Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy: a review of key concepts and an evidence-based surgical management algorithm.

Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO), mainly as a result of diabetic neuropathy, is a complex problem which carries significant morbidity, and is an increasing burden on healthcare as demographics change globally. A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is necessary to treat the multiple facets of this disease. The multifactorial and non-homogenous nature of this condition and its management, has prevented the development of comprehensive guidelines based on level 1 evidence. Although there is a trend to surgically treat these patients in tertiary centres, the increasing prevalence of CNO necessitates the capability of all units to manage this condition to an extent locally. This article conducted a thorough literature search of Pubmed and Embase from 2003 to 2023 including the following search terms; "Charcot" "neuroarthropathy" "diabetic foot" "management" "surgery" "treatment" "reconstruction". The results of this review have been summarised and synthesised into an evidence-based algorithm to aid in the surgical decision-making process, and improve the understanding of surgical management by the whole MDT.

Centre of Rotation of the Human Subtalar Joint Using Weight-Bearing Clinical Computed Tomography.

Accurate in vivo quantification of subtalar joint kinematics can provide important information for the clinical evaluation of subtalar joint function; the analysis of outcome of surgical procedures of the hindfoot; and the design of a replacement subtalar joint prosthesis. The objective of the current study was to explore the potential of full weight-bearing clinical computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the helical axis and centre of rotation of the subtalar joint during inversion and eversion motion. A subject specific methodology was proposed for the definition of the subtalar joint motion combining three-dimensional (3D) weight-bearing imaging at different joint positions with digital volume correlation (DVC). The computed subtalar joint helical axis parameters showed consistency across all healthy subjects and in line with previous data under simulated loads. A sphere fitting approach was introduced for the computation of subtalar joint centre of rotation, which allows to demonstrate that this centre of rotation is located in the middle facet of the subtalar joint. Some translation along the helical axis was also observed, reflecting the elasticity of the soft-tissue restraints. This study showed a novel technique for non-invasive quantitative analysis of bone-to-bone motion under full weight-bearing of the hindfoot. Identifying different joint kinematics in patients with ligamentous laxity and instability, or in the presence of stiffness and arthritis, could help clinicians to define optimal patient-specific treatments.

Minimally invasive distal metaphyseal metatarsal osteotomy (DMMO) for symptomatic forefoot pathology - Short to medium term outcomes from a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive distal metaphyseal metatarsal osteotomy (DMMO) may be used to treat metatarsalgia and forefoot pathology. Few large series report its results or examine the degree of metatarsal shortening with this technique. The clinical and radiographic results of a cohort of patients treated with DMMOs at our unit are reported. METHODS: This was a single-centre retrospective study looking at the outcome of consecutive patients undergoing DMMOs. Demographics, radiological and clinical outcomes, complications and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were analysed. RESULTS: DMMOs on 106 toes in 43 feet were included. Mean age was 60.2±10.2 years and median follow-up was 38 months. Concurrent procedures were performed in 26 cases (60%). DMMO was performed on multiple toes in 42 cases (97%). Mean shortening achieved was 3.6±2.2mm, 4.1±1.6mm, and 3.6±1.6mm for the second, third and fourth metatarsals respectively. Mean time to fusion was 11.4±7.8 weeks and union occurred in 105 toes (99%). The single non-union was asymptomatic at 12 months. Two patients required a subsequent additional DMMO for transfer metatarsalgia. Minor complications were seen in 11 patients (26%). At final follow-up PROMs data was available for 42 cases: mean MOxFQ was 28.8±27.6, mean EQ-5D was 0.789±0.225, mean EQ-VAS was 68.5±20.3, mean VAS-Pain score was 3.1±2.8, and patients were satisfied overall in 40 cases (95%). CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrate excellent radiological and clinical outcomes in the short to medium term with DMMOs and present data on metatarsal shortening achieved with this technique.

Current concepts in the techniques, indications and outcomes of meniscal repairs.

Knee arthroscopy for meniscal tears is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures. In recent years, there has been an increasing incidence of meniscal repairs, as there are concerns that meniscectomy predisposes patients to early osteoarthritis. Indications for meniscal repair are increasing and can now be performed in older patients who are active, even if the tear is in the avascular zone. Options for meniscal tear management broadly fall into three categories: non-operative management, meniscal repair or meniscectomy. With limited evidence directly comparing each of these options optimal management strategies can be difficult. Decision making requires thorough assessment of patient factors (e.g. age and comorbidities) and tear characteristics (e.g. location and reducibility). The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to review the management options of meniscal tears and summarize the evidence for meniscal tear repair.

A novel freehand method for patellar resurfacing in total knee replacement.

Patellar resurfacing in the context of primary total knee replacement (TKR) and in the presence of patella-femoral osteoarthritis is common and widespread practice, as it reduces the rate of re-operation and anterior knee pain. There are several measuring devices and cutting jigs available in the market, which aim to aid with accurately resecting the patellar articular surface. A common characteristic of these jigs is that the patella needs to be everted at some stage to apply them and use them. The senior author of this paper has developed a method of performing patellar resection with the use of simple instruments with no need to evert it and while it engages the trochlea in a physiological position. We propose that this method is reproducible and produces cuts that are parallel to the trochlea.

Treatment of meniscal tears: An evidence based approach.

