Biomechanical consequences of proximal screw placement in minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus correction.

Hallux valgus is one of the most common surgically corrected forefoot deformities. Studies evaluating clinical outcomes of minimally invasive chevron and akin (MICA) procedure have shown shorter operation time, faster recovery, and smaller scars compared to the open approach. Previous biomechanical cadaveric studies have largely focused on the open approach with minimal on MICA. To our knowledge, no studies have compared different proximal screw placements in MICA which can either be three-point fixation or intramedullary. This study aims to compare the biomechanical properties of fixation between these two techniques in MICA. Six matched pairs of human fresh frozen cadaveric feet were randomized to either three-point fixation or intramedullary groups. Both procedures were performed by a single fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon. Using a material testing machine, each specimen underwent 1000 cycles of plantar-to-dorsal uniaxial loads from 0 to 31 N in cantilever configuration while monitoring bending stiffness and distal fragment dorsal angulation. They were then subjected to load until failure at a compression rate of 10 mm/min. Specimens from both groups tolerated the walking fatigue test. Mean bending stiffness of three-point fixation was 84% higher than intramedullary constructs (P=0.002). Mean dorsal angulation of intramedullary was thrice that of three-point fixation constructs (P=0.008). Mean load to failure of three-point fixation was 30% higher than intramedullary constructs (P=0.001). Three-point fixation provide superior biomechanical stability compared to intramedullary proximal screw placement. The surgical technique using three-point proximal screw fixation can offer robust fixation and lead to better clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 5.

Consensus statements and guideline for the diagnosis and management of plantar fasciitis in Singapore.

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain among the general population. The lack of standard practice guideline in Singapore presents challenges in education and clinical practice for this painful condition. These consensus statements and guideline were developed to streamline and improve the management of PF, covering key aspects such as diagnosis, investigations, risk factors, treatment modalities, monitoring and return to work/play. Method: A multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of 6 sports physicians, 2 orthopaedic surgeons, 2 podiatrists and 1 physiotherapist from SingHealth Duke-NUS Sport & Exercise Medicine Centre (SDSC) was convened based on their clinical and academic experience with PF. The Grading of Recommen-dations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence and subsequently prepare a set of clinical recommen-dations pertaining to the manage-ment of PF. A modified Delphi process was used to reach consensus. Results: Eighteen consensus statements were developed to cover key components of PF management, from initial diagnosis to treatment modalities and finally, clinical progression. They were subsequently consolidated under a proposed treatment pathway guideline for PF. Conclusion: The SDSC consensus statements and guideline provide concise recommendations for the management of PF in Singapore.

Glomus tumour: an institutional experience of 31 cases.

BACKGROUND: Glomus tumour is an uncommon soft tissue tumour which commonly occurs in the distal extremities, particularly the subungual region of the finger. Due to its rarity, there is a paucity of literature concerning glomus tumour. Therefore, this paper aims to report a case series based on our institution's experience. METHODS: A retrospective cross sectional study was performed in a single tertiary institution in Singapore. All patients diagnosed with glomus tumour confirmed on histology from January 2019 to October 2022 were included in the study. Patient demographics and clinical information (presenting signs and symptoms, tumour parameters and presence of recurrence) were retrieved from existing medical records. RESULTS: A total of 31 cases of glomus tumour were diagnosed from January 2019 to October 2022, and the relevant demographics and clinical presentation were reported. Majority of glomus tumours occurred in the finger (61.3%). Pain was present in almost all the cases (96.8%), while a lump was visible in less than half (48.4%). An average of 44.0 months elapsed before patients were properly diagnosed and treated. There were no cases of recurrence despite involved margins in three cases. CONCLUSION: Glomus tumour can be easily missed if clinicians do not have an index of suspicion for it, resulting in delayed treatment. Once diagnosed, glomus tumour can be treated with complete excision with good outcomes.

Two-Year Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes Following Surgical Treatment of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Using a Central Tendon-Splitting Approach.

