Maintenance of Correction of the Modified Lapidus Procedure With a First Metatarsal to Second Metatarsal Screw With "Spot Weld" Technique: A Retrospective and Radiographic Analysis.

Lapidus first tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthrodesis gained popularity for its ability to correct large deformities especially in cases of medial column instability. Despite solid first TMT fusion, instability between the first and second columns can result in loss of intermetatarsal (IM) angle correction over time. A "spot weld" or fusion between the first and second metatarsal may improve maintenance of correction. This retrospective study reviewed cases of Lapidus arthrodesis with first to second metatarsal base screw fixation for maintenance of IM correction and determine whether a "spot weld" is predictive of maintenance. A total of 90 cases (77 patients) performed by a single surgeon met inclusion with average follow-up of 309 days. First TMT fusion occurred in 87/90 (96.7%) cases with 76 dorsal plate, 10 dorsal staple, and 4 all screws. No incidence of complications related to the 1-2 screw was noted. Mean preoperative IM 1-2 angle 14.90°, mean correction to 6.22° post-operative and final maintained correction at 7.10°, mean loss of correction 0.87°. There were "spot welds" in 65/90 (72.2%) with mean loss of 0.48° versus loss of 1.88° in "no spot weld" subgroup (p < .001). Cases with no spot weld and screw lucency lost 2.25° (p < .001). Loss of IM 1-2 correction can occur due to first and second ray intra-column instability even in cases of solid first TMT arthrodesis. Incorporating a completed "spot weld" with bone grafting and first to second metatarsal screw was found to maintain correction with minimal loss (0.87°).

Comparison of Dynamic Versus Static Locked Retrograde Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Intramedullary Nail Fixation: Evaluation of the RAIN Database.

Hindfoot osteoarthritis (OA) or deformity involving the ankle and subtalar joint is a disabling condition. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion is an effective salvage option in pathologies where total ankle replacement is contraindicated. The purpose of this study is to compare the union rate of the ankle joint in proximal static versus dynamically locked retrograde intramedullary nail fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. An institutional review board-approved comprehensive chart and radiographic review was performed. TTC arthrodesis performed in patients with OA, post-traumatic arthritis, or deformity corrected by retrograde nail were included. Patients with Charcot arthropathy, failed joint replacement, neuropathy, or avascular necrosis were excluded. The primary outcome was ankle joint union with secondary measure of mean time to fusion. A total of 60 patients met inclusion criteria with 30 in the static group (SG) and 30 in the dynamic group (DG). The average age of the static group (SG) and dynamic group (DG) was 56.9 and 54.1 years, respectively. Mean body mass index was 34.03 kg/m2 for SG and 33.43 kg/m2 for DG. The union rate of the ankle joint was slightly higher in the DG but not statistically significant [SG 83.3%, DG 86.6%, p > .05 (p = .83)]. Time to fusion (TTF) in SG was 111.6 days compared to 97.2 days in DG. Dynamically locked intramedullary nails allow continued compression across the arthrodesis site as fusions remodel. Time to union and union rate of the ankle joint was superior in the dynamic group but this was not statistically significant. In this cohort, union rates were excellent in both groups, and no statistically significant difference was seen in the number of nonunions.

A Study of Tibial Cyst Formation in Modular Stemmed Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Exploring a Possible Relationship to Smooth and Porous Coating on the Stem Segments.

