Considering the cellular landscape in marrow stimulation techniques for cartilage repair.

BACKGROUND: Marrow stimulation is a common reparative approach to treat injuries to cartilage and other soft tissues (e.g., rotator cuff). It involves the recruitment of bone marrow elements and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the defect, theoretically initiating a regenerative process. However, the resulting repair tissue is often weak and susceptible to deterioration with time. The populations of cells at the marrow stimulation site (beyond MSCs), and their contribution to inflammation, vascularity, and fibrosis, may play a role in quality of the repair tissue. SUMMARY: In this review, we accomplish three goals: 1) systematically review clinical trials on the augmentation of marrow stimulation and evaluate their assumptions on the biological elements recruited; 2) detail the cellular populations in bone marrow and their impact on healing; and 3) highlight emerging technologies and approaches that could better guide these specific cell populations towards enhanced cartilage or soft tissue formation. KEY MESSAGES: We found that most clinical trials do not account for cell heterogeneity, nor do they specify the regenerative element recruited, and those that do typically utilize descriptions such as "clots", "elements", and "blood". Furthermore, our review of bone marrow cell populations demonstrates a dramatically heterogenous cell population, including hematopoietic cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and only a small population of MSCs. Finally, the field has developed numerous innovative techniques to enhance the chondrogenic potential (and reduce the anti-regenerative impacts) of these various cell types. We hope this review will guide approaches that account for cellular heterogeneity and improve marrow stimulation techniques to treat chondral defects.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Cutoffs and Racial, Ethnic, Sex, or Age Disparities in Patients Treated With Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Background: The rising prevalence of obesity among American adults has disproportionately affected Black adults and women. Furthermore, body mass index (BMI) has historically been used as a relative contraindication to many total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures, including total ankle arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential disparities in patient eligibility for total ankle arthroplasty based on race, ethnicity, sex, and age by applying commonly used BMI cutoffs to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Methods: Patients in the ACS-NSQIP database who underwent TAA from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed in a cross-sectional analysis. BMI cutoffs of <50, <45, <40, and <35 were then applied. The eligibility rate for TAA was examined for each BMI cutoff, and findings were stratified by race, ethnicity, sex, and age. Independent t tests, chi-squared tests, and Fisher exact tests were performed to compare differences at an α = 0.05. Results: A total of 1215 of 1865 TAA patients (65.1%) were included after applying the exclusion criteria. Black patients had disproportionately lower rates of eligibility at the most stringent BMI cutoff of <35 (P = .004). Hispanic patients had generally lower rates of eligibility across all BMI cutoffs. In contrast, Asian American and Pacific Islander patients had higher rates of eligibility at the BMI cutoffs of <35 (P = .033) and <40 (P = .039), and White non-Hispanic patients had higher rates of eligibility across all BMI cutoffs. Females had lower eligibility rates across all BMI cutoffs. Ineligible patients were also younger compared to eligible patients across all BMI cutoffs. Conclusion: Stringent BMI cutoffs may disproportionately disqualify Black, female, and younger patients from receiving total ankle arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cross-sectional study.

Association of First Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint Fusion for Hallux Rigidus With Patient-Reported Pain and Mental Health Outcomes in Patients Taking Psychotropic Medications.

