Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Tibial Vein Arising From the Subtalar Joint: A Case Report.

Soft tissue ganglion cysts are a well-known cause of tibial nerve compression in the tarsal tunnel. We describe a patient who presented with tibial nerve symptoms and was found to have an adventitial cyst of the tibial vein arising from the subtalar joint, with the joint connection confirmed both on imaging and at surgery. Surgical decompression of the cyst with transection of the vascular pedicle arising from the subtalar joint improved her symptoms at 6 months, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed resolution of the cyst. Cystic adventitial disease is a rare, poorly understood condition in which a cyst is identified in the adventitia of a vessel, usually an artery. Only 3 cases of adventitial cysts have been reported in the foot and ankle region, 2 in the lesser and 1 in the greater saphenous vein. None of the previous cases have been recognized to be joint connected. This case provides additional evidence for an articular origin for adventitial cysts and helps guide management strategies for these joint-connected cysts.

Orthopaedic Surgery Residents and Program Directors Agree on How Time Is Currently Spent in Training and Targets for Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Although much attention has been paid to the role of deliberate practice as a means of achieving expert levels of performance in other medical specialties, little has been published regarding its role in maximizing orthopaedic surgery resident potential. As an initial step in this process, this study seeks to determine how residents and program directors (PDs) feel current time spent in training is allocated compared with a theoretical ideal distribution of time. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: According to residents and PDs, (1) how do resident responsibilities change by level of training as perceived and idealized by residents and PDs? (2) How do resident and PD perceptions of current and ideal time distributions compare with one another? (3) Do the current training structures described by residents and PDs differ from what they feel represents an ideal time allocation construct that maximizes the educational value of residency training? METHODS: A survey was sent to orthopaedic surgery resident and PD members of the Midwest Orthopedic Surgical Skills Consortium asking how they felt residents' time spent in training was distributed across 10 domains and four operating room (OR) roles and what they felt would be an ideal distribution of that time. Responses were compared between residents and PDs and between current schedules and ideal schedules. RESULTS: Both residents and PDs agreed that time currently spent in training differs by postgraduate year with senior-level residents spending more time in the OR (33.7% ± 8.3% versus 17.9% ± 6.2% [interns] and 27.4% ± 10.2% [juniors] according to residents, p < 0.001; and 38.6% ± 8.1% versus 11.8% ± 6.4% [interns] and 26.1% ± 5.7% [juniors] according to PD, p < 0.001). The same holds true for their theoretical ideals. Residents and PDs agree on current resident time allocation across the 10 domains; however, they disagree on multiple components of the ideal program with residents desiring more time spent in the OR than what PDs prefer (residents 40.3% ± 10.3% versus PD 32.6% ± 14.6% [mean difference {MD}, 7.7; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.4, 11.0], p < 0.001). Residents would also prefer to have more time spent deliberately practicing surgical skills outside of the OR (current 1.8% ± 2.1% versus ideal 3.7% ± 3.2% [MD, -1.9; 95% CI, -.2.4 to -1.4], p < 0.001). Both residents and PDs want residents to spend less time completing paperwork (current 4.4% ± 4.1% versus ideal 0.8% ± 1.6% [MD, 3.6; 95% CI, 3.0-4.2], p < 0.001 for residents; and current 3.6% ± 4.1% versus ideal 1.5% ± 1.9% [MD, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.9-3.3], p < 0.001 for PDs). CONCLUSIONS: Residents and PDs seem to agree on how time is currently spent in residency training. Some differences of opinions continue to exist regarding how an ideal program should be structured; however, this work identifies a few potential targets for improvement that are agreed on by both residents and PDs. These areas include increasing OR time, finding opportunities for deliberate practice of surgical skills outside of the OR, and decreased clerical burden. This study may serve as a template to allow programs to continue to refine their educational models in an effort to achieve curricula that meet the desired goals of both learners and educators. Additionally, it is an initial step toward more objective identification of the optimal educational structure of an orthopaedic residency program.

Posttraumatic torsional injury as an indirect cause of fibular intraneural ganglion cysts: case illustrations and potential mechanisms.