BACKGROUND: If conservative treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) fails, surgery is often considered. Various surgical approaches have been used including the central Achilles tendon splitting approach. This study aimed to report the 2-year clinical and radiologic outcomes after surgical treatment of IAT with a central tendon-splitting approach. METHODS: Seventy-five cases of IAT treated surgically via the open central tendon-splitting approach were analyzed. Clinical outcomes included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, visual analog scale (VAS), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores, all measured at baseline and 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Radiologic parameters measured included the Fowler-Philip angle (FPA) and parallel pitch lines (PPL). RESULTS: Three patients had clinically significant wound issues but healed completely by 3 weeks. Mean AOFAS score improved from 45.63 preoperatively to 94.71 at 24 months. Mean VAS score improved from 6.73 preoperatively to 0.55, mean SF-36 PCS from 35.98 to 48.74, and mean SF-36 MCS from 53.04 to 55.43 at 24 months. Satisfaction at 2 years was 94.3%. Mean FPA decreased from 62.0 degrees preoperatively to 34.0 degrees postoperatively. PPL was positive in 82.7% (62 of 75) of cases preoperatively, decreasing to 1.3% (1 of 75) postoperatively. Increasing age and higher preoperative VAS and SF-36 MCS scores were significantly associated with improvements in postoperative AOFAS, SF-36 PCS, and MCS scores. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of IAT via the central tendon-splitting approach achieved substantial improvements in all patient-reported outcome measures measured. These excellent clinical outcomes continued to show improvement 2 years postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Validity and Reliability of the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) Score in Patients With Hallux Valgus in Singapore.

The European Foot and Ankle Society score is a popular tool for monitoring treatment outcomes of foot or ankle conditions. However, few studies have assessed its psychometric properties in patients with hallux valgus. We aimed to validate the European Foot and Ankle Society score in patients with hallux valgus in Singapore. This is a cohort study of 121 patients with operatively managed hallux valgus from a tertiary referral hospital, evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively with the primary endpoint of restoring patients to premorbid status. Internal consistency was assessed via Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed through 7 a priori hypotheses by correlating the European Foot and Ankle Society score with other patient-reported outcomes measures. Structural validity was assessed via Confirmatory Factor Analysis, whereby a good fit was indicated when Comparative Fit Index >0.95, Tucker-Lewis Index >0.95, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation <0.06, and Standardized Root Mean Residuals <0.08. Among our subjects, the European Foot and Ankle Society score demonstrated reliability, reflected by a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.773). Six out of the 7 a priori hypotheses were fulfilled, indicating both convergent and divergent construct validity. Structural validity was confirmed with our European Foot and Ankle Society score model which showed good fit for a 1-factor structure (Confirmatory Factor Analysis = 0.998, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.996, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.025 [90% CI: 0-0.111], Standardized Root Mean Residuals = 0.027). In conclusion, the European Foot and Ankle Society score was validated for monitoring treatment outcomes of patients with hallux valgus in Singapore.