Vertical fixation through stemmed components has been a successful strategy in total ankle arthroplasty. Research in hip replacement surgery has demonstrated increased rates of stress shielding, aseptic loosening, thigh pain, and cystic formation around stemmed femoral implants extensively coated with porous surfaces. While some ankle prostheses have integrated porous coating technology with stemmed tibial implants, there is little to no research investigating the potential negative effects of bone bonding to the tibial stems and possible impact on tibial cyst formation. We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing the incidence of periprosthetic tibial cyst formation in smooth versus fully porous-coated stemmed tibial implants after undergoing total ankle implant arthroplasty. Radiographs were compared for postoperative rates of tibial cyst formation and bone bonding to the tibial stems. Relative risk for reoperation between the smooth and porous-coated implants was investigated. The smooth-stem group showed no incidence of tibial cyst formation nor signs of significant bone bonding to the tibial stems; however, the follow-up matched porous-coated group showed a rate of 63% of cystic formation with associated evidence of bone bonding on final radiographic follow-up (p < .01). Relative risk for reoperation was 0.74. Despite a higher incidence of tibial cyst formation in the stemmed ankle arthroplasty groups with porous coating, reoperation rates were similar. We theorize that the proximal bonding to the porous stem surface could impact the distal stems and result in the observed increase in cyst formation.

Post-Fellowship Foot and Ankle Surgeon Research Productivity: A Systematic Review.

Though foot and ankle surgery fellowships have been around for decades, contributing factors for long-term research productivity remain unreported. Along with enhancing surgical training, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) tasked programs with fostering research in effort to continue post-fellowship investigations. As the number of fellowship programs and fellows continues to increase, this study attempts to identifies factors associated with postfellowship research success. A PubMed search of peer-reviewed literature authored by ACFAS recognized 1-year fellowship graduates from 2000-2018 was conducted. Demographic data including current practice type and location was collected. Research activity at the 3, 5, and 10-year postfellowship period was investigated between publication history and current practice type. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05. Among the 37 fellowships assessed, 132 fellows were eligible for analysis. Most fellows maintained hospital-based employment 46 (34%) followed by private 44 (33%) and orthopedic group 30 (22%) practices. The proportion of fellows that published 5 and 10 years postfellowship was associated with research productivity 3 and 5 years postfellowship (p ≤ .03). The odds of publishing 3 years post-fellowship in orthopedic groups and university-based practices were 1.62 and 4.42 times higher compared to hospital-based graduates, respectively. The odds of publishing 5 years post-fellowship in orthopedic group and university based practices were 3.5 and 6.63 times higher than hospital-based practices, respectively. Despite the growing number of fellowships, a small proportion of fellows continue publishing postfellowship. These findings support the need to provide resources to engage graduates if retaining young practitioners in scholarly activity is desired.

Incidence of Scholarly Publication by Selected Content Experts Presenting at National Society Foot and Ankle Meetings From 2016 to 2020.

Continuing medical education (CME) is an important element to maintain licensing requirements, enhance professional competence, and disseminate up to date, evidence-based, treatment recommendations. A key resource of CME are the 2 annual society meetings hosted by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). It is assumed that the selected speakers at these meetings are content experts, providing validated expertise on treatment recommendations, rather than anecdotal experience or opinion. Across all medical specialists, peer-reviewed publication(s) on a particular subject matter have long bestowed the ultimate validity of "expertise." The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of scholarly publication for invited speakers at the ACFAS and AOFAS annual meetings from 2016 to 2020, in relation to the topic they were selected to present. A review of invited lectures given at the ACFAS and AOFAS annual meetings from 2016 to 2020 was conducted, and lecturer demographics were categorized into predetermined content areas for assessment. Selected speakers were individually cross-referenced with content-specific peer-reviewed published literature, and overall h-index using Scopus. Topic and society specific comparisons were then made. Overall, 1028 lectures were identified during the temporal period. Only 300 (29.18%) presentations were given by a speaker with least one or more publication on the society specific lecture-topic presented. The greatest proportion of lecturers with content-specific publications was Charcot reconstruction (67.57%) followed by ankle fusion/replacement (55%). The average presenter h-index was greatest among total ankle replacement/ankle fusion (12.16 ± 6.90) and Charcot reconstruction (11.27 ± 7.10) content. The results of the present study illustrate a disparity of expertise among different content areas. While both meetings provide well-published lecturers, this study reveals areas for improvement.

