Reconstruction of unstable ankle charcot deformity using a 3-D printed titanium porous block and hindfoot nail - A case report.

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the ankle joint can cause marked bone resorption of the talus resulting in severe deformity and instability. The utilisation of a 3-D printed bespoke titanium porous block that allows the use of an intramedullary calcaneo-tibial nail is an attractive option in such cases that has been reported for use in post-trauma deformities, following tumour resections, in avascular necrosis of talus and for revision of failed total ankle replacements, however has not previously been reported for Charcot ankle reconstructions. We present a novel case and surgical technique illustrating the use of a 3-D printed titanium porous block and hindfoot nail for reconstruction of a deformed and unstable Charcot hindfoot.

Investigation and management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis: An update for the foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon.

Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) poses a significant challenge in the management of diabetic patients, often leading to severe complications and increased morbidity. Effective management of DFO requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving endocrinologists, infectious disease specialists, vascular surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, and wound care experts. Early diagnosis is paramount, facilitated by advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scintigraphy. Once diagnosed, the treatment strategy hinges on a combination of medical and surgical interventions. Antibiotic therapy, guided by culture results, plays a central role in managing DFO. Tailored regimens targeting the specific pathogens involved are administered, often for prolonged durations. Surgical intervention becomes necessary when conservative measures fall short. Surgical approaches range from minimally invasive procedures, like percutaneous drainage, to more extensive interventions like debridement and bone resection. Prevention of DFO recurrence is equally vital, emphasising glycemic control, meticulous foot care, patient education, monitoring of at-risk signs, revascularization and early intervention when indicated. The management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis mandates a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the infectious and surgical aspects of the condition. A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach ensures timely diagnosis, tailored treatment, and holistic care. Further research into novel therapeutic modalities and long-term outcomes remains essential in refining the management of this complex and debilitating complication of diabetes.

Charcot neuroarthropathy in persons with diabetes: It's time for a paradigm shift in our thinking.

The aim of this paper is to review the recent literature regarding the epidemiology and surgical management of Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO). We propose that a fundamental change in the approach and assumptions regarding the historical treatment of active CNO should be considered. Although the true incidence and prevalence of CNO in the US population with diabetes are not known, we estimated the incidence to be 27,602 per year and the prevalence to be 208,880 persons. In persons with diabetes, the incidence of CNO is higher than that of prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancer, and in the entire US population, the incidence of CNO is higher than that of multiple myeloma, soft tissue sarcoma, and primary bone sarcoma. In persons with diabetes, the incidence of CNO is higher than fractures of the femoral shaft, distal femur, tibia, talus, calcaneus and Lisfranc ligament injuries. Surgical techniques have evolved over the past half century, and surgery is the standard for treating displaced fractures and intra-articular injuries. Since CNO is a fracture, dislocation, or fracture dislocation in patients with neuropathy, why do we treat CNO differently? Elsewhere in the skeleton displaced osseous and ligament injuries are treated surgically. Based on the information presented in this manuscript, we suggest that it is time for a paradigm shift in the treatment of persons with CNO. While uncommon, CNO in persons with diabetes is not rare. Given the advances in surgical techniques, surgical intervention should be considered earlier in persons with CNO who are at risk for developing deformity related foot ulceration.

Evaluation of Adjuvant Antibiotic Loaded Injectable Bio-Composite Material in Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis and Charcot Foot Reconstruction.

The management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is extremely challenging with high amputation rates reported alongside a five-year mortality risk of more than fifty percent. We describe our experience in using adjuvant antibiotic-loaded bio-composite material (Cerament) in the surgical management of DFO and infected Charcot foot reconstruction. We undertook a retrospective evaluation of 53 consecutive patients (54 feet) who underwent Gentamicin or Vancomycin-loaded Cerament application during surgery. The feet were categorised into two groups: Group 1, with infected ulcer and DFO, managed with radical debridement only (n = 17), and Group 2, requiring reconstruction surgery for infected and deformed Charcot foot. Group 2 was further subdivided into 2a, with feet previously cleared of infection and undergoing a single-stage reconstruction (n = 19), and 2b, with feet having an active infection managed with a two-stage reconstruction (n = 18). The mean age was 56 years (27-83) and 59% (31/53) were males. The mean BMI was 30.2 kg/m2 (20.8-45.5). Foot ulcers were present in 69% (37/54) feet. At a mean follow-up of 30 months (12-98), there were two patients lost to follow up and the mortality rate was 11% (n = 5). The mean duration of post-operative systemic antibiotic administration was 20 days (4-42). Thirteen out of fifteen feet (87%) in group 1 achieved complete eradication of infection. There was a 100% primary ulcer resolution, 100% limb salvage and 76% bony union rate within Group 2. However, five patients, all in group 2, required reoperations due to problems with bone union. The use of antibiotic-loaded Cerament resulted in a high proportion of patients achieving infection clearance, functional limb salvage and decrease in the duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy. Larger, preferably randomised, studies are required to further validate these observations.

