In-house virtual surgical planning and guided mandibular reconstruction is less precise, but more economical and time-efficient than commercial procedures.

BACKGROUND: To compare an in-house and a commercially available surgical planning solution for mandibular reconstruction in terms of postoperative reconstruction accuracy and economic benefit. METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) requiring segmental mandibular reconstruction were enrolled. Fifteen patients underwent in-house surgical planning and 14 patients underwent a commercially available planning solution. A morphometric comparison of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) data sets and a cost-benefit comparison were performed. RESULTS: Volumes of planned and reconstructed bone segments differed significantly for both in-house planning (p = 0.0431) and commercial planning (p < 0.0001). Significant differences in osteotomy angles were demonstrated for in-house planning (p = 0.0391). Commercial planning was superior to in-house planning for total mandibular deviation (p = 0.0217), intersegmental space volumes (p = 0.0035), and lengths (p = 0.0007). No significant difference was found between the two planning solutions in terms of intersegmental ossification and the incidence of wound healing disorders. In-house planning took less time than commercial planning (p < 0.0001). Component manufacturing costs (p < 0.0001) and total cumulative costs (p < 0.0001) were significantly lower for in-house planning. CONCLUSIONS: In-house surgical planning is less accurate but has a cost advantage and could be performed in less time.

Can CT-based assessment of lateral malleolus anatomy indicate when and how to perform an intramedullary fixation in distal fibula fractures? An analysis of 150 ankles.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to analyse the lateral malleolus morphology with a focus on the shape of the distal fibula for IM fixation of the fibula in infra- and transsyndesmotic fracture patterns. The secondary aim was to propose a treatment algorithm according to the lateral malleolar anatomy. METHODS: 77 healthy, skeletally mature volunteers underwent CT scanning of the ankle. The fibula medullary canal and its cortical thickness were quantitatively analysed at 4 different levels measured from the fibular tip (1.5 cm, 3.0 cm, 4.5 cm, and 6.0 cm). A geometric classification was proposed, and a decision algorithm was developed. Statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The smallest diameter of the medullary canal of the fibula was at 6.0 cm from the tip of the fibula, in 98.2% of the ankles. The distal fibula can be classified into triangular and rectangular type, according to the cortical thickness index (p < 0.0001). In 16.7% ankles, the internal diameter of the fibula at 6.0 cm was equal or narrower than 3.5 mm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The shape of the distal fibula as evaluated by CT-guided analysis allows for IM osteosynthesis of the lateral malleolus in 83% of individuals. In our study, the smallest diameter of the medullary canal of the fibula was located 6.0 cm from the tip of the lateral malleolus. Coronal CT evaluation is advantageous in indicating which type of IM implant should be used safely for infra- and transsyndesmotic fracture patterns, potentially reducing intraoperative risks.

Intramedullary Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures pose a unique challenge to the treating orthopedic surgeon. Intramedullary (IM) distal fibula fixation is a relatively newer entity offering a viable option to minimize wound complications while providing similar outcomes. Our study utilizes an IM nail featuring proximal fixation via IM talons ensuring maintenance of fracture reduction this is the largest case series utilizing this novel device assessing time to weight-bearing (WB) and fracture union in addition to the safety and reproducibility of percutaneous reduction. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted on 51 ankle fractures treated with a single IM device for lateral malleolar fixation. Postoperative radiographs were assessed, qualifying reductions as good, fair, or poor based on a reduction classification. Patient charts were reviewed for fracture characteristics, reduction method, fracture union, time to WB, and complications. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 32.2 weeks; 47 fracture reductions (92%) were classified as good, and 4 (8%) were fair. All but 1 fracture (98%) went onto union. Average time to union was 10.3 weeks. Average time to WB with and without a walking boot was 6.8 and 11.2 weeks, respectively. Two patients experienced painful hardware. One patient had a superficial wound infection. CONCLUSION: When evaluating this novel IM device, fracture union and time to union were found to be acceptable, with minimal wound or other complications. Percutaneous reduction permitted good fracture reduction quality. Consistent time to WB for a variety of fractures was reliably demonstrated following operative fixation with this device, including those in the elderly population. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Clinical case series.

