Defining Reference Values for the Normal Adult Lisfranc Joint Using Weightbearing Computed Tomography.

The uninjured contralateral feet of consecutive patients undergoing cone-beam weightbearing computed tomography for acute Lisfranc injury between July 2017 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, any cases with history or radiological evidence of trauma to the Lisfranc interval were excluded. The area of the non-weightbearing (NWBA) and weightbearing (WBA) Lisfranc joint was calculated (in mm2) using a novel technique. Area difference (AD) was calculated as WBA-NWBA. Area ratio (AR) was calculated as WBA/NWBA. A subset of cases was double-measured by 2 technologists to evaluate inter- and intraobserver variability. A total of 91 patients aged 15 to 74 years were included in the study. The measurement technique was reproducible with excellent intraobserver correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.998, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.996-0.999) and high interobserver correlation (ICC: 0.964, CI: 0.939-0.979). The median NWBA was 83 (range 52-171) and median WBA was 86 (range 52-171). Median AD was 1 mm2 (range -3 to 10) and median AR was 1.01 (range 0.96-1.11). No significant difference was identified in AD or AR when adjusted for age, gender, patient-weight or weight put through the foot. Both AD and AR distributions were highly skewed toward 0 and 1, respectively. Based on 95% CI, normal reference range for AD is -1 to 7 mm2 and for AR is 0.98 to 1.09. Absolute area of the Lisfranc joint is highly variable between individuals. The Lisfranc joint is rigid with little to no physiologic widening in most subjects. The normal upper limit of widening of the Lisfranc area on weightbearing was 9%. Differences in age, sex, patient-weight or weight put through the foot were not significantly associated with the extent of joint widening.

Tibio-Talar-Calcaneal Nail Fixation for Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Unstable ankle fractures are traditionally treated with open reduction and internal fixation. An alternative surgical option is primary tibio-talar-calcaneal fusion. Our aims were to determine the indication, complication rates, and functional outcomes, of tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing when used as the primary treatment of ankle fractures. A multidatabase literature search was performed on December 14, 2019 according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies in the English language reporting complications and outcomes involving tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing for primary treatment of ankle fractures were included. Ten studies with 252 ankle fractures were included. Mean age of patients was 75.5 (32-101) years. Mean follow-up duration was 79 weeks (36-104 weeks). Surgical site infection occurred in 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3%-19%) of patients, implant failure occurred in 8.1% (95% CI 5%-12.8%) of patients, and unplanned return to operating room occurred in 10.1% (95% CI 6.1%-16.2%) of patients. There were no cases of wound dehiscence. All-cause mortality rate at the end of follow-up was 26.6% (95% CI 19.7%-34.9%). Average reduction in Olerud-Molander Ankle Score after surgery was 7.9 points (5.0-11.8). Eighty-one point five percent (95% CI: 67.4%-90.4%) of patients were able to return to similar preoperative mobility aid after surgery. Tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing is an alternative procedure for patients who have sustained fractures unsuitable for nonoperative management, but have low functional demands and at increased risks of complications after open reduction and internal fixation. About 81.5% (95% CI 67.4%-90.4%) of patients were able to return to a similar preinjury mobility status after tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing.

Weightbearing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography of Acute Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries.

Syndesmotic injuries are common, but only a subset of these injuries are unstable. A noninvasive tool for identifying instability would aid in the selection of patients for surgery. Weightbearing computed tomography (CT) data have been reported for healthy patients, but there are limited data on unstable syndesmoses. We evaluated the syndesmotic area of arthroscopically proven unstable ankles after acute injury. This is a prospective comparative study of consecutive patients recruited to a weightbearing CT database. Thirty-nine patients were included for analysis with arthroscopically proven unstable syndesmoses and an uninjured contralateral ankle. The syndesmosis area was measured for both ankles, in non-weightbearing and weightbearing positions, and compared. Syndesmosis area of the unstable ankle was significantly greater than the uninjured ankle of the same patient, by a mean of 22.9 ± 10.5 mm2. This was a significantly greater difference than that observed with non-weightbearing CT (9.8 ± 10.2 mm2, p < .001). Dynamic change in area, from non-weightbearing to weightbearing, of the unstable ankle (13.7% [16.6 ± 9.9 mm2]) was significantly greater than that of the uninjured ankle (3.1% [3.4 ± 6.7 mm2], p < .001). The intraobserver and interobserver correlations were good with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.983 and 0.970, respectively. Weightbearing CT demonstrated significantly greater diastasis in unstable ankles than did conventional non-weightbearing CT. Syndesmosis area measurement was reliable and reproducible. Dynamic change in area and weightbearing comparison with the contralateral uninjured ankle are 2 parameters that may prove useful in the future for predicting syndesmotic instability.