The Safety Profile of Same-Day Outpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

There has been significant change in the health care policy in the United States in recent years with an increasing focus on health care costs and patient satisfaction. One strategy of cost containment is to transition outpatient surgery away from high cost hospital environments. Total ankle arthroplasty has begun the evolution to outpatient settings; however, there is limited published literature on the results of outpatient total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The purpose of the present study was to review the safety profile of same day outpatient TAA at an ambulatory surgery center. A review of consecutive patients who underwent same day outpatient TAA for end-stage ankle arthritis with a minimum of 12 months' follow-up was performed. The primary outcomes assessed were the incidence of perioperative adverse medical events, hospital admissions related to the procedure, and postoperative complications (minor and major). Univariate analyses were performed. Fifty-one patients who underwent same-day TAA between June 2016 and July 2018 were included; mean follow-up was 20.7 months (± 7.6). The mean age at time of surgery was 56.5 years (± 7.2), with a mean body mass index of 30.4 (± 5.3). Overall, there were no perioperative adverse medical events or hospital admissions related to the procedure. Five minor complications (9.8%) and 7 major (13.7%) were recorded. Of the major complications, only 1 required TAA revision. Implant survivorship during the most recent follow-up was 98%. The present study suggests that TAA can be performed safely in an outpatient ambulatory setting. Additional comparative studies with larger TAA cohorts and patient reported outcomes are warranted.

Early Experience With the CADENCE Total Ankle Prosthesis.

A number of 2-component, fourth-generation total ankle arthroplasty prostheses have been introduced to the market. The purpose of the present study was to present early experience with the CADENCE total ankle prosthesis. All patients who underwent primary total ankle arthroplasty using the prosthesis between August 2016 and June 2018 at a single institution and who were at least 1 year postoperative were included. A total of 32 ankles with a mean follow-up of 24 (range, 12-33) months met the criteria. Weightbearing radiographs were assessed using coronal and sagittal alignment parameters preoperatively, at 6 weeks postoperative, and at the most recent follow-up. Medical records and charts were reviewed and revisions, reoperations, and complications were classified according to the criteria established by Vander Griend et al and Glazebrook et el, respectively. Coronal and sagittal tibiotalar alignment significantly improved after surgery (p < .001, p < .005), and was maintained during the latest follow-up (p = .44, p = .30). Two (6.3%) ankles underwent early revision for aseptic loosening; while 6 (18.8%) underwent a nonrevisional reoperation. Nine (28.1%) ankles presented a total of 13 (4 high grade, 2 intermediate, and 7 low) complications according to the Glazebrook classification. The most common was intraoperative periprosthetic medial malleolar fracture (5 ankles, 15.6%), a low-grade complication. The present study is the first to report early outcomes and experience with the CADENCE total ankle. Overall, survivorship was 94% at short-term follow-up of 2 years. As with all arthroplasty devices, surgeons new to the prosthesis should be cognizant of the potential learning curve. Intraoperative medial malleolar fracture was found to be the most common complication.

Risk Factors for Early Failure of Fourth Generation Total Ankle Arthroplasty Prostheses.

A number of 2-component, fourth generation total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) prostheses have been introduced to the market in the past few years, as the popularity and indications for TAA have continued to expand. The purpose of the present study was to identify independent risk factors for the early failure of fourth generation TAA prostheses. A total of 97 ankles underwent TAA with a fourth generation prostheses (INFINITY, CADENCE) between August 2015 and June 2018 at a single institution and were at least 6 months postoperative (mean 18.3 months, range 6-43). The primary outcome assessed was the need for revision surgery, defined as removal of 1 or both metal components for any reason, excluding infection. Baseline patient demographics, characteristics, radiographic alignment parameters, and distal tibia cortical bone thickness (CBT) were assessed. Revisions, reoperations, and complications were classified according to the criteria established by Vander Griend et al and Glazebrook et al, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Three ankles (3.1%) underwent revision surgery for aseptic loosening at a mean of 24.3 (range, 16-31) months; all had a CBT <4 mm. Independent predictors for reoperation were CBT <4 mm, presence of diabetes, and ipsilateral hindfoot fusion (p = .04). No associations were identified for purported risk factors (age, body mass index, and coronal deformity). The present study is the first to suggest a potential relationship between reduced CBT of the distal tibia, and TAA failure. Additional studies are warranted to better understand the role of bone density in TAA survivorship.