Trauma has been loosely associated with the development of fibular intraneural ganglion cysts. Sporadic reports of direct trauma to the proximal lateral leg in the region of the superior tibiofibular joint (STFJ) capsule support the development of a capsular rent and the subsequent egress of joint fluid from the articular joint. This report provides evidence to suggest that indirect trauma from torsion can link concomitant ankle injury and fibular nerve palsy (foot drop) and fibular intraneural ganglion cysts. We present two cases to illustrate different potential mechanisms. One patient sustained an ankle ligamentous injury which was translated through the interosseous membrane (IOM) to the proximal leg region, affecting the STFJ and the fibular nerve (ascending pathway). The second patient had blunt injury to the popliteal fossa in combination with a twisting injury to the leg. In this latter case we offer two plausible explanations: (1) combined knee and ankle injury resulting in an ascending pathway mechanism; and (2) a knee injury which disrupted the STFJ, resulting in a translational force down the leg (descending pathway). We believe that fibular intraneural cysts from the STFJ result from direct and indirect trauma. Additional reports of similar cases and sophisticated biomechanical testing will allow us to delineate the exact mechanisms for these injury patterns.

Functional outcomes after ankle arthrodesis in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Ankle arthrodesis has been the gold standard operative treatment for ankle arthritis refractory to nonoperative treatment. Although multiple studies have evaluated the outcomes after ankle fusion, none has focused on outcomes in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of ankle fusion in patients over the age of 70. METHODS: Thirty patients (30 ankles) over the age of 70 who underwent ankle fusion were identified. Average age at the time of surgery was 74.5 years (±3.7). The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) was obtained postoperatively in 22 of the 23 patients still living. Radiographs were followed until union with an average followup of 2.2 years. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 27 of 30 ankles (90%). Postoperative radiographs showed 11 (36.6%) patients had progression of subtalar arthritis. The average postoperative FAAM score was 81.5 (±18.3) with an average followup of 8.5 years (±1.7). Subjectively, when asked to compare present function with their prearthritic state, the average response was 75.1% (±19.6). The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was 73.0 (±11.5). Complications included nonunion, deep infection, and adjacent joint arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: In this clinical cohort, ankle fusion was found to be effective in the treatment of ankle arthritis. Functional outcome was satisfactory and the rate of union was comparable with that previously reported in the literature for younger patients. Although total ankle arthroplasty is becoming increasingly popular, ankle arthrodesis is an effective surgical treatment option in an elderly patient population.

Resident Wellness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Survey of Orthopaedic Residents.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the resident workforce to a particularly powerful and unexpected extent. Given the drastic changes to resident roles, expectations, and responsibilities, many valuable lessons regarding resident concerns and wellness can be garnered from this unique experience. METHODS: A voluntary survey was sent to 179 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited orthopaedic surgery residency program directors to distribute to their residents. Questions focused on issues that may have occurred, program's responses, and expectations of programs during the pandemic. RESULTS: In total, 507 residents completed the survey, and 10% reported being deployed to do nonorthopaedic-related care, with junior classes being more likely to receive this assignment (P < 0.001). The greatest concern for respondents was the possibility of getting family members sick (mean = 3.89, on scale of 1-5), followed by personally contracting the illness (mean = 3.38). DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous changes and novel sources of adversity for the orthopaedic surgery resident. Contrary to popular opinion, most residents are comfortable with the proposition of providing nonorthopaedic care. The possibility of bringing a pathogen to the home environment and infecting family members seems to be an overarching concern, and efforts to ensure resident and family safety are key.