Outcome after total ankle arthroplasty with a minimum of five years follow-up: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly gaining recognition as an alternative to ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Despite high rates of adverse events during early inception, newer generations of uncemented prosthesis and design modifications have improved outcomes. Questions remain regarding the long-term outcomes and implant survivorship of TAA. AIM: This analysis aims to establish an updated review of intermediate and long-term clinical outcome and complication profile of TAA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multi database search was performed on 14th October 2018 according to PRISMA guidelines. All articles that involved patients undergoing uncemented TAA with 5 years minimum follow-up, reported clinical outcome or complication profile of TAA were included. Seventeen observational studies were included in the review, with 1127 and 262 ankles in the 5 and 10 years minimum follow-up groups respectively. RESULTS: Mean difference between pre- and post-operative AOFAS score was 43.60 (95%CI: 37.51-49.69, p<0.001) at 5 years minimum follow-up. At 5 years minimum follow-up, pooled proportion (PP) of prostheses revision for any reason other than polyethylene exchange was 0.122 (95%CI: 0.084-0.173), all cause revision was 0.185 (95%CI: 0.131-0.256), unplanned reoperation was 0.288 (95%CI: 0.204-0.390) and all infection was 0.033 (95%CI: 0.021-0.051). At 10 years minimum follow-up, PP of prostheses revision for any reason other than polyethylene exchange was 0.202 (95%CI: 0.118-0.325), all cause revision was 0.305 (95%CI: 0.191-0.448), unplanned reoperation was 0.422 (95%CI: 0.260-0.603) and all infection was 0.029 (95%CI: 0.013-0.066). CONCLUSION: Despite good intermediate and long-term functional outcome measures, TAA has relatively higher revision surgery prevalence with longer follow-up periods. Further research should be directed towards identifying patient populations that would best benefit from TAA and those at greatest risk of requiring revision surgery.

Suture button versus syndesmosis screw constructs for acute ankle diastasis injuries: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Ankle syndesmotic injuries can be surgically managed with syndesmosis screws (SS) or suture button (SB) fixation. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to compare the clinical and complication profiles of both modalities. METHODS: A multi-database search up to 4th of March 2018 was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All RCTs comparing both techniques and published in English were included. RESULTS: Five RCTs with a total of 280 patients (140 SB, 140 SS) were included for analysis. SB had a statistically significant higher AOFAS score at 1 year (mean difference=5.46, 95% CI=0.40-10.51, p=0.03) and lower implant failure rate (OR=0.03, 95% CI=0.01-0.15, p<0.001). Infection and wound issues were marginally higher with SB (OR=1.4, 95% CI=0.4-4.85, p=0.60). No other parameters showed statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Both constructs yielded similar clinical outcomes. The 1 year AOFAS score was higher in SB but clinical significance is unlikely. SB had significantly fewer implant failures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Intermediate-term results of isolated minimally invasive arthroscopic cheilectomy in the treatment of hallux rigidus.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the intermediate-term results of minimally invasive cheilectomy of the first MTPJ using a high-torque low-speed burr and arthroscopic debridement. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients who underwent isolated unilateral minimally invasive cheilectomy of the first MTPJ were contacted by telephone. A questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction and complications. Patients with less than 2 years of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients completed the study. Mean patient age at time of surgery was 50.0 years (range 24.5-67.0). Mean follow-up was 4.69 years (range 2.0-7.3). Thirty patients (83%) reported they would recommend the procedure. Mean postoperative improvement in pain was 69% (range 0-100). Twenty-seven (84%) of patients reported either no pain (28%) or mild pain (56%). For patients who reported any pain, the mean pain experienced was rated as 3.4 out of 10 (range 1-9). Twenty-nine (81%) patients reported they could wear a 'fashionable' shoe postoperatively. One patient experienced a delayed rupture of the extensor hallucis longus at 6 months postsurgery. One patient underwent further arthroscopic cheilectomy. No patient required conversion to fusion of the first MTPJ. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive cheilectomy of the first MTPJ using high-torque low-speed burr and arthroscopic debridement results in high patient satisfaction with a low rate of complications at intermediate follow-up.

