Treatment of Insertional Achilles Tendinosis With Polyurethane Urea-Based Matrix Augmentation.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinosis (IAT) sometimes requires tendon repair augmentation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of polycaprolactone-based polyurethane urea (PUUR) matrix augmentation in the treatment of IAT. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in surgically treated IAT. Repairs were augmented with a PUUR matrix. Factors evaluated included date of full weightbearing, patient satisfaction, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, strength, and ankle motion. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare baseline and final follow-up VAS scores. RESULTS: A total of 18 cases were included in the study. The mean patient age was 54.61 ± 8.25 (40-75) years with a mean follow-up of 163.61 ± 57.81 (92-314) days. Patient satisfaction was obtained on 15 of 18 patients, with 14 patients satisfied with their outcome. Mean VAS for pain significantly decreased from 6.19 ± 1.97 (2.5-9) to 0.83 ± 1.54 (0-5) postoperatively, which was statistically significant (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Achilles tendon augmentation with the PUUR matrix is a viable option in the treatment of IAT. Its use in this condition has minimal morbidity and can be an alternative to other forms of augmentation. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective case series.

Safety Profile of Synthetic Elastic Degradable Matrix for Soft Tissue Reconstruction in Foot & Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation of soft tissue repairs has been helpful in protecting surgically repaired tissues as they heal. FlexBand (Artelon, Marietta, Georgia) is a synthetic, degradable, polycaprolactone-based polyurethane urea (PUUR) matrix that has been investigated and used for soft tissue repair in a variety of settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety profile of a PUUR matrix in a large cohort of patients undergoing soft tissue repairs about the foot and ankle. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent surgery using FlexBand to augment a soft tissue repair was performed to evaluate for major and minor complications related to the PUUR matrix. Results. A total of 105 patients with an average >6 months follow-up were included. The most common procedures were spring ligament repair, Achilles tendon repair, and Brostrom. There were 12 complications. Four major complications occurred with only 1 requiring PUUR matrix removal. Patients with wound complications had a higher body mass index (BMI) and rate of smoking. CONCLUSION: Complication rates involving PUUR matrix in soft tissue foot and ankle reconstruction procedures are low and comparable with historical complication rates. The PUUR matrix is safe for use in a variety of soft tissue procedures about the foot and ankle.Level of Evidence: Level 4, Retrospective case-series.