Background: Limited literature examines the relationship between surgical outcomes in chronic foot and ankle conditions and concurrent psychiatric care. The present study aimed to investigate patient-reported and surgical outcomes of patients treated for a psychiatric disorder undergoing first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) fusion for hallux rigidus. We hypothesized that patients on psychotropic medications would have greater subjective pain preoperatively and less improvement in physical and mental functionality postoperatively when compared with nonmedicated patients. Methods: A single-center, retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted on 92 patients undergoing first MTP fusion with a preoperative diagnosis of hallux rigidus from 2015 to 2019. At their preoperative, 6-month postoperative, and 1-year postoperative visits, patients were administered visual analog pain scale (VAS) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) functionality surveys. Patients were subsequently identified by chronic use of psychotropic medication preoperatively and grouped for analysis (MED, n = 42; NO MED, n = 50). Results: Postoperative mean VAS pain scores were lower for all studied patients at 6 months (VAS = 1.6 ± 2.3) and 1 year postoperatively (VAS = 1.1± 1.8) relative to the preoperative visit (VAS = 4.7 ± 2.8) (P ≤ .0001 and P ≤ .0001, respectively). No differences in mean VAS pain scores nor SF-36 physical component summary scores were detected at preoperative, 6-month, or 1-year visits between NO MED and MED groups. Mean SF-36 mental component summary scores for those in the MED group were lower at preoperative (NO MED = 83.8, MED = 71.8, P = .006) and 6-month postoperative (NO MED = 86.1, MED = 72.7, P = .037) visits than those in the NO MED group, a trend not observed at the 1-year postoperative mark (NO MED = 84.1, MED = 76.8, P = .228). There were no observed differences in operative time (P = .219), tourniquet time (P = .359), nor time to full weightbearing (P = .512) between MED and NO MED groups. Additionally, no differences in postoperative complication rates were observed between groups. Conclusion: In patients treated with psychotropically active medications with hallux rigidus, MTP Fusion appears to be a reasonable treatment choice with similar outcomes for patients requiring psychotropically active medications to the outcomes of those patients not requiring psychotropically active medications. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Opioid Use After Ankle Fracture Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of ankle fractures is increasing, and risk factors for prolonged opioid use after ankle fracture fixation are unknown. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors that lead to prolonged opioid use after surgery. METHODS: The Truven MarketScan database was used to identify patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery from January 2009 to December 2018 based on CPT codes. Patient characteristics were collected, and patients separated into 3 cohorts based on postoperative opioid use (no refills, refills within 6 months postoperative, and refills within 1 year postoperatively). The χ2 test and multivariate analysis were performed to assess the association between risk factors and prolonged use. RESULTS: In total, 34 691 patients were analyzed. Comorbidities most highly associated with prolonged opioid use include 2+ preoperative opioid prescriptions (odds ratio [OR] = 11.92; P < .001), tobacco use (OR = 2.03; P < .001), low back pain (OR = 1.81; P < .001), depression (OR = 1.48; P < .001), diabetes (OR = 1.34; P < .001), and alcohol abuse (OR = 1.32; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Opioid use after ankle fracture surgery is common and may be necessary; however, prolonged opioid use and development of dependence carries significant risk. Identifying those patients at an increased risk for prolonged opioid use can aid providers in tailoring their postoperative pain regimen. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level III.

Non-emergent Conditions of the Ankle, Hindfoot, and Midfoot in Elderly Patients Are as Mobility Limiting as Congestive Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Mobility limitations are well linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Older patients with chronic pathologies of the foot and ankle can suffer from significant mobility limitations; however, the magnitude of limitation experienced by this cohort is not well characterized. Conversely, the effects of congestive heart failure (CHF) on patient mobility are routinely assessed via the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. New York Heart Association classification is determined by a patient's physical activity limitation and is strongly correlated to functional status. We hypothesized that non-emergent conditions of the foot and ankle would be as mobility limiting as CHF. METHODS: Life-Space Mobility Assessments (LSAs) were prospectively collected from orthopaedic patients at their preoperative visits and from CHF patients at a cardiology clinic. Patients over the age of 50 years were included in this study. Congestive heart failure patients NYHA class II or greater were included. The non-emergent foot and ankle cohort included Achilles tendonitis, ankle joint cartilage defects, ankle arthritis, subtalar arthritis, and midfoot arthritis. Patient demographics and LSA scores were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: A total of 96 elderly, non-emergent foot and ankle operative patients and 45 CHF patients met inclusion criteria. All medical comorbidities, except smoking status, were significantly more prevalent in the CHF cohort. No statistical difference was observed between CHF and preoperative foot and ankle LSA scores (56.1 vs 62.4, P = .320). Life-Space Mobility Assessment scores in the foot and ankle cohort were significantly improved relative to CHF patients, at 6-month and 1-year postoperative visits (P = .028, P < .0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Non-emergent ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot pathology is associated with similar mobility limitation to that of NYHA class II and III CHF. Older patients undergoing elective foot and ankle procedures exceeded the mobility of CHF patients at 6 months post-operation, and the mobility gains persisted at 1-year post-operation. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level II: Prospective cohort study.