Preliminary Results and Learning Curve of the Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Operation for Hallux Valgus.

Minimally invasive surgery is increasing in popularity. It is relevant in hallux valgus surgery owing to the potential for reduced disruption of the soft tissues and improved wound healing. We present our results and assess the learning curve of the minimally invasive Chevron Akin operation for hallux valgus. A total of 120 consecutive feet underwent minimally invasive Chevron Akin for symptomatic hallux valgus, of which 14 were excluded. They were followed up for a mean of 25 (range 18 to 38) months. The patients were clinically assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score. Complications and patient satisfaction were recorded. The radiographs were analyzed and measurements recorded for hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angle correction. The mean age of the patients undergoing surgery was 55 (range 25 to 81) years. Of the 78 patients, 76 (97.4%) were female and 2 (2.6%) were male; 28 (35.9%) cases were bilateral. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 56 (range 23 to 76) preoperatively to 87 (range 50 to 100) postoperatively (p < .001). The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles preoperatively were 29.7° (range 12° to 46°) and 14.0° (range 8° to 20°). The corresponding postoperative angles were 10.3° (range 0° to 25°) and 7.6° (range 3° to 15°; p < .001). The patients were satisfied with the results of surgery in 87% of cases (92 of 106). The incidence of reoperation was 14% (15 of 106). These are the only reported results for this technique. They display a steep associated learning curve. However, the results are promising, and the learning curve is comparable to that for open hallux valgus surgery.

Minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy: A cadaveric and clinical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A cadaveric and clinical study was performed to assess whether a minimally invasive technique is a potentially safer alternative compared to a calcaneal osteotomy through an open lateral approach. METHODS: Cadaveric: A minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy (MICO) was performed on nine cadaveric specimens. These were examined to identify any nerve injury and to quantify the displacement achieved with the osteotomy. Clinical: A retrospective review of a sequential case series of medializing MICO's performed by the senior author between October 2011 and November 2014 was undertaken. RESULTS: Cadaveric: Neurological structures remained uninjured in all specimens. The distance of the sural nerve and the main trunk of the tibial nerve to the superior limb of the oblique osteotomy was 6.2±4.8mm (range 0-14mm) and 7.3±3.6mm (range 4-12mm), respectively. The mean coronal shift achieved was 16.7±3.4mm (range 12-21mm). Clinical: The senior author carried out 35 medializing MICO procedures. Radiological and clinical union occurred in all 35 cases (100%). There were no neurovascular or wound complications. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy offers a safe alternative to an open procedure with promising clinical results.

Extra-articular Lateral Talar Dome Osteochondral Fracture: A Case Report and a Review of Literature.

The lateral talar dome osteochondral fracture has been described as shallow or wafer-shaped and is more likely to have an associated flake fracture than medial injuries. Displacement into the extracurricular space, however, is a rare occurrence. We present a case of ankle trauma with persistent pain and edema. A CT scan revealed a displaced osteochondral fracture of the lateral dome of the talus and an avulsion fracture of the tip of the medial malleolus. After appropriate dissection and exposure, the fragment was found below the skin, outside the ankle joint capsule. The fragment was fixed to the neck of the talus, and the deltoid ligament and anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament were repaired. After a one-year follow-up, full recovery was achieved without pain, stiffness, or osteonecrosis of the displaced fragment. Although the extra-articular displacement of lateral talar dome osteochondral fractures is rare, it should be considered when assessing ankle trauma.

