Research Productivity and Impact in Foot and Ankle Surgery: Insights From Relative Citation Ratio Analysis of Recent Fellowship Graduates.

INTRODUCTION: The relative citation ratio (RCR), a novel bibliometric tool supported by the National Institute of Health, provides a standardized approach to evaluate research productivity and impact across different fields. This study aims to evaluate RCR of fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to analyze the influence of various surgeon demographics. METHODS: Fellow names listed on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society website were extracted from the year 2008 to 2009 to the year 2022 to 2023. Demographic information for each fellow was collected including sex, degree type, and academic title. The iCite database developed by the National Institute of Health was used to obtain total publications, mean RCR, weighted RCR, and change in RCR after fellowship graduation for each fellow. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to predict these four parameters based on sex, degree type, academic position, and career longevity. RESULTS: Of the 820 fellows, 674 (82%) were male. Most fellows (n = 587, 71%) did not go on to hold academic positions. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (ß = 2.32, P < 0.001), holding an academic position (ß = 6.44, P < 0.001), holding a PhD (ß = 22.96, P < 0.001), and a shorter length time since graduation (ß = -0.50, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of number of total publications. Holding a DO degree was an independent predictor of decreased mean RCR (ß = 0.39, P = 0.039). Finally, multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (ß = 4.05, P = 0.003), a career in academics (ß = 4.61, P < 0.001), and a shorter time since graduation (ß = -0.45, P = 0.001) were associated with a larger weighted RCR. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender disparities and promoting research opportunities across different programs. Moreover, academic institutions should provide adequate support and mentorship to early-career foot and ankle-trained orthopaedic surgeons to foster sustained research productivity.

Patients With First-Time or Recurrent Patellar Dislocation Have a Similar High Rate and Extent of Articular Cartilage Injury Observed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Purpose: To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to compare the prevalence of articular cartilage damage in patients with a single patellar dislocation versus those with multiple dislocations and to compare the locations and severity of chondral injury between the groups. Methods: Patients with patellar dislocation between January 2017 and July 2021 were retrospectively identified. Patients with a documented history of patellar dislocation and an MRI scan of the affected knee were included. Patients with articular cartilage injury prior to the dislocation event were excluded. Articular cartilage injury was graded using a validated system: AMADEUS (Mean Total Area Measurement and Depth & Underlying Structures). Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI) scores and Dejour classifications of trochlear dysplasia were also collected. Data were calculated by performing t tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and χ2 or Fisher Exact tests to calculate P values for categorical data. Results: In total, 233 patients were included: 117 with primary dislocations and 116 with recurrent dislocations. Articular cartilage injuries were present in 51 patients with primary dislocations (43.6%) and 68 patients with recurrent dislocations (58.6%, P = .026). On comparison of the groups, the recurrent group contained a significantly larger proportion of female patients (65.5% vs 46.2%, P = .004). There was no difference in lesion size, subchondral bone defect, presence of bone edema, or total AMADEUS score between groups (P = .231). Caton-Deschamps Index scores were not significant when comparing between groups; however, the Dejour classifications showed higher grades in the recurrent group (P = .013 for A-D grading scale and P = .005 for high/low grading scale). Subgroup analysis revealed that when cartilage damage was present, patients from the primary group had significantly more full-thickness lesions (P < .001) and lower AMADEUS scores (P = .016). Conclusions: There was a similarly high prevalence of cartilage injury seen on MRI after both a primary patellar dislocation and a recurrent patellar dislocation. Chondral injury primarily affected the medial and lateral patellar facets and the lateral femoral condyle in both the primary and recurrent dislocation groups. However, the primary group showed an increased number of full-thickness lesions. There was no difference in lesion size, subchondral bone defect, presence of bone edema, or total AMADEUS score between the primary and recurrent groups. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic investigation.

Treatment of Calcific Tendonitis of the Rotator Cuff: An Updated Review.