Viral infections in orthopedics: A systematic review and classification proposal.

BACKGROUND: Although the impact of microbial infections on orthopedic clinical outcomes is well recognized, the influence of viral infections on the musculoskeletal system might have been underestimated. AIM: To systematically review the available evidence on risk factors and musculoskeletal manifestations following viral infections and to propose a pertinent classification scheme. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Reference Citation Analysis (RCA), and Scopus for completed studies published before January 30, 2021, to evaluate risk factors and bone and joint manifestations of viral infection in animal models and patient registries. Quality assessment was performed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies, Moga score for case series, Wylde score for registry studies, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control studies. RESULTS: Six human and four animal studies were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis. Hepatitis C virus was implicated in several peri- and post-operative complications in patients without cirrhosis after major orthopedic surgery. Herpes virus may affect the integrity of lumbar discs, whereas Ross River and Chikungunya viruses provoke viral arthritis and bone loss. CONCLUSION: Evidence of moderate strength suggested that viruses can cause moderate to severe arthritis and osteitis. Risk factors such as pre-existing rheumatologic disease contributed to higher disease severity and duration of symptoms. Therefore, based on our literature search, the proposed clinical and pathogenetic classification scheme is as follows: (1) Viral infections of bone or joint; (2) Active bone and joint inflammatory diseases secondary to viral infections in other organs or tissues; and (3) Viral infection as a risk factor for post-surgical bacterial infection.

Two-stage reconstruction of infected Charcot foot using internal fixation : a promising functional limb salvage technique.

AIMS: In our unit, we adopt a two-stage surgical reconstruction approach using internal fixation for the management of infected Charcot foot deformity. We evaluate our experience with this functional limb salvage method. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients with infected Charcot foot deformity who underwent two-stage reconstruction with internal fixation between July 2011 and November 2019, with a minimum of 12 months' follow-up. RESULTS: We identified 23 feet in 22 patients with a mean age of 56.7 years (33 to 70). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 44.7 months (14 to 99). Limb salvage was achieved in all patients. At one-year follow-up, all ulcers have healed and independent full weightbearing mobilization was achieved in all but one patient. Seven patients developed new mechanical skin breakdown; all went on to heal following further interventions. Fusion of the hindfoot was achieved in 15 of 18 feet (83.3%). Midfoot fusion was achieved in nine of 15 patients (60%) and six had stable and painless fibrous nonunion. Hardware failure occurred in five feet, all with broken dorsomedial locking plate. Six patients required further surgery, two underwent revision surgery for infected nonunion, two for removal of metalwork and exostectomy, and two for dynamization of the hindfoot nail. CONCLUSION: Two-stage reconstruction of the infected and deformed Charcot foot using internal fixation and following the principle of 'long-segment, rigid and durable internal fixation, with optimal bone opposition and local antibiotic elusion' is a good form of treatment provided a multidisciplinary care plan is delivered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1611-1618.

