reported. Results: Eight consecutive patients with an extra-articular medial impression fracture of the talus were identified. In 80%, the trauma mechanism was a supination or inversion injury of the ankle and foot. An X-ray was obtained in all patients; in 7 (88%) patients, a computed tomography scan was done, and an additional magnetic resonance imaging was done in 3 (38%) patients. In 4 patients (50%), the correct diagnosis was missed at first presentation. The delay between injury and diagnosis was 0 to 180 days (of 36 days on average). Conclusion: This is the first case series to describe patients with a peripheral extra-articular medial impression fracture of the talus. Good clinical examination and judicious use of diagnostic imaging are a necessity to find the talar impression fractures in a timely manner, and treatment can be started immediately.

Levels of Evidence: Level V

This case report is the first documented case of a serious motor vehicle accident caused by a patient driving in a controlled ankle motion (CAM) walker boot. The real-life nature and severity of injury in this case supplements the existing experimental studies on the dangers of driving while immobilized in a CAM boot and is likely to resonate strongly with both patients and surgeons. With CAM boots used so commonly after lower limb surgery, this case not only has the potential to change practice as an educational tool for patients but also raises important medicolegal implications for orthopaedic surgeons.

Levels of Evidence: Level V