Rotator cuff calcific tendonitis (RCCT) is a disorder that can greatly impair patients' quality of life. A literature review was conducted to find the most effective and newest treatments for RCCT. PubMed and Cochrane Review databases were searched, without strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, for peer-reviewed articles between 1941 and 2021 that discussed RCCT etiology and treatments. If nonoperative measures (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and corticosteroids) are unsuccessful, other options include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ultrasound-guided injection techniques, and minimally invasive surgery. Because RCCT can resolve spontaneously, patients should progress to invasive options only if conservative first-line treatments have failed. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):e326-e332.].

The learning curve for anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Background: Despite the rising incidence of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) among surgeons, little is known about the learning curve associated with these procedures. The purpose of this systematic review was to (1) identify the learning curves associated with ATSA and RTSA, (2) evaluate the effect of the learning curves on clinical outcomes, and (3) determine the number of cases needed to achieve proficiency. Methods: Four online databases [PubMed (NLM), MEDLINE (OVID), Cochrane Library (Wiley), and Scopus (Elsevier)] were systematically searched and screened according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The search included results from the inception of each database to May 18, 2022. Data regarding study characteristics, patient demographics, learning curve analyses, patient reported outcome measures, range of motion, complication rates, and reoperation rates were collected. A quality assessment for each article was performed according to the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies criteria. Results: A total of 13 studies of fair to good quality were included for analysis (one of level II evidence, five of level III, and seven of level IV) with the majority originating from the United States [n = 8, 61.5%]. Overall, there were a total of 3381 cases (1861 RTSA and 1520 ATSA), with a mean patient age of 72.6 years [range: 45-92 years]. From the studies analyzed in this systematic review, for RTSA, the approximate average number of cases surgeons need to perform to move to an acceptable position on the RTSA learning curve is 25 cases. For ATSA, a wider range of 16-86 cases was derived as only two studies reported on ATSA. Conclusion: Progression along the learning curve for RTSA and ATSA results in decreased operative times, improved patient-reported outcomes, and fewer complications. However, a true learning curve is difficult to quantify given the heterogeneity of reported outcome measures, individual surgeon experience at the time of data collection, and statistical analyses used across studies.

Transscaphoid Transcapitate Perilunate Fracture-dislocation with Inferior Arc Injury and Acute Ulnar Nerve Compression: A Case Report.

Introduction: Perilunate dislocations and perilunate fracture-dislocations (PLFD) are relatively uncommon injuries, comprising <10% of wrist injuries. Perilunate injuries are often complicated by median neuropathy reported in 23-45% of cases, whereas there are very few reported cases of associated ulnar neuropathy. Combined greater arc and inferior arc injuries are also rare. We report an unusual PLFD pattern with associated inferior arc injury and acute ulnar nerve compression. Case Report: A 34-year-old male sustained a wrist injury after a motorcycle collision. Computed tomography scan revealed a trans-scaphoid, transcapitate, perilunate fracture-dislocation, and a distal radius lunate facet volar rim fracture with radiocarpal subluxation. Examination revealed acute ulnar neuropathy without median neuropathy. He underwent urgent nerve decompression and closed reduction, followed by open reduction internal fixation the next day. He recovered without complication. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough neurovascular examination to rule out less commonly seen neuropathies. With up to 25% of perilunate injuries misdiagnosed, surgeons should have a low threshold for advanced imaging in high-energy injuries.

Revisiting the Importance of the Pre-Operative Assessment - A Case Report.

Introduction: The available literature underscores the importance of optimizing surgical outcomes through a pre-operative checklist, which includes a review of the medical records and recent test results, changes in medical history, and a physical examination of the cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, and airway. Case Report: We report a case of a 47-year-old man who decompensated during an outpatient wrist procedure and needed to remain intubated requiring transfer to a hospital. On follow-up with the patient, laboratory work revealed a positive HIV test and CD4 count of 11 cells/mm3, along with a pneumonia consistent with pneumocystis pneumonia, which was unbeknownst to the surgical team before the procedure. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough history and physical update and pre-operative assessment before operating.

Left Main Coronary Artery Aneurysm With Rare Quadfurcation Anatomy.

