Nitinol Staple Use in Primary Arthrodesis of Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocations.

BACKGROUND: Primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc fracture-dislocations is a reliable treatment option, yet concerns remain about nonunion. Nitinol staple use has recently proliferated in midfoot arthrodesis. The purpose of this study is to examine the union rate of primary arthrodesis of acute Lisfranc fracture-dislocations treated with nitinol staples compared with traditional plate-and-screw fixation. The secondary objective is to assess the difference in operative times and reoperation rates. METHODS: Midfoot fracture-dislocations treated with primary arthrodesis by 7 foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons were reviewed. Of 160 eligible patients, 121 patients (305 joints) met the required 4-month minimum radiographic follow-up. Radiographic outcomes were analyzed at the individual joint level. Each joint was classified as either staples alone (45 patients, 154 joints), staples plus plates and screws (hybrid) (45 patients, 40 joints), or plates and screws alone (31 patients, 111 joints). The primary outcome was arthrodesis union at each joint fused. RESULTS: Nonunion was more common (9.0%, 10/111) among joints fixed with plate and screws than with hybrid (2.5%, 1/40) or staples only (1.3%, 2/154) (P = .0085). Multivariable regression demonstrated that autograft use was independent associated with union (P = .0035) and plate-and-screw only fixation was an independent risk factor for nonunion (P = .0407). Median operating room and tourniquet times were shorter for hybrid (92 and 83 minutes) and staple only (67 and 63 minutes) constructs compared to plate-and-screw only fixation (105 and 95 minutes) (P ≤ .0001 and .0003). There was no difference in reoperation rates among patients with different fixation types. CONCLUSION: We found that use of nitinol compression staple and bone autograft in primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc and midfoot fracture-dislocations was associated with both improved union rates and shorter tourniquet and operative times compared to traditional plate-and-screw fixation techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic.

Prospective Clinical and Computed Tomography Evaluation of Calcaneus Fractures Treated Through Sinus Tarsi Approach.

Background: The traditional lateral extensile approach to the calcaneus allows for excellent visualization but is associated with high wound complication rates. The sinus tarsi approach has been shown to produce similar radiographic outcomes with much lower rates of wound complications. The purpose of this study is to prospectively determine clinical and radiographic outcomes in calcaneus fractures treated with a sinus tarsi approach. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with 30 calcaneus fractures underwent operative fixation through a sinus tarsi approach and were prospectively evaluated. Routine pre- and postoperative radiographs were obtained, in addition to computed tomography (CT) scans at 6 weeks and 12 months after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), and Foot Functional Index (FFI) were recorded. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year postoperation. Results: Twenty-one patients with 22 calcaneus fractures completed 1 year of follow-up. At 12 months postoperation, 20 of 22 patients (91%) had 0 to 2 mm of fracture displacement at the posterior facet on CT scans whereas 2 of 22 patients had 2 to 4 mm of fracture displacement. There was no significant change in posterior facet fracture displacement comparing 6-week and 12-month postoperative CT scans (P > .99). Mean postoperative Bohler angle was 26.1 degrees compared to 13.2 degrees preoperatively. All patients had complete union of fracture site. There were no major wound complications. Four of 22 patients (18.2%) had minor wound complications. AOFAS, FFI, and VAS pain scores improved postoperatively but were not found to correlate with Bohler angle or critical angle of Gissane. Conclusion: We found that in select patients excellent anatomic alignment and good clinical outcomes with low wound complication rates can be achieved when fixing calcaneus fractures through the sinus tarsi approach. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Outcomes After Hallux Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Hallux interphalangeal joint arthrodesis (HIPJA) is indicated for a variety of pathologies. Despite high nonunion rates, techniques remain unchanged. The aim of this study is to examine nonunion and complication rates and describe risk factors for treatment failure. METHODS: A query of an institutional database was performed to identify all patients undergoing HIPJA procedure over a 10-year period. Records were reviewed to the procedure, evaluate patient factors, indications, and radiographic/clinical arthrodesis. Radiographic union was defined as 2 cortical continuations or bridging at the arthrodesis site, absence of hardware failure, and the absence of lytic gapping of the arthrodesis. Clinical fibrous union was defined as radiographic nonunion with painless toe range of motion and physical examination consistent with fusion across the interphalangeal joint. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-seven primary HIPJA procedures were identified. Our cohort demonstrated a 25.5% nonunion rate (58/227) and 21.1% reoperation rate (48/227). Patients with diabetes were at higher risk for nonunion (P = .014), but no significant differences were identified based on smoking status or diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. No difference was seen between implant groups: single screw, multiple screws, screw plus other fixation, nonscrew fixation. Patients with prior hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis did not have a significantly higher nonunion rate than patients without prior first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Patients diagnosed with radiographic nonunion were at higher risk for reoperation (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Our cohort represents the largest single-center series of HIPJA procedures published to date. We found relatively high nonunion and reoperation rates with standard current techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case series.

