Ankle fracture surgery performed by orthopaedic residents without supervision has comparable outcomes to surgery performed by fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Unstable fractures often necessitate open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which generally yield favourable outcomes. However, the impact of surgical trainee autonomy on healthcare quality in these procedures remains uncertain. We hypothesized that surgery performed solely by residents, without supervision or participation of an attending surgeon, can provide similar outcomes to surgery performed by trauma or foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: A single-center cohort of an academic level-1 trauma center was retrospectively reviewed for all ankle ORIF between 2015 and 2019. Data were compared between surgery performed solely by post-graduate-year 4 to 6 residents, and surgery performed by trauma or foot and ankle fellowship-trained surgeons. Demographics, surgical parameters, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, and primary (mortality, complications, and revision surgery) and secondary outcome variables were collected and analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 460 ankle fractures were included in the study. Nonoperative cases and cases operated by senior orthopaedic surgeons who are not trauma or foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons were excluded. The average follow-up time was 58.4 months (SD ± 12.5). Univariate analysis of outcomes demonstrated no significant difference between residents and attendings in complications and reoperations rate (p = 0.690, p = 0.388). Sub-analysis by fracture pattern (Lauge-Hansen classification) and the number of malleoli involved and fixated demonstrated similar outcomes. surgery time was significantly longer in the resident group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that ankle fracture surgery can be performed by trained orthopaedic surgery residents, with similar results and complication rates as surgery performed by fellowship-trained attendings. These findings provide valuable insights into surgical autonomy in residency and its role in modern clinical training and surgical education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III - retrospective cohort study.

Is there an association between joint range of motion and muscle strength in young female dancers? And, does it depend on the effects of age and menarche?

Aiming to determine the association between joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength; and, the effect of age and menarche on those two factors; 132 pre-and post-menarche dancers, aged 12-14 years were assessed for joint ROM and for muscle strength at the hip, knee and ankle and foot joints. En-pointe ROM was significantly correlated with ankle plantar-flexors' (r = -.184) and with ankle dorsiflexors' muscle strength (r = -.221). Hip external rotation ROM was significantly correlated with knee extensors' strength (r = -.263). Pre-menarche dancers had higher joint ROM compared with post-menarche dancers; yet, dancers at post-menarche were stronger compared to dancers at pre-menarche. The slope coefficient was negative at the age of 12 in hip external rotation and in en-pointe (-0.80 and -0.52, respectively) and became steeper with age (age 13: -3.52 and -3.28, respectively; age 14: -6.31 and -4.42, respectively). Along maturation, dancers with high joints ROM showed reduced muscle strength. Pre-menarche dancers have higher joint ROM, yet reduced muscle strength, compared with post-menarche dancers. As the association between joint ROM and muscle strength might be involved with growth and development, young dancers should be screened along pubertal stages in order to decide the correct curricula and to prevent future injuries.

Orthopaedic residents' autonomy in hip fracture surgery: what is the effect on patient outcomes?

BACKGROUND: In the context of growing prevalence of hip fractures and hip fracture surgery in the elderly, it is unknown if surgical trainee autonomy in the operating room conflicts with optimal health care provision and safety of patients. We hypothesized that surgery performed solely by residents, without supervision or participation of an attending surgeon, can provide similar outcomes to surgery performed by trauma or joint reconstruction fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: A single-center cohort was retrospectively reviewed for all hip fracture cases, surgically treated with hemiarthroplasty or internal fixation during 2016. Data were analyzed and compared between surgery performed solely by post-graduate-year 4 to 6 residents, and surgery performed by trauma or joint replacement fellowship-trained surgeons. Demographics, time to surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA), surgical parameters, preoperative and postoperative radiographs as well as primary (mortality, complications and revision surgery) and secondary outcome variables were collected and analyzed. Univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 478 cases, 404 (84.5%) were included in this study. Non-operative cases, techniques used solely by attending surgeons, such as total hip replacement, were excluded. The average follow-up time was 26.1 months (SD 10.9). Analysis of internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty groups demonstrated no significant difference between residents and attendings in complications (p = 0.353, 0.850, respectively), and mortality (p = 0.796, 0.734, respectively). In both groups, surgery time was significantly longer in the resident group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that hip fracture surgery performed by adequately trained orthopaedic surgery residents can provide similar results to surgery performed by fellowship-trained attendings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Generalized joint hypermobility, scoliosis, patellofemoral pain, and physical abilities in young dancers.