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are found in a small percentage of coronary angiograms, with left main coronary artery (LMCA) aneurysms being the least common. We present a 63-year-old male patient with a history of chest pain and an abnormal nuclear stress test. Cardiac catheterization showed a large LMCA aneurysm with unusual quadfurcation left main (LM) anatomy, but otherwise showed no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The patient remained clinically stable, and a repeat cardiac catheterization 2 years later showed unchanged coronary anatomy. Further medical management with close observation was elected. This case illustrates that in select cases, large LMCA aneurysms can be successfully managed medically without surgical or percutaneous interventions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of LMCA aneurysm with quadfurcation anatomy. In addition to the case description, a review of the literature is provided.

Psychiatric Disorders Are Predictive of Worse Pain Severity and Functional Outcomes After Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Leg.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether concomitant psychiatric diagnoses and medication use were associated with postfasciotomy outcomes in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort study. SETTING: Single academic medical center from 2010 to 2020. PATIENTS: All patients above 18 years old who underwent fasciotomy for CECS. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS/INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Psychiatric history was recorded from electronic health records including disease diagnosis and medications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 3 main outcome measures were postoperative pain using the Visual Analog Scale, functional outcomes using the Tegner Activity Scale, and return to sport. RESULTS: Eighty one subjects (legs), 54% male, with an average age of 30 years and follow-up of 52 months were included. 24 subjects (30%) had at least one psychiatric diagnosis at the time of surgery. Regression analysis found psychiatric history to be an independent predictor of worse postoperative pain severity and postoperative Tegner scores (P < 0.05). Furthermore, subjects with psychiatric disorders not on medication had worse pain severity (P < 0.001) and Tegner scores (P < 0.01) versus controls, whereas subjects with a psychiatric disorder on medication had better pain severity (P < 0.05) versus controls. CONCLUSIONS: History of psychiatric disorder was predictive of worse postoperative pain and activity outcomes after fasciotomy for CECS. Use of psychiatric medication was associated with improvement in pain severity in some domains.

A systematic review of cartilage procedures for unstable osteochondritis dissecans.

OBJECTIVES: Osteochondritis dissecans can result in significant limitations in activity, pain, and early osteoarthritis. There are various treatment modalities to address these defects. The purpose of this study was to provide a qualitative summary of the various treatment options for unstable osteochondritis dissecans in the knee. METHODS: A literature search was performed on osteochondritis dissecans in the knee using PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases. The search was completed using a combination of the following terms: 'osteochondritis dissecans,' 'OCD,' 'osteochondral,' 'articular cartilage,' 'repair,' 'surgery,' 'treatment,' 'osteochondral allograft,' 'autologous chondrocyte implantation,' 'unstable,' 'knee,' 'clinical studies.' RESULTS: A total of 682 studies were found, of which 24 were included in the qualitative analysis. The quality score ranged from 46 to 80, and the mean follow-up ranged from 2 to 17 years. The most common surgical procedures were internal fixation (n = 7 studies), ACI (n = 6), fragment excision (n = 3), MACI (n = 2), bone graft + ACI (n = 2), OCA (n = 2), mosaicplasty/OAT (n = 2), and scaffold (n = 2). Overall, the reported outcome measures were heterogeneous in nature. Post-operative International Knee Documentations Committee (IKDC) scores ranged from 75 to 85 and Lysholm scores ranged from 70 to 93.5. Tegner scores ranged from 4 to 5. Rates of failure, complication, and revision were highly variable across studies and surgical techniques. CONCLUSION: There are a variety of surgical options for the treatment of unstable osteochondritis dissecans. In skeletally immature patients, internal fixation demonstrated acceptable rates of radiographic union and patient reported outcome measures. In skeletally mature patients with large lesions, MACI and OCA transplantation provided similar patient reported outcomes.