Research Activity Among Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellows: A Systematic Review.

Surgical residents cite a number of reasons to pursue a fellowship training program including improving surgical skills, furthering medical research, pursuing an academic practice, or to generally become an overall better trained surgeon and clinician. The interest in foot and ankle surgery fellowships has increased among graduating residents as have the number of fellowship programs. Since the introduction of these programs, there has been no formal investigation of the scholarly activity among foot and ankle surgery fellows. Using PubMed, a systematic review was conducted from papers published by fellows participating in American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons or American Podiatric Medical Association approved fellowships during 2013 to 2019. A total of 76 of the 128 identified fellows published research during or within one year of completing their fellowship. Fellows that published at least once prior to fellowship were more likely to publish during fellowship compared to those who had no publication history. Over this 6-year period, fellows contributed to 279 manuscripts where they maintained primary authorship of 34.41% of the publications, across 35 journals, with the most common being the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Results of this study provide a survey of the scholastic activity among foot and ankle surgery fellows and could be used by applicants and evaluators to stratify applicant aptitude. These results could also serve as a scholarly activity benchmark for current fellows and a method of gauging scholarly involvement for new and current fellowships.

Does Functional Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Influence Calf Atrophy Following Achilles Tendon Surgery? Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial on the Use of Immediate Postoperative Electrical Muscle Stimulation to Preserve Muscle Function and Volume.

Surgical repair of the Achilles tendon can lead to prolonged calf atrophy and functional limitations, even with early weightbearing. The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been studied in muscle rehabilitation programs following anterior cruciate ligament repair. Accelerated recovery and pain reduction were noted. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of electrical stimulation on maintaining calf muscle cross-sectional area volume and improving patient reported outcome measures following Achilles tendon surgery. Randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty patients were enrolled. All patients had undergone repair of the Achilles tendon. A 4 lead NMES device was applied at time of surgery with both patient and surgeon blinded to activity of the device. All patients followed a standardized postoperative protocol. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients who received protocol specific NMES. Group 2 was the "sham device" control group, receiving subtherapeutic electrical stimulation. Preoperative and postoperative calf circumference (2, 6, 12 weeks) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (2, 6 weeks) were conducted. Patient-reported functional outcome scores were measured. Of the 40 patients, 23 (57.5%) were male and 17 (42.5%) were female. The mean age was 48.9 years (11.1 standard deviation [SD]) with a mean body mass index of 32.2 kg/m2 (5.7 SD). Calf measurements for Group 1 (39.3 cm and 39.7 cm) were slightly higher compared Group 2 (38.4 cm and 39.2 cm) at 6 and 12 weeks postoperative. Functional scores were similar between Groups 1 and 2 at final follow-up. Foot/Ankle Computer Adaptive Test scores were 55.1 (6.9 SD) versus 58.4(8.6 SD), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scores were 82.3 (8.2 SD) and 83.9 (9.3 SD), respectively. The visual analog scale at 12-week visit for Groups 1 and 2 was 8.4 (9.3 SD) and 8.4 (9.1 SD), respectively. This prospective randomized controlled trial was undertaken to quantify and validate the effect and ability of NMES to minimize calf atrophy after acute or chronic repair. No statistically significant difference was found between active NMES and sham control group. There was a trend showing some maintenance of calf volume per MRI study.