Outcomes and Surgical Strategies of Minimally Invasive Chevron/Akin Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly being used for bunion correction, but limited patient outcome data have been reported for third-generation minimally invasive chevron/Akin (MICA) techniques. The aim of this study was to report on radiographic outcomes, pain control, satisfaction, learning curve, and complication rates in a consecutive series of 94 patients undergoing MICA procedures for hallux valgus. It also describes strategies for avoiding perioperative complications that may arise with MIS bunionectomies. METHODS: The treating surgeon's first 94 MICA procedures were included in the study. Radiographs were reviewed to measure pre- and postoperative intermetatarsal angles (IMAs), hallux valgus angles (HVAs), and soft tissue/bony foot width. Outcome measures, including visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Coughlin satisfaction scores, were obtained. Complication rates were retrospectively assessed though chart review. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test for continuous variables and χ2 test for categorical variables. Average patient follow-up was 11.2 months. RESULTS: VAS scores dropped 1 week postoperatively, from 5.2 preoperatively to 2.4 (P < .001). IMA improved from 12.6 degrees to 5.7 degrees at final follow-up (P < .001), while HVA improved from 26.8 degrees to 10.3 degrees (P < .001). Bony foot width improved from 92.4 mm to 87.2 mm (P < .001), and soft tissue foot width improved from 104.1 mm to 100.1 mm (P < .001). The reoperation rate was 5%, including 3 hardware removals, 1 irrigation and debridement, and 1 neurolysis. Ninety-four percent of patients reported good or excellent satisfaction with the procedure. Complication rates and patient satisfaction scores were similar between the first and second half of patients (P > .05), suggesting the learning curve was not a factor. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the MICA osteotomy was a safe and reproducible technique, associated with rapid improvement in pain scores, early weightbearing, significant deformity correction, high patient satisfaction, and low frequency of complications. In addition, the learning curve for the procedure was not as steep as previously reported. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Rate of Delayed Union With Early Weightbearing Following Intramedullary Screw Fixation of Jones Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Jones fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal are predisposed to delayed union and nonunion due to a tenuous blood supply. Solid intramedullary (IM) screw fixation is recommended to improve healing, traditionally followed by delayed weightbearing (DWB). However, early weightbearing (EWB) postoperatively may facilitate functional recovery. The purpose of this study was to compare union rates and time to union after solid IM screw fixation of Jones fractures in patients treated with an EWB protocol to those treated with a DWB protocol, as well as to identify any factors that may be predictive of delayed or nonunion. METHODS: True Jones (zone 2 fifth metatarsal base) fractures treated from April 2012 through January 2018 with IM screw fixation and 6 months follow-up were identified (41 fractures in 40 patients; mean ± SD age, 45.3 ± 17.9 years). Patients were divided into EWB and DWB cohorts (within or beyond 2 weeks, respectively). Delayed union (12.5 weeks) was statistically derived from established literature. Union times were compared between cohorts. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate possible confounders contributing to delayed union. There were 20 fractures in the EWB cohort and 21 fractures in the DWB cohort. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in healing times (EWB: 25% by 6th week, 55% by the 12th week, 20% delayed; DWB: 33% by 6th week, 43% by 12th week, 24% delayed; P = .819) or delayed unions (EWB, 20% vs DWB, 24%; P > .999). There were no nonunions. No significant confounding risk factors were identified. CONCLUSION: Postoperative protocols using early weightbearing following solid IM screw fixation of Jones fractures appear to be safe and do not delay fracture healing or increase the risk of delayed union. Older age may be a risk for delayed union, but larger studies are needed to evaluate this with appropriate power in light of possible confounders. EWB protocols may allow better functional recovery without compromising outcomes by increasing the risk of delayed union. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III, retrospective comparative study.

