Three-Dimensional Printed Total Talus Replacement with a Concurrent Total Ankle Arthroplasty as a Personalized Approach for Advanced Ankle Osteoarthritis A Case Repor.

Ankle arthritis is becoming more common and can be pain-ful and debilitating. As the disease progresses, degenera-tive cystic changes may be found in the distal fibula, distal tibia, and talus. After failure of non-operative modalities, arthrodesis is often considered the surgical intervention of choice, but this leaves the patient with reduced range of motion, altered gait, and can negatively impact adjacent joints of the foot. Total ankle arthroplasty has been found to be an effective surgical option for ankle arthritis but is contraindicated in patients with talar collapse. When this is the case, a more personalized approach for preserving ankle motion is necessary. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with severe right ankle arthritis and talar collapse treated with a custom three-dimensionally printed talus and concurrent total ankle replacement with 2-year follow-up.

Long-Term Patient Outcomes for Treatment of Difficult Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus with Particulated Juvenile Allograft Cartilage Implantation ± Calcaneal Autograft: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT) are common injuries that can be difficult to treat. To date, long-term patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients with particulated juvenile allograft cartilage implantation with or without calcaneal autograft have not been compared. METHODS: Thirteen patients with difficult to treat OCLTs underwent arthroscopic-assisted implantation of particulated juvenile allograft cartilage (DeNovo NT®) with or without autogenous calcaneal bone grafting by a single surgeon. Calcaneal bone graft use was determined by lesion size > 150 mm2 and/or deeper than 5 mm. Patients were evaluated using physical examination, patient interviews, and PROMs. RESULTS: When comparing patients in regards to calcaneal bone graft implantation, no difference in age, BMI, pre-operative PROMs, or follow-up was noted, however, calcaneal bone graft patients did have a significantly larger lesion size (188.5 ± 50.9 vs. 118.7 ± 29.4 mm2 respectively; p value = 0.027). VAS and FAAM ADL scores during final follow-up improvement did not significantly differ between cohorts. The FAAM Sports score improved significantly more for the DeNovo alone group compared to the bone graft cohort (p value = 0.032). The AOFAS score improvement did not differ between cohorts (p value = 0.944), however, the SF-36 PCS improved significantly more for the DeNovo alone group compared to the bone graft cohort (p value = 0.038). No intraoperative/perioperative complications were observed with calcaneal bone grafting. CONCLUSION: While patients followed over the course of ~ 8 years after implantation of particulated juvenile allograft cartilage (DeNovo NT®) with/without autogenous calcaneal bone graft had positive post-operative PROMs, patients without calcaneal bone graft had significantly greater improvement in functional outcome scores. Whether these differences are due to graft incorporation or larger lesion size is unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Traumatic Hip Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of different dosages of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) in the treatment of traumatic hip fractures against that of the control group of no TXA. DATA SOURCES: This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to perform a network meta-analysis on the use of TXA for the treatment of hip fractures. The study team used Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases to perform the search. Studies that were published in English between the years 2010 and 2020 were selected. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION: For inclusion in this study, selected articles were required to be randomized controlled trials with at least 1 control group that had no antifibrinolytic intervention to serve as a control, and IV formulations of TXA were used as part of the treatment group. Furthermore, all study participants must have undergone surgical intervention for traumatic hip fractures. Studies that did not immediately meet criteria for inclusion were saved for a review by the full investigating team and were included based on consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: All statistical analyses conducted for this study were performed using R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Network meta-analyses were conducted with a frequentist approach with a random-effects model using the netmeta package version 0.9-6 in R. The frequentist equivalent to surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities, termed " P score," was used to rank different treatments. CONCLUSION: The use of TXA in the surgical management of traumatic hip fractures reduces the number of transfusions and perioperative blood loss, with minimal to no increased incidence of thrombotic events when compared with those in controls. When comparing formulations, no route of administration is clearly superior in reducing perioperative blood loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluating the Association between Anesthesia Type and Postoperative Complications for Patients Receiving Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is performed for ankle arthritis and there has been interest investigating which anesthetic method is the best choice in order to optimize perioperative outcomes. In this study, we compared postoperative complications after TAA for patients receiving either 1) general anesthesia alone or 2) general anesthesia plus regional anesthesia. Methods: Patients undergoing primary TAA from 2007 to 2018 were identified in a national database. Patients were stratified into 2 cohorts: general anesthesia and general anesthesia combined with regional anesthesia. In this analysis, 30-day wound, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, thromboembolic, and sepsis complications, as well mortality, postoperative transfusion, urinary tract infection, extended length of stay, and reoperation were assessed. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistical regression were performed. Results: Of 1,084 total patients undergoing TAA, 878 patients (81.0%) had general anesthesia and 206 (19.0%) had general anesthesia combined with regional anesthesia. Following adjustment, there were no increased risk of postoperative complications in the combined general and regional anesthesia group compared to those who only underwent general anesthesia. Conclusion: Compared to general anesthesia alone, the addition of regional anesthesia to general anesthesia for TAA is not associated with increased risk of complications in the perioperative period. Level of Evidence: III.

