Ultrasonic debridement management of lower extremity wounds: retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes and cost.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess wound healing outcomes following direct, low-frequency, high-intensity, ultrasonic debridement as a surgical adjunct for non-healing lower extremity wounds. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for patients undergoing lower extremity wound treatment with direct, low-frequency (22.5 kHz), high-intensity (~60 W/cm2) ultrasonic debridement between January 2010 and January 2016. Clinical outcomes were assessed up to 180-days post-ultrasonic debridement. Descriptive statistics, cost and univariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 82 wounds in 51 patients were included. Mean age was 57.0 years (range: 32-69), and average body mass index (BMI) was 30.8 kg/m². Patient comorbidities consisted of smoking (47%; n=24), hypertension (75%; n=38), diabetes (45%; n=23), and peripheral vascular disease (51%, n=26). Average wound age at initial presentation was 1013 days (range: 2-5475 days) with an average wound size of 9.0cm x 7.4cm. At 180-days post-debridement, 60% (n=49) of wounds had completely healed. Readmission (47%; n=24) and reoperation (45%; n=23) rates were characterised by the reason for readmission and reoperation respectively. Readmission for wound healing (70%, n=39) was primarily for further debridements (41%; n=16). Wound infection (30%; n=7) was the most common readmission for wound complications (30%; n=17). Reoperations primarily consisted of treatments for further wound healing 96% (n=51). Cost analysis showed a lower total treatment cost for patients with improved healing ($78,698), compared with non-improved wounds ($137,707). CONCLUSION: In a complex, heterogeneous cohort of chronic extremity wounds, the use of direct, low-frequency, high-intensity, ultrasonic debridement is a safe and reliable adjunctive therapy for the management of these wounds.

Ankle distraction arthroplasty combined with joint resurfacing for management of an osteochondral defect of the talus and concomitant osteoarthritis: a case report.

There are many treatment options for patients with ankle osteochondral defects and subsequent osteoarthritis. Although ankle arthrodesis remains the gold standard to definitive treatment of this condition, its permanent sequelae demands an alternative. In this article we discuss a case report from a 61-year-old woman with a history of a previous ankle sprain resulting in an osteochondral defect that progressed to develop ankle osteoarthritis. After multiple attempts at conservative management, the patient underwent placement of an articulating external ring fixator for arthrodiastasis, as well as ankle joint resurfacing using allograft. The fixator was kept in place for a total of 12 weeks, with the patient performing range-of-motion exercises throughout the treatment course. We feel that this treatment presents as a promising treatment alternative based on the success demonstrated by this patient's 6-month follow-up. The patient has reported a decease in ankle joint pain, increased range of motion, and a return to normal daily activity without limitation.

A retrospective analysis evaluating allogeneic cancellous bone sponge for foot and ankle arthrodesis.

The present retrospective case crossover study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety data associated with the use of an allogeneic, cancellous bone sponge in an orthopedic foot and ankle population. We reviewed the medical records of 47 subjects (80 joints) who had undergone foot and/or ankle fusion with the cancellous bone sponge. The records were reviewed up to 12 months postoperatively. The joints included in the present study were 12 ankles, 3 ankle syndesmotic fusions (with concurrent total ankle arthroplasty), 17 subtalar joints, 17 talonavicular joints, 9 calcaneocubiod joints, 1 naviculocuneiform joint, 13 first tarsometatarsal joints, 6 lesser tarsometatarsal joints, and 2 first metatarsophalangeal joints. The endpoints of the present study were solid, sustained foot and ankle fusion, as demonstrated radiographically, and the occurrence of unexpected adverse effects related to the graft. The fusion rates were compared with those reported in other studies. The patient-reported outcome variables for the present study included the visual analog pain scale and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score. The use of a cancellous sponge showed statistically significant improvements in pain and function and comparable or better fusion rates compared with outcomes reported in other published reports.

Indications and Limitations of Bilayer Wound Matrix-Based Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Multidisciplinary Case-Control Study of 191 Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the efficacy of newer skin substitute scaffolds to reconstruct complex lower extremity wounds. The investigators present a multihospital experience of reconstructive surgeons utilizing collagen-GAG bilayer wound matrix in lower extremity soft-tissue reconstruction with the goals to (1) characterize a suitable patient population, (2) categorize failures to optimize patient selection, and (3) determine wound factors affecting success. METHODS: Subjects underwent collagen-GAG-based lower extremity wound reconstruction from May of 2010 to June of 2017. The primary outcome variable was 180-day graft success, defined as eventual split-thickness skin grafting after bilayer wound matrix application; failure was defined as inadequate wound bed for split-thickness skin grafting, requirement for vascularized tissue transfer, or eventual amputation. Eligible subjects had at least one lower extremity wound and were at least 18 years old. Exclusion criteria included third-degree burn wounds or failure to follow up for at least 60 days postoperatively. Predictor variables included demographics, medical comorbidities, perioperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and cost-related data for each hospitalization. RESULTS: There were 147 subjects with 191 wounds. Mean patient age was 60.1 years (range, 21.0 to 95.6 years), and mean body mass index was 30.5 kg/m (range, 14.4 to 64.7 kg/m). Average wound size was 73.1 ± 137.7 cm, with 49.0 percent of subjects receiving adjunct postoperative negative-pressure wound therapy. Seventy percent of wounds were successfully healed at 180 days. Most were localized between the knee and ankle (50.8 percent) or foot (46.1 percent). Tendon exposure (p < 0.05), bone exposure (p < 0.01), and bone excision (p < 0.04) were associated with reconstructive failure. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present the largest reported multihospital, multidisciplinary experience with collagen-GAG wound matrix for lower extremity reconstruction. Tendon and/or bone exposure and socioeconomic factors were associated with failure. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Instructional technique guide: closed reduction of the supination-eversion Stage IV (Weber Type B) ankle fracture.

In this article we describe a method of closed reduction of a supination-eversion stage IV ankle fracture, complete with step-by-step instructions and a video depiction of the reduction maneuver.

Triple arthrodesis.

A triple arthrodesis is a fusion of the talocalcaneal, calcaneal cuboid, and talonavicular joints. The purpose is to create a well-aligned, plantigrade, and stable foot for patients with deformity or progressive neurologic and arthritic conditions. This article is a comprehensive overview of the procedure. However effective, triple arthrodesis is a challenging procedure for even the most skilled surgeon.

Master techniques in digital arthrodesis.

This is a comprehensive review of various techniques of digital fusion. Evolution of the technique has afforded today's surgeons a valuable repertoire of surgical options. Ultimately, patient factors and surgeon preference determine the most appropriate method of fixation.