Complications, Reoperations, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following a 2-Stage Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty for Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

BACKGROUND: As total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) becomes more common, chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) will be encountered more frequently. No studies have reported on patient-reported outcomes following a 2-stage revision procedure for a chronic PJI after a TAA. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative clinical outcomes at a minimum of 2 years following a 2-stage revision TAA for chronic PJI. METHODS: Patients who underwent a 2-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI (>4 weeks after a primary TAA) between January 2010 and December 2019 were eligible to be included in this study. Chronic PJI was defined as a sinus tract that directly communicated with the prosthesis or the same organism identified in ≥2 synovial fluid samples. Twelve patients were eligible to be included in this case series. One patient died prior to 2-year follow-up, which left 11 patients available for analysis. All 11 patients underwent reimplantation. The data were found not to be normally distributed; therefore, medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported. RESULTS: At a median of 3.0 years (IQR 2.0-4.0 years) following the second stage of their revision arthroplasty, the median Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living and Sports scores were 60.7 (IQR 52.4, 79.8) and 31.3 (IQR 9.4, 40.6), respectively. At final follow-up, 10 patients (90.9%) were ambulating with a TAA in place. Seven patients (63.6%) required a reoperation including 1 patient who underwent a below-knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a 2-stage revision TAA may be an option for patients with a chronic PJI. However, patients who undergo a 2-stage revision TAA for a chronic PJI have lower than previously published 2-year FAAM scores and a high rate of reoperation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Distal Biceps Repairs in Females: A Large Single-Center Case Series.

Background: Distal biceps repair is a commonly reported procedure in male patients, with reliable outcomes and minimal long-term complications. Information on female patients, however, is limited, and variation in presentation and clinical outcomes is unknown. Questions/Purpose: We sought to report on the presentation, treatment algorithm, and outcomes of a case series of female patients with distal biceps pathology. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed from a large, single specialty orthopedic group from 2005 to 2017. Inclusion criteria were surgical treatment of the distal biceps in female patients, with minimum 3 months of follow-up. The primary outcome variable was the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: Of 26 patients who met inclusion criteria, 18 (70%) were available for follow-up with patient-reported outcomes. Median age at time of injury was 56.1 years; 46.2% of patients presented with a complete tear of the distal biceps, and the remaining 53.8% presented with a partial tear that failed nonoperative treatment. Six patients had lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuritis in early follow-up, which ultimately resolved. Median MEPS score was 100 (interquartile range: 20). Conclusion: This study represents the largest case series to date describing the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of female patients with distal biceps repair. Women tend to be older than men, have more insidious onset of pain, present with partial tearing, and may benefit from nonoperative treatment. Ultimately, based on this case series we believe distal biceps repair in female patients is a successful operation with minimal complications and high patient satisfaction.

Evaluation and Management of Adolescents With a Stiff Flatfoot.

