Spring Ligament Reconstruction for Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity: Contemporary Review.

The spring ligament is one of the main stabilizers of the medial arch of the foot and the primary static supporter of the talonavicular joint. Attenuation or rupture of this ligament is thought to play a central role in the pathophysiology of progressive collapsing foot deformity. Traditional correction of flexible flatfoot consists of posterior tibial tendon augmentation along with various osteotomies or hindfoot fusions. Repair or reconstruction of the spring ligament has not been as widely pursued. In recent years, newer techniques have been explored and may improve outcomes of traditional procedures, or possibly entirely replace some osteotomies. Combined spring-deltoid ligament reconstruction is also gaining traction as a viable technique, particularly as the ankle begins to deform into valgus. This review summarizes the variety of nonanatomic and anatomic reconstruction techniques that have been described, including autologous tendon transfers, allografts, and synthetic augmentation. Although many have only been characterized in biomechanical cadaver studies, this article reviews preliminary clinical studies that have shown promising results. There is a need for more high-quality studies evaluating the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes following spring ligament reconstruction.

Fractures of the posterior malleolus: a systematic review and analysis of patient-reported outcome scale selection.

PURPOSE: Despite the extensive use of PROs in ankle fracture research, no study has quantified which PROs are most commonly used for assessing outcomes of patients who sustain fractures of the posterior malleolus. The purpose of this study was therefore to quantify which PROs are most commonly used for outcome research after posterior malleolus fractures. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Articles were identified through Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and cochrane central register of controlled trials through May of 2021. Included articles were analyzed for the primary outcome of the most commonly reported PRO. RESULTS: The American orthopedic foot and ankle ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS) was the most commonly used PRO for assessment of posterior malleolus fracture outcomes, used in 37 of 72 studies (51.4%). The second and third most common were the olerud-molander ankle score (OMAS) (22 studies, 30.6%) and the visual analogue score (VAS) (21 studies, 29.2%). Eleven different PROs were used only once. Quality of evidence was graded as low given the percentage of studies that were observational or case series (68 of 72 studies, 94.4%). CONCLUSION: Investigators have used many different PROs to assess outcomes for posterior malleolus fractures, the most common of which are the AOFAS, OMAS, and VAS. Future investigators should attempt to unify outcome reporting for these injuries.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for patients undergoing operative treatment of closed femoral shaft fractures.

Background: The objective of this study was to compare inpatient mortality rates for patients with operatively treated closed femoral shaft fractures (AO/OTA 32 A-C) who received venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis with either low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of a national database of patients presenting to Level I through IV trauma centers in the United States. All patients ≥18 years of age who sustained an operatively treated closed femoral shaft fracture were included. The primary outcome of inpatient mortality was compared between two groups: those who received LMWH or unfractionated heparin for VTE prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes were complications including VTE and bleeding events. Groups were compared using a multivariate regression model. Results: There were 2058 patients included in the study. Patients who received VTE prophylaxis with LMWH had lower odds of inpatient mortality compared to patients who received VTE prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.68, p = 0.011). Conclusions: VTE prophylaxis with LMWH is associated with lower inpatient mortality compared to VTE prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin for patients undergoing operative treatment of closed femoral shaft fractures. To our knowledge this is the first study to report these associations for a specific subset of orthopedic trauma patients.

