Timolol in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds: a comprehensive review.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to ascertain the effectiveness and safety of the off-label use of topical timolol as an adjunct treatment for hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds. Furthermore, to review and analyse the existing literature regarding the use of topical timolol on wounds of varying aetiologies. METHOD: A systematic review of literature in the English language published between May 1961-May 2021 on the application of topical timolol for hard-to-heal wounds in adults was performed. Each research study was evaluated by two reviewers independently. Studies eligible for inclusion in the review were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials, observational studies of at least 4 weeks' duration, case series and case studies. Search strategies were performed according to PRISMA guidelines and included MeSH terms and keyword searches. RESULTS: An initial 878 articles were identified from a search of PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and SCOPUS. Of these, 699 were reviewed for eligibility, 19 were read in full-text, and 12 were selected for inclusion in the review. In total, two RCTs and 10 observational studies, including five case studies, were analysed. All studies demonstrated efficacy and safety of topical timolol; however, statistical analysis remained limited by lack of blinding and small sample sizes. CONCLUSION: This review concludes with all currently available evidence that topical timolol may be considered as an effective and safe adjunct treatment for refractory wounds, primarily venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. Given the overall safety, low cost and ease of application of topical timolol, this review provides evidence in favour of off-label use and should prompt further, more rigorous studies.

A 10-Year Review of Designated Leadership Positions of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).

Background: In 2019 the majority of US medical students were women (50.5%). However, despite this representation, female representation within orthopaedic surgery remains low when compared to male counterparts. Previously, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) published their gender diversity data. No such study has been conducted in the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), which is the largest membership organization for foot and ankle-trained orthopaedic surgeons. This study sought to investigate whether increased female representation in the AOFAS membership roster is reflected in different levels within the organization. Methods: The 2012-2022 membership rosters were obtained from the AOFAS and compared by gender. Volunteer, elected, and appointed leadership positions as well as rates of engagement were compared for each of the activities. Leadership positions were defined as committee chair, vice chair, or board of directors (BOD). When available, time for advancement through leadership positions to the presidential role was analyzed by gender. Comparative data were available for 2 other respective subspecialty groups, ASSH and POSNA, from previously published studies. Results: Between 2012 and 2022, the percentage of female membership in the AOFAS has continued to increase from 7.5% (n=76) to 13% (n=163). Engagement in committee membership positions during this time has more than doubled from 11 of 26 (14.4%) to 57 of 163 (34.9%). When participation trends were evaluated by gender, women showed higher rates of committee involvement than their male counterparts. In 2021 compared to 2012, the percentage of female committee members more than doubled compared with their male counterparts (female 34.9% to male 23.2% vs female 14.4% to male 16.8%). This increase in female gender committee composition trend has been seen in the ASSH and POSNA, but it is more pronounced in the AOFAS. Representation of women in committee chair positions and elected positions has not seen this same parallel increase. Conclusion: The female membership of the AOFAS has a similar gender composition to other orthopaedic subspecialities. Female membership within the society has increased over the past 10 years. The rates of female involvement within committee membership positions have seen a parallel increase. It will take time to mature into leadership roles as we continue to increase diversity within our respective subspecialty organizations. Inception of the AOFAS Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Women's Subcommittee demonstrate a continued emphasis on this core value within the society. Level of Evidence: Level IV, cohort study.