While flatfeet are normal in children, persistence into adolescence with associated pain or asymmetry warrants additional evaluation. Rigidity of a flatfoot deformity, whether a clinical report or evident on examination, should raise suspicion for pathology. The differential diagnosis includes tarsal coalition, neurogenic planovalgus, and peroneal spasticity. History must include pointed inquiry into birth and neurologic histories to probe for a source of central spasticity. Examination must include standing assessment of hindfoot and midfoot alignment. Hindfoot rigidity may be assessed by the double limb heel rise test and manual examination. Radiographs should include standing ankle (anterior-posterior and mortise) and whole foot (anterior-posterior, external rotation oblique, and lateral) images. Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive for identifying coalitions and better characterizes adjacent cartilage, subchondral edema, and tendon pathology, yet CT better characterizes the anatomy of a bony coalition. Conservative treatments are pathology-dependent and play a more prominent role in neurogenic or peroneal spastic flatfoot. Surgical management of coalitions is centered on coalition resection coupled with arthrodesis in the case of a talocalcaneal coalition with a dysplastic subtalar joint; concomitant planovalgus reconstruction is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Mortality and Conversion Rates to Below-Knee or Above-Knee Amputation After Transmetatarsal Amputation.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify associated risk factors for complications, need for a higher level of amputation such as below-knee amputation (BKA) or above-knee amputation (AKA), and mortality after transmetatarsal amputation (TMA). METHODS: We identified 265 patients who underwent 286 TMA procedures between June 2002 and July 2016. Medical records were reviewed for revision surgery and amputation. Mortality was verified using the National Death Index. We identified and documented potential risk factors including diabetes, hemoglobin A1c level, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, history of revascularization, contralateral amputation, and neuropathy. Sixty-eight percent were male, the mean age was 56.9 years (SD 12.8; range 24.1 to 92.1), and the median body mass index was 28.6 (interquartile range, 24.5 to 33.1). RESULTS: Twenty-seven percent of the patients required a subsequent BKA or AKA after the index TMA surgery. The results of a multivariable model indicated that women (odds ratio [OR], 3.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.716 to 7.672), patients aged 57 to 64 years (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.51), and patients with a history of revascularization (OR, 7.06, 95% CI, 2.86 to 17.44) had markedly higher odds than the relevant comparison groups. Forty percent of the patients died after the index TMA at a median of 27 months. After adjusting for all patient factors, history of end-stage renal disease (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.206 to 4.014) and cardiovascular disease (OR, 2.879; 95% CI, 1.615 to 5.131) remained markedly associated with mortality after TMA. DISCUSSION: There are high rates of additional amputation after nontraumatic TMA and a high mortality rate. Surgeons should set realistic expectations with patients considered for TMA and identify risk factors, which may guide treatment. Treatment is multidisciplinary, requiring attention to surgical details, correction of vascular deficiency or contracture when present, and perioperative medical optimization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Complications after traumatic distal triceps tears: an analysis of 107 cases.

Background: The major complication and reoperation rates after distal triceps repair are poorly defined. The purpose of this large retrospective cohort study of distal triceps repairs performed by multiple surgeons within a large orthopedic group was to more clearly define the rates and risk factors of clinically impactful major complications and reoperations. Methods: All distal triceps tendon repairs for traumatic injuries performed from January 2006 to April 2017 with a minimum 2-month follow-up were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology code 24342. A total of 107 patients were included in this study. The primary outcome measure was total major complication rate. Reoperations, minor complications, and risk factors were also tracked. Results: Repairs were performed via bone tunnels (63.5%), suture anchors (13%), or a combination of the two (17.8%). A 14% complication rate and 13.1% reoperation rate were observed. Indication for reoperation included 9 reruptures, 3 infections, and 2 others. The time between injury and surgery was not found to be a risk factor for tendon rerupture. Smoking status, gender, utilization of a splint or controlled motion brace, and time to first active mobilization were not shown to influence rates or rerupture. Conclusion: Distal triceps repair for traumatic injuries is associated with 14% complication and 13.1% reoperation rates. Patient, rehabilitation, and surgeon-specific factors did not influence the complication rate.

Association of Cavovarus Foot Alignment With Peroneal Tendon Tears.

