Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in elite ski jumping reliably allow return to competition but severely affect future top performance.

PURPOSE: In recent years, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been frequently observed in ski jumping. However, available data in this discipline are very scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether an ACL injury in elite-level ski jumping limits the performance level after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: Both male and female elite-level ski jumpers from five national A-teams who suffered an ACL injury were identified retrospectively by searching available media reports and Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) database. World Cup (WC) results and time-out-of-competition before ACL injury and after ACLR were compared. Only athletes who suffered the injury during or after the 2009-2010 season and who participated in at least one WC competition before the injury were included in this study. The level of athletes' performance from two full seasons before until three seasons after the injury was compared. RESULTS: Eighteen elite-level ski jumpers (11 males/seven females) were eligible for the study. All male and four female athletes returned to professional competition after ACLR. One female athlete ended her career due to prolonged recovery and two have not yet recovered due to a recent injury. The mean return-to-competition (RTC) time was 14.6 months in males and 13.5 months in females. The mean WC placement decreased after the ACL injury: two seasons before injury the mean position was 17.9 ± 11.0 (n = 12), one season before it was 22.4 ± 12.8 (n = 15). After recovery, the mean placement in seasons 1-3 was: 26.4 ± 8.9 (n = 7), 25.7 ± 10.3 (n = 13), 33.6 ± 12.2 (n = 10) (p = 0.008). Among the athletes returning to competition, only six males and three females reached their preinjury level and only one male and one female (compared to seven males and three females preinjury) reached an individual top-3 placement after ACLR, accounting for less than 10% of podiums compared to preinjury. CONCLUSION: Only 60% of the professional ski jumpers reached the preinjury level and less than 15% reached a top-3 placement after the ACL injury. These results support the fact that ACL tear during a ski jumping career may be a significant factor limiting high-level performance. In terms of clinical relevance, the findings implicate the need to analyse the reasons of these very low rates of return to elite-level performance, to analyse ACL injury and RTC rates at lower levels of performance and to develop specific prevention strategies in order to reduce the number of ACL injuries in this sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Recurrence rates for surgically treated insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a challenge for every orthopedic surgeon. Although surgical intervention is difficult to avoid after frustrating conservative therapy, little is known about recurrence of this disorder. Therefore the aim of the study was to assess the recurrence rate after primary IAT surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors previous published cohort on primary IAT surgery was reanalyzed. Patients with a follow-up Foot and Function Index (FFI) at one year and final follow-up were included. IAT recurrence was defined as a FFI worsening between one year and final follow-up of > 6.5 points. General demographics, surgical details, complications, and the patient reported outcome (PROM) were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 58 included patients (51 ± 14 years), 8 patients (14%) suffered IAT recurrence after an average of 50 ± 25 months. None of the assessed factors was predictive for an IAT recurrence. CONCLUSION: IAT recurrence after primary surgery occurs in up to 14% of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort study.

Etiology, Classification, Diagnostics, and Conservative Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. 2023 Recommendations of the Working Group "Clinical Tissue Regeneration" of the German Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology.

METHODS: Peer-reviewed literature was analyzed regarding different topics relevant to osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) treatment. This process concluded with a statement for each topic reflecting the best scientific evidence available for a particular diagnostic or therapeutic concept, including the grade of recommendation. Besides the scientific evidence, all group members rated the statements to identify possible gaps between literature and current clinical practice. CONCLUSION: In patients with minimal symptoms, OLT progression to ankle osteoarthritis is unlikely. Risk factors for progression are the depth of the lesion on MRI, subchondral cyst formation, and the extent of bone marrow edema. Conservative management is the adaptation of activities to the performance of the ankle joint. A follow-up imaging after 12 months helps not to miss any progression. It is impossible to estimate the probability of success of conservative management from initial symptoms and imaging. Cast immobilization is an option in OLTs in children, with a success rate of approximately 50%, although complete healing, estimated from imaging, is rare. In adults, improvement by conservative management ranges between 45% and 59%. Rest and restrictions for sports activities seem to be more successful than immobilization. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma can improve pain and functional scores for more than 6 months. If 3 months of conservative management does not improve symptoms, surgery can be recommended.

