Trends in the use of ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacements in Australia over the past 20 years.

BACKGROUND: End stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is debilitating. Surgical management consists of either ankle arthrodesis (AA) or a total ankle replacement (TAR). The purpose of this study is to assess the trends in operative intervention for end stage ankle OA in an Australian population. METHODS: This is a retrospective epidemiological study of 15,046 surgeries. Data were collected from publicly available national registries including the Australian Medicare Database and Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registrar from 2001 to 2020. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in all ankle surgeries performed across the period of interest. AA remained the more commonly performed procedure throughout the course of the study (11,946 cases, 79.4%) and was never surpassed by TAR (3100, 20.6%). The overall proportions demonstrated no significant changes from 2001 to 2020. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ankle surgeries continues to increase with the ageing and increasingly comorbid population of Australia. Despite demonstrating no significant overall change in the ratio of TAR and AA in our study population and period, there are noticeable trends within the timeframe, with a recent surge favouring TAR in the last 5 years.

Trends in Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Australia: An Analysis of Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule Database From 2001 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common and increasingly prevalent in the pediatric population. However, there remain sparse epidemiological data on the surgical treatment of these injuries. The objective of this study is to assess the trends in the rate of pediatric ACL reconstruction in Australia over the past 2 decades. METHODS: The incidence of ACL reconstruction from 2001 to 2020 in patients 5 to 14 years of age was analyzed using the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) database. Data were stratified by sex and year. An offset term was introduced using population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to account for population changes over the study period. RESULTS: A total of 3719 reconstructions for the management of pediatric ACL injuries were performed in Australia under the MBS in the 20-year period from 2001 to 2020. There was a statistically significant annual increase in the total volume and per capita volume of pediatric ACL reconstructions performed across the study period ( P <0.0001). There was a significant increase in the rate of both male and female reconstructions ( P <0.0001), with a greater proportion of reconstructions performed on males (n=2073, 56%) than females (n=1646, 44%). In 2020, the rate of pediatric ACL reconstructions decreased to a level last seen in 2015, likely due to the effects of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients has increased in Australia over the 20-year study period. This increase is in keeping with evidence suggesting poor outcomes with nonoperative or delayed operative management.

Rate of Infection and Causative Organisms in a Lateral Approach Total Ankle Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Although the rate of both superficial and deep infection in total ankle replacement (TAR) can reach up to 13% as reported in the literature, there is little information on the causative organisms, especially in laterally implanted prosthesis. This study aims to identify organisms causing infections to ultimately guide to better antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: Between September 2016 and April 2021, we retrospectively reviewed patients who had an infection after a lateral TAR. Cause of the infection, causative organisms, and implant survival were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 130 patients, 10 of 130 patients (7.6%) had a superficial infection whereas 3 of 130 patients (2.3%) had a deep infection. Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species were found to be the most common. No significant difference was found between the type of plate used for fibula fixation regarding wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: Infection after lateral TAR is generally polymicrobial in nature with Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species being the most common. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Case Series.

Trends in management of adult tarsometatarsal joint injuries in a contemporary Australian context: a nationwide study of claims data over 20 years.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) injuries are uncommon, but can cause significant morbidity due to delayed or missed diagnosis. Recent evidence highlights the importance of achieving anatomical reduction via operative management. This study aims to analyse trends in rates of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for Lisfranc injuries in Australia according to Nationwide claims data. METHODS: Claims according to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) on ORIF of traumatic TMTJ injuries were collated for the period from January 2000 to December 2020. Paediatric patients were excluded. Two negative binomial models were utilized to analyse the trends in TMTJ injuries over time after controlling for sex, age group and population changes. Results were absolute and per 100 000 population. RESULTS: 7840 patients underwent TMTJ ORIF over the period studied. There was a mean yearly increase of 12% (P < 0.001). Age group (P < 0.001) and year (P < 0.001) were significant predictors for TMTJ fixation, whilst sex was not (P = 0.48). Patients older than 65 years were noted to have a 53% lower rate of TMTJ ORIF per person, when compared to the reference group of 25-34 year-olds (P < 0.001). Five-year block analysis revealed increases in rate of fixation for all age groups. CONCLUSION: Rates of operative fixation for TMTJ injuries are increasing in Australia. This is likely due to improved diagnostics, understanding of optimal treatment goals, and increased orthopaedic subspecialisation. Further studies with clinical and patient reported outcomes, as well as comparing rates of operative intervention to incidence, will be useful.