Risk Factors for Anterior Tibial Tendon Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Though the tibialis anterior (TA) serves a vital role in ankle dorsiflexion, there is little information regarding risk factors and demographic information that might predispose one to tendinopathy or rupture. This study investigates the features of patients in a single institution who presented with either TA tendinopathy or rupture. The circumstances surrounding rupture were also noted. METHODS: ICD-9/10 codes were used to find patients who presented with TA pathology to 2 foot and ankle surgeons at 1 academic medical center from 2011 to 2018. Patient characteristics were noted, including age, sex, body mass index, and the presence of a gastrocnemius equinus contracture. Characteristics of patients with traumatic and atraumatic ruptures were compared. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients presented between 2011 and 2018 (79 cases of tendinopathy and 15 ruptures). The average patient age was 56 years, and the ratio of women to men was 74:20 (3.7:1). With regard to those who experienced rupture, there were 2 ruptures directly related to athletic activity (traumatic), whereas 13 ruptures were found on examination with no overt history of injury (atraumatic). The average age for patients with traumatic ruptures was 39 years compared with 73 years for those with atraumatic rupture (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study investigates the features of patients in a single institution who presented with TA pathology. With regard to tendon ruptures, traumatic ruptures tend to occur in younger patients, whereas older patients are more likely to suffer atraumatic ruptures. Nonoperative treatment often appears to be effective for TA pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Functional Outcomes After Fracture-Dislocation of the Ankle.

Background. Fracture dislocation of the ankle represents a substantial injury to the bony and soft tissue structures of the ankle. There has been only limited reporting of functional outcome of ankle fracture-dislocations. This study aimed to compare functional outcome after open reduction internal fixation in ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Methods. A retrospective chart review of surgically treated ankle fractures over a 3- year period was performed. Demographic data, type of fracture, operative time and complications were recorded. Of 118 patients eligible for analysis, 33 (28%) sustained a fracture-dislocation. Mean patient age was 46.6 years; 62 patients, who had follow-up of at least 12 months, were analyzed for functional outcome assessed by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The median follow-up time was 37 months. Demographic variables and FAOS were compared between ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Results. The average age of patients sustaining fracture-dislocation was greater (53 vs 44 years, P = .017); a greater percentage were female (72.7% vs 51.8%, P = .039) and diabetic (24.2% vs 7.1%, P = .010). Wound complications were similar between both groups. FAOS was generally poorer in the fracture-dislocation group, although only the pain subscale demonstrated statistical significance (76 vs 92, P = .012). Conclusion. Ankle fracture-dislocation occurred more frequently in patients who were older, female, and diabetic. At a median of just > 3-year follow-up, functional outcomes in fracture-dislocations were generally poorer; the pain subscale of FAOS was worse in a statistically significant fashion. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III.

Fibular Plate Fixation and Correlated Short-term Complications.

Background. The most common method of surgical stabilization of fibular fractures is plate osteosynthesis. Despite its ubiquity, there is a dearth of large series reporting implant-related outcomes and complications. The purpose of this study was to report on short-term complications and hardware removal after plate fixation of distal fibula fractures. Methods. A retrospective chart analysis and review of radiographic images was performed of 461 ankle fractures between 2011 and 2017. In 404 cases, a fibular fracture was treated surgically; 94.1% underwent tubular and 5.9% locking plate fixation. The primary outcome was radiographic union, with a mean follow-up of 11.6 months. Minor, intermediate, and major complications were recorded as well as the rate of hardware removal. Results. The union-rate with plate fixation was 99.5% (402/404). The overall complication rate was 19.3% (n = 78/404). Of these complications, 79.5% (62/78) were considered minor. These complications included erythema, heterotopic ossification, neurapraxia, delayed union, and deep-vein thrombosis; 20.5% (16/78) of the complications were considered intermediate (9/78, 11.5%) or major (7/78, 9.0%). Intermediate and major complications included deep infection, nonunion/malunion, and osteomyelitis. Subsequent surgery was needed in 7 cases (1.7%, 7/404). In another 93 patients, hardware-related symptoms were identified: 23 (5.7%) underwent syndesmosis screw removal and 54 (13.4%) hardware removal. No correlation to the fixation technique was identified. Conclusion. This study shows a relatively low rate of major complications and a high union rate of 99.5% for fibular plate osteosynthesis in a large cohort. Any other treatment, including other fixation techniques, will need to show an equivalent or better complication and reoperation profile.Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective, comparative study.

Online Physical Therapy Protocol Quality, Variability, and Availability in Achilles Tendon Repair.