Outcomes of Salvage Procedures for Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The number of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) procedures increased rapidly in the last years and so have its complications. The main pillars in treating failed TAA are revision total ankle arthroplasty (RTAA), revision total ankle arthrodesis (RAA), or revision tibiotalocalcaneal fusion (RTTC). To evaluate these options, we compared clinical, radiologic, and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective review of 111 cases of revision procedures of failed TAA from 2006 to 2020 was performed. Patients undergoing polyethylene exchange and revision of one metallic component were excluded. Demographic data, failure, and survival rates were analyzed. The European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score and radiographic changes in the subtalar joint were evaluated. The average follow-up was 67.89 ± 40.51 months. RESULTS: One hundred eleven patients underwent removal of TAA. The procedures included 40 revisions of both metallic components, 46 revision total ankle arthrodesis and 25 revision tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. The overall failure rate in the cohort was 5.41% (6/111). The failure rate after RAA was 4.35 times higher than that of RTAA, whereas RTTC did not show failures. RTAA and RTTC lead to a 1-year and 5-year survival rate of 100%. RAA resulted in a 1-year survival rate of 90% and a 5-year survival rate of 85%. The mean EFAS score in the cohort was 12.02 ± 5.83. Analysis of the EFAS score showed that RTTC provided the most reliable pain reduction, and RTAA achieved the best gait pattern. RAA resulted in poorer clinical results. Subtalar joint degeneration occurred significantly less in the RTAA group (P = .01). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests lower failure rates, increased short-term survival and a better clinical outcomes of revision arthroplasty and tibiotalocalcaneal fusion than ankle arthrodesis. Revision arthroplasty is a promising solution in treating failed total ankle arthroplasty considering lower rate of subsequent adjacent joint degeneration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, non-randomized observational study.

Failure rates and patient-reported outcomes of revision of total ankle arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the increasing number of revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), the literature on indications, surgical options, and outcomes is limited. This study reports on failure rates and patient-reported outcomes (PROM) for a cohort of 122 patients who underwent revision of TAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of revision TAA between 2006 and 2020 was performed at one institution. Patient's demographics and different surgical procedures were analyzed with particular attention to comparing polyethylene exchange with revision of both metallic components and to additional interventions for axis correction. Failure rates and the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score were collected. The average follow-up period was 70.37 ± 46.76 months. RESULTS: 122 patients were treated with an exchange procedure. The surgery included 69 polyethylene exchanges, 12 revisions of one metallic component, and 41 revisions of both metallic components. The overall failure rate was 14.75%. The EFAS score, completed by 94 of the 122 patients, was used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Median EFAS score was 12.51 ± 5.53, and median EFAS sports score was 2.97 ± 3.04. Revision rates after polyethylene exchange were significantly higher than after exchanging both metallic components (p value = 0.03), while the EFAS score showed slightly better results in patients treated with polyethylene exchange. Adding procedures to induce axis correction led to significantly lower revision rates (p value = 0.03), and the EFAS score was also improved but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The high failure rate of polyethylene exchange indicates that the intervention does not address the actual cause of failed TAA in many cases. Additional axis correction should be considered more frequently. If the underlying issues of prosthesis failure can be identified and sufficiently addressed, the results of revision surgery are likely to improve.

Descriptive analysis and short-term follow-up clinical results of osteochondral lesions of the distal tibia based on data of the German Cartilage Register (Knorpelregister® DGOU).