BACKGROUND: Although it is a widely accepted clinical principle that cavovarus deformity predisposes to peroneal tendon problems, there are limited data to support that assumption. This study tested the hypothesis that cavovarus is associated with peroneal tendon tears and evaluated which radiographic measures correlated with that association. METHODS: A retrospective comparison of radiographic measures of cavovarus in 234 consecutive patients operatively treated for chronically symptomatic peroneal tendon tears was compared to a matched control group. Measures included calcaneal pitch, anteroposterior (AP) talometatarsal and talocalcaneal angles, and talonavicular coverage angle. A novel coordinate system analyzed midfoot and hindfoot components of cavovarus. Analysis of variance was used to compare cohorts, and a Tukey-Kramer test used to analyze 3 subgroups of brevis and longus tears, and concomitant tears. RESULTS: The distribution of tears was 73% peroneus brevis, 8% longus, and 19% both tendons. Compared with controls, the study group, and subgroups, had multiple measures of increased cavovarus, including greater calcaneal pitch (P = .0001), decreased AP talo-first metatarsal angle (P = .0001), and increased talonavicular coverage angle (P = .0001). Elevated medial longitudinal arch, and rotational changes in the radiographic profiles of the hindfoot were found with the coordinate system described by Yokokura. CONCLUSION: This study found a statistically significant association of increased cavovarus deformity with peroneal tendon tears, compared to controls. It documented the relative incidence of tears of peroneus brevis, peroneus longus, and concomitant tears in a large surgical series. It demonstrated which simple radiographic angles and complex coordinate measurements of cavovarus deformity were significantly associated with peroneal tendon tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative cohort study.

Efficacy, Outcomes, and Alignment Following Isolated Fibular Sesamoidectomy via a Plantar Approach.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients for intermediate-term pain relief, functional outcome, and changes in hallux alignment following isolated, complete fibular sesamoidectomy via a plantar approach for sesamoid-related pain recalcitrant to conservative treatment. METHODS: A retrospective query of a tertiary referral center administrative database was performed using the Current Procedural Terminology code 28135 for sesamoidectomy between 2005 and 2016. Patients who underwent an isolated fibular sesamoidectomy were identified and contacted to return for an office visit. The primary outcome measure was change in visual analog pain score at final follow-up. Secondary measures included satisfaction, hallux flexion strength, hallux alignment, pedobarographic assessment, and postoperative functional outcome scores. Patients who met the 2-year clinical or radiographic follow-up minimum were included. Ninety fibular sesamoidectomies were identified. Thirty-six sesamoidectomies met inclusion criteria (median 60-month follow-up). The average patient was 36 years old and underwent sesamoidectomy 1.1 years after initial diagnosis. RESULTS: Median visual analog scale scores improved 5 (6 to 1) points at final follow-up (P < .001). Final postoperative mean hallux valgus angle did not differ from preoperative values (10.5 degrees/8.5 degrees, P = .12); similarly, the intermetatarsal angle did not differ (8.0 degrees/7.9 degrees, P = .53). Eighty-eight percent of patients would have surgery again and 70% were "very satisfied" with their result. Hallux flexion strength (mean 14.7 pounds) did not differ relative to the contralateral foot (mean 16.1 pounds) (P = .23). Among the full 92 case cohort, 3 patients underwent 4 known reoperations. CONCLUSION: Fibular sesamoidectomy effectively provided pain relief (median 5-year follow-up) for patients with sesamoid pathology without affecting hallux alignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Utilizing a Titanium Intramedullary Nail With an Internal Pseudoelastic Nitinol Compression Element: A Retrospective Case Series of 33 Patients.