BACKGROUND: Many young girls with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) choose to participate in dance because their bodies are suited for this activity. Scoliosis tends to occur often in thin girls, who also are more likely to choose dance. Both anomalies (GJH and scoliosis) may be related to reduced abilities such as diminished strength and insufficient postural balance, with increased risk for musculoskeletal conditions. The main objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of dancers with GJH, the prevalence of dancers with scoliosis, and the prevalence of dancers with these two anomalies; and, to determine differences in physical abilities and the presence of patellofemoral pain (PFP) between young female dancers with and without such anomalies. METHODS: One hundred thirty-two female dancers, aged 12-14 years, were assessed for anthropometric parameters, GJH, scoliosis, knee muscle strength, postural balance, proprioception ability, and PFP. RESULTS: GJH was identified in 54 dancers (40.9%) and scoliosis in 38 dancers (28.8%). Significant differences were found in the proportion of dancers with no anomalies (74 dancers, 56.1%) and dancers with both anomalies (34 dancers, 25.8%) (p < .001). Dancers with both anomalies had reduced dynamic postural balance in the anterior direction (p = .023), reduced proprioception ability (p < .001), and weaker knee extensors (p = .036) and flexors (p = .040) compared with dancers with no anomalies. Among dancers with both anomalies, 73.5% suffered bilateral PFP, 17.6% suffered unilateral PFP, and 8.8% had no PFP (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of young girls participating in dance classes had GJH, as the increased joint flexibility probably provides them with some esthetic advantages. The high prevalence of scoliosis found in these young dancers might be attributed to their relatively low body mass, their delayed maturation, and the selection process of dancers. Dancers with both GJH and scoliosis had decreased muscle strength, reduced postural balance, reduced proprioception, with higher risk of PFP. The main clinical implications are the need to reduce the risk of PFP among dancers by developing appropriate strength and stabilizing exercises combined with proprioceptive and postural balance training, to improve the correct alignment of the hyperextended and hypermobile joints, and to improve their supporting muscle strength.

Unilateral and bilateral patellofemoral pain in young female dancers: Associated factors.

Aiming to evaluate the prevalence of unilateral/bilateral patellofemoral pain (PFP) among young dancers, and to investigate whether different factors are associated with PFP in young dancers, 132 dancers aged 12-14 years were assessed for PFP. Anthropometric parameters, proprioception ability, dynamic postural balance (DPB), and muscle strength were measured. PFP was found in 64.1% of the dancers. No significant differences in the prevalence of dancers with no, unilateral, or bilateral PFP at different ages were found. Significant age effects were found for anthropometric and developmental measurements, and for intensity of training. PFP effect was found for DPB asymmetry, ankle proprioception, and leg-length %height. A higher hip abductor/adductor ratio was associated with PFP in 14-year-old dancers. Binomial logistic regression showed that increased number of hours per day (h/day) and decreased number of hours per week (h/week), low proprioception scores, greater leg length as %height, and more anterior DPB asymmetry were significant predictors of PFP. In conclusion: unilateral/bilateral PFP is common among young dancers. Body morphology, reduced ankle proprioception ability, DPB asymmetry, and increased h/day of practice are associated with PFP. Dance teachers should start monitoring the impact of training and implement injury modification/prevention strategies when their students are at a young age.

Can young dancers skip/recover from patellofemoral pain? A two-year follow-up.