Radiofrequency Plantar Fascia Coblation With and Without Gastrocnemius Recession in the Management of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Although most are self-limiting, recalcitrant conditions can be debilitating, significantly reducing patient's quality of life. A myriad of surgical procedures are available for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (RPF) with little consensus on best practice. This purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of radiofrequency coblation with and without gastrocnemius release on the surgical management of RPF. METHODS: Between June 2013 and June 2019, a total of 128 patients with RPF and tight gastrocnemius were treated surgically. Presence of tight gastrocnemius was assessed clinically by a positive Silfverskiold test. Group A (n = 73) consisted of patients who underwent radiofrequency coblation alone; group B (n = 55) consisted of patients who underwent radiofrequency coblation and endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. The primary outcome measure was visual analog scale (VAS) score. Secondary outcome measures included (1) American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score; (2) physical (PCS) and mental component summaries (MCS) of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; (3) overall assessment of improvement, expectation fulfilment, and satisfaction; and (4) complication rates. RESULTS: Both groups reported significant improvement in VAS, AOFAS, and PCS scores postoperatively at 6 and 24 months. Group B (radiofrequency coblation with gastrocnemius recession) was associated with better VAS at both 6 months (3.0 ± 2.9 vs 1.7 ± 2.6, P < .05) and 24 months postoperatively (1.9 ± 3.1 vs 0.8 ± 2.0, P < .05) compared with group A (radiofrequency coblation without gastrocnemius recession). At 24 months postoperatively, no differences were found in AOFAS, PCS, MCS scores, expectation fulfilment, or overall satisfaction. No wound complications were reported in either group. One patient (group B) has persistent symptoms consistent with tarsal tunnel syndrome. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort comparative study, treatment of RPF with radiofrequency coblation alone was associated with slightly inferior results than radiofrequency coblation combined with endoscopic gastrocnemius recession in terms of pain relief without an increase in complication rates. However, at 2 years, we did not find a significant difference in other measures of outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Association of Elevated Body Mass Index and Outcomes of Arthroscopic Treatment for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are a common condition found in patients with chronic ankle pain after previous ankle sprains. Surgical management is indicated after conservative management has failed. Hypothesis/Purpose: This study evaluates the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the early clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of OLTs. Methods: A total of 252 patients with symptomatic OLTs who failed conservative management underwent arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of OLTs over the affected ankle between 2007 and 2017. Patients from this cohort were divided into 2 groups based on BMI: the normal BMI group (NB Group) (BMI 18.5-25.0) and overweight and obese BMI group (OB Group) (BMI ≥25). Visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and the physical and mental component summaries of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (PCS and MCS, respectively) were prospectively collected from the cohort during their standard postoperative outpatient follow-up. Results: The NB Group (n=105) and OB Group (n=147) were well matched demographically. The operative duration was significantly shorter for the NB Group compared to the OB Group. Patients from both groups had significant improvements in VAS, AOFAS, and PCS scores postoperatively at 6 and 24 months after surgery (P < .05). Between both groups, patients had comparable VAS, AOFAS, and PCS scores at preoperation, 6 months postoperation, and 24 months postoperation (P > .05). However, MCS in the OB Group was lower at 24 months postoperatively compared with the NB Group (P < .05). The OB Group reported better satisfaction scores (82.4% vs 72.6%, P < .05), and a greater proportion had their expectations met (88.2% vs 77.9%, P < .05). Conclusion: A BMI ≥25 was not associated with worse postoperative pain and functional outcomes, but rather was found to be associated with greater satisfaction and fulfillment. However, patients with BMI ≥25 required longer procedure duration and had poorer MCS scores at 24 months after surgery.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Validity and Reliability of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score for the English-Literate Singapore Population With Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal (AOFAS MTP-IP) score in patients with hallux valgus in Singapore. METHOD: A total of 121 English-literate patients with hallux valgus identified between October 2017 and May 2020 were analyzed. Reliability was assessed via Cronbach α. Construct validity was evaluated through 20 a priori hypotheses by correlating the AOFAS MTP-IP score for hallux and lesser toes with other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Standardized response means (SRMs) were calculated to evaluate responsiveness at 6 months postoperative. Structural validity was evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) whereby a good fit was indicated when comparative fit index (CFI) is >0.95, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) is >0.95 and standardized root mean residual (SRMR) is <0.08. RESULTS: The AOFAS MTP-IP score demonstrated reliability with a Cronbach α of 0.837. Convergent construct validity was confirmed when all a priori hypotheses were fulfilled. Structural validity was established with our AOFAS MTP-IP score model that displayed good fit for a 1-factor structure (CFI = 0.988, TLI = 0.960, SRMR = 0.034). Responsiveness of the AOFAS MTP-IP score for hallux was demonstrated by an SRM score of 1.28. CONCLUSION: The AOFAS MTP-IP score displayed adequate reliability and validity among English-literate patients in Singapore with an operatively managed hallux valgus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective cohort study.