The role of corticosteroid injections in treating plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is a recurrent cause of heel pain and is often treated by corticosteroid infections (CSI). The current study reviewed and analysed the role of CSI with platelet rich plasma (PRP), and CSI with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (EWST) for plantar fasciitis treatment. METHODS: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant studies. Preferred Reporting in Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to search relevant studies published from infinity to April 2021. The risk of bias was performed using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. GRADE assessment was used for quality of evidence. Data analysis was performed with the use of R software and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. CSI was compared with PRP and EWST. RESULTS: Eighteen studies comprising 1180 patients were included in this meta-analysis. When compared to PRP, CSI with lignocaine/lidocaine had significantly higher mean difference on visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at 3 months (0.62 [0.13; 1.12], P = 0.01) and 6 months (MD = 1.49 [0.22; 2.76], P = 0.02). At 6 months, VAS scores were higher in the CSI group than the ESWT group (MD = 0.8 [0.38; 1.22], P = 0.1). At 6 months, a significant reduction in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was observed in the CSI group compared to PRP (MD = - 11.53 [- 16.62; - 6.43], P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, PRP achieved better VAS scores compared to CSI at 3 and 6-month follow-up. In addition, ESWT had better VAS score outcomes at 6 months compared to CSI. Regarding AOFAS score, PRP was more efficacious than CSI at 6 months of follow-up. Only through the development of high-quality, large-scale longitudinal studies, will the findings and conclusions of this meta-analysis be strengthened and influence our clinical practice in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: II.

The Australian ankle syndesmosis injury survey.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The ankle syndesmosis is frequently disrupted in ankle injuries, with higher incidence in concomitant ankle fractures. There is debate regarding the most appropriate surgical management of these injuries, with the development of suture-button devices challenging the conventional approach of surgical stabilisation with syndesmotic screws. The primary aim of this study was to assess current practice variation at a national level, enabling a comparison with reported practice around the world. The secondary aims were to assess practice variation between operative indications and inconsistencies between surgeon device usage and personal preference should they be injured themselves. METHODS: A 20-item survey detailing surgical experience, diagnosis, surgical management preference and a series of case studies was conducted. The survey was endorsed and promoted by the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA). RESULTS: 125 responses were received during the three-month study period. The most commonly used method to stabilise a syndesmotic injury by Australian orthopaedic surgeons was two 3.5 mm screws (26.4%), closely followed by one suture-button (23.2%). Overall, 44% of surgeons employ a dynamic stabilisation method and 54.4% a static stabilisation method. Half of surgeons recommend routine removal of syndesmosis screws, and surgeons tend to use two devices for high Weber C fractures. One third of surgeons who most commonly use screws in their practice would actually prefer a suture-button for management of their own syndesmosis injury. CONCLUSION: Significant variability remains in the management of syndesmosis injuries. This survey of Australian orthopaedic surgeons reveals higher suture-button device use when compared to other countries.

Which test is the best? An updated literature review of imaging modalities for acute ankle diastasis injuries.

Ankle diastasis injuries, or ankle syndesmotic injuries, are common among athletes who usually experience a traumatic injury to the ankle. Long-term complications are avoidable when these injuries are diagnosed promptly and accurately treated. Whilst ankle arthroscopy remains the gold standard diagnostic modality for ankle diastasis injuries, imaging modalities are still widely utilised due to the treatment having greater accessibility, being less invasive and the most cost effective. There are various imaging modalities used to diagnose diastasis injuries, varying in levels of specificity and sensitivity. These observation methods include; X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ankle arthroscopy. This article uncovers common criteria and parameters to diagnose diastasis injuries through the implementation of different imaging modalities. The conclusions addressed within this article are deduced from a total of 338 articles being screened with only 43 articles being selected for the purposes of this examination. Across most articles, it was concluded that that plain X-ray should be used in the first instance due to its wide availability, quick processing time, and low cost. CT is the next recommended investigation due to its increased sensitivity and specificity, ability to show the positional relationship of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, and reliability in detecting minor diastasis injuries. MRI is recommended when ankle diastasis injuries are suspected, but not diagnosed on previous imaging modalities. It has the highest sensitivity and specificity compared to X-ray and CT.

