Comparison of Open Anterior Syndesmotic Repair Augmented With Suture-Tape and Trans-syndesmotic Screw Fixation: A Biomechanical Study.

The treatment of syndesmotic injuries with ankle fractures is controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of open anterior syndesmotic repair with those of screw fixation. Ten matched pairs of human cadaver specimens were subjected to open syndesmotic repair or screw fixation. Each specimen underwent initial intact physiologic loading, consisting of 10 cycles of external torsional loading with a peak torque of 7.5 Nm at 0.05 Hz. Injuries of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, tibiofibular interosseous membrane, and deltoid ligament were applied to each specimen. Postfixation cyclic loading consisted of 50 cycles of combined axial and external rotation loading with peak torques of 750 N and 7.5 Nm at a rate of 0.05 Hz. After postfixation loading, each specimen underwent failure loading by external rotation at 0.25 degrees/second. Failure torque and failure angle were measured. The paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the data. Mean failure torques were 95.63 Nm in the open anterior syndesmotic repair augmented with suture-tape group and 108.61 Nm in the screw group. Mean failure angles were 34.93 degrees in the open anterior syndesmotic repair augmented with suture-tape group and 43.55 degrees in the screw group. These data were not statistically significantly different between the groups (p= .7682 and .4133, respectively). Open anterior syndesmotic repair augmented with suture tape for ankle syndesmotic injury provides similar torsional strength to that of screw fixation. Therefore, this technique can be considered as an alternative treatment option for syndesmosis injury.

Arthroscopic microfracture with atelocollagen augmentation for osteochondral lesion of the talus: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate whether arthroscopic microfracture with atelocollagen augmentation could improve the clinical outcomes and quality of regenerated cartilage in patients with osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). We hypothesized that the clinical outcomes and quality of the regenerated cartilage would be superior in patients undergoing arthroscopic microfracture with atelocollagen augmentation compared to those undergoing arthroscopic microfracture alone. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, 60 patients were randomly allocated to two groups: arthroscopic microfracture with atelocollagen augmentation (group 1, n = 31) and arthroscopic microfracture alone (group 2, n = 29). Mean 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), Hannover scoring system (HSS), and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were assessed 2 years postoperatively and compared between the groups. The quality of the regenerated cartilage was assessed according to the Magnetic Resonance Observation of CArtilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score based on magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (22 in group 1, 23 in group 2) completed the 2-year follow-up. The quality of the regenerated cartilage assessed based on the MOCART score was significantly superior in group 1 compared to group 2 (64.49 ± 18.27 vs 53.01 ± 12.14, p = 0.018). Clinical outcomes in terms of 100-mm VAS (17.25 ± 20.31 vs 19.37 ± 18.58, p = 0.72), HSS (93.09 ± 13.64 vs 86.09 ± 13.36, p = 0.14), and AOFAS (91.23 ± 8.62 vs 86.91 ± 10.68, p = 0.09) scores were superior in group 1 compared to group 2, but the differences were not statistically significant. Both groups showed significant improvements in clinical outcomes compared with the preoperative values. CONCLUSION: The quality of the regenerated cartilage was superior after arthroscopic microfracture with atelocollagen augmentation compared to that after microfracture alone in patients with OLT. Clinical outcomes assessed 2 years postoperatively were superior in patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture with atelocollagen augmentation compared to those who underwent arthroscopic microfracture alone, although the differences were not statistically significant. A long-term study of the cohort is required to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02519881 ), August 11, 2015.

Comprehensive Assessment of Ankle Syndesmosis Injury Using 3D Isotropic Turbo Spin-Echo Sequences: Diagnostic Performance Compared With That of Conventional and Oblique 3-T MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 3D sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) sequences in the evaluation of ankle syndesmosis injuries, compared with that of conventional orthogonal MRI and oblique proton density-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences performed with 3-T MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 98 patients with suspected ankle syndesmosis injuries who underwent both MRI and surgery. Fifty patients (mean [± SD] age, 34.5 ± 15.3 years) had acute injuries, and 48 patients (mean age, 28.5 ± 9.6 years) had chronic injuries. For both groups, the diagnostic performance of each MRI sequence with regard to syndesmosis injuries was evaluated. Arthroscopy findings were used as a reference standard to confirm diagnosis. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values were noted between images of the syndesmosis obtained using proton density-weighted TSE sequences and images of the syndesmosis obtained using 3D SPACE sequences (p > 0.05). Interobserver agreement regarding the diagnosis of both acute and chronic syndesmosis injuries was almost perfect for proton density-weighted TSE images (κ > 0.80) and was substantial for 3D SPACE images (κ > 0.75). Both methods of obtaining images of the syndesmosis had a diagnostic performance superior to that of conventional orthogonal MRI. CONCLUSION: The performance of 3D SPACE sequences is comparable to that of 2D proton density-weighted MR images for the diagnosis of acute and chronic syndesmosis injuries.