Nitinol has been shown to generate durable compression under loading via pseudoelastic shape memory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a hindfoot arthrodesis nail with an internal pseudoelastic nitinol compression element. Patients who had undergone tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis from 2013 to 2016 were identified at 2 tertiary referral centers (12-week follow-up minimum). Patients managed with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail with an internal nitinol compression element were identified for review. Sagittal computed tomographic scan reformats were reviewed to calculate a percentage of joint surface bony union. Intraoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared to calculate postoperative screw position change generated by the nitinol element, a surrogate for postoperative unloading of compressive forces. Thirty-three patients were included in analysis and 81% of patients had successful union of both tibiotalar and subtalar joints. Overall, 90% of all arthrodesis surfaces united. The union rate of arthrodesis surfaces among patients without Charcot osteoarthropathy was 94%. A history of Charcot was identified as a risk factor for subtalar nonunion (p = .04) and was associated with less complete computed tomography-based tibiotalar union: 94% versus 71% (p < .01). The posterior-to-anterior screw translated an average of 3.9 mm proximally relative to the rigid portion of the nail from intraoperative to initial postoperative radiographs (p < .0001). High rates of computed tomography-confirmed union were demonstrated in the face of challenging clinical scenarios. Shortening of the pseudoelastic nitinol element occurs early in the postoperative period, indicating continued unloading of the nitinol compression element through the arthrodesis sites after initial implantation.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction With Intramedullary Beaming.

BACKGROUND:: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes and complications of patients with midfoot Charcot managed with midfoot osteotomy, realignment arthrodesis, and stabilization using intramedullary beams. METHODS:: Consecutive patients with midfoot Charcot treated at a tertiary-care foot and ankle center from January 2013 to July 2016 who underwent corrective osteotomy with internal beam fixation were identified; 25 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, weightbearing radiographs, and patient-reported outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was defined as restoration of a stable, plantigrade, ulcer-free foot. Median age was 58 years, median BMI was 32, and 80% were diabetic (75% insulin-dependent). RESULTS:: An ulcer-free, stable, plantigrade foot was obtained in 84% of patients. The radiographic lateral and anteroposterior Meary angle medians improved 9° and 15°, respectively, from preoperative to final postoperative weightbearing measurements ( P < .001 and P = .02). Overall, 46% of midfoot osteotomies were united on final radiographs at a median 18-month radiographic follow-up. Deep infection developed in 6 (24%) patients. The presence of a preoperative ulcer was found to be predictive of postoperative infection (P = .04); all 6 deep infections occurred in patients with preoperative ulceration. Four (16%) patients progressed to amputation at a mean 15 postoperative months, all for deep infection. CONCLUSION:: Midfoot Charcot reconstruction with intramedullary beaming allowed for restoration of an ulcer-free, plantigrade foot in most patients, but the complication rates were high, especially in patients with preoperative ulceration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Major complications after distal biceps tendon repairs: retrospective cohort analysis of 970 cases.

BACKGROUND: The major complication and reoperation rates after distal biceps repair are poorly defined. The purpose of this large retrospective cohort study of distal biceps repairs performed by multiple surgeons within a large orthopedic group was to more clearly define the rates and risk factors of clinically impactful major complications and reoperations. METHODS: All distal biceps tendon repairs performed from January 2005 through April 2017 with a minimum 2-month follow-up were identified using Current Procedural Terminology code 24342. We included 970 patients. The primary outcome measure was the total major complication rate. Reoperations, minor complications, and risk factors were also tracked. RESULTS: Repairs were performed via a single anterior incision in 652 cases and a 2-incision exposure in 318 cases. A 7.5% major complication rate and 4.5% reoperation rate were observed overall. Major complications occurred at the following rates: proximal radioulnar synostosis, 1.0%; heterotopic ossification or loss of range of motion with reoperation, 0.9%; tendon rerupture, 1.6%; deep infection, 0.5%; posterior interosseous nerve palsy, 1.9%; and complex regional pain syndrome, 0.6%. The 2-incision exposure was identified as a significant risk factor for the development of proximal radioulnar synostosis when compared with single-incision repair techniques (P = .0003; odds ratio, 19), occurring in 2.8% of 2-incision exposure cases. Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve neuritis or numbness and radial sensory nerve neuritis or numbness were documented more frequently in the postoperative period among patients treated with a single-incision exposure (P < .0001 and P = .034, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Distal biceps repair is associated with a 7.5% major complication rate and 4.5% reoperation rate. The use of a 2-incision technique for repair increases the risk of radioulnar synostosis.