Anterior Ankle Incision Wound Complications Between Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Arthrodesis: A Matched Cohort Study.

The anterior incision is commonly used for total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis. Historically, the anterior incision has demonstrated a high incidence of complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anterior incisional healing and soft tissue complications between TAR and ankle arthrodesis with anterior plate fixation.This was an IRB-approved retrospective review of wound healing and other complications among 304 patients who underwent primary TAR (191 patients) or ankle arthrodesis (113 patients) via the anterior approach over a 4-year period. The operative approach, intraoperative soft tissue handling, and postoperative protocol for the first 30 days were the same between groups. The mean follow-up was 11.8 months. To diminish the effect of selection bias, a subgroup analysis was performed comparing 91 TAR patients matched to an equal number of demographically similar ankle arthrodesis patients. Overall, 19.7% of patients experienced delayed wound healing greater than 30 days. Although the TAR and arthrodesis subgroups had dissimilar demographics, there was no difference in outcomes. Between matched pairs, no statistically significant differences were observed; however, trends were identified with matched cohort groups when compared to the overall patient series. These trends toward statistically significant differences in delayed wound healing and incidence of wound care in the matched cohort groups warrants further investigation in larger series or multicenter study. Further work is needed to identify the modifiable risk factors associated with the anterior ankle incision.

Effectiveness of the Cadaver Lab in Podiatric Surgery Residency Programs.

Since the inception of the first surgical training system by Sir William Stewart Halsted, resident surgical skill development has been promulgated in teaching hospitals. Currently, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education does not mandate the availability of a cadaver lab as a residency curriculum requirement. The purpose of the present study is to assess the structure of the cadaver lab and availability in the current podiatric surgical training programs. A survey was sent electronically to 229 American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine-approved residency programs, excluding OhioHealth, across all residency programs. A total of 173 (6.9%) residents from 74 (32.3%) residency programs completed the survey. This survey analyzed the characteristics and perception of the current state of cadaver lab in podiatric residency. The most reported type of cadaver labs available were medical company sponsored and hospital sponsored. Other hands-on training, including inanimate simulators (n = 24) and animal models (n = 5), was also reported. Overall, 87.9% of the surveyed residents found that cadaver lab is either extremely beneficial (57.8%) or somewhat beneficial (30.1%). The most important factors perceived in a successful cadaver lab were faculty instruction (n = 78), accessibility of lab (n = 46), and availability of instrumentation/hardware (n = 26). This qualitative survey is the first study to address the uniformity, perception, and potential value of the cadaver lab in a podiatric surgical residency.

Osteochondral Defect of the Calcaneocuboid Joint: A Case Study.

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) are injuries affecting the articular cartilage surface of a joint. OCLs are well reported in the literature to affect the knee, talus, tibia, navicular, and first metatarsal. This rare case of a bipolar osteochondral lesion of the cuboid and calcaneus presented as lateral heel pain after a traumatic injury. After an unsuccessful course of conservative therapy, the lesion was treated with curettage and application juvenile particulate cartilage allograft. Eight months postoperatively, the patient was ambulating in supportive shoe gear without pain. The mechanism of injury leading to calcaneocuboid joint osteochondral lesions is not clearly understood. It is also questionable whether anatomic variances are contributory. Regardless of causality, OCLs should be included in the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with calcaneocuboid joint or lateral hindfoot pain.

How Does A Structured Review Instrument Impact Learning at Resident Journal Club?

Journal club article review is an integral aspect of graduate medical education. A structured review instrument (SRI) is a checklist form that serves to guide through critical appraisal of the literature. The goal of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of an SRI on journal critical appraisal in foot and ankle residency programs. A prospective study evaluated resident critical appraisal of journal club articles at 2 residency sites. Baseline resident critical appraisal scores were obtained the first 5 months of the academic year. The SRI form was then implemented into journal club sessions starting the sixth month until the end of the academic year. Resident critical appraisal scores were then compared. The use of SRI significantly improved resident scores compared with pre-SRI assessment scores (p < .001). The SRI tool is easily implemented and makes measurable improvement in resident critical appraisal of the reviewed literature. The use of an SRI tool should be considered in all residency programs to improve resident critical appraisal skills. Further study is warranted to determine specific competencies in which SRI provide the most benefit.