Postoperative Immobilization of Scaphoid Fractures: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

The optimal protocol for postoperative immobilization following operative treatment of scaphoid fractures remains controversial. Reports of successful management with brief postoperative immobilization suggest that earlier restoration of function may be achieved by limiting the duration of immobilization. However, the risk of nonunion and its associated complications suggest that a more conservative approach with extended immobilization could optimize fracture healing. This paper presents a thorough review of the relevant literature and summarizes the myriad postoperative immobilization protocols and their reported outcomes. Postoperative immobilization protocols and reported outcomes for displaced, comminuted, and proximal pole fractures are discussed separately. The literature is reviewed following different operative techniques, including open reduction internal fixation and percutaneous screw fixation. Vigilant postoperative care of scaphoid fractures managed surgically is warranted to monitor for signs of nonunion while attempting to regain motion and strength to the injured wrist.

Interfacing With the Electronic Health Record (EHR): A Comparative Review of Modes of Documentation.

Electronic health records (EHRs) have provided physicians with a systematic framework for collecting patient data, organizing notes from the healthcare team, and managing the daily workflow in the modern era of healthcare. Despite these advantages, EHRs have proven to be problematic for clinicians. The burdensome regulations requiring increased documentation with the EHR paradigm have led to inefficiencies from data-entry requirements forcing physicians to spend an inordinate amount of time on it, affecting the time available for direct patient care as well as leading to professional burnout. As a result, new modalities such as speech recognition, medical scribes, pre-made EHR templates, and digital scribes [a form of artificial intelligence (AI) based on ambient speech recognition] are increasingly being used to reduce charting time and increase the time available for patient care. The purpose of our review is to provide an up-to-date review of the literature on these modalities including their benefits and shortcomings, to help physicians and other medical professionals choose the best methods to document their patient-care encounters efficiently and effectively.

Distal Hamstring Muscle Injuries.

¼: Distal hamstring muscle injuries, although relatively uncommon, can potentially lead to substantial morbidity in athletes; prolonged rehabilitation times and high rates of reoccurrence have been documented. ¼: Overall, magnetic resonance imaging is considered the "gold standard" for evaluation of hamstring injuries because it allows assessment for concomitant pathology and can clarify return-to-sport timelines. ¼: Complete tears of the distal biceps femoris and semimembranosus muscles respond well to surgical repair, whereas complete tears of the distal semitendinosus can be successfully treated nonoperatively or with surgical resection. ¼: Future research may be necessary to further optimize treatment of these injuries and to determine the efficacy of biologic adjuvant therapy.

Opsoclonus mioclonus en lactante debido a ganglioneuroblastoma: reporte de caso y revisión de literatura

El síndrome de Opsoclonus mioclonus ataxia (SOMA) es una entidad infrecuente en niños, caracterizada por Opsoclonus, mioclonías / ataxia y alteraciones de conducta o de sueño. En la actualidad representa una gran morbilidad dada su naturaleza paraneoplásica y autoinmune; destaca su asociación frecuente con tumores neuroblásticos y su tendencia hacia la cronicidad, recaídas y secuelas en el neurodesarrollo. Se revisa el caso de lactante de 13 meses, uno de los casos reportados a más temprana edad en Colombia, cuyo motivo de consulta fue irritabilidad, temblor distal, opsoclonía, con pruebas negativas para neuroinfección. Posteriormente a estudios se describieron dos masas en ápice torácico izquierdo, una de ellas entre carótida interna y yugular externa. La masa más grande fue de manejo quirúrgico; la patología reportó ganglioneuroblastoma de patrón nodular. No se logró resección quirúrgica completa y tuvo recaída de síntomas; como complicación posquirúrgica se presentó síndrome de Horner incompleto. Al tener difícil acceso quirúrgico se optó por manejo con poliquimioterapia protocolo de riesgo intermedio del COG (Children Oncology Group), que recibió por un año con resolución completa del cuadro clínico. Se presenta el caso de lactante con SOMA de difícil manejo, en el cual el abordaje quirúrgico falló y se requirió terapia complementaria. La quimioterapia se convierte en una opción de manejo cuando la resección quirúrgica no sea completa.