Improving the efficiency of ankle fracture care through home care and day-surgery units: Delivering safe surgery on a value-based healthcare model.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative home care for suitable patients with ankle fractures is becoming an increasingly common practice. It allows adequate time for reduction of ankle swelling following a decision to undertake operative fixation has been made. We aim to assess the safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and differences in clinical & patient outcomes of day surgery unit (DSU) care for ankle fracture treatment in selected patients. Our study combined home therapy treatment with DSU care for suitable ankle fractures. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Trauma Centre. PATIENTS: Fifty-three patients requiring operative fixation for an ankle fracture were divided into 2 groups. Patients in group 1 entered the home care combined with DSU treatment pathway whilst in group 2 were treated as in patient in the main trauma theatre in our standard pathway. INTERVENTION: Comparison of Home Care & Day Case Surgery vs. in patient admission for patients requiring operative ankle fractures fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prospective data collection was undertaken over a 2-year period, on fracture type, logistical outcomes including time to surgery and total length of stay in the hospital and clinical outcomes including the rate of post-operative complications, incidence of unplanned surgical revisions and objective patient satisfaction. Economic analysis was performed to compare the marginal cost saving per case for group 1 vs. group 2. RESULTS: There were 21 patients in group 1. They waited for on average 5.8 days at home for their operation and none were admitted pre or post operatively. There were no associated complications and the majority of patients were discharged from follow-up at 6 weeks post-surgery. In-group 2, there were 32 patients. They waited on average 2.4 days for their operation in the hospital and had an average length of stay of 4.9 days. One patient in group 2 suffered from a deep vein thrombosis. The benefit from our chargeable tariff for group 1 patients was £2295 per case while the margin for group 2 patients was £277 per case. The financial benefit to the health care provider was £2018 in favour of home care and DSU treatment, with high service satisfaction and low complication rates. DISCUSSION: This study provides focused evidence supporting the use of home care for the management of ankle fractures. The DSU pathway improves the value in healthcare delivery with high patient satisfaction scores when compared to the traditional pathway. Our model demonstrates predictably good clinical outcomes with a financial cost benefit over in-patient admission care model for selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgery for the diabetic foot: A key component of care.

Surgery for acute and chronic diabetic foot problems has long been an integral component of care. While partial foot amputations remain as important diabetic limb-salvaging operations, foot-sparing reconstructive procedures have become equally important strategies to preserve the functional anatomy of the foot while addressing infection, chronic deformities, and ulcerations. A classification of types of diabetic foot surgery is discussed in accordance with the soft tissue status and acuity of the presenting foot problem. This brief overview from the Association for Diabetic Foot Surgeons describes common conditions best treated by surgical interventions, as well as specific indications. While techniques and indications continue to evolve, effective surgical management of the diabetic foot remains an integral component of care as well as for the prevention of recurrent ulceration.

Surgical Diabetic Foot Debridement: Improving Training and Practice Utilizing the Traffic Light Principle.

Comprehensive management of a severe diabetic foot infection focus on clear treatment pathways. Including rapid, radical debridement of all infection in addition to intravenous antibiotics and supportive measures. However, inexperienced surgeons can often underestimate the extent of infection, risking inadequate debridement, repeated theatre episodes, higher hospital morbidity, and hospital length of stay (LOS). This study aims to assess protocolized diabetic-foot-debridement: Red-Amber-Green (RAG) model as part of a value-based driven intervention. The model highlights necrotic/infected tissue (red-zone, nonviable), followed by areas of moderate damage (amber-zone), healthy tissue (green-zone, viable). Sequential training of orthopedic surgeons supporting our emergency service was undertaken prior to introduction. We compared outcomes before/after RAG introduction (pre-RAG, n = 48; post- RAG, n = 35). Outcomes measured included: impact on number of debridement/individual admission, percentage of individuals requiring multiple debridement, and length-of-hospital-stay as a function-of-cost. All-patients fulfilled grade 2/3, stage-B, of the Texas-Wound-Classification. Those with evidence of ischemia were excluded. The pre-RAG-group were younger (53.8 ± 11.0 years vs 60.3 ± 9.2 years, P = .01); otherwise the 2-groups were matched: HbA1c, white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein. The post-RAG-group underwent significantly lower numbers of debridement's (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.5 ± 0.6/individual admission, P = .003); equired fewer visits to theatre (8.6% vs 38%, P = .003), their LOS was reduced (median LOS pre-RAG 36.0 vs post-RAG 21.5 days, P = .02). RAG facilitates infection clearance, fewer theatre-episodes, and shorter LOS. This protocolized-management-tools in acute severely infected diabetic foot infection offers benefits to patients and health-care-gain.