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of ankle injuries with osteochondral lesions (OCL) also include lesions of the distal tibia. Therefore, the German Cartilage Society database is used to describe and examine the characteristics of these lesions and, early on, the results of different surgical therapies on the clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients out of 844 registered in the German Cartilage Society database met the inclusion criteria showing an OCL of the distal tibia (OLDT). Sixteen of them also presented a 1-year follow-up regarding the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Further evaluations were included in the follow-up, such as the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS). RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 35 ± 11 with a mean BMI in the range of overweight (26/27 ± 5 kg/m2). The lesions were equally distributed on the articular surface of the distal tibia. Most patients were operated using anterior ankle arthroscopy [nT 34 (72%); nS 13 (81%)], while some (nT 9; nS 4) converted to open procedures. Almost 90% staged III and IV in the ICRS classification. Debridement, bone marrow stimulation, solid scaffolds, and liquid filler were the treatment choices among the subgroup. All therapies led to a clinical improvement between pre-op and 1-year follow-up but not to a significant level. CONCLUSION: This study presents baseline data of OLDT based on data from a large database. BMS and scaffolds were the treatment of choice but did not present significant improvement after a 1-year follow-up.

Correlation between EFAS- and MOCART score and clinical outcome after AMIC®-procedure for osteochondral lesion of the talus.

INTRODUCTION: Even though an increased interest in the use of the EFAS Score (European Foot and Ankle Society) has been observed, no data comparing it with radiological findings has been presented in the literature. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to investigate how the post-operative integration of the AMIC® (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis)-membrane for osteochondral lesion of the talus using the MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) - Score is related to the clinical satisfaction of the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 24 patients aged between 17 and 63 (with a mean age of 35.7) were included at least 1 year post-operatively. They had all undergone an AMIC®-procedure of the talus. MRI findings using the MOCART Score were correlated to the EFAS Score at the same time point. RESULTS: Our main results showed no correlation between the MOCART-Score and the EFAS-Score (R = - 0.08). There was also no correlation between the MOCART-Score, the FFI-Score (Foot and Function Index) (R = 0.2) and the MOXFQ-Score (Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire) (R = 0.12). There was no correlation between components of the MOCART-Score with the EFAS-Score (R between - 0.32 and 0.23). CONCLUSION: Our results question whether the MRI (a standard part of AMIC®-procedure-of-the-ankle post-operative follow-up) is still the most appropriate tool for post-operative control. They also offer a starting point for future discussion regarding the need for post-operative MRI and the use of other radiological diagnostics in relation to clinical satisfaction.

Common bacteria and treatment options for the acute and chronic infection of the total ankle arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There is little valid data available on managing infected total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). METHODS: A single-center, retrospective evaluation from 20 patients with PJI (periprosthetic joint infection) of the ankle compared the bacteria isolated by preoperative arthrocentesis and intraoperative cultures to the pathogens of knee PJI. Long-term failure rates of irrigation and debridement (I&D) and polyethylene exchange, revision arthroplasty, and arthrodesis were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-negative staphylococci. There was no significant difference when comparing the causing pathogens of PJI of the ankle with the knee. After a follow-up of 50,4 months, the long-term failure rate after I&D and polyethylene exchange was 40%, and of revision was 9%. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the pathogenesis of PJI of the ankle and knee seems to be comparable. Regarding treatment options, we found that standardized techniques for PJIs of the knee have their limitations regarding infected TAA.

Evaluation of the new defined EFAS score (European foot and ankle society score) in relation to already established functional scores (FFI, MOXFQ) after cartilage reconstructive therapy (AMIC®) for osteochondral lesion of the talus.

BACKGROUND: In 2011, the European Foot and Ankle Society developed a Score (EFAS Score) to generate a standardized questionnaire for several European languages. The aim of this study is to analyse how the newly defined score correlates with already established function scores. METHODS: This study is a monocentric prospective study. The questionnaires were completed at least 12 months postoperatively at the same time point. All patients had undergone surgery with the Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis® procedure for osteochondral lesions of the talus. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients (33 women, 36 men) participated in the study. The EFAS Score correlates very strongly with the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and strongly with the Foot Function Index (FFI). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the EFAS Score correlates significantly with the FFI and the MOXFQ. The EFAS seems to be a more patient-friendly alternative due to fewer questions and response choices.