Opioid Consumption Following Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Background Orthopedic surgeons frequently prescribe pain medications during the postoperative period. The efficacy of these medications at alleviating pain after foot/ankle surgery and the quantity of medication required (and conversely, leftover) are unknown. METHODS: Patients undergoing foot/ankle surgery during a 3-month period who met inclusion criteria were surveyed at their first postoperative visit. Information collected included gender, number of prescribed pills remaining, satisfaction with pain control, and willingness to surrender leftover opioids to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) disposal center. Additional data, including utilization of a perioperative nerve block and type (bony versus nonbony) and anatomic region of procedure, were collected through review of the medical record. All data were analyzed in a retrospective fashion. A total of 171 patients with a mean age of 53.1 ± 15.5 years (range, 18-81 years) were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean number of opioids taken was 27.2 ± 17.5 pills (range, 0-70). The mean number of short-acting opioids and long-acting opioids taken was 21.4 ± 14.8 and 9.2 ± 5.0 pills, respectively. Most (73.5%) patients were satisfied with their pain control. Patients who underwent ankle/hindfoot surgery took more long-acting opioids on average than others ( P = .047). There was not a significant difference in opioid usage between bony and nonbony procedures. Of those with leftover opioids, 63% were willing to surrender them to a DEA disposal center. Patients willing to surrender leftover medications had both more short-acting ( P < .001) and long-acting ( P = .015) opioids leftover than those not willing to surrender them. CONCLUSION: Most patients undergoing foot/ankle surgery had opioids leftover at the first postoperative visit, and most were willing to surrender them. We can adequately treat patients' pain and decrease the number of opioid pills available in the community by decreasing the number of pills prescribed and encouraging disposal of leftovers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Immediate Weight Bearing After Hallux Valgus Correction Using Locking Plate Fixation of the Ludloff Osteotomy: A Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: A Ludloff osteotomy is a common procedure used to correct hallux valgus deformities. Traditionally, the osteotomy is stabilized with screws only, thus requiring the patient to be non-weight bearing until healed. There have been no outcome studies analyzing immediate weight bearing after Ludloff osteotomy for hallux valgus. METHODS: Of the 350 patients (390 feet) who underwent a Ludloff osteotomy fixed with a locking plate and prescribed an immediate weight-bearing postoperative protocol, 288 patients (326 feet) were included in the analysis. Average radiographic follow-up was 8 months, and hallux-valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and any hardware failures or hypertrophic callus formation were recorded. The Foot Function Index (FFI) was assessed in 103 patients at an average of 44 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Average IMA and HVA correction were 7.6° and 21.6°, respectively (P < .0001). Loss of HVA and IMA correction of 4.6° and 2.3°, respectively, were noted between the initial postoperative films and final weight-bearing films. The average FFI score calculated for the 103 respondents was 10.4 out of a possible 100, indicating relatively low pain and disability. Complication rates were consistent with most other published postoperative protocols, with the most commonly seen being superficial infection (4.9%) and symptomatic hardware (4.6%). CONCLUSION: An immediate weight-bearing protocol for Ludloff osteotomies fixed with locking plates results in recurrence rates that are similar to those found with other protocols. Patient function is quite high and pain low following this protocol. The most commonly observed complications were superficial infection and symptomatic hardware requiring removal. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Lack of Agreement on Distal Radius Fracture Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Variation in clinical practice resulting from the absence of evidence-based treatment protocols has negative implications on both the cost and the quality of medical care. The objective of this study was to assess whether a standard of care for the treatment of extra-articular nondisplaced distal radius fracture has developed despite the lack of a conclusive recommendation from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. METHODS: A case-vignette survey was conducted. Treatment type and duration of casting selections were analyzed. The cost implications of responses were assessed. Participants were practicing orthopedists primarily in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Orthopedists (n = 494) were recruited via E-mail and at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting held in Chicago in March 2013. Inclusion criteria required that participants be graduates of an accredited medical school and be practicing orthopedists at the time of survey distribution. The main outcome measure was surgical or nonsurgical intervention. RESULTS: Nonsurgical treatment was selected by 60% of respondents, with surgery preferred by 37%. Duration of casting responses varied from 2 to 12 weeks. Among nonsurgical responses, 69% indicated 6 weeks as their preferred duration of casting (95% confidence interval, 64.9-73.1%). Surgery imposes a 76% greater total cost to society than nonsurgical treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the absence of a consensus strategy for the treatment of extra-articular nondisplaced distal radius fractures. Implications of variance in treatment on cost and quality support the need for established, evidence-based guidelines or further clinical trials to assist in the management of this common fracture.

Tendon transfers in the treatment of Achilles' tendon disorders.

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body and, as such, has its share of problems. Although many conditions affecting this tendon can be treated nonoperatively, surgical intervention is often necessary. Local, regional, distant, and allograft tendon can be used to supplement or enhance reconstruction or repair of the Achilles tendon. Specific techniques are explored and described and the published results from the literature summarized. This article explores the use of tendon transfers and supplementation in the treatment of insertional and noninsertional Achilles tendinosis as well as in cases of neglected or chronic ruptures of the tendoachilles.

Irreducible longitudinal distraction-dislocation of the hallux interphalangeal joint.

Although volar and dorsal dislocations have been described in the literature, dislocation of the hallux interphalangeal joint is a disorder rarely encountered by orthopedic and foot surgeons. In this article, we report a case of a distinct irreducible longitudinal distraction-dislocation that originally presented to the emergency department but required open reduction in the operating room. We also describe the presentation, anatomy, and treatment of this unique disorder.

The Ludloff osteotomy: a review of current concepts.

The Ludloff osteotomy is a technique option to address hallux valgus in patients with a moderately to significantly increased first-second intermetatarsal angle. The Ludloff osteotomy is an oblique osteotomy of the first metatarsal extending dorsal-proximal to plantar-distal when viewed in the sagittal plane. The dorsal-proximal portion of the metatarsal is cut with the saw while maintaining the plantar-distal surface intact. A screw is inserted across the proximal aspect of the osteotomy, then the osteotomy is extended across the plantar surface distally. The metatarsal is rotated around the axis of the screw to the desired correction. In order to perform the osteotomy correctly, the surgeon must not only effectively complete the nuances of the technique, but also understand the limitations and contraindications of the Ludloff osteotomy. This review of current concepts for the Ludloff osteotomy reviews recent literature as well as technique pearls and pitfalls in the application of this powerful osteotomy.