Impact of pes planus on clinical outcomes of hallux valgus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pes planus is associated with hallux valgus development. This study evaluated the impact of pes planus on clinical outcomes following hallux valgus surgery. METHODS: 191 patients underwent Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus. Pes planus angles including talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) and lateral talocalcaneal angle were measured. The cohort was stratified into control (0°-4.0°), mild (4.1°-14.9°), moderate (15.0°-30.0°) and severe (> 30.0°) pes planus groups according to Meary's angle. Clinical outcomes were compared at baseline, 6 months and 24 months. RESULTS: There were 78 controls, 95 mild and 18 moderate cases of pes planus. Meary's angle was independently associated with preoperative hallux valgus angle. Pes planus angles were not associated with pain, AOFAS, SF-36 physical or mental scores. All three groups had similar clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Compared to patients with neutral foot arches, those with pes planus presented with more severe hallux valgus deformity but had similar clinical outcomes following surgical correction.

Third-Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Produces Similar Clinical and Radiological Outcomes as Scarf-Akin Osteotomy at 2 Years: A Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The minimally invasive chevron-Akin (MICA) osteotomy is an increasingly popular technique for the correction of hallux valgus. However, there is a paucity of literature comparing it with traditional open techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the MICA osteotomy using a new-generation MICA screw and scarf-Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. METHODS: Thirty cases of MICA osteotomy were propensity score matched 1:1 with a control group of 30 scarf-Akin osteotomy cases. The groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS), preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and concomitant procedures. Outcomes were compared at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Early postoperative VAS scores were also compared. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS score, AOFAS score, and SF-36 PCS and MCS at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. For the MICA group, HVA improved from 23.5 to 7.7 degrees, and IMA improved from 13.5 to 7.5 degrees. For the scarf-Akin osteotomy group, HVA improved from 23.7 to 9.3 degrees, and IMA improved from 13.6 to 7.8 degrees. The first 24-hour postoperative VAS score was significantly lower in the MICA group compared with the scarf-Akin group (2.0 ± 2.0 vs 3.4 ± 2.6, P = .029). However, there was no significant difference in clinical or radiological outcomes between the groups at 6 and 24 months. CONCLUSION: The MICA procedure with the new-generation MICA screw is an attractive option for the correction of hallux valgus, yielding similar midterm radiological and clinical outcomes compared with the well-established scarf-Akin osteotomy. The first 24-hour postoperative VAS score in the MICA group was also statistically lower, although its clinical significance remains to be determined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Mid-Term Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Total Ankle Replacement in an Asian Cohort.

There are limited studies looking at longer-term outcomes of the total ankle replacement (TAR) in the Asian cohort. Asian ankles are smaller in size and are more varus compared to Western cohorts. Cultural differences also require increased ankle range of motion demands. Therefore, assessment of longer-term functional and radiological outcomes in the Asian cohort is warranted. Between 2007 and 2015, 43 consecutive patients received a 3-component, cementless, unconstrained, fully congruent TAR. Patients were followed up over a mean 8 (range 5-14 years). Preoperative and postoperative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS-AHS), visual analogue score (VAS), physical and mental component scores of the SF-36 (PCS and MCS respectively) were calculated. European Foot and Ankle Score was also recorded at 8 years. Radiographs were reviewed postoperatively to assess implant position and study evidence of implant loosening and impingement. At 8 years, survivorship was 83.5%. Reasons for implant removal included infection (n = 2) and aseptic loosening (n = 5). AOFAS-AHS, VAS MCS at 8 years postoperatively were comparable to outcomes at 2 years postoperatively (p > .05). PCS at 8 years demonstrated improvement compared to 2 years postoperatively (49 ± 7 vs 42 ± 11, p = .048). Radiographic impingement was noted in 9 cases (20.9%). Radiological loosening was noted in 8 cases with 5 cases requiring revision surgery. At 8 years postoperatively, clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes and survivorship following TAR in an Asian cohort are satisfactory and comparable to that found in existing literature. Long-term studies are required to ascertain survivorship of TAR. Implant design with the Asian cohort in mind may yield improved outcomes.

Polymetatarsia of the Foot without Polydactyly: A Case Report.