Do pre-operative radiologic assessment predict postoperative outcomes in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy?: a retrospective database study.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis and treatment of insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon (IAT) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of pre-operative radiological pathologies on the patient-reported outcomes following open debridement of all pathologies for IAT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this IRB-approved retrospective correlation and comparative study, patients with pre-operative imaging were identified from the authors' retrospective IAT database comprising of 118 patients. All were treated by a standardized surgical treatment strategy utilizing a midline, transachillary approach and debridement of all pathologies. A total of fifteen radiologic parameters were measured on radiographs (RX) and MRI. The patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-G) and the general health questionnaire SF-12 at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The data are presented as mean ± SD (95% CI). RESULTS: 88 patients (74.6%) with an average age of 50 ± 12 (47-52) years were included. Radiographs were available in 68 patients and MRI in 53. The mean follow-up was 3.8 ± 1.9 (3.4-4.3) years. The overall VISA-A-G was 81 ± 22 (77-86), the SF-12 PCS 54 ± 7 (52-55), and the SF-12 MCS 52 ± 9 (50-54) points. None of the assessed radiological parameters had a significant influence on the patient-reported outcome following surgical treatment for IAT. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective correlation study, no significant association was found between preoperative radiographic and MRI radiologic parameters for IAT and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (VISA-A-G and SF-12).

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Surgically Treated Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) treated surgically by debridement of all pathologies through a midline-incision trans-achillary approach (MITA). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study with current follow-up. Patients treated surgically by a MITA, addressing all pathologies of IAT, with at least 12 months of follow-up were included. Demographics, medical history, surgical details, and complications were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-G), visual analog scale foot and ankle (VAS-FA), and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Longitudinal FFI data were available for 48% of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients (63.4%) with a mean follow-up of 50 ± 25 months were included. The FFI improved from 53 (24) preoperatively to 2 (11) points at the final follow-up. The final VISA-A-G score was 93 (26), the VAS-FA score 93 (15), the SF-12 Physical Component Summary 56 (8), and the SF-12 Mental Component Summary 55 (12) points. There was an additional FFI improvement between 12 months and the final follow-up. Up to 47% (VISA-A-G) of patients had residual symptoms. A postoperative shoe conflict was the only parameter negatively affecting the PROMs (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Addressing all pathologies of IAT by the MITA resulted in overall good postoperative PROMs after 4 years. But up to 47% of patients remained impaired. The only parameter correlating with an impaired PROM was a postoperative shoe conflict. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Radiological tarsal bone morphology in adolescent age of congenital clubfeet treated with the Ponseti method.

BACKGROUND: Major abnormalities of tarsal bone shape after surgical clubfoot treatment are well known from the literature. The Ponseti method has gained widespread acceptance in primary treatment of congenital clubfeet. Despite the longtime experience, data regarding the development of tarsal bones after this treatment are still rare. The aim of the study was therefore to evaluate radiographic parameters describing tarsal bone shape of clubfeet after Ponseti treatment and compare them to age-matched healthy feet. METHODS: Twenty two consecutive severe clubfeet in 14 patients were investigated by repeated diagnostic ultrasound during the corrective process. Extent and temporal course of correction were documented with standardized X-rays after a mean follow-up of 12 years (between the ages of 10-14 years) and compared to a group of age-matched normal feet. RESULTS: Reliability testing for all X-ray parameters showed good to excellent results. In comparison to the control group, all parameters except the radius of the trochlea (RT) were significantly altered in clubfeet with highest differences shown for the anterior talar motion segment (ATM), talonavicular coverage (TNC) and the talometatarsal index (TMT-Index). Differentiation between minor and major deformities showed significant differences only for the front tarsal index (FTI). CONCLUSIONS: Tarsal bone shape of clubfeet treated by the Ponseti method differs significantly from normal feet. One of the most pronounced and clinically relevant difference of the clubfoot talus compared to the normal talus is the markedly reduced anterior talar motion segment.

Influence of the Medial Malleolus Osteotomy on the Clinical Outcome of M-BMS + I/III Collagen Scaffold in Medial Talar Osteochondral Lesion (German Cartilage Register/Knorpelregister DGOU).

