Correlation of Clinical Outcomes and Relative Position of the First Metatarsal After the Modified Lapidus Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is a complex 3-dimensional deformity, and the modified Lapidus is a commonly used procedure to correct moderate to severe cases. Shortening and elevation of the first ray can occur with this procedure, which may result in increased pressure on the lesser metatarsal heads. However, there is currently no consensus regarding an accepted length and elevation of the first ray following the modified Lapidus. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the position of the first ray on patient-reported outcome measures. METHODS: This retrospective study identified 68 patients (72 feet) who underwent the modified Lapidus bunionectomy over a 4-year period at a single institution with a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 11-35.6 months). Patients were included if they were over 18 years of age, had pre- and postoperative weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) scans, and preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. PROMIS scores from 6 domains including physical function, pain interference, pain intensity, global physical health, global mental health, and depression were evaluated and compared pre- and postoperatively. Radiographic parameters were measured and compared before and after surgery. Paired t tests were used to evaluate the significance of pre- to postoperative changes. Differences between cohorts were compared using Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables or Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Correlation between radiographic measurements and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Spearman rank rho estimate and visualized with scatterplots with a linear regression. RESULTS: PROMIS physical function, pain interference, pain intensity, and global physical health improved significantly following the modified Lapidus (all P < .001); however, scores did not show any significant correlation with shortening of the first ray up to a maximum shortening of 4.8 mm. The length of the first metatarsal relative to the second decreased by an average of 2.7 mm following the procedure when measured on WBCT (P < .001), and 2.6 mm when measured on plain radiographs (P < .001). No significant elevation of the first ray was observed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the Lapidus bunionectomy resulted in significantly improved pain and physical function at short-term follow-up. The amount of first ray shortening and elevation that occurred in this cohort did not adversely affect patient-reported outcomes.

Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Postfracture Ankle Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Ankle arthritis that develops after fracture accounts for a significant portion of ankle arthritis necessitating total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). It remains unknown whether TAA in postfracture patients produces equivalent outcomes to those without fracture history. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of TAA in postfracture ankle arthritis compared to those without fracture history. METHODS: This study reviewed 178 ankles from 171 consecutive patients who underwent TAA in our institution between 2007 and 2017 and completed a minimum 5-year follow-up. Four different TAA systems were utilized by 6 surgeons. Based on fracture history, patients were divided into 2 groups: the postfracture group (n = 63; median age 65.7 years; median follow-up 5.9 years) and the nonfracture group (n = 115; median age 64.4 years; median follow-up 6.2 years). Types and rates of complications including revision and reoperation were compared. Minimum 5-year Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and postoperative improvement were investigated. A subgroup analysis was performed to determine whether outcomes differ between intraarticular fracture patients (n = 43) and extraarticular fracture patients (n = 20). RESULTS: Both groups exhibited comparable postoperative improvement and final FAOS scores. The postfracture group had a significantly higher reoperation rate than the nonfracture group (20 of 63, 31.7%, vs 17 of 115, 14.8%; P = .011), with gutter impingement being the most common cause. There were 3 revisions in each group. In the subgroup analysis, we found no evidence of statistical difference between the intraarticular fracture group and the extraarticular fracture group in terms of FAOS scores, revision, and reoperation rates. CONCLUSION: In this single-center, retrospective comparative study, we found total ankle arthroplasty in patients with a history of fractures around the ankle joint had no evidence of statistical difference in patient-reported outcomes and implant survivorship but led to a higher rate of nonrevision reoperation following surgery. In the much smaller subset of patients with previous fracture, we did not find that those with a history of intraarticular fracture had inferior outcomes after TAA when compared to those with a history of extraarticular fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Incidence and predictors of valgus tibiotalar tilt after progressive collapsing foot deformity reconstruction using subtalar fusion with concomitant procedures.