The First Tarsometatarsal Joint in Lisfranc Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Lisfranc injuries are among the most debilitating injuries to the foot. Characterization of first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint involvement in Lisfranc injuries is limited. Multiple studies have indicated that this joint is damaged in a variety of Lisfranc injury patterns, but there is sparse information regarding how often and in what form. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of operative Lisfranc fractures from 2010 to 2020 with patients identified by Combined Procedural Terminology codes. Hardcastle and Myerson Lisfranc injury classifications and computed tomography and radiograph characterizations of the first TMT joint were evaluated by 3 foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. Radiographic characteristics were collected. Light's kappa coefficient evaluated interrater reliability for injury classification. Injury mechanism and Lisfranc classification effects on the first TMT joint were further assessed using inferential statistics. RESULTS: Of 71 patients with a Lisfranc injury of which 37 (52%) were high energy, 61 (86%) showed radiographic evidence of first TMT joint injury. A fragment was present in the TMT articular surface in 33 (47%) with median size = 8.7 mm and medial capsular avulsion in n = 25 (35%). Forty-eight patients (68%) had medial/lateral TMT joint incongruence ≥2 mm (median overhang = 4 mm), 21 (30%) had dorsal/plantar incongruence (median overhang = 6 mm). Angulation of TMT articular surfaces ≥5 degrees on the transverse/anteroposterior plane occurred in n = 32 (45%) and in n = 12 (17%) on the sagittal/lateral plane, which significantly differed between classifications (P = .020). CONCLUSION: The overwhelming majority of Lisfranc midfoot injuries seen at our tertiary referral center had imaging evidence of damage to the first TMT joint (86%), and the incidence may be higher. The most common patterns of first TMT joint involvement we found were joint incongruity, articular surface fractures, angulation of the articular surfaces, and medial capsular ligament avulsion fractures. A better understanding of injuries to the first TMT joint can help orthopaedic surgeons with diagnosis.

Factors Associated With Nonunion and Infection Following Ankle Arthrodesis Using a Large Claims Database: Who Has Elevated Risk?

Background: Complications such as nonunion and infection following ankle arthrodesis can lead to increased patient morbidity and financial burden from repeat operations. Improved knowledge of risk factors can improve patient selection and inform post-ankle arthrodesis surveillance protocols. Methods: This is a large retrospective, database study with structured query of a national insurance claims database (PearlDiver Technologies) for patients treated with ankle arthrodesis from 2015 to 2019 as identified by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), codes. Patients with any operation 1 year prior to or following ankle arthrodesis were excluded from analysis to prevent attributing complications to another operation. Likelihoods of nonunion and infection within 1 year and 3 years following ankle arthrodesis were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimations. Patient characteristics associated with the identified complications following ankle arthrodesis were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Our query yielded 2463 patients in the 5-year period who underwent ankle arthrodesis. Nonunion occurred in 11% (95% CI 10-12) of patients within 1 year of ankle arthrodesis and 16% (95% CI 14-17) of patients within 3 years. Infection occurred in 3.9% (95% CI 3.1-4.7) of patients within 1 year of ankle arthrodesis and in 6.2% (95% CI 5.1-7.2) of patients within 3 years. Obese patients increased odds of nonunion on multivariable analysis (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-2.0; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, diabetes (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.6; P = .010) and each 1-unit increase in Elixhauser Comorbidity Index scores (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1-1.2; P < .001) contributed to increased odds of infection after ankle arthrodesis. Conclusion: Nonunion and infection following ankle arthrodesis have a 3-year probability of 16% and 6%, respectively. More than one-quarter of patients with nonunion following ankle arthrodesis experience a delay in diagnosis beyond 1 year. The risk of post-ankle arthrodesis nonunion is highest in patients with obesity; the risk of post-ankle arthrodesis infection is highest in patients with diabetes or an elevated Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score. Level of Evidence: Level III, prognostic study.

The Prevalence of Metabolic and Endocrine Disturbances on Fracture Nonunion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic disturbance in all fracture nonunion cases and identify the most common endocrine abnormalities seen using a simple screening algorithm. METHODS: A retrospective review study was performed evaluating patients who underwent operative intervention for nonunion from January 2010 to December 2018 at 2 level-1 trauma centers. Preoperative laboratory values were recorded for a 9-test "nonunion panel." A metabolic or endocrine abnormality, specifically an abnormality in the thyroid or parathyroid axis, was evaluated. RESULTS: 42% of patients had an undiagnosed metabolic laboratory abnormality. When multiple tests were used, the rate of metabolic dysfunction was between 60% and 75%, depending on the definition of vitamin D insufficiency vs deficiency used. CONCLUSION: Results indicate a relatively high prevalence of metabolic disturbance in patients with nonunion and suggest metabolic screening for all nonunion patients not only those without a mechanical or infectious cause. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Modified Lapidus vs Scarf Osteotomy Outcomes for Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity.