OBJECTIVE: Osteochondral lesions of the talus are common injuries, with one of the leading treatment options being the M-BMS (matrix-augmented bone marrow stimulation) + I/III collagen scaffold. Osteotomy of the medial malleolus is not unusual but presents the risk of malunion or irritation by hardware. The aim of the study was to analyze data from the German Cartilage Society (Knorpelregister DGOU) to evaluate the influence of medial malleolar osteotomy on clinical results of M-BMS + I/III collagen scaffold. DESIGN: The ankle module of the Cartilage Register includes a total of 718 patients, while 45 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients were treated with an M-BMS + I/III collagen scaffold of the medial talus, 30 without and 15 with an osteotomy of the medial malleolus. The follow-up evaluations included FAAM (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure), FAOS (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score), and VAS (visual analogue scale). RESULTS: Forty-five patients (22 male, 23 female) aged between 18 and 69 years (mean: 34 years) were included in this study. Between preoperative and 12 months postoperative, we noted a significant improvement in FAAM-ADL (Activity of Daily Living) (P = 0.004) as well as FAOS-Pain (P = 0.001), FAOS-Stiffness (P = 0.047), FAOS-ADL (P = 0.002), FAOS-Sport (P = 0.001), and FAOS Quality of Life (P = 0.009). There was no significant difference between patients who underwent an osteotomy or not. CONCLUSION: The results show a significant improvement in patients' outcome scores following a M-BMS + I/III collagen scaffold. No statistical difference was noted among those undergoing medial malleolar osteotomy.

Is it possible to define reference values for radiographic parameters evaluating juvenile flatfoot deformity? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous radiographic parameters are described to evaluate juvenile flexible flatfeet. Reference values for these measurements are based on few studies. The purpose of this study was to determine boundary values among the most widely used radiographic measurements to evaluate juvenile flatfeet. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with normal hind-, midfoot configuration (group A: control group; 22 ft, mean age: 12,1 years) and 19 patients with flatfoot deformity (group B: study group; 22 ft, mean age: 12,4 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Nine radiographic parameters were measured (Talocalcaneal-angles, Calcaneal-pitch-angle, Costa-Bartani-angle, Talo-metatarsal-I-angles, Talo-first-metatarsal-base-angle, Talo-navicular-coverage, Calcaneus-fifth-metatarsal-angle). ROC curve analysis was used to calculate optimal differentiating thresholds of each parameter. RESULTS: Four out of nine parameters (TC-dp, TC-lat, Calc-MTV, Calc-P) were not statistically different between the groups and their ability to distinct between normal foot and flatfoot was low (AUC values = 0,660 - 0,819). Calculation of reference values for these parameters was not performed due to threshold ranges between the groups of > 10°. Reference values could be defined only for three parameters: TMTInd >(-)31°, TMTIB >(-)7,5°, TMT-lat > (-)13,5°. The TMTInd was shown to be a very reliable and valid combination of two measurements (TMTIB and TMT-lat) in the differentiation of normal feet and flatfeet (AUC = 0,998). CONCLUSION: The calculation of reference values for established radiographic parameters used to evaluate juvenile flatfeet is difficult for most parameters. The TMTInd as a combination of TMTIB and TMT-lat has been shown to be reliable and valuable to distinct normal feet from flatfeet.