BACKGROUND: Substantial progress has been made in characterizing the benefit of early functional rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair (ATR). However, standardized ATR rehabilitation guidelines have yet to be produced. Furthermore, as patients increasingly use the Internet to independently retrieve health care content, access to standardized, clinically effective rehabilitation protocols is necessary. METHODS: Online ATR physical therapy protocols from US academic orthopaedic programs were reviewed. A comprehensive scoring rubric was designed after reviewing all identified protocols and was used to assess each protocol for both the presence of various rehabilitation components as well as when those components were introduced. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 155 US academic orthopaedic programs published postoperative Achilles rehabilitation protocols online, with a total of 27 individual protocols available for review. Twenty-one protocols (78%) recommended immediate postoperative splinting. Only one protocol recommended short-leg casting. Twenty-six protocols (96%) advised immediate nonweightbearing with progression to weightbearing as tolerated at an average of 3.0 weeks (range, 1-8 weeks) and to full weightbearing at an average of 7.3 weeks (range, 2-12 weeks). Active plantarflexion and dorsiflexion to neutral were included by most protocols (93%) at an average of 3.9 (range, 0-9) weeks and 3.4 (range, 0-8) weeks, respectively. There was considerable variability in the inclusion and timing of strengthening, stretching, proprioception, and basic cardiovascular exercises. Fourteen protocols (52%) recommended return to training after meeting certain athletic activity criteria. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the quality, variability, and patient accessibility of publicly available rehabilitation protocols for ATR provided by US orthoapedic teaching programs. To this end, we found that a minority of US academic orthopaedic programs publish ATR rehabilitation protocols online. While a trend away from traditional ankle casting is apparent, many programs have not adopted the accelerated weightbearing and controlled mobilization techniques that have been shown to produce better functional outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. There is also a substantial degree of variability in both the composition and timing of rehabilitation components across physical therapy protocols. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective comparative study.

Outcomes Following Posterior and Posterolateral Plating of Distal Fibula Fractures.

Ankle fractures are common orthopaedic injuries often requiring open reduction and internal fixation. A variety of positions for plate placement exist for surgical fixation of distal fibula fractures, including direct lateral, posterior, or posterolateral. Direct lateral is more common, despite evidence that posterior and posterolateral placement is mechanically superior. However, concern for peroneal tendon injury from posterior plating remains. Our study investigates clinical and functional outcomes of patients who underwent operative fixation of distal fibula fractures with posterior or posterolateral plating over a 3-year period. Analyses were performed on 59 patients with at least 2 years of follow-up. Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data, in addition to information regarding the presence of ankle pain, subsequent hardware removal, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS). In patients with at least 2 years of follow-up (average 39.6 ± 10.6 months), 37.2% reported ongoing ankle pain; 11 patients underwent hardware removal (18.6%), with 8 patients undergoing removal because of hardware-related pain (13.6%). FAOS scores (n = 51) were as follows: pain (79.9 ± 22.3), activities of daily living (84.2 ± 22.6), symptoms (75.7 ± 23.5), sports (69.4 ± 31.6), and quality of life (58.3 ± 30.5). Posterior and posterolateral plating achieved good clinical and high functional outcomes across our study population. The percentage of hardware removal in our study was either equivalent to, or less than, historical controls for any type of fibular fixation, and removal may be helpful for those patients whose postoperative ankle pain is subjectively related to the hardware. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective.

Timing of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures.