Patient Opioid Requirements Are Often Far Less Than Their Discharge Prescription After Orthopaedic Surgery: the Results of a Prospective Multicenter Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based, procedure-specific guidelines for opioid prescribing after orthopaedic surgery are urgently needed to standardize care and minimize excess opioids. METHODS: We developed a prospective, multicenter survey study conducted from March 2017 to January 2018 including 7 common elective orthopaedic surgical procedures (total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, lumbar fusion, lumbar laminectomy, rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic meniscectomy, and carpal tunnel release). Phone surveys were conducted between 21 and 35 days postoperatively. We aimed to document both the amount and length of time patients consumed opioid medications to inform further improvements in opioid management and prescribing. RESULTS: Among the 919 orthopaedic patients who completed the survey, 94.3% received opioids at discharge with a median of 388 oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) (interquartile range [IQR] 225 to 675). A median of 128 (IQR 23 to 360) OME were consumed with 77% of patients having leftover opioids. Sixty percent of prescribed opioids were unused; 18.2% of patients used no opioids, and 34.7% required <50 OME. In comparison to departmental guidelines, 50.2% of patients consumed <50% of the recommended prescription maximum per procedure. DISCUSSION: Most patients used far fewer opioids after orthopaedic surgery than prescribed. These data have informed further improvement of our opioid prescription guidelines to more precisely align with anticipated procedure- and patient-specific requirements.

Operative Approach to Adult Hallux Valgus Deformity: Principles and Techniques.

Hallux valgus deformity is a progressive forefoot deformity consisting of a prominence derived from a medially deviated first metatarsal and laterally displaced great toe, with or without pronation. Although there is agreement that the deformity is likely caused by multifactorial intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the best method of operative management is debated despite the creation of basic algorithms. Our understanding of the deformity and the development of newer techniques is continuously evolving. Here, we review the general orthopaedic principles of operative decision-making and management of hallux valgus deformity.

Implementation of Procedure-Specific Opioid Guidelines: A Readily Employable Strategy to Improve Consistency and Decrease Excessive Prescribing Following Orthopaedic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based, procedure-specific guidelines for prescribing opioids are urgently needed to optimize pain relief while minimizing excessive opioid prescribing and potential opioid diversion in our communities. A multidisciplinary panel at our institution recently developed procedure-specific guidelines for discharge opioid prescriptions for common orthopaedic surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative opioid prescription quantities, variability, and 30-day refill rates before and after implementation of the guidelines. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single academic institution from December 2016 to March 2018. Guidelines were implemented on August 1, 2017, with a recommended maximum opioid prescription quantity for 14 common orthopaedic procedures. Patients who underwent these 14 procedures during the period of December 2016 to May 2017 made up the pre-guideline cohort (n = 2,223), and patients who underwent these procedures from October 2017 to March 2018 made up the post-guideline cohort (n = 2,300). Opioid prescription quantities were reported as oral morphine equivalents (OME), with medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). Four levels were established for recommended prescription maximums, ranging from 100 to 400 OME. RESULTS: In the pre-guideline cohort, the median amount of prescribed opioids across all procedures was 600 OME (IQR, 390 to 863 OME), which decreased by 38% in the post-guideline period, to a median of 375 OME (IQR, 239 to 400 OME) in the post-guideline cohort (p < 0.001). The 30-day refill rate did not change significantly, from a rate of 24% in the pre-guideline cohort to 25% in the post-guideline cohort (p = 0.43). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that guideline implementation was the factor most strongly associated with prescriptions exceeding guideline maximums (odds ratio [OR] = 9.9; p < 0.001). Age groups of <80 years (OR = 2.0 to 2.4; p < 0.001) and males (OR = 1.2; p = 0.025) were also shown to have higher odds of exceeding guideline maximums. CONCLUSIONS: Procedure-specific guidelines are capable of substantially decreasing opioid prescription amounts and variability. Furthermore, the absence of change in refill rates suggests that pain control remains similar to pre-guideline prescribing practices. Evidence-based guidelines are a readily employable solution that can drive rapid change in practice and enhance the ability of orthopaedic surgeons to provide responsible pain management.