Aiming to follow the prevalence of patellofemoral pain (PFP) among young dancers over 2-years, and to assess the prevalence of re-injured/recovered dancers; 67 dancers (aged 12.8 ± 0.5) were screened for PFP at baseline, 65 dancers at 1st follow-up and 51 dancers at 2nd follow-up. All dancers (46) that took part in all the 3 screenings had at least one episode of PFP along the screenings. No dancers recovered in the 1st follow-up, yet 40.5% of the dancers with PFP at the 1st follow-up recovered in the 2nd follow-up. Along the 3 screenings, 23.9%, 34.8%, and 41.3% of the dancers had 1,2 or 3 PFP episodes, respectively. None of the dancers skipped PFP along the 3 screenings. A high prevalence of dancers had sustained PFP along the 2 follow-ups, with low recovery rate. Dancers and teachers should be alert to the need for devising modifications of training and injury prevention strategies from young age.

Patellofemoral pain, body morphology and alignment in female pubertal dancers: One-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in body morphology, anatomical alignment and prevalence of patellofemoral pain (PFP) in young female dancers along one year of pubertal growth, and to identify the risk factors related to PFP in these young dancers. Both legs of 60 dancers were evaluated during grade 7 and again after 1-year. At each of these points in time, the dancers were interviewed concerning their background, and anthropometric measurements, lower-limb physical examinations and knee ultrasound scans were performed. Morphological parameters changed significantly from baseline to follow-up. PFP was found in 53.3% of the dancers' knees at baseline. At follow-up, 55.4% of the asymptomatic knees at baseline developed PFP, and only 9.4% of the symptomatic knees at baseline recovered. Lower BMI was identified among dancers who developed PFP during follow-up compared with dancers with no PFP, either at baseline or at follow-up. A positive grinding and positive Patellar Inhibition Test (PIT) were found to be risk factors for PFP at follow-up. A high prevalence of young dancers suffered PFP, from injuries they sustained mostly during the 1-year of dance practice. Parameters predisposing the dancers to PFP should be identified at early stages of dance class.

Lower Extremity Fractures in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients Following Road Traffic Accidents.

Lower extremity fractures (LEFs) caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) can result in significant morbidity and account for a substantial part of nonfatal injuries requiring hospitalization. This study investigated the epidemiology of RTA-associated LEFs in the pediatric population. Based on the National Trauma Registry, data of 28,924 RTA hospitalized pediatric patients were reviewed. Data were analyzed according to LEF mechanism of injury, age distribution, fracture types, associated injuries, surgical treatment, and their interrelations.A total of 4970 (17.18%) sustained LEFs, with the highest risk for motorcycle-associated RTA, followed by pedestrians. Approximately 1 of 4 patients had multiple fractures. Forty percent (2184 cases) sustained additional injuries, for which car-associated RTAs were at the greatest risk (61%, P < 0.0001), followed by pedestrians and motorcycles (46%-45%, P < 0.0001). Overall, head/neck/face injuries were the most commonly associated injuries. The tibia was the most fractured bone (42%), followed by the femur, fibula, foot, and ankle. This distribution varied according to RTA mechanism. Forty-one percent of cases required fracture treatment in an operating room. As patients were older, the greater the chance they required further treatment in the operating room (P < 0.0001).This large-scale study on the epidemiology of LEFs in the pediatric population following RTA provides unique information on epidemiological characteristics of LEF, pertinent both to medical care providers and to health policy makers allocating resources and formulating prevention strategies in the attempt to deal with the burden of road traffic accidents.Level of Evidence: Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level II.

Lateral malleolus closed reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary fibular rod using minimal invasive approach for the treatment of ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are extremely common and represent nearly one quarter of all lower-limb fractures. Techniques for fixation of displaced fractures of the lateral malleolus have remained essentially unchanged in recent decades. The current gold standard of treating unstable fractures is with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), using plates and screws construct. This study evaluates the use of fibula intramedullary nailing based on minimal invasive surgical approach. METHODS: Thirty-nine cases treated with fibula intramedullary nailing between the years 2014-2016 were retrospectively studied. A fibular nail was utilized for the treatment of various ankle fractures either as the sole method of fixation or combined with another method. Patient charts were reviewed for fracture patterns, comorbidities, quality of reduction, complications and additional surgeries. RESULTS: Out of 39 cases in the study cohort, 37 were closed fractures while 2 had an associated medial malleolus open injury. According to Weber classification of lateral malleolus fractures, 20 cases were type B, 18 cases type C, and one case of a pathologic fracture type B like fracture. Quality of reduction was based on previously published criteria. It was determined to be good in 32 cases, fair in 5 cases and poor in 2 cases that were revised intraoperatively to plate fixation. Overall no systemic complications occurred. Eight patients have undergone additional surgeries, namely hardware removals. In two cases, the nail was later revised to a different fixation method: one case to a plate, due to secondary displacement at 2 weeks, and one to an intramedullary tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis secondary to hardware failure and Charcot neuroarthropathy. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary fibular nail offers a satisfactory and safe procedure to establish good reduction and fixation of lateral malleoli fractures. It may be considered as treatment of choice for patients with soft tissue problems due to its minimal invasive approach. The current study shows that while good fracture reduction can be achieved, without major complications, more than fifth of patients, required secondary procedures, mainly hardware removals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Ultrasonography and clinical examination of knee injuries in pre- and post- menarche dancers.

