Preliminary Experience With Commercially Available Trabecular Metal Tibial Cones Combined With a Retrograde Locked Intramedullary Nail for Bony Defects in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis.

Critical sized bone defects in the ankle are becoming increasingly more common in patients undergoing limb reconstruction with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Bulk allografts have not fared well over time. There have been scattered preliminary reports using custom spinal cages or 3D-printed Titanium Implants to address the critical bony defect; however, the cost of these devices is prohibitive in many clinical practice settings. The purpose of this investigation is to report the preliminary experience using a commercially available Trabecular Metal (Zimmer-Biomet) tibial metaphyseal cone combined with a retrograde locked intramedullary nail to address this challenging problem. Eight consecutive patients underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a commercially available Trabecular Metal tibial metaphyseal cone combined with a retrograde locked intramedullary nail. Five developed bone loss secondary to neuropathic (Charcot) bony resorption and 3 underwent surgery for failed total ankle arthroplasty. All 8 patients eventually achieved clinical and radiographic healing and were able to ambulate with standard footwear. One patient developed a postoperative wound infection at the site of calcaneal locking screws, which resolved with debridement and parenteral antibiotic therapy. Critical bone defects about the ankle have successfully addressed with custom 3D titanium implants. This small series suggests that similar clinical outcomes can be achieved with the use of a commercially available porous tantalum metaphyseal spacer borrowed from our arthroplasty colleagues, combined with the use of a retrograde locked intramedullary nail.Levels of Evidence: Level 4: Retrospective case series.

Association of Smokeless Tobacco and Complications Following Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the rates of postoperative complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis among current smokeless tobacco users and people who smoke compared to matched controls, and (2) compare rates of postoperative complications in current smokeless tobacco users vs people who smoke tobacco cigarettes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large national database. For patients who underwent ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users (n = 131) and people who smoke (n = 1948) were matched 1:4 with controls, and smokeless tobacco users (n = 131) were matched 1:4 with people who smoke tobacco cigarettes (n = 524). Orthopaedic complications within 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years were compared using multivariable logistic regressions. RESULTS: Within 90 days of ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated significantly higher rates of hardware removal (odds ratio [OR] 5.01, 95% CI 1.65-15.20), wound disruption or dehiscence (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.21-7.44), and pooled complications (16.0% vs 5.9%, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.50-5.38) compared with tobacco-naïve controls. The rates of hardware removal, wound disruption and dehiscence, and pooled complications remained significant in the smokeless tobacco cohort at 1 and 2 years. At 2 years following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users additionally demonstrated significantly higher rates of infection (OR 6.08, 95% CI 1.15-32.05) and nonunion (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.31-4.20) compared with tobacco-naïve controls. Within 90 days of ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated significantly lower rates of malunion or nonunion than patients who smoke tobacco cigarettes (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.97), whereas all other complications were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Smokeless tobacco use is associated with higher rates of complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis compared with tobacco-naïve controls, and physicians should screen for smokeless tobacco use specifically and encourage cessation before operating electively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Analysis of Gender Diversity Within Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellowship Programs.

BACKGROUND: Women continue to be underrepresented in orthopaedic surgery. This study seeks to evaluate gender diversity of faculty and trainees at foot and ankle surgery fellowship programs. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis of 49 US foot and ankle fellowship programs, all publicly available data on program faculty (as of July 2023) were collected, as well as data on current and past fellows between 2018 and 2024. RESULTS: Of 49 programs with 195 foot and ankle surgery faculty, 26.5% (n = 13) had at least 1 female on faculty, with only 8.2% (n = 4) having female fellowship directors. Female faculty made up 9.7% (n = 19) of foot and ankle surgery faculty overall. Of 307 total fellows identified within the 6-year period, 19.5% (n = 60) were female. Geographic distribution of programs was as follows: 29% (n = 14) Northeast, 31% (n = 15) South, 19% (n = 9) Midwest, and 21% (n = 10) West. Northeast programs made up 62% of all programs with female faculty, whereas Midwest programs made up the least at 8% (P = .048). Programs with female faculty had more female fellows from 2018 to 2024 than programs without female faculty (33.7% vs 14%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that females remain underrepresented in foot and ankle surgery fellowship director positions, despite an increasing proportion of females entering orthopaedic surgery. Foot and ankle surgery fellowship programs with female faculty had a higher number of female trainees; as such, diversification of foot and ankle fellowship departments may be an important factor in ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity within the specialty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, observational cross-sectional analysis.

