A modified minimally invasive osteotomy for hallux valgus enables reduction of malpositioned sesamoid bones.

BACKGROUND: The current minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus (HV) is V-shaped, which prevents the correction of the rotational metatarsal head deformity and reduction of the sesamoid bones. We sought to determine the optimal method for sesamoid bone reduction during HV surgery. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 53 patients who underwent HV surgery between 2017 and 2019 using one of three techniques: open chevron osteotomy (n = 19), minimally invasive V-shaped osteotomy (n = 18), and a modified straight minimally invasive osteotomy (n = 16). The sesamoid position was graded using the Hardy and Clapham method on weight-bearing radiographs. RESULTS: When compared to open chevron and V-shaped osteotomies, the modified osteotomy resulted in significantly lower postoperative sesamoid position scores (3.74 ± 1.48, 4.61 ± 1.09, and 1.44 ± 0.81, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean change in postoperative sesamoid position score was greater (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified minimally invasive osteotomy was superior to the other two techniques in correcting HV deformity in all planes, including sesamoid reduction.

MICA: A Learning Curve.

Techniques of minimally invasive bunion surgery have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the learning curve involved in mastering these innovative techniques has not been described. To address this issue, a trained foot and ankle surgeon in a university hospital operated on 50 patients using the minimally invasive Chevron and Akin procedure over the course of 3 years, from January 2016 through December 2018. Surgery duration and x-ray exposure were documented. Results showed that surgery duration decreased from >2 hours in the first cases to a mean of ∼45 minutes in the third year. This learning curve plateaued by the 21st patient. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy studies used decreased substantially over the first 27 surgeries, at which point the learning curve plateaued. In summary, it took about 27 procedures for an inexperienced surgeon to acquire the skill of performing minimally invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomy.

The correlation of supraspinatus outlet view with computed tomography for visualization of the anterior acromial undersurface.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the real shape of the undersurface of the acromion prior to acromioplasty is indispensable. Today, Supraspinatus outlet view (SSOV) is a standard view used to determine the shape of the anterior acromion. Three types of acromial undersurface were described by Bigliani and Morrison. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the real acromial type can be visualized on X-ray SSOV and compare the shape of the anterior undersurface of the acromion visualized on SSOV, with the shape revealed on 2D CT reconstructions. METHODS: The SSOV X-rays and CT scans of 30 consecutive patients suffering from rotator cuff dysfunction were retrospectively analyzed. The shape of the acromion visualized on plain X-rays was classified according to Bigliani and Morrison classification system. Two-dimensional CT reconstructions were performed, reproducing the lateral, middle, and medial sections of the acromion. The acromial type that was visualized on each of those reconstructions was separately classified according to the Bigliani and Morrison system. A complete profile of the acromial undersurface was constructed from the integration of acromial types seen on each CT section. The acromial morphology seen on X-rays and CTs was compared. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients comprised the study cohort; mean age was 57 (STD = 8.5) years. Three Type I, 22 Type II, and 5 Type III acromions were visualized on the SSOV X-rays. CT reconstructions revealed seven different morphological acromial profiles (I,I,I; I,II,II; I,II,III, etc.), which we divided into 3 groups: (1) Uniform (30%), (2) Internally curved (20%), and (3) Internally hooked (50%). The acromial type visualized on X-ray correlated with the acromial type on at least one CT section in all of the cases. In the case of uniform acromial profile, there is a full correlation between the acromial type visualized on X-rays and the type visualized on CT. In non-uniform profiles, there was an incomplete correlation between the types of the acromion visualized on SSOV and CT. SSOV X-rays correlated with or underestimated, but never overestimated, the acromial morphological type. DISCUSSION: The curved or hooked portion of the acromial undersurface is not always visualized on the SSOV. On X-rays, the middle and lateral sections are seen more accurate than the medial section. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware that SSOV X-rays may underestimate the true type of the acromial undersurface.

[TREATMENT OF ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURES].

INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon ruptures cause considerable morbidity and functionality reduction. There is lack of consensus regarding the best option for treatment following acute Achilles tendon rupture. Recent studies have failed to show substantial difference in outcome following conservative or operative treatment using an early active rehabilitation program. Meta-analyses have shown that conservative management has increased the risk of re-rupture, whereas operative intervention carries risks of complications related to the wound and iatrogenic nerve injury. This article reviews the updated literature-based guidelines for the treatment of Achilles tendon tears.