Concomitant Syndesmotic Instability and Medial Ankle Instability Are Risk Factors for Unsatisfactory Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability.

PURPOSE: To determine whether concomitant chronic syndesmotic injury or chronic medial ankle instability is associated with unsatisfactory outcomes in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CAI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 276 male military patients with CAI who had undergone a modified Broström procedure between May 2007 and March 2010 and had been followed up for a mean of 26.7 months (range, 22 to 41 months). We evaluated clinical outcomes using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot, visual analog scale, and ankle functional satisfactory scale scores. Possible associations with concomitant instability were reconstructed and investigated using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 236 patients with satisfactory outcomes, 19 (8%) had medial ankle instability and 13 (6%) had syndesmotic instability; in contrast, of the 40 patients with unsatisfactory outcomes, 14 (35%) had medial ankle instability and 12 (30%) had syndesmotic instability. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores for patients with satisfactory and unsatisfactory outcomes increased from 68.1 to 92.8 (P < .001) and from 65.9 to 76.8 (P < .001), respectively. The mean visual analog scale scores for the groups with satisfactory and unsatisfactory outcomes decreased from 5.8 to 2.1 (P < .001) and from 6.2 to 4.8 (P < .001), respectively. The mean ankle satisfaction score was 27.8 for patients with satisfactory outcomes and 18.7 for those with unsatisfactory outcomes (P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a 4-fold higher risk of dissatisfaction (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 20.07; P = .0880) with CAI and syndesmotic instability, a 3.8-fold higher risk (95% CI, 0.96 to 15.07; P = .0576) with CAI and medial ankle instability, and an 11.7-fold higher risk (95% CI, 2.60 to 52.70; P = .0014) with CAI and both syndesmotic and medial ankle instability. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic syndesmotic instability and chronic medial ankle instability are significantly associated with unsatisfactory outcomes in patients with CAI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Deltoid ligament in acute ankle injury: MR imaging analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the pattern of deltoid ligament injury after acute ankle injury and the relationship between ankle fracture and deltoid ligament tear by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (32 male, and 4 female; mean age, 29.8 years) with acute deltoid ligament injury who had undergone MRI participated in this study. The deltoid ligament was classified as having 3 superficial and 2 deep components. An image analysis included the integrity and tear site of the deltoid ligament, and other associated injuries. Association between ankle fracture and deltoid ligament tear was assessed using Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Of the 36 patients, 21 (58.3 %) had tears in the superficial and deep deltoid ligaments, 6 (16.7 %) in the superficial ligaments only, and 4 (11.1 %) in the deep ligaments only. The most common tear site of the three components of the superficial deltoid and deep anterior tibiotalar ligaments was their proximal attachments (94 % and 91.7 % respectively), and that of the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (pTTL) was its distal attachment (82.6 %). The common associated injuries were ankle fracture (63.9 %), syndesmosis tear (55.6 %), and lateral collateral ligament complex tear (44.4 %). All the components of the deltoid ligament were frequently torn in patients with ankle fractures (tibionavicular ligament, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The observed injury pattern of the deltoid ligament was complex and frequently associated with concomitant ankle pathology. The most common tear site of the superficial deltoid ligament was the medial malleolar attachment, whereas that of the deep pTTL was near its medial talar insertion.