Safety and Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Tranexamic acid has been shown to significantly reduce blood loss in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its safety and efficacy in total ankle arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tranexamic acid use in patients with total ankle arthroplasty affects blood loss or overall complication rate. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 64 patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with (n = 32) and without (n = 32) intraoperative tranexamic acid from 2014 to 2023 at a single academic medical center. Recorded blood loss, pre-to-postoperative hemoglobin changes, hidden blood loss, and complication rates were recorded and compared. There was no statistically significant difference in recorded blood loss, total calculated blood loss, pre-to-postoperative hemoglobin difference, hidden blood loss, or overall complications between the groups (all, P > .05). A lower rate of wound complications was observed in the tranexamic acid group, but the difference between each group was not statistically significant (P > .05). Tranexamic acid did not decrease blood loss during total ankle arthroplasty, as measured in our study. Tranexamic acid was not associated with any increase in overall complications. Based on our findings, tranexamic acid may be a safe intervention in total ankle arthroplasty, but further studies are needed to better elucidate its clinical impact.Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Bone cutting efficiency and heat generation using a traditional fluted Burr and a novel fluteless resurfacing tool.

BACKGROUND: Powered instrumentation is often used for bone preparation and/or removal in many orthopaedic procedures but does risk thermogenesis. This study compares biomechanical properties of a fluted burr and a novel fluteless resurfacing tool. METHODS: Twenty cadaveric metatarsals were tested with four predetermined cutting forces to evaluate heat generation and cutting rate for the fluted burr and fluteless resurfacing tool over 40 s or until a depth of 4 mm was reached. Cutting rate was calculated from displacement transducer data. Heat generation was measured by thermocouples placed in the bone adjacent to the burring site. Assuming a body temperature of 37 °C, a 10 °C increase in heat was used as the threshold of inducing osteonecrosis. FINDINGS: At 1.0 N and 1.7 N, the thermal osteonecrosis threshold was reached at comparable times between burrs, while the bone removed by the resurfacing tool was on average five times greater than fluted burr at 1.0 N and over twice as great at 1.7 N. Statistical analysis of these common cutting forces showed the resurfacing tool had significantly higher cutting rates (P < 0.01). As a result, the fluted burr produced higher temperatures for the same amount of bone removal (P < 0.01). INTERPRETATION: In a cadaveric study, the fluteless resurfacing tool demonstrated higher bone cutting rates and lower heat generation for the same amount of bone removed than a traditional fluted burr.

The Characterization of Social Media in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Survey Study of 312 Residents and Applicants.

There is a paucity of information regarding the use of social media by both orthopaedic residents and applicants. Therefore, this investigation aimed to (1) characterize the use of social media by current orthopaedic surgery residents and applicants to an orthopaedic surgery residency and (2) evaluate the influence of social media on applicants to an orthopaedic surgery residency. Methods: An anonymous, nationwide survey was conducted among current orthopaedic surgery residents and fourth-year medical students applying to the authors' orthopaedic surgery. Survey data included demographics, social media usage preferences, social media engagement, and the influence of social media on applicants' perception of and decision to apply to residency programs. Results: Three hundred twelve surveys were completed, which included 170 resident surveys and 142 applicant surveys. Two hundred thirty-seven of the respondents (76%) use social media daily. Two hundred fourteen respondents (72%) have listened to orthopaedic surgery podcasts. Regarding educational social media posts, 81% of the residents and 57% of the applicants preferred case presentations with corresponding imaging; for noneducational posts, 89% of the applicants preferred content involving resident life outside the hospital. When asked how much an orthopaedic residency program's social media presence influenced application decision (on a scale of 0-10, 0 being no influence and 10 being the most influence), the mean response was 3.47 among all respondents. Conclusions: Most survey respondents use social media daily, have listened to orthopaedic podcasts, find case presentations with corresponding imaging the most useful format for educational posts, and prefer to see residency programs post about resident life outside of the hospital. A residency program's social media presence did not significantly influence applicants' decision to apply to a specific program; however, there was a trend toward increasing influence with more recent applicants. Future research should further investigate social media's impact on the residency application process and the influence of social media on orthopaedic applicants and residents.