BACKGROUND: The Lapidus procedure and scarf osteotomy are indicated for the operative treatment of hallux valgus; however, no prior studies have compared outcomes between the procedures. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients with symptomatic hallux valgus treated with the modified Lapidus procedure versus scarf osteotomy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients treated by 1 of 7 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons. Inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years, primary modified Lapidus procedure or scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus, minimum 1-year postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, and minimum 3-month postoperative radiographs. Revision cases were excluded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using 6 PROMIS domains. Pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters were measured on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral weightbearing radiographs. Statistical analysis utilized targeted minimum-loss estimation (TMLE) to control for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients (73 Lapidus, 63 scarf) with an average of 17.8 months of follow-up were included in this study. There was significant improvement in PROMIS physical function scores in the modified Lapidus (mean change, 5.25; P < .01) and scarf osteotomy (mean change, 5.50; P < .01) cohorts, with no significant differences between the 2 groups (P = .85). After controlling for bunion severity, the probability of having a normal postoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA; <9 degrees) was 25% lower (P = .04) with the scarf osteotomy compared with the Lapidus procedure. CONCLUSION: Although the modified Lapidus procedure led to a higher probability of achieving a normal IMA, both procedures yielded similar improvements in 1-year patient-reported outcome measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort.

Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Peroneus Brevis Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft.

BACKGROUND: Peroneal tendon injuries are a common cause of lateral ankle pain and instability. While the use of hamstring autograft has been proposed as a viable surgical option for peroneus brevis reconstruction, reported outcomes with this technique are limited in the literature. We present patient-reported and clinical outcomes for patients who underwent peroneus brevis reconstruction with hamstring autograft. METHODS: Thirty-one patients were retrospectively identified who underwent a procedure including peroneus brevis reconstruction with hamstring autograft for peroneal tendinopathy between February 2016 and May 2019. All patients who had a peroneus brevis reconstruction were included, and all concomitant procedures were noted. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys were prospectively collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively (mean, 24.3; range, 12-52.7) months. Retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications and reoperations. RESULTS: When evaluating pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome surveys (n = 26; 84%), on average, patients reported improvement in every PROMIS domain evaluated, with significant improvement in Physical Function (+5.99; P = .006), Pain Interference (-8.11; P < .001), Pain Intensity (-9.02; P < .001), and Global Physical Health (+7.29; P = .001). Three patients reported persistent pain at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively, of whom 2 required reoperation. No patient reported persistent pain or discomfort at the harvest site of the hamstring autograft. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing peroneus brevis reconstruction with hamstring autograft experienced clinically significant improvement in patient-reported and clinical outcomes. Few postoperative complications were observed, and patients reported improvements across all patient-reported outcome domains, with significant improvements for pain and function domains. Reconstruction with hamstring autograft represents a viable surgical option in the setting of peroneal tendinitis or tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Influence of Complications and Revision Surgery on Fulfillment of Expectations in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Fulfillment of patients' expectations following foot and ankle surgery has been previously studied, and shown to be an effective modality in assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Although this assessment has been shown to correlate well with patient satisfaction and other validated PROs, the impact of postoperative complications on fulfillment of expectations is unknown. The aim of this study is to therefore investigate the impact of postoperative complications on fulfillment of patients' expectations. METHODS: Preoperatively, patients completed a validated Foot and Ankle Expectations Survey consisting of 23 questions encompassing domains including pain, ambulation, daily function, exercise, and shoe wear. At 2 years postoperatively, patients answered how much improvement they received for each item cited preoperatively. A fulfillment proportion (FP) was calculated as the amount of improvement received versus the amount of improvement expected. Chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, comorbidities, pain management, and postoperative complications, which were classified as minor (infection requiring antibiotics) or major (return to operating room for revision, deep infection). FP in patients with a complication was compared to patients who did not experience a complication. In addition, the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score (FAOS), satisfaction, and Delighted-Terrible scale (how they would feel if asked to spend the rest of their life with their current foot/ankle symptom) were collected at final follow-up. Of the 271 patients (mean age 55.4 years, 65% female), 31 (11.4%, mean age 53.6, 58% female) had a postoperative complication: 25 major (19 revisions, 6 deep infections requiring irrigation and debridement), 4 minor (4 superficial infections requiring antibiotics), and 2 major and minor (revision and superficial infection). Average time from complication to completion of fulfillment survey was 15 (±3.6) months. The groups were similar in diagnoses. RESULTS: Complications were associated with significantly worse FP (0.69 ± 0.45 vs 0.86 ± 0.40, P = .02). Having a complication significantly correlated with worse satisfaction, Delighted-Terrible scale, and FP (P < .001). FAOS domains were similar between groups preoperatively; postoperatively, patients without complications had significantly higher Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life scores (P < .05). Demographically, there was no difference in age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, depression/anxiety, or pain management between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that postoperative complications following foot and ankle surgery were associated with worse patient-reported fulfillment of their operative expectations even after recovery from the initial surgery and complication. This finding is independent of preoperative expectations, and correlates with patient satisfaction with their procedure. Therefore, while patient-perceived fulfillment following foot and ankle surgery is multifactorial, the incidence of a postoperative complication negatively impacts fulfillment as well as satisfaction following surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative series.