The use of fibrin matrix-mixed gel-type autologous chondrocyte implantation in the treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the clinical results and second-look arthroscopy after fibrin matrix-mixed gel-type autologous chondrocyte implantation to treat osteochondral lesions of the talus. METHODS: Chondrocytes were harvested from the cuboid surface of the calcaneus in 38 patients and cultured, and gel-type autologous chondrocyte implantation was performed with or without medial malleolar osteotomy. Preoperative American orthopedic foot and ankle society ankle-hind foot scores, visual analogue score, Hannover scoring system and subjective satisfaction were investigated, and the comparison of arthroscopic results (36/38, 94.7 %) and MRI investigation of chondral recovery was performed. Direct tenderness and relationship to the active daily life of the donor site was evaluated. RESULTS: The preoperative mean ankle-hind foot scores (71 ± 14) and Hannover scoring system (65 ± 10) had increased to 91 ± 12 and 93 ± 14, respectively, at 24-month follow-up (p < 0.0001), and the preoperative visual analogue score of 58 mm had decreased to 21 mm (p < 0.0001). Regarding subjective satisfaction, 34 cases (89.5 %) reported excellent, good or fair. Chondral regeneration was analysed by second-look arthroscopy and MRI. Complications included one non-union and two delayed-unions of the osteotomy sites, and 9 ankles (9/31, 29.0 %) sustained damaged medial malleolar cartilage due to osteotomy. Marked symptoms at the biopsy site did not adversely affect the patient's active daily life. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin matrix-mixed gel-type autologous chondrocyte implantation using the cuboid surface of the calcaneus as a donor can be used for treating osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Perioperative complications and learning curve of the Mobility Total Ankle System.

BACKGROUND: Only 2 articles related to the recently developed Mobility Total Ankle System (Johnson & Johnson Medical/DePuy International, Leeds, UK) have been published to date. The purpose of this study was to determine the perioperative complications associated with the Mobility Total Ankle System and whether a learning curve exists for this system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 60 consecutive patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty using the Mobility Total Ankle System for advanced osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis between May 2008 and June 2010. Group A included the initial 30 patients who underwent surgery, and group B included the next 30 patients. Reporting of adverse perioperative events, including wound healing problems, fracture, aseptic loosening, tendinitis, component malposition, neuroma, and bony impingement, was limited to the first 3 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Eleven of the 30 patients in group A developed complications (36.7%), and 1 died of an unknown cause 6 months after leaving the hospital. The complications in this group included medial malleolar fracture in 6 patients, lateral malleolar fracture in 1, wound healing problems in 2, and varus deformity in 2. Five of the 30 patients in group B developed complications (16.7%). The complications in this group included medial malleolar fracture in 1 patient, medial impingement in 2, Achilles tendon rupture in 1, and wound problems in 1. There was no statistically significant difference (P = .08) between the 2 groups in the incidence of complications after total ankle replacement arthroplasty. There was also no significant difference between the 2 groups in the types of complications seen. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative complications associated with total ankle replacement arthroplasty using the Mobility Total Ankle System were seen in 16 of 60 patients. Group A had a higher incidence of perioperative complications than did group B. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Either the expertise of the surgeon or the simplicity of the total ankle system can affect the learning curve, although these things were not specifically quantified in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative case series.

Unilateral hallux valgus: is it true unilaterality, or does it progress to bilateral deformity?

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine whether unilateral hallux valgus progresses unilaterally and to evaluate the demographics, etiologies, and radiographic findings associated with symptomatic unilateral hallux valgus deformities. METHODS: Patients treated for hallux valgus between January 2004 and December 2008 were identified, and of these, 33 patients with unilateral deformities were enrolled. Progression of deformities in normal feet were evaluated at last follow-up visit, and the clinical information and radiographic measurements of those with a deformed normal foot or an unchanged normal foot were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (3.4%) had a unilateral hallux valgus deformity on preoperative radiographs. The mean length of follow up was 4.7 years (range, 2.4-11). Twenty-four cases had no deformity of the normal foot at last follow-up (the unchanged group), but 15 cases had developed hallux valgus deformity (the deformed group). No significant intergroup differences were found in terms of metatarsus adductus angle (P = .412), Meary angle (P = .771), talocalcaneal angle (P = 1.000), or calcaneal pitch angle (P = .267). However, members of the deformed group were significantly younger at disease onset (P = .045), exhibited a curved first metatarsal head (P = .046), and had a larger initial hallux valgus angle (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of bilateral symptomatic hallux valgus was found to be over 97.3%, and significant differences were found between the deformed and unchanged groups in terms of age of onset, metatarsal head shape, and hallux valgus angle.