Adverse Events Following Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Repair.

BACKGROUND: The rate of wound complications following traditional open Achilles tendon repair is reported at 7.6%. The purpose of this study is to characterize the rate of wound and other early complications following a specific minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair technique, and to identify any factors associated with increased risk. METHODS: The postoperative courses of 99 patients who underwent minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair by 2 surgeons at separate academic medical centers were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up was 8.1 months (range 3.0-24.6 months). Repair technique was similar in all cases with the exception that 71 procedures used a longitudinal incision and a tourniquet, while 28 procedures used a transverse incision and no tourniquet (surgeon preference). The rates of complications were compared between patients with differing baseline and procedural characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 99 patients included in the study, 2 (2.0%) developed wound complications. There was no statistical difference in the rate of wound complications between patients in the longitudinal incision/tourniquet group and patients in the transverse incision/no tourniquet group (2.8% vs 0%; P = 1.000). Four patients (4.0%) developed sural neuropraxia. One patient developed deep venous thrombosis. There were no cases of rerupture. At final follow-up, all 99 patients had intact Thompson tests and well-healed wounds. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of wound complications following minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair is low at 2.0%. Patients should be counseled that although risk for wound complications may be lower with this minimally invasive technique, there are risks for sural neuropraxia and deep suture reaction. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective study.

Risk of Complications With the Total Contact Cast in Diabetic Foot Disorders.

The custom-fabricated total contact cast is commonly used in the treatment of diabetic foot disorders. This resource-consuming treatment option has been associated with iatrogenic morbidity as well as the need for urgent cast removal and inspection of the underlying limb when potential problems arise. Over a 10-year period, 381 diabetic patients had 2265 total contact cast applications by certified orthopaedic technologists, in a university orthopaedic practice, under the supervision of university faculty. Patients were stratified by glycemic control based on hemoglobin A1c levels, and obesity based on body mass index (BMI). Complications were grouped as (1) development of a new ulcer or wound, (2) new or increasing odor or drainage, (3) wound infection, (4) gangrene, (5) newly identified osteomyelitis, and (6) pain or discomfort necessitating cast change or removal. At least 1 complication was observed in 159 of 381 patients. The odds of experiencing a cast-related event for patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 was 1.55 times greater than patients with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2. As compared to patients with good glycemic control, the odds of experiencing a cast-associated complication was 1.27 times greater in patients with moderate glycemic control and 1.48 times greater in patients with poor glycemic control. The total contact cast is commonly used in the treatment of diabetic foot morbidity. Treatment-associated morbidity may well be greater than previously appreciated. Complications are more likely in patients who have poor glycemic control and are morbidly obese. This information will hopefully stimulate interest in developing commercially available nonrigid alternatives that retain the attributes of the resource-consuming rigid device, with the potential advantage of avoiding the associated morbidity.Levels of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective chart review.

Ankle fusion following failed initial treatment of complex ankle fractures in neuropathic diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Unstable ankle fractures in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy have an increased risk of postoperative complications, often leading to amputation. Primary ankle arthrodesis has been suggested as an alternative when acceptable reduction and mechanical stabilization cannot be obtained. METHODS: Over a fourteen year period, thirteen diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy underwent an attempt at primary ankle arthrodesis following the early post-fracture development of acute neuropathic (Charcot) deformity of the ankle after sustaining a low energy unstable ankle fracture. Eight patients with open wounds and osteomyelitis underwent single stage debridement of the osteomyelitis and primary ankle fusion with an ankle fusion construct circular external fixator. Five patients without evidence of infection underwent primary arthrodesis with a retrograde locked intramedullary nail used for fixation. A successful clinical outcome was achieved with either successful radiographic arthrodesis or stable pseudarthrosis, when community ambulation was achieved with commercially-available therapeutic footwear and a short ankle orthosis. RESULTS: Eight of the thirteen patients achieved a successful clinical outcome at a mean follow-up of 48 (range 12-136) months following the initial surgery. Three achieved clinical stability following a second surgery and one following a third. One patient with radiographic nonunion expired due to unrelated causes. One patient underwent transtibial amputation due to persistent infection. Of the five patients with failure of radiographic union, three successfully ambulated in the community with a short ankle orthosis. Postoperative complications included wound and pin-site infection, infected nonunion, chronic wounds, and tibial stress fracture. CONCLUSION: In spite of the high risk for complications and initial failure, primary ankle fusion is a reasonable option for diabetic neuropathic patients who develop acute neuropathic arthropathy following ankle fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV retrospective case series.