The Expanding Role of Hip Arthroscopy in Modern Day Practice.

Over the past decade, hip arthroscopy has become increasingly popular in managing hip conditions in a minimally invasive approach. The development of specialist equipment and training in this field has allowed indications for hip arthroscopy to be extended to a range of conditions. However, the need for special equipment and training has also limited the use of hip arthroscopy to specialized centers. This article will outline the evolution of hip arthroscopy, the pathology of hip conditions, what it has been used for and how this technique has now been extended to help manage these conditions in a minimally invasive approach, limiting the complications of open surgery.

Transmalleolar Approach for Arthroscopy-Assisted Headless Screw Fixation of an Osteochondral Talar Dome Fracture.

Displaced osteochondral fractures of the body of talus quite often require a malleolar osteotomy to gain access to the fracture fragment during internal fixation. We describe a case report in which access to a displaced osteochondral fracture of the lateral talar dome was achieved using an arthroscopy-assisted fibular tunnel approach. This technique resulted in satisfactory fracture healing and a satisfactory clinical outcome.

Computer navigation of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty: a narrative review.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure for primary osteoarthritis, but increasing numbers are also being performed for other pathologies such as secondary arthritis, inflammatory arthropathies and trauma. Estimates suggest that around 8.5 million people in the UK are affected by joint pain secondary to arthritis and a rising ageing population has resulted in an increase in THA operations of around 4% per year over the last six years.Multiple studies have shown that THA provides improved quality of life scores, but there remains the burden of complications which account for 15% of £1bn NHS liability payouts. DaPalma et al analysed the financial impact of complications following THA and found the additional cost of a dislocation within six weeks of surgery is 342% of the primary cost.Following primary THA, complications may occur as a result of incorrect component positioning of the femoral stem, the acetabular cup or both. It is known that acetabular malposition may lead to increased rates of dislocation, impingement, edge-loading, polyethylene wear, pelvic osteolysis and prosthesis failure.Acetabular component positioning has been described as the single most important factor in dictating risk of dislocation following THA. Furthermore, instability and dislocation after primary THA is the most common single reason for revision surgery accounting for 22.5% of all revisions and 33% of acetabular revisions.We outline the currently available methods of acetabular navigation comparing freehand techniques with computer and robotic-assisted navigation of the acetabular component. Cite this article: Davenport D, Kavarthapu V. Computer navigation of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty: a narrative review. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:279-285. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000050.

Modern Orthopedic Inpatient Care of the Orthopedic Patient With Diabetic Foot Disease.

In this article, we describe emergency and elective pathways within our orthopedic multidisciplinary inpatient care of patients with diabetic foot problems. We performed a retrospective cohort review of 19 complex patients requiring orthopedic surgical treatment of infected ulceration or Charcot feet or deformity at our institution. A total of 30 admissions (19 emergency, 11 elective) were included. The pathways were coordinated by a multidisciplinary team and comprised initial assessment and investigation and a series of key events, which consisted of emergency and elective surgery together with the introduction, and change of intravenous antibiotics when indicated. Patients had rigorous microbiological assessment, in the form of deep ulcer swabs, operative tissue specimens, joint aspirates, and blood cultures according to their clinical presentation as well as close clinical and biochemical surveillance, which expedited the prompt institution of key events. Outcomes were assessed using amputation rates and patient satisfaction. In the emergency group, there were 5.6 ± 3.0 (mean ± SD) key events per admission, including 4.2 ± 2.1 antibiotic changes. In the elective group, there were 4.8 ± 1.4 key events per inpatient episode, with 3.7 ± 1.3 antibiotic changes. Overall, there were 3 minor amputations, and no major amputations. The podiatric and surgical tissue specimens showed a wide array of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, aerobic and anaerobic isolates and 15% of blood cultures showed bacteremia. When 9 podiatric specimens were compared with 9 contemporaneous surgical samples, there was concordance in 2 out of 9 pairs. We have described the successful modern care of the orthopedic diabetic foot patient, which involves close clinical, microbiological, and biochemical surveillance by the multidisciplinary team directing patients through emergency and elective pathways. This has enabled successful surgical intervention involving debridement, pressure relief, and stabilization, with low rates of amputation.