Hand-Specific External Fixation for Treatment of Complex Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Injuries.

Background: Complex proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) fractures are challenging injuries to treat. There are multiple established treatment methods available for these injuries, including dynamic external fixation. This study reports the outcomes of complex PIPJ fractures treated with a hand-specific external fixation device. Methods: Twenty-five fingers in 25 patients were treated with the DigiFix external fixator device for treatment of a PIPJ dorsal fracture dislocation (n = 16) or pilon fracture (n = 9). There were 16 males and 9 females with a mean age of 40 years (range: 14-75 years) at the time of injury. The median time from injury to surgery was 10 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 5; range: 3-49). Chart and radiographic data were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The average duration of external fixation was 41 days (range: 26-62 days). At a mean follow-up of 28 weeks (range: 12-105 weeks), the mean PIPJ flexion was 82 (range: 30-105 degrees), extension was -10° (range: -30 to 0 degrees), and flexion/extension arc of motion was 72 degrees (range: 30-95 degrees). Final mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 21.5 (range: 0-65.8). There were zero major complications and six (24%) minor complications, including superficial cellulitis (4) and stiffness (2). Conclusion: Dynamic external fixation for the treatment of complex PIPJ injuries allows for early range of motion and leads to favorable outcomes. This hand-specific external fixator has a reproducible technique which results in predictable and reliable PIPJ distraction.

Biomechanical Comparison of Nonlocked Minimally Invasive and Locked Open Achilles Tendon Simulated Rupture Repairs.

BACKGROUND: Open repair of Achilles tendon ruptures is associated with a risk of infection and other wound complications. Although percutaneous repairs reduce these complications, they may increase the risk of nerve injury. This study was designed to determine whether a percutaneous nonlocking repair can approach the gapping resistance offered by a standard open repair under conditions approximating typical postoperative physiotherapy. METHODS: Ten pairs of cadavers Achilles tendons were transected in situ 5 cm above the insertion. One tendon from each pair was repaired using an open 4-strand Krackow locking loop, and the contralateral tendon was repaired with the Achillon system using the same suture material. Displacement transducers were attached to the medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior aspects of the tendon, spanning the repair. Each tendon underwent 1000 tensile loading cycles to 86.5 N, simulating passive ankle range-of-motion physiotherapy. Gapping was documented on the 1st, 50th, 100th, 500th, and 1000th cycles. The ultimate tensile strength of each repaired tendon was then measured by distracting until gross failure occurred. RESULTS: Gapping of the percutaneous repairs exceeded that of conventional open repairs on the first, 500th, and 1000th load cycles. All 10 conventionally repaired tendons withstood 1000 load cycles without gross failure, but 4 of 10 percutaneous minimally invasive repairs failed, one on the 9th load cycle and the others between the 100th and 500th cycles. On average, tendons repaired with the open technique withstood 66% greater tensile load in failure testing than those repaired with the percutaneous technique. CONCLUSION: Open Krackow Achilles tendon repairs may better withstand more aggressive postoperative physiotherapy than nonlocked percutaneous repairs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study suggests that surgeons should consider locking suture approaches to avoid loss of repair integrity with early motion.

Early Outcomes of Third-Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) Osteotomy for Symptomatic Hallux Valgus Deformity.

Hallux valgus is a common progressive forefoot deformity. Although open techniques have shown good outcomes, no technique has been shown to be superior to other techniques. The current third generation of minimally invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) technique features a percutaneous procedure with a stable internal fixation. The technique used in this study resulted in stable internal fixation; however, 1 screw was used in intramedullary fashion in the majority of cases. The purpose of this study is to review the early outcomes of MICA. Electronic Health Records (EHR) were queried for patients who underwent MICA to treat hallux valgus (HV) deformity, by a single surgeon. The primary clinical outcomes assessed were visual analog pain score (VAS), rate of revision surgery, and recurrence. Radiographic outcomes were assessed including pre and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and bony foot width. The secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. A total of 91 feet underwent MICA to correct symptomatic HV deformity. The mean age of this cohort was 53.63 ± 15.42 years, mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.81 ± 6.21 kg/m2, mean follow-up of 6.33 ± 6.39 months and 87 feet belonged to female patients. Patients showed significant improvement in VAS and radiographic outcomes at final follow-up, with a mean improvement of 10.70° ± 6.42°, 2.39° ± 3.55°, and 5.30 mm ± 4.23 mm for the HVA, IMA, and bony foot width, respectively. Two patients (2.2%) required revision surgery for nonunion and removal of symptomatic hardware. One patient had a second metatarsal fracture treated nonoperatively. No feet had recurrence, hardware loosening, infection, or scar hypersensitivity. The current study reported on early outcomes for MICA. This technique appears to be effective and safe with no failure of fixation in our patients. We showed in our short-term follow-up, MICA led to significant improvement in pain and radiographic scores.Levels of Evidence: III, retrospective study.