Isolated Subtalar Arthrodesis for Avascular Necrosis of the Talus.

Isolated subtalar arthrodesis has been attempted in talar avascular necrosis (AVN) patients to preserve the tibiotalar joint and potential revascularization. This article reports the efficacy of isolated subtalar arthrodesis in the setting of AVN. A retrospective review of subtalar arthrodeses was performed on a cohort of 12 patients with talar AVN who underwent subtalar arthrodesis. The primary outcome was radiographic fusion with secondary outcomes of subsequent procedures, recurrent pain, and perioperative complications. Radiographic fusion of subtalar arthrodesis occurred in 12 of 12 patients. Five of six patients with traumatic etiology went on to have secondary procedures. One of six patients with atraumatic etiology underwent a secondary procedure for advancement of tibiotalar arthritis. In the setting of atraumatic talar AVN, this small cohort demonstrates that isolated subtalar arthrodesis is a safe and reliable procedure with high fusion rates and low need for secondary procedures. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 28(2):132-136, 2019).

The Value of Senior Mentorship Among Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Because of the ever increasing economic, social, legal, and regulatory complexities of the current healthcare environment, traditional clinical training may be insufficient to establish a thriving surgical practice and to achieve individual career goals. Competing constituencies and agendas require thoughtful strategies to achieve professional goals. An orthopaedic surgeon's formal professional education, research experience, and clinical expertise may not fully equip individuals for success in the contemporary healthcare market. With the pressures of modern surgical practices, formal and informal senior mentorship may be critically important, especially for young orthopaedic surgeons. The role of mentorship in job satisfaction, retention, clinical productivity, and research output has been recently investigated across multiple medical and surgical disciplines. These data support the theory that senior mentorship is critical for retention, job satisfaction, clinical volume, professional networking, career progression, and research productivity.

Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Correction of Charcot Ankle.

BACKGROUND:: Deformity associated with Charcot foot arthropathy leads to a poor quality of life in affected individuals. Deformity in the midfoot appears to be predictive of clinical outcomes following operative correction. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine if that same methodology could be applied to patients treated for Charcot foot arthropathy involving the ankle joint. METHODS:: Fifty-six consecutive patients underwent operative reconstruction of Charcot foot deformity involving the ankle joint by a single surgeon over a 14-year period. Preoperative patient characteristics and tibiotalar alignment, were recorded. Surgical treatment included single-stage debridement of active infection and ankle arthrodesis with application of a circular external fixator when infection was present (39 of 56, 69.6%) or retrograde locked intramedullary nailing in the absence of infection (17 of 56, 30.3%). Clinical outcomes were graded based on limb salvage, resolution of infection and chronic wounds, and the ability to ambulate with therapeutic footwear or accommodative orthoses. The average follow-up was 7.5 (range 1.1-14.0) years. RESULTS:: One patient died at 134.3 weeks following surgery of unrelated causes and 8 underwent amputation. Twenty-eight of 56 patients (50.0%) achieved a favorable (excellent or good) clinical outcome. There was no significant association between pre- or postoperative alignment and clinical outcomes. Insulin-dependent diabetics were approximately 3 times more likely to have a poor clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS:: Operative correction of Charcot deformity involving the ankle joint was associated with a high complication rate and risk for failure. The lessons learned from this highly comorbid patient population with complex deformities can be used as a benchmark for applying modern surgical techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level IV, case series.