Surgical management of clavicle fractures in Australia: an analysis of Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule database from 2001 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the optimal management of clavicle fractures, with advocates of both operative and non-operative management. The objective of this study is to assess the trends in the management of clavicle fractures in Australia over the past two decades. METHODS: The incidence of surgical fixation of clavicle fractures from 2001 to 2020 was analysed using the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule database, reflective of operations performed on privately insured patients, thus excluding public patients and compensable cases. An offset term was utilized with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to account for population changes over the study period. RESULTS: A total of 17 089 procedures for the management of clavicle fractures were performed from 2001 to 2020. The incidence of operative intervention increased from 1.87 per 100 000 in 2001 to a peak of 6.63 per 100 000 in 2016. An overall increase was seen in males (310%) and females (347%) over the study period, as well as across all age groups. A greater proportion of operative interventions was performed on males (n = 14 075, 82%) than females (n = 3014, 18%, P < 0.001). The greatest increase in intervention was noted in those aged 65 or older (14% increase per year, 95% CI 11%-17%, P < 0.05). In 2020, the incidence of operative intervention decreased to a level last seen in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of operative interventions for clavicle fractures has increased in Australia over the 20-year study period. This increase is in keeping with recent evidence suggesting several advantages when displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures are operatively managed.

Early Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Transfibular Total Ankle Arthroplasty: The Australian Experience.

BACKGROUND: We report the short-term outcomes of a retrospective cohort of Trabecular Metal total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) via a transfibular approach from a single, nondesigner surgeon in Australia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected. The primary outcome was the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ5D), and complications including revision rates. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2019, 84 trabecular metal prostheses were implanted in 84 patients. Mean age (SD) at time of surgery was 68 (7.8) years, and 46 (55%) were male. Mean follow-up (SD) was 26.1 (13) months. There were significant (P < .001) improvements in the FAOS in the subscales of pain (47.9 to 79.1), activities of daily living (59.5 to 83.7), and quality of life (25.5 to 60.2) and EQ-5D (0.55 to 0.75) (P < .001), and overall satisfaction was 69.6%. The commonest complications were wound infection or breakdown (11.9%, n=10), fibular nonunion (3.5%), plate irritation (3.5%), and tibial nerve neuropathy (3.5%). There were no thromboembolic complications. Implant survivorship was 100%, with Trabecular Metal components retained in all patients. Two patients developed deep infection, with 1 requiring debridement and polyethylene exchange. No patients experienced implant loosening. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the trabecular metal survival rates are comparable with other total ankle implants in the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry and as published in other international literature. Overall patient satisfaction was high, as were PROMs. However, the data highlight potential complications uniquely associated with this implant. The authors believe that these figures support TAA via a transfibular approach as a viable option in the treatment of ankle arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Hand Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a dramatic impact on individual and societal behaviors, as well as on health care systems. It confers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship among disease, policies, and patterns of activity, as well as their impacts on surgical unit functionality. This study aims to compare the distribution and patterns of injury at a tertiary hand surgery trauma center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients presenting to the Royal North Shore Hospital hand surgery service in the 5-week period from March 16 to April 21 in 2019 and 2020 was undertaken, forming 2 cohorts for comparison. Demographic, injury, and operative data were collected and compared descriptively using comparative statistics. RESULTS: There were 114 primary operative presentations during the 5-week period in 2020, representing a 27.4% decrease from the 157 presentations during the equivalent period in 2019. There was an increase in the proportion of emergency presentations from 73.9% in 2019 to 85.1% in 2020 (P = .03), with a corresponding decrease in elective presentations during 2020. The incidence of sporting injuries and motor vehicle accidents decreased in 2020, whereas falls and accidents involving knives and tools remained relatively constant. Operating times decreased in 2020, whereas the length of hospital stay remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent restrictions of activity have had substantial impacts on the patterns of hand trauma and its management. These insights have implications for staff and resource management during times of social disruption in the future.

Minimum 5-Year Follow-up Results: CROSSBAT (Combined Randomised and Observational Study of Surgery vs No Surgery for Type B Ankle Fracture Treatment).