A retrospective assessment of the clinical efficacy of different internal fixation methods in the treatment of distal fibula fractures in the elderly.

An ankle fracture is a fracture of the distal tibia or fibula that forms the ankle joint, usually associated with ligament and soft tissue injury, and is a common type of lower limb fracture and one of the most common types of fracture in the elderly. Although ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries seen by orthopedic trauma surgeons, there is no uniform protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of ankle fractures in the elderly, and there are many controversial indications for surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical efficacy of different internal fixation methods in the treatment of distal fibular fractures in the elderly, in an effort to improve the rational selection and application of clinical acts. A retrospective analysis was performed on 68 cases of patients who suffered an ankle fracture and were treated with different internal fixation methods according to the fracture types and individual differences in distal fibula fractures. The postoperative therapeutic effect assessment was performed in terms of clinical examination, imaging evaluation, and AOFAS ankle-hind foot function scoring. There was no unhealed bone, ankle instability and loose/fractured internal fixation. Fracture healing time was 2.7 to 4.0 months (average 3.2 months). AOFAS score was 88.3 ± 6.2, of which, 34 excellent cases, 30 good cases, and 4 fair cases. Ankle activity dorsiflexion 6º~18º, average 15º; plantar flexion 26º~47º, average 37º. A good clinical efficacy could be achieved from the most appropriate individualized internal fixation for distal fibula fractures of elderly patients.

Screw-only fibular construct for Weber B ankle fractures: A retrospective clinical and cost comparison to assess feasibility for resource-limited settings.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries sustained worldwide, with the majority being isolated lateral malleolus fractures. The majority of the world's population live in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC), where implant cost may limit surgical treatment of ankle fractures. We investigate if Weber B ankle fractures could be effectively treated with a lower-cost technique using two screws between the fibula and the tibia to neutralize an interfragmentary lag screw. METHODS: After IRB approval, consecutive patients from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 with Weber-B ankle fractures were treated using AO technique (AOT) with plate osteosynthesis neutralizing an interfragmentary screw. Syndesmotic injuries, as well as injuries to the medial malleolus or foot were treated according to the surgeon's preferences. From January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 these injuries were treated with a screw-only technique (SOT) with two fibula pro tibia screws to neutralize an interfragmentary screw. Patient demographics including age, sex, BMI, smoking status, associated rheumatoid arthritis, and associated diabetes mellitus were recorded. The primary outcome variable was a stable radiographic mortise at six weeks post-surgery, secondary outcome variables included clinical union, infection, hardware removal, and implant cost for lateral malleolar fixation charged to the hospital. RESULTS: Seventeen AOT and 10 SOT constructs were included. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. All fractures maintained a stable mortise with clinical union at 6 weeks without infection. There was a statistically significant difference in hardware removal (17.6% AOT, 50% SOT, p = 0.012). The average implant cost to the hospital of the lateral malleolar fixation was significantly less in the SOT group ($592 (SD $229)), compared to the AOT group ($1,949.97 (SD $562)), (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We introduce proof of concept of a novel lower-cost fixation strategy for Weber B ankle fractures that maintained a stable mortise with clinical union at six weeks post-surgery. However, there was a significantly higher rate of hardware removal following fixation with a screw-only construct.

Mandible reconstruction with free fibula flaps: Accuracy of a cost-effective modified semicomputer-assisted surgery compared with computer-assisted surgery - A retrospective study.