Characteristics of male adolescent-onset hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Several studies show that hallux valgus has a female preponderance and that approximately 50% of patients have an adolescent onset of deformity. However, little is known about male adolescent-onset hallux valgus. We evaluated the radiologic characteristics and the result of deformity correction in male adolescent-onset hallux valgus (MAHV). METHODS: We evaluated 31 feet with MAHV that received corrective osteotomies (16 scarf, 11 distal chevron, 4 proximal chevron, and 21 Akin). The patients' mean age was 22 years. Using standard weight-bearing radiographs, we measured hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), proximal phalangeal angle (PPA), metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), and congruency, preoperatively and at an average of 21 months after surgery. We assessed the clinical outcome at follow-up with regard to patient satisfaction using the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score. RESULTS: The mean HVA, IMA, DMAA, and PPA decreased from 28.8, 12.0, 11.9, and 6.5 degrees to 10.9, 4.2, 9.7, and 6.3 degrees, respectively (P < .05). Preoperative congruency was 68% (21 of 31 feet). All feet had metatarsus adductus, and the mean MAA was 26.7 degrees. The mean AOFAS score increased from 64.3 to 92.7. Excellent and good satisfaction rate was 94% (29 of 31 feet). We had 2 complications: 1 patient with acute deep infection and 1 patient with complex regional pain syndrome type II accompanying neuralgia of the hallux. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients with MAHV had congruent first metatarsophalangeal joints consistent with increased MAA and DMAA. They also had high PPA and relatively lower IMA. Metatarsal osteotomy with lateral translation and phalangeal corrective osteotomy for MAHV was a reliable technique with successful outcomes and low complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Surgical results of 5th metatarsal stress fracture using modified tension band wiring.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical results of modified tension band wiring using two cortical screws for the treatment of fifth metatarsal stress fractures. METHODS: Forty-two patients with Torg's type I and II fifth metatarsal stress fractures treated using the modified tension band wiring technique from 2005 to 2008 were evaluated retrospectively. All of the patients were elite athletes. RESULTS: The mean length of follow-up was 26 ± 16 months (12-62 months). All patients were able to return to their previous levels of sporting activity. The mean time to union as determined by CT was 75 ± 25 days (40-150 days). However, during follow-up, there were 4 delayed unions, 1 nonunion, and 4 refractures. CONCLUSION: The described modified tension band wiring technique is a good alternative method for the surgical treatment of Torg's type I and II fifth metatarsal stress fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series with no comparison group, retrospective case series, Level IV.

Medial approaches to osteochondral lesion of the talus without medial malleolar osteotomy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the area of the talus that can be reached through combined anterior and posterior arthrotomy without medial malleolar osteotomy. Five fresh-frozen cadaver foot-ankle specimens were examined using posteromedial approach and anteromedial approach. We calculated the size of the marked area beginning from the posteromedial corner of the talus in the posteromedial approach and beginning from the anteromedial corner in the anteromedial approach. From the posteromedial talus, we can access 33% of the talus' AP length and 30% of its medial to lateral length through a posteromedial approach. From the anteromedial arthrotomy, 50% of the AP length and 31% of the medial to lateral length can be reached. This leaves approximately 20% that is not accessible. If the osteochondral lesion is within the accessible area through either a posteromedial or anteromedial approach as viewed on MRI/CT, it can be safely reached without a medial malleolar osteotomy.

Perioperative complications of the MOBILITY total ankle system: comparison with the HINTEGRA total ankle system.

BACKGROUND: The perioperative complications associated with MOBILITY total ankle replacement arthroplasty have not yet been reported. METHODS: During the research period from May 2008 to June 2009, a total of 30 consecutive cases of ankle arthritis were treated with surgery. An investigation into the perioperative complications for these cases was conducted. Comparison with the previously reported perioperative complications for the HINTEGRA model was made. The 30 cases were divided into two groups wherein the first group underwent surgery during the early half of the study period and the second group underwent surgery during the later half. The incidences of complications between the two groups were then compared. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of perioperative complications between the use of the HINTEGRA model and the MOBILITY model for total ankle replacement arthroplasty, although medial malleolar fracture was statistically increased with the use of MOBILITY. CONCLUSIONS: The study implies that a new learning curve may affect the outcome of surgery when a newly designed implant is used for total ankle replacement arthroplasty and that long tibial procedure time and long distraction time played a critical role in the incidence of malleolar fracture.

Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.

There is no clear consensus on the optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Recently, studies have demonstrated the critical role of functional rehabilitation in the treatment of ruptured Achilles tendons. Hence, conservative treatment is preferred by a growing number of surgeons seeking to treat the condition without the risk of complications from surgery. However, operative treatment is still considered as a more reliable treatment option for acute Achilles tendon rupture. In this review article, we provide an overview of recent treatment strategies for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Conservative treatment of refractures after modified tension band wiring of fifth metatarsal base stress fractures in athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent fifth metatarsal base stress fractures (MT5-BSF) in athletes present a challenging problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of conservative treatment for the refracture of MT5-BSF after modified tension band wiring (MTBW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcomes of 15 elite athletes undergoing conservative treatment for refracture of MT5-BSF after MTBW were retrospectively reviewed. They were instructed to avoid weight-bearing with short leg cast for 6 weeks. After that, they started partial weight with a postop shoe. Stepwise exercise followed bone union by radiographs. RESULTS: Thirteen cases (86.6%) had a complete bone union after a mean of 18.9 ± 8.6 weeks. Twelve cases (80%) returned to their previous activity level and maintained for at least two consecutive seasons. CONCLUSION: Eighty percent of all athletic patients with the conservative treatment for refractures with healed MT5-BSF after MTBW on the plantar-lateral side could maintain and return to their previous sports activity for at least 2 years.

Operative Results of Plantar Plating for Fifth Metatarsal Stress Fracture.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of fifth metatarsal stress fractures can be challenging. Various operative fixation methods have been reported for fracture management. Among them, intramedullary screw fixation has become increasingly popular. However, recent reports have described failures after screw fixation in athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of clinical and radiographic healing, time to return to sport, and complications of elite athletes with proximal fifth metatarsal fractures treated with plantar plating. METHODS: Thirty-eight athletes with fifth metatarsal stress fractures treated using a plantar plating technique in 3 hospitals from 2013 to 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, radiographic evaluation, and the time until union and return to sports activities were collected and analyzed. A total of 38 patients underwent the plantar plating for a fifth metatarsal stress fracture with a mean follow-up of 23 (range, 12-49) months. RESULTS: The mean time to the radiologic union, as determined by plain radiography, was 9.3 (range, 8-16) weeks. Although there were no nonunions or delayed unions during follow-up, 4 refractures developed (10.5%). All but 1 patient were able to return to their previous levels of sporting activity at 22.2 ± 4.5 (range, 12-40) weeks. CONCLUSION: With a minimum of 1-year follow-up, the described plantar plating technique could be an alternative method for the operative treatment of fifth metatarsal stress fractures without nonunion problems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Results of operative treatment of double Morton's neuroma in the same foot.

BACKGROUND: Double Morton's neuroma in one foot has rarely been reported in the literature. METHODS: In the current study, the authors treated 11 patients with a total of 14 cases of double Morton's neuroma in one foot. During the research period, 157 cases of Morton's neuroma were treated with surgery. The neuromas were excised through a single skin incision, and all operations occurred within a 17-month period from April 2005 to October 2006. RESULTS: The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 54 points, and the mean postoperative AOFAS score was 78 points. Seven patients underwent additional foot procedures, and the other half did not. There was no significant difference in improvement in the postoperative AOFAS score between patients treated with a combined procedure and patients treated without a combined procedure. Protective sensation was present postoperatively in most patients, except for the four patients who had hypoesthesia or hyperesthesia. No patients were administered anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: We report success in surgical excision of double Morton's neuroma in one foot through a single skin incision, and recommend that in cases of compound diseases, excision of a double Morton's neuroma must be performed as a combination procedure.

Outcome of Second-Ray Pathologies Following Weil Osteotomy in Patients Treated for Hallux Valgus.