The Rise of Total Ankle Arthroplasty Use: A Database Analysis Describing Case Volumes and Incidence Trends in the United States Between 2009 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: Ankle arthrodesis has been the mainstay treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. The popularity of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has been on the rise due to improved implant design and postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the basic epidemiology and trends of annual procedure volumes and incidence in the general American population as well as in different population subgroups from 2009 to 2019. We hypothesize that the incidence of TAA has significantly risen while the median length of hospital stay has decreased nationwide. METHODS: The IBM MarketScan database was queried for patients who underwent TAA from January 2009 to December 2019 based on Current Procedural Terminology coding. Population estimates from the US Census Bureau were used to calculate the annual incidence of TAA. Procedural volume and incidence were calculated for annual sums, gender, age subgroups, inpatient and outpatient TAA, as well as in four statistical geographic regions in the United States. Median length of hospital stay was calculated and trended annually for inpatient TAA. RESULTS: A total of 41,060 primary TAAs were identified in the database from 2009 to 2019, in which 52.5% were performed in males. Annual volumes increased by 136.1%, from 2180 to 5147 procedures nationwide. Incidence reported per 100 000 population increased by 120.8%. Both inpatient and outpatient procedures have increased, by 242.5% and 86.6%, respectively. Median length of hospital stay decreased from 3 days in 2009 to 1 day in 2019 and did not differ between genders. Growth in incidence was demonstrated in males and females above the age of 54 years with the largest growth in annual incidence found between 65 and 74 years. Incidence rose in the South and West of the United States by 111.8% and 136.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We found that annual volumes and incidence rates of primary TAA has increased between 2009 and 2019. Although both inpatient and outpatient surgery have become more frequent, inpatient volumes and incidence have increased almost 3 times more than those of outpatient surgery. Length of hospital stay decreased over the study years. When adjusted for the same study period, the cumulative annual growth rates of TAA were found to be 2 times greater than total knee arthroplasty and 3.6 times greater than total hip arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective database review.

Effect of Obesity on Patient-Perceived Outcomes After First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: While first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is a common and effective procedure, there is a paucity of studies examining obesity's effect on outcomes of 1st MTPJ arthrodesis. This study's purpose was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes following 1st MTPJ arthrodesis in obese versus non-obese patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 94 patients undergoing first MTPJ fusion over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of hallux valgus or hallux rigidus was performed. Surgical and postoperative outcomes were examined preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months follow-up via Visual Analog Pain scale (VAS), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) surveys, and data were stratified into 2 patient groups: BMI < 30 (n = 62, mean age 63.9 ± 9.1 and ≥ 30 (n = 32, mean age 61.9 ± 8.4). RESULTS: Average overall VAS and SF-36 physical component scores improved significantly at 6 months (P < .001, .006) and 1 year postoperative visits (P < .001, .007) with no differences in survey scores, outcomes, or complications between weight groups. CONCLUSION: Our study showed first MTPJ fusion improves short-term pain and physical quality-of-life in arthritic obese and non-obese patients without differences in nonunion, complications, or patient-reported measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Prognostic, Case-Control Study.

Complications of Lesser Toe Surgery: How To Avoid Them before Surgery and How To Assess and Treat Them When They Have Occurred.

Complications following lesser toe surgery are challenging to manage. The keys to treatment of any of these conditions are, first, to try to avoid them through identification of patient- and surgeon-related variables that contribute to their development and, second, following the occurance of a complication, to understand what can and cannot be corrected with surgical and nonsurgical management. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of current literature, demonstrates best practices and approaches to lesser toe complications, and provides an illustration of clinical examples.