A new individualized, cost-effective, modified semi-computer-assisted surgery (MSCAS) concept for free fibular flap mandibular reconstruction is reported and compared with the computer-assisted surgery (CAS) concept. Patients were divided into two groups and retrospectively reviewed. In the MSCAS and CAS groups, intraoperative guides were created using computer-aided design with manual fabrication and computer-aided design and manufacturing, respectively. Differences in specific linear and angular parameters on pre- and postoperative computed tomography scans were calculated for morphometric comparison, and clinical parameters and efficiency were analysed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (CAS, 7; MSCAS, 11), were included. The morphometric comparison showed no significant differences between the groups. The mean deviation of the mandibular ramus length, body length, width 1 and width 2 was 0.82 ± 0.29 mm, 1.84 ± 0.43 mm, 1.89 ± 0.61 mm and 1.45 ± 0.61 mm in the CAS group versus 1.56 ± 0.54 mm, 1.72 ± 0.33 mm, 2.24 ± 0.55 mm and 2.36 ± 0.50 mm in the MSCAS group (p = 0.7804, p = 0.9997, p = 0.9814 and p = 0.6334). The mean deviation of the sagittal, axial and coronal mandibular angles was 1.56 ± 0.48°, 1.93 ± 0.50° and 2.15 ± 0.72° in the CAS group versus 2.19 ± 0.35°, 1.86 ± 0.35° and 1.94 ± 0.55° in the MSCAS group (p = 0.7594, p = 0.9996 and p = 0.9871). There were no significant differences in clinical parameters, efficiency or postoperative complications between the groups. CONCLUSION: The accuracy and operative efficiency of the MSCAS concept are comparable to those of the more expensive CAS concept. Therefore, in times of increasing clinical costs, this concept might be an adequate and inexpensive alternative to preoperative CAS.

Assessment of fibular regeneration after graft harvesting in patients with benign bone tumors: A retrospective study comparing different age groups.

INTRODUCTION: Using non-vascularized fibula as autogenous graft has gained much success in reconstruction after tumor resection owing to its simplicity. Donor-site morbidity related to fibula deficiency includes valgus ankle, chronic pain and stress fractures of the ipsilateral tibia. HYPOTHESIS: Growth potential before skeletal maturity is the most important factor promoting fibular regeneration after non- vascularized harvesting, and its decline with skeletal maturity causes failure of fibular regeneration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the patients with benign bone tumors who required bone defect reconstruction by non-vascularized fibular graft utilizing a periosteal preserving technique. The study entailed 118 patients below the age of 12, 100 age 12-18, and 80 above the age of 18. RESULTS: In children below 12, regeneration was complete in 95%, incomplete in 4.2% and partial in 0.8% of the cases. In adolescents, regeneration was complete in 72%, incomplete in 15% and partial in 13% of the cases. After skeletal maturity, no regeneration occurred in 92.5%of the patients, while partial regeneration occurred in 7.5% of the cases. Valgus ankle occurred in 2.8% of the cases before skeletal maturity, and none in older patients. DISCUSSION: Complete regeneration after non-vascularized fibula graft harvesting is the rule in pediatric patients and to a lesser extent in adolescent group. This is usually associated by near normal regaining of the regenerate strength and function. Non-regeneration dominates in older age group. The length of the harvested segment has no impact on the regeneration or the remodeling process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; case series, retrospective comparative study.

[Assessment of the quality of life of mandibular ameloblastoma patients after reconstruction with double-barrel fibula flap].

Objective: To analyse the quality of life of patients receiving repair of bone defect with folded fibula flap after removal of mandibular ameloblastoma. Methods: The case data of 39 patients with ameloblastoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2013 to April 2016 were retrospectively analysed, including 21 males and 18 females, from 18 to 58 years old. 3D printing and digital technology were used in flap preparation before surgery in all patients. The folded fibular flaps were used to repair mandibular defects and the implants were placed between 6-9 months after surgery. The short form-36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and the university of Washington quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOL) were applied to evaluate the quality of life of patients before surgery and at 6 months and 24 months after surgery. The higher the score, the better the condition. SPSS 20.0 was adopted for statistical analysis. Results: The SF-36 survey showed that the mean score of body role before surgery (72.4±11.7) was significantly higher than that at 6 months after surgery (39.6±11.1, t=23.580, P<0.05) or that at 24 months after surgery (59.8±6.4, t=8.358, P<0.001). Compared with the preoperative mean scores of Physical Pain (73.0±11.0), General Health (73.4±10.4) and Health Changes (79.2±3.9) before surgery, the mean scores Physical Pain (53.1±7.7), General Health (53.5±7.5) and Health Changes (63.9±11.7) at 6 months after surgery were decreased significantly respectively (t=13.068, 13.756 and 10.880, respectively, all P<0.05), but the mean scores Physical Pain (78.8±14.0), General Health (80.9±12.6) and Health Changes (84.4±4.6) at 24 months after surgery were increased significantly respectively (t=-2.904, -4.027 and -7.586, respectively, all P<0.05), with significant differences in the mean scores of Physical Pain, General Health and Health Changes between 6 and 24 months after surgery (t=-14.241, -16.490, -14.294, respectively, all P<0.001). The UW-QOL survey showed that the mean scores of chewing, language and taste functions decreased at 6 months after surgery (53.1±6.7, 53.0±7.7 and 62.2±9.9, respectively), but improved at 24 months after surgery (67.9±3.9, 63.9±2.9 and 68.4±11.1, respectively), with statistically significant difference (t=-16.765, -11.675 and 2.498, respectively, all P<0.001). Conclusion: The application of folded fibula flaps to repair bone defects after sugery of mandibular ameloblastoma can better meet the needs of language and chewing functions and improve the quality of life of patients.