Structures at Risk From an Intermetatarsal Screw for Lapidus Bunionectomy: A Cadaveric Study.

The Lapidus bunionectomy is performed to treat hallux valgus. Recurrence of the deformity remains a concern. A transverse intermetatarsal screw spanning the base of the first metatarsal to the base of the second can increase stability. The neurovascular bundle is located within the proximity of this screw. In this study, we assessed the structures at risks with the use of this technique. In 10 specimens, a guide wire was placed, and a 4.0-mm cannulated screw was inserted. The neurovascular bundle was dissected and inspected for direct trauma to the neurovascular bundle, and the proximity of the screw was measured using a digital caliper. Ten cadaveric specimens were used. The dorsalis pedis artery and deep peroneal nerve were free from injury in 9 of 10 specimens. In those 9 specimens, the neurovascular bundle was located dorsal in relation to the screw. The mean distance of the screw to the neurovascular bundle was 7.1 ± 3.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw to the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) was 14.7 ± 4.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw as it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 18.0 ± 7.2 mm. In 1 specimen, the screw was found to be traversing through the neurovascular bundle. The distance from the screw to the first TMTJ was 15.0 mm. The distance of the screw from where it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 24.0 mm. Although the intermetatarsal screw avoided the neurovascular cases in most instances, there is some anatomic risk to the neurovascular bundle. Further study is warranted to evaluate clinical results using the intermetatarsal screw for the modified Lapidus procedure.

The Incidence of Nonunion of the Naviculocuneiform Joint Arthrodesis:A Systematic Review.

Naviculocuneiform (NC) joint arthrodesis is an effective procedure to treat pain and provide stability to the medial column. Various forms of fixation have been described for NC arthrodesis. Despite this, the available literature is scant and questions remain regarding nonunion rate and contributory factors. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to determine the rate of nonunion for NC joint arthrodesis. Seven studies involving 139 NC joint arthrodeses met inclusion criteria. The nonunion rate was 6.5% at a weighted mean follow-up of 73.2 months. There is insufficient evidence to provide a practice guideline based on the current literature. Adequately powered prospective clinical trials comparing well-matched patient groups with long-term follow-up are required to limit systematic error and enhance external validity. Specific outcomes measures should include union, functional assessment, complications, and cost-benefit analysis.

Medial Double Arthrodesis: Technique Guide and Tips.

The triple arthrodesis procedure remains the historical standard to treat complex hindfoot pathology. However, in recent data, the medial double arthrodesis has been documented to provide similar benefit with decreased complication rates compared with the triple arthrodesis. Therefore, increased interest in this procedure for the treatment of complex hindfoot pathologies has ensued. We describe the technical components of the medial double arthrodesis.

A Review of 399 Total Ankle Replacements: Analysis of Ipsilateral Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis and Associated Talar Component Subsidence.