Treatment options for meniscal tears fall into three broad categories; non-operative, meniscectomy or meniscal repair. Selecting the most appropriate treatment for a given patient involves both patient factors (e.g., age, co-morbidities and compliance) and tear characteristics (e.g., location of tear/age/reducibility of tear). There is evidence suggesting that degenerative tears in older patients without mechanical symptoms can be effectively treated non-operatively with a structured physical therapy programme as a first line. Even if these patients later require meniscectomy they will still achieve similar functional outcomes than if they had initially been treated surgically. Partial meniscectomy is suitable for symptomatic tears not amenable to repair, and can still preserve meniscal function especially when the peripheral meniscal rim is intact. Meniscal repair shows 80% success at 2 years and is more suitable in younger patients with reducible tears that are peripheral (e.g., nearer the capsular attachment) and horizontal or longitudinal in nature. However, careful patient selection and repair technique is required with good compliance to post-operative rehabilitation, which often consists of bracing and non-weight bearing for 4-6 wk.

Review article: Treatment for Achilles tendon ruptures in athletes.

Treatment for Achilles tendon ruptures in athletes is controversial. Surgical fixation has lower rates of re-rupture and confers increased strength and function, whereas conservative treatment has lower risks of wound complications. We review the literature on the optimal treatment for Achilles tendon rupture in athletes.

Do bisphosphonates cause femoral insufficiency fractures?

In recent years, several reports have suggested an association between the use of bisphosphonates and subtrochanteric insufficiency fractures. Research from animal studies and in some cases from histomorphometric data collected from patients provide evidence of a possible pathophysiological mechanism behind this phenomenon. Despite this, it has not yet been possible to confirm a causal relationship. The small number of cases, the lack of consistency in defining these atypical fractures, the absence of homogeneity between studies, and the fact that most data available are derived from retrospective observational studies, are some of the difficulties encountered in the evaluation of evidence. Despite the proven benefit of bisphosphonates at providing protection against osteoporotic fractures, caution should be used before continuing therapy for longer than 5 years.

Radially expanding laparoscopic trocar ports significantly reduce postoperative pain in all age groups.

BACKGROUND: Trocar entry points have been identified as a significant source of pain after laparoscopic surgery. This is particularly true of the larger 12-mm ports that require deep fascial closure to avoid port-site herniation. We investigated whether using radially expanding trocars not requiring fascial closure compared to conventional cutting trocars for the 12-mm port in transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repairs had any effect on postoperative analgesic requirements and return to work or normal activity. METHODS: The number of days analgesia was required postoperatively and the number of days taken to return to normal activity was recorded for 143 consecutive patients who underwent TAPP hernia repair by a single experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Exactly the same operative technique was used in these patients with the exception of the 12-mm port site entry. In group 1 (104 patients), a conventional cutting trocar was used requiring deep fascial closure. In group 2 (39 patients), a radially expanding trocar was used and the fascial defect was not closed. RESULTS: Analgesia was required for an average of 10.5 days in group 1 and 2.4 days in group 2 (P < 0.001). The average time to return to work or to normal activity was 23.4 days in group 1 and 15.6 days in group 2 (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the patients' age, sex, or operating time. CONCLUSION: Using the laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair as a standardised operation, changing from 12-mm fascial port closure to a technique that uses port dilation (not requiring a potentially "tight" deeper fascial closure) in a similar group of patients shows that there is a significant reduction in postoperative analgesic requirement and an earlier return to productive work or normal lifestyle. Perhaps dilating ports should replace those larger 10-, 12-, and 15-mm ports that require deeper sutures in all laparoscopic surgical operations.

An experimental glenoid rim strain analysis for an improved reverse anatomy shoulder implant fixation.

Loosening of glenoid components in TSA is a main cause of failure. In reverse anatomy TSA designs used for unstable joints, fixation is particularly demanding. Strains developed around the glenoid rim of biomechanical sawbone scapulae implanted with (a) the original fixed-fulcrum Bayley-Walker glenoid prosthesis in current clinical use, and (b) a revised version with conical cross-section, were compared. The conical shape of the revised design was hypothesized to produce greater strains in the glenoid rim than the original tapered screw design. The 2D strain field at three accessible locations around the rim of each scapula was measured with three-element rosette strain gauges for two types of simulated cancellous bone fill under applied physiologically relevant loads. The average strain energy densities around the rim for the conical design were greater than for the original design by a factor of 1.55-2.25 for all loading conditions. Results indicate that a significantly greater proportion of load was directed toward cortical bone in the conical design, thus promoting cortical bone loading.

Efficacy of exercise therapy for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Current evidence regarding the use of exercise therapy in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was assessed with a review of published literature. METHODS: An extensive literature search was carried out with commonly used medical databases. A total of 155 papers were identified out of which only 12 papers were deemed to be relevant. RESULTS: There were nine prospective cohort studies, two retrospective studies and one case series. All studies endorsed the role of exercise therapy in AIS but several shortcomings were identified--lack of clarity of patient recruitment and in the method of assessment of curve magnitude, poor record of compliance, and lack of outcome scores. Many studies reported "significant" changes in the Cobb angle after treatment, which were actually of small magnitude and did not take into account the reported inter or intra-observer error rate. All studies had poor statistical analysis and did not report whether the small improvements noted were maintained in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: This unbiased literature review has revealed poor quality evidence supporting the use of exercise therapy in the treatment of AIS. Well-designed randomised controlled studies are required to assess the role of exercise therapy in AIS.