Background. Unstable ankle fractures are treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) to prevent posttraumatic arthritis. Typically, ORIF is performed as an ambulatory surgery several days to a few weeks after injury. It is unclear what effect this delay may have on functional outcome. This study aimed to assess the effect of timing of ankle ORIF on wound complications and functional outcome. Methods. A retrospective review of 121 patients who underwent ankle ORIF was performed. A total of 58 patients had a follow-up of at least 24 months. Time between injury and surgery greater than 14 days was defined as "delayed." Demographic variables, injury characteristics, length of surgery, and postoperative stay were documented. Comparison of demographic variables, wound complications, and functional outcome determined by Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was performed. Results. 118 patients were included. The duration between injury and surgery was 6 days in the "early" group and 19 days in the "delayed" group. There were no significant differences in demographic variables, injury characteristics, and length of surgery between the groups. Wound complications in the early and delayed groups were 5% and 11.8%, although this difference was not statistically significant. Among 58 patients who had a follow-up of at least 24 months, the median follow-up time was 38 (range, 24-76) months. Each subscale of FAOS demonstrated no significant difference. Conclusion. Ankle ORIF more than 14 days after injury did not significantly increase the rate of wound complication, nor did it impair ultimate functional outcome in this group. Levels of Evidence: Level III.

Radiographic Results of Unicortical Medial Malleolar Fracture Fixation.

BACKGROUND:: Medial malleolar fractures commonly occur as part of rotational ankle fractures, which often require surgery. Different fixation techniques exist, including unicortical or bicortical lag-screw fixation. Bicortical screws that engage the lateral distal tibia have been noted to be biomechanically superior to unicortical ones with a lower failure rate. The authors of this study have used unicortical screws routinely. This study was initiated to investigate the clinical results of a large series of patients with unicortical medial malleolar fixation. METHODS:: Patients who underwent unicortical medial malleolar fracture fixation between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed. In total, 461 ankle fractures were identified with a mean follow-up of 11.4 months (range, 3-57), of which 211 had a medial malleolar fracture. Eight patients were excluded as they did not follow up with the treating surgeons after surgery, leaving 203 patients for evaluation. The primary outcome was radiographic union. Any loss of reduction, complication, or subsequent surgery was recorded. Malunion was defined as greater than 2 mm displacement. RESULTS:: There were 2 asymptomatic nonunions (1.0%), 1 delayed union that healed using an external bone growth stimulator (0.5%), and 2 malunions of the medial malleolus (1.0%) with 1 asymptomatic. The other patient developed posttraumatic osteoarthritis but has not yet required further surgery. None of these 5 patients required revision medial malleolar surgery. Ultimately, the union rate using unicortical medial malleolar fixation was 99.0% (201/203). CONCLUSION:: Unicortical fixation of medial malleolar fractures resulted in consistently good healing. Even though biomechanical studies have shown that bicortical screws provide stronger fixation, our clinical results indicate that the need for this stronger fixation may be questionable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Professional Soccer Players' Return to Play and Performance After Operative Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture.

BACKGROUND: The majority of Achilles tendon ruptures are sports related; however, no investigation has examined the impact of surgical repair for complete ruptures on professional soccer players. PURPOSE: To examine the return to play, playing time, and performance of professional soccer players following Achilles tendon repair. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and Major League Soccer (MLS) athletes who sustained a primary complete Achilles tendon rupture and were treated surgically between 1988 and 2014 were identified via public injury reports. Demographic information and performance-related statistics for the identified athletes were recorded for the season before surgery and 2 seasons after surgery and were compared with information for matched controls. Statistical analyses were used to assess differences in recorded metrics. RESULTS: A total of 24 athletes with Achilles ruptures met inclusion criteria, 17 (70.8%) of whom were able to return to play. On average, players had 8.3 years of professional-level experience prior to sustaining an Achilles rupture. Among athletes who returned to play, no differences were found in the number of games played or started, minutes played, or goals scored 1 year postoperatively compared with the year prior to injury. However, 2 years postoperatively, these athletes played 28.3% (P = .028) fewer minutes compared with their preoperative season, despite starting and playing in an equivalent number of games. Matched controls had baseline playing time and performance statistics similar to those of players. However, controls played and started in significantly more games and played more minutes at 1 and 2 years compared with players (P < .05). No differences were found in goals scored at any time point. CONCLUSION: This is the first investigation examining the effect of an Achilles repair on the career of professional soccer players. This is a difficult injury that most commonly occurs in veteran players and prevents 29.2% of players from returning to play despite surgical management. Additionally, athletes able to return to play were found to play fewer minutes 2 years postoperatively compared with their baseline as well as playing less at 1 and 2 years postoperatively compared with uninjured matched controls. The reduction in playing time following an Achilles repair has significant implications for professional players and teams.