Revision Surgery After Failed Index Synthetic Cartilage Implant Resurfacing for Hallux Rigidus: Single-Surgeon 5-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: While metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is regarded as the gold standard treatment option for end-stage hallux rigidus (HR), synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) resurfacing has gained popularity. This study aimed to identify the SCI resurfacing failure rate for a single surgeon, while also comparing clinical outcomes of patients who underwent SCI replacement or MTPJ arthrodesis after failed index SCI resurfacing. METHODS: Health records were queried from 2016 to 2021 for patients with HR who were treated with SCI resurfacing by a single surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and hallux valgus angles were compared. A subgroup analysis was performed on patients who underwent revision with SCI replacement or MTPJ arthrodesis. SCI replacement included the use of bone graft, bone putty, or a custom 3D printed baseplate to prevent implant subsidence. RESULTS: A total of 219 SCI resurfacing procedures were performed by a single surgeon, including 23 revisions. When analyzing index procedures, an 8.2% revision rate was determined. The revision cohort (n = 23) consisted of 19 female patients and presented with a mean body mass index of 29.5 ± 5 kg/m2, mean age of 52.8 ± 11 years, mean follow-up duration of 22.3 (range, 3-54) months, and mean time to a revision surgery of 12.1 ± 12 (range, 1-50) months. Specifically, 12 procedures resulted in an SCI replacement, while 11 procedures resulted in arthrodesis. While all patients experienced significant improvement in their VAS pain scores (P < .001), the arthrodesis cohort experienced a greater improvement than the SCI revision cohort (P = .04). CONCLUSION: When analyzing SCI revision procedures, MTPJ arthrodesis reduced pain more significantly than SCI replacement. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective case series.

Outcome of Turf Toe Injuries in NFL Players.

The increase in artificial turf in the 1970s was thought to have contributed to increased incidence of turf toe injury in National Football League (NFL) players. To our knowledge, there are no publications that have analyzed the impact of this injury on performance. This is a retrospective case series. Online resources were used to identify NFL players who sustained a turf toe injury between the 2011 and 2014 seasons. The performance of each offensive skill player was analyzed separately by calculating their power rating (PR) over 6 seasons. Injured offensive skill players were then compared to a control group consisting of all RBs and WRs without a turf toe injury who competed in the 2012 season. Seventy-one turf toe injuries were identified. Twenty-nine occurred on grass, 29 on turf and the playing surface of 13 injuries could not be identified. The average PR prior to injury was 105.7/season (7.3/game), 87.3 (6.9/game) for the season of injury and 115.5 (8.1/ game) for postinjury seasons. The PR was not significantly different after a turf toe injury compared to before injury or to uninjured control player. There was no significant difference in NFL players' performances after turf toe injury based on power ratings.

Early Outcomes of Combined Total Ankle Total Talus Replacement Using a 3D-Printed Talus Component With Hindfoot Arthrodesis.

Late-stage talar avascular necrosis (AVN) results in devascularization of the talus with osteonecrosis and subchondral collapse. A combined total ankle and total talus replacement (TATTR) with hindfoot arthrodesis may be utilized for end-stage talar AVN with tibiotalar and hindfoot joint arthritis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-term outcomes of combined TATTR with hindfoot arthrodesis. Patients who underwent a combined TATTR or TTR with a hindfoot arthrodesis (subtalar with or without talonavicular arthrodesis) from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgical data were collected. Outcomes included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, range of motion, radiographic parameters, union rates, and complications. A total of 18 patients were reviewed. Nine patients were included with an average of 19.4 months follow-up. Significant postoperative improvements were observed in VAS scores (P < .001), ankle plantarflexion (P = .04), talocalcaneal height (P = .03), and tibiotalar alignment (P = .02). All patients achieved a successful union of their subtalar and talonavicular joints arthrodesis. There was one reoperation for a persistent varus ankle deformity. This is the first study to evaluate the clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and union rate in combined TATTR with hindfoot arthrodesis. The early results demonstrated significant clinical improvement with 100% hindfoot union rate and no prosthetic failure.Level of Evidence: IV.

3D-Printed Total Talus Replacement After Free Vascularized Medial Femoral Condyle Osteocutaneous Flap for Avascular Necrosis of the Talus Leads to Poor Clinical Outcomes: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is 1 of the most difficult foot and ankle pathologies to diagnose and manage. The purpose of this study was to report on the functional outcomes of 3D-printed total talus replacement (TTR) in 2 patients with talar AVN who both underwent a failed revascularization. METHODS: This is a case series of 2 patients with TTR after a failed revascularization and a comparison group of 25 patients with primary TTR. Clinical and functional outcomes are used to compare both groups. RESULTS: Patient 1 had a postrevascularization Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score of 9. Imaging showed failure of the medial femoral condyle to incorporate with talar fragmentation. Patient underwent TTR at 5 months postoperatively. At 2 years postoperatively, the patient underwent a cavovarus foot reconstruction; however, patient continued to suffer from ankle pain (VAS 6) and ultimately underwent below knee amputation at 3 years after the TTR. Patient 2 initially underwent a core decompression for a talar bone infarct followed by revascularization procedure at 6 months postoperatively due to persistent pain and bony infarcts. At 18 months postrevascularization, the patient had a VAS pain score of 9 and progression of the AVN. She underwent a TTR. At 1-year follow-up, the VAS pain score was 8. Both patients had an ankle plantarflexion of 30° at their last TTR follow-up. The comparison group consisted of 25 patients who underwent 3D-printed TTR with mean postoperative VAS score and ankle plantarflexion of 3.7° and 41.8°. CONCLUSION: Patients 1 and 2 demonstrated reduced plantarflexion and ankle motion after TTR relative to the comparison group which improved in both physical assessments. The first patient needed a below knee amputation for persistent pain. Patient 2 showed less improvement in all the foot and ankle outcome scores as compared with the primary TTR group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: Retrospective case series.