BACKGROUND: Isolated Weber B, AO (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation) type 44B ankle fractures with no fracture to the medial side are the most common type of ankle fracture and may be treated with internal fixation or without surgery.This study aimed to determine if surgery is superior to nonsurgical management for the treatment of these fractures after a minimum 5-year follow-up. METHODS: Design: A pragmatic, multicenter, single-masked, randomized controlled trial with minimum 5-year follow-up. Setting/participants/interventions: Participants between 18 and 65 years with AO type 44B ankle fracture and minimal talar shift were recruited from 22 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Participants willing to be randomized were randomly allocated to undergo surgical fixation followed by mobilization in a walking boot for 6 weeks. Those treated nonsurgically were managed in a walking boot for 6 weeks. Outcome assessors were masked for the treatment allocation. Primary outcomes: Patient-reported ankle function using the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire (FAOQ) and the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-12v2 General Health Survey at 12 months postinjury and at minimum 5 years post injury. Primary analysis was intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Of the 160 (80 surgical, 80 nonoperative) randomized patients included in the CROSSBAT analysis, 77 (40 surgical, 37 nonoperative) were followed up for repeat analysis at minimum 5-year follow-up (mean 7.3 years, range 5.1-8.9). This cohort demonstrated that surgery was not associated with clinically or statistically significant differences compared to nonoperative management for the FAOQ (51.7 vs 49.6; mean difference 2.1, 95% CI -2.1 to 6.2, P = .95), or the PCS (51.5 vs 49.1; mean difference 2.3, 95% CI -2.0 to 6.7, P = .54). The surgical cohort had a higher rate of any adverse events (odds ratio 3.7, 95% CI 1.2-11.6, P = .04). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that surgical management is not superior to nonsurgical management in type B ankle (fibula) fractures with minimal talar shift over a 5-year period and is associated with increased adverse events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, randomized clinical trial.

The effect of osteotomy technique (flat-cut vs wedge-cut Weil) on pain relief and complication incidence following surgical treatment for metatarsalgia in a private metropolitan clinic: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Weil osteotomies are performed to surgically treat metatarsalgia, by shortening the metatarsal via either a single distal oblique cut with translation of the metatarsal head (flat-cut) or through the removal of a slice of bone (wedge-cut). The wedge-cut technique purportedly has functional and mechanical advantages over the flat-cut procedure; however, in vivo data and quality of evidence are currently lacking. This study aims to investigate whether wedge-cut Weil osteotomy compared to traditional flat-cut Weil is associated with increased pain relief and fewer complications up to 12 months postoperatively. METHODS: Patient, surgical and clinical data will be collected for 80 consecutive consenting patients electing to undergo surgical treatment of propulsive metatarsalgia in a randomised control trial, embedded within a clinical registry. The primary outcome is patient-reported pain as assessed by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) - Pain subscale, and the secondary outcome is the incidence of procedure-specific complications at up to 12 months postoperatively. The groups will be randomised using a central computer-based simple randomisation system, with a 1:1 allocation without blocking and allocation concealment. A mixed-effects analysis of covariance will be used to assess the primary outcome, with confounders factored into the model. A binary logistic regression will be used to assess the secondary outcome in a multivariable model containing the same confounders. DISCUSSION: To the best of the authors' knowledge, the trial will be the first to examine the clinical efficacy of the wedge-cut Weil osteotomy compared to the flat-cut technique with a prospective, randomised control design. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001251910. Registered on 23 November 2020.

Temporal trends in the management of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures in the 21st century: an analysis of Australian population-based data.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the hand, specifically the metacarpals and phalanges, are a common injury. Whilst many of these fractures can be treated non-operatively, a number of advances have led to the increase in popularity of surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to assess and describe trends in management of phalangeal and metacarpal fractures in Australia over the last two decades. METHODS: A review was conducted of the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS), specifically querying the item numbers pertaining to the management of metacarpal and phalanx fractures. Data was recorded as the incidence per 100 000 patients. RESULTS: Overall, there was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of closed reduction of metacarpal and phalanx fractures, with a converse statistically significant increase in open reduction internal fixation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that over the last 20 years, there has been a decrease in closed reduction of intra- and extra-articular phalangeal and metacarpal fractures, with a converse but smaller increase in open reduction and fixation. These trends are likely multi-factorial in aetiology, and should be monitored to guide resource allocation and health provision in the future.