Assessment of the Viability and Union Feature of Diaphysis Reconstruction Using Pasteurized Tumor Bone and Intramedullary Free Fibular After Tumor Resection.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction using pasteurized tumor bone (PTM) and intramedullary-placed vascularized free fibular (VFG) has the combined advantages of mechanical strength and biological activity. The aims of this study were to investigate scintigraphic viability and radiographic union patterns of composite grafts after surgery, union rates, functional outcomes, and complication rates. METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent intercalary composite reconstruction using PTM and VFG (12 male, 2 female, mean age: 10.9 y). Retrospective evaluation of radiography and bone scintigraphy was performed. The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma (12/14, 85.7%). All radiography and bone scintigraphy was reviewed for bone healing and tracer uptake semiquantitatively using the ratio of the reconstructed portion to the contralateral side. Complications and oncological and functional outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 33.1 months, primary union was achieved in all 28 host-graft junctions in all 14 patients. The respective mean times to proximal and distal junction bone union were 6.9 and 6.5 months. Metaphyseal junctions healed faster than diaphysis junctions (5.2 vs. 8.0 mo, P=0.02). Free fibular was integrated with surrounding bone after a mean of 10.1 months. The mean tracer uptake ratio was 1.1 after a mean of 4.8 months postoperatively. Half patients (50%) had higher uptake on bone scan than contralateral side. There was no significant correlation between uptake value and bone healing time. Five complications occurred in 4 patients (28.6%), and 1 patient (7.1%) contracted an infection. No fractures or breakages were observed. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 score was 87.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction using PTM combined with VFG is associated with good short-term biological activity as indicated by bone scintigraphy, a high union rate, and an acceptable complication rate. The technique is a useful reconstruction option for large segmental bone defects after tumor resection in lower extremities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic study.

Standardize routine angiography assessment of leg vasculatures before fibular flap harvest: lessons of congenital and acquired vascular anomalies undetected by color Doppler and physical examinations.

BACKGROUND: Fibular flaps have been widely used for mandibular and maxillary reconstructions. On occasion, anatomical variants of fibular arteries (FA) will be encountered. PURPOSE: Although anatomical variants of FA during fibular harvest have been reported, controversy exists regarding whether simple color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) and physical examinations (PE) are sufficient for early preoperative detection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 10-year retrospective analysis in our department was performed to find the patients with various FA anomalies confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) or intraoperative findings. RESULTS: A total number of 19 FA anomalies were found either pre- or intraoperatively in 16 patients, in whom three cases were with bilateral FA variants. Type IIIC variants, also called arteria peronea magna (great peroneal artery), were confirmed in two legs, while the majority (13 legs) had type IIIA hypoplastic/aplastic posterior tibialis arteries (PTA). Four legs had new type IIID (low FA and PTA bifurcations). Preoperative CDU and PE only suspected anomalies in two legs. Six cases proceeded with using the affected fibulas, within whom vascular grafts were used in half of them for lengthening the FA pedicle. Local ischemia, partial soleus muscle necrosis, and claudication were reported in one. CONCLUSIONS: Routine CTA before every fibular harvest, rather than simple PE and CDU, should be added for screening contraindications and ensuring safety for fibular flap harvest.

Reliability of the "Clinical Tibiofibular Line" Technique for Open Syndesmosis Reduction Assessment.