Long-term Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Particulated Juvenile Allograft Cartilage Implantation for Treatment of Difficult Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

BACKGROUND: Conventional methods are not suitable for difficult to treat osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLTs). The role of particulated juvenile allograft articular cartilage implantation is not well elucidated for long-term patient outcomes. METHODS: Thirteen patients with difficult-to-treat OCLTs underwent arthroscopy-assisted implantation of particulated juvenile articular cartilage graft into defects from 2010 to 2012 by the same surgeon. "Difficult to treat" was defined as having at least 3 of the following features or 2 if both variables described lesion characteristics: (1) lesions size of 107 mm2 or greater, (2) shoulder lesions, (3) patients who failed microfracture, (4) patient aged ≥40 years, or (5) patient body mass index (BMI) >25. Patients were evaluated using physical examination, patient interviews, and outcome score measures. Patients had follow-up at 2 years, 4 years, and between 6 and 10 years at their most recent follow-up. Differences in functional outcome scores were compared before and after surgery. RESULTS: Patients (age: 46.5 ± 11.8 years, BMI: 28.5 ± 6.1) had, on average, most recent follow-up of 8.0 years (range 72-113 months). Average visual analog scale for pain score decreased for patients by 3.9 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.18-5.60), when compared to preoperative assessment. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports subscale scores also improved from 46.5 to 80.9 (95% CI 21.35-47.43), and from 18.8 to 57.9 (95% CI 21.05-57.10), respectively. Short Form-36 Health Survey physical component scores showed significant improvement by an average of 45.5 points (95% CI 32.42-58.50). American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale scores improved from 55.2 to 80.3 (95% CI 12.459-37.741). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate positive patient-reported long-term outcomes for a cohort of patients with difficult OCLTs, followed over the course of 6-10 years after treatment with arthroscopy-assisted particulated juvenile articular cartilage implantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Ilizarov external fixator for length salvage in infected amputated nonunions.

The technique of compression distraction induced osteogenesis via the Ilizarov external fixator system has been used for a variety of traumatic limb pathologies that necessitate boney union and limb preservation. In this case report, we describe an uncommon scenario were an Ilizarov external fixator was used to treat an infected nonunion following a below knee amputation.

Ilizarov external fixator for stump salvage in infected nonunions.

Infected nonunions are potentially difficult complications to treat in the context of complex tibial fractures. Often, such complications necessitate amputation to prevent further sequelae, such as fulminant sepsis and complete loss of the limb. As such, the eradication of infection, the decision regarding when to amputate, and the length of the residual stump are important factors to optimize patient outcome. The authors present a unique scenario whereby an Ilizarov external fixation device was used to treat an infected tibial nonunion while simultaneously salvaging stump length to enable fitting for a below-knee prostheses. The use of the Ilizarov device can prevent abrupt dissemination of infection, stabilize the fracture, and bridge nonunion gaps. This is augmented by the unique ability of the construct to be periodically readjusted and realigned where needed to permit osteogenesis and proper alignment. The result in this case was complete eradication of infection, with the use of continuous antibiotics as a pharmacological adjunct, union of the tibial fragments, and a below-knee amputation with adequate stump length and prosthetic fit. The success of this treatment strategy was predicated on the above factors, with an emphasis on amputation level and its effect on function. The Ilizarov external fixator is a device that has been widely used to treat limb-length discrepancies, correct deformities, and induce osseous growth in bony nonunion. The authors present the Ilizarov device as a viable option for the treatment of infected tibial nonunions and stump length salvage.