The Sterile Elastic Exsanguination Tourniquet vs. the Pneumatic Tourniquet for Total Knee Arthroplasty.

We compared the sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet and the pneumatic tourniquet for total knee arthroplasty. 145 patients were operated on using a pneumatic tourniquet and 166 with the sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet. Patients with the sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet had a smaller decrease in hemoglobin on post-operative days one (P<0.028) and three (P<0.045). The amount of blood collected from drains at 24h was significantly lower in the sterile elastic exsanguination group. A trend towards a higher rate of wound complications within 3months following the operation was found in the pneumatic tourniquet group. The sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet works at least as good as the pneumatic one.

Anatomic Reconstruction Technique for a Plantar Calcaneonavicular (Spring) Ligament Tear.

Acquired flatfoot deformity in adults is usually due to partial or complete tearing of the posterior tibial tendon, with secondary failure of other structures such as the plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament (SL), which maintain the medial longitudinal arch. In flexible cases, the tibialis posterior can be replaced with the flexor digitorum longus. It is common practice to suture the SL directly in the case of a tear; however, if the tear is complete, suturing directly to the ligament alone will not be possible. Reconstruction of the ligament is needed; however, no validated methods are available to reconstruct this ligament. The operative technique of SL reconstruction described in this report as a part of acquired flatfoot deformity reconstruction consists of augmenting remnants of the spring from the navicularis to the sustentaculum tali and suspending it to the medial malleolus using 2-mm-wide, long-chain polyethylene suture tape. This technique results in the firm anatomic reconstruction of the SL, in addition to "classic" medial arch reconstruction. We recommend SL reconstruction for medial arch reconstruction when the SL is torn.

A pilot study exploring the use of hyaluronic acid in treating insertional achilles tendinopathy.

PURPOSE: This study explores the use of ultrasound-guided Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (IAT). METHODS: A cohort of 15 ankles diagnosed with IAT received three weekly ultrasound-guided HA injections. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire scored the severity of symptoms and functional impairment before treatment, and at one and six months post-treatment. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in VISA-A scores post-treatment, rising from an average baseline of 34.8 ± 15.2 (11-63) to 53.6 ± 20.9 (15-77) after one month, and then to 50.7 ± 18.6 (20-75) after six months. No adverse reactions were noted, underscoring the safety of the intervention. CONCLUSION: The pilot study presents HA injections as a potentially effective treatment for IAT, while interpretation of these findings must take into account the variability in results, indicating a range of patient responses. It encourages further research to confirm these findings and to explore HA's full potential in managing IAT, despite the limitations of a small sample size and lack of control group.

Left atrial function during pregnancy: a three-dimensional echocardiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Alteration of diastolic function is considered a sensitive means for detecting changes in the normal cardiac adaptation to pregnancy. Our aim was to evaluate volumetric and functional atrial parameters, using real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in women in early and late third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: We studied pregnant women in early third trimester (III-E = gestational age 26-33 weeks), in late third trimester (III-L = gestational age 34-40 weeks), and control nonpregnant women (C). Two-dimensional (2D-Echo) and RT3DE were used to study 3D left atrial (LA) systolic and diastolic stroke volumes and index (LASVI, LAEDVI), emptying fraction, left ventricular and LA cavities. RESULTS: Although the LA end systolic volume index increased significantly (from 19.42 ± 0.1 to 24.7 ± 3.5 mm(2), P < 0.01), the EF did not change significantly. This was mainly achieved by increasing atrial contraction (A-wave), maintaining cardiac output by increasing heart rate. A decrease in diastolic E-wave, increased atrial kick (A-wave) with reduced E/A ratio, was noted as the pregnancy progressed. Pulmonary pressure increased from 16.9 ± 6.6 to 20.5 ± 2.9 mmHg (P < 0.01), Using 2D-Echo revealed no change in LA diameter from control to III-E and III-L, respectively (from 17.1 ± 2.3 to 16.7 ± 2.6, 17.5 ± 2.2 mm) and area (from 11.7 ± 3.1 to 16.5 ± 2.3, 17.6 ± 1.6 cm(2)). However, using RT3DE, a significant increase in the LASVI, LAEDVI, and LA stroke volume index (from 12.02 ± 2.5 to 14.7 ± 3.2, and 15.1 ± 2.7 mL/m(2)) was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Enlargement of the LA volume with unchanged blood pressure values, as found using RT3DE, may be part of the adaptation to increased blood volume during pregnancy.