Accuracy of sonographically guided posterior subtalar joint injections: comparison of 3 techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the accuracy of 3 different sonographically guided posterior subtalar joint (PSTJ) injection techniques in an unembalmed cadaveric model. METHODS: A single experienced examiner injected the PSTJs of 12 unembalmed cadaveric ankle-foot specimens using the anterolateral, posterolateral, and posteromedial approaches. The injection order for each specimen was randomized, and each technique was completed with a different-color diluted latex solution. Coinvestigators blinded to the injection technique dissected each specimen and graded the colored latex location as accurate (in the PSTJ), accurate with overflow (within the PSTJ but also in other regions), or inaccurate (no latex in the joint). RESULTS: All 3 sonographically guided PSTJ injection approaches accurately placed latex into the PSTJ (100% accuracy). Latex was also found in adjacent regions in 19.4% (7 of 36) of injections: 8.3% (3 of 36) within the tibiotalar joint, 8.3% (3 of 36) in the peroneal (fibularis) tendon sheath, and 2.8% (1 of 36) in the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath. The anterolateral approach placed latex outside the PSTJ 25% of the time (3 of 12 injections: 1 tibiotalar and 2 peroneal [fibularis] sheath), the posterolateral approach 25% of the time (3 of 12 injections: 1 tibiotalar, 1 peroneal [fibularis] sheath, and 1 flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath), and the posteromedial approach 8.3% of the time (1 tibiotalar). CONCLUSIONS: This cadaveric investigation suggests that all 3 sonographically guided PSTJ techniques may be used to access the PSTJ with a high degree of accuracy. Clinicians should consider sonographically guided PSTJ injections as a favorable alternative to fluoroscopy and computed tomographic guidance when diagnostic or therapeutic image-guided PSTJ injections are indicated.

Outcomes Following Treatment of the Infected Achilles Tendon.

BACKGROUND: Infection following Achilles tendon surgery is a devastating complication and can be difficult to treat and often leads to poor outcomes. A number of treatments have been described, but there is little information concerning outcomes of these treatments. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for an infected Achilles tendon after acute and chronic midsubstance repair. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for an infected Achilles tendon between 2000 and 2016. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range, 2-68 months). All patients underwent extensive debridement of the tendon with removal of all infected tissue and foreign material. Soft tissue wound coverage was utilized for large wounds that were not amenable to primary or secondary closure. All patients received culture-specific intravenous (IV) antibiotics for 3 to 6 weeks. Postoperatively, the extremity was immobilized in a splint followed by a cast until the wound was healed. The cast was then replaced with a walking boot and the patients were provided a physical therapy program. Functional outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale. RESULTS: All wounds had healed at the time of last follow-up. Three patients (15%) required an unplanned return to the operating room for repeat debridement. All patients were able to walk without the use of a gait aid. Five patients (25%) required continued use of a boot or brace during ambulation. Fourteen patients participated in the FAAM ADL survey. There were 6 patients lost to follow-up. The average FAAM score was 87 (range, 71.4-100). At last follow-up, most patients reported their overall function as "normal" or "nearly normal." Eradication of infection and satisfactory functional results can be attained after radical debridement, wound closure, and administration of culture-specific IV antibiotics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Generational Differences in Grit, Self-Control, and Conscientiousness Among Orthopaedic Surgeons: From Millennials to Baby Boomers.

BACKGROUND: The training process and practice of orthopaedic surgery is demanding and arduous. Accordingly, grit, self-control, and conscientiousness are desirable qualities in orthopaedic surgeons. Some established orthopaedists have expressed concern that the future generation of surgeons may not possess the same level of grit as their predecessors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of grit among attending orthopaedic surgeons, identify predictors of grit in orthopaedic surgeons, and compare grit scores between attending surgeons and orthopaedic residency applicants. We hypothesized that applicants would demonstrate lower grit and self-control scores but greater conscientiousness scores than attending surgeons. METHODS: A total of 2,342 attending orthopaedic surgeons and 895 orthopaedic residency applicants from the 2016-2017 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) were given surveys that quantified their grit, self-control, and conscientiousness. Demographic and career information also was collected. RESULTS: Assessments were completed by 655 (28%) of 2,342 practicing orthopaedic surgeons and 455 (50.8%) of 895 orthopaedic residency applicants. The residency applicants demonstrated higher mean grit scores (4.12 of 5.0) than the attending orthopaedic surgeons (4.03) (p < 0.01). These average scores placed applicants and attending surgeons at the 70th and 65th percentile, respectively, when compared with the general population. There were no differences in self-control (p = 0.68) or conscientiousness (p = 0.93) between the 2 groups. Attending surgeons with more publications had increased grit (p < 0.01), self-control (p = 0.04), and conscientiousness (p = 0.01) scores. Attending surgeons who had been inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society as medical students demonstrated greater conscientiousness scores than those who were not members (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Orthopaedic residency applicants were at least as gritty, consistent in their interest, persevering in their efforts, and ambitious as currently practicing orthopaedic surgeons. Although these results may be encouraging and diverge from some preconceived perceptions of "millennials," it is unclear if they will be predictive of career success in the next generation of orthopaedists.