High Pain Catastrophizing Scale Predicts Lower Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in the Foot and Ankle Patient.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative outcomes may be affected by the patient's preoperative morbidity. It is hypothesized that patient's pain catastrophization prior to foot and ankle surgery may affect their patient-reported outcomes. Methods: This study prospectively assessed a consecutive cohort of 46 patients undergoing foot and ankle reconstruction to describe the relationship between Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and patient-reported outcomes measured by 12-item Short Form Health Survey and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). RESULTS: The 1-year postoperative FAOS pain, activities of daily living, and quality of life scores correlated significantly with all baseline PCS subcategories. We found that the mental domain of the SF-12 had a statistically significant correlation with the rumination and helplessness PCS subcategories. CONCLUSION: This study showed a significant association between a high preoperative PCS and a worse 1-year FAOS. As such, catastrophization could be screened for and potentially treated preoperatively to improve patient-reported outcomes in elective foot and ankle surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III Evidence.

The Impact of Concomitant Ipsilateral Knee Pain on Functional Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

In end-stage ankle arthritis, little is known about the impact of concomitant knee pathology, including the impact of ipsilateral knee pain on total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ipsilateral preoperative knee pain in patients undergoing TAA and analyze its impact on patient-reported functional outcome measures (PROMs). A retrospective review was performed on the Vancouver End Stage Ankle Arthritis Database at a single institution. In total, 114 patients were studied, with patient demographics collected preoperatively, including the presence or absence of knee pain. Postoperative follow-up was performed at 5 years, primarily analyzing disease-specific PROMs, including the Ankle Osteoarthritis Score (AOS) and Ankle Arthritis Score (AAS). Multivariate mixed-effects linear regression models compared the scores between the groups. In total, 31 patients (27.2%) presented with concomitant ipsilateral knee pain. Despite more females in the knee pain group (64.5% vs 36.1%) there were no other significant differences at baseline between the knee pain and no knee pain groups in terms of demographics or baseline primary disease specific PROMs. At 5 years, the patients with knee pain had significantly worse AAS (37.9 ± 23.8 vs 21.2 ± 16.3, P = .004) and AOS total scores (38.1 ± 24.1 vs 21.9 ± 15.5, P = .005) compared with the no-knee pain group. Both groups improved significantly from baseline across all outcome measures; however, the magnitude of improvement was less in the knee pain group. Our study demonstrated that over one-quarter of patients with end-stage ankle arthritis undergoing TAA present with ipsilateral concomitant knee pain. If present, it is associated with worse functional outcomes at the 5-year mark. Further studies are needed to evaluate if knee pain influences complications, implant failure rates, and survival.Levels of Evidence: Level III.

The impact of COVID-19 on spinal cord injuries and trauma at a tertiary referral centre in Sydney.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has yielded far-reaching consequences for individual health systems as well as society. Although several studies have investigated epidemiological trends due to the pandemic-associated restrictions in patients requiring surgery for general surgical, trauma and orthopaedic aetiologies, there has been no assessment of the impact on spinal trauma and surgery in Australia. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine these changes at an Australian level one tertiary referral spinal cord injury (SCI) centre. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to this institution with spinal injuries requiring surgery, from two time periods [one prior to the pandemic, and one during]. We analysed demographics, injury mechanism and characteristics, and surgical factors to identify significant differences between the cohorts. Results: There were 7.3% fewer spinal operations performed in the COVID-19 affected period. Although patient demographics were unchanged, the total number of emergency operations performed for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident decreased by 44% compared to the pre-COVID cohort (P=0.049). The median number of spinal levels affected by injury decreased, and there was a 30% decrease in American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) type A injuries during the pandemic (P=0.006), with a corresponding increase in ASIA B injuries (P=0.032). Conclusions: The pandemic (and its associated social restrictions) has influenced the patterns of spinal injuries treated at this tertiary level institute during this time. We observed an overall reduction in the volume of emergency procedures performed during the pandemic. There was no change in the proportion of spinal cord injuries when compared to the pre-pandemic period; however, the severity of spinal cord injuries was diminished during the pandemic.

Outcomes of Isolated Digital Flexor Tenolysis: A Systematic Review.