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty may reduce cerebrovascular accidents and improve early weight-bearing in the elderly after femoral neck fracture.

ABSTRACT: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in the elderly population after femoral neck fracture remain great concern for physicians. Specifically, surgical fixation techniques, such as bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA) and internal fixation play a significant role in influencing the occurrence of postoperative CVA in the elderly population.In order to identify 2 cohorts, we used a rigid selection process based on our institution's database. The cohorts were comprised of a HA cohort and a cannulated screw cohort, of which underwent femoral neck surgery, performed by 3 fellowship trained surgeons from 2003 to 2014. Risk factors were documented and measured, including Coumadin use and hypertension, and postoperative complications such as CVA and death rate were also recorded. A P-value of <.05 was determined to be statistically significant.A power analysis was performed and achieved a power of 0.95. We found a non-significant reduction in CVA for bipolar HA (3.6% CVA vs 0.0% in the non-CVA group, P = .48) and a non-significant increase in CVA for cannulated screw use (7.6% CVA vs 14.4% in the non-CVA group, P = .11). In addition, we found a significant difference in terms of weight-bearing status at 6-weeks postoperatively (0.95 vs 2.0, P < .0001), favoring the bipolar HA group.Among the advantages of bipolar HA surgery, surgeons should consider its value in reducing the occurrence of postoperative CVA. Furthermore, patients who underwent bipolar HA had improved weight-bearing status postoperatively compared with cannulated screw fixation.

Thousand shades of gray - The role of imaging display in diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures - A pilot study.

Introduction: Most hospitals and clinics utilize commercial grade displays for viewing wrist radiographs. There is no evidence regarding the role of the imaging display used to evaluate the radiographs. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of scaphoid fracture diagnosis by commercial grade and medical grade displays. Methods: Wrist radiographs of patients that had clinical signs of scaphoid fracture without findings on plain radiography (suspected scaphoid fractures) were retrospectively collected from ER department and interpreted for radiographic signs of fracture by four orthopedics seniors commercial grade and medical grade displays. The difference in fracture diagnosis rates were studied. Inter- and intra-observer variability were also studied. Results: Study population comprised of 175 high quality wrist radiographs were interpreted. Mean 48.25 (27%) scaphoid fractures were observed on commercial grade display compared to 66 (38.2%) on medical grade display (p = 0.076). The total inter-observer agreement could be defined as a moderate agreement (κ = 0.527, Accuracy = 0.77). Total agreement between all observers were observed in 86 (49.1%) cases compared to 89 (50.9%) cases when reviewing X-rays on commercial and medical displays, respectively. Discussion: The scaphoid fracture detection rate on medical grade display was not statistically higher compared to non-medical grade displays, but we did find a tendency toward medical grade display. We found that in a substantial number of cases, our observers recognize signs of fracture that were initially evaluated as "suspected fracture" by the ER physicians. As a pilot study, we found evidence that support the need for a prospective study designed to compare the observations to a gold standard modality, such as MRI. We believe utilizing medical grade displays can increase the rate of diagnosis in cases of clinically suspected scaphoid fractures and better manage the clinical scenario of a suspected scaphoid fracture.

The relationship between plasma vitamin D level and heart valves calcification in acute coronary syndrome and non acute coronary syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting data regarding the association between low levels of plasma vitamin D and ischemic heart disease. We aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma vitamin D levels and heart valve calcification in hospitalized patients with ischemic heart disease versus non-ischemic heart disease controls. METHODS: A prospective case-control study comprising two age and gender-matched groups. The study group included consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome; the control group included consecutive non-ischemic heart disease patients hospitalized for noncardiac causes. Blood samples for 25-hydroxyvitamin D level were drawn. An echocardiogram was performed during the first 3 days of hospitalization and reviewed for presence and degree of valvular calcification. RESULTS: Forty patients with acute coronary syndrome and 40 controls (age 58 ± 11 years, 64% male in both groups) were included. Mean plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D vitamin level in the entire cohort was 24.5 ± 8 ng/ml. Valve calcification rates were similar in acute coronary syndrome versus non-acute coronary syndrome group (28 vs. 21 had valvular calcification; 18 vs. 12 had aortic valve calcification; 21 vs. 14 had mitral valve calcification, respectively; P = NS for all). We found no significant relationship between vitamin D level and valvular calcification, aortic valve calcification, or mitral valve calcification rate or degree in the entire cohort and in each group alone (P = NS for all). There was a negative correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and age in the acute coronary syndrome group (r = -0.399, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a significant relationship between plasma vitamin D levels and the rate or degree of calcification of either aortic/mitral/both valves in hospitalized patients with or without ischemic heart disease.