Learning Curve for Minimally Invasive Surgery and How to Minimize It.

In this article the authors discuss their experience of performing minimally invasive surgery, with emphasis on technique and how to avoid pitfalls. They also discuss the educational literature for learning new techniques and how to shorten the "learning curve."

Primary arthrodesis versus open reduction internal fixation for complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations: a retrospective study comparing functional and radiological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this retrospective study were to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of primary arthrodesis and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for the treatment of complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 39 patients treated for a complete Lisfranc fracture dislocation, defined as Myerson types A and C2, over a period of 8 years at a level 1 trauma centre was performed. Of these, 18 underwent primary arthrodesis, and 21 ORIF. The primary outcome measures included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, the validated Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire functional tool, and the secondary outcome was the radiological Wilppula classification of anatomical reduction. RESULTS: Significantly better functional outcomes were seen in the primary arthrodesis group. These patients had a mean Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire score of 30.1 points, compared with 45.1 for the ORIF group (P = 0.017). Similarly, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 71.8 points in the fusion group versus 62.5 in the ORIF group (P = 0.14). Functional outcome was dependent on the quality of final reduction (P < 0.001). Primary arthrodesis achieved good initial reduction in 83% cases compared to 62% with ORIF (P = 0.138). There was a loss of reduction quality of 47% in the ORIF group over time. CONCLUSION: Primary arthrodesis for complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations resulted in improved functional outcomes and quality of reduction compared to open reduction and internal fixation.

Comparison of health literacy in privately insured and public hospital orthopaedic patients.

Objective The aim of the present study was to quantify and compare patient health literacy between privately insured and public orthopaedic patients. Methods As part of the present cross-sectional study, elective postoperative orthopaedic patients across two sites were recruited and asked to complete a questionnaire at the first postoperative out-patient review. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) a public group (Public); (2) a private group (Private-pre); and (3) a private group that completed the questionnaire immediately after the out-patient review (Private-post). The questionnaire consisted of six questions regarding surgical management, expected recovery time and postoperative instructions. Patients were further asked to grade their satisfaction regarding information received throughout their management. Results In all, 150 patients completed the questionnaire, 50 in each of the three groups. Patients in the Public, Private-pre and Private-post groups answered a mean 2.74, 3.24 and 4.70 of 6 questions correctly respectively. The Private-pre group was 1.46-fold more likely to demonstrate correct health literacy than the Public group, whereas the Private-post group was 2.44-fold more likely to demonstrate improved health literacy than the Private-pre group. Patient satisfaction with information received was not associated with health literacy. Conclusion Limited health literacy in orthopaedic patients continues to be an area of concern. Both private and public orthopaedic patients demonstrated poor health literacy, but private patients demonstrated significant improvement after the out-patient review. What is known about the topic? Limited health literacy is a growing public health issue worldwide, with previous literature demonstrating a prevalence of low health literacy of 26% and marginal health literacy of 20% among all patient populations. Of concern, limited health literacy has been shown to result in a range of adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality and chronic disease morbidity. It has also been associated with an increased rate of hospitalisation and use of healthcare resources. Previous work in the orthopaedic trauma setting has found poor levels of health literacy and poor understanding of diagnosis, management and prognosis in the Australian public health system. Promisingly, it has been shown that simple, targeted interventions can improve patient health literacy. What does this paper add? This study further highlights that health literacy exhibited by orthopaedic patients is poor, particularly among patients in the public healthcare system. The present study is the first to have demonstrated that health literacy is poor among patients in both the public and private healthcare systems, despite these patients having distinctly different demographics. Promisingly, the present study shows that, unlike public orthopaedic out-patient review, private orthopaedic out-patient review appears to be effective in increasing patient health literacy regarding their orthopaedic condition and its management. What are the implications for practitioners? Health literacy is essential for patients to effectively communicate with doctors and achieve good health outcomes. Healthcare professionals need to be aware that a large proportion of patients have poor health literacy and difficulty understanding health-related information, particularly pertaining to that surrounding diagnosis, management and prognosis. This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to ensure that they communicate with patients at an appropriate level to ensure patient understanding during the pre-, peri- and postoperative stages of management. Further, healthcare professionals should be aware that there is potential to improve patient health literacy at routine out-patient review, provided that this opportunity is used as an educational resource.