Postoperative second metatarsal fractures associated with suture-button implant in hallux valgus surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective review of a nonosteotomy technique for the reduction of the intermetatarsal (IM) angle in hallux valgus (HV) surgery using a modified nonabsorbable suture-button implant previously described for ankle syndesmotic injuries and to report on the outcomes and complications associated with this technique. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Twenty-five patients, a total of 25 feet, were identified with a mean follow-up of 22.5 months. The mean age was 60 years. The pre- and postoperative HV and IM angles were compared. Each postoperative radiograph was assessed for loss of correction, implant failure, and second metatarsal (MT) stress fracture. The postoperative hallux American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were obtained at the patient's final follow-up visit. Statistics were performed using the paired Student t test with the P value set at .05 to determine statistical differences. RESULTS: The preoperative mean IM and HV angles were 15.1 and 30.5 degrees, respectively. The postoperative mean IM and HV angles were 8.2 and 10.2 degrees, respectively. The reductions in the IM and HV angles were statistically significant (P < .05). The average postoperative AOFAS hallux score was 85. Two patients developed hallux varus (8%). Eight patients (32%) developed second metatarsal stress fractures. One patient (4%) with a second metatarsal stress fracture had a failure of the implant that required implant removal. The remaining stress fractures healed uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Suture-button fixation in hallux valgus achieved a satisfactory reduction in the first-second intermetatarsal angle compared with first metatarsal osteotomies but was associated with a high rate of second metatarsal stress fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle.

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a common cause of morbidity in persons with diabetes mellitus and sensory neuropathy. Although Charcot neuroarthropathy is rare, it likely will become more prevalent in conjunction with increased incidence of diabetes mellitus. Prevention of disease progression remains the mainstay of treatment, with surgical intervention usually reserved for refractory cases. Late deformities are often complicated by chronic ulceration, infection, and osteomyelitis. The clinical presentation is best summarized with the Eichenholtz classification, and progression often follows a predictable pattern. Although Charcot neuroarthropathy is a clinical diagnosis, recent advances in diagnostic imaging have eased the clinical challenge of deciphering infection from Charcot changes. Advances in surgical treatment have demonstrated new options for limb salvage. Pharmacologic therapies directed toward decreasing bone resorption have also shown promise for treatment, but clinical application remains theoretical.

Basicervical versus intertrochanteric fractures: an analysis of radiographic and functional outcomes.

This retrospective study compared the long-term stability and functional outcomes of basicervical versus intertrochanteric fractures, and evaluated the use of an additional derotational screw in the treatment of basicervical fractures. Sixty-six patients (28 with basicervical fractures and 38 treated for stable and unstable intertrochanteric fractures) were identified. All intertrochanteric fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw. Basicervical fractures were treated with a sliding hip screw with or without a derotational screw. Radiographically measured fracture collapse and tip-apex distance were measured at least 6 weeks after surgery; SF-36 score and Functional Recovery Score data was collected at least 1 year after surgery. The proportion of fractures with > 10% collapse was significantly greater in the basicervical group than the subset of stable intertrochanteric fractures (P = .009), but not than the subset of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The mean SF-36 bodily pain section domain was greater (less pain) in the basicervical group than the unstable intertrochanteric group (P = .02). No other significant differences in SF-36 scores were noted between the basicervical and either intertrochanteric group. Basicervical fractures collapse more than stable intertrochanteric fractures, suggesting that they may have greater biomechanical instability. This instability, however, does not translate into clinically significant decreases in functional outcome. Using a derotational screw with a sliding hip screw does not affect fracture stability or clinical outcome.