This study aimed at evaluating whether the prevalence of knee injuries and morphological features are different among pre-and-post menarche dancers; Sixty-seven pre-and-post menarche dancers were screened for anthropometric parameters; knee laxity; patella femoral pain syndrome (PFPS), pathologies and anatomical structure of the knees. Both groups showed a high and similar prevalence of PFPS. The post-menarche dancers produced a significantly higher rate of Tanner stages 3-4 (p = .010), greater weight (p < .001) higher BMI (p = .003); and, higher prevalence of MCL pathology, pes planus, and scoliosis compared with pre-menarche dancers (p < .05). The pre-menarche dancers started dance practice earlier (p = .008); and, showed significantly higher prevalence of lateral laxity, patellar laxity, positive Lachman test and positive Drawer test compared with post-menarche dancers (p < .05). Interactions (menarche yes/no by PFPS no/one leg/both legs) were found for BMI (p = .044; η2 = .187), trochlear cartilage thickness (p = .020; η2 = 0.121) and tip of patella - trochlear groove distance (p = .024; η2 = .150). Pre-and-post-menarche female dancers demonstrated similar prevalence of knee injuries, with different body morphology.

Lower extremity and spine characteristics in young dancers with and without patellofemoral pain.

Very little is known about patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPFS) among young dancers. Understanding the mechanism of the injury and implementing a preventative programme are important in order to minimize the risk of PFPS. The aim of the current study is to determine the extent to which factors such as lower extremity and back characteristics are common among dancers with PFPS. The study population included 271 dancers with PFPS and 271 non-injured dancers, aged 10-16 years. All dancers were screened for morphometric profile, dance discipline (h/week), anatomical anomalies (present/absent of scoliosis, genu valgus/varum, etc.), and joint range of motion (measured by goniometer at the hip, knee, ankle, foot, and spinal joints). The predicting factors for PFPS among young dancers (10-11 years old) were: hyper hip abduction (OR = 0.906) and lower back and hamstring flexibility (OR = 3.542); for adolescent dancers (12-14 years old): hyper ankle dorsiflexion (OR = 0.888), hind foot-varum (OR = 0.260), and mobility of patella (OR = 2.666); and, for pre-mature dancers (15-16 years old): scoliosis (OR = 5.209), limited ankle plantar-flexion (OR = 1.060), and limited hip internal rotation (OR = 1.063). In conclusion, extrinsic and intrinsic parameters predisposing the dancers to knee injuries should be identified by screening in early stages of dance classes.