Background: Flexor tendon injuries form a significant proportion of hand trauma presentations. Insult to the flexor tendon and surrounding sheath may lead to the formation of adhesions between these structures during the repair process. Tenolysis is a surgical release of these adhesions which requires careful consideration. This systematic review aims to report on the functional outcomes following isolated digital flexor tenolysis. Methods: We searched four online databases in December 2019. Eligibility criteria for studies were: English language; described patients undergoing digital flexor tenolysis; reported functional outcomes such as total active motion (TAM). Five articles were included. The selected studies were of limited quality (level IV evidence). Results: Of the final cohort 79.4% were male. Three studies reported patient age, with a mean age of 36.8 years [4 years to 58 years] in that subset. One hundred and three digits underwent flexor tenolysis only. Mean duration to surgery from the index operation or injury was 15.1 months [2.3 months-240 months]. Average follow-up from the tenolysis procedure was 18.6 months [3 months to 120 months]. Four studies assessing motion via Strickland classification reported 78.9% excellent or good outcomes. The remaining study reported 80% of patients reporting excellent or good motion as per Buck-Gramcko score. The complication rate reported was 15.3%. Conclusions: This review found digital flexor tenolysis significantly improves ROM, however these benefits must be considered in the light of potential complications. A detailed discussion with each individual patient must occur prior to such an undertaking.

Impact of COVID-19-related social restrictions on orthopaedic trauma in a level 1 trauma centre in Sydney: the first wave.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected communities worldwide. This study examines the impact that public health measures to control viral spread have had on orthopaedic trauma presenting to an Australian level 1 trauma centre. We hypothesized that the volume of orthopaedic trauma in the period of social distancing would decrease, and the mechanisms of injury differ, compared to pre-pandemic times. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients requiring emergency orthopaedic surgery between 16 March and 21 April 2020 (the period after social distancing and lockdown commenced), and compared it to the group of patients from the same period in 2019. We collected demographic data, as well as injury type, anatomical location, mechanism of injury and surgical logistics. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 period, total emergency operations performed decreased by 15.6% compared to the same period in 2019. Orthopaedic admissions decreased by 30.8%. Demographics of the groups were unchanged. Anaesthetic time decreased, but total time spent in the operating theatre was unchanged. Road trauma comprised a similar proportion of cases overall; however, cycling-related accidents increased significantly, making up 11% of presentations during COVID-19. Sporting injuries, work-related injuries and multi-traumas reduced during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19-related lockdown measures and social distancing on orthopaedic trauma in Australia has been an overall decrease in volume of cases, combined with significant changes in the mechanisms of injury necessitating surgery.

The Impact of Concomitant LOW Back Pain (LBP) on Functional Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA).

Although numerous studies have demonstrated that concomitant low back pain (LBP) is associated with worse functional outcomes in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty, no study has analyzed its impact on patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of LBP in people undergoing TAA and analyze its impact on patient reported functional outcome measures (PROMs). A retrospective review was performed on data from the Vancouver End Stage Ankle Arthritis Database. In total, 87 patients undergoing TAA were studied, with patient demographics collected preoperatively, including the absence or presence of LBP. Postoperative follow-up was performed at 5 years, primarily analyzing disease-specific PROMs including the Ankle Osteoarthritis Score and Ankle Arthritis Score. The Short Form-36 was used as a secondary outcome measure to assess global function. Multivariable linear mixed-effects regression models were conducted to compare the PROM between patients with LBP with those without LBP. In total, 30 patients (35%) presented with concomitant LBP. There were no significant differences at baseline between the LBP group and no LBP group in terms of demographics or baseline primary disease-specific PROMs. At 5 years, the patients with LBP had significantly worse Ankle Arthritis Score (32 ± 23 vs 22 ± 17, p = .03), Ankle Osteoarthritis Score Total (34 ± 23 vs 22 ± 16, p = .01), and Short Form-36 physical (PCS) components summaries (33 ± 12 vs 44 ± 9, p = .001) compared to the no-LBP group. Both groups improved significantly from baseline across all outcome measures. Our study demonstrated that the prevalence of concomitant LBP in end stage ankle arthritis undergoing TAA is similar to that described in arthritic knees and hips. If present, it can be associated with worse functional outcomes in the intermediate term. However it is not a contraindication to surgery, with patients still experiencing significant improvements from baseline. Further studies are needed to evaluate if LBP influences complications, implant failure rates and survival.