Anatomy of the ankle capsule: A cadaveric study.

Although bony and ligamentous injuries of the ankle are well understood, little is known about the degree to which injury of the ankle capsule can be a component of such injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the dimensions of the ankle capsule and its relationship to adjacent structures. Thirteen fresh-frozen ankle specimens were systematically dissected. Methylene blue solution was injected to identify the dimensions of the ankle capsule. External dimensions were measured as the distance from the capsular reflection to the bony margin of the ankle. Internal dimensions were measured as the distance from the capsular attachment of the distal tibia, fibula, and talus to the cartilage margin. The anterior aspect of the capsule demonstrated the most proximal capsular reflection in all specimens. The most proximal reflections of the anteromedial, anterior middle and anterolateral capsule were 10.3, 13.5, and 9.8 mm, respectively. The most proximal reflections of the posteromedial, posterior middle and posterolateral region were 8.7, 6.2, and 3.5 mm, respectively. There was no capsular reflection over the medial malleolus and less than 1 mm over the posterior lateral malleolus. There was a confluence of the capsule and ligamentous complex on the medial side, and also with the transverse tibiofibular ligament about the posterolateral ankle. The most proximal attachment of the ankle capsule was located at the anterior aspect of the distal tibia. The medial and posterolateral capsules were confluent with the ligamentous complexes of the ankle in those regions. Clin. Anat. 31:1018-1023, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Achilles Tendinosis.

BACKGROUND: Most patients who sustain Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) have no clinical symptoms prior to ATR. The objective of this study was to define the prevalence of ultrasound-detectable Achilles tendinopathy in asymptomatic patients in an at-risk group. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from a group of volunteers. All participants were given IPAQ questionnaires to gauge daily activity level, in addition to a demographic form. Participants underwent a physical examination, Silfverskiold test, and an ultrasonographic examination to evaluate for presence of Achilles tendinopathy. Fifty-one volunteers (30 female, 21 male) and 102 Achilles tendons were assessed in this study. The mean age was 27.4±6.3, with an average BMI of 23.5±3.9. Ninety-two percent of participants were categorized as having moderate or high activity levels per the iPAQ questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixteen tendons had at least 1 abnormality: 10 (9.8%) had hypoechoic foci, 9 (8.8%) had calcifications, 1 (0.9%) had increased vascularity, and 1 (0.9%) had a low-grade interstitial tear. Approximately 40% of patients were noted to have a gastroc equinus contracture on Silfverskiold testing. In addition, 14.7% of patients with a gastroc equinus had a hypoechoic focus compared to 8.6% of patients without gastroc equinus ( P = .5003). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an increased BMI was a significant risk factor for having an Achilles tendon abnormality on ultrasonography ( P < .01, odds ratio = 1.41). CONCLUSION: In this study, 16% of the Achilles tendons were abnormal and had at least 1 abnormality on ultrasonography. This group of patients was generally young, healthy, and active, thus a group at risk for ATRs. Only 40% of patients had gastrocnemius equinus, although a slightly higher non-significant percentage of those with hypoechoic foci had gastrocnemius equinus. It may be advantageous to prophylactically treat these patients with rehabilitation exercises to minimize the risk of ATR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, comparative prognostic study.