Amputation versus Primary Nonoperative Management of Chronic Osteomyelitis Involving a Pedal Digit in Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The preferred primary treatment of toe osteomyelitis in diabetic patients is controversial. We compared the outcome of primary nonoperative antibiotic treatment versus digital amputation in patients with diabetes-related chronic digital osteomyelitis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients treated for digital osteomyelitis at a single center. Patients were divided into two groups according to initial treatment: 1) nonoperative treatment with intravenous antibiotics and 2) amputation of the involved toe or ray. Duration of hospitalization, number of rehospitalizations, and rate of below- or above-the-knee major amputations were evaluated. RESULTS: The nonoperative group comprised 39 patients and the operative group included 21 patients. The mean ± SD total duration of hospitalization was 24.05 ± 15.43 and 20.67 ± 15.97 days, respectively (P = .43). The mean ± SD number of rehospitalizations after infection recurrence was 2.62 ± 1.63 and 1.67 ± 1.24, respectively (P = .02). During follow-up, the involved digit was eventually amputated in 13 of the 39 nonoperatively treated patients (33.3%). The rate of major amputation (above- or below-knee amputation was four of 39 (10.3%) and three of 21 (14.3%), respectively (P = .69). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher rate of rehospitalizations and a high failure rate, in patients with mild and limited digital foot osteomyelitis in the absence of sepsis it may be reasonable to offer a primary nonoperative treatment for digital osteomyelitis of the foot.

Routine early post-operative X-ray following internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures is unjustified: a quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the proper radiographic protocol following closed or open reduction and internal fixation for intertrochanteric femoral fractures. The objective of this study was to assess the role of early postoperative imaging studies when deciding about weight bear limitations and reoperations. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 100 patients (26 men and 74 women, at a mean age of 79.8 years) treated by closed or open reduction and internal fixation for AO31A fractures was conducted. According to the AO classification, there were 25 cases of 31A1, 54 cases of 31A2, and 21 cases of 31A3. For every patient, the intraoperative fluoroscopy studies were recorded and post-operative radiograms were taken during the first week. Excluded were patients for whom the early X-rays were clinically indicated. The intraoperative AP and axial fluoroscopy studies were compared with the radiograms taken during the first post-operative week. The investigators compared the decisions regarding weight-bearing limitations and the need for re-operation before and after conducting the radiograms. RESULTS: The early post-operative imaging studies did not change weight-bearing limitations nor did they lead to consecutive surgical treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Unless indicated by physical examination, there is no value to routine post-operative radiograms within the first few days after closed reduction and internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures with regard to weight-bearing limitations and re-operation decisions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Identifier: NCT02868125 .

Measurement of transverse forces between the first and second metatarsals: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to measure transverse forces between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals after reducing the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) in normal and hallux valgus (HV) feet, during non weight-bearing and weight-bearing phases of gait. METHODS: Four cadaver feet, three normal and one with hallux valgus, were used. A new suture button device (CyclaPlex™) composed of screw-type buttons connected with a wire was implanted at the mid-shaft of the 1st and 2nd metatarsals of all the feet. IMA was reduced using a tensioning device to pull the wire which was secured laterally at the 1st metatarsal. The 1st metatarsal was pulled laterally towards the 2nd metatarsal until an IMA of about 6° was achieved. The amount of force applied at this point was registered on the force indicator. Each foot attached to the tensioning device was placed in a special construct loaded with weights equal to the original body weight of the donor and positioned at 15° tilt (simulating propulsion phase of the gait cycle). The intermetatarsal force under load indicated on the tensioning device was recorded. RESULTS: The average recorded transverse intermetatarsal force was 28.5 N (SD 4.2 N) during non weight-bearing phase; the mean increase in the measured force at weight-bearing and 15° tilt was 6 N (SD 2.6 N). CONCLUSIONS: We measured the transverse forces between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals with the use of a suture button device (CyclaPlex™). The data obtained from the measurements will provide a better understanding of foot biomechanics and may therefore also facilitate the development of new devices designed to decrease IMA in HV surgery.