CASE: We report a rare case of polymetatarsia without polydactyly. Our patient presented with pain and difficulty with shoewear. Radiographs showed an accessory metatarsal arising from the lateral aspect of the fourth metatarsal proximal metaphysis, fusing distally with the medial aspect of the fifth metatarsal head to form a single metatarsophalangeal joint. He was treated with a chevron osteotomy of the conjoined complex and an Akins osteotomy of the fifth proximal phalanx. Our patient recovered functionally, and his pain improved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The chevron osteotomy is an option for treating polymetatarsia without polydactyly with the aim of reducing the forefoot width. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case study, level 5.

Clinical Outcomes of Open Versus Arthroscopic Broström Procedure for Lateral Ankle Instability: A Meta-analysis.

Arthroscopic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament is becoming increasingly popular as a surgical option for lateral ankle instability. However, studies directly comparing outcomes of open and arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair continue to present conflicting conclusions. This review aims to compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic and open Broström procedure. A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from January 2010 to March 2020 to identify all clinical studies (level of evidence I-III) comparing outcomes of arthroscopic versus open Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability. Six studies were included in this review. The arthroscopic technique, compared to the open technique, resulted in higher American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-2.34, p= .04), higher Karlsson scores (WMD = 1.86, 95% CI: 0.46-3.25, p= .009) and lower Visual Analog Scale pain scores (WMD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.51 to -0.10, p= .003). There were no differences between the groups in terms of postoperative anterior drawer test (WMD = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.60 to 0.39, p= .68), talar tilt (WMD = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.72, p= .14) or overall complication rates (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.37-1.64, p= .51). The odds of wound-related complications in arthroscopic Broström procedures was significantly lower than that of open Broström procedures (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.95, p= .04). Current evidence shows that arthroscopic repairs offer comparable clinical outcomes with a lower wound complication rate, compared to traditional open repairs.

Hallux Varus Correction With Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer and Reverse Scarf Osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Hallux varus is the medial deviation of the hallux. Although rare, it can cause discomfort, functional weakness, difficulty with shoe wear, and dissatisfactory cosmesis. This study reports 3 cases of hallux varus treated using extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon transfer with or without the use of reverse scarf osteotomy (RSO). METHODS: This cases series studies the technique of using EHL tendon transfer and the role for RSO in the surgical correction of hallux varus. Indication for RSO included osseous overcorrection in the index hallux valgus surgery or as an adjunct when EHL tendon transfer alone was unable to restore alignment. Patients were followed-up for 24 months and their postoperative outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: All patients were female between the ages 55 to 67 years. Radiological parameters after surgery improved in all patients. The mean hallux-valgus angle was corrected from -23.7 ± 3.5° to -3.2 ± 2.0° postoperatively (P < .05). Intermetatarsal angle was increased from 5.0 ± 1.9° to 6.7 ± 1.0° (P = .065). Distal metatarsal articular angle improved from -28.9 ± 7.6° to -7.8 ± 3.7° (P < .05). Mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores improved from 37 ± 24 to 75 ± 9 (P = .064) at 24 months. In addition, visual analogue scale pain scores reduced from 5 ± 1.5 to 1 ± 1 (P < .05). All patients reported being satisfied with the procedure, and no complications were reported at 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Hallux varus correction using EHL tendon transfer with or without RSO appears to provide satisfactory results at 24 months. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level V: Expert opinion, Techniques.

Health-related quality-of-life improvement after hallux valgus corrective surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity that affects function of foot and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to identify factors associated with clinically important improvements in QoL after hallux valgus corrective surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis on 591 cases of hallux valgus corrective surgery performed between 2007 and 2013 was conducted. Patients' preoperative and 2-year postoperative Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) were compared to identify the presence of clinically significant improvements in patient-reported QoL. A multiple logistic regression model was developed through a stepwise variable-selection model building approach. Age, BMI, preoperative patient reported outcome score, PCS, MCS, pain score, gender, side of surgery, type of surgery, and presence of lesser toe deformities or metatarsalgia were considered. RESULTS: Median PCS significantly improved from 49 to 53 (p < 0.001), and median MCS remained at 56 (p = 0.724). Age, preoperative MCS and PCS were independent predictors for significant improvements of PCS at 2-year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Three groups of patients were more likely to have significant QoL improvements after hallux valgus corrective surgery. These were the younger patients, those with better preoperative mental health or those with poorer preoperative physical health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

An epidemiological review of 623 foot and ankle soft tissue tumours and pseudo-tumours.