Complications Associated With Midline Incision for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: The midline-incision trans-achillary approach (MITA) is frequently used for addressing all pathologies of insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT). The aim of this study was to assess the complication rate and possible influencing factors following a MITA for IAT treatment. METHODS: Presented is a retrospective cohort study with current follow-up. Patients treated surgically by a MITA, addressing all pathologies of IAT, between January 2010 and October 2016 at a single reference center with at least 12 months of follow-up were included. General demographics (age, sex, and body mass index), medical history, surgical details (individual and sum of pathologies addressed), and duration of in-hospital stay were assessed. Patient satisfaction, shoe conflict, current employment status, time to return to sports, and type of sports were recorded using a custom questionnaire. Standard statistics, chi-square, and t tests were performed using SPSS. A total of 118 patients (follow-up, 63.4%) with a mean age (± SD) of 50 ± 12 years and a mean final follow-up time (± SD) of 4.2 ± 2.1 were included. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of patients had a minor complication, the majority (75%) of which were surgical site infections. Forty-one percent were limited in their shoe selection, and 32% reported a shoe conflict. Seventy-eight percent were very satisfied, and 89% would recommend the surgery. Neither the individual surgical procedures, their sum, nor any other parameter showed a significant influence on the complication rate. The only factor negatively affecting patient satisfaction was a shoe conflict (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The MITA for IAT treatment showed a moderate minor complication rate with good midterm patient satisfaction. However, the approach might predispose patients to shoe conflict, which negatively influences their satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

A high-profile thread with grit-blasted and acid-etched surface reduces loosening of medial column fusion bolt in instable Charcot foot.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary fusion bolts (FB) were introduced to stabilize the medial column of the instable Charcot foot (ICF), but complications as bolt loosening or breakage are frequent. We compared the use of a standard FB and a high-profile threaded FB with a grit-blasted surface. We hypothesized that implant related complications occurred less often and osseous consolidation of fusion sites was more distinctive using the latter type of FB. METHODS: Consecutive patients suffering from an ICF were stabilized with a high-profile threaded and surface-modified FB (HTFB) (n=20) or with a standard FB (n=20) which was placed into the first ray. Additional bolts and dorsal low-profile plates were applied in every patient. In a retrospective assessment osseous consolidation of the fusion sites was analyzed at 3 month and quantified by CT scan. At 3 and 12 month longitudinal foot arch collapse and rate of bolt loosening were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the HTFB group reached significant higher consolidation after 3 month. No dislocation and a single bolt breakage was observed in the HTFB group after the fourth month, while the control group included 3 patients with bolt dislocation at 3±1 month and 5 patients with bolt breakage at 6±1.8 month. Compared to preoperative values, the improvement of Meary's angle after one-year was significant higher in the HTFB group (23.4°±14) than in controls (11.7°±13). CONCLUSIONS: Modification of bolt design improves the stability of the medial column: A higher rate of osseous consolidation of the medial column leads to lower rate of bolt dislocation/breakage and finally to permanently erected longitudinal foot arch. Initially disappointing results following medial column stabilization with fusion bolts can be rejected by modifications of bolt design and its technical application.

A cone beam CT based 3D-assessment of bony forefoot geometry after modified Lapidus arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Modified Lapidus arthrodesis (MLA) is a well-established treatment modality for hallux valgus deformities (HVD) associated with instability of the first ray. Although the three-dimensional (3D) nature of HVD has long been recognized, diagnostics still focus on plain radiographs. The objective of this study was to validate 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) in the perioperative assessment of HVD with focus on the alignment of the forefoot. METHODS: In a prospective clinical study, MLA was performed on 30 patients (25 females, 5 males; mean age: 63.2 years). Pre- and postoperatively standard radiographs and CBCT with full weight-bearing were acquired. For the CBCT based assessment, reproducible criteria have been defined, measured, and correlated with established radiological indicators. RESULTS: Evaluation of standard radiographic parameters (hallux-valgus angle [HVA], intermetatarsal angle 1-2 [IMA 1-2], distal metatarsal articular angle [DMAA], tibial sesamoid position [TSP]) showed significant improvement postoperatively. Comparison of measurements obtained from plain radiographs and CBCT were significantly correlated between both measuring techniques, indicating high reliability. Pronation of the first metatarsal and the sesamoids were significantly reduced by the procedure. Due to this repositioning effect, the second metatarsal head was elevated by 3.1mm, and the lateral sesamoid was lowered by 3.8mm. However, there was no correlation between the amount of pronation and conventional radiographic measures. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to plain radiographs, CBCT allows a more detailed view of the forefoot alignment in the coronal plain after MLA. MLA was able to recenter the sesamoids under der first metatarsal head and conversely led to elevation of the second metatarsal head.