Prospective Evaluation of Structural Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Structural or bulk osteochondral allograft transplantation for shoulder talar osteochondral lesions as a salvage procedure has demonstrated efficacy in several retrospective reviews. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively patients who received fresh structural allograft transplantation to the talus. METHODS: Prospective evaluation of a consecutive series of patients who underwent fresh structural allograft transplantation for an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) was performed. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) and plain radiographs were obtained on all patients. The following patient-reported outcomes questionnaires were administered preoperatively and yearly after surgery: 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) pain scale, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, Short Form 36 (SF-36), and the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA). Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed for allograft incorporation and subsequent arthritis. Fourteen patients with an average age of 40 years (range, 18-69) and a mean follow-up of 55 months (range, 24-97) underwent structural fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation to the talar shoulder. RESULTS: The average size of the OLT was 2269 mm3 (range, 813-8366) based on CT imaging and 5797 mm3 (range, 1136-12 489) based on MRI imaging. There was significant ( P < .05) improvement in the VAS pain, AOFAS scale, SF-36, and SMFA scores. Five (36%) of the patients required additional surgery for pain and stiffness. Two patients had cartilage delamination and were considered treatment failures. Therefore, the success rate was 86% (12/14). CONCLUSION: Significant improvement in pain and function was achieved with structural allograft transplantation for large OLTs at midterm follow-up. This was a safe and effective treatment option in this small series for large OLTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prospective case series.

Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Correction of Charcot Foot: A New Classification With Implications for Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The historic treatment of Charcot foot arthropathy has been immobilization during the active phase of the disease process, followed by accommodative bracing of the acquired deformity. Evidence derived from modern patient-reported outcomes investigations has convinced many surgeons to attempt operative correction of the acquired deformity with a goal of improving quality of life. METHODS: Over a 12-year period, 214 patients (9 bilateral) underwent reconstruction of the acquired deformity associated with midtarsal Charcot foot arthropathy. Over time, 3 patterns of deformity were observed based on weight-bearing pattern, relationship of the forefoot to the hindfoot, and integrity of the talocalcaneal joint. A valgus deformity pattern was present in 138, varus in 48, and dislocation of the talocalcaneal joint in 37. A consistent operative strategy was employed. Surgery included percutaneous tendon-Achilles lengthening, resection of infection when present, attempted correction of the structural deformity by wedge resection at the apex of the deformity, and immobilization with a 3-level static circular external fixator. Additional deformity pattern-specific procedures were added over time. Clinical outcomes were based on the historic metrics of limb salvage and resolution of infection and the functional metric of the ability to walk with commercially available therapeutic footwear. RESULTS: Seven patients died within a year of surgery, and 15 underwent partial- or whole-foot amputation. Overall, 173 of 223 feet (77.6%) achieved a favorable clinical outcome. Patients with a valgus deformity pattern were most likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (120 of 138, 87.0%). Patients with a dislocation pattern were less likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (26 of 37, 70.3%), and those with a varus deformity pattern were least likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (27 of 48, 56.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Operative correction of the acquired deformity of Charcot foot arthropathy was performed with a goal of improving quality of life. Stratification of patients by deformity pattern allowed alterations of the basic surgery to afford improved outcomes. In addition to achieving historic goals of resolution of infection and limb salvage, almost 80% of the patients were able to achieve the functional goal of independent ambulation with commercially available therapeutic footwear. The clinical outcomes achieved in this retrospective case series appear to support the modern paradigm of operative correction of deformity in this complex patient population. This realistic appreciation of outcome expectations should both be helpful in counseling patients on the risk-benefit ratio associated with surgery and provide a benchmark to measure newer strategies of treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Long-term Outcomes Following Syme's Amputation.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic cost of walking after Syme's ankle disarticulation amputation is minimally more than that for nonamputation. The ability to end weightbearing makes prosthetic fitting relatively simple, and very few patients require extensive rehabilitation or placement in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility. In spite of these potential benefits, there is a paucity of objective information on the actual long-term outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-one patients were identified who underwent single-stage Syme's ankle disarticulation amputation with excision of the lateral and medial malleoli by a single surgeon during a 23-year period. None of these patients had sufficient tissue to allow amputation at the transmetatarsal or tarsometatarsal levels. Thirty-three underwent amputation due to a diabetic forefoot infection, 11 secondary to a crush injury, 3 for a nondiabetic infection, 3 for a noncorrectable acquired deformity, and 1 for neoplasm. The average age at surgery for the diabetic patients was 62.1 years (range, 36-81 years), with an average follow-up of 6.8 years (range, 4.0-11.6 years). The nondiabetic patients had an average age of 37.8 years (range, 21-65 years), with an average follow-up of 9.3 years (range, 2.2-25.0 years). Patients who were alive and could be contacted were invited to complete the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire that was scored for functional, mobility, and bothersome indices. RESULTS: Seventeen of the 33 diabetic patients died. Four (12.1%) were converted to transtibial amputation. One of the nondiabetic patients died, and 1 (5.5%) was converted to transtibial amputation. Eleven of the 33 patients who were contacted completed the SMFA. All of these patients demonstrated favorable outcome scores in the mobility, functional, and bothersome indices (average mobility index of 17.2, functional index of 14.7, and bothersome index of 16.7 for nondiabetic patients compared to 34.7, 29.9, and 30.6 for diabetic patients, respectively). CONCLUSION: The objective information derived from this investigation supports the opinion that patients who underwent Syme's ankle disarticulation amputation appear to fare better than similar patients with transtibial amputation. These data also refute the notion of high complication rates and difficulties with prosthetic fitting. These patients required less rehabilitation and achieved improved levels of functional independence as demonstrated by favorable functional, mobility, and bothersome indices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV, retrospective series.