Functional and clinical outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty in elderly compared to younger patients.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is becoming an increasingly utilized procedure for the management of end-stage ankle arthritis. Elderly patients are the fastest growing segment of the population in the western world, creating a unique challenge to the health economics of our era. Determining if elderly patients with end-stage ankle arthritis demonstrate the same improvements in clinical outcomes and functional measures of gait following TAA would be valuable. This can aid to evaluate the utilization of TAA in this enlarging cohort of our population. METHODS: Consecutive series of twenty-one patients over the age of 70, who underwent TAA for end-stage ankle arthritis, was prospectively compared to a series of twenty-one patients aged 50-60, who underwent the same procedure by single surgeon during same time period. Clinical outcomes were measured with outcome scores including VAS pain score, AOFAS Ankle and Hindfoot Score, and the SF-36. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at a minimum of one year postoperatively, to measure temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of gait. Mixed model multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate and compare the independent contributions to outcomes of the surgical intervention over time; of patient age; and of time-plus-age interaction, as these influenced both the clinical outcomes and the functional gait outcomes. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in VAS pain scores, AOFAS ankle/hindfoot scores, and SF-36 scores were demonstrated in both age groups. Following surgery, there were improvements in all parameters of gait, including temporal-spatial parameters as step length and walking velocity; kinematic parameters, including, increase in total range of motion to a total of 17-19°; and kinetic parameters, including increase in ankle power and moment. The improvements both in clinical and gait outcomes were equivalent in the two age groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this comparative study, it is shown that both elderly patients over the age of 70 and younger patients aged 50-60 demonstrated equivalent improvements clinical and gait outcomes following ankle arthroplasty. This may be important data both for clinical decision-making and the health economics for our ageing population.

Gait abnormalities in patients with chronic ankle instability can improve following a non-invasive biomechanical therapy: a retrospective analysis.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in gait patterns and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) following treatment with a home-based non-invasive biomechanical device. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three patients with CAI were compared with 43 healthy controls. Patients underwent a spatiotemporal gait assessment before and three months following treatment. Clinical evaluation was recorded with SF-36 Health Survey and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). [Results] Significant baseline differences were found between groups. Patients with CAI showed a statistically significant improvement in velocity, cadence, symptomatic limb step length and single limb support over time. Significant improvements in SF-36 PCS and FAOS outcome scores were found in patients with CAI. [Conclusion] Patients with CAI have baseline spatiotemporal gait abnormalities as compared with healthy controls. However, clinical and gait metrics improvement can be expected after 12 weeks of perturbation training using a non-invasive biomechanical device.

A large-scale study on epidemiology and risk factors for chronic ankle instability in young adults.

Up to 40% of ankle sprains can result in chronic ankle instability (CAI). The prevalence of CAI and its association with body mass index (BMI) and height in the general young adult population has not been reported. The database records of young adults before recruitment into mandatory military service were studied. Information on the disability codes associated with CAI was retrieved. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the BMI and body height with various grades of CAI severity. The study cohort included 829,791 subjects (470,125 males and 359,666 females). The prevalence was 0.7% for mild CAI and 0.4% for severe instability in males and 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, for females (p < .001). An increased BMI was associated with ankle instability in males (overweight, odds ratio [OR] 1.249, p < .001; obese, OR 1.418, p < .001) and females (overweight, OR 1.989 p < .001; obese, OR 2.754, p < .001). The body height was associated with an increased risk of CAI when the highest height quintile was compared with the lowest height quintile in both males (OR 2.443, p < .001) and females (OR 1.436, p < .001) for all levels of instability severity. The present study has shown a greater prevalence of CAI among males than females in a general healthy young adult population. CAI was associated with an increased BMI and greater body height for all grades of instability severity.

Early radiographic and clinical results of Salto total ankle arthroplasty as a fixed-bearing device.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacement has increased in popularity in the management of severe tibiotalar arthritis. Most previous clinical reports focused on mobile-bearing designs. This study evaluates early radiographic and clinical results of the Salto fixed bearing design. METHODS: Twenty-three Salto fixed-bearing implants were prospectively studied. Records were reviewed for clinical outcome scores (VAS, AOFAS, SF36), subsequent surgeries, complications, radiographic data and implant survivorship. Average follow-up was 36 months. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in VAS, AOFAS ankle/hindfoot scores, and SF36 scores were shown at an average of 3 years postoperatively. At 3 years followup, survivorship of the implant was 82.6% with any reoperation as the endpoint and 95.6% for revision or removal of components. Seven patients had radiolucencies around the implant, one of which required revision to arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: The fixed-bearing Salto ankle replacement has comparable early radiographic and clinical results to reports of the mobile-bearing Salto of comparable followup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Pediatric nonaccidental injury: are orthopedic surgeons vigilant enough?