BACKGROUND: In evaluating foot and ankle soft tissue masses, comprehensive epidemiological data, especially clinical predictors of malignancy, is essential knowledge. Our aim was to assess these data in a cohort of patients that have undergone surgical excision of foot and ankle soft tissue tumours and pseudo-tumours over a 10-year period. METHODS: A retrospective review of foot and ankle soft tissue tumours and pseudo-tumours excised in a tertiary hospital from 1 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2016 was performed. Uni- and multivariable analyses via logistic regression were conducted for all independent variables to identify their relationship with malignancy. Applying receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden's Index to significant variables, we attempted to identify optimal threshold values to predict malignancy of the soft tissue mass. RESULTS: A total of 623 tumours and pseudo-tumours were analysed, and majority were benign (n = 605, 97.1%). The most common pseudo-tumour, benign, and malignant tumours were ganglion cysts (n = 289, 90.3%), plantar fibromas (n = 54, 18.9%) and pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcomas (n = 4, 22.2%), respectively. Increasing age (P = 0.036), larger size of mass (P < 0.001) and male gender (P = 0.017) were significant predictors of malignancy. ROC and Youden's Index analyses identified optimal threshold values of 4.0 cm (area under curve [AUC] = 87.6%) for size of mass and 66 years (AUC = 60.7%) for age. CONCLUSION: Majority of foot and ankle soft tissue masses are benign. Increasing age, larger size of mass and male gender are significant predictors of malignancy. The threshold value in predicting malignancy is 4.0 cm for size of mass and 66 years for age.

From "business continuity" to "back to business" for orthopaedic surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Orthopaedic departments have adopted business continuity models and guidelines for essential and non-essential surgeries to preserve hospital resources as well as protect patients and staff. These guidelines broadly encompass reduction of ambulatory care with a move towards telemedicine, redeployment of orthopaedic surgeons/residents to the frontline battle against COVID-19, continuation of education and research through web-based means, and cancellation of non-essential elective procedures. However, if containment of COVID-19 community spread is achieved, resumption of elective orthopaedic procedures and transition plans to return to normalcy must be considered for orthopaedic departments. The COVID-19 pandemic also presents a moral dilemma to the orthopaedic surgeon considering elective procedures. What is the best treatment for our patients and how does the fear of COVID-19 influence the risk-benefit discussion during a pandemic? Surgeons must deliberate the fine balance between elective surgery for a patient's wellbeing versus risks to the operating team and utilization of precious hospital resources. Attrition of healthcare workers or Orthopaedic surgeons from restarting elective procedures prematurely or in an unsafe manner may render us ill-equipped to handle the second wave of infections. This highlights the need to develop effective screening protocols or preoperative COVID-19 testing before elective procedures in high-risk, elderly individuals with comorbidities. Alternatively, high-risk individuals should be postponed until the risk of nosocomial COVID-19 infection is minimal. In addition, given the higher mortality and perioperative morbidity of patients with COVID-19 undergoing surgery, the decision to operate must be carefully deliberated. As we ramp-up elective services and get "back to business" as orthopaedic surgeons, we have to be constantly mindful to proceed in a cautious and calibrated fashion, delivering the best care, while maintaining utmost vigilance to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 during this critical transition period. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:222-228.