Total ankle replacement (TAR) is an accepted treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. When concurrent subtalar joint pathologic features exist, ipsilateral subtalar joint arthrodesis (STJA) can be performed either simultaneous with TAR or as a staged procedure. Limited data exist on the effect of talar component subsidence and prosthesis survivorship. The present study purpose was to evaluate the effect of STJA on talar component subsidence after primary TAR and its effect on TAR survivorship. All patients, a minimum of 18 years old, from a single institution with modern-generation TAR and 1-year minimum follow-up data available were evaluated. The study group included patients who had also undergone STJA, and the control group (no STJA) was matched 1:1 by age, gender, and prosthesis. The initial postoperative weightbearing and most recent weightbearing radiographs were compared for talar component subsidence. We reviewed 399 primary TARs from 2004 to 2012. A total of 33 patients with ipsilateral STJA met the inclusion criteria and had an appropriate control group match. In the study group, 8 patients required a return to the operating room for 4 revisions and 4 reoperations at a median follow-up point of 24.3 months. Of the controls, 9 patients required a return to the operating room, with 4 revisions and 5 reoperations at a median follow-up point of 38.4 months. No statistically significant radiographic differences were found between the 2 groups. Primary TAR and ipsilateral STJA were infrequently required (41 of 399; 10.3%). TAR did not result in decreased survivorship when performed with ipsilateral STJA at an early follow-up point. Further study is warranted to determine any differences among previous, simultaneous, and subsequent STJA with ipsilateral TAR, and a matched longitudinal analysis is needed to determine longer term survivorship.

Union Rates and Complications of Lateral Column Lengthening Using the Interposition Plating Technique: A Radiographic and Medical Record Review.

Lateral column lengthening is a common procedure for correction of pes planovalgus. A tricortical bone graft has been a standard among foot and ankle surgeons. The purpose of the present study was to compare the union rates and complications between the 2 forms of fixation for lateral column lengthening. The present study was a retrospective medical record and radiograph review of 52 patients divided into 2 equal groups, allograft (group A) and opening wedge plate (group B). The radiographic analyses compared the preoperative, postoperative and long-term measurements of cuboid abduction and talonavicular angles. The outcome measures included nonunion, hardware removal, and infection. The median follow-up duration for each group was 34.5 (range 6.3 to 89.5) months and 12.6 (range 6.5 to 56.8) months for groups A and B, respectively. Group A had 4 nonunions (15.4%) and group B had 2 nonunions (7.7%). The mean radiographic measurements of cuboid abduction and talonavicular articulation for each group improved significantly. The incidence of hardware removal was greater for group A than for group B (30.8% versus 15.4%), although the difference was not statistically significant. The median time to osseous healing for group A was 12.0 (range 8.0 to 80.0) weeks and for group B was 10.0 (range 6.0 to 36.0) weeks. The interposition plating techniques for lateral column lengthening procedures had a lower nonunion rate and incidence of hardware removal compared with the traditional use of tricortical bone grafting. The findings from the present study will aid surgeons in alternative fixation for lateral column lengthening procedures.

Plantar Plate Repair Using a Direct Plantar Approach: An Outcomes Analysis.

Direct plantar plate repair using a plantar approach has been described previously, but with few reports of the outcomes or clinical results. The purpose of the present study was to determine the outcomes of this technique. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone direct plantar plate repair with or without concomitant Weil osteotomy and a prospective patient-reported subjective outcomes analysis. Ultimately, 131 patients (144 toes) were included, and the response rate for the mailed surveys was 53.5% (77 of 144 toes). The clinical outcomes reported a well-aligned toe in 87.1% of cases, with a recurrence rate of 7.6% (11 of 144) and a revision rate of 2.8% (4 of 144). Statistically significant improvement in the overall modified Foot Function Index (p < .001) and subscale scores for pain (p < .001), disability (p < .001), and activity limitation (p = .001) were noted postoperatively compared with the preoperative data. The median postoperative visual analog pain scale level reported at survey completion was 2.0 (range 0.0 to 10.0; mean ± standard deviation 2.3 ± 2.6). Despite the modified Foot Function Index scores, the patient satisfaction questionnaire data reported mixed results. Our modified Foot Function Index results demonstrated that this approach provides excellent postoperative pain relief, improvement of associated disability, and improvement in activity limitations. The importance of managing patient expectations is acknowledged secondary to the discrepancy with the patient satisfaction data and the modified Foot Function Index results. Further prospective study is warranted to compare this technique with alternate dorsal approaches for plantar plate repair with and without associated commercially available suture passing systems.