Radiographic Results of Nitinol Compression Staples for Hindfoot and Midfoot Arthrodeses.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic union rate after midfoot and hindfoot arthrodeses using a new generation of nitinol staples, and to compare outcomes between a nitinol staple construct and a nitinol staple and threaded compression screw construct. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent hindfoot or midfoot arthrodesis using a new generation of nitinol compression staples with or without a partially threaded cannulated screw with minimum 3-month radiographic follow-up. The primary outcome variable was radiographic evidence of arthrodesis on radiographs and, when available, computed tomographic scan in patients who underwent midfoot or hindfoot arthrodesis using nitinol staples. Ninety-six patients and 149 joints were eligible for analysis. Median radiographic follow-up was 5.7 months. RESULTS: Radiographic union was seen in 93.8% (60/64) of patients and 95.1% (98/103) of joints using the nitinol staple construct. Radiographic union was seen in 90.6% (29/32) of patients and 95.7% (44/46) of joints using the nitinol combined staple and screw construct. There was no significant difference in radiographic union rate or revision surgery between the 2 groups. Seven patients developed nonunion, 4 in the nitinol staple construct group and 3 in the staple and screw group. CONCLUSIONS: New-generation nitinol staples were safe and effective for hindfoot and midfoot arthrodeses, with a high radiographic union rate. The use of a partially threaded screw for additional fixation was not found to either significantly increase or decrease radiographic fusion with nitinol staple fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative cohort study.

Pediatric Flatfoot: Pearls and Pitfalls.

Pediatric flatfeet are common, are usually asymptomatic, and typically improve over time as young children age. It is critical to differentiate flexible from rigid flatfeet and to assess for associated Achilles contracture with a careful history, physical examination, and initial radiographs. Although there are limited data, nonsurgical management of symptomatic flatfeet, both flexible and rigid, should be exhausted before considering surgical intervention. If patients fail conservative treatment, surgical management with joint-preserving, deformity-corrective techniques is typically used for pediatric flexible flatfeet in conjunction with deformity-specific soft tissue procedures.

Management of Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Bone Defects With an Intramedullary Nitinol Scaffold: A Novel Technique.

Difficult problems that are faced when reconstructing severe pilon fractures include filling metaphyseal defects and supporting an impacted, multifragmented articular surface. Supplements to plate fixation currently available in a surgeon's armamentarium include cancellous bone autograft, structural bone allograft, demineralized bone matrix, and calcium-based cements. Cancellous autograft possesses limited inherent mechanical stability and is associated with graft site morbidity. Structural allografts incorporate inconsistently and are plagued by late resorption. Demineralized bone matrix also lacks inherent structural stability. Calcium phosphate cements are not rigidly fixed to bone unless fixation is applied from cortical bone or through a plate, which must be taken into consideration when planning fixation. The Conventus DRS (Conventus Orthopaedics, Maple Grove, MN) implant is an expandable nitinol scaffold that takes advantage of the elasticity and shape memory of nitinol alloy. Once deployed and locked, it serves as a stable intramedullary base for fragment-specific periarticular fracture fixation, even in the face of metaphyseal bone loss. Two cases of successful implant use are presented. In both cases, the implant is used to fill a metaphyseal void and provide stable articular support to the distal tibial plafond. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level V: Case Report, Expert Opinion.

A Comprehensive, High-Quality Orthopedic Intern Surgical Skills Program.