Time to Diagnosis and Treatment of Surgical Site Infections in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The time at which patients typically present with surgical site infections (SSI) following foot and ankle surgery has not been characterized. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the time to definitive treatment of SSIs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 1933 foot and ankle procedures in 1632 patients from 2011 through 2015. Demographic and surgical data were collected. Time to presentation in cases diagnosed with postoperative wound complications or SSIs was analyzed. Wound complications were defined as any case with concerning wound appearance that subsequently resolved with antibiotic therapy alone. SSIs were defined as cases requiring operative irrigation and debridement (I&D) for successful definitive management. RESULTS: A total of 1569 procedures met inclusion criteria, with 17 SSIs (1.1%) and 63 wound complications (4.0%). Time between surgery and definitive treatment in the SSI group was significantly greater than in the wound complication group (28.2 ± 9.1 vs 13.4 ± 4.7 days, P < .00001). Eleven (64.7%) cases in the SSI group failed a trial of antibiotics prior to I&D, and 6 (35.3%) cases did not receive antibiotics prior to I&D. Antibiotic treatment prior to I&D did not significantly decrease the yield of intraoperative wound cultures (70% vs 100%, P = .51). CONCLUSION: In our cohort of patients, the time to diagnosis and treatment of SSIs was longer than that of wound complications. SSIs requiring operative intervention did not present until an average of 4 weeks after surgery. These data are of some benefit in trying to define and understand SSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Seasonal Variation of Achilles Tendon Injury.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a common injury with increasing incidence. Several risk factors have been identified; however, little is known about seasonal variations in injury prevalence. Previous reports have generated mixed results, with no clear consensus in the literature. The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively review ATRs seen at a major academic orthopaedic surgery department in New York City to determine whether a statistically significant seasonal pattern of ATRs exists. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted, identifying patients with an acute ATR. Patients were excluded if they had a chronic rupture, laceration, débridement for tendinitis, Haglund deformity, or other nonacute indications for surgery. Date and mechanism of injury were determined from the clinical record. RESULTS: The highest rate of injury was seen in spring (P = 0.015) and the lowest in fall (P < 0.001), both of which were statistically significant. Overall, no statistically significant difference was noted in summer or winter, although more injuries were seen in summer. When only sports-related injuries are considered, a similar trend is seen, with most injuries occurring in spring (n = 48, P = 0.076) and fewest in fall (n = 25, P = 0.012); however, only the lower number in fall reaches statistical significance. No statistically significant difference was noted between seasons when only non-sports-related injuries were considered. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant increase was noted in the incidence of ATRs in spring and a statistically significant decrease in fall. The need for recognition of risk factors and preventive education is increasingly important in the orthopaedic surgery community and for primary care physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, and athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level IV.

Risk factors for achilles tendon rupture: A matched case control study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether body mass index (BMI), activity level, and other risk factors predispose patients to Achilles tendon ruptures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 279 subjects was performed (93 with Achilles tendon rupture, matched 1:2 with 186 age/sex matched controls with ankle sprains). Demographic variables and risk factors for rupture were tabulated and compared. RESULTS: The rupture group mean BMI was 27.77 (95% CI, 26.94-28.49), and the control group mean BMI was 26.66 (95% CI, 26.06-27.27). These populations were found to be statistically equivalent (p=0.047 and p<0.001 by two one-sided t-test). A significantly higher proportion of those suffering ruptures reported regular athletic activity at baseline (74%) versus controls (59%, p=0.013). CONCLUSION: There was no clinically significant difference found in BMI between patients with ruptures and controls. Furthermore, it was found that patients who sustained ruptures were also more likely to be active at baseline than their ankle sprain counterparts.

Professional Athletes' Return to Play and Performance After Operative Repair of an Achilles Tendon Rupture.