Clinical Outcomes of the Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Hydrogel Implant for Hallux Rigidus.

BACKGROUND: Hallux rigidus is a common arthritic condition that has been addressed surgically with a range of techniques, from an isolated cheilectomy to first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion. Recently, hemiarthroplasty with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant has been used as an alternative treatment to relieve pain while preserving motion of the first MTP joint. We retrospectively reviewed patient-reported outcome scores and clinical outcomes for patients treated for hallux rigidus with PVA hydrogel implant at an academic, multisurgeon center. METHODS: A total of 103 patients who underwent first MTP hemiarthroplasty with PVA hydrogel implant between January 2017 and October 2018 were retrospectively reviewed (average, 26.2 months). Eight surgeons were represented. Baseline Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores for the Physical Function, Pain Interference, Pain Intensity, Global Physical Health, Global Mental Health, and Depression domains were collected prospectively and compared with PROMIS scores collected at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively (average, 13.9 months). Seventy-three patients had both preoperative and postoperative scores. Ten of these patients had undergone a prior procedure of the first MTP, and 52 underwent concurrent Moberg osteotomy at the time of PVA hydrogel implantation. RESULTS: For patients with baseline and postoperative PROMIS scores, significant pre- to postoperative improvement was detected for the Physical Function, Pain Interference, Pain Intensity, and Global Physical Health domains (P < .05). Patients who had undergone a prior procedure of the first MTP had significantly higher postoperative Pain Intensity scores compared with those who did not undergo a prior procedure. Patients undergoing concurrent Moberg osteotomy had significantly lower postoperative Pain Interference and Pain Intensity scores compared with those who did not undergo a Moberg. Two patients underwent revision procedures in the first 2 years postoperatively, one with revision hemiarthroplasty and one with conversion to arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: On average across our entire cohort, physical function and pain scores improved significantly pre- to postoperatively; however, postoperative pain scores were significantly higher for patients who had undergone a prior procedure of the first MTP and significantly lower for patients who underwent concurrent Moberg osteotomy. The implant displayed excellent survivorship in the first 2 years postoperatively, with only 2 revision procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

Outcomes of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Implant of the Lesser Metatarsals.