Vitallium radial head prosthesis for acute and chronic elbow fractures and fracture-dislocations involving the radial head.

This retrospective study aims to evaluate the radiographic, functional, and patient-derived outcomes of 16 patients who each received a Vitallium radial head prosthesis for unreconstructable acute fractures of the radial head, as well as previously treated fractures of the radial head associated with residual instability, pain, and stiffness. Follow-up averaged 33 months. A trend toward greater disability and poorer motion was noted in the delayed treatment group compared with the acute replacement group. Overall, the results were excellent in 5 patients, good in 10, and poor in 1, as determined by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. All elbows were stable at follow-up, and no patient reported wrist pain. Four required further operative treatment of their elbow injuries. Metallic radial head arthroplasty yields satisfactory results in acute unreconstructable radial head fractures or as a salvage procedure for previously treated radial head fractures.

Classification of intertrochanteric fractures with computed tomography: a study of intraobserver and interobserver variability and prognostic value.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the level of interobserver and intraobserver agreement among orthopedic surgeons and radiologists when computed tomography (CT) scans are used with plain radiographs to evaluate intertrochanteric fractures. In addition, the prognostic value of current classifications systems concerning quality of life was evaluated. Sixty-one patients who presented with intertrochanteric fractures received open reduction and internal fixation with compression hip screw. Three orthopedic surgeons and 2 radiologists independently classified the fractures according to 2 systems: Evans-Jensen and AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteo-synthesefragen). Fractures were initially graded with plain radiographs and then again in conjunction with CT. Results were analyzed using the (kappa) kappa coefficient. The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was administered at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year, and results were correlated with fracture grade. Mean kappa coefficients when comparing radiography alone with radiography and CT scan were 0.63 for the AO system and 0.59 for the Evans-Jensen system. Both represent "fair" agreements. Mean overall interobserver kappa coefficients were 0.67 for radiologists and 0.57 for orthopedic surgeons. Radiologists also had higher intraobserver kappa coefficients. No significant relationships were found between follow-up Short Form Health Survey results and intraoperative grading of fractures. When these classification schemes are compared, interobserver agreement does not appear to change dramatically when information from CT scans is added. This may suggest that (1) more data have been provided by CT with greater possibilities for misinterpretation and (2) these classification schemes may not be comprehensive in describing fracture pattern and displacement. Finally, both systems failed to provide any prognostic value.

Unipolar or bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in the elderly?

This prospective randomized trial compared the efficacy of unipolar versus bipolar hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients (> or = 65 years) with displaced femoral neck fractures in terms of quality of life and functional outcomes. One hundred fifteen patients with a mean age of 82.1 years were enrolled in this study and randomized to either unipolar or bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Quality of life and functional outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment instrument and Short Form-36 health survey. Seventy-eight patients completed 1 year of followup. There were no differences between the groups in estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, mortality rate, number of dislocations, postoperative complications, or ambulatory status at 1 year. There also were no significant differences between the two groups at either point in postoperative Short Form-36 or Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment instrument scores. Results of this prospective randomized study suggest that the bipolar endoprosthesis provides no advantage in the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients regarding quality of life and functional outcomes.

In situ pinning of hip for stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis on a radiolucent operating table.

Patients with stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) usually can ambulate at the time of diagnosis. Satisfactory results have been reported after percutaneous in situ pinning using a fracture table. The authors describe a technique to determine the skin-pin entry point for percutaneous pinning of the hip on a regular radiolucent operating table. The pin entry point determined by this modified method was reliable in 15 SCFEs in 13 patients. Pinning on a regular radiolucent table was much easier, without the need to transfer obese patients to a fracture table. It was also useful when a bilateral pinning procedure was performed using single draping. Obtaining modified frog-leg lateral radiographs in patients with a stable SCFE was not associated with avascular necrosis or chondrolysis.