OBJECTIVES: To design and implement a month-long, low-cost, comprehensive surgical skills curriculum built to address the needs of orthopedic surgery interns with high satisfaction among both interns and faculty. DESIGN: The study design was retrospective and descriptive. SETTING: The study was conducted at tertiary care referral center with a medium sized orthopedic residency surgery program (5 residents/year). PARTICIPANTS: Totally 5 orthopedic surgery residents and 16 orthopedic surgery faculty participated. RESULTS: A general mission was established-to orient the resident to the postgraduate year 1 and prepare them for success in residency. The basic tenets of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons surgical skills program framework were built. Curricular additions included anatomic study, surgical approaches, joint-specific physical examination, radiographic interpretation, preoperative planning, reduction techniques, basic emergency and operating room procedures, cadaveric procedure practice, and introduction to arthroplasty. The program was held in August during protected time for intern participants. In total, 16 orthopedic surgeons instructed 85% of the educational sessions. One faculty member did most of the preparation and organization to facilitate the program. The program ran for a cumulative 89 hours, including 14.5 hours working with cadaveric specimens. The program cost a total of $8100. The average module received a 4.15 rating on a 5-point scale, with 4 representing "good" and 5 representing "excellent." CONCLUSIONS: The program was appropriately timed and addressed topics relevant to the intern without sacrificing clinical experience or burdening inpatient services with interns' absence. The program received high satisfaction ratings from both the interns as well as the faculty. Additionally, the program fostered early relationships between interns and faculty-an unforeseen benefit. In the future, our program plans to better integrate validated learning metrics and improve instruction pertaining to both fluoroscopic examination and arthrocentesis.

Transoral robotic versus open surgical approaches to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma by human papillomavirus status.

OBJECTIVES: (1) Investigate oncologic survival outcomes and (2) analyze the impact of human papillomavirus status on prognosis in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with transoral robotic versus open surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. SUBJECTS: One hundred thirty total (65 per treatment arm) with primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS: Patients treated for primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with either transoral robotic (TORS) or open surgery plus standard of care adjuvant therapy between October 2004 and March 2012 were matched based on TNM staging before a retrospective chart review was performed. Carcinoma tissue was stained both prospectively and retrospectively with CINtec p16-INK4a kits for surrogate human papillomavirus typing. Recurrence-free survival was used to evaluate the impact of human papillomavirus tumor status and method of surgical intervention on prognosis. RESULTS: As a whole, patients treated with transoral robotic surgery survived more frequently (94%, 91%, 89% at 1, 2, 3 years, respectively) than those treated with open surgery (85%, 75%, 73% at 1, 2, 3 years, correspondingly) (P = .035). The subgroup of patients with human papillomavirus-negative malignancies treated with open surgery survived without recurrence less frequently at 1, 2, and 3 year rates of 58%, 25%, 25%, respectively (P < .01). CONCLUSION: These retrospective data suggest that oncologic outcomes are not being sacrificed when patients with OPSCC are treated with TORS instead of open surgery regardless of tumor human papillomavirus immunohistochemical staining.

Robotic surgery for primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown site.

IMPORTANCE: Identification of the primary site in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is crucial because it improves the patient's prognosis and minimizes morbidity from treatment. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in identifying unknown primary sites of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective, multi-institutional case series from January 1, 2010, to February 28, 2013, in which data were pooled from the following 6 institutions: University of Washington Medical Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Oregon Health Sciences University. All patients diagnosed as having HNSCC of an unknown primary site who underwent TORS to identify the primary site were included in the study. We excluded those with recurrent disease, a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck, or evidence of a primary tumor site based on previous biopsy results. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Identification of the primary tumor site. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were eligible for the study. The tumor site was identified by TORS in 34 of 47 patients (72.3%). The primary site was located in the base of tongue for 20 patients (58.8%) and the palatine tonsil for 13 patients (38.2%), with 1 patient having a primary site in both the base of tongue and the palatine tonsil. Suspicious physical examination findings were present in 23 of 47 patients (48.9%), with positive and negative predictive values of 56.5% and 25.0%, respectively. Of those who underwent any imaging, 16 patients had suspicious findings, with positive and negative predictive values of 50.0% and 16.7%, respectively. In 18 of 47 patients (38.3%), both preoperative radiographic and physical examination failed to suggest a primary site. Of these 18 patients, 13 (72.2%) were identified after undergoing TORS. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: We demonstrate that TORS is a useful approach to identify and treat the primary site in patients with HNSCC who present with an unknown primary site.