BACKGROUND: Lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint pathology presents a challenge for surgical treatment. At our institution, arthroplasty using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant has been utilized in the second and third MTP joints for advanced arthritis, failed management of Freiberg's infraction, and osteochondral defects. We present a case series describing the clinical outcomes of 13 patients following PVA implantation of the second or third MTP. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 13 patients (14 joints) who underwent PVA hydrogel implantation of the second (n = 12) or third (n = 2) metatarsal between 2017 and 2019. The average age was 49 (range, 20-67) years, with 100% females. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores were collected preoperatively and at an average of 21.1 (range, 8.3-29.2) months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were also evaluated. The average time to clinical follow-up was 24.7 (range, 7-35.8) months. RESULTS: On average, patients demonstrated pre- to postoperative improvement in all PROMIS domains, with significant improvements in Pain Intensity (P = .01) and Pain Interference (P = .01). Five postoperative complications were observed: 1 case of persistent avascular necrosis, 1 revision with implant removal and bone grafting, 1 periprosthetic fracture, and 2 recurrences of pain requiring ultrasound-guided injection. CONCLUSION: This study represents the largest case series to date evaluating the use of PVA implant in the surgical correction of lesser toe MTP joint pathology. While the PVA implant presents a viable option in the setting of advanced arthritis, Freiberg's infraction, and certain osteochondral defects, it is not without complications. The specific indications for use of the PVA implant should be carefully considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Comparison Between Polyvinyl Alcohol Implant and Cheilectomy With Moberg Osteotomy for Hallux Rigidus.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant for the surgical management of hallux rigidus. Though recent studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of the implant, no study has compared outcomes following PVA implantation with those following traditional joint-preserving procedures for hallux rigidus, such as cheilectomy with Moberg osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and patient-reported outcomes for patients undergoing cheilectomy and Moberg osteotomy, with or without PVA implant, at a single multisurgeon academic center. Our hypothesis was that the addition of the PVA implant would result in superior clinical and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: In total, 166 patients were identified who underwent cheilectomy and Moberg osteotomy with (PVACM; n = 72) or without (CM; n = 94) a PVA implant between January 2016 and December 2018 by 1 of 8 foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at our institution. Of these patients, 60 PVACM and 73 CM patients had both baseline and minimum 1-year postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. The average time to survey follow-up was 14.5 months for PVACM patients and 15.6 months for CM patients. Retrospective chart review was performed to assess the incidence of postoperative complications and reoperations, with an average clinical follow-up of 27.7 (range, 16.0-46.4) months for PVACM patients and 36.6 (range, 18.6-47.8) months for CM patients. RESULTS: Both PVACM and CM cohorts demonstrated significant improvement in the PROMIS Physical Function, Pain Interference, Pain Intensity, and Global Physical Health domains when comparing preoperative and postoperative scores within each group (P < .01). When comparing scores between the PVACM and CM cohorts, preoperative scores were similar, while CM patients demonstrated significantly higher postoperative Physical Function (51.8 ± 8.7 vs 48.8 ± 8.0; P = .04) and significantly lower Pain Intensity (39.9 ± 8.3 vs 43.4 ± 8.7; P = .02) scores. The pre- to postoperative change in Physical Function was also significantly greater for CM patients (7.1 ± 8.5 vs 3.6 ± 6.2; P = .011). In the PVACM group, there were 3 revisions (5%), 1 reimplantation, 1 conversion to arthrodesis, and 1 revision to correct hyperdorsiflexion. In the CM group, there was 1 revision (1.4%), a conversion to arthrodesis (P = .21). Other postoperative complications included persistent pain (7 out of 60 PVACM patients [11.7%] and 8 out of 73 CM patients [11.0%]; P = .90) and infection in 3 PVACM patients (5%) and no CM patients (P = .05). CONCLUSION: Though our results generally support the safety and utility of the PVA implant as previously established by the clinical trial, at 1 to 2 years of follow-up, CM without a PVA implant may provide equivalent or better relief compared with a PVACM procedure, while avoiding potential risks associated with the implant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Relationship Between Posterior-Inferior Tibial Slope and Bilateral Noncontact ACL Injury.

Is there a correlation between increased posterior-inferior tibial slope angle and noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury? Does increasing the posterior-inferior tibial slope angle increase the risk of bilateral ACL injury? A computerized relational database (Access 2007; Microsoft Inc, Redmond, Washington) was used to conduct a retrospective review of patients undergoing bilateral or unilateral ACL reconstruction surgery or treatment by a single surgeon between 1995 and 2013. Included in the study were patients with bilateral and unilateral ACL injuries and patellofemoral pain syndrome with no associated ACL deficiency. Exclusion criteria included concomitant ligament injury, previous ACL reconstruction, and previous knee surgery. Also excluded were patients who did not have plain lateral radiographs. Fifty patients were randomly selected from each group. After controlling for age and Tegner activity level, the authors found that the posterior-inferior tibial slope angle was a significant predictor (P=.002) of noncontact ACL injury. Mean posterior-inferior tibial slope angle for the bilateral, unilateral, and control groups was 11.8°±2.3°, 9.3°±2.4°, and 7.5°±2.3°, respectively. In the group with unilateral ACL injury vs the group without ACL deficiency, a 1° increase in posterior-inferior tibial slope angle (P=.03) was associated with a 20% increase in unilateral ACL injury. In those with bilateral ACL injury vs those without ACL deficiency, a 1° increase in posterior-inferior tibial slope angle (P=.001) increased bilateral knee injury by 34%. The difference between the mean angles of the control group without ACL deficiency and both the bilateral injury and unilateral injury cohorts was statistically significant (P=.003). Increased posterior-inferior tibial slope angle is associated with an increased risk of noncontact bilateral and unilateral ACL injury. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e136-e140.].

Safety and Short-Term Complication Rates Using Single-Puncture T-Fastener Gastropexy.

PURPOSE: To report a single operator's experience using a modified single-puncture gastrostomy technique deploying up to three nonabsorbable gastropexy anchors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 69 consecutive patients undergoing gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy, or jejunostomy tube insertion between March 2012 and January 2014 was performed. Technical success and 30-day local, major, and minor complication rates were assessed according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Standards of Practice for Gastrointestinal Access. Procedure time was also recorded. RESULTS: Primary technical success of the procedure was 98.6% (68/69). In one patient, the procedure was aborted because the stomach could not be safely accessed. Major complications occurred in one of 69 (1.4%) patients, minor complications occurred in 10 of 69 (13%) patients, and local complications occurred in three of 69 (4.3%) patients. Local complications consisted of redness and mild tenderness at the enteric access site. Mean procedure time was 5 minutes (range, 3.1-36 min). CONCLUSIONS: Single-puncture, multianchor gastrostomy is a feasible technique for radiologically guided enteric access tube insertion with technical success and complication rates similar to conventional gastrostomy techniques. This technique could be considered when expeditious performance of a procedure is required.

Enhancing pedicle screw fixation in the lumbar spine using allograft bone plug interference fixation.

STUDY DESIGN: A within-subjects controlled laboratory study. OBJECTIVE: To examine a biological alternative to cement augmentation for pedicle screw fixation comparing bilateral axial pullout tests of augmented and nonaugmented (controls) pedicle screws. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Fixation in the osteoporotic spine remains a difficult challenge with failure by loosening or backout. Pedicle screw augmentation has been attempted using polymethylmethacrylate and bioabsorbable calcium cements; however, the potential for extravasation and embolization of cement are becoming increasingly concerning and merit the search for alternative methods to improve screw-anchoring strength. METHODS: Twenty-four (24) fresh human lumbar vertebrae were tested to compare the pullout strength of augmented and nonaugmented pedicle screws. Two different augmentation strategies were employed using allograft bone plugs (ABPs) and evaluated using 12 specimens per group. Bone mineral density of each specimen was obtained using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The augmented versus nonaugmented pedicle was randomized for each vertebra, and bilateral testing enabled paired statistical analyses. Axial pullout tests were performed using an materials testing system servohydraulic test system, and peak force, failure displacement, and stiffness was obtained for each test and correlated with bone mineral density. RESULTS: Augmentation using 6-mm-diameter ABPs with 6.25-mm-diameter pedicle screws resulted in statistically weaker average pullout strength (775±455 N) than the nonaugmented controls (1233±826 N). When using smaller (5 mm diameter) AGPs with the same diameter screws, there was no statistical difference between average pullout strength for the augmented pedicle screws (1772±652 N) and the nonaugmented screws (1780±575 N). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary study of pedicle screw augmentation using cannulated ABPs showed no improvement of fixation with pedicles in the spine. This was even true in osteoporotic specimens, where augmentation would seem to be of considerable benefit.

Small is challenging; distal femur fracture management in an elderly lady with achondroplastic dwarfism.

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant dwarfing condition that represents the most common form of skeletal dysplasia. The disease is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) found at the p16.3 locus on chromosome 4 which results in severe inhibition of subchondral bone growth. Anatomic variations, including articular and periarticular deformities classically seen with this condition, amplify the complexity of fracture fixation. Blood volume loss, age-related bone fragility, component selection and positioning pose serious orthopaedic challenges. Concomitant cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological comorbidities pose additional high-risk perioperative considerations. Despite an estimated prevalence of 1:25 000 in the general population, there is little literature concerning the operative and postoperative treatment challenges faced by orthopaedic surgeons dealing with fracture management on a patient with this condition. We present a case of an intercondylar femoral fracture in an elderly achondroplastic lady successfully treated with percutaneous screw fixation.