BACKGROUND: Nonaccidental pediatric injuries are major cause of morbidity and mortality, with fractures being second to soft-tissue injuries as the most common presentation. As the orthopedic surgeon might be the only physician an abused child would encounter, the role of the orthopedic surgeon is of great importance. It includes recognition, treatment, and appropriate report of suspected child abuse. The purpose of this study is to examine the attitude and knowledge of orthopedic surgeons treating suspected nonaccidental injuries. METHODS: Evaluation of orthopedic surgeons included level of knowledge regarding pediatric nonaccidental injury, common practice, and reporting attitudes to Child Protection Services. We specifically examined whether seniority and professional experience had effect on knowledge and performance. Data were collected by a questionnaire distributed to orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: The study cohort includes 130 orthopedic surgeons. As much as 62.3% of participating physicians had 10 years or less experience practicing as orthopedic surgeons, and 37.7% had more than 10 years of experience. A mean of 2.39 cases of suspected child abuse was treated over the last year by the physicians that completed the questionnaire. Thirty-five percent of the responders had specific targeted training with respect to the "violence toward minors or helpless reporting obligation law." Of the participating physicians, 89.2% stated that they thought it is the responsibility of the orthopedic surgeons to raise the suspicion for child abuse and refer the child and his/her parents to Child Protection Services. When treating a case of suspected nonaccidental injury, 61.2% of experienced physicians stated that they try to find out what caused the symptoms as opposed to 81.5% of less-experienced physicians (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that many orthopedic surgeons--both senior physicians and less-experienced physicians--can benefit by improved education and training modality related to pediatric nonaccidental injury. More-experienced physicians had lesser awareness and tendency to further investigate cases with suspected nonaccidental injury compared with less-experienced physicians. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective study.

Delay in diagnosis of femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis in adults: an elusive disease with poor outcome.

BACKGROUND: Hematogenous osteomyelitis of long bone is rare in adults, especially in the immune competent host. Only a few cases have been described to date. OBJECTIVES: To present a case series of femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis in adults, a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose and may cause major morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We reviewed three cases of femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis that occurred between 2007 and 2009. The course of the disease, physical findings, imaging modalities, laboratory analysis, culture results and functional outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: In all cases the diagnosis was delayed after symptoms were first attributed to radicular-like pain or lateral thigh pain due to an inflammatory non-infectious source. In all cases infection was caused by an unusual or fastidious bacterium. The pathogen was Haemophilus aphrophilus in one case, and Streptococcus specimens were found in the other two. Pathological fracture occurred in two of the cases despite culture-specific antibiotic treatment and a non-weight bearing treatment protocol. It took five surgical interventions on average to reach full recovery from infection, but residual disability was still noted at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that although femoral hematogenous osteomyelitis is a rare condition in adults, its ability to mimic other pathologies can result in delayed diagnosis and major morbidity. In our series the pathogen was different in each case and was cultured only from the infected site. Pathological fracture is a devastating complication but we do not recommend prophylactic stabilization at this point.