Double and Triple Tarsal Fusions in the Severe Rigid Flatfoot Deformity.

A flatfoot deformity is a multiplanar foot deformity characterized by forefoot abduction and supination and hindfoot valgus. With progressive pathology, a rigid deformity may develop. In the setting of a rigid deformity, the appropriate procedure to use is not without controversy. The extent of joints to involve in the arthrodesis depends on the ability to obtain a plantigrade foot. Both double and triple arthrodesis have been suggested. Care must be taken to avoid lateral column shortening and loss of foot reduction when fusing the CC joint. The concerns about lateral skin breakdown led some surgeons to describe a single medial incision for a triple or modified double arthrodesis. The necessity of bone grafting has been controversial. Implant selection is essential to achieve solid stabilization of the arthrodesis sites. To decrease the risk of overcorrection and malunion, the surgeon should be familiar with the hindfoot biomechanics and generate, based on the clinical examination and imaging, a meticulous preoperative plan to address and balance both the soft tissue and bony deformity.

Three-Dimensional-Printed Lesser Metatarsal Replacement: The First Case Report.

Different procedures have been reported for severe and recurrent lesser toes deformity. These included DuVries metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty, resection arthroplasty, partial proximal phalangectomy, syndactylization, or lesser toe amputation. In the presence of a failed metatarsal head resection, the surgeon is faced with limited salvage options including Hoffman procedure or lesser toe amputation. The 3D printing technology has allowed orthopaedic surgeons to expand the therapeutic arsenal to address challenging situations. We herein present the first case of 3D-printed second lesser metatarsal replacement performed after a failed second metatarsal head resection.Level of Evidence: V.

Complete distal deltoid muscle detachment: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The deltoid is a large triangular muscle at the shoulder. It attaches proximally to the clavicle, acromion and scapula, while distally it attaches to the lateral deltoid tuberosity. Ruptures are rare, and the literature only reports cases of proximal detachment. In this article, we report the first case of distal traumatic deltoid muscle detachment and its successful management. CASE: A young female sustained a traumatic injury following a Jet Ski accident with loss of consciousness. A complete distal rupture of the deltoid muscle was diagnosed after the basic functions were regained and a thorough musculoskeletal examination could be conducted. A conservative approach helped her to regain an acceptable shoulder function, but there was persistent pain upon activity and cosmetic scarring. The patient underwent surgical reconstruction. Postoperatively, she recovered satisfactorily. DISCUSSION: Distal detachment of the deltoid muscle is rare. The choice for surgical treatment may be undertaken based on several factors including functional status and patient-based assessment.

Bilateral Mirror-Symmetrical Giant Cell Tumor of the Tendon Sheath in the Foot and Ankle: A Case Report.

Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath is a slowly growing benign tumor. It usually arises from the tendon sheath and periarticular soft tissue of small joints. However, it may infrequently involve the large joints emerging around the knee, elbow, and hip joints. Giant cell tumor of the tibialis tendon sheath is rarely reported in the foot and ankle joint. Here, we report the first case in the medical literature of bilateral mirror-symmetrical giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath in the foot and ankle. A 12-year-old male presented with a bilateral and mirror-image mass on his ankles extending to the foot. It was painless but affected his gait and footwear. Staged complete resection was done first on the right then on the left side, with no recurrence after 1 year. The role of genes can be argued for this presentation and giant cell tumor's etiology, owing to the bilateralism and mirror-image presentation. Studies are needed to explore this genetic aspect and its role in management.

Use of hamstring autograft to reconstruct the patellar tendon after endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal tibia for bone sarcomas.

The surgical treatment of bone sarcoma involves wide surgical resection and endoprosthetic replacement. Surgical resection for proximal tibia bone sarcoma includes the patellar tendon. The secondary extension lag is a common complication and, although many have been described, the options for reconstruction of the patellar tendon are suboptimal. We propose adding a biological reinforcement, the hamstring tendons, to our extensor mechanism reconstruction technique (polyprolene mesh and gastrocnemius flap). We describe the surgical technique and, using an illustrative case, compare the outcome of this technique with the outcome following reconstruction without reinforcement. Level of evidence: Level III.