BACKGROUND: Most Achilles tendon ruptures are sports related. However, few studies have examined and compared the effect of surgical repair for complete ruptures on return to play (RTP), play time, and performance across multiple sports. PURPOSE: To examine RTP and performance among professional athletes after Achilles tendon repair and compare pre- versus postoperative functional outcomes of professional athletes from different major leagues in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Hockey League (NHL) athletes who sustained a primary complete Achilles tendon rupture treated surgically between 1989 and 2013 were identified via public injury reports and press releases. Demographic information and performance-related statistics were recorded for 2 seasons before and after surgery and compared with matched controls. Statistical analyses were used to assess differences in recorded metrics. RESULTS: Of 86 athletes screened, 62 met inclusion criteria including 25 NBA, 32 NFL, and 5 MLB players. Nineteen (30.6%) professional athletes with an isolated Achilles tendon rupture treated surgically were unable to return to play. Among athletes who successfully returned to play, game participation averaged 75.4% ( P < .001) and 81.9% ( P = .002) of the total games played the season before injury at 1 and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. Play time was significantly decreased and athletes performed significantly worse compared with preoperative levels at 1 and 2 years after injury ( P < .001). When players were compared with matched controls, an Achilles tendon rupture resulted in fewer games played ( P < .001), decreased play time ( P = .025), and worse performance statistics ( P < .001) at 1 year but not 2 years postoperatively ( P > .05). When individual sports were compared, NBA players were most significantly affected, experiencing significant decreases in games played, play time, and performance. CONCLUSION: An Achilles tendon rupture is a devastating injury that prevents RTP for 30.6% of professional players. Athletes who do return play in fewer games, have less play time, and perform at a lower level than their preinjury status. However, these functional deficits are seen only at 1 year after surgery compared with matched controls, such that players who return to play can expect to perform at a level commensurate with uninjured controls 2 years postoperatively.

Increasing age in Achilles rupture patients over time.

BACKGROUND: The changing demographics of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) patients have not fully been investigated. However, there has been a general suspicion that this injury is occurring in an increasingly older population, in terms of mean age. The aim of this study was to objectively show an increase in age in Achilles tendon rupture patients over time. METHODS: Published literature on Achilles tendon ruptures was searched for descriptive statistics on the demographics of patients in the studies, specifically mean and median age of Achilles tendon rupture patients, gender ratio, percentage of athletics-related injuries, percentage of smokers, and BMI. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the trend of patient demographics over time. A Welch one-way ANOVA was carried out to identify any possible differences in data obtained from different types of studies. RESULTS: The patient demographics from 142 studies were recorded, with all ATR injuries occurring between the years 1953 and 2014. There was no significant difference in the mean age data reported by varying study types, i.e. randomized controlled trial, cohort study, case series, etc. (P=0.182). There was a statistically significant rise in mean age of ATR patients over time (P<0.0005). There was also a statistically significant drop in percentage of male ATR patients (P=0.02). There is no significant trend for percentage of athletics-related injuries, smoking or BMI. CONCLUSION: Since 1953 to present day, the mean age at which ATR occurs has been increasing by at least 0.721 years every five years. In the same time period, the percentage of female study patients with ATR injuries has also been increasing by at least 0.6% every five years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective cohort study.

Timing of Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the most troublesome complications after foot and ankle surgery. Previous literature has emphasized the significance of appropriate timing of antibiotic prophylaxis. However, the optimal timing of antibiotic prophylaxis for SSI prevention is still inconclusive. Our study aimed to investigate the optimal timing of antibiotic administration and to elucidate the risk factors for SSIs in foot and ankle surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1933 foot and ankle procedures in 1632 patients from January 1, 2011, through August 31, 2015, was performed. Demographic data; type, amount, and timing of antibiotic administration; incision; and closure time were recorded. Subsequent wound infection and incision and drainage procedure (I&D) within 30 days and 90 days were documented. Outcomes and demographic variables were compared between procedures in which antibiotics were administered less than 15 minutes and between 15 to 60 minutes prior to incision. A total of 1569 procedures met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: There were 17 cases (1.1%) of subsequent wound infection, of which 6 required a subsequent I&D within 30 days. There were 63 additional cases (4%) of wound complications, which did not meet SSI criteria. When comparing SSI and non-SSI groups, the only significant independent predictors were longer surgeries and nonambulatory surgeries (both P < .05). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that 91.8% of the risk of an SSI could be predicted by ASA score and length of surgery alone. CONCLUSION: In foot and ankle surgeries, the timing of intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis did not appear to play a significant role in the risk of SSI. Host factors and duration of surgery appear to have played a much larger role in SSI than the timing of antibiotic prophylaxis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.