Use of Asynchronous Video Interviews for Selecting Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of using of asynchronous video interviewing as a screening tool for obstetrics and gynecology residency selection. METHODS: This project was part of a quality-improvement effort to enhance the resident application process. Applications to a single obstetrics and gynecology residency program were scored using standardized criteria. In the 2018 Match, top-scored applicants were invited to in-person interviews, and second-tier applicants were asked to complete a three-question asynchronous video interview. Video interviews were scored and used to invite the remaining applicants for in-person interviews. In the 2019 Match, video interviewing was expanded to all applicants with top application scores, and the video score was used to determine in-person interview invitations. Applicants for 2019 were surveyed on their views regarding video interviewing. RESULTS: Half of the candidates interviewed in person in the 2018 season were screened by the video interview process compared with 82% in the 2019 season. The mean in-person interview score increased from 59.0 in 2017, before screening with asynchronous video interviews, to 62.2 in 2018 (effect size 0.50; 95% CI 0.09-0.90) In 2018, a nonsignificant correlation was seen between the video interview score and rank list percentile (r=0.22, P=.15, n=27) and in-person interview score (r=0.18, P=.12, n=46). United States Medical Licensing Examination step 1 and 2 scores were not correlated with video interview scores in either season. Most (58%) candidates indicated that the asynchronous video interview was an effective way to tell their story; however, only 42% were comfortable with the interview process. CONCLUSION: Video interviewing may have promise as a tool for program directors to use to select candidates from a competitive applicant pool by measuring important noncognitive skills. Acceptance by obstetrics and gynecology applicants was mixed.

Objective Predictors of Grit, Self-Control, and Conscientiousness in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applicants.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify objective predictors of grit, self-control, and conscientiousness in orthopaedic surgery residency applicants. METHODS: The following attributes were assessed in 455 applicants: grit, self-control, conscientiousness, consistency of interest, perseverance of effort, and ambition. These measures were correlated with standard, objective demographics obtained during the application process. RESULTS: Alpha Omega Alpha status, additional degrees, and number of publications did not predict any of the studied attributes. Grit increased with age (P < 0.001) but decreased with increasing board scores (P = 0.004). Former collegiate athletes demonstrated greater grit (P < 0.001), consistency of interest (P = 0.007), perseverance (P = 0.006), and self-control (P = 0.019). Female applicants demonstrated more grit (P = 0.044), consistency of interest (P = 0.003), and conscientiousness (P = 0.029) than males. Applicants with military experience had increased ambition (P = 0.033) and conscientiousness (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, orthopaedics applicants possess increased grit compared with the general public, and a number of objective variables reliably predicted the studied attributes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Cross-sectional study.

Evaluation of Medical School Grading Variability in the United States: Are All Honors the Same?

PURPOSE: The medical student performance evaluation (MSPE) summarizes a residency applicant's academic performance. Despite attempts to improve standardized clerkship grading, concerns regarding grade inflation and variability at United States medical schools persist. This study's aim was to describe current patterns of clerkship grading and applicant performance data provided in the MSPE. METHOD: The authors evaluated Electronic Residency Application Service data submitted to a single institution for the 2016-2017 Match cycle. Clerkship grading characteristics regarding grading tiers, school rank, location, and size were obtained. Data regarding methods for summative comparisons such as key word utilization were also extracted. Descriptive statistics were generated, and generalized linear modeling was performed. RESULTS: Data were available for 137/140 (98%) MD-granting U.S. medical schools. Pass/fail grading was most commonly used during the preclinical years (47.4%). A 4-tier system was most common for clerkship grading (31%); however, 19 different grading schemes were identified. A median of 34% of students received the highest clerkship grade (range, 5%-97%). Students attending a top 20 medical school were more likely to receive the highest grade compared with those attending lower-rated schools (40% vs 32%, P < .001). Seventy-three percent of schools ranked students, most commonly using descriptive adjectives. Thirty-two different adjectives were used. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant institutional variation in clinical grading practices and MSPE data. For core clerkships where most students received the highest grade, the ability to distinguish between applicants diminishes. A standardized approach to reporting clinical performance may allow for better comparison of residency applicants.