PURPOSE: Development of valgus tibiotalar tilt is a significant complication after subtalar fusion for progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) correction. However, its incidence and etiologic factors have not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of valgus tibiotalar tilt after subtalar fusion for PCFD reconstruction, and to determine predictors of this complication. METHODS: This study included 59 patients who underwent PCFD reconstruction with subtalar fusion. Patients with tibiotalar tilt prior to surgery were excluded. On standard weightbearing radiographs, the talonavicular coverage angle, talo-1st metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, hindfoot moment arm (HMA), and medial distal tibial angle were measured. Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) was used to determine the presence of lateral bony impingement. A radiologist evaluated the superficial and deep deltoid ligaments using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Univariate regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with development of postoperative valgus tibiotalar tilt, defined as tilt > 2 degrees. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (28.8%) developed postoperative valgus tibiotalar tilt at a mean of 7.7 (range 2-31) months. Eight (47.1%) of these patients developed valgus tibiotalar tilt within 3 months. Univariate logistic regression demonstrated association between preoperative HMA and postoperative valgus tibiotalar tilt (odds ratio 1.06, P = 0.026), with a 6% increase in risk per millimeter of increased HMA. Deltoid ligament status and concomitant procedures on other joints did not correlate with postoperative valgus tilt. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that surgeons should be cognizant of patients with a greater degree of preoperative hindfoot valgus and their propensity to develop a valgus ankle deformity. Additionally, our relatively high incidence of valgus tibiotalar tilt suggests that weightbearing ankle radiographs should be included in the initial and subsequent follow-up of PCFD patients with hindfoot valgus treated with subtalar fusion.

Axial Plane Rotation of the Talus in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity: A Weightbearing Computed Tomography Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is recognized as a 3-dimensional deformity centered around the talus. Previous studies have described some features of talar motion in the ankle mortise in PCFD, such as sagging in the sagittal plane or valgus tilt in the coronal plane. However, axial plane alignment of the talus in the ankle mortise in PCFD has not been investigated extensively. The purpose of this study was to examine this axial plane alignment of PCFD vs controls using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) images and to determine if talar rotation in the axial plane is associated with increased abduction deformity, as well as to assess the medial ankle joint space narrowing in PCFD that may be associated with axial plane talar rotation. METHODS: Multiplanar reconstructed WBCT images of 79 patients with PCFD and 35 control patients (39 scans) were retrospectively analyzed. The PCFD group was divided into 2 subgroups depending on preoperative talonavicular coverage angle (TNC): moderate abduction (TNC 20-40 degrees, n=57) and severe abduction (TNC >40 degrees, n=22). Using the transmalleolar (TM) axis as a reference, the axial alignment of the talus (TM-Tal), calcaneus (TM-Calc), and second metatarsal (TM-2MT) were calculated. Difference between TM-Tal and TM-Calc was calculated to examine talocalcaneal subluxation. A second method to assess talar rotation within the mortise utilized an angle between the lateral malleolus and the talus (LM-Tal) in the axial slices of WBCT. In addition, the prevalence of medial tibiotalar joint space narrowing was assessed. These parameters were compared between the control and PCFD groups, and between moderate and severe abduction groups. RESULTS: The talus was significantly more internally rotated with respect to the ankle TM axis and the lateral malleolus in PCFD patients compared to controls, and in the severe abduction group compared with the moderate abduction group, using both measurement methods. Axial calcaneal orientation did not differ between groups. There was significantly greater axial talocalcaneal subluxation in the PCFD group, and this was also greater in the severe abduction group. The prevalence of medial joint space narrowing was higher in PCFD patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that talar malrotation in the axial plane should be considered an underlying feature of abduction deformity in PCFD. The malrotation occurs in both the talonavicular and ankle joints. This rotational deformity should be corrected at the time of reconstructive surgery, especially in cases of severe abduction deformity. In addition, medial ankle joint narrowing was observed in PCFD patients, with a higher prevalence of medial ankle joint narrowing in those with severe abduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Medium- to Long-term Results of Nonanatomic Spring Ligament Reconstruction Using an Allograft Tendon in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity With Severe Abduction Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Spring ligament reconstruction (SLR) has been suggested as an adjunct to other reconstructive procedures to potentially avoid talonavicular joint fusion in progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) with severe abduction deformity. Most clinical reports present short-term follow-up data and a small number of patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the medium- to long-term outcomes of an SLR using allograft tendon augmentation as part of PCFD surgical reconstruction. This study to our knowledge represents the largest number of patients and the longest follow-up to date. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 26 patients (27 feet, mean age of 61.4 years) who underwent SLR with allograft tendon as part of PCFD reconstruction. The mean follow-up of the cohort was 8 years (range, 5-13.4). Radiographic evaluation consisted of 5 parameters including talonavicular coverage angle (TNC), with the maintenance of correction being evaluated by comparing parameters from the early postoperative period (mean: 11.6 months, range, 8-17) to final follow-up. Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and patient satisfaction questionnaires were collected at final follow-up. Conversion to talonavicular or subtalar fusion was considered as a failure. RESULTS: Final radiographs demonstrated successful abduction correction, with the mean TNC improving from 43.7 degrees preoperatively to 14.1 degrees postoperatively (P < .0001). All other radiographic parameters improved significantly and exhibited maintenance of the correction. All FAOS subscales showed significant improvement. Responses to the satisfaction questionnaire were received from all except 1 patient, of whom 88.5% (23/26) were satisfied with the results, 96.2% (25/26) would undergo the surgery again, and 88.5% (23/26) would recommend the surgery. Eight feet (29.6%) required painful hardware removal and 1 (3.7%) developed nonunion of the lateral column lengthening osteotomy. No patient required conversion to talonavicular or subtalar fusion. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates favorable medium- to long-term outcomes following PCFD reconstruction including an SLR with allograft tendon augmentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Clinical Outcomes of Revision Surgery Using a Dorsal Approach After Failed Primary Interdigital Neuroma Excision.