BACKGROUND: When intraoperative computed tomography (CT) is unavailable, open syndesmosis assessment is a universally available, safe alternative that is more accurate than radiographic assessment. However, it has a documented malreduction rate of up to 16%. This may be improved upon with a validated technique for assessing the accuracy of open syndesmosis reductions. The "tibiofibular line" (TFL) is a CT-based technique found to be sensitive for malreduction. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of adapting the CT-TFL method into a reliable intraoperative open technique by refining the methodology of previous work exploring the clinical TFL technique. METHODS: Three observers were instructed to clinically simulate the TFL on cadaveric lower limbs. For each specimen, observers repeated and recorded 3 clinical TFL measurements for each of 4 measurement series representing different degrees of fibula reduction. Intraclass correlation was used to assess intra- and interobserver reliabilities. RESULTS: Mean intraobserver reliability was .88. Mean interobserver reliability was .75. Both intra- and interobserver reliabilities were highest for anatomic syndesmosis reduction. CONCLUSION: The findings of excellent to near perfect intraobserver and good to excellent interobserver reliability indicate the feasibility of translating the CT-TFL into a reliable open technique. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Diagnostic study.

Assessment of fibula flap with flexor hallucis longus's effect on head & neck tumor patients' quality of life and function of donor site.

OBJECTIVE: Free fibular flaps (FFFs) have been widely used in mandibular reconstruction. It is still unclear whether retaining flexor hallucis longus (FHL) is needed for flaps. This study introduces a comparison in quality of life and donor-site function between those who have and haven't harvested FHL with FFF. METHODS: Patients with FFFs were single-blind-randomly assigned into the FHL group or nFHL group. Patients were followed up preoperatively and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively via subjective evaluations (SF-36/AOFAS) and objective evaluation s(muscle strength and range of motion). Patients' hospitalization and intraoperative information, donor site morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: Each group had 15 patients. The flap harvesting time in FHL group was shorter significantly than nFHL group (125.9 ± 24.8 min vs 146.7 ± 29.9 min, P = 0.048). There were no significant differences in hospitalization information such as operation time, hospitalization days and cost. Donor site morbidities at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively showed no significant differences except for the presence of claw toes (nFHL group > FHL group, 40% vs 0, P = 0.017; 53.3% vs 6.7%, P = 0.014; 60.0% vs 13.3%, P = 0.021). There were no significant differences in SF-36 and AOFAS scores. There were no significant differences in muscle strength and range of motion. CONCLUSION: Excision of the FHL lowered the flap harvesting time. It did not increase donor site morbidity. The impacts on patients' quality of life and foot function were the same. The surgeons can use the FHL without considering the influence on patients if not retaining the FHL.

Three-Dimensional computed tomography tunnel assessment of allograft anatomic reconstruction in chronic ankle instability: 33 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Although clinical results of anatomic reconstruction using allograft are reportedly good, studies on how accurately the tunnel has been made after surgery are very rare. The purpose of this study was to analyze the postoperative locations of the tunnels through 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) after anatomic ligament reconstruction and to evaluate its clinical results. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction could lead to excellent results in clinical outcomes by repositioning anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) accurately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three special forces of soldiers who were diagnosed as chronic ankle instability (CAI) were included. Visual analogue scale (VAS), American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot functional scores, and Tegner activity scale were comparatively analyzed before the surgery and at final follow-up. The locations of the talar, fibular and calcaneal tunnels were evaluated with 3D-CT taken after the surgery. Talar tilt and anterior drawer displacement were measured on stress radiographs. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 26.8±3.6 months. The VAS decreased from 6.9±1.6 to 1.7±1.3, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot functional score increased from 61.3±14.8 to 88.7±9.2, and Tegner activity scale improved from 5.3±1.2 to 6.4±1.3 (p<0.001). Talar tunnel for ATFL was located about68% of the way from the lateral talar process, and fibular tunnels for ATFL and CFL were approximately 52% and 20% of the way from the fibular tip. The calcaneus tunnel was approximately 17mm posterosuperior from the peroneal tubercle on 3D-CT. Talar tilt decreased from 15.8±4.8 to 3.9±2.1 degrees (p<0.001). There were excellent inter-observer agreements for CT evaluation (Kappa values were from 0.83 to 0.92). There was no relapse of lateral instability. DISCUSSION: Anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments using allograft and the interference screw for CAI showed good results in postoperative stability and subjective clinical evaluation by repositioning the location of ATFL and CFL accurately on radiological determination. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case-series.