Preoperative Depression is Associated With Increased Complications Following Ankle Fracture Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The effects of preoperative depression following ankle fracture surgery remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between preoperative depression and outcomes following ankle fracture surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study used the Truven MarketScan database to identify patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery from January 2009 to December 2018. Patients with and without a diagnosis of preoperative depression were identified based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Chi-squared and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between preoperative depression and postoperative complications following ankle fracture surgery. RESULTS: In total, 107,897 patients were identified for analysis, 13,981 of whom were diagnosed with depression (13%). Preoperative depression was associated with the increased odds for postoperative infection (odds ratio [OR]: 1.33, confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-1.46), wound complications (OR: 1.13, CI: 1.00-1.28), pain-related postoperative emergency department visits (OR: 1.58, CI: 1.30-19.1), 30-day and 90-day readmissions (OR: 1.08, CI: 1.03-1.21 and OR: 1.13, CI: 1.07-1.18), sepsis (OR: 1.39, CI: 1.12-1.72), and postoperative development of complex regional pain syndrome (OR: 1.46, CI: 1.18-1.81). CONCLUSION: Preoperative depression is associated with increased complications following ankle fracture surgery. Further studies are warranted to investigate the degree to which depression is a modifiable risk factor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Preoperative Depression Influences Outcomes Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasing in incidence. While preoperative depression is known to affect outcomes following other procedures, its effect on outcomes following TAA are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate this relationship. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD). All patients undergoing TAA were included. Two cohorts (those with and without preoperative depression) were created. Logistic regression was then performed to assess the contribution of a preoperative diagnosis of depression on rates of 90-day complications, while controlling for patient demographic and comorbid data. RESULTS: Overall, 8047 patients were included, of whom, 11.4% (918) were depressed. Compared to patients without depression, patients with depression had increased odds of the following: nonhome discharge (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.31-1.98), extended length of stay (>2 days; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.57), prosthetic complication (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.10-1.74), wound complication (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.11-2.29), prosthetic joint infection (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.06-3.15), superficial surgical site infection (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02-2.58), and medical complication (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03-1.68). DISCUSSION: Depression in patients undergoing TAA is common and is associated with increased health care utilization and complications following surgery. The modifiability of depression should be investigated with future studies. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level III: Comparative study.

Feasibility of Rapid Development and Deployment of a Telemedicine Program in a Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Practice.

BACKGROUND: A lack of access to care is predictably associated with negative outcomes in foot and ankle surgery. Despite recent advances in telecommunication technologies, the field of orthopedics has been slow to adopt these resources in offsetting barriers to care. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced departments to change their clinical approach, lending unprecedented opportunity to better understand how telehealth may bridge this care gap in foot and ankle practices. The purpose of this study was to assess patient-reported outcomes of telemedicine encounters, including comfort and patient satisfaction. Our hypothesis was that patients would be significantly less satisfied with telemedicine when compared with in-office appointments for all nonemergency visit types. METHODS: Telemedicine satisfaction was assessed via phone survey with a modified 1 to 5 Likert scale. Patients who had completed a telemedicine visit between April 13, 2020, and June 19, 2020, were eligible to participate. Patient demographics were recorded, and data were analyzed using paired and independent t tests for parametric continuous data and Fisher's exact and chi-square tests for noncontinuous data. A total of 216 patients completed the telemedicine questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall mean satisfaction for telemedicine visits (4.7) was significantly lower than that for in-office visits (4.9) (P < .001). However, the majority (90.3%) of patients reported they would use telemedicine again in the future. When compared, patients seeking fracture care had significantly higher telemedicine satisfaction (4.9, n = 38) than those receiving nonfracture care (4.6, n = 178) (P = .001), and those greater than 50 miles from the clinic had higher satisfaction (5.0, n = 14) than patients living within 50 miles of the clinic (4.7, n = 202) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients were more satisfied with their in-office clinic visit than telemedicine, although the vast majority of patients endorsed a willingness to utilize telemedicine in the future. Patients with trauma and greater barriers to foot and ankle care were more satisfied with their telemedicine visits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Effect of Age on Complication Rates and Outcomes Following First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis for Hallux Rigidus.