BACKGROUND: Revision neurectomy may be approached with either a dorsal or a plantar incision. Although a plantar approach is more commonly described, few studies have investigated outcomes following a dorsal revision neuroma excision. In this study, we performed a case series on a group of patients who underwent revision neuroma excision through a dorsal approach and reported complications and outcomes using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHODS: This retrospective case series included 10 patients who underwent a dorsal-approach revision neuroma excision and had preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. Complications including neuroma recurrence and continued unresolved pain were obtained from the electronic medical record. Preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores were compared to assess improvement in PROMs. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the PROMIS pain interference (P = .026), pain intensity (P = .008), and global physical health (P = .017) domains. One patient experienced recurrence of their neuroma 4 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: This case series provides preliminary data indicating that revision neurectomy using a dorsal approach leads to satisfactory outcomes in pain-related PROMs. Further research with comparative study designs is necessary to determine if one approach is superior to the other. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective.

Utility of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Raising the Bar in Chest Masculinization Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been shown to decrease the incidence of postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of NPWT in chest masculinization with free nipple graft (FNG). METHODS: All consecutive male patients undergoing chest masculinization with FNG by a single provider at a single center were reviewed. Postoperative treatment with either NPWT or standard wound care (SWC) defined this study's cohorts. Patient characteristics and postoperative complications were compared between patients receiving NPWT versus SWC. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one patients with 262 closed breast incisions (NPWT=72, SWC=190) met inclusion criteria. Overall complications were higher in the SWC cohort (n=80/190, 42%) compared to the NPWT cohort (n = 13/72, 18%, p < 0.001). The NPWT group had significantly lower rates of partial nipple graft loss (9/72, 12.5% versus 47/190, 24.7%, p = 0.031), seroma formation (1/72, 1.4% versus 15/190, 7.9%, p = 0.037), and nipple hypopigmentation (6/72, 8.3% versus 36/190, 18.9%, p = 0.024) when compared to the SWC cohort. Time to drain removal was significantly faster in the NPWT group (NPWT 7 days versus SWC 9 days, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving NPWT over their closed incisions following chest masculinization with FNG were found to have significantly lower rates of partial nipple graft necrosis, seroma formation, and time to drain removal compared to those receiving SWC. Future prospective, randomized studies to further elucidate the role of NPWT in top surgery are warranted.

Early Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Lower Extremities: Risk Factors for Mortality and Amputation.

Objective: In this study, we seek to identify patient characteristics associated with limb loss and mortality while exploring the potential impact a multidisciplinary care team may have. Approach: This was a 10-year retrospective review of patients presenting to our tertiary care center for limb salvage with a diagnosis of lower extremity (LE) necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Patient demographics, clinical history, and outcomes were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors and between those who underwent LE amputation and those who did not. The article adheres to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology statement. Results: Sixty-two patients presented to our tertiary care center for limb salvage with LE NF. Forty-two patients underwent LE amputation: 27 (43.5%) underwent below-knee amputation, 1 (1.6%) underwent above-knee amputation, 8 (12.9%) underwent transmetatarsal amputation and 2 (3.2%) underwent calcanectomy. The overall mortality rate was 16.1% (n = 10). Risk factors for mortality included increased age (p = 0.034), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.011), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.002), hypotension (p = 0.015), erythema (p = 0.010), pain (p = 0.027), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.012), and malignancy (p < 0.001). Risk factors for LE amputation included DM (p = 0.017), peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.033), and an elevated laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINC) (p = 0.033). Innovation: To identify outcomes after admission to a tertiary hospital with a dedicated limb salvage team with LE NF and to analyze risk factors for mortality and amputation. Conclusions: This is a comprehensive analysis of risk factors for mortality and amputation after LE NF. Our institution's experience highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the care of these patients.