Why Fibular Nailing Can Be an Efficient Treatment Strategy for AO Type 44-B Ankle Fractures in the Elderly.

The reference standard treatment of unstable AO type 44-B ankle fractures is open reduction and internal fixation. However, delayed-staged surgery because of compromised soft tissues results in prolonged hospitalization and increased total healthcare costs in the elderly (age ≥65 years). The aim of the present study was to measure the efficiency of intramedullary fibular nailing (IMFN) in the elderly. A prospective series of 15 elderly patients with an AO type 44-B ankle fracture treated with IMFN were compared with a retrospective cohort of 97 elderly patients treated with plate and screw osteosynthesis (PSOS). Clinical and process-related variables and total healthcare costs, including 5 cost categories, were assessed. Functional outcomes, general health status, and quality of life were measured using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot and EuroQol 5-dimension 3-level visual analog scales. Although the preoperative length of stay was significantly shorter for the patients treated with IMFN, the total length of stay and total healthcare costs were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The complication and reintervention rates were similar in both groups, with improved American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale scores in the IMFN group. Compared with delayed-staged surgery, early IMFN led to a significant reduction in total healthcare costs. We could not prove significant cost savings for IMFN compared with PSOS for the treatment of AO type 44-B ankle fractures. However, early IMFN was financially beneficial compared with a delayed-staged (IMFN and PSOS) surgery protocol. Because, ultimately, IMFN allows for early percutaneous fixation in most cases, IMFN is a potentially profitable treatment strategy for AO type 44-B ankle fractures in the elderly with good outcomes.

Bilateral Harvesting of a Fibula Free Flap: Assessment of Morbidity.

PURPOSE: To investigate morbidity related to harversting of bilateral fibula free flap for head and neck reconstruction using subjective and functional tests. METHODS: Patients were retrospectively evaluated using point evaluation system (PES) and balance evaluation systems test (BESTest) questionnaires to assess morbidity related to surgery. RESULTS: Five patients were enrolled in the study. Mean PES scores was 22.2 over 24. Mean overall function assessed with BESTest was 77.6%, and the results were poorest for section I. Sections V and VI had scores of 88% and 83%, respectively, indicating that the sensory balance and gait stability of the patients were compromised only minimally. CONCLUSION: Bilateral harvesting of the fibula free flap is not associated with an increase in long-term morbidity and does not lead to significant functional impairments. Therefore, this procedure should be considered safe, and can be performed without concern regarding morbidity, when bone reconstruction with a fibula free flap is indicated.

Economic Analysis of Anatomic Plating Versus Tubular Plating for the Treatment of Fibula Fractures.

Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries requiring operative management. Implant choices include one-third tubular plates and anatomically precontoured plates. Although cadaveric studies have not revealed biomechanical differences between various plate constructs, there are substantial cost differences. This study sought to characterize the economic implications of implant choice. A retrospective review was undertaken of 201 consecutive patients with operatively treated OTA type 44B and 44C ankles. A Nationwide Inpatient Sample query was performed to estimate the incidence of ankle fractures requiring fibular plating, and a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted with the estimated at-risk US population for associated plate-specific costs. The authors estimated an annual incidence of operatively treated ankle fractures in the United States of 59,029. The average cost was $90.86 (95% confidence interval, $90.84-$90.87) for a one-third tubular plate vs $746.97 (95% confidence interval, $746.55-$747.39) for an anatomic plate. Across the United States, use of only one-third tubular plating over anatomic plating would result in statistically significant savings of $38,729,517 (95% confidence interval, $38,704,773-$38,754,261; P<.0001). General use of one-third tubular plating instead of anatomic plating whenever possible for fibula fractures could result in cost savings of up to nearly $40 million annually in the United States. Unless clinically justifiable on a per-case basis, or until the advent of studies showing substantial clinical benefit, there currently is no reason for the increased expense from widespread use of anatomic plating for fractures amenable to one-third tubular plating. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):e252-e256.].

Implant Failure Rates and Cost Analysis of Contoured Locking Versus Conventional Plate Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures.