Plantar fasciitis: evaluation and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Its characteristic features are pain and tenderness, predominately on the medial aspect of the calcaneus near the sole of the heel. Considering a complete differential diagnosis of plantar heel pain is important; a comprehensive history and physical examination guide accurate diagnosis. Many nonsurgical treatment modalities have been used in managing the disorder, including rest, massage, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, night splints, heel cups/pads, custom and off-the-shelf orthoses, injections, casts, and physical therapy measures such as shock wave therapy. Most reported treatment outcomes rely on anecdotal experience or combinations of multiple modalities. Nevertheless, nonsurgical management of plantar fasciitis is successful in approximately 90% of patients. Surgical treatment is considered in only a small subset of patients with persistent, severe symptoms refractory to nonsurgical intervention for at least 6 to 12 months.

Fresh-frozen structural allografts in the foot and ankle.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the results of using structural fresh-frozen femoral head allografts in foot and ankle procedures. These grafts were used in order to restore more normal dimensions of the foot and ankle following surgery or trauma and to treat arthritis or deformity in situations in which conventional cancellous graft would not be sufficient. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 1998, seventy-five foot and ankle operations were performed with use of structural allograft in seventy-three patients with an average age of forty-six years. The graft was used in conjunction with procedures such as arthrodesis of the subtalar joint (twenty-eight procedures) and osteotomy of the calcaneus (eleven procedures). Risk factors identified preoperatively included diabetes and neuropathy, smoking, osteonecrosis, and multiple previous operations. Each operation was performed in a standard manner, with rigid internal fixation. The mean structural dimension (height or length) of the graft was 1.85 cm. Healing was determined by the absence of swelling and warmth and by the presence of trabeculation across the arthrodesis or osteotomy site on both sides of the allograft as seen radiographically. RESULTS: Healing occurred, at a mean of 4.0 months, after 92% (sixty-nine) of the seventy-five procedures. Once the graft was integrated, there was no evidence of graft resorption or subsidence at a mean of 3.5 years postoperatively. Nine of the seventy-three patients had a superficial wound complication (dehiscence or infection), and a deep infection developed in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Use of structural allografts is appropriate for reconstructive procedures in the foot and ankle. The grafts may be used successfully, with a relatively low complication rate, in patients with risk factors for less satisfactory bone-healing.

Use of structural allograft to compensate for bone loss in arthrodesis of the foot and ankle.

Allografts have several important advantages over other forms of bone graft augmentation. In addition to preventing the morbidity of autogenous bone graft harvesting, the quantity of allograft bone is essentially unlimited and is therefore valuable for use in treating very large defects that exceed the yield of the iliac crest. Allografts are particularly helpful in obese patients or patients with systemic disease because the they has the potential to reduce blood loss and anesthesia time. Regional anesthesia with either an ankle or a spinal block may be safer for the rheumatoid patient with cervical instability. In addition, the use of an allograft makes it possible to do many foot and ankle fusions as outpatient procedures, whereas it is commonly necessary to hospitalize patients who have bone graft harvested from the iliac crest. Like the findings of other authors, our experience suggests that structural allograft is an attractive alternative in reconstructive surgery and in arthrodesis of the foot and ankle and is a valuable part of the surgeon's armamentarium.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a biomechanical study comparing memory compression staples, cannulated screws, and a dorsal plate.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of 21 matched pairs of cadaver toes was performed in order to compare the strength of three methods of internal fixation: 1. two crossed cannulated screws, 2. a dorsal plate with an oblique 0.062 K-wire, and 3. two compression staples with an oblique 0.062 K-wire. Biomechanical testing with plantar force was carried out, and gapping across the fusion site was measured. Stiffness, load to 1-mm displacement, and force to failure was determined for each specimen. Both the plate and screw constructs were statistically stronger in force to failure and initial stiffness than the compression construct. Compression staples have an advantage in their ease of insertion and theoretical continuous compressive force across an arthrodesis site, but should be supplemented with a cast or other external immobilization until union is achieved.