BACKGROUND: Hallux rigidus is one of the most common toe pathologies in patients greater than 50 years old. Although metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis is used to improve pain and function, older patients are often considered to be higher-risk operative candidates. There are minimal data on outcomes of MTP fusion and no studies comparing outcomes between geriatric and younger patients. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective study of all patients who underwent MTP fusion between August 1, 2015, and July 1, 2018. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Life-Space Assessment survey (LSA), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain administered preoperatively as well as 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Baseline characteristics and operative outcomes were collected from the electronic medical record. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients <65 years old and ≥65 years old. Of 143 included patients, 79 were in the younger group (mean of 56.5 years) and 64 were in the older group (mean of 72.0 years). RESULTS: Compared with the younger group, the older group was more predominantly female (95.3% older group, 77.2% younger group, P = .002). More patients in the older group had hypertension (73.4% older group, 50.6% younger group, P = .005) and coronary artery disease (9.4% older group, 0.0% younger group, P = .005). Both age groups had similar rates of postoperative wound complications requiring operative irrigation and debridement, deep vein thrombosis, deformity recurrence, and revision surgery. No differences were detected in SF-36, LSA, and VAS surveys administered at baseline, 6 months postoperation, or 1 year postoperation between younger and older patients. CONCLUSION: Despite more comorbidities, older patients had similar rates of postoperative complications and reported similar outcomes for pain, function, and mobility following MTP fusion. These findings support increased implementation of MTP fusion surgery for older patients with hallux rigidus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort.

Association of Strength Following Achilles Tendon Repair With Return to Same Level of Play in High-Level Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a common injury and the ability to return to the same level of sporting activity after treatment is an important outcome for patients. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between ankle strength and the ability to return to previous level of play following operative repair of an Achilles tendon rupture. METHODS: Patients aged 18 to 50 years at a minimum 1 year postoperation from surgical repair of an Achilles tendon returned for a study visit. Patients reported both preinjury and current activity level using the 10-point Tegner Activity Level Scale. Isokinetic strength testing was performed and the Isokinetic Strength Score (ISS) was calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between ISS and return to play by Tegner level. A total of 36 patients (mean 35 years old, 72% male) completed the study protocol at a mean 1.8 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Logistic regression revealed no association between ISS and return to play in the complete cohort. Subgroup analysis revealed that for 20 high-level athletes (preinjury Tegner ≥ 7), for every 16-point increase in ISS, the odds ratio (OR) for return to same level of play was 8.3 (P = .055) and the OR for return to within 1 Tegner level of play was 6.3 (P = .043). There was no association between ISS and return to previous activity in the 16 patients with lower preinjury levels of activity. CONCLUSION: Improved ankle strength was associated with return to previous level of activity in patients participating in high-level athletic activity, suggesting that these patients were more dependent on recovery of ankle strength in the postoperative time period in order to return to their previous high level of play. In contrast, regaining strength may be less important for returning to normal activities for less active patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

Development of a Small Animal Ankle Arthrodesis Model.

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the biology of ankle arthrodesis is based largely on work in spine and long bone animal models. However, the local soft tissue and vascular anatomy of the foot and ankle is different from that of the spine. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to develop a small animal ankle arthrodesis model. METHODS: A total of 12 Lewis rats successfully underwent ankle arthrodesis with stabilization consisting of a single Kirschner wire across the prepared tibiotalar joint. Based on high nonunion rates with this initial procedure, a modification was made consisting of a second pin crossing the joint. A total of 6 rats underwent the second procedure. Radiographs were taken postoperatively and in 2-week intervals up to 10 weeks. Micro computed tomography (µCT) and histological analysis was conducted at 10 weeks to assess the fusion mass. Osseous bridging of greater than 50% across the tibiotalar joint was deemed a successful fusion. RESULTS: µCT analysis determined that 11 of the 12 rats in the single-pin cohort developed nonunions (8.3% fusion rate). In the dual-pin cohort, all 6 animals successfully fused (100% fusion rate). Histological analysis supported the radiographic imaging conclusions. CONCLUSION: While the initial procedure had a high nonunion rate, enhancing the stability of the fixation greatly increased the union rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present work demonstrates the first reliable small animal ankle arthrodesis model. We believe that this model can be used in the development of novel therapies aimed at decreasing complications and increasing fusion rates.