Comparison of gait after total ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies reported improved gait after total ankle arthroplasty and better parameters of gait than those reported in earlier studies of patients after ankle arthrodesis. However, there are very limited data prospectively evaluating the effects on gait after ankle arthroplasty compared with ankle arthrodesis. Controversy remains regarding the relative advantages and disadvantages of these 2 treatments and especially the differences in function between them. METHODS: We performed a prospective study involving 28 patients with posttraumatic and primary ankle osteoarthritis and a control group of 14 normal volunteers. We compared gait in 14 patients who had undergone ankle arthrodesis with the gait of 14 patients who had ankle arthroplasty preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed with a 12-camera digital-motion capture system. Temporospatial measurements included stride length and cadence. The kinematic parameters that were measured included the sagittal plane range of motion of the ankle and the coronal plane range of motion of the ankle. Double force plates were used to collect kinetic parameters such as ankle coronal and plantar flexion-dorsiflexion moments and sagittal plane ankle power. Center of pressure (CoP) and its progression in gait cycle were calculated. RESULTS: Baseline parameters showed comparability among the treatment and control groups. Temporospatial analysis, using time as the main effect, showed that compared with ankle arthrodesis, patients with total ankle arthroplasty had higher walking velocity attributable to both increases in stride length and cadence as well as more normalized first and second rockers of the gait cycle. Kinematic analysis, using time and intervention as the main effects, showed that patients who had ankle arthroplasty had better sagittal dorsiflexion (P = .001), whereas those undergoing ankle arthrodesis had better coronal plane eversion (P = .01). Neither ankle arthrodesis nor arthroplasty altered the CoP progression during stance phase. Total ankle arthroplasty produced a more symmetrical vertical ground reaction force curve, which was closer to that of the controls than was the curve of the ankle arthrodesis group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in both the arthrodesis and arthroplasty groups had significant improvements in various parameters of gait when compared with their own preoperative function. Neither group functioned as well as the normal control subjects. Neither group was superior in every parameter of gait at 1 year postoperatively. However, the data suggest that the major parameters of gait after ankle arthrodesis in deformed ankle arthritis are comparable to gait function after total ankle arthroplasty in nondeformed ankle arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Flexible pes planus in adolescents: body mass index, body height, and gender--an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on the prevalence of flexible pes planus (FPP) have been conducted in pediatric populations and older adults. There is limited comparable information on these parameters for the adolescent age group. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of FPP and its association with body mass index (BMI), body height, and gender among healthy and fit adolescents. METHODS: The data for this study were derived from a medical database containing records of 17-year-old males and females before their recruitment into mandatory military service. Information on the disability codes associated with FPP according to the Regulations of Medical Fitness Determination was retrieved. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between BMI, body height, and gender to various grades of FPP severity. RESULTS: The study cohort included 825 964 adolescents (467 412 males and 358 552 females). The prevalence was 12.4% for mild FPP and 3.8% for severe FPP among the males and 9.3% and 2.4%, respectively, for the females. An increased BMI was associated with FPP in both males (overweight: odds ratio [OR] 1.385, confidence interval [CI] 1.352-1.419, P < .001; obese: OR 1.765, CI 1.718-1.813, P < .001) and females (overweight: OR 1.408, CI 1.365-1.620, P < .001; obese: OR 1.549, CI 1.481-1.620, P < .001). Body height was associated with a decreased risk of FPP when the highest height quintile was compared with the lowest height quintile in both males (OR 0.782, CI 0.762-0.802, P < .001) and females (OR 0.730, CI 0.707-0.754, P < .001) for all FPP severity grades. CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater prevalence of FPP among males compared with females in a general healthy adolescent age group. FPP was associated with increased BMI and shorter body height for all grades of FPP severity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic study.

Sequelae of underdiagnosed foot compartment syndrome after calcaneal fractures.

The calcaneus is the most frequently fractured tarsal bone. Compartment syndrome (CS) complicates fractures and other injuries and is most commonly described in association with the lower leg. The long-term sequelae of CS of the foot can include toe clawing, permanent loss of function, persistent pain, muscle atrophy, contracture, painful warts, weakness, and sensory disturbances. The incidence and clinical significance of untreated CS after calcaneal fractures were questioned. All compliant patients treated by us for a calcaneus fracture underwent a physical examination and medical interview: 47 (49 fractures) were included in the final cohort (36 males, 11 females, mean age 49 ± 14.5 years, mean follow-up 23 ± 16 months). Missed CS sequelae were diagnosed by the presence of claw toes and plantar sensory deficits. The functional outcome and pain at rest and during activity were scored. Five patients (10%) had missed CS, and their functional score was significantly lower than for those without CS (52 ± 21.5 versus 77.4 ± 22 for no CS, p < .05). All missed CS cases were diagnosed in patients with a Sanders type 3 or 4 fracture. Intra-articular fracture was a significant factor associated with developing CS sequelae (p = .045). Untreated CS can cause muscle and nerve injury and contribute to a poor functional outcome. Because CS is more likely to develop after highly comminuted intra-articular fractures, these patients warrant close monitoring for CS development. Early detection and treatment might result in fewer late disabling sequelae of this injury.