The Economic Burden of Orthopedic Surgery Residency Interviews on Applicants.

BACKGROUND: The intense competition for orthopedic surgery residency positions influences the interview process. The financial impact on residency applicants is less well understood. The purpose of the present study was to define the economic burden of the orthopedic surgery residency interview process while additionally describing how applicants finance the expense. METHODS: We distributed surveys to 48 nonrotating applicants at our institution's residency interview days for the 2015 match year. The survey consisted of eleven questions specific to the costs of interviewing for orthopedic surgery residency positions. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 90% (43/48). Applicants applied to a median of 65 orthopedic surgery residency programs (range 21-88) and targeted a median of 15 interviews (range 12-25). The mean cost estimate for a single interview was $450 (range $200-800) and the cost estimate for all interviews was $7,119 (range $2,500-15,000). Applicants spent a mean of $344 (range $0-750) traveling to our interview. Seventy-two percent borrowed money to finance their interview costs and 28% canceled interviews for financial reasons. CONCLUSIONS: The financial cost of interviewing for orthopedic surgery is substantial and a majority of applicants add to their educational debt by taking out loans to finance interviews. Future considerations should be made to minimize these costs for an already financially burdened population.

Factors influencing the number of applications submitted per applicant to orthopedic residency programs.

BACKGROUND: From 2002 to 2014, the orthopedic surgery residency applicant pool increased by 25% while the number of applications submitted per applicant rose by 69%, resulting in an increase of 109% in the number of applications received per program. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify applicant factors associated with an increased number of applications to orthopedic surgery residency programs. DESIGN: An anonymous survey was sent to all applicants applying to the orthopedic surgery residency program at Loyola University. Questions were designed to define the number of applications submitted per respondent as well as the strength of their application. Of 733 surveys sent, 140 (19.1%) responses were received. SETTING: An academic institution in Maywood, IL. PARTICIPANTS: Fourth-year medical students applying to the orthopedic surgery residency program at Loyola University. RESULTS: An applicant's perception of how competitive he or she was (applicants who rated themselves as 'average' submitted more applications than those who rated themselves as either 'good' or 'outstanding', p=0.001) and the number of away rotations (those who completed >2 away rotations submitted more applications, p=0.03) were significantly associated with an increased number of applications submitted. No other responses were found to be associated with an increased number of applications submitted. CONCLUSION: Less qualified candidates are not applying to significantly more programs than their more qualified counterparts. The increasing number of applications represents a financial strain on the applicant, given the costs required to apply to more programs, and a time burden on individual programs to screen increasing numbers of applicants. In order to stabilize or reverse this alarming trend, orthopedic surgery residency programs should openly disclose admission criteria to prospective candidates, and medical schools should provide additional guidance for candidates in this process.

Outcomes of Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Through a Posterior Achilles Tendon-Splitting Approach.