A review of nonoccupational ladder-related injuries in Victoria: as easy as falling off a ladder.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of significant nonoccupational ladder injuries is rising. This is due to a culture that encourages a "do-it-yourself" attitude toward home renovation combined with a lack of formal training programs and regulations governing ladder use. METHODS: A literature review of all English language reports related to ladder-related injuries since 1990 was performed and compared with data from Victorian injury databases between 1997 and 2002. A field visit was also undertaken to a selection of hardware stores in Melbourne (Australia) to assess levels of awareness and attention paid to ladder safety. RESULTS: In the period 1997-2002, a series of 3,024 patients aged over 15 with self-reported nonoccupational falls from ladders were treated in Victorian hospitals. The mean age was 51 years and 80% were men. Seven hundred twenty-five (24%) required admission to hospital. The mean annual presentation rate was 25/100,000 inhabitants/year for men and 5.5/100,000 inhabitants/year for women. Twenty patients died as a result of their injuries. A significant rise in annual presentation rates with increasing age was noted for both men and women. Men over the age of 45 were found to be a particularly high-risk group. CONCLUSION: The high risk group for nonoccupational ladder injuries is men over 45 years. They are most likely to sustain upper limb injuries and admission to hospital is not uncommon. The rate of injury might be significantly decreased if a simple algorithm of precautions was followed and there was generally a greater awareness of ladder safety.

Plantaris Excision and Ventral Paratendinous Scraping for Achilles Tendinopathy in an Athletic Population.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinopathy is a frequent problem in high-level athletes. Recent research has proposed a combined etiologic role for the plantaris tendon and neovascularization. Both pathologies can be observed on ultrasound imaging.(1,13) However, little is known about the change in structure of the Achilles tendon following the surgical treatment of these issues. The purpose of the study was to assess if excising the plantaris and performing ventral paratendinous "scraping" of the neovascularization improved symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy and whether there was a change in the fibrillar structure of the tendon with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) following this operation. METHODS: This prospective consecutive case series included 15 professional/semiprofessional athletes (17 Achilles tendons) who underwent plantaris excision and paratendinous scraping to treat noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. The plantaris tendon was excised if adherent to the Achilles tendon, and the area of neovascularization for scraping was demarcated on preoperative imaging. Preoperative and postoperative Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores were taken. UTC was performed on 11 of 17 tendons preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean follow-up was for 25 months. RESULTS: Fourteen of 15 patients had a successful outcome after the surgery. The mean VISA-A improved from 51 to 95 (p=.0001). There was a statistically significant (p=.04) improvement in the aligned fibrillar structure of the tendon confirmed with UTC scanning following surgery from 90% (±8) to 96% (±5). CONCLUSION: This group of high-level athletes derived an excellent clinical result from this operation. Furthermore, UTC scanning offered an objective method to evaluate the healing of Achilles tendons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Reoperation and patient satisfaction after the Mobility total ankle arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to report on the frequency of reoperation, failure and patient satisfaction after the Mobility total ankle arthroplasty. METHODS: Sixty-two consecutive primary total ankle arthroplasties in 60 patients were performed with the use of the DePuy Mobility total ankle system between February 2006 and January 2009. Fifty-eight ankles in 56 patients were followed up between 14 and 49 months (mean: 32 months). RESULTS: Eighteen ankles (31%) underwent an initial reoperation at a mean time of 14 months after primary total ankle arthroplasty. Only three ankles (17%) had improved symptoms after initial reoperation. Eight of these 18 ankles (44%) underwent a second reoperation. A total of seven ankles (12%) had been revised. Overall, 67% were satisfied, and 79% stated that they would undergo the same operation again. DISCUSSION: This study on a third-generation total ankle arthroplasty reported a relatively high rate of reoperation. There was a significant increase in the reported failure when using re-operation rather than component revision as the end point. This may be one of the inherent limitations in Joint Registry data that only include component revision.

Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the ankle with matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation: early clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results.

BACKGROUND: Conventional autologous chondrocyte transplantation in the ankle often requires tibial or fibular osteotomies with potential morbidity for the patient. Advances in biotechnology and surgical techniques have resulted in the development of matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation (MACI). As the chondrocyte-loaded scaffold can be applied arthroscopically, this procedure is especially useful for the treatment of osteochondral defects in the ankle. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic MACI is a safe procedure in the ankle with good clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: The authors reviewed all patients (n = 18) who had arthroscopic MACI for osteochondral lesions of the ankle (n = 19) between February 2006 and May 2008 clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging. The pain and disability module of the Foot Function Index (FFI), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical rating system, the Core Scale of the Foot and Ankle Module of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Lower Limb Outcomes Assessment Instruments, and the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score were used. The clinical results up to 3 years after MACI (mean follow-up, 24.5 months) were compared with preoperative data for 14 cases and the magnetic resonance imaging data for all 19. RESULTS: A significant improvement (50.3% ± 13.2%) in all clinical scores was noted (FFI pain before MACI: 5.5 ± 2.0, after MACI: 2.8 ± 2.2; FFI disability before MACI: 5.0 ± 2.3, after MACI: 2.6 ± 2.2; AOFAS before MACI: 58.6 ± 16.1, after MACI: 80.4 ± 14.1; AAOS standardized mean before MACI: 59.9 ± 16.0, after MACI: 83.5 ± 13.2; AAOS normative score before MACI: 23.0 ± 13.0, after MACI: 42.2 ± 10.7). According to the AOFAS Hindfoot score, 64% were rated as excellent and good, whereas 36% were rated fair and poor. The results correlated with the age of the patient and the duration of symptoms, but not with the size of the lesion. Sixteen patients (89%) reported regular sports activities before the onset of symptoms; 13 of them (81%) returned to sports after the MACI, 56% (n = 9) to the same level. The mean MOCART score was 62.4 ± 15.8 points. In general, there was no relation between MOCART score and clinical outcome, although the filling of the defect showed some correlation with the AAOS score. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic MACI is a safe procedure for the treatment of osteochondral lesions in the ankle with overall good clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results.

The biomechanics of medial patellofemoral ligament repair followed by lateral retinacular release.

BACKGROUND: Repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for acute patellar instability has recently become popular, with good clinical success rates reported in the literature. Usually, a lateral retinacular release (LRR) is added to the medial repair in an effort to "rebalance" the patella. In the native knee, however, isolated LRR reduces the force required to displace the patella laterally and may be an undesirable component of instability surgery. HYPOTHESIS: The authors' hypothesis was that LRR, when performed after MPFL repair, would reduce the force required to displace the patella laterally. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were prepared as a model for acute patellar dislocation by transecting the MPFL at its patellar attachment. The knees were sequentially tested in the native (control), cut MPFL, repaired MPFL, and repaired MPFL with LRR conditions. Each knee was mounted and tested on an MTS machine that measured the amount of force required to displace the patella 1 cm laterally. Testing was done at 0 degrees , 15 degrees , 30 degrees , 45 degrees , and 60 degrees of knee flexion. RESULTS: Cutting the MPFL reduced the force required to displace the patella 1 cm laterally by 14% to 22% compared with the native knee. Repair of the ligament restored the ability of the patella to resist lateral force. Adding a lateral release to the repair reduced the force required to displace the patella 1 cm by 7% to 11% compared with the MPFL-repaired knee. CONCLUSION: After repair of the MPFL, adding an LRR lowered the ability of the patella to resist lateral displacement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to this study, LRR may not be routinely appropriate as a part of the stabilizing procedure to address acute patellar dislocation when the MPFL is avulsed from the patella.