Fractures of the Talus: Current Concepts.

Talus fractures continue to represent a challenging and commonly encountered group of injuries. Its near-complete articular cartilage surface, and its role in force transmission between the leg and foot, makes successful treatment of such injuries a mandatory prerequisite to regained function. Familiarity with the complex bony, vascular, and neurologic anatomy is crucial for understanding diagnostic findings, treatment indications, and surgical techniques to maximize the likelihood of anatomic bony union. This review details the structure and function of the talus, a proper diagnostic workup, the treatment algorithm, and post-treatment course in the management of talus fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Outcomes of Operative Management of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy in the Young vs Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a common cause of chronic posterior heel pain. Surgical intervention reproducibly improves patients' pain and functional status. We hypothesized that patients older than 60 years would have similar improvements in pain and function and low rates of complications after surgery for IAT when compared to a younger cohort. METHODS: Retrospective review of adult case series in patients undergoing surgical management of IAT. Patients were stratified into those 60 years and younger and those older than 60 years. Patients with prior or concomitant surgical procedures and revisions were excluded. Visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary (SF-36 PCS/MCS) scores, wound infection, and recurrence, defined as a redevelopment of heel pain in the operative extremity within 6 months, were assessed with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression mixed models and χ2 analysis. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled, with 38 operative heels. The younger cohort had an average age of 49.1 (range, 26-60) years. The older group had an average age of 66.8 (range, 61-76) years. RESULTS: VAS and SF-36 PCS scores for the entire cohort significantly improved at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (P < .001). Postoperative SF-36 MCS scores for the cohort significantly improved only at 12 months (P < .001). No significant differences between the young and elderly were seen with regard to improvements in VAS and SF-36 PCS/MCS at 6 or 12 months postoperatively. Multiple linear regression models showed no significant difference between age groups and VAS score, SF-36 PCS/MCS, or change in pain scores after controlling for comorbidities. No significant difference in overall complication rates was seen between the 2 groups (4.9% vs 29.4%, P = .104). There was 1 recurrence of heel pain in the younger group and 4 recurrences of pain in the older group (23.5%) at 6 months, of which 2 resolved at 1 year. There was 1 case of a superficial wound infection requiring antibiotics in the older cohort (5.9%). No patients required surgical revision. CONCLUSION: Surgical management of IAT in an older population produced similar improvements in clinical results when compared to a younger cohort, with no significant increase in postoperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Effect of Psychotropic Medications on Hammertoe Reconstruction Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hammertoe deformities can seriously affect activity level and footwear. The use of prescription, mood-altering medications is very common, with some estimates as high as 25% of the population. Mood disorders, especially depression, negatively affect the results of medical and operative treatments. This study assessed the relationship of mood-altering medication use with the outcomes and complications of operative reconstruction of hammertoes. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from 116 patients who underwent hammertoe reconstruction, including demographic information, medical history, the use of mood-altering psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and mood stabilizers), and postoperative complications. Preoperative patient-reported outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), which were repeated at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 36.2% of patients were taking psychotropic medications. Medication and nonmedication groups had similar pain VAS and SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores before and after surgery. Compared with nonmedication patients, patients on psychotropic medications had significantly lower SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores preoperatively (P = .001) and postoperatively ( P = .006), but no significant difference in the change in MCS (ΔMCS) from preoperative to postoperative. Psychotropic medication use was associated with superficial wound infections (P = .048), but not other complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients taking psychotropic medications were equally likely to benefit from forefoot reconstruction as nonmedication patients. Preoperative and postoperative PCS and VAS were not significantly different between medication and nonmedication groups. Although the medication group had lower absolute MCS, they reported the same magnitude of improvement in MCS (ΔMCS) as the nonmedication group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Comorbidities Associated With Poor Outcomes Following Operative Hammertoe Correction in a Geriatric Population.