SUMMARY The opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMA) is an infrequent entity in children, characterized opsoclonus, myoclonus/ataxia, sleep pattern or behavioral alterations. It represents great morbidity given its paraneoplastic and autoimmune nature; it is frequently associated with neuroblastic tumors and its tendency towards chronicity, relapses and neurodevelopmental sequels. We examine the case of a previously healthy thirteen months toddler, one of the earliest age reported cases in Colombia, who consulted for irritability, distal tremor, opsoclonus, and had negative neuroinfection tests. It was reported, after additional studies, the presence of 2 masses in the left pulmonary apex; one of them between the internal carotid artery and the external jugular vein. The bigger mass was surgically removed; pathology reported a ganglioneuroblastoma with nodular pattern. It was not possible to make full surgical resection and the patient experienced a relapse; as a postsurgical complication the patient had transient incomplete Horner syndrome. Due to difficult surgical access, chemotherapy was used for a whole year following the intermediate risk protocol developed by the COG (Children Oncology Group) with full resolution of the symptoms. We present the case of a toddler with difficult surgical approach where the surgical treatment failed, and complementary chemotherapy was needed. Chemotherapy turns into a therapeuthic option when surgical resection is not complete.

Vigabatrín en el tratamiento de epilepsia causada por trastornos del desarrollo cortical / Vigabatrin in the treatment of epilepsy caused by cortical developmental disorders

Introducción. Se presenta una serie de pacientes que recibieron vigabatrín como tratamiento farmacológico para manejo de epilepsia causada por trastornos del desarrollo cortical. Objetivos. Evaluar la efectividad en cuanto a control de crisis en estos pacientes, teniendo en cuenta los hallazgos previos de la semejanza histológica y funcional de los trastornos del desarrollo cortical con las lesiones de la esclerosis tuberosa. Material y métodos. Se revisaron las historias de los pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno del desarrollo cortical que recibieron este tratamiento como pacientes de la Liga Central Contra la Epilepsia, en el periodo comprendido entre los años 2005 a 2008. Se registraron datos sobre tipo de trastorno del desarrollo cortical, clasificación de la epilepsia, control de crisis antes y después del tratamiento con vigabatrín y presencia de efectos adversos. Resultados. Se revisaron 14 historias, el 57,11 % varones, con edades comprendidas entre 4 y 28 años. La forma de epilepsia más común fue la focal de diferente localización, y el tipo de malformación cortical más común fue la displasia cortical focal. El 50% de los pacientes mostró control superior al 90% respecto a las crisis registradas antes del inicio de tratamiento con Vigabatrin. Sólo un paciente mostró clínicamente disminución del campo visual y mejoró con la suspensión del tratamiento. Conclusión. En nuestra experiencia en pacientes pediátricos y adultos Vigabatrín es un tratamiento efectivo y seguro para el manejo de pacientes con epilepsia secundaria a trastornos del desarrollo cortical. Debe vigilarse estrechamente la posible aparición de los efectos adversos.

Introduction. We present a case series diagnosed with cortical developments disorders on vigabatrin treatment. Objetive. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness in terms of crisis control these patients, according to histological findings and functional disorders caused by tuberous sclerosis.. Materials and methods. We reviewed records of patients diagnosed with cortical developmental disorder treated with Vigabatrin, in the period between 2005 to 2008 at the Liga central contra la epilepsia Bogotá, Colombia. Data about type of disturbance of cortical development, classification of epilepsy, treatment before and after treatment with vigabatrin and presence of adverse effects. Results. We reviewed 14 records, being 57.11% males, aged between 4 and 28 years. The most common form of epilepsy was the focal of a different location and type of cortical malformation was the most common focal cortical dysplasia. The response obtained in terms of seizure control in 50% of the patients was over 90% with respect to seizure frequency prior to the start of vigabatrin. Only one patient showed clinically decreased visual field and improved with the cessation of treatment. Conclusion. Vigabatrin is an effective and safe treatment for the management of patients with epilepsy secondary to cortical development disorders. Should closely monitor the possible occurrence of adverse effects.