The authors analyzed 330 consecutive Weber B distal fibula fractures that occurred during a 3-year period and were treated with either a contoured locking plate or a conventional one-third tubular plate to compare the cost and failure rates of the 2 constructs. The primary outcomes were failure of the distal fibular implant and loss of reduction. Secondary outcomes were surgical wound infection requiring surgical debridement and/or removal of the fibular implant, and removal of the fibular plate for persistent implant-related symptoms. No failure of the fibular plates or distal fibular fixation occurred in either group. A total of 5 patients required surgical revision of syndesmotic fixation within 4 weeks of the index surgery. Of these patients, 1 was in the contoured locking plate group and 4 were in the one-third tubular plate group (P=.610). The rate of deep infection requiring surgical debridement and/or implant removal was 6.2% in the contoured locking plate group and 1.4% in the one-third tubular plate group (P=.017). The rate of lateral implant removal for either infection or symptomatic implant was 9.3% in the contoured locking plate group and 2.3% in the one-third tubular plate group (P=.005). A typical contoured locking plate construct costs $800 more than a comparable one-third tubular plate construct. Based on a calculated estimate of 60,000 locking plates used annually in the United States, this difference translates to a potential avoided annual cost of $50 million nationally. This study demonstrates that it is possible to treat Weber B distal fibula fractures with one-third tubular plates at a substantially lower cost than that of contoured locking plates without increasing complications. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(6):e1024-e1029.].

Long term self esteem assessment after height increase by lengthening and then nailing.

The purpose of the study is to assess the long term psychosocial functioning after height increase, using the external fixation then nailing method. Rosenberg Self-esteem scale and a questionnaire to assess social functioning were completed by 28 patients both preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 7 years. The mean total score of RSE self-esteem for the 28 patients before lengthening was 21.5 (SD 1.03) (20-24). The mean total score of RSE for the patients 1 year after lengthening was 22 (SD 1.17) (20-24) with highly significant difference (p = 0.002).The mean total RSE self-esteem score after 7 years was 21.7 (SD 1.12) (21-25) with no significant difference (p = 0.11) Improvement was an evident in the short term self esteem after 1 year of follow up of the patients with height increase. On the other hand, there was an evident deterioration in the long term psychosocial evaluation during follow up after 7 years of height increase, returning to near pre-operative levels of self esteem.

Computed Tomography Assessment of Peroneal Tendon Displacement and Posteromedial Structure Entrapment in Pilon Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of (1) peroneal tendon displacement (PTD) and posteromedial structure entrapment (PMSE) cases in a sample of pilon fractures, (2) missed diagnoses of PTD and PMSE on computed tomography (CT) by radiologists and attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons, and PTD and PMSE cases by (3) OTA/AO classification, and (4) fibular fracture. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort review. SETTING: Regional level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred patients treated between July 2008 and November 2014. INTERVENTION: Axial and reconstructed CT images were used in bone and soft tissue windows to identify PTD and PMSE. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Medical charts were reviewed to identify OTA/AO fracture classification, the presence of concomitant fibular fracture, whether radiologist CT interpretation noted PTD or PMSE, and whether attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons' operative notes mentioned recognition of and management of PTD or PMSE. RESULTS: From the retrospective review of CT, PTD was identified in 11.0% and PMSE in 19.0% of all pilon fractures. Of the 22 patients with PTD, 59.1% sustained a concomitant fibular fracture and 90.9% sustained a 43-C fracture. Patients with PTD sustained more 43-C fractures (90.9% vs. 62.9%) but significantly fewer fibular fractures (59.1% vs. 80.3%; P = 0.023) than patients without PTD. Of the 38 patients with PMSE, 81.6% sustained a fibular fracture and 86.8% sustained a 43-C fracture. PMSE was more common in patients with 43-C fractures (86.8% vs. 61.1%). The final preoperative radiologist CT interpretation commented on PTD and PMSE in 50.0% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Higher energy pilon fractures (43-C) are associated with higher incidence of PMSE and PTD. Concomitant fibula fracture may play a protective role in PTD in the setting of pilon fractures. Both attending radiologists and attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons frequently fail to recognize the diagnoses of PTD and PMSE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.