Pulmonary Embolism After Application of a Sterile Elastic Exsanguination Tourniquet.

Sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquets (HemaClear; OHK Medical Devices, Haifa, Israel) are relatively new on the market but are widely used because of the ease and speed of their application. The sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet consists of a silicon ring wrapped in a stockinet sleeve with pull straps. The physician places the ring on the patient's fingers or toes and then pulls the straps proximally. The silicon ring rolls up the limb, and the stockinet sleeve unrolls onto the limb. During proximal rolling, the device displaces blood out of the limb (exsanguination). When the elastic ring reaches the preferred occlusion location, the pulling motion is stopped. The ring exerts suprasystolic pressure on the limb, thereby blocking arterial blood flow into the limb and thus acts as a tourniquet. HemaClear tourniquets are thin and sterile and therefore provide a large operative field. The authors report 2 cases of pulmonary embolism after HemaClear tourniquet application in patients with traumatic injuries (fractures of the patella and tibial plateau). Exsanguination applies mechanical stress that might dislodge a preexisting deep venous thrombosis, leading to the serious complication of pulmonary embolism. The authors want to increase awareness of this possible fatal complication during procedures performed on the lower limbs, when the HemaClear tourniquet is used for exsanguination of the affected limb. Careful consideration should be given to the use of HemaClear tourniquets in high-risk patients and those with traumatic injuries, especially when there has been a delay in surgery.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting as Severe Shoulder Pain Following Small Quantities of Alcohol Ingestion: A Case Report.

CASE: Shoulder pain is a common symptom. We report a case of a twenty-two-year-old man who had shoulder pain that was induced by small quantities of alcohol ingestion, which is an unusual presenting sign of Hodgkin lymphoma. The history, physical examination of the shoulder, and imaging revealed no noteworthy findings. Chest computed tomography and subsequent biopsy led to the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSION: This report emphasizes the need to consider Hodgkin lymphoma as part of the differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with shoulder pain that is precipitated by alcohol ingestion.

Symptomatic Secondary Selective IgM Immunodeficiency in Adult Man with Undiagnosed Celiac Disease.

Selective IgM immunodeficiency (SIgMID) is a heterogeneous disorder with no known genetic background and may occur as a primary or a secondary condition. Celiac disease has been reported in association with several humeral immunodeficiencies, including isolated severe selective IgA deficiency, panhypogammaglobulinemia, and isolated combined IgA and IgM deficiency. There are only few reported cases of pediatric and adult patients with SIgMID and celiac disease. In this paper, we describe an adult patient with a symptomatic secondary SIgMID associated with undiagnosed celiac disease, with a resolution of clinical symptoms of immunodeficiency and serum IgM normalization following a gluten-free diet.

Increased mean platelet volume and C-reactive protein levels in patients with chronic urticaria with a positive autologous serum skin test.

INTRODUCTION: Activation of the coagulation cascade resulting in thrombin production is a prominent feature of exacerbations in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU). Autologous serum skin test (ASST) causes wheal-and-flare reactions in 30% to 50% of CU cases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory data in patients with CU with positive and negative ASST. To understand the role of platelets in CU, we investigated the relation between CU clinical severity, platelet count and their mean platelet volume (MPV). METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data were prospectively collected from 373 patients with CU who attended our Allergy and Clinical immunology Clinic during the period 2003 to 2007. The laboratory data were compared with 46 healthy subjects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in platelet counts between the groups, nevertheless the platelets in ASST-positive CU patients were characterized by a higher MPV (9.12 +/- 1.25 fl), than that in ASST-negative patients (7.95 +/- 1.08 fl; P = 0.039) and control group (7.72 +/- 1.04 fl; P = 0.007). There was a significant positive correlation between CU severity score and MPV in ASST-positive patients (r = 0.44; P < 0.001) but not in ASST-negative patients. Higher levels of C-reactive protein (5.31 +/- 2.74 mg/L) were measured in the ASST-positive CU group compared with the ASST-negative CU group (2.53 +/- 1.27; P = 0.029) and the control group (2.34 +/- 1.38; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: CU with positive ASST is characterized with higher clinical severity, increased MPV and C-reactive protein.