Is Grit the New Fit?-Assessing Non-Cognitive Variables in Orthopedic Surgery Trainees.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine overall levels of grit, self-control, and conscientiousness among orthopedic surgery residents, to compare levels of grit across orthopedic resident training levels, and to identify common applicant variables which may correlate with these valuable noncognitive attributes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study composed of a confidential electronic survey consisting of a 17-item Grit scale, 10-item Self-control scale, and 9-item Conscientiousness scale was completed by Orthopedic residents and fellows. SETTING: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Grit, ambition, consistency of interest, perseverance of effort, self-control, and conscientiousness were assessed in orthopedic surgery residents and fellows. The survey was distributed to program coordinators of ACGME accredited Orthopedic Surgery residency programs and fellowship. 431 (431 out of 621, 69.4%) respondents completed the assessment. RESULTS: Orthopedic residents demonstrated high baseline levels of grit (4.0 of 5.0), self-control (3.8 of 5.0), and conscientiousness (4.4 of 5.0). The grit score of 4.0 places them in the 65th percentile of the general adult population. There were no significant differences in scores between training levels of orthopedic residents and fellows. Significantly higher self-control scores were seen in female trainees (p = 0.042), inductees of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society (p = 0.008), and those with higher numbers of publications (p = 0.037). Orthopedic trainees with more publications scored higher in the ambition sub-score (0 publications: 4.0 ± 0.7; 1-3 publications: 4.2 ± 0.5, 3 or more publications: 4.3 ± 0.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Orthopedic surgery residents demonstrated high levels of grit compared to the general population. Key objective variables utilized in the residency application process including Alpha Omega Alpha status and volume of research publications were predictive of these qualities.

Synovial chondromatosis of the foot and ankle.

BACKGROUND: Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a benign condition where the synovial lining of joints, bursae, or tendon sheaths undergoes metaplasia and ultimately forms cartilaginous loose bodies. Synovial chondromatosis of the foot and ankle is exceedingly rare, and outcomes following surgical excision are largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective review of our institution's surgical database from 1970 to 2006 revealed 8 patients with SC of the foot and/or ankle confirmed by pathology. RESULTS: Eight patients (4 female and 4 male) presented with pain, locking, or stiffness. Average age at presentation was 37 (range, 19 to 60) years. Average followup was 9.5 (range, 1 to 31) years. Six patients had involvement of the ankle, and two, the midfoot. Four patients underwent ankle synovectomy with loose body removal, and were pain-free at last followup. One patient underwent excision and midfoot arthrodesis for severe midfoot destruction. Three patients ultimately underwent below knee amputation, one for multiple recurrences and two for malignant transformation to low-grade chondrosarcoma. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest reported series of patients with SC of the foot and ankle. In half the patients, synovectomy with excision of loose bodies resulted in pain free return to normal function, without recurrence, at last followup. However, recurrence occurred in 3 (37.5%) of 8 patients with subsequent malignant transformation to low-grade chondrosarcoma occurring in 2 patients.

Intraosseous "Lipoma" of the Calcaneus Developing in an Intraosseous Ganglion Cyst.

Intraosseous lipomas are rare primary bone tumors, most common to the calcaneus. There are several proposed theories of the natural etiology of intraosseous lipomas; however, all lack definitive support. In this report, an 18-year-old man presented with radiologic evidence of a simple bone cyst of the calcaneus. Over a 4-year period, the patient was followed with interval magnetic resonance imaging. The cyst demonstrated progressive development of peripheral intralesional fat with final magnetic resonance imaging features characteristic of an intraosseous lipoma. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study that shows gradual peripheral fat deposition within an intraosseous ganglion cyst, illustrating a potential cause of intraosseous lipomas of the calcaneus.