Ten year outcomes for the prospective randomised trial comparing unlinked, modular bicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: A sizeable proportion of knee osteoarthritis is limited to the medial and patellofemoral compartments. Whilst short- and medium-term studies comparing bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BCA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have shown similar outcome scores, there are no studies comparing long-term outcomes. This study aims to determine which procedure resulted in superior long-term outcome scores. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with medial and patellofemoral compartment knee osteoarthritis were randomised to receive treatment in two groups: unlinked, modular BCA and TKA. The main outcome measures compared were the range of motion, Knee Society Function Score, Knee Society Knee Score, Oxford Knee Score, Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score of SF-36 pre-operatively and post-operatively up to 10 years. Radiographs of the operated knees were taken pre-operatively, post-operatively and at 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-six underwent BCA and 22 underwent TKA. Overall improvement was seen in both groups compared to pre-operatively, however there were no significant differences detected between the groups at 10 years. The median Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) angle was 183.38 (175.17-187.94) in the BCA group and 180.73 (174.96-185.65) in the TKA group. One patient from the BCA group had a peri-prosthetic fracture necessitating revision surgery to a TKA. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome scores for BCA results were comparable to TKA at long-term follow-up. BCA is an alternative arthroplasty option in selected patients.

Results of Hallux Valgus Surgery in Diabetic Patients With Good Glycemic Control.

BACKGROUND: Literature is sparse on whether diabetes affects outcomes of hallux valgus surgery. With the rising global prevalence of diabetes and diabetes being an independent predictor of poorer outcomes, particularly in foot and ankle surgery, we aimed to investigate the impact of diabetes on the outcomes of hallux valgus surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective comparative cohort study of prospectively collected registry data of 951 feet in 721 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus between 2007 and 2015 at our institution. All patients with diabetes were identified and matched with patients without diabetes for age, sex, and body mass index in a 1:2 ratio to construct the matched cohorts for analysis. Glycemic control in the diabetic cohort was assessed using preoperative HbA1c. The primary outcome measure was complication rates. Secondary outcomes were (1) deformity correction using the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles; (2) patient-reported outcomes using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical and Mental Health subscales, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores; (3) patient satisfaction; and (4) reoperation rates up to 2 years postoperatively. Forty diabetic patients were identified and matched to 80 nondiabetic patients. Although matching was only performed for age, sex, and body mass index, the diabetic and the nondiabetic cohorts were also similar in hallux valgus severity, preoperative scores, and types of procedures performed. RESULTS: The mean preoperative HbA1c in our diabetic cohort was 7.1%. Both the diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts showed excellent AOFAS and VAS scores with no differences in degree of deformity correction, complication profiles, reoperation rates, outcome scores, and satisfaction at both 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: We believe stringent patient selection was key to reduced complication rates and good outcomes in diabetic patients. Well-selected diabetic patients remain suitable candidates for hallux valgus surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Effect of Severity of Deformity on Clinical Outcomes of Scarf Osteotomies.

BACKGROUND: Literature is sparse on whether severity of hallux valgus affects outcomes of surgery. We thus aimed to evaluate the impact of hallux valgus severity on the clinical outcomes of surgery. METHODS: 83 consecutive scarf osteotomies performed by a single surgeon for symptomatic hallux valgus between 2007 and 2011 were divided into 3 groups (mild, moderate, and severe) based on severity of their preoperative hallux valgus using the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles. Outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical functioning (SFPF) and mental health (SFMH) subscales, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores. These were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Eleven (13.2%), 54 (65.1%), and 18 (21.7%) feet were in the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively. RESULTS: There was no difference in preoperative VAS, SFPF, SFMH and AOFAS scores between the groups except for AOFAS scores for the second toe, which were poorer with increasing hallux valgus. Postoperatively, there was improvement across all outcome scores. VAS and AOFAS showed excellent scores, and patient satisfaction was high across all 3 groups (88.9%, 89.4%, and 86.7%). The severe group had slightly lower SFPF scores at 6 months (mild, 81.1; moderate, 84.0; severe, 74.3; P = .031) and 2 years postoperatively (mild, 93.4; moderate, 89.7; severe, 76.4; P = .005), and slightly poorer second toe scores for VAS (mild, 0.0; moderate, 0.1; severe, 1.2; P = .017) and AOFAS (mild, 94.7; moderate, 93.5; severe, 83.4; P = .043) at 2 years postoperatively. All other scores including patient satisfaction showed no between-group differences. Complication and revision rates between the groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus lead to excellent outcomes and high patient satisfaction regardless of severity of deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.