BACKGROUND: A number of operative approaches have been described to perform a tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis. Here we present the largest reported series of a posterior Achilles tendon-splitting approach for TTC fusion. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of the TTC fusions performed at a single academic institution was carried out. Orthopedic surgeons specializing in foot and ankle surgery performed all procedures. Eligible patients included all those who underwent a TTC fusion via a posterior approach and had at least a 2-year follow-up. Forty-one patients underwent TTC arthrodesis through a posterior Achilles tendon-splitting approach. Mean age at surgery was 56.9±15.0 years. There were 21 female and 20 male patients. Preoperative diagnoses included arthritis (n = 13 patients), failed total ankle arthroplasty (9), avascular necrosis of the talus (9), prior nonunion of the ankle and/or subtalar joint (6), Charcot neuro-arthropathy (2), and stage IV flatfoot deformity (2). In 37 patients (90.2%), a hindfoot intramedullary arthrodesis nail was used, with posterior plate or supplemental screw augmentation in 17 patients. Posterior plate stabilization alone was utilized in 4 cases (9.8%). RESULTS: The fusion rate was 80.4%. Eight patients developed a nonunion of the subtalar, tibiotalar, or both joints. Complications were observed in 17 patients (41.4%). Of these, ankle nonunion (19.5%), tibial stress fracture (17%), postoperative cellulitis and superficial wound breakdown (9.7%), subtalar nonunion (4.8%), and TTC malunion (2.4%) were the most frequently identified. One patient eventually underwent amputation (2.4%). CONCLUSION: We believe that posterior Achilles tendon-splitting approach for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was a safe and effective method, with similar union and complications rates to some previously described techniques. We believe the posterior approach is advantageous as it provides simultaneous access to both the ankle and subtalar joints and allows for dissection to occur between angiosomes, which may preserve blood supply to the skin. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Tibiotalar Arthrodesis Conversion to Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Although conversion of the painful ankle arthrodesis to total ankle arthroplasty remains controversial, this surgical modality has satisfactorily expanded the treatment armamentarium for addressing this pathology. STEP 1 PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION AND SURGICAL PLANNING: Preoperative preparation and planning is similar to that for a primary total ankle arthroplasty, and implants designed for primary arthroplasty can be used in most patients managed with conversion to total ankle replacement. STEP 2 PATIENT POSITIONING: Position the patient as for a primary total ankle replacement. STEP 3 REMOVE HARDWARE AND INSERT PROPHYLACTIC MALLEOLAR SCREWS: Preserve exsanguination time by removing hardware prior to inflating the tourniquet. STEP 4 RECREATE THE TIBIOTALAR JOINT: Recreate the native joint line, which can be relatively easy in selected patients and challenging in others. STEP 5 SET THE OPTIMAL TALAR SLOPE: Set the optimal talar slope, which can be challenging, particularly when the ankle arthrodesis is malunited in equinus. STEP 6 RECREATE THE MEDIAL AND LATERAL GUTTERS: Because the former medial and lateral articulations between the talus and the malleoli can be difficult to define, use careful surgical technique to avoid compromise of the malleoli and excessive talar resection. STEP 7 MOBILIZE THE ANKLE AND USE BONE GRAFT IN DEFECTS FROM PREVIOUS HARDWARE: To avoid potential malleolar fractures, mobilize the ankle only after the prophylactic malleolar screws have been placed; the tibial and talar cuts, completed; the gutters, reestablished; all resected bone, removed; and scar tissue from the posterior aspect of the ankle, excised; thereafter, conversion total ankle arthroplasty is similar to a primary total ankle replacement, with the exception of potential bone defects where prior hardware was positioned. STEP 8 TALAR PREPARATION: Perform the routine steps for primary total ankle arthroplasty, often ignoring bone defects from the ankle arthrodesis hardware, but plan to repair the defects with bone-grafting before implanting the final talar component. STEP 9 TIBIAL PREPARATION AND DEFINITIVE COMPONENTS: Perform tibial preparation in a manner similar to that used for primary total ankle arthroplasty. RESULTS: We performed 23 conversion total ankle arthroplasties in patients who had an ankle arthrodesis, including those with pain despite successful fusion and those with painful nonunions9.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Blount Disease or Blount-Like Deformity.

Blount disease is associated with complex deformity of the proximal tibia, and some patients will develop knee osteoarthritis. Five patients (eight knees) with Blount disease or Blount-like deformity underwent total knee arthroplasty. Mean proximal tibial metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle was 20.75°. Each patient had substantial posteromedial tibial bony defects and six knees required extensive medial releases. Two knees required increased constraint at index procedure. One patient has undergone bilateral revision surgery with rotating hinge prostheses. Mean WOMAC scores were 13.5 and Knee Society scores were 212.5 at average 75.2 month follow-up. Despite technical challenges, patients with these deformities can have successful outcomes after total knee arthroplasty. Surgeons should be prepared to address posteromedial tibial bony defects and consider constrained arthroplasty at the index procedure.