Residents and Program Director Perspectives Often Differ on Optimal Preparation Strategies and the Value of the Orthopedic In-Training Examination.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to compare resident and program director (PD) perspectives on the value of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE), resident study habits, and best resources for optimal performance. DESIGN: A national survey of orthopedic surgery residents and PDs. SETTING: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN PARTICIPANTS: The survey was completed by 445 (41.5%) eligible orthopedic surgery residents and 37 (77.1%) PDs. RESULTS: Although residents and PDs agreed on when (p = 0.896) and how much (p = 0.171) residents currently study, residents felt that the OITE was not as valuable of an assessment of their knowledge, and also felt their individual scores were less likely to remain confidential compared to PDs (p < 0.001). The mean OITE score below which residents were concerned about their ability to pass American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons Part 1 was 9.7 percentile points higher than PDs threshold (42.3% vs. 32.6%, respectively, p = 0.003). Both groups agreed that it is important to dedicate focused study time to the OITE (p = 0.680) and to perform well (p = 0.099). Regarding the best resources and preparation strategies, both residents and PDs tended to agree on the value of most (6 of 10) study methods. Residents ranked practice question websites (mean ranking of 2.6 vs. 3.8 of 10, respectively; p < 0.001) and formal rotations in a subspecialty (6.0 vs. 7.7 respectively, p < 0.001) higher than PDs. In contrast, PDs tended to value their program's formal OITE prep program (4.1. vs. 5.3, respectively, p = 0.012) and reading primary literature (5.6 vs. 6.6, respectively, p = 0.012) more than residents. CONCLUSION: Residents and PDs agreed on many critical components of this process; however, a number of key differences in perspectives exist.

An Analysis of Research Quality and Productivity at Six Academic Orthopaedic Residencies.

OBJECTIVE: It remains largely unknown what factors impact the research productivity of residency programs. We hypothesized that dedicated resident research time would not affect the quantity and quality of a program's peer-reviewed publication within orthopedic residencies. These findings may help programs improve structure their residency programs to maximize core competencies. DESIGN: Three hundred fifty-nine residents and 240 staff from six different US orthopedic residency programs were analyzed. All publications published by residents and faculty at each program from January 2007 to December 2015 were recorded. SCImago Journal Rankings (SJR) were found for each journal. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in publications by residents at each program (p > 0.05). Faculty with 10+ years of on staff, had significantly more publications than those with less than 10 years (p < 0.01). Programs with increased resident research time did not consistently produce publications with higher SJR than those without dedicated research time. CONCLUSIONS: Increased dedicated resident research time did not increase resident publication rates or lead to publications with higher SJR.

The compartments of the foot: a 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging study with clinical correlates for needle pressure testing.

BACKGROUND: Reliable measurement of subfascial pressures represents an essential part of compartment syndrome management. To date, there is neither consensus on the number or location of foot compartments, nor a standardized protocol for needle placement. The purpose of this study was to devise a new system using 3-Tesla MRI that assesses the number and location of these compartments. METHODS: To document the specific location of foot compartments, high resolution 3-Tesla MRI (General Electric, Milwaukee, WI) was coupled with a dedicated transmit-receive high signal-to-noise foot/ankle coil (IGC-Medical Advances, Milwaukee, WI). Individual compartments were highlighted and mapped to T1-weighted MRI. Three-dimensional image analysis allowed standardized needle placement recommendations. RESULTS: Six feet from healthy volunteers were imaged. From these, ten compartments were described: (1) medial, (2) central superficial, (3) central deep (adductor), (4) lateral, (5-8) interossei, (9) calcaneal, and (10) skin. Optimal needle placement and depth were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed system allowed us to assess the number and location of foot compartments. Computer image analysis enabled us to define exact points for needle insertion and depth of penetration for accurate pressure monitoring.