BACKGROUND: Although complications following hammertoe correction surgery are rare, older patients with comorbid conditions are often considered poorer operative candidates compared with younger, healthier patients because of a suspected increased risk of adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence of multiple comorbidities was associated with increased complications or unsuccessful patient-reported outcomes following operative hammertoe correction in geriatric patients. METHODS: Prospectively collected data was reviewed on 78 patients aged 60 years or older who underwent operative correction of hammertoe deformity. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale for pain and Short Form Health Survey Physical and Mental Component Summary with 1 year of follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on number of comorbidities (0 or 1 vs > 2) and then compared. The average age of patients was 69.4 years and the prevalence of comorbidities in the study population was as follows: 11.5% smokers, 25.6% on blood thinners, 15.4% with rheumatoid arthritis, 7.7% with diabetes mellitus, 2.6% with peripheral arterial disease, 6.4% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 11.5% with coronary artery disease, and 23.1% with osteoporosis. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (67.9%) had 0 or 1 comorbidity and 25 (32.1%) had 2 or more comorbidities. Compared to the 0 or 1 comorbidity group, the presence of multiple comorbidities was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) for superficial wound infection of 4.18 (P = .045) and deformity recurrence requiring surgery OR of 23.15 (P = .032). Patient-reported outcomes were similar between comorbidity groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study further informs foot and ankle specialists to maintain increased surveillance for postoperative complications and unsuccessful outcomes in patients with multiple comorbidities. Although geriatric patients still report significant improvements in both pain and function, patients with underlying medical conditions should be counseled about their increased risks when pursuing operative hammertoe correction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Role of Hypoalbuminemia as an Independent Predictor of 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Surgical Fixation of Ankle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is known to be negatively associated with outcomes after multiple orthopedic procedures. We hypothesized that admission albumin levels, as a marker for malnutrition, would correlate with postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate this relationship following surgery for ankle fracture. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Patients undergoing operative fixation of an ankle fracture were identified. A total of 6138 patients with albumin available for analysis were identified. Baseline patient information, preoperative serum albumin levels, 30-day postoperative complications, readmission, reoperation, and length of stay data were then collected. Poisson regression with robust error variance was performed to assess the effect of preoperative serum albumin level on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The mean albumin level was 3.86 g/dL and 20.3% (1246/6138) of patients with available albumin levels were hypoalbuminemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that an albumin level <3.5 g/dL was an independent risk factor for complications (relative risk [RR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.78; P = .002) and readmission (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.13-2.08; P = .006). Additionally, when analyzed as a continuous variable, albumin level was negatively correlated with risk of mortality (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.72; P = .003). Patients with hypoalbuminemia also had significantly longer lengths of stay (4.5 vs 2.1 days; P < .001). CONCLUSION: While complication rates after fixation of ankle fractures remain low, hypoalbuminemia was a predictor of postoperative course. Malnutrition, therefore, may help inform the decision between surgical and conservative management of patients with ankle fractures potentially amenable to nonoperative management. Additionally, hypoalbuminemia should trigger heightened awareness and prophylactic therapy where appropriate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.

Advances in the Surgical Management of Ankle Fractures.

Ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons worldwide. However, operative indications, techniques, and reported outcomes following operative fixation vary widely in the literature. This evidence-based review focuses on recent advances in the operative management of ankle fractures including arthroscopic-assisted surgery, deltoid ligament complex repair, expanded indications for posterior malleolus fixation, fibula intramedullary nailing, and dynamic syndesmosis repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.