Clinical outcome and concomitant injuries in operatively treated fractures of the lateral process of the talus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review the patient rated outcome (PROM) of surgically treated fractures to the lateral process of the talus (LPTF) and identify factors influencing the outcome. METHODS: Retrospective study with a current follow-up. Eligible were all patients treated surgically for a LPTF (n = 23) with a minimum follow-up of one year. Demographics, medical history, trauma mechanism, fracture characteristics, concomitant injuries, treatment details, complications, return to work and sports were assessed retrospectively. The current follow-up included the VAS FA, Karlsson Score, and SF-12. The primary outcome was the VAS FA. Secondary aim was the identification of parameters influencing the PROMs. RESULTS: 22 patients (96% follow-up) with a mean age of 32 ± 9 (18 to 49) years were included. 73% suffered a Hawkins Type 1, 23% a Type 2, and one patient a Type 3 fracture. 82% suffered concomitant injuries. 9% suffered minor surgical side infections, 50% developed symptomatic subtalar osteoarthritis. At final follow-up (44 ± 2 (12 to 97) months), the mean VAS FA Overall was 77 ± 21 (20 to 100), the Karlsson Score 72 ± 21 (34 to 97), and for the SF 12 the PCS 53 ± 8 (36 to 64) and the MCS 53 ± 7 (32 to 63). 50% of patients returned to their previous level of sports. Hawkins Type 1 fractures resulted in better VAS FA Overall score than Type 2 fractures. Posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis was the independent factor associated to a poor patient rated outcome (VAS FA, Karlsson Score). CONCLUSION: After a follow-up of over 3.5 years, surgically treated LPTF resulted in only moderate results. 50% suffered posttraumatic symptomatic subtalar osteoarthritis, which was the primary independent parameter for a poor outcome following LPTF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Treatment of Bone Marrow Edema of the Foot and Ankle With the Prostacyclin Analog Iloprost.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow edema (BME) of the foot and ankle is challenging to treat. One approach is intravenous Iloprost treatment, which is a vasoactive prostacyclin analog. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and intermediate outcome of intravenous Iloprost therapy on BME of the foot and ankle and to analyze the influence of its etiology and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage on the outcome. METHODS: This was a retrospective study with prospective follow-up. All patients treated by intravenous Iloprost for BME of the foot and ankle (ARCO I-III) at a single orthopedic reference center were included. Demographics, medical history, and MRIs were assessed prior to treatment (t0). MRIs were used to assess the BMEs' etiology (idiopathic/ischemic/metabolic, mechanical/degenerative, traumatic) and severity (ARCO). Complications as well as changes in pain, treatment, and MRI were evaluated after 3 months (t1). The following patient-rated outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed prospectively (t2): 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Visual Analog Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA), and the Foot Function Index (FFI) (also at t0). The descriptive outcomes and the influence of the etiology and ARCO on the outcome parameters were evaluated. Out of 70 eligible patients, 42 patients (60%; 47 ± 15 years; 30% female) with a mean follow-up of 28 ± 19 months were included. RESULTS: Twelve patients reported minor complications during Iloprost therapy. At t1, pain decreased significantly in 56%, and the amount of BME decreased in 83% of patients. Both parameters correlated moderately (r = -0.463, P = .015). The PROMs at t2 revealed moderate results. The overall FFI improved from 59 ± 21 to 30 ± 22 ( P < .001), the overall VAS FA was 68 ± 20, the SF-12 Physical Component Summary 42 ± 12 and Mental Component Summary 50 ± 9. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant influence of the etiology or ARCO stage on any outcome measure. CONCLUSION: Iloprost therapy for BME of the foot and ankle resulted in a 60% pain and 80% edema decrease after 3 months. After 2 years, patient-rated outcome measures showed residual impairment. Neither the etiology nor ARCO stage significantly influenced the outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.