Background: We hypothesized that the cause of second-ray pathology with hallux valgus is excessive relative length of the second metatarsal and performed Weil osteotomy to shorten it, with correction of hallux valgus. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of second-ray pathology after distal chevron osteotomy (DCO) with Weil osteotomy to correct metatarsal parabola. Methods: We performed concomitant Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal with DCO of the first metatarsal as part of hallux valgus with second-ray pathology correction surgery in 45 feet (40 patients). Second-ray pathologies were claw toe deformity, painful plantar callosity, second metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dislocation, and osteoarthritis (OA) of the second MTPJ. We measured projection of the second metatarsal (PSM), metatarsal protrusion index (MPI), and metatarsal protrusion distance (MPD). The second-ray surgery outcome was assessed by patient satisfaction. Results: Patient satisfaction was good in claw toe deformity and OA (satisfaction rate: 60% [23 patients] and 71% [7 patients], respectively) and fair in painful plantar callosity and second MTP joint dislocation (satisfaction rate: 44% [9 patients] and 33% [6 patients], respectively). Total patient satisfaction rate was higher when the PSM, MPI, and MPD ranged between 7 and 12 mm, -5 and 0 mm, and 0 and 4 mm, respectively. Conclusions: We concluded that simultaneous performance of hallux valgus correction and Weil osteotomy in patients with second-ray pathologies associated with hallux valgus was safe as well as effective. Correcting the metatarsal parabola within the appropriate range after surgery is associated with second-ray pathology outcome. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic studies, Level VI: Case series.

Candy Closure Technique for Chronic Open Infective Lateral Malleolus Bursitis.

The aim of this study was to report the effectiveness of the Candy closure technique as a treatment for chronic open infective lateral malleolus bursitis. From June 2014 to March 2018, we performed the Candy closure technique as a treatment for chronic open infective lateral malleolus bursitis in nine patients without secondary operation. We first performed infectious tissue debridement to control infection, and if primary closure was not possible, we performed the Candy closure technique for small wounds. The duration of the wound prior to surgery varied from 4 weeks to 2 years. Seven cases were due to infection on the bursa and two cases were ulcer-type bursitis. All the wounds were small (average, 3.80 cm2; range, 2.25-4 cm2) and circular. Seven wounds showed complete healing at 4 weeks after surgery, one wound showed complete healing at 8 weeks after surgery, and one wound with infected state was lost to missing follow-up. Of the seven wounds that showed complete healing, one wound recurred 6 months after surgery. The Candy closure technique is a simple method for ensuring healing and coverage of chronic open lateral malleolus bursitis, especially for small wounds with dead space.

Potential of Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Hydrogel Complex for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may hold great promise for treating diabetic wounds. However, it is difficult for a clinician to use MSCs because they have not been commercialized. Meanwhile, a new commercial drug that contains adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has been developed. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of allogeneic ASC sheets for treating diabetic foot ulcers. Fifty-nine patients with diabetic foot ulcers were randomized to either the ASC treatment group (n = 30) or a control group treated with polyurethane film (n = 29). Either an allogeneic ASC sheet or polyurethane film was applied on diabetic wounds weekly. These wounds were evaluated for a maximum of 12 weeks. Complete wound closure was achieved for 73% in the treatment group and 47% in the control group at week 8. Complete wound closure was achieved for 82% in the treatment group and 53% in the control group at week 12. The Kaplan-Meier median times to complete closure were 28.5 and 63.0 days for the treatment group and the control group, respectively. There were no serious adverse events related to allogeneic ASC treatment. Thus, allogeneic ASCs might be effective and safe to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

Mobility changes of the first ray after hallux valgus surgery: clinical results after proximal metatarsal chevron osteotomy and distal soft tissue procedure.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change of the first ray mobility after PMCO and DSTP in hallux valgus patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2004 to December 2005, 82 PMCO with DSTP surgeries were performed for the management of hallux valgus deformity. The dorsiflexion mobility of the first ray of the foot was measured both preoperatively and 1 year after surgery using a modified Klaue device. The data were statistically analyzed with a paired t-test. An American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot hallux score and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: Subjects consisted of 9 male and 73 female patients with an average age of 47.7 years (range, 19 to 74 years). The mean preoperative dorsiflexion mobility was 6.8 (range, 2.32 to 15.02) mm and the mean dorsiflexion mobility at one year after operation was 3.2 (range, from 1.7 to 5.4) mm. This decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The mean preoperative AOFAS forefoot hallux score was 66.2 (range, 44 to 90) and improved to 89.1 (range, 72 to 100) by the 1-year followup (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Clinically, the dorsiflexion mobility of the first ray was significantly reduced after correction of hallux valgus with PMCO with DSTP. Because the stability of the first ray can be improved with PMCO with DSTP, the surgical indication for